Best iPhone VPN of 2024 – Fast and Secure VPN on iPhone

Most people have an iPhone or iPad, but many people never think of protecting their iOS devices with a VPN app. There’s a common misconception that VPNs are only for desktop or laptop computers and that phones don’t need a Virtual Private Network.

If you use your iPhone every day for internet banking, checking emails, or making online purchases, you should definitely use a VPN. Even though iOS systems are designed to protect against malware and internet threats, they are not immune from geo-blocks or potential hackers who have accessed your internet network. Luckily, almost all VPN providers work with iOS systems. Choices are abundant in the App Store of both paid-for and free VPN services.

Since iPhones provide seamless ease of use to users, it makes sense that each user would want a VPN that complements iOS systems. The best VPNs for an iOS device are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, IPVanish, PureVPN, and VyprVPN. Show more

Roundup - Best iPhone VPNs

Best iPhone VPN

There are so many VPNs for iPhones, and we know that people don’t have all the time in the world to check out each one before downloading one. We’ve compiled the best iPhone VPNs to make your decision a little easier. We’ve tried and tested each one of these apps on iPhone and iPad to make sure they work well with both iOS systems.

#1

VPN Service: NordVPN

Max Speed: 115000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Dedicated
Simultaneous connections / Users: 6
Number of Netflix Libraries: 12
Information sharing: None
OS support: Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
Using VPN on Smartphone
  • proiconUltra-fast connection
  • proiconNo-logs policy
  • proicon5400 servers in 54 countries
  • coniconLimited payment options
  • coniconNo Split Tunneling on desktop
  • coniconOnly 6 simultaneous connection

NordVPN

NordVPN doesn’t just have one of the best iPhone VPN apps, but the VPN service is great on all other operating systems. With NordVPN, you get:

  • Incredible VPN connection speeds thanks to the unlimited bandwidth and use of IKEv2/IPsec security protocol
  • With any Nord subscription, you get six simultaneous connections
  • Access to over 5,300 servers in 59 countries

NordVPN is known for its ability to provide users access to geo-blocked streaming services, like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. It also lets users access special P2P and torrenting servers, ensuring that they can share and download files with no data limits.

You can also give your device further encryption with the Onion over VPN option. This option connects you to the Tor network, ensuring that you have a super-secure internet connection as well as online security and anonymity.

The Nord app itself provides seamless ease of use. You can turn the VPN on and off with the tap of a finger and use Nord’s well-designed server map to connect to a VPN server of your choice. Alternatively, the Quick Connect feature removes all hard work and connects you to the fastest and closest server with just the tap of a button.

Want split tunneling? You can choose which apps to encrypt and access through your regular network on the iOS app. If you need some customer support, you can use the live chat support option on the iPhone app.

Price Starting At: 3.29 $ / monthly 39.48 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 5400+
#2

VPN Service: ExpressVPN

Max Speed: 58000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Dedicated
Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
Number of Netflix Libraries: 12
Information sharing: None
OS support: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
VPN on Macbook
  • proiconTons of payment options
  • proicon24-hour live chat suppot
  • proicon30-day money back guarantee
  • coniconMore expensive than competitors
  • coniconOnly 5 simultaneous connections
  • coniconNo servers in Russia

ExpressVPN

Our second pick on our list of best VPNs for iPhone is ExpressVPN. Based in the British Virgin Islands, this impressive VPN provider enjoys fantastic data privacy laws and has an impressive no-logs policy.

  • ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
  • You can access far more blocked content with Express than with Nord
  • Five devices can be connected on one ExpressVPN plan

ExpressVPN offers its iOS device users many security features. Many of these are activated upon download on the iPhone app, such as the kill switch (known as the Network Lock). Having this integral feature switched on for users saves them the trouble of having to do so themselves. It also ensures that their surfing is never at risk should the VPN connection drop or become compromised.

The user interface of the ExpressVPN app isn’t as stylish as some other iPhone VPN apps, but it is clearly laid out, which makes it easy to use. You can tap the Smart Location button to be connected to a recommended VPN server or click the choose location button and select from a list of possible VPN servers.

The privacy and security tools menu on the ExpressVPN app allows users to check whether the app is functioning properly or not. You can check for DNS and WebRTC leaks and view your current secure connection and IP address. Fortunately, ExpressVPN has encrypted DNS on all servers, so leaks are extremely unlikely when you’re using this app!

Price Starting At: 8.32 $ / monthly 99.95 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 3000+
#3

VPN Service: Private Internet Access VPN

Max Speed: 373000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Dedicated
Simultaneous connections / Users: 10
Number of Netflix Libraries: Not available
Information sharing: 5 Eyes Member
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
  • proiconTons of servers
  • proiconDedicated IP option
  • proiconOne of the largest providers in US!
  • coniconOld interface
  • coniconAutogenerated locale languages
  • coniconNo free trial

Private Internet Access VPN

For access to a large server network, Private Internet Access is a great choice for your iPhone VPN. Although its features are a little more basic than others on the list, it’s an overall good iOS VPN.

  • Over 20,000 servers in 74 countries, giving users a wide choice of servers
  • Unblocks streaming content on services such as Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer so that you can watch content on your iPhone
  • Ten device connections are available

As well as offering the best encryption, PIA VPN comes with extra malware protection in the form of its in-built adblocker. This provides your iPhone extra protection from adware that could download viruses onto your phone.

Private Internet Access has a strict no-logs policy that guarantees all of your online surfing will be private. The company will never store any of your information, such as your iOS device’s IP or internet data. If privacy is the main reason you’re downloading a VPN, this VPN provider is a good choice.

One of the most appealing features of this VPN is that you can have ten simultaneous connections with one subscription. You can protect your iPhone, iPad, and any other compatible operating systems you may have.

Price Starting At: 2.69 $ / monthly 40 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 24305+
#4

VPN Service: Surfshark VPN

Max Speed: Unlimited
Type of IP offered: Shared
Simultaneous connections / Users: Unlimited
Number of Netflix Libraries: 15
Information sharing: None
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
Macbook Pro VPN
  • proiconFull 15 Netflix Libraries
  • proiconTons of server locations
  • proiconGreat deal on 24 months
  • coniconNo Apple Pay Payment Option
  • coniconVery expensive monthly
  • coniconAllows P2P from all servers

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is one of the most popular VPN providers due to its incredible prices and device connectivity options. Its dedicated iPhone app is easy to use.

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Kill switch for iOS app
  • 3,200+ servers in 63 countries

With incredibly low prices, Surfshark is a major competitor in the world of VPNs. It uses AES-256-GCM encryption, and the default protocol on all of its apps, including the iOS mobile device, is IKEv2/IPsec, which provides fast speeds to users. However, you can choose to use the OpenVPN protocol if you prefer the privacy benefits it provides.

The MultiHop feature offers users more privacy on their iPhones as you can connect to servers in multiple countries. This ensures your IP address is fully masked. The VPN provider offers features such as a kill switch to keep your browsing habits private as well as a Camouflage mode. The Camouflage mode hides your VPN use from your internet service provider and is a great feature to activate if you are using a public wi-fi network.

Price Starting At: 1.85 $ / monthly 49.93 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + No money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 1040+
#5

VPN Service: IPVanish VPN

Max Speed: Unlimited
Type of IP offered: Shared
Simultaneous connections / Users: Unlimited
Number of Netflix Libraries: 13
Information sharing: 5 Eyes Member
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
  • proiconAwesome customer support
  • proiconNetflix approved
  • proiconUnlimited devices
  • coniconNo free trial unless you buy 24 months
  • coniconLimited payment options
  • conicon5-eyes member

IPVanish VPN

IPVanish is one of the oldest VPN providers and is well-known for its reliable security and privacy tools and no-logs policy. You can trust that your web data and private information is safe in the hands of this app.

  • 1,600+ servers in 75+ locations
  • AES-256 encryption on iOS devices
  • Option available to auto-connect you to a VPN

IPVanish is a great VPN, but its iOS VPN app lacks a few features that you can find on the desktop client. While there is a kill switch option available on other operating systems, there is currently no kill switch option for iPhone or iPad. We’d like to see this added in the future to ensure that users’ encrypted data isn’t exposed if the VPN connection drops.

If you’re a fan of P2P networking, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can do so on IPVanish servers. Torrenting is possible thanks to unlimited bandwidth. This means you’ll get fast and secure connection speeds, so you can also use IPVanish.

With no metered device connections available, this means you can use IPVanish with all of your iOS devices and still be able to connect to an unlimited amount of other devices at the same time. Although IPVanish has great reviews from users, with a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot, there is a 30-day refund policy if you change your mind and want to cancel your subscription.

There are often excellent discounts on the IPVanish website, which means users can save a lot of money.

Price Starting At: 3.33 $ / monthly 39.99 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 1600+
#6

VPN Service: PureVPN

Max Speed: 10000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Dynamic
Simultaneous connections / Users: 10
Number of Netflix Libraries: Not available
Information sharing: None
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, FreeBSD, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
  • proiconMost server locations in the business
  • proiconSupports almost all devices
  • proicon30 day money back guarantee
  • coniconFew payment methods
  • coniconVery expensive monthly plan
  • coniconNo bitcoin payment option

PureVPN

PureVPN is an impressive provider since all of its servers support all VPN protocols, including OpenVPN. This provides users with first-rate security regardless of the server they connect to.

  • PureVPN has a zero-logging policy, which means your network traffic and personal information is never stored
  • 2,000+ servers to choose from in over 140+ countries
  • 256-bit encryption to provide a secure VPN connection

PureVPN offers a lot of great VPN services to users. There is a kill switch, which is a must-have for an iPhone VPN. As well as this, users can enjoy unlimited torrenting on any PureVPN server. PureVPN has good download speeds, which means you can even torrent on your iPhone or iPad.

We ran several DNS leak tests and found that the app is leak-free, thanks to PureVPN using its very own DNS hardware. This ensures that your IP address and real location will never be leaked while the app is switched on, thanks to an extremely secure VPN connection. You can also use PureVPN to access blocked VoIP services and ensure your communication on these is always encrypted.

If you’re a fan of streaming services, then you can potentially use PureVPN to access geo-blocked Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, not all of the VPN’s servers can get through Netflix’s strong VPN block.

There is also a 31-day refund policy, offering you an extra day than most other VPN providers.

Price Starting At: 2.91 $ / monthly 44.95 $ / annually
For New Users: 31 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 6500+
#7

VPN Service: VyprVPN

Max Speed: 500 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Shared
Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
Number of Netflix Libraries: 4
Information sharing: 5 Eyes Member
OS support: Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, macOS, Windows
  • proiconCheap annual plan
  • proiconAudited privacy policy
  • proiconUnblocks Netflix
  • coniconLimited device support
  • coniconNo free trial
  • coniconInconsistent speeds

VyprVPN

With a 4.6 rating on the App Store, VypyVPN is a great iPhone VPS for users who want to access streaming sites. VyprVPN can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go, and Hulu.

  • Over 200,000 IP addresses are available on 700+ VPN servers around the world
  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • Chameleon protocol to get past restrictive networks that try to control internet access

VyprVPN is big on internet security and privacy and provides iPhone users with a range of features to ensure they are safe. On its mobile VPN app for iOS, you can choose from several VPN protocols including the Chameleon protocol that VyprVPN has developed. This protocol helps users get past DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) scans to get past VPN firewalls on websites and in countries that employ DPI scans.

We ran several DNS tests, and there were no leaks found, which means the user’s real location is unlikely to be revealed. You can also use VyprVPN for torrenting on its servers. Our VyperVPN speed tests showed good download, upload, and ping speeds, making VpryVPN one of the best VPNs for streaming on your iPhone.

In terms of customer support, there is no live chat option on the iOS app, which we would like to see added. Other than that, VyprVPN is a good iPhone VPN, thanks to several of its features.

Price Starting At: 3.75 $ / monthly 45 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 700+

Is There a Free VPN for iPhone?

There are many free VPNs for iPhone. We usually recommend against using these since free VPNs often cost nothing for a reason. This is because free VPNs for iPhone usually have:

So free VPNs aren’t the best VPNs for your iPhone. However, most VPN providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee or even a free trial. These provide users the chance to try out a VPN, and they give them the flexibility to cancel their subscription if they don’t like the VPN.

Which Free VPN is Best for iPhone?

Good free VPNs are few and far between. However, some VPN providers offer a free version of their VPN on your iPhone. Many of these free VPNs are available in the App Store, so we’ve checked some of them out and put together a list of the best free iPhone VPNs.

#8

VPN Service: ProtonVPN

Max Speed: 300000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Dynamic
Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
Number of Netflix Libraries: 12
Information sharing: None
OS support: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
VPN on a Laptop
  • proiconNo-log policy
  • proiconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • proiconFree version available
  • coniconNo dedicated IP option
  • coniconOnly 5 simultaneous devices
  • coniconFew payment options

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN, best known for its high-end security features that provide users with an encrypted connection. The company has a no-logs policy which means that any personal information and web data remain private. ProtonVPN offers a paid and free version of its VPN.

  • On the free plan, users have access to servers in three countries
  • One VPN device connection per user
  • Medium speed

Although ProtonVPN is an impressive VPN with access to servers in 50 countries, all of the features are limited on the free version. However, security and privacy tools are not worse on the free version. ProtonVPN uses the best protocols across all of its plans, so even users who have the free version will use the OpenVPN protocol.

However, the free VPN doesn’t support P2P and torrenting, and users won’t have access to Tor over VPN. Users also won’t access geo-blocked content such as Netflix since the speeds are not fast enough.

If you need a VPN to protect your internet data when you send emails or check your bank, this is a great version. However, we recommend looking at Proton’s paid plans if you want something that offers better speeds and a greater range of features.

Price Starting At: 4 $ / monthly 48 $ / annually
For New Users: 7 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 1077+
#9

VPN Service: TunnelBear VPN

Max Speed: 385000 Mbps
Type of IP offered: Shared
Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
Number of Netflix Libraries: 0Not available
Information sharing: 14 Eyes Member
OS support: Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
  • proiconAvailable for all devices
  • proiconBrowse from 23 countries
  • proiconStrong AES 256-bit encryption
  • coniconFree trial limited to 500MB per month
  • coniconVery poor support
  • coniconLimited payment options

TunnelBear VPN

This VPN provider offers users a paid and free plan. The no-frills free subscription lacks many of the great features you get with the paid plan, but it is still one of the best free iPhone VPNs on the app store.

  • No-log policy with frequent audits to guarantee your online safety
  • Easy to use iOS app
  • Strong AES 256-bit encryption, even on the free plan

TunnelBear offers users a really designed app that provides ease of use. It’s a great taster of the VPN world for novices who perhaps want to dip their toes in the water without signing up for a full subscription. You can turn the VPN on and off using your phone with the tap of a button or configure the settings so that you remain automatically connected at all times.

When it comes to speed service, TunnelBear is not the best VPN. Although on its paid plans it provides high speeds, its free service offers data caps of 500MB per month. This is extremely limited and doesn’t offer fast enough speeds for a lot of internet activity.

With the paid plan, you can get unlimited browsing and five simultaneous connections. If you’re new to VPNs and want to try one out before moving over to a full-time subscription, TunnelBear is a good choice.

Price Starting At: 4.99 $ / monthly 59.88 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 20+
#10

VPN Service: Hotspot Shield VPN

Max Speed: Unlimited
Type of IP offered: Dynamic
Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
Number of Netflix Libraries: 13
Information sharing: 14 Eyes Member
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
  • proiconLightning fast VPN
  • proiconOptimized for streaming
  • proiconPayPal payment option
  • coniconPoor support
  • conicon14-eyes VPN
  • coniconOnly 5 devices

Hotspot Shield VPN

Hotspot Shield has a dedicated app for iOS users and offers a free version. With the free version of its VPN for the iPhone mobile platform, the VPN services are limited, but there is still great encryption.

  • The free version has access to only one US server
  • No unlimited data allowance on the free app
  • Perfect forward secrecy feature on the free app

On the paid plans, Hotspot Shield provides unlimited bandwidth to users, which makes it a great app for streaming. It has a wide host of servers across the globe, which means that customers can access geo-blocked content and streaming services like Netflix.

The free version has a daily data allowance of 500MB, which provides users with enough encryption to do a few online tasks, but doesn’t stretch far enough to cover heavy internet activity. As well as this, the free plan provides users with access to one US server.

Although there are a few drawbacks to the Hotspot Shield VPN’s free version, its first-rate encryption, protocols, and in-built ad-blocker are great if you need extra protection while surfing.

Price Starting At: 7.99 $ / monthly 95.88 $ / annually
For New Users: 45 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 3200+
Table of content

Should I Install a VPN on My iPhone?

It’s well known that iPhones offer the best protection against viruses and malware. iOS systems like an iPhone or an iPad come in-built with high-tech security to ensure your phone stays free from ransomware and trojans, which could pose a serious risk to your phone’s security. For this reason, users often refrain from installing anti-virus software.

Since iPhones are held in high regard for their above-average protection, many iOS users are oblivious to the other threats of the internet that VPNs can shield you from. Here’s why you need an iPhone VPN:

Luckily, there are a lot of VPN apps for iOS systems available on the app store. However, the abundance of choice can also prove to be a disadvantage. Unless you know a lot about VPNs, it is hard to know which are the best providers. Some VPN providers are better than others, and many can actually be counter-effective since they use older protocols that leave you with unstable encryption and a VPN connection, therefore, exposing you to threats.

What Makes a Good VPN for iPhone?

When you’re looking for the best VPN service for your iPhone or iPad in the app store, there are many things you need to consider. Each operating system is different, and there are some features that you should prioritize when looking at VPNs for iOS devices to ensure that you get the best service for your needs.

How Do You Set Up a VPN on Your iPhone?

If you’re wondering how to use a VPN on your iPhone and set it up, you don’t need to worry. Using a VPN on your iPhone is extremely easy, especially since you can download a dedicated iPhone app from the App Store. By installing the app this way, it will download within minutes and you can start using it immediately.

Should I Keep the iPhone VPN Switched on at All Times?

Unless you constantly use your iPhone for top-secret work activity, browsing, or need to access foreign sites, you don’t have to keep the VPN activated constantly. There are several easy ways how you can switch off the iPhone VPN to save your battery power and ensure your iPhone isn’t slow.

However, if you are worried about exposing your internet data on your iPhone then you should keep the VPN switched on and prevent the VPN from being switched off on your iPhone.

Is There a Built-in iPhone VPN?

Yes, there is a built-in iPhone VPN. However, this is only available on the iOS 15 update, so users with older systems won’t be able to enjoy this feature. Therefore, we recommend installing a third-party VPN app if you have an older device.

The Bottom Line

An iPhone VPN is essential for constant internet protection on your apps. With a VPN running in the background all of your web traffic will remain private and secure. However, not all iPhone VPN apps are the same; it is important to choose a decent provider and we recommend selecting one from the list above.
Pros

Pros

  • Privacy and security for your internet data
  • Bypass geo-blocks rom anywhere on your iPhone
  • Hide iPhone app activity at all times
Cons

Cons

  • There are many iPhone VPNs that aren't safe
  • Some iPhone VPN apps may take up a lot of storage on your phone
  • A VPN can slow down iPhone performance

FAQs

What does a VPN do on an iPhone?

A VPN on iPhone hides your internet data, changes your real IP address, and enables you to bypass worldwide geo-blocks and enjoy content on many websites.

What is the fastest iPhone VPN?

All of the VPNs on our list are fast, but one of the fastest is NordVPN. NordVPN offers the NordLynx protocol, for super-fast connection speeds.

Is it difficult to set up VPN on iPhone?

No, it is easy to configure a VPN on iPhone, especially if you use a third-party service and download the provider's app from the Apple Store.

Author Madeleine Hodson

I’m Madeleine, and I'm a writer that specializes in cybersecurity, tech products, and all things related to the internet. I have a keen interest in VPNs and believe that everyone deserves internet freedom and security. I wr...
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VPNSurfers » 10 Best VPNs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks » Best iPhone VPN of 2024 – Fast and Secure VPN on iPhone
Last updated: July 6, 2022