10 Best iPhone VPNs With Intuitive iOS Apps Tested in 2024 (2024)

While iOS is fairly secure, mobile data leaks are a growing issue. You need a VPN to protect your information, especially when you’re on the go and connecting to unsecured WiFi networks. However, finding a reliable, privacy-focused iPhone VPN is challenging. Some VPN apps in the App Store drain your battery and slow down your device, and a few even sell your data.

My team and I tested 50+ iOS VPNs to find the best ones. We ensured all the VPNs on this list are easy to use, have robust security features that’ll protect your device, and have fast speeds that won’t affect your iPhone’s performance.

I recommend ExpressVPN for your iPhone and iPad. Its military-grade security features protect your online data, while its high-speed global network consistently accesses major streaming platforms and websites worldwide. You can test ExpressVPN on your iPhone risk-freebecause it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad in 2024

Best VPNs for iOS and iPhone — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best VPN for iOS: Secure, Lightweight, and Fast

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is the best option I tested for keeping your iOS device secure. It was the fastest VPN protocol I tested for iOS, with a speed drop of only 4% on local UK servers and 14% on long-distance US connections. That’s because it was specifically designed to be as lightweight as possible — which meant it didn’t drain my iPhone’s battery.

It doesn’t sacrifice your security for speed, either. ExpressVPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy to protect your data, so your encryption key changes every 15 minutes, not just when you connect. Its IPv6/DNS/WebRTC leak protection is just as robust, too. I tested 10 of its servers on ipleak.net with my iPhone 14 and didn’t find any leaks.

If your actual location is leaked, third parties could track your online activities

ExpressVPN’s entire server network has automatic obfuscation, which means it’s a great choice for China and other countries with strict censorship (like Iran, Turkey, and the UAE). However, we don’t condone any illegal activity and recommend you always check the local laws before using a VPN somewhere they are regulated.

You can get ExpressVPN’s cheapest plan for $6.67/month per month, which is a little pricey. However, it often offers discounts — I got a long-term plan for 49% off and 3 months free. You can pay using credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or cryptocurrencies to sign up anonymously. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-freesince it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• TrustedServer technology. ExpressVPN’s RAM-based servers mean that your data is wiped from its servers with every reboot. It also has a strict audited and verified no-logs policy. Plus, it’s headquartered in the British Virgin Islands (outside the 14 Eyes Alliance), so it’s not obligated by law to log or share your data.
• Threat Manager. Threat Manager works to automatically prevent other applications on your iOS device from sharing data with third parties or establishing connections with potentially harmful websites.
• Parallel Connections. This iOS exclusive feature speeds up how long it takes to connect to a VPN server, especially on restricted networks like public WiFi hotspots. According to a recent analysis of connection data, it takes less than 2 seconds for you to connect your iPhone to ExpressVPN in over 75% of cases.
• Smart Location. This automatically connects you to the fastest available server, so you can protect your iPhone or iPad with just one click. And, the app always connects you with the best protocol for your location and device, so you won’t have to change any settings.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming on Your iOS Devices

CyberGhost’s iOS app has dedicated servers for tons of specific streaming platforms in different countries (such as a UK server optimized for BBC iPlayer, and an Italy server optimized for Netflix IT). During my tests, I could easily access Netflix US, Hulu, and Disney+, so you don’t have to waste time searching for a reliable streaming server on your iPhone.

I was able to binge all seasons of Ugly Betty on US Netflix with zero lagging or interruptions

You don’t need to be a tech whizz to use CyberGhost, as it comes with an easy-to-use app optimized for iOS. I could connect to a server with only 1 tap. It even offers a “Best Location” feature, so you don’t need to search for the fastest server manually. CyberGhost even has a dedicated app for Apple Watch, which I found quite unique.

A minor downside is that the VPN doesn’t work in China. However, its chat support agent confirmed that you can still use it in other countries with strict censorship (such as Iran, Turkey, and the UAE).

You can get CyberGhost’s long-term plan for only $2.19/month, which makes it a pretty budget-friendly option. I was impressed with CyberGhost’s money-back guarantee, as it’s 45 days (longer than what most VPNs offer). However, its short-term plan comes with a shortened money-back guarantee of 14 days.

Useful Features

• WiFi Auto-Protect. This detects when your device is connected to public WiFi and automatically connects to protect your iOS devices.
• NoSpy servers. These servers are securely located in CyberGhost’s headquarters in privacy-friendly Romania and are only accessible by its own staff members. This lessens the chance that a third party could interfere with a server to get their hands on your data.
• Fast speeds. Speed tests across its nearby and long-distance servers found an average speed drop of 14%. Although CyberGhost’s speeds are not as fast as ExpressVPN’s, they are still quick enough for streaming your favorite shows in high quality (you only need 5 Mbps to stream in HD), and CyberGhost never dropped below 60 Mbps.

3. Private Internet Access — Large Server Network for Fast, Reliable Connections on iPhone

Private Internet Access (PIA)’s large network makes it easy to find a server nearby on iOS. This means faster speeds since data doesn’t have to travel far. Plus, the iOS app shows the latency of each server. During my tests, I was able to search for and connect to the fastest server in less than a minute. All servers are P2P-enabled, too.

There’s also a Quick Connect option that lets you connect to the one of 6 fastest servers available

It also offers robust security features to protect your iPhone and iPad. If you’re using the OpenVPN protocol, you can choose between 2 different encryption levels to optimize your connection. It also has IP/DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and ​​a Content Blocker for Safari that blocks all ads, trackers, and malware.

PIA is based in the US, which might raise eyebrows due to the country's data retention laws. However, I found that PIA doesn’t log any personal information (only your email address and payment info). Plus, PIA’s no-logs policy has been proven in 2 court cases — it had to appear in court to provide data logs, but had none to share.

PIA is really affordable, with prices starting from $2.19/month. In addition, every PIA plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can even test it for free.

Useful Features

• iOS widgets. PIA has a homescreen widget for iOS versions 14+ so you can quickly connect to a server without having to open the app.
• Fast speeds. Its US and UK servers delivered an average speed of 21%. It was fast enough to let me download a 500 MB iOS app within 3 minutes.
• Unblocks popular streaming services. You’ll have no problem finding a reliable server for streaming Netflix (including US, UK, Canada, and Japan) on your iOS device. I was also able to unblock Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

4. NordVPN — Easy-to-Use iOS Integrations and Shortcuts for Quick Connections

NordVPN offers specialized iOS widgets for quick connections to its servers. You can place these widgets on your iPhone home screen to connect or disconnect from the VPN without even opening the app.

The ‘Pause’ feature lets you pause your connection for 5, 30, or 60 minutes

The VPN also offers specialty servers on iOS for P2P file-sharing, Double VPN (for extra encryption), and Onion Over VPN (for Tor). I also really appreciated the Dark Web Monitor feature. If it finds sensitive data linked to your email address, passwords, or other personal information, it sends you an alert so you can protect your accounts right away.

It also has an automatic kill switch on iOS, but it’s not ideal because you can’t enable/disable it or test it manually. Personally, I prefer having some control over my VPN’s kill switch, but I know not everyone does, so you might not find this to be a big issue.

The lowest-priced plan costs $3.39/month. This is for a long-term subscription, which gives you the best value for your money. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you test out NordVPN on your iOS device for free.

Useful Features

• NordLynx Protocol. NordVPN offers its proprietary NordLynx protocol on iOS — a very fast WireGuard alternative. During testing, it gave consistent speeds on both local and faraway servers — around a 20% drop, so it’s fast enough for lag-free streaming and browsing on your iPhone. It even uses double NAT technology so your real IP address can’t be seen by the VPN server.
• Threat Protection Lite. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Lite blocks malware, harmful domains, ads, and trackers automatically while you’re connected to the VPN. The full version (which works all the time, regardless of if you’re connected) is only available on macOS or Windows.
• Siri shortcuts. The NordVPN iOS app supports Siri shortcuts, making it even easier to protect your devices. You can only use voice commands to use the quick connect function or disconnect, but it’s a handy feature to have.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Protect All Your iOS Devices

Surfshark offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections to protect all your iOS devices at once. This gives you great value for money since you can use the VPN on as many devices as you want with just 1 subscription. When I connected my iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC, I got an average drop of only 10% on short-distance connections across Europe.

Its iOS app is easy to navigate even if you’ve never used a VPN before. I really liked how customizable its Quick-connect feature was, as it let me choose a specific server location for it to use. Plus, the Fastest Location and Nearby Countries options worked seamlessly.

I was connected to the closest server that gave me the fastest speeds

A minor inconvenience is that its Bypasser (split tunneling) isn’t available on the iOS app. This lets you exclude certain apps from the VPN traffic and use your local connection instead. It’s easy enough to pause your VPN connection in the app, though.

You can get Surfshark’s longest plan for just $2.89/month. There’s also a money-back guarantee, which gives you 30 days to try it out for free on your iOS device and see if it’s for you.

Useful Features

• NoBorders. This feature works automatically when you connect to a restrictive network. It gives you a list of the best servers to use. It also comes with an automatic Camouflage mode, which makes your iOS VPN connection look like regular traffic. These are both really useful if you’re using your iPhone or iPad in restrictive countries like China.
• CleanWeb. Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware and adds a layer of security by preventing access to malicious websites.

6. IPVanish — Fast Speeds for Browsing on Your iPhone Without Slowdowns

IPVanish has fast speeds, so you can surf the web and stream on your iPhone without buffering. I tested 10 of its long-distance and nearby servers and got an average speed loss of 18%. I found this really impressive considering some of these servers are thousands of kilometers away from my home in the UK.

My speeds only dropped 4% on IPVanish’s New York server

I was disappointed that the iOS apps don’t have a kill switch. This is a great feature to have, particularly if you need a VPN to protect you on unsecured public WiFi. But, if you use your iOS devices on a secure home network, it’s not as much of an issue.

You can get a long-term plan for only $2.75/month. You can also test IPVanish free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• WiFi protection. Every time I connected to an unsecured WiFi network with my iPhone 14, the VPN connected automatically, giving an extra layer of safety as you don’t have to remember to turn your VPN on while on the go.
• Easy to use iOS apps. You can connect to a server with 1 tap, and it’s even possible to use shortcuts for Siri. It’s easy to find a fast server, too, as IPVanish shows the ping and load.

7. PrivateVPN — Intuitive iOS App Suitable for Beginner VPN Users

PrivateVPN has an easy-to-use iOS app, so it’s great for beginners. There’s a 1-tap connect button so you can protect your iPhone in just a few seconds. Plus, I liked that you can add servers to your favorites by clicking on the star behind it for easy access later.

Once you’ve hit the star button, you can easily find the server again in the Favorites tab

A minor con is that its smaller server network resulted in some servers being overcrowded. During my tests, I had some inconsistent speeds with PrivateVPN. However, its nearby UK servers never dropped my speeds more than 17%.

You can get a PrivateVPN subscription for as little as $2/month. Although a long-term subscription is always cheaper, I found even short-term plans affordable compared to other VPNs. Plus, its 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it out risk-free.

Useful Features

• StealthVPN. I was impressed with its StealthVPN feature. It disguises your VPN connection to look like regular traffic, so you can use your iPhone on restrictive networks and bypass tough firewalls.
• Multiple secure protocols. PrivateVPN offers multiple security protocols to keep your data safe (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec). During my tests, IKEv2 had the fastest speeds and drained my iPhone battery the least. Each protocol uses Perfect Forward Secrecy to keep your data safe, too.

8. Proton VPN — Customizable Security Features to Protect Your iOS Device

Proton VPN offers you several options to protect your iPhone and iPad. The iOS app has robust security protocols, including WireGuard (TCP and UDP) and Stealth. In my tests, I could even choose to use its “Smart” option so that I’m always automatically connected to the best protocol for my network. Moreover, the app comes with a kill switch and ad blocker (NetShield).

Surprisingly, the ProtonVPN website does not offer a live chat option. Nevertheless, in their vast knowledge base, they did have the response to my query.

If you subscribe to Proton VPN through its website, you can try it for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. However, the VPN will only issue a refund for the unused portion of the service period.

Useful Features

• Fast speeds. When I tested its faraway Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto servers from the UK, I had an average speed drop of 17%. I could watch my favorite shows on Netflix and Hulu without slowdowns. This is largely down to the VPN Accelerator feature that minimizes slowdowns.
• Easy-to-use iOS app. By clicking the Quick Connect button, I was able to easily connect to a server. Plus, it offers an iOS widget so you can connect to the VPN straight from your iPhone or iPad’s home screen.

9. hide.me — Private DNS Servers to Keep Your iPhone and iPad Activity Extra Secure

hide.me uses private DNS servers, meaning that the personal information on your iPhone is safe. I was particularly impressed that it owns these DNS servers and doesn’t just rent them. This gives an extra layer of protection because it removes any middleman from having access to your information.

The one downside I had with hide.me was the slower speeds I experienced on further away servers — they dropped up to 80% on its Sydney, Australia server. However, its nearby UK servers gave me great results, with an average drop of 4%.

In addition, you can try hide.me for 30 days risk-free with its money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can ask for a refund.

Useful Features

• High privacy standards. hide.me takes plenty of steps to ensure your privacy on iOS devices. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy that’s been audited by a third party. Moreover, it publishes an annual transparency report that shows every legal request hide.me receives.

10. TunnelBear — Strict No-Logs Policy to Protect Your Privacy on Your iPhone

TunnelBear is a VPN service with a strict zero-logs policy, ensuring that users' activities on iOS devices are not shared. This policy has been confirmed by independent security companies. Furthermore, TunnelBear publishes an annual transparency report detailing the number of data requests it receives.

I did have a minor letdown due to the lack of a money-back guarantee. However, it offers a free version that lets users try out the service. This only lets you use 2GB of data a month, but it’ll give you an idea of how the VPN works before you grab your credit card.

Luckily, the VPN offers affordable plans. You can sign up for its long-term plan for only $3.33/month.

Useful Features

• User-friendly iOS app. The dedicated iOS app offers user-friendly features like one-tap connect, and auto-connect. Moreover, I found its app fun to use — it has a map with jars of honey representing the server locations, and every time you connect, you’ll hear cute bear sounds.

Quick Comparison Table: iPhone VPN Features

The table below presents a detailed comparison of the features of all the iOS VPNs in this list. It highlights the most affordable pricing options and the length of their money-back guarantees. The compatibility of each VPN with iOS is also provided, as is the average speed loss, kill switch availability, and the best protocol for iOS battery life.

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for iPhone and iPad

A reliable iPhone VPN should provide you with robust security features, fast speeds, and an extensive server network. I’ve listed the key features I tested to determine my shortlist:

• Advanced security and privacy features. A good iOS VPN should have AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. All of the VPNs listed here offer these features. Even better is an iOS VPN with a kill switch, which isn't always available. Moreover, I read through every logging policy to ensure that these VPNs truly keep your data private.
• Fast speeds. I tested the speeds of all the VPNs I shortlisted to ensure that you can browse, stream, and torrent without slowdowns on your iOS device. I recommend at speeds of at least 25 Mbps since that's the minimum requirement for Ultra HD streaming.
• User-friendly iOS app. I made sure that the VPNs on this list come with native iOS apps that are easy to install and use.
• Mobile-friendly protocols. A quick-connecting protocol is essential for an iPhone VPN, especially since you'll be frequently switching between WiFi networks and cellular data. In my tests, Lightway, WireGuard, and IKEv2 performed the best for swift connections.
• Ability to unblock streaming sites. I ensured that all the VPNs can access your favorite streaming sites (like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu) on your iPhone and iOS device.
• Compatibility with multiple iOS versions and Apple devices. I checked all the VPNs to be sure that they’re compatible with the most recent iOS versions. Moreover, all the VPNs I listed can be used on other Apple devices (such as Mac computers, Apple Watch, and Apple TV).
• Value for money. I’ve only included VPNs that offer a money-back guarantee or free plan so you can try the service risk-free. Note that if you want to use a VPN’s money-back guarantee, you should sign up through the website. If you set up an account through the App Store, you’ll have to use Apple’s refund policy instead.

Pro Tip! Reports on iOS 16 and earlier versions show that data leaks can occur even with a VPN connected. Apple is yet to fix the issue, but a potential solution exists: activate airplane mode after connecting to a VPN server, then deactivate it. While not foolproof, this method has shown success in mitigating data leaks. To ensure the highest level of security, choose a VPN with strong privacy and security features.

FAQs on VPNs for iPhone and iPad

Will an iPhone VPN also work on an iPad, Mac, and other devices?

Yes. An iPhone VPN will work the same on iPad since they run the same operating system. You’ll also be able to use the VPN on your laptop since these VPNs have native apps for macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. They also come with multiple device connections, so you only need 1 subscription to cover all your gadgets.

What VPN works best for Netflix on iPhone and iPad?

There are a few really great Netflix VPNs for iPhone. All of the VPNs in this list are good for unblocking Netflix on iOS because they have global server networks and speeds fast enough for streaming in Ultra HD (you need 25 Mbps for UHD/4K).

Are iPhone VPNs safe?

Not all iPhone VPNs are safe. However, all the VPNs that are shortlisted here are tried and tested to ensure that they’re safe to use.

If you get a random iOS VPN from the App Store, it’s possible you could get scammed by accidentally downloading a “fleeceware app”. This is a fraudulent app that steals your money by overcharging you for a service that doesn’t even work (even after you’ve deleted it). Moreover, some VPNs can have sketchy logging policies and sell your data to third parties.

Are there any recommended free VPNs for iPhone and iPad?

Yes, there are some good free VPNs for iPhone and iPad, but they always come with limitations. They typically impose data caps, have slower speeds, and offer fewer server options. If you're after comprehensive security and faster speeds, a low-cost, premium VPN is way more reliable.

Free VPNs also often come with limitations that could compromise your security. Some may log your data and sell it to third parties. Others might not provide strong encryption, leaving you vulnerable to cyber threats.

What is the best iPhone VPN for Iran, China, or the UAE?

Our top iPhone VPN is the best choice for restrictive countries like Iran, China, or the UAE. It has robust security features and the ability to bypass censorship, even the Great Firewall in China. It uses obfuscated servers to disguise VPN traffic as standard HTTPS traffic, making it difficult for authorities to detect that you're using a VPN.

However, there are challenges and potential risks to be aware of. The use of VPNs in these countries is often against the law. I don’t condone using a VPN to break the law, so it's crucial to remain aware of the local laws and be cautious when using a VPN.

Can a VPN bypass iPhone App Store restrictions?

A VPN alone cannot bypass iPhone App Store restrictions, but it can be used to change your iPhone location and unblock region-locked apps when you’re traveling. This is because the App Store location is tied to your Apple ID, not your IP address.

To change your App Store location, you need to adjust your Apple ID settings through Settings > Media and Purchases > View Account, and then enter a new payment method or an iTunes gift card code associated with the location you're switching to.

However, it's essential to read the terms of service for both the App Store and individual apps. By using a VPN, you might risk your accounts being closed, being banned from services, and other repercussions.

Will a VPN drain my iPhone battery?

Yes, a VPN will drain your iPhone’s battery a bit. This is because it is constantly connected to a server to encrypt background processes. However, good iOS VPNs come with highly customizable apps so you can minimize the VPN’s battery usage.

To lower your VPN’s battery consumption:

• Switch to a lower-consuming protocol like Lightway, WireGuard, or IKEv2.
• Use split tunneling to specify which apps run through your VPN connection, so that not all of them are being encrypted.
• Dim your screen’s brightness and close background apps.

Does my iPhone/iPad have a built-in VPN?

There’s no built-in VPN on iPhone or iPad. Luckily, all iOS devices support VPNs, and you can even add them manually in your device’s settings. However, I prefer to just simply download the native iOS app as the setup process is much easier.

A feature included on iOS 15 is iCloud Private Relay, which works as a proxy service. However, it only works with the Safari browser, it’s slower than most VPNs, and you can’t change your server location. I’d recommend using a top-tier VPN as it has compatibility with multiple devices, fast speeds, and extensive server networks.

Can I share a VPN connection on my iPhone through a WiFi hotspot?

No, this is not possible, unfortunately. Even if you are using a VPN that supports connection sharing, your iOS device can’t share a VPN tunnel with other devices the way an Android device can. You can still share a hotspot, but the VPN will cover only your iOS device.

Why do I need VPN protection on my iPhone?

A VPN protects your online privacy and keeps you safe from online hackers in ways iOS itself can’t do on its own. A trustworthy iPhone VPN encrypts your data and hides your online activities, so you’re safe from data snoops. Even your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online.

iPhones are generally secure, but they’re not invincible, especially when connected to unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for hackers, ISPs, or anyone else to spy on your online behavior. In addition, a VPN can bypass geoblocks, which allows you to access geo-restricted content from anywhere.

Get the Best VPN for iPhone & iPad

With so many iOS VPNs in the App Store, it’s difficult to know which ones are reliable. All VPNs on this list offer a lightweight iOS app with robust security features to keep your iPhone safe. Moreover, their extensive server networks allow you to access content worldwide.

I recommend ExpressVPN for iOS. Its sleek iPhone and iPad apps have top-notch security, excellent features, and consistently high speeds. You can even try ExpressVPN out on your iPhone risk-free (it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee). If you’re not completely satisfied, you can easily claim a refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for iPhone are…