The 5 Best VPN Services for iPhone and iPad in 2024

Apple’s iOS is a highly secure operating system but cannot keep you completely private. When using the internet, your ISP and other third parties will try to access your information. So, a VPN on your iPhone is necessary to maintain online anonymity.

However, not all VPNs are worth your time. Most apps didn’t even work, whereas others exhibited security issues or slowed down device speeds during our extensive research.

This article lists the best Apple VPNs you can install on your iPhones or iPads. Also, you’ll learn here why you need to install a VPN on your iPhone and much more.

Quick list of the best VPN for iPhone and iPad

1. NordVPN – Our favourite VPN for iOS (based on extensive tests and research). It offers lightning-fast speed, robust security, and bypass restrictions of popular streaming sites.
2. ExpressVPN – Best iPhone and iPad VPN. The VPN comes with impressive features and superb speeds.
3. Surfshark – User-friendly and secure iOS app. One of its most striking features is the unlimited simultaneous connections.
4. PrivateVPN – Dedicated app for iPhone. It boasts of high security and privacy despite the small server network.
5. VyprVPN – Great budget VPN for iOS. The provider offers top-notch security and incredible unblocking capability.

Why do you need a VPN on your iOS device?

However, using VPNs is often the primary cybersecurity recommendation from every expert. But, given the generally secure impression of Apple devices, you might think of this tool as something you don’t need.

However, several reasons make it necessary to install a VPN on your device, whether you are using an iPhone or iPad. Here are a few.

• Improved privacy – Generally, iOS is a secure platform. However, it still has to use your internet service provider (ISP) to connect online. In addition, your online activities leave breadcrumbs everywhere, which anyone can use to trace your IP address easily. So, installing a VPN will prevent your ISP and other third parties from accessing your data or seeing what you are doing.
• Bypass geo–restrictions – Most streaming services like Netflix and other websites use geographic restrictions to limit their content to specific regions. However, you can connect to a server in any country and access whatever you want with a VPN.
• Save data – Sometimes, you use more data than you should because your device downloads text and images as you browse the internet. Fortunately, most premium VPNs have web filters to prevent this from happening.

Also: Here are the best VPNs for Apple TV

Best iPhone VPNs today – The detailed list

1. NordVPN

NordVPN tops this list as the best iPhone VPN service. It comes with excellent features coupled with reasonably priced packages.

At first, it has a native iOS app that you can easily install on your iPhone. Once done, you can quickly establish your VPN connection using the “Quick Connect” feature. It connects you to the fastest server available automatically. Alternatively, you can connect to a specific location by choosing a server from the sidebar list.

The provider has a massive network of over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, letting you bypass geographic restrictions globally.

Some countries, such as China, have strong firewalls that detect and block VPN traffic. Fortunately, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers that conceal your VPN traffic to make you look like regular traffic.

This VPN reliably unblocks almost all popular streaming sites, such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. However, it couldn’t unblock Sky Go during our tests.

It is one of the fastest VPNs for iPhone, according to our extended test. Despite robust encryption and server routing, it didn’t cause any noticeable speed drop. So, streaming content in high definition will be a breeze.

Besides, NordVPN protects your connections with industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, customizable kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a native iOS app with a minimalist layout, making it easy to use. Like NordVPN, it has a quick connect option for establishing switch VPN connections. However, unfortunately, the app lacks split tunneling and a Network Lock (kill switch).

It operates thousands of servers globally. With a network of more than 3,000 servers in over 94 countries, the traffic load per server will be less. This means you’ll get faster and more stable connections regardless of the server you use.

Does ExpressVPN unblock Netflix? Yes, the VPN is fantastic at bypassing geo-restrictions. Apart from Netflix, it also works well with Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, etc. Also, it enables us to watch blocked content on YouTube.

Most of the servers produce lightning-fast speeds. Therefore, you won’t experience any buffering when doing data-intensive activities such as steaming or torrenting.

The provider employs several techniques to protect your data and traffic in any situation. First, it has AES 256-bit encryption, SHA-512 HMAC authentication, and a 4096-bit RSA key. Second, there is the perfect forward secrecy to alter your encryption key whenever you launch the VPN.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers various VPN protocols that enable you to customize your connections. They include Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2. Fortunately, you can easily switch them in the protocol tab within the app.

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best user-friendly VPN service to stream content abroad on iPhone. The iOS app has a clean and intuitive interface, so you’ll get started effortlessly. Luckily, it is available in 15 languages, including English, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, etc.

The provider recently expanded the network, which has more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Some regions, such as the US, have more servers than others. This means you’ll be able to bypass sporting events blackout as well as unblock streaming content. Nonetheless, it also has good coverage in Europe, Australia, India, and Canada. Unlike other providers, Surfshark has physical servers in places with strict censorship, such as Turkey, Russia, and Vietnam.

Many VPNs are unable to evade the restrictions of popular streaming services. However, during our test, Surfshark seamlessly unblocked numerous sites such as Peacock TV, HBO Max, Netflix, and more. Although you might need to switch servers several times with some platforms, finding a reliable connection won’t take long.

Surfshark maintains fast and consistent speed on most servers. Besides streaming, the speed is sufficient for downloading torrents and gaming online.

When it comes to your online security, Surfshark has got you covered. It employs AES 256-bit encryption, stealth technology, NoBorders Mode, Multihop (double VPN), split tunneling, and kill switch. Also, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it offers perfect forward secrecy.

The VPN also lets you choose between four security protocols to safeguard your online activities. OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Shadowsocks are standard protocols in the industry, but Surfshark adds icing with WireGuard. It is the latest protocol praised for improving security and speed.

Surfshark has a “Camouflage Mode” feature that helps you remain anonymous in a country with strict censorship. In addition, it will disguise your VPN traffic to make it seem like you’re accessing the internet without a VPN.

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4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is the best value iOS VPN. Besides the affordable packages, it also offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee to allow you to test the service risk-free.

The VPN has a native app for iOS devices. It is straightforward to install and effortless to use, although the interface looks outdated.

However, there isn’t a kill switch that may expose your traffic if the VPN connections drop.

This is the smallest network on this list, with only 200+ server locations across 63 countries. However, the good news is that the provider is constantly adding more servers to the network.

PrivateVPN offers tremendous speed and consistent connections on most servers despite the relatively small network. However, you must go through trial and error to find a reliable server because it doesn’t indicate the traffic load.

As for security, PrivateVPN uses some of the latest features, such as military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and various connection protocols, including OpenVPN UDP/TCP, IKEv2, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec.

Although Sweden is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, PrivateVPN is firmly committed to protecting privacy with a strict no-logs policy. It clearly states that they don’t retain or collect traffic and usage data. This means it won’t have any information to hand over to authorities if forced.

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5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is the most affordable VPN for iOS on this list, offering a user-friendly native iOS app.

Its network contains over 700 servers in 70+ locations, placed in strategic locations for effective unblocking. Consequently, we encountered no issues while testing servers in the US, Belgium, Italy, or elsewhere.

VyprVPN is an excellent option to evade restrictions on popular streaming sites like DAZN. In addition, we were able to unblock Netflix libraries on several servers seamlessly. The VPN also works well with Amazon Prime Videos, Hulu, Sky Go, etc.

VyprVPN claims to provide fast-speed connections on its entire server network on its website. We tested it to find out, starting with the fast connect option. It connected us to the fastest available server, and our speed didn’t reduce even a bit. However, there was a significant slowdown after connecting to servers in Australia.

The VyprVPN secures your internet connections with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. In addition, the kill switch feature provides additional protection by blocking your traffic from leaking when the VPN drops. Moreover, it has a NAT firewall to prevent malware from infecting your device.

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Comparison of Best iPhone/iPad VPN

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	Surfshark	PrivateVPN	VyprVPN
Encryption	AES-256	AES-256	AES-256	AES-256 (or AES-128)	AES-256
WireGuard tunnelling protocol	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Split tunnelling feature	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Simultaneous connections	10	8	Unlimited	Unlimited	30
Kill switch feature	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Dedicated app for iPad	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Price	$3.99/month	$8.32/month	$2.05/month	$2.00/month	$6.47/month

How we tested and ranked these best Apple VPNs

When you do a simple search on the Apple Store, you’ll get hundreds of VPNs that claim to offer quality services. However, we ran extensive tests and found that some don’t even work. So, here is the criteria we used to finalise the providers listed in this article.

1. Security and privacy

As mentioned above, a VPN should maintain your online privacy. So, we went through the privacy policies to learn about the information the provider collects. Thankfully, all the services on this list have a no-logs policy.

Moreover, a good VPN should always use appropriate security measures to keep you safe. Therefore, we looked for features such as 128/256-bit encryption, kill switches, obfuscation, split tunneling, etc. We also checked whether they have DNS and IP leak protection to prevent your exposure when the VPN connection cuts.

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2. Speed and performance

Constant buffering and lagging can be annoying, especially when doing online data-intensive activities. Therefore, we did multiple tests to see how the VPNs perform during browsing, streaming, and torrenting. In addition, we checked if the VPNs drain the battery when running in the background.

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3. Server network

Besides upholding your online security and privacy, a VPN is also helpful to unblock content and apps in other regions. So, we ensured that the services on this list offer global server coverage.

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4. Dedicated app for Apple

Every VPN on this list has a native app for Apple devices. This means you can use them on your iPhone, iPad, iMac, iPod touch, Macbook, Apple Watch, etc. In fact, some are even compatible with Siri. Besides, these VPNs also support Android and Windows apps so that you can use your subscription on other devices too.

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5. Value

A high-quality VPN does not need to be expensive. In fact, some services on this list are super-cost-effective with huge discounts, especially if you take long-term subscriptions. However, others like ExpressVPN, have costly monthly plans.

Remarkably, the providers on this list offer multiple options so you can choose the plan that fits your needs. Also, all these VPN providers allow you to test the service risk-free with a money-back guarantee or a free trial.

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6. Customer support

Even the best service can develop technical hitches. So, another thing to look out for is customer support.

Most VPNs on this list offer a live chat, the simplest way to contact an agent. Also, they have an email and phone option. In addition, there is an FAQ section if you face a problem that doesn’t need any intervention.

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Setting up a VPN app on iOS

There are two primary ways to set up a VPN app on your iOS device – setting it manually or installing an app that does not require any configurations.

How to set up a VPN manually on iOS

1. Go to Settings from your home screen.
2. Click General, then VPN.
3. Tap Add VPN configuration on the new screen.
4. Click Type and select the appropriate protocol.
5. Input the necessary VPN setting information.
6. Enter your login credentials.
7. Click Done and slide the switch to turn it on.

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How to install a VPN app on iOS from the Apple store

1. Go to Apple’s App Store.
2. Look for the provider’s app name. NordVPN is our top recommendation.
3. Tap on it and click Get.
4. The app will begin to download and install.
5. Start the app and log in.
6. Allow the app to add VPN configuration.
7. Connect to the servers you want through the app.

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Connecting multiple iOS devices to the VPN

The iOS VPNs allow you to connect multiple simultaneous devices, such as an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and more, to the VPN. This allows you to share your VPN subscription with others, such as family members or roommates.

If you need to connect even more devices, you can configure the VPN connection on your Wi-Fi router, which only counts as one device. This also works for devices that do not natively support VPNs, like Xbox and Apple TV. You can configure a reliable VPN with your router using compatible firmware or installing open-source alternatives like DD-WRT or Tomato. However, you should be cautious when flashing new firmware to a router, as using incompatible firmware or making a mistake during the process could damage the router permanently. The exact process for doing this varies depending on the router, so make sure to research it thoroughly before trying it.

Can I use a free VPN for my iPhone?

There are many free iOS VPNs on the Apple App Store, but they aren’t worth using for several reasons.

First, many of them use weak encryption, while some don’t even have any form of encryption. It means your traffic and data will remain exposed to all and sundry.

Second, some free VPNs have been caught collecting and selling users’ data to third parties for targeted advertisement. They do it even after claiming to maintain anonymity.

Moreover, they tend to have a handful of servers, usually congested due to the high number of users. This causes poor connections and prolonged speeds, thereby creating a disappointing experience for you.

What’s more, they are poor at bypassing geo-restrictions, so streaming content from other countries will be an issue.

However, if you are on a budget, you should opt for a premium VPN with a free version instead of a completely free VPN. A free plan from providers such as Windscribe and ProtonVPN will keep you safe, although it’s a bit limited. For example, the data is capped, and you can only use a few servers.

Does an iPhone VPN have enough security?

HTTPS adoption has made it more difficult for others to see what you are doing online because your traffic is encrypted. However, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still see much of your online activity through your IP address. Fortunately, a VPN can help mask your IP address and stay anonymous online.

However, you should note that a VPN alone is not enough to protect you online. You should also use additional security features like 2-factor authentication, strong passwords, and antivirus software (though this may not be necessary on iOS devices).

Will a VPN reduce your iPhone’s internet speed?

A VPN can generally slow down your internet connection and reduce uploading and downloading speed. This effect is especially noticeable on mobile devices. 

Also, VPN functions poorly (like disconnecting and reconnecting frequently) on mobile devices than on PCs. However, this has not been confirmed through testing.

To see how a VPN affects internet speed, compare the speed tests with and without the VPN. 

Note that many factors, like network conditions, time of day, location, etc., can affect your internet speed results for comparison rather than as a definitive measure of a VPN’s performance. 

Are iPhone VPN services trustworthy?

In order to evaluate the trustworthiness of a VPN provider, you should consider their logging practices besides the technology they offer. This includes reading their privacy policies and discussing their practices with their representatives. It is important to consider the commitment to protecting user data and not collecting user data. While we cannot verify all encryption claims made by providers, we can consider these factors when evaluating their trustworthiness.

iOS 15 privacy enhancements

As you already know, iPhones come with significant security measures deployed and activated. Hence, you get even better privacy and security when you top them up with a VPN.

But, what makes these devices stand out for privacy-savvy users is the continued privacy contributions from Apple. The tech giant hasn’t stopped at merely deploying a high-tech device. Instead, they take every step to ensure their users remain private and secure online. Thus, they keep rolling out better features with every new iOS version.

Expectedly, the latest iOS 15 comes with a bunch of privacy-packed features, making it a must-try. Below, we list some of the most noteworthy privacy enhancements in iOS 15. But not all of them are new. Apple has fetched some from its previous release, iOS 14, as well, though, with improvements.

So, here is a quick review of all the exciting privacy features you can expect in iOS 15.

Controlled location sharing

An attractive feature launched with iOS 14 was the improved location sharing with apps.

Most apps demand access to your device location for their intended functions, such as a ride-hailing service, map, or alike. Indeed, these things require your precise location. But that’s not necessary for other apps, such as news or weather apps. But there was no way for the users to regulate how they share this data with the apps they use.

Hence, Apple addressed this matter with iOS 14, allowing users to choose between sharing precise or approximate locations.

And now, with iOS 15, Apple has improved this feature even more. The new iOS allows you to share your location data with the app you use only once. After the session ends, this sharing will be stopped, hence protecting your privacy.

This feature is under implementation as app developers will also have to comply with it by making the necessary changes. But you can expect it to arrive soon on your devices.

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Email tracking protection

With iOS 15, Apple intended to put an app for unwarranted marketers’ access to users’ emails.

For quite a while, emails have been a popular lure for marketers to profile users for ad targeting.

But, with iOS 15, the tech giant launched an optional feature in Apple Mail that users can activate to prevent tracking of their emails.

You will likely get this feature right after you download iOS 15 on your device.

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Secure access to the clipboard

Another feature that first arrived in iOS 14 now extends to iOS 15 with improved privacy for access to the clipboard.

With iOS 14, Apple started intimating the users whenever an app would access the device’s clipboard. Eventually, it turned out that many apps uncontrollably and unnecessarily accessed the clipboard. Hence, those apps could easily read whatever text a user would copy. So, the notification prompts made the users identify those apps. Whereas such prompts also compelled the app developers to tweak the way this would work.

Continuing with this practice, Apple has introduced more secure access to the clipboard for apps with iOS 15. Now, the apps won’t read the clipboard until the user pastes the copied text to an app. This would prevent unwarranted access by other apps to the copied data.

For example, if you copy Facebook account credentials to sign in to the Facebook app, the Twitter app won’t read it. Instead, only the Facebook app would get the text – that too – when you finally paste it to the app.

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App privacy reports

Along with clipboard access, the new iOS 15 also notifies users whenever an app accesses any of their device data.

Users can get detailed reports of how often the apps accessed their location, storage, camera, mic, etc., over the past week.

Also, the report would display whether any app has contacted other domains. Thus, it will supposedly make it easier for users to spot suspicious or malicious apps too.

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Private WiFi address

Private IP address is a fantastic feature that Apple first launched with iOS 14 and has continued in iOS 15.

With this feature, which you can find via Settings > WiFi > network list (tap on the “i” icon to view) > Private Address, you can enable a private address for your device when connecting to a WiFi network. This feature hides your device IP from the network admins, hence preventing any tracking.

It’s a helpful feature, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Also, it doubles up your privacy when using a VPN.

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Apple ads opt-in

Apple has seemingly taken another step to curb intrusive advertising with iOS 15 by introducing its own ads. After downloading the new version, users can opt-in for Apple’s ads. It helps the tech giant protect users’ privacy without losing money.

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Tracking prevention in Safari

Apart from preventing email tracking, Apple has also addressed a similar issue with the latest Safari browser. Starting iOS 15, Safari brings “Intelligent Tracking Prevention” that protects users from aggressive web trackers. This feature won’t allow tracking elements to profile you via your IPs when enabled.

Still, you can enhance this privacy with a robust iOS VPN to eliminate any chances of leaking your real IP.

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FAQs