Best iPhone VPN for iOS and iPadOS in 2024

Many Apple users don’t think of using an iPhone VPN; however, a VPN for iPhone provides essential online privacy protection, that iOS alone doesn’t offer.

Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads typically offer a higher level of protection against cyber-threats than other OS as they come with integrated virus and malware-prevention software.

With that being said, even the most sophisticated software is not immune to every online threat. Every day, more Apple users are choosing to install a VPN on their iPhones to provide them with an additional layer of online security against such threats. You can stay safe on your home network or on the public wi-fi network at your local coffee shop.

If you want to ensure complete privacy and security when browsing the internet on your iPhone, it is a good idea to install a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Read on to find out more about our top VPNs for iPhones in 2024.

VPNs for iOS and iPadOS

What is the Best VPN for iPhone (and iPad)?

There is an overwhelming array of iOS VPNs available in the App store. We’ve sifted through them all to provide you with a list of the best VPNs for iPhone.

#1

VPN Service: NordVPN

Simultaneous connections / Users: 6
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV
Browser Extentions: Firefox, Safari, Chrome

Pros:

  • proiconFast connection
  • proiconZero-log policy
  • proiconMore than 5000 worldwide servers

Cons:

  • coniconFew payment options
  • coniconSplit tunneling unavaible
  • conicon6 Devices Maximum

Capabilities:

  • cross iconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • cross iconKill Switch
  • cross iconSplit Tunneling
  • cross iconZero Data Logging
  • cross iconFree Version / Trial
  • cross iconMobile App
  • cross iconBrowser Extention
  • cross iconNetflix Approved
  • cross iconFirestick Compatible

NordVPN

NordVPN is an excellent VPN that offers an impressive app for your iOS device.

  • Over 5,300 servers in 59 countries
  • Also compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux.
  • Up to 6 simultaneous device connections
  • Integrated kill-switch

NordVPN boasts one of the best iPhone apps in the App Store; it is simple to use and seamlessly matches the functionality of Apple’s device. Nord’s iOS app interface is well laid out. It displays a Quick Connect button which enables users to automatically connect to the best available server, depending on location, availability, and load percentage. Nord offers everything you could need in a mobile VPN app for iPhone, and it is even compatible with Siri.

NordVPN’s iOS offering is great if you enjoy streaming TV shows and movies on your iPhone. Thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, you can enjoy lightning-fast streaming speeds. Moreover, over 4,000 of Nord’s servers from its large server network are optimized for streaming.

NordVPN can unblock Netflix, as well as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, YouTube, and Disney+. With unlimited bandwidth, you can watch as much video streaming content as you wish.

When it comes to security, NordVPN utilizes first-rate AES-256 bit encryption to give you a secure VPN connection and keep your online activities private. NordVPN even offers Double VPN encryption, which sends your private data through two different VPN servers rather than just one. The VPN also has a great no-logs policy which is even audited annually by independent security company PricewaterhouseCooper.

If you require customer support at any time when using the app, NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support. There is also a 30-day refund policy with each subscription plan, enabling you to test the service risk-free for a month.

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

Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
OS support: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
Streaming:
Browser Extentions:

Pros:

  • proiconPlenty of payment methods
  • proicon24 hours live chat support
  • proicon30 days money back guarantee

Cons:

  • coniconMore expensive than competitors
  • coniconOnly 5 simultaneous connections
  • coniconNo servers in Russia

Capabilities:

  • cross iconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • cross iconKill Switch
  • cross iconSplit Tunneling
  • cross iconZero Data Logging
  • cross iconFree Version / Trial
  • cross iconMobile App
  • cross iconBrowser Extention
  • cross iconNetflix Approved
  • cross iconFirestick Compatible

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our top pick as it offers an excellent iOS VPN app packed full of sophisticated features, which makes using a VPN easy.

  • Over 3,000 servers across 94 countries
  • Also compatible with Mac, Android, Windows, and Linux
  • Up to 5 simultaneous device connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

This VPN service offers first-rate privacy and security features, including encrypted DNS on every server as well as AES-256 bit encryption, which means that your iPhone’s browsing data is secure and protected from leaking.

ExpressVPN provides access to an impressive number of over 3,000 servers, with server locations across 94 different countries. Thanks to its large VPN server network, this provider is great for unblocking geo-restricted content if you enjoy watching overseas television shows and movies on streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a country that enjoys relaxed data privacy laws, which is advantageous for users. The provider also boasts an excellent no-logs policy and does not store or misuse internet traffic data, IP connections, or private browsing activity.

ExpressVPN’s iPhone app contains many of the great features that its desktop client offers. Features including the kill switch (or Network Lock) are automatically activated upon installation.

Although the iPhone mobile VPN app is not as aesthetically pleasing as other providers’ apps, it provides seamless use. The Smart Location button enables a quick connection to the optimal available server. In contrast, the Choose Location button allows user to choose their desired server from a clearly laid-out list. There is also the option to switch between servers without closing the current server connection manually first.

The iPhone VPN app also allows you to check for issues such as DNS and WebRTC leaks. There is even the option to enable Auto-Reconnect, which will attempt to re-connect to the server if the connection fails.

As well as being compatible with iOS, Express works with other major operating systems, including Mac, Android, Windows, Chrome, Firefox, and Linux.

ExpressVPN offers great customer support with the option of a 24/7 live chat. If any issues arise while using the product, you can speak directly to a member of the provider’s support team. There is also a range of comprehensive user guides available on the website.

Price Starting At: 6.67 $ / monthly 99.95 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 3000+
#3

VPN Service: Surfshark VPN

Simultaneous connections / Users: Unlimited
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows
Streaming:
Browser Extentions:

Pros:

  • proiconUnlimited simultaneous connections
  • proiconUnblocks streaming services
  • proiconBased in privacy-friendly country

Cons:

  • coniconNo phone support
  • coniconNo 12 month plan
  • coniconFew payment methods

Capabilities:

  • cross iconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • cross iconKill Switch
  • cross iconSplit Tunneling
  • cross iconZero Data Logging
  • cross iconFree Version / Trial
  • cross iconMobile App
  • cross iconBrowser Extention
  • cross iconNetflix Approved
  • cross iconFirestick Compatible

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark has one of the most popular iPhone apps in the App Store, thanks to its high-quality security and privacy features.

  • 3,200 VPN servers worldwide
  • Also compatible with Mac, Android, Windows, and Linux.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Kill switch

Surfshark’s iOS mobile VPN app is seamlessly compatible with your iPhone or iPad. The client has a simple layout and reveals a clear list of server locations with a Quick Connect option to connect you to the best available server easily.

There are additional useful features too in the iPhone app. Surfshark’s MultiHop technology allows you to further mask your real IP location by connecting to a range of servers in multiple countries. At the same time, the Whitelister feature enables split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps or websites you want to be encrypted by the VPN as well as those that you want to bypass.

Surfshark’s iPhone app also offers a Camouflage mode to hide your use of the VPN; this is a great feature for accessing streaming sites that possess a VPN blocker. Fortunately, the VPN successfully unblocks a range of streaming services on your iPhone, including Netflix.

Regarding security, Surfshark utilizes AES-256 bit encryption for a secure VPN connection. The provider also uses first-rate VPN protocols including IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN. IKEv2/IPSec is recommended if you desire fast connection speeds, whereas OpenVPN offers the highest levels of security but comes with the cost of slightly reduced speeds.

Surfshark’s 2-year plan is available for just $2.49 a month, making it one of the best iOS VPNs when it comes to affordability.

The provider also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it even more cost-effective. In theory, you could share the subscription with your friends and family, too, ensuring many devices are securely protected.

While there may not be a free trial period, the VPN service does offer a useful 30-day refund period for peace of mind and allows you to unsubscribe at any time.

Price Starting At: 2.49 $ / monthly 29.66 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 3200+
#4

VPN Service: VyprVPN

Simultaneous connections / Users: 5
OS support: Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, macOS, Windows
Streaming:
Browser Extentions:

Pros:

  • proiconAudited zero-logs VPN
  • proiconChameleon protocol
  • proiconSupports P2P networking

Cons:

  • coniconNo free trial
  • coniconSmall server network
  • coniconNo browser extensions

Capabilities:

  • cross iconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • cross iconKill Switch
  • cross iconSplit Tunneling
  • cross iconZero Data Logging
  • cross iconFree Version / Trial
  • cross iconMobile App
  • cross iconBrowser Extention
  • cross iconNetflix Approved
  • cross iconFirestick Compatible

VyprVPN

Although VyprVPN may not be the most popular choice, it has impressive reviews on the App store. It is also one of the best iOS apps if you are looking to access geo-blocked streaming services.

  • More than 700 servers in 64 countries
  • Over 200,000 IP addresses
  • Chameleon protocol
  • Up to 5 simultaneous connections

VyprVPN is committed to providing excellent user security and offers a range of sophisticated privacy features. These include AES-256 bit encryption, a kill switch, and advanced OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN protocols. Vypr is also completely DNS leak-free, meaning that your real IP location won’t be exposed when using this product.

VyprVPN also boasts an excellent no-logs policy that has been independently audited to verify the provider’s privacy claims. The company does not store or misuse any user data or session logs, meaning all of your online activities when using the VPN on your iPhone will remain private.

Vypr has developed its proprietary Chameleon protocol, enabling users to overcome DPI scans and gain access to restricted websites on their iPhones. VyprVPN also features unlimited bandwidth and P2P and torrenting support on all servers, making its iPhone a great choice for data-heavy activities.

The provider has fewer servers than other VPNs. Its VPN server network consists of just over 700 servers in 73 locations across 64 countries. However, global coverage is great; the servers aren’t just located in Europe or North America, but in Africa, Asia, Central, and South America, and the Middle East. VyprVPN owns and manages all of its servers too, which is a great security advantage as it means that no third party has access to them.

Price Starting At: 3.75 $ / monthly 45 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 700+
#5

VPN Service: PureVPN

Simultaneous connections / Users: 10
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Streaming:
Browser Extentions:

Pros:

  • proiconLarge server network
  • proicon31 day money-back guarantee
  • proiconAudited privacy policy

Cons:

  • coniconNo phone support
  • coniconExpensive monthly plan
  • coniconDoesn't work with all streaming sites

Capabilities:

  • cross iconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • cross iconKill Switch
  • cross iconSplit Tunneling
  • cross iconZero Data Logging
  • cross iconFree Version / Trial
  • cross iconMobile App
  • cross iconBrowser Extention
  • cross iconNetflix Approved
  • cross iconFirestick Compatible

PureVPN

PureVPN is another great VPN service for iPhones. It offers a range of impressive features and impressive levels of security.

  • Over 2000 servers across more than 140 countries
  • No-logs policy
  • Up to 10 simultaneous device connections
  • 31-day money-back guarantee

PureVPN provides an excellent VPN for iPhone as it comes with a kill-switch and offers support for OpenVPN. Speed tests also reveal impressive connection speeds to ensure fast downloads. PureVPN also offers iOS users DNS and IP leak protection and the option to pay anonymously with Bitcoin.

This provider is based in Hong Kong and offers access to over 2000 servers across 140 countries. PureVPN owns and manages all of its servers, providing an additional layer of security. Better yet, if you enjoy watching streaming content on your iPhone, PureVPN’s servers are successful at unblocking sites, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

The provider can also provide access to VoIP services, making it a great choice for users living in restricted countries where platforms like Whatsapp are banned.

While VyprVPN has a no-logs policy, the provider stores some data, including session logging, VPN connection times, and bandwidth. This isn’t great news for iPhone users who want an extremely secure connection at all times and to keep their network traffic private.

PureVPN offers a dedicated app for iOS devices in the App Store. However, it also has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. There are even browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox and tutorials for set-up on routers and Smart TVs. There is support for up to 10 simultaneous device connections, which is more than most VPN services offer.

There is also a “no-questions-asked” 31-day refund, which is a day longer than what most VPN services offer. PureVPN also offers the option to pay with Bitcoin, which is useful for users that want to ensure complete privacy and anonymity.

Price Starting At: 2.91 $ / monthly 44.95 $ / annually
For New Users: 31 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 6500+
#6

VPN Service: Private Internet Access VPN

Simultaneous connections / Users: 10
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
Streaming:
Browser Extentions:

Pros:

  • proiconLarge server network
  • proiconSupport for torrenting on all servers
  • proiconBitcoin as payment option

Cons:

  • coniconLimited features
  • coniconBased in US (Five Eyes)
  • coniconNetflix access issues

Capabilities:

  • cross iconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • cross iconKill Switch
  • cross iconSplit Tunneling
  • cross iconZero Data Logging
  • cross iconFree Version / Trial
  • cross iconMobile App
  • cross iconBrowser Extention
  • cross iconNetflix Approved
  • cross iconFirestick Compatible

Private Internet Access VPN

Private Internet Access offers complete privacy and anonymity on your iPhone as well as access to popular streaming services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

  • Over 20,000 servers across 74 countries
  • 10 simultaneous device connections
  • Support for torrenting
  • Also compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux

PIA is one of the best VPNs for iPhone as it seamlessly combines affordability and performance. PIA is a great option if you want an easy-to-use iOS VPN app. It offers access to an eye-watering number of servers and protection for up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is more than most apps offer.

Private Internet Access boasts support for WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols, as well as 256-AES encryption. The new open-source WireGuard protocol is a powerful but simple protocol that ensures complete online protection for your iPhone.

PIA also offers other great privacy tools. These include integrated malware and ad-blocking technology, adding an extra layer of protection for your iPhone. It also offers a reliable kill switch to ensure no unencrypted data is ever exposed, even if your VPN connection is lost.

Although it is based in the United States, the VPN provider also offers one of the best no-logging policies. The company never stores user data, IP address, or browsing activity, making it arguably the best VPN for keeping personal information private. This means that even if the US government requested data from PIA’s servers, the provider would not have anything stored that could link users to their activity when using the VPN services.

PIA offers one of the best apps for iPhone and even features the option to add Siri shortcuts. There is also an In-Browser feature that offers a private browser for iOS with special tabs and video support and a favorites tab.

PIA’s one-year plan is the most cost-effective option if you don’t mind signing up for that long. The provider is constantly updating and improving its service and has recently added over 15,000 servers to its network. There is also a 30-day refund policy to allow you to try the product for a month and decide whether it meets your needs.

Price Starting At: 2.69 $ / monthly 40 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 25170+
#7

VPN Service: IPVanish VPN

Simultaneous connections / Users: Unlimited
OS support: Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Streaming:
Browser Extentions:

Pros:

  • proiconUnlimited simultaneous connections
  • proicon24/7 customer support
  • proiconUnblocks Netflix

Cons:

  • coniconBased in US (Five Eyes)
  • coniconLimited payment options
  • coniconDoesn't unblock BBC iPlayer

Capabilities:

  • cross iconUnlimited Bandwidth
  • cross iconKill Switch
  • cross iconSplit Tunneling
  • cross iconZero Data Logging
  • cross iconFree Version / Trial
  • cross iconMobile App
  • cross iconBrowser Extention
  • cross iconNetflix Approved
  • cross iconFirestick Compatible

IPVanish VPN

IPVanish is a veteran VPN provider with one of the best iPhone VPN apps. It is highly regarded for its exceptional security features and strict no-logs policy.

  • Over 1,600 servers across 75 locations
  • Self-managed server network
  • Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections

IPVanish is a great US-based VPN with a simple iOS app interface. You can enjoy IPVanish’s security features on all of your devices thanks to its offer of unlimited simultaneous device connections. However, the iOS version, unfortunately, currently lacks a kill switch.

The VPN provider has a decent VPN server network of over 40,000 IP addresses and 1,600 P2P-friendly servers. The company owns and manages all of its own servers rather than renting hardware. This means that no third-party companies have access to IPVanish’s servers, which is a great advantage to users.

When using a VPN, you want to ensure that your private data and identity are completely secure. IPVanish uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and supports secure OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols for a secure VPN connection. The company’s strict no-logging policy will ensure that your private web traffic data will never be stored or misused. However, the company has yet to follow the lead of some of its competitors and have its privacy policy independently audited.

The iPhone app features a useful Quick Connect button, also seen on the Windows and Android versions. There is also a clear panel displaying your IP address, current location, and connection status. You can easily set your chosen city, country, and VPN server before connecting. The client also provides the option to select your desired location from a scrollable list or choose from the Favorites tab, which compiles a list of your most-used server connections.

IPVanish is one of the only VPNs for iPhone to offer additional features, including 250GB of free secure storage (which usually costs $9.99 per month). The provider also frequently offers a range of discounts, so keep an eye on its website.

Price Starting At: 4 $ / monthly 47.99 $ / annually
For New Users: 30 days free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 1600+
Table of content

What is an iPhone VPN?

Common questions about iPhone VPNs include ‘what is VPN in iPhone?’ and ‘what is an iPhone VPN?’ Essentially, a VPN for your iPhone is an extra security tool that gives you more privacy only. On top of this, in some cases, it can also provide more freedom as your surf the web on your iPhone.

How Do I Use an iPhone VPN?

There is no right or wrong way to use a VPN. However, you can learn how to use a VPN on your iPhone for the best online experience. This involves adjusting security and privacy settings, as well as learning how your VPN app works so that you don’t drain your battery or slow down other apps on your phone.

How Can I Switch Off a VPN on My iPhone?

All VPN users should know how to turn off an iPhone VPN so that they don’t unintentionally drain their iPhone battery. You can switch your VPN off in a few ways: via the VPN app, in the iPhone settings, or by activated airplane mode.

How Do I Stop My iPhone VPN From Being Switched Off?

Sometimes, iPhone users find that the VPN on their iPhone can switch itself off. To stop your VPN from being turned off on your iPhone, there are several things you can do. These include enabling automatic connection features and choosing the right protocol for your VPN connection.

Does iPhone Have a Built-In VPN?

Apple has recently unveiled its new iCloud+ service, which comes with a special feature; Private Relay. Private Relay is the iPhone’s built-in version of a VPN, and it offers so much privacy that not even Apple will know your real IP address or what VPN IP address you are browsing under.

Unfortunately, Private Relay does not provide users with more freedom online in the sense that you can bypass geo-restrictions; you’ll only be able to hide your online activities and change your IP address.

Best iPhone VPN for iOS and iPadOS

Is There a Free VPN for iPhone?

When looking for the best iPhone VPN, you will likely come across a host of free iPhone VPN apps. Although many people choose to install free services, we tend to advise against doing so for several reasons:

So, considering all of these reasons, it is usually best to opt for a paid iPhone VPN. However, if you are set on installing a free VPN, consider ProtonVPN for a decent, safe free version. Although the provider limits customers on the free version to just 1 device connection and slow connection speeds, it offers advanced encryption, the industry-standard OpenVPN protocol, and a kill switch.

Do I Need to Turn on a VPN on My iPhone (and iPad)?

Should you turn on a VPN on your iPhone? This is a complex question. Apple offers sophisticated anti-virus and anti-malware protection to protect your device against online threats. Because of this, many Apple users do not believe that they need to use a VPN. However, even the best software isn’t perfect and many users aren’t aware of the online dangers that Apple’s integrated software cannot protect against.

Whenever you surf the web, third parties, websites, and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can view and log information about your browsing activity. This can lead to targeted advertisements and higher prices when shopping online.

Moreover, if you connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots in hotels, bars, or cafes with your iPhone, you are putting your confidential data at risk. Hackers connected to the same network can potentially access and steal information such as your bank details, usernames, and passwords. A good VPN connection will protect against these eventualities.

VPNs also give iPhone users more freedom online. Suppose you enjoy streaming overseas television shows and movies on major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. You can do so by changing your geo-location with a VPN.

How to Choose the Best VPN for iPhone (and iPad)

There is an abundance of VPN apps for iPhone and iPad in the App Store; however, this can make it difficult to choose the right one for you. Some VPN providers offer a better service and a higher level of protection than others. Here’s what to look out for if you want a VPN on your iPhone.

Author Cliff Durward

Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids. I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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PrivacySharks » 10 Best VPN Services of 2024 » Best iPhone VPN for iOS and iPadOS in 2024
Last updated: June 27, 2022