Best VPNs For iPhones 2021
Sure, Apple has a solid reputation for ensuring its devices are protected against online threats, but that doesn’t mean hackers aren’t able to exploit its software to access your personal information and valuable data. And regardless of how impressive Apple’s in-built security features are, they won’t stop your Internet Service Provider and websites from tracking your online activity.
If you care about your privacy, using a VPN on your iPhone is the most effective way of anonymizing your internet traffic so you can browse the internet securely, even on unsecured WiFi networks. But with so many VPNs available to choose from, how can you be sure which are the best for the iPhone? Don’t be tempted to pick up one of the free services from the iOS store. Our VPN researchers have spent weeks testing the most reputable providers to provide you with a list of the ten very best iPhone VPNs in 2020.
Top Five VPNs for iPhone - A Brief Overview

- Excellent speeds - no slow down experience
- Zero latency – smooth gaming experience
- Ease of use - set up in a couple of minutes
- No-logs policy - Your data is 100% untraceable.
- Impressive security – military grade encryption
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Starting speed US | 8 ms | 58.56 Mbps | 12.25 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 10 ms | 54.52 Mbps | 11.85 Mbps |
Manual connect US server | 12 ms | 53.22 Mbps | 11.12 Mbps |
Quick connect UK server | 140 ms | 42.85 Mbps | 6.69 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 133 ms | 37.64 Mbps | 9.21 Mbps |
Quick connect FR server | 82 ms | 40.41 Mbps | 11.09 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 180 ms | 38.42 Mbps | 6.01 Mbps |
Quick connect AU server | 291 ms | 35.11 Mbps | 6.09 Mbps |
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jersey
- Kenya
- South Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- North Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar [Burma]
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
The fastest VPN in the world is our #1 best-rated VPN for its outstanding security, consistent speed and reliability

- Fast, stable, and encrypted connections
- Multi-device security for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
- Proxy extensions for web browsers Chrome and Firefox
- Up to 6 simultaneously connected devices
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Starting speed US | 11 ms | 56.23 Mbps | 11.71 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 10 ms | 49.83 Mbps | 10.75 Mbps |
Manual connect US server | 15 ms | 46.73 Mbps | 10.64 Mbps |
Quick connect UK server | 148 ms | 45.79 Mbps | 11.11 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 241 ms | 32.01 Mbps | 10.85 Mbps |
Quick connect FR server | 84 ms | 49.99 Mbps | 11.28 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 361 ms | 23.14 Mbps | 1.69 Mbps |
Quick connect AU server | 434 ms | 37.97 Mbps | 5.84 Mbps |
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Chile
- South Africa
- India
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
- Turkey
- Australia
- Singapore
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Netherlands
- France
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Norway
- Poland
- Ireland
- Czech Republic
- Italy
- Spain
- Finland
- Serbia
- Austria
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Romania
- Portugal
- Luxembourg
- Ukraine
- Greece
- Estonia
- Iceland
- Albania
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Moldova
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- North Macedonia
While NordVPN didn’t quite manage to make our number one spot, it’s an excellent VPN with a long list of security features and server locations that provide phenomenal value.

- Storage opportunities: allows up to 500 GB per user, using SugarSync
- Emphasis on customer service: 24/7 on-site support
- No-logs policy: the official IPVanish policy is to have zero usage logs, keeping your information totally safe
- Excellent data transfer: no caps on data transfers,
- Expansive: over 40,000 IP addresses and 1,700 servers in more than 75 regions
- Torrenting: includes P2P-dedicated servers for file sharing purposes
- No device limit: unmetered usage and use of SugarSync allows you to use the service on any device
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Starting speed US | 0.9 ms | 55.95 Mbps | 12.25 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 11 ms | 52.10 Mbps | 10.99 Mbps |
Manual connect US server | 13 ms | 44.96 Mbps | 10.81 Mbps |
Quick connect UK server | 127 ms | 44.92 Mbps | 9.86 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 148 ms | 46.22 Mbps | 10.95 Mbps |
Quick connect FR server | 58 ms | 46.22 Mbps | 10.95 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 429 ms | 31.29 Mbps | Mbps |
Quick connect AU server | 358 ms | 29.10 Mbps | 7.24 Mbps |
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Norway
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Czech Republic
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Moldova
- Serbia
- Finland
- Austria
- Ukraine
- Portugal
- Belgium
- Greece
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Croatia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Hungary
- Denmark
- Slovakia
- Ireland
- Albania
- Latvia
- Poland
- Slovenia
- Iceland
- South Korea
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Israel
- India
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- Singapore
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Argentina
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- South Africa
IPVanish is known for its versatility, making it a good choice for people who have some experience with VPNs as well as those who are rookies.

- No limits: you can connect as many devices to your account as you want
- Multihop tool: to add layers of anonymity, users can connect through several servers in different countries, all at the same time
- No logs: like many VPNs, Surfshark advertises a strict no-log policy
- Security measures: uses top-of-the-line 256-bit encryption as well as IKEv2, IPSec, and OpenVPN
- Decent server network: more than 3,200 servers across 60+ countries
- Max protection: DNS and IP leak prevention using IPv4 stack
- Security audit: its privacy and security features have been verified by third-party analysts
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Quick connect UK server | 34 ms | 78 Mbps | 23 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 23 ms | 56 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- United States
- Israel
- Libya
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
Surfshark is a great VPN that offers a wide range of unique features. It is easy to use, and has an impressive array of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries.

- Great performance - works especially well on Windows
- Easy-to-use interface - perfect for experienced and novice users
- A massive server count - more than 26,000
- Trusted with data - PIA doesn’t store logs
- Reliable security protocols - encryption is what it’s known for
- Unlimited bandwidth - perfect for streaming
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- France
- Romania
- Japan
- Singapore
- Czech Republic
- Belgium
- Sweden
- New Zealand
- Mexico
- Spain
- Australia
- Italy
- Denmark
- Norway
- Ireland
- Finland
- Israel
- Hong Kong
- Portugal
- Poland
- India
- Taiwan
- Albania
- Iceland
- Luxembourg
- Ukraine
- Brazil
- Greece
- Lithuania
- Andorra
- Latvia
- Panama
- Greenland
- United Arab Emirates
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Bulgaria
- Estonia
- Egypt
- Cambodia
- North Macedonia
- Philippines
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Turkey
- Vietnam
- Algeria
- Bahamas
- Venezuela
- Hungary
- Isle of Man
- Liechtenstein
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Saudi Arabia
- Argentina
- Bangladesh
- Montenegro
- Mongolia
- Macao
- Malta
- Armenia
- China
- Cyprus
- Moldova
- Georgia
- Kazakhstan
- Sri Lanka
- Morocco
- Monaco
- Qatar
PIA is a versatile VPN that’s fixed to support you in all areas of web surfing.
What is a VPN and Why do you need a VPN for Your iPhone?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that masks your IP address and hides your online activity from your ISP and the websites that you visit. It does this by routing your connection through an encrypted tunnel to private servers that are located all over the world. This means you can geospoof your location and use the VPN to access region-locked content on websites and streaming apps.
If you’ve ever connected your iPhone to a public WiFi network, hackers can easily place themselves in the middle of your connection to launch a MITM attack. VPNs put a stop to that, and as all of the information you’re transferring while you’re connected is fully encrypted, hackers won’t be able to do anything with your personal data even if there’s a leak.
Speed and Security are Important When Choosing a VPN for iPhones
There are hundreds of poor-quality and often free VPN services flooding the iOS store, but don’t be tempted by them. Many fall short when it comes to delivering fast connections and the security features that are needed to protect your iPhone. You probably carry your iPhone with you at all times and we understand that a lot of people use public WiFi networks to save their valuable data, but these are dangerous to use without the protection of a VPN.
The speeds your VPN delivers are just as important, as you don’t want the iOS app on your iPhone slowing you down. A large network of privately-owned servers that have been optimized for streaming, online gaming, and P2P activity will help you keep on top of download speeds regardless of what you’re using your iPhone for.
Which VPN is the Fastest and Most Secure for iPhones?
ExpressVPN delivered the best results in our rigorous testing, due to its long list of security and privacy tools, lightning-fast speeds, and the quality of its iOS app for iPhones, which delivers everything you need to secure your connection.
How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone
While using a VPN service might sound complicated, it couldn’t be any easier. Simply choose one of the providers from the list below, take out a subscription for your duration of choice, install the iOS app onto your mobile phone and then use it to connect to a VPN server. All it takes is one click to connect, and once you’re online, your iPhone’s internet activity will be fully hidden from your network carrier, ISP, and any websites that you visit.
Do iPhones Come With VPNs Built-In?
Modern iPhones do include the in-built equivalent of a VPN by integrating L2TP/IPSec and Cisco IPSec protocols. However, these are some of the most common protocols out there, and as a result, are easily exploitable by hackers. Also, they don’t include many of the additional features included in VPN subscriptions, such as military-grade encryption, ad-blocking tools, and malware detection, so if you truly want to protect your iPhone and mask your IP address, trust us when we say you’re much better off subscribing to a quality VPN service.
What to Consider When Choosing a VPN for iPhones
There are plenty of iPhone VPNs with iOS support, but not all of them live up to the claims they make on their websites. To help you make the best choice, here are the specific features you should be looking out for:
Robust Security Features
In addition to military-grade (AES 256-bit) encryption, your VPN subscription should also include security features such as a kill switch, DNS/IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection, double VPN, and bespoke anti-virus software. All of these features work together to keep your iPhone safe and secure from hackers while protecting your valuable data from the prying eyes of website owners.
Large Network of Servers
Generally speaking, the more servers you’re able to access on your VPN’s network, the fastest your connection speeds will be. This is because you’ve got more choice and can easily avoid heavily congested servers. Larger networks also increase your chances of successfully unblocking websites and streaming apps due to the extensive number of private IP addresses you’ll be able to use.
Functionality and Usability
You could have the most powerful and fastest iOS VPN in the world, but it isn’t going to be much use if you can’t figure out how to use it! Most iPhone VPNs have been streamlined to make them as simple to use as possible. All of the features you could ever want to use should be easily locatable and the iOS app should run smoothly in the background of your iPhone without affecting its performance or speeds.
Extensive Review – Full Overview of the Top Ten VPN Services for iPhone
1. ExpressVPN


ExpressVPN is the best iPhone VPN out there, delivering lightning-fast speeds and secure access across all of its 3000 servers. The iPhone app is easy to set up, providing instant connections at the simple click of a button. You can use it on every iPhone released from the old-school SE onwards, and there’s an impressive selection of protocols to choose from, including UDP, TCP, IKEv2, and IPsec. Once you’re connected, your online activity will vanish without a trace, allowing you to unlock region-locked content on some of the world’s biggest streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and many more.
Regardless of where you are in the world, ExpressVPN’s superior connection reliability means you’ll never struggle for signal, and advanced DNS and WebRTC leak protection ensures your privacy and security stay intact. Speaking of privacy, as ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, it doesn’t fall within the five-eyes, nine-eyes, or 14-eyes jurisdictions, and its strict no-logging policy is independently audited for the highest level of compliance. When it comes to privacy and security, ExpressVPN is unbeatable.
Key Features
Available On | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, browsers, and Smart TVs |
---|---|
Data logging | Independently audited, strict no-logging policy. |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 3000 |
Top download speed reached | 95 Mbps |
VPN locations | 160 locations in 94 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Five simultaneous connections |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | one month, six months and 12 months |
An unbeatable iPhone app from the most trusted VPN service
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Starting speed US | 8 ms | 58.56 Mbps | 12.25 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 10 ms | 54.52 Mbps | 11.85 Mbps |
Manual connect US server | 12 ms | 53.22 Mbps | 11.12 Mbps |
Quick connect UK server | 140 ms | 42.85 Mbps | 6.69 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 133 ms | 37.64 Mbps | 9.21 Mbps |
Quick connect FR server | 82 ms | 40.41 Mbps | 11.09 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 180 ms | 38.42 Mbps | 6.01 Mbps |
Quick connect AU server | 291 ms | 35.11 Mbps | 6.09 Mbps |
Not good for… There’s no kill switch function included in the iOS app.
Bottom Line
ExpressVPN is the most trusted VPN provider in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Its TrustedServer technology sets a new standard for security, while a massive network of over 3000 servers has been optimized to deliver the fastest and most secure connections. If you’re serious about security and want an iPhone VPN that’s easy to use, get this security giant installed immediately.
2. NordVPN


NordVPN’s iPhone app delivers a hassle-free experience regardless of which iPhone you’re using, with the bespoke NordLynx protocol working hard in the background of your iPhone to deliver some of the fastest connections we’ve seen – not far behind ExpressVPN at all. To use it, simply install the app onto your iPhone and tap Quick Connect, and the app will find you the fastest and most reliable server that’s available. Our researchers never failed to stream Netflix in Ultra HD when they were using this feature, regardless of which location they selected.
With the threat of a Tik-Tok ban looming, NordVPN is an excellent choice for accessing blocked apps, as its seamless server switching lets you geospoof your location to one of 60 countries. The iOS app even allows you to choose from NordVPN’s specialty servers, including P2P and Onion Over VPN, which has made it a firm favorite with users that use their iPhones for file sharing, as they don’t have to worry about their location or information being revealed to copyright holders.
NordVPN keeps running when your iPhone is closed too, so you won’t have to worry about it accidentally switching off. But in the rare case that you do lose your connection, the kill switch will jump into action and instantly cut your entire network connection to protect your personal information.
Key Features
Available On | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Browsers, Linux |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 5400 |
Top download speed reached | 91 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 80 in 60+ countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to six |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | one month, one year, two year, and three-year plans. |
Easily unblock websites and streaming apps with just one click
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Starting speed US | 11 ms | 56.23 Mbps | 11.71 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 10 ms | 49.83 Mbps | 10.75 Mbps |
Manual connect US server | 15 ms | 46.73 Mbps | 10.64 Mbps |
Quick connect UK server | 148 ms | 45.79 Mbps | 11.11 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 241 ms | 32.01 Mbps | 10.85 Mbps |
Quick connect FR server | 84 ms | 49.99 Mbps | 11.28 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 361 ms | 23.14 Mbps | 1.69 Mbps |
Quick connect AU server | 434 ms | 37.97 Mbps | 5.84 Mbps |
Not good for... PayPal options aren’t supported in certain countries such as the United Kingdom.
Bottom Line
NordVPN provides everything you could ever want from your iPhone VPN, with a user-friendly and feature-filled app delivering ultra-fast connections and military-grade encryption. You can set its Auto Connect feature to trigger whenever your iPhone connects to a public WiFi network, and if you’re feeling lazy, NordVPN can even be integrated with Siri! If ExpressVPN’s prices put it a little out of reach, NordVPN is the second-best thing.
3. IPVanish


IPVanish’s dedicated iPhone app delivers a consistently great performance no matter what iPhone you’re using it on, as long as it’s running any operating system above iOS 11. The Auto Connect feature links you up with the fastest server depending on your location and ping, or you can manually connect to a server of your choice, choosing from a list of over 1500 that have been optimized for speed.
True to its name, your IP address will completely vanish when you’re connected to this provider, leaving mobile data providers and websites unable to see your online activity. Security features such as military-grade encryption and a wide range of protocols help keep your connection secure, while IPVanish’s no-logging policy ensures you won’t have any privacy worries. Its subscription plans offer great value for money, especially as they all come bundled with 250GB of free cloud storage added on, so you can keep all those precious memories on your iPhone safe remotely without using up your memory.
Key Features
Available On | iOS, Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and compatible routers |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 1500 |
Top download speed reached | 87 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 150 in 75 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Unlimited! |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | One month, three month and one year plans available. |
Dedicated iPhone app for browsing the internet anonymously
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Starting speed US | 0.9 ms | 55.95 Mbps | 12.25 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 11 ms | 52.10 Mbps | 10.99 Mbps |
Manual connect US server | 13 ms | 44.96 Mbps | 10.81 Mbps |
Quick connect UK server | 127 ms | 44.92 Mbps | 9.86 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 148 ms | 46.22 Mbps | 10.95 Mbps |
Quick connect FR server | 58 ms | 46.22 Mbps | 10.95 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 429 ms | 31.29 Mbps | Mbps |
Quick connect AU server | 358 ms | 29.10 Mbps | 7.24 Mbps |
Not great for... The iPhone app doesn’t include a kill switch.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a quality iPhone VPN that’s easy to set up and start using, IPVanish is a solid choice. The iPhone app is built from the ground up and isn’t just a tacked-on variant of the desktop app, meaning it runs smoothly on iPhones without any clunky interface issues.
4. Surfshark


This digital shark is making waves in the VPN scene and for good reasons too. It’s one of the most affordable services out there, making it an awesome choice for iPhone users that don’t want to spend any more than a couple of dollars on a VPN subscription. Surfshark can be yours for just $1.99, and for that, your iPhone is benefiting from all of the premium features included in its desktop app, including multi-hop connections, ad and malware prevention, a dedicated kill switch, military-grade encryption, and a useful split tunneling feature that lets you choose which apps on your mobile phone use the VPN – perfect if you want to use the location feature on apps such as Google Maps while everything else on your iPhone remains protected.
Surfshark operates with a no-logging policy that’s independently audited for compliance, and it’s great for both VPN newbies and seasoned users alike. Beginners won’t have any issues getting connected thanks to the one-click functionality and anyone that’s got experience with VPN services can dive into a vast sea of protocols to customize the app’s security on their iPhone.
Key Features
Available On | iOS, Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, compatible routers, and browsers. |
---|---|
Data logging | Independently audited no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 1700 |
Top download speed reached | 89 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 63 |
Maximum devices supported | unlimited |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | one month, one year and two year plans available |
Strong security features and fast speeds at unbeatable prices
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Quick connect UK server | 34 ms | 78 Mbps | 23 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 23 ms | 56 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
Not great for... Surfshark’s iPhone apps lack some of the advanced security options seen by larger VPN providers.
Bottom Line
If your intention was to look through this list and find the cheapest iPhone VPN then stop searching, you’ve found it. You simply won’t find another iPhone VPN that offers better value for money than Surfshark; premium security and connectivity features at a budget price
5. Private Internet Access


Private Internet Access (PIA) delivered impressive results in our researchers’ performance tests, with quality connection speeds from a variety of different locations. If you mainly use your iPhone to watch streaming apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, you’ll love PIA. Just connect to one of its 12,400 servers (if you fancy ultra-fast speeds choose one that’s optimized for streaming), and you’ll be able to access region-locked films and TV shows from all over the world.
But PIA is capable of a lot more than just unblocking websites and apps. There’s a great selection of protocols, including PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec, that come complete with military-grade encryption for ultimate protection. There’s also a kill switch that’ll instantly cut your network connection if your VPN times out for whatever reason, and PIA even has its own built-in malware detection and ad-blocking tools. As it operates with a zero-logging policy, you can trust PIA to handle your personal information too.
Key Features
Available On | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and compatible routers. |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 12400 |
Top download speed reached | 84 Mbps |
VPN locations | 68 regions in 47 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to 10 simultaneous connections |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | one month, six month and one-year plans |
The perfect iPhone VPN for beginners
Speed
Not great for... If you want your VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer from outside of the UK, you’ll need to choose another service
Bottom Line
Superfast connections, a lightweight iOS app, bonus security features – what’s not to love? PIA has a lot to offer iPhone users and is compatible with any iPhone operating with iOS 10.0 or above. In addition to a 30-day money-back guarantee, PIA offers two months free on top of its two-year subscription plans at the time of writing. You can’t argue with that.
6. PrivateVPN


PrivateVPN’s iOS app utilizes one-click connections and couldn’t be any easier to use as a result. It’ll run smoothly in the background of your iPhone, protecting it with security features such as military-grade encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and the Oopen VPN protocol. This high standard of leak protection means you’ll never have to worry about your IP address being exposed, and the AES-256 bit encryption means you can safely use remote Wi-Fi networks if you need to.
One of the things we love most about PrivateVPN is its bespoke Stealth Mode, which lets you sneak past the geoblocks that are used by apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to region-lock their content. Our researchers in the US used this feature to access films and TV shows only available in the UK and Japan, and once you’ve used it, you’ll be shocked at how much entertainment you’re missing out on! While some VPN services have picked up slack in the past for privacy leaks, you won’t have any such issues with PrivateVPN, as it operates with a no-logging policy.
Key Features
Available On: | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and compatible routers |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 150 |
Top download speed reached | 78 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 60 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to six simultaneous connections |
24/7 live chat | No |
Plans | One month, three month and 12 month plans available |
Speed
Not great for... If you have any issues with the service, you’ll need to raise a ticket as there’s no 24/7 customer support. This can result in a long wait during peak times
Bottom Line
PrivateVPN is a decent budget iPhone VPN. While it’s missing some of the advanced security features such as a kill switch that are bundled with other VPN subscriptions, it’s powerful enough to keep your iPhone connections secure and protected against any hacking attempts. Plus, you can depend on it to unblock the vast majority of streaming apps and websites that are the most popular in 2020.
7. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost’s iOS app for iPhones is the best of both worlds: super-powerful but easy to use. It’s not the most advanced iOS VPN out there, but it’s incredibly well designed and is an absolute pleasure to navigate as a result. Its Best Location feature automatically connects you to the fastest and most reliable server depending on your location. Given there’s a massive network of over 6300 servers to choose from, you won’t have any issues unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ or any other streaming app for that matter.
Once you’re connected, all of the information you’re transferring on your iPhone will be protected with AES 256-bit encryption, and CyberGhost also features a kill switch, a built-in ad blocker, and operates with a strict no-logging policy. There’s nothing spooky about CyberGhost’s prices. At the time of writing, you can pick up an 18-month subscription for just $3.50 per month. That’s fantastic value for money, especially when you consider all of CyberGhost’s networks have been optimized for streaming and P2P activity.
Key Features
Available On: | iOS, Windows, Mac, Android, compatible routers, browsers, and more. |
---|---|
Data logging: | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 45 days |
Number of servers | Over 6300 |
Top download speed reached | 79 Mbps |
VPN locations | 110 locations in 89 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to seven |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | one month, one year, two year and three-year plans |
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Quick connect UK server | 45 ms | 79 Mbps | 67 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 34 ms | 67 Mbps | 55.99 Mbps |
Not great for... If you live in China or are planning on traveling there, this VPN won’t work.
Bottom Line
CyberGhost’s super slick iOS app is packed full of great security features and delivers fast connection speeds on every iPhone as long as it’s operating with iOS 10.1 or above. With support for up to seven simultaneous connections, one subscription should probably cover every internet-connected device you own, and the iOS app even works on Apple Watches!
8. SaferVPN


Apple iPhones are just as much at risk from data breaches than any other device, but SaferVPN lives up to its name by providing that additional layer of protection your iPhone needs to keep it safe. All subscriptions include military-grade encryption, global access to over 1300+ private servers, and an automatic killswitch – a feature that isn’t offered by many other iPhone VPNs. You can use the Auto-Connect feature to get instantly connected, or manually select a location from one of over 50 countries. Our researchers were able to successfully unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu using the VPN on their iPhones from locations in Japan, France, and the UK.
Connection speeds were fast enough to support streaming in Ultra HD on Netflix, and you won’t have to worry about running out of data as all subscriptions include unlimited bandwidth. SaferVPN doesn’t store user data so you can browse the net anonymously without fear of your browsing history being tracked or collected.
Key Features
Available On | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and compatible routers. |
---|---|
Data logging: | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 31 days |
Number of servers | Over 1300 |
Top download speed reached | 76 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 50 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to five |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | one month, one year, two year and three year plans available |
Speed
Not Recommended for... SaferVPN doesn’t work in countries with strict internet censorship such as Russia, China, and India, which means you won’t be able to access region-locked content in these areas, either.
Bottom Line
If you’re traveling and use your iPhone a lot, SaferVPN is a relatively cheap option that’ll keep your iPhone safe by encrypting your information and masking your IP address so no one can see what you’re up to online. At the time of writing, you can save a massive 81% by taking out a three-year subscription plan. That may sound like a lot, but it works out at just $2.50 a month, making it nearly as cheap as Surfshark! .
9. VyprVPN


VyprVPN is a popular VPN service for iPhone users that have file sharing apps such as BitTorrent installed on their phones, as all of this provider’s 700+ servers support p2p activity. Installation of the iOS app on iPhones is quick and easy, and once you’ve opened it up, you can use the auto-connect feature to pair with a server that has the fastest speeds or manually select a server depending on its location and ping.
There’s a nice selection of security tools, with military-grade encryption included as standard alongside DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and you should opt for the premium subscription plan if you want the best performance on your iPhone. Unfortunately, the Vypr iOS is lacking some of the features that make its desktop and Android apps so special, such as the Chameleon protocol and a kill switch, which is why this provider isn’t higher up the list.
Key Features
Available On: | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, compatible routers, browsers, and Smart TVs. |
---|---|
Data logging | No-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 700 |
Top download speed reached | 77 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 70 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Five simultaneous connections |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Plans | one month, 12-month and two-year plans |
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Starting speed US | 9 ms | 55.13 Mbps | 12.21 Mbps |
Quick connect US server | 10 ms | 53.43 Mbps | 11.42 Mbps |
Manual connect US server | 13 ms | 45.82 Mbps | 10.79 Mbps |
Quick connect UK server | 128 ms | 46.99 Mbps | 10.28 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 150 ms | 40.99 Mbps | 10.21 Mbps |
Quick connect FR server | 58 ms | 48.29 Mbps | 11.21 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 419 ms | 36.29 Mbps | 8.98 Mbps |
Quick connect AU server | 350 ms | 29.42 Mbps | 7.65 Mbps |
Not great for... Speeds are inconsistent across its servers, which can be a pain if you’re playing online games on your iPhone.
Bottom Line
VyprVPN is a great choice for anyone that’s into file sharing and there are plenty of security features here to keep your iPhone safe on unsecured networks. But the iOS app almost feels like an afterthought in comparison to its other native apps, which is a shame when there are so many iPhone users out there.
10. TunnelBear VPN


TunnelBear gets a lot of slack. Though it isn’t the best VPN for unblocking websites or streaming apps, if you put that to one side, its bespoke iOS app makes it a great choice for VPN beginners that want to enjoy the security benefits that they provide. Changing servers is easy, and privacy features such as GhostBear mode make it impossible for your data carrier or websites to track what you’re doing online; you’ll always be completely anonymous.
Your connections are fully secure as they’re protected with AES 256-bit encryption, and you can pick up a three-year plan for just $3.33 per month at the time of writing, which also comes bundled with a free password manager. There’s a free plan on offer, but as it only offers 500MB of bandwidth, that’s barely enough to keep your iPhone protected. Plus, it doesn’t include many of the security features that come as standard with TunnelBear’s paid-for plans.
Key Features
Available On: | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, compatible browsers and routers. |
---|---|
Data logging | No-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Not disclosed |
Top download speed reached | 73 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 23 |
Maximum devices supported | Up to five simultaneous connections |
Plans | one month, one-year and three-year plans |
24/7 live chat | Yes |
Speed
Not great for... Doesn’t work in China and isn’t able to unblock Amazon Prime Video or Netflix outside of the US
Bottom Line
If you want a basic iPhone VPN that delivers all of the security features you need to keep your phone protected, TunnelBear is one of the easiest VPNs to get your head around. Sure, speeds aren’t the fastest and it isn’t the best at unblocking locked content, but its connections are secure and the iOS app is simple to use.
Additional Insights and FAQs
Are VPNs Legal to Use on iPhones?
VPNs are perfectly legal to use, at least in most countries. In places with stricter internet censorship such as India, Russia, China, and UAE, the rules on VPN usage can be much harsher in comparison to the West. Our advice is if you’re planning on traveling abroad to a country that isn’t the most lenient when it comes to internet freedom, make sure you’ve checked the rules on VPNs before using any apps on your iPhone. We wouldn’t want you getting into trouble.
Will These VPNs Run on Different iPhones?
All of the VPNs we’ve included above will run on iPhones running OS 10.0 or above. That said, some may support older iPhones, so if you’re still holding onto that precious iPhone 5, don’t give up hope just yet. Check the provider’s specific details on the iOS versions they support.
Popular VPNs That Don’t Work With iPhones
You won’t find many VPN services that don’t work with iPhones as the vast majority of them offer iOS apps. That said, there are plenty of less-than-reputable VPNs that should be avoided at all costs, regardless of which devices you own. Stay away from Hola VPN, ExpatSurfer, EarthVPN, CybostormVPN, Liberty VPN, and Onavo Protect
Can People Detect My VPNs While Using an iPhone?
If you’re using one of the VPNs featured in this list, there’s no reason why anyone would be able to tell you’re using a VPN on your iPhone. The only way that could happen is if your VPN connection drops out while you’re accessing a website that’s usually blocked, which may result in your network provider discovering you’re accessing blocked websites. You can avoid this by choosing a service that includes a kill switch, as these automatically cut your network connection if the VPN goes down
Can You Trust Your VPN Service?
You’re relying on your VPN service to mask your IP address and keep your online activity completely hidden, so you must be able to trust your provider, right?. To see just how reliable it is, check to see if it operates with a no-logging policy. This is your provider’s promise that it doesn’t log or share any timestamps or browsing activity that could be traced back to you. Where possible, these no-logging policies should always be independently audited by third-party companies for compliance.
Make sure to check your VPN’s privacy policy to see how much detail it goes into about the way your personal information is processed. The more detailed, the better. If a privacy policy is vague and non-descript, it could be a warning sign.
Can You Use Free VPNs on Your iPhone?
The iOS and Google Play store is full of free VPN services that claim to offer ‘the highest levels of protection and security,’ but unfortunately, this simply isn’t true. As free services aren’t getting monthly payments from subscriptions, they have to turn to other measures to make their money, such as selling user information to third parties. In addition to your name and address ending up on the mailing lists of shady marketing companies, it could also fall into the hands of hackers.
You get what you pay for, and when it comes to free VPN services, our only advice is to avoid them at all costs, especially when the very best VPNs can be picked up for less than $10 per month. After all, can you even put a price on your valuable data?
Does Your iPhone Not Work with iPhones? Try These Methods…
Troubleshooting specific problems with VPNs and iPhones can be difficult due to a large number of different operating systems and iOS VPN apps that are available, but one of the easiest remedies for many problems is to check for updates on both your iPhone’s OS and VPN software. If you do need to apply an update, restart your iPhone and this should fix any issues. If not, contact your VPN provider directly.
Summary
iPhone’s may have better security features than most Android devices, but every piece of software in the world is exploitable in some way, and that includes your iPhone. You should value your personal information and most importantly, your privacy. Using an iOS VPN app is the most effective way of keeping prying eyes at bay and your data safe. Don’t connect to the internet on your iPhone without one!