Best free VPNs for iPhone and other iOS devices July 2025

Need a secure and fast VPN for your iPhone? We’ve tested the top picks for performance, security, and privacy, so you wouldn’t have to worry about choosing the ultimate best option. After our tests, NordVPN and Surfshark stood out as the best free iPhone VPNs, offering free access to their full premium packages for over a month. However, if you need a truly free iPhone VPN, Proton VPN is the top pick in 2025 due to its reliable unpaid version.

iPhones do not have built-in VPN, but they do have built-in VPN support, so if you’re concerned about your privacy and security or want to access geo-restricted content, then a reliable third-party iPhone VPN is what you need. That said, we do not recommend picking just any free iOS VPNs, as unreliable and untested unpaid VPNs might monetize your information, limit your use of data, and may not offer as many features. Instead, you will be better off picking a reliable free smartphone VPN provider from our list, which we’ve thoroughly tested and inspected. Continue reading this article to learn more about the best free iPhone VPNs, how to use them, and their benefits.

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Top 5 best free VPNs for iPhone and iPad

At VPNpro, we've been testing VPNs since 2018, so we know how challenging it can be to find a reliable free iPhone VPN. That’s why we typically recommend premium VPNs with free trials and money-back guarantees. These options offer top-tier security, fast speeds, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions – perfect for seamless browsing or streaming. Plus, they’re ideal for short-term use, whether you're traveling or just testing a service.

That said, our testing also uncovered a few completely free iPhone VPNs. While they may not bypass every geo-block, they still provide solid security and dependable performance.

🥇 1. NordVPN is the overall best iPhone VPN, offering a 30-day money-back guarantee, during which you can use it for free. This VPN is regarded as one of the safest in the industry, capable of bypassing geo-locks on sites like TikTok, and offering the fastest connection speeds for extremely smooth online experience.

🥈 2. Surfshark is a speedy and easy-to-use iPhone VPN, suitable for beginners and pros alike. This provider offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day guarantee, perfect for short-term use or thorough testing. You can easily use Surfshark for all sorts of online activities, including streaming and torrenting due to its great performance.

🥉 3. Proton VPN free plan takes the lead as the best truly free VPN for iPhone in 2025. This premium VPN – even in its free version – comes with no data caps, reliable speeds, and strong encryption. Unlike most free VPNs that throttle your usage or track your activity, Proton’s free tier is truly no-strings-attached – perfect for secure, everyday browsing on iOS.

4. IPVanish is a user-friendly VPN with well-designed apps for iOS users, that offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. What’s more, IPVanish always ensures stable connection speeds and can be easily used for unlocking geo-restricted content, streaming, and downloading.

5. Bitdefender is a well-respected VPN for iOS, based in the user-data friendly Romania. The service offers a wide range of connection points, great security features, and modern encryption protocols. You can get this VPN for your iPhone for free during the 7-day free trial or extend the period with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best free VPNs for iPhone – detailed list

After testing around 20 VPNs, I narrowed and ranked them into the Top 5 free VPNs for iPhone in 2025: 1. NordVPN, 2. Surfshark, 3. Proton VPN Free, 4. IPVanish, and 5. Bitdefender VPN. This list includes best free VPNs and free trial iPhone VPNs, complete with their detailed reviews, test results, and handy information to help you choose the right smartphone VPN for your iOS device.

🥇1. NordVPN – overall best iPhone VPN with a risk-free 30-day trial

NordVPN is the overall best VPN no matter what you use it for and it makes for a great free iPhone VPN alternative offering a 30-day money-back guarantee. During this extended period of free use, you’ll be able to enjoy unparalleled geo-unblocking capabilities, highest level of security, and the fastest field-tested connection speeds in the industry.

Why I chose it

I picked NordVPN as my number 1 alternative to free iPhone VPNs, simply because it’s unbeatable both in speeds and in performance. I liked that NordVPN iOS apps did not lack any advanced features, as is often the case with other providers, and offers features like Threat Protection Pro to block ads and phishing attempts and Double VPN to re-route your traffic through two different servers for extra anonymity. Additionally, the NordVPN iOS app is easily integrated with Siri and can be activated with voice commands.

My experience using NordVPN

I ran my tests with NordVPN to see whether it actually lives up to the hype. First, I checked the server fleet size and found that it has over 7400 servers in 118+ countries. All of NordVPN’s servers are RAM-only for extra safety. Plus, you can choose from P2P or streaming-optimized servers, get a Dedicated IP, use obfuscated servers, or even route your internet traffic via Tor over VPN servers. Then, using the NordLynx protocol, I tested server speeds and got an average of 467Mbps with a retention rate of around 94%. I was definitely impressed with these results – these speeds easily handle streaming, downloads, and everyday browsing without a hitch.

As for unblocking, I tested NordVPN with various Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Paramount, TikTok, PornHub, and FanDuel, and had no issues unlocking them. That’s mainly due to NordVPN’s robust AES-256 encryption and the Obfuscated servers.

Lastly, NordVPN passed my IP & DNS leak tests with flying colors, while the kill switch worked every time without any compromises. I also like that NordVPN has a third-party verified no-logs policy, which ensures the safety of its users’ data. Overall, I didn’t encounter any issues with this service and enjoyed the smooth and well-integrated experience on my iPhone.

Who do I recommend it for

Subscribe to NordVPN if you’re looking for a highly-functional, easy to use, and truly iPhone-compatible VPN service that’s suitable for geo-unblocking, enhancing your safety, streaming, and downloading. Remember that you can use it completely free of charge during the 7-day free trial or test it out with the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide that a premium VPN is for you after all, you can get it for just $3.39/month with the 2-year plan.

For more information, read our in-depth NordVPN review.

🥈2. Surfshark – fastest free VPN for iPhone and iPad

Surfshark is another premium VPN I chose as a great alternative to a free iPhone VPN – it’s easy to use and integrates well with iOS and its aesthetic. Of course, its beauty isn’t the only redeeming factor, as Surfshark is a truly robust VPN that’s very capable of geo-unblocking and incredibly fast connection speeds. Lastly, while it’s paid after the free trial, you can use it on unlimited devices at the same, making the subscription worth it from day one.

Why I chose it

As I mentioned before, Surfshark is not a completely free iPhone VPN. However, by subscribing to this premium VPN, you get access to its advanced features, including CleanWeb to block ads and Split Tunneling to control VPN use across your iPhone apps. Naturally, you won’t find any of these features on a free VPN.

My experience using Surfshark

Before testing, I checked out Surfshark’s server fleet. I found that the provider offers 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, which makes up for a nice distribution of connection points. All of these servers are RAM-only, and you can connect to streaming-optimized or obfuscated servers, or get a Dedicated IP address. To test Surfshark’s speeds, I have used servers in the US, Japan, and Europe. In the end, I found an average connection speed of 466Mbps and a retention rate of about 93%. Again, these incredible speeds, mainly powered by the modern WireGuard tunneling protocol, are suitable for all sorts of online activities.

Considering security, Surfshark leads the way here, too. It includes a reliable kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and IP & DNS leak protection – all of which held up in testing. Additionally, Surfshark has Dynamic Multihop for extra anonymity and a third-party verified no-logs policy to ensure your data stays safe.

In the end, I tested Surfshark’s geo-unlocking capabilities, and got into popular streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max, unblocked TikTok, including several gambling sites. For tougher blocks, you can always use Surfsahrk’s NoBorders mode to bypass even the strictest internet censorship.

Who do I recommend it for

Subscribe to Surfshark if you’re looking for a premium iPhone VPN that covers an unlimited number of devices, blends well with iOS, and consistently delivers strong performance. Yes, this is a paid VPN; however, you can try it for free during the 7-day free trial or extend the period with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide to subscribe, Surfshark plans start at only $2.19/month, making it a very affordable free iPhone VPN alternative.

For more information, read our in-depth Surfshark review.

🥉3. Proton VPN – totally free VPN for iPhone with no data caps

Proton VPN is the best completely free VPN for iPhone in 2025. It’s a security-focused provider offering a free iOS VPN with no data or bandwidth limits. Plus, you can choose from high-quality servers in 5 locations: the Netherlands, USA, Japan, Romania, and Poland. Although this free version lacks some advanced features like VPN Accelerator or Secure Core servers, it remains one of the most reliable and trustworthy free iPhone VPNs.

Why I chose it

I chose Proton VPN as one of the top free iPhone VPN providers because it’s one of the few truly free services with no data limits. With Proton VPN Free you can defeat censorship and browse anonymously – completely free of charge. The free version is not plagued by ads, and it’s backed by a strict no-logs policy. Plus, if you do choose to upgrade to the paid Proton VPN version, you’ll unlock a myriad of advanced features useful in ensuring heightened security.

My experience using Proton VPN

Before moving on to the testing phase, I first took a closer look at Proton VPN’s server fleet. The premium version unlocks a massive fleet of 13000+ servers in 122+ countries, which is perfect if you want to explore exotic content. In the meantime, the free version offers servers in just five countries, but they cover both Europe and the US, which is ideal for basic browsing and accessing region-specific content. Opposed to my top 2 VPNs, Proton VPN’s servers are all bare-metal. As the provider claims, it’s easier this way to maintain the servers and ensure their performance. With the free version, you won’t be able to access streaming or P2P-optimized servers, obfuscation tools, or Secure Core’s double-encryption. In my tests, the free servers were stable and handled general browsing well. They also managed to unblock platforms like TikTok and PrizePicks. However, streaming access, with the Free Proton VPN version, is limited or inconsistent.

As for security, Proton VPN covers all the ground bases with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP, DNS & WebRTC leak protection. This Swiss-based provider also offers open-source apps and an ad & tracker blocker to enhance your privacy. Remember, that most advanced features are only available with the premium version, while the free one is limited to the basics.

Lastly, I checked Proton VPN speeds, and found an average of 428Mbps with an 86% initial speed retention rate. This is a bit slower than my top free iPhone VPN alternative choices, but it’s still highly usable for streaming, downloading, or simply browsing.

Who do I recommend it for

Subscribe to Proton VPN if you’re primary concern is security and you do not mind a bit slower connection speeds and lower retention rates. Keep in mind, that Proton VPN offers a completely free iPhone VPN version which has unlimited data, but limited server locations. If you’d rather choose the premium version, the subscriptions start at $3.59/month and are protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth Proton VPN review.

4. IPVanish – free trial VPN for iPhone and other iOS devices

IPVanish is a great option if you’re looking for a reliable free trial VPN for your iPhone or iOS device. While IPVanish is not a truly free VPN, it offers a 7-day full-featured free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you up to 37 days to try the service without a long-term commitment. This full-featured trial makes IPVanish an excellent alternative to truly free iPhone VPNs that often come with significant limitations. Overall, this is a secure VPN that’s well worth the investment.

Why I chose it

I chose IPVanish as one of my top free iPhone VPN alternatives due to its robust security features, sizeable server fleet, and great content unblocking capabilities. Unlike most free iPhone VPNs, IPVanish offers unlimited bandwidth, stable server performance, and core privacy features – even during the trial period.

My experience using IPVanish

Same as with the other providers, I ran my tests with IPVanish, first starting with an overlook of its server fleet. Turns out, IPVanish operates 2400+ servers in 109+ countries, which is definitely a fair amount of connection points, but is more than three times smaller than NordVPN or Proton VPN. And while I did not run into any congested or poorly-working servers during my trials, it may still happen from time to time. When I tested IPVanish speeds, I was pleased to find an average of 460Mbps with a 91% speed retention rate. This performance is largely thanks to the fast WireGuard protocol, which IPVanish supports.

When I tried unblocking streaming platforms, TikTok, and other restricted sites with IPVanish, it usually worked just fine. However, I sometimes had to switch servers to get around geo-blocks, so remember to do that if you run into issues.

IPVanish is a reliable choice when it comes to security, offering AES-256 encryption, a well-functioning kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection, which proved to be in great working order during my tests. I was pleased to find obfuscated servers as a choice, since they’re usually excellent at bypassing internet censorship and masking your VPN use.

Who I recommend it for

Subscribe to IPVanish if you’re looking for an affordable and well-rounded free iPhone VPN alternative that you can try risk-free during the free trial and money-back period. Overall, this unlimited connections VPN is suitable for all kinds of online activities, and if you decide to subscribe to it, the plan prices start at a mere $2.19/month.

For more information, read our in-depth IPVanish review.

5. Bitdefender VPN – secure and simple to use free iOS VPN

While Bitdefender VPN is not a fully free iPhone VPN, it stands out for its simplicity and security, making it a great alternative for anyone looking for a no-fuss VPN that integrates well with iOS. You can still use this service for free during the 7-day trial, and there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee. Unlike some VPNs, Bitdefender VPN works well with other Bitdefender cybersecurity tools, such as the antivirus software – perfect if you’re looking for total security against cyber threats.

Why I chose it

I chose Bitdefender VPN as one of my top free iPhone VPN alternatives since it’s easy to use, very affordable, and highly compatible. Plus, this service includes automatic Wi-Fi protection and an ad blocker, perfect for enhancing security and providing a smooth browsing experience.

My experience using Bitdefender VPN

Before I set out to actually test Bitdefender VPN on my iPhone, I checked its server fleet and found that it has 4000+ servers in 50+ countries. Again, such a sizable fleet ensures the usability of the service. As for the servers, they’re both RAM-only and bare metal, but there’s no way to know which one you are connected to. I tested the speeds by connecting to various servers across the EU and the US and found an average of 422Mbps with an 83% initial speed retention rate. These results were possible thanks to the Catapult Hydra tunneling protocol, which combines speed and security.

Then, I tried accessing sites like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, TikTok, and DraftKings, and found that Bitdefender did not waver while bypassing the restrictions. However, if you do run into trouble while unblocking any of the sites, simply try changing a server and entering again. Usually, this solves most VPN issues.

Unsurprisingly, I didn’t find any red flags regarding Bitdefender VPN, since the service belongs to the well-known Bitdefender cybersecurity tools suite. As for the features, you’ll find the usual AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP leak protection, as well as a well-functioning ad blocker, and split tunneling to optimize your network use.

Who do I recommend it for

Subscribe to Bitdefender VPN if you’re looking for an affordable iPhone VPN that does not compromise on performance, security, and speed while also offering good and stable connections. You can try this service risk-free for more than 30 days, subscribing to it for only $2.92/month.

For more information, read our in-depth Bitdefender VPN review.

How I tested free iPhone VPNs

To conduct thorough tests of the free iPhone VPNs and provide you with unbiased reviews, I used several iPhone models, including the iPhone 12 running iOS 17.2.1 version. I looked for well-rounded feature sets comparable to the Android app counterparts, checked the apps’ usability, looked for fast VPNs with speeds greater than 420Mbps and retention rates better than 80% for optimal use. As a bonus, I favored the iPhone VPN apps that come with a split tunneling feature and an ad-blocker. Here’s a more detailed look into my process of selecting the best free iPhone VPNs:

• Security features. I made sure my selected VPNs cover all the ground bases when it comes to security with robust encryption, like AES-256 or ChaCha20. On top of that, I looked out for features like kill switches, and additional IP & DNS leak protections. I examined all these tools by conducting tests on various platforms, such as ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com. Additionally, I evaluated each provider’s no-logs policies and their trustworthiness.
• Servers and speed. The bigger the server network, the more use you’ll get out of your iPhone VPN. So, I only included VPN services with sizable fleets and also conducted speed tests by connecting to various servers and using several available tunneling protocols to find actual speeds and any discrepancies. In the end, only the services with stable connection speeds not slower than 420Mbps made it into the final list.
• Unblocking capability. VPNs are often used to unblock geo-restricted sites and content, so I checked the capabilities of every service before including them in the list. I tried them with various Netflix libraries, streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and gambling sites like FanDuel and PrizePicks. Lastly, I selected the VPNs that unblocked every site every time I needed it.
• Additional features. I also wanted to include free iPhone VPNs that offer additional features to their users, checking their functionality and usability beforehand. So, I included VPNs that offer additional value, such as ad & malware blockers, split tunneling, obfuscated servers, double VPN, and more.

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Free iOS VPN apps compared

How to activate free VPN on iPhone?

A free iPhone VPN not only ensures better security and safety of your online activities, but also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access restricted sites. With a VPN, you can easily bypass the TikTok ban, watch foreign Netflix libraries, or enter gambling sites without limitations. Here’s how to activate a free VPN on your iPhone:

Step 1: Get a free VPN that works with iOS

Choose a free VPN compatible with iOS device. Pay attention to the service’s no-logs policy, security features, available servers, and performance. I recommend trying NordVPN and taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Step 2: Create an account and log into the app

Once you select your preferred smartphone VPN service, download the app from the Apple App Store. After installing the app, launch it, create an account, and log in. Alternatively, you can always get the app from the provider’s official website.

Step 3: Connect to a server location of your choice and start browsing

After logging in, you will be able to connect to a server in your desired location. Try choosing a server closest to you for optimal performance and speed. Once you’re connected, you can immediately start browsing, streaming, or accessing restricted sites, such as TikTok.

Check out the best free VPN for iPhone

How to manually activate a free VPN on iPhone

Most VPN providers offer native iOS apps available on the Apple App Store. However, some free VPNs let you configure the connection manually – without installing any third-party apps. Manual setup is especially useful when the VPN app is blocked or unavailable in your region, such as in countries with heavy internet restrictions like China. It also comes in handy if your VPN provider doesn’t offer an iOS app, or if you want more control over your connection. On top of that, manual configuration can also help bypass restrictions in places like school networks or when using lesser-known free VPNs that offer server credentials.

Here are the steps to manually activate a free VPN on iPhone:

1. Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Select “General”.
3. Tap “VPN & Device Management” (or just “VPN”, depending on your iOS version).
4. Tap “Add VPN Configuration”.
5. Press “Type” and select the type of your VPN protocol (IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP).
6. Fill in your VPN details: Description, Server, Remote ID, Username, and Password.
7. Select “Done” to save the profile.
8. To connect, go back to Settings > “VPN”, then toggle the switch next to your new VPN profile.
9. That’s it! You have now secured your iPhone using a manually configured VPN connection.

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Final thoughts: how to choose the best free VPN for iOS

When choosing the best free VPN for iPhone, take the time to evaluate if they have iOS-compatible apps, offer robust security features such as AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, as well as stable, fast performance. Additionally, look for features like split tunneling to optimally disperse your network connections and obfuscated servers for an extra stealth factor. Lastly, ensure your chosen VPN is capable of bypassing geo-blocks, so you could access restricted sites and content.

If you need a truly reliable, fast, and safe VPN, I recommend choosing a premium iPhone VPN with a free trial and a money-back guarantee. Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer these features, and you can use the services’ full features risk-free during the trial. However, if you need a truly free iPhone VPN, Proton VPN is the most reliable choice with no data or bandwidth limitations.

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FAQ

Does iOS have a built-in VPN?

No, iOS does not have a built-in VPN, but it does support manual VPN configuration. You can set up a VPN in your settings using third-party credentials or install a reliable VPN app. My top choice for a free iPhone VPN is NordVPN, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Is there a totally free VPN for iPhone?

For a totally free VPN for iPhone, consider Proton VPN, which offers unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and reliable performance with servers in five countries. However, advanced features like Secure Core servers and VPN Accelerator are only available with a paid subscription.

Which free VPN app is best for iPhone?

Proton VPN is the best free VPN app for iPhone. It has no data or bandwidth limitations, no ads, and you can connect to servers in five different locations. Additionally, Proton VPN is a very secure VPN, which might not always be true with other free VPNs.

Which is the fastest free VPN for iOS?

NordVPN is the fastest free VPN for iOS, available through a 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It comes with the WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol, which delivers top-tier speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloads – all without sacrificing security or ease of use on iPhone.

Can I get around the TikTok ban with a free VPN?

Yes, you can get around the TikTok ban with a free VPN, but choose a reliable service, like NordVPN or Proton VPN. To bypass the ban, connect to a server in a country where TikTok is available and launch the app. This way, you’ll access TikTok as if you’re elsewhere.

Is there any free iOS VPN that works with Netflix?

Proton VPN lets you change your Netflix region for free on iPhone. It includes unlimited data and access to servers in five countries, which may allow regional switching. While it may work with some Netflix libraries, server selection is automatic on the free plan, so results can vary.