Best VPN for iPhone in 2024

Although iOS devices are known for having solid security, they're not completely invulnerable to cyber threats. From vulnerabilities in the operating system that can be exploited by hackers to safety concerns while being connected to public Wi-Fi, you’re not immune from outsider meddling. However, these dangers can be mitigated with the help of a solid VPN for iPhone.

These tools are indispensable for keeping yourself private and anonymous while using an iPhone. A VPN redirects your entire internet traffic and envelops it in an unbreakable cipher, preventing various onlookers from intercepting your data and exposing your information. Furthermore, it lets you overcome geographical limitations.

But you have to keep in mind that not every iPhone VPN is suitable for this purpose. That’s why we tested numerous services and checked their level of security, speeds, compatibility, features, and price. The result is a list of the best VPNs for iOS that will keep you safe under wraps.

Top 5 best VPN for iPhone: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The best-rated VPN for iPhone
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   iPhone VPN with unlimited connections
   9.5
3. Norton VPN

   Best iPhone VPN for privacy boost
   7.3
4. ExpressVPN

   Performance-focused VPN for iOS
   8.4
5. CyberGhost VPN

   Affordable VPN for iPhone
   8.9

How to choose the best iPhone VPN

The best iPhone VPN should enhance your security, but without compromising performance. It should also be pretty versatile feature-wise, letting you benefit not only from utmost safety. We advise checking such aspects as:

• Protection measures. AES-256 encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, and a kill switch are necessary features as they ensure your anonymity and prevent data leaks. A no-logs policy is also essential as it indicates that the service doesn’t collect data about you. Bonus points go to verified policies.
• Level of performance. Lag can already make using an iPhone troublesome, and a VPN with sluggish, unreliable tunneling protocols could make it worse. Always look for the latest protocols like WireGuard, or variations of it, like NordLynx.
• Server distribution. Having an extensive server fleet with connection points in as many countries as possible expands your foreign content options. It also ensures you have servers near you, which also decreases latency.
• Extra features. Ad blockers, VPN traffic obfuscation, streaming & torrenting-optimized servers, split tunneling, double VPN, and similar features are nice perks that increase the versatility of your iPhone VPN. This way, you get the best of both worlds security and entertainment-wise.
• Device compatibility. Ensure that the VPN is compatible with iPhones and supports the latest iOS versions. Look for VPN providers that offer dedicated iOS apps for easy installation and use.
• Price. Paying an exorbitant price for a bare-bones service isn’t worth it neither short-term nor long-term. Opt for providers that come with more than one feature and commendable performance. And always check if there’s a money-back guarantee, just in case you want to get a refund.

Best VPN for iPhone 2024: overview

1. NordVPN – strongest VPN for iPhone
2. Surfshark VPN – extra safe iOS VPN
3. Norton VPN – fast & affordable iPhone VPN
4. ExpressVPN – VPN for iOS with great connectivity
5. CyberGhost – versatile VPN for iPhone

We rigorously tested 28 premium services to bring you the list of only the best iPhone VPNs in the market. Our recommendations facilitate superb performance, come with robust security toolkits, work great with iOS devices, and include neat perks that expand their functionality.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for Apple phone

The best VPN for iOS devices is NordVPN. It comes with industry-leading security measures, exemplary speeds, and features that make it great for streaming, torrenting, and even online gaming.

Security & privacy. NordVPN adheres to a verified no-logs policy and resides in privacy-friendly Panama. All its hardware runs on RAM modules only, ensuring no data could be stored on them long-term. As for protection essentials, subscribers benefit from AES-256 encryption, 2 robust kill switches, and IP & DNS leak protection.

Performance. The in-house NordLynx tunneling protocol powers the connections, maintaining low latency and excellent speeds even when connecting to the other side of the globe. And there’s much to pick from, when the network houses 7000+ servers in 118 countries. Our testing has shown that it retains up to 90% of the initial speed, which is simply impressive.

Features. iPhone owners can take advantage of specialized servers, such as obfuscated, Double VPN, Tor Over VPN, and P2P-optimized ones. Another great tool is Threat Protection. It effectively blocks adware, disables user trackers that collect data for targeted ads, and prevents you from visiting malicious websites.

Utilize a NordVPN coupon code to subscribe to this strongest VPN for iPhone for 74% less. And since all plans are protected with the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can get a refund if the service doesn’t live up to the hype.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – iOS VPN with top-notch security

Surfshark is another great VPN for iPhone, especially if you have more than one Apple device. It comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, letting you secure everything in the household.

Security & privacy. Hailing from the Netherlands, Surfhsark overcomes its jurisdiction with an independently-audited no-logs policy. It even had its browser extensions and server infrastructure audited by a reputable third party. And the necessary security-ensuring features are there too, along with RAM-only hardware.

Performance. Surfshark offers the biggest country coverage in the market – 3200+ servers across 100 countries. No matter what you’re doing online, nothing takes too long to load, thanks to the great implementation of WireGuard. Software Defined Networking also makes the connections extra fast by routing VPN traffic via one huge network rather than a single VPN tunnel. The result is a very small connection speed drop of 13%.

Features. The numerous features included in the iOS app are Surfshark’s strong point. Camouflage and NoBorders modes break through tough internet censorship, while CleanWeb takes care of intrusive advertising and malware. And MultiHop routes your VPN traffic through two servers instead of one for heightened untraceability.

Get a robust iPhone VPN for 86% off by applying a Surfshark VPN discount code during checkout. There’s no risk in committing after all, not with the 30-day money-back guarantee that insures subscriptions.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Norton VPN – a secure iOS VPN with intuitive apps

Norton VPN is a good VPN for iPhone for those who want a functional service prioritizing security over entertainment. The VPN cloaks the iPhone app in a sleek design, albeit some features are missing from the Android counterpart.

Security & privacy. Norton VPN boasts a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing that the service doesn’t collect data about you. Your online activities also remain hidden from snoopers with the unbreakable AES-256 cipher. Plus, they won’t get accidentally revealed, either, with leak protection preventing this outcome.

Performance. The network of 5000+ servers scattered across 30 countries covers all your needs, from changing location to unblocking media hubs or socials. In the absence of WireGuard, the OpenVPN protocol fares relatively well. Even on distant servers Norton VPN sustained around 80% of initial speeds, squeezing in among top players in the industry.

Features. The main drawback is that the iOS app lacks kill switch, split tunneling, and the ad blocker. For now, this leaves the service a little bare-boned, but you can toggle with the auto-connect feature.

You can utilize one of the Norton VPN discounts to grab a deal, as the prices start at $3.33/month. The cheap VPN for iPhone also offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the waters before diving in headlong.

For a deeper investigation of Norton VPN, read our Norton VPN review.

4. ExpressVPN – VPN for iPhones with a versatile toolkit

ExpressVPN is a great iOS VPN for those who want enhanced protection without compromising on performance. The provider has some of the best security credentials in the market.

Security & privacy. The British Virgin Islands and an audited no-logs policy is a combination many VPNs strive for. And with the latter being court-proven as well, you can rest assured your privacy won’t be invaded. Can’t forget about the features keeping you anonymous, either, as they are as robust as advertised.

Performance. ExpressVPN offers the proprietary Lightway protocol to upkeep commendable speeds on your iPhone. We tested it across several locations, picking random connection points from the fleet of 3000RAM-only servers in 105 countries. Around 74% of the initial internet speed remained, which is good enough even for data-intensive online activities.

Features. The built-in StealthVPN feature effectively bypasses VPN blocks, letting you get around censorship. Parallel connections (an iOS exclusive) decreases the amount taken to connect to the VPN, especially on networks that apply traffic restrictions. Even personalized ads will cease to be a nuisance with the help of Threat Manager.

Those interested can commit for 48% less, but if this VPN for iPhone is still too pricey, try getting a better deal with ExpressVPN discount codes. And rest easy knowing the 30-day money-back guarantee comes with each subscription, just in case.

For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost – all-rounder VPN service for iPhone

We consider CyberGhost to be one of the better VPNs for iOS. It’s exceptionally cheap, versatile, and intuitive, making it a great choice for VPN beginners.

Security & privacy. A proven no-logs policy, Romanian jurisdiction, and periodical Transparency Reports is what CyberGhost is all about. Even the essential VPN security toolkit is something this provider can brag about. Especially since it includes AES-256 encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.

Performance. The fleet of 11700+ servers across 100 countries truly packs a punch and prevents overcrowdedness. Thankfully, these large numbers translate into admirable speeds, too, due to the WireGuard tunneling protocol. It’s a bit slower than ExpressVPN, but more than enough for lag-free browsing.

Features. CyberGhost comes equipped with optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. Other noteworthy perks include Content Blocker (for getting rid of ads and malware), Smart Rules (for customizing how the VPN behaves), and ID Guard Monitoring (that alerts you if your email address is revealed in a data breach).

You can see what CyberGhost is all about by getting it for 84% off. Or try for a better deal with the help of various discount coupons. And if you ever decide to cancel, do so without hesitation, thanks to the 45-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

Best-rated VPN for iPhone comparison

How we tested best VPNs for iPhone

Due to the limitations of the operating system itself, getting the right iPhone VPN is troublesome. In most cases, services don’t include all the same features on iOS as they do on other apps, so users might not be getting the functionality they’re expecting. Our goal was to find providers that manage to work great despite the limitations.

• Privacy. One of the missing puzzle pieces of the Apple ecosystem is confidentiality. Our chosen iOS VPNs follow a zero-logs policy and are mostly based in privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Bonus points were awarded to those with verified policies and infrastructures.
• Security. Even though iOS devices are known for great security, they’re not entirely immune to all possible threats. As such, it’s best to diversify your digital protection with a VPN that not only has the necessary protection features, but extras that can block malicious ads and domains used for phishing attacks. Other useful perks like double VPN, obfuscation, etc., were considered as well.
• Speed. An iPhone VPN can provide adequate connectivity using modern VPN tunneling technology, for example, WireGuard. Some of the fastest VPN services take it a step further by utilizing proprietary technology as well. Our list of the best VPNs for iOS mostly coincides with the list of the speediest providers.
• Servers. Another essential component of satisfactory VPN performance is global server coverage. An extensive network ensures optimal connections no matter where you decide to travel. It also lets you unblock a larger variety of foreign content. Again, our top picks have vast servers fleets with plenty of countries to pick from.
• Compatibility. Finding a service compatible with iOS is fairly easy, but we also had to ensure that the iPhone VPN apps work as intended and don’t glitch out. The interface also has to be intuitive even for people who haven’t used a VPN before.
• Price. Apple users know that quality doesn’t come cheap. The same principle applies to VPNs. However, paying an exorbitant amount of money for a bare-bones service isn’t worth it, either. The ones we chose, thankfully, come with full functionality at a reasonable price.
• Customer support. It’s reassuring to know that a VPN has capable customer service agents available 24/7 via live chat. Besides that, extensive setup guides and tutorials are also beneficial. You can expect that with our top iPhone VPN services.

Our research has shown that NordVPN is the strongest VPN for iPhone. The service includes virtually identical features in the iOS client and ensures the same level of security as with other apps. Having the fastest speeds in the industry, great global coverage, and a versatile toolkit certainly gives it bonus points.

Why do I need a VPN on my iPhone in 2024?

Apple is known as a premium hardware and software provider. Customers don’t mind paying extra for the luxury brand as it grants numerous features and security benefits.

However, these devices aren’t flawless, and iPhones are no exception. Even if Apple respects your privacy, your ISP (Internet Service Provider), public Wi-Fi administrations, and cyber criminals can still monitor your web activities and cause trouble. Plus, your Apple ID, IP address, and device specs are enough to nullify your anonymity.

Thankfully, you can supplement the strong iPhone security features with the impenetrable privacy of a reliable VPN. This technology reroutes your web traffic through an intermediary server, hiding your IP address and encrypting your online activities in the process. The result is ultimate anonymity.

The benefits don’t end here, though. You can use the software to change your location and circumvent geographical restrictions. Handy if you want to expand your entertainment possibilities on various streaming platforms, like Netflix.

How to set up VPN on iPhone

Before you reap the privacy benefits of a virtual private network, you need to set it up on your iPhone. The details may vary depending on your provider, but the general idea is as follows:

1. Open the Apple App Store and search for your desired VPN. Our recommended VPN for iPhone is NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN
   
3. Start the app and log in with your account
4. Pick a server location and click Connect
5. That’s it – now you can browse safely

If everything is done correctly, your entire online traffic is now protected with robust AES-256 encryption. And don’t forget to enable other security features as well, for example, the VPN kill switch.

Secure yourself today with NordVPN

How to set up the VPN on iOS manually

If need be, you can also set up a virtual private network on your iPhone manually.

1. Navigate to the phone’s Settings menu
2. Press on General and scroll down until you find VPN & Device Management. Open it.
3. Press on VPN, select Add VPN configuration, then Type, and pick a tunneling protocol
   
   
4. Enter the necessary VPN configuration information, along with your login data
   
   
5. Press Done and pick your VPN provider from the list

Do we recommend using a free VPN for iPhone?

Although you have the option to use a free VPN on iPhone, it’s generally not recommended. Unfortunately, most costless services collect information about their users and sell it to the highest bidder, putting you even more at risk. Some don’t even bother including such necessary features like a kill switch.

Other concerning free VPN practices include spamming adware that may contain viruses. Furthermore, a few providers were caught injecting malware into their clients.

Security software is not an area where you should be penny-pinching. We always advise going for premium, reputable services as they usually have no incentive to invade their subscribers’ privacy. Plus, they usually come with free trials and money-back guarantees, letting you test these iPhone VPNs yourself.

Try NordVPN for free

Does Apple iPhone have a built-in VPN?

No, iPhones do not have a built-in VPN service. The closest thing to it is the Private Relay feature, which is a proxy service that makes browsing via Safari more secure. It’s available on iOS 15 and only if you’re subscribed to iCloud Plus. And while Private Relay does encrypt browser traffic, it doesn’t mask the rest of your internet connection, which isn’t exactly ideal.

As a standalone thing, this feature doesn’t do much else and shouldn’t be used as if it was a VPN. If you want to secure all traffic, remain completely anonymous, and be able to circumvent restrictions & internet censorship, we strongly suggest using the recommended VPNs for iPhone.

Pick the best iPhone VPN – NordVPN

Is it safe to use a VPN on Iphone?

Yes, it’s safe to use a VPN with iPhones and it’s even recommended for security reasons. Despite being quite safe, iOS does come with vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious third parties. However, the key here is finding a reliable service that won’t put you further at risk.

Opt for providers with clear no-logs policies, preferably audited ones. Being based outside the influence of Fourteen Eyes alliance is also a big plus. Then look into the VPN’s history for any potential controversies regarding company ownership, any shady practices, subscriber data collection, and so on. A good iPhone VPN will have a clean slate.

And while iPhones do come with a sort of built-in VPN called Private Relay, keep in mind that it doesn’t work as a virtual private network. If you want a proper service that keeps you safe and secure on multiple levels, go for reputable providers like NordVPN.

Best VPNs for iPhone: video review

Got no time to read the whole article? Here's the most essential information you need to know in a short video:

Bottom line

Even though the iPhone is hailed as one of the best mobile phones on the market, it’s nothing without the software within it. And while it’s equipped with adequate security features out-of-the-box, users can still improve confidentiality with a reliable VPN service.

Additionally, you can use the best VPNs for iOS to unlock the full potential of other apps that are normally subjected to geo-blocks. Just remember to invest in a high-quality provider that’s reliable in a wide variety of scenarios, like NordVPN.

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FAQ

What is the best VPN to use on an iPhone?

The best VPN for iPhones is NordVPN. It offers a streamlined application for iOS devices, some of the fastest speeds in the industry, powerful features, and a server network that spans all continents.

Do VPNs really work on an iPhone?

Yes, VPNs work on iPhone phones. You can easily install them just like any other app from the Apple App Store. VPNs are highly recommended because they enhance your device’s security and ensure total privacy on the world wide web.

Which free VPN is best for iPhone?

No free VPN is as good as a premium VPN for iPhone. But if you’re really strapped for cash, you should go with Proton VPN. It’s a freemium service that provides a free plan as well, which offers good security features, three server locations, and no data limit.

Is it worth having a VPN for iPhone?

Yes, it’s worth having a VPN on any mobile device, including iPhones. This technology encrypts your web activities and ensures no one can track your location and browsing habits. Additionally, it can get around geographical restrictions on numerous online services and unlock bonus content.

Is it legal to use a VPN on iPhone?

Yes, there are no laws against installing a VPN on your iPhone. However, some countries restrict VPN usage because of censorship and limitations on free speech. Of course, these laws don’t mean much if you’re a foreigner using the VPN to access regular websites from your home country.

What does a VPN do on an iPhone?

First and foremost, a VPN encrypts your web activities and hides your IP address. This ensures privacy from various snoopers. Secondly, you can change your virtual location and access websites or services exclusive to other regions. Lastly, most VPNs come with additional security features that defend your device against malware, phishing attacks, and dangerous ads.

Does Apple recommend a VPN?

Yes, Apple recommends using a VPN as it increases your device’s security. Our research has shown that NordVPN is the best VPN for iOS devices. It comes with top-notch security, excellent speeds, and plenty of features for iPhone owners.