Apple gadgets might have a reputation for security, but they're not totally immune to new cyber threats and the clever criminals who come up with them. So, a VPN is still worth having – and I've pulled together a list of the best iPhone VPNs.
I'm part of an expert team with more than 3,000 hours of testing time between us. That's over 100 of the best VPNs put under the microscope, 28,000 speed tests, and 2,800 streaming tests. All of this data informs my rankings, too, so you can rest assured you're getting first-hand picks.
NordVPN now tops my list of the best VPNs for iPhone, with its full suite of security capabilities and impressive value being pivotal in its move to the top spot. Despite this, Surfshark and ExpressVPN continue to provide tough competition, especially with Surfshark's impressive speed capabilities and ExpressVPN's unrivaled usability for beginners. Given how close the battle is, I've gone into more detail below about which providers you should choose to secure your device, and, more importantly, why.
The 3 best iPhone VPNs in 2024
Recent updates
The best iOS VPN list has seen a rather significant shake-up, with NordVPN claiming the top spot in our latest round of tests, knocking ExpressVPN down to second. While ExpressVPN still is a more than capable service for iOS, and still our top choice for beginners, the value for money and extensive security suite of NordVPN made it a surefire choice for the top spot.
The 5 best iPhone VPN apps in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
The best VPN for iPhone
NordVPN is my #1 VPN overall – and has some of the best iOS apps that we've ever put to the test. The design is fantastic and they're easy to use, regardless of skill level, so you don't have to be an expert to get started.
In addition to awesome iPhone support, you're getting a solid all-rounder of a service that's capable of unblocking a ton of streaming content while shoring up your digital privacy. It's the total package that'll suit most users' needs.
App support
As you'd expect, NordVPN is compatible with iPhone and iPad devices – so long as they're running on at least iOS 15.0. NordVPN's iPhone app is well-organized, with at-a-glance information displayed by the 'quick connect' widget that details the closest server, availability, load percentage, and similar information.
The app includes an auto-connect feature to immediately connect your iPhone to a VPN server when you join an untrusted network or Wi-Fi. However, it retains the map-based interface from the desktop client, which some may find inconvenient to use.
Read more about NordVPN's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
Privacy and security
NordVPN supports the industry-standard 256-bit encryption and offers an automatic kill switch and double data encryption, which passes your data through two separate VPN servers. NordVPN also has a no-logs policy, which is good to see. Its policy received validation by PricewaterhouseCoopers after an independent third-party audit.
Its WireGuard-based technology, NordLynx, is the default protocol on offer and would be my pick unless you're after extreme security, then I'd use OpenVPN. Unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers built-in ad-blocking and antivirus protection to keep you safe and streamline your online activity.
Streaming and unblocking
In addition to extraordinary unblocking abilities, NordVPN has servers in 111 countries, which is more than its competitors. For example, ExpressVPN has servers in 106, making NordVPN a better choice if you want more online freedom or plan on traveling a lot.
Its excellent speeds ensure a buffer-free 4K Ultra HD streaming experience, and NordVPN can help you gain access to most geo-restricted content. NordVPN is currently the best Netflix VPN on the block and effortlessly unblocks BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and other popular streaming services. In fact, during our most recent testing, it achieved a perfect unblocking score.
Speed
NordVPN is, quite frankly, a speed demon, and regularly challenges Surfshark for the title of speediest service. We put NordVPN to the test and recorded speeds of over 950 Mbps - which effectively maxed out our connection line.
This performance ensures that you'll have a smooth day-to-day experience with no slow-loading pages or sluggish torrenting (if that's your thing). Leave NordVPN on to do its thing in the background and you'll hardly notice the difference.
NordVPN is a perfect value-for-money option that doesn't skimp on quality or functionality. Although its renewal prices are slightly above average, the limited multi-year plan still offers excellent value.
★★★★½
Read more: NordVPN review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design: | A fun design that can be a little busy for some people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use: | Everything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance: | The fastest VPN in our latest round of tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking: | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy: | Every bit as strong as ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support: | Friendly, supportive and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price: | Fantastic value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best iPhone VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN is a regular mention in the ongoing debate around today's top VPN, and it's no different for iOS devices. Its iPhone VPN app boasts a simple design that makes it perfect for beginners.
ExpressVPN takes all of the difficult, techy decisions and automates them for you with the help of their industry-leading experts. A single tap means you're connected instantly with the most secure and fastest connection possible.
If you're looking for reliable access to the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer, well, you're in luck – ExpressVPN unblocks virtually every streaming platform you can think of (and then some).
The only downside is the pricing. ExpressVPN only offers a one-year subscription, as opposed to the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark which offer discounted two-year plans. On the surface, that makes it seem significantly more expensive, but when you compare the one-year plans of each, it's far less than it seems. Ultimately, ExpressVPN is a truly premium service, and you definitely get your money's worth.
App support
ExpressVPN's iOS app is chock-full of handy tools and information. You can install ExpressVPN on any iOS device (including iPads) – from the 6S all the way to the iPhone 16.
I especially like the Security Assistant tool, which dishes out privacy-boosting advice and recommendations. These are massively useful if you're interested in shoring up the security of your various social media and streaming counts – and a Data Breach Alert will give you a heads-up if your email addresses have been involved in a leak, too.
Read more about ExpressVPN's features, unblocking, and speed ▼
Features
ExpressVPN leads the way with its post-quantum encryption, meaning your data is safe from the risks of Q-day. In addition, it offers some unique features, including its groundbreaking Lightway protocol, a cross-platform password manager, and built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocking to further protect your privacy.
Threat Manager helps you stay safe online by preventing third-party trackers and ads from collecting information about you. Besides stopping third parties from profiling you based on your searching habits, Threat Manager also safeguards your device from malware threats and malicious URLs.
Streaming and unblocking
In my last round of testing, ExpressVPN unblocked every streaming service I threw at it, every time and everywhere. That includes Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and so much more. Plus, regularly refreshed IP addresses mean you're far less likely to find a site/service that suddenly doesn't work anymore.
With over 3,200 RAM-only servers across 105 countries, you can safely access the internet from anywhere in the world, and unblock local content and services there, too. If you want anything to bypass the VPN encryption, you can do so in the split tunneling setting – perfect if you want to connect to the like of Apple Car Play without having to turn off your VPN entirely.
Speed
ExpressVPN lives up to its name with a solid performance. Using its WireGuard-based Lightway protocol, we recorded speeds of 898 Mbps. This isn't as quick as NordVPN or Surfshark, sure, but it's still way more than you need to enjoy 4K and HD streaming, and well above average for the industry.
I also enjoy the Parallel Connections feature. Essentially, it speeds up ExpressVPN's connection times, making them faster than any other service on the market, and ensuring that you connect to a server in the blink of an eye. It's a must-have if you plan on using your VPN every day and don't want to hang around and wait to get started.
ExpressVPN is my #1 pick for VPN newcomers – and anyone who wants something that'll work straight out of the box. You'll pay a little extra for ExpressVPN, certainly, but in return, you get battle-tested encryption and a whole host of tools. Plus, its iOS apps are some of the sleekest around.
★★★★½
Read more: ExpressVPN review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design: | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use: | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance: | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slightly slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking: | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy: | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support: | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price: | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap VPN for iPhone
Surfshark is one of the best, cheapest VPN providers around, offering great features and unlimited connections without breaking the bank. There's little difference between its Windows app and iOS app – offering a wealth of tools, including ad-blocking and antivirus.
If you're working with a budget, or just want to score a bargain, then Surfshark won't disappoint. It packs a ton of value into prices that remain consistently affordable – making improved online privacy accessible for just about everyone.
I often recommend Surfshark to friends and family who are interested in picking up a VPN but don't want to fork over a huge wad of cash. It'll tick most of the boxes people are looking for, after all, with awesome speed, security, and unblocking power.
Unlike its top competition, Surfshark lets you cover unlimited devices with a single subscription, meaning you can rest easy knowing all your devices are protected. In addition, you can extend Surfshark’s excellent privacy and security features to your friends and family.
App support
Like my other top picks, the Surfshark iOS app is easy to use and works just like any other app you'd pick up from the App Store. It's compatible with any iPhone running version 14.0 and up. If you use your iPhone to connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots or do online shopping, Surfshark is a trusty shield that'll keep your important details out of the hands of snoopers.
While Surfshark offers excellent value for money and some of the fastest connections, it lacks the advanced features offered by our top two providers. Also, Surfshark's relative simplicity will be either a pro or a con, depending on how customizable you want your VPN software to be. Tech-savvy users might find Surfshark too simple, making NordVPN a better option.
Read more about Surfshark's features, unblocking, and speed ▼
Features
Equipped with industry-standard AES-256 encryption, Surfshark also has private DNS on each server for better protection against spying while you're online. Surfshark cuts costs, not corners, and backs that up with regular independent audits, too.
Additionally, Surfshark recently launched its latest innovation, Incogni: a service that automatically requests the deletion of personal data stored by data brokers. It's an amazing add-on that takes a proactive approach to keeping your information private online. I've been using it for the past few months and I absolutely love it. I feel like I'm finally reclaiming my online privacy.
Streaming and unblocking
Surfshark ticks off all the popular streaming services, letting you unblock Netflix from anywhere in the world. Besides Netflix, it will unblock Prime Video and Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and other national channels across the globe. Still, NordVPN does a little better in my everyday testing.
In an ideal world, I'd like to see Surfshark invest in dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming, if only to cement its position as a top-notch pick for streaming. This is a minor quibble, however, as virtually all Surfshark servers do an awesome job of accessing geo-restricted content.
Speed
When it comes to sheer speed, Surfshark takes the cake. We recorded speeds of over 950 Mbps during our most recent round of tests – putting it squarely at the top of our fastest VPN rankings. So, you can count on a lightning-fast performance as you stream, scroll, and go about your day-to-day iPhone browsing.
Just like NordVPN, you can have Surfshark running in the background as you work, play, or catch up on social media without noticing any slowdown.
Surfshark is an exceptional value-for-money VPN. With unparalleled speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, you get a lot of VPNs for a low price. Try for yourself and see why it's our favorite budget-friendly pick for iPhone users (and everyone else).
★★★★
Read more: Surfshark review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design: | Easy to use and elegant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use: | Connecting only takes a few clicks—ideal for newbies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance: | One of the fastest providers we tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking: | Unblocks virtually everything you'll need | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy: | Not a comprehensive antivirus or ad-blocking solution, and some kill switch ossues | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support: | Browsing support articles isn't as intuitive as I'd like | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price: | Real value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
Private Internet Access offers a very affordable iPhone VPN app if you're after a privacy-focused option for your Apple device.
Some of its extra features add to its value and ease of use. You can make a list of your favorite locations, and even take advantage of dedicated streaming servers for more reliable content unblocking.
PIA is massively customizable, too, making it a favorite of advanced users who want to dig into the VPN settings for a totally bespoke experience. Plus, PIA is totally open source – so absolutely anyone can take a peek at what's happening under the hood.
Like Surfshark, PIA supports unlimited connections and is reasonably priced, making it an excellent pick for families or business owners.
App support
PIA is compatible with most generations of iPhones and iPads, and only takes a few taps to install. Once you're up and running, PIA will ensure your iPhone browsing is protected – even if you're relying on unsecure Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, hotels, and airports.
Those fully integrated into Apple's ecosystem will appreciate the ability to add Siri voice command shortcuts for an added touch of convenience. There's also the PIA InBrowser, a private browser for iOS that erases your browsing history every time you close it.
Read more about PIA's app features, unblocking, and speed ▼
Features
PIA packs all of the important tools you'd expect from a top-flight service. This includes a kill-switch, a variety of protocols, and tough encryption. PIA is also likely the only VPN provider to prove its no-logs policy claims in court, and it did that twice. Besides its proof of trustworthiness, privacy-conscious users will appreciate its AES-256 encryption that safeguards your internet traffic and protects your data from unauthorized access.
During our extensive DNS leak testing of the app, we confirmed that PIA’s DNS leak protection works as intended, meaning it won’t leak your IP address to anyone, including your ISP.
Streaming and unblocking
PIA smashed our unblocking tests, able to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. That's great news if you plan to take your favorite shows on the go with your trusty iPhone (or have friends who you're sharing your subscription with who want to check out geo-restricted content, too).
However, because desktop apps are better suited to more advanced technical users, PIA generally lacks that intuitive feel and attention to detail that comes with Surfshark and NordVPN.
Speed
PIA's speeds have been somewhat inconsistent in our most recent round of testing. We saw performance drop to 436 Mbps – which isn't devastatingly slow, of course, but isn't as fast as the likes of Surfshark or NordVPN, either.
Still, if you bear in mind that you only need 25 Mbps for a smooth streaming experience, PIA remains a solid pick for avid Netflix fans who don't want to compromise on speed for the sake of security.
Private Internet Access is a long-standing favorite among users who put their privacy first. It's a little more complex than my other top picks, but if customizability is your thing, and you want to get into the nitty-gritty, then it's well worth investigating.
★★★★
Read more: Private Internet Access review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design: | Lots of customization, but could do with some attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use: | Not the best for beginners, but great for advanced users | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance: | Good speeds, but generally average compared to industry leaders | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking: | Dedicated streaming servers and an enormous global network help you unblock anything and everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy: | The latest and greatest in VPN tech, and a proven no-logging policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support: | A mass of knowledge online and expert support on-hand at all times | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price: | Budget-friendly and offering plenty of value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
PrivadoVPN’s feature-rich and speed-oriented features make it the best free VPN on the market. Its easy-to-use and reliable iPhone application is intuitive and highly customizable.
It's not quite as polished as its competitors in terms of overall offering, but PrivadoVPN can still unblock most streaming platforms and keep up with those movie marathons,
While it reserves most of its advanced features for paying customers, PrivadoVPN also has one of the most generous free plans in the industry. In addition, it offers round-the-clock customer support via live chat and email for all its iPhone users.
App support
I especially like how mobile-friendly PrivadoVPN's iOS apps are. This might sound like a no-brainer, but some mobile VPN apps can be a little tricky to use on smaller screens. You can switch servers, and check out the location list, with a swipe, which is handy.
Unfortunately, there are a few things missing from the iOS offering. There's no favorites system, for example, and no kill switch. This might be a deal-breaker for you if you're concerned about accidental data leaks revealing identifiable information.
Read more about PrivadoVPN's features, unblocking, and speed ▼
Features
With a premium subscription, you get ten simultaneous connections, a SOCKS5 Proxy to help access geo-restricted content, an ad blocker, parental controls, and even threat protection to help keep your devices safe from malware.
Unlike its competition, PrivadoVPN has yet to complete an independent audit. However, a spokesperson explained to us that an audit would require months of standstill for development, and that would prevent them from delivering on the needs of their users. They reassured us that PrivadoVPN intends to pursue an audit as soon as possible, but it needs to ensure it's offering the best service it can at all times. For now, this is certainly a downside, especially for those who primarily expect security and privacy guarantees from a VPN service.
Streaming and unblocking
Free VPNs typically struggle to unblock any streaming platforms – but PrivadoVPN bucks the trend. Whether you're a paid or free user, you'll have round-the-clock access to big names like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, to name a few.
PrivadoVPN's dedicated team works continuously to ensure that the service can bypass censorship and regional restrictions. This is good news if you live somewhere where social media platforms are banned or blocked, or if you need access to restricted news outlets, too.
Speed
PrivadoVPN impresses when it comes to speed, too, clocking in at a respectable 350 Mbps during our most recent tests. It's more than enough to keep casual users satisfied – whether you're tuning in to HD content, hopping into online games, or doing a spot of torrenting.
It's also worth noting that PrivadoVPN handles its bandwidth and transit routes itself. This means that its speeds tend to be more reliable, fluctuate less, and experience virtually no congestion. Better yet, this applies to its free servers, too.
PrivadoVPN offers a decent mid-tier premium service, but it's hands-down the best free VPN for iPhones and overall on the market right now. If you want something simple and straightforward, you can't go wrong with PrivadoVPN.
★★★★
Read more: PrivadoVPN review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design: | A simple yet colorful design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use: | Easy to use and clearly laid out | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance: | The low end of average for a leading service, but generally fast enough for anything you could throw at it | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking: | Some hiccups despite a dedicated unblocking team | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy: | Good scores on paper, but currently lacking an independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support: | Decent email support, but not a lot of of on-site help | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price: | Nothing beats free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose a VPN
There are a ton of iPhone VPNs on the market these days (and they'll work on your iPad, too) – but sifting through the options to find your perfect match can be a chore.
The first thing to ask yourself is this: what are you going to use your VPN for? Streamers will want a speedy service that can keep up with 4K shows, privacy-first users will need proven security tools, and some folks want a balance of everything.
With that in mind, here are a few key criteria to keep in mind when shopping around:
- Speed: quick VPN services have no trouble when it comes to streaming, torrenting, and gaming – no buffering or lag spikes.
- Servers: the more servers a VPN has, the more choices you have when it comes to spoofing your IP address and unblocking geo-restricted content.
- Security: a VPN that doesn't prioritize your security just isn't worth using. Look for today's top protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard), an audited no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch.
- Apps: naturally, you'll want sleek iPhone apps that aren't stuffed with clutter or hard to use. Make sure your VPN is compatible with your other devices, too.
- Price: here's the big one – but the good news is that there are VPNs to suit every budget, and plenty of free trials to check out before committing to a subscription.
How we tested iPhone VPNs for iOS
For over 15 years our TechRadar testing team has used our technology backgrounds, hands-on experience, and research capabilities to dive deep into the weeds of dozens of VPN services. Some aren’t worthy of our stamp of approval, but those that are included in our VPN guides have passed our rigorous tests.
To begin with, we want to make sure the VPNs we recommend are secure to use. As part of our testing, our IT experts do everything they can to find flaws. This includes trying to force the VPN to drop, and if successful looking at how well the kill switch kicks in. They also try to punch through the VPN running on one device with another device to see if any information is leaked.
Because your privacy is so important, we spend a lot of time reading the fine print of each VPN privacy policy. We take note of those that include a no-logging clause and give extra points to those that allow third-party audits of their claims.
Another important factor in determining privacy is where the VPN is based. There are some countries that band together to form the Five Eye Alliance. This group promises that any online, software, or tech programs from companies based in their countries will keep logs of their users for 30 days, just in case law enforcement needs to review it.
VPNs are also subject to the Five Eyes Alliance, so choosing one in a more neutral location is a security plus. ExpressVPN is based in the Virgin Islands while Proton VPN is a Swiss company.
Speed is a big must-have if you need a VPN for torrenting or streaming TV shows. Torrenting is the process of sending and receiving files, such as email attachments, to and from a specific individual. This is sometimes referred to as a person-to-person (P2P) transfer.
Usually, you’d use a VPN for torrenting when the information you are sending is confidential, like a contract, or an application where personal information is provided. In order to reduce the risk of the file being intercepted, even though it will be encrypted and hard to decipher, a VPN with a high speed is important. VPN speeds refer to how fast information travels between two points including to VPN servers, or even two people’s personal devices.
We have several test machines set up in the US and the UK and use both testing locations to tap into servers worldwide to help with our testing.
For TV streaming, higher speeds mean it’s quicker to download the movie you want to watch, and there’s less chance of lag or buffering when watching live streams of your favorite reality show, or sports game.
In both cases, we took testing of speed pretty seriously. First, we used performance testing sites, including SpeedTest, nPerf, and SpeedOfMe to determine the average speeds of our connections. These tests were run several times from various devices (PC, mobile, etc.) and from different locations. We have several test machines set up in the US and the UK and use both testing locations to tap into servers worldwide to help with our testing.
We also connected using different encryption protocols. OpenVPN has historically been the go-to, but recently WireGuard has proven to be more secure and faster. But we still test both along with the IKEv2 protocol which is commonly used on Mac devices. Surfshark came out on top with its impressive 960Mbps speeds. But even VPNs, like Express, that only have a top speed of 560, are still plenty fast to support TV streaming.
Talking about streaming services, when you travel outside of your country, or viewing area, sometimes your account will be blocked because it picks up your device’s location as being away from your home or city. It uses an IP address to determine your whereabouts.
Connecting to a VPN server gives you another IP address that matches the location of the server. For example, if you’re traveling to Australia from the US, connecting to a US VPN server will give you a US IP address. With this, you can access your online streaming accounts and watch your favorite shows.
As part of our in-depth testing, we try and tap into as many channels and streaming services as possible. And we don’t limit ourselves to just a couple of countries. For example, we know exactly which VPNs unlock Netflix Japan, Netflix UK, and Netflix Canada.
Other common services and channels we test are Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+. We also check out the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 in the UK, and bother 9Now and 10Play in Australia. Our rundown of the best streaming VPNs has all the details and results of this part of our testing.
If you're interested in taking a deeper dive into how we put providers under the microscope, head on over to our in-depth VPN testing methodology page.
Our iPhone VPN testers
Meet the experts behind our best VPN guide and their favorite VPN services:
A privacy purist at heart, Andreas is a VPN expert that believes that the best VPN doesn't have to be the most expensive—it's about what's right for you.
Mike regularly reviews our top picks, and loves looking behind the curtains to see how a VPN works in the background. If there's a skeleton in the closet, he'll find it.
FAQs
What is the best iPhone VPN?
With so many iPhone VPNs out there, this is no easy answer. Right now, NordVPN ranks top of our list of the best iPhone VPNs. Its impressive mix of security features, high download speeds across OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, and its continued value for money across different plans make it the best choice for most people. Despite this, VPNs suit people in different ways, so you may find you prefer the experience on offer from other VPN providers.
Do I really need an iPhone VPN?
Even Apple's App Store is not devoid of its own share of dodgy apps (although truth be told, Google Play is a far more dangerous place to be). In terms of harmful activities, the argument that iPhone users have less to worry about than other (especially Android) users certainly has some merit. However, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't still be careful.
What does a VPN do on iPhone?
There's a multitude of reasons why you might want to download a mobile VPN app onto your iPhone. Foremost is security - the encrypted tunnels through which all data will be exchanged when connected to Wi-Fi would be a garbled mess to any hackers who do somehow manage to get hold of it.
But it's a VPN's IP spoofing that's where things get fascinating. By jumping onto a server in another location, you can effectively change location and kid your Apple iPhone into thinking that it's in another country altogether. A country or location, for example, where you can stream a wider variety of Netflix shows, and where you can get cheaper prices on services and products. And super handy if you're struggling to use WhatsApp in China or log into Facebook at your school.
Are free iPhone VPN apps worth it?
Free VPNs have their place – there's no doubt about that. An extra layer of security while using public Wi-Fi is no bad thing at all - especially if you're shopping or having private interactions.
But for the most part, it's a totally false economy. Many free apps limit the amount of data you can use each day or month, so you can mostly forget about using them for streaming and torrenting. But more than that, you're likely to get an ad-heavy app experience where the provider is probably making back cash by selling your details to third parties. Our advice...avoid it, especially when the best iPhone VPN apps on this list are so affordable anyway.
Do iPhones have a built in VPN?
While iPhone doesn't currently have a built-in VPN, it does offer excellent VPN support for both manual and automatic configuration when downloading any number of VPN apps. All you'll need to do, then, to install a VPN on your Apple smartphone, is select which iPhone VPN you want to sign up to, install the client, and you're away.
Do iPhone VPNs leak data?
You might've heard of an iOS bug, first reported in 2022, that lead to data leaks when using a VPN. Obviously, that's not ideal, as you want your VPN to protect you against leaks and keep your most sensitive information safe, not put it in danger.
The bug affects multiple VPN services and, even more insidiously, the user won't be alerted to the fact that their data is leaking. Currently, Apple hasn't addressed the issue—and it seems unlikely that the tech giant will—so, for now, I'd suggest doing all of your most sensitive browsing on a PC or Android device (with a VPN, of course.)
What does my ISP/mobile carrier see when I'm connected to a VPN?
The short answer? Very little. Though your ISP and mobile carrier will be able to see the VPN's IP address, they won't be able to see which sites you visit, your search history, or any files you happen to download.
However, there are a few things that your ISP/mobile carrier can see. Switch on your VPN, and the your connection timestamp, how much data you're sending and receiving, and the VPN port will be visible.
How do I manually configure a VPN in my iPhone settings?
To add a VPN manually, go to Settings > General > VPN > Add VPN Configuration > Type.
You will then choose between a number of protocols: IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP.
You'll then need to enter a server address, as well as your username and password, and a remote ID. All this should be found in your account of your chosen VPN provider.
Once set up, you'll find VPN under Mobile Data and/or Personal Hotspot immediately when you go into settings, or under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
