A VPN is a handy tool to have in your privacy toolbox, even on Apple’s relatively secure iOS, so make sure to protect yourself with one of the top iPhone VPNs we’ve tested.
Apple has long built its ecosystem with security in mind, and iPhones have privacy features designed to secure the device against attacks that may hitch a ride on incoming data. But although iPhones do give you fine control over the permissions you give apps, these protections won’t secure the outgoing information you put on the internet. A VPN helps fill these gaps by making it harder for outside entities to monitor your mobile connection. We’ve been testing VPNs for over 10 years, so we know which ones are best for almost any platform, including the iPhone. Currently, Proton VPN is our Editors’ Choice winner thanks to its free and reliable service, but it isn’t the only service we recommend. Read on for all of the best iPhone VPNs we’ve tested, followed by the factors you should consider when choosing one for yourself.Why We Picked It
ProtonVPN is our top choice for iOS. Its sleek iOS app retains most of the same features as the desktop version, with the exception of split tunneling. Additionally, the VPN and a suite of tools, including ProtonMail and ProtonPass, can be used for free with the same account. We appreciate Proton’s stance that price should never be a hurdle to privacy.
Features and capabilities: Proton provides access to a global server network that works seamlessly with iOS. The premium plans offer a wide range of excellent features, including a configurable kill switch, multi-hop connections, and support for up to 10 simultaneous connections. The free version is one of the best on the market, with five server options and unlimited bandwidth.
Privacy and security: Proton’s robust privacy standards carry forward to the iOS version of the app. The people behind the company take privacy seriously, with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability that is rare in the VPN space. All apps are open-source, so you never have to question if a hidden vulnerability could compromise your data. Annual audits and frequent transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year.
Speed and performance: Proton’s premium servers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency.
Streaming: Proton makes it easy to take your favorite shows and movies on the go. We tested Proton with Netflix in multiple regions and found that it worked flawlessly, granting us access to every catalog we tested.
User experience and ease of use: All of Proton’s apps are streamlined and easy to use, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s simple to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks. Who It’s For
Budget-conscious users: Proton’s free version is robust and packs in many features that competing free options lack. It’s an excellent tool for securing your privacy on a budget. If you can deal with the limitations, Proton’s free version is more than viable as your main VPN.
Privacy advocates: Proton’s unwavering commitment to transparency and privacy makes it one of the best options for the privacy-conscious. With open-source apps and regular audits, you can monitor precisely how the company responds to threats to user data.Why We Picked It
The best thing about NordVPN is that it has a little something for everyone. NordVPN’s mobile experience is excellent, featuring feature-packed apps and a sleek, intuitive interface that is easy to use for all users. Nord’s price is higher than the competition’s, but you get an impressive suite of security tools and features under a single subscription.
Features and capabilities: The iOS app has an ad and malware blocker, a kill switch, and multi-hop connections. You also get access to NordVPN Threat Protection Pro, which scans browser downloads for malware and blocks malicious URLs. The main missing features on iOS are split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and the ability to configure custom DNS addresses.
Privacy and security: According to the company’s privacy policy, NordVPN does not log customers’ browsing history, IP addresses, or traffic. The company also undergoes frequent code audits from third-party cybersecurity firms.
Speed and performance: Nord performed well in our latest speed tests, with a 5.20% decrease in download speeds, a 5.78% decrease in upload speeds, and a 58.14% increase in latency. Those scores place it among the fastest VPNs we have tested.
Streaming: People seeking to access a previously blocked streaming service will appreciate NordVPN’s reliable speeds and extensive server selection. If you’re a Netflix subscriber, you’ll be happy to know that we accessed the entire Netflix library while connected to servers in five locations: Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.
User experience and ease of use: NordVPN’s apps look great and perform well in testing. The iOS app is a breeze to use and has enough depth to please advanced users without being too overwhelming for those new to VPNs. Who It’s For
Frequent travelers: NordVPN has virtual servers in more than 100 countries, although most physical servers are located in the UK and the US. This means you have a lot of VPN connection choices when you’re traveling. It’s also easy to quickly connect to a VPN using the app, so you don’t have to worry about snoops on public Wi-Fi networks in airports or hotels.
Newbies: NordVPN’s interface makes it easy for first-time users to connect to a VPN immediately. We especially like the level of control NordVPN provides customers. For example, if you’re new to using a VPN, you may want to let NordVPN choose the fastest connection for you and just stick with it. As you become more comfortable navigating the app, you can select a server to connect to from a drop-down menu.Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN’s iOS app is thoughtfully designed from top to bottom. The company has servers in 105 countries, strong speed test results, and has developed its own Lightway protocol. Express also leads the pack with its future-forward approach, incorporating post-quantum encryption that aims to prevent advanced hacking methods before they become viable. The downsides? You can’t use the VPN for free, and a subscription costs a bit more than average.
Features and capabilities: ExpressVPN’s iOS app retains most of the features from its desktop counterpart, aside from split tunneling. iOS users can also use the IKEv2 protocol, which is not available on Android. An ExpressVPN subscription also gives you access to Express VPN Keys, the company’s password manager, and Threat Manager, a malware and tracker blocker. The service has partnered with holiday.com and provides subscribers with an eSIM ranging from 1 to 5GB, depending on the subscription length.
Privacy and security: ExpressVPN does not keep logs of customer browsing activity or connections, and the privacy policy states that the company does not sell customer data. ExpressVPN undergoes periodic independent security audits and publishes a thorough transparency report on its website, which lists customer data requests from law enforcement, along with any gag orders or national security letters. ExpressVPN also operates a bug bounty program, which provides security researchers with the opportunity to stress-test the company’s systems and report vulnerabilities in exchange for a financial reward.
Speed and performance: ExpressVPN’s latency and speed tests yielded results that exceeded the median. It reduced our download and upload speeds by 18.55% and 7.45%, respectively. Latency increased by 95.62%. Speeds were reliable enough for on-the-go streaming without interruptions.
Streaming: During the latest round of testing, we were able to access five regional Netflix catalogs without any restrictions. Global content is at your fingertips, with 100 servers to choose from in diverse locations, including countries with strict internet policies, such as Turkey and Vietnam.
User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN’s iOS app was our preferred way to use the VPN, thanks to its seamless and beginner-friendly design.
