Best VPNs for iPhone of 2024
Here’s a list of our top iPhone VPN picks for 2024.
Best Overall
ExpressVPN
Vault Verified
Price
$9.99 – $12.95 per month
Free Trial
None
Apple App Store Rating
4.7
Simultaneous Connections
8
Why We Chose It
ExpressVPN has been notably recognized for its high level of speed, privacy protection and transparency. The VPN has servers in 105 countries, and its easy-to-use platform works well with the iPhone’s iOS 15 version or higher, delivering on its promise to safeguard your identifying information and browsing activity with minimal disruption to your device’s normal internet connection speeds. This alone makes it great for streaming.
Pros
- Compatible with all major platforms, including iOS and Android
- Trusted and top-notch server network
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited to 8 simultaneous connections
Additional Information
Servers: Multiple in 105 countries
- DNS leak detection and protection
- Minimalist, user-friendly interface
- Comprehensive password manager
- Split tunneling for iPhone users
- An internet kill switch
Best affordable VPN
Surfshark
Vault Verified
Price
$15.45 – $17.95 per month
Free Trial
✓
Apple App Store Rating
4.8
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Why We Chose It
SurfShark quickly and easily installs on your device and gives you the freedom to configure as many multi-hop connections as you’d like with any pair of servers. It’s a highly affordable VPN service for people needing protection for multiple devices.
Pros
- Offers the best value and flexibility for simultaneous and multi-hop connections
- Supports Apple iOS versions 14 or higher
- Relatively fast speeds
Cons
- Pricey monthly plans
- Certain app functions are only available for Android app users, like the Bypasser tool
Additional Information
Servers: 3,200+ in 100 countries
- Pause function to resume normal internet connections (without VPN interference)
- No logging, other than billing data
- Data breach scanner
- Ad blocker
- Flexible multi-hop connections
Best VPN for Speed
NordVPN
Vault Verified
Price
$12.99-$15.99 per month
Free Trial
✓
Apple App Store Rating
4.7
Simultaneous Connections
10
Why We Chose It
NordVPN has unbeatable speed, top-notch security and several privacy-centered features. The Onion over VPN function offers an extra layer of protection with its Tor and peer-to-peer file-sharing capabilities. While its monthly descriptions err on the side of expensive, the app’s high-performance functionality makes it worth the investment.
Pros
- Expansive privacy tool collection
- Easy app installation and Quick Connect feature
- Fast speeds with minimal buffering or streaming issues
Cons
- Limitations on free Meshnet traffic routing
- Pricey month-to-month subscriptions
Additional Information
Servers: 6,000+ servers in 111 countries
- Fast and reliable connections
- Geo-unblocking feature for better-quality streaming
- Built-in antivirus-like function providing additional malware protection
- Works with iOS 14.2 or higher
- Dark web monitoring
Best Beginner VPN
IPVanish
Vault Verified
Price
$12.99 per month
Free Trial
✓
Apple App Store Rating
4.5
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Why We Chose It
IPVanish is easy enough for beginners to figure out with its simple, user-friendly interface. Featuring a QuickConnect feature for rapid connectivity, it pairs with the iPhone app in no time to offer instant and reliable privacy protection.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connection
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
- Fast connection capabilities
Cons
- OK user interface and design
- Buggy app functionality
Additional Information
Servers: 2,200+ in 75+ separate locations
- Connects speedily with its QuickConnect feature
- Sizeable server selection and configuration options
- iPhone-friendly split tunneling
- Easy-to-use, simple interface
- Supports iOS 14 or higher
Best Free VPN
ProtonVPN
Vault Verified
Price
Free – $12.99 per month
Free Trial
✓
Apple App Store Rating
4.6
Simultaneous Connections
One on the free plan; Up to 10 on the Plus plan
Why We Chose It
ProtonVPN is known for the completely free version of its VPN service. Its free VPN option is budget-friendly and equally effective in securing your iPhone device, allowing users to afford top-notch privacy on their phones without paying for it.
Pros
- Free VPN service option
- Stable connection
- Paid version has solid features, including a kill switch
Cons
- Outdated iPhone app design
- Must have iOS 15.0 or higher to use the iPhone app
- Free version limits you to one simultaneous connection and five server locations
Additional Information
Servers: Free version runs multiple servers in five countries; paid version has 3,600+ servers in 85+ countries
- Free version with the option to upgrade to ProtonVPN Plus and Proton Unlimited
- Complementary features include Proton Mail, Drive and Calendar
- Alternative network routing feature in the event of blocked server connections
- No data cap
- Open source
Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best VPNs for iPhone of 2024
| Product | Price | Free Trial | Apple App Store Rating | Servers | Simultaneous Connections |
| ExpressVPN | $9.99 – $12.95 per month | 4.7 | Multiple in 105 countries | 8 | |
| ProtonVPN | Free – $12.99 per month | ✓ | 4.6 | Free version runs multiple servers in five countries; paid version has 3,600+ servers in 85+ countries | One on the free plan; Up to 10 on the Plus plan |
| Surfshark | $15.45 – $17.95 per month | ✓ | 4.8 | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Unlimited |
| NordVPN | $12.99-$15.99 per month | ✓ | 4.7 | 6,000+ servers in 111 countries | 10 |
| IPVanish | $12.99 per month | ✓ | 4.5 | 2,200+ in 75+ separate locations | Unlimited |
Learn More About VPNs for iPhone
VPNs are simply an extra layer of protection for the Apple iPhone device, offering additional privacy on top of Apple’s already-secure ecosystem. Keep reading to learn more about VPNs and how they function on Apple iPhones.
What Is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that securely connects your device to the internet. It protects various technological devices, from mobile phones to tablets, from data breaches pertaining to your online identity and online surfing activity. Having a VPN installed on your iPhone allows users to safely browse the internet by encrypting your data, providing as much protection as possible to your personal information.
VPNs also make “location spoofing” a possibility, hiding your physical location while partaking in your regular online activities. This allows users living in countries with pro-internet surveillance governments to enjoy further privacy when browsing the web and allows foreigners to communicate with individuals in those countries to limit the risks of being flagged.
How Do VPNs for iPhones Work?
An iPhone-compatible VPN encrypts network traffic coming from your apps, browsers and the iOS system in general. This encrypted traffic gets filtered to your VPN’s server, blocking advertisers, ISPs and other third parties from accessing that data. It also provides a bit more protection on top of HTTPS, which can’t block your IP address like a VPN. A VPN’s ability to block your IP address gives it more authority to protect your traffic, as these third parties pick up on the VPN’s IP address while you’re browsing rather than your own—confusing their servers and making it difficult to access your data.
Most iPhone-compatible VPNs are generally downloaded via the Apple App Store, powered by dedicated VPN apps. Device owners connect to VPN servers through the app’s intuitive interface, often personalizing encryption protocols or security settings along the way.
Another thing to note is that VPN connections are manually configurable with a variety of different protocols found in iPhone’s settings—like IKEv2, L2TP, or IPsec. You can enjoy security and privacy while surfing the web, utilizing apps, and accessing online services after connecting or configuring the VPN app to your device, which encrypts the iPhone’s incoming and outgoing data traffic.
If you’re an iOS user seeking enhanced security, privacy and online freedom, iPhone-compatible VPNs are a straightforward and effective tool for all three.
Who Are VPNs Best For?
VPNs are best for privacy protection, security and for blocking your physical location. Individuals who use VPNs for privacy protection strive to shield their personal information from third parties (i.e., advertisers, ISPs, hackers, etc.).
Those who use it to block their physical locations typically do so to communicate with overseas parties in a more secure environment. They may also use it to remove barriers to streaming, allowing access to content they would typically be blocked from accessing. This is why it’s an invaluable tool for people residing in areas with strict internet censorship and surveillance.
After connecting an iPhone to a VPN server that’s located in another country, users can override geo-restrictions and gain entry to websites, streaming services and social media platforms that their original location may have blocked. Activists, journalists and citizens of authoritarian countries may particularly find this useful, as this allows them to privately access uncensored information and communication channels.
Types of VPNs for iPhone
- VPN on Demand: This VPN is designed to allow Apple devices to form automatic VPN connections when convenient for the user. On-demand VPNs must undergo an authentication method for a successful connection, which fortunately doesn’t require user interaction.
- Per App VPN: This VPN offers users more control over data that funnels through the VPN. Similar to its name, app connections are formed on a per-app basis.
- Always On VPN: This VPN provides organizations with the most freedom, giving them complete control over iOS traffic and providing the most IP protection with its traffic tunneling capabilities. It activates automatically without requiring user interaction.
How To Choose a VPN for Your iPhone
Here are important factors to consider when choosing a VPN for your iPhone.
iOS Compatibility
iOS compatibility is the most important factor to consider when choosing a VPN for your iPhone. Select a VPN that’s compatible with your phone’s current iOS version. If you care about user-friendliness or visual aesthetics at all, you might also want to assess the app’s design features. Apps that are frequently updated tend to have the sleekest features.
Cost
The best budget-friendly VPN for the iPhone will have seamless device installation, premier privacy connection and encryption, zero data caps and connection stability while in use. Regardless of the cost, all VPNs (from lowest to highest) should offer top-of-the-line security and basic protections against predatory third parties seeking to poach your information.
Speed & Connection Reliability
When selecting an iPhone VPN, a non-negotiable factor is a fast and reliable connection. The installation of an iPhone VPN often results in slower internet traffic. To minimize disruption with your connection, choose a VPN with no data caps and a high uptime.
Servers & Simultaneous Connections
VPN servers hide your IP address upon installation and after connecting to your device, providing additional privacy for your browsing activity. Simultaneous connections simply allow you to connect your VPN to a select number of devices at once. When narrowing your choices, choose a VPN with a high number of servers in multiple countries, and also one that allows a generous amount of simultaneous connections.
Other VPN for iPhone Alternatives
CyberGhost VPN
This VPN has a large group of servers worldwide and a newly updated iPhone app design. CyberGhost VPN offers several security features and a reputation for top-tier speed for their expensive yet wide-coverage VPN. Pricing-wise, CyberGhost VPN’s monthly pricing plan is a bit expensive, costing $12.99 per month. Thus, world travelers will likely get the best value from this VPN, as they’re able to leverage the company’s massive server fleet located in various parts of the world.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN is another affordably-priced VPN. While some may find its “choose your own” payment system confusing (you can purchase one month or as several months at a time, as you wish), it’s an ideal option for content blocking—especially on well-known websites.
TunnelBear
Despite its limitations (i.e., no multi-hop connections and lack of split tunneling for all platforms), TunnelBear has decent security features and an awesome privacy policy. Splitbear is one of its top features, which allows users to browse a select number of websites without worry of traffic routing through your VPN. Its users also have access to unlimited simultaneous connections. Additionally, the app has an overall welcoming and bright-colored design, making it quite pleasing to the eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Key Features To Look For When Selecting the Best VPN for iPhones?
There are a few key features to consider when selecting an iPhone VPN—like budget, speed levels, connection reliability and the number of simultaneous connections and servers. You’ll also want to consider if the app has compatibility with Apple’s latest iOS version for the iPhone. Though ExpressVPN limits its users to eight simultaneous connections, it’s a top choice due to its high-performing features.
How Does a VPN Affect iPhone Performance and Battery Life?
The best VPNs have little effect on your iPhone’s battery life and performance, though it may lead to a slightly slower internet connection. Nonetheless, it should have minimal effect on your device’s connection speeds.
Can I Use a Free VPN for My iPhone, or Should I Opt for a Paid Service?
Yes. Proton VPN has a free version of their service in addition to a paid plan. This is the only free VPN we’d recommend, as VPNs that solely offer free options may not offer as much privacy and security as those with premium subscriptions.
