The Best VPN For iPhone and iOS
Look above and see how many CEOs, CFOs, politicians and social activists use iPhones. Look down and check how people have become obsessively enthusiastic about iPhones. As per a rough estimate,1 billion people are using iPhones worldwide. You may be one of them.
But do you know that your extraordinary class-oriented device is not protected? Apple devices are known for their protection against malware with iOS 14.5 tracker blocking. However, your iPhone cannot do anything when you visit a malicious website or connect to the riskiest public wifi. So, Your digital privacy is potentially at risk.
Using the right VPN, you can surpass geo hurdles, stream media, and encrypt your valuable information. Now, the question is, which is the right VPN? You must be surfing the internet for the best VPN.
However, as variety grows, it is getting harder and harder for a regular user to figure out the most reliable VPN. So, if you are looking for iPhone VPNs and are overwhelmed by many choices over the play store, you are at the right place.
This article will suggest essential VPNs for Apple enthusiasts to keep them safe and secure internet browsing.
Criteria For Choosing The Right VPN
Choosing a reliable and trustworthy VPN service is hard to crack. It would only help if you used all your senses before making any financial commitment.
Be aware! Do not, at any cost, use free VPNs; otherwise, you will regret your decision.
After much research, we have compiled a list of specific criteria you must consider before choosing a VPN.
Provide High-Performance Apps
A reliable VPN should have an “app” available on the Apple play store. The app should be an easy-to-use GUI (Graphic User Interface) based to conveniently create VPN connections over the device. It should also have a 3D touch for users of smartphones.
Compatible With iOS Devices
A VPN should provide connections to not only iPhones but all other iOS devices such as iPads, Apple Smart TVs and your Apple Smartwatch.
Ability to Unblock Media Streaming
Virtual Private Networks should unblock sites like Netflix, HBO, Tubi Tv, Hulu and other streaming services from anywhere worldwide to provide you with a complete package against boredom.
Exceptional Speed
Your data passes through a secure tunnel from your device to the website. This is a bit long process that can stake your speed. However, a reliable VPN does not have a speed problem becasue it uses protocols that support speed on your iPhone and iPad.
Look for services having 99.9% uptime without bandwidth caps.
Retain Privacy
All your online activities are prone to prying eyes, but you can hide IP addresses to protect your business and personal phones through a VPN.
A VPN provider should have a no-log policy in which VPN service providers pledge not to retain your data at any cost. It should also maintain your anonymity from surfing online with fake IPs.
Skeptical about Data retention laws
Many countries are a part of data retention alliances such as Five Eye and Nine Eye to curb terrorism. These countries spy on your records and what you search for online. So, a reliable VPN should be headquartered in non-members' data alliance countries, such as Panama, the British Virgin Islands and Romania.
Strong Encryption And Security
VPN should have a military-grade AES 256-bit encrypted tunnel to protect your data from all sides. All other features, such as Kill Switch, Double servers, and ISP throttling, are necessary before any VPN purchase.
Qualitative Customer Support
Customer support is essential. Despite having all the above qualities, if a VPN does not have 24/7 support through email or chat, a customer may be disappointed and be stuck in one place for hours. So, a reliable VPN has qualitative, on-time support for its customers.
Price Matters!
Free VPN has become a hot topic, especially during the Covid-19 era. But these are not secure at all.
We do not suggest spending a lot on your VPN, “but if you can purchase an iPhone worth thousands of dollars, why not pay cents on VPNs.”
You should purchase a VPN and take the best package to get a maximum discount with free trials and a money-back guarantee.
Best VPNs for iPhone
We have developed a list of the most reliable VPNs to ensure cybersecurity over your iPhone. From an exhaustive list, some most essential VPNs are:
ExpressVPN – Choice of Elite
ExpressVPN is the #1 trusted choice of users and also the best iPhone VPN. It is one of the fastest and the most reliable VPNs for shielding your information and streaming your favorite shows simultaneously. The VPN app directly connects you to its screen without any extended configuration. Let's discuss this in more detail below.
Accessibility & Convenience
Servers: ExpressVPN has more than 3000 servers in 94 countries. It has the widest network of servers, which helps you connect anywhere without giving up your speed and security.
Simultaneous Connections: ExpressVPN provides simultaneous connections to up to 5 devices. These connections apply to various operating systems such as iOS, Android, Linux, Windows etc.
Protocols: Express uses various protocols, such as IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec for iOS. It also uses “Lightway protocols.” This protocol allows you to customize settings per the user's preference. This helps maintain speed if you plan to watch a movie on Disney Plus or any other channel.
Torrenting & P2P File Sharing: Peer-to-peer file sharing is at risk as it exposes your IP address. However, Express hides your IP, secures your web traffic and decreases the chances of risks.
Split Tunneling: Express VPN allows you to add an ios app or site, which you do not want to run over a VPN, to split the tunnel. This way, you can run your preferred sites on the regular internet.
Router App: ExpressVPN offers a separate router app that you can add to your router for streaming and securing your home or digital business environment.
Security & Encryption
Military Grade Encryption: Express has military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Also, it has a 4096-bit RSA key and SHA-512 HMAC authentication.
Trusted Servers: Its trusted servers technology is being recognized by many. Its servers are kept on updating regularly. Similarly, the software of its remote servers works on RAM, which needs power connections to retain your records.
Onion Over VPN: Onion routing is used for browsing anonymously. You can unblock as many sites and even Dark Webs from your iPhone through Onion routing. Your Onion Routing may be at stake. Therefore, Express also secures your Onion browsing by hiding your IP address.
Securing Public Wi fi: Public Wifi is prone to cyber theft and data security issues. However, the right VPN app, Express, can secure public Wi-Fi connections.
Kill Switch: Sometimes, a connection from the remote server of the VPN drops; this may cause heavy chances of info leakage. In this case, the Express's Kill switch will drop your internet connection if your iPhone loses contact with a remote server. This saves your records from any leaks.
Related Article: ExpressVPN vs. SurfShark
Privacy & Jurisdiction
No Log Policy: ExpressVPN has a staunch no-logging policy. This VPN connection does not track your data to protect you from third-party surveillance.
Outside Jurisdiction of Surveillance Alliance: ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a country that is a non-member of any data surveillance organization. So, the VPN is outside from jurisdiction of any info retention laws.
Obfuscated servers: Express's obfuscated servers remove all kinds of VPN traces, so your Internet Service Provider, at any cost, cannot figure out what has been happening.
Leak Protection: On a VPN, your information can be leaked while passing through an encrypted tunnel. These leaks can be DNS leaks, WebRTC or even your Ip address. If you are carrying iPhone to highly censored countries such as “China or Russia,” a single leak may cost your life. Therefore, Express is highly recommended to protect yourself from such leaks.
Speed: Streaming Media & Gaming
ExpressVPN has exceptional speed owing to its widest convergence of servers. It also surpasses ISP throttling and saves you from all kinds of Caps, which may halt your speedy connections.
Due to its speed, Express is famous for streaming and unblocking videos like Netlifc and HBO. Also, for PUBG and Freefire lovers, the “ping” would remain at 30 or 40.
Interface & Customer Support
ExpressVPN is relatively easy to use. You may get its app from the Apple store. Later, you need to connect with the server; no additional settings are required.
You can read articles and blogs from its website if stuck somewhere. For better understanding, video tutorials are also available. Still, the problem remains; you may use its 24/7 customer support.
Express's customer support consists of 24-hour live chat 7 days a week. You can also email their customer representative.
Pricing & Payment Details
| Months | Prices |
|---|---|
| 15 months | $6.67/month |
| 6 months | $9.99/month |
| 1 Month | $12.95/month |
Money-Back Guarantee: Express provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on its pricing plans.
Free Trials: Express offers only 3 months of free trials on its 15 monthly plan.”
NordVPN – Heavy Hitter
Nord is another most recognized brand in the entire VPN industry. It is also a trusted VPN for ios. The Nord VPN app is easy to interact with a desktop client. It is famous for its ultimate security with double VPN, unblocks even stubborn sites, and maintains your privacy and anonymity for digital surfing.
Accessibility & Convenience
Servers: Nord has 5234 servers in not less than 60 countries. Most Apple users reside in the USA, and NordVPN has 1700 servers in the US alone. This means you can access its services anywhere on your iOS device.
Simultaneous Connections: Nord connects 6 devices on all iPhones, iPad and Smart TVs. It is even applicable to iOS 11.0 version.
Protocols: Among many iPhone VPN apps, NordVPN has the best protocols. It uses IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, also NordLynx for better speed.
Torrenting & P2P File Sharing: NordVPN supports and secures your torrenting and P2P file sharing with unlimited bandwidth. It has separate torrenting and P2P servers.
Dedicated IP: Nord offers dedicated IP, which only you can use. Dedicated IP save you from blocklisting while accessing unblocked websites and accelerating speed.
Security & Encryption
Military Grade Encryption: Along with AES 256-bit encryption, Nord has 2,048-bit DH keys and SHA2-384 authentication.
Diskless Servers: Diskless servers of Nord save your digital information over RAM rather than hard drives. Hard drives hold data until it is written over or removed. RAM losses on every power loss. Therefore, Nord runs over RAM to lose particulars on the drop of power connection.
Onion Over VPN: As of Express, this iPhone VPN protects your onion routing.
Securing Public Wifi: Nord also safeguards your connection with public Wi-Fi to prevent hackers from sneaking into your personal space.
Kill Switch: The software of Nord's servers also has kill switch facilities.
Double VPN servers: On NordVPN, your data passes through a series of servers, at least two, for double protection. This is why Nord considers the best VPNs for security in an entire industry.
Adblocker: NordVPN has a built-in adblocker – CyberSac, to remove cookies and malware and block irritating apps from appearing on your screen.
Privacy & Jurisdiction
No Log Policy: As of ExpressVPN, Nord also has a staunch No Log Policy. Its policy was confirmed by PWC 2018 – an auditing firm.
Outside Jurisdiction of Surveillance Alliance: NordVPN is based in Panama, a non-member of surveillance organizations.
Obfuscated servers: Nord's obfuscated servers also remove footprints of VPNs from the network connection.
Leak Protection: Nord also protects staunch leaks against DNS and WebRTC leaks.
Streaming Media, Gaming & Speed
NordVPN can unblock all kinds of stubborn sites. It can unblock and access Amazon Prime Video, BBC iplayer, Diney+, Netflix and many more. It is pretty famous among game addicts.
Streaming sites it has exceptional speed. First of all, Nord surpasses ISP throttling. Secondly, it uses NordLynx- a WireGuard-supported protocol. WireGuard is famous for its extraordinary speed in the entire VPN industry.
Customer Support & Interface
Nord is easy to use, and the app will keep telling you all the required steps for setting up a VPN over your iPhone. In case of difficulty, you can access its website or 24/7 live customer chat and email services.
Pricing & Payment Details
| Months | Prices |
|---|---|
| 24 months | $3.67/month |
| 12 months | $4.92/month |
| 1 month | $11.95/month |
Money-Back Guarantee: Nord provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on its pricing plans.
Free Trials: Nord offers only 3 months of free trials on its “Exclusive Plan.”
Surfshark VPN – Devoted Friend
Though new in the industry, Surfshark is proving its capabilities for rightly called a reliable VPN. Like other VPNs, it encrypts your data and provides an unlimited connection to multiple devices. All its features are available at the most minimal prices.
Accessibility & Convenience
Servers: Surfshark has 3200 servers in more than 65 countries.
Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections in one subscription for device-crazy people.
Protocols: Surfshark has OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, WireGuard, and IKEv2 per the customer's choice. Shadowsocks can even remove restrictions of the Great Firewall of China.
Torrenting & P2P File Sharing: Surfshark also protects and supports P2P file sharing and torrenting.
Security & Encryption
Military Grade Encryption: As with other reliable VPNs, Surfshark encrypts your data with AES 256-bit.
Split Tunneling: Through Whitelister, Surfshark provides you access to bypass VPN and allow specific apps to work directly.
Securing Public Wifi: If your iPhone is connected to public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, bookstores or hotels, Surfshark will defend your system from malware.
Kill Switch: Surfshark also has a kill switch.
Double VPN servers: Its Multi-Hop Double VPN servers allow you to connect to multiple servers for twice better security.
Adblocker: Its Clean Web service works exactly like an adblocker that blocks ads, malware, scareware and even phishing scams.
Privacy & Jurisdiction
No Log Policy: Surfshark has a no-log policy, which a renowned auditing company endorses.
Outside Jurisdiction of Surveillance Alliance: Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands and is free from data retention laws.
Obfuscated servers: Under its Camouflage Mode, Surfshark removes traces of VPN from your connections.
Leak Protection: Surfshrk also protects from any DNS leaks.
Streaming Media, Gaming & Speed
Regarding streaming, Surfshark can help unblock and watch whatever you want without any problem.
For speed, Surfshark is using IKEv2 – Internet Key Exchange version 2, which is famous for speedy connections over mobile devices.
Customer Support & Interface
Surfshark is also easy to access and use. In case of query, you can visit its website to troubleshoot your problem through FAQS, tutorials or articles. If the issue is unresolved, you can chat anytime and even email their dedicated customer representatives in each country.
Pricing & Payment Details
| Months | Prices |
|---|---|
| 24 months | $2.49/month |
| 6 months | $6.49 /month |
| 1 month | $12.95/month |
Money-Back Guarantee: Surfshark is best known for its minimal prices and a 30-day money-back guarantee on its pricing plans.
Free Trials: Surfshark offers 7-day free trial on all plans.
CyberGhost – VPN with a Lion's Share
Accessibility & Convenience
Servers: CyberGhost comprises 7100 servers encompassing half the world- 91 countries. It is known as the “VPN with most servers.”
Simultaneous Connections: It connects 7 devices on different operating systems, including iOS.
Protocols: It uses OpenVPN, L2TP/ IPSec, IKEv2/ IPSec, and PPTP protocols.
Torrenting & P2P File Sharing: It supports and safeguards web traffic of torrenting and P2P file sharing. It also has specialized P2P servers.
Split Tunneling: The VPN also offers split tunneling to its valuable customers.
Dedicated IP: As with other trustworthy VPNs, CyberGhost offers dedicated IPs.
Security & Encryption
Military Grade Encryption secures your web traffic through an AES 256-bit encrypted tunnel.
Securing Public Wifi: IT protects netizens by making them a Ghostie- hiding their IP address.
Kill Switch: You can access the kill switch on an iPhone or any other device of iOS through the VPN.
Privacy & Jurisdiction
No Log Policy: CyberGhost does not keep logs of its valuable customers.
Outside Jurisdiction of Surveillance Alliance: It is based in Romania- a country outside any surveillance agency's jurisdiction to keep netizens' logs.
Leak Protection: The VPN also prevents DNS or WebRTC from any leakage.
Streaming Media, Gaming & Speed
CyberGhost can bypass any geo-restriction and help you unlock new dresses in online video games. Of course, maintaining ping while you are playing the game or a stable connection while watching the video is quite necessary.
CyberGhost understands all these necessities. It uses IKEv2 and WireGuard for speed.
Customer Support & Interface
The app is easy to install and requires not more than 5 minutes. For more details regarding your question and troubleshooting, you can access its website in English, French, and German and talk to customer representatives 24/7 or even email them in any of your preferred languages.
Pricing & Payment Details
| Months | Prices |
|---|---|
| 24 months | $2.25/month |
| 6 months | $6.39/month |
| 1 month | $12.99/month |
Money-Back Guarantee: CyberGhost has a 45-day money-back guarantee on the Best value and 6 months plan and 14 days money-back guarantee on the “Monthly plan.”
Free Trials: CyberGhost offers only 2 months of free trials on its “Best Plan.”
IPVanish VPN – Choice of Beginners
Founded in 1999, IPVanish is one of the oldest VPNs in the industry. Based on its decade-long experience, IPVanish can understand a customer's needs, even a beginner's. Its functionality, features, and interface are incredible.
Accessibility & Convenience
Servers: IPVanish has 1300 servers in 55-plus countries. You can access its servers from all these countries for geo unblocking and better speed for your iPhone.
Simultaneous Connections: As of Surfshark, you can connect to 10 devices through IPVanish within one subscription.
Protocols: IP Vanish uses different VPN protocols, such as IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec.
SOCKS5 web proxy: Apart from protocols, IPVnaish offers a SOCKS5 web proxy. It changes your IP address and reroutes your internet traffic for lightning-fast connections.
Torrenting & P2P File Sharing: IPVanish allows P2P activities over its network.
Split Tunneling: The VPN also has the facility of split tunneling.
Dynamic Shared IP: IPVanish has over 40,000 shared IPs worldwide, encompassing its wide array of servers. The IP changes on every new connection session.
Security & Encryption
Military Grade Encryption: IPVanish also has an encrypted AES 256-bit secure SSL tunnel.
Onion Over VPN: IPVanish protects and safeguards your TOR VPN for anonymous browsing.
Securing Public Wifi: IPVanish encrypts all your internet traffic while using public wifi from your iPhone device.
Kill Switch: It also has a kill switch facility.
Privacy & Jurisdiction
No Log Policy: As per the IPVanish website, “No logs means No Logs.” This is evidence seriousness of the VPN provider towards your digital security.
Outside Jurisdiction of Surveillance Alliance: IPVanish is severely criticized for its location in the United States of America, a member country of data surveillance agencies. Despite its birthplace, IPVanish has proved its staunch policy of no logging. “In 2018, the US government asked to hand over details but couldn't force it owing to its no-log policy.”
Leak Protection: The software of IPVanish's servers have built-in leak protection to ensure safe and sound surfing over the internet.
Streaming Media, Gaming & Speed
IPVanish can unblock censorship from any country or region. As far as speed is concerned, IPVanish also uses protocols to maintain momentum on your iOS device.
Also, it surpasses ISP throttling to maintain your connection for streaming video and playing games without any buffering or discrepancy.
Customer Support & Interface
The Apple app of IPVanish is relatively easy to use and download, taking less than 5 minutes. It has 24 hours, 7 days-a-week, 30 days a month, and 365 days-a-week Live Chat, Phone and Email support.
Pricing & Payment Details
| Months | Prices |
|---|---|
| 12 months | $3.75/month |
| 1 month | $10.99/month |
Money-Back Guarantee: IPVanish has a 30-day money-back guarantee on a yearly plan.
Free Trials: IPVanish does not offer free trials.
A Brief Comparison of 5 VPNs
| Features | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfsharkVPN | CyberGhost VPN | IPVanish VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Servers | 3000 | 5000 | 1700 | 7100 | 1300 |
| Countries | 94 | 60 | 65 | 91 | 55 |
| Device Connections | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | 7 | 10 |
| Uptime | 99.99 | 99.99 | 99.99 | 100% | 99.99 |
| Encryption | end-to-end | end-to-end | end-to-end | end-to-end | end-to-end |
| Adblocker | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Customer Service | Best | Best | Better | Better | Better |
| Get It Now | Get It Now | Get It Now | Get It Now | Get It Now |
FAQs
Is using a VPN legal?
Yes, using VPN is entirely legal in many countries. It is protected under international as well as domestic laws. However, using VPNs in certain countries like China is illegal, but Express will not disappoint you in these censored countries.
Warning! Free iOS VPN apps have a hidden cost and are prone to cyberspy and cyber theft.
Do I need a VPN on my iPhone?
Yes, it would be best if you had a VPN on your iPhone device when you are:
• Using public Wifi
• Unblocking websites
• Browsing on the internet.
• Using a VPN protects and secures your important information.
How do I get a VPN on my iPhone?
You need to follow simple steps to get a VPN on your iPhone.
• Go to an Apple app store.
• Download the VPN application.
• Select and subscribe to a payment plan.
• Sign up with the username and password.
Will I be tracked with a VPN?
Typically, you are not tracked while using a VPN. A VPN masks your IP address; some additionally rotate it and encrypt it with the chain of servers.
Also, they refrain from tracking your records, which the government, surveillance agencies, advertisers, and terrorist groups may use in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to look closely at VPN's privacy policy.
Do I have to pay for a VPN?
To protect the data of your thousands of dollars in iPhones, you should also spend a small amount on a VPN. The good news is, most of the time, companies offer free trials and a money-back guarantee which you can use to satisfy your purchase.
What is a mobile VPN?
You can use a mobile VPN to avoid slow speed and ensure privacy for your device. Mobile VPNs require less processing time than desktop VPNs, making them faster and saving more battery. All the VPNs listed above are excellent to use over your iPhones.
Can I get a free iPhone VPN?
Free VPN services are pretty tempting, but none of them is beneficial for the users. Free VPN service providers stake your privacy by selling your data to advertisers and government agencies through logs.
Secondly, free VPNs are also dangerous for users. These VPNs offer a free trial for less than a limited period charging a hefty fee afterward or giving you a false sense of security.
What does a VPN for iPhone do?
Once your iPhone is connected to the internet, it is prone to cyber theft. So the VPN can keep you safe by encrypting your information. You can watch your favorite series without any geo-restrictions on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, or other streaming devices.
Does my iOS device have a VPN built-in?
No, your iPhone does not have a built-in VPN. IOS 2.0 supports VPN connections, but the software does not support malware and cyber theft.
Which VPN is best for watching Netflix on my iPhone or iPad?
All the reliable VPNs can unblock all kinds of streaming websites, including Netflix. However, if you are looking for security and speed, we recommend using ExpressVPN.
Will using a VPN impact my iPhone’s battery life?
Like other apps, VPNs operate in the background of your mobile and can drain your battery. However, not all VPNs can do so. The VPNs which we suggested are pretty good for maintaining your battery life.
Which iOS VPN works in China?
Though China has banned any VPN service, you can use ExpressVPN without any problem to unblock your content and keep your information hidden.
Conclusion
After hours of research, the VPNs we mentioned are excellent for safe, fast and secure connections on your iPhone or any other iOS device. Anyone who desires anonymity intends to surpass digital censorship and is concerned about digital surveillance may use any of the above VPNs we discussed.
For more details, visit our page, Best VPNs for 2024. You can also use the comment below to share your insightful thoughts on VPNs.