Best iPhone VPN for iOS ranked 2024 | The Independent (2024)

The best VPN for iPhones – both paid and free VPNs – will provide a secure and encrypted connection, and mask your real IP address. An iPhone VPN can enhance your security with features such as split tunnelling, optimised servers, and robust kill switches.

Most iPhone users’ devices contain a lot of sensitive information, and it is common to use the internet for online shopping, banking and email services. Whether you’re using your iPhone data or wifi, without a VPN, your connection might not be secured and you could be at risk from cybercriminals.

Our team of VPN experts have tested more than 70 iPhone VPN apps to establish which ones have super fast performance, can successfully bypass geo-restricted content and protect your online identity with robust security features.

How we research and rate VPNs for iPhone

Our VPN for iPhone review scores are determined the following categories:

• Privacy and performance (30%)
• Features and functionality (30%)
• Reputation and credibility (25%)
• Plans and pricing/value (10%)
• Customer experience (5%)

We research and test a total of 25 elements within these categories including:

• Number and location of servers
• Streaming service accessibility
• Security features such as AES-256
• Performance (upload, download, latency)
• Value for money, guarantees, and customer service
• Independent server-site security audits

All of our VPN articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers, so you can be assured our content is as accurate and current as possible. Learn more about our methodology for reviewing VPNs here.

To compare the best iPhone VPNs, we considered several key factors.

• Encryption: A good VPN for an iPhone should have strong encryption that will protect your Apple device when browsing or using apps – AES-256 is widely considered the most unbreakable encryption available – and support secure protocols, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard
• No-logs policy: This policy ensures the VPN provider does not collect or monitor any information about your online activities from your iOS device while using their service. Many providers have verified the robustness of their policies by inviting independent VPN audits
• Fast and stable connection: A good iPhone VPN will still retain a good level of speed while using the VPN app. We chose VPNs with multiple servers in different locations that were also capable of bypassing geo-restrictions for gaming and streaming
• Security features: We looked for dedicated iOS VPNs with security features such as a kill switch, split tunnelling, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection, all of which give users an added layer of security
• Subscription price: Price was also an important factor to consider. We compared the pricing and plans offered by each VPN provider. Some offer a VPN free trial or money-back guarantee, which allows users to test the service before committing to a subscription

• Free version: No
• Maximum number of connected devices: 6
• Number of servers: 5,500+ in 60 countries
• Encryption: AES-256
• VPN protocols: IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx (WireGuard protocol)
• No-log policy: Does not log user activity
• Audited: Yes, by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland and Deloitte
• Headquarters: Panama
• Pricing:

• NordVPN 2 year

  £2.79

  /month

  NordVPN 1 year

  £3.99

  /month

  NordVPN 1 month

  £10.49

  /month

  VIEW

  At NordVPN

NordVPN for iOS provides users with a secure and private way to access the internet, protecting their online activities from hackers, surveillance, and potential data breaches.

With fast download speeds, it’s ideal for online gaming, while the advanced security features and privacy protocols make NordVPN a good choice for journalists and reporters in geo-restricted locations.

In addition to its already robust security and privacy measures, NordVPN’s iOS app offers several other features, such as:

Connection protocol: Users can select the connection protocol that suits their needs the best:

• OpenVPN: The most popular VPN tunnel, due to its speed/security ratio
• NordLynx: NordVPN’s proprietary protocol is based on WireGuard, and is noticeably faster than OpenVPN without compromising security or privacy
• IKEv2/IPSec: Allows you to switch between networks without dropping connections

Threat Protection Lite: This is designed to protect you from ads, unsafe connections, and malicious sites while connected to NordVPN.

Meshnet: Perfect for file sharing, work collaborations, and multiplayer gaming, Meshnet allows secure connections between several devices.

Dark Web Monitor: NordVPN continuously scans the dark web for your credentials, enabling you to take protective action should your details be found.

Cost

NordVPN has three payment tiers – Standard, Plus, and Complete – and each is available as a monthly, yearly, or two-year plan. The monthly fees are billed every month, while the other two plans require payment upfront. For the most significant savings, NordVPN’s two-year deal currently comes with a 67 per cent discount, along with an Uber Eats voucher worth up to £30 as an added incentive.

There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee across all the tiers.

Security

NordVPN for iOS uses a secure tunnel to connect your device to the internet through a remote server. Once in the tunnel, your data is scrambled by a complex algorithm called AES-256. Widely recognised as one of the best encryptions available, it’s used routinely by government and military organisations to maintain security and online privacy.

NordVPN claims not to retain any user information or record online activities, and PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland and Deloitte have independently verified this.

User experience

The app is available on the App Store and can be quickly installed on your iOS device with a simple sign-up process.

It features a modern and visually appealing design with a map-based interface. Users can easily connect to a VPN server by tapping on a country pin, selecting a specific server from the list, or using the Quick Connect button. Customisable settings allow users to tailor their app’s functionality, add Siri commands, quickly contact in-app support, and access their favourite features.

Overall, our researchers found the NordVPN iOS app offers a smooth and user-friendly experience with robust security features.

Performance

In our latest speed tests on iOS, NordVPN delivered consistent performance, with the expected degradation across more distant server locations. When connected within the UK, the service maintained around half of the baseline download and upload speeds, supporting most activities on iOS devices for local use.

As the connection extended to the US and Australia, download speeds stayed relatively strong at close to half of the baseline, catering efficiently to download-focused internet tasks. However, uploads experienced a substantial decrease, dropping to 12 and 4 per cent of the no-VPN level, potentially affecting high-bandwidth activities. The increase in the distance to the VPN server used caused a respective rise in latency, particularly noticeable in the UK-to-Australia connection, which could impair the quality of real-time online interactions.

Despite these limitations in long-distance connections, NordVPN remains a viable choice for iOS users. It offers secure, stable, and reasonably fast local connections, along with an intuitive user interface and experience.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 18/12/2023

Customer service

NordVPN is currently rated 4.7 out of five stars on the Apple App Store, with around 5,800 reviews. Many of the highest-rated reviews mention good customer support experiences, and the responsive, user-friendly app interface.

“I love having the extra security, as I have a lot of sensitive material on my desktop, iPads and phones… The only issue I do have with the app, is in order to access some accounts or other apps, I have to pause the VPN service. So I have opened my material and other accounts up to have it hacked while accessing other important and needed programmes and information. I do work quickly so I can resume my security; the thought of having around-the-clock security was great, but having to pause, even for five minutes, kind of worries me. Also, another hiccup is the fact that I have the fastest speed internet connected to my business internet account, which has always worked amazingly quick. Now my internet speed has slowed down tremendously and I have stalls while using my computer for Zoom meetings or streaming apps, which I never had before. [Other than these points,] I am satisfied with the app and I am happy I got the two-year subscription”

• JHurd61, via Apple App Store

Customer support is available through the in-app chat option, the quickest contact method, and via email.

Verdict

Although NordVPN is at the higher end of the price band, we feel the quality of its iOS app easily justifies paying more. The provider continues to diversify, broadening its range of innovative features with products such as Meshnet and Dark Web Scanning. Its user-friendly app appeals to both VPN novices and experienced users seeking the complete package of online security and privacy.

Score: ★★★★½

Read our full NordVPN review.

• Free version: No
• Maximum number of connected devices: 8
• Number of servers: 3,000+
• Encryption: AES-256
• VPN protocols: Lightway, IKEv2
• No-log policy: Yes
• Audited: Yes
• Headquarters: British Virgin Islands
• Pricing:

• ExpressVPN 12 month

  £6.79

  /month

  ExpressVPN 6 month

  £8.15

  /month

  ExpressVPN 1 month

  £10.56

  /month

  VIEW

  At ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s iOS app offers reliable online privacy and security for mobile users. While it appears to focus on streaming and gaming, ExpressVPN is popular with anyone who wants to hide their IP address, unblock censored websites, and safeguard data. ExpressVPN is excellent at unblocking geo-censored content, which is why it’s the best VPN for iPhone in China – a jurisdiction renowned for its robust firewall.

The iOS app allows users to customise their experience by selecting the ideal protocol for their purpose, including the company’s custom-built Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s advanced features incorporate a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and dynamic encryption keys.

With ExpressVPN, users can also turn on the ad blocker, allowing them to browse the web uninterrupted by irrelevant and annoying ads. The advanced protection tool, when turned on, safeguards users from ads, trackers, malicious sites, and adult sites.

Cost

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. Users should note that all payments are taken in US dollars.

Security

The provider uses AES-256, which most top-level VPNs, military and government organisations rely on.

ExpressVPN has a solid no-logs policy, which KPMG has independently audited.

User experience

The iOS app provides a good user experience, in our reviewer’s opinion. Not only is it easy to install, but getting started follows an intuitive route. The interface is clear and clean, displaying a recommended location, connect button and a menu leading to further options.

The Threat Manager, which blocks trackers and malicious sites, is a welcome addition.

Performance

Our most recent tests on iOS showcased the stable performance of ExpressVPN, particularly consistent in downloads, although uploads faced challenges that were most pronounced over long distances. Across all locations tested, we registered relatively fast downloads at around 45 per cent of the download speed baseline, catering to most online uses. When connected to a UK VPN server, uploads were satisfactory, maintaining 41 per cent of the baseline speed, which indicates a reasonable capacity for local usage.

Shifting to a US server saw a dramatic drop in upload speed to as low as 1 per cent, indicating significant limitations for upload-intensive tasks despite the stable download performance. The Australian server connection showed a similar trend with slightly faster uploads. Alongside these limitations in uploads, the high latency observed with the Australian connection could affect real-time interactions.

ExpressVPN upholds its strong reputation for privacy and security, although these test results suggest that iOS users might experience inconsistent performance levels across different server locations, particularly for uploads.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 18/12/2023

Customer service

ExpressVPN is awarded 4.5 out of five stars on the Apple App Store (out of nearly 47,000 reviews), with several customers praising the high level of customer support.

“I’ve been using ExpressVPN for a couple of years now. From my experience with other providers in the past, they are the better service provider, with uses over multiple platforms, a good support team and decent software.

However, it’s kind of sad that the quality of the connections is so fluctuating; one day you connect to the US and things work okay, but the next it can’t seem to stabilise and makes any kind of entertainment impossible to do. I feel like every so often my wife and I discuss which server has the best connection and go with that for a while until things go sideways again and we have to spend some time finding a new decent server.”

• Mr PLJ, via Apple App Store

Verdict

ExpressVPN’s iOS app is very user-friendly, with a stylish interface and easy-to-find tools. However, it lacks a few extras available on its other apps, such as split tunnelling, and it isn’t as feature-packed as NordVPN’s app.

Whilst it does have a higher Trustpilot score, this rating is for ExpressVPN as a whole rather than for the iOS app (as are all the VPN ratings). So, although the score is considered, in this case, we feel the features included in the NordVPN iOS app push ExpressVPN into second place – albeit by a narrow margin.

Score: ★★★★½

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

• Free version: No
• Maximum number of connected devices: Unlimited
• Number of servers: 3,200+
• Encryption: AES-256
• VPN protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN
• No-log policy: Yes
• Audited: Yes
• Headquarters: The Netherlands
• Pricing:

• Surfshark 24 month

  £1.79

  /month

  Surfshark 12 month

  £3.29

  /month

  Surfshark 1 month

  £8.69

  /month

  VIEW

  At Surfshark

Surfshark has designed an iOS app that’s ideal for VPN newbies. It features descriptions of each element, creating an instructional interface that can be toggled off as the user becomes savvier.

The iOS app includes some nice features, such as an effective kill switch, protocol options, IP Rotator, and the CleanWeb ad and malicious site blocker. However, it lacks split tunnelling and the variable encryption option, which is only available on Surshark’s VPN for Android.

Cost

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It offers fantastic value for money given the level of security, which is why it’s been named by our researchers as the best cheap VPN on the market.

Security

Surfshark’s iOS app uses AES-256 encryption – the same as the other VPNs on this list. It also uses obfuscated, RAM-only servers and has a strict no-logs policy, which Deloitte has verified.

User experience

The iOS app is particularly straightforward to use and customise, with attractive light or dark themes. Packed with features, the logical navigational paths are clearly marked, and it offers one-click connection and a helpful search function to locate the ideal server for your needs.

Performance

In our latest speed tests on iOS, Surfshark delivered impressive download speeds, which remained robust for all VPN server locations used and catered to demanding data download activities. The domestic, UK-to-UK connection maintained 86 per cent of the baseline download speed, though upload speeds were considerably lower at 34 per cent of the no-VPN levels. Such bandwidths are sufficient to support most online activities on iOS mobile devices.

The shift to a US server revealed a similar high retention in download speeds but a dramatic decline in uploads to only 4 per cent of the reference speeds, potentially affecting data-intensive tasks. Connections to an Australian server introduced a slight decrease in download bandwidth to 70 per cent of the baseline. However, upload speeds remained as low as in the UK-to-US scenario, combined with significant latency.

These results position Surfshark as a strong choice for an iOS VPN, particularly for users who prioritise download speeds and are less concerned with upload performance and latency in long-distance connections.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 18/12/2023

Customer service

On the Apple App Store, Surfshark receives 4.8 out of five stars (from nearly 13,000 reviews), with many reviews mentioning the helpful customer service personnel.

“I am very happy with this VPN. I’ve been using it for three months now. After the first month, I started to have problems, so I contacted customer support because I wanted to cancel my subscription. But one of the customer assistants asked me several questions to understand why it wasn’t working and finally after 40 to 50 minutes we were able to identify the problem: the DNS of my device. I had no idea what it was, but after I changed the DNS, the VPN started to work perfectly again. So the problem wasn’t the app, but my device. I am very happy about this app and also about the customer service I received.”

• Lari1298, via Apple App Store

Customer support can be contacted through the in-app chat service.

Verdict

Although missing several features the Android app has, we found Surfshark’s iOS app uncomplicated and aesthetically crisp. Simple for VPN novices, we particularly liked the signposting and descriptive labelling, making a quick start super easy.

Score: ★★★★

Read our full Surfshark review.

• Free version: No
• Maximum number of connected devices: 7
• Number of servers: 9,000+
• Encryption: AES-256
• VPN protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
• No-log policy: Yes
• Audited: Yes
• Headquarters: Bucharest, Romania
• Pricing:

• CyberGhost 2 year

  £1.92

  /month

  CyberGhost 6 month

  £6.19

  /month

  CyberGhost 1 month

  £10.89

  /month

  VIEW

  At CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s app for iOS lacks many of the features found on Android, such as split tunnelling, and access to OpenVPN. This seems to be the case with many of these apps, in our researchers’ experience. However, there’s the usual choice of protocols and several robust security features.

The best location feature works well, offering a one-click connection, as does Smart Rules, which allows users to customise the VPN settings fully. It also provides a dedicated IP address for an additional monthly fee, bypassing annoying CAPTCHAs and identity verification.

Cost

CyberGhost offers an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee – two weeks longer than most other providers.

Security

CyberGhost uses AES-256 for encrypting user data, and has a solid no-logs policy. This has been verified by Deloitte.

User experience

CyberGhost’s app for iPhones is missing several features available on the Windows app, such as split tunnelling and OpenVPN protocols, and it lacks the intuitive navigation that NordVPN and ExpressVPN excel at. However, it’s easy to use, and our connections remained stable, although some customer reviews mention connectivity issues.

Performance

When tested, CyberGhost maintained a relatively robust performance, particularly in its download speeds, supporting even intensive data downloads across various distances. Connecting domestically to a UK VPN server, we witnessed the service retaining 64 per cent of the baseline download speed and a reasonable 43 per cent in uploads, making it a strong choice for nearby server connections.

The shift to a US server resulted in a notable improvement in download speeds at 70 per cent, but uploads suffered significantly, dropping to only 9 per cent of the no-VPN speed. The connection to an Australian server mirrored the UK scenario in download speed, but upload speeds were considerably lower, and the latency increased.

These results suggest that while CyberGhost offers consistent download speeds across various distances on iOS, its upload speeds and latency issues over longer connections might impose challenges for users engaging in upload-intensive activities or requiring low-latency connections.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 18/12/2023

Customer services

CyberGhost is given 4.3 out of five stars on the Apple App Store with more than 8,300 reviews, and although some reviewers mention poor customer services, in general the reviews are positive.

“My main reason for buying a VPN is public wifi. Auto protect works well as an alert, but [the app] struggled with networks that have a landing page (ie, click to consent before enabling an internet connection). In these circ*mstances, CyberGhost gets confused and just locks everything network-related. On a phone this is a problem, but on a laptop maybe not so much.”

• Mrlittle1979, via Apple App Store

Verdict

In our iPhone tests, CyberGhost managed some fast speeds, which, taken in isolation, should place the app higher in our ranks, but with the lack of features, and customers mentioning connection issues, the iOS app misses the top spots.

Score: ★★★★

Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.

• Free version: Yes
• Maximum number of connected devices: 10
• Number of servers: 2,700+
• Encryption: AES-256
• VPN protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard
• No-log policy: Yes
• Audited: Yes
• Headquarters: Switzerland
• Pricing:

• Proton VPN 2 years

  £4.25

  /month

  Proton VPN 12 months

  £5.10

  /month

  Proton VPN 1 month

  £8.50

  /month

  VIEW

  At Proton VPN

Proton VPN is one of the few providers to offer a free subscription, however, some features – such as NetShield ad blocker – are only available with a paid account. The always-on feature is an effective kill switch, and Secure Core servers are a useful option.

Cost

Proton VPN offers subscription terms of monthly, 12 months, and 24 months. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Security

Proton VPN uses AES-256 to encrypt user activity and data. It also has an audit-assured privacy policy, verified by the IT security firm Securitum.

User experience

Connecting to most of Proton VPN’s servers took the longest time of all our VPNs tested – around 10 seconds.

The Proton VPN iPhone app presents a busy interface, which could appear confusing for VPN newbies. It has some nice touches, such as country flags on the map screen, but with so many icons, it’s hard to isolate the one you require. Once familiar with the controls, customisation becomes simple.

When put under pressure, our researchers did find the kill switch didn’t always send alerts or reconnect, meaning that, although they were safely disconnected from the internet, a manual connection was required before continuing to browse safely.

Performance

In our latest speed tests on iOS, Proton VPN displayed exceptional performance, particularly in download speeds across various servers. Using a UK server, the VPN retained 83 per cent of the baseline download speed, though uploads were modest at 20 per cent, hinting at some limitations in data transfer capabilities.

The download performance was even more remarkable when connecting to a US server, with an outstanding 93 per cent download speed retention. However, uploads degraded significantly to 6 per cent of the baseline, indicating a disparity between download and upload speeds. Connections to an Australian server showed consistently high download retention, but a further reduction in uploads to 4 per cent, accompanied by increased latency.

These test results position Proton VPN as a viable option on iOS mobile devices, especially for users who prioritise download speeds and can manage with lower upload speeds and increased latency in long-distance connections.

Speed test results

Date of testing: 18/12/2023

Customer service

Proton VPN scores 4.6 out of five on the Apple App Store, with more than 18,400 reviews. Reviews are generally good, though some users have mentioned speed and connection issues on iOS.

“The app is easy to use; the ‘core’ functionality is good, but can cause issues with video playback, although Proton will notify you of this before switching it on, and it is easy to temporarily disable. The battery consumption for ‘background processes’ does, however, appear pretty high. Ten per cent of my battery’s expenditure since the last full charge was [used for] Proton VPN. I suspect this may be owing to switching to the fastest service once connected. [This is] a neat feature but possibly the guilty party here. [However], it would not make me change [to a different VPN provider].”

• cribbage85, via Apple App Store

While live chat is available through the iOS app, it should be noted that it’s only accessible during office hours.

Verdict

Proton VPN’s iPhone app allows access to its specialised servers, including the Secure Core options. However, there were flaws with the kill switch reconnection. While it did block access to the internet, preventing IP exposure, without remembering to manually reconnect, there could be privacy issues.

Score: ★★★★

Read our full Proton VPN review.

To set up a VPN on an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Choose a reputable VPN provider: Research and select a trustworthy VPN service that meets your needs in terms of privacy, security, and server locations.
2. Download the VPN app: Go to the App Store, search for the chosen VPN provider’s app, and download it onto your iPhone.
3. Install and launch the app: Open the app and follow any necessary prompts to complete the installation. Sign up for an account or log in if you already have one.
4. Configure VPN settings: Most VPN apps will guide you through the configuration process. You may need to grant the app permission to add VPN configurations to your device. In some cases, you may also be asked to select a server location or adjust settings such as encryption protocols.
5. Connect to the VPN: Once the app is set up, tap the connect button. The app should display a connected status, often with a VPN icon in your iPhone’s status bar.
6. Verify your connection: You can check your new IP address and location by visiting a website like whatismyip.com. This will confirm whether your traffic is being routed through the VPN server or not.

Note: On iOS, when you are connected to a VPN, you will often see a symbol that shows “VPN” in the top-right corner, so that you are aware you are connected. The connection status can also be seen in the iPhone Settings, under the VPN option.

Remember to disconnect the VPN when not in use to save battery life and data usage. To disconnect, simply open the app and tap the disconnect button.

Read our detailed step-by-step guide on how to set up a VPN on iPhone for more information.

When selecting a VPN for your iPhone, consider the following factors:

• Compatibility: Ensure the VPN provider has a dedicated iOS app compatible with your iPhone’s operating system version
• Security: Look for solid encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, or WireGuard, and features like a kill switch, which disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops
• Privacy policy: Choose a provider with a strict no-logs policy, as this means there is no record of your online activities
• Speed and performance: Opt for a VPN with fast servers and minimal impact on your internet speed. An extensive server network and multiple server locations will ensure optimal performance
• Ease of use: The app should have a user-friendly interface
• Customer support: Reliable customer support, including live chat and email assistance, is important in case you encounter any issues
• Price and subscription plans: Compare price plans, considering the features offered. Look for a provider with a money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service before committing
• Reputation and reviews: Research user reviews and recommendations to gauge the VPN provider’s overall reputation and the quality of their service

This section will help you understand how to use VPN on iPhone settings. If you ever change VPN provider, this method will also show you how to change VPN on iPhone.

Once you’ve downloaded a VPN app onto your phone and registered with the provider, follow these steps to set up a VPN on your iPhone:

1. Tap on your Settings app.
2. Choose General.
3. Press VPN.
4. Tap Add VPN Configuration.
5. Press Type and pick the VPN protocol you want to use. Likely IKEv2,IPSec, orL2TP.
6. Type in a description and a server name for the VPN.
7. Type in your username and password.
8. Click Auto or Manual to enable a proxy server (if you are using one).
9. Press Done.

This will enable the VPN in your iPhone settings. Now you’ll need to activate it when you want to use the VPN:

1. Go to the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to General.
3. Choose VPN.
4. Tap the status switch on your VPN to turn it on.

If you’re wondering how to turn off VPN on iPhone, then just repeat the steps 1-4 above.

The data in this review is reported from a neutral stance and should be used for informational purposes only. We review VPN services from the perspective of:

• The quality of the product based on the security it affords the user
• User experience of the application(s)
• Level and quality of customer service

Independent Advisor does not endorse the streaming of content from regions other than where the subscription is held, nor does it endorse the downloading or consumption of illegally pirated content.