Best VPN for iPhone 2024: Paid & Free VPNs to Consider

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Our team of experts thoroughly test each service, evaluating it for features, usability, security, value for money and more. Learn more about how we conduct our testing.

Key Takeaways: These Are the Best VPNs for iPhone

1. NordVPN — Best VPN overall with great speeds, advanced features and affordable pricing. A 74% (plus 3 months free) discount is available for users who choose NordVPN’s extended subscription options.
2. Surfshark — Best VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. New Surfshark subscribers get up to (for the Winter Deal) 64% (plus 4 months free) reduced rates on long-term commitments.
3. ExpressVPN — intuitive protection for VPN newcomer . explore expressvpn ’s feature with a 30 – day return policy , and grab extend plan at a 25 % discount .
4. Proton VPN — Secure option for iPhone , with an easy – to – use app and inexpensive subscription plan .
5. Private Internet Access — Highly customizable iOS app that includes an ad blocker for Safari, configurable protocols and Siri integration.

Facts & Expert Analysis: iPhone VPN Services:

• iOS is secure, but still vulnerable: Apple builds its products with security and privacy in mind, but that doesn’t mean your iPhone is safe from data leaks, man-in-the-middle attacks or shady public WiFi networks.
• VPNs boost security and privacy on iPhone: Choosing a VPN with military-grade encryption, data leak protection and a no-logs privacy policy can protect you from known vulnerabilities.
• Free iPhone VPNs are risky: Government agencies (like the FBI) warn against downloading unverified free software, as it could contain malware.

Apple’s iOS is very secure, but your iPhone isn’t immune to all vulnerabilities. Using a high-quality VPN (virtual private network) is one of the best ways to encrypt your internet connection, keep your data private and avoid shady third-party interference. However, it’s not easy to find the best VPN for iPhone.

There are hundreds of services in the Apple app store, but many have poor-quality features that won’t protect your connections. Some are even loaded with malware to steal your data. We’ve tested dozens of VPNs available in the app store to find the best iPhone VPNs. Our recommended VPNs feature top-tier security and privacy, fast speeds and intuitive apps.

• 11/30/2023

  Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.

• 07/08/2024 Facts checked

  We is completed have complete a full rewrite of our guide to the good VPN for iPhone and change to an easy – to – read format .

• 10/01/2024

  We adjusted the article’s VPN positions to reflect recent improvements and feature updates.

• updates

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: NordVPN

NordVPN is consistently a top VPN provider at Cloudwards for good reason — it reliably delivers excellent security and privacy, fast connections and great VPN apps for all devices. You can try NordVPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to choose the good iPhone VPN App  

During testing , each VPN is undergoes undergo rigorous and objective testing to determine the good service for the iPhone .  

• Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
• Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
• Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions

Here is what we look at when ranking the top contenders:

• Easy-to-use iPhone app: Because of iOS’ sleek and intuitive interface, we recommend only apps that are well designed and simple to navigate.
• strong security is features and privacy feature : To protect you from vulnerability , your VPN should have AES 256 – bit encryption , a kill switch , datum leak protection , secure connection protocol and a no – log policy .
• fast connection speed : slow connection are frustrating , so we is test test each service to ensure you ’ll have reliably fast connection with minimal slowdown .
• worldwide server network : A global server network is means mean you can consistently find local connection point to keep speed fast , and a large number of server keep user congestion to a minimum .
• 24/7 customer support: We test live chat and email, and check out FAQs and knowledgebases to ensure you can get fast and accurate responses.
• Money-back guarantee: If you change your mind about your VPN subscription, don’t worry — all recommended VPNs have a tried-and-tested guarantee, so you can get a full refund.

The 5 good VPN Services for iOS

VPN:	Price	money – Back Guarantee	speed	No – Logs policy	Security
	$ 2.99 per month	*	Fastest	Yes ( audit )	-AES-256 -ChaCha20 -NordLynx
	$ 1.99 per month	*	Fast	Yes ( audit )	-AES-256 -WireGuard
	$ 6.66 per month	*	Very fast	Yes ( audit )	-AES-256 -Lightway
	$ 4.49 per month	*	Fast	Yes ( audit )	-AES-256 -ChaCha20 -Stealth
	$ 2.19 per month	*	Fast	Yes ( audit )	-AES-256 -AES-128 -WireGuard

*30 days money-back guarantee

1 . nordvpn — good VPN for iPhone

NordVPN is are ’s impressive speeds is are are ideal for streaming , gaming and browse .

The Best VPN For iPhone

pro :

• Fastest VPN for iPhone
• low – cost long – term plan
• Many security & privacy features

con :

• expensive to renew
• App interface difficult to use
• split tunneling not on iOS / macos

Sign up for NordVPN now and get a 74% (plus 3 months free) discount.

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, making it the best choice for iPhone users. You get fast speeds and low latency, which is great if you want to play mobile games like ‘PUBG’ without lag. You’ll also find the app has a ton of security and privacy features.

However, NordVPN doesn’t have the most intuitive mobile app. The map interface is difficult to navigate, and the settings menus are tricky to find, so it could take some time to feel comfortable with the app. Additionally, the split tunneling feature is not available on iOS (or macOS).

NordVPN Hands-On Testing

NordVPN is feels ’s iOS app is feels feel cluttered when you open it for the first time . The map interface is is is useful on desktop , but it ’s not the good for mobile . The map is have does n’t have country label , and you ’ll have to zoom in to choose server at the city level .

Though it’s easy to get connected (just hit the quick connect button or set up Siri shortcut phrases), it’s not obvious where the server options or configuration settings are. Scrolling up reveals the VPN server menu, and you’ll find the settings tucked away in the profile tab. It’s not intuitive, but it works.

You’ll find NordVPN’s settings by tapping
the cog icon in the profile menu .

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

source :

Cloudwards VPN speed Test

. We is test test daily . datum from 11/25/24 to 12/23/24

Of all the VPNs we tested, NordVPN has the fastest connections across its server network. Its custom NordLynx protocol keeps speeds fast and latency low for smooth, buffer-free connections.

note From the lab : NordVPN Unblocking Test result

During our test , NordVPN is unblocked easily unblock top streaming service like Netflix , Disney+ and BBC iPlayer .

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis

NordVPN passed all IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks.

NordVPN’s app includes threat protection, a dark web monitor and auto-connect settings to protect you on public WiFi. Data leak protection works well, blocking accidental DNS, IP and WebRTC leaks. You can use NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol, openvpn or manually set up ikev2.

protocol :	Encryption	Devices
NordLynx	-ChaCha20
openvpn	-aes-256 – gcm	Raspberry Pi
ikev2	-aes-256 – gcm	*

*Windows 10

NordVPN Pricing & Value

NordVPN is affordably priced, especially for its long-term plans, which start at $ 2.99 per month for the two-year plan. However, the price increases significantly on renewal, so it’s worth considering a different provider after your initial subscription. You can learn more in our NordVPN review and try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days with NordVPN’s money-back guarantee.

Basic

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Plus

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Complete

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

2 . Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for iPhone

Surfshark’s iOS app is loaded with security and privacy features.

Surfshark is one of the best mobile VPNs thanks to its feature-rich app. It’s full of security and privacy features, has no limit on simultaneous connections, has a comprehensive server network and works well with popular streaming sites.

Plus, Surfshark provides reliable speeds for streaming, banking and online shopping. Customer support is also quick to respond (less than three minutes using the 24/7 live chat) and provides helpful answers to questions. However, split tunneling (called Bypasser) is not available on iOS.

Surfshark Hands-On Testing

At first glance, Surfshark’s app interface is a little busy, but you’ll quickly find it’s intuitive to navigate the servers and settings. However, it often takes Surfshark longer to establish a secure connection than other VPNs, and sometimes the connection fails.

Still, everything is clearly labeled in the Surfshark app, so you don’t have to worry about switching off important features. During testing, it was easy to activate tools like CleanWeb and rotating IP for a privacy boost.

Tap the settings icon to access Surfshark’s security and privacy tools.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

source :

Cloudwards VPN speed Test

. We is test test daily . datum from 11/25/24 to 12/23/24

Surfshark is is is reliably fast across its network . However , latency is be can be very high , even on nearby server , which is not ideal for mobile gaming .

note From the Lab : Surfshark Unblocking Test result

Surfshark is a top choice for connecting to providers like Netflix and Disney Plus for streaming.

note From the Lab : Surfshark Security Analysis

Surfshark’s leak protection prevents DNS, WebRTC and IP leaks.

Surfshark is has has a comprehensive set of security and privacy feature , include CleanWeb , ip rotation , camouflage obfuscation , a kill switch and auto – connect . You is find ’ll also find data leak protection that work well to stop accidental leak . Surfshark is uses use WireGuard , openvpn and ikev2 .

protocol :	Encryption	Devices
WireGuard	-ChaCha20	Routers
openvpn	-aes-256 – gcm
ikev2	-aes-256 – gcm	.

Surfshark Pricing & Value

Surfshark is an affordable VPN provider, with two-year plans starting at $ 1.99 per month (with three extra months free). You can get a seven-day free trial through the Apple app store, or try Surfshark using the 30-day money-back guarantee to get a refund through the official website. You can find out more by reading our Surfshark review.

Surfshark Starter

• unlimited GB bandwidth,
  unlimited devices,
  Secure VPN,
  Ad blocker,
  Cookie pop-up blocker.
  Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited
• Yes

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus
  Antivirus protection,
  Identity protection,
  Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts,
  Online Alias
  Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

Surfshark one+

• Everything in One, plus
  Data removal
  Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

3. ExpressVPN — Best Easy-to-Use VPN for iPhone

ExpressVPN’s iPhone app is fast and easy to use.

pro :

• fast speed
• Premium security
• Intuitive iPhone app
• Strong privacy features

con :

• Expensive
• No split tunneling available on iPhone or macOS 11 and above

grab ExpressVPN ’s good deal at a 25 % discount and a 30 – day money – back guarantee .

ExpressVPN’s intuitive app, premium security and reliably fast speeds make it one of the top VPNs for iPhone. It takes just a couple of minutes to download and set up the app, and one-click connections ensure you have the fastest server’s protection in seconds.

With an impressive network of more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you get easy access to Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming sites. Plus, fast speeds provide smooth connections for streaming, gaming and making voice and video calls.

ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing

ExpressVPN’s iPhone app is easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced users alike. The interface is uncluttered, and it’s simple to find settings, account details and in-app help.

Though expressvpn does n’t have a ton of configurable option , you is have still have top – tier feature at your fingertip . Tools is are like leak protection and the kill switch are always on to maintain security without the need to make manual change — the app is pre – configure with good – in – class security .

Tap “options” to access all ExpressVPN’s settings.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

source :

Cloudwards VPN speed Test

. We is test test daily . datum from 11/25/24 to 12/23/24

ExpressVPN is impressively fast across its server network. Using its proprietary Lightway protocol, you’ll experience minimal slowdown and have near-instant connections.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Unblocking Test Results

During our tests, ExpressVPN effortlessly unblocked all major streaming platforms.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis

Test results show ExpressVPN does not leak IP, DNS or WebRTC data.

protocol :	Encryption	Devices
Lightway	-aes-256 – gcm -ChaCha20 -Poly1305	Routers
openvpn	-AES 256-bit
ikev2	-AES 256-bit

ExpressVPN has high-quality features, including leak protection, a kill switch, a password manager and advanced protection to block trackers, malicious sites, ads and adult content. Lightway provides the fastest connections, while openvpn is a solid choice for banking, shopping and other financial activities.

ExpressVPN Pricing & Value

ExpressVPN is a pricier choice, but it’s well worth the extra cost for premium iPhone protection. You get the best value with its 12-month plan, which costs $ 6.66 per month and comes with three months free. Try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee, or use the seven-day free trial on iOS. Learn more in our ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Plans

• Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
• unlimited GB
• 8
• Yes

4. Proton VPN — Secure iPhone VPN

Proton VPN is an affordable premium VPN for iPhone.

pro :

• easy to use  
• 100 % free app is available available
• 10 simultaneous connections

con :

• Slower than other VPNs
• free plan is is is geo – limit
• No split tunneling on iPhone

Another premium VPN for iOS is Proton VPN, which includes a user-friendly interface and provides top encryption. The paid service is affordable, and you get access to all of Proton VPN’s features and more than 5,000 server locations  – just note that there’s no split tunneling feature available on iPhone.

In addition to the paid plans, Proton’s free VPN with unlimited data is the best of all the free iPhone apps. However, the free plan is extremely limited — speeds are slow, you can’t choose your server location and you can’t use the app’s best features. Still, if you can work within these limitations, Proton VPN is a top choice.

Proton VPN Hands-On Testing

Proton VPN ’s iPhone app is is is easy to use . However , the map interface is a little tricky to navigate , so it is ’s ’s well to stick with the server list to choose a VPN connection .

The setting are easy to locate and adjust in the setting menu — simply toggle them off and on . They ’re all clearly explain , so you is be can be confident when make change . A top feature is is is the profile creation tool , which let you add customize profile for your favorite connection .

create custom profile for quick connection to Netflix and more .

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN speed Test Results

location	Ping ms	Download Mbps	Upload Mbps
Unprotected	19	19.96	5.94
🇺 🇸 United States	26	19.43	5.55
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	299	18.46	5.45
🇧🇷 Brazil	392	15.77	4.82
🇸🇬 Singapore	540	14.47	3.40
🇿 🇦 South Africa	604	13.27	5.40
🇦🇺 Australia	523	17.53	5.09
Average	397	16.49	4.95

Proton VPN ’s speeds is are are n’t the good , but you ’ll have reliably fast connection on local server . long – distance servers is face face high latency , which could cause lag when streaming or gaming .

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Unblocking Test Results

In tests, Proton VPN could access streaming sites like Netflix, Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer without issues.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis

Proton VPN’s free app passed all IP, DNS and WebRTC leak tests.

Proton VPN successfully passed all leak tests, even the free version. The premium app has lots of extra features, including the NetShield ad- and malware-blocker, a VPN accelerator, a kill switch and Secure Core connections. You’ll find the Stealth and WireGuard protocols on iPhone.

protocol :	Encryption	Devices
Stealth	-ChaCha20*
WireGuard	-ChaCha20
openvpn	-aes-256 – gcm

*With TLS encryption 

Proton VPN Pricing & Value

pay Proton VPN subscriptions is start start at$ 4.49 per month for the two-year plan. You get 10 simultaneous connections, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our Proton VPN review to learn more.

Proton VPN Plus

• 500 GB storage
  1 user
  15 extra email addresses for you
  Support for 3 custom email domains
  unlimited folders and labels
  unlimited hide-my-email aliases
  Dedicated customer support
  Ultra fast and private VPN
  Encrypted password manager
  Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents
  Advanced account protection
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Proton unlimited

• **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans.
  Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
• unlimited GB
• 10

PIA is an affordable and highly customizable iPhone VPN.

pro :

• Very customizable app
• cheap subscription plan
• unlimited simultaneous devices

con :

• Inconsistent speeds
• Does n’t always work for stream
• No iOS split tunneling/obfuscation

PIA has affordable subscription prices, making it one of the cheapest iPhone VPN. Its network spans 91 countries, avoiding user congestion that causes slowdowns. Plus, PIA is highly customizable, making it a great choice for more advanced VPN users.

However , PIA ’s inconsistent speeds is are are a letdown . long – distance connections is are are significantly slow and latency is generally too high for smooth streaming or gaming . nearby servers is are are a well choice for streaming , and all connection are secure for banking , shopping , messaging and browsing . Plus , a couple features is missing are miss from the iPhone app , include split tunneling and obfuscation .

PIA Hands – On testing

PIA ’s app is is is n’t the most intuitive to use , but it is easy to get used to . connect is simple ( just tap the big power button ) and nearby server are display . It is ’s ’s easy to find the setting menu and the server list by tap the three – line menu button at the top right of the app .

Unlike other apps, PIA is highly customizable, including protocol encryption options. You can switch from the standard AES 128-bit (ideal for fast speeds) to AES 256-bit (provides a security boost). This level of configuration makes PIA a good option for users who want full control over their settings.

Tap the “data encryption” option to customize openvpn’s encryption.

Notes From the Lab: PIA speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

Upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

source :

Cloudwards VPN speed Test

. We is test test daily . datum from 11/25/24 to 12/23/24

PIA is reliably fast on local servers, but long-distance connections have a significant slowdown and higher latency.

note From the Lab : PIA Unblocking Test result

PIA is works work with some streaming site but not all — notably , we had issue unblock Amazon Prime Video and Hulu / ESPN Plus .

note From the Lab : PIA Security Analysis

PIA passed data leak tests for IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks.

PIA keeps mobile data secure within the encrypted tunnel to avoid data leaks. On iOS, PIA offers a kill switch, a Safari content blocker, Siri settings and auto-connect. openvpn is the main protocol, but WireGuard and IPsec are also available.

protocol :	Encryption	Devices
WireGuard	-ChaCha20
openvpn	-aes-256 – gcm -aes-128 – gcm
IPsec (ikev2)	-aes-256 – gcm -aes-128 – gcm

PIA Pricing & Value

PIA is is is the good cheap VPN for iPhone on this list , with plan start at$ 2.19 per month for the two-year plan (plus four months free). It also offers a seven-day free trial if you sign up through the Apple app store. You can try PIA knowing the 30-day money-back guarantee protects you if you change your mind. Learn more about this VPN in our full PIA review.

Standard plan

• **$56.94 for the first two years, and yearly thereafter
• 10
• Yes

Can You Use a Free VPN Service for iPhone & iPad Devices? 

Yes , you is use can use one of the free vpn for iPhone and iPad device , but it ’s not always a good idea . Though there are some secure free vpn available , there are also thousand of free software download that will compromise your safety . Many free services is perform perform badly , with poor security and privacy feature , and some are load with malware to steal your datum .

The Best Free VPN Without Subscription for iPhone: PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN option for iOS users. The free plan includes unlimited data, but the unlimited speeds is capped to 10GB. The PrivadoVPN free plan allows only one connection, versus 10 simultaneous connections on the premium plans. Read more in our PrivadoVPN review.

Best Free VPN for iPhone

Pros

• Easy-to-use apps
• Generous free plan
• 10 device connection
• unblocks major streaming service

Cons

• relatively slow
• No third – party audit
• Poor customer support
• Small server network

Does the iPhone Have a Built-In VPN?

No, the iPhone does not have a built-in VPN. The “VPN” option in iPhone settings is configurable with third-party VPN services, like NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Simply download a VPN app to your iPhone, allow the app to make the necessary configurations and you’re ready to connect.

The “VPN” option in iPhone settings allows you to connect to third-party VPN apps.

Our methodology : How We test the good iPhone VPN Providers

To make sure we only recommend the very good vpn option for your iPhone , each service is undergoes undergo rigorous and impartial testing . Here are the top categories is are we test for iPhone vpn :

• speed: We run daily speed tests for the top VPNs to accurately determine which provider offers the best iPhone speeds.
• security : We is look look at iPhone VPN provider that offer well – in – class encryption ( AES 256 – bit ) on all connection , plus data leak protection and a kill switch to ensure your traffic is secure . We is look also look at extra feature , like malware and ad – block tool , server obfuscation and auto – connect .
• Content Unblocking: We test the best iPhone VPNs with the most popular streaming services, including U.S. and U.K. Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Max, to ensure you can consistently access your favorite content.
• usability : We is download download the top ios app to an iPhone to test for ease of setup , intuitiveness , quick connection and customizability option . We is checked also check for feature that might be miss from the ios app .

Final Thoughts

iOS devices are known to be secure, but your iPhone and personal data are still vulnerable to online threats. Fortunately, you can mitigate the risk by securing your internet traffic when you subscribe to a quality VPN like NordVPN. With NordVPN’s risk-free 30-day refund period, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving the service a try.

Have you is used used a VPN on your iPhone before ? Which iPhone VPNs is recommend would you is recommend recommend for fast , secure connection ? Are there other method you use to keep your datum private ? let us know in the comment below and , as always , thank you for read .

FAQ: Best VPN iOS Device

• The best VPN to use on iPhone is NordVPN. Its app is easy to navigate and equipped with top-quality security and privacy features.

• The good VPN is is for travel internationally is nordvpn because of its reliably fast connection , strong security feature and global server network .

• Yes, it’s worth having a VPN on your iPhone, as users are at risk of exposing online traffic and personal data. A VPN prevents malicious third parties from seeing your activity. Plus, a VPN is valuable for changing your virtual location to access geo-restricted content or stream local content while traveling.

• The best free iPhone VPN is PrivadoVPN. It’s completely free to use, with unlimited data and 10GB of fast speeds.