iPhones and iPads lock down the device—not the connection. Without a VPN, websites, apps, and networks can still infer your location, track your browsing, and build profiles from your activity, especially on public Wi-Fi.
A quality VPN encrypts your traffic end-to-end, masks your IP, reduces tracking and throttling, and helps you use coffee-shop or airport Wi-Fi safely while accessing region-locked content on the go.
Not all iOS VPN apps are equal. Prioritize providers with audited no-logs policies, modern protocols (WireGuard/IKEv2), dependable kill switch/auto-reconnect, and consistently fast nearby servers.
Below are our top VPNs for iPhone and iPad in 2025—chosen for privacy, performance, usability, and value.
In our testing, NordVPN stands out as the best all-around VPN for iPhone and iOS. It pairs strong, proven security with fast, reliable connections and an intuitive app. Thanks to a strict no-logs policy and a large, performance-focused server network, it’s a safe choice for protecting your data and streaming on the go.
The iOS app includes essentials like an automatic Kill Switch and DNS leak protection. Advanced options—such as Double VPN (multi-hop) and obfuscated servers that hide VPN traffic from networks and ISPs—add another layer of privacy. P2P is supported (on designated servers), and the network is engineered to maintain high speeds across long distances.
Pricing
2-year plan — $3.30/month (save 72%) + 3 months FREE ($89.00 for the first 2 years)
1-year plan — $4.92/month (save 58%) ($59.00 for the first year)
1-month plan — $11.95/month
Pricing may change; check the official site for current offers.
Key Features
Strict no-logs policy and strong encryption
Kill Switch and DNS leak protection on iOS
Double VPN (multi-hop) & obfuscated servers for restricted networks
P2P support on selected servers
Fast, globally distributed network for streaming and browsing
✅ Pros
Use on up to 6 devices per subscription
5256 servers in 60 countries (as of Sept 2021)
High performance with unlimited traffic & bandwidth
Works in restrictive regions (e.g., Chinese firewall)
No logging of activity; crypto payments supported for added privacy
Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more
24/7 support via live chat and a detailed knowledge base
❌ Cons
No PayPal payments (availability can vary by region)
ExpressVPN pairs a polished iOS experience with industry-leading speed. The app is clean and straightforward—pick a location and tap Connect—yet the service behind it is powerful enough for streaming, privacy, and travel.
Its network spans 3,000+ servers across 94 countries (160+ locations) and reliably unblocks popular platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. ExpressVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy, uses 256-bit encryption, and protects against DNS/IPv6 leaks for peace of mind on public Wi-Fi.
1.3 PureVPN – VPN With Many Locations for iPhone and iOS
PureVPN is a reliable iOS VPN known for its vast server footprint and easy, secure streaming on iPhone and iPad. Auto-reconnect restores your encrypted tunnel if the connection drops, helping you browse and stream without interruption.
The network spans 6,500+ servers in 180 locations across 140+ countries, so you can find nearby servers for speed wherever you are.
Pricing
2 years — $2.91/month (73% off) — $69.95 for the first 2 years
1 year — $3.74/month (66% off) — $44.88 for the first year
1 month — $10.95/month
Prices and promotions may change—check the site for current offers.
Key Features
6,500+ servers in 180 locations across 140+ countries
Auto-reconnect to maintain an encrypted session on iOS
Unlimited data transfer & bandwidth
Split tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN
24/7 technical support (incl. live chat)
Support for modern VPN protocols
Optional site/malware blocking via Gravity and Ozone features
✅ Pros
Unlimited server switching for faster, smoother browsing
Very large global network (6,500+ servers, 180 locations)
Unlimited bandwidth and data
Split tunneling for per-app routing
24/7 live chat support
Solid value for the price
Modern security protocol support
Good connection speeds
Optional Gravity/Ozone filtering for unsafe sites & content
❌ Cons
Gravity/Ozone features can be inconsistent
Potential DNS leak risks in certain configurations
Prices and promotions may change—check the site for current offers.
Surfshark is one of the most popular VPNs worldwide and is known for strong privacy practices. It doesn’t keep activity logs and collects only minimal data (email and billing), which isn’t tied to your browsing. If third parties request customer information, Surfshark notifies affected users.
The network spans 3,200+ servers in 65 countries (physical and virtual locations) and delivers solid performance for streaming and bypassing geo-restricted services.
Key Features
Unlimited devices on a single subscription
3,200+ servers across 65 countries
No-logs policy; minimal user data collection
Whitelister (split tunneling) for app-level routing
Camouflage/obfuscation to hide VPN usage
Kill switch behavior (blocks traffic if encryption drops)
Multi-Hop (multi-server) encryption
Private DNS on each server
RAM-only servers for speed and privacy
✅ Pros
Unlimited devices per subscription
Minimal data collection; strict no-logs stance
Whitelister (split tunneling) for selected apps
Obfuscation tools can hide VPN use from ISPs
Traffic blocked if encryption stops (kill-switch-like)
Multi-Hop routing for extra privacy
Private DNS on every server
Fast, 100% RAM-only infrastructure
❌ Cons
Trial requires billing info (remember to cancel if testing)
Fewer servers than some top competitors
“Optimal” server pick isn’t always fastest—manual checks help
2 Years + 2 months free — €1.9/month (billed €49.4 for the first 2 years, then annually) — 84% off — 45-day money-back guarantee
Prices and promotions can change—check the website for current offers.
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with a simple yet powerful iOS app—plus a dedicated Apple Watch app (a rare bonus). It’s built for privacy and streaming ease, combining strong encryption with straightforward controls.
The network spans 7,100+ high-speed servers across 113 locations in 91 countries. A Best Location feature auto-connects you to the fastest server nearby. The iOS app includes streaming modes that list servers optimized for specific platforms; in testing, accessing Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer was smooth with full-HD playback and no buffering.
Key Features
7,100+ servers in 91 countries / 113 locations
Streaming-optimized server lists inside the iOS app
No-logs policy with 256-bit encryption
Kill Switch to block traffic if the VPN drops
Wi-Fi Auto-Protect for public hotspot safety
Native apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch
7 simultaneous connections per account
✅ Pros
Clean, beginner-friendly iOS app + Apple Watch support
Large global network (7,100+ servers in 91 countries)
Streaming modes for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc.
Strict no-logs, 256-bit encryption, and Kill Switch
Wi-Fi Auto-Protect for public networks
Up to 7 devices at once; 45-day money-back on longer plans
❌ Cons
App does not work reliably in China (manual setups may help)
1.6 ProtonVPN – Generous Free Plan with Unlimited Data
Pricing
Free — €0/month
Basic — €4/month — billed €48/year (save €12)
Plus — €8/month — billed €96/year (save €24)
Visionary — €24/month — billed €288/year (save €72). Includes Proton Mail Visionary
Prices and promotions can change—check the provider for current offers.
ProtonVPN is one of the few VPNs with unlimited data on the free plan. The free tier includes access to 23 servers across 3 countries (United States, Netherlands, Japan) and can be used on iPhone and iPad via a dedicated, easy-to-install app—no billing info required (email only).
Even on the free plan, ProtonVPN allows access to blocked content such as social media, news sites, Wikipedia, YouTube, and some streaming platforms. For higher speeds, more locations and devices, P2P/torrent support, and additional features, upgrade to a paid plan.
Key Features
Unlimited bandwidth & traffic on the free plan
23 servers in 3 countries (US, NL, JP) on free tier
A VPN on iPhone or iPad helps you stay private, secure, and unrestricted online. With it, you can:
Bypass censorship and access geo-blocked services.
Stream and download more safely on the go.
Reduce ISP tracking and limit metadata collection.
Encrypt all traffic to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi.
Reach region-restricted sites and apps (e.g., US Netflix, BBC iPlayer).
3. When should you use a VPN?
iOS is well regarded for security, but an iPhone is still vulnerable to the same risks as any device on untrusted networks. If you often browse on café, hotel, or airport Wi-Fi, make a habit of turning on your VPN before you connect.
Without a VPN, you’re more exposed to snooping by local network admins or ISPs, and misconfigured Wi-Fi can put logins or payment details at risk. A VPN encrypts your traffic end-to-end, greatly reducing these risks.
Use a VPN especially when:
Connecting to public or shared Wi-Fi (cafés, airports, hotels, campuses).
Signing in to sensitive accounts (email, banking, work apps) on the go.
Traveling and joining unfamiliar networks or hotspots.
Wanting to limit ISP or local network tracking.
Using P2P or other traffic types (if permitted by your VPN/provider).
Accessing work resources from home (respect your company’s policies).
A VPN is one layer of protection—not a substitute for device updates, strong passwords, and 2FA. Always follow local laws and the terms of services you use.
4. Can I download a VPN for iPhone for free?
Yes—reputable providers offer free tiers—but understand the trade-offs. Many free iPhone VPN apps are slow or too limited for daily use, and some monetize by collecting data or injecting ads.
Common limitations of free VPNs
Speed caps and data limits.
Few server locations and congested routes.
No access to streaming or P2P features.
Ads or telemetry; weaker privacy policies in some apps.
If you need a no-cost option, prefer free plans from established providers with transparent privacy policies and independent audits. For everyday performance and privacy, a paid plan is usually the better choice.
5. Paid vs. Free — which VPN to choose?
VPNs require significant server and engineering resources. If a service isn’t funded by subscriptions, it may rely on ads, traffic shaping, or data collection to cover costs. That’s why many free apps come with privacy or usability compromises.
Choose a paid VPN if you want:
Consistently fast speeds and reliable uptime.
More locations, specialized servers, and streaming/P2P support.
Stronger privacy guarantees and support responsiveness.
A free tier can be enough if you:
Only need occasional protection on public Wi-Fi.
Can live with caps and limited server choices.
Stick to providers with clear, audited privacy policies.
Bottom line: For regular use, privacy, and performance, paid VPNs are generally worth it. If you go free, pick a reputable provider and review its data practices carefully.
6. VPN for iPhone and iOS FAQ
Does a VPN drain the iPhone battery?
Any actively used app affects battery life, and VPNs are no exception. That said, modern iOS VPN clients are not especially power-hungry, so you shouldn’t see a dramatic drop in battery endurance under normal use.
Do these VPNs work on iPad?
Yes. Setup on iPad is the same as on iPhone. While very old models may have issues, current iPads work well, and all services reviewed here support iPad just like iPhone.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal. Some nations restrict or regulate VPN usage (for example, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Belarus, Egypt, North Korea, Turkey, Oman, and the UAE). In China, VPNs are heavily blocked but not universally illegal. Laws change, so always check local regulations. Tourists are rarely targeted solely for VPN use, but caution is advised.
How to bypass censorship on an iPhone via VPN?
Install a reputable VPN, subscribe, then choose a server in a country where the content is available. Sites will see the VPN server’s location and typically allow access—even on tightly moderated local or corporate networks (subject to their policies).
Can a VPN bypass iPhone App Store restrictions?
A VPN alone won’t change your App Store catalog. You must switch your Apple ID region:
Open Settings → iTunes & App Store → tap your Apple ID → View Apple ID.
Choose Country/Region → Change Country or Region → select the new country.
Open your VPN and connect to a server in that country, then browse the App Store.
You may need a local billing method or an iTunes/App Store gift card and a valid local address to complete the change.
Can I run a mobile hotspot on an iPhone with a VPN?
If Personal Hotspot is on while your iPhone VPN is active, tethered devices typically benefit from the VPN tunnel. Still, most providers let you install apps on multiple devices—often the better approach for full protection and control.
Can I download a VPN from outside the App Store?
Officially, no. Reputable iOS VPNs are distributed via the App Store. Sideloading or using third-party repositories (after jailbreaking) risks malware and privacy issues. Always use the official App Store release.
Can I use a proxy on my iPhone instead of a VPN?
Proxies can help with basic website access but often lack encryption and may sell user data. For privacy and security, a VPN is strongly recommended over a simple proxy.
Will a VPN for iOS work with other devices in the same accounts?
Many free VPNs only offer desktop apps. Paid VPNs usually provide apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, smart TVs, and even routers. One subscription often covers multiple devices on the same account.
Do I really need a VPN to protect my iPhone in my country?
iOS is strong against malware, but it doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic. A VPN encrypts data in transit, reducing risks from hackers, trackers, doxing, and some DDoS scenarios.
Should I leave VPN on all the time?
Not mandatory, but keeping it on ensures consistent protection. You may disable it on trusted home or corporate networks, and re-enable it on public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks.
Can iCloud Private Relay be used instead of a VPN?
Private Relay is a privacy feature, not a full VPN. Limitations include:
Works only with Safari (not system-wide).
May be slower (two-hop routing).
No manual location selection, so geo-unblocking is limited.
It’s fine for basic privacy; use a VPN for broader protection and features.
Will VPN use my mobile traffic?
Yes—encryption overhead typically adds about 5–20% more data usage compared to a direct connection. Keep this in mind if your data plan is limited.
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
