The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

Though Apple’s security is more robust than some smartphones, it can be vulnerable to certain attacks, such as ‘honey pot’ traps on public wifi. A VPN provides high-grade encryption.

VPNs for iPhones come with advanced encryption and a choice of VPN servers which disguise your current location and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions for streaming and gaming. Using a VPN on your iPhone will conceal your real IP address ensuring your online anonymity.

Yes, free VPNs are downloadable from the iOS app store. However, you should proceed with caution since they don’t often have the same level of security as paid VPNs. Typically, free VPN encryption is of a lower standard and they’re more likely to sell your sensitive information to third parties.

We’ve come up with a shortlist of the best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for iPhone users, featuring blistering speeds, streaming access, and a long list of interesting features to pick from. 

The best VPN for iPhones – both paid and free VPNs – will provide a secure and encrypted connection, and mask your real IP address in the process. An iPhone VPN can enhance your security with features such as split tunnelling, optimised servers, and robust kill switches. Some can be used for secure streaming, while others should definitely be avoided. 

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

We’ve tested over 100 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.

Our top three VPNs for iPhone

All three of our recommended VPNs for iPhone have best-in-class security and high download and streaming speeds, making them all ideal for using on the go. All three apps are intuitive and easy to set up too. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a top-notch VPN.

How we wrote this guide to VPNs for iPhone

We’re dedicated to bringing you the most factual and up-to-date details so you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a VPN for your iPhone. We will only recommend a service after many hours of testing, head-to-head feature comparisons, and after reading the opinions of industry experts.
performance-infographic-widget
100+ HOURS PERFORMANCE TESTING
hours-inforgraphic-widget
200+ HOURS COMPARING PRODUCTS
compared-infographic-widget
25 PROVIDERS COMPARED
expert-infographic-widget
3 VPN EXPERTS CONSULTED


The best iPhone VPNs right now

We’ve narrowed it down to a top five list of the best VPNs for iPhone available right now.

NordVPN: Best overall VPN for iPhone

NordVPN on iPhone
NordVPN’s iOS app (NordVPN)
  • Free version: No
  • Maximum number of connected devices: 10
  • Number of servers: 6,300+ in 111 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
    £2.49
    /month
    NordVPN 1 year
    £3.59
    /month
    NordVPN 1 month
    £10.39
    /month

Pros
Super for Netflix streaming
High speed connections
Dedicated kill switch
Independently audited no-logs policy
Cons
No labelled streaming servers
More features for Android users

Why we recommend NordVPN:

NordVPN for iOS is up there as one of the best options for iPhone users, as it has been for many years. That’s down to a few standout features that set it apart from the competition – speed and security being two of the first that come to mind. There’s also streaming support, rich features for server specific searching and more.

NordVPN was once famous for its security, before a breach in 2018, which it fixed and has been pushing harder than much of the competition to earn back trust and as such is now one of the most secure options on the market. This is in part thanks to plenty of third-party audited no-logging. The fact it’s based in the privacy-friendly region of Panama helps too.

As mentioned, this is one of the longer standing VPN offerings which means the company has managed to build a mighty 6,300+ servers across 111 countries. Plus it uses RAM based storage which means nothing is ever truly saved or stored, making your data even more secure. 

NordVPN works well on iOS, as well as across a host of other devices including Windows, Mac, Android and Linux, to name a few. The only drawback here is you are limited to ten devices used at the same time, on a basic account. That said, this should be plenty for most and with its Meshnet feature you can get even more devices connected – but details on that below.

The only other stand-out negative would be pricing, which is a little complicated across three tier options and a bit higher than the average budget provider. There is an inclusion of an ad blocker and malware protection in the Plus package, but the Basic plan will likely serve the needs of most people seeking a VPN alone.

While the iOS app is feature rich, it manages this while remaining easy to use with a clear interface that’s attractive, offering a helpful map and advanced features for you to drill down into if you need them. More on those details next.

Subscription Term Standard plan Plus plan Complete plan
Monthly £10.39 ($13.02) / month £11.19 ($14.02) / month £13.09 ($16.40) / month
12 months (+3 months free) £3.59 ($4.50) / month (£53.85/$67.49 up front for 15 months) £4.39 ($5.50) / month (£65.85/$82.51 up front for 15 months) £6.39 ($8.01) / month (£95.85/$120.09 up front for 15 months)
24 months (+3 months free) £2.49 ($3.12) / month (£67.23/$84.26 up front for 27 months) £3.19 ($4) / month (£86.13/$107.92 up front for 27 months) £5.19 ($6.50) / month (£140.13/$175.57 up front for 27 months)

What to expect from NordVPN:

When it comes to unique features NordVPN really pushes the envelope. You can search for specific servers, offering basic VPN coverage. Or go into the Speciality Servers tab to find those specifically ideal for Double VPN enhanced protection, as well as Onion Over VPN and P2P torrent friendly options. NordVPN for iOS also offers dark web monitoring so you’ll be notified if your credentials are exposed online.

NordVPN iOS testing images

Traffic routing is another stand-out feature. Meshnet allows you to share the same IP address across remote devices, by routing all your internet traffic through a linked desktop device – manageable via iOS. It’s essentially creating a private network that lets you work with up to 60 devices directly, making it ideal for super secure file sharing, multiplayer gaming or work collaboration.

The company’s own NordLynx protocol – based on the legendary WireGuard – makes it super fast while the independently audited no-logs policy gives you peace of mind when it comes to privacy. But on iPhone and iPad specifically, the fact this is one of the best VPNs for streaming Netflix – whatever country you find yourself in – really makes this appealing.

So how fast is “fast”? In our testing, on a 466MB line, we were getting a top speed of 255MB on a UK to US server setup. Even for further afield, like a UK to Australia connection, speeds still held up at 189MB for downloads. It’s worth noting uploads dropped from a line connection of 383MB down to 140MB via UK to US and a meagre 23MB on the UK to Australia line. So if you’re planning to do a lot of video uploads from your iPhone, for example, this is worth keeping in mind.

There is a Plus tier which also gets you a data breach scanner, tracker, ad blocker, malware protection and a password manager. Go for the Ultimate options and you also get 1TB of encrypted cloud storage, and cyber insurance too. But for iOS alone the basics are more than enough.

One last feature that deserves an honourable mention is Siri shortcuts integration. You can simply ask Siri to connect and NordVPN will automatically connect to the best VPN for you where you are.

NordVPN key features:

Privacy and security: A top score thanks to its audited no-logging, Panama base of operations, RAM-only servers, double VPN, kill switch, AES-encryption and dedicated NordLynx protocol.

5/5

Speeds and performance: From streaming to downloading and browsing, speeds were consistently fast across servers all while remaining super secure. Local servers were speedier and uploads weren’t the fastest but this still offers more than enough VPN speeds for most needs.

4/5

Streaming and torrenting: While there aren’t any specialised streaming servers listed, NordVPN does perform very well across a variety of locations for Netflix. Thanks to the Smart DNS it does well to deal with blocks and a P2P specific server list can be very helpful when it comes to torrents.

5/5

Servers and compatibility: That spread of more than 6,300 servers across 111 countries – with consistency and tight security – makes this a very impressive offering. The selection of double VPN, Onion over VPN and P2P specific search options, as well as a search bar, all make for a comprehensive offering.

5/5

Pricing and support: This is not the cheapest VPN out there, nor are the pricing tiers the most straight-forward. You do get a lot for your money yet for most needs the basic VPN will do the job. If you do need more, be prepared to pay for the Plus or Ultimate tiers.

3/5

Additional features: Meshnet is impressive, as is the Threat Protection offering and dark web monitoring. Add to that the Siri integration, search based server selection and secure file sharing and this really does stand out from the other iOS VPN choices.

5/5

Overall score: 27/30

Final verdict: 

NordVPN on iOS is fast while remaining super-secure in terms of online privacy. The pricing isn’t the lowest but you do get a lot of features for that money. So if you want a VPN for streaming or torrents, as well as secure networking, this is a very powerful and reliable option. Given the high overall scores, it’s my top choice as the best VPN for iPhone.

Read our full NordVPN review.

Today’s best NordVPN deals
NordVPN 2 year £2.49 /Month
£2.49 /Month
NordVPN 1 year £3.59 /Month
£3.59 /Month
NordVPN 1 month £10.39 /Month
£10.39 /Month

Surfshark: Best affordable iOS VPN

Surfshark VPN on iPhone
Surfshark’s VPN app on iOS (Surfshark)
  • 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
    £1.69
    /month
    Surfshark 12 month
    £2.09
    /month
    Surfshark 1 month
    £12.29
    /month

Pros
Unlimited VPN connections
Super affordable
Very fast iOS speeds
Excellent streaming support
Cons
Doesn’t notify users if the connection drops
Some features missing on iOS

Why we recommend Surfshark:

For straight savings Surfshark is the VPN that rocked them all by undercutting everyone on price – yet it still manages, and indeed continually manages, to offer some of the fastest speeds out there. Plus it holds fast on security with privacy protections that are backed by a no-logs policy, which is audited to ensure you’re getting what it says it delivers.

Another stand-out for Surfshark is its offering of unlimited devices. Yup, this can be signed into on as many devices as you need at the same time. There’s no recommendation to share with friends, family or housemates – but there’s also nothing stopping you from doing that, making the bang for buck potentially even more impressive.

Unlike some of the competition, I found the iOS app comes packed with rich features which allowed me to choose how I wanted to be connected. That means MultiHop, a kill switch – and my favourite was control over the quick connect button – an IP rotator and a malicious site blocker, to name a few.

Surfshark iOS testing images

Surfshark combines AES-256 encryption, 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, obfuscated RAM-only servers and a no logs policy for some of the most impressive privacy on the market, all without bumping up the price on this iPhone VPN.

Subscription Term Price
Monthly £12.29 ($15.40) / month
12 months (+3 months free) £2.09 ($2.62) / month (£31.35/$39.28 up front for 15 months)
24 months (+3 months free) £1.69 ($2.12) / month (£45.63/$57.17 up front for 27 months)

What to expect from Surfshark:

The Surfshark iOS app is clean and minimal, meaning I opened it and quickly connected in a single icon press. But dive deeper and there is personalisation offered allowing you to set that connect button to go to the fastest server or a specified server of your choosing. You can also pick from server locations, static IPs, Multihop locations and even dedicated IP options. When I had set up these tweaks, it was simple to get on as needed within a few taps.

Once up and running you’re also able to pick your protocol, although the WireGuard standard should more than suffice for most needs. ‘No Borders’ mode allows the user to stay secure from anywhere in the world, while further features include rotating IPs, which will change your temporary VPN IP address every so often while connected, along with a kill switch, and CleanWeb which works to block ads and tracking automatically.

In testing I found speeds were impressive, on a 483MB line getting 285MB UK to US server downloads and massive 45MB uploads. Pushing that further afield for UK to Australia and speeds stayed high at 228MB down and 14MB up. Crucially this was consistent so I could jump about to different locations and still rely on those speeds serving most needs – like streaming in 4K and HDR.

Surfshark also offers a pretty unique Alternative ID feature which I enjoyed as it allowed me to set up a fake online version of me to use to traverse online. This uses a generated name, address and email address to keep you safe from scammers and spammers while still getting full access to everything you need online. 

With a 30-day money-back guarantee and decent 24/7 customer support this is a really easy iPhone VPN to try out for beginners and beyond.

Surfshark key features:

Privacy and security: The Netherlands isn’t the best location for a VPN HQ given it’s a Nine Eyes country. However, an audited no-logs policy, RAM memory and AES-256 encryption along with that MultiHop server and rotating IPs combine to make this a very secure VPN.

3/5

Speeds and performance: Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN providers out there at this price with blistering download speeds locally and across the globe. A definite lack of lag and reliability all make for one of the best examples of WireGuard working at its fastest.

5/5

Streaming and torrenting: Both P2P support and streaming for most of the big names is openly advertised by Surfshark and in testing that was found to be the case across a whole host of servers.

4/5

Servers and compatibility: There are over 3,200 RAM-only servers spread across more than 100 countries that can get you dedicated IPs, rolling IPs, static options and an ability to search via a map, list or typed request. Plus that personalisable quick connect button all make for a lot of powerful options distilled into a minimal iOS interface.

5/5

Pricing and support: Surfshark is one of the best cheap VPN options out there, punching up there with the big boys for features and performance, but without the same price demands. That price has jumped recently, making it less impressive than it once was. The 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support do help to still make it very appealing.

4/5

Additional features: While this is already feature-rich you can pay more to get access to additional advanced features. So if you might use a private search engine or breach alerts, you may want to spend a bit more. But with features like the rotating IP and alternative ID as standard this iPhone VPN is packed with useful extras.

5/5

Overall score: 26/30

Final verdict: 

Surfshark is still a very affordable VPN option while offering top-end security and privacy thanks to RAM-memory, audited logs and AES-256 encryption. It does all that while offering blisteringly fast WireGuard protocol speeds, P2P support and access to nearly all the streaming services – with an easy to use iOS interface to take advantage of it all.

Read our full Surfshark review.

Today’s best Surfshark deals
Surfshark 24 month £1.69 /Month
£1.69 /Month
Surfshark 12 month £2.09 /Month
£2.09 /Month
Surfshark 1 month £12.29 /Month
£12.29 /Month

ExpressVPN: Best beginner iOS VPN

expressvpn running on an iphone
(ExpressVPN / Independent Advisor)
  • Free version: No
  • Maximum number of connected devices: 8
  • Number of servers: 3,200+
  • Encryption: AES-256
  • VPN protocols: Lightway, IKEv2
  • No-log policy: Yes
  • Audited: Yes
  • Headquarters: British Virgin Islands
  • Pricing:
  • ExpressVPN 12 month
    £6.83
    /month
    ExpressVPN 6 month
    £8.20
    /month
    ExpressVPN 1 month
    £10.63
    /month

Pros
Minimal and simple iOS app
Excellent speed and streaming performances
Fantastic customer support
Password manager included
Cons
Too few iOS feature for some
Higher than average prices

Why we recommend ExpressVPN:

ExpressVPN is one of the original VPN companies and it has managed to grow and improve, often leading the way, like with its early rollout of RAM-only servers. It’s now offering one of the most distilled and minimal iOS apps out there. This can be a great thing for ease but may prove too minimal for those seeking more depth. 

That said, it does the basics well meaning high-speed connections using its custom Lightway protocol, offers security with third-party audited no-logging and AES-256 encryption, and streaming support for the likes of Netflix and more thanks to smart DNS support.

Subscription Term Price
Monthly £10.63 ($13.32) / month
6 months £8.20 ($10.27) / month (£49.21/$61.65 up front)
12 months £6.83 ($8.56) / month (£82.05/$102.80 up front)

What to expect from ExpressVPN:

Open the iOS app and a single press has you connected instantly using a smart setup for the best location nearby, or to go to a recent connection. You can also pick a server from a list via search functionality. Although ExpressVPN does lack grouping or labels for P2P support or streaming servers. That said, I found the 24/7 customer support is so good that I could pop on and ask about what I was trying to do before getting directed to the best server to suit my needs – particularly useful in China where they got me online in minutes.

DNS leak checker and IP address checker tools are useful for peace of mind and there is also ‘Keys’, a dedicated password manager service built into the app. There’s also ad blocking, tracker stopping and even parental controls you can toggle on or off. It’s all minimal but feels comprehensive enough to suit most needs while keeping that clean iOS feel.

iOS ExpressVPN testing images

In testing speeds were very good with a 380MB line offering UK to US downloads at 245MB and uploads at 49MB. For UK to Australia connections that dropped to 84MB down and 9MB up. This is definitely built to perform better over local servers when it comes to speed.

ExpressVPN key features:

Privacy and security: Superb security is what ExpressVPN is all about with its kill switch, AES-256 encryption and an audited no logging policy backed by a British Virgin Islands location making it outside of the jurisdiction of most other countries.

5/5

Speeds and performance: ExpressVPN didn’t have the best speeds while testing over longer distances but for more local servers there was plenty of performance both for download and upload speeds. Plus it’s consistently reliable with instant iOS VPN connections every time.

4/5

Streaming and torrenting: In testing I could not find a streaming service that ExpressVPN was unable to access. Sure, there was the odd kick-out but I simply changed servers and was up and running right away. The smart DNS feature likely helps here so for Netflix, Disney, Prime and beyond this provider has you covered.

5/5

Servers and compatibility: Over 3,200 servers across more than 105 countries should be enough to serve most needs. That is the official number of countries but the server number has been removed from the site so that’s based on the last known amount. Apps run across devices with the option to install on routers and a dedicated router from the company also available as an option.

5/5

Pricing and support: Not the cheapest, and it’s at the higher end of the price bracket but this is still competitive. You get superb customer support and guidance articles, making it a great option if you want to pay a little more for total peace of mind knowing that you’ll be supported no matter your VPN needs.

3/5

Additional features: A lack of split tunnelling and MultiHop on the iOS app isn’t ideal but that’s made up for with DNS leak testing, IP checking, parental controls and WebRTC leak testing features.

4/5

Overall score: 26/30

Final verdict: 

ExpressVPN offers a super easy to use iOS app that’s fast, secure and offers advanced features to cover the needs of most users. Although the lack of split tunnelling and MultiHop aren’t ideal, as is the lack of groups of servers to suit specific needs. But much like Apple versus the competition everything here works perfectly so why overcomplicate that?

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

Today’s best ExpressVPN deals
ExpressVPN 12 month £6.83 /Month
£6.83 /Month
ExpressVPN 6 month £8.20 /Month
£8.20 /Month
ExpressVPN 1 month £10.63 /Month
£10.63 /Month

Proton VPN: Best iOS VPN for privacy

Proton VPN iPhone
Proton VPN’s iOS app (Proton VPN)
  • Free version: Yes
  • Maximum number of connected devices: 10
  • Number of servers: 4,800+
  • Encryption: AES-256
  • VPN protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard
  • No-log policy: Yes
  • Audited: Yes
  • Headquarters: Switzerland
  • Pricing:
  • Proton VPN 2 years
    £3.86
    /month
    Proton VPN 12 months
    £4.29
    /month
    Proton VPN 1 month
    £8.60
    /month

Pros
Unlimited data for free and paid plans
Excellent streaming access
iOS widgets for quick access
Cons
No streaming with free servers
Reasonably expensive

Why we recommend Proton VPN:

Proton VPN offers some of the most impressive features and speeds for what is undoubtedly the best free iPhone VPN – and without a data cap – but also has a paid version that justifies the cost with a host of powerful features, including broad streaming access. The fact it is based in Switzerland, with many strict privacy laws, had me feeling at ease right from the get go. The service offers decent security and backs this up with private auditing on its 4,800+ servers which are spread over 91 countries.

It’s worth noting that gains in server numbers and countries it spans have grown fast over the last year, making this one to watch. That focus appears to have extended to the iOS app where many of the best features are included. Other VPN providers sometimes leave them out where Apple is concerned, so this is refreshing to experience from Proton.

Subscription Term Price
Monthly €9.99 (£8.60) / month
12 months €4.99 (£4.29) / month (€59.88/£51.52 up front)
24 months €4.49 (£3.86) / month (€107.76/£92.72 up front)

What to expect from Proton VPN:

One of the fun iOS features that doesn’t get much attention is the use of widgets. This means you can access features on the app, including connecting quickly, right from your home screen without even opening the app. I usually only opened the app for specific tasks, like connecting to a preferred location, turning on the kill switch or changing protocol – although I mostly stuck to the more than adequate WireGuard option.

Speed was a standout feature in testing. On a 436MB connection I was getting, UK to US, downloads at a stunning 418MB and uploads at 26MB. Even using a UK to Australia setup I was hitting 356MB down and 23MB up – consistently. This is likely thanks to that VPN Accelerator that I toggled on for “400% faster speeds” which I obviously never turned off again.

For security I felt at ease with an audited no-logs policy, MultiHop servers and traffic specifically routed through privacy-friendly jurisdictions before connecting to my location of choice. Plus a kill switch and AES-256 encryption add more layers for peace of mind. There’s even a Stealth obfuscation protocol option if you want more security, where a new encryption key is generated each time you connect. Again, this is a simple toggle in the iOS app to switch on making it easy to use only when needed.

Proton VPN iOS testing images

Proton VPN key features:

Privacy and security: A secure routing system backed by AES-256 encryption and its Stealth mode all make for security depth that adds to the Swiss-based ease of mind found here. With both the free or paid-for versions, I felt secure at all times.

5/5

Speeds and performance: Proton’s VPN Accelerator might be something you always leave on, making it less needed and more gimmicky, but it works so that’s hard to argue with. The consistency was excellent and made for a great way to work with P2P servers, streaming options and beyond.

4/5

Streaming and torrenting: Both for streaming and torrenting, Proton VPN offers consistency and ease. I could access all of the streaming services I needed, no matter where in the world I was and found that P2P support also worked well every time – all without sacrificing speed.

5/5

Servers and compatibility: An ever-growing network of servers, routed through privacy-focused locations, make this a very capable international VPN. Beyond iOS, this works on Windows, Mac and Android and lets you connect to up to 10 devices simultaneously.

5/5

Pricing and support: Its free option is impressive, with unlimited data and decent speeds. However, with no streaming support it is still limiting. Pay for a subscription and you get a host of powerful features but you will be charged a lot per month which makes this one of the less accessible options out there. With a 30-day free trial it’s still worth a go.

2/5

Additional features: Even on iOS this is feature rich with Stealth, Accelerator, NetShield blocking and more all available as simple toggles within the app. An iOS VPN widget, to let you access without opening the app, is also a really undervalued convenience feature.

5/5

Overall score: 26/30

Final verdict: 

Offering an unlimited data free version and a 30-day trial, Proton VPN is an easy app to try before you buy. As such it is out to impress and does that with super fast speeds, excellent streaming services, a very feature rich iOS VPN app and Swiss security and privacy to set your mind at ease.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

Today’s best Proton VPN deals
Proton 2 year £3.86 /Month
£3.86 /Month
Proton 1 year £4.29 /Month
£4.29 /Month
Proton 1 month £8.60 /Month
£8.60 /Month

CyberGhost: Best for streaming

cyberghost-ios-iphone
CyberGhost’s VPN app on iOS (CyberGhost)
  • Free version: No
  • Maximum number of connected devices: 7
  • Number of servers: 11,800+
  • 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

Pros
User-friendly apps with labelled streaming servers
11,800+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries
Extended 45-day money-back guarantee for subscriptions longer than six months
Cons
One-month plan only has a 14-day money-back guarantee
No double VPN, Onion over VPN, or obfuscated servers
Geo-restrictions in some countries, including China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates

CyberGhost has one of the largest networks of servers spanning the globe at over 11,800 all of which are RAM-based and cover 100 countries. That’s great for a wide area of coverage and secure access but there are some geo-restrictions meaning it won’t work in China, Turkey or the UAE. But the servers make streaming easy, in my experience, giving me access to any service at the first time of asking.

The CyberGhost iOS VPN app has a minimalistic landing page with a single connection button that can be set to access the quickest speeds, or you can select from a favourites list or a streaming specific set of servers. I dipped into the setting rarely as there wasn’t too much on offer, although I did like the dedicated IP option (for a fee) and the connection checker to set my mind at ease. 

Despite a parent company without the best rep CyberGhost was recently independently audited and the no logs policy was found to be in order suggesting it’s plenty secure. The reliable kill switch and consistency in my leak tests also helped add to the security gusto for this VPN.

CyberGhost offers an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee – two weeks longer than most other providers. However, this is only applicable for longer subscriptions, with one-month deals coming with a 14-day money-back guarantee instead.

Subscription Term Price
Monthly £10.89 ($13.65) / month
6 months £6.19 ($7.76) / month (£37.14/$46.53 up front)
24 months (+2 months free) £1.92 ($2.41) / month (£49.92/$62.55 up front for 26 months)

What to expect from CyberGhost:

I expected great results from CyberGhost, with the “best speed” server laid out front and centre and I was not let down during testing. Using a 387MB connection it was able to manage UK to US to deliver 340MB down and 45MB upload speeds. Further afield I saw UK to Australia downloads of 237MB and uploads of 16MB.

All impressive but it was the streaming abilities that made this provider stand out, with specific servers tuned to offer the best connectivity and speeds which made this ideal for proper 4K and HDR quality streaming – ideal for iPad.

CyberGhost iOS testing images

The 45-day money-back guarantee, for longer subscriptions, is one of the best out there. So you can check to see if you miss any features like split tunnelling or OpenVPN that don’t feature on the iOS version of the CyberGhost app. That said, the ability to set up the app to auto connect when you access insecure, or specific networks, is a welcome addition.

All impressive but it was the streaming abilities that made this provider stand out, with specific servers tuned to offer the best connectivity and speeds which made this ideal for proper 4K and HDR quality streaming – ideal for iPad.

The 45-day money-back guarantee, for longer subscriptions, is one of the best out there. So you can check to see if you miss any features like split tunnelling or OpenVPN that don’t feature on the iOS version of the CyberGhost app. That said, the ability to set up the app to auto connect when you access insecure, or specific networks, is a welcome addition.

Cyberghost key features:

Privacy and security: An independently audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers set my mind at ease. As did the leak and kill switch testing that could be done on my iPhone. I would have liked obfuscation but for the price and other features I can live without.

5/5

Speeds and performance: All of CyberGhost’s UK VPN servers offered superb speeds both for downloads and uploads and this held up even over longer distances too. Streaming at speeds was excellent especially when you consider it is all securely encrypted.

4/5

Streaming and torrenting: One of the best streaming VPN services out there, not only thanks to the speeds of performance but also the dedicated list of streaming servers you can pick from, helpfully laid out by country.

5/5

Servers and compatibility: CyberGhost has some of the highest numbers when it comes to servers and they’re spread worldwide, secure and fast. This is a tough one to beat in that regard. Beyond its iOS VPN app there is further support for Windows, Mac, Android and more with up to 7 devices available at once.

5/5

Pricing and support: Support is great with under a minute wait time to get a response. And you do pay for that but savings can be made by opting for a year or longer up front. With the 45-day money-back guarantee on the longer plans, this makes sense to try before you fully commit.

3/5

Additional features: That kill switch and the connection checker are welcome additions on the iOS app but the small packet size option is also a nice feature if you want to save on data.

3/5

Overall score: 25/30

Final verdict: 

CyberGhost is fast, secure and tailored to streaming with an iOS app that’s minimal yet offers decent protection options. Pricing is steeper than most and longer distance speeds aren’t bad but a few more features like split tunnelling would be welcome.

Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.

Today’s best CyberGhost deals
CyberGhost 2 year £1.92 /Month
£1.92 /Month
CyberGhost 1 year £6.19 /Month
£6.19 /Month
CyberGhost 1 month £10.89 /Month
£10.89 /Month

The best VPNs for iPhone compared

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 – every VPN we’ve listed above has an audited no-logs policy
  • Fast and stable connections: 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: Pricing 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
Price From £2.49/m From £6.83/m From £1.69/m From £1.92/m From £3.86/m
Free version No No No No Yes
Max number of connected devices 6 5 Unlimited 7 10
Number of servers 5500+ 3000+ 3200+ 9000+ 2700+
AES-256 encryption Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audited no-log policy Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Where to buy

Which VPN is the fastest for iPhone?

Below, we’ve charted the download speeds we achieved with each VPN on various servers. In our latest round of testing, Surfshark maintained the best download speeds across all servers compared to our baseline results.

VPNNo VPN Download speed (Mbps)No VPN Upload speed (Mbps)UK to UK Download speed (Mbps)UK to UK Upload speed (Mbps)UK to US Download speed (Mbps)UK to US Upload speed (Mbps)UK to Aus Download speed (Mbps)UK to Aus Upload speed (Mbps)
Surfshark47739245782.941415.532026
Proton VPN4383704329.324445.8843112.7
CyberGhost46033942687.941442.33518.07
NordVPN39140123116.527635.824023.9
ExpressVPN47137521689.22149.5519830.3

Why do you need a VPN for your iPhone?

Using a VPN on your iPhone enhances privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic, masking your IP address, and allowing access to geo-restricted or censored content. It also protects you from the security flaws of public wifi networks, which can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, malware, and data theft. Mobile banking, online shopping accounts, and messaging apps are all valuable to hackers; using a VPN protects your personal information to a greater extent. 

An iPhone VPN will change your IP address, encrypting your connection in the process. This allows the user to access various sites and services, including streaming platforms, and blocked social media sites. You’ll be able to avoid throttling, censorship, and it will provide a boost to online privacy.

How to install a VPN on iPhone

Here’s a step-by-step guide if you’d like to install a VPN on iOS devices:

  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. NordVPN is our top pick for iOS
  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.

What to look for when buying a VPN for an iPhone

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 its service
Compare our top recommended providers
Best Overall
Get up to 73% off + 3 months extra
Best Value
Get up to 86% off + 3 months extra
Best All-rounder
3 months free on the 12 month plan
Best for Gaming
Get 82% off + 2 months extra

What’s the best free VPN for iPhone?

A free VPN often provides less security and privacy for iOS devices. Typically, a free VPN won’t have a no-logs policy that ensures users’ data is never stored or logged. A free service from the Apple App Store usually lacks key features, such as split tunnelling and a kill switch, and comes with a limited data allowance. However, if you do decide to download a free VPN from the App Store, we would recommend Proton VPN Free. It comes with an unlimited amount of data and an independently audited no-logs policy – which is very rare for free services. With Proton VPN free, users can connect to one of 22 servers in three locations and all web activity will be encrypted by AES-256 encryption.

The majority of free iPhone VPNs should be avoided, given they can’t be trusted with your personal data. It’s not unheard of for free providers to sell user data in an effort to monetise the service. Others come with malware attached, hoping to trick unsuspecting users into infecting their own devices. Lastly, some free VPNs lack basic encryption, and will be leaking your IP address while connected.

How to use a VPN on iPhone

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, or L2TP  
  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 one to four above.

Best VPN for iPhone Q&A

A VPN works by routing your traffic through an encrypted server in a location of your choice. This is much the same on iOS, where you’ll be able to use an app to connect to VPN servers in various locations. You can download various iOS VPNs via the Apple App Store.

No, iPhones don’t currently have any true built-in VPNs – but there are a number of good VPN apps compatible with iPhones available for download on the Apple App Store. The best iPhone VPN apps will support automatic and manual configuration and conceal your real IP address to bypass geo-restrictions. iCloud+ subscription holders do have access to a Safari feature called Apple Private Relay, but while the service can keep your browsing data private using proxy servers, it is not a true VPN.

In all honesty, it depends on what you’re planning to use your iPhone VPN for. For instance, NordVPN is our top recommendation for the average iOS user, but alternatives like Surfshark might be better if you’re looking for a cheap solution. If you’re more interested in streaming support, CyberGhost or ExpressVPN will be helpful. Anyone in need of a decent free tier or advanced privacy features will be well served by the likes of Proton VPN.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll see improved connection speeds while using an iOS VPN. The manner of encryption tends to lead to slower speeds, although the majority of premium providers will be able to negate any loss in performance.

It’s never a good idea to blindly trust any online services with your personal data, but an audited VPN is a better option than entrusting your data to your ISP and the sites you visit. Once again, we’d strongly recommend avoiding the use of random free VPN services, especially if it lacks an independently audited no-logs policy.

An iPhone VPN can save money when shopping online by allowing you to change your virtual location to access different prices or deals. Some e-commerce websites display prices based on the user’s location or IP address. Connecting to a VPN server in a different region or country can potentially find lower prices for the same products or services, ultimately saving money on your purchases.

Round up of today’s best VPN deals
NordVPN 2 year £2.49 /Month
£2.49 /Month
Surfshark 24 month £1.69 /Month
£1.69 /Month
ExpressVPN 12 month £6.83 /Month
£6.83 /Month
CyberGhost 2 year £1.92 /Month
£1.92 /Month
Proton 2 year £3.86 /Month
£3.86 /Month
PIA 2 year £1.69 /Month
£1.69 /Month
Atlas 2 year £1.34 /Month
£1.34 /Month
PrivadoVPN 2 year £1.48 /Month
£1.48 /Month
Windscribe 12 month £4.59 /Month
£4.59 /Month
IPVanish 2 year £3.33 /Month
£3.33 /Month

How we review iOS VPNs

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.

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 and privacy it affords the user
  • User experience of the application(s)
  • Connection speeds, and overall performance in terms of reliability
  • Level and quality of customer service

Independent Advisor strongly recommends that you follow the local laws in your region whilst using a VPN. We do not condone the use of a VPN to bypass copyright restrictions, or to stream content without a valid subscription in your current region. Make sure to comply with any and all applicable laws and regulations whilst using a VPN with streaming services, and any other relevant platforms.

Overall Score: 4.5/5
Overall Score: 4.5/5

If you’re looking to protect your privacy while using your iPhone, then NordVPN is the best option. Its double VPN encryption adds more privacy to your browsing, and performance is top-notch too. Plus, at less than £3 per month , it’s hard to beat the price.

Surfshark: Best for beginners
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Surfshark: Best for beginners
Overall Score: 4.5/5

If you’re new to VPNs or just want to enhance your iPhone’s privacy without a complicated app, Surfshark is a great option. It had a low impact on speeds in our testing, meaning you can have it running in the background and hardly notice. It’s also one of the cheapest VPNs , making it a no-brainer.

ExpressVPN: Best for geo-unblocking
Overall Score: 4.5/5
ExpressVPN: Best for geo-unblocking
Overall Score: 4.5/5

Travelling and need to use your iPhone to access your favourite websites back home? ExpressVPN is known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions, making it ideal for keeping up with the news while you’re abroad. The downside is that it’s more expensive than its competitors.

James Milin-Ashmore circle

James Milin-Ashmore

VPN Tech Editor

James Milin-Ashmore has covered cybersecurity and VPNs since the mid-2010s, writing for industry publications and services such as VPN Mentor, Liquid VPN, Comparitech, Bleeping Computer, ProPrivacy, AlwaysVPN, and more.

With a focus on ethics and digital privacy, his work has been featured in a range of publications, including the Activist Handbook and Reader’s Digest. In his spare time, he’s likely to be watching sports, or taking his dog for a walk around Hertfordshire.

Dr Phil Legg

Dr. Phil Legg

Professor of Cyber Security at UWE

Dr. Phil Legg (MCIIS, FHEA, PhD, BSc) is a Professor of Cyber Security at the University of the West of England (UWE). He is the Co-Director of UWEcyber, a Gold Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE) as recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre, and he is the Programme Leader of the NCSC-certified MSc Cyber Security course at UWE.

He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning for Higher Education (Distinction), and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). He has CompTIA PenTest+, Security+ and Microsoft Azure professional certifications. He is recognised as a Full Member of the Chartered Institution of Information Security (MCIIS).

Professor Legg is passionate about outreach and works closely with schools and colleges across the region to upskill in cyber security education, and he is a founding member of CISSEUK – a collaboration network across academia, industry and government to support all levels of cyber security education.

Prior to joining UWE in 2015, he worked at the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure as part of the Corporate Insider Threat Detection research programme.

Luke has been writing about technology and science for almost two decades now. As such he’s been covering VPNs since they first started making a mainstream appearance. He also specialises in cars, TVs, health and fitness tech, sound systems, smart homes, power tools, white goods, toys and more. When he’s not doing all that he likes to surf, cinema and cycle.