The Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad 2026
The Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad in 2024
Introduction
Are you concerned about online privacy and security threats to your iPhone or iPad? Using a virtual private network (VPN) is an effective way to protect your iOS devices against cyber risks like hacking, surveillance, data theft and more. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your real IP address, making it much harder for third parties to monitor your online activity or track your real location.
However, with so many VPN services now available, finding the right VPN for your iPhone or iPad can be challenging. You need a VPN that offers a user-friendly iOS app, strong security and privacy features, high-speed performance, and the ability to access geo-restricted content.
In this in-depth guide, we‘ll help you choose the best VPNs for iPhone and iPad based on our extensive testing and research. Whether you‘re an iPhone VPN beginner or a tech-savvy user, you‘ll find useful information and tips to help secure your iOS devices and enhance your mobile experience.
Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad – Quick Summary
- NordVPN – Best overall VPN for iPhone. Excellent security, fast speeds, unblocks streaming sites.
- Surfshark – Best value VPN. Unlimited devices, WireGuard support, privacy extras like ad blocker.
- ExpressVPN – Premium iOS VPN app. Large server network, unblocks Netflix, 24/7 live chat support.
- ProtonVPN – Open-source VPN with a free basic plan. Advanced security features, no logs.
- IVPN – Privacy-first VPN. Lightweight iPhone app, WireGuard protocol, anonymous payments.
How We Tested and Ranked These VPNs
Our VPN experts conducted in-depth tests on dozens of leading VPN services to find the ones that work best on iPhones and iPads. We evaluated each VPN on the following key criteria:
iOS app design and ease of use
Connection speed and stability
Security features (encryption, kill switch, leak protection)
Privacy policy and jurisdiction
Ability to unblock region-locked content
Server network coverage
Customer support quality
Value for money
We spent many hours testing each VPN‘s iOS app on a variety of iPhone and iPad models, measuring speed and performance. We also checked which VPNs had advanced security features like WireGuard protocol, customizable encryption, and split tunneling. Usability is key, so we ranked the iOS VPN apps on their intuitive design and ease of navigation.
Based on our assessments, NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN scored highest overall for iPhone users. However, ProtonVPN and IVPN are strong alternatives for users seeking a more independent and privacy-focused VPN solution. Here are our detailed reviews of the top 5 iPhone VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best Overall iPhone VPN
Leading the pack is NordVPN, a hugely popular VPN service based in privacy-friendly Panama. It boasts an impressive arsenal of features, fast speeds, and a sleek iOS app interface. Key highlights include:
- Blazing speeds with NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard
- 5500+ servers in 59 countries
- Unblocks US/UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and more
- CyberSec feature blocks malware, trackers and intrusive ads
- Specialty P2P servers for fast and private torrenting
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- 24/7 live chat support
NordVPN for iOS has a clean design with an interactive map for selecting server locations. Useful customization options include auto-connect on WiFi and cellular networks and split tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN. NordVPN uses rock-solid AES-256 encryption and offers double VPN servers for an extra layer of security.
With one subscription, you can protect up to 6 devices simultaneously. NordVPN is one of the best all-round VPNs for iPhone, combining powerful features and reliable performance. Prices start at $3.29 per month.
- Surfshark – Best Value VPN for iOS
If you have multiple iPhones and iPads to protect, Surfshark offers an incredible value with unlimited device connections per subscription. This budget-friendly provider also boasts an attractive iOS app and loads of useful extras. Top features include:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 3200+ servers in 65 countries
- WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols
- CleanWeb ad, tracker and malware blocker
- WhiteLister split tunneling
- Multihop (Double VPN) for extra security
- GPS spoofing to match your VPN location
- Strict no-logs policy
Surfshark‘s iPhone VPN app is thoughtfully designed, with an easy-to-navigate interface. It‘s especially ideal for families or users with many iOS gadgets as it allows unlimited connections. Speeds are excellent, especially with WireGuard, allowing smooth HD streaming and fast downloads.
Surfshark unblocks 30+ Netflix libraries as well as other popular streaming platforms. Its CleanWeb feature is handy for blocking ads and web trackers that slow you down and infringe on your privacy. With prices as low as $2.49/month, Surfshark is the best bang for your buck.
- ExpressVPN – Powerful VPN App for iPhone
ExpressVPN is a premium, feature-packed VPN service with an outstanding iOS app. Known for its vast global server network and ability to unblock streaming sites, it‘s a reliable choice for security-conscious iPhone users. Notable features:
- 3000+ servers in 94 countries
- Proprietary Lightway protocol engineered for speed and security
- MediaStreamer Smart DNS for streaming on Apple TV
- Strong encryption with PFS (Perfect Forward Secrecy)
- Verified no-logs policy via third-party audit
- 24/7 live chat support with VPN experts
- Works in China and other restricted networks
The ExpressVPN iOS app is a pleasure to use, with a simple interface and one-tap connection to the Smart Location feature (fastest server). Unique features include a password generator and automatic IP address masking so your true location is never exposed. Lightway protocol provides lightning-fast, low-battery drain performance.
ExpressVPN excels at geo-unblocking, with optimized servers that access 10+ Netflix regions as well as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. TrustedServer technology runs VPN servers on RAM only for added security. Plans start at $6.67/month.
- ProtonVPN – Open-Source VPN for iPhone
ProtonVPN is a solid choice for iPhone users seeking an open-source VPN with advanced security features. Developed by the team behind ProtonMail, this Switzerland-based provider is serious about privacy. Key features:
- Open-source iOS app with kill switch
- Free version with unlimited bandwidth
- Full disk encryption on all VPN servers
- Secure Core servers add an extra privacy layer
- Tor over VPN and P2P/BitTorrent support
- Strict no-logs policy
- Ad blocker NetShield (paid plans only)
ProtonVPN‘s iPhone app interface is streamlined and user-friendly, with helpful descriptions of each feature. The app code is open-source and undergoes independent security audits for transparency. ProtonVPN uses strong encryption standards and exclusively operates its own server network for maximum security.
An unlimited free plan is available, but paid subscriptions unlock higher speeds, NetShield ad blocker, P2P support and access to Secure Core, Tor and Plus servers for streaming. ProtonVPN works with US Netflix and some other streaming platforms. Paid plans start at $4/month.
- IVPN – Lightweight and Private iOS VPN
Last but not least, IVPN is a lesser-known but highly capable VPN service that takes a privacy-first, no nonsense approach. Standout features for iOS:
- Lean, intuitive iOS app
- WireGuard support for fast and efficient performance
- AntiTracker blocks ads, trackers and malware domains
- Multi-hop and port forwarding capabilities
- Independently audited no-logging policy
- Anonymous signup with cash or Bitcoin payments
IVPN‘s iOS app has a minimalist interface that packs in several advanced features and configuration options under the hood. Users can fine-tune the VPN protocol, enable AntiTracker, activate automatic VPN connection/disconnection triggers, and even generate diagnostics reports.
IVPN delivers fast speeds with WireGuard and strong encryption using OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. However, its server network is smaller than competitors (just 45 servers in 32 countries). IVPN is more privacy focused and doesn‘t heavily market streaming unblocking abilities. Subscriptions start at $6/month.
Tips for iPhone VPN Users
To get the most out of your VPN on iOS, consider these useful tips:
- Enable "Connect on Demand" in iOS Settings to automatically activate the VPN when you join untrusted networks.
- Use WireGuard or IKEv2 protocols if available for better speeds and stability on mobile connections.
- Set up the kill switch if available to block all traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Experiment with split tunneling to optimize speed and battery life by routing some app traffic outside the VPN.
- Occasionally connect to different VPN server locations to vary your IP address and maximize privacy.
Final Thoughts
Using a VPN on your iPhone or iPad is one of the most effective ways to secure your mobile traffic and protect your digital privacy. The five VPNs we‘ve recommended – NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN and IVPN – all offer outstanding iOS apps packed with advanced security and privacy features.
After rigorous testing, we found that NordVPN is the best overall iPhone VPN with its winning combination of performance, security and unblocking abilities. For the budget conscious, Surfshark delivers premium features at a bargain price. And if you want a privacy-first solution, ProtonVPN and IVPN are great choices.
Ultimately, the right VPN for your iPhone depends on your unique needs and preferences. We recommend taking advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees to test different VPNs for yourself. Stay safe and enjoy a liberated mobile experience with a trusted VPN!
