Say you need a VPN for your iPhone. What do you do?
You open the app store, type in VPN, check some reviews and proceed to install one of the hundreds iOS VPN apps.
However, nine times out of ten, you just installed a free iOS VPN app that may invade your privacy or be unbearably slow.
Some of the most popular free iPhone VPN apps have been known to:
- Spy on your browsing history and habits (what sites you visit & when you visit them)
- Request unnecessary permissions & read your data (access photo library, read your calendar, access health data)
- Share and even Sell all the data above (advertisers, government agencies or worse)
- Cripple your connection speeds
- Leak your DNS and IP Address (pinpointing your phone’s exact location)
Concerned yet?
We have worked hard to unveil exactly which of the 118 most popular VPN apps spy on your browsing habits and sell your data to third parties.
In this article we are going to save you from reading through all 118 privacy policies we analyzed and provide you with our top picks for the best & safest iPhone VPN providers.
Backed by years of experience, thousands of tests and with your privacy as our top priority, here are our top choices:
6 Best VPNs for iPhone & iOS
As we mentioned, your privacy is our top concern when we review VPN providers. We test a VPN by first going through their privacy policies, terms of conditions and other applicable policies. We then perform DNS & IP leak tests to make sure you’re never at risk.
All 6 VPNs listed below have a strict no-logging policy, are fast and work 100% on your iPhone:
1. NordVPN – Standalone app for iPhone, safe & easy to use
Taking over the online security world by storm, NordVPN has risen to the top of our rankings by being the (nearly) perfect VPN.
NordVPN offers your choice between over 7,400 servers in 118 different countries. Despite their huge network and server availability, they have consistently scored very highly on our speedtests. This allows you to use your favorite apps without any noticeable performance impact.
Further, they are committed to providing you access to geo-blocked YouTube content as well as full access to the entire Netflix/Hulu libraries, no matter your actual location. NordVPN remains one of the top VPNs still able to circumvent Netflix blocking.
They are located in Panama, one of the most privacy-conscious countries with no legal requirements to retain user data. This deliberate effort puts them outside the reach of the 14 eyes, the biggest international surveillance alliance consisting of 14 governments, known to spy on their citizens.
NordVPN have developed their standalone iOS app that allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. This way you can install and use their VPN on all of your other devices at the same time; router, gaming consoles, your mac or windows desktop and so on.
Their iOS software uses NordLynx (based on WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec & OpenVPN protocols (the safest & best VPN protocols of 2025) in conjunction with military grade 256-AES encryption. The software runs with a built-in kill switch which disconnects your data in case your VPN connection drops for a second or two.
The app itself is very well designed and simple to use, allowing you to connect to a server in mere seconds. All options and the server lists are easily accessible.
If you go for their most economic plan, NordVPN will run you only $3.39/month for a 2-year subscription. All of their plans come with a no-questions 30-day money back guarantee. You can always pay via one of several cryptocurrencies, to ensure full anonymity.
- Speed: 85% of benchmark
- Users Rating (iTunes): 4.7/5.0
- Cost: $3.39/mo
- Logging Policy: Strict No Logging
- Netflix: Working
- Torrenting: Allowed
- Usability: 5/5
Read our in-depth NordVPN review here
Visit NordVPN.com for their iOS app
2. ExpressVPN – Great, Fast VPN for iOS
ExpressVPN has always been one of our most often recommended VPNs. They know exactly what their users require and never disappoint.
Clocking impressive speeds on our 100 Mbps connection, ExpressVPN remains one of the fastest VPNs of this caliber we have tested.
Choose one of their 3,000+ servers in 105 countries and connect safely, knowing their no-logs policy has your back and your data is secure.
Netflix fanatic? Have your fill and watch any show in their library. ExpressVPN not only allows you access to country-restricted content across the web, they are one of the best VPNs for Netflix too!
They are located in the privacy friendly British Virgin Islands, outside the reach of any not so privacy friendly governments.
ExpressVPN’s own iOS app allows you 8 simultaneous connections at a time, so you can even Netflix via your Smart TV.
ExpressVPN uses their Lightway protocol (based on WireGuard), along with OpenVPN & IPsec as their primary protocols. The app comes with a built-in kill-switch and advanced protection that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
ExpressVPN have probably the simplest and quickest VPN app on the market. Sleek and as straightforward as it gets; a big button to connect and menu items for all the settings you’ll ever need.
ExpressVPN’s only downside and the reason they are ranked behind NordVPN, is that they tend to run quite a bit more expensive. Their best long-term plan averages at $4.99 per month for a 2-year subscription.
- Speed: 88% of benchmark
- Users Rating (iTunes): 4.7/5.0
- Cost: $4.99/mo
- Logging Policy: Strict No Logging
- Netflix: Working
- Torrenting: Allowed
- Usability: 5/5
Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review here
Visit ExpressVPN.com for their iOS app
3. Surfshark – Cheapest “Legitimate” iOS VPN App
This contender has been disrupting the VPN market with amazing features and unbelievable pricing.
Surfshark has impressed us by adopting the best features of our favorite VPN providers, all while undercutting their prices.
If you subscribe to Surfshark for 2 years, you’ll end up paying a mere $1.99/mo.
Just unbelievable. But what are they actually offering?
Have your pick from any of their 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. Not as much as others, but enough for the majority of users!
Further, they unblock Netflix effortlessly, allowing you to indulge in any binge watching you’ll ever want. Peer-to-peer and torrenting? You got it!
Similar to ExpressVPN, Surfshark is now headquartered in the Netherlands. While technically part of the Nine Eyes surveillance alliance, the country has no data retention laws, allowing Surfshark to maintain their strict no-logs policy.
Surfshark’s standalone iOS app secures your traffic via WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec & OpenVPN protocols with industry standard high encryption. Their 10Gbps servers deliver excellent speeds, making it perfect for streaming and downloading.
As for the app itself, they have created a truly minimalist iPhone app that will have you connected and on your way in seconds. One big button, just how we love it!
A standout feature is their unlimited simultaneous connections – you can protect every device in your household with a single subscription. They also offer CleanWeb (ad and tracker blocking) and a Dynamic MultiHop feature that routes your traffic through two VPN servers for enhanced privacy.
- Speed: 82% of benchmark
- Users Rating (iTunes): 4.5/5.0
- Jurisdiction: Netherlands
- Cost: $1.99/mo
- Logging Policy: Strict No Logging
- Netflix: Working
- Torrenting: Torrenting Allowed
- Usability: 5/5
Read our in-depth Surfshark review here
Visit Surfshark.com for their iOS app
4. Private Internet Access
The old cat of VPN, Private Internet Access still holds up as one of the best providers out there.
PIA used to be one of the cheapest VPNs available while still providing all features you could want.
As times went on, however, their prices increased and innovation stagnated.
That said, PIA has over 3.2k servers and 84 countries for you to choose from. Less than the top contenders, but mostly enough.
Unlike our top 3 iPhone VPN picks, PIA’s is headquartered within the 14 eyes jurisdiction. Specifically, the United States. This does not bode well for their users.
When it comes to speed, PIA has never disappointed, often ranking at the forefront of our speed tests.
PIA offers you a choice of OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec/L2TP, and PPTP protocols.
While their desktop app leaves much to be desired, they appear to have learned their lesson when it comes to mobile apps; adopting the virtues of minimalism and speed. Easy to use and simple; all we ever ask for.
PIA currently asks for $2.19/mo if you signup for three years. Not expensive, not as cheap as Surfshark. They used to offer the same price for yearly subscriptions (which since have doubled in price).
A solid old-timer, but seemingly on the way out.
- Speed: 81% of benchmark
- Users Rating (iTunes): 4.0/5.0
- Jurisdiction: United States
- Cost: $2.19/mo
- Logging Policy: Strict No Logging
- Netflix: Working
- Torrenting: Allowed
- Usability: 4/5
Read our in-depth PIA review here
5. Windscribe
What used to be a free VPN provider turned paid, Windscribe are the exception of the rule.
Windscribe will provide you with a humble but honest access to 500+ servers in 63 countries.
Unfortunately, they are located in Canada, a 14 eyes jurisdiction.
In terms of speed, Windscribe has improved considerably since our last test, achieving a 68Mbps speed when tested with a 100Mbps raw connection.
Windscribe manage to win back some points with their security directives; offering you a choice between OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and SOCKS5 protocols.
The app itself is very well designed, mimicking the iOS apps of the VPN providers above. Very simple to use & straightforward; one big “connect” button dead center with options visibly accessible.
In terms of price, Windscribe is competitive, with their yearly plan coming in at $4.08/mo.
Expensive? No. The best you can do? No. Luckily they have a free tier with a 10GB monthly bandwidth so you can test out their iOS app.
- Speed: 68% of benchmark
- Users Rating (iTunes): 4.1/5.0
- Jurisdiction: Canada
- Cost: $4.08/mo (+ free tier)
- Logging Policy: Strict No Logging
- Netflix: Working
- Torrenting: Allowed
- Usability: 4/5
Read our in-depth Windscribe review here
6. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN, the CERN Scientist & Harvard PhD brainchild VPN Provider.
ProtonVPN offers you access to 2,900+ servers across 65+ different countries. Their server network has grown significantly since our last review.
Switzerland remains ProtonVPN’s headquarters, which has historically been known for privacy but has been under pressure by the EU to align their data protection laws with neighboring countries.
Hopping over to the topic of speed, ProtonVPN has improved considerably, now delivering approximately 75Mbps on our 100Mbps test connections. This is a significant upgrade from their previous performance.
ProtonVPN focuses on security with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols, all using military-grade AES-256 encryption. Their Secure Core feature routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries for enhanced security.
The ProtonVPN iOS app has been completely redesigned with a cleaner interface and improved server selection. While not as minimalist as our top picks, it’s considerably better than before, offering good usability and clear visuals.
ProtonVPN offers a free tier with limited servers, but their premium plans start at $4.99/month for a 2-year plan. For what they now offer in terms of features, security, and performance, this price point is competitive in the current market.
- Speed: 75% from the benchmark
- Users Rating (iTunes): 4.6/5.0
- Jurisdiction: Switzerland
- Logging Policy: No logs
- Cost: $4.99/mo
- Netflix: Working
- Torrenting: Allowed
- Usability: 4/5
Read our in-depth ProtonVPN review here
3 Tips for Choosing the Best iPhone VPN
Whether you go with one of the six choices above or decide to venture off into the deep end of VPN providers on your own, here are the three tips you need to know to choose the best iPhone VPN!
1. Avoid Free VPNs
Ever heard the expression “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product”? Take Google for example. Do you pay Google anything at all? Yet they are one of the biggest companies in the world.
Guess what they sell? You!
Companies aren’t philanthropically inclined. If you use an app for free, they are making money somehow.
In best case scenarios, like with Google, the way they earn is transparent – ads.
With VPN providers however? Let’s just say very few of them make their millions with ads. Even fewer are, at all, transparent with their ways.
Stay as far away from anyone, VPN or others, who have access to your personal data and are not asking for anything in return. Here’s a list of VPNs that may sell/share your data.
2. Choose “No Logging” Policy
This is non-negotiable. Now that we have entered the realm of paid VPNs, one of the benefits we gain is the ability to hold them accountable.
If you’re paying for a VPN, the last thing you should have to demand is their unwavering commitment to your privacy.
It needs to be a given.
That’s what you’re paying for after all!
If you’re already paying for a VPN, make sure they are not sharing/selling your data or logging your browsing habits by checking our research on over 100 logging policies.
If you’re still searching for a VPN for your iPhone or other devices; you’re best served by one of our 6 recommendations above.
3. Avoid VPNs that Ask Sketchy Permissions
We analyzed 111 iOS VPNs and found out that many of them ask permissions that they shouldn’t. Take a look at the graph below:
For example, many free iOS VPNs, such as HoxxVPN, Free VPN org, TigerVPN and TouchVPN may get access to your sensitive data.