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.
If you want to minimize the hassle, risks, and potential frustration of flashing your own router, then a pre-configured VPN router is a good choice.
That’s an option, too 😉
Hello there a few questions.
1. Where can one get a pre configured VPN router? Those seem rare.
2. Also how do you use this set up for Comcast modems, is it even possible?
3. Will internet speed be affected if the modem is setup to VPN, if so by how much percent?
4. Is there a good replacement to the Comcast modems out there that are easily configured.
Thanks again in Advance.
Zak,
As I understand it …
1) You can get routers pre configured for most of the big VPN companies from https://www.flashrouters.com/
2) It doesn’t matter who’s modem your using, the router is plugged into the modem and establishes the VPN.
3) Your internet speed may be slowed down. The test I saw always slowed internet to 160mbps with all higher speed connections.
4) Configuring routers for vpn sounds tricky if you don’t buy it pre configured. We have Spectrum and I found many modems that were compatible. Spectrum also has a list on their site of compatible modems. Once you plug it in you have to call Spectrum and give them the new modem’s mac address. The device I’m using now is a modem/router combo but I’m upgrading to a configured vpn router and will go back to Spectrum’s modem.
I am confused about the number of users that will have access if I buy an additional vpn router, and hook it up to my existing router vs just buying the software and loading to computer , phones and smart tv. The ExpressVPN you use in your example says 3 users. So even if I use a vpn router I will be limited to 3 users or by using the router every user on my home wifi will have access to the vpn service?
Hey Philip
If you set your VPN up on a router then you can connect unlimited devices through Wi-Fi (no matter which VPN provider you use).
Are you sure about this..? Someone told that the server analyses the number of requests coming from users.
I went back and read the reply that I posted and realized that I was completely wrong. I think I was thinking about another thing when replying. Yes, the device limits still exist on routers as well. Read reviews or visit provider websites to see what are the device limits on that certain VPN service provider.
Setting up a router VPN is necessary and can be very useful to provide network security. But it is a very complex process. I got the best solution to do it from this post where the process is explained well.
I have the Linksys Velop Mesh Network with a Node sitting at my TV. I want to install a VPN router (still need to buy one), and connect it from the Node (so not directly from the Modem). I will then connect my Apple TV, PS4 etc directly into the VPN router via LAN. I may just disable it’s WiFi altogether or set up a separate SSID. Does this sound feasible? My setup would therefore be:
Modem – Wifi Main Router – Wifi Node – LAN to VPN – LAN Downstream.
I expect only things physically connected via LAN to the VPN router will use the VPN and all other connections, including Wifi would not use the VPN.
I noticed the router (wrt32x) severely affects download speed through a VPN, to 50-60 Mbps when on a PC 300-350mbps, gigabyte connection
You do take a hit but never that big a hit. Check you router settings and VPN location.
I like the way you present the guidance about Setting Up a VPN Router. Good and clear steps mention in this post about to set up the VPN router. I have also faced the same problem and I got stuck. thanks for sharing this post.
Hi,
I’m not a very well educated when it comes to technology, and I would like to know if the following will work:
my internet provider uses a modem ARRIS TM822 connected to a TP-link wireless N router (TL-WR841N) that apparently it’s not capable to support encryption PPTP. If I buy a Pre-flashed router, and the service from any of VPN providers and connect the pre-flashed router to my current one (TP-Link) will my appletv and amazon fire stick work to watch live stream tv?
Nice read! My question is can you use a VPN router with my ISP router?
Yes you can use two routers at the same time. I have dual router setup
Yes, of course! You can connect it as a router behind a router, or you can connect the vpn router in parallel to your ISP router. A little complicated, but a definite yes.
I think you’re answered my question in advance, but I want to make sure. My isp gave me a modem/router combo with phone. I’ve had a router connected to that for many years and it’s worked fine. I also never turned my isp router to a bridge. It’s still set up as a router that has nothing connected to it other than a router that has my network running through it. My thought, which I did buy another router, is to plug this router also into the modem/router combo with phone. I actually already have an it works. My plan is to make that my VPN router. If it turns out I have no problem with everything connected to the VPN, I plan on disconnecting the other router and turn the isp one to a bridge. However if I have issues I was hoping to keep it the way I have it, but one to be non vpn router, one as a vpn router, and leave the combo alone. Can I do this /is that what you were saying in your parallel system? Do I need to set the original combo as a bridge or will that make it so I can’t have the 2 routers connected to it? If I have to make it a bridge I can set them up one after the other. I’d prefer to do it the way that I have it set up (with minimal change like changing something as a bridge). The reason I’d prefer it this way is my one router is old and the I’ve got one that’s more advance. Like I said, if after Ive worked with my network and talked to different websites, really tested it out, I would potentially get rid of the old router, unless you tell me differently.
I’m sorry for the lengthy comment, but looking for help and there’s no where that mentions 3 routers. Also some places say I’ll have issues like creating a double NAT. Yet others say it’s more secure to have a double NAT. One person told me that it wasn’t a good idea to do it the way I want. He said to make one the bridge and set up the new router as a vpn and get rid of the other. Like I said earlier, I have had an issue thus far, I just need to add the VPN. Thanks in advance for any advice. I’ve been dealing with a lot of bad health issues and looking for answers regarding this and dealing with everything else has been quite frustrating. I’ve gotten to the point that I’m just going to try something.
Do I need two routers ? One router to connect Local Internet sites & the other to connect to VPN sites ?. The reason being Netflix, hulu, amazon do not allow you to come through a VPN connection. Can I use one router & be able to switch between VPN & local internet connections or 2 routers is a must ?
You don’t need two separate routers. Just one will be enough 🙂
2 would definitely help from constant switching between local vpn servers and far-off servers to connect to their local channels.
I’m trying to setup my dlink dgl-4500 as a VPN router, it’s wan is connected to my lan of a netgear 7300 nighthawk which is then connected to my service provider.I know that cable is good because I can browse right away. But when I enter the l2tp info on the 4500 to connect to nordvpn it will not connect. Any suggestions?
I have an Arris TG862 modem. Can I use a VPN on a separate router with this modem? I have Comcast and have had issues with them in the past about not accepting a router I purchased from Amazon.
As long as your Arris modem was configured by Comcast to work for their internet, any router you connect to that modem should be useable irrespective of make/model and for VPN(flashed) or straight out-of-box modem. You can even connect the two routers in parallel and use vpn on few ‘security’ needed devices on wifi, and others can connect on wifi to the other no-flashed router. Choice is yours!
Is it mandatory to have a premium or paid VPN to do so? Is not it allowed with free VPN?
We generally don’t recommend free VPNs. Read here why: https://thebestvpn.com/how-free-vpns-sell-your-data/
They can leak your DNS/IP, they are usually very slow and for privacy wise – definitely not the best option. Hope this helps.
Hi, I am a noob, but I have a Luxul router and it has a place for a VPN to be configured, so would this work with any vpn? It asks for pptp address, user name, password, encription?, pptp net segment, and pptp mask. I do not know what the last two items are. Would this work? Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!
I had a TPlink router that used SmartDNS to allow access to UK sites and it worked very well. The ISP was slow however and I was advised to switch to another who was 5 times faster and also cheaper. My setup does not work with his system as he uses a Transparent DNS which interferes with my SmartDNS so I switched to a VPN but that is still giving me problems. My VPN provider says I can revert back to SmartDNS if I flash my new Asus RT-AC68U which would then allow me full advantage of the faster speeds on the new system. My question is does anyone else provide something similar to SmarDNS that works without having to flash my router and invalidate the warranty?
I have NordVPN installed on my computer and smartphones. Will I create a problem if I have a modem with Nord VPN and also is the app on devices? Will I need to disable VPN on devices when connected to my home VPN network to avoid redundancy and slower speeds, or can I just leave VPN running on all my devices and the router?
why would you even want to have the native vpn app running on your device, when it’s already on the router whose wifi you’re using? Yes, it’ll definitely have some performance issue, based on the bandwidth and device being used. You can have it running when connect to your carrier network to access non-local websites.
This guide is exactly what I was looking for, “I think”.
What I want to do is set-up my remote network so all my devices will see and use my home networks public IP.
I believe using a VPN connection on my remote router will achieve this … ?
Thoughts and comments very much appreciated.
Hey Steve,
Yes. You can definitely set up a VPN protected network on your router. If you’re not that techy and wish to skip the set-up process, you can get a router which has a VPN previously installed on it. Some companies offer this option, look into it. 🙂
Can other Netgear routers not listed on the drop down list be configured to use the VPN or is it model specific?
Thankyou for your reviews and site. Keep up the great work!
Tonehound ♠️
My son has got express vpn installed on his laptop & suggested installing it on our home router so i purchased a linksys wrt3200 not being tech savvy i didn’t realise it doesn’t have a built in modem, the router i have is a D-Link DSL-3782 with TalkTalk so my question is can & how do i connect my d-link to the Linksys to act as a modem & do i have to configure any settings, or is it better to buy a stand alone modem like Netgear DM200.
Trevor.
I have a Linksys WRT1900ACS setup with ExpressVPN connected to my primary ISP modem/router. Although I am selecting UK servers, when using streaming services they state I am outside the UK even though I am not. I don’t have this issue using VPN app on device? Am I missing something in my setup? Thanks in advance
Hi. I bought a Netgear AC1750 and I have NordVPN, I configured the router for a VPN, I can connect my laptop and IPads to the router with no problem, but when I tried to connect the Apple TV or the Roku, I have a problem trying to watch Directv Now, it says that is unable to contac the server.
One issue to bear in mind is that some countries are actively cracking down on VPN providers. Currently I live in Turkey, were VPN were recently made illegal. I’ve had real problems connecting with Open VPN standard on both Express VPN and Witopia. The only standard that still connects reliably is Ipsec. This could be an issue where you are too, and might impact some of the excellent instructions above.
Do I have to connect VPN to a router. Isn’t it like a program/app you download to your computer and it just does it’s thing as long as your subscribed? Like an anti virus program.
No you don’t. It’s just like an antivirus program, just has a different use. You can set it up on a router as well, it’s just an option and a lot tricker to do than just downloading an app.
The easiest option for both savvy VPN enthusiasts and novices is to purchase a pre-flashed VPN router. Doing so allows you to skip the complicated process of flashing (more on this term below) the proper firmware to your VPN, which varies depending on the type of router and its specs.
Hi thanks for this very informative article which has really helped. I am moving into an apartment building with shared wifi and no physical access point to connect a router to. I want to set up my own VPN router so that any connections I have are more secure. The speed of the wifi network is reasonable and I want to retain as much of this speed as possible in order to stream movies etc. I have seen very cheap Travel Routers designed with hotel travel in mind that will do this but other than for viewing a bit of email these would not make a permanent solution. My other option is to consider using a wireless repeater in AP mode to provide a cable connection for the router but this would cost speed. Is there a better option than either of these? Thanks
My question would be this. I live in Thailand and I just changed my new Samsung 4KTV to the US store, so now I have all these stations, including Disney+, installed. I believe my router has a vpn in it, but I have to subscribe to a vpn to put in the details. This is my question. Is there an easy way to turn on/off the vpn when you don’t need it? VPN’s rend to slow down networks and cause websites to load weird or not at all so I need a normal connection when I’m not wanting to watch USA Netflix or Disney+ or other cable channels from America. Is there an easy way to turn it off and on or do I have to go through the routers settings each time, delete vpn info and input it again when I need it again? I’m new to this whole vpn thing and I use surfshark. Don’t know what my router is, maybe a huawei.
I’ve got a Linksys wrt3200acm. Should I attach it as a secondary router with the VPN on it or ditch my primary router and just use the Linksys with the VPN on it as the only router ?
What is your goal? Do you want to encrypt everything or just some part of your online activity?
Hi there and thanks for the article. I have an Asus AX11000 router with Nord on it. It’s plenty fast but Netflix is crawling. Amazon, Youtube, etc all work great on the TV so it’s not the connection, it’s Netflix. Is there anyway to let the TV through and bypass the VPN on the router or do I have to inline another router straight from the modem (for the TV only) and then plug the Asus router into the new router? Any help would rock. I’ve looked high and low for an answer to this all to no avail. Thanks either way!!
Jason
As I understand, you want to use Netflix without connecting to Nord?
I live in Switzerland, I’m in the processed of purchasing a VPN router that is pre-configured with ExpressVPN. Will the VPN-enabled router be compatible with my ISP? My TV service and home phone is all connected via the Swisscom router. How will it work if I only use the ExpressVPN router? Or should add the ExpressVPN router to my current router and then only connect the devices that I want to have a US IP address to this new router?
If I flash my router with NordVPN and later change to ExpressVPN which also support flashing of the router, will I be able to do so?