The iPhone has long been the darling of both experts and everyday users. Its security, in particular, has received ample praise.
However, while it’s considered more secure than Android phones, iPhone users are still vulnerable to the dangers of the internet. To mitigate the vulnerability, you need an extra layer of protection to keep you safe. And for that, you need a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
If you’re unsure about which VPN is best for iPhone, worry not. In this article, I’ll go through the key factors to consider when picking the best VPN for iPhone, along with the top options available. Let’s jump right in.
Table of contents
How does a VPN protect your iPhone?
A VPN offers a wide array of benefits. Here are just some ways it protects your iPhone:
- Encrypts your traffic: a VPN scrambles your online data, making it unreadable to any third parties trying to snoop. Instead of compromising data, they get an inane sequence of characters.
- Conceals your IP (Internet Protocol): your IP address acts like a digital label that contains details such as your internet service provider (ISP), approximate location, and device information. With a VPN, your iPhone’s IP address is replaced with the VPN server’s IP address and all your info is encrypted.
- Prevents ISP tracking: ISPs can track your online activity and may even sell the data to advertisers for targeted ads. However, a reliable VPN shields your online activities from ISPs and other intrusive third parties by encrypting your iPhone’s traffic and hiding your IP address.
- Keeps you safe on public Wi-Fi: whether it’s a hotel, café, or library, most public Wi-Fi networks aren’t properly secured, leaving your data vulnerable to malicious individuals. A VPN encrypts all traffic to and from your iPhone, keeping you safer on public Wi-Fi networks.
How to choose the best VPN for iPhone
There are several factors to consider when you’re shopping for the best VPN for iPhone. Be on the lookout for:
- Security: AES-256 is the encryption standard for most reliable VPNs. It’s often paired with WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2 protocols. A handful of premium VPN services, including Surfshark, also offer ChaCha20 encryption for WireGuard.
- Privacy: for better privacy protection, opt for a provider that runs on RAM-only servers, which automatically delete your data upon reboot. Additionally, the top VPN for iPhone should also have a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. For instance, Surfshark’s no-logs policy received the stamp of approval from Deloitte.
- Features: VPN features can vary widely, so prioritize essential ones like kill switch, ad blocker, double VPN, and obfuscated servers.
- Servers: choose a VPN with a large server count to avoid congestion. It should also have a server near you. Both will help with the speed of your connection.
- Simultaneous connections: if you’re looking to secure more than just your iPhone, you’ll need a VPN that allows multiple or unlimited simultaneous connections, like Surfshark.
Choosing the best VPN service for iPhone
To find the best VPN for iPhone, we need to compare all the top premium options in the industry. Let’s run through them:
Surfshark
Surfshark has everything you want in a VPN for iPhone. It safeguards your data using AES-256 encryption coupled with modern protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
It has also fully transitioned from hard drive servers to 100% RAM-only servers that wipe all data with each shutdown or reboot. This is in addition to its no-logs policy, which has been verified by Big Four Firm Deloitte.
Surfshark doesn’t skimp on features for its iOS app, either. Among other things, you get a kill switch, ad blocker, double VPN, obfuscated servers, and auto-connect.
On top of that, Surfshark also has a widespread infrastructure with 3200+ servers in 100+ countries. It is also one of the few VPNs that offer simultaneous connections.
Surfshark | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
Tunneling protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 |
No-logs policy | Audited |
Features | Kill Switch, ad blocker, MultiHop, obfuscated servers, auto-connect, Pause VPN, and IP Rotator |
Servers | 3200+ |
Simultaneous connections | Unlimited |
NordVPN
Much like Surfshark, NordVPN puts security first with AES-256 encryption. While it lacks WireGuard, NordVPN supports OpenVPN and its proprietary NordLynx (a protocol built around Wireguard) protocols on iOS.
NordVPN protects up to 6 devices simultaneously and meets all expectations when it comes to privacy. Not only does it operate on RAM-only servers, but two Big Four firms — PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Deloitte — have also verified its no-logs policy.
Additionally, NordVPN offers a good selection of features. On your iPhone, you get a kill switch, Threat Protection Lite for blocking ads, double VPN, obfuscated servers, and more. As for servers, NordVPN has over 6000 of them globally.
For a detailed breakdown of how they compare, head to our Surfshark vs. NordVPN article.
NordVPN | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
Tunneling protocol | NordLynx and OpenVPN |
RAM-only servers | Yes |
No-logs policy | Audited |
Features | Kill switch, ad blocker, obfuscated servers, double VPN, and Quick Connect |
Servers | 6000+ |
Simultaneous connections | 6 |
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another solid VPN for iPhone. Its security checklist includes AES-256 encryption, 100% RAM-only server technology (TrustedServer), and a no-logs policy that has been audited twice. On iOS, its proprietary Lightway is the default protocol. You can secure up to eight devices simultaneously.
In terms of functionality, you get comprehensive features that include a kill switch (Network Protection), DNS blocker Threat Manager, and built-in password manager Keys. Plus, its global network of 3000+ servers allows you to find uncrowded servers nearby, which enhances your connection speeds.
Check out our Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN comparison for more information.
ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
Tunneling protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 |
RAM-only servers | Yes |
No-logs policy | Audited |
Features | Network Protection, Threat Manager, ad blocker, and Keys |
Servers | 3000+ |
Simultaneous connections | 8 |
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is another excellent VPN for iPhones. It’s armed with robust AES-256 encryption, privacy-boosting RAM-only servers, and a verified no-logs policy. With CyberGhost, you can secure up to seven devices simultaneously and choose between two protocol options on iPhone: WireGuard and IKEv2.
CyberGhost also offers essential features such as kill switch, ad blocker, and tracker blocker. Its biggest boast though is the extensive 11800+ server infrastructure in 100 countries — finding a server that matches your location and requirements should be easy.Dive deeper into Surfshark vs. CyberGhost in our comparison article.
CyberGhost | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-256 |
Tunneling protocol | WireGuard and IKEv2 |
RAM-only servers | Yes |
No-logs policy | Audited |
Features | Kill switch, ad blocker, tracking blocker, and streaming-optimized servers |
Servers | 11800+ |
Simultaneous connections | 7 |
PIA
PIA (Private Internet Access) is another option worth considering. It offers AES-128 and AES-256 encryption, modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), RAM-only servers, and has an audited no-logs policy. Plus, the VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
As for features, iOS users get a kill switch, DNS leak protection, Safari Content Blocker, and private browser InBrowser. Meanwhile, PIA’s impressive 64000+ servers across 90 countries make it a great choice for travelers.
Looking for a more in-depth comparison? Head to our Surfshark vs. PIA article.
PIA | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-128 and AES-256 |
Tunneling protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 |
RAM-only servers | Yes |
No-logs policy | Audited |
Features | Kill switch, DNS leak protection, Safari Content Blocker, and InBrowser |
Servers | 64000+ |
Simultaneous connections | Unlimited |
IPVanish
IPVanish guards your data with AES-256 encryption, modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec), and has an audited no-logs policy. It also allows unlimited connections, enabling you to secure all your devices alongside your iPhone.
For iOS users, IPVanish offers quite a few features like kill switch, On Demand for automatic connections, Alternative Connection Mode, and Threat Protection. Its server network might not be the largest at 2400+, but it should suffice for most users.
One aspect to consider before committing to IPVanish is that it hasn’t upgraded to RAM-only servers. This could leave your data vulnerable to recovery, seizures, and data breaches since the data is stored on hard drives until it’s overwritten or deleted. Whether this is something you can live with is, of course, entirely your decision.
For a detailed look into the VPN, explore our Surfshark vs. IPVanish comparison.
IPVanish | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
Tunneling protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, and IPSec |
RAM-only servers | No |
No-logs policy | Audited |
Features | Kill switch, On Demand, Alternative Connection Mode, and Threat Protection |
Servers | 2400+ |
Simultaneous connections | Unlimited |
ProtonVPN
Known for its free plan, ProtonVPN is another good iPhone VPN option. That said, its free plan is not the best indication of its capabilities as free plans are notoriously restrictive.
For paid users, ProtonVPN offers AES-256 encryption, modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), and has an audited no-logs policy. It also allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
On top of that, ProtonVPN provides a wide variety of features for iPhone users. A kill switch, NetShield ad blocker, streaming service support, Secure Core VPN, and Stealth for obfuscation are all included in its plan.
ProtonVPN’s one drawback is that it hasn’t upgraded to RAM-only servers, which might be a concern for some users. After all, your data may not be secure if ProtonVPN’s physical servers are seized.
Read our Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN comparison to learn more.
ProtonVPN | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-256 |
Tunneling protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 |
RAM-only servers | Yes |
No-logs policy | Audited |
Features | Kill switch, NetShield ad blocker, streaming service support, Secure Core, and Stealth |
Servers | 4802+ |
Simultaneous connections | 10 |
Mullvad
Mullvad provides a straightforward VPN solution that secures up to five devices with AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers. Its notable features include custom DNS servers and DNS content blocking. The latter allows you to block ads, trackers, and malicious domains. It also doubles as a parental control tool by restricting access to adult content and gambling websites.
However, Mullvad is not without its downsides. First, Mullvad’s no-logs policy lacks independent audits. Second, its iOS app uses WireGuard exclusively, which might appeal to WireGuard fans and users who aren’t particularly selective but could be limiting for others.
Moreover, certain features, such as split-tunneling and double, VPN aren’t available for iOS.
For more insights, explore our Surfshark vs. Mullvad comparison.
Mullvad | |
|---|---|
Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
Tunneling protocol | WireGuard |
RAM-only servers | Yes |
No-logs policy | Not audited |
Features | Content blocker and custom DNS servers |
Servers | 650+ |
Simultaneous connections | 5 |
The best VPN for iPhone is the one that meets your needs
While iPhones are often considered very secure, they aren’t completely immune to cyberthreats. This is where a VPN comes in. It provides a crucial extra layer of protection by encrypting your traffic and concealing your IP address.
So, the best VPN for the job is the one that keeps your online activities private. Choose the other bells and whistles based on your needs and preferences.
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FAQ
What is the best free VPN for iPhone?
There is no best free VPN for iPhone. Free VPNs have issues like weak security, data caps, and small server selection. Moreover, many free VPNs fund their services by selling user data.
Is it worth getting a VPN for an iPhone?
Yes, it’s worth getting a VPN for an iPhone. From blocking trackers and ads to keeping you safe on public Wi-Fi, a VPN protects your privacy.
Does the iPhone have a built-in VPN?
No, the iPhone doesn’t have a built-in VPN. While there’s a VPN option in Settings, this feature is simply for configuration. To get a VPN on your iPhone, you’ll either need to find your own VPN server and set up a connection manually or, more typically, install a VPN app like Surfshark.
How do I turn on the VPN on my iPhone?
To turn on the VPN on your iPhone, head to Settings and go to General. Scroll down to VPN & Device Management, press VPN, and then hit Add VPN Configuration. Fill in the details and press Done.
What is the best VPN for iPad?
The best VPN for iPad depends on your needs. Essential factors to consider include AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, no-logs policy, features, server count, and simultaneous connections. And, given that iPhones and iPads share the same operating system, the best VPN for iPhone is likely a fitting choice for iPad, too.
