Best VPN for iPhone: Here’s Our Top 5 Choices in 2024

Despite Apple’s valiant effort to secure its iPhones, these phones aren’t as secure as you think. Once you visit the internet, your IP address is immediately exposed to other people online, leaving you vulnerable to hacker attacks.

Furthermore, if you often watch Netflix or you enjoy streaming, chances are that you’ll encounter numerous geo-restrictions. With no access to the content you want, you will reduce the enjoyment you get from streaming, having no possibility to utilize it to the fullest.

However, with the best VPN for iPhone in 2024, these issues are easily fixed. By changing your IP, you can encrypt and secure your connection. That way, you can enjoy online safety and access any content you want, no matter your location.

Still don’t know what the best iPhone VPN apps are? Well, stay with me to find that out!

Best iPhone VPN Providers in 2024 – Our 5 Favorite Picks

I won’t waste your precious time, so let me quickly clarify one thing. The best VPN for iPhone that I’m going to present today will be 5 premium choices. Free VPN for iPhone won’t be mentioned here, as free VPNs are clearly inferior to paid providers.

Thus, if you want the best possible security, performance, and everything else, premium choices should be your priority. And don’t worry – I’ve gathered the most affordable ones, so take a look at the list and choose one for yourself.

1. ExpressVPN

Everybody’s heard of ExpressVPN. This is the best iPhone VPN for many reasons, one of which is an extremely easy-to-use app on iOS. It installs in a few seconds and supports one-tap connections, letting you enjoy safety and security in the blink of an eye.

Once you encrypt your connection with ExpressVPN, you can enjoy many benefits. For one, you get 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, boasting exceptional performance and speed. With the fastest speeds on the market, ExpressVPN is surely going to satisfy a myriad of users.

iPhone users will value security, too. For that reason, ExpressVPN includes 256-bit AES encryption along with IPv6/DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and optional split tunneling. Admittedly, I like its Lightway protocol which must be mentioned.

After all, it offers blazing-fast speeds and rock-solid security that is always welcome. Being based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN enjoys stringent anti-data-retention laws. In other words, it’s not obligated to store any logs and it doesn’t do so, hence, PwC and Cure53 verified its no-logs policy a few times.

On your powerful iPhone, you’ll most likely enjoy streaming as well. If that’s the case, you’re looking at the best VPN for streaming. ExpressVPN works with at least 10 Netflix catalogs and lets you unblock BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu no matter your real location. What’s more, it offers the best VPN application compatible with Apple TV.

In our tests, ExpressVPN showed no IP leaks, with no lags and slowdowns, making it an extremely reliable choice. Moreover, it supports ALL platforms and devices, where you also get 8 simultaneous connections on a single subscription.

To top it all off, 24/7 live chat support is in place, ready to tackle your issues at your command. Overall, this VPN doesn’t have any specific downsides and even includes the ad blocker in its Threat Manager security suite that can also block trackers and adult sites.

The only downside is that its prices are a bit higher compared to some other providers on the list. Albeit, you can significantly lower them thanks to a 49% discount and 3 months free for its annual plan that you can get using the button below.

Try ExpressVPN on iPhone

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2. CyberGhost

CyberGhost belongs to the same parent company as ExpressVPN. However, it’s a lot more affordable, offering a reliable iPhone VPN app. While not as easy to use as ExpressVPN, it surely has its own merits, especially if we talk about a humongous server fleet.

Namely, it has 11,600+ servers in 100+ countries, all of which you can enjoy on your iPhone. On Windows, it offers dedicated P2P and streaming servers. On iPhone, you get only the latter given that iPhones can’t do torrenting.

Nevertheless, CyberGhost is surprisingly secure if you take into account its affordable prices. 256-bit AES encryption safeguards your connection, while the kill switch and IP leak protection are here to prevent you from exposing your identity to the public eye.

You won’t find OpenVPN on an iPhone due to compatibility issues. However, CyberGhost offers IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols whereas the latter offers much better performance and security. Although, we must mention that CyberGhost isn’t faster than ExpressVPN.

Where it’s on par with its more expensive brother is the focus on privacy. CyberGhost stores no logs of your browsing history or IP address and backs those claims up with transparency reports published every 3 months and an audit from Deloitte. On top of that, its Romanian jurisdiction is very privacy-friendly.

Now, I mentioned streaming servers a few seconds ago. With them, CyberGhost can unblock a few Netflix libraries and give you access to other streaming platforms and US TV channels. They work well, offering substantial streaming performance.

Unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost comes with 7 simultaneous connections, which is a bit worse. Of course, you can also install it on Smart TV, Firestick TV (it is one of the best VPNs for Firestick), Windows, Android, and many other platforms. Sadly, it doesn’t work in China, which is a bit disappointing.

CyberGhost is extremely affordable and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee for all long-term plans. If that sounds enticing to you, you already know what to do – get its cheapest deal by smashing the button below!

Try Out CyberGhost for iPhone

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3. NordVPN

NordVPN is another great VPN for iPhone in 2024. It’s affordable and offers a good-looking iOS app that’s equally easy to use. Users on the Apple Store have rated it very high and there are many reasons for that, one of which is a server park of 6,100+ servers in 60+ countries.

Much to our surprise, the VPN even has dedicated P2P servers for iPhones, which no other VPN offers. Plus, this best iPhone VPN gives you the strongest encryption, a reliable kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.

If you enable the OpenVPN (TCP) protocol, gaining access to Double VPN, obfuscated, and onion over VPN servers is possible. You can use these to double your encryption, bypass censorship, and browse the dark web respectively.

NordVPN even has NordLynx, which is a proprietary protocol based on WireGuard. It delivers stunning speeds and rock-solid security. As it’s based in Panama, NordVPN is subject to no data-retention laws. As such, it stores no logs whatsoever, having its zero-logging policy verified by PwC and Deloitte a few times.

Undoubtedly, this is the most feature-rich VPN for iPhone. Therefore, you can also enjoy Netflix US with NordVPN but also unblock platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ABC, and Hotstar. It’s perfectly capable of Full HD streaming without any annoying buffering!

Even on an iPhone, you’ll get NordVPN’s threat protection, dark web monitor, and Siri shortcuts that make it much easier to use. What’s more, there are applications for all mobile and desktop platforms as well as 6 simultaneous connections on a single subscription.

All in all, NordVPN is an almost flawless iPhone VPN provider. However, it has value-added taxes that somewhat increase its price in the US, UK, and some European countries. However, you’ll hardly find a better deal for this price regardless of the platform you’re using.

In the end, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans, so get its cheapest deal through the button below and test it out today, 100% risk-free!

Visit NordVPN

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4. Surfshark

The best VPN for iPhone doesn’t have to be expensive. Surfshark proves that by offering a feature-rich app for iOS that works with no bugs and connection losses. Indeed, Surfshark’s app is a hallmark of iOS security that many VPNs should look up to.

Apart from customizable dark/light themes, this app lets you access 3,200 servers in 100 countries offered by Surfshark. Furthermore, the VPN gives you MultiHop servers for routing your traffic through multiple servers and enjoying added security.

Speaking of that, this Netherlands-based provider thought of every factor. Logically, you’ll enjoy 256-bit encryption sprinkled with a kill switch, ad-blocker, and good-performing WireGuard protocol. On iPhones, a NoBorders mode is available too, making Surfshark great for bypassing censorship in China.

I especially like its Rotating IP feature. As its name implies, it periodically rotates your IP, making it untraceable by anyone. If you pay a bit over one dollar a month on top of your subscription, you can get the Surfshark One plan that offers bonus security features (Alert & Search).

Albeit, you don’t have to pay more to enjoy a crystal-clear no-logging policy. Surfshark stores no logs of user-identifiable information which is audited by Cure53 and Deloitte. And if security is an afterthought for you, you should know that Surfshark is extremely reliable in terms of streaming.

Our tests showed that it works with Netflix US and Japan but also Hotstar, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+. Compared to ExpressVPN or NordVPN, Surfshark is a lot slower but at least, you get stable connections with no interruptions. It is also a very good VPN that can be installed on Kodi.

The highlight, however, is the unlimited number of simultaneous connections. With them, you can protect as many devices as you want on a single subscription. Needless to say, Surfshark supports all devices as well and there’s 24/7 support through live chat.

All of this can be purchased for under three dollars a month with a 30-day money-back guarantee in place. So if you need a cheap VPN for your iPhone, I think this is a really good choice considering all the amazing features you get with this provider.

Get Surfshark for Your iPhone

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5. ProtonVPN

What about ProtonVPN? This Swiss provider is surely among the best VPNs for iPhone in 2024 mainly due to the security and privacy it offers. Besides, its iOS app works really well despite looking a bit dated.

Compared to other choices on the list, ProtonVPN won’t blow you away. Its 3,700+ servers in 85+ countries sound not so impressive compared to CyberGhost – you’ll agree. However, if you take into account its bank-grade encryption and a reliable kill switch, things start to change.

Unlike CyberGhost, for example, ProtonVPN supports OpenVPN on iOS, coupled with WireGuard for more stable performance. While ProtonVPN isn’t very fast, you at least get VPN Accelerator and NetShield, which will block annoying ads, speeding up the page-loading process.

Another important highlight of ProtonVPN is Secure Core. Secure Core servers route your traffic through 3 different servers, making your IP address untraceable by your ISP or hackers. This is slightly better than MultiHop in Surfshark or Double VPN in NordVPN.

ProtonVPN boasts about its Swiss jurisdiction, and rightfully so. It stores no logs of IP addresses, DNS queries, and browsing history, with a respectable external audit on its no-logs policy. Thanks to Swiss stern privacy laws, it will never be obligated to do so – thankfully!

ProtonVPN also performs well in terms of streaming. Its paid version works with Netflix US and you can unblock BBC iPlayer reliably. Most notably, it won’t work with as many platforms as other VPNs on the list and 4K streaming isn’t going to be as smooth due to slower speeds.

On the other hand, it offers 10 simultaneous connections and the ProtonMail Visionary account in the most expensive plan. Sadly, no 24/7 live chat support is present in the free version and for me, this is one of its main downsides.

Even though it’s not the cheapest VPN for iPhone, you can claim its cheapest deal below and get a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way, you can test it out safely without losing any money if you don’t like it.

Try ProtonVPN Now

Find more details in our ProtonVPN review.

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Why Should I Use the Best VPN for iPhone?

iPhone and Android devices are, generally speaking, much safer than their Windows counterpart. However, a Virtual Private Network isn’t always strictly about safety, so here’s why you should use a VPN for iPhone in 2024:

Browsing Anonymously

Okay, I know, it’s not all about security but to a certain extent, it is! A Virtual Private Network must be safe and secure for it to be legitimate. With that in mind, you should definitely use it if you don’t want your ISP or hackers breathing behind your neck at every step you make online.

Given that your ISP always sees your online activity, every shred of privacy is instantly lost. This is possible through your IP address that’s always visible to your internet provider but also to other users online.

Your IP address can be used to track your location and discover other compromising information about you. A VPN works by hiding your original IP address in which process, you also encrypt your connection and make it invisible to other people online – even to your ISP! If you’re curious to learn more, check out our guide on how to change your IP address on your iPhone.

The benefit is that you can enjoy the internet without anyone knowing what you do online. For example, you can watch adult content, enjoy gambling (see our article on using a VPN for Stake casino), or download files on your iPhone, and you’ll be the only one knowing about these activities.

Luckily, all 5 of the best iPhone VPN providers on the list will give you this commodity.

Streaming on Geo-Restricted Platforms

Streaming is a big selling point of VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Online, you will find many geo-restricted platforms, some of which include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hotstar. If we talk about Netflix, it offers different catalogs of shows and movies depending on your location.

If you’re not located in the USA, you can’t watch Netflix US – simple as that! And this, in return, means that you can’t access all of the amazing shows and movies that are available there. But if you get a US IP address with the best VPN for iPhones, you can fix this issue.

In this case, Netflix will see your location as the US, giving you access to the full catalog. The same, of course, applies to BBC iPlayer which you can access with a UK IP address, and so on.

With a VPN, possibilities are endless in terms of bypassing geo-blocks, so using one is definitely a smart decision.

Saving Money on Online Purchases

Whether you’re paying with PayPal or Apple Pay, there’s a way to save a big chunk of cash on online purchases. Both physical and digital stuff online is sometimes priced according to your location, which is usually the case with flight tickets.

They cost more in very developed countries, while less developed regions have the luxury of paying lower prices. What does that mean? Well, it means that you can get an IP address from a less-developed country and buy the same flight ticket at a severely lower price.

This trick can be applied to booking hotel rooms as well. So, before you go on a vacation, you can use a VPN to seek out the cheapest prices in different countries and save a LOT of money every time you’re having fun away from home.

Gaining Public Wi-Fi Protection

People on mobile phones are addicted to public Wi-Fi when spending time in cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Little do they know, public Wi-Fi networks are a rest haven for hackers who can easily steal your personal info because these networks have little to no protection.

When connecting to public Wi-Fi, you must use a VPN to change your IP address. That way, you actually get encryption, which prevents even the most skillful hacker from accessing your device and stealing any information.

If you ask me, this is one of the most important reasons for using a VPN for an iPhone or any other mobile device.

Enjoying Lag-Free Gaming

We’re all aware of bandwidth throttling that occurs when performing bandwidth-hungry activities online. Gaming is one of them and thus, our ISPs tend to slow our internet speeds to reduce congestion and preserve the network infrastructure.

That’s a bit of a stretch, as your ISP’s network is capable of handling extreme loads. Either way, if you feel like your speed is throttled and you’re not maximizing your gaming performance on your iPhone, consider using a VPN.

It’ll encrypt your connection and conceal your IP address from the ISP, replacing it with a new one. With no ability to track your activities and see what you do online, the ISP also can’t control your internet speeds, leaving you to enjoy online gaming smoothly!

Not only that but a VPN for iPhone will protect you from DDoS/swatting attacks while gaming and provide additional privacy, which is always welcome for games like COD Mobile, Among Us, Fortnite, and others.

Betting Online Abroad

Apple Store is full of betting apps related to online bookies and online casinos. Some of them are geo-restricted, but with a VPN, you can change your online location and unblock them easily. If you’re a fan of betting or gambling, a VPN will help you access these sites wherever you are!

We won’t encourage betting or gambling but just point out one of the many benefits of an iPhone VPN.

How to Install and Use an iPhone VPN

Tech-savvy users will know exactly how to install a VPN on an iPhone but we’re all different and some of you never used a VPN. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t worry.

Installing and using a VPN on this device is extremely easy, so here are the required steps:

Get a Subscription

The first step to using a VPN on iPhone is to get a subscription. In this example, I will use ExpressVPN which offers a 49% discount and 3 months free for the annual plan.

You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund in the first 30 days if you don’t need it anymore.

Once you pay for a subscription and enter your email, you’ll get the activation code as shown in the image above, so make sure you copy it, as you’ll need it for signing in to the app.

Subscribe to ExpressVPN

Download a VPN Onto Your iPhone

Now, you need to download the ExpressVPN app on your iPhone. To do so, you can click on the iPhone option on the same page where you got the activation code.

Alternatively, you can visit the Apple Store, search for ExpressVPN, and download the app from there. Within a few seconds, it will be installed, so open it up and log in by pasting the activation code into the login menu.

Connect to a VPN Server

Once you’ve done that, you’ll get a dashboard that looks like this:

You can now connect to the recommended server by tapping on the connection button or perhaps, opening the server list and tapping on the server location you want.

As you can see in the image above, the dashboard will turn green, indicating that your connection is successful. Now, you can go online and revel in your privacy, safety, and anonymity – congrats.

Conclusion

As you learned today, getting the best VPN for iPhone in 2024 is easy once you know what to look for. All 5 choices we talked about are excellent in terms of privacy and security they’ll give you, so you risk nothing by testing them out.

While ExpressVPN is my favorite iPhone VPN app, I do recommend choices like NordVPN and CyberGhost as well. They are cheaper alternatives, yet, they’re not that much inferior to ExpressVPN which offers slightly more expensive prices.

In the end, know that every VPN provider offers at least a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to use them without the risk of losing money in case you don’t like some of them. Albeit, having in mind their reliability, privacy, and security, it’s highly unlikely you’ll find them lacking in any way.

Therefore, take responsibility for your online privacy now and get a VPN for your iPhone – you won’t regret it!

Try ExpressVPN Today

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FAQ

With everything said, let’s answer a few important questions about using a VPN on iOS:

🕵️‍♀️ Should I use a free VPN for iPhone?

We advise against using a free iPhone VPN. All free VPNs are limited when it comes to the level of security and performance you get out of them. With weaker encryption and questionable no-logging practices, a vast majority of free VPNs are simply not worth it.

Moreover, pretty much all of them limit your monthly bandwidth and give you slow speeds, making them barely usable on your iPhone. Not to mention that they don’t work with Netflix and offer just a few server locations, so bypassing geo-blocks online is practically impossible.

All in all, we don’t think that anyone should use free VPNs, especially if seeking the best possible Virtual Private Network. However, we encourage you to test a free VPN on your iPhone and compare it with any of the paid providers we presented. I promise that the difference will be night & day!

📱 Is an iPhone VPN necessary?

Well, nothing is necessary except for basic human needs. And no, a VPN isn’t necessary and you can use it as is, without additional protection. As a result, you won’t have online privacy and your internet experience will suffer.

Everything we said up until this point explains that a VPN for iPhone is indeed very important in 2024. It will safeguard your online privacy, preventing your ISP and hackers from spying on you and stealing your personal information.

Apart from that, you can expand your internet horizons and gain access to thousands of blocked websites. If these benefits are attractive to you, then, you should definitely get one of the VPNs from the list.

🏆 What is the best VPN for iPhone?

Our tests have shown that ExpressVPN takes the crown and is the #1 VPN for iPhones. Thanks to the fastest speeds, rock-solid security, and exceptional performance, this is the provider we would recommend to our readers.

NordVPN and CyberGhost are more affordable alternatives that are almost as good. While marginally slower, they offer the same level of security, making them a decent choice if saving a bit of money is your priority.

📵 Can I use an iPhone VPN on Android?

Yes. If you ever change your iPhone for an Android phone, you can install the VPN app you’ve used before. All providers on our list work on both iOS and Android, making them suitable even if you’re using two phones with different platforms, such as these two.