Best VPN for iPhone

The Apple iPhone is not just one of the most popular smartphones on the market, it is one of the best.

But one myth about iPhones stubbornly refuses to die: that they are somehow totally secure and immune to hackers or malware.

An iOS device is certainly more secure than most Android devices, but that does not make them immune. If you want to keep your online data genuinely secure and private, a VPN is the best option available to you.

That is why using a virtual private network matters just as much on an iPhone as on any other platform.

How We Tested These iPhone VPNs

Every VPN on this list has been tested hands-on by our team using a real iPhone across a range of everyday scenarios.

We assess connection speeds at different times of day, app usability from the moment you first install, streaming performance on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and others, and how the apps handle the switch between mobile data and public Wi-Fi.

We also test kill switch reliability, available protocols, and the overall privacy and logging credentials of each provider. We revisit our top picks regularly and update this article to keep our recommendations current.

This latest round of testing was completed on devices running iOS 17 and iOS 18.

Best VPN for iPhone 2026: At a Glance

VPN	Best For	Servers	Devices	Money-Back
CyberGhost	Best overall / beginners	9,000+ in 100+ countries	7	45 days
ExpressVPN	Speed and privacy	3,000+ in 105 countries	Unlimited	30 days
NordVPN	Best value	6,300+ in 111 countries	10	30 days
IPVanish	Households and families	2,000+ in 75+ countries	Unlimited	30 days
VPN.ac	Maximum encryption	200+ in 20+ countries	6	7 days
Surfshark	Unlimited devices	3,200+ in 100 countries	Unlimited	30 days
VyprVPN	Simplicity	700+ in 70+ regions	30	30 days

The 7 Best VPN Apps for iPhone in 2026

Below you will find our top 7 choices for VPN apps for the iPhone, iPad and other iOS devices. We have tested them exhaustively and found without doubt that they are all solid options for iOS. You really cannot go wrong no matter which one you choose.

1. CyberGhost VPN

If you are new to VPNs, then CyberGhost VPN is a great choice for an iPhone VPN, especially for first-time users.

Their iPhone app is exceptional. From the layout we could tell it has been designed specifically with novices in mind and is super-easy to use, which is just one reason why it is our top pick.

There are settings that automatically optimise your VPN depending on whether you are planning to stream content, torrent files, or simply want to stay secure and keep your online activity private.

This ease of use does not come at the expense of the core features either. In our testing we found CyberGhost can easily unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and almost any other streaming service, leaving us and the kids happy, especially when travelling.

CyberGhost also offers a kill switch, strong encryption, reliable privacy protections and a huge network of servers. When we tried the app we found the dedicated server list extremely useful, particularly compared to other apps that make it harder to find the server you need.

There are now more than 9,000 VPN servers spread across 100+ different countries. We had no trouble at all finding the right server for our needs, whether that was a UK server for iPlayer or a US one for American Netflix.

On the privacy side, CyberGhost has improved significantly in recent years and now publishes independent audit results alongside regular transparency reports, so the previously noted concern about an unaudited no-logs policy no longer applies.

One thing worth flagging in the interest of transparency: CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns ExpressVPN and a number of VPN review websites. We mention this not as a reason to avoid it, but because you deserve the full picture. On its own merits, CyberGhost remains an excellent product and our top overall pick.

All you need to get the iOS app is a quick trip to the Apple App Store. There is a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try before you buy without feeling nervous about signing up. Live chat support is good too.

This is the best VPN for iPhone because we particularly liked the ease of connection and the ability to tap, connect and forget about the app entirely, making it as unintrusive as a VPN should be.

Our Number 1 Recommendation

45-day money-back guarantee

2. ExpressVPN

If your top priority is speed and privacy, then ExpressVPN is the one for you. They also have an exceptional iPhone app: lightweight, simple to use and it looks great.

ExpressVPN is based offshore in the British Virgin Islands, which means it can offer a strict no-logs policy, unlimited bandwidth and strong privacy protections without the complications of data retention laws.

It is worth noting that ExpressVPN is also owned by Kape Technologies, the same parent company as CyberGhost, which we mention for full transparency. Its privacy credentials stand up to independent scrutiny regardless.

ExpressVPN’s encryption is state of the art, and unlike some providers it does not impact on connection speeds, which remain second to none. They also have their own proprietary Lightway protocol, a modern alternative to WireGuard that delivered some of the fastest speeds we have seen in our testing. Downloads were effortless and we rarely hit bottlenecks.

With a server network covering 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN is also great for unblocking content and getting around censorship overseas. We were able to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Apple TV and just about every other popular streaming service with ease.

One important update since our last review: ExpressVPN removed its previous limit on simultaneous connections, and have changed them to between 10 and 14 depending on the package you take.

In our testing we particularly liked how the apps are consistent across every device. Whether you are securing your Mac, iPad or a Windows PC alongside your iPhone, you will get to grips with all of them just as quickly.

It also has a kill switch to keep your data safe if the connection drops, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. It is cheapest on their newer 2-year subscription and you will find it in the Apple App Store.

3. NordVPN

For iPhone users looking for a value-for-money VPN provider, look no further than NordVPN, one of the most reliable VPN providers around.

NordVPN’s prices are extremely competitive compared to ExpressVPN and others, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. Just contact customer support via live chat to request a refund.

NordVPN’s iOS app, which works across all iPhones and iPads, is feature-rich and supports NordLynx, their VPN protocol built on the WireGuard framework. In our testing we found it has a clean, simple design that makes it easy to connect with a single tap, which we found particularly useful on the move, such as on public transport.

It is also easy to take advantage of the many additional features, including Double VPN connections, which reroutes your traffic through two servers for extra-secure internet access, plus VPN over Tor servers, a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

The kill switch proved especially useful on public transport, where connection stability can be a little unreliable. We also found the double-VPN servers are useful for unblocking streaming content as they’re less utilised for this and less likely to be blocked.

NordVPN also has great speeds and unlimited bandwidth. In our testing it easily unblocked BBC iPlayer, Netflix and similar services without any fuss.

It even offers a dedicated IP address option, meaning you get your own IP rather than sharing one with other users, which can help avoid the occasional CAPTCHAs that shared IPs sometimes trigger.

One point worth addressing: NordVPN experienced a server breach at a third-party data centre in 2018. They disclosed this publicly in 2019 and have since thoroughly overhauled their security infrastructure, moved to RAM-only servers, passed multiple independent audits by PwC and Deloitte, and launched a bug bounty programme.

We mention it for transparency, but it should not put you off the service as it stands today as it was an extremely long time ago now.

NordVPN now allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it good value for households. Their two-year plan offers the best deal and the pricing remains among the most competitive of any premium provider on this list.

4. IPVanish

If you want to connect your iPhone alongside a houseful of other devices, IPVanish VPN could be your best choice.

IPVanish lets you connect an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription, meaning you can protect your iPhone, tablet, laptop and everyone else’s devices in your household at the same time. We found this genuinely useful when testing, being able to install it across everything we had lying around without any additional cost.

The service has a dedicated iOS app that is well designed and another that we found easy to use on the move. It comes with an automatic kill switch to protect your data if the app loses connection unexpectedly. Customer support is good too, available via live chat.

The one area where IPVanish consistently falls short is streaming. We found it unreliable for unblocking Netflix and most other popular streaming services, which was frustrating. They’ve definitely got better in recent years, but we found them not quite as reliable as some other providers.

If streaming is your primary reason for getting a VPN, this should be a deciding factor. If, on the other hand, you primarily want security and privacy across a large number of devices, it is a solid and affordable choice.

5. VPN.ac

A lot of VPNs like to use phrases like “military-grade” to describe their encryption, but all too often that is just marketing. With VPN.ac, you really can enjoy some of the strongest encryption around.

They use a 4096-bit RSA key for handshaking, one of the highest available in the industry, and when combined with their 256-bit AES encryption, they have a legitimate claim to being one of the most secure VPN services available. Other providers often use reduced encryption to keep performance up, so it is something to be aware of when comparing.

If all else fails, there is a kill switch to keep you protected. We found that on the one or two occasions our connection dropped during testing, VPN.ac cut it instantly, which was exactly what we wanted to see.

This strong encryption does not mean a compromise on usability or speed either. VPN.ac has fewer servers than the bigger names, but the locations it does cover are all high-demand ones. For us in the UK it worked perfectly, though if you are based further afield it is worth checking their server list before signing up.

The iOS app is one of the simplest we have tested, and VPN.ac’s speeds are some of the best we have recorded. In our tests they performed on a par with much more established brands. It is quite simply one of the fastest VPN providers around for its size.

The monthly plan is not expensive at around $9 per month, and there are better deals available on one and two-year subscriptions. Note the money-back window is just 7 days, shorter than most rivals, so do take advantage of that trial period promptly if you sign up.

We would position VPN.ac for intermediate to advanced users, but even if you’re a beginner there’s nothing to stop you using and no real barrier to entry here.

6. Surfshark

Surfshark is a very competent and easy-to-use VPN, and one of the best choices for protecting an iPhone and iPad together.

One thing to note upfront: in 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. The two services continue to operate independently with their own apps, infrastructure and pricing, but it is worth knowing that they now share the same corporate parent. We mention this for transparency rather than as a red flag.

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a reasonably privacy-friendly country, and offers a solid range of privacy features including split tunnelling, a kill switch, strong encryption and a no-logs policy.

We found the split tunnelling particularly useful as it lets you choose which apps are protected by the VPN and which connect normally. We used this with a banking app that occasionally throws up problems when connecting from an overseas IP address, and it solved the issue neatly.

Surfshark is fast, which makes it excellent for streaming, and we had no issues watching Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and others. It now has servers in 100 countries with over 3,200 servers in total, a significant expansion since our last review.

One of Surfshark’s standout selling points is unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect every device in your household on a single subscription. We tested it across multiple devices at once and found no noticeable drop in performance. The iPad app mirrors the iPhone version, and the desktop apps for Mac and Windows are equally polished.

7. VyprVPN

The last on our list is VyprVPN, which remains a solid choice for an iPhone VPN, even if it has been outpaced by some of its rivals in recent years.

Like others before it, VyprVPN has a kill switch to prevent data leaks, it hides your real IP address through its server network, and it protects iPhone and iPad equally well alongside other devices and platforms.

Its monthly price is reasonable and the biggest savings come when you opt for an annual plan. Our favourite thing about VyprVPN has always been its clarity: the payment options are straightforward and there is no confusion about what you are signing up for.

Many providers now offer a confusing array of packages with added services that you may or may not need. With VyprVPN you get everything they offer under one package, we thought this was really refreshing to see in this day and age.

VyprVPN’s iPhone app is very easy to use and will keep your internet connection safe wherever you are, including on public Wi-Fi. When testing we had no trouble whether at home, in the office or while travelling.

Thanks to its no-logs policy, not even your own internet service provider can see what you are doing once you connect to one of its 700+ servers across 70+ regions. There are plenty of features tucked away for more advanced users too.

We had no issues using it to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer or Amazon Prime Video during our testing, though its streaming unblocking is less consistent than CyberGhost or ExpressVPN.

If you ever have a problem, customer support is available via live chat, which is also how you initiate a refund under the 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to Choose a VPN for iPhone

Choosing an iPhone VPN is not always straightforward. There are a lot of services out there, and at first glance they can all appear pretty similar. Here are the key things worth looking for:

A dedicated iOS app

Most of the best VPNs offer a dedicated iPhone and iPad app. Some are far better designed than others. Look for one that is easy to connect with a single tap and does not require you to dig through settings menus every time you use it.

Fast speeds

A VPN adds a small overhead to your connection. Poor providers make this obvious. Choose a provider with fast, modern protocols such as WireGuard or something built on it (like NordLynx or Lightway) to keep that overhead to a minimum.

Strong encryption and privacy credentials

Look for a provider with an independently audited no-logs policy. A kill switch and DNS leak protection are also important, particularly if you use public Wi-Fi regularly.

Consider your primary use case

The best VPN for security is not always the best for streaming, and the best for streaming is not always the cheapest. Work out what matters most to you.

If you want to watch US Netflix, you need a provider that keeps its streaming servers ahead of the blocks. If you want maximum encryption, you might prioritise something like VPN.ac.

If you want to protect an entire household cheaply, Surfshark or IPVanish make more sense.

iCloud Private Relay vs a VPN: What Is the Difference?

Since Apple introduced iCloud Private Relay as part of iCloud+, we have had a lot of questions from readers wondering if they still need a VPN. It is a fair question, so here is a clear explanation of the difference.

iCloud Private Relay is a privacy feature that hides your IP address and encrypts your DNS requests when browsing in Safari.

It works by routing your traffic through two separate internet relays so that neither Apple nor the sites you visit can see both who you are and what you are looking at at the same time.

That sounds similar to a VPN, but there are some important differences:

• It only works in Safari. Apps, other browsers and system-level connections are not covered. A VPN protects all traffic leaving your device.
• You cannot choose your apparent location. iCloud Private Relay keeps you in roughly the same region, so you cannot use it to access American Netflix, watch the BBC from abroad, or get around geo-restrictions.
• It is not available everywhere. iCloud Private Relay is blocked in a number of countries including China, Russia, Belarus, Egypt, Kazakhstan and others. A good VPN is your only option in those places.
• It requires an iCloud+ subscription. It is not free to all iPhone users.

In short, iCloud Private Relay is a useful layer of privacy for your Safari browsing, but it is not a replacement for a full VPN. If you want to protect all your traffic, stream content from other regions, or stay safe on public Wi-Fi across all your apps, you still need a proper VPN.

What iPhone VPN Is Right for You?

CyberGhost is our top overall pick for iPhone users. We’ve been useing it on our iPhone for several years and frankly almost forgot it was there, which is exactly what you want from a VPN.

But your needs may be more specific, so here is a quick guide:

If you want the longest money-back guarantee to let you try before you buy, then CyberGhost VPN is the best choice, with its generous 45-day window.

If you want the best overall value for money, then NordVPN is the right choice. In our tests it proved to be the most cost-effective option while still delivering excellent app quality and a huge server network.

If you want the fastest speeds and do not mind paying a premium for them, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. Their Lightway protocol is one of the fastest we have tested on iPhone.

If you want maximum encryption to keep your data secure on public Wi-Fi, then VPN.ac or ExpressVPN are the right picks.

If you need a large server network for accessing geo-restricted content from almost anywhere in the world, CyberGhost covers 100+ countries.

If you want to protect multiple Apple devices or your whole household, then you need unlimited simultaneous connections. Both Surfshark and IPVanish offer unlimited connections with every account.

Do I Need a VPN for iPhone?

Put simply, yes.

It is a myth that iPhones are immune to hackers and malware. Any device that connects to the internet is vulnerable, and while iOS is more secure than most mobile operating systems, you are by no means beyond risk.

There are other good reasons to use a VPN on your iPhone beyond raw security. Connecting via a VPN hides your IP address and helps maintain your privacy from websites, advertisers and your internet service provider.

If you ever connect to public Wi-Fi networks in airports, on trains, or in cafes, you should have a VPN active. Even Europol warn against the risks of using public Wi-Fi and recommend using a VPN.

If you want to unblock Netflix or other streaming services while out and about, you will need a VPN app to do it. Likewise, if you want to watch British TV while overseas, a VPN is essential. Netflix is not the only service that limits your access based on where you are connecting from.

If you travel to countries where internet content is censored or restricted, a VPN lets you keep accessing everything you are used to at home. Get it installed before you travel rather than after you arrive.

Is an iPhone VPN Suitable for Mac?

If you own multiple Apple devices, such as an iPhone and a Mac, you can use most VPNs across all of them. Most providers offer dedicated apps for both iOS and macOS, and we factored this into our testing of all the providers above.

The same core features are present on both devices, although the look of the app may differ slightly between iPhone and Mac. Most VPNs also allow multiple simultaneous connections, so you can protect both at the same time without needing a second subscription.

Are Free VPNs for iOS Unsafe?

We get asked a lot about the best free VPN for iPhone. The honest answer is that almost all free iPhone VPNs should be considered unsafe.

A free VPN is not earning money from you directly, so it must cover its costs and generate profit in other ways.

The most common method is collecting and selling your usage data to advertisers, data brokers or others willing to pay for it. Your data becomes the product.

Some free VPN apps also contain malware or other security vulnerabilities, and many do not bother encrypting your data properly at all. Others run so few servers that performance is unusable.

There is no such thing as a truly secure free VPN.

When you search the App Store for VPN you will find dozens of free options. Avoid almost all of them. They are not worth the risk when solid premium providers like the ones above cost just a few pounds a month.

If you genuinely cannot afford a premium VPN right now, PrivadoVPN has the most reputable free tier available.

It is very limited in terms of server locations and speeds, but it will give you the core security and privacy protections you actually need without compromising your data.

How to Install a VPN on My iPhone

iOS does not come with a built-in VPN, but installing one is now straightforward. There is no need to manually configure anything. Simply follow these steps:

1. Choose a VPN. We recommend CyberGhost.
2. Go to the provider’s website and sign up for a plan.
3. Enter your email address, choose a payment plan and complete payment.
4. Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone and search for the VPN provider by name.
5. Download and install the app.
6. Open the app and log in with the email and password you used to sign up.
7. Choose a server location and tap connect. That is it.

Is Using an iPhone VPN Illegal?

If you are worried about breaking the law, you can relax. VPNs are entirely legal in the vast majority of countries.

There are some places where their use is more complicated, most notably China and Russia, but for the overwhelming majority of people reading this, you will have no legal issues at all.

VPNs are privacy tools, and privacy is a right. Using a VPN is no different in principle to using a password manager or an antivirus app on your device.

In countries where VPN use sits in a legal grey area, the complication usually arises specifically around using a VPN to access blocked websites.

If you are planning to travel to one of those countries, the most important practical step is to get your VPN installed and tested before you arrive, as you may not be able to download or access it once you are there.

In Summary

Do not fall for the myth that iPhones are inherently secure. You should still be using a VPN, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while out and about, when travelling abroad, or any time you want to keep your browsing genuinely private.

In our testing, CyberGhost VPN is the clear overall winner for iPhone users and the provider we keep coming back to. We enjoy its ease of use, fast connection speeds and clean app design.

Most importantly, you can enable it and forget it is even there while enjoying safe internet access, which is exactly what you want from a mobile VPN.

Avoid free VPNs. As we have explained, they are a security risk and rarely deliver the protections they promise. Any of our recommended providers above is a far better option, and most cost less than a coffee a month.

But regardless of which provider you choose, make a habit of using a VPN whenever you are on your iPhone and connected to any network you do not fully trust. Your data will thank you for it.

Other articles you may like

• 21 of the Best VPN Apps
• Best VPN for Mac
• Top 5 Ways to Save Money on a VPN Service

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