Best VPN for iOS

As one of the best-known brands in the VPN industry, NordVPN ranks highly in its capacity to deliver the safest browsing experience to iOS users. Sporting a number of unique features, Nord has deservedly taken the throne when it comes to best mobile VPNs, despite the 2015 hack that damaged its reputation for a short while. 

Nowadays, Nord is stronger than ever, despite the growing competition. It services millions of users each day, many of whom are on iOS. The Panama-based company guarantees your safety, as the country is out of reach of even the “14 Eyes” international security alliance that keeps snooping on internet users. For those who don’t know, 14 Eyes is an alliance between governments headed by the United States. Its purpose is the free exchange of information between those governments. 

Countries belonging to the 14 Eyes have been known to contact VPN providers with a warrant to which providers must comply, in some cases without even letting users know. The justification for this is that it helps catch criminals. However, VPN protection is crucial for journalists and political dissidents, many of whom prefer to use NordVPN precisely due to the fact that Panama remains out of the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes. Furthermore, Nord is among the rare providers that work smoothly both in China and the Middle East. If you’re looking for the best VPN for iPhone in the UAE, for example, be sure to check out Nord. 

Apart from excellent privacy, NordVPN for iPhone offers a highly functional, highly reliable app that is rich in additional features that go beyond simply connecting to a server. The app uses the IKEv2 protocol for iOS and macOS users, providing better protection against leaks with its built-in kill switch. The NordVPN app kill switch is considered to be more watertight on the IKEv2 than its OpenVPN counterpart used for Windows and Android. 

Once you’ve chosen your subscription plan, all you have to do is download the app and install it on your device. The deal includes a 30-day guarantee that you’ll get your money back in case you’re dissatisfied with the product. This applies to the Apple App Store, as well as other “accounts in good standing” that are purchased outside of official Android and Apple app stores.

Functioning on all major platforms, IPVanish ranks highly on most lists for having one of the best VPN apps for iOS and macOS devices that run on older versions of the operational systems. It’s very easy to handle and is often lauded as the best choice for people who have little or no experience with VPN software in general. The best example of this is that the installation process is followed by a visual guide that leads you through each step of the way.

The provider allows up to 10 devices to be connected simultaneously, making it an excellent VPN for families or small offices. It also offers the option of installing it directly to the router, distributing protection to all connections equally. 

As for encryption, IPVanish relies on the standard military-grade 256-bit AES to provide its users with the safest passage through browsing. In addition, the VPN has you covered with DNS leak prevention in case your ISP tries to probe your device through its DNS servers. 

Another feature that keeps all prying eyes at bay is the kill switch, which functions as a safety mechanism in case your connection with the VPN server should accidentally drop and leave you exposed. 

Nevertheless, the mobile application is very lightweight compared to the configuration and customization options it provides. The setup is easy, and the interface allows you to quickly fine-tune the details to work with your personal preferences. So, if your phone has a little mileage on it, consider IPVanish to be the best VPN for iPhone on iOS 7 and older. 

This does not mean that it will have any problems adjusting to iOS 8 and other, more modern versions. It’s simply reassuring to know that its system requirements allow you to run it on an older piece of hardware. 

The excellent download speed makes this a top match for P2P activity, so if you’re looking for more than just an iPhone VPN app, we suggest you try torrenting with IPVanish. 

In compliance with its very user-friendly attitude, the company offers extensive support with an abundance of FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and privacy tips. It also provides a 24/7 customer support team, available to you via live chat. 

On the downside, it is a bit pricey compared to other entries on our list, and it does not offer a free trial version. 

It’s hard to look for VPN services and not bump into ExpressVPN, perhaps the most reliable and fastest VPN software currently on the market. When it comes to iOS, ExpressVPN’s reputation precedes it. The company provides equal service to both Android and iOS users, and as a result it holds a large share in both markets. 

Hosting more than 3,000 servers in 160 locations, this British Virgin Islands-based VPN provider takes your privacy very seriously. The company provides an excellent anonymous browsing experience and is considered to have the best VPN iOS app out there. 

It’s fairly easy to set up your iOS client through a user-friendly interface that uses different filters to conduct smart server selection. It literally takes a tap on your touchscreen to launch a seamless VPN connection. There is also a built-in reconnect option should your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection suddenly fail. Furthermore, the iOS app enables you to switch between OpenVPN UDP and IKEv2 protocols, whichever suits your needs better. This isn’t a major feature, but can prove useful if you wish to replace speed with safety and vice-versa.  

The setback for iPad users is that the app doesn’t include a kill switch, although it is available through a browser extension. Still, ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN apps currently available, and it is optimized for iOS 8 and newer. 

As for its other features, it’s worth noting that the company allows P2P servers and is fully operable on Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, as well as desktop apps for Mac and iPad. 

The company has a no-logging policy, keeping your online activities untraceable. ExpressVPN uses standard military-grade 256-bit encryption and provides the best speeds on the web, no matter where you’re from. 

Add top-notch customer support to the mix, and see for yourself why there isn’t a “Best VPN for iOS” list on the internet that excludes ExpressVPN.

Although it’s the Windows app that really puts CyberGhost on the map of the best mobile VPNs, its iOS counterpart shouldn’t be underestimated. This Romanian company offers a wide variety of servers and locations, although its excellent features come at a cost: lower speeds. 

Much like NordVPN, CyberGhost is based in a country that is out of the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes coalition. Indeed, the company emphasizes security and privacy above all thanks to its no-logging policy. 

If you choose a subscription plan for longer than six months, you get access to the company’s exclusive No Spy servers, which are said to be faster and more secure. In fact, the company claims that it runs its own operating system on those servers.

However, there are only 19 of these servers, and they are all physically located in Romania. If you’re looking for a US or UK server with an extra layer of security, you won’t find it with CyberGhost. 

Nevertheless, the company is quite transparent about its privacy policy and has garnered a reputation for being honest and keeping your data secure, both internally and from your ISP. Also, the VPN is well-sealed against DNS and IP leaks, meaning you’re unlikely to face unexpected disconnection issues. 

As for the app, CyberGhost might not be the best iPhone VPN, but it’s certainly one of the most accessible, and it has an interface to match. The pricing plans put it on the cheaper end of the VPN spectrum, and while its slow speed hampers it, its additional features go a way toward making up for that. 

The first of these features is the ability to pick the “best server location,” which enables you to further optimize your connection, along with the “streaming friendly” option in which you can choose a server location based on the streaming service you wish to use. This comes in particularly handy when avoiding elaborate geo-blocking restrictions. The interface was redesigned in 2019 and now features a simple and intuitive list-based design that will enable you to figure out even the most advanced features in no time.

Despite its limited number of servers, Windscribe has been at the forefront of the VPN industry since 2016. The company is based in Canada, which is far from some of the more exotic areas in which VPN providers like to set up camp. 

Nevertheless, you can count on Windscribe’s elaborate encryption to keep you safe, and the company’s strict no-log policy protects you from government interference, as neither the VPN provider nor your ISP can keep track of your browsing. As far as encryption goes, Windscribe is perhaps the best iOS VPN in its rice range.

The AES-256 cipher, constantly generating new and unique encryption, leaves only a fragment of a chance that your data ever becomes vulnerable. Even if it does, the encryption makes sure that only a small amount of data (that is usually useless) falls into the hacker’s hands. 

Furthermore, you can choose between protocols. The default protocol is IKEv2, which is considered more suitable for iOS than OpenVPN, and is known to provide better optimization in terms of speed. 

The desktop/smartphone app is one of Windscribe’s stronger points, as it is easy to set up, even easier to use, and is known to work seamlessly, regardless of your physical location. The quality of service makes it the best VPN for Mac and iOS, especially if you’re a beginner and you have to choose your very first VPN software. 

Moreover, Windscribe’s Stealth Mode enables you to obfuscate your IP address. It relies on the tested TLS tunnel technology provided by Stunnel, an open-source, multi-platform app in charge of handling TLS/SSL tunneling services. 

Although the provider is banned in China, users report that if you install it outside of the country, you’ll have no troubles connecting to it once inside.

The offer extends to provide you with an all-round iPhone antivirus/ad blocker – R.O.B.E.R.T – which will keep your device safe from both pesky ads and dangerous trackers. 

Windscribe offers a generous free version of its software. However, this does not include R.O.B.E.R.T and it is limited to 1.5 GB per month. It replenishes each month, so if you need a free VPN for limited browsing, Windscribe fits the bill.

Among the top handful of VPN service providers is Private Internet Access, a highly versatile US-based tool that’s on par with some of the most powerful VPN blockers on the market. Providing incredible speeds regardless of location, PIA includes a number of additional options, as well as an advanced app that’s optimized for both mobile and tablet use. 

That said, the company is more focused on providing security for cellular data (LTE and 3G bands) than Wi-Fi, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best VPN app for iOS. 

The premium offer includes a built-in ad blocker that also deals with trackers and known infectious websites. For additional speed it includes the SOCKS5 proxy, adding to its reputation of being just about the fastest VPN for iPhone users. Moreover, port forwarding support, the choice of preferred encryption, handshaking, and various authentication methods make it a largely configurable software that’s perfect for users who want to optimize it to their needs. 

The company is quite open regarding its privacy policy. In a public announcement, a PIA representative stated clearly that the company does not insert advertising into the user’s web traffic, nor does it in any way profit from user data. Such claims are golden in an age when many VPN providers have been caught selling your data to third-party advertising companies for some money on the side. 

It’s also worth remembering that PIA has a no-logging policy, so you can rest assured your browsing is safe from prying eyes. 

Lately, PIA has undergone a makeover, refreshing its interface to fit the needs of modern users. So if you’re on the lookout for the top VPN for your iPhone, be sure to make a quick stop and try Private Internet Access. And yes, you’ll have to be quick; you only have seven days to try out the software before you’ll be locked out behind a paywall.

This Hong Kong-based VPN service provider is rated number one by the Apple App Store as the best VPN software for protecting privacy on an iPhone. The fact that the company operates from Hong Kong enhances users’ security due to the fact that the city doesn’t have any laws requiring ISPs to retain data. 

In this sense, PureVPN joins the ranks of Nord and CyberGhost by being outside the gaze of the 14 Eyes security alliance. 14 Eyes is an international surveillance alliance that includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, US, and most of the EU countries. The alliance is based on the mutual sharing of information among member states, and it has the legal power to demand user data from VPN companies. 

So if you’re looking for the best VPN for iPhone in the UK, for example, you should make sure that the provider is based outside of the jurisdiction of this intelligence alliance. 

Besides protecting user data by being outside of 14 Eyes jurisdiction, PureVPN applies state-of-the-art 256-bit encryption technology and protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, PPTP, and IKEv2. 

This variety of protocols offers an array of functionality, whether you’re looking to use your VPN for gaming, streaming, online browsing, or other purposes. It also provides substantial protection against the most common cyberattacks, like session hijacking and man-in-the-middle attacks. 

In terms of additional features, PureVPN offers a variety of options that will both enhance your security and improve user experience. For example, the company has worked hard in the last few years to perfect its kill switch and, judging by the results, that work has paid off. The kill switch on VPN apps for phones is usually a weak spot, but PureVPN has managed to create a bug-free safety mechanism that will never fail you in case of a sudden connection drop. 

Furthermore, PureVPN is universally seen as the best VPN for phones, as the app is relatively lightweight and provides excellent support for iOS and Android smartphone platforms, as well as desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox, and you can install the VPN on a router as well. 

Despite all these positives, it’s worth noting that the company has endured a great deal of controversy regarding user data logging. Although PureVPN claims that it now has a straightforward no-log policy, in 2018 the company was discovered to have been keeping logs and providing them to the FBI. Thankfully, this data was used to apprehend a cyberstalker who had been using the provider’s services. On the other hand, the leak launched a privacy debate that jeopardized the company’s reputation. For better or worse, PureVPN today guarantees that it stores neither connection nor usage logs.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark is a particularly interesting newcomer in the VPN business, as it combines innovative security technologies with affordability. 

The provider falls in the mid-tier category regarding server capacities, operating more than 1,000 servers in 60 countries. Military-grade encryption puts it among other strong VPN service providers, and the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices comes as a neat advantage if you wish to supply your family or workplace with secure connections. 

However, what makes Surfshark stand out among VPN companies is not its standardized encryption, nor its variety of servers; it’s the extent to which Surfshark is ready to go make sure your browsing on the web remains completely invisible. 

First of all there’s the MultiHop feature, which enables you to connect to multiple countries at the same time. The feature is available both for smartphones and computers, so since you’re here looking for the best VPN for iOS, this is certainly a feature that might tip the scale for you, as it increases your privacy to make you virtually untraceable. 

There is also the Camouflage Mode, better known among veteran VPN users as the “Obfuscation.” This feature further obfuscates your digital footprint, making it less clear and even harder to trace. It also makes it impossible for anyone to determine that you are using a VPN, creating a bulletproof illusion that you are in fact browsing from the location you’ve selected. 

For bypassing geo-blocking and accessing your favorite streaming platforms, obfuscation is king, as it will get you anywhere without the risk of getting detected. 

This all sounds amazing, right? Well, there is one potential downside: the company records your email ID and billing information despite insisting it has a clear no-log policy. If you choose Surfshark, consider opening a new email account, for there is a possibility that the company will provide your email to third-party advertisers.

TunnelBear provides you with trustworthy security measures and an interface to match. Speaking of trustworthiness, the company provides a well-written, transparent, and clear privacy policy that we recommend you read; it’s a fine example of how a VPN provider should communicate with its users. 

Furthermore, the company is independently audited and tends to publish annual reports on its security status. TunnelBear takes much pride in the work it does to provide you with top-notch security, privacy, and anonymity. 

Although the VPN provider offers fewer servers than the top-ranking VPNs on our list, the company compensates for this through the fact that all its servers are “bare metal” – physical devices that host networks. In this way, the company keeps it tight by not renting servers from other providers. Needless to say, this makes things a lot safer, and that is our main criterion when reviewing the best iOS VPN on the market. 

TunnelBear is well-known for its neat collection of additional features, all of which have cute bear monikers. For example, the kill switch is named VigilantBear, while the obfuscation mode is called GhostBear. 

Both of these features contribute to TunnelBear’s obsession with security. While the obfuscation mode can be overkill if you’re an average user, it comes handy if you’re trying to run a VPN from a country that restricts and blocks its use, like China or Iran. Also, obfuscation helps TunnelBear close all potential leaks from the company’s own ISPs, leaving you completely untraceable. 

This does make your connection a bit slower than usual, but if absolute security is what you’re after, you can rely on TunnelBear. Moreover, download speed is quite solid, given how far the company goes to provide you with protection. 

As for torrenting, until recently the company was based in Canada, a country that prohibits P2P due to copyright claims. However, the company has created a way to provide its users with torrent access, and has since managed to surge as one of the best P2P iOS or Android VPN providers out there. 

So, if you’re looking for these kinds of services, the bear should be on your radar. The company supports torrenting on most of its servers and the aforementioned privacy policy and security features make it absolutely safe for download. 

It does not, however, unblock Netflix, which is a major flaw, given the popularity of other VPNs for streaming. Also, the free version gives you only 500 MB per month, which is quite low compared to Windscribe, which provides three-times as much.

Ivacy has been around for quite a while, but has never managed to overtake industry giants like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. However, in more recent times, the company has managed to reinvent itself on the market and show itself to be a VPN provider that deserves your attention. 

Arguably the best VPN for both iOS and Android by a number of measures, Ivacy keeps its operation small and watertight. Although the limited number of servers is, by all means, a downside, it has enabled this Singapore-based company to enhance its security measures and provide seamless traffic at high speeds with maximum privacy. 

Apart from standard features like 256-bit encryption, Ivacy has proven leak-free when it comes to DNS and it has a no-log policy. Singapore is also a convenient location for a VPN provider, so you can rest assured that your data is protected not only from your ISP, but also from the provider itself and the government. 

Ivacy was lauded by the ProPrivacy editorial board as the best VPN for iPhone in 2019 in terms of speed. Furthermore, the app’s design has earned favorable reviews from users who agree that it works well within the Apple ecosystem. 

In terms of interface, the app for iOS doesn’t differ much from its Android counterpart. It uses the IKEv2 or L2TP/IPsec VPN protocols, both of which are standard for Apple devices. On the downside, the app is pretty basic, and apart from the built-in support for dedicated IPs (which costs $1.99/month extra), it does not have a kill switch, multiport feature, split tunneling, or secure downloading. 

The best paid VPN for iPhone should include a little extra to earn this lofty title. While Ivacy is light on several important features, it does come with a free Sticky Password subscription. The market value of this password manager is about $30, so the gesture is more than generous. 

As a basic tool for privacy, this VPN app won’t let you down. The price makes it very accessible and the speeds it achieves under full armor are quite impressive. On the other hand, Ivacy still has a long way to go in order to really compete with the major players.