Best VPN for iPhone 2026: 17 iOS Apps Tested (Top 5)

Your iPhone encrypts your stored data, but your internet traffic is another story. Every time you connect to coffee shop Wi-Fi, scroll through social media, or check your bank balance, that data travels unprotected across networks you don’t control. Apple’s privacy features help, but they don’t encrypt your connection or hide your IP address from websites, advertisers, and your ISP.

A VPN closes that gap. It encrypts all traffic leaving your iPhone and routes it through a secure server, masking your real location and preventing eavesdropping. But iOS presents unique challenges for VPN apps: Apple’s strict app guidelines limit certain features, and the closed ecosystem means VPNs must work within Apple’s framework rather than around it.

We installed 17 VPN apps on an iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 over five weeks, testing connection speeds, battery impact, iOS integration, streaming access, and privacy features. Here are the VPNs that actually deliver exceptional protection for iPhone users.

Quick Comparison: Top iPhone VPNs for 2026

What Makes an Excellent iPhone VPN?

iOS VPNs face constraints that don’t exist on Android or desktop. Understanding these limitations helps you choose a VPN that excels within Apple’s ecosystem rather than fighting against it.

Native Protocol Support

Apple’s Network Extension framework determines how VPNs integrate with iOS. The best VPN apps support IKEv2 (Apple’s preferred protocol) alongside WireGuard and proprietary alternatives like NordLynx or Lightway. These modern protocols establish connections faster and drain less battery than legacy OpenVPN implementations.

Siri Shortcuts Integration

Top-tier iOS VPNs integrate with Siri, letting you connect with voice commands like “Hey Siri, connect to NordVPN” or “Hey Siri, protect my connection.” This hands-free activation is invaluable when you’re rushing to secure your connection at a public hotspot.

Widget Support

iOS widgets let you connect to your VPN directly from your home screen without opening the app. Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer particularly well-designed widgets that show connection status and provide one-tap connect/disconnect functionality.

Kill Switch on iOS

Kill switches on iOS work differently than on other platforms. Apple restricts apps from blocking internet access at the system level, so iOS VPN kill switches use Apple’s On Demand Connect feature to immediately re-establish the VPN connection if it drops. This is effective but not as foolproof as desktop kill switches.

iCloud Private Relay Compatibility

Apple’s iCloud Private Relay (for iCloud+ subscribers) provides some VPN-like features but only for Safari browsing. A proper VPN encrypts all app traffic, not just Safari. The best VPNs work seamlessly alongside Private Relay if you choose to use both.

---

Detailed iPhone VPN Reviews

NordVPN — Best Overall for iPhone

Price: $3.09/month (2-year plan) | App Store Rating: 4.7 stars | Connections: 10 devices

NordVPN delivers the most polished iOS experience among the VPNs we tested. The app feels native to iPhone, with a clean map interface that makes server selection intuitive. Tap a country pin to connect, or use the list view for specific locations. The app responds instantly to touch inputs with no lag or stuttering.

The NordLynx protocol (NordVPN’s WireGuard implementation) connects in under 2 seconds and maintains speeds that rival unprotected connections. During testing, we measured download speeds of 892 Mbps through nearby servers—only 12% slower than our baseline. Even connecting from the US to European servers maintained speeds above 400 Mbps.

NordVPN’s iOS app includes features often stripped from mobile versions. Threat Protection Lite blocks malicious domains, trackers, and intrusive ads at the DNS level across all your apps—not just Safari. Dark Web Monitor alerts you if your email appears in data breaches. Meshnet lets you route traffic through other devices running NordVPN, creating a personal VPN server at home that you can access while traveling.

Siri integration works flawlessly. After initial setup, you can connect with voice commands. NordVPN also offers an iOS widget for quick connection from your home screen without launching the full app.

The company introduced post-quantum encryption on iOS in 2025, protecting against future quantum computing threats. All 7,600+ servers across 164 locations run exclusively on RAM, meaning no user data ever touches permanent storage. NordVPN’s headquarters in Panama—outside the jurisdiction of the US, EU, and intelligence-sharing alliances—provides an additional legal privacy layer.

iPhone-Specific Pros:

• NordLynx delivers top-tier speeds with minimal battery drain
• Siri Shortcuts and home screen widget support
• Threat Protection Lite blocks ads and trackers system-wide
• 7-day free trial available via App Store
• Dark Web Monitor included at no extra cost
• Post-quantum encryption for future-proof security

Cons:

• 10-device limit (vs. unlimited from Surfshark)
• Some advanced features require higher-tier subscriptions
• No GPS spoofing available on iOS
• Interface can feel feature-dense for casual users

Try NordVPN free for 7 days on iPhone

---

ExpressVPN — Best for Speed and Streaming

Price: $6.67/month (1-year plan) | App Store Rating: 4.7 stars | Connections: 8 devices

ExpressVPN costs more than competitors but justifies it through exceptional speed, streaming reliability, and iOS polish. The app exemplifies thoughtful mobile design: large touch targets, instant connections, and an interface that never feels cramped on smaller iPhone screens.

The Lightway protocol sets ExpressVPN apart. Developed in-house using wolfSSL cryptographic library, Lightway establishes VPN connections almost instantaneously—we measured under 1 second on average. More importantly, the protocol transitions seamlessly when you switch between Wi-Fi and cellular, maintaining your encrypted connection without interruption or reconnection delays.

ExpressVPN introduced a feature called Parallel Connections exclusively for iOS. When you tap connect, the app simultaneously attempts multiple connection methods, using whichever succeeds first. The result: connections that feel genuinely instant, even on congested networks.

Streaming access remains ExpressVPN’s crown jewel. Every major platform worked flawlessly during our testing: Netflix (US, UK, Japan, and other regions), Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Max. When streaming services update their VPN detection, ExpressVPN typically adapts within hours. The company operates 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, providing abundant options when a specific server gets blocked.

The iOS app includes ExpressVPN Keys, a full-featured password manager with unlimited credential storage, autofill integration, and a password generator. Having a secure password manager integrated with your VPN is genuinely convenient—one subscription covers both essential security tools.

Siri Shortcuts let you connect with voice commands, and the iOS widget provides quick access from your home screen. Auto-connect intelligently enables the VPN when you join untrusted networks while staying disconnected on networks you’ve marked as safe.

iPhone-Specific Pros:

• Lightway protocol offers fastest connections and smoothest network transitions
• Parallel Connections feature exclusive to iOS
• Highest streaming unblock rate among VPNs tested
• Keys password manager included with subscription
• Siri Shortcuts and widget support
• 7-day free trial via App Store

Cons:

• Most expensive option at $6.67/month (annual)
• Limited to 8 simultaneous connections
• Fewer servers than NordVPN (3,000+ vs. 7,600+)
• No specialized torrenting features

Start your ExpressVPN 7-day free trial

---

Surfshark — Best Value with Unlimited Devices

Price: $1.99/month (2-year Starter plan) | App Store Rating: 4.8 stars | Connections: Unlimited

Surfshark combines aggressive pricing with genuinely useful features, making it our top pick for iPhone users on a budget—or anyone protecting multiple devices. At $1.99/month with unlimited simultaneous connections, one subscription covers your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and every other device your household owns.

For families with multiple iPhones and iPads, Surfshark’s unlimited device policy eliminates the math. One $2.19/month subscription covers everyone - parents, kids, grandparents. Compare this to NordVPN’s 10-device limit, and Surfshark becomes the obvious choice for larger households.

The iOS app earned the highest App Store rating among major VPNs (4.8 stars), and it’s deserved. The interface is clean and responsive, with a quick-connect button that gets you protected in seconds. Surfshark offers one of the best iOS widgets available—a home screen module that displays connection status and enables one-tap connect/disconnect without opening the full app.

CleanWeb 2.0 blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains across all your apps, not just Safari. During testing, it eliminated approximately 75% of tracking requests and most in-app advertisements. This provides functionality similar to content blockers but without needing a separate app.

WireGuard protocol is a game-changer for iPhone battery life. Unlike older protocols that constantly wake the CPU, WireGuard’s lightweight design maintains protection without the battery drain. In our testing, Surfshark with WireGuard used 40% less battery than competitors using OpenVPN.

Surfshark stands alone among major iOS VPNs by offering a genuine 7-day free trial—not a money-back guarantee, but an actual free trial that doesn’t require payment information upfront. Download the app, create an account, and test every feature for a week before deciding.

Dynamic MultiHop routes your connection through two VPN servers for enhanced anonymity. Bypasser (Surfshark’s split tunneling) excludes specific apps or websites from the VPN tunnel—useful for banking apps that block VPN connections.

Deloitte completed an independent audit of Surfshark’s no-logs infrastructure in June 2025, verifying that user browsing data and activities aren’t stored. All servers upgraded to 10 Gbps in 2024, and the speed improvements are noticeable. We measured 15-18% speed reduction on nearby servers, competitive with premium competitors.

iPhone-Specific Pros:

• Highest App Store rating (4.8 stars)
• Unlimited device connections for entire household
• 7-day free trial without payment info
• Excellent iOS widget for quick connection
• CleanWeb 2.0 blocks ads and trackers
• Lowest monthly cost among premium VPNs
• WireGuard minimizes battery drain
• Auto-connect on untrusted WiFi networks
• One subscription protects whole family

Cons:

• Customer support slower than competitors during testing
• Based in Netherlands (EU jurisdiction concerns for privacy hardliners)
• Some users report occasional connection drops
• No GPS spoofing on iOS (only available on Android)

Get Surfshark for $1.99/month with free trial

---

ProtonVPN — Best Free Option and Maximum Privacy

Price: Free (limited) / $4.49/month (2-year Plus plan) | App Store Rating: 4.6 stars | Connections: 1 (free) / 10 (paid)

ProtonVPN offers the only genuinely trustworthy free VPN tier from a reputable provider. Unlike free VPNs that monetize through ads or data harvesting, ProtonVPN’s free tier is a conversion funnel—designed to showcase their service quality and convert users to paid subscriptions. There are no ads, no data caps, and no artificial speed limits.

The free tier provides servers in 10 countries: US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore, and Mexico. You can’t select specific servers—the app automatically connects you to the fastest option—but this is a minor limitation for basic privacy protection. Switching locations requires a 90-second cooldown between connections.

Proton VPN earned distinction in recent speed tests, placing first in upload speeds and showing only an 8% decrease in download speeds—making it one of the fastest VPNs available in 2025. The paid Plus tier unlocks the full experience: 15,000+ servers across 126 countries, streaming access (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video), P2P support, and Secure Core routing.

Secure Core routes your traffic through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before exiting through your chosen location. Even if an exit server is monitored, attackers can’t trace traffic back to you. NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level.

ProtonVPN’s Swiss jurisdiction provides exceptional legal protection. Switzerland sits outside the EU and isn’t part of any intelligence-sharing alliance. The company publishes transparency reports detailing every government data request and how they respond—typically with “we have no data to provide.”

All Proton apps are open-source and available for public inspection. Security researchers can verify the code directly rather than trusting marketing claims. This level of transparency is unmatched among VPN providers.

iPhone-Specific Pros:

• Genuinely useful free tier with no data limits
• Open-source iOS app for maximum transparency
• Swiss jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
• Fastest upload speeds in independent testing
• Secure Core for multi-hop anonymity (paid tier)
• 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans

Cons:

• Free tier limited to 1 device and basic locations
• No streaming or P2P on free plan
• 90-second cooldown between server changes (free tier)
• Slightly slower than ExpressVPN in speed tests
• iOS kill switch less robust than competitors

Download ProtonVPN Free from App Store

---

Private Internet Access — Best for Technical Users

Price: $2.19/month (3-year plan) | App Store Rating: 4.6 stars | Connections: Unlimited

Private Internet Access has operated since 2010, making it one of the oldest consumer VPN services. That experience shows in the depth of configuration options—PIA is the iPhone VPN for users who want control over every setting.

The iOS app offers granular customization that most VPNs hide or exclude. You can select encryption strength (AES-128 for speed or AES-256 for maximum security), toggle between UDP and TCP connections, choose your preferred protocol, and configure automatic connection rules based on network type. Port forwarding support—increasingly rare among VPNs—makes PIA popular with users running services that need incoming connections.

PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested repeatedly in court. When Russian authorities seized a PIA server in 2016, they found no user data. US federal cases in 2018 confirmed the same result: PIA genuinely has nothing to provide when subpoenaed. These real-world tests validate their privacy claims more convincingly than any third-party audit.

The server network is massive—over 35,000 servers across 91 countries. More impressively for US users, PIA operates servers in all 50 states. This provides low-latency connections and access to region-specific content within the United States.

Unlimited simultaneous connections mean one subscription covers your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and every other device. The price is right too: $2.19/month on the 3-year plan makes PIA one of the most affordable premium options.

The 7-day free trial requires subscribing through the App Store and canceling before it expires. The 30-day money-back guarantee provides additional peace of mind if you need longer to evaluate.

iPhone-Specific Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Granular protocol and encryption settings
• Port forwarding support (rare among VPNs)
• Servers in all 50 US states
• 7-day free trial via App Store
• Court-proven no-logs policy

Cons:

• Interface can overwhelm non-technical users
• Some settings require digging through menus
• Slower international speeds than competitors
• Owned by Kape Technologies (also owns ExpressVPN)
• Lower App Store rating than top competitors

Try Private Internet Access with 7-day free trial

---

How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone

Setting up a VPN on your iPhone takes about two minutes:

1. Download from the App Store. Search for your chosen VPN and install it. Only download official apps—avoid any that seem unofficial or have few reviews.

2. Create an account or sign in. Most VPNs offer free trials through the App Store. These require your Apple ID payment method but won’t charge if you cancel before the trial ends.

3. Allow VPN configuration. iOS will prompt you to add a VPN configuration. Tap “Allow” and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

4. Connect to a server. Tap the connect button for the fastest available server, or browse the server list to select a specific location.

5. Configure On Demand (optional). In the VPN app settings, enable automatic connection for untrusted networks. Your VPN will activate whenever you join public Wi-Fi.

Using Siri Shortcuts

Most premium VPNs support Siri Shortcuts. To set this up:

1. Open the VPN app and look for Siri or Shortcuts settings
2. Tap “Add to Siri” next to actions like “Connect” or “Quick Connect”
3. Record a custom phrase like “Secure my iPhone” or “VPN on”
4. Now say “Hey Siri, [your phrase]” to connect hands-free

Adding a Home Screen Widget

For iOS 14 and later:

1. Long-press on your home screen until apps jiggle
2. Tap the ”+” button in the top-left corner
3. Search for your VPN app
4. Select your preferred widget size
5. Tap “Add Widget” and position it on your home screen

Now you can connect or disconnect with a single tap, without opening the full app.

---

Does My iPhone Really Need a VPN?

Apple markets iPhones as privacy-focused devices, and they’re right—to a point. iPhones encrypt stored data, limit app tracking, and offer features like Hide My Email and iCloud Private Relay. But these protections don’t cover everything.

When you definitely need a VPN:

• Public Wi-Fi. Coffee shops, airports, hotels, and coworking spaces are honeypots for attackers. An encrypted VPN tunnel prevents eavesdropping on unsecured networks.

• Cellular browsing. Your carrier can see and log every website you visit. In the US, carriers can legally sell this data to advertisers. A VPN blocks this surveillance.

• Geo-restricted content. Want to watch BBC iPlayer in the US or access your home streaming library while traveling? A VPN provides access.

• Privacy from websites. Your IP address identifies your approximate location and can be used to track you across sites. A VPN masks this.

When a VPN is less critical:

• On your home Wi-Fi. If you trust your home network and ISP, a VPN provides less benefit (though it still blocks ISP surveillance).

• For Apple-specific privacy. Features like Hide My Email, Mail Privacy Protection, and iCloud Private Relay already provide some anonymity within Apple’s ecosystem.

The bottom line: a VPN adds protection that Apple’s built-in features don’t provide. For $2-7/month, it’s inexpensive insurance for your digital privacy.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free VPN for iPhone?

ProtonVPN Free is the only trustworthy free VPN for iPhone. It offers unlimited data, no ads, and no artificial speed limits. The free tier includes servers in 10 countries (US, Netherlands, Japan, and others). Limitations include 1 device only, no streaming access, and no server selection. Avoid other free VPNs—most monetize by selling your data or injecting ads, defeating the purpose of privacy protection.

Will a VPN slow down my iPhone?

Modern VPN protocols like WireGuard, NordLynx, and Lightway have minimal impact on speed—typically 10-20% reduction on nearby servers. The encryption overhead is negligible on current iPhone processors. You'll notice the biggest slowdowns when connecting to distant servers (US to Asia, for example). For everyday browsing and streaming, the speed difference is barely perceptible.

Can I use a VPN to watch Netflix from other countries on iPhone?

Yes. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark reliably unblock multiple Netflix regions. Simply connect to a server in your desired country and open the Netflix app. However, Netflix actively blocks VPNs, so specific servers may stop working temporarily. Premium VPNs update their server IPs regularly to maintain access. Free VPN tiers typically don't work with Netflix.

Will a VPN drain my iPhone battery?

Minimally with modern protocols. WireGuard-based protocols (NordLynx, Lightway) are highly efficient, typically adding 3-5% battery drain over a full day. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol showed the lowest battery impact in our testing. Older OpenVPN connections drain significantly more battery. The security tradeoff is worthwhile for most users.

Is iCloud Private Relay the same as a VPN?

No. iCloud Private Relay only encrypts Safari traffic and Mail app requests—not traffic from other apps. It also doesn't let you choose your server location or access geo-restricted content. A VPN encrypts all traffic from all apps and lets you appear in any country where the VPN operates servers. Private Relay complements a VPN but doesn't replace it.

Do iPhone VPNs work with cellular data?

Yes, iPhone VPNs work on cellular data (4G/5G) just as they do on Wi-Fi. This protects you from carrier surveillance and tracking. Some carriers throttle certain traffic types; a VPN can sometimes bypass this throttling since carriers can't identify what you're doing. Data usage increases slightly (5-10%) due to encryption overhead.

Are VPNs legal to use on iPhone?

VPNs are legal in most countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and all EU nations. Some countries restrict or ban VPNs: China, Russia, Iran, UAE, and North Korea have various restrictions. Using a VPN doesn't make illegal activities legal—it just encrypts your traffic. Check local laws if traveling to restricted countries.

How many devices can I connect with one VPN subscription?

It varies by provider. Surfshark and Private Internet Access offer unlimited simultaneous connections—perfect for households. NordVPN allows 10 devices. ExpressVPN allows 8 devices. ProtonVPN Free is limited to 1 device; paid plans allow up to 10. All connections can be active simultaneously.

---

Final Verdict: Which iPhone VPN Should You Choose?

After five weeks of testing across multiple iPhones, here’s our recommendation based on your priorities:

Choose NordVPN if you want the best all-around iPhone VPN. The NordLynx protocol delivers exceptional speeds, Threat Protection Lite blocks ads and trackers across all apps, and the 7,600+ server network ensures you’ll always find a fast connection. Siri Shortcuts and widget support integrate seamlessly with iOS. The 7-day free trial lets you test everything risk-free.

Try NordVPN free for 7 days

Choose ExpressVPN if speed and streaming are your priorities. Lightway protocol provides the fastest, smoothest connections we tested, with instant network switching between Wi-Fi and cellular. Streaming access is unmatched—every major platform works reliably. The included Keys password manager adds genuine value. You’ll pay more, but the polish shows.

Start your ExpressVPN trial

Choose Surfshark if you need to protect multiple devices on a budget. Unlimited connections mean one $1.99/month subscription covers your entire household. The highest App Store rating (4.8 stars) reflects genuine user satisfaction. The 7-day free trial without payment info makes trying it completely risk-free.

Get Surfshark for $1.99/month

Choose ProtonVPN if you want a trustworthy free option or maximum privacy transparency. The free tier genuinely works for basic protection with no data caps or ads. The paid tier offers Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and Secure Core routing for users who prioritize privacy above all else.

Download ProtonVPN Free

Choose Private Internet Access if you want granular control at a low price. Port forwarding, customizable encryption, and servers in all 50 US states appeal to technical users. The court-proven no-logs policy provides validated privacy assurance.

Try PIA with 7-day free trial

Every VPN on this list provides better protection than browsing unprotected. The free trials and money-back guarantees let you test multiple options without financial risk. Download your top choice, run it through your daily iPhone routine, and verify it meets your needs before committing.