What is the Best VPN for iPhone?

With such a vast amount of information and data stored on our iPhones, it is more important than ever to take extra steps to secure our data and online activity. One of the best ways for iPhone users to protect their personal data is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

A VPN creates a secure, unhackable network by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address. This prevents hackers, government agencies, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from being able to see your online activity and sensitive information. 

VPNs are especially important for professionals who use their iPhones for business activities that require extra data security than what an Apple device provides.

Why would an iPhone user want to use a VPN?

There are several benefits to using VPNs that are specific to iPhone users. 

1. Privacy protection: A VPN prevents snooping entities from logging your browsing history, downloading your habits, and observing other online behavior. Your VPN allows you to browse the web privately, without fear of surveillance. 
2. Access to restricted content: Because a VPN changes your virtual location, you can access geo-restricted content that isn’t available in your area. This is great for streaming shows, sports, and gaming. It also comes in handy when you are traveling internationally and want to access all the familiar content you have access to back home. 
3. More secure use of public WiFi: Connecting to public WiFi without a VPN exposes you to potential hacking and man-in-the-middle attacks. Use a VPN on your iPhone to secure your connection. 
4. Hiding your torrenting activity: VPNs allow safe, anonymous torrenting by hiding your IP address and traffic from prying eyes. 
5. Security for business tasks: If you use your iPhone for any sensitive work like banking or accessing internal business systems, a VPN provides an encrypted connection to keep that data safe from bad actors. Many employers require you to use a VPN for work-related tasks, so you will need one for your phone just like you would for your computer. 

Choosing a VPN for your iPhone 

There are a handful of key features to look for when you choose a VPN for your iPhone. Choosing a VPN is not a “one size fits all” situation. Instead, consider which features are the most important to your specific needs. 

• Privacy and security: Look for a VPN that uses top-tier encryption (such as AES-256 bit) to secure your data
• Special features: Popular options include kill switches, leak protection, and no-logging policies 
• Sever network: Look for a large global server network so you can connect from anywhere
• App useability: The iPhone app should be intuitive and easy to use
• Cost: VPNs come in a wide range of budget options, depending on features
• Number of connections: Free VPNs usually only allow for one device to connect, but paid VPNs may allow 5-7 accounts. Some paid accounts will even give you unlimited account access. 
• Streaming speed: Some VPNs are better for streaming than others; a slow, laggy streaming experience is going to be frustrating, even if you get access to geo-locked content 

5 Popular VPNs for iPhones

Our favorite VPN for the iPhone is NordVPN because of its consistency and reliability, but that’s not your only option. Below are the details for 5 popular VPNs for your Apple device. 

NordVPN (Our Pick for Best VPN)

Strengths of NordVPN: Reliable connections, has specialty servers, includes security features like Meshnet and dark web monitoring, option to choose between app-level kill switch or system-level kill switch.

Additionally:

• Super fast speeds with minimal slowdown of just 13% on average
• Large network of 5,600+ servers in 59 countries for reliable worldwide connections
• Specialty servers like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P servers
• Handy privacy features like Meshnet, Threat Protection ad/malware blocker, and dark web monitoring
• Strong AES 256-bit encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy
• Diskless RAM-only servers for enhanced security
• Allows 6 simultaneous connections on one account
• App and browser extensions available for all major platforms
• Easily unblocks popular streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu
• Based in Panama, outside surveillance alliances like Five Eyes
• Completed independent security audits to validate no-logs policy
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Weaknesses: The kill switch feature in the app is difficult to find; torrenting is not supported on all servers; app can run a little slow; OpenVPN configuration can be challenging/not user-friendly

Price: Available in multiple tiers for 1 month, 12 months, or 24 months. The lowest-priced option is $2.99/month; highest price is $14.99/month

ExpressVPN

Strengths of ExpressVPN: Reliable, fast, easy to use interface, allows access to streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu, includes password manager Keys at no extra charge, 30-day money back guarantee

Weaknesses: More expensive than competitors

Price: Monthly subscription: $12.95; 6-month subscription: $9.99/month; 12-month subscription: $8.32/month

Surfshark

Strengths of Surfshark: Budget-friendly for long-term plans, lots of features like multi-hop connections and private search engine, offers Alternative ID to protect personal info

Weaknesses: Connections can be slow to establish; most of its short-term plans are more expensive than competitors

Price: Available in multiple tiers for 1 month, 12 months, or 24 months. $2.23/month with 24-month plan (+3 free months)

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Strengths of PIA: Highly customizable, can automate connections, uses open-source apps, no use logs, unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 live support available, ad blocker available

Weaknesses: Operates in the US; currently owned by Kape Industries, which used to be known as Crossrider and was a tool used to distribute malware and adware 

Price: $40/year or $11.95/month

IPVanish

Strengths of IPVanish: Easy to use for beginners, offers split tunneling, auto-connect and auto-disconnect features

Weaknesses: Reputation for poor customer service; lack of optimized servers; operates out of the US; app is not as robust as other platforms

Price: $12/month; $42 annually for the first year; $90 annually for subsequent years

Things to remember when choosing a VPN for your iPhone

VPN technologies are constantly evolving, with new providers entering the market and existing ones updating their offerings. While NordVPN is our current top overall pick, you may find another provider that better suits your specific needs and budget.

The most important thing is to choose a trustworthy VPN from a provider that aligns with your privacy priorities. Consider factors like the provider’s jurisdiction, transparency about security practices, and whether the features match your use case. Also be sure to check reviews to see the real-world user experience with speeds, streaming access, and customer support!

Don’t just default to the cheapest or most well-known provider. Do your research to find the right fit. The VPN that’s best for your friend or family member may not be the ideal choice for you.

And don’t forget mobile security if you use your iPhone or iPad for sensitive activities. Our phones contain so much personal information that protecting that data is crucial. Use a VPN in combination with built-in iOS security like Face ID for a layered defense.

The digital world poses many privacy risks. But by being an informed consumer and choosing the right VPN for your needs, you can browse, stream, and use public Wi-Fi more securely. 

Safeguard your data with a VPN designed to protect the sensitive information we all now carry with us everywhere we go.