The Best VPN Deals This Week*
- ProtonVPN — $3.99 Per Month (60% Off 24-Months Plan)
- NordVPN — $3.39 Per Month + $10 Uber Eats Voucher (Up to 67% Off 2-Year Plan)
- Surfshark VPN — $2.29 Per Month + 2-Months Free (79% Off 2-Year Plan)
- ExpressVPN — $6.67 Per Month 1-Year Plan + 3-Months Free + 1-Year Free Backblaze
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Apple is good at protecting its mobile platform from the worst malware. However, a VPN, or virtual private network, goes beyond malware protection by making it harder for advertisers, ISPs, and snoops to monitor your online activities.
Read on for our top picks for iPhone VPNs, followed by all the factors you should consider when you're choosing one for yourself.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Proton VPN
Best Free VPN
5.0 Exemplary
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN has the best free subscription we've yet seen, and its paid offering has a host of excellent features for iOS users, such as a kill switch, a VPN accelerator, NetShield, the always-on VPN feature, and the option for alternative network routing to reach Proton sites, all at an affordable price. The iPhone app is easy to use.
Who It's For
Anyone looking for an excellent VPN on a budget will appreciate Proton VPN. You can download the free version and upgrade to the paid version once familiar with the product.
PROS
- The best free VPN subscription
- Numerous advanced privacy tools
- Strong customer privacy stance
- Slick, accessible client
- Excellent speed test scores
CONS
- Awkward ChromeOS implementation
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Proton VPN Review
Mullvad VPN
Best for Privacy-Conscious Users
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
Mullvad VPN offers excellent features at a very affordable price. Its iPhone app includes content blocking for popular websites, similar to parental control applications. The iOS app is simple and a little easier to use than Mullvad's desktop client.
Who It's For
If you're looking for top-notch privacy protection for less than you'd pay elsewhere, you should consider Mullvad's iOS VPN. You don't get a huge variety of servers or a breathtaking interface, but you get excellent online privacy. Mullvad VPN is PCMag's most affordable Editors’ Choice-winning VPN.
PROS
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparent
- Multi-hop, split tunneling, and port forwarding
CONS
- Awkward desktop interface
- Servers in a small range of countries
- Pay-as-you-go system may confuse some customers
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 5 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
Learn More
Mullvad VPN Review
NordVPN
Best Premium VPN
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
While expensive, NordVPN has a hefty collection of privacy tools and a large number of servers across the globe. The company does an excellent job translating its snazzy VPN app to the iPhone, along with many of its privacy tools.
Who It's For
If you're looking for a multi-purpose product that includes a VPN, NordVPN may be your best option. You can use a static IP address, enable split tunneling, try a multi-hop connection, or route your traffic through the company's Meshnet.
PROS
- Multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Excellent design
- Traffic routing and file-sharing with Meshnet
- Built-in antivirus tools
CONS
- Expensive
- Lackluster malware-blocking results
- Limited utility of free Meshnet traffic routing
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 6 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
NordVPN Review
IVPN
Best Affordable VPN
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
IVPN bakes privacy into its product and offers VPN protection at a very affordable price. Its bare-bones design is a little cleaner on the iPhone, making for an excellent experience. IVPN offers more features than many other iOS VPN apps by providing a kill switch, multi-hop connections, and anti-tracking capabilities.
Who It's For
If privacy is your primary concern, IVPN is your service. Its simple interface layout and affordability are great bonuses.
PROS
- Flexible, affordable pricing
- Powerful multi-hop system
- Privacy is baked into its account system
- Strong stance on transparency
CONS
- Offers few server locations
- Multi-hop and account ID features might confuse some
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 7 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Learn More
IVPN Review
Surfshark VPN
Best for Unlimited Licenses
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Surfshark VPN may cost a lot, but it's a quality product. On the iPhone, the product smartly adapts its desktop design for a familiar and highly polished mobile experience.
Who It's For
If you need to protect many devices with a VPN connection, Surfshark VPN may be the best value for you. The product supports unlimited simultaneous VPN connections.
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Large global server presence
- Multi-hop and split tunneling tools
- Intriguing potential in Surfshark Nexus
CONS
- High monthly price
- Some issues with IP rotator feature in testing
- Privacy policy needs clarification
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | Unlimited |
Supported Protocols on iOS | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Surfshark VPN Review
TunnelBear VPN
Best for VPN Novices
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Don't let its cuteness fool you—TunnelBear VPN is serious about privacy and transparency. The app's bright colors are especially welcoming on iOS. One feature of note is SplitBear, which allows you to browse selected websites without your traffic being routed through the VPN.
Who It's For
Tunnelbear is an excellent product for people who haven't used a VPN before. The app's design makes it easy to learn how to use the product, even for people unfamiliar with this type of privacy tool.
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent privacy policies
- Annual independent audits
- Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)
CONS
- No multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- Data limit on free subscription
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | Unlimited |
Supported Protocols on iOS | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Learn More
TunnelBear VPN Review
CyberGhost VPN
Best for Frequent Travelers
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
CyberGhost offers a massive collection of servers, and its new visual design is now available on the iPhone. CyberGhost has also expanded its reach beyond VPNs with other security tools.
Who It's For
CyberGhost is expensive, so the ideal customer is someone who will take advantage of the company's large server fleet scattered around the globe, such as a world traveler.
PROS
- Large, well-distributed server fleet
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Several add-ons, including antivirus
- Outstanding speed test scores
- Newly completed third-party audit
CONS
- Expensive
- Confusing privacy policies
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 7 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | WireGuard, IKEv2 |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
CyberGhost VPN Review
ExpressVPN
Best Interface
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN boasts a large and robust network of servers. A visual redesign has invigorated this service across all platforms, including iOS.
Who It's For
ExpressVPN's iOS app is visually appealing, but the service is expensive and not as packed with features as the competition. ExpressVPN does have servers scattered around the globe and excellent privacy practices, though.
PROS
- Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Split tunneling
- Stylish interface
CONS
- Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
- No multi-hop connections
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 5 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
ExpressVPN Review
Mozilla VPN
Best for Open-Source Proponents
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Mozilla VPN app is powered by privacy hawk Mullvad VPN and supports the new WireGuard protocol. It looks great on iOS with its simple and snazzy interface.
Who It's For
If you enjoy using Mullvad's VPN service and want to support Mozilla's message simultaneously, this is the iOS app for you.
PROS
- Helps support nonprofit Mozilla
- Powered by privacy hawk Mullvad VPN
- Simple, classy design
- Multi-hop and split tunneling
CONS
- Few server locations
- Gathers some user information
- Expensive compared with Mullvad VPN
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 5 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | WireGuard |
Learn More
Mozilla VPN Review
Bitdefender Premium VPN
Best for Bitdefender Customers
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
Bitdefender Premium VPN is powered by Hotspot Shield VPN and uses Hotspot's custom Hydra protocol and OpenVPN. Its iPhone app is simple, clean, and consistent in appearance with its Windows counterpart.
Who It's For
This is an affordable app that works fine as a standalone product, but customers who already use Bitdefender products will likely choose this VPN.
PROS
- Affordable
- Excellent app
- Split tunneling
CONS
- Confusing privacy policy
- Introductory pricing for annual plans
- No multi-hop connections on Windows
- No option to change VPN protocol on Windows
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Free Version | |
500+ Servers | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 |
Supported Protocols on iOS | Hydra, OpenVPN |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Bitdefender Premium VPN Review
Buying Guide: The Best iPhone VPNs for 2024
Do You Need an iPhone VPN?
Modern cellular communication is thoroughly encrypted and not easily tapped without police-level tools such as a Stingray-like device or data dumps from cell towers. That said, there are well-documented attacks that can intercept cell transmissions, and phony cell towers may be a bigger problem than you think.There are also fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic networks your iPhone already trusts, enticing them to connect without your knowledge. We've seen this attack in action—it's a staple of security researchers showing off their tricks.
The real day-to-day problem is companies who are out for your data. Advertisers track your movements across the web and can build up detailed records of your preferences they can transmute into cash with the dark alchemy of targeted advertising. Facebook, Google, and other big-name companies have driven an industry built on hyper-specific ad targeting. Even your internet service provider (ISP) can aggregate and sell anonymized information about online activity.
How to Use iPhone VPNs for Encryption and Location Spoofing
When your VPN is active, all your network traffic—whether from browsers, apps, or iOS itself—gets encrypted before leaving your phone. This encrypted data travels to a server owned by the VPN provider, where it's decrypted and sent on its way.
Encrypted web traffic isn't the only reason you need a VPN. With a direct, no-VPN connection to a website, your IP address identifies you to not only that site but also your geographic location. When you're using a VPN, however, the IP address others see is that of the VPN server you're connected with, not your own.
Beyond protecting your traffic, VPNs can also let you spoof your location and tunnel past local internet restrictions. Journalists and political activists working against repressive regimes have long relied on VPNs to communicate safely with the outside world. Just know that in some countries, you may break local laws just by using a VPN. For example, Russia has banned VPNs, claiming a need to block terrorist activities. China has also banned most VPNs, though some still manage to connect.
How a VPN Works
Spoofing your location can also get around restrictions of another kind. It's not uncommon for online streaming services to offer content in one region but not another. Offerings from Netflix and Hulu differ by country. Brits can watch BBC shows for free, while the same shows require a subscription in the US. Spoofing your location with a VPN can get you access to shows not normally available to you. But take care: Location spoofing may violate your terms of service. In addition, companies like Netflix are cracking down on VPN users. Streaming is often not an option when your VPN is running.
What an iPhone VPN Can't Do
The widespread adoption of HTTPS means most of your traffic is already encrypted. That makes it much harder for anyone snooping on your activity to see much beyond what websites you're visiting. That said, your ISP still has remarkable insight into your online activities, and there is a benefit to hiding your IP address, which VPNs can do and HTTPS can't.
Remember that using a VPN doesn't make you invincible to online threats. We highly recommend enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible, creating unique logins with a password manager, and creating passkeys wherever possible.
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Although a VPN makes it harder for you to be tracked online, advertisers have numerous tricks to gather data on your activities. Adjusting the privacy settings in your mobile browser can also go a long way toward keeping advertisers blind to your activities. For desktop users, we highly recommend using a tracker blocker like the EFF's Privacy Badger.
While the data going to and from your VPN server is encrypted, using a VPN doesn't get you the level of anonymity obtained by connecting through the TOR network, nor the concomitant ability to dive into the scary depths of the dark web. On the plus side, some VPN services include TOR-specific servers.
Does Using a VPN Slow Down Your iPhone's Internet Connection?
The short answer is yes; a VPN will almost certainly increase the latency of your internet connection and make your uploads and downloads slower. Anecdotally, the already limited speeds of mobile devices seem to be especially adversely affected by VPNs. We also have noticed, but have not confirmed with testing, that VPNs seem to disconnect and reconnect more frequently with mobile devices than desktop machines.
To get a sense of the impact a VPN may have on your internet connection, we compare the results from a series of Ookla speed tests with and without the VPN active. (Editors' Note: Speedtest by Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, the publisher of PCMag.) Network speeds can vary greatly depending on the time of day, the network conditions, and your location, so we consider our results to be a snapshot for comparison rather than the final judgment on a service's performance.
We measure speeds on the PCMag Labs network using a Windows desktop. Before 2021, we tested VPN products back to back, but COVID-19 restrictions have limited our ability to test VPNs in the PCMag Labs. We now use a rolling model and will release new results throughout the year. The latest data is in the chart below.
We rely on a Windows desktop and wired connection for our testing because we've found more reliable than testing on individual mobile devices. But as we said above, there appear to be some unique issues with VPNs on mobile. Also, not all VPN providers use the same protocol on every platform, which can impact performance.
Can You Trust Your iPhone VPN Service?
If you're using a service to route all your internet traffic through its servers, you have to be able to trust the provider. We're not cryptography experts, so we can't verify all the encryption claims providers make. Instead, we give special attention to the privacy practices of VPN companies and not just the technology they provide. In our testing, we read the privacy policies and discuss company practices with VPN service representatives. We look for a commitment to protect user information and to take a hands-off approach when gathering user data.
Recommended by Our Editors
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How to Set Up and Use a VPN
Need to Spoof Your Location? A VPN Can Help
As part of our research, we also make sure to find out where the company is based and under what legal framework it operates. Some countries don't have data-retention laws, making it easier to promise "We don't keep any logs." Knowing what personal information the VPN collects and under what circ*mstances a VPN provider will hand over that information to law enforcement is also useful.
The best VPN services have a privacy policy that spells out what the service does, what information it collects, and what it does to protect it. Some companies explain that they collect some information but don't inform you how they intend to use it. Others are more transparent.
We also liked to see policy backed up by some verifiable effort. Transparency reports and audits are imperfect tools, but we prefer services that have at least tried to prove their worth to the public.
Which Free VPN Is Best for Your iPhone?
Finally, there's the bang-for-your-buck factor. While it's possible to get a VPN for free, even the best no-cost services have some limitations, such as draconian bandwidth caps. The average price for a paid subscription among the evaluated services is about $10 per month. These usually offer five simultaneous connections, which would cover most individuals and some households. If the service you're looking at costs significantly more or offers significantly less, it's important to make sure it's justifying its value some other way.
Proton VPNis the only service that does not have data restrictions, making it the only truly free VPN on our list. However, the free tier limits your server location to the Netherlands, Japan, and the United States, and you can only use the free VPN service on one device at a time.
What Is the Best iPhone VPN?
Using a VPN isn't about protecting your device; it's about protecting your privacy and network connections. That means any type of device that connects online can benefit from a VPN, making it an enormously versatile tool for your privacy toolkit. Read our reviews, check our ratings, and select the best VPN for you. Once you've chosen a service, read our guide on how to set up and use a VPN.
(Editors’ Note: While they may not appear in this story, IPVanish and StrongVPN are owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company.)
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), I can provide you with comprehensive information on the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of online privacy and security, and I can help you understand the importance of VPNs and how they work.
VPN Deals This Week
This article highlights some of the best VPN deals available this week. It mentions several VPN providers and their discounted plans. While these deals can be helpful for those looking for affordable VPN options, it's important to consider other factors beyond just the price when choosing a VPN.
Importance of VPNs for iPhone Users
The article explains that while Apple devices are generally good at protecting against malware, a VPN provides additional benefits by making it harder for advertisers, internet service providers (ISPs), and snoopers to monitor your online activities. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and route it through secure servers, ensuring your privacy and anonymity.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an iPhone VPN
The article mentions that there are several factors to consider when choosing a VPN for your iPhone. These factors include:
- Privacy and Security Features: Look for VPNs that offer strong encryption protocols, a no-logs policy, and additional security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
- Ease of Use: Consider VPNs with user-friendly apps that are easy to set up and navigate on your iPhone.
- Server Network: Check the number of servers and their locations to ensure you have a wide range of options and can access geo-restricted content if needed.
- Speed and Performance: Look for VPNs that offer fast and reliable connections to ensure smooth browsing and streaming experiences.
- Customer Support: Consider VPN providers that offer responsive customer support to address any issues or concerns you may have.
Top VPN Picks for iPhone Users
The article provides a list of top VPN picks for iPhone users, along with their key features and ratings. Here's a brief overview of each VPN mentioned:
- Proton VPN: Proton VPN offers a free subscription with advanced privacy tools and an affordable paid version. It has a user-friendly iPhone app and is suitable for budget-conscious users.
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad VPN is known for its privacy-conscious approach and affordability. It offers content blocking and is a good choice for those seeking strong privacy protection.
- NordVPN: NordVPN offers a wide range of privacy tools, a large server network, and an intuitive iPhone app. It is a multi-purpose VPN option for users looking for versatility.
- IVPN: IVPN focuses on privacy and offers features like a kill switch, multi-hop connections, and anti-tracking capabilities. It is a good choice for users who prioritize privacy.
- Surfshark VPN: Surfshark VPN provides unlimited simultaneous connections and a polished mobile experience. It is suitable for users who need to protect multiple devices.
- TunnelBear VPN: TunnelBear VPN is designed for VPN novices with its user-friendly interface. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections and excellent privacy policies.
- CyberGhost VPN: CyberGhost VPN has a large server fleet and offers additional security tools. It is a good choice for frequent travelers.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has a large network of servers and a visually appealing iPhone app. It offers strong privacy practices but is relatively expensive.
- Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN is powered by Mullvad VPN and supports the WireGuard protocol. It is a good choice for open-source proponents who want to support Mozilla.
- Bitdefender Premium VPN: Bitdefender Premium VPN offers an affordable option for Bitdefender customers. It has a simple iPhone app and uses the Hotspot Shield VPN protocol.
Using an iPhone VPN for Encryption and Location Spoofing
The article explains that when you use a VPN on your iPhone, all your network traffic is encrypted before leaving your device. This encryption protects your data from being intercepted by third parties. Additionally, a VPN allows you to spoof your location, making it appear as if you are browsing from a different country. This can help bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may not be available in your region.
Limitations and Considerations
While VPNs provide enhanced privacy and security, it's important to understand their limitations. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- VPN Speed: Using a VPN may slightly decrease your internet connection speed due to the encryption and routing processes. However, modern VPNs strive to minimize this impact.
- Trustworthiness of VPN Providers: It's crucial to choose a reputable VPN provider that prioritizes user privacy and has a transparent privacy policy. Look for providers that have undergone independent audits and have a strong track record.
- VPN and Online Threats: While a VPN can protect your online activities to a certain extent, it does not make you invincible to all online threats. It's important to practice good cybersecurity habits, such as enabling multi-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords.
- Legal Considerations: VPN usage may be subject to local laws and regulations. Some countries have restrictions on VPN usage, while others may require VPN providers to retain user data. It's important to be aware of the legal implications in your jurisdiction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VPNs are valuable tools for enhancing online privacy and security on your iPhone. They encrypt your internet traffic, protect against surveillance, and allow you to bypass geo-restrictions. When choosing a VPN, consider factors such as privacy features, ease of use, server network, speed, and customer support. Remember to select a trustworthy VPN provider and be aware of the limitations and legal considerations associated with VPN usage.