Best VPN for iPhone … tested across all models

James Patterson | Last Updated:

Online Privacy & Internet Security Expert

There are many vpn service providers on the market today that claim to have “the best vpn app for iPhone”. But what we found when we tested them during 2024 on a variety of different iPhones is that many iOS vpn apps were difficult to use or just didn’t work as described.

The Apple iPhone already comes packed with an impressive array of security features built in – but a VPN is not one of them. When you install a vpn app on your iPhone, your online security and internet privacy is ensured. Not only that, it also you to access Netflix with any geo-restrictions.

Each and every vpn on my list below has been extensively tested on my current personal iPhone 11, as well my few of my older models, including: old iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 6.

QUICK SUMMARY: check out our recommended VPNs for iPhone

  1. ExpressVPN – easy to install iOS app, and responsive customer service. Lightning fast vpn streaming servers.
  2. NordVPN – reputable well known company. Feature packed app. Top notch privacy security.
  3. SurfShark – reliable vpn service for your iPhone, at an affordable price.

Why you need a VPN for iPhone

The iPhone has evolved to such an extent that many people use it as a replacement device for their PC or Mac. No matter what you are using your iPhone for – general internet web browsing, using the free wi-fi connection at your local coffee shop, or even to binge-watch your favorite TV show on Netflix – an reliable and safe vpn app for your iPhone is essential

Here are some of the best VPNs for iPhone that I’ve personally tested and compared during 2024:


1. ExpressVPN

image of the ExpressVPN homepage

ExpressVPN is our #1 recommended choice for iPhone. You can download their iPhone VPN app directly from the Apple Store. Our testing found that setup was a simple and straight-forward process. The app allows users to browse, text, and share photos privately and securely on their iPhone or iPad. The ExpressVPN website contains a wealth of documentation, tutorials and videos to help you get you setup and running quickly and easily.

They are unarguably one of the biggest VPN companies in the world with servers in over 94 countries, and 145 server locations. You can use ExpressVPN on up to 3 devices at the same time. They are slightly more expensive than IPVanish, but they also have more servers in more countries. They do maintain some connection logs for internal purposes.

Features:

ExpressVPN are the big name in the vpn industry. They have the size and technical know-how to provide the best all-round vpn service. Their range of apps, speed of service, and customer service are legendary. Give them a go for yourself today and find out why they are the most popular vpn service provider in the world. Here are just a few features that they offer:

  • Countries - they have vpn servers in over 94 different countries around the globe.
  • Devices - they have a dedicated vpn app for just about every device you may have including: pc, mac, android, ios, linux, and routers.
  • Easy To Use - their apps are intuitive and simple to use. Get in up and running with your new vpn service in minutes not hours.
  • Data Encryption - take charge of your online privacy and security with best-in-class encryption.
  • Unlimited Speeds (i.e. no speed throtling)
ExpressVPN Deal - March 2024: sign-up for a 1 Year Plan, and pay only $8.32 per month. That's a whopping 35% Discount off the regular monthly price! Head over to ExpressVPN now to take advantage of this hot deal!

visit ExpressVPN


2. NordVPN

image of the NordVPN homepage

NordVPN is the second in our list. They have a no logs policy so you can surf the internet safely and anonymously. Their software is easy to use and install – they recently revamped their iPhone VPN offering so now it is ready to use ‘straight out of the box’ … just download it and run it! One of the key features of their iPhone VPN that we really liked is the inclusion of an easy to navigate map showing you all the possible NordVPN server locations globally that you can connect to.

NordVPN has servers in over 50 countries. They offer a variety of security features. Double encryption is one of them. It is recommended for people who are overly concerned about the security of their data. Keep in mind that double encryption can slow down connection speeds.

visit NordVPN


3. SurfShark

image of the SurfShark homepage

SurfShark is also a more than decent option as a vpn for your iPhone. They provide excellent connection speeds and security. SurfShark has servers in over 60 countries. And since they don’t maintain any logs, your data is safe from predators.

The SurfShark vpn app is easily downloadable from the Apple Store. We found the interface of the app itself to fresh, crisp and intuitive to use. One of our favorite featues of the SurfShark app is its ‘Always On’ function – whenever internet traffic is detected, it auto-connects to the VPN so you don’t have to.

Perhaps the only downside is that they are based in the US, the land of CIA and FBI. On the bright side, they don’t maintain any logs so they have nothing to show authorities. If you are looking for extremely high standards of online security and privacy, you may want to take a look at other vpn service providers in other jurisdictions. Having said that, being based in the USA will not be an issue if you are only wanting to access and stream Netflix USA or BBC iPlayer from outside the USA and UK respectively.

visit SurfShark


Bottom Line

With the amount of time that most Australians spend on our smartphones these days, it pays to ensure that your iPhone is properly protected when it comes to online privacy and security. There are several factors to consider when selecting the best vpn for iPhone, however iPhone app installation and use, network speed, and privacy policy should be prime considerations.With this in mind, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and SurfShark are three vpn service providers that have these important considerations covered, and therefore receive our top recommendation for iPhone users.

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see your current IP Address:

  • Your IP Address: 44.206.248.122
  • Your Location: Ashburn, US
  • Your Internet Provider: Amazon.com

* Scammers, Governments, and Advertisers can use this information to track and target you.

Our recommended vpn service provider for general all-round internet security and online privacy is ExpressVPN. It offers an excellent selection of online security and internet privacy features, excellent speed, and the ability to unblock your favorite streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer).

Visit ExpresssVPN

Categories: Devices , Guides

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Our Testing Process

  1. Security
  2. No-Logs Policies
  3. Speed
  4. Streaming
  5. Torrenting
  6. Censorship
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