Best VPNs For iPhones Of 2024

• NordVPN: Best For VPN Not Headquartered In A Five Eyes Country
• TorGuard VPN: Best For Torrenting
• Private Internet Access: Best For Customisation

Forbes Advisor analysed a variety of factors when ranking the best iPhone VPNs, including server locations, number of servers, number of devices, speed and encryption. We also considered whether the VPN is based in an FVEY country and if it keeps logs of user data. Higher weight was given to factors that are most important to users, such as the number of devices and speed.

We also looked at customer reviews to get a sense of how users feel about the services. Customer satisfaction is important, so we only considered mobile VPNs with a rating of four stars or higher. Finally, we factored in the price of the service to find the best value for your money.

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a secure tunnel between your iPhone and the internet. VPNs encrypt your traffic so it can’t be intercepted by hackers, ISPs or government agencies. A VPN also allows you to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites.

Using a VPN with your iPhone offers several benefits:

• Enhanced privacy and security: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who may try to intercept it. This includes hackers on public Wi-Fi networks, internet service providers (ISPs) monitoring your browsing habits and government surveillance.
• Bypass internet censorship: VPNs enable you to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites by connecting to a server in a different country. This can be useful for accessing georestricted content, such as streaming services or news websites that are not available in your region.
• Prevent online tracking: VPNs help protect your privacy by hiding your true IP address, making it difficult for advertisers and other third parties to track your online activities and build a profile based on your browsing habits.
• Secure data transfers: Using a VPN on your iPhone is particularly important when transferring sensitive information, such as when conducting online banking or accessing confidential business files. The encryption provided by a VPN ensures that your data remains secure during transmission.
• Improved network performance: In some cases, using a VPN may improve network performance by avoiding ISP throttling or congestion on heavily used networks.

When choosing a VPN for your iPhone, there are a few factors to consider. The most important is whether the VPN is based in an FVEY country. The FVEY (Five Eyes) is an intelligence alliance between the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

If a VPN is based in one of these countries, it’s subject to data retention laws and may be forced to share user data with the government. While several on this list are in an FVEY country, we only chose those with a no-logs policy.

When choosing  VPN, it’s a good idea to look out for a provider with some key security features:

• Strong encryption: Get a VPN with industry-standard encryption protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard for better security and privacy.
• Strict no-logs policy: No-logs policy assures that the VPN provider doesn’t store any info on your internet usage, making it impossible for them to share your data with other people.
• Kill switch: This feature automatically severs your device from the internet if the VPN connection disconnects, ensuring there are no data leaks.
• DNS leak protection: DNS leak protection safeguards your DNS queries, keeping your browsing activity private and secure.
• IPv6 leak protection: This feature prevents IPv6 leaks, which can expose your real IP address and compromise your privacy.

Other factors to consider include:

• iOS comparability and multi-device use

Most iPhone VPNs also work on other iOS devices such as iPads and iPod Touch. Additionally, many VPN providers offer apps for non-Apple products, including Android and Windows devices, allowing you to secure multiple devices under a single subscription. However, some providers have protocols built for specific devices (for example, hide.me has Bolt for Windows).

• Pricing

Users should expect to pay for VPNs on a subscription basis, typically monthly or annually. Standard iPhone VPN rates are around £8 to £15 per month if paid month to month, but users can save significantly by opting for longer-term plans. Annual and multi-year subscriptions often come with considerable discounts, lowering the average monthly cost.

There’s usually no difference in pricing for mobile VPNs compared to desktop computers, as most VPN providers offer multi-platform support within the same subscription plan. However, additional features such as a dedicated IP address, which provides you with a unique IP for enhanced privacy and access to certain services, may come at an extra cost.

To reduce VPN costs, you can:

• Look for promotional offers or seasonal discounts
• Choose a longer-term subscription plan, which often comes with a lower average monthly cost
• Compare various VPN providers to find the best balance between price and features
• Give the VPN service a test run with a free trial or a money-back guarantee
• Keep an eye out for special deals, such as student discounts or referral programs that offer rewards for bringing in new customers.

Don’t always go for the cheapest option—consider value, features, security performance and customer support when choosing your VPN.

• Speed

When evaluating VPNs, it’s essential to consider the average download and upload speeds they offer to ensure an optimal browsing experience. Speed is crucial for a variety of online activities, such as streaming video, online gaming, video conferencing and file transfers. Fast speeds provide a seamless internet experience, while slow speeds can lead to buffering, lag and a frustrating user experience.

• Customer support

Quality customer support is crucial when using a VPN. Look for providers with various support channels including email, live chat and ticket systems. Support that is 24/7 ensures you can receive assistance at any time, while comprehensive knowledge bases and FAQs can help you troubleshoot common issues independently.

A fast VPN should provide download speeds of at least 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps or more. These speeds are generally sufficient for most online activities, including HD video streaming and large file downloads. Faster speeds mean better user experiences, especially for those on high-speed connections.

VPN throttling and speed reduction

It’s important to note that using a VPN can sometimes result in slower internet speeds. This is because your data must travel through the VPN server, which can add latency and decrease speed. The level of speed reduction largely depends on the VPN provider, server distance and network congestion.

Some VPNs also implement bandwidth throttling, intentionally limiting users’ connection speeds to manage server load or encourage users to upgrade to a higher-priced plan. However, many top-tier VPNs prioritise providing fast and stable connections without throttling.

To maintain fast speeds while using a VPN, consider the following:

• Choose a VPN with a large server network: A VPN with a vast server network can distribute user traffic more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of server congestion and slow speeds
• Connect to a nearby server: The closer you are to the VPN server, the lower the latency and the faster the connection. Selecting a server in your country or a neighbouring country can help improve speeds
• Use a VPN with WireGuard or similar protocols: WireGuard is a cutting-edge VPN protocol that offers faster speeds and improved performance compared to older protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2. Many top VPN providers now support WireGuard or have developed their own high-speed protocols.
• Test different servers: If you’re experiencing slow speeds, try connecting to a different server. Some servers may be less congested or offer better routing to your destination, resulting in faster speeds.
• Check your base internet speed: Your VPN speeds can’t exceed your base internet connection speed. Ensure you have a fast internet connection to make the most of your VPN’s capabilities.

The iOS VPN bug has posed a significant concern for iPhone and iPad users who depend on VPNs to maintain their online privacy. Research conducted by Michael Horowitz revealed that this bug leads to data leaks, exposing users’ activities and making the VPN ineffective. Despite various parties, such as ProtonVPN and Windscribe, raising the issue, Apple has yet to provide a definitive solution or response.

The bug is still in iOS devices, and there’s no reliable information that Apple is attempting to remedy it. Users should be cautious of the implications of this bug on their privacy when using a VPN on an iOS device. Apple might come out with a patch for the issue eventually, but users should be wary and stay informed about the bug’s progress in the meantime.