If you own an iPhone, consider trying a VPN to protect yourself, especially when you’re using public Wi-Fi. Whether you are looking for paid or VPN download free for iPhone, continue reading to know what we think.
What is a VPN,?
A VPN — short for a virtual private network — routes your data through its servers and encrypts it before sending it to the website you are visiting. To put it simply, a VPN changes your IP address, making it seem like you’re located somewhere else than you really are. For example, if you live in China and connect to the internet via a VPN server in the US, the website you’re visiting will think you’re based in the US.
VPN has many advantages. One of them is to bypass geo-restrictions put in place by various streaming services. For example, Netflix offers way more content to its US subscribers than those in most other places around the globe. So by connecting online via a US VPN, you can get access to a lot more movies and TV shows.
A VPN also gives you access to popular services like BBC iPlayer, a free streaming service with loads of great content that is only available in the UK.
A VPN gives you complete anonymity online. Using it hides your browsing history from everyone — if the VPN provider has a no-logging policy — including your ISP. Yes, your ISP can see your browsing history if you don’t use a VPN and can sometimes sell it to third parties such as advertisers.
Additionally, a VPN encrypts your data, which comes in handy when browsing the web on a public network.
The Best VPNs for iPhone
Surfshark VPN
pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Useful privacy and security features
- Fast connection times
cons
- Average download speeds
Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what makes Surfshark the best iPhone VPN in 2022.
Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark features include camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.
Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security to be “solid” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark says a new audit is forthcoming by the end of this year.
Top features
- Servers: 3200
- Countries: 65
- Simultaneous connections: unlimited
- Kill switch: yes
- Logging: no
- Best Price: $59.76 for 24 months ($2.49 per month)
- Trial: 30-day refund guarantee
- Supported platforms: iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux, FireTV
Surfshark ticks all the right boxes for an iPhone VPN. It’s way cheaper than most of the competition, and it is one of the best and most consistent performers around.
NordVPN
pros
- Solid speed and performance
- Extensive server network
- Easy-to-use app
cons
- Only six simultaneous connections
NordVPN is one of the most recognized brands in the VPN field. Part of that brand recognition is based on its distinct, straightforward design. Nord’s app for iOS is just as easy to interact with as its desktop VPN client, with a similar design. It poses no learning difficulties for a first-time user looking to move from desktop to mobile.
The VPN service provider offers a generous simultaneous connection count, with six connections allowed through its network. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP option, for those looking for a different level of VPN connection. NordVPN offers a kill-switch feature and the ability to VPN into Tor.
NordVPN’s pricing structure is similar to that of its sister company Surfshark, but its longer-term plans are more expensive. A two-year plan carries an introductory price of about $79, but that price increases to a little under $100 annually for each subsequent year of service.
Top features
- Servers: 5242
- Countries: 60
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Kill switch: yes
- Logging: Email address and billing information only
- Price: $11.95 per month
- Best Price: $89 for two years ($3.30/mo)
- Trial: 30-day refund guarantee
- Supported platforms: iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux, game consoles, Firefox, Edge, AndroidTV and other Smart TVs
NordVPN is one of the most popular consumer VPNs in theApp Store. But that’s not why we think it’s one of the best VPN for iPhone. Its useful features and performance makes it worth a mention.
ExpressVPN
pros
- Speedy connections
- Transparent privacy policy
cons
- Expensive
- Only five simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN has a lot going for it. It delivers everything you’d expect with regard to privacy and security. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and 160 cities, you shouldn’t have trouble getting connected. It’s an excellent option if you plan to use a VPN to circumvent geolocation restrictions or torrenting. You also get good customer service with a 24/7 live chat.
Another key feature that you should look for is a kill switch, or Network Lock in this case. It basically kills the Internet connection and any data transfer if the VPN connection drops for any reason. That way, you aren’t unknowingly transferring any info during reconnection. This feature was particularly useful a while ago, because dropped connections used to an issue.
It’s not nearly as much of a problem anymore, but a kill switch is still useful to have. However, something to keep in mind is that while you get this feature on desktop apps and Android, it isn’t available on iOS yet. If a kill switch is a must-have, as it should be, you’ll have to look for other VPN options.
That said, ExpressVPN is also one of the most expensive options around with a monthly charge of $12.95 or an annual plan of $99.95.
Top features
- Servers: over 3000
- Countries: 94
- Simultaneous connections: 5
- Kill switch: yes
- Logging: email address and payment info
- Price: $12.95 per month
- Best Price: $99.95 for one year
- Trial: 30-day refund guarantee
- Supported platforms: iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromebookOS
ExpressVPN covers almost everything you’ll need to keep your information secure, but others have more security features that may interest you. Some services like Surfshark come with a built-in ad-blocker, anti-malware capabilities, and more. The point being that while Express covers the “basics,” there are competing VPNs out there that have more to offer.
Before you go: A little FAQ about iPhone VPNs
What’s the best iPhone VPN right now?
Thanks to its affordable price performance, speed and usability, Surfshark VPN is currently the best VPN for iPhone. Don’t forget that you’ll be able to use Surfshark on unlimited devices, as the service offers unlimited simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN is a close second among the iPhone VPN picks and offers a simple and effective app. NordVPN, the third best option, is a die-hard heavy hitter that costs more than Surfshark but less than Express. While it doesn’t offer quite as many server locations as the others, NordVPN’s network is constantly getting faster and more secure.
What does logging really mean?
Logging is the recording of data about your usage, and it occurs everywhere. Every website, at minimum, records an IP address, time, and data accessed so they can track traffic. All VPN providers have to check credentials against recorded personal data to make sure you paid, but a few let you sign up with Bitcoin, allowing you to completely hide your identity. When we say a VPN doesn’t log data, we mean they don’t track what sites you visit and for how long, but they may track how much of their own infrastructure you use.
What do simultaneous connections mean and why should I care?
I’ll give you a personal example. When I travel, I often take my MacBook and my iPad. I use the Mac to write, and I use the iPad as a second screen to look stuff up. I have two connections I’m using at once and I want my VPN to protect both. If my wife is also doing the same thing, that’s four connections. Add our iPhones, and you have six connections. If we’re using all those devices at once, that’s simultaneous connections. The more, the better.