This article is for iPhone users seeking the best VPN for iPhone to enhance their internet browsing experience. In this article, we aim to inform you about both free and paid VPNs. The choice is in your hands as to which VPN you prefer for your iPhone.
Before moving forward, we would like to give you some information about VPN, what is VPN, and what its benefits are.
What is a VPN?
The full form of VPN is Virtual Private Network. It is a technology that creates a secure and private connection between your device (such as a computer or phone) and the internet. It keeps your online data secure and helps keep your online identity confidential.
How Does a VPN Work?
When you use a VPN, your internet traffic doesn’t go directly through your internet service provider (ISP); instead, it connects to a VPN server first. This process works like this:
- Encryption: All of your data is encrypted, which means it’s converted into a code that only your device and the VPN server can understand. This prevents any third parties, such as your ISP, hackers, or government agencies, from reading or tracking your data.
- Secure Tunelling: Encrypted data travels through a “secure tunnel” to the VPN server. This tunnel protects your data from surveillance and interference on the internet.
- IP Address Masking: Your real IP address, which reveals your location and device information, is replaced with the IP address of the VPN server. This makes it very difficult for websites and online services to track your real location.
Key Features of a VPN
A VPN offers several important features that make it a useful tool for online security and privacy.
- Privacy: A VPN hides your real IP address, making your online activities, such as which websites you visit or what you search for, anonymous to others.
- Security: It encrypts your data, especially when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks. This prevents hackers from stealing your sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: A VPN lets you connect to a server in different locations around the world. This allows you to access websites and online content (such as streaming services) that may be restricted or blocked in your actual geographic region.
- Bypassing Censorship: Governments in some countries block specific websites or online services. By using a VPN, you can bypass this censorship and access restricted content.
- Anonymous Browsing: Since your IP address is hidden, you can browse the internet more anonymously. This makes it difficult for advertisers and other online trackers to track you.
- Data Protection: It keeps your data secure, allowing you to transact online and share sensitive information.
In short, VPNs help make your online experience more secure, private, and restriction-free.
7 Best VPN for iPhone: Free and Paid
When looking for the best VPN (Virtual Private Network) for iPhone, you have both free and paid options. The choice depends on your needs, such as speed, security features, server locations, and data usage.
Here is a list of the 7 best VPNs for iPhone, including both free and paid options:
Paid VPN (Best Overall Option):
- Express VPN:
- Why Best: It’s often considered the number one choice for iPhone users. Its OS app is very simple and easy to use. It offers great security features (such as strong encryption and a no-logs policy), high speeds, and an excellent ability to unblock streaming services.
- Features: Extensive server network in 105 countries, Lightway protocol, 24/7 contact support, 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Usage: Great for both beginners and experienced users.
- Nord VPN:
- Why Best: It offers a great combination of security, speed, and features. It’s NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) delivers lightning fast speeds, ideal for 4K streaming and online gaming.
- Features: NordVPN has 6000+ servers worldwide, Double VPN, Threat Protection (blocking malware and ads), and simultaneous connection on up to 10 devices.
- Usage: Great for the privacy-conscious and those looking for fast streaming.
- Surfshark:
- Why Best: It is one of the most affordable options that offers premium features while still being on a budget. It offers unlimited device connections, making it a great choice for the whole family.
- Features: CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), Bypasser (split tunneling), no-log policy, fast speeds, server in 100 countries.
- Usage: Ideal for users with multiple devices and those looking for an affordable premium solution.
- Private Internet Access (PIA):
- Why Best: A very secure VPN app for iPhone and iPad. It offers customizable security features and the ability to add multiple connections (usually 10+) at once.
- Features: Advanced encryption options, kill switch, huge server network, open-source apps.
- Usage: For advanced users and those seeking maximum security.
- CyberGhost:
- Why Best: Known for its optimized servers for streaming. Its iPhone app is easy to use and works with over 50+ streaming services.
- Features: Specialized server for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Usage: Mainly for those using VPN for streaming and specific activities.
Free VPN (limited but useful options):
Remember, free VPNs often come with some limitations, like data caps, fewer server locations, slow speeds, or ads. For security and privacy, it’s important to choose a free VPN from reliable and reputable providers.
- Proton VPN free:
- Why Best: This is one of the best free VPNs on the market because it offers unlimited data usage. It has a strong privacy policy (no-logs policy) and is ad-free. However, the free plan has a limited number of server locations (usually 3-5 countries).
- Features: Strong encryption, backed by Swiss privacy law, no data limits, no ads.
- Usage: Excellent for basic browsing and privacy, but not ideal for streaming or specific geo-restricted content.
- hide.me free:
- Why Best: It’s a beginner-friendly free VPN that offers adequate security and good speeds. It usually comes with a monthly data cap (like 10 GB), which may be enough for casual browsing and light streaming.
- Features: No-logs policy, access to 8 server locations (on the free plan), 24/7 customer support.
- Use: For those who want a reliable, easy-to-use free VPN with few data limits.
Cautions when choosing a free VPN:
- Always download from reputable sources (like the App Store).
- Know that free services often recoup their costs by running ads, selling your data (risky), or limiting features to upgrade to a premium plan.
- Free VPNs may not be the best choice for streaming or heavy data usage.
You can choose one of these VPNs based on your needs and budget.
FAQ Related to the Best VPN for iPhone
Q: Which VPN is better for iPhone?
Ans: While all of the VPNs mentioned above work well for your iPhone, here are some of the best VPNs for iPhone: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. They are known for their speed, security, and ease of use.
The best option for you will depend on your individual needs.
Q: What is the best free VPN for iPhone?
Ans: Although you will find many free VPNs for your iPhone, the one that I think is the best for iPhone is Proton VPN. It offers unlimited data, good security, and no ads.
Q: Is it Ok to use a VPN on an iPhone?
Ans: Yes, it is perfectly fine to use a VPN on an iPhone. It improves your online security and privacy.
Q: Can I use ExpressVPN on my iPhone?
Ans: Yes, you can use ExpressVPN on your iPhone.
How to:
- Download the Express VPN app: Download the Express VPN app from the App Store.
- Sign in: Open the app and sign in to your ExpressVPN account.
- Connect: Tap the “ON” button. This will connect you to the fastest server, or you can choose a location of your choice.
That’s it! Your iPhone is now protected with Express VPN.
Q: Does a VPN slow down an iPhone?
Ans: Usually, it can slow you down a bit, but it is often so slight that you won’t even notice. It depends on your internet speed and the distance to the server.
Q: Which VPN app is safe?
Ans: The most secure VPN apps include Express VPN, Nord VPN, and Proton VPN (especially the free options).
When choosing a secure VPN, look for a no-log policy, strong encryption (such as AES-256), and third-party audits. Be wary of free VPNs, as many of them can compromise your data security.
Q: Is there any 100% free VPN?
Ans: Yes, there are some 100% free VPNs, like the free version of Proton VPN.
However, “100% free” VPNs usually have some limitations, such as:
- Data limits: Monthly data usage cap.
- Server options: Only access to a few server locations.
- Speed: Slower speeds than paid VPNs.
- Security: Some free VPNs may compromise your privacy (like logging data or showing ads).
It’s important to choose a free VPN that’s secure and reliable.
Q: Is VPN legal?
Ans: It is legal to use a VPN in the United States.
People use VPNs to increase their online privacy and security, which is legitimate. However, if you use a VPN for illegal activity (such as downloading copyrighted material, hacking, or other crimes), it will still be illegal, and you may be punished. VPNs don’t protect you from illegal activity.
Q: Can a VPN damage an iPhone?
Ans: No, a good and reliable VPN does not harm the iPhone.
It benefits you by enhancing your online security and privacy. However, bad or unreliable free VPN apps should be avoided as they can compromise your privacy.
Q: Does VPN drain battery?
Ans: Yes, a VPN can drain a little more battery.
This is because it encrypts and routes your data, increasing the use of your iPhone’s processor and network connectivity. However, modern VPN apps are highly optimized, so this battery drain is usually not too significant.
