A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a necessary component of every device, but it is particularly beneficial for safeguarding users on the road. The best iPhone VPN services encrypt all traffic to and from your device, ensuring that it cannot be read by snoopers like your internet service provider, network administrator, or government. This is particularly beneficial while connected to public WiFi networks since it may safeguard you from cyber assaults by hackers.
But VPNs are also excellent for a variety of other purposes, including unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites when traveling. You may connect to a VPN server located anywhere and ask for an IP address from that location. This deceives streaming services and other websites into believing you are in another location, providing you access to region-locked content.
Uncertain how to choose a VPN? We’ve suggested the top VPN for iPhone, iPad, and other iOS devices using the following criteria:
- A simple-to-use iOS application is available for download from the App Store.
- Rapid accelerations.
- Removes restrictions on streaming services such as Netflix, BBC, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Security aspects that are robust.
- Does not maintain user activity logs.
Best VPN for iPhone
NordVPN
Our top pick is NordVPN. NordVPN’s mobile app is lightning fast and compatible with iOS 9 or above. It offers a vast network of servers from which to pick (more than 5,000 in several countries). It works well in China and is fantastic for unblocking streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
NordVPN protects your data with 256-bit encryption and complete forward secrecy. Kill Switch is included in both the iOS and PC programs. Leak prevention is built-in to help safeguard your data, and optional security features include automatic WiFi protection and a dual VPN connection. NordVPN maintains no traffic or connection records, and the firm supports bitcoin payments.
Multiple devices may be connected concurrently, and additional applications are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android. NordVPN is also compatible with several routers.
Is it possible to use a free VPN on my iPhone?
We strongly advise against using free VPN programs, since they might create problems for a variety of reasons. To begin with, many of the free VPNs featured in the App Store do not provide the kind of protection you would expect from a genuine VPN. Numerous providers use insecure encryption protocols, while others do not encrypt your data at all.
Additionally, many free VPNs analyze user activities and either utilize the data for targeted advertising or sell it for a fee.
Even if you do manage to locate a secure service, you will be disappointed by its performance. These services often have a small number of servers and a large number of users, which results in sluggish speeds and bad connectivity. Additionally, they are not adept at unblocking streaming sites, and even if they were, you would seldom get enough bandwidth to view a whole episode.
In general, you’re better off paying a small premium for an iPhone VPN that provides security and reliability.
How to configure a VPN on an iPhone
If the VPN company you choose provides a native iOS app, as those on our list do, setting up a VPN on your iPhone is straightforward. Simply follow the instructions below.
- Subscribe to the recommended provider in the article (we recommend NordVPN). Make a note of your username and password.
- Navigate to the App Store and type in the name of your VPN provider. After locating the application, download and install it.
- Utilize your new credentials to log into the app.
- Connect to the location or server you wish to connect to (most applications provide these options in a dropdown list). Take note that the first time you connect to a VPN server, you may receive a window asking for permission to update your preferences. Allow should be clicked.
That is all. You may now safely browse, stream, and download.
How to establish a VPN manually on an iPhone
If your VPN provider does not have an iOS app, iOS has a VPN tool that allows you to connect manually to your desired VPN server. It’s quite simple to set up, but you’ll need the following information first:
- The procedure that you will use.
- The IP address of the VPN server.
- Your unique identifier and password.
- If you want a certificate or shared secret, you must get one from your VPN provider.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary information, either visit the website of your VPN provider for a setup tutorial or follow these basic instructions:
- To access the VPN, go to Settings > General > VPN.
- Add VPN Configuration
- Select your protocol by pressing Type. IKEv2 is better since it strikes a decent mix between speed and security, but be careful to choose one that is supported by your VPN service.
- Then, choose Back and fill in the Description, Server, and Remote ID columns on the Add Configuration page.
- Enter your username and password (your username and password). Certain VPNs need the use of a certificate; in this instance, go to User Authentication > Certificate, press Back, and add your certificate.
- Choose Done to return to the VPN screen.
- The Status toggle should be set to the on (green) position.
Note that although manually configuring an iPhone VPN can encrypt your internet traffic and replace your IP address, you will be missing out on several other valuable features available in VPN programs, such as kill switches, leak prevention, and automatic WiFi security. Additionally, since each server must be configured individually, you cannot easily switch between hundreds of servers as you do with VPN software.
Multiple iOS devices may be connected to a VPN at the same time
Are you an Apple junkie? There is no issue! The iOS VPN we propose above offers multiple concurrent connections, which means you may connect your iPhone, iPad, Macbook, or any other compatible device to the VPN simultaneously. This is especially advantageous if your VPN subscription is shared among family members or roommates.
If that is insufficient, you may choose to configure the VPN connection to your wireless network. A router counts as a single device, and it may be connected to as many devices as necessary and routed via the VPN. This also works on devices that do not allow VPNs by default, such as Apple TV.
If you are unfamiliar with the technology, we suggest ExpressVPN’s pre-configured VPN routers. ExpressVPN manufactures the industry’s finest VPN-enabled router firmware. Please keep in mind that you will need an ExpressVPN membership.
Otherwise, you may establish a VPN using a suitable router on your own. Certain routers have firmware that enables VPN connections, while others do not. If the router firmware on your current router does not allow VPNs, you may be able to replace it with an open-source option such as DD-WRT or Tomato.
Take note that while flashing fresh firmware to the router, considerable care should be used. Using firmware that is incompatible with your specific router model or making a mistake during the flashing procedure might permanently harm your router. The precise procedure differs according to each router.
Methodology for VPN testing
PrivacyExplore’s mission is to deliver the most in-depth and accurate VPN evaluations available on the web. To accomplish so, we analyze each VPN using a combination of performance testing, expert analysis, and user feedback. When it comes to an iPhone VPN, we pay special attention to the following:
- Security: We evaluate the VPN’s encryption mechanism and conduct a data leakage test.
- Logging policy: We examine the VPN’s privacy policy and terms of service for wording that indicates the gathering of personally identifiable information when using the VPN, or a lack thereof.
- Speed: We benchmark connection speeds to servers located across the globe for each VPN we suggest.
- Unblocking: This year alone, we conducted over 3,000 real-world tests to determine which VPNs are capable of unblocking which region-locked streaming sites.
- Bypassing censorship: We examine the VPN’s ability to circumvent online restrictions in countries such as China.