Best 5 VPNs for iOS (iPhone and iPad) in 2023

According to the Global VPN report, there were 480 million mobile VPN downloads in 2020, a 54% increase from the previous year. Of 480 million, 121.9 million were iOS downloads. Even though iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) are resilient to malware, users are still using VPNs to protect their online traffic, protect their devices from hackers and data breaches. Below we overview the suggested above VPNs, their benefits, and how to choose the best VPN app service for iOS.

Recommended for reading: Free VPN vs Paid VPN.

What is the best VPN for apple products

NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best VPN for iPhone and iPad and a top choice for internet users. In fact, the app has some amazing perks for iOS; Nord supports Siri and has an airtight Wi-Fi protection with an automatic kill switch.

The VPN service has over 5,500 servers stationed in 62 countries that provide users with high-speed internet connectivity and a Smartplay feature that facilitates easy access to geo-restricted sites, including Netflix.

The software offers AES 256- data encryption for user internet traffic. Also, Nord has a 24/7 live chat support and is strategically based in Panama, away from the prying eye of 4/5/14 eye international surveillance alliance.

Benefits

• Military-grade security
• Advance and flexible security protocols
• Works with Netflix and other geo-restricted sites
• Supports 6 simultaneous connections on one account
• Works with all iOS devices
• Fast internet connectivity
• Worldwide coverage
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting

To get and activate the VPN app in the App Store, you need to purchase NordVPN plan. Take a look at the current pricing. Yearly plans tend to have a better offer.

ExpressVPN

The ExpressVPN is profoundly known for its sleek design and high-speed connectivity. It is a speed champion! Most importantly, the iPhone VPN is easy to use; connect to your preferred server and click connect. With its vast server resource, over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN lets users unblock streaming platforms such as Hulu, Netflix, and many more.

This VPN fro apple products protects your data with industrial-grade encryption- AES 256 encryption for all internet traffic. It also has additional security features, including a DNS/IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-log policy.

Geographically, ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Island, away from the world government surveillance alliance. The VPN service has a responsive 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee policy.

Benefits

• Easy to use
• Strict no-log policy
• Top internet traffic encryption
• Unblocks restricted sites
• Supports up to 5 simultaneous device connection per account

To get and activate the VPN app in the App Store, you need to purchase ExpressVPN plan. Take a look at the current pricing. Yearly plans tend to have a better offer.

Private Internet Access VPN

PIA is another best iPhone VPN as it is a popular budget VPN application that guarantees top security. It comes with automatic kill switch that disconnects internet activity to prevent leaks once you lose internet connectivity.

The VPN is also fitted with a Safari content blocker that protects your device from annoying ads, trackers, and malware attacks. It has a vast number of servers in over 84 countries in the world. It has a “favorite” feature that allows users to select the most preferred server.

PIA has a relatively fast speed. The provider allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account!

To get and activate the VPN app in the App Store, you need to purchase Private Internet Access plan. Take a look at the current pricing. Yearly plans tend to have a better offer.

Benefits

• Supports 10 simultaneous device connections
• Vast global server coverage
• It is cheap
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Fast speed

IPVanish VPN

IPVanish – iPhone VPN solution for advanced VPN users. Among its advanced features are security protocol settings, usage statistics, and load balancing. IPVanish has an “automated” feature, meaning that it automatically connects once an internet connection is detected.

Other perks include 1,600+ servers in 75 countries, DNS leak protection, no-log policy, an automatic kill switch, obfuscation settings, 24/7 customer support.

Benefits

• Vast global coverage (servers in 75 countries)
• Works to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney, etc.
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• No- log policy
• Kill switch

Activate your subscription plan first before downloading the VPN app in the App Store. Yearly plans usually priced better!

Hotspot Shield VPN

If you love streaming, this iPhone VPN is your choice. The app has a great interface: simple, and easy to use. It has a unique protocol, Catapult Hydra, that combines top speed internet connectivity with top security for its users. The two attributes, therefore, make it a perfect streaming VPN.

Users can access virtual private networks from 88 countries across the world. All its servers are P2P friendly and are fitted with built-in blocking to protect users from malicious attacks and phishing sites.

The VPN has flexible security protocols, with OpenVPN and standard IKEv2 protocol being the most preferred options.

Benefits

• No log policy
• Turbocharges performance
• Smooth running
• Top internet connectivity
• Industrial-grade security
• Supports up to 5 simultaneous device connections
• Great customer supports desk
• Simple to configure and use

Activate your subscription plan first before downloading the VPN app in the App Store. Yearly plans usually priced better!

HideMyAss VPN

A subsidiary of security giant Avast, HMA is a popular VPN solution that operates over 1,000 servers in 290 locations across the globe. The VPN only supports IKEv2/IPsec security protocol for iOS devices. It also comes with and in application speed tester that allows you to monitor internet speeds on your device.

Besides its robust protocol, HMA uses AES 256 encryption key to protect users safety from hackers and government surveillance systems. On top of this, this VPN comes with extra security and internet utility features such as a free web proxy, DNS leak testing, IP testing, WebRTC testing, a smart kill switch, and IP shuffling.

Most notably, HideMyAss VPN has a friendly interface and a helpful 24/7 support desk accessible via its website.

Benefits

• Global coverage (1100 servers in 190 countries)
• 110000+ IP addresses
• No-logs policy
• policy
• Fast internet connection
• Great for beginners
• Clean interface
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Allow up to 5 simultaneous device connection per account

Activate your subscription plan first before downloading the VPN app in the App Store. Yearly plans usually priced better!

Which free VPN is best for iPhone?

Well, there has been so much conspiracy surrounding free VPN application for iOS. You will find safety and privacy concerns almost on every internet security forum. For sure, free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad are very tempting while at the same time very dangerous. You should, at all costs, try to avoid using free VPN services.

Most free VPNs on the App store will lure you with free trials and then overcharge you afterward. In so some instances, other VPNs do no to work at all. Some are even scam! In fact, those that work have limited functionality, like slow internet speed, limited bandwidths, limited server access, among others.

Remember, running a VPN service is pure business; it is not a charity! Therefore, free VPN service providers often end up selling your data to third-parties to fund their operations and which could do more harm than good.

Benefits of VPN for iPhone and iPad

• Data safety: VPN apps work to encrypt user- internet interactions making it difficult for hackers to intercept and read your data, thus ensuring safe internet use.
• Wi-Fi safety: Most public networks (public wifi) are unsafe. Therefore, a VPN will come in handy by providing you with a virtual identity/ IP address rendering you untraceable by hackers while using the network.
• Access geo-restricted sites: with a VPN you can access sites such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC, etc. from geo-blocked countries.
• Get cheaper deals: Life hack 🙂 Some online retailers like Amazon customize their prices with regard to a geographical location. For instance, Nike Air shoes may be cheaper in Brazil than in Taiwan. With virtual IP provided by the VPN, you can access Amazon servers from Brazil, taking advantage of the low price. This could save you a few bucks. It works with airline tickets the same way.

How to choose a VPN for iPhone?

Here are a few tips to consider when choosing best vpn for iPhone and other apple products.

• Security: On security, you must consider the encryption and the available security protocols. Best VPN will offer different encryptions 128-bit, 192 -bit and 256-bits. Go for 256-bit encryption VPN for top security.
• Speed: Pick a VPN that does not affect your Internet speed.
• Privacy and logs policy: VPN apps that store user logs are highly risky (usually Free VPNs are guilty for this). Therefore, you should consider only using a strict no-logs policy VPN provider.
• Support and cost: Select a VPN service with 24/7 support. If you are still considering “free” VPNs, carefully review all advantages and disadvantages of using a free vpn. Free VPNs often have interest in collecting data and sell it to third-party institutions, which in the wrong hand could end in a disaster.

Does Apple have a VPN service?

iOS devices like iPhones and iPads do not come with an “already built-in VPN.” On the contrary, they come with an in-built VPN feature that requires users to configure. However, it has limited encryption protocols compared to third-party VPN providers (NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, etc). Also, manual VPN configuration on the iOS device can be challenging for beginners.

Is VPN safe for iOS?

iPhone VPN safety depends on the security protocols in place and how well they have been put into practice. For instance, Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is an insecure protocol, while OpenVPN provides a robust AES 256-bit encryption and 2048-bit RSA authentication.

iPhones using iOS 8 and earlier software run Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) with is a much secure option but slower than PPTP. New iOS devices mostly use Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2), which is much secure and fast. The protocol is quick to reconnect to the internet when the internet signal keeps on changing to either 2G/3G or 4G.

Do you need a VPN on iPhone and iPad?

Apple Inc. is really devoted to ensuring top security for their users. The software is rigid, making it very much resilient to Trojans, Viruses, Spyware, etc.. However, there is always a loophole, especially if you are an internet user. There isn’t much that Apple can do during internet sessions to protect your privacy and keep you safe from snoopers. That is why you need a VPN service for your device. VPN encrypts your internet traffic to a cipher rendering it unreadable by hackers, thus ensuring your internet safety and privacy.

Cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for internet users. In this post we have reviewed some of the best VPN iOS apps for iPhone and iPad that provide data safety and privacy. The above list of premium VPNs offer users top security, fast internet connection, and top customer support. We have also, in detail, addressed several common concerns for VPN iOS app users. Remember, using free VPN for iPhone puts you at a greater risk of hacker attacks and data breaches.

Which one is your favorite VPNs for iOS? Let us know in the comments if you already tried any!

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By Paulina Lifanava, Data Privacy Researcher – Last Update June 16th, 2023