While Apple's iPhones tend to have excellent connectivity, using your mobile data as a hotspot while traveling can be expensive and inconvenient. You might, instead, turn to local hotels, airports, or coffee shops with free Wi-Fi services to get online — but this is a significant security risk, especially if you're traveling in another country — since there's no telling who or what is monitoring your traffic.
We recommend using a virtual private network (VPN) service that works with your iPhone and iPad to keep your data and browsing safe while on the go. Trustworthy VPNs are able to encrypt your traffic, protecting your data from eavesdroppers. And if you're looking to stream content that isn't available in your area, a VPN can potentially unlock access by changing your IP address (although this can be a gray area).
Also: The best travel VPNs
We've tested every top VPN on the market and found the best ones that offer solid iPhone and iPad clients, good performance, and robust security and are suitable for the Apple ecosystem.
What is the best VPN for iPhone and iPad right now?
Based on extensive testing, our pick for the best VPN for iPhone and iPad overall is NordVPN. Recent updates have increased the VPN's server and country availability, and while it is not the cheapest service available, NordVPN is known for its rapid speeds and solid connectivity. Furthermore, the NordVPN iOS app is user-friendly and won't noticeably drain your battery with continual use.
The best VPN services for iPhones and iPads in 2024
NordVPN
Best iPhone and iPad VPN overall
NordVPN is one of the more popular VPN offerings in the App Store. Installing NordVPN on the iPhone is a simple, painless way to secure predictable performance across regions, and the service is compatible with iOS 13.0 or later.
NordVPN's interface is user-friendly, and during testing, we found the service offered consistent, reliable speeds that do not impact streaming services or make a noticeable difference to internet surfing.
It has many tools in addition to a standard VPN service. NordVPN's Onion over VPN is a special category of NordVPN servers that enables Tor capabilities, supports peer-to-peer file sharing, and allows you to connect through a second server for an added layer of protection. You can also set up a dedicated IP address for an additional fee.
Due to recent updates, we now consider this VPN to be one of the best available, combining speed, server availability, reliability, and a high number of simultaneous connections. NordVPN has increased the number of simultaneous connections from six to ten devices. New server locations have also increased from 60 to 111, which now includes Greenland, the Isle of Man, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda.
I've used NordVPN for years and have always been impressed with its stable connectivity and rapid speeds. Customers generally report fast speeds and minimal buffering with easy setup, although some caution that you should turn off auto-renewal.
Review: NordVPN
In addition to iOS, NordVPN runs on all the most popular platforms. Prices start from $3.99 per month on a two-year standard plan, with free mobile data on the Saily global eSIM app thrown in. Yearly plans begin at $4.99/month. If you only want to try out NordVPN for a month, prices begin at $12.99/month.
NordVPN has also recently begun offering additional cybersecurity options, such as identity theft and cyber extortion coverage, under Ultimate plans, which begin at $6.99/month.
NordVPN features: Apple App Store rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 111 | Servers: 6,000+ | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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Surfshark VPN
Best budget iPhone and iPad VPN
Surfshark VPN is an affordable and reliable service. When we reviewed it, we found no information leaks and fast connection times. Luckily, the company doesn't skimp on security. It offers AES-256-GCM, RSA-2048, and Perfect Forward Secrecy encryption. Surfshark supports devices running iOS 10.3 or higher. If you want protection for a macOS machine, you will need macOS 10.15 or later and an active subscription.
Surfshark has many features, including ad and tracker blocking, a data breach scanner, and multi-hop connections (connecting through two servers). This VPN is excellent for iPhone and iPad users because of its user-friendliness, uncomplicated and quick connection process, and reasonable price point.
That said, specific tools aren't available for iOS devices, which is the case across the board. If you want to use the Bypasser tool (Surfshark's split tunneling feature), you must use the Windows or Android app.
I enjoy using Surfshark as a 'one size fits all' VPN solution. Sometimes, the speeds aren't the best while streaming, but connecting is quick. I also appreciate the 'pause' function available, which allows you to resume your normal connection for five minutes, 30 minutes, or a few hours. Customers say that speeds are relatively fast and streaming works the majority of the time, although some have experienced issues with Netflix and other popular content services.
Review: Surfshark VPN
Surfshark often offers promotions to lure new consumers to its plans. Promotions of around 80 — 85% off appear frequently, so consider the discount the VPN provider's typical price range.
You can pay $15.45 for a month of access, $2.79 per month on a one-year plan, or only $2.19 if you are happy to remain a subscriber for at least two years. The VPN provider has also thrown in three months of free access on 12-month and 24-month plans.
Surfshark VPN features: Apple App Store rating: 4.8 | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 100+, 3,200 servers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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ExpressVPN
Best iPhone and iPad VPN for server range and usability
The ExpressVPN app supports iOS back to iOS 12. So, as long as your iPhone or iPad runs on iOS 12 or higher, you can use ExpressVPN. In addition to iOS, it supports all major platforms, including macOS X 10.11 and above. There are browser extensions for Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, and a VPN service for gaming is also available.
If you want the most options for countries to connect to, ExpressVPN has servers located in 105 countries. ExpressVPN ranks among the fastest VPNs, so it shouldn't reduce your connection speeds as much as the average VPN.
Review: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN doesn't maintain browsing history logs, but it does keep track of some information, such as the dates you connect and the location of the VPN server you connect to. The details of what is and isn't logged are stated in ExpressVPN's privacy policy.
I've used ExpressVPN for years and found it to be a speedy, reliable service with a great server network. Concerning customer reviews, many are positive overall, but the pricing model and renewal hikes aren't popular.
Overall, if you're looking for a set-and-forget VPN with decent speeds and user-friendliness, ExpressVPN is a top pick. Each plan is limited to eight simultaneous devices.
Other subscription offers are $9.99 monthly for six months or $12.95 for one month of access. Alternatively, signing up for a 12-month plan is $6.67/month, with three months of free access and a year of Backblaze cloud backup. The iPhone app comes with a 7-day free trial.
ExpressVPN features: Apple App Store rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Chromebook, and more | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Countries: 105 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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IPVanish VPN
Best configurable VPN for iPhone and iPad
IPVanish has depth and plenty of configuration settings for those who want to control almost every aspect of their VPN connection.
While it's not the most stylish VPN with the best interface, IPVanish VPN has many protocols, so you'll always know what to expect regardless of what you're connecting to. The app has an abundance of configuration options, and there's an extensive range of server selection options. The service is also independently security-audited.
Review: IPVanish VPN
IPVanish supports devices back to iOS 14, and clients for macOS are available from 10.11/10.12 and later.
We found IPVanish to be impressively fast and quick to connect. However, it couldn't hide that we connected through a VPN, which could be an issue in countries where internet connectivity and activities are monitored at the state or ISP level. That said, IPVanish's data transfers were secure and provided a good user experience. Customers report they are happy with IPVanish's customer service and the overall speed and reliability of the VPN.
IPVanish is an excellent option for iOS and Mac devices. You can sign up for a two-year plan for $2.19 per month or a yearly subscription for $2.79/month. Alternatively, if you don't want to sign up for the long haul, you can pay $12.99 for a month of access.
IPVanish VPN features: Apple App Store rating: 4.5 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, and Kodi | Logging: None, except billing data | Servers: 2,200+ | Locations: 75 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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Proton VPN
Best free VPN for iPhone and iPad
In general, we recommend you avoid free VPNs. A free VPN service could even make money selling your data, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN to protect your identity, activities, and other information.
Review: Proton VPN
The only situation where using a free VPN wouldn't necessarily come with security concerns is when it's a free version of a reputable paid service, as with Proton VPN. While limited to servers in five countries, you know the plan is supported by paid subscribers, and your data is safe. You won't be bombarded with adverts, either.
Despite poor Trustpilot reviews, many users report a positive experience with this VPN provider, noting its ease of use, low CAPTCHA block rates on websites, and stable connectivity.
If you are interested in adopting the paid version of Proton VPN, you can sign up for a 24-month VPN plan at $4.49/month, a 12-month subscription at $4.99, or a one-month agreement at $9.99. Note that Proton VPN requires iOS 14.0 or later.
ProtonVPN is a Swiss company, but you can make payments in US dollars.
Proton VPN iOS features: Apple App Store rating: 4.6 | Simultaneous connections: 1 (free) Up to 10 (paid) | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: No-logs policy | Customer service: FAQ, email | Data limit: None | Free countries: 5 | Free servers: 100+ | Paid plans: 4,000+ servers in 100 countries
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