Top 5 VPNs for iPhone in 2025: Fast, Secure, and Easy to Use
Looking for a VPN for your iPhone can be a bit tricky, given that most articles and reviews about VPNs out there are written from the point of view of Android and Windows users. This can be problematic, given that the same VPN services can have different features and aspects for different operational systems and what’s best for Android isn’t always great for iOS.
So, to help bring some clarity to the issue, here are the 5 best VPNs for iPhone in 2025 and how to choose between them.
Short on Time? Our Top VPN Picks for iPhone:
Exceptional speeds with good privacy tools and thousands of servers all around the world.
A great all-around package of speed, security, and convenience through lots of quality-of-life features.
A very affordable VPN with excellent privacy tools and some unique features for iOS.
Arguably the best bang for your buck VPN with great speeds and security at low monthly subscription rates.
The best free VPN for iOS with unlimited data, great security tools, and extra features for paid subscribers
Why Looking for a VPN for iPhone Is More Difficult Than for Other Platforms?
Choosing a VPN for an iPhone shouldn’t be much different than choosing a VPN for an Android phone. At the end of the day, the way we usually recommend what VPN you should go for is based on what you’re going to do with it and what you need from it. In most cases, people want to prioritize either speed or security (or a mixture of both).
When it comes to iOS and MacOS devices, however, the issue is a bit different – which of the VPNs that are good for Android and Windows are still good for iOS and MacOS too? Unfortunately, even when it comes to the best VPNs out there, some features Android users have grown accustomed to are usually lacking for iOS. The most obvious example of that is the lack of split tunneling on most of the best VPNs out there. Some other issues also stem from the iOS itself, but we’ll leave these for the FAQ, as they appear to be the same for all VPNs.
So, below we’ll list the five best-performing VPNs for iOS as of 2025. Which of them you choose should likely be based on your own preferences and needs, as each of them is better for some things than the rest.
5 Best VPNs for iPhone in 2025
1. NordVPN – The Fastest Possible Speeds You Can Get from an iPhone VPN
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for any operating system and is our top pick for iPhones in particular. While NordVPN is one of those VPNs that is missing its split tunneling feature on iOS, all the rest of its toolkit is intact and available for iPhone users.
The top speeds, the huge server base, and the great security tools, all coming at a better-than-average monthly rate are all we probably need to mention for this VPN, but let’s go over its key features next as well.
NordVPN was also is the top of our list for the best VPNs for Mac.
Key Features
NordVPN retains most of its impressive toolkit for iOS and has much to offer its users. Here are the highlights:
Little to no speed loss. Most VPNs slow down your internet speed at least a little by virtue of processing all incoming and outgoing traffic. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is so fast, however, and the VPN’s server fleet is so massive, that the speeds through NordVPN on iOS are better than any other provider.
Excellent unblocking of geo-restrictions. If you’re looking for a VPN to unblock restricted streaming services or foreign mobile gaming servers on your iPhone, NordVPN’s excellent unblocking tools have passed all our tests.
Kill switch. Having a good kill switch on your VPN is essential for cutting out your Internet connection the moment the VPN drops at an inopportune time.
Threat protection. If you don’t have an anti-virus on your iPhone, Nord’s Threat Protection тoolkit can help keep you safe from malicious sites or trackers.
DNS leak protection. Nord is one of the best VPNs for iOS for keeping your data from leaking after you as you browse around. iPhones do have a problem with that, however, so you’d want to check the FAQ below.
Specialized servers. NordVPN offers not only servers in various locations, but also specialized Double VPN servers, obfuscated servers, Onion over VPN (aka Tor over VPN), and others.
Pros
- The best server speeds you can find for iOS right now
- Over 7100+ servers worldwide
- Top-notch stream unblocking performance
- Audited no-logs policy
- Obfuscated servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No router app as of writing this
- Just 10 simultaneous connections per subscription
- No split tunneling on iOS
2. ExpressVPN – The Complete VPN Package for iPhones
Thanks to $4.99 being its lowest possible monthly rate (barring any special discounts and promotions), ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. The only other close to it is Proton VPN’s paid subscription (which may sometimes be higher, based on the current Euro/USD conversion rate, but currently isn’t), but Proton has a free version too.
This can be a turn-off for some people, even despite the free 7-day trial, but for those who don’t mind the price tag, ExpressVPN offers probably the most complete package of features one can want from a VPN right now. Its speeds are comparable to those of NordVPN and are only slightly slower in some regions and ExpressVPN is also lacking split tunneling for iOS. Other than that, however, this VPN has a lot to offer.
Key Features
If you want a VPN that’s good for both speed and security, as well as just about everything else, here’s what you can get with ExpressVPN:
Stable and fast speeds on iOS. If you’re looking for gaming or streaming on your iPhone, ExpressVPN’s Lightway offers excellent and stable speeds. The only thing putting NordVPN ahead in some parts of the world is the broader server base.
Military-grade encryption. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption for its protocols, offering excellent security for every situation.
Audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which is to say that they don’t keep any of your personal data on their servers and everything gets deleted once you’re done with a given server.
Threat Manager. The Threat Manager feature on ExpressVPN works very well to protect you from online trackers or untrustworthy websites.
Kill switch. ExpressVPN has an excellent kill switch to keep your data safe whenever your VPN connection drops for whatever reason.
User-friendly iOS app UI. ExpressVPN is one of the easiest and most convenient VPNs for newcomers to get into on any operating system, including iOS.
Pros
- Impressively fast server speeds with minimal speed loss on iOS
- Excellent unblocking tools for streaming and gaming
- Great privacy and security features
- Server obfuscation available for iOS
- An above-average number of servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 8 simultaneous connections per account
- No split tunneling on iOS
- ExpressVPN is among the pricier VPNs both on this list and in general
3. Private Internet Access VPN – A Very Affordable iPhone VPN with Great Privacy Features
The Private Internet Access VPN is one of the best choices for those who just want a private, secure, and transparent VPN without overpaying for it. It’s also only one of two (good) choices for getting split tunneling on an iPhone. It is lacking in speed and some more advanced (and optional) features other VPNs have, however, which is to be expected for the price.
Key Features
Despite the lack of certain extras other VPNs offer, PIA does have all the necessities one could want to keep their iPhone safe:
Broad server network. PIA offers access to over 35,000 servers in 91 countries. Not all of those servers belong to them, however, but are lent to PIA from other networks.
Strong encryption. Like ExpressVPN, PIA has both AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption on its OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols respectively.
No-logs policy. PIA also offers an audited no-logs policy, which is a must for any top VPN. PIA is in the jurisdiction of the US government, however, which is a part of the Five Eyes Alliance. The VPN has passed all audits successfully as of yet, but the US jurisdiction is still worrying for many people.
Good unblocking tools. For those wanting to be able to unlock restricted gaming or streaming content on their iOS, PIA offers good unblocking capabilities for content all over the world.
Split tunneling. The first of two VPNs on this list to maintain its split tunneling feature on iOS, PIA allows you to turn it off for certain apps and sites while keeping it on for others.
RAM-only server infrastructure. A great tool to further aid with your privacy, PIA’s RAM-only servers make sure that no data is stored on any server you use.
Pros
- Very affordable monthly subscription
- Great privacy and transparency tools
- Unlimited simultaneous connections per account
- Strong unblocking tools for getting past geo-restrictions
- Good server network encompassing 91 different countries
- Split tunneling on iOS
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only moderate connection speeds despite the broad server network
- Lacks certain advanced features other VPNs have
- US jurisdiction casts a shadow on no-logs policy
4. Surfshark – The Best Value-for-Money iPhone VPN for Those Who Don’t Want to Overpay
Another very budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to overspend, Surfshark’s long-term subscription plans cost about as much as PIA’s but this VPN offers much better speeds and a whole host of additional features.
Key Features
Surfshark is one of very few VPNs to keep all its key features in the transition from Android to iOS:
Unlimited simultaneous connections and device compatibility. Surfshark is better than most other VPNs at working on various kinds of devices, including ones that don’t normally support VPNs like an Apple TV. The addition of unlimited connections per account only makes this more convenient.
Split tunneling. With Surfshark, as with Private Internet Access VPN, you can use split tunneling to customize which apps’ and sites’ traffic goes through your VPN and which – does not.
Fast speeds for iOS browsing, streaming, and gaming. Thanks to its decent server base and fast WireGuard protocol, Surfshark allows for minimal speed loss, buffer-free streaming and video loading, as well as lag-free gaming.
Top-notch encryption. Surfshark utilizes both the AES-256 block cipher and the ChaCha20 stream cipher for its protocols, giving users very good security.
DNS leak protection. Like any other VPN working on an iOS, Surfshark isn’t immune to leaks because the iOS itself has been having issues for years in this regard (more on that in the FAQ below). On its own, however, Surfshark’s DNS leak protection is quite excellent at protecting you from accidentally leaving your personal data on sites you visit.
Unblocking geo-restrictions. If you want to be able to access any geo-restricted content on your iPhone, Surfshark makes it easy to break through any restrictions.
Strong no-logs policy. Surfshark is committed to never storing any personal data on its servers, with all info getting wiped on a daily basis.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections and great device compatibility
- Various specialized servers, such as MultiHop servers, obfuscated servers, and others
- Great unblocking capabilities for streaming and gaming
- Quite fast speeds
- Split tunneling for iOS
- Browsing safety and privacy features
- Strict no-logs policy
- Has split tunneling on iOS
Cons
- A relatively modest server fleet, which can mean slower speeds in some parts of the world
- Surfshark is only really affordable if you pick a long-term subscription, as the monthly plans are among the most expensive on the market
5. Proton VPN – The Best Free VPN for iPhones on the Market
Proton VPN is simultaneously free and one of the more expensive VPNs out there. It’s up to you whether you’d go with the VPN’s free version or spend close to $5 a month for the premium subscription. Fortunately, Proton’s free subscription is also quite good, including on iOS, which is why Proton has earned a spot on this list.
Key Features
Even though Proton’s paid subscription offers many more (and better) features, you’ll find that many of the key features listed here apply to its free subscription too:
Larger server network. Like PIA, Proton VPN boasts a rather large fleet of servers, but only a few hundred of them actually belong to Proton, with the rest being loaned from other networks. They still offer excellent coverage, however, that’s mostly just the case for paid subscribers. Free users, on the other hand only get to use Proton’s servers in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Unlimited data for free users. Whereas other VPNs only offer a few hundred MB of data per month for users of their free version (effectively turning it into just a free trial), Proton’s free version offers unlimited data per month every month, making it very much usable for as long as you want.
Top security protocols. Proton uses the same OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols most other top VPNs use, but it also has its own Stealth protocol for those looking for a bit extra privacy when they roam the internet.
Strict and audited no-logs policy. Proton VPN takes transparency very seriously and has passed a lot of independent audits regarding its privacy features, such as its no-logs policy. And, indeed, Proton VPN doesn’t keep any of your personal data stored once you’re done using a given server of theirs.
Decent unblocking of geo-restrictions. If streaming or gaming on your iPhone is among your interests, Proton offers above-average unblocking capabilities.
Pros
- Great privacy and security tools for iOS
- Impressively large server network and not just for a free VPN but in general
- Even the free version doesn’t put a monthly data limit, as most other free VPNs do
- Decent speeds
- Smooth user interface for iO
Cons
- Lack of RAM-only servers
- Speeds may be decent but aren’t quite fast enough for zero-latency gaming or streaming
- No split tunneling on iOS
- The paid version is as pricey as ExpressVPN’s but isn’t quite on the same level
Quick Comparison Table: VPN Features
If all the of above felt a bit overwhelming and convoluted, here’s a quick comparison chart to help you sort out some of the more important parts:
| VPN Name | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access VPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest Monthly Price | $2.99 | $4.99 | €1.79 (~$2, depending on conversion rates) | $1.99 | Free or €4.49 per month (~$4.60 to $5) |
| Specialized Servers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling on iPhone | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audited No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscation | Available on OpenVPN (TCP) and OpenVPN (UDP) protocols, not on NordLynx | Has obfuscated servers | Has server obfuscation feature | Has obfuscated servers | Has obfuscated servers |
| Payment Methods | Credit card, cryptocurrency, PayPal, Sofort, prepaid (debit) card, and more. | Credit card, debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more. | Debit and credit card, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrency. | Credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, cryptocurrency, and more. | Credit or debit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, cash, or bank transfer. |
| Live Chat Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which Is the ideal VPN for your iPhone?
We chose the five VPNs we’ve listed above based on how many (and how significant) features they have on iOS, since many VPNs have fewer features on iOS and MacOS than they do on Android and Windows. However, as far as which of those five is the ideal VPN for you, that depends on what you want to use it for and what are your personal preferences.
If you don’t want to pay for a VPN but you want good protection and the occasional stream unblocking capabilities of a VPN, Proton is the best free VPN you’ll find on the market.
If you want a paid but affordable VPN, Surfshark and Private Internet Access are both fantastic, with PIA focusing more on privacy and transparency while Surfshark has better speed and extra quality-of-life features. Plus, both have split tunneling, which is a great rarity on iOS.
If you want the fastest possible speeds for streaming and gaming, NordVPN should probably be your first choice. This is the case worldwide, including in and around Southeast Asia, as not many VPNs except NordVPN have large enough server fleets there.
ExpressVPN is there for those who put an extra emphasis on privacy, security, and transparency, who don’t want to compromise on speed too much either, and who are willing to pay a little extra for the complete VPN package.
To summarize, the best VPNs for iPhone in 2025 are:
| Rank | Provider | Overall Score | Best Deal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Save 68%
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2
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Save 61%
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Save 83%
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Save 86%
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Save 55%
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Visit website |
FAQ about VPNs for iPhone
Many Windows and Android users may take the split tunneling feature of their VPNs for granted, but Mac and iOS users can’t say the same. Even though split tunneling is a staple feature of any self-respecting VPN on Android, there are some technical quirks in iOS and MacOS that make split tunneling incredibly difficult to implement.
There are a few VPNs that have managed, with Surfshark and Private Internet Access VPN being our two preferred choices, but even many industry giants like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN continue to lack this feature on iOS.
No, iPhones don’t have a built-in VPN app, although iOS has a built-in VPN client that allows you to connect to a VPN server. This is not much better than using a proxy server, however, and for having the full VPN experience on iOS it’s still strongly advisable and very quick and easy to just get any of the various good VPNs available on the app store – some for free, some for a very modest monthly rate.
iPhone VPNs continue to have a major issue of leaking unencrypted traffic outside the VPN tunnel. However, this issue isn’t down to the individual VPN but to the iOS itself, which is why it happens to all iPhone VPNS. What’s more, this issue has been well-known for years and is still around as of the start of 2025 according to our testing.
There is a solution to it too, however. In 2020, Proton VPN outlined a trick in a blog article – first, connect to a VPN server, then activate Airplane mode on your phone (killing both your Internet and your VPN connections), then turn Airplane mode off again. Doing so allows your VPN to reconnect all internet connections through the VPN tunnel, leaving none outside of it. For this to work, it needs to be done every time you turn on your VPN.
The only problem (outside the sheer annoyance factor of having to turn Airplane mode on and off every time) is that even this trick doesn’t work all the time and fails more often on some VPNs than on others even though the problem is in the iOS itself. The VPNs we’ve listed here have an easier time fixing the problem with the above trick than all others, at least according to our testing.
Installing a VPN on your iPhone is as simple as downloading and installing any other app is. Just go to the app store, pick your preferred VPN, download and install it, add your login info, and pick your plan – free subscription, a free trial, a monthly, yearly, or biannual plan, or whatever other type of subscription the VPN offers – and then open the app.
Once you’re in, the first thing you’ll probably want to do is to connect to a server, but any VPN app will typically make that very clear and easy to do, with many even having an auto-connect option.
That depends. It’s highly subjective whether someone “needs” something or not. If you don’t keep any sensitive data on your iPhone, don’t travel a lot, and don’t use it too much, it can be said that you don’t really need a VPN (although having one will still bring you an extra measure of security, as even a rarely-used iPhone still contains lots of sensitive personal data in it).
However, if you do pretty much anything of significance on your iPhone, such as keeping your online banking on it, answering emails and other messaging apps, or even just browsing around social media, having a good VPN is as close to a must-have as it gets, even just for the sheer protection it offers.