The best VPN for iPhone in 2025 (designed for iOS)

You chose an iPhone for a reason. Its powerful security and seamless design create a digital fortress for your personal data. But even the most secure fortress has a vulnerability: the connection it uses to reach the outside world. That’s where a VPN comes in – it protects your internet connection, not just your device.

When you’re using the Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport, your online activity is an open book to your internet provider and potential snoops on the network. The App Store is flooded with options, making the search for the best VPN for iPhone feel like finding a needle in a haystack. How do you know which ones are fast, secure, and won’t drain your battery?

As a cybersecurity analyst and a long-time iPhone user myself, I know that a VPN app for iOS needs to be more than just secure – it needs to feel like a native part of the ecosystem. That’s why we didn’t just read spec sheets. We installed the top contenders on our iPhone 15, timed their connection speeds, and measured their exact battery drain during a one-hour streaming test.

Let’s find the perfect VPN app that complements your iPhone’s security and elegance.

1. The best VPN for iPhone in 2025

After rigorous testing, we’ve narrowed down the choices. Here’s a quick look at our top picks before we dive into the details.

Now, let’s explore why these VPNs earned their spot on our list. We spent weeks using these apps in our daily lives because a VPN for your iPhone should feel like a natural extension of the device – simple, fast, and reliable.

1.1. #1 – ExpressVPN: Best overall for simplicity and performance

ExpressVPN sets the standard for a premium VPN experience on iPhone, prioritizing speed and effortless usability above all else.

iOS App Rating

4.7 / 5

Key Protocol

Lightway

Simultaneous Connections

8

Unique Feature: 
   Lock Screen
   Home Screen Widgets

This is for the iPhone user who values a premium, “set it and forget it” experience. If you want maximum security with zero fuss and an app that feels like it was designed by Apple itself, ExpressVPN is the one.

• App experience: The moment you open the ExpressVPN app, it feels familiar. It follows Apple’s design philosophy perfectly: it’s incredibly clean, minimalist, and built around a single, giant “On” button. There’s no clutter or confusing menus. I’m convinced I could hand my phone to my tech-averse parents, and they’d be connected in seconds without a single question. It just works.
• iOS-specific features: ExpressVPN defaults to its own Lightway protocol, which is the secret sauce behind its rock-solid stability and speed on mobile. It handles the switch from Wi-Fi to 5G seamlessly without dropping the connection. The app also offers handy widgets for your Home Screen and Lock Screen, letting you connect or disconnect without ever needing to open the app itself – a feature I use constantly.
• Performance: As our lab tests showed, ExpressVPN is a top performer. It had the fastest connection time of all our tested VPNs and had a negligible impact on battery life. Streaming 4K video felt exactly the same as it did without the VPN enabled.

1.2. #2 – NordVPN: Best for advanced features and speed

For the iPhone user who wants blazing-fast speeds combined with a powerful suite of security tools, NordVPN is the clear winner.

iOS App Rating

4.7 / 5

Key Protocol
NordLynx
(WireGuard)

Simultaneous Connections

10

Unique Feature: 

Siri Shortcut Integration

This option is for the power user. If you love having extra security features, enjoy tinkering with settings, and want the absolute fastest speeds available, NordVPN offers the best combination of performance and protection.

• App experience: NordVPN takes a more visual approach with its interactive map interface. While some might prefer ExpressVPN’s simplicity, I personally find the map fun – it feels a bit like you’re a secret agent selecting a server location. The app is feature-rich but well-organized and includes a sleek dark mode.
• iOS-specific features: This is where NordVPN shines. It has a built-in Threat Protection Lite feature that blocks ads and malicious trackers at the DNS level. Its standout feature is support for Siri Shortcuts. I set up a simple command, “Hey Siri, quick connect,” which automatically secures my connection as I’m walking out the door. The app uses its custom NordLynx protocol, which is why it aced our speed tests.
• Performance: NordVPN was the undisputed speed champion in our tests, making it a fantastic choice for gamers, streamers, and anyone downloading large files on their iPhone.

1.3. #3 – Surfshark: Best value for the entire Apple ecosystem

Surfshark’s unbeatable value proposition makes it the smartest choice for anyone looking to protect more than just their iPhone.

iOS App Rating

4.8 / 5

Key Protocol

WireGuard

Simultaneous Connections

Unlimited

Unique Feature: 
Unlimited simultaneous connections

Anyone with multiple devices or a family, this is for you. If you want to secure every phone, tablet, and computer in your household without breaking the bank, Surfshark offers the best value on the market, hands down.

• App experience: Surfshark’s app feels modern, bright, and intuitive. It’s easy to navigate, with a clear connect button and a list of server locations that’s simple to search. It also supports dark mode and has a dedicated widget for one-tap connections.
• iOS-specific features: Surfshark’s killer feature isn’t in the app itself, but in its subscription: unlimited simultaneous connections. This is a game-changer. With my single Surfshark subscription, I secured my iPhone, my partner’s iPhone, our iPad for the kids, and my MacBook – all for less than the price of a fancy coffee per month. Inside the app, you get the fast WireGuard protocol and CleanWeb, which effectively blocks ads and pop-ups.
• Performance: While it wasn’t the absolute fastest, Surfshark’s performance was excellent and more than capable for streaming HD content or browsing without any noticeable lag. The connection is stable and reliable.

1.4. #4 – Cyberghost: User-friendly with optimized streaming servers

CyberGhost is the perfect choice for streamers and beginners, taking all the guesswork out of unblocking your favorite content.

iOS App Rating

4.4 / 5

Key Protocol
IKEv2
WireGuard

Simultaneous Connections

7

Unique Feature: 
Dedicated servers for streaming

It’s the best choice for the movie and TV show fanatic. If your primary reason for getting a VPN is to unblock streaming services from around the world, CyberGhost’s easy-to-use, optimized servers make it a top choice.

• App experience: CyberGhost is designed with beginners in mind. Its main screen features a large power button, but its real strength lies in its specialized server lists.
• iOS-specific features: The app has dedicated tabs for servers that are optimized for streaming. For example, instead of guessing which US server works with a specific service, you can just tap the “For Streaming” list and pick the server labeled “Optimized for Netflix US.” It takes all the guesswork out of the process, which I found incredibly helpful for catching my favorite shows while abroad.
• Performance: Speeds are solid and very reliable, especially when using the optimized servers. The app uses the IKEv2 protocol by default, which is known for its stability on iOS, but also offers the speedy WireGuard protocol.

1.5. #5 – Private Internet Access (PIA): Customizable with a proven track record

Private Internet Access stands out with its commitment to transparency and its highly customizable app, appealing to privacy-focused users.

iOS App Rating

4.7 / 5

Key Protocol
WireGuard
OpenVPN

Simultaneous Connections

Unlimited

Unique Feature: 
100% open-source applications

PIA is for the privacy-conscious tech enthusiast. If you want granular control over your connection and value a provider with a long-standing, court-proven no-logs policy, PIA is an excellent and trustworthy choice.

• App experience: PIA’s app is for the user who loves to customize. It offers more settings and technical options on its main screen than any other provider on this list. While this might be overwhelming for a beginner, it’s a paradise for tech enthusiasts.
• iOS-specific features: You can fine-tune everything from the protocol to the level of encryption. PIA also includes an excellent ad-blocker called MACE. A unique feature I appreciate is that its app code is 100% open-source, meaning anyone can inspect it for security vulnerabilities. This shows a huge commitment to transparency.
• Performance: With a massive server network, it’s easy to find a fast, uncongested server. Speeds using the WireGuard protocol are excellent, placing it right behind the top contenders.

2. Safelyo’s iPhone performance lab: The test results

Talk is cheap. Every VPN provider claims their app is the “fastest” and “most lightweight.” We decided to put those claims to the test. Instead of just taking their word for it, we set up our own mini-lab to gather real-world performance data.

To cut through the marketing noise, we used a single iPhone 15 running the latest version of iOS. We tested each leading VPN app under identical conditions, focusing on the modern protocols best suited for iOS – like Lightway, NordLynx (based on WireGuard), and IKEv2. Here’s what we found.

2.1. Speed test: Keeping up with your 5G

A VPN is useless if it slows your connection to a crawl. We ran multiple speed tests on a high-speed Wi-Fi network to measure the drop-off. The results were impressive.

• Baseline (no VPN): 350 Mbps download / 150 Mbps upload
• NordVPN (NordLynx): 331 Mbps download / 142 Mbps upload (Only a ~5% drop)
• ExpressVPN (Lightway): 325 Mbps download / 140 Mbps upload (A ~7% drop)
• Surfshark (WireGuard): 318 Mbps download / 138 Mbps upload (A ~9% drop)

2.2. Battery drain test: Will it last the day?

This was my biggest personal concern. The last thing I want is a background app silently killing my iPhone’s battery. To test this, we charged the iPhone to 100%, connected to a VPN, and streamed a 1-hour YouTube video at full brightness.

Here’s the battery percentage drop we recorded:

• No VPN: 9% drop
• ExpressVPN: 11% drop
• NordVPN: 11% drop
• Surfshark: 12% drop

2.3. Connection time test: From tap to secure

When you need security, you need it now. A clumsy app that takes forever to connect is a deal-breaker. We timed how long it took from tapping the “Connect” button to getting a fully secured connection.

• ExpressVPN: 2.8 seconds
• NordVPN: 3.5 seconds
• Surfshark: 3.9 seconds

Our lab tests proved that modern VPNs are exceptionally well-optimized for iOS. The impact on your iPhone’s speed and battery life is minimal, while the security benefits are massive.

3. Best free VPNs for iPhone (with clear limitations)

While the word “free” is incredibly tempting on the App Store, it’s essential to approach free VPNs with extreme caution. As a cybersecurity professional, I live by the rule: If you’re not paying for the product, you often are the product. Many free VPNs make money by logging your browsing activity and selling it to data brokers.

That said, a few reputable companies offer legitimate free plans as a gateway to their paid services. They come with strict limitations, but they are safe to use. After reviewing dozens, these are the only two I would feel comfortable recommending to a friend.

3.1. Proton VPN: Best for unlimited data and privacy

This is the unicorn of the free VPN world. Proton VPN is offered by the same Swiss-based, privacy-focused team behind the encrypted email service, Proton Mail. Their commitment to privacy extends to their free VPN.

What makes it stand out is its offer of unlimited free data. This is almost unheard of. You can turn it on and leave it running for basic browsing and securing public Wi-Fi connections without ever worrying about hitting a cap. I often use it myself for simple tasks like checking my bank account from a cafe network, just for that extra peace of mind.

The catch? The free plan limits you to servers in only a few countries, and the speeds are intentionally slower than on their paid plans. It’s fantastic for security, but you’ll likely struggle to stream video without buffering.

3.2. Hide.me: Best free VPN with more features

If Proton’s limited server selection is too restrictive, Hide.me is an excellent alternative. It provides a generous 10GB of data per month on its free plan, which is a significant amount.

I found that 10GB is enough to secure my connection for a month of casual browsing, sending emails, and scrolling through social media. However, it ran out pretty quickly after I streamed two or three full-length movies in HD. Think of it as a great “free sample” – perfect for securing your connection when you travel or use public Wi-Fi occasionally, but not for everyday, heavy use. You also get access to more server locations than with Proton’s free plan.

FREE iPhone VPNS TO AVOID ON THE APP STORE

Your iPhone is a premium device; don’t compromise its security with a shady app. My security analyst’s senses start tingling when I see these red flags:

• Vague privacy policy: If the policy is confusing or doesn’t clearly state “we do not log your activity,” delete the app. If you can’t easily understand how they make money, they are probably making it from your data.
• Requests for unnecessary permissions: A VPN app has no business asking for access to your contacts, microphone, or photos. This is a massive red flag that suggests the app has ulterior motives.
• An interface filled with ads: These ads aren’t just annoying. They can be a security risk themselves, tracking you across the web or leading you to malicious websites. A reputable VPN service will never bombard you with third-party ads.

4. Why your iPhone needs a VPN (even with Apple’s powerful security)

It’s a common and fair question: “If my iPhone is so secure, why do I need to add anything else?” It’s true, Apple has done a phenomenal job building an impenetrable digital fortress to protect what’s on your device. But a VPN doesn’t protect your phone; it protects your phone’s connection to the internet.

Think of it this way: your iPhone is a secure armored truck. But that truck still has to drive on public roads – and those roads can be full of potholes and prying eyes. A VPN builds a private, encrypted tunnel just for your truck, making your journey invisible and secure from start to finish.

4.1. Public wi-fi is still the weak link

I love the freedom of working from a local coffee shop or catching up on emails while waiting for a flight. But every time you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you’re on one of those public roads.

Without a VPN, your data travels like a postcard. Anyone with a little know-how on the same network – a bored tech student or a malicious actor – could potentially read your message. They could see which websites you’re visiting or what you’re typing into unsecured forms.

With a VPN, that “postcard” is sealed inside a locked, steel briefcase. A VPN turns any public hotspot into your own private network.

4.2. Your internet provider is always watching

Even in the comfort of your own home, using your own “secure” Wi-Fi, there’s a watcher you can’t avoid: your internet service provider (ISP). In many countries, including the US, your ISP can legally track and log every website you visit.

They might use this data for targeted advertising or sell anonymized versions of it to third parties. Frankly, I don’t believe Comcast or Verizon needs a detailed log of my browsing history. A VPN solves this instantly. It encrypts your traffic, so all your ISP can see is that you’re connected to a VPN server. It hands your digital privacy back to you.

4.3. Access a world of content

This is where the fun begins. Have you ever gotten that frustrating “content not available in your region” message?

Last year, I was traveling in Europe and wanted to catch up on a show that’s only on US Netflix. The library was completely different. With a single tap, I connected my VPN to a server back in New York, refreshed the Netflix app, and voilà – my home library appeared as if I never left. This works for accessing sports broadcasts, news sites, and different shopping deals, too. It unlocks a more global and open internet.

4.4. Seamless protection across your Apple ecosystem

This is a huge plus for anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem, like me. The best VPN providers know that you don’t just own an iPhone.

My single subscription to a premium VPN runs on my iPhone 15, my iPad that I use for streaming, and my MacBook for work. They all work in harmony under one account. You don’t need to buy separate services for each device. It’s a simple way to secure your entire digital life.

5. How to manually set up a VPN on your iPhone

While the dedicated apps from providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN are by far the easiest and most feature-rich way to use a VPN, it’s good to know that your iPhone has a built-in function to connect manually.

This is most commonly used for connecting to a private network, like one provided by your university or workplace. I’ve used this feature in the past to access my company’s internal servers while working remotely. If your IT department gives you a set of VPN credentials, this is where you’ll enter them.

It’s a straightforward process. Here’s how you do it:

1. Go to settings. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on General.
2. Find VPN & device management. Scroll down and tap on VPN & Device Management.
3. Add VPN configuration. Tap on VPN, and then select Add VPN Configuration…
4. Enter the server details. On this screen, you’ll need to select the protocol type (your provider will tell you which one to use, like IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP). Then, carefully fill in the description, server address, and login details they provided.
5. Save and connect. Tap Done to save the configuration. Now, you’ll see a new toggle switch in the VPN settings menu. Just tap it to connect or disconnect from your manually configured network.

Again, for 99% of users, a dedicated app is the superior choice. You get access to hundreds of server locations, features like a kill switch, optimized protocols, and one-tap connections – none of which you get with a manual setup. But for those rare cases when you need it, you now know exactly how it works.

6. FAQ about the best VPN for iPhone

We get a lot of questions about how VPNs work, specifically with iPhones. To help clear things up, here are quick, direct answers to the most common queries we receive.

7. Conclusion

Your iPhone is a fortress designed to protect your personal data, but its connection to the internet is the one bridge that needs a dedicated guard. Without a VPN, your online activities are exposed on public Wi-Fi and visible to your internet provider. Choosing the right service ensures that your digital life is as secure and private as the device you hold in your hand.

To help you make the right choice, here are the key things to remember from our tests on the best VPN for iPhone:

• Your iPhone Needs a Guard: Apple’s security protects your device, but a VPN protects your internet connection – the two work together for complete security.
• Performance is Not an Issue: Our lab tests proved that the best VPNs have a minimal impact on your iPhone’s speed and battery life.
• The App Experience is Everything: Look for apps with iOS-native features like widgets and Siri shortcuts for a truly seamless experience.
• Our Top Picks Deliver: ExpressVPN offers unmatched simplicity, NordVPN provides industry-leading speed and features, and Surfshark delivers incredible value for the entire Apple ecosystem.

At Safelyo, we believe securing your digital life shouldn’t be complicated. By selecting a trusted provider from this guide, you’re not just buying an app; you’re investing in your online privacy. Explore our full list of the best VPN services, download your chosen app from the App Store, and enjoy a safer, more open internet in seconds.