Our top recommendations for best VPNs for iPhone 2019 are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost and others based on these 12 factors.
Undoubtedly, iPhone’s design is highly impeccable, but its security, not so much. After the arrival of iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, the importance of using a VPN has grown to an unimaginable extent.
A bug can expose your crucial data to third-party keyboard apps like SwiftKey or Google’s (GOOGL) if you use them on different iPhone devices as warned by Apple.
Apple iPhone (11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max) features would be highly tempting for mobile lovers and pixel enthusiasts but again these features are not worth it if you are still vulnerable online as illustrated above.
11 Best iPhone VPNs in 2019
Here is the list of industry’s best VPN on iPhone examined on our 12-factor criteria:
- ExpressVPN [$8.32/mo]- Best All-Round iPhone VPN
- NordVPN [$3.49/mo]- The Most Secure VPN for All Apple Devices
- SurfShark [$1.99/mo]- An Affordable VPN Service with Unlimited Multi-Login Feature
- PureVPN [$2.95/mo]- Good Speed with Strong Encryption
- CyberGhost [$2.75/mo]- Ranks High in Productivity Chart by iTunes Store
- IPVanish [$6.49/mo]- A Popular VPN Client for iPhone
- Ivacy [$2.25/mo]- A Safe VPN App for iPhone Device
- VyprVPN [$5.50/mo]- Best VPN to protect iPhone & other iOS devices
- TunnelBear [$4.99/mo]- A Freemium VPN with Highest Rating on iTunes Store
- Private Internet Access [$3.49/mo]- Simple and Easy to Setup
- HideMyAss [$4.29/mo]- The Fastest VPN for iOS
Before you swipe through our best iOS VPNs list, just gets a glimpse of our video guide showing these VPNs briefly:
#1. ExpressVPN – Best All-Round iPhone VPN
Server: 3,000+ | Countries: 94 | Multi-Logins: 5| Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 4.6 | Price: $8.32
ExpressVPN is our top recommendation when it comes to protecting your online privacy while using different iPhone devices. It has a fast speed, strongest encryption, and has a good number of VPN servers.
It is one of the oldest VPNs around and every time we see there’s a ton of reviews added up on this list.
The app has 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 41.6 k reviews. It works with all iOS devices including iOS 10.0 version or later. On the productivity front, it is ranked #50 currently.
ExpressVPN app’s size is 58.7 MB, which is a bit on the heavier side. Likewise, mostly users have appreciated the app performance in general.
However, few users have raised concerns over its usability and performance after the recent update. From users’ privacy point of view, the service mainly hails from a safe jurisdiction that is British Virgin Island (BVI).
Furthermore, ExpressVPN has never kept any logs as the service proved its innocence when their servers were seized in Turkey that held no useful information during the assassination of Andrey Karlov.
From leaks perspective, it usually passes various app fitness tests like IP leak, DNS leak, WebRTC and virus check as well.
You may consider it as one of the fastest VPN for iPhone available in the industry that offers excellent connection speeds while connected to different servers. Luckily, you can connect to 3000+ servers from any part of the world instantly. And because of it’s great speed, it’s also one of the best vpn for streaming.
The provider has recently been audited itself through third-party firm PWC to claim itself one of the most transparent VPNs. On the other hand, it offers some pricey pricing plans that you can avail at the cost of $8.32, $9.99 and $12.95 on monthly basis respectively.
#2. NordVPN – The Most Secure VPN for All Apple Devices
Server: 5,600+ | Countries: 60 | Multi-Logins: 6 | Encryption: 256-bit Double Encryption| iTunes Rating: 4.6 | Price: $3.49
NordVPN is one of the best VPN for iPhone in terms of encryption. It has a double VPN encryption feature which makes it most secure for browsing on your iPhone. It’s greater number of servers (5,600+) is also the reason why you should go for this VPN service.
Its iOS VPN app has received 4.6 out of 5 stars rating evaluated based on 64.7K reviews just like ExpressVPN. The app supports iOS 9.0 version or later. It is Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPad touch.
However, its app size lies at the highest side i.e. 141.8 Mb and has received an impressive #30 ranking on productivity account. From the users’ point of view, the app is affordable and easy to use.
That said, different users have questioned its overall performance too. Still, it is included in the list of best mobile VPNs due to its safe jurisdiction. Interestingly, the service does not store its subscribers’ usage or connection logs at all.
The app is secure as it won’t reveal your DNS, IP or WebRTC information online. The service provides decent speeds that are enough for streaming and other tasks. The provider has not published any kind of transparency report but has described its first audit of no-logs policy. Likewise, you are free to connect to any server to your liking from 5600+ servers.
The app offers different packages that you can avail at the cost of $3.49, $4.99, $6.99 and $11.95 on a monthly basis.
#3. Surfshark – An Affordable VPN Service with Unlimited Multi-Login Feature
Server: 1,000+ | Countries: 60+ | Multi-Logins: Unlimited | Encryption: AES-256-GCM | iTunes Rating: 3.8 | Price: $1.99
The affordable price comes from the newest iOS VPN service. Surfshark is recommended not just for its good price, but also because you can connect to unlimited devices with just a single Surfshark account.
The iOS app of Surfshark is lightweight as compared to other VPNs like NordVPN. You will have to remove just 94.7 Mb space from your iPhone to install the app. Moreover, it is compatible with iOS 9.3 including other versions alongside iPad and iPod touch.
On the contrary, its productivity rank is still unknown but has received 3.8 stars rating out of 5 stars based on 139 reviews. Most users have appreciated its impressive tunneling protocol feature. Conversely, different users have anticipated issues while using the app in China.
The service does not keep connection or usage logs either and belongs to a user-friendly country British Virgin Island (BVI). The service does not disappoint its users when it comes to streaming as it offers appreciable connection speeds.
In terms of privacy, it offers one of the best VPN apps for iPhone that protects your IP, DNS or WebRTC data completely. The provider has not published any sort of transparency report officially.
You may connect from the list of 1000+ servers available in 60+ countries worldwide to secure your online identity. You can pay $1.99, $5.99 and $12.95 on monthly basis respectively.
#4. PureVPN – Good Speed with Strong Encryption
Server: 2,000+ | Countries: 140+ | Multi-Logins: 5 | Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 3.8 | Price: $2.95 (73% off)
PureVPN is another good iOS VPN that is apparently new to the iTunes Store but offers the highest encryption and a great number of server locations. Its price is the stand-out feature.
The app has earned 3.8 out of 5.0 stars rating based on 721 reviews but it is understandable. This is because the parent company has recently launched its VPN app for iOS on App Store recently.
PureVPN has a lightweight 47.1 MB app for its iPhone users. It requires iOS 10.0 or later and works with iPhone, iPad, and iPad touch. However, users don’t like the performance in terms of downloads and usability.
On a brighter side, the provider is based in Hong Kong, which is good to know from jurisdiction perspective and delivers outstanding speed as well. The service does not keep connection or usage logs of its users. It does not expose your sensitive information online too.
For its lowest and most affordable price, PureVPN is surely the best cheap VPN for iPhone. You can use its 2000+ service along with other features after paying $2.75, $2.95, $ 3.29 and $10.95 per month accordingly.
#5. CyberGhost – Ranks High in Productivity Chart by iTunes Store
Server: 5,900+ | Countries: 89 | Multi-Logins: 7 | Encryption: 256-bit military-grade | iTunes Rating: 4.5 | Price: $2.75
CyberGhost is also our top choice because it has been ranked at #5 in the Productivity Chart by iTunes Store. It can be connected with up to 7 devices simultaneously and has military-grade encryption.
It has one of the top VPN apps for iPhone because it has an impressive app in its armory that improves its users’ anonymity next level. It has obtained an excellent 4.4 out of 5 stars rating based on 14,800+ reviews.
The app needs iOS 9.3 or later. It works with iPhone, iPad and iPad touch. Mostly subscribers have praised its performance in areas like multi-login, refund policy, jurisdiction, and speeds.
Nevertheless, the app takes a lot of space because it is 95.3 MB weight wise. To our surprise, the service has one of the largest 5,900+ server networks that allow you to select your desired server hassle-free.
The service belongs to Romania that is not a part of 5 eyes, 9 eyes, or 14 eyes but stores connection logs. It is secure enough to hide your IP, DNS or other information and has decent streaming speeds.
You can avail the service free as well as subscribe to its premium packages after paying $2.75, $3.69, $5.99 and $12.99 per month. It offers a generous 45-days refund policy to its users.
#6. IPVanish – A Popular VPN Client for iPhone
Server: 1,300+ | Countries: 75+ | Multi-Logins: 10 | Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 4.5 | Price: $6.49
It delivers great performance on a consistent basis and is popular amongst VPN users of iPhone with over 30,000 reviews on App Store. It offers an extraordinary 10 multi-login feature.
IPVanish has received 4.5 out of 5 Stars based on 30K+ reviews. Its app supports iOS 10.0 version or later but you have to update the app first. Still, it has one of the smallest iOS app file size devices in terms of size.
Interestingly, the iPhone app has received mixed responses from users on iTunes. Fortunately, it does not keep users’ log and protect users from various leaks such as IP, DNS or WebRTC.
Conversely, the provider is a US-based iOS VPN service and it is a major cause of concern surely. It does not provide any transparency report but exists in all the major countries of the world through 1300+ servers in 75+ countries.
From a speed point of view, it does not offer eye-catching but is reasonable. You can pay $6.49, $8.99 and $10.00 per month to use the service. It only offers a 7-day money-back guarantee to its new users.
#7. Ivacy – A Safe VPN App for iPhone Device
Server: 1,000 | Countries: 100+ | Multi-Logins: 5 | Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 4.4 | Price: $2.25
Ivacy has a collection of appealing features that is why it makes it to our list of best iPhone VPN. It has a good number of servers (1,000), affordable price ($2.25), and decent encryption.
There is no denying Ivacy has one of the best VPN apps for iPhone that safeguards iOS users privacy completely. This is because it does not reveal your actual whereabouts be it IP, DNS or WebRTC data.
The app needs iOS 10.0 or later and is compatible with all iOS devices but has one of the largest 186.5 MB file size. However, all the users have liked its different benefits in the shape of speed, connectivity, compatibility, price, logging, and support.
The service is based in Singapore that works as a close ally of eyes territories but does not keep connection or usage logs. It offers efficient connection speeds that help you watch your favorite media content.
It has 1000+ servers accessible in 100+ locations and an attractive 30 days refund policy that you can use after paying $2.25, $3.33 and $9.99 on a monthly basis respectively. However, the provider should publish a transparency report at the earliest.
#8. VyprVPN – Best VPN to Protect iPhone & other iOS devices
Server: 700 | Countries: 70+ | Multi-Logins: Up to 5 | Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 4.3 | Price: $5
VyprVPN iOS app is user-friendly that has a simple interface and allows you to connect to a faster server at a single click. It also unblocks Netflix but not-so-good overall speed.
VyprVPN has one of the most secure iPhone VPN apps that work well on iOS 10.0 version or later considerably. It is compatible with iPad and iPod Touch as well. The App Store has not ranked the app productivity-wise.
It has received 4.4 Out of 5.0 stars rating based on 4.3K+ reviews. Different users have appreciated its multi-login feature. On the other hand, few users didn’t like its disconnection issues to a certain extent.
However, the app is safe enough due to its effective privacy attributes like IP, DNS or WebRTC leak protection. Being a product of Golden Frog product, its iPhone app file size is only 61.9 MB.
From the jurisdiction point of view, it hails from Switzerland that does not have any direct association with eyes countries. You may select your desired server from the list of 700+ servers available in 70+ countries.
#9. TunnelBear – A Freemium VPN with Highest Rating on iTunes Store
Server: 22+ | Countries: 22 | Multi-Logins: 5 | Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 4.6 | Price: Free & $4.99
TunnelBear has a free and paid VPN subscription plan with decent encryption. It covers 22 countries and gives 5 multi-login feature. It also has the highest rating (4.6) on iTunes based on 29.2k reviews. The service is ranked at #128 productivity-wise currently.
Its iOS VPN app has one of the lightest file that is 53.9 MB in size. The app needs iOS 10.0 or later to be installed on all kinds of iOS devices. Surprisingly, the service has not gone well among its iPhone app users a great deal.
They have complained regarding connectivity and performance hassles. Likewise, it only offers 22+ servers in 22+ countries. It is safe to use because it protects from different privacy leaks like IP, DNS or WebRTC.
The service has an unsafe jurisdiction that is Canada that share its users’ information with other 5 eyes partners. Moreover, it keeps connection logs, which is an annoying thing from users’ privacy point of view.
The service has published a transparency report in the past. To our surprise, you may have to deal with below-average connection speed while streaming your favorite TV shows or movies.
In terms of pricing, you will have to pay $9.99, $4.99, and $5.75 per month to use this Canadian VPN service. In addition, you may experience its 30 days money-back guarantee.
#10. Private Internet Access – Simple and Easy to Setup
Server: 3,380+ | Countries: 32 | Multi-Logins: 10 | Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 4.6 | Price: $3.49
Private Internet Access offers a lot of quality apps for all devices including iOS. But most importantly, it is easier to setup and connects on all device. One PIA account can be used on 10 simultaneous connection.
Private Internet Access has earned a highly commendable 4.6 out of 5 stars rating based on 34.8k reviews. The Apple Store has not ranked the app in terms of productivity as of now.
It requires iOS 10.0 or later version and works well with all iOS devices as far as its compatibility goes. Additionally, its app weight is 58.1 MB in size.
After updating its iPhone app, the service has received mixed reviews from their customers. Otherwise, the app has done enough homework to impress its users to a new plane
The service has enormous 3380+ server spread available in 32 countries but is based in the US, which is a part of 5 eyes alliance. It does not keep logs but offers slow connection speeds. However, it publishes transparency reports on a continual basis.
You can subscribe to its three diverse pricing plans at the cost of $3.49, $5.99 and $9.99 per month stress-free.
Download Private Internet Access iOS app
#11. HideMyAss – The Fastest VPN for iOS
Server: 960+ | Countries: 190+ | Multi-Logins: 5 | Encryption: 256-bit | iTunes Rating: 4.6 | Price: $2.99
When tested for speed, HideMyAss yielded the fastest speed possible when connected to Cyprus server. Not only that, HMA covers the most number of server locations i.e. 950 in 190+ countries that include North Korea too.
The app has earned 4.6 out of 5 stars rating based on 17.9 k reviews. It works on every iOS devices having 9.3 version or later. Its iOS app file size is 72.6 MB that seems to be on the lower side. Likewise, it has 950+ servers in 190+ countries but has a questionable UK jurisdiction.
On the Apple App Store, it has attained positive reviews mostly that indicates its above-par performance on mobile devices like iPhones. Conversely, the service keeps connection logs but does not store usage logs.
Surprisingly, the service publishes transparency reports on a yearly basis and offers three different packages you can use after paying $4.29, $6.99 and$11.99 too. You may claim for the refund within 7 days after subscription.
Our 12-Step Process to Review the Best iPhone VPNs of 2019
Through our guide, I have discussed some of the top VPN apps for iPhone based on these 12 factors:
- App Store Ratings: Ratings picked from App Store
- Compatibility: If a VPN is compatible to which iOS version.
- File Size: Mentioned download size of the VPN file
- Productivity Rank: App store productivity and utility rank for each app (changes every day)
- User Reviews: Analyzed 5 most recent reviews from users on app store using App Annie
- Jurisdiction: Where a VPN is based i.e. outside of 5, 9, and 14 eyes countries.
- VPN Logs: If a VPN tracks your online activity. Look at our privacy logging guide.
- Leak Tests: Performed IP leak, DNS leak, and Web RTC test.
- Speed Tests: Performed a speed test for each VPN on different servers.
- Transparency Report: Analyzed if a VPN reveals its transparency report that shows if they have received requests from the government to share users’ data.
- Number of Servers: Checked server count and locations.
- Cost: Listed the price and packages for each VPN for iOS.
Speed Test Results
I conducted a VPN speed test for impressive providers listed in this guide. My internet speed without internet was 14.1 Mbps.
I have compiled all of the results in the table below:
| Providers | Server Connected | Download | Upload | Speed Decline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | France | 4.58 | 2.85 | 68% |
| Surfshark | Netherlands | 3.13 | 3.89 | 78% |
| CyberGhost | Israel | 5.66 | 5.06 | 60% |
| ExpressVPN | Canada | 7.08 | 12.3 | 50% |
| IPVanish | Australia | 4.79 | 8.07 | 66% |
| Ivacy | Brazil | 6.03 | 12.2 | 58% |
| VyprVPN | Indonesia | 1.39 | 1.63 | 90% |
| TunnelBear | Ireland | 1.09 | 6.45 | 93% |
| PIA | Australia | 3.72 | 15.7 | 74% |
| HideMyAss | Cyprus | 9.69 | 8.33 | 32% |
| PureVPN | Iceland | 7.21 | 3.35 | 48% |
As you can see, HideMyAss is the fastest VPN for iPhone with only a 32% decline in speed followed by PureVPN and ExpressVPN.
App Permissions Required on iPhone
App permissions may seem unnoticeable feature on your iPhone, but it gives access of your private stuff to apps.
This could get very risky!
We don’t even notice giving these apps permission to access our iPhone’s content, just hurrying to get started with the app.
No doubt Apple App store is much secure than Google’s play store because you can turn off some permissions manually on the iPhone, and still the app would work.
The same does not go with Play Store because if you decline app permission, the app will refuse to work.
Here are some permissions required on the iPhone:
Here you see the location, contacts, photos, microphone, and camera are the sensitive app permissions that you can give access to apps.
You can also turn off these permissions manually by going into settings and then privacy option.
What Makes a Best VPN App for iPhone
| Must-Have Features | Note |
|---|---|
| Many Server Locations | The more the better. Huge server location count means you can access websites/contents from many countries. |
| Fast Speed | The faster speed is essential for streaming. VPNs normally tend to decrease internet speed. The one that tends to decline less, pick that one. |
| iOS software app | A VPN that has a dedicated iOS app and is available on the Apple Store. |
| Strong Encryption | Encryption keeps your data secured. Stronger encryption means better online protection on your iPhone. |
| Value for Money | Vital features are what makes the good VPN for iPhone great. Also, these necessary features must be available |
| Customer Care | Should be able to respond quickly and whenever users have questions, they can help anytime with their 24/7 live support. |
What does VPN do for iPhone?
A VPN will keep your iPhone protected at all times from any cyber attacks, hacking, and privacy breach. It hides your IP so no one would know your real location and anything you do over the internet remains hidden because your online traffic is encrypted.
Why do you need a best VPN that secures your privacy on iOS ? Even though iOS devices including iPhones are generally a lot more secure than their Android counterparts, they are still susceptible to online threats.
That said, using best VPNs for iPhone can greatly enhance the overall privacy of your iPhones.
People asking ‘why do I need VPN on my iPhone’, you can view these benefits below:
- A VPN allows you to secure your data on public networks.
- It masks your online location and encrypts your data.
- It helps you get past regional blocks.
VPN encryption Protocols to Use on iPhone
If you want to know what is VPN on iPhone used for in terms of encryption protocols, then here’s your answer:
- PPTP – Although you may find it fast, it provides less security
- L2TP/IPSec – It may provide stronger security, but it isn’t fast enough
- IKEv2 – Widely used by iOS users, but its encryption is not as strong as OpenVPN
- OpenVPN – Highly secured protocol and a faster VPN service
How a VPN works on your iOS devices?
Using a best VPN app for iPhone is pretty straight forward. You just need to download the app from the Apple App Store and log in to your account using the credentials provided by your VPN service.
However, you will notice a prompt to install the VPN profile. Don’t worry, every VPN provider has its only VPN profiles and usually only require a tap of a button.
Once you’re all logged in your account, all you have to do is choose a secure server of your choice and hit connect.
To verify whether your Apple VPN app is working or not, just check the status bar of your iPhone. If you see a small VPN icon on top, you’re successfully connected a VPN server.
That’s it, that how simple it is to setup and start using VPN on your favorite mobile device.
Frequently Asked Questions
All of the apps that are listed above in the guide works best with iPhone. However, I would personally recommend you using PureVPN because it not only protects your online activity by encrypting your data, it would also keep you protected from the government, ISPs, and hackers
Learn how to setup VPN on iOS including iPhone in detail, or just simply follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to a VPN from the table above
- Open up VPN App Store (iTunes Store) > Install the VPN provider app
- Enter Username and Password
- Connect to a Server
- You’re connected!
Many people might ask ‘what is best VPN for iOS’? A simple answer is, a VPN is a software that encrypts your web traffic and keeps it hidden from the eyes of hackers, government, and ISPs.
These VPN applications are available on the iTunes Store.
Although I would highly suggest you go fair paid VPNs only, however, if you don’t feel like spending money, you can check out our detailed guide on free iPhone VPN.
To tell you the trust, not much.
In fact, all of the VPN mentioned in this blog only cost a few dollars a month.
That said, as a general rule of thumb, always go for the longest subscription plan.
Monthly plans don’t really offer too much value in my opinion. Yearlong plans on the other are not only much cheaper but also come with hefty discounts.
For instance, a monthly plan usually costs somewhere around $10 a month. Compare that to a yearlong plan and it should only cost you around $2-$3 a month.
Now, you can find really cheap and free VPNs online, however, I don’t really recommend them. Such VPNs are not poorly built but also offer significantly less features.
To play it safe, just pick any of the VPNs discussed in this blog. I personally like Surfshark the best.
Reddit Reviews on Best VPNs for iPhone
Reddit allows you to explore realistic reviews about pretty much anything. According to our research, ExpressVPN again, is the best paid VPN on Reddit. However, we found some comments on Reddit about iPhone app VPNs that are presented below.
According to one Reddit user, he asks if there was any free VPN that could secure his iPhone. One user gave a spot-on reply:
Scrolling through some of the comments on Reddit and the most recommended VPN has to be NordVPN.
Final Thoughts
IPhone are just awesome. There’s no other device quite like it. Although iPhones are already considered quite secure, they are by no means invincible.
Just look at the recent Facetime bug. That’s how vulnerable your iOS device can be. Instead of mucking around with your privacy, go for one the best VPN for iPhone mentioned in this blog.
They are not only cheap but offer ultimate privacy for your iPhone.
Nord user since 2016 here. I can definitely say that they keep improving every year and the app now looks and works very well. Sometimes it takes a bit more time to connect to the server, it depends on how far the server is from me so I guess it’s normal, other than that – recommended.
Dear TinyAssasin,
Thanks for reaching out to us.
We are glad that you found NordVPN app useful for your privacy needs.
Alternatively, you can opt PureVPN app if you want anonymity at better pricing.
Cheers!!!
Hi, I have just bought an iPhone 7 about a week ago. I m pretty much amazed with its sleek design and impressive features. The airpods work like magic with a sophisticated sound quality.
However, I was searching for an iPhone 7 VPN as it would allow me to access blocked sites in my country. But shockingly, I couldn’t find any guide for installing VPN on iPhone 7.
Can you please help me to setup a VPN on iPhone 7?
Dear Melissa thanks for commenting,
iPhone 7 is no doubt a bedrock of entertainment and leisure, but geo-restrictions in various regions & cyberthreats revolving around the iOS 10 can’t be neglected.
You can freely setup VPN on an iPhone 7 and get the best out of it by reading our step by step guide about How to Setup VPN on iPhone 7.
I have been using iPhone 5S for a year and accessing blocked sites is my obsession. I must say VPN is the best gift that unblocking gurus gave us. Not only VPN offers unrestricted access to all blocked sites and services (with that I mean “all”), but it provides adequate online protection to iOS users which doesn’t comes as stock. My count for strong online protection and unbeatable accessibility is PureVPN.
Hi Harriette. Glad you liked my work. Undoubtedly, PureVPN makes the best VPN for iPhone by far.
ExpressVPN and PureVPN do in fact offer money back guarentee. If you meant a ‘no money down’ tree trial, then HMA and Iron Socket don’t offer that either.
That’s what we have mentioned in the ‘things they need to improve’ section because a lot of people are looking for free trial. Offering a free trial might just help them target more potential customers who will at least try the services if offered for free…