Your iPhone isn’t just a phone. It’s your bank, your streaming hub, your work device, and your lifeline when you’re on the go. Security is critical. And while Apple’s iOS offers strong built-in defenses, your online activity is still visible to carriers, advertisers, and even hackers on public Wi-Fi.
That’s why pairing your iPhone with a VPN is one of the easiest ways to protect your privacy. The problem is, there are dozens of VPNs out there. Most of them fall short in one of a few key features, from security to performance or even just basic user experience.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the marketing noise and technical jargon to show you exactly what to look for in a VPN for your iPhone. We’ll also point out common traps to avoid and compare the 10 best VPNs for iPhone in 2025, providing our top recommendation for the one that does it all.
The risks of using an iPhone without a VPN
iPhones and iPads are some of the most popular devices for daily internet access. But without a VPN, your data is vulnerable in several ways:
- Public Wi-Fi snoopers: Coffee shop, airport, or hotel Wi-Fi can expose your personal traffic to anyone on the same network.
- ISP tracking and throttling: Your internet provider can monitor your browsing and slow down high-bandwidth apps like Netflix or YouTube.
- Censorship and restrictions: In some regions, websites and apps are blocked. A VPN helps bypass unfair restrictions. For example, if you’re vacationing in a new country, your bank may block your login attempts while traveling. (A VPN can help you log in by bypassing geographical restrictions.)
- Hackers and exploits: Public hotspots are prime hunting grounds for man-in-the-middle attacks and “evil twin” Wi-Fi traps.
A trusted VPN is the ultimate defense against all these risks and inconveniences. But not all VPNs are created equal. Some don’t even support iOS! Let’s discuss a few common VPN shopping pitfalls, and then explore our favorite VPNs for iPhone.
Avoid common VPN traps
Every VPN sounds the same when you’re new to shopping for one. But the truth is, there are clear leaders in the VPN world. As you compare options, it’s often easier to start with what to avoid, not just what to look for.
So, what should you actively avoid in your search for a VPN? Here are the big three:
- Avoid free VPNs: Free services often log and sell your data or inject ads, putting your privacy at risk.
- Don’t neglect performance for privacy: Some VPNs protect your data but slow your iPhone to a crawl with outdated protocols.
- Don’t neglect privacy for performance: A fast VPN is useless if it cuts corners on encryption or logs your activity.
Now, let’s discuss a handful of VPNs that avoid these traps.
10 best VPNs for iPhone in 2025
We wrote and compiled this article based on industry research and expert recommendations. Consider this the official prepared list of our favorite VPNs for iOS. Here are the top choices, with IPVanish at #1 for its ease of use and performance.
1. IPVanish (best overall VPN for iPhone)
- On-Demand VPN — Automatically connects on untrusted Wi-Fi or domains based on your rules.
- Kill Switch — Blocks all traffic if your VPN connection is ever interrupted to stop leaks.
- Split Tunneling — Allows you to specify sites and apps to operate outside of the VPN tunnel.
- WireGuard® protocol — Faster speeds and better battery performance on mobile.
- Alternative Connection Mode — Obfuscation that helps you stay connected in restrictive regions.
- Threat Protection — Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.
- QR Code & Link Checker tools — Scan codes and URLs safely before opening.
- Unlimited devices — One account protects your iPhone, iPad, and every other device you own.
- No-logs policy — Independently audited, verified zero-logging.
- Global reach — 3,200+ servers in 150+ locations.
IPVanish was recently named a top iOS VPN solution, making it the standout choice for iPhone users who want speed, privacy, and simplicity in one app.
2. ExpressVPN – Polished app, fast servers.
ExpressVPN is a great choice known for its incredibly polished iOS app and consistently fast servers. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is optimized for mobile, offering a seamless and buffer-free experience while preserving battery life.
3. NordVPN – Advanced privacy features, large network.
NordVPN packs advanced security into its feature-rich iOS app, including a Threat Protection feature to block ads and malicious sites. With its fast NordLynx protocol and a massive global network, it’s a powerful choice for privacy-conscious iPhone users.
4. Surfshark – Affordable, unlimited devices.
Surfshark’s greatest advantage is its unlimited device connections, making it the best value for protecting your entire ecosystem of Apple products on one affordable plan.
5. CyberGhost – Beginner-friendly with streaming servers.
CyberGhost is perfect for VPN beginners, with an intuitive iOS app that makes connecting easy. It features dedicated servers optimized for specific streaming services, taking the guesswork out of accessing your favorite shows on the go.
6. Proton VPN – Open-source, strong encryption.
Developed by the creators of ProtonMail, Proton VPN is a top choice for security, with open-source iOS apps and powerful encryption. Its VPN Accelerator feature helps maintain fast speeds, and its foundation in Swiss privacy laws offers an extra layer of trust.
7. Private Internet Access – Customizable, wide server list.
Private Internet Access offers a highly customizable iOS app for users who want more control over their connection settings. It also integrates with Siri Shortcuts for easy automation and has a proven no-logs policy for guaranteed privacy.
8. VyprVPN – Independently owned servers, no logs.
VyprVPN enhances security by owning and managing its entire server network, giving it complete control over your data privacy on your iPhone. This commitment to security is backed by an independently audited no-logs policy.
9. Hotspot Shield – Fast connections, though privacy practices vary.
Hotspot Shield is built around its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, delivering some of the fastest connection speeds available for mobile devices. While its popular free version includes ads, the premium plan offers fast, buffer-free streaming.
10. Windscribe – Limited free and paid options.
Windscribe stands out with the most generous free plan on the market, offering up to 10GB of data per month, making it a great way to start. Its powerful ad and tracker-blocking feature provides a cleaner browsing experience on your iPhone.
While these VPNs all have strong iOS apps, IPVanish leads the pack with its all-in-one security suite and unlimited connections.
How to install IPVanish VPN for iPhone
Getting started with IPVanish on iOS takes just a few minutes:
- Visit the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap “Download” to install the app.
- Open IPVanish and agree to the privacy policy.
- Sign up for a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
- Follow the quick tutorial (or skip it, if you’re feeling tech-savvy).
- Enter your username and password, then tap “Log In.”
- Tap “Connect” to secure your iPhone.
That’s it. Once connected, the app shows your new IP address and server location. Your iPhone traffic is now encrypted and private.
FAQ: VPNs for iPhone
Here are a handful of common questions people have about finding, installing, and using a VPN for iPhone.
Do I need a VPN on my iPhone?
Yes. iPhones are secure against malware, but they don’t automatically hide your online activity. A VPN protects your browsing, prevents ISP throttling, and shields you on public Wi-Fi.
Is IPVanish really the best VPN for iPhone?
Yes. With features like On-Demand VPN, WireGuard, Threat Protection, and unlimited connections, IPVanish is consistently rated among the best VPNs for iOS.
Will a VPN slow down my iPhone?
Any VPN can slightly affect speed, but IPVanish is optimized with the WireGuard® protocol for faster mobile performance. In many cases, it can actually improve your streaming by preventing ISP throttling on high-bandwidth apps like Netflix or YouTube.
Our verdict: IPVanish is the best VPN for iPhone
Your iPhone is the foundation of your digital life. From banking and streaming to work and travel, you depend on it for nearly everything.
Getting the most out of your device —privacy, security, and performance —means pairing it with a trusted VPN.
For iOS users, that VPN is IPVanish. With WireGuard® speeds, On-Demand VPN, Threat Protection, unlimited devices, and a verified no-logs policy, IPVanish delivers both security and performance without compromise. Download it straight from the App Store.
