The Best VPNs for iPhones in 2026

ProtonVPN is our top choice for iOS. Its sleek iOS app retains most of the same features as the desktop version, with the exception of split tunneling. Additionally, the VPN and a suite of tools, including ProtonMail and ProtonPass, can be used for free with the same account. We appreciate Proton’s stance that price should never be a hurdle to privacy. 

Features and capabilities: Proton provides access to a global server network that works seamlessly with iOS. The premium plans offer a wide range of excellent features, including a configurable kill switch, multi-hop connections, and support for up to 10 simultaneous connections. The free version is one of the best on the market, with five server options and unlimited bandwidth.  

Privacy and security: Proton’s robust privacy standards carry forward to the iOS version of the app. The people behind the company take privacy seriously, with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability that is rare in the VPN space. All apps are open-source, so you never have to question if a hidden vulnerability could compromise your data. Annual audits and frequent transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year.

Speed and performance: Proton’s premium servers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency. 

Streaming: Proton makes it easy to take your favorite shows and movies on the go. We tested Proton with Netflix in multiple regions and found that it worked flawlessly, granting us access to every catalog we tested. 

User experience and ease of use: All of Proton’s apps are streamlined and easy to use, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s simple to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks. 

Budget-conscious users: Proton’s free version is robust and packs in many features that competing free options lack. It’s an excellent tool for securing your privacy on a budget. If you can deal with the limitations, Proton’s free version is more than viable as your main VPN. 

Privacy advocates: Proton’s unwavering commitment to transparency and privacy makes it one of the best options for the privacy-conscious. With open-source apps and regular audits, you can monitor precisely how the company responds to threats to user data.

The best thing about NordVPN is that it has a little something for everyone. NordVPN's mobile experience is excellent, featuring feature-packed apps and a sleek, intuitive interface that is easy to use for all users. Nord's price is higher than the competition's, but you get an impressive suite of security tools and features under a single subscription.

Features and capabilities: The iOS app has an ad and malware blocker, a kill switch, and multi-hop connections. You also get access to NordVPN Threat Protection Pro, which scans browser downloads for malware and blocks malicious URLs. The main missing features on iOS are split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and the ability to configure custom DNS addresses.

Privacy and security: According to the company's privacy policy, NordVPN does not log customers' browsing history, IP addresses, or traffic. The company also undergoes frequent code audits from third-party cybersecurity firms.

Speed and performance: Nord performed well in our latest speed tests, with a 5.20% decrease in download speeds, a 5.78% decrease in upload speeds, and a 58.14% increase in latency. Those scores place it among the fastest VPNs we have tested.

Streaming: People seeking to access a previously blocked streaming service will appreciate NordVPN's reliable speeds and extensive server selection. If you're a Netflix subscriber, you'll be happy to know that we accessed the entire Netflix library while connected to servers in five locations: Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.

User experience and ease of use: NordVPN's apps look great and perform well in testing. The iOS app is a breeze to use and has enough depth to please advanced users without being too overwhelming for those new to VPNs.

Frequent travelers: NordVPN has virtual servers in more than 100 countries, although most physical servers are located in the UK and the US. This means you have a lot of VPN connection choices when you're traveling. It's also easy to quickly connect to a VPN using the app, so you don't have to worry about snoops on public Wi-Fi networks in airports or hotels.

Newbies: NordVPN's interface makes it easy for first-time users to connect to a VPN immediately. We especially like the level of control NordVPN provides customers. For example, if you're new to using a VPN, you may want to let NordVPN choose the fastest connection for you and just stick with it. As you become more comfortable navigating the app, you can select a server to connect to from a drop-down menu.

ExpressVPN's iOS app is thoughtfully designed from top to bottom. The company has servers in 105 countries, strong speed test results, and has developed its own Lightway protocol. Express also leads the pack with its future-forward approach, incorporating post-quantum encryption that aims to prevent advanced hacking methods before they become viable. The downsides? You can't use the VPN for free, and a subscription costs a bit more than average.

Features and capabilities: ExpressVPN's iOS app retains most of the features from its desktop counterpart, aside from split tunneling. iOS users can also use the IKEv2 protocol, which is not available on Android. An ExpressVPN subscription also gives you access to Express VPN Keys, the company's password manager, and Threat Manager, a malware and tracker blocker. The service has partnered with holiday.com and provides subscribers with an eSIM ranging from 1 to 5GB, depending on the subscription length. 

Privacy and security: ExpressVPN does not keep logs of customer browsing activity or connections, and the privacy policy states that the company does not sell customer data. ExpressVPN undergoes periodic independent security audits and publishes a thorough transparency report on its website, which lists customer data requests from law enforcement, along with any gag orders or national security letters. ExpressVPN also operates a bug bounty program, which provides security researchers with the opportunity to stress-test the company's systems and report vulnerabilities in exchange for a financial reward.

Speed and performance: ExpressVPN's latency and speed tests yielded results that exceeded the median. It reduced our download and upload speeds by 18.55% and 7.45%, respectively. Latency increased by 95.62%. Speeds were reliable enough for on-the-go streaming without interruptions.

Streaming: During the latest round of testing, we were able to access five regional Netflix catalogs without any restrictions. Global content is at your fingertips, with 100 servers to choose from in diverse locations, including countries with strict internet policies, such as Turkey and Vietnam.

User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN's iOS app was our preferred way to use the VPN, thanks to its seamless and beginner-friendly design. It's always clear when you're connected to the service, so you never have to worry about accidentally leaking your location. We didn't experience any issues installing the app or connecting to servers.

Newbies: If you first heard of VPNs or, specifically, ExpressVPN via an ad read by your favorite YouTuber, you're not alone. That's probably why ExpressVPN made the app incredibly easy to navigate. People unfamiliar with VPNs will appreciate the simplicity of this app. Connecting for the first time is as simple as downloading the app, pressing the big connection button, and minimizing the window. That's it!

Location spoofers: ExpressVPN has a lot of server locations around the world, making it an excellent pick for anyone who wants to spoof their location for any reason. For example, you could use the VPN at home in Canada to route your web traffic through a London-based server. It will obfuscate your true location and give you access to region-locked content on video streaming platforms like Netflix.

Surfshark delivers a quality experience across all major operating systems, including iOS. The iOS app even supports split tunneling, which is often difficult for VPN to implement on the platform. While it has a high up-front monthly cost, you gain access to a wealth of handy security tools and features that help justify the lofty price.

Features and capabilities: Surfshark's network boasts adequate global coverage, with a presence in 100 countries. Advanced connection options, such as multi-hop and post-quantum encryption, make it easy to tailor your security preferences. Beyond a standard VPN, Surfshark aims to be a one-app solution for all things privacy. You can configure an antivirus, ad blocker, and additional identity protection tools all in a single hub.

Privacy and security: Privacy policies can be confusing and dense. Surfshark takes a more comprehensive approach and offers an in-depth yet digestible policy that explains how the company handles data. The service has verified these claims with frequent third-party audits and quarterly transparency reports.

Speed and performance: Surfshark's performance was impressive. We only saw a 3.25% decrease in download speeds, a 6.07% decrease in upload speeds, and an increase in latency of 83.92%.

Streaming: Netflix access was no problem for Surfshark. It accessed every regional catalog we tested without running into blocks.

User experience and ease of use: In terms of features, the user experience is consistent across applications; however, we found that the iOS version of the app was somewhat cluttered. It was still easy to use compared with the competition; however, the Android version offered a more streamlined experience.

Media streamers: Surfshark is a solid choice for those looking to watch their favorite shows from anywhere without compromising on security. The VPN was one of the fastest we have tested, and it easily unblocked regional Netflix catalogs. We did not experience stuttering or slow load times even when connected to distant locations.

Users who want a one-app solution: The biggest selling point for Surfshark is its ecosystem of privacy tools. It's a good choice for those who don't want to manage a handful of subscriptions.

Windscribe VPN boasts a stellar iOS app that is fully featured and even easier to use than its desktop counterpart. The iOS app lacks split tunneling and the VPN's firewall feature, but all other premium tools and options are available to mobile users. Windscribe also offers its service to anyone, with only the small caveat of a bandwidth restriction of up to 10GB with an email address at signup or 2GB if you choose to remain anonymous with no email account.

Features and capabilities: The full app provides unlimited simultaneous device connections, access to a large physical server network, an ad & tracker blocker called Robert, and numerous advanced configurations. With pay-per-location plans starting at just $3, Windscribe is an easy pick if you want leading-class privacy at a low price.

Privacy and security: Windscribe’s often flippant marketing and brand identity may lead one to believe it doesn’t take security seriously. That is not the case. Windscribe is one of the leading VPNs in terms of privacy, transparency, and user data protection. It doesn’t keep logs. You can pay anonymously and sign up without disclosing your personal information. Beyond airtight privacy measures, the VPN has undergone multiple audits by PacketLabs and has faced real-world challenges that have validated its privacy claims. 

Speed and performance: A VPN will almost always impact your base internet speeds to some extent. We found that Windscribe had a minimal impact, resulting in a 10.66% decrease in download speeds, a 13.20% decrease in upload speeds, and a 67.01% increase in latency. These results place it among the fastest VPNs that we have tested. 

Streaming: Windscribe provided open access to Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. We didn’t encounter any issues when testing, and all streams were smooth with no noticeable buffering or stuttering. Windscribe has a network of physical servers with coverage in 69 countries and 134 cities worldwide. 

User experience and ease of use: Desktop users receive a compact, streamlined window with all key features easily accessible. The mobile app is just as good, featuring a clean design that clearly indicates when you’re connected to the VPN’s network. All apps feature a comprehensive server list and advanced features, accessible through a handy drop-down menu.

Transparency seekers: Windscribe is the clear choice if you want a service that doesn’t compromise on privacy and security. Monthly transparency reports keep you informed about every inquiry the VPN has received.

Configuration enthusiasts: Not only is the base subscription affordable at just $9 per month, but you can also configure plans with select locations starting at a mere $3 per month. You won’t see that level of configuration offered anywhere else. As one of our highest-rated VPNs, you’re getting an excellent service at a price that undercuts the vast majority of the competition.

Hide.me is an affordable and feature-packed VPN service available on all platforms, including iOS. Its privacy-first policies and competitive price make it a compelling pick for those who value privacy but still want an affordable VPN.

Features and capabilities: Hide.me's iOS app is available directly from the App Store, and setup was easy. You get a feature-rich VPN with a kill switch, a vast server list, and configurable ad blockers. However, a couple of options are missing on iOS, including split tunneling and the SSTP protocol.

Privacy and security: Hide.me only requires your email address to make an account. With a wide range of secure and anonymous payment options, limiting what data the service has access to is simple. According to the privacy policy, the company collects your email and stores it in an encrypted form in a secure facility. Hide.me doesn't store any customer payment information or data, including your IP address, physical address, or other personal details. Additionally, the service utilizes physical servers instead of virtual machines, providing the company with better control over how user data is handled.

Speed and performance: In our most recent tests, we were impressed with Hide.me’s performance. Download speeds decreased by 5.93%, upload speeds decreased by 22.72%, and latency increased by 92.11%. These results outperform the average impact across all VPNs we tested. 

Streaming: The app's website claims it works well with popular streaming services like Netflix. During testing, we accessed Netflix while connected to servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US with no issues or limitations. 

User experience and ease of use: Hide.me's interface can be somewhat disorganized on Windows, so we were pleased to see that the iOS version is much more streamlined. While you lose out on some of the desktop configuration options, you get a more user-friendly interface on mobile.

Budget-conscious customers: If you're on a budget, the features included in the free Hide.me client are on par with some of the paid options we've reviewed. The SmartGuard feature is particularly interesting: It is an all-in-one ad blocker, malware blocker, parental control app, and website filter.

Frequent travelers: Hide.me has servers in 57 countries, making it a suitable option for individuals who frequently travel and want to connect to a nearby, fast server. The auto-connect feature also helps mitigate the risks of connecting to public Wi-Fi in airports or hotels.