When you search for a VPN for iOS & iPhone, you’ll see plenty of apps that all seem reliable and well-rated. But what most VPNs won’t tell you is which type truly fits your needs. How many servers do you really need? What price is worth paying? And since the VPN must integrate smoothly with iOS, finding one that works seamlessly with your system is just as important.
Best Free VPN for iOS
On one level, free stuff is amazing; on a longer scale – and this may be more controversial – free stuff can also be a trap because there is no such thing as a free lunch.
However, some free VPNs come with hidden costs. Instead of paying money, you might be paying with your personal data, which can be collected and sold without your knowledge. Always be cautious about what you’re signing up for.
This way, you can spare a moment to pay attention to my selection of the top VPN for iOS:
ProtonVPN (Free Plan)
Unlimited Data Limits with Slower Speeds
App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.6)
Google Play: ★★★★☆ (4.6)
Developed by the people behind ProtonMail (who also value security and privacy highly), this is a good option for users in search of protection from ever-present threats. Since it is one of the limited free VPNs with unlimited data, it works great for long-term use.
- 5 Free Server Locations: Access is typically provided to servers in 5 strategic locations, commonly including the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan.
- No Data Limits: Unlimited bandwidth and usage, ideal for unrestricted surfing. However, users should anticipate significantly slower speeds, especially during peak usage hours, as free servers often experience high congestion. It is also important to note that the free plan does not include access to Proton VPN’s advanced ‘Secure Core‘ servers, which are reserved exclusively for paid subscribers.
- Powerful Encryption: The service uses AES-256 encryption, ChaCha20, and WireGuard to protect your data, which makes it transparent and reliable.
- Privacy & Jurisdiction: Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, operating under some of the world’s strongest consumer privacy laws. This legal foundation, combined with an audited zero-logs policy, ensures user activity is neither monitored nor stored.
Related: How Is the Bandwidth of a Network Measured
Windscribe (Free Plan)
Best for Advanced Features & 10GB Data
App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.6)
Google Play: ★★★★☆ (4.7)
Windscribe is built by tech experts who really care about privacy, making it a top pick for savvy users looking for a high-quality free service.
The iOS application maintains its advanced feature set, giving iPhone users powerful, granular control rarely seen in free apps.
It’s known for packing more advanced tools into its free plan than most competitors. Here’s why it stands out:
- Generous Data Cap: You get 10GB of data per month (a lot more than many competitors!), and you can pick from 10 different free server locations.
- A “Premium” Free Experience: The free service delivers the same core features and high quality as their paid plan, which is rare in the free VPN world.
- Serious Security & Privacy: Windscribe prioritizes user privacy by running on RAM-only servers (meaning your data is never stored on a hard drive). It supports top-tier protocols (like WireGuard) and even includes the powerful R.O.B.E.R.T. tool for free to instantly block ads, trackers, and malicious sites right at the DNS level.
- Easy Sign-Up: If you only need 2GB of data, you don’t even need to register with an email.
- Unlimited Devices: You can install and connect on an unlimited number of devices.
- Heads Up: While highly secure, you should know that their customer support response times can be slow (no live chat). Also, some of their IP addresses might occasionally be recognized as a VPN by streaming sites.
Note: While R.O.B.E.R.T. is included, free users are limited to the default security filter lists and cannot create custom block lists.
Hide.me VPN
Simple Privacy, No Sign-Up Needed
App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.5)
Google Play: ★★★★☆ (4.4)
Are you looking for a way to keep your online life secure and private on your iPhone or iPad? Hide.me VPN might just be what you need. Known for its speed, simplicity, and rock-solid security, Hide.me is a privacy-focused choice that’s right there for iOS users.
- Generous Data, Limited Speed: You get unlimited data, which is fantastic! However, be prepared for noticeably slower speeds, particularly during busy hours, with Tom’s Guide specifically noting a “significant speed reduction” on the free tier.
- Decent Coverage, One Device: You can access 8 free server locations globally, giving you good geo-flexibility. The main catch: you are limited to only one simultaneous device connection.
- Serious About Privacy: They stand by a strict Zero-Logs policy, and their commitment to privacy is genuine. They include a Kill Switch to prevent IP leaks. However, note that some user reports (e.g., on Reddit) have pointed to potential leakage issues on the Windows client during disconnections or sleep mode.
- Hassle-Free Access: You can start using the service with no registration or sign-up required.
- Customer Support: You have access to 24/7 customer service.
LightningX VPN
Seamless iOS Integration, No Data Cap
App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.6)
Google Play: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
LightningX VPN is designed to be as seamless as Apple’s own design; it integrates naturally with your iPhone or iPad.
Designed specifically for iOS, it’s streamlined and energy-efficient, so it won’t drain your battery.
- Unlimited Data & Usage: A key differentiator, the free tier offers unlimited bandwidth and usage, removing the typical data caps imposed by most free VPN services.
- Dedicated Free Server Locations: The free plan provides access to three dedicated server locations located in the United States and Hong Kong. This allows users to test speed and stability without time or data constraints before committing to the full subscription, which offers a global network spanning over 70 countries.
- High-Speed Connection: Utilizes optimized protocols (e.g., WireGuard or IKEv2) designed for minimal latency, providing efficient performance for general browsing and streaming content. The IKEv2 protocol is also specifically known for its battery efficiency and seamless network switching on iOS devices.
- Strong security: The provider adheres to a verified no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity and connection data are neither stored nor monitored. Data is secured using AES-256 encryption.
The simplicity-oriented interface makes LightningX VPN a good choice for anyone new to VPNs or who just doesn’t want to bother going through the grind of setting one up.
TunnelBear (Free Plan)
The Best VPN for Beginners
App Store:★★★★☆ (4.7)
Google Play: ★★★☆☆ (3.9)
TunnelBear stands out instantly because of its fun, quirky cartoon style. Its fun, intuitive design makes the iPhone and iPad app perfect for beginners on Apple devices, as the simplified, graphical interface seamlessly matches the iOS philosophy of easy-to-use security.
Ready to dive into the free version details? Let’s take a look:
- Access All Servers, But Only 2GB: You get full access to every server location TunnelBear offers globally. But the downside is a very strict 2GB monthly data limit, meaning it’s best for quick, essential tasks.
- Security Included: You benefit from their independently audited No-Logs policy and strong AES-256 encryption.
- Leak Protection: The essential VigilantBear (Kill Switch) is included, instantly blocking traffic if the VPN drops to prevent IP leaks.
- “GhostBear” Feature: This feature helps disguise your VPN use as regular web traffic, which can be useful for bypassing basic network blocks.
- Unlimited Devices (But Limited Data): You can install it on unlimited devices, but remember that the 2GB cap means using it on multiple devices will deplete your data allowance almost instantly.
PrivadoVPN (Free Plan)
Best for High-Speed Browsing (10GB Limit)
App Store:★★★★☆ (4.0)
Google Play: ★★★☆☆ (3.3)
While not a market leader in terms of recognition, this VPN gains a competitive edge due to its affordable pricing. It also features a free plan, and the specific details are outlined below:
- Simultaneous Connections: 10 Simultaneous Device Connections. Users can secure up to ten devices simultaneously on a single account.
- Free Server Network: The free plan offers an industry-leading selection of 13 server locations.
- Free Plan Allowance: The free tier comes with a fixed allowance of 10 GB of data per month. Importantly, there are no speed restrictions imposed on this data, ensuring maximum performance until the cap is reached.
- Security Protocols: 3 selectable Encryption Protocols. Users have the flexibility to choose from three industry-standard protocols based on their needs: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. This allows customization for optimal speed or security.
- Core Privacy Features: The service is secured by an integrated Automatic Kill Switch and a comprehensive Zero-Logs policy.
Free iOS VPN Latency Test: The True Cost of “Free” Speed
| Tier | VPN Name | Speed Performance | Latency Trend (Ping) | Core Trade-Off & Best Use Case |
| Tier 1: Best Value & Speed | PrivadoVPN | Fast (Relatively fastest). Explicitly unthrottled within the 10GB limit. | Excellent to Good (Approx. 30–40 ms on nearby servers). | Trade-Off: Best performance and low latency, but limited by a strict 10GB monthly data cap. |
| Windscribe | Fast (Relatively fast). No strict speed throttling, but performance is managed by a feature paywall. | Excellent to Good (Approx. 30–50 ms on nearby servers). | Trade-Off: Low latency, 10GB data cap, but offers the most advanced features for power users. | |
| Tier 2: Unlimited Data vs. Speed | LightningX VPN | Good to Variable. Promises unlimited data and uses optimized protocols. | Good to Moderate. Latency highly depends on the user’s proximity to the three free server locations (US/HK). | Trade-Off: Unlimited data, but very few free nodes (3). Latency can spike under high load. |
| Tier 3: Limited Performance | Proton VPN | Slow (Medium Speed). Officially rated as “Medium” speed to manage load. | Moderate to High (Nearby servers approx. 50–80 ms; remote 150–250+ ms). | Trade-Off: The biggest benefit is unlimited data, but it requires accepting slower speeds and higher latency due to server congestion. |
| Hide.me VPN | Slow (Throttled Speed). Explicitly throttled to encourage upgrades, Tom’s Guide noted “significant speed reduction.” | Moderate to High (High latency due to speed throttling and server load). | Trade-Off: Speed is restricted, but offers unique value with 24/7 customer support. | |
| Data-Constrained Tier | TunnelBear | Moderate (Speed is not the primary limitation). | Moderate to High (Latency tends to fluctuate). | Trade-Off: Speed performance is irrelevant due to the tiny 2GB/month data cap, which prevents any sustained high-bandwidth activity. |
How to Test Internet Speed?
To get the most accurate result, follow these steps to establish your baseline and then test internet speed and value the VPN’s performance:
Step 1: Establish Your Baseline Speed
- Disconnect: Ensure your VPN is completely disconnected or turned off.
- Test: Open the Speedtest app and run the test on your iPhone or iPad.
- Record: Note down your key metrics: Download Speed, Upload Speed, and Ping (Latency). This is your “No-VPN” benchmark.
Step 2: Test with the VPN Connected
- Connect: Open the VPN app (e.g., Proton VPN) and connect to one of its free server locations (e.g., USA).
- Test: Run the Speedtest app again immediately.
- Record: Note the new metrics.
Step 3: Analyze the Key Metrics
When evaluating a free VPN, focus on these three numbers:
- Download Speed (Mbps): This shows how quickly you can pull data from the internet (for streaming, browsing). (Expect a 10%–50% drop with a free VPN.)
- Upload Speed (Mbps): How quickly you can send data (for video calls, sending emails). Critical for remote work.
- Ping / Latency (ms): This is the response time of the connection. The lower the number, the better. Free VPNs often cause this number to jump dramatically (from 20ms to over 150ms), which is the main cause of lag in mobile gaming.
Further Reading: What Is a Good Internet Speed for Gaming, Streaming, etc.?
Best Paid VPN for iPhone and iPad
The free VPNs we’ve covered are the most secure, reliable, and best-performing options currently available. All of them are fully compatible with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Naturally, the paid plans from these providers offer much better speeds and zero limitations. If you decide to move past the free restrictions, here are a few excellent premium services worth considering:
NordVPN: Premium Security VPN for iOS (Charged but Still Competitive)
App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.7)
Google Play: ★★★★☆ (4.6)
NordVPN is built for mobile users, specifically iPhone and iPad. The app is iOS optimized and therefore works smoothly without sacrificing features. Be it public Wi-Fi or browsing safely in general, NordVPN keeps your connection encrypted and hidden.
- Double the protection with NordVPN: With this unique feature, your traffic goes through two servers instead of one – meaning double encryption.
- Extensive server coverage: Over 8,000 servers across 165+ countries make it easy to access blocked content from any region.
- Kill switch feature: If the VPN connection drops, NordVPN will instantly block your internet access, ensuring no data is exposed.
Mullvad VPN (Charged)
App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.1)
Google Play: ★★★★☆ (4.1)
If you’re serious about keeping your online activity private, Mullvad VPN is a name you should know. Designed with privacy as its top priority, Mullvad is not just another VPN – it’s a tool that ensures your data stays yours, no matter what. And yes, it works beautifully on your iPhone or iPad.
- No account needed: Forget about email sign-ups or passwords. Mullvad gives you a unique account number, and that’s all you need to log in.
- Simple and clean design: The Mullvad app on iOS is easy to navigate. You won’t get lost in unnecessary options or confusing menus. Just tap to connect and enjoy a private, secure connection.
- True privacy: Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy, but Mullvad delivers. Based in Sweden, it operates under strong privacy laws and doesn’t log your activity. Your data isn’t tracked, stored, or sold ever.
FAQs – Free VPN for iOS
Q: Is a free VPN safe for iPhones?
A: Free VPNs for iPhones can be safe, but it depends on the provider. Some may log your data or show ads. Always check the privacy policy. For better security and performance, a paid VPN is often a better choice.
Q: Does Apple have a built-in VPN?
A: No, Apple doesn’t have its own built-in VPN service. However, it allows you to manually set up third-party VPNs through the device’s settings, supporting protocols like IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP. You’ll need a separate VPN provider for this.
Conclusion
Here, we’ve introduced you to five top iOS VPNs. Some of them remain free, while others may require a purchase for full features. Each one excels in different areas, so which one you choose depends entirely on your needs. Carefully review their features, pricing, and benefits to make an informed decision, and you’ll surely find the right one for you.
