The term VPN (Virtual Private Network) often reaches new audiences as they are looking for a safer space on the web. And a free one sounds appealing enough for newcomers to the idea. But hardly anyone is aware of how to get the best yet secured VPN for themselves. If you are reading this and you are on iOS, most likely – excellent news first. Everything else under this post will be with the Best free VPN for iOS.
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 the trap because there is no such thing as a free lunch.
However, a few nefarious dark corners of the web provide free VPN services – if you’re not paying (by confirming your registration with an email and phone number), you could be becoming their product by selling your information or browsing data for profit. After all, what more than an attentive service comes to your door?
This way, you can spare a moment to pay attention to my selection of top VPN for iOS:
LightningX VPN: A Good Value and High Performer
It is a rising new star for iOS users with its great combination of speed, stability, security, and simplicity. An excellent choice for people who want a full-featured browser with best-in-class privacy protection without spending a ton.
LightningX VPN is designed to be as seamless as Apple’s own design, it integrates naturally with your iPhone or iPad. It feels like it was built for iOS – stripped down, seamless, and so light on the battery you’ll wonder if you even installed one.
- Extremely fast: LightningX VPN really lives up to its name, as it opens all connections from the go, be it for watching gaming or just browsing.
- Strong security: More than hiding your IP address, the VPN provider also implements a no-logs policy to secure your data.
- Large free plan: LightningX VPN is another provider with a very generous free plan, and somewhat more bandwidth on it than most, and their servers are in over 50 different countries.
The simplicity-oriented interface makes LightningX VPN a perfect choice for anyone new to VPNs or who just doesn’t want to bother going through the grind of setting one up.
Price:
- 1-Day Plan: $0.99
- 1-Month Plan: $5.99
- 3-Month Plan (+1 month free): $15.99
- 1-Year Plan (+1 year free): $59.99
ProtonVPN: Unlimited Bandwidth for the Privacy-Conscious
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.
- No Data Limits: Unlimited bandwidth and usage, ideal for unrestricted surfing.
- Powerful Encryption: The service uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data.
- Private: ProtonVPN, located in Switzerland, implements very strict privacy laws and a zero-logs policy.
Related: How Is the Bandwidth of a Network Measured
Price:
Proton Unlimited:
- 1-Month Plan: $12.99
- 1-Year Plan: $9.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: $7.99/month
Proton VPN Plus:
- 1-Month Plan: $9.99
- 1-Year Plan: $4.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: $4.49/month
NordVPN: Premium Security
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 5,000 servers across 60+ 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.
Price:
- Standard Plan: $3.29/month (billed annually)
- Plus Plan: $4.29/month (billed annually)
- Complete Plan: $5.29/month (billed annually)
Hide.me VPN: Secure and Straightforward
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.
- Wide server network: Access servers in multiple countries to unlock content or find the best connection for your needs.
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN while others stay on your regular connection.
- Automatic reconnect: If your connection drops, the app reconnects you quickly to keep your browsing secure.
Price:
- 1-Month Plan: $11.95
- 12-Months Plan: $4.99/month
- 27-Months Plan: $2.29/month (include 3 free months)
Mullvad VPN: Privacy Made for iOS Users
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.
Price:
Flat rate: €5/month (~$5.50), billed monthly
FAQs
Q: Is 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—you’ll surely find the right one for you.
