All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Best Overall Free VPN
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
Best for Streaming
/images/2023/05/12/privadovpn_horizontal_color.png)
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for iPhone thanks to its unlimited data, strong privacy protections, and easy-to-use iOS app. Unlike most free VPNs, it doesn't impose monthly data caps, making it the best choice for securing public Wi-Fi and everyday browsing.
Despite their data caps, Windscribe and PrivadoVPN also offer excellent free VPNs. Windscribe features more free server locations and built-in ad blocking, while PrivadoVPN provides solid streaming support. Both free VPNs boast unlimited device protection and torrenting support.
If you're looking for the best free VPN for iPhone, these three providers offer the best balance of security, performance, and value.
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
Privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland, outside the Eyes alliances, with an independently audited no-logs policy
Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden add an extra hop to your connection, making it much harder to trace back to you
Includes a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks and countries
/images/2023/02/03/windscribe.png)
10 GB free tier that actually supports torrenting — no paid plan required
Offers unlimited device connections and customizable plans if you only need access to servers in specific countries
Broad protocol support including Stealth and WebSocket Stealth for bypassing VPN blocks
/images/2023/05/12/privadovpn_horizontal_color.png)
VPN with a free plan covering 13 global locations, with paid plans starting at $1.11/mo for unlimited devices
Built-in ad blocker, parental controls, and social media blocker included at no extra cost
Unlocked Netflix in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia in our testing
| VPN |
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
|
/images/2023/02/03/windscribe.png)
|
/images/2023/05/12/privadovpn_horizontal_color.png)
|
| Best for | Unlimited free browsing | More server choices | Streaming and media |
| Star rating | |||
| Free data | Unlimited | 10 GB/month* | 10 GB/month |
| # devices on free plan | 1 device | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Free server locations | The Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, the United States (randomly selected) | 10 countries, including Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Germany | 13 locations, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States |
| Premium servers | 20,000+ servers in 145 countries | Unlisted in 69+ countries | Unlisted in 50 countries |
| Streaming support | Limited on free plan | Some services work | Better support than most free VPNs |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Starting paid price | Starts at $2.99/mo | Starts at $1.00/mo per location | Starts at $1.11/mo |
| Details | Get Proton VPN | Get Windscribe | Get PrivadoVPN |
| Learn more | Read Proton VPN Review | Read Windscribe Review | Read PrivadoVPN Review |
Every VPN in this guide is hands-on tested by our team using a consistent process. We evaluate each product across seven areas:
We test VPNs at least twice a year. Testing has been carried out across Windows, macOS, and mobile, so our results reflect real-world performance across devices.
To learn more about how we test, read our full VPN methodology here.
Privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland, outside the Eyes alliances, with an independently audited no-logs policy
Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden add an extra hop to your connection, making it much harder to trace back to you
Includes a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks and countries
Unlimited free data: Unlike most free VPNs that impose monthly data caps, Proton VPN offers unlimited data on its free plan. During our testing, it handled everyday browsing, email, online banking, and social media without interruptions, making it our top choice for users who want a free VPN for iPhone without worrying about usage limits.
Excellent privacy protections: Proton VPN combines a verified no-logs policy, Swiss privacy laws, AES-256 encryption, and WireGuard support to help keep your data secure. Unlike many completely free VPN apps, it funds its free plan through paid subscriptions instead of advertising or selling user data.
Easy-to-use iPhone app: The Proton VPN iOS app is simple to navigate, with one-tap connections and a clean interface that's ideal for beginners. If you're new to using a free VPN for iPhone, it's one of the easiest apps to get started with.
Limited server selection on the free plan: Unlimited data comes with one significant tradeoff. Free users only have access to servers in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the United States. This is severely limited compared to Proton VPN's premium subscription. Plus, the server selection on Proton VPN Free is randomized, so if your goal is unblocking geo-restricted libraries, you'll likely want to look elsewhere.
Limited streaming support: Although Proton VPN delivers excellent privacy, its free servers aren't designed specifically for streaming. Some services may work occasionally, but you'll generally have a much better experience with Proton VPN's paid subscription or another provider that offers dedicated streaming servers.
| Price range | Free or $2.99–$9.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes (30 days) |
| Number of servers | 20,000+ servers in 145 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| VPN protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, Stealth |
| Torrenting | Premium plans only |
| Details | Get Proton VPN
Read Proton VPN Review |
To assess Proton VPN’s performance, we conducted speed tests, Netflix tests against its geo-restrictions, and leak tests.
Proton VPN had minimal impact on our speeds, successfully unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested, and prevented all data leaks.
| Test type | 
|
| Audited no-logs policy | Yes, audited by Securitum in September 2025 |
| Speed | Maintained our download speed with most servers |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN |
Proton VPN earned a perfect star rating of 5.0 due to its ease of use, extensive security features, audited no-logs policy, and privacy-friendly headquarters.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 20% | 5.0 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
10 GB free tier that actually supports torrenting — no paid plan required
Offers unlimited device connections and customizable plans if you only need access to servers in specific countries
Broad protocol support including Stealth and WebSocket Stealth for bypassing VPN blocks
More free server locations than most competitors: Windscribe gives free users access to server locations in 10 countries (including Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Germany), which is more than many competing free VPNs. A larger server network makes it easier to find a nearby connection or browse from different regions. During our testing, this flexibility made it a strong choice for travelers and users who occasionally need an IP address outside their home country.
Built-in ad and tracker blocking: Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T. feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains before they reach your device. For even more ways to reduce ads on your iPhone, check out our guide to the best ad blockers for iPhone.
User-friendly iPhone experience: Windscribe's iOS app is easy to use while still offering advanced settings for experienced users. Throughout our testing, it remained stable and made switching between free servers quick and straightforward.
Monthly data cap: Windscribe limits free users to 10 GB of data per month (with email verification). That's enough for everyday browsing and occasional streaming, but heavier users may reach the limit before the month ends.
Smaller server network on premium plans: A data cap on the free plan funnels users to upgrade. But while Windscribe offers more free server locations than many competitors, upgrading only unlocks servers in 69+ countries, which is half as much as Proton VPN paid plans. The exact number of servers available is also undisclosed, making it hard to gauge which areas would have more server congestion.
| Price range | Free or $1.00–$9.00/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Limited (3-day refund policy) |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 69+ countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
| Torrenting | Yes |
| Details | Get Windscribe
Read Windscribe Review |
We tested Windscribe's speed performance, ability to bypass geo-blocks, and privacy protection against data leaks.
Windscribe showed great performance across all the tests we conducted. It maintained solid speeds, unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tried, and stopped all data leaks.
| Test type | 
|
| Audited no-logs policy | No history of third-party audits |
| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 25% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get Windscribe |
Windscribe has a high star rating of 4.6 due to our seamless testing experience, wide range of pricing options, and strict no-logs policy.
Windscribe received a lower test results score because of its slow speed performance. It also received a lower features score because its no-logs policy has never been audited and because it has a small server network.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 11% | 4.7 |
| Features | 30.5% | 4.5 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.5 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 4.0 |
VPN with a free plan covering 13 global locations, with paid plans starting at $1.11/mo for unlimited devices
Built-in ad blocker, parental controls, and social media blocker included at no extra cost
Unlocked Netflix in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia in our testing
Better streaming support than most free VPNs: Streaming is one area where many free VPNs struggle, but PrivadoVPN performed better than expected during our testing. While no free VPN can match the consistency of a premium service, PrivadoVPN handled several popular streaming platforms more reliably than many competing free plans.
For users who occasionally want a VPN that works with Netflix or other streaming services without immediately paying for a subscription, PrivadoVPN is one of the stronger options.
Fast nearby server speeds: A VPN should protect your privacy without making your internet unusable. In our testing, PrivadoVPN delivered competitive speeds on nearby servers, keeping web browsing responsive and minimizing buffering during HD video playback. These results make it a good choice for users who value both privacy and everyday usability. And like Windscribe, PrivadoVPN is one of the best free VPNs for torrenting.
Simple setup for beginners: The iPhone app is clean and straightforward, making it easy to connect securely in just a few taps. Important settings are easy to find without overwhelming first-time VPN users.
10 GB monthly data limit: PrivadoVPN's free plan includes 10 GB of monthly data. That's enough for occasional streaming sessions and everyday browsing, but it isn't suitable for users who plan to stream videos or download large files every day.
Smaller server network on premium plans: Just like Windscribe, PrivadoVPN caps data usage on the free plan, making users more likely to check out the premium plans. However, PrivadoVPN doesn't disclose the number of servers it offers, and its server network is significantly smaller than Proton VPN.
| Price range | Free or $1.11–$10.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes (30 days) |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 50 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to Unlimited |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SOCKS5 |
| Torrenting | Yes |
| Details | Get PrivadoVPN
Read PrivadoVPN Review |
We conducted three types of tests to measure PrivadoVPN's performance. We measured its impact on our speeds with multiple server locations, checked its ability to unblock Netflix geo-restrictions, and its ability to prevent data leaks.
PrivadoVPN showed great performance across all three tests. It had minor impact on speeds, unblocked all the Netflix libraries, and prevented all data leaks.
| Test type | 
|
| Audited no-logs policy | No history of third-party audits |
| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 5% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get PrivadoVPN |
PrivadoVPN has a high star rating of 4.6 due to its reliable service, affordable starting price (and free plan), and strict no-logs policy.
PrivadoVPN received a lower score in the features category because it has a small server network and lacks features like dedicated IP addresses and multi-hop servers.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 3.75 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.0 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 4.0 |
Every VPN slows your connection slightly because it encrypts your internet traffic, but the best services keep the impact to a minimum.
Based on our testing, Proton VPN delivered the most consistent overall performance, with reliable speeds for everyday browsing. Windscribe was a close second thanks to its larger selection of free servers, while PrivadoVPN also impressed with smooth HD streaming and responsive browsing on nearby servers.
| Average speed change | |
|
|
14% slower |
|
|
24% slower |
|
|
21% slower |
A free VPN is a good option for occasional public Wi-Fi protection, but even the best free VPN for iPhone has limitations. Proton VPN offers unlimited data for one device, while Windscribe and PrivadoVPN cap free users at 10 GB per month but offer unlimited device protection. While 10 GB per month can be enough for light browsing, it's not enough data for reliable streaming or large downloads.
Free plans also include fewer server locations and less reliable streaming support than paid subscriptions. While PrivadoVPN and Windscribe performed well in our testing, premium plans generally deliver faster speeds, more server choices, and better access to geo-restricted content. If streaming is a priority, our guide to the best VPNs for streaming can help you find the right option.
Here's a quick comparison of what you can generally expect from free VPNs vs. paid VPNs.
| Feature | Free plan | Paid plan |
| Monthly data | Usually limited (except Proton VPN) | Unlimited |
| Server locations | Limited | Full network |
| Streaming support | Basic or inconsistent | Optimized servers |
| Speed | Can slow during peak times | Higher priority connections |
| Advanced features | Limited | Full feature set |
| Simultaneous devices | Often fewer | More devices supported |
For many users, a free VPN is enough for securing public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels. But if you stream regularly, travel often, or use a VPN every day, a paid plan offers faster speeds, more servers, and fewer restrictions.
Not all free VPNs are trustworthy. Reputable providers like Proton VPN, Windscribe, and PrivadoVPN fund their free plans through paid subscriptions, while some "100% free" VPNs may collect or sell user data. Check out our guide on how to tell if a free VPN is safe.
Even though paid VPNs come at a price, they're more affordable long-term and provide enhanced security and functionality, lifting the limitations found on free services.
If you're looking for the best free VPN for iPhone, Proton VPN is our top pick thanks to its unlimited data, strong privacy protections, and easy-to-use iOS app.
Privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland, outside the Eyes alliances, with an independently audited no-logs policy
Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden add an extra hop to your connection, making it much harder to trace back to you
Includes a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks and countries
If you want more free server locations, Windscribe is a great alternative, while PrivadoVPN is a solid choice for occasional streaming. If you need more features, our guide to the best VPN services can help you choose a premium VPN.
Yes, reputable providers like Proton VPN, Windscribe, and PrivadoVPN are generally safe. However, some completely free VPN apps may collect or sell user data, so it's important to choose a trusted provider. Learn more in our guide: Are Free VPNs Safe?
A VPN isn't essential for everyone, but it adds privacy and security when using public Wi-Fi. A virtual private network encrypts your internet traffic and helps protect your data across devices.
No. iPhones support VPN connections, but Apple doesn't offer its own free VPN service. You'll need to install a VPN app from a trusted provider. Sometimes, it appears like an iPhone is triggering a native VPN connection. What happens is that if you've had a VPN app installed in the past, the "Connect On Command" feature will trigger the VPN toggle ON if you're connected to an unsecure network. It's a weird native iOS setting.
Yes. Free VPNs protect your privacy like paid VPNs but often limit data, server locations, and streaming support. They're great for occasional browsing, while paid plans are better for heavy or daily use. However, free VPNs can pose security risks. Learn more about how to tell good vs. bad VPNs apart in our guide: Is Your VPN Safe?
Privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland, outside the Eyes alliances, with an independently audited no-logs policy
Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden add an extra hop to your connection, making it much harder to trace back to you
Includes a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks and countries
/images/2023/08/17/vpn-disadvantages.jpeg)
/images/2023/02/03/best-vpn-services.png)
/images/2026/08/06/best_free_vpns_for_iphone.jpg)
/images/2026/07/29/no-log-vpn-breach.jpg)
/images/2026/07/28/sen-wyden-older-vpns.jpg)
/images/2026/07/23/virtual_networking_chalk_white_icons_set_on_black_background._user_aut_kcRz3fT.jpg){kind=icon}
/images/2026/07/08/how-to-bypass-reddit-age-verification_1.png)
/images/2026/06/27/closeup_of_free_vpn_apps_on_smartphone.jpg)
/authors/ryan-clancy_allaboutcookies-author.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/kate-quinlan-new.jpg){kind=small}
/images/2023/02/03/windscribe.png)
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
/images/2023/02/03/windscribe.png)
/images/2023/05/12/privadovpn_horizontal_color.png)
/authors/ryan-clancy_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)