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Best Overall
Best for Powerful Extras
Best for Streaming
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More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Our choices for the three best VPNs for your iPhone or iPad are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, with our top pick being NordVPN.
While NordVPN came in as our front-runner, Surfshark and ExpressVPN had impressive speeds and features that landed them a spot in our top three. All of these VPNs will allow you to watch regional streaming content, including Netflix. Additionally, they all have strong, secure VPN connections and no activity logging.
Let’s look through these top three and see what features and services are the most important to you. We think you’ll like what you find.
| VPN |
Best Overall
 NordVPN |
 Surfshark |
ExpressVPN |
| Starting price | Starts at $3.99/mo | Starts at $2.29/mo | Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) |
| Free version | |||
| Streaming support | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, HBO Max, Hotstar, YLE Areena, AbemaTV, and more | Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get ExpressVPN |
It’s worth noting that all three of these VPNs use AES 256-bit encryption, have an expansive server network, offer unlimited bandwidth, are user friendly, and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Nord is widely considered the top VPN in the business and for good reason. This service provider allows you to not only watch streaming services on your iPhone but also keeps you secure while doing it. Its strict no-logs policy means the data on your iPhone won’t be shared or recorded. While this is important on a computer, it’s even more important on a mobile device.
While NordVPN does have one of the highest price points in the industry, it’s well worth it. Located in Panama, this VPN service is outside of the 14 Eyes alliance.
The NordVPN iOS app also gives you access to other NordVPN services like safe passwords and cloud storage. Paired with its connection speeds, this makes NordVPN the least invasive and most secure VPN for iPhone.
We liked all the features you get on the NordVPN iPhone app. You’re given the option to save your favorite servers as well as auto-connect to the fastest server available. NordVPN gives you a security score with options to optimize your security features in the app. There are also shortcuts for Siri to turn your VPN off and on with voice commands, which is a nice addition.
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The specialty servers section is especially impressive, as you can activate a double VPN, Onion over VPN, and P2P. The double VPN will route your data through two separate VPNs for extra security. Onion over VPN allows you to connect to your VPN then open a Tor browser on your phone. The P2P specialty server is your torrenting support. All of these are easily accessible through your NordVPN iPhone app.
The app makes you hunt around a little, and there’s no tutorial when you’re first starting.
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There’s an icon at the bottom dedicated to Meshnet, which is NordVPN’s feature allowing you to create a network of devices you can connect to no matter where in the world they’re located. This seems like something we’d use far less frequently than dark web monitoring or Threat Protection, so it was strange it has an entire icon dedicated to it on the main toggle bar.
This iOS VPN is not the fastest VPN, and the least expensive price comes only with an annual plan, which has to be paid all at once. If NordVPN really wants to jump ahead of the pack, lowering the monthly price as well as adding a few more features might go a long way.
| Price range | $3.99–$15.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | IKEv2, IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx built on WireGuard |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| Learn more | Read Our NordVPN Review |
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
If your main reason for getting a VPN is all the extra security features, then Surfshark may be the best choice for you. Not only does it allow for saving favorite servers, there are also options for multiple other privacy services that come included with your subscription. They include the following:
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We were impressed with Surfshark’s server labels that tell you whether or not the server you’re accessing is virtual or not. Virtual servers can be slower than their physical counterparts, so knowing what option you’re choosing is nice.
We also liked the Surfshark One incognito browser located in the app. This allows you a truly private internet search experience. Additionally, while VPNs are legal in most countries, Surfshark has a NoBorders option that grants you access even in restricted areas.
The MultiHop option is also nice because it’s pre-configured. That means you can simply choose one of their pre-made double VPN options or you can create your own. Considering Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, there are nearly endless options. There’s also an in-app referral program with a personalized link that allows you to earn free months of Surfshark if your friends sign up.
While Surfshark has a ton of pros, we aren’t fans of it being headquartered in The Netherlands — a 14 Eyes country. While it claims no logging, Surfshark does save your email address (fair) and billing information (dicey). Since billing information can easily be traced back to you, we weren’t thrilled about this option.
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Also, Surfshark supports torrenting, but there isn’t an option in the app to easily connect to a torrenting-optimized server. Considering the easy connection to Surfshark One, CleanWeb, and choice of protocol, it’s strange this isn’t included.
| Price range | $2.29–$21.99/mo |
| Free version | No, but a 7-day free trial is available |
| Number of servers | 3,200+ |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (UDP), OpenVPN (TCP) |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| Learn more | Read Our Surfshark Review |
Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
ExpressVPN is the streamer’s best friend. It supports more streaming platforms than its competitors and it has 24/7 customer support as well as detailed guides if you need help for any of its supported platforms.
In addition to the streaming services, ExpressVPN has more server locations than most of its competitors (105 countries), so you’re likely to find the region you’re looking for when choosing content.
ExpressVPN is secure and has tools embedded to help you feel more protected. You can check leak protection and see if your IP address is hidden right from the app.
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Speed on ExpressVPN was great! There was no slowdown (it actually sped up the coffee shop Wi-Fi) and no noticeable lag. There’s also an included password generator. This might not be necessary considering iPhone’s proprietary password generator, but an extra cybersecurity feature is nice.
The Threat Manager is also a useful feature. Even though Apple put proprietary code into the latest iOS updates that allows you to “Ask App Not To Track,” that doesn’t necessarily cover all third-party trackers. ExpressVPN builds tracker blocking into the app to help you avoid trackers and malicious sites that may be able to install malware onto your phone.
There aren’t as many features as the other VPNs on this list. ExpressVPN is pretty cut and dry with the protection it provides. Considering its limited on features and has a pricey starting cost ($6.67/mo (billed annually)), some may be more inclined to opt for Nord or Surfshark and save some money.
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While the service supports torrenting and split tunneling, there wasn’t an easy-to-use option on the app.
| Price range | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | Servers in 105 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 8 |
| VPN protocol | Lightway (UDP and TCP), IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| Learn more | Read Our ExpressVPN Review |
If you're not sold on the VPN providers we've selected, that's alright! There are plenty of options to choose from. Here are three additional VPNs for iPhone users to consider:
Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review
The best iPhone VPN is NordVPN. It unblocks regional Netflix content, doesn’t log your data, is headquartered outside a 14 Eyes Alliance country, and has extra features like dark web monitoring.
Proton VPN has a free tier that doesn’t log your data and allows you secure and fast browsing. It also gives you unlimited data and even comes with features like Proton Mail, calendar, and drive. It may not unblock Netflix, but there has been success with other streaming services. If you’re looking for a VPN for free, this may be the one for you.
NordVPN is a great choice for iPad users. It unblocks regional Netflix content so you can watch U.K. Netflix on your tablet, doesn’t log your data, and is headquartered in Panama outside the 14 Eyes Alliance. It also comes with extra features like dark web monitoring and even malware protection.
Yes, VPNs really work on iPhones. Apple products have great security, but they aren’t infallible. Having a VPN installed can keep you safe on public Wi-Fi and from potential hackers.
Yes, Apple devices do need a VPN. While Apple’s security features are difficult to penetrate, it’s still possible to hack into an Apple device. Installing a VPN gives you an extra layer of protection.
We believe the three best VPNs for iOS devices are NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. Each of these VPNs had plenty of security features that made us feel like we were getting the most for our money. They also provided the ability to unblock Netflix and other streaming service catalogs while maintaining speed.
While there is no perfect product, choosing the right VPN can be a painless process. It comes down to what’s important to you and your family. These three offer enough protection and features to make them worth your while.
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
NordVPN |
Starts at $3.99/mo | Best overall | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Surfshark |
Starts at $2.29/mo | Best for powerful features | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
 ExpressVPN |
Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) | Best for streaming | Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
We tested all VPNs on a slower, coffee shop-style Wi-Fi network similar to what you’d find on most public Wi-Fi. Each VPN was tested on an iPhone 12 Pro Max running the latest version of iOS 16. VPNs were chosen for excelling in speed tests and the ability to unblock streaming services, logs policies, headquarters, price, and additional features including:
With so many VPN options on the market, it can become overwhelming deciding which one to purpose. Here are some factors you should consider when picking the best VPN for your iPhone:
VPN setup on your iPhone is easy. Here are the basic steps to follow:
And that's it! It should take less than five minutes to download, install, set up, and run your new VPN. For a more detailed explanation, you can view our guide on how to use a VPN on iOS.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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