The Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad 2025

Our choices for the three best VPNs for your iPhone or iPad are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN, with our top pick being NordVPN based on performance, perks, and price for iPhone 

While NordVPN came in as our front-runner, Surfshark and Proton VPN had impressive features and solid pricing that landed them a spot in our top three. 

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.

The best VPNs for iOS

• NordVPN: Best overall
• Surfshark: Best for streaming
• Proton VPN: Best free app

Top 3 VPN services for iPhone and iPad compared

How we tested the best VPNs for iOS

Additionally, we tested all VPNs on a slower, coffee shop-style Wi-Fi network, similar to what you’d find on most public Wi-Fi networks. 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, the ability to unblock streaming services, having audited no-logs policies, price, and additional features, including:

• Server count
• Simultaneous connections
• Speed
• Kill switch
• Split tunneling
• Torrenting
• Extra security options
• Streaming ability

NordVPN: Best overall

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is the #1 rated VPN on the market today, 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 kill switch and DNS leak protection help the data on your iPhone from being exposed to unwanted eyes. While this is important on a computer, it’s even more important on a mobile device, which can be used more often and while on unsecured networks.

While NordVPN does have a mid-point cost, 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 NordPass and cloud storage. Paired with its connection speeds, this makes NordVPN the least invasive and most secure VPN for iPhone.

What we liked

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.

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.

What we didn’t like

The app makes you hunt around a little, and there’s no tutorial when you’re first starting.

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 that it has an entire icon dedicated to it on the main toggle bar.

This iOS VPN is only available 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.

NordVPN specs

Surfshark: Best for streaming

Who it’s best for

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, but there are also options for multiple other privacy services that come included with your subscription. Surfshark VPN includes:

• Auto-connect (for unrecognized Wi-Fi connections)
• CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites
• Rotating IP
  
• NoBorders (allowing you to use the internet in restricted areas)
• App customization
• Static IP
• Multi-hop (also known as double VPN)

What we liked

Beyond being a VPN, Surfshark comes with lots of extra features. The Starter plan comes with Alt ID, which allows you to create faux online personas and keep your personal information private. You'll also get CleanWeb, which is one of our favorite ad blockers that can also fight against trackers and malware. 

For higher tiers, 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 choose one of their pre-made double VPN options, or you can create your own.

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.

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.

What we didn’t like

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.

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.

Surfshark specs

Proton VPN: Best free app

Who it’s best for

Proton VPN is a high-quality service, so it was nice to find that it includes a free VPN option. That way, you'll be able to keep your iPhone on a secure, encrypted connection no matter where you are without having to pay for that security.

What we liked

Proton VPN Free allows for unlimited bandwidth, so you won't have to worry about your data running out before the end of the month. Plus, its no-logs policy extends to this free plan, so you won't have to worry about shady data-sharing practices. 

Proton VPN is committed to that no-logs policy, as third parties like Securitum regularly audit it. Plus, this policy was tested in a Swiss court and backed by Swiss data privacy laws. 

If you choose to pay for Proton VPN, it includes plenty of great features:

• VPN Accelerator: Can increase your speeds by up to 400%
• Plus servers: Allow you to stream content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more
• NetShield: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
• Secure Core: Double VPN servers

What we didn’t like

Proton VPN's free version is a lot more limited compared to a paid Proton plan or one of our other recommendations. Server countries are limited to the U.S., Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, and Japan. However, you can't choose your server location, and you'll need to wait about a minute and 30 seconds to change between servers.

Proton VPN specs

Honorable mentions

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: 

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost has a vast server network, with servers in 100 countries. It even has streaming-optimized servers, so you can bypass geo-restrictions around the world while maintaining fast speeds.
  
  
  

  4.8

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  VPN

  CyberGhost

  • High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
  • Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
  • Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console

  Learn More

  Learn More

  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

• Private Internet Access: We've dubbed PIA as one of the best VPN for affordable privacy (tied with Surfshark), considering its plans start at $2.19/mo (billed every two years), and it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.
  
  
  82% off 2-Year Plan + 2 Months Free

  

  4.7

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  VPN

  Private Internet Access

  • More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
  • Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
  • Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services

  Learn More

  Learn More

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is the streamer’s best friend. It supports more streaming platforms than its competitors, and it offers 24/7 customer support, as well as detailed guides, to assist with any issues on its supported platforms.
  
  
  SPECIAL DEAL: 2 Years + 4 Months Free

  

  4.7

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  VPN

  ExpressVPN

  • 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

  Learn More

  Learn More

  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Speed tests

A VPN can decrease your speed, but it should never tank your speed. That's because your data will be routed through a VPN server rather than taking the fastest possible route. It's important to conduct speed tests on the VPNs you try to calculate the hit they could take on your normal speed. 

Of the three VPNs we selected, NordVPN was by far the fastest, though both NordVPN and Proton VPN actually increased our download speed, which is atypical. Usually, we expect the use of a VPN to drop speeds at least 10%, though up to 20% is still decent.

How to set up a VPN on your iPhone

VPN setup on your iPhone is easy. Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Download the VPN service you wish to use from the Apple App Store.
2. Either create an account or log in to your existing account. 
3. Once you're logged in, choose the server you wish to connect to or select the quick-connect button.
4. When the app asks for your permission to enable the VPN, tap Allow. 

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.

FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for iPhone and iPad

Based on our in-house testing, we think the three best VPNs for iOS devices are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. 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's 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.

3 best VPNs for iPhone and iPad 2025