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The Best VPNs for iPhone (iOS) & iPad in 2022

Sara Jones

The truth is that iOS and iPad OS are the most secure mobile platforms, which they owe in particular to Apple’s tight control over its App Store. However, when it comes to your online privacy, there’s little Apple can do to protect you. Of course, tracking attempts are limited on Safari and Apple prevents apps from collecting unnecessary data, but nothing can replace a full VPN app, especially if you strive for complete online anonymity. So the big question is, what’s the best VPN for iPhone and iPad in 2021? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answer.

The first thing you need to know is that you need a native VPN app. Many VPN services promise iPhone and iPad compatibility, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they offer native apps. In reality, most of these services rely on manual configurations which can be complex and limiting (especially over the long term). That’s why all the VPNs featured in this article each have a well-designed, easy-to-use, and regularly updated native app.

Finally, there is one more thing to take into account. The VPN services presented in this article are considered the best VPNs for iPhone and iPad. That doesn’t mean, however, that they are all alike. They each have their own features, have various types of server networks, and can unblock different categories of sites, among others. So, are you planning to use a VPN to surf the web? Are you planning to use a streaming service on your iOS device? Or maybe you want to download torrents on your iPhone and iPad?It is based on your answers to these questions that you will need to select the service that is right for you. So pay attention to the descriptions of the following VPN services to know everything you need to know.

Before we dive into this list of the best VPNs for iPhones and iPads, we first have some important information to share. Read the following carefully.

Do you need a VPN for iOS? Aren’t iPhones the most private smartphones on the market?

It is true that Apple has done a lot when it comes to privacy for their software and electronic products. Thanks to Apple’s massive “Privacy on iPhone ” advertising campaign and a dedicated page highlighting the company ‘s privacy measures, many of us believe that privacy on iPhones is extremely well secured. If we make a comparison with Android phones, this is indeed the case. However, it’s still wise to take matters into your own hands, which is why there are so many VPNs designed for iOS.

Most of the tasks you do on an iPhone rely on your internet connection. This means that there is a constant flow of incoming and outgoing web data. You’re going to want to protect that data and make sure no one can see what you’re doing online. This is precisely what a VPN is for. This service is indeed designed to hide everything in a secure tunnel and thus improve your privacy and online security.

VPNs are also useful for accessing restricted sites and apps. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling or just want to access sites unavailable in your country / region, a VPN can help. So you can watch foreign TV channels and international sports competitions very easily from your iPhone.

How to find a reliable iOS VPN? What should you pay attention to?

With so many different VPNs available on the market, it can be difficult to find the best VPN for iPhone and iPad. However, we are here to help. So let’s talk about the important features to consider when choosing a VPN for iOS.

  • VPN Protocols for iOS: You will notice that VPNs feature a whole series of VPN protocols . However, due to some constraints of Apple’s iOS system, you probably won’t use all of these protocols. So pay attention to what your VPN offers for iOS (you’ll want to use OpenVPN, IKEv2, or IPSec).
  • No Data Logging: If privacy is the reason you want to go with a VPN service, choose one that has a no-logging policy. You will usually find independent audits that determine whether or not these claims are being met. Also, checking the background of a VPN should be a must-do task to ensure that you don’t run any security risks in the future.
  • Many servers: To get the best possible speed, you’ll want to connect to a server in your country. VPNs with lots of servers usually have the best performance and give you a variety of connections. They are also useful for unblocking online content.
  • Well-designed and up-to-date VPN apps : Once you’ve narrowed down your selection of VPNs, head to the iOS App Store. Track their app ratings, update frequency, and what other users are saying about them. You want a VPN that offers a regularly updated app that cares about the privacy of its subscribers.
  • Reliable Customer Service: Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of customer service. Reputable VPN services offer 24/7 live chat through their website so you don’t have to wait if you have a problem with your VPN.

Why not go for a free VPN for iPhones and iPads?

People with bad intentions see VPNs as a way to take advantage of your privacy. This is the reason why you will find fake VPNs on the web, as well as fake VPN sites, designed for the sole purpose of collecting your personal information. As you can imagine, they come in the form of free VPNs. In addition, free VPNs are among the most well-known VPN scams and have a rather aggressive reach.

We understand that you may be hesitant to spend money on a VPN, but remember that the consequences of someone gaining access to your personal data can be serious. Prevention is always better than cure, which is why we strongly recommend that you avoid free VPN services at all costs. Be sure to find out why free VPNs are not safe .

We also understand that some of you are on a tight budget, which is why we made sure to recommend a whole host of value-for-money VPN apps. In other words, you will only have to shell out a few dollars a month, which makes these VPN services very attractive. You can also rely on the refund policies which are quite generous (up to 30 days).

What are the best VPNs for iPhones and iPads in 2021?

Here we are at the heart of our article. These VPNs are the 7 best VPNs for iPhones and iPads in 2021 .

1. ExpressVPN

In the horse world, ExpressVPN would be a thoroughbred. Some VPNs excel in some areas while they are less good in others. ExpressVPN has clearly taken everything into account, from A to Z. The service is comprehensive and every part of it is presented in a professional and presentable manner. That’s why we think ExpressVPN is one of the best general VPNs of 2021.

ExpressVPN for iOS has everything you’ll need to protect this operating system. It allows you to choose the VPN protocol, maintain a stable connection even under the most complex conditions, and adequately protect your data and location. ExpressVPN’s security and privacy puts this service at the top of the scale, especially by offering a nice selection of protocols for iOS. In addition, the service uses extremely secure protocols and applies a no-logging policy so that you can surf the web in complete freedom. And if the app itself wasn’t enough, ExpressVPN takes customer service a step further.

Compared to other VPN services for iOS, ExpressVPN’s features allow it to be one of the best in its market, especially thanks to its speed and stability. This isn’t the best VPN service though, as it lacks additional features. On iPhone and iPad, only the choice of country and VPN protocols are available. No other additional functions are available compared to what the service offers for other operating systems.

What are the special features of ExpressVPN on iOS?

+ Choice of protocol

– No useful additional functionality from other platforms

– No free trial

If you plan to use ExpressVPN on iOS in addition to using it on your desktop or Android devices, this is a good service. However, if your primary goal is to use a VPN on an iOS device, you should go for another VPN service like Surfshark.

You can learn more about this VPN service by checking out our ExpressVPN review . There you will find additional information as to why we are convinced that ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for iPhone of 2021.

ExpressVPN for iOS is available from the Apple App Store , but be sure to sign up at expressvpn.com first .

  • Main functionalities and particularities: very powerful VPN service; one of the most popular options on the market; excellent privacy protection; ideal for using streaming services.
  • VPN protocols available (on iOS): OpenVPN (UDP / TCP), IKEv2, IPSec.
  • IOS / iPadOS App Store Rating: 4.6 / 5 (over 70,700 ratings).

2. Surfshark VPN

Even though Surfshark is less than ten years old (as is the case with some VPNs in this article), we think this is actually its strength. Surfshark took a close look at the competition before launching into the global market and managed to stand out with an incredibly solid set of features.

First of all, Surfshark offers a very well designed interface. No matter if you are using the iOS app or another app of this VPN, you will have a convenient and clear user interface. Just tap on your iPhone screen to secure your internet connection and conceal your online activities. Then, it comes with incredibly strong protection and reliable VPN protocols. Also be aware that Surfshark does not save your data when you are online and does not keep any logs. Finally, you can use this VPN to block just about any site or streaming service. You can learn more about it in our review of the best VPNs for streaming.

The functionality of Surfshark for iOS came as a nice surprise. Its app for iPhone and iPad can easily be considered one of the best VPN apps for iOS. Unlike apps created by 80% or 90% of other service providers, this app has almost all of the same features as those available in apps for Mac and Windows.

The most curious thing about this app is the ability to select a VPN protocol and the presence of a circuit breaker. Indeed, these features are the rarest on this platform.

The app also offers a jamming system (NoBorders), tracking blocker and additional features available at an additional cost.

So what are the particularities of Surfshark on iOS?

+ unlike most VPN services, offers many features, including choice of protocol and jamming.

+ has successfully passed safety tests in real conditions

– no Whitelister option

– no Static IP list

I have to point out that Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for iOS . Even though at first glance it doesn’t seem to have any big advantages and lags a bit behind the Mac and Windows versions in features, this VPN is way better than most of the other VPNs available on this operating system. This is because really powerful VPN software is rarely designed for this purpose.

We offer our hands-on review of Surfshark , in case you want more information on this VPN. Make sure you read it carefully, and you’ll understand why this is one of the best iPhone VPNs of 2021.

Surfshark for iOS is available from the Apple App Store , but be sure to sign up at Surfshark.com first.

  • Main functionalities and particularities: very intuitive use; unblocks almost all existing sites; supports an unlimited number of connections; ideal for Netflix.
  • VPN protocols available (on iOS): IKEv2, OpenVPN ..
  • IOS / iPadOS App Store Rating: 4.4 / 5 (over 1,300 ratings).

3. CyberGhost VPN

Based in Romania, CyberGhost VPN is one of the most intuitive VPNs on the market. This rapidly growing VPN is made up of a growing network of servers spread all over the world.

First of all, this VPN is capable of unblocking sites like Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and many more. In order to achieve this, you can connect to dedicated servers that seem to go way beyond regular online blocks. Also, let’s not forget to mention that CyberGhost VPN can be used for downloading torrents, which is why it is also one of the best VPNs for torren t . Among the important information about it, note that CyberGhost is made up of a very large number of servers. Most importantly, it does not share or save your personal data on its servers. This is one of the few services currently keeping the promise of their no-logging policy.

CyberGhost VPN for iOS can hardly be considered versatile despite its large number of features.

Most of them have no practical use. Three settings relate to Wi-Fi networks, but not a single extension setting is available. There is also no list of dedicated torrent servers.

What are the special features of CyberGhost VPN on iOS?

– Only IKEv2 is available.

– No other additional functionality is available, compared to other platforms.

– No list of dedicated torrent servers.

– The app is clearly not as powerful as its competitors on iOS.

– A card is required to activate the trial period.

While the iOS app gives you access to over 5,900 servers, I can’t say it’s the best. It is practical, efficient and works well. It comes with a high level of flexibility when it comes to Wi-Fi and you can watch Netflix. However, it has fewer options and features than competing apps.

CyberGhost VPN for iOS is available on the Apple App Store . You can register and subscribe to a subscription at cyberghostvpn.com .

To get more information about this VPN before making your final decision, we’ve written a hands-on CyberGhost VPN review . Be sure to check it out.

  • Main functionalities and particularities: very transparent towards its customers; offers a variety of dedicated servers; with a huge network of servers; impeccable reputation.
  • VPN protocols available (on iOS): OpenVPN, L2TP / IPSec, PPTP, IPSec.
  • IOS / iPadOS App Store Rating: 4.3 / 5 (over 20,400 ratings).

4. NordVPN

NordVPN is a very reputable VPN service provider that is present on the majority of platforms. Besides offering a standard feature set, this VPN is very easy to use and acts as a fully automated solution. Best of all, NordVPN is very proactive when it comes to improving and rapidly evolving its service .

NordVPN has an incredible server list: its thousands of servers are spread across over 60 countries. Providing easy access to a wide variety of servers is one thing, but this VPN also offers one of the most accessible VPN apps for iOS. If you are new to the world of VPNs and are worried that you won’t find your way there, don’t worry, NordVPN makes the process super easy. When it comes to performance, there are faster deals out there, but the speeds of this service are nothing to be ashamed of. This VPN also offers a very wide range of encryption protocols and ensures that its users have everything they need to surf in complete privacy. Best of all, the service also applies a no-logging policy .

NordVPN for iPhone and iPad is also easy to use and functional. It’s hard to find a VPN service with really working apps for iOS. Most of them only offer basic functionality with the IKEv2 protocol.

NordVPN not only works with OpenVPN UDP and TCP on iOS, but also offers 4 traditional specialized server lists.

What features does NordVPN for iOS have?

+ Advanced functionality, which is not common for most VPN services

+ OpenVPN protocol, including jamming

Personally, I find NordVPN to be the best VPN service for iOS. I always use it for VoIP calls and to protect myself when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

The best way to find out about this service is to read our NordVPN review . So click on the link to learn more about this very reliable VPN service.

  • Main functionalities and particularities: very well designed iOS application; many servers spread all over the world; strong and reliable VPN protocols; dual-route (double VPN) supported.
  • VPN protocols available (on iOS): OpenVPN, L2TP / IPSec, PPTP, IPSec.
  • IOS / iPadOS App Store Rating: 4.6 / 5 (over 91,000 ratings).

NordVPN for iOS is available on the Apple App Store , as long as you register at nordvpn.com first.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a VPN that has been around for a long time and has a reputation for keeping its users safe. Even though it is based in the USA (which is not ideal when it comes to data collection, PIA has proven through official means that it does not collect personal data.

What’s interesting about PIA is the design of its user interface. You can adjust your user experience with a series of buttons that allow different types of options. It features an advanced kill switch, PIA’s ad-blocking and malware-blocking technology, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and more. In addition to using a wide variety of VPN protocols, PIA includes thousands of servers. Most of them have good speeds and you can use some of them to access the US version of Netflix.

Private Internet Access for iOS is not available in all regions. You’ll need to check if it’s available in yours by going to the Apple App Store from your iPhone or iPad.

The application for this platform supports the IKEv2 protocol. It improves the period during which the device can operate while the VPN is active. Its functionality is poor, but it is sufficient to perform most tasks.

What are the special features of Private Access Internet on iOS?

+ IKEv2 protocol

– Smaller functionality than most of the best VPNs for iOS.

Personally, I was happy with the number of options available on my iPhone for general use. I just connected to the VPN and didn’t turn it off once during all of my testing. All functions worked as they usually do, when the VPN is not connected. Messenger, social media apps, and web browsers worked well in every location I tested.

FAQs

Now that you’ve learned about the best options available, it’s time to explore this topic in more depth. We’ll cover the different aspects of using a VPN on iOS, as well as the features that make a VPN service the best iPhone service in the world today. Let’s take a look.

Is it legal to use a VPN on your iPhone?

Yes, it is perfectly legal to use a VPN on your iPhone, just like on any other device. Just be aware that VPNs are illegal in some countries and therefore it is recommended that you avoid them if you are passing through those countries. If you live anywhere else, there’s nothing stopping you from using a VPN.

What can you do with a VPN on iOS?

On iOS, a VPN will encrypt all incoming and outgoing data. Your internet service provider will be unable to know what you are doing online, which means that none of your user data is recorded. You can also visit sites with restricted access. For example, by connecting to a VPN server located in the USA and running the Netflix app on your iPhone, you will have access to a huge catalog of movies and series.

How to set up a VPN on iPhone and iPad?

First of all, you need to sign up for a VPN service by visiting the official website of that service (you can use the links that are in this article). Once done, you can download the necessary app from their site or you can download it from the iOS App Store. Run the app, log in using your credentials and you’re good to go.

How do I install an OpenVPN app on iOS?

If you subscribe to a VPN service that doesn’t offer OpenVPN from its app, you can use a third-party solution. Install the OpenVPN Connect app and contact your VPN service to ask them for their OpenVPN configuration files. Once these files are received, all you need to do is upload them to the OpenVPN Connect app. You can learn more about it in our guide to the OpenVPN protocol .

Which VPN should I choose to watch Netflix on iOS?

As you can imagine, you need to choose a VPN that has a proven track record for speed. To help you out, we’ve dedicated an article on the best VPNs for streaming services . You will notice again that ExpressVPN is at the top of the rankings. We believe this is the best VPN service available on the market today.

This is where our article on the best VPNs for iPhone and iPad concludes. If you have any questions that we haven’t answered, feel free to share them in the comments section below. We will do our best to answer them as quickly as possible.