Best VPN for iPhone and iPad in 2026
On iPhone the app matters more than anywhere else. iOS restricts what a VPN can do, so the difference between a good and a bad iPhone VPN is how well it handles the always-on setting, reconnecting when you switch from Wi-Fi to 5G, and staying out of the way.
ExpressVPN has the cleanest iOS app we've used; NordVPN is faster and adds Threat Protection. Proton VPN's free plan is the only free iPhone VPN we recommend.
The 4 best VPNs for iphone and ipad, ranked
- 1Best iOS app#3 overall · 9.1/10
ExpressVPN
The most reliable always-on behaviour on iOS, instant reconnects between Wi-Fi and cellular, and the same app on Apple TV.
- iOS app
- Native app
- Speed
- 598 Mbps
- Devices
- 8
- Refund
- 30 days
- 2Fastest on iPhone#1 overall · 9.7/10
NordVPN
Fastest speeds over 5G in our tests, a solid iOS app with Threat Protection, and Siri shortcuts.
- iOS app
- Native app
- Speed
- 712 Mbps
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
−73% + 3 months freeends soon - 3Best value#2 overall · 9.4/10
Surfshark
Good iOS app, unlimited devices so the whole family's iPhones and iPads are covered.
- iOS app
- Native app
- Speed
- 655 Mbps
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
−86% + 3 months freeends soon - 4Best free iPhone VPN#4 overall · 8.9/10
Proton VPN
Open-source iOS app with a free plan that has no data cap and no ads. Paid plan adds streaming and speed.
- iOS app
- Native app
- Speed
- 541 Mbps
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
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Side by side
| VPN | Score | iOS app | Speed | Devices | 2-yr price | Refund | Port fwd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 9.1 | Native app | 598 Mbps | 8 | $4.99 | 30 days | |
| NordVPN | 9.7 | Native app | 712 Mbps | 10 | $3.39 | 30 days | |
| Surfshark | 9.4 | Native app | 655 Mbps | Unlimited | $2.19 | 30 days | |
| Proton VPN | 8.9 | Native app | 541 Mbps | 10 | $4.49 | 30 days |
How we picked
Tested on an iPhone 16 on Wi-Fi and 5G: connection reliability when switching networks, kill-switch behaviour, speed, and app clarity. Streaming and privacy sub-scores were used as tie-breakers.
All scores come from the same monthly tests on the same rig — how we test. Rank order on this page is by the category criteria, not by commission.
Questions
What is the best VPN for iPhone?
ExpressVPN for the app experience, NordVPN for speed. Both handle iOS's always-on VPN setting reliably, which is where cheaper apps fail.
Does iPhone have a built-in VPN?
No. iOS supports VPN configurations, and iCloud Private Relay hides your IP from websites in Safari only, but neither is a full VPN. You need an app.
Is there a free VPN for iPhone that is safe?
Proton VPN Free. It has no data cap, no ads and no logs. Most other free iPhone VPNs in the App Store monetise your data.
Should I leave the VPN on all the time on iPhone?
On public Wi-Fi, yes. At home it is optional; the top apps add little battery drain, so many people leave it on.