Best VPNs for iPhone

Apple released the iPhone 10 and 8 in the Fall of 2017.  The latest iPhone devices have a number of new features.  i have an iPhone 10 and love the large size and high end camera.  It looks great.  Sure it can be a challenge to carry around at times but it’s smaller than the iPhone 7.  In a moment I will share our list of the best iPhone VPNs.  The services are also well suited for earlier versions along with iPad and iPod devices.

iPhone

After picking up my new iPhone 10 I immediately started looking at the VPN apps available for the phone.  There were several available but as you might guess they were not all ready for the new device.  I am happy to share that all 5 of our top iPhone VPNs have free mobile apps that work great with the iPhone 10, 8 and previous models.

When you select an VPN app for your device make sure to look at the minimum requirements.  Each app requires a minimum version of iOS.  This will not be a problem for iPhone 10 users but if you have an older model then you may need to update your version of iOS.  The same is true for iPad and iPod users.  Also take note of which version of each device the apps are designed to support.  While an older app will typically work we look for VPN services that keep up with the changing technology.

When looking for the best VPNs to use for iPhone 6, 6 Plus, iPad Air, and iPad Mini we considered the typical uses for each device.  I travel a fair amount and need the privacy protection and security of a VPN.  When traveling outside the United States it is nice to have a VPN to access popular service like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Now.  When working from a hotel or local coffee shop I always connect to a VPN to secure my connection.  Having an easy to use VPN app for iOS is a must.  Let’s take a look at some good options.

Best VPNs for iPhone

RankProviderPriceRatingVisit
Rank 1ExpressVPN$6.67
49% Off
9.9
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Rank 2IPVanish$4.87
60% Off
9.7
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Rank 3Hide My Ass$6.55
43% Off
9.6
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Rank 4PureVPN$4.16
65% Off
9.5
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Rank 5VPN4ALL$4.58
40% Off
9.4
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Reviews of the Best iPhone VPNs

ExpressVPN VPNSP Special
1. ExpressVPN offers unlimited VPN access from just $6.67 a month.

ExpressVPN is our choice for the “Best VPN for iPhone” based on their performance, reliability, privacy, and price. They do a lot of things right. They are a bit pricier than some services but the quality is excellent. You can expect fast connections and friendly tech support. They have some of the best VPN client software. You can tell they put a lot of effort into the interface design for all their software. You can sign up for unlimited VPN from just $6.67 a month. They offer a 30 day money back guarantee.

ExpressVPN iOS app in action

ExpressVPN iOS appThe ExpressVPN mobile app require iOS 8.0 or later. The app is optimized for iPhone 5. Here are some highlights of the ExpressVPN iOS app:

  • Locations – select a server location from a list
  • Map view – see your server location and connection status
  • No protocol selection – you can not choose between protocol which can make it harder to connect in some countries.

You’ll find that ExpressVPN is very user friendly. They start by offering a 30 day money back guarantee. There are no usage or connection limits. You simply request a refund in the first 30 days if you are not happy with the service. Their client software is very user friendly. I am especially fond of their Mac client. The software looks great and is very easy to use.

ExpressVPN manages a large network of VPN servers around the world. They host servers in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. They are one of the fastest VPN services we have had the pleasure of testing. On top of great service, ExpressVPN offers excellent customer support.

As a member of ExpressVPN you’ll have access to free client software for Windows and Mac. They also have mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. They provide a nice set up guide for DD-WRT routers. ExpressVPN supports OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP. You can sign up for unlimited VPN access from just $6.67 a month. All new members are covered by their 30 day money back guarantee.

Visit ExpressVPN


IPVanish VPNSP Special
2. IPVanish offers unlimited VPN access from just $4.87 a month.

Managing a tier-1 network gives IPVanish an edge over other providers.  This allows them to provide you the best possible performance.  It also increases the reliability of the service because they have full control over their VPN servers.  They have a strict “no log” policy which gives you greater privacy.  Having control over all aspects of the VPN service allows them to give you the best price.  IPVanish kindly offers our guests a 25% discount.  Enjoy unlimited VPN from just $4.87 a month.

IPVanish iPhone app in action

IPVanish iPhone appThe IPVanish iPhone and iPad apps require iOS 8.0 or later.  The app is optimized for iPhone 5 and iPhone 6. Here are some of the features in the IPVanish iOS app:

  • Single-swipe VPN connection – Switch your VPN connection on/off with one swipe.
  • Visible IP address and server connection – you can see your public IP address before connecting to the IPVanish network.  After you connect you can see your new IP address along with the server location.
  • Automatic connection – set the IPVanish app to automatically connect to their service when you access public WiFi networks.
  • Persistent connection – set your iPhone to stay connected when it goes into standby mode or you lock the screen.

Performance is key for those of us who enjoy watching tv shows and movies from other countries.  Especially if you want to watch live sporting events or HD content.  IPVanish has servers around the world with the speed and reliability to handle major events like the World Cup, Olympics, ICC Cricket, Super Bowl, and Grand Prix circuit.

Privacy is important to anyone looking for a VPN service.  Any VPN you choose will offer encryption but IPVanish takes it a step further.  They offer 256-bit AES encryption.  IPVanish supports OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP protocols.  Giving you a high level of security when connected to their network.  Their “no log” policy ensures that your activities will not be logged while using the service.

IPVanish supports a wide range of devices.  They have custom software for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.  They also support DD-WRT and Tomato routers.  Setting up your router to use the service allows you to protect your entire network with a single VPN account.  IPVanish includes two simultaneous connections with every account so you can protect multiple devices at the same time.  New members are covered by a 7 day money back guarantee.  Enjoy unlimited VPN access from just $4.87 a month with our 25% off discount.

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HideMyAss 5 Star Rating

3. HideMyAss offers unlimited VPN access from just $6.55 a month.

HideMyAss has been helping users protect their online privacy since 2005.  With many years under their belt the HMA team provides an excellent service.  HMA has the largest network of any major VPN provider.  They are headquartered in the UK and have offices in London, Kiev and Belgrade.  Enjoy unlimited VPN from just $6.52 a month.

HideMyAss iOS app in action

HideMyAss iOS appThe HideMyAss iPhone app require iOS 6.0 or later.  The app is optimized for iPhone 5. Here is a quick summary of the HMA iOS app features:

  • Favorites – set server locations as favorites
  • Select by country – select a server location from country list
  • Protocol type – select between VPN protocols

A benefit of having such a large network is that you can access VPN servers in countries that are not available from other services.  The HideMyAss network can get very busy at times.  I suggest you use their HMA Pro VPN client which has a load balancing feature.  This allows you to optimize your speed while using their service.

If you travel the world or live in a country without many local VPN servers then HideMyAss is your best choice.  They are always expanding their network and adding new servers.  They have multiple server locations in many different countries.  Including servers in areas that are not covered by other VPN networks.

HideMyAss has a full line up of software.  They have custom clients for Windows and Mac.  They also have mobile apps for iOS and Android.  You can set up your router to work with the service.  HMA supports OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP protocols.  Sign up for unlimited VPN access from just $6.55 a month.  HMA offers a 30 day money back guarantee.

Visit HideNyAss


PureVPN 5 Star Rating

4. PureVPN offers unlimited VPN access from just $4.16 a month.

The PureVPN team launched their VPN service in 2007 and it has been going strong ever since.  They start with standard VPN access and offer a number of add-ons like SmartDNS, dedicated IP, NAT firewall and more.  With PureVPN you pay one low price for unlimited VPN access.  You can add on other features for an additional cost.  PureVPN is one of the only VPN providers to offer split tunneling and dedicated IP addresses.

PureVPN iPhone app in action

PureVPN iOS appThe PureVPN iPhone apps require iOS 6.1 or later.  The app is optimized for iPhone 5. Here are some of the key features of the PureVPN app for iOS:

  • Supports IKEv2 protocol – iOS 8 only
  • Auto / manual protocol switch – iOS 8 only
  • Find server – select a server location from an on screen map
  • Country selection tool – select the country you want to connect to from a list.
  • Purpose selection – the app will help you choose the best sever for your purpose.

The PureVPN team manages a large and growing network of VPN servers around the world.  You will find multiple server locations in popular countries like the United States and United Kingdom.  Windows users will be happy to hear that they offer SSTP connections.  They also support OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, and IKEv2 protocols.

PureVPN has client software for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.  All together they have one of the best sets of clients and mobile apps we have ever used.  The Windows client includes a VPN kill switch feature to help protect your IP address in case you drop the VPN connection.  Both the Windows and Mac clients have a smart purpose selection (SPS) tool that helps choose the best protocol and server based on your needs.

I’d like to mention one more PureVPN feature that every member can use.  The service supports split tunneling which allows you to tunnel a portion of your Internet traffic thru the VPN while sending other requests directly to your ISP.  This can help protect your privacy while allowing you to view streaming content outside the VPN connection without any speed loss.  Sign up for unlimited VPN access from just $4.16 a month.

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VPN4ALL 4.5 Star Rating

5. VPN4ALL offers unlimited VPN access from just $7.00 a month.

VPN4ALL is one of the only VPN services to offer users a dedicated IP address.  They include a dedicated IP with every plan.  This can be useful for those who need a dedicated IP for banking, online gambling, gaming, and other purposes.  The VPN4ALL team has developed an easy to use Windows and Mac client.  Connect to any server with a single click.  They also have mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.

VPN4ALL iOS app in action

VPN4ALL iOS appThe VPN4ALL iPhone apps require iOS 4.3 or later.  It is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Here are some of the key features of the VPN4ALL app for iOS:

  • Country choice – select between the US, Europe and UK
  • Traffic meter – keep track of your data usage
  • Data limit – set a limit and monthly reset date

VPN4ALL differs from the other providers in our list.  They do not offer as many features.  The client is simple to use but lacks the advanced features of some of their competitors.  Those who just want to select a server location from a dropdown box and connect will be happy with the service.  If you want more options like a VPN kill switch or split tunneling then VPN4ALL might not be your best choice.

When you visit the VPN4ALL site you will notice that they offer three different plans.  The first includes 50 GB of usage a month.  The second option includes unlimited VPN for Windows, Mac and Linux.  They have a separate plan that includes 5 GB of usage a month for mobile users.  If you want to use the service on both desktop and mobile devices then you will need to purchase both plans.

I like that VPN4ALL is so easy to use.  You can easily connect to any server location and see which servers support p2p.  They have a full line up of software including clients for Windows and Mac.  They also have mobile apps for iOS and Android.  You will need a mobile account to use those.  Remember that all accounts come with a dedicated IP address.  You can sign up for 50 GB of VPN access from $7.00 a month.

Visit VPN4ALL


Take a look at our Top 10 VPN services if you would like to explore other options.  The top 10 list was compiled with an overall experience in mind.  While this post focuses on the best VPN for iPhone, the overall top 10 looks at a wide range of devices and purposes for using a VPN.  You can follow us @VPNSP for the latest VPN news and special offers.

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