Whether you've got your hands on an iPhone 17, or you use an older model, you should seriously consider downloading and using one of the best VPNs on it.
Since your iPhone is used for on-the-go internet browsing (on potentially unsecure networks), it makes sense to encrypt your connection and prevent any snooping on your data, no matter where you are. There are also other handy things a VPN can help with on iPhone, such as streaming geo-restricted content or remaining completely anonymous online.
In this article, we’ll discuss why you need an iPhone VPN, how it can help you not only make your browsing more secure but also access blocked content, and which are the best iPhone VPNs on the market right now.
To keep your browsing data private
When you use your iPhone to browse the internet, every website you visit and every search you perform can be viewed by your ISP or network administrators. This puts your online activities at risk as they can be logged, analyzed, and even sold to third parties.
Now, you may argue that Apple enforces several security stops such as Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which prevents cross-site tracking and its Secure Enclave (hardware-based security). However, these are all on-device protections, and your internet traffic can still be monitored.
Using one of the most private VPNs can close this security gap by encrypting your data traffic before it leaves your device. Simply put, a VPN scrambles your data into an unreadable format, making it virtually impossible to be deciphered by any third party.
All the ISPs or any unauthorized snooper can see is that you’re using a VPN (and even this can be hidden via VPN obfuscation), but not the exact websites you’re viewing.
Combined with IP address masking, a VPN’s data encryption ensures your browsing data stays private and cannot be traced back to you.
To unblock streaming sites
In addition to bolstering your digital privacy, VPNs also help unblock a host of geo-blocked content on your iPhone. Sure, almost every single piece of content, from movies to TV shows and sports events, is available on the internet, but there are several restrictions in place.
Streaming providers often geo-restrict their content, meaning they offer different libraries to audiences of different regions. For instance, a movie might be streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the UK, but the same movie might be available on Netflix in the US. So, even if you have a valid Netflix subscription in the UK, you won’t be able to stream that movie.
This is precisely where using one of the best streaming VPNs comes in handy. By connecting to a server in the US, you can use your Prime Video UK account to access the Netflix US-only movie in the UK. Since your IP address then changes to somewhere in the US, the streaming provider (in this case, Netflix) thinks you’re a US user, allowing you access to the geo-restricted content.
This is true for a host of platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, even regional platforms like 9Now and 10Play, and sports streaming services like Sky Sports and Sony LIV.
For iPhone users, this means you can enjoy your favorite movies and live sports even while traveling, without worrying about regional locks or location-based restrictions.
To anonymize yourself online
Combine a VPN’s IP masking and data encryption abilities, and you get a service that anonymizes your online presence, prevents your internet activity from being tied to you, and secures your data against hackers and ISPs.
The most secure VPNs, however, go a step ahead and also block tracking cookies and ads, which are often used by advertisers to keep tabs on your online activities, like the websites you visit and the products you’re interested in to build a detailed ‘online profile’.
For example, if you search for ‘shoes’ on Amazon, you might start seeing ads for shoes on Instagram and Facebook, too. However, some VPNs can also block such intrusive trackers, ads, and malware via features such as NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro, giving you complete peace of mind when using Safari or other apps on your iPhone.
What is the best iPhone VPN?
In our tests, ExpressVPN came out on top as the best iPhone VPN service, courtesy first and foremost to its streamline and simple iOS app layout, which comes with a big quick-connect button for easy access.
ExpressVPN has also rolled out several iOS-specific features that make it easier than ever to monitor your iPhone VPN connection. For instance, you can add an ExpressVPN widget on your iPhone and connect to the nearest server without even opening the app. Then there’s a new Network Insights feature that tells you about your connection status and upload-download speeds on your lock screen and Dynamic Island.
Last but not least, ExpressVPN also stands out as one of the most private VPNs, thanks to post-quantum encryption, an 18-time verified no-logs policy, a proprietary Lightway protocol, and Identity Defender.
However, if you’re not a fan of ExpressVPN’s premium pricing, you can try out NordVPN, our top-rated VPN service. NordVPN boasts over 8,000 servers across 164 locations in 126 countries, and top speeds of 900 Mbps, alongside unique security extras like Double VPN.
If you're budget-conscious, Surfshark, the best cheap VPN for iPhone, is a great option. It comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, dynamic multi-hop for extra security, and simple apps that, while not as polished as ExpressVPN’s, are still among the easiest to use.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
