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Best VPN for iPhone in 2026

We tested every major VPN on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 running iOS 18. Here are the VPNs with the best iOS apps for speed, battery life, security, and streaming.

Tested March 2026

Quick Comparison

#1 NordVPN
9.4
6 400 servers 10 devices $3.09/mo
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#2 ExpressVPN
9.2
3 000 servers 8 devices $6.67/mo
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#3 Surfshark
9
3 200 servers Unlimited devices $2.19/mo
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#4 Proton VPN
8.8
4 600 servers 10 devices $3.59/mo
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iOS App Comparison

Feature NordVPN ExpressVPN Surfshark Proton VPN
iOS Rating4.7/54.7/54.5/54.6/5
ProtocolNordLynxLightwayWireGuardWireGuard
Kill SwitchYesYesYesYes
Split TunnelingYesYesYesNo
Siri ShortcutsYesYesNoNo
WidgetYesYesYesNo
Ad BlockerYesNoYesYes
Price$3.09/mo$6.67/mo$2.19/moFree

What Makes a Good iPhone VPN?

Not all VPNs perform equally on iOS. Here is what we look for when testing iPhone VPN apps:

  • Lightweight protocol: WireGuard-based protocols (NordLynx, Lightway) use less battery and connect faster than OpenVPN.
  • Kill switch support: iOS kill switches protect you if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
  • Split tunneling: Route only specific apps through the VPN while others use your regular connection. Useful for banking apps.
  • Native iOS features: Siri Shortcuts, home screen widgets, and iCloud Private Relay compatibility show a well-maintained iOS app.
  • Battery efficiency: The VPN should add no more than 10% extra battery drain during normal use.

Our Top Picks

1

NordVPN

Panama · Since 2012

9.4
/ 10

Best overall VPN with the strongest security features and fastest speeds.

Servers 6 400+
Countries 111
Devices 10
Best price $3.09/mo
  • Fastest speeds in our tests
  • Massive server network (6,400+ servers in 111 countries)
  • Independently audited no-logs policy
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2

ExpressVPN

British Virgin Islands · Since 2009

9.2
/ 10

Premium VPN with excellent speeds and the widest device compatibility.

Servers 3 000+
Countries 105
Devices 8
Best price $6.67/mo
  • Consistently fast speeds across all locations
  • Lightway protocol (proprietary, fast, and secure)
  • RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology)
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3

Surfshark

Netherlands · Since 2018

9
/ 10

Best value VPN with unlimited devices and strong privacy features.

Servers 3 200+
Countries 100
Devices Unlimited
Best price $2.19/mo
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Very affordable long-term plans
  • CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
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4

Proton VPN

Switzerland · Since 2017

8.8
/ 10

Best VPN for privacy with a generous free plan and Swiss jurisdiction.

Servers 4 600+
Countries 91
Devices 10
Best price $3.59/mo
  • Best free VPN plan (no data limits, no ads)
  • Based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws)
  • Fully open-source and independently audited
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best VPN for iPhone?
NordVPN is the best VPN for iPhone in 2026. Its iOS app is fast, well-designed, and includes all key features: NordLynx protocol, kill switch, threat protection, and split tunneling. It also supports the new iOS VPN API for better battery life.
Should I use a VPN on my iPhone?
Yes, especially on public Wi-Fi. While iOS is more secure than Android, your internet traffic is still visible to your ISP and anyone on the same network. A VPN encrypts all traffic from your iPhone, protecting your data on coffee shop, airport, and hotel Wi-Fi networks.
Do VPNs drain iPhone battery?
Modern VPNs have minimal battery impact. NordVPN and ExpressVPN use lightweight protocols (NordLynx and Lightway) designed specifically for mobile devices. You can expect 5-10% more battery usage with a VPN running, which is negligible for most users.
Is there a free VPN for iPhone?
Proton VPN offers the only safe free VPN for iPhone. It has no data limits, no ads, and no logging. Avoid free VPN apps from the App Store as many collect and sell your data. See our best free VPN guide for details.

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