Best VPNs for iPhone

When you connect to the world wide web, otherwise known as the internet, you might become vulnerable to hackers, especially on your iPhone. So how do you keep yourself safe from cyberattacks while browsing on your phone? 

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to establish an encrypted network connection when using public networks (like when connecting to public WIFI. It works by routing traffic through servers located elsewhere. 

Using VPNs on mobile devices can be a good idea. In this article, Benzinga explores the best VPN for iPhones so that you can try to remain anonymous and safe.

What VPN Can You Use on Your iPhone?

After examining the usability, features and pricing of various VPNs, Benzinga found a few of the best VPNs for iPhones.  

1. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access offers a strong platform and VPN for as little as $12 per month that allows you access to:

• Static IP that masks your real IP
• No log policy
• Ad blocker
• Kill switch
• Connections for up to 10 devices

2. NortonLifeLock

NortonLifeLock is an all-in-one VPN that provides on-the-go access to your favorite websites without the risk of data breaches. It allows you to protect up to 10 devices, from PC to Android and iOS devices. It's a classic go-to for gamers, so if you're all about integrating the same protection system for your PC and iPhone, then NortonLifeLock might be a great choice.

The AV-TEST institute certified NortonLifeLock as the best IT security product of the year in 2021. 

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN gives you access to a wide array of split tunneling techniques, which let you route some traffic through encryption while other applications have direct internet access. It also has a kill switch that automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops.  

If you're thinking about connecting to a VPN but worried about speed, consider ExpressVPN. While ExpressVPN servers protect the security of your personal information, they are also optimized for speed. ExpressVPN uses a 256-bit AES encryption with DNS/IPv6 leak protection. 

It has servers in more than 94 countries, each with no bandwidth limit and strong encryption. 

4. NordVPN

NordVPN provides a one-tap bulletproof AES-256 encryption that allows you to checkmate potential privacy breaches on your iPhone. In addition, it uses advanced security protocols to keep your phone safe even in sleep mode. The service also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try before you buy.

With just $5.29 per month, you can get full access to a NordVPN two-year plan with three months free. This option includes malware protection, a tracker and ad blocker, a data breach scanner, cross-platform password management and 1TB encrypted cloud storage.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is built to route your internet traffic through secure servers and ensure protection while browsing, streaming, messaging or sharing files on the internet.

This VPN for Apple devices combines innovative technology with its no traffic logs policy to prevent internet service provider (ISP) tracking and provide safer access to the internet. You can save 63% on your first year with a $3.99 monthly plan billed at $47.89 for the entire year. However, individual IPVanish VPNs retail at $10.99 per month.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN uses Swedish privacy laws to ensure a zero data logging policy for maximum security. It allows you to connect up to six devices with 100% IPv6 leak protection to confirm that your identity remains anonymous even when you're suddenly disconnected from the internet.

PrivateVPN ensures military-grade security with its 2048-bit AES-256 encryption and a simple, customizable interface for an optimized user experience. Also, with its full 30-day money-back guarantee, you can enjoy a risk-free experience, and even better, you can save 85% off your purchase by subscribing to the 36-month plan billed annually at $72.

Why Do You Need a VPN for an iPhone?

A VPN helps you establish a secure connection for your activities online, no matter what they may be. For example, you can perform activities like connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, downloading files or streaming videos from streaming services like Netflix and HBO using a  VPN. Your IP address is disguised, making your location invisible and helping to defend against external attacks.

With one of the best VPNs for iPhones, you can mask your location and surf with more confidence.

Here are some more specific reasons why you need a VPN for your iPhone:

• Secure your connections: Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be useful, especially when you are outside your home and traveling. However, they aren’t secure. A hacker can hack into the network and access the data being transferred over the web, leaving your personal information vulnerable. With a VPN for Apple or iPhone devices, you can try to stay protected, regardless of what network you're connected to.
• Encrypt your data: A VPN routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to keep it private while you surf the net. You need to install a VPN on your iPhone if security is important to you.
• Browse anonymously: Imagine running from a supervillain with a location chip inserted in your skin – iPhones can act like a location tracker for you. Whether you browse on regular tabs or create a private one, your phone can be traced to its exact location through its IP address. But with a VPN, you might be able to escape.

When you enter a VPN's secure tunnel, you can browse anonymously. The VPN routes traffic through another server and prevents your ISP from monitoring every move.

Considerations With VPNs

Unfortunately, there’s a limit to how much VPNs can protect you, and you need to be careful. While they can ward off technical hacks, they’re not totally foolproof.

• VPN bans: In certain countries, like China and Iran, VPNs are banned. While they are usually legal in other countries, you have to be careful about where you are using VPNs.
• Speed: Using a VPN can impact your internet speed. Because all your traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, it can take longer for pages to load and downloads to complete. Additionally, some VPN providers throttle bandwidth on free plans, which can further impact your speed. If you are concerned about speed, be sure to choose a VPN provider that offers unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds
• Data tracking: Using a VPN doesn’t mean all of your web browsing data completely disappears. Other third parties can still monitor your browsing data, like if you are logged into a Google or Facebook account or accept cookies that store data like your name and location.

Frequently Asked Questions