7 Best VPN Apps for iPhone to Protect Your Identity and Data

Are you worried about your online privacy on your iPhone? Or maybe you’ve struggled to access Netflix libraries or secure servers from your phone? I get it. The iPhone is powerful, but without a VPN, your data, location, and identity are vulnerable.

That’s why I rely on a VPN daily—and I’m going to share the 7 best VPN apps for iPhone that actually work, keep you secure, and make life online way easier.

Why You Need a VPN on Your iPhone

Before jumping into the VPN list, let’s set the stage. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is software that connects your device to another server somewhere else in the world.

This does a few things:

• Encrypts your connection so hackers or ISPs can’t snoop on your activity.
• Lets you bypass geo-restrictions on apps and streaming platforms.
• Adds a layer of security when using public Wi-Fi.
• Can even save you money on flights, software, and online subscriptions.

I always recommend paid VPNs over free ones. Paid options are faster, more secure, don’t log your data, and reliably bypass geo-restrictions. My personal pick? Surfshark VPN—affordable, secure, and unlimited devices.

1. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is one of the first VPNs I tried on my iPhone—and it’s still one of the most reliable. Its iOS app works flawlessly and even supports dark mode. You can connect to servers in 115+ countries instantly.

Why I love it:

• 115+ server locations
• 5 simultaneous device connections
• AES-256 encryption
• 4x faster browsing claims
• 7-day free trial

Whether I’m traveling or just want to stream content safely, Hotspot Shield always comes through.

2. ExpressVPN

If you want reliability, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. The app is super smooth, and you can connect to 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries. Advanced protocols like IKEv2 and OpenVPN make public Wi-Fi safe. The best part? If your connection drops, ExpressVPN automatically reconnects.

Key Features:

• 3,000+ servers worldwide
• Automatic reconnection
• Split tunneling (choose apps to bypass VPN)
• Home Screen widget for quick access
• 7-day free trial

ExpressVPN is pricey compared to some, but the reliability and speed make it worth it.

3. NordVPN

You’ve probably heard NordVPN in YouTube ads—but it’s more than hype. The iPhone app is slick, and you can use NordLynx protocol for fast, secure connections.

What makes NordVPN great:

• 5,500+ servers in 59 locations
• 6 devices simultaneously
• Double VPN for extra encryption
• Map-based server selection

No free trial here, but their 3-year plan costs just $3.71/month—a steal for privacy.

4. PureVPN

If budget is your priority, PureVPN is a solid option. Its iOS app is intuitive, supports 10 simultaneous connections, and gives access to 6,500 servers in 100+ locations.

Top Features:

• IPSec, IKEv2, OpenVPN protocols
• Automatic reconnection
• Dark mode for easier night browsing
• 7-day free trial
• Subscription from $0.99/month

PureVPN strikes a balance between affordability and functionality.

5. X-VPN

X-VPN is versatile, fast, and packed with features. It supports 10 different protocols, has 8,000 servers, a native kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Perfect if you want complete control over your connection

Key Features:

• 5 simultaneous connections
• 8,000+ servers in 50 locations
• Kill switch + DNS leak test
• 7-day free trial
• $11.99/month for premium

X-VPN is a great mix of security and flexibility.

6. Surfshark VPN

I’ve been using Surfshark for years. The iPhone app is smooth, supports multi-hop connections, blocks ads, and protects unlimited devices.

Why Surfshark rocks:

• 3,200 servers in 65 countries
• Multi-hop for extra privacy
• Unlimited devices
• Ad blocking and app whitelist
• $2.49/month on 2-year plan

If you want affordable but powerful, Surfshark is my go-to.

7. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail—so privacy is the core. Strong encryption, open-source apps, and multi-hop options make it ideal for security-focused users.

Features:

• 577 servers in 44 countries
• AES-256 and RSA encryption
• High speeds up to 10Gbps
• Free version available
• Paid plans start at $4/month

ProtonVPN is perfect if you want top-notch privacy and don’t mind paying a bit extra for security.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of why these VPNs are essential for your iPhone:

• Protect identity and data on public Wi-Fi
• Access geo-restricted content like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer
• Bypass ISP throttling and dynamic pricing
• Streamline your workflow if your digital marketing agency or online advertising work requires secure access
• Safeguard multiple devices with one subscription

Remember: Paid VPNs are almost always better than free ones. Free apps may log your data, slow down your connection, or fail to bypass geo-blocks.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use VPN for banking apps?
A: Be cautious. Some banking apps may block VPN connections for security reasons.

Q2: Will VPN slow down my internet?
A: Yes, especially if the server is far away. Choose a nearby server for better speed.

Q3: Can I use one VPN for multiple devices?
A: Depends on the provider. Surfshark offers unlimited connections; others like NordVPN allow 6 devices.

Q4: Do VPNs keep logs?
A: Most paid VPNs claim to be no-logs, but it’s safest to assume some metadata is stored.

VPNs aren’t just a tool—they’re a necessity for online privacy, content access, and security. Personally, I run Surfshark on all my devices, but the other VPNs above are excellent depending on your needs. If you take your privacy seriously, pick one today and secure your iPhone now.