We're just days away from the release of three new iPhones – the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and Air. You may have already ordered one or perhaps you're planning a trip to the mall to get your hands on one in-person.
But have you thought about protecting your new phone? We don't mean cases and screen protectors, we're talking about the best VPNs.
Keep reading, and I'll walk you through the process of downloading a VPN on your iPhone – and my top three recommendations.
The three best iPhone VPNs in 2024
Looking for a VPN with super-sleek iOS apps and a smooth user experience? Here are my top iPhone VPNs in 2025.
How to install a VPN on iPhone
Installing a VPN on your iPhone is a piece of cake. The process is pretty similar to getting set up with an Android VPN or Windows VPN, and I'll walk you through each step.
1. Open up the App Store
Searching for the VPN provider of your choice on the Apple App Store is the easiest way to download a VPN on your iPhone.
Alternatively, you can head to the provider's website and download the iPhone app directly. This is a sure-shot way to ensure you don't accidentally download a malicious copycat of a VPN app.
2. Check out the app info and reviews
It's vital you download a reputable VPN provider, so checking the app info and reviews is a must.
There's a plethora of VPN apps on the App Store and not all are genuine. Your data may be at risk if you download one of these potentially dangerous apps. Free VPNs are usually the most suspicious, so make sure it's one of the best free VPNs – these providers are safe and secure.
A good rule of thumb is to check out Tom's Guide's VPN guides. If we don't recommend a provider, it's best to avoid it.
Once you're certain that the app you've found is legitimate, click "Get."
3. Download the app and wait for it to install
On iPhone, you'll be prompted to confirm installation with a passcode or Face ID. Wait for the download to complete, exit the App Store, and open up the VPN app.
4. Grant system access permissions
The app will ask that you grant it system access permissions – and you should.
It's safe to do so (and pretty essential), although you can deny any requests to submit user data, seeing as these are non-essential and only meant to aid in app development.
5. Sign up or log in
If you've already subscribed to your VPN of choice, simply enter your account details and away you go.
For new users, this is when you'll need to pick your subscription plan and length. Longer plans represent better value as they work out cheaper per month but you will need to pay up front.
You can subscribe in-app or via the provider's website. Enter your bank details, pay, and you're subscribed. Almost all major provider offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to claim a refund if the app isn't for you.
6. Re-open the app and hit "Connect"
You may need to re-open the app, but once you're account is live, simply navigate to the app's home screen and hit "Connect."
This will automatically connect you to your nearest VPN server. You can also scroll through the server list yourself, picking your desired location or country.
You'll also be able to access any specialized servers your VPN provider offers. These can include P2P, gaming, streaming, and double VPN servers.
FAQs
What is the best iPhone VPN?
ExpressVPN is the number one VPN for iPhone. This is thanks to a clean and clutter-free iOS app interface, rock-solid security, powerful unblocking capabilities, and over 3,000 post-quantum encryption-supporting servers.
Additionally, ExpressVPN great for VPN beginners as its iPhone VPN app comes with a one-click connect function (as well as an always-on VPN), meaning you can get things rolling without having to wade through configurations.
There's also customer support and an in-depth knowledge hub with tons of helpful articles for help on the fly.
You can explore everything ExpressVPN has to offer in our ExpressVPN review.
Do I need a VPN on my iPhone?
Although iPhones (and Apple in general) have a reputation for robust security, they are not totally foolproof. Like any other device, iPhones are prone to malicious hacks by cybercriminals.
Without a VPN on your iPhone, hackers, ISPs, and government authorities can track your online activities via your IP address. It's a grim invasion of privacy – but a VPN can change all that.
What's more, VPNs can also unblock geo-restricted content in your region and grant access to streaming sites and government-banned services such as VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, X, etc).
This is particularly important for users who are often on the move, for holidays or work commitments, and want to use their iPhones the way they do back home.
Does iPhone have a built in VPN?
No, an iPhone does not come with a built-in VPN.
You get VPN settings to manage VPN connections, but you'll need to get a VPN from a third party.
Can I use a free iPhone VPN?
While there are a handful of good free VPNs on the market, they tend to come with bandwidth restrictions, monthly data limits, and fewer servers than their premium counterparts. Additionally, they also lack advanced features and unblocking capabilities which significantly reduce their usefulness for everyday use.
Worryingly, some free services are just scams designed to infect your device with malware or steal identifiable information.
You can check out the best cheap VPNs if you're on a budget or try out a premium service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Some of the best budget providers come with impressive features that outdo even the most expensive VPNs.
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.
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