The Best Free VPN for iPhone: Our Top 8 Picks for 2023
AtlasVPN offers the same security features on its paid and free versions. As a result, the free version comes with industry-standard security features like:
8 Best Free VPNs for iPhone & iPad in 2023 — iOS 16 & Older
It’s tricky to find a good free iOS VPN when there are so many sketchy ones out there. Lots of free VPNs offer weak security features, slow down your device, and drain your iPhone or iPad’s battery. Some are even known to record and sell your data. What’s crazy is that many of these untrustworthy and poor-quality free VPNs have 4+ star ratings in user reviews.
But don’t worry — I used my expertise in the industry to thoroughly test and compare more than 50 free VPNs for iOS, narrowing it down to the 8 best and safest options. These VPNs all work on iOS 16 (and older) and protect you whether you’re at home or on the go. However, it’s important to keep in mind that all free VPNs come with some restrictions, such as smaller server networks, slower speeds, and data caps.
I always recommend a premium provider like ExpressVPN for iOS . While it’s not 100% free, it deserves the top spot because it’s the best VPN for iOS I’ve ever used and it doesn’t limit you like free VPNs do. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee that I personally tested and found trustworthy.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for iPhone & iOS — Tested in 2023
- ExpressVPN — Fast global network and reliable streaming on iOS. Try it risk-free for 30 days.
- CyberGhost — Optimized servers for fast streaming on iPhone and iPad. Try it risk-free.
- Proton VPN — Free iOS VPN with unlimited data (but free servers don’t support streaming).
- Avira Phantom VPN — Free VPN for iOS with unlimited device connections (but lacks customer support).
- hide.me — Free iOS VPN app with great privacy features (but slower than other options).
Best Free VPNs for iPhone and iPad — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for iOS With a High-Speed Global Network and Reliable Access to Streaming Sites
Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested September 2023
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome Router Smart TV More
Try ExpressVPN >
www.ExpressVPN.com
| Best Feature | Fastest VPN I tested for iOS |
| Data Limit | Unlimited |
| Can Unblock | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Free Trial | 30-day money-back guarantee |
ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN I tested for iOS. When I tried its servers in the UK, Germany, and France, I got really impressive speeds, averaging 69.2 Mbps — just a 3% drop from my base speed (and more than 13 times faster than what you need for HD streaming). Its fast speeds are partly due to its proprietary Lightway, a lightweight and battery-life-friendly protocol that’s one of the best performing out there today.
Even connected to servers over 17,000km away, my speeds only dropped by 5%
Its fast speeds mean you can stream with no interruptions. With its 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, I could access popular streaming sites across the world on my iPhone and iPad. This included 15+ Netflix libraries, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video — I never had any trouble getting on any of my accounts.
ExpressVPN’s low-latency servers also make gaming on your iPhone a smooth experience. When connected to a German server to play Brawlhalla, I only experienced minimal lag (my ping never went above 30 ms). The game was perfectly playable at a competitive level.
ExpressVPN isn’t completely free, but it’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee — but to use it, you should sign up via ExpressVPN’s website . While you can sign up through the iOS app (and get a 7-day free trial for doing so), you will not have access to the money-back guarantee. Instead, you’ll solely be at the whims of Apple’s loose refund policy, which may not refund you even if you cancel early.
ExpressVPN Offer September 2023: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off ! Don’t miss out!
Useful Features
- Impressively robust encryption. Its iOS app offers military-grade encryption that’s enhanced with perfect forward secrecy. This is where your encryption key is regularly changed to make decryption even more difficult. Even your Apple Watch data gets encrypted when it shares a network connection with your iPhone.
- Threat Manager. Its Threat Manager automatically blocks other apps on your iOS device from sharing data with third parties or communicating with malicious sites. ExpressVPN also ensures your data is kept private with its IP/DNS leak protection and automatic kill switch.
- RAM-based servers. Your privacy is protected since all data is wiped whenever ExpressVPN’s servers reboot. Plus, it’s based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands (outside the 14-Eyes Alliance), which ensures ExpressVPN won’t have to comply with government requests for data.
- Automatic server obfuscation. ExpressVPN will automatically disguise your VPN traffic as normal traffic if it detects restrictions on your network. This will allow you to bypass VPN-blocking firewalls on your iOS device without any additional configuration needed on your part.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming on Your iPhone Without Slowdowns
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome Router Smart TV More
Try CyberGhost VPN >
www.cyberghostvpn.com
| Best Feature | Streaming optimized servers |
| Data Limit | Unlimited |
| Can Unblock | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Free Trial | 45-day money-back guarantee |
CyberGhost is a great choice for streaming on iOS . Its large network of 9,300+ servers in 93 countries gives you access to global content from anywhere. It even offers streaming-optimized servers for particular streaming platforms and regional libraries across different countries. When I tested its US streaming servers, I was able to easily access my US Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu accounts on my iPhone and iPad.
yberGhost has over 100 different streaming servers, offering access to global content
I also got great speeds while testing CyberGhost on my iPhone. When I tested its US servers, I got an average speed of 59.7 Mbps (just a 16% drop). Although not as fast as ExpressVPN, it was still more than enough for me to watch Wednesday in Ultra HD. However, I did notice a slightly bigger speed drop of 35% on long-distance servers.
One downside is that CyberGhost doesn’t work in China. However, customer support confirmed with me that it works well in some countries with online censorship (such as Iran and Turkey). Just remember to always make sure you inform yourself of the local rules and regulations surrounding VPN use to avoid breaking any laws.
Similar to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost also isn’t 100% free. But it offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee if you sign up through the CyberGhost website. It also has a 7-day free trial for iOS, but I don’t recommend this as you may not qualify for the money-back guarantee should you be auto-charged after the trial.
September 2023 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.
Useful Features
- Beginner-friendly app. Its iOS app is incredibly easy to set up and use. It only took me 3 minutes to install it on my iPhone and get started. The dedicated streaming servers were clearly marked, and I could “favorite” my most used servers for quick access later.
- Independently-audited no-logs policy. CyberGhost’s no-logs policy has been independently audited and confirmed by auditing firm Deloitte, ensuring that your data and activity is never logged. Plus, it’s based in the privacy-friendly country of Romania.
- Extra protection. You can set CyberGhost to launch automatically when you connect to public WiFi, keeping you protected with AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Plus, it has a feature called Block Content that prevents ads, malware, and trackers.
3. Proton VPN — Free Unlimited Data to Protect Your iPhone at All Times
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Router Smart TV More
Try Proton VPN >
www.Proton VPN.com
| Best Feature | An unlimited, completely free VPN |
| Data Limit | Unlimited |
| Can Unblock | Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, Kodi |
| Free Trial | Free-forever plan |
Proton VPN’s free iOS app offers unlimited data, so you can surf the web as much as you like. Most free VPNs only give you a single GB per month (sometimes only 500MB) — unlimited data is really rare for a free VPN. I was able to binge-watch 3 hours worth of YouTube videos with no interruptions.
I had consistently good speeds with Proton VPN , too. When I used my iPhone 14 to test the 3 free server locations (US, Japan, and the Netherlands), I got an average speed of 54.5 Mbps, around a 25% drop from my base speed. For a free VPN, this isn’t bad at all.
Its free iOS app also offers several security and privacy features to keep your personal information safe. It offers a Stealth protocol (another rarity for free VPNs), which lets you use the VPN undetected on restricted networks. It also offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Plus, it comes with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. And since it’s based in Switzerland, where there are strict privacy protection laws, you know your data is well protected.
Using the kill switch means your data won’t be exposed if the VPN connection suddenly disconnects
It’s too bad that Proton VPN doesn’t offer streaming support on its free plan. However, since it offers unlimited data and a nifty stealth protocol, you still have infinite data to browse or stream Netflix Originals or Youtube, even on networks where VPNs are blocked, like at work or school.
Useful Features
- Open-source and audited iOS app. Proton VPN’s iOS app is open-source, ensuring maximum transparency. It’s also been independently audited as recently as 2022, where it proved to be a secure solution that lives up to industry standards.
- 130+ free servers. Proton VPN offers a lot of servers compared with most other free VPNs. This significantly reduces the risk of slower speeds due to congested servers and gives you more options if any one server goes down.
- Easy to set up and use. Proton VPN’s setup is really simple. I could connect to the fastest server within seconds using the “Quick Connect” button and scroll server locations using the map screen. You can also add a Proton VPN widget to your home screen for quick connections.
4. Avira Phantom VPN — Unlimited Device Connections to Use on All Your Devices for Free
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome More
Try Avira Phantom VPN >
www.avira.com
| Best Feature | Unlimited device connections |
| Data Limit | 500MB per month |
| Can Unblock | Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram |
| Free Trial | Free-forever plan |
Avira Phantom offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so I could protect all the devices in my household. During my tests, I shared my account with my 2 roommates, and we all connected to the VPN at the same time — none of us experienced issues with the VPN connection.
Unfortunately, I ran out of data before I could test all the servers
With a data cap of 500MB per month, Avira Phantom VPN isn’t a good VPN for streaming anyway (it’s just enough to stream in HD for 30 minutes). Luckily, you can get 500MB extra per month if you sign up with your email address.
Useful Features
- Automatic WiFi protection. This feature connects you to the VPN automatically when it detects you’re on a public WiFi connection, protecting your sensitive information from malicious third parties. It also comes with 256-bit AES encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. Unfortunately, its iOS app doesn’t come with a kill switch.
- Good speeds. When my iPhone 14 was connected to its US servers, my speeds were a decent 39.5 Mbps. This was slower than Proton VPN but still fast enough to securely watch YouTube videos in HD.
- User-friendly app. You can connect to a server in 1 tap by simply pressing the big “Connect” button. Plus, I found its “Nearest Location” feature, which automatically connects you to the fastest server nearby, really handy.
5. hide.me — Free iOS VPN to Keep Your iPhone Data Safe
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome Router Smart TV More
Try hide.me VPN >
| Best Feature | Customizable security options |
| Data Limit | 10GB per month |
| Can Unblock | Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram |
| Free Trial | Free-forever plan |
Hide.me takes good measures to ensure your data is private on iOS. It’s based in Malaysia, where there are no data retention laws. Plus, it releases regular transparency reports, which is unheard of from most free VPNs. This report provides detailed information about any requests for user data it has received from authorities and its response. In all cases, hide.me had no data to hand over, as it adheres to a strict no-logs policy.
Hideme’s annual reports are simple and easy to read
Useful Features
- Customizable security features. During my tests, I could switch between protocols (IKEv2 and OpenVPN), configure DNS settings manually, and configure the VPN to automatically connect when it detected a WiFi or cellular data connection. It also has split tunneling and a kill switch that you can enable with 1 click.
- 8 free server locations. Its free server locations are mostly in Europe, with a couple in the US and one in Singapore. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access any geo-blocked streaming platforms, but it ensured that I had a closeby server to use when I traveled to the US, minimizing any potential speed impact.
- 24/7 support. It also offers 24/7 live chat to free users as well as an extensive knowledge base. I could send a support request directly through the app, too, which was really convenient.
6. Hotspot Shield — Fast Long-Distance Connections on iOS for Free
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome Router Smart TV More
Try Hotspot Shield >
www.HotspotShield.com
| Best Feature | Catapult Hydra protocol provides fast speeds on faraway servers |
| Data Limit | 15GB per month |
| Can Unblock | Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram |
| Free Trial | Forever-free plan |
Hotspot Shield’s proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol gives you good speeds on long-distance servers. Its server network covers the UK, US (Los Angeles and New York), and Singapore. When I tested its US servers (which are 5,000 km away) on my iPhone 14, my speeds averaged around 41.2 Mbps, a 42% drop. Compared with most other free VPNs that dropped my speeds by 80%+ on faraway servers, this was pretty impressive.
Hotspot Shield gave me usable speeds for UHD streaming on long-distance servers
I was concerned that its headquarters are in the US, the heart of the Eyes Alliance surveillance network. Plus, it logs your bandwidth consumption and the duration of your sessions. Thankfully, all the data is anonymous, so you can’t be identified.
Useful Features
- Good security features. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and IP/DNS leak protection. Its iOS app also has a kill switch and an “Always-on VPN” feature, which attempts to re-establish the VPN connection automatically if there is a disconnect.
- 15GB of data per month. This is generous for a free VPN — very few offer more than 10GB. Although you’re limited to 500MB per day, it’s enough to check your email, update social media, or download small files, but not enough to stream in HD. However, like most other free VPNs, I couldn’t unblock any streaming platforms anyway.
- Split tunneling. You can select which apps and websites use the VPN connection and which ones don’t, which is a great way to conserve your data usage and battery life.
7. TunnelBear — Free Access to a Large Server Network for Reliable Connections
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome More
Try TunnelBear VPN >
www.tunnelbear.com
| Best Feature | Huge server network |
| Data Limit | 2GB per month |
| Can Unblock | Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram |
| Free Trial | Forever-free plan |
TunnelBear’s free version allows you to use its entire network of 5,000+ servers across 47 countries. This gives you far more choice than any other free iOS VPN on this list. You won’t have to worry about server overcrowding, meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy a more reliable connection than most free VPNs can offer. Even if one server doesn’t work, you can easily find an alternative.
I never had trouble finding the server I wanted with TunnelBear
Useful Features
- Automatic WiFi protection. This automatically detects unprotected networks and sends you a warning, asking you to connect to the VPN. It then keeps your data safe with AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection.
- User-friendly iOS app. It has a one-click connect button that automatically connects you to the fastest server nearby. Plus, I found using the TunnelBear app a fun experience — it shows a world map, and every time you connect, you see a cute cartoon bear going through a tunnel from your actual location to the server location.
8. Kaspersky VPN — Simple and Beginner-Friendly Free iOS VPN
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Try Kaspersky Secure Connection >
www.kaspersky.com
| Best Feature | Beginner-friendly and fast to get started with |
| Data Limit | 6GB per month |
| Can Unblock | Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram |
| Free Trial | Forever-free plan |
The best thing about Kaspersky is how easy it is to get started with the free iOS app. It took me less than a couple of minutes to download the app, install it, and then connect to a server. Plus, It doesn’t require signup or registration, so it’s a good choice if you don’t want to share your email for privacy reasons. Also, it has a useful “Always-on” feature called Smart Protection that connects you to the VPN automatically without even having to open the app.
I really liked Kaspersky’s simple and intuitive app interface
On the other hand, the data allowance for the free plan can be somewhat underwhelming, providing a mere 200MB of data per day. As a result, it is most suited for safeguarding low-intensity internet activities on your iOS device, such as web browsing, email checking, or social media usage.
Useful Features
- Good speeds. During my tests, I recorded a download speed of 44.5 Mbps (a 38% drop) on my iPhone, and I didn’t experience any issues with my connection.
- Connects to the fastest server for you. While the free version only lets you connect to 1 server location, the app chooses the fastest server based on your location. If you’re only concerned with securing your online activity, this cuts out the unnecessary step of finding a server each time you use the app.
Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for iPhone & iOS
The subsequent table displays the most pertinent attributes of each free VPN on this list. When evaluating a free iOS VPN, speed is one of the primary considerations, as numerous options can significantly reduce your browsing experience. Additionally, the monthly data cap is another crucial aspect to consider.
In addition, I have covered information regarding the necessity of registration, compatibility with iOS for each VPN, and their ability to access US Netflix. Lastly, I scrutinized and compared the logging policies, as well as the scope of each VPN’s server network.
| Speeds | Data Limit Per Month | Sign Up Required | Unblocks US Netflix | iOS Compatibility | Logging Policy | Server Network | |
| ExpressVPN �� | 69.2 Mbps (3% drop) | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | 12+ | Strict No-Logs | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries |
| CyberGhost �� | 59.7 Mbps (16% drop) | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | 13+ | Strict No-Logs | 9,300+ servers in 93 countries |
| Proton VPN �� | 54.5 Mbps (25% drop) | Unlimited | Yes | Only Netflix Originals | 14+ | Strict No-Logs | 130+ free servers in 3 countries |
| Avira Phantom | 39.5 Mbps (45% drop) | 500MB (1GB if you sign up) | No | No | 12+ | Keeps Anonymized Logs | 34 free servers in 22 countries |
| hide.me | 24.6 Mbps (65% drop) | 10GB | No | Only Netflix Originals | 12+ | Strict No-Logs | 9 free servers in 8 countries |
| Hotspot Shield | 41.2 Mbps (42% drop) | 15GB | No | No | 13+ | Keeps Anonymized Logs | 4 free servers in 3 countries |
| TunnelBear | 26.7 Mbps (62.5% drop) | 2GB | Yes | Only Netflix Originals | 12+ | Keeps Anonymized Logs | 5,000+ servers in 47 countries |
| Kaspersky | 44.5 Mbps (58% drop) | 6GB | No | No | 14+ | Keeps Anonymized Logs | 1 free server |
Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPN for iOS
In my journey to uncover the best free VPNs for iPhone and iPad, I adhered to the subsequent criteria. Feel free to utilize these benchmarks in your personal research, should you choose to embark on your own exploration for the optimal free iOS VPN that caters to your needs.
- Really free. A free iOS VPN doesn’t ask you to commit to a subscription right away. I made sure that all the VPNs in this list are either completely free or have a trustworthy, tried-and-tested money-back guarantee.
- Advanced security and privacy features. All the VPNs I shortlisted have AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your iOS data protected. I also read through every logging policy and made sure that the VPNs in this list don’t store identifiable data.
- A user-friendly iOS app. You should choose an iOS VPN app with an easy-to-use interface for a hassle-free experience. All these VPNs have simple apps that are easy to use on an iPhone or iPad.
- Fast speeds and enough data. To stream, torrent, and browse without slowdowns, you should look for a VPN that can offer good speeds for iOS devices. I also checked each VPN’s data limits to make sure you can get at least 1GB of usage per month.
- Large server network. A larger server network reduces the risk of server overcrowding, and gives you plenty of alternatives to choose from if any one server goes down. This will ensure you always have a reliable connection on your iOS VPN.
- Can unblock some streaming sites. A lot of free iOS VPNs won’t unblock streaming sites at all. I managed to find a few free VPNs that can at least access Netflix Originals, but if streaming is your priority,I highly recommend trying ExpressVPN for reliable access to various Netflix libraries, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
- Mobile-friendly protocols. An iPhone VPN needs to offer fast-connecting protocols to keep you protected on the go, as you’ll constantly be switching between new WiFi and cellular data networks. Lightway, WireGuard, and IKEv2 all performed well in this regard during my tests.
- Good customer support. It’s important to always get the help you need without having to wait for too long. I checked that the VPNs have customer support or an extensive knowledge base for their iOS services.
Pro Tip! Vulnerability reports on iOS 16 (and older) have revealed that data leaks can still happen even when using a VPN. Apple is yet to resolve the issue, but there is a possible workaround: after connecting to a VPN server, turn on airplane mode, then turn it off. This isn’t a 100% guaranteed fix — but it has been shown to reduce the chance of data leaks. For maximum protection, it’s still highly important to choose a free VPN for iOS that provides robust security and privacy protection.
Warning: Most Free VPNs for iPhone and iPad Aren’t Safe
Many free VPNs for iOS can put your online safety at risk. These are some of the risks to be aware of when you consider downloading a free VPN:
- Free VPNs can record and sell your data. Free VPNs often sell your online information to advertisers and other third parties to make a profit. To protect your online privacy, use a VPN with a strict zero-logs policy.
- Free VPNs may leak your data due to weak security features. Because free VPNs typically lack the resources to keep their security features up to date, data leaks occur. Be sure to use a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection to safeguard your online information.
- Free VPNs can infect your device with viruses and malware. Although this isn’t a huge concern since Apple is very strict about which apps can be in the App Store, it’s still something that’s happened with free VPNs in the past. In addition, since most free VPNs rely on advertisements to generate profit, they often spam you with ads that can increase the chance of infecting your device with malware.
- Free VPNs can bombard you with lots of ads. Since free VPNs don’t make money from you, they often fill the app with ads, which can be really annoying. Some free VPNs even resort to allowing third parties to hijack your browser. This can lead to your browser sending you to ad-filled or malicious domains, rather than your intended destination.
Free VPNs to Avoid
It’s best to avoid the free VPNs listed below as they’re risky to use. These free VPNs may record your data and share it with third parties (such as advertisers). Moreover, some of these free VPNs leaked my IP address, which means they can’t be trusted to protect your online privacy.
What’s worrying is that some of these VPNs have high (above 4-star) ratings on the App Store. Always make sure to do plenty of research before downloading any free VPN on the App Store — never rely on user reviews or ratings alone.
A good rule of thumb is to think: “how is this free iOS VPN making money?” If they have an obvious paid version, then that’s a good sign — the VPN is likely covering the costs of its free version through its paid customers. This is what we’d call a “freemium” VPN.
Nevertheless, if the VPN doesn’t offer a paid version, it must be generating revenue and profits from another source. This is a point of concern, as it’s likely that your personal data is the commodity being traded in this case.
Here are a few examples of the most dangerous free VPNs available on iOS, and why you should avoid them:
- Hola: Hola is not a real VPN but a P2P network, meaning that you share your personal IP address with everyone in the network. If someone were to use your IP and conduct illegal activities, you could be held accountable. Moreover, it logs the times you connected, the websites you visit, and your IP address.
- TurboVPN: This VPN is full of advertisements and trackers. Moreover, it records your online data and sells it to advertisers to make income.
- Betternet VPN: Used to have a malware-infected app. Moreover, it has an intrusive logging policy as it logs the URLs you’ve visited, your location, and the device you’re using.
Other free VPNs to avoid include: Opera VPN, Stealth VPN, Totally Free VPN, DotVPN, FreeVPN, OkVPN, EasyVPN, SuperVPN, HatVPN, One Click VPN, Flash VPN, SkyVPN, Touch VPN, VPN 360, VPN Proxy Master, and Yoga VPN.
Quick Guide: How to Set Up a Free VPN on iPhone and iPad
- Download a VPN. My top recommendation for iOS is ExpressVPN. It has robust security features, a large server network, and really fast speeds. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server. If you want to keep your speeds as fast as possible, make sure to connect to a server nearby.
- Start browsing. Now you can safely browse the web on your iOS devices.
FAQs About Free VPNs for iPhone and iOS
Will a free iPhone VPN work with Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms?
Unfortunately, most free VPNs don’t work well for streaming. They often don’t have the resources to upgrade their server networks to keep up with IP blocks enforced by popular streaming sites. They also limit your data and speeds too much to stream anything for long.
The top 2 VPNs in this list reliably unblocked Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms. On top of that, they have fast speeds and unlimited data, so you’re never limited to how much or how long you can stream. However, keep in mind that they’re premium services that offer money-back guarantees (so they’re not 100% free).
I couldn’t find any 100% free VPN that would unblock popular streaming sites reliably. I was either blocked from the site by a paywall (telling me I had to upgrade to the VPN’s paid plan to access the site), or was met with an error message. In some cases, I could access Netflix, but only Netflix Originals were available.
Will my free iOS VPN work with my other devices?
Yes. All the free iOS VPNs shortlisted also work with Mac, Windows, Android, and more. Most also have browser extensions compatible with Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. ExpressVPN and CyberGhost even offer router support, so you can set them up on devices that normally don’t support VPNs.
However, remember that most free VPNs only let you connect to 1 device at a time, so even if it’s compatible with lots of your devices, you can’t connect them all at once. On the other hand, premium VPNs allow for multiple simultaneous connections at once.
Is there a safe free VPN for iPhone and iPad?
Yes, but only some free VPNs are safe to use on your iOS device. All the VPNs that are shortlisted here are super safe to use. They all offer essential security features (such as military-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection) and come with strict no-logs policies to keep your privacy and iOS devices protected.
Keep in mind that free VPNs often come with annoying limitations such as slower speeds, smaller server networks, data caps, and weak security features. This is to encourage you to upgrade to a paid plan, but doesn’t make the VPN unsafe. Some free iPhone VPNs are flat-out dangerous and they include HolaVPN, Touch VPN, Flash VPN, and VPN Proxy Master.
What is the best free iPhone VPN for China, Turkey, Iran, India, and the UAE?
I recommend Proton VPN, as it’s one of the few free iOS VPNs to offer server obfuscation. Its Stealth protocol is designed to hide your VPN traffic, which would allow you to bypass the censorship and VPN-blocking firewalls present in these countries. It’s unlimited data and fairly fast speeds will allow you to browse as much as you want without experiencing significant slowdowns.
However, Proton VPN has its limitations. You wouldn’t be able to access streaming platforms such as Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, for example. In addition, its small server network could result in problems with server overcrowding and poor reliability — though I did not experience this in my tests.
For the most reliable experience, I recommend ExpressVPN. While it isn’t 100% free, its large server network, automatic server obfuscation, and impressive ability to access streaming services are all great benefits that Proton VPN lacks. Regardless of what you choose to do, keep in mind that we do not condone illegal activity — please check your local laws before using any VPN service in a country where VPNs are regulated.
Does iPhone have a free VPN built-in?
No. iCloud Private Relay (which came out with iOS 15) is sometimes confused with a VPN. This service is more of a proxy — it changes your IP address, but it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as a full VPN app. For example, Private Relay only works in the Safari browser, so your entire iPhone isn’t protected. You also can’t choose a virtual location and its speeds are pretty slow since it sends your traffic through 2 servers.
Why do I need a VPN for iPhone and iPad?
A VPN protects your online data (on iOS or whatever device you use it on) from hackers and other third parties such as advertisers. The latter will use your data to create targeted advertisements. Although this is not dangerous, it’s still a breach of your privacy. All the VPNs in this list offer essential security features to safeguard your personal information. And none of them log any of your data, so they can’t sell it to advertisers.
A reliable iPhone VPN also hides your browsing history from your ISP or phone provider, encrypts your data, keeps you protected on public WiFi networks, and gives you access to geo-restricted content.
Do free iOS VPNs store logs?
None of the free iOS VPNs recommended here store any personally identifiable information. However, some other free iOS VPNs do keep logs and even sell your data to third parties to make a profit. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before downloading a free VPN. I recommend taking a close look at the privacy policy of the free VPN you choose to make sure your data is protected before you start using it.
The ultimate purpose of a VPN is to protect your privacy — if you use an untrustworthy service that collects and sells your data, you’re better off without a VPN at all.
Will a free VPN drain my iPhone’s battery?
Yes, a VPN will drain your iPhone’s battery. A VPN encrypts background processes and thus uses extra battery life. However, some free VPNs’ iOS apps are highly customizable, allowing you to change your settings in a way that will reduce battery consumption. To give an example, ExpressVPN uses its unique Lightway protocol, which is designed to be so lightweight that battery consumption is too small to notice.
Another tip to make your iPhone’s battery last longer is dimming your screen’s brightness and remembering to close all background apps.
Protect Your iPhone With a Free VPN Today
It’s hard to find a free VPN that won’t compromise your online security by selling your data or slowing down your device. That’s why I put together this list of trustworthy options for you. However, please note that these iOS VPNs still have limitations such as data caps, slow speeds, or small server networks.
To avoid these annoyances, I recommend you try out ExpressVPN for iOS. It’s not entirely free, but it offers top-notch security, unlimited data, and a high-speed global server network — which no free iOS VPN can compete with. You can even test ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not impressed, you can always claim a refund.
The Best Free VPN for iPhone: Our Top 8 Picks for 2023
While Apple’s iOS is a relatively secure operating system, it is vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks. Using a VPN is one of the best ways to keep your iPhone secure. If you don’t want to spend money on a VPN, there are a few great free VPNs for iPhones.
After analyzing several VPNs and conducting tests, we came up with a shortlist of the eight best VPNs for iPhones below:
- ProtonVPN – The best overall VPN for iPhone
- Windscribe – The best free VPN for streaming on iPhone
- AtlasVPN – The most secure free VPN for iPhone
- Avira Phantom VPN – The best free VPN for iPhone with unlimited simultaneous connections
- Speedify – The fastest free VPN for iPhone
- ZoogVPN – A private free VPN for iPhone
- TunnelBear – A free VPN for iPhone with a large server network
- Hide.me – A good free VPN app for iPhone users in North America and Europe
While each of these free VPNs offer excellent value, they don’t compare to a premium VPN like CyberGhost. Not only does CyberGhost offer faster speeds, it has a larger server network, better security features, and is quite affordable.
CyberGhost
Check out the rest of the article for more information on each of the VPNs listed above!
Apple has taken many measures to improve the privacy and security of the iPhone over the years. Since the introduction of the iOS 14.5, apps now request permission from users to track their activities online. And with the iOS 15 update, Apple introduced Private Relay, which hides your IP address. Despite these security provisions, it is essential to use a VPN when using an iPhone to protect your data and digital identity.
While we typically recommend using a premium VPN, like NordVPN, we understand that not everyone wants to shell out a few dollars monthly on a VPN service. Luckily, there are several free VPNs for iPhones. However, not all of these free iPhone VPN apps are reliable and secure.
We tested a bunch of free iPhone VPNs to come up with this article highlighting the very best among them.
The Best Free VPN for iPhones: Overview
Here is a simple table with the data limits, number of servers, and levels of encryption of all the VPNs we look at in the article below. All these free VPN services are also compatible with Mac. This will allow you to identify the free iPhone VPN app that best suits your needs at a glance.
| VPN | Data Limit | Number of Server Locations | Level of Encryption | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Unlimited | Three countries | AES 256-bit | Visit ProtonVPN |
| Windscribe | 2GB/month | 10 countries | AES 256-bit | Visit Windscribe |
| AtlasVPN | 2GB/day | Three countries | AES 256-bit | Visit AtlasVPN |
| Avira Phantom VPN | 500MB/day | 37 countries | AES 256-bit | Visit Avira Phantom VPN |
| Speedify | 2GB/month | 37 countries | AES 128-bit | Visit Speedify |
| ZoogVPN | 10GB/month | Five countries | AES 128-bit | Visit ZoogVPN |
| TunnelBear | 500MB/month | 49 countries | AES 256-bit | Visit TunnelBear |
| Hide.me | 10GB/month | One country | AES 256-bit | Visit Hide.me |
Out of all the free VPNs we tested, ProtonVPN is arguably the best free VPN for iPhone and iOS devices thanks to its speed and data security. If you’d like a VPN with a more extensive network of servers, then Speedify is a great choice. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each VPN listed in the table.
Note: The speed and bandwidth tests we mention below were done on an internet connection with a baseline download and upload speed of 84.1 Mbps and 70.9 Mbps, respectively, without a VPN.
1. ProtonVPN: The Best Overall Free VPN for iPhones
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited bandwidth | Limited server network |
| Military-grade encryption | Slow customer support |
| Fast speeds |
ProtonVPN is the product of Proton Technologies AG, the company that’s also behind ProtonMail. In fact, you can get a free version of ProtonMail, along with a range of other free Proton services, right along with your free ProtonVPN plan, if you’d like. This free VPN service provides unlimited data and fast download speeds. Its overall usability makes it our top choice for iPhone users.
Speed and bandwidth
ProtonVPN is the third-fastest VPN on our list. It recorded the following speeds when connected to the most optimal server (in our case, Japan):
- Download: 72.3 Mbps
- Upload: 14.1 Mbps
- Ping: 158
Thanks to its high download speeds, ProtonVPN can be used to watch videos and stream sporting events. The free version of ProtonVPN does not support torrenting and P2P file-sharing.
Our overall browsing experience when using this free VPN app was smooth and lag-free. Although ProtonVPN can unblock content on leading streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, there’s no guarantee that this will work every time when using its free version. This is one of the few drawbacks of this VPN.
Another minor drawback is ProtonVPN’s relatively small server network. Free users get access to only 17 servers in three countries (the US, Japan, and the Netherlands). While the network is clearly limited, the servers are in popular locations and reasonably well spread out. You should be able to connect to a server that’s reasonably close to your location.
Security and privacy
ProtonVPN really shines when it comes to security. Its encryption protocols and standards are comparable to those of some of the leading premium VPN providers. The key security features of ProtonVPN include:
- Encryption: AES 256-bit
- Protocols: Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
- Kill switch: Yes
- DNS leak protection: Yes
ProtonVPN’s security credentials are further bolstered by the fact that it is open source and independently audited. It’s easily one of the best free VPNs in the world right now.
When it comes to privacy, Proton does well, too. It has a strict no-logging policy and is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly nation that is not a member of surveillance alliances, such as the 5/9/14 eyes.
Usability and customer experience
The Proton website is well designed. You can see all the key features of the VPN and also pricing information. Although it is not particularly visually appealing, the VPN app is straightforward to use with a big connect/disconnect button at the center of the bottom tab. You can see the available servers with the click of a button.
If you encounter any issues when using the ProtonVPN app, you can contact their customer support team. Free users can only get in touch with the customer support team via mail. The live-chat functionality is unavailable. While we got a response to our queries over mail, it took a couple of days, which is not ideal.
2. Windscribe: Best Free VPN for Streaming on iPhones
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unblocks Netflix US | Average speeds |
| Uses leading encryption protocols and technologies | Based in a 5-eyes country |
| Good choice of servers | Low monthly bandwidth limit |
Windscribe’s VPN service was launched in 2015. The main advantage of this VPN for iPhone users is that it offers a wide network of servers.
Speed and bandwidth
Windscribe performed decently in our speed tests. While it isn’t the fastest free VPN for iPhones, it is certainly no slouch. The speeds it recorded are as follows:
- Download: 67.8 Mbps
- Upload: 45.3 Mbps
- Ping: 340
These download and upload speeds are sufficient for browsing and checking emails but not great for streaming and certainly not for gaming. This is disappointing, as Windscribe is one of the few free VPNs that can access the Netflix US library and unblock other streaming apps, like the BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. Although Windscribe supports P2P file sharing, the low data limit makes it nearly impossible to fully take advantage of this feature.
Windscribe’s data cap also limits your ability to consume content. It offers 2GB per month for users of its free version. You can increase this to 10GB per month by confirming your email address. Had the data limit been more than 2GB, Windscribe would have been even higher on our list as it provides free users with access to servers in 10 countries.
Security and privacy
Windscribe is one of the most secure free iPhone VPN apps. The security features of this VPN include:
- Encryption: AES-256 bit
- Protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, Stealth, and WSTunnel
- Kill switch: No (but it comes with a built-in firewall in the Windows and Mac app)
- DNS leak protection: Yes
Windscribe also comes with an adblocker as well as secure hotspot functionality to further protect its users. Its strict no-logging policy complements its other security features. The app only stores usage statics, such as the time and duration of use. It does not log IP addresses and other potentially revealing information.
Windscribe operates out of Canada, which is a part of 5-eyes. Hence, it may be compelled to provide user data to law enforcement agencies.
Usability and customer experience
The design of the Windscribe website and app is a little underwhelming. The website, though informative, is not easy to navigate. Similarly, the app is not intuitive and takes some getting used to. While turning the VPN on and off is simple enough due to the big power on/off button, accessing other features and settings can be a bit tricky.
Despite the lackluster user interface, Windscribe is one of the more consumer-friendly VPNs for iPhones. It has a detailed FAQ section and guides to help you resolve any issue you may encounter. You can even chat with a bot to find solutions to issues you are facing.
3. AtlasVPN: Secure Free VPN App for iPhone and iOS Devices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Military-grade encryption | Based in the US, a member of the 5-eyes alliance |
| Fast speeds | Servers in only 3 countries |
| 2GB data per day |
AtlasVPN has been around since 2019. The free version of this VPN has some advanced features like WireGuard.
Speed and bandwidth
AtlasVPN recorded one of the fastest download speeds of all the free VPNs for iPhones that we tested. While AtlasVPN claims not have any speed limit for users of the free version of its app, the upload speeds it provided weren’t nearly as fast, as you can see below:
- Download: 72.7 Mbps
- Upload: 8.95 Mbps
- Ping: 206
Hence, AtlasVPN isn’t a great option for anything that requires high upload speeds, such as online gaming. However, it is a solid choice for browsing, and streaming. It offers 2GB of data every day, which is enough to view a couple of HD episodes on your favorite streaming platform, like Hulu, ESPN, or Netflix. Please note that AtlasVPN does not unblock the Netflix US library. While this VPN supports P2P file sharing, its slow upload speeds make it unsuitable for that purpose.
Security and privacy
AtlasVPN offers the same security features on its paid and free versions. As a result, the free version comes with industry-standard security features like:
- Encryption: AES-256 bit
- Protocols: IKEv2 and WireGuard
- Kill switch: Yes
- DNS leak protection: Yes
AtlasVPN has a strong no-logs policy. It only collects information necessary for analytics and does not collect or store any information that can be traced to any individual user. Still, AtlasVPN operates out of the USA, so it may be required to provide user data to law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI.
Usability and customer experience
AtlasVPN’s website is well laid-out and easy-to-use. You can easily download the app from the website. The app features a simple interface with a big slider that toggles the VPN connection on or off. The settings menu and alternate server locations are also easily accessible.
While the AtlasVPN website has useful guides and FAQs, we could not find a live chat functionality. Instead, there’s an option to submit a request that requires you to provide your email ID and describe the problem you’ve encountered.
4. Avira Phantom VPN: The Best Free VPN for iPhones With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited simultaneous connections | Limited to 500MB/day |
| 30 server locations | Based in Germany |
Avira Phantom VPN is a product of the same German software security company behind the popular Avira antivirus. This is one of the few free VPNs for iPhones that offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Speed and bandwidth
Avira’s reputation for providing efficient and effective protection as an antivirus carries over well to its VPN. It recorded excellent speeds during our test:
- Download: 70.8 Mbps
- Upload: 72.7 Mbps
- Ping: 8ms
With such speeds and a low ping rate, Avira is a great all-purpose VPN. You can use it for gaming, watching videos, and general browsing. However, its utility as a streaming, gaming, and Torrenting VPN is completely negated by its daily 500MB bandwidth limit. While you can get an additional 500MB by signing up with your email address, this is still not enough for data-intensive activities.
The data cap is particularly frustrating when you consider that Avira offers servers in 30 countries. If the bandwidth limit was higher, this would have been a great VPN for exploring the different libraries of streaming platforms.
Security and privacy
Avira makes no compromise when it comes to the security and privacy of its users. Some notable security features of this VPN are:
- Encryption: AES-256 bit
- Protocols: IKEv2 and WireGuard
- Kill switch: No
- DNS leak protection: Yes
Other useful security features are DNS leak protection and the fact that you get a virtual IP address. The Avira website states that it does not track or store any information that can be traced to a particular user. It only measures how much traffic you consume and collects some diagnostic data.
Usability and customer experience
Both the Avira Phantom website and app are intuitively designed. They can be used seamlessly even by beginners. The app’s home screen displays a big connection button along with the data you’ve consumed and the VPN server you’re connected to.
The free version of Avira Phantom does not feature live customer support. While you can send them a mail or submit a request, there is no way for free users to get immediate solutions to their problems.
5. Speedify: The Fastest Free VPN for iPhones
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast speeds | Uses AES-128 bit encryption |
| Combines multiple connections into one | Questionable logging practices |
| Low bandwidth |
Speedify is an internet-boosting service that also doubles as a VPN. This free VPN service offers excellent speeds and a wide server network.
Speed and bandwidth
If you’re looking for a free VPN for your iPhone that has great speeds, then look no further than Speedify. Speed is their top priority and it clearly shows. We got the following speeds when we tested Speedify:
- Download: 73.8 Mbps
- Upload: 76.4 Mbps
- Ping: 30
As you can see, both the download and the upload speed are fantastic. As a result, you can perform most daily activities on the internet without any problems. This appears to be exclusively the case for iPhone, since our experience with Speedify on Windows was much worse.
Of course, like most other free VPNs, Speedify doesn’t have the best unblocking capabilities despite a server network that spans more than 37 countries. However, we were unable to unblock Netflix US with it. Not all Speedify servers support P2P file-sharing.
Speedify’s free app for the iPhone is not well-suited for data-intensive activities, as you only get 2GB per month. This is barely enough to stream a few episodes of any series in HD or to download via P2P connection.
Security and privacy
Due to its focus on speed, Speedify has had to compromise on security and privacy. This is clear when you look at its key security features:
- Encryption: AES-128 bit
- Protocols: custom Speedify protocol
- Kill switch: Yes
- DNS leak protection: Yes
Speedify only uses AES-128 bit encryption, which is a notch below the industry-standard 256-bit. Moreover, it uses its own protocol that is built to provide the fastest speed. It’s unclear whether this protocol meets the security standards of other modern protocols such as Wireguard and OpenVPN. Speedify’s free VPN app comes with a kill switch and DNS-leak protection, both of which are important security features.
There are some concerns about Speedify’s logging and privacy practices. While the company claims it has a strict no-logs policy, a glance at its privacy policy shows that it stores data related to users’ IP address, browser, and operating system, albeit in an anonymized fashion. Additionally, Speedify is based in the US, which is a member of the 5-eyes alliance.
Usability and customer experience
The Speedify app has one of the best designs of all the free VPN apps for iPhones that we tested. The home screen provides an overview of your connection speed, the data you’ve used, and the remaining free data available to you. You can connect to the VPN by simply clicking on the lock icon at the top right-hand corner of the app.
On the customer support front, Speedify does not offer a live chat functionality. Instead, users can mail the customer support team to get help with their problems. The Speedify website has some helpful FAQs, which can help to resolve most general problems.
6. ZoogVPN: A Private Free VPN for iPhones
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong no-logs policy | Limited server network |
| Headquartered in Greece | AES 128-bit encryption |
| Simple interface |
ZoogVPN has been around since 2013. It offers pretty good upload speeds and a relatively large amount of data for free users.
Speed and bandwidth
ZoogVPN pleasantly surprised us with its speeds, especially its download speeds. We recorded the following results on a recommended/optimal server:
- Download: 70.1 Mbps
- Upload: 29.4 Mbps
- Ping: 183 ms
The impressive download speeds combined with its offer of 10GB of data per month make ZoogVPN a good option for streaming. However, we were unable to unblock geo-restricted content on leading platforms using the free version of ZoogVPN. It also supports P2P file-sharing.
Zoog offers servers in three nations (the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA) as part of its free package. Although that’s not a lot, the servers are spread out across the world. As a result, you should be able to get a pretty fast connection no matter where you are.
Security and privacy
Zoog isn’t the most secure VPN by any stretch of the imagination. Some of its notable security features are:
- Encryption: AES-128 bit
- Protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and PPTP
- Kill switch: Yes
- DNS leak protection: Yes
Like Speedify, ZoogVPN uses 128-bit encryption, which is not as secure as what you’ll find on other free VPNs for iPhones. It does try to make up for the relatively weak encryption standards with a broad selection of protocols, including OpenVPN and PPTP.
Privacy is where Zoog’s free VPN app for iPhone really shines. It has a strict no-logs policy and does not collect, store, or sell any personal information. Moreover, Zoog operates out of Greece, which does not belong to any surveillance alliance.
Usability and customer experience
The design of the ZoogVPN app prioritizes usability. It is fairly low on additional features and this makes the app easy to use. Clicking on the large power icon towards the bottom of the screen will automatically connect you to the fastest available server.
Unlike other free VPN apps for iPhones, ZoogVPN provides live customer support. You can get instant help 24/7 from its live chat feature. If you’d like to describe your problem in more detail, you can always drop the support team a mail. The support page even lists a helpline number that users can call.
7. TunnelBear: Free VPN for iPhone With a Large Server Network
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Servers in more than 40 countries | Average speeds |
| User-friendly app | Low bandwidth per month |
TunnelBear is a Canada-based VPN service launched in 2011. In 2018, security software company McAfee acquired TunnelBear. The biggest perk of this VPN provider is its wide server network.
Speed and bandwidth
TunnelBear is a leading VPN for iOS and other platforms, such as Windows and Linux. We were slightly disappointed with its performance in our speed tests. It clocked the following speeds:
- Download: 51.0 Mbps
- Upload: 54.6 Mbps
- Ping: 39ms
The relatively average speeds somewhat negate TunnelBear’s extensive server network, which covers up to 40 countries even with the free version. The 500MB of data it provides each month also limits its potential use for P2P file sharing and streaming on platforms like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Hulu. We were also unable to view region-specific content on these platforms while using the free version of TunnelBear.
Security and privacy
TunnelBear offers the same top-rated security features on both its paid version and its free iPhone app. They include:
- Encryption: AES-256 bit
- Protocols: IPSec
- Kill switch: Yes
- DNS leak protection: Yes
It also offers some additional security features, such as DNS leak protection and automatic WiFi protection. TunnelBear’s privacy policy says it does not maintain any logs of personal information. However, it does store some user data and uses cookies. TunnelBear operates in Canada, so it may be compelled to turn over user data to the authorities.
Usability and customer experience
The TunnelBear team prides itself on the simplicity and usability of its app. The app uses a map-based interface, which makes it easy to visualize how far the VPN server is from your current location. The app’s setting menu is also easy to navigate.
The Help section on TunnelBear’s website provides useful information on how you can configure the VPN along with some troubleshooting tips. The live chat functionality on the site is a bot and does not connect you to a real person. To get assistance from a real agent, you’ll have to log in and register a complaint. This can be a somewhat tedious process.
8. Hide.me: A Good Free VPN App for iPhone Users in North America and Europe
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent security features | Limited server network |
| Located in Malaysia | Below average speeds |
| 24/7 live chat |
Hide.me is a VPN service that has been around since 2012. It is known for its advanced security features.
Speed and bandwidth
Hide.me fared pretty poorly on our speed tests, as you can see from the speeds listed below:
- Download: 20.2 Mbps
- Upload: 5.02 Mbps
- Ping: 156
The fact that we chose a VPN server far away from our location may explain the slow speeds. This is a problem that users in Asia, South America, and Africa are likely to face, as Hide.me’s free servers are primarily situated in the US and Europe.
While its speeds are certainly not top-notch, Hide.me offers 10GB of traffic monthly. This isn’t great compared to other free VPNs like Proton and AtlasVPN, but it is decent enough to merit a place on our list.
The free version of hide.me is unable to unblock geo-restricted content on streaming sites, but it supports P2P file sharing.
Security and privacy
What it lacks in speed, Hide.me makes up for with its exceptional security. The following features ensure that your data is safe at all times:
- Encryption: AES-256 bit
- Protocols: OpenVPN, IPSec, SoftEther, SSTP, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec
- Kill switch: Yes
- DNS leak protection: Yes
The sheer number of protocols that Hide.me offers, is quite remarkable for a free VPN. The security settings are also highly customizable and include options such as “Auto connect” and “random port every time,” which should enhance your security and privacy online.
Hide.me also has a no-logs policy and is independently audited. This means that a credible and reliable third party has certified that this VPN provider does not log any personal information. The fact that Hide.me operates from Malaysia further boosts its privacy credentials, as the nation is not a part of the surveillance alliances we’ve referred to above.
Usability and customer experience
The Hide.me app isn’t the most visually pleasing one on our list. With that said, it is quite easy to use. Clicking on the “Enable VPN” button will establish a connection with an optimal server for your location.
One standout feature of Hide.me is its 24/7 live chat functionality. You can contact customer support using the chat option to get quick and easy solutions for any problems you may encounter while using the VPN app.
Free VPNs for iPhone That Didn’t Make the List
While the eight VPNs listed above are, in our opinion, the best free VPN apps for iPhones, there are others that make a strong case for inclusion. However, there were compelling reasons why we chose not to include them. We highlight some of these VPNs below:
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is highly rated for its fast connection speeds on iPhones. The bandwidth limit for the free version of this VPN is 500MB per day.
While it is a pretty solid free VPN, Hotspot Shield has a chequered history when it comes to the storage and sharing of user data. The Android version of this VPN app was found to be injecting user devices with code for advertising purposes. Also, the free version offers only one server. That server is based in the US and provided fairly slow speeds in our tests.
Betternet
Betternet is another popular VPN that didn’t perform well in our tests. The app has only one server for free users, and we experienced very slow download speeds. While the VPN offers 15 hours of viewing time monthly, its unblocking capabilities are not the best.
Betternet’s biggest drawback is its flawed privacy policy. The policy does not provide much protection for the data of free users, which can be sold to third parties. The Android version of Betternet has also been found to infect user devices with malware. Read our full review for more information.
The Disadvantages of a Free VPN for iPhone
While the free VPNs listed above offer great features, there are some major disadvantages that are common among free VPNs. These disadvantages include:
- Limited bandwidth – Barring ProtonVPN, all free VPNs cap the data available to users on a daily/monthly basis. This hampers your ability to play games or consume other content online while connected to a VPN.
- Poor unblocking capabilities – A key feature of any VPN is its ability to unblock content that is otherwise restricted to users in a particular geographical region. However, free VPNs usually do not have robust unblocking capabilities. Most failed to unblock the US Netflix library and didn’t work well with other streaming apps.
- Small server network – Free VPNs usually have only a handful of servers. The limited selection of servers reduces the quantity of geo-blocked content available to you. Furthermore, free servers can sometimes be concentrated in a few nations. As a result, users located far away from these nations will experience significantly lower speeds.
- Privacy concerns – Free VPN providers have been known to lie about their data collection and logging practices in the past. Several free VPNs are able to offer their services at no cost because they sell user data to advertisers and other third parties. Some free VPNs can inadvertently leak your private information due to weak security standards. Hence, there is always a risk that you may compromise your privacy when using a free VPN.
- Security concerns – As indicated above, VPNs can be used to infect devices with malware and malicious code. While the App Store is comparatively safer than the Play Store, there is a risk of infecting your device by using a free VPN from the App Store.
Due to these reasons, we strongly recommend using a reliable private VPN on your iPhone. In the next section, we briefly look at one of the best premium VPNs for iPhones.
Best premium VPN for iPhones
After filtering through a number of premium VPNs for iPhones, our favorite is CyberGhost. It is efficient, user-friendly, and is available at a great price. CyberGhost also has great unblocking capabilities and offers decent speeds. Its security features are top-notch as it uses the highest-grade encryption and latest protocols.
CyberGhost’s best feature is probably its simple app design and user interface. This makes it especially suitable for individuals who are new to the world of VPNs. You can try all these features and more for free using CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee.