After testing over 30 providers, ExpressVPN is my top pick for iOS devices. It’s easy to set up, has the fastest server speeds, and has industry-leading security features. You can get ExpressVPN for iPhone and iPad at no risk to you. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is easy if you’re unhappy with the service. I tested the policy myself — my refund was approved in minutes, and I got my money back in just 4 days. Browse anonymously with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps To Install a VPN on Your iPhone and iPad
Install ExpressVPN easily on iOS
What a VPN Is and Why You Need One on Your iOS Devices
A VPN is an app that allows you to reroute your internet connection through intermediary servers and acquire a new IP address — which is specific to your devices and identifies you while connected to the internet. VPNs add an extra layer of protection to your iOS devices, hiding your activity and data from third parties while enabling you to do things like access and watch Netflix US from abroad. Not all VPNs provide privacy and security measures, leaving your iOS devices vulnerable and identifiable to hackers and ISPs who can track your activity through IP leaks, inadequate encryption, and ineffective no-logs policies. However, ExpressVPN is the best VPN provider for the protection and privacy of your iOS devices. It leverages military-grade encryption, ultra-fast speeds, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure your safety and anonymity while using the internet. Protect your iPad with ExpressVPN
How To Choose the Best VPN for Your iPhone and iPad in 2023
There are many VPNs with a dedicated iOS app to protect your iPhone and iPad, allowing you to consider which one is best for your privacy and security. To protect your iPhone and iPad while using the internet, you should consider:
AES 256-bit encryption — AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption is almost unhackable, ensuring your security by providing military-grade protection that the US government uses to hide and protect confidential information. Advanced VPN protocols — Choose between the best security protocols to protect your iPhone and iPad, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and ExpressVPNs own Lightway protocol. Kill switch — Automatically disconnect from the internet when your VPN connection drops, enhancing your security when unprotected until your connection is reestablished. No-logs policy — Browse the internet freely without logs and bypass data retention laws including the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Multiple simultaneous connections — Connect your iPhone, iPad, and other iOS devices simultaneously, ensuring optimal protection and privacy while reducing overcrowded servers that cause buffering and lag. 24/7 customer support — Fix your problems with thorough feedback that you can receive in less than 5 minutes.
Get AES 256-bit encryption using ExpressVPN
How to Install and Setup a VPN on your iOS Devices (Step-by-Step Guide)
Setting Up a VPN App on Your iPhone or iPad
Setting up a VPN on your iPhone and iPad is extremely easy with a dedicated iOS app, which all three of the top VPNs provide. If you’re looking for the best monthly VPN plan for your iOS devices, follow these simple steps:
Setting Up a VPN on Your iPhone or iPad Without Using the Apple Store
Install ExpressVPN on iOS
How to Manually Configure a VPN on an iPhone or iPad
When manually configuring a VPN onto your iPhone or iPad, you will follow the same procedure as the “Setting up a VPN on your iPhone or iPad without using the Apple Store” section. However, please note that you are required to choose a VPN protocol and will have three options: IKEv2, IPSec, and L2TP. I suggest IKEv2 due to its good balance between security and speed — make sure your VPN provider supports your chosen protocol. To configure a VPN on to your iOS device, go to: Settings > General > VPN > Add VPN Configuration > Type (Select a protocol) > Fill in information (Description, Server, Remote ID, Local ID) > Authentication (username, password) > Proxy > Done > Connect. Manually configure ExpressVPN on iOS
The Best VPNs for Your iPhone and iPad in January 2023
1. ExpressVPN — TrustedServer Technology on Every Server to Protect Your iPhone and iPad From Hacks
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for iPhone and iPad. Its TrustedServer technology protects your data with air-tight encryption, and I found the user experience to be the best on this list. Plus, RAM servers in 80 countries ensure your iPhone’s data is automatically deleted, allowing you to access local websites without being tracked while using any iOS device. While traveling for work with my iPhone and iPad, I could safely access my Netflix US account without issue. I was also able to access the following platforms with ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s DNS leak protection feature is integrated into each of its servers, allowing you to remain anonymous and overcome privacy threats while using an iPhone or iPad. Without its own private DNS, ExpressVPN would be unable to protect your DNS requests from being intercepted. While thoroughly testing ExpressVPN, my internet activity on my iPhone 8 was hidden and protected at all times — ensuring I felt highly secure while browsing the internet. ExpressVPN offers some stellar security features for iOS devices such as:
Trusted Server technology that ensures that all your data is wiped with every reboot, and no identifying information is ever written to the server. AES 256-bit encryption military-grade encryption secures all your web traffic on every server. A strict no-logs policy, audited by PwC, proves that none of your personal information or browsing data is ever logged, stored, or shared with anyone. Choose between IKEv2 and ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, optimized for enhanced speed, security, and reliability.
ExpressVPN offers its own Lightway protocol to provide an outstanding balance of speed and security, I felt safe while connected to ExpressVPN without sacrificing my internet connections’ super-fast speeds. ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to 5 iOS devices simultaneously, including your iPhone, iPad, Macbook, and iMac. While testing ExpressVPN, I successfully connected 5 iOS devices — which is much more than I needed and made me feel highly secure while using iCloud. Despite ExpressVPN being more expensive than other VPNs, you can save a large amount of money and get 49% off when purchasing an annual subscription. You can try ExpressVPN’s apps for iOS completely risk-free. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it’s easy to get a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations. When I tested it, my refund was approved within minutes over live chat — no questions asked. The money was back in my account within 4 working days. Protect your iOS device with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Specialized Streaming Servers for Lag-Free Streaming on iOS Apps
In its network of 9740 servers in 91 countries, CyberGhost has more than 100 streaming-optimized servers, so you can enjoy lag-free streaming on your iPhone and iPad from anywhere. These high-speed servers are designed for seamless streaming and are constantly tested to ensure they work with the most popular international streaming services. With just a few taps on your iPhone, you can quickly connect to servers for Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, Hotstar, and more. When testing these streaming servers, I didn’t have to deal with any initial buffering, and my streams maintained HD quality for hours. CyberGhost easily accessed every streaming platform my team and I tried, including: The only minor con I identified throughout the testing process of CyberGhost was that the latency of its servers increases the further away the server is. However, you’ll still be able to stream Netflix US in HD with limited interruptions — even when traveling abroad for work.
WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols with military-grade encryption ciphers. Strict no-logs policy and headquarters in Romania, which has no mandatory data-retention laws and is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. RAM-based servers don’t log or store any personal or browsing information. DNS/IP leak protection ensures your location and identity are never revealed when you access your favorite sites and apps.
You can get CyberGhost for as little as $2.03/month (and get 3 months free!) when you sign up for its 2-year + 4 months plan. All annual plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee if you sign up through the CyberGhost website. However, if you sign up through the Apple App Store, you’ll need to request your refund directly from Apple. If you’re not ready to commit, you can take advantage of the 45-day money-back guarantee to hash try CyberGhost’s iOS app and streaming servers for free. After testing it for a few weeks, I tested this policy by requesting a refund via live chat. It was approved within 20 minutes, and I had my money back in less than a week. Get CyberGhost for iPhone and iPad
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Safari Content Blocker Stops Ads and Trackers From Loading When Browsing on iOS
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of a few VPNs with feature-packed iOS apps — it’s the only vendor on this list with a kill switch on its apps for iPhone and iPad and even has an integrated ad and malware blocker for iOS, called Safari Content Blocker. By blocking ads and trackers from loading, Safari Content Blocker improves loading times and optimizes data usage. Plus, you don’t need to be connected to the VPN for the tool to work. Aside from Safari Content Blocker, PIA has an impressive suite of iOS-friendly security features, including:
3 secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2) and the option to lower your encryption level and conserve power on your iOS devices. Incognito browser for iOS, called InBrowser, automatically erases your history and cookies every time you exit the app. A recently audited no-logs policy prevents any of your internet activity from being logged, stored, or shared with anyone.
PIA has the largest network of servers out of every VPN on this list, providing over 35000 servers in 83 countries. During my tests, I was able to connect to servers within the US and had many options if issues arose. My team and I found that PIA worked with the following services: The only minor con I identified throughout the testing process was that PIA is located within the US, at the heart of the data-sharing network 5/9/19 Eyes Alliance. However, due to its strict no-logs policies, no connection data is stored and cannot be shared with governmental organizations. If you’re looking for a premium VPN that protects multiple iOS devices simultaneously, PIA is a great choice. PIA protects up to 10 iOS devices simultaneously — the most on this list. However, before committing to an annual subscription, download PIA using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund in less than 7 working days. Protect up to 10 iOS devices with PIA
Do iOS devices have a built-in VPN?
No, but iOS devices will be introducing built-in VPN features when iOS 15 is released — iCloud Private Relay. Despite the military-grade encryption and future developments within iOS, your iPhone and iPad will be vulnerable to cyber attacks due to unused encryption measures unless you can find a premium VPN to protect you.
Is it safe to install a VPN on my iOS devices?
Yes, each of the top VPNs are exceptionally safe to install on your iPhone and iPad. But not only that, installing a VPN on your iOS device will significantly enhance your security and privacy — keeping your data from prying eyes, hackers, ISPs, and other third parties.
What else can a VPN on my iPhone and iPad do?
The top VPNs with a dedicated iOS app allow you to access your favorite streaming platforms from abroad safely, avoid slow upload and download speeds, split-tunnel your connection to simultaneously use your VPN while accessing your usual apps, remain anonymous with strict no-logs policies and even use smart DNS to use a VPN on incompatible devices.
Can I use a free VPN on my iPhone and iPad?
Yes, but I would not recommend using a free VPN over a premium VPN on your iPhone or iPad — as their ability to ensure your privacy and security are extremely limited. For example, while testing a plethora of free VPNs, I found that they don’t provide no-logs policies or AES 256-bit encryption — leaving your data at risk of being intercepted by hackers and ISPs. Additionally, your iOS devices become the likely targets of ransomware and phishing schemes as free VPNs don’t have the resources to protect you. Secure your iPhone from hackers with ExpressVPN
Easily Install and Setup a VPN on your iPhone and iPad in 2023
If you’re looking to protect your iPhone and other iOS devices from hacks, malware, and WiFi spying while traveling, you’ll need a VPN. While many highly-rated VPNs in the App Store offer military-grade encryption, they usually slow your internet speeds to a crawl, making it difficult to stream, play games, or video call. To save you some time, I tried 30+ of the highest-rated VPNs and tested their speeds, security features, and streaming capabilities. There are a few top performers, but ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for iPhone and iPad. Aside from its ultra-fast server speeds and independently audited no-logs policy, it also comes with a no-questions-asked 30day money-back guarantee. This means you can try ExpressVPN’s iOS apps completely risk-free. When I tested the refund policy, my money was back in my account in 4 days.
