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Best VPN for iPhone 2021 – Top VPN Apps Rated | Tech.co

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Best VPN for iPhone & iOS 2021

It's important to be security-conscious when you’re on the move. We pick out the best iPhone VPNs for you

Jack Turner January 8th 2021 1:01 am

We've conducted thorough testing of over 20 VPNs, rating them for speed, ease-of-use, privacy and features. From our testing, the best VPN you can choose is NordVPN. Our independent testing found it to be a brilliant VPN for speed, features and security, and it's also one of the highest rated VPN apps on the iOS App Store.

With a VPN iPhone app, you can browse online with privacy and security, straight from your smartphone. The best VPN for iPhone users will make it simple to pick a remote server and anonymize your online activity.

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Fast, effective, low-cost and simple – the best VPN we've tested

Powerful features and security, but a bit technical. Some massive savings currently available.

Outstanding value, with an advanced VPN app

Good VPN privacy at good speeds

A good, well-priced VPN

A decent option for expert users

A user-friendly VPN, let down by some speed loss

Superb features, but at a higher cost

A powerful tool for expert users

$2.99 (3-year plan)

$3.25 (1-year plan)

$3.33 (1-year plan)

$4.99 (1-year plan)

$4.08 (1-year plan)

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$3.50 (2-year plan)

$8.32 (1-year plan)

$2.66 (1-year plan)

Top 9 iPhone VPNs 2021

So what are the best VPNs for iPhone? It's a competitive market, but based on our expert testing, we've identified the VPNs that stand out, passing our expert, independent reviews with flying colors:

  1. NordVPN – high speeds, packed with features, and brilliantly rated
  2. IPVanish VPN – a powerful VPN with top features
  3. Private Internet Access – a great app that's simple to set up
  4. TorGuard for iPhone – a simple to use VPN app
  5. Windscribe – excellent choice for unlocking Netflix
  6. ProtonVPN – a feature packed VPN for advanced users
  7. Express VPN – slick with plenty of options
  8. HideMe VPN – simple to set up, with great security
  9. Air VPN – a powerful tool for expert users

All of these VPNs charge just a small monthly fee of a couple of dollars. For that, you get top features, a range of servers to choose from, and strong speeds while you're connected to a VPN.

As well as subscription based apps, there are also a range of free alternatives. However, we think it's worth paying a few bucks a month for peace of mind, rather than taking a chance on these. Check out our most highly recommended VPN providers here:

If you're after a VPN you can use with ease on your iPhone, then we've picked out the best VPN apps below. Our top-rated VPN services are PureVPN, NordVPN and IPVanish. Each of these have fantastic features and strong privacy assurance.

We base our ratings on independent tests and quality assessments. As well as rating the features and ease of use of each VPN, we do real-world speed tests using both local and international servers.

Remember, you can usually bag a VPN at a discount – be sure to click for deals below.

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BEST ON TEST

Fast, effective, low-cost and simple – the best VPN we've tested

Powerful features and security, but a bit technical. Some massive savings currently available.

Outstanding value, with an advanced VPN app

Good VPN privacy at good speeds

A good, well-priced VPN

A decent option for expert users

A user-friendly VPN, let down by some speed loss

Superb features, but at a higher cost

A powerful tool for expert users

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$2.99 (3-year plan)

$3.25 (1-year plan)

$3.33 (1-year plan)

$4.99 (1-year plan)

$4.08 (1-year plan)

$4 (1-year plan)

$3.50 (2-year plan)

$8.32 (1-year plan)

$2.66 (1-year plan)

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be a great way to get online without location-based restrictions and security concerns. They've been around for desktop computers for some time, but if you're an iPhone user, you don't have to miss out – we've rounded up the best iPhone VPN apps to choose.

According to research carried out by Stone Temple, 63% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices. It's just as important to be security-conscious when you're on the move, however. The good news is that there is no shortage of VPN apps for your iOS device, so you can browse in safety and access a VPN server with your Apple phone or iPad.

NordVPN

The best for additional security features

NordVPN is one of the best VPN packages we've tested. It might be a little too feature-rich for the novice user, but for those who like full control, it's tough to beat.

NordVPN is fast, and can maintain speeds at an impressive rate, beating many of its competitors. There is always some small loss of speed when using a VPN, but with NordVPN, it's minimal.

NordVPN app security

A suite of extra security features makes NordVPN an excellent choice for those looking to protect their data. If we have one grumble about NordVPN, it's that some of these extra security features may be just a touch overwhelming for anyone who doesn't have a decent degree of technical knowledge.

Still, if your needs for a VPN are simple – logging onto an alternative network to mask your own – then you'll have no issue with NordVPN, and will doubtless find it smooth and simple to use. Meanwhile, if you'd like to delve into more advanced security features (and are confident enough to do so), then this is a great choice VPN.

NordVPN Key Features

NordVPN is a feature-rich VPN, with built-in adblocking and antivirus safeguards to offer extra data protection to all users. Here are the facts to know:

  • 6 devices per licence
  • 3,605 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • Live chat

NordVPN Pricing

Like many VPN providers, NordVPN offers lower prices the longer you're willing to commit, with its three-year contract providing the best value. That, paired with NordVPN's impressive speed, ease of use, and support, makes it a particularly attractive pick. Here are the plans it offers:

  • $11.95/mo (paid monthly)
  • $6.99/mo (1 year plan)
  • $4.99/mo (2 year plan)
  • $3.49/mo (3 year plan)

App Store Rating and Reviews

The iPhone NordVPN app is rated very highly on the app store, with a user rating of 4.6, based on 129,500 ratings.

Users commend the app for its strong encryption, and fast service, echoing our own findings in our in-depth research. Many sing the praises of its fast connection speed, which can make or break a VPN service. You'll experience a dip in speed when using a VPN, so it's reassuring to know that NordVPN users find this to be minimal.

Read our full review of NordVPN

IPVanish VPN for iPhone

The best VPN app for fast speeds

On the App store, IPVanish pitches itself as the ‘fastest VPN' on the market. While it's a bold claim, we can say from our own testing that its service is certainly one of the quickest we've used. It also has a healthy number of VPN servers – over 1,000 in 60 countries at time of writing – so there shouldn't be any issues getting connected.

If you're looking to mask your IP address, you won't find many better options than IPVanish. Using lots of devices in your household? An IPVanish account lets you connect 10 devices to the VPN at once.

IPVanish VPN settings and options

IPVanish is better for the technically minded than novice VPN users. While it does offer a lot of flexibility for those who like to tinker with settings, it could be confusing for total beginners.

Some user interface choices aren't the most intuitive. For instance, you'll need to manually disconnect from a location before it's possible to switch to a second location.

IPVanish VPN Key Features

IPVanish's intimidating settings are great for its feature set, however: Users will get plenty of perks, including obfuscated traffic and the ever-popular killswitch. The service is one of the best mainstream VPN services for power users who want granular features and plenty of them. Here are the facts to know:

  • 5 devices per licence
  • 1,300 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • Live chat

IPVanish VPN Pricing

While the monthly cost of $10 is fairly typical, the annual cost of $77.99 is more expensive than other offerings. However, you can often get a discount when signing up to IPVanish. Here are the plans it offers:

  • $10.00/mo
  • $26.99/3 mos
  • $77.99/yr

App Store Ratings and Reviews

IPVanish is no slouch according to users on the app store. It's currently rated 4.5, with 56,900 ratings.

IPVanish is clearly doing something right, as its reviews on the app store are written in flattering terms indeed. One user even describes it as a ‘gift to the world'. We wouldn't go that far, even if our testing did show it to be one of the best. Users who state that security is important to them say that they are pleased with the features offered by IPVanish, and like NordVPN, speed is also a key feature, and doesn't disappoint.

Check out our full review of IPVanish

Private Internet Access

Great combination of value an features

Private Internet Access gets its balance of cost and features just right, offering plenty of options but without a hefty price tag.

As its name suggests, this VPN is designed to offer you a robust and safe connection to the internet that won't compromise your personal data – and it excels at this.

Advanced VPN for experienced users

Private Internet Access isn't the best choice for newbies, but if you're experienced with VPNs, you'll get on fine.

It doesn't quite have the speed of some of its competitors, but it does offer solid, good value privacy and anonymity when you're online.

Private Internet Access Key Features

Advanced security features available from this service include DNS Leak Protection and Disconnect Protection. Here are the additional facts to know:

  • 5 devices per licence
  • 3,322 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • Live chat

Private Internet Access Pricing

For a one-time payment of $39.95, you'll get a whole year of Private Internet Access's VPN service – a price that puts it in the same ballpark as the best major VPN providers out there. Here are the plans on offer:

  • $9.95/mo (paid monthly)
  • $5.99/mo (paid every six months)
  • $3.33/mo (paid annually)

App Store Ratings and Reviews

The Private Internet Access certainly has its iPhone fans, with a rating of 4.7, based on 62,300 reviews.

Read the reviews and it's clear to see that many users really value the strong security features of Private Internet Access. Some users claim they have the odd issue with connectivity, although we have to stress that this isn't an issue we came across in our testing.

Read our full Private Internet Access review

TorGuard VPN for iPhone

The best for accessing Netflix with ease

TorGuard is best suited to those who know their way around a VPN. Anyone with some degree of experience will find a lot to like with the TorGuard app.

There's no shortage of VPN servers – over 3,000 are available, based in 55 countries. Not only that, but we found that TorGuard maintains great connections speeds when in use, so you won't be compromising your broadband speed.

TorGuard for streaming

One pitfall of many VPNs is Netflix spotting that you're using one. The video streaming giant doesn't take too kindly to VPNs accessing its service, and a lot of big name apps are unable to penetrate Netflix's defences. TorGuard, however, can access Netflix with ease. It can also access Hulu, making this a great VPN to choose for streaming services.

TorGuard VPN Key Features

TorGuard doesn't have as many features as the absolute top-tier VPNs, but it does have more than the average, with advanced settings that will keep expert users happy. Here are the facts to know:

  • 5 devices per licence
  • 3,000 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • Live chat

TorGuard VPN Pricing

TorGuard offers the same service at different price points, depending on how long a period the buyer is interested in committing to. The three-month plan is a popular option, though you'll save $20 more by paying for the annual plan. Here are the plans TorGuard offers:

  • $9.99/mo
  • $19.99/3 mos
  • $29.99/6 mos
  • $59.99/yr
  • $99.99/2 yrs

App Store Ratings and Reviews

There aren't many reviews of the TorGuard app on the app store, yet it has an impressive 4.6 score, with 106 reviews.

iPhone TorGuard VPN users seem a relatively satisfied lot, judging by the comments in the app store reviews. Positives mentioned include a fast service and a user friendly interface, as well as praise for the security features. When users do have teething issues with the service, it appears that someone from TorGuard is quick to comment, with a solution, or noting that their issue will be resolved in a future update.

Read our full review of TorGuard

Windscribe

An excellent value VPN, if a little technical

In our testing, we found Windscribe to be a super-secure VPN. We were unable to spy on the location or even timezone of the Windscribe connection, which is just what you want when you're after a discreet and safe service. Some VPNs are easy to circumvent, but not Windscribe.

Good VPN for Netflix

Unlike some other VPNs on our list, Windscribe has an ace up its sleeve in terms of unlocking Netflix – it can actually do it.

The video streaming giant is canny about users accessing its content from different regions, but Windscribe can get you access to the whole library from overseas.

Windscribe Key Features

Windscribe has an impressive suite of features, as well as being fast and affordable. Some of the more advanced features put it a little out of reach of beginners, but for everyone else, it's a great choice – even if there's no killswitch (a common VPN perk).

Here are the facts to know:

  • Unlimited devices per licence
  • 480 servers
  • No data logging
  • No killswitch
  • Email support
  • Live chat

Windscribe Pricing

Windscribe keeps it simple with just two main plans. In addition, there's a student discount that gives verified students 40 percent off, provided they sign up for the annual plan. Here are the plans offered:

  • $9.00/mo (billed monthly)
  • $4.08/mo (billed annually)

App Store Ratings and Reviews

Windscribe scores highly on the Apple app store, with a rating of 4.7, from 9,800 reviews.

Praise comes thick and fast for Windscribe in its users reviews, with many claiming it's the best they've ever tried (which makes us think they probably haven't tried NordVPN, our number one pick). Customers talk of vast improvements to the app compared to its early days, which is an indication that Windscribe acts on feedback, as well as good customer service, and its ability to open up Netflix.

Find out more with our full review of Windscribe

ProtonVPN

Best for expert users

ProtonVPN has a great set of advanced features that separate it from other VPNs. These include the ability to create profiles for different online activities, server types, and locations you want to use them from. There are also more standard, but no less important features, such as a killswitch, which will halt all your online activity if your VPN fails.

Not the simplest VPN

This isn’t the VPN to go for if you want something simple and easy-to-use. We think ProtonVPN is excellent for confident users, who will no doubt enjoy the rich features. VPN first timers may prefer something a little less detailed, however. A service such as PureVPN may be preferable for beginners, thanks to its easily labelled modes for usage scenarios.

All in all, this is a great VPN for more advanced users, although it gets a little pricey outside the basic tier.

ProtonVPN Key Features

ProtonVPN includes an impressive ten devices in each subscription. It doesn't include live chat support, though it does have email support, available through a form on its site. Here are the facts to know:

  • 10 devices per licence
  • 404 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • No live chat

ProtonVPN Pricing

Unlike most VPNs listed here, ProtonVPN includes a free plan. It might not meet your needs: You're allowed one device, it's only supported in three countries, and worst of all, the speed is throttled a little. All three paid plans are billed annually, with each offering more features than the last.

Here are the plans offered:

  • Basic: $4/mo
  • Plus: $8/mo
  • Visionary: $24/mo

App Store Ratings and Reviews

ProtonVPN iPhone users have rated the app 4, with 1,400 reviews.

Customers of this VPN love its no logs policy, which means that the app won't retain data about your activities – not something all VPNs can boast. A word that pops up throughout the reviews often is ‘reliable', and we were pleased to see that issues raised in the reviews are quickly commented on with solutions by ProtonVPN support.

Find out more with our full review of ProtonVPN

Express VPN

The best for lots of features

Express VPN has a strong set of features and a slick interface, making it easy to use and a powerful tool. The range of features is excellent, and there's a long list of servers available to connect to. You're not just limited to Express VPN's suggestions, either – you can manually connect to your preferred servers instead.

Good features, but higher cost

A killswitch function means that if the connection is lost, you won't automatically connect to your ISP – meaning that your online activities remain safe.

While we're certainly impressed by ExpressVPN's feature set, we would caution that they come at a price. This is one of the more expensive VPN packages around: ExpressVPN costs considerably more per month than, say, PureVPN or NordVPN, and even with annual plans, the discounts don't make that much of a difference.

Express VPN Key Features

Express VPN offers an option that lets its users manually pick out which server to join, a boon given Express VPN's automatic selection might not be fast enough in the moment. The mobile app is streamlined and easy to use as well. Here are the facts to know:

  • 5 devices per licence
  • 1,500 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • Live chat

Express VPN Pricing

Bad news: Express VPN is pricier than all the other options we've listed. It delivers great security, but the price tag might drive some off. Here are the plans offered:

  • $12.95/mo (billed monthly)
  • $9.99/mo (billed every 6 months)
  • $8.32/mo (billed annually)

App Store Ratings and Reviews

The ExpressVPN iPhone app certainly has as lot of cheerleaders, with a rating of 4.6, with 105,200 reviews.

Users on the app store are very complimentary about the speed and features of the ExpressVPN app, with many praising the flexibility and number of locations that it offers. We did spot a few comments from residents in China stating that the app isn't as effective as it used to be in that region of the world. This could be a consequence of China's strict legislation against VPNs.

See our guide to ExpressVPN Pricing

HideMe VPN

A simple, streamlined VPN

No, HideMe isn't the fastest VPN out there, but its main strength is that it's beautifully simple. It's easy to set up, and boasts an intuitive, well-designed app that won't leave you scratching your head. This makes it a great choice for those new to the world of VPNs.

HideMe excels at security

HideMe is a secure VPN that emerged from our harsh privacy testing unscathed, without revealing information such as IP or DNS address leaks – meaning you can go online with confidence that you won't be snooped on.

HideMe is a good VPN, but we found it to be a little on the pricey side. We really like the straightforward interface and no-logging policy, but we think that PureVPN is a better bet for those who want an easy to use, but comprehensive VPN.

HideMe Key Features

While HideMe isn't as fast as it claims to be, it does come with a solid range of features, including the coveted killswitch. Here are the facts to know:

  • 5 devices per licence
  • 1,400 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • No live chat

HideMe Pricing

HideMe has a free plan, limited to three locations and 2GB of data transfer per month, so it's best for those who don't regularly use a VPN. The paid plans are a little pricey, though. The best one, $4.99/mo for two years, throws in two months free.

Here are the plans offered:

  • $12.95/mo (billed monthly)
  • $8.32/mo (billed annually)
  • $4.99/mo (billed every two years)

App Store Ratings and Reviews

Not many people have reviewed the Hide Me app, but it has managed a score of 4.5, with 1,900 ratings.

User reviews on the app store are somewhat divided for Hide Me. There are those that are more than happy with its easy to use service and clear instructions. However, equally, there are complaints about the app logging users out, as well as not working in some countries, such as Dubai. Despite the high score, the actual reviews reveal something more of a mixed bag.

Find out more with our full review of HideMe VPN

AirVPN

A powerful tool for expert users

AirVPN prides itself on securing your data, with a level of encryption that actually outdoes that of military standards. Couple this with its strict policies about not logging your data or monitoring your activities, and it's a VPN that you can feel relaxed about using.

This VPN is fast too, netting speeds that are impressive for both short distance servers as well as those overseas.

OpenVPN app workaround

It's worth noting that there's no official app for AirVPN, but iOS users can download the OpenVPN app and configure it themselves. Again, this isn't a VPN for beginners.

AirVPN knows its audience – and that's people with some familiarity with VPNs. Provided you know what you’re doing, it’s a good VPN where privacy and freedom are the obvious priorities.

AirVPN Key Features

AirVPN's settings give advanced users plenty of control over details like servers, protocols, and encryption levels, as well as letting them set the VPN to automatically turn on when they boot up their device. There's no live chat support, though. Here are the facts to know:

  • 5 devices per licence
  • 60 servers
  • No data logging
  • Killswitch
  • Email support
  • No live chat

AirVPN Pricing

AirVPN gives its users plenty of options (although pricing in US dollars isn't one of them). Here are the seven plans the service offers:

  • Three days: 2 € (about $2.17)
  • One month: 7 € (about $7.60)
  • Three months: 15 € (about $16.30)
  • Six months: 29 € (about $31.50)
  • One year: 49 € (about $53.25)
  • Two years: 79 € (about $85.85)
  • Three years: 99 € (about $107.57)

App Store Ratings and Reviews

As stated above, there is no dedicated AirVPN app – if you want to use it on your iPhone you'll need to do so via the open source OpenVPN app. This has a rating of 3.9 on the app store, although we can't really comment on the score or content of the reviews here, as they may not relate to the AirVPN service.

Find out more with our full review of AirVPN

How to Choose the Best iPhone VPN for You

As you can see from our reviews, there are plenty of iPhone VPN apps out there, and there are more smaller names that we haven't covered too. So what should be the priority consideration when looking for a new iPhone VPN?

Speed

This one is likely to be key for you if you're looking to download or stream video. Speed is a key selling feature for most VPN providers, and some, such as NordVPN, have cracked the ability to route your data through servers without having too much of an impact on your data speeds. It's important to note that no VPN will be able to match you ISP speeds – you'll always take a hit when using a VPN – but stick with the likes of the likes of NordVPN and IPVanish, and you're unlikely to notice.

Security

This is one of the main reasons that many of us choose a VPN in the first place – they are essential tool for protecting our online activities and shielding them from private eyes. Check the security features offered by an app before using it – the best will be falling over themselves to show you just how secure they are, with some even offering military-grade encryption.

One fly in the ointment here is ‘free' VPN apps. These usually make their many by selling your data to third parties. It's why we always recommend paying a few bucks a month for your peace of mind.

Subscriptions

Generally, VPN apps will offer themselves on a pay monthly or annually basis. Take a look at the pricing structure and make sure you know what you'll be paying for the foreseeable future, especially once any special offers you might have taken have expired. Many VPN providers want to lock their users in for as long as possible, and it's not unusual to find three or five year plans that carry a bargain monthly fee, provided you pay upfront.

Customer Support

The level of support you get with a VPN depends on whether you've paid for it or not. Free apps are a dead loss here, and you can expect little to no support – another reason why we suggest paying. Even then, the quality of support from paid apps varies. Some offer the bare minimum, such as online forums, while others, such as NordVPN, offer email support and live chat.

How to Use a VPN on an iPhone

VPNs have long since shed their image of being solely used by hackers in dingy basements, are are fully fledged, easy to use consumer products these days. However, there's a few pointers we want to share with you.

What You Can/Can't Do with a VPN app

A VPN is great for hiding your identity and shielding your activities online, there is no doubt about there. However, a VPN is not a substitute for good security software and best practice. It won't protect you from viruses, or make your passwords any stronger. Use a VPN as a tool for your online presence, certainly, but we recommend relying on it in isolation.

How to Install a VPN app

Installing an iPhone VPN app isn't a dark art. It's actually quite simple. Choose the one you want on the app store, and install. However, you will need to sign up for a subscription, making an account with the provider. The app will take you through this step by step once downloaded.

When you first use the app, remember that you'll need to activate it first. Just because it's there on your phone, doesn't mean it's on all the time. Think of it like the oven in your home – great for cooking, sure, buy you've got to turn it on before you can actually use it. Also, take a look at the servers that you have access to in the app. If you want to access content in another country, you'll need to ensure that you're using a local server, so select one in the appropriate territory.

Should You Leave it on all the Time?

You could, but unless you're James Bond and need to hide every waking moment of your online activity from a murky criminal underworld or foreign government, it would be overkill. Using a VPN has an impact on your data speeds, and can also be a battery drain. We suggest just turning it on as and when you need it.

Best Free VPN Apps for iPhone

Hop onto the App Store, and you'll see plenty of free VPNs for your iPhone that promise to connect you online and hide your identity. It's a tempting proposition  but should you be using one and saving your cash?

There's an old adage that if a product is free, then you're the product. That's no truer than with VPNs. Paid-for packages make a big deal about the fact that your data is secure and private, and won't be shared. VPNs know that their customers value their privacy above all else, and don't want to compromise that. However, with free VPNs, there's a trade off – especially when you consider the high cost of running VPN servers.

The data that the customers of free apps funnel through the servers are highly valuable to third-parties, and can be sold on (typically anonymized) to help fund the app. Others, such as the well-known Hola, will hijack your bandwidth and use it for peer-to-peer connections. It's always worth checking the terms to see exactly how secure your personal data is, and what rights you're signing away when you install them.

Not all free VPNs are sketchy, however. The most important thing is to pick one you can trust – see our guide to the Best Free VPNs to choose for more.

Using a VPN on your iPhone is a simple process.

First of all, download the dedicated app from the App Store. You can then create an account in the app, or separately in a web browser. Log in, and you're away.

You'll need to manage the VPN settings within the app, including the location that you want to access the internet from, but these options tend to be well signposted. That's generally true of all the apps we've covered here, though PureVPN is hands-down the most user-friendly.

Once you've turned on the VPN in the app, you'll be able to use your iPhone online, safe in the knowledge that your web browsing is secure and private.

This applies to not only using Safari (or your browser of choice), but any apps that you are using which rely on an online connection.

One neat feature of using a VPN on an iPhone is that you'll always know when you're using the app thanks to the dedicated icon at top of the screen. If that disappears, your connection is no longer being tunnelled through a VPN server.

VPN apps are surprisingly inexpensive, especially if you sign up for an annual subscription. The longer you commit to, the bigger the discounts. Pay monthly, and the fee can be less appealing (around $10 per month). Pay for a year or two, and this drops to around $2-$3 per month.

Given the competition in the VPN market, companies are falling over themselves to offer enticing rate for customers. But don't assume the cheapest (or free) VPNs are always the best. The smartest thing you can do is pick a good deal on a well-rated service.

PureVPN for example, is our top-rated VPN, and it costs just $2.88 a month if you sign up to its two-year subscription.

Yes, it's safe to use a VPN on an iPhone, and any other type of smartphone. VPNs protect your data while you browse the internet, and they can do so just as effectively from a mobile device.

That said, you should be careful. A few common pitfalls could harm users if they pick the wrong VPN app for their phone. First, there's the chance that you could stumble on a fake VPN that will install malware on your phone. Even if you find a real VPN, though, many options will log your data, sell your internet history to their advertising partners, or just slow down your internet interminably.

Vet your VPN pick thoroughly beforehand, and you'll avoid these issues.

We've written up a guide on finding safe VPNs for your phone, so check that out if you're interested.

No, Apple does not have a VPN client built into its iOS. If you want to set one up, you'll instead need to locate and download a trusted third-party VPN app within the App Store.

Android phones, however, do generally come with a built-in VPN, which you should be able to find in your Settings under “VPN settings.” You'll have to set it up before it'll protect your phone, a process that involves picking out which protocol to use: PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, or IPSec.

You can also skip the process and install a VPN app instead, as long as your device isn't running an OS older than Android 4.0.

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN app on your iPhone. Apple makes it easy to do, offering a range of great VPN apps in its App Store – though admittedly, these apps are presented right alongside some not-so-great ones. The best ones will work smoothly, provided your iOS is up to date.

However, it's worth noting that anything illegal remains illegal when accomplished using a VPN. Torrenting copyrighted materials remains against US law regardless of whether your VPN is turned on or off.

We cover the ins and outs of approved VPN use in more detail in our guide to your VPN rights, Are VPNs Legal?

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Jack is the Content Manager for Tech.co. He has been writing about a broad variety of technology subjects for over a decade, both in print and online, including laptops and tablets, gaming, and tech scams. As well as years of experience reviewing the latest tech devices, Jack has also conducted investigative research into a number of tech-related issues, including privacy and fraud.


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