In an era where our smartphones have become an extension of ourselves, protecting our digital playground has never been more crucial. Whether you're battling the forces of geo-restrictions, safeguarding your online privacy, or simply seeking to unlock a world of streaming possibilities, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) have emerged as the ultimate sidekick for iPhone users.
These digital superheroes have seen a surge in popularity, swiftly becoming a must-have tool in the arsenal of modern tech enthusiasts. In this era of data breaches and digital boundaries, we've made a little rundown of the top VPNs for iPhones, ensuring your online adventures remain secure and unrestricted.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
From a user experience perspective, ExpressVPN shines with its intuitive and user-friendly app for iOS devices. Setting up and using the VPN on your iPhone is a hassle-free process, making it accessible for both tech-savvy users and those new to VPNs.
One of ExpressVPN's standout features is its extensive server network spread across the globe. This global presence ensures fast and reliable connections, crucial for activities like streaming and seamless browsing on your iPhone. Whether you're accessing geo-restricted content or simply looking for a lag-free experience, ExpressVPN delivers. ExpressVPN is also our best VPN pick and #1 best VPN for gaming as it has high bandwidth and incredibly low latency while gaming.
ExpressVPN is also reasonably priced. In fact, if you move on this now, you can take advantage of a special offer. You can get yourself 3 months of express VPN for free when you sign up to a year-long subscription. This means your monthly rate will come out at just $6.79 a month. They also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, if you're not impressed with Express VPN, you can just cancel your membership in the first month and get your money back.
NordVPN
NordVPN
NordVPN, as a VPN option for iPhone users, presents a formidable combination of security and user-friendliness. When it comes to safeguarding your online activities on an iPhone, NordVPN has earned its stripes.
NordVPN prioritizes user privacy with its military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. This means your digital footprint remains confidential and impervious to unwanted scrutiny. NordVPN's iOS app is designed with user convenience in mind. Setting up and navigating the app on your iPhone is straightforward, catering to both newcomers and VPN veterans.
With a sprawling global server network, NordVPN ensures fast and consistent connections. This proves invaluable for iPhone users engaging in bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming and online gaming.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) prioritizes user privacy with strong encryption and a no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities on your iPhone are kept confidential. Their iOS app is intuitive and straightforward to use, suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Plans start at $2.19 a month, this is for their two-year plan and is a similar price point to many of the other budget VPN options on the market right now. You can connect an unlimited amount of devices at once, which is always a plus in our books. The vast majority of platforms are supported, including some Smart TVs and consoles, but you'll need to check which specific models will work.
When we tested this VPN, the speed wasn't the fastest in the world. It wasn't horrendous by any means, but it's not the standout feature of this service.
CyberGhost
Best VPN for Streaming
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a standout choice for iPhone users seeking a VPN that strikes a balance between security and user-friendliness. It employs robust encryption techniques and upholds a stringent no-logs policy, assuring users that their iPhone's online activities remain confidential and protected from potential threats.
The iOS app provided by CyberGhost is designed with simplicity in mind, making it effortless for both beginners and experienced VPN users to set up and navigate.
The best plan in terms of value is their two-year plan. You'll get two months for free and the monthly rate works out to just $2.19 a month, making it the joint cheapest option on this list.
Do I Really Need a VPN?
Deciding whether you need a VPN depends on various factors related to your online activities and privacy concerns. VPNs offer several benefits, and understanding these can help you determine whether one is right for your needs. Here are the main pros of using VPNs:
- One primary advantage of using a VPN is enhanced online privacy. If you're concerned about your internet service provider (ISP) monitoring your online activities or advertisers tracking your behavior, a VPN can help by encrypting your internet connection. This encryption ensures that your data remains private and secure, even from potential cyber threats.
- Security is another compelling reason to consider a VPN, especially if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi is often less secure and can expose your data to hackers or eavesdroppers on the same network. A VPN adds a layer of protection by encrypting your data, making it much more challenging for malicious actors to intercept your sensitive information.
- Furthermore, VPNs are valuable tools for bypassing geo-restrictions. If you want to access content that is blocked or restricted in your region, a VPN can help by allowing you to connect to servers in other locations. This makes it appear as though you're browsing from a different region, granting you access to geo-restricted websites, streaming services, or online content.
Ultimately, the decision to use a VPN comes down to your specific online habits and concerns. If you prioritize privacy, security, and the ability to access content from around the world, a VPN can be a valuable tool for ensuring a safer and more unrestricted online experience.
Joe O'Neill-Parker is a freelance multimedia producer and writer.
