Best Free VPN Apps for iPhone and iPad: Apple iOS is universally known to be very secure. Personal data, on the other hand, is one of the most precious things today, and regrettably, it is heavily targeted by hackers and even certain governments. Thus, if you want to improve your privacy and avoid data tracking, adding important protection, such as a VPN, is a sensible option.
Furthermore, a trustworthy VPN for iPhone and iPad can do much more than keep you safe. It enables Internet freedom by allowing access to all prohibited and banned sensitive data, including websites, streaming platforms, and other media services. But the issue is, can a free VPN provide everything?
Definitely! However, only reliable VPN service providers should be considered since most free VPNs make money by selling user data to other parties. Or they bombard you with annoying advertisements. Not to mention the variety of “free VPNs” available on the App Store, many of which cost more than actual VPNs. In this page we discuss some best free VPN Apps for iPhone and iPad to consider.
How to choose the best VPN?
Finding the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad starts with focusing on your primary requirements. For example, will you be streaming content? How do you stay secure online? Doing some gaming?
Choosing a VPN service with many locations and applications for every medium is a good start. Still, it is essential to determine whether it supports the sites and platforms you’ll be using.
If watching movies or TV is your primary priority, check for a VPN that unblocks your preferred services, such as Netflix or iPlayer. Torrent users will undoubtedly want P2P functionality on as many servers as possible, an effective kill switch to hide their identity, and an audited no-log policy to ensure that all your online activities remain hidden.
Many VPNs also limit the number of devices that may be connected simultaneously. So if you have many mobile devices, computers, smart TVs, or other devices to protect, you should look for best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad that allows for more simultaneous connections — or may have no limits.
Checking the support site of a VPN is one of the greatest methods to discover if it is excellent (or terrible). Look for detailed and well-written content that will help you in any tricky situations you find yourself in. Live chat help is also appreciated but not required. Email assistance is often surprisingly quick, with some companies answering in minutes.
Of course, pricing is essential, but we recommend focusing on functionality first.
In brief, search for best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad that allows you to perform anything you want. That can be inexpensive; some excellent offers are on our list, and you can always use pricing to narrow down your selection to a final pick later.
How can I set up a free VPN on my iPhone?
Signing up for and configuring best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad. Here’s a brief tutorial on how to do it using NordVPN. So, take out your iPhone or iPad and follow these steps:
1. First, navigate the Apple App Store and search for “NordVPN.”
2. Install the app.
3. After installing the app, please open it and choose Sign Up.
4. Choose a subscription plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee will be available to you.
5. Connect to a server and begin surfing safely!
Best Free VPN Apps for iPhone and iPad
If you are looking for the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad, these services should be at the top of your list.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad. It features a modern and easy-to-use iOS app. You may quickly choose between 5500+ servers in 59 locations on your Apple device through a map/country list.
Aside from that, the NordVPN iOS app lets you choose between multiple tunnel protocols. IKEv2 and OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) are included; however, we recommend the groundbreaking NordLynx protocol for the fastest connections.
Furthermore, this VPN adds extra security measures not often seen in iOS applications. For example, you may use a kill switch and dark web monitoring features to secure sensitive information.
NordVPN is compatible with Netflix and other streaming services such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others. In addition, it allows you to see global content from any location.
Even though premium memberships start at $2.99 a month, you can test it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Of course, you’ll need to sign up for NordVPN’s free trial to do so. Always look for NordVPN discounts if you want a premium service.
Website: https://nordvpn.com
2. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is another good choice on our list of the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad. You may use an easy-to-use iOS app to choose from over 3200 servers in 100 locations. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections, so your family may use them on their iPhones.
It’s also worth noting that its iOS version has a lot of functionality for a mobile app. For example, if the VPN connection fails, you receive a kill switch that stops all Internet traffic. WireGuard support also allows you to enjoy high speeds and a steady connection.
You will be satisfied in terms of entertainment. Surfshark integrates with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. As a result, you may watch worldwide entertainment on your iPhone while traveling.
Paid memberships start at $2.05 per month; however, there are some fantastic Surfshark discounts. Alternatively, you may get a 7-day free Sufshark trial or use the 30-day money-back guarantee for a longer trial time.
Website: https://www.surfshark.com
3. AtlasVPN Unlimited Speed Proxy
Atlas VPN, a mobile-focused provider, is another free VPN we highly recommend. In addition to being a highly customized VPN for iOS, this service uses AES-256 encryption and promises not to store user data. That is, with Atlas VPN, your privacy is protected.
What’s more, even with a free plan, you receive unlimited data to use. If you choose a premium plan, you won’t have to worry about spending too much since Atlas VPN’s prices start at $1.64/month.
Using a free Atlas VPN deck will provide you access to features like a kill switch, secure surfing, and P2P file sharing. As a result, you would be safe from malicious websites and the risk of the VPN connection dropping off. It is best for torrenting and watching your favorite movies on weekends. You can consider it as one of the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad.
Moving on, isn’t it true that connection speed is important? Unfortunately, we won’t find anything unusual here since Atlas VPN selects three locations. However, it promises to add new locations regularly so we may hope for brighter days ahead.
Website: https://atlasvpn.com
4. PureVPN – VPN & Proxy
PureVPN is among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad. This service has 6500+ servers in 78 countries. While there is no free version or trial, PureVPN is risk-free with a 31-day money-back guarantee.
PureVPN does not mess around when it comes to security. They use trusted AES-256 encryption to offer maximum protection. As a result, your data will be entirely secure.
You should be more than happy with the PureVPN performance. WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 tunnel protocols are available for fast connection speeds and a pleasant user experience.
PureVPN effectively unblocks the libraries of all your favorite streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
And you can have all of it for a reasonable price. PureVPN subscriptions start at $1.41 per month and cover up to ten devices simultaneously. Additionally, for added protection, you may pay with a credit card and bitcoin.
Website: https://www.purevpn.com
5. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a premium VPN for iPhone and iPad, and it’s also one of the few providers whose mobile apps are almost similar to the desktop versions. There is also a free version, although it is severely limited.
You will be protected by AES-128 encryption, which is incredibly safe. The fast Catapult Hydra tunnel technology will satisfy you in terms of performance. As a result, your connection speeds will not drop, and your streaming experience will be HD and lag-free.
Regarding streaming, Hotspot Shield provides access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. While this is not the greatest that can be given, it is excellent for basic streaming requirements. Additionally, geo-locked content will be in your hands because of the pricey list of 3200+ servers in 80 locations.
The iOS software, in particular, has an identity scanner, password manager, and spam call filter; however, a paid membership is required. Because the free version lacks security and functionality.
Website: https://www.hotspotshield.com
6. Ultra VPN: Unlimited VPN Proxy
UltraVPN, a user-friendly and trusted service that provides safety and anonymity, is available worldwide. Ultra VPN’s servers are spread across over 70 countries, making it easy to unblock any website or media from anywhere in the world. UltraVPN provides strong encryption and the OpenVPN protocol and is compatible with desktop and mobile devices. Aura, which also runs Hotspot Shield and Touch VPN, is the creator of many well-known brands, including UltraVPN. Furthermore, it is one of the most affordable premium VPNs on the market.
A good VPN and security go hand in hand. As a consequence, we expect reliable software and strong encryption. Most UltraVPN internet user reviews are excellent and praise its powerful security mechanisms. This VPN secures your identity with military-grade 256-bit data encryption and an integrated kill switch, which UltraVPN refers to as a firewall.
Its clean user interface and simple website make it an excellent choice for beginners. When working, the black color scheme is easy on the eyes and offers a peaceful backdrop. Furthermore, all the functions you need are available on the main screen. You can go through several menus or tabs to locate what you’re looking for. It is the most reliable and among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad.
Website: https://ultravpn.com
7. ExpressVPN
According to our detailed user testing and independent review process, we can safely say that ExpressVPN is the finest VPN available among the other best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad.
ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 160 locations distributed over 94 countries, a kill switch, split tunnel, and obfuscated servers. While other providers have more servers in total, very few have such a wide spread, which means that you’ll receive fast, dependable connections no matter where you are. It has a particularly outstanding range in Asia, which is sometimes overlooked by other providers.
All applications use industry-standard AES-256 encryption in combination with the OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. Lightway is the big favorite here, with its in-house, open-source protocol providing incredible speeds – however some other providers deliver higher peak speeds when using WireGuard. Unless you have a 1Gbps+ connection, you won’t see a change.
ExpressVPN also uses its own TrustedServer technology, which ensure that its RAM-only DNS servers do not save any information about you or your activity. In a nutshell, ExpressVPN is quick and safe, and a recent upgrade introduced a much-needed kill switch to iOS, Excellent work.
ExpressVPN’s applications are easy to use and almost similar across the board – once you’ve tried one, you’ve used them all – and the device support is broad. Not only can you protect your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android, but also your router, Chromebook, Linux PC, Fire TV Stick, and a variety of other devices.
One of the most popular reasons for using a VPN is to get access to geo-restricted streaming content. ExpressVPN performs in this area. It consistently unlocked a number of Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and worked fine for regional TV stations throughout the globe in our tests. Only a few other services, such as NordVPN and Surfshark, can compete, and Express remains our top streaming VPN.
Website: https://www.expressvpn.com
8. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is an excellent choice if you have one device to worry about. This free service offers “medium speeds,” which means you won’t have access to the 10 gigabit-per-second servers that paying users to have. Still, the speeds are sufficient, but no servers support Netflix streaming. That’s another pricey feature, although you can probably get similar streaming providers that need to be more actively good VPNs than Netflix is.
ProtonVPN offers an excellent privacy policy and no data limitations, but even when the service is free, you must register an account to use it. ProtonVPN Free offers three country choices. It is, still, one of the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad to consider.
Website: https://protonvpn.com
9. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost offers streaming-optimized servers that allow you to access your streaming apps from wherever. During our testing, we could quickly unblock Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and multiple Netflix libraries on iPhones while maintaining an average download speed of 45 Mbps. It is sufficient for HD and 4K streaming. The connections were very reliable, and the connection speeds were excellent, allowing you to browse, watch, and download without interruption on your iPhone.
The Best Location function links you to the quickest and most dependable server. With its Wi-Fi Protection function, you may configure how your VPN should behave when you connect to a new network. When you connect to an unfamiliar or unprotected public WiFi network, for example, if you choose the default action to “Protect,” you will be automatically connected to a VPN server. It is the reason it is among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad to consider.
While it is not exactly free, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee. It gives you almost a month to test all of its features before requesting a full refund if you are not completely happy. To test the reliability of the promise, We contacted assistance through 24/7 live chat and requested a refund. After a brief conversation, the agent authorized the request. We received the full refund in exactly four days.
Website: https://www.cyberghostvpn.com
10. Avira Phantom VPN
It includes excellent security features to protect your digital identity and among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad in 2022. Your iPhone is highly secured from cyber attacks and tracking thanks to AES 256-bit encryption. We tested iOS tablet and discovered no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. However, We were unhappy to find out that it lacks a kill switch, leaving you unprotected if your VPN connection fails. Avira Phantom VPN has fast servers in 33 countries are available through the iOS app, which is excellent for a free VPN. Most free VPNs only allow you to connect one device at a time, however Avira’s free software will enable you to connect all of your iOS devices at once.
We connected Realme X7 Pro and Google Pixel C tablets to its San Francisco server during the tests. While streaming HD movies on both devices, the connections remained stable. Even though We were connected to the same server, we didn’t notice any unexpected drops or slowdowns in performance. The average download speed was 25 Mbps. When We tried Avira Phantom’s US – Streaming server, it unblocked Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu. Overall it is the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad.
Website: https://www.avira.com
11. Windscribe Pro
Another good option for iPhone users. You will not have limitless use as with ProtonVPN. Instead, you may browse for up to 10GB every month. However, there are no device limitations, and you have ten country connection possibilities.
Windscribe’s free service needs a verified email address. Windscribe has a good privacy policy; however, it does monitor bandwidth usage to keep you within the free limits.
Website: https://windscribe.com
12. Hide.me
Hide.me is a free VPN with excellent security features to protect your iPhone data. It has military-grade 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, IP/DNS leak prevention, and an automated kill switch. Its Auto-Protect function, which automatically protects your connection on unknown WiFi networks, impressed us. It is headquartered in Malaysia, a privacy-friendly nation located outside the authority of the 5/9/14-Eyes. It prevents the risk of third-party interference with your data. Furthermore, it has a strong no-logs policy, which means that hide.me will never save any of your data.
The iOS app allows you to move between servers in four countries: Canada, Germany, Netherland, and the United States. It was compatible with Crackle and Funimation but not with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix US, Hulu, or any other popular streaming service. Furthermore, the free edition only provides 10GB of data each month. It is excellent for a free VPN but only allows for three hours of HD streaming. However, since the servers are P2P-friendly, you may also use them to download small torrent files on your iPhone. It only allows one device connection at a time, but you may configure it on your router to cover all of your devices simultaneously. You can consider Hide me among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad to protect your privacy.
Website: https://hide.me
13. Speedify – Live Streaming VPN
Speedify uses Channel Bonding technology to boost your connection speeds for faster data surfing. It does so by allowing you to use multiple internet connections simultaneously. It is among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad. Speedify specializes in smooth VPN transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. When you go between Wi-Fi and cellular, the connection usually stops and resets, but with Speedify, it simply continues running, which is excellent. It also connects your Wi-Fi and cellular connections to boost connection speeds.
We set the bonding mode to “Speed” during testing and had an average download speed of 27 Mbps, 10% faster than the VPN connection we regularly get with Speedify. In addition, it allows you to watch an HD travel vlog on Facebook Watch without lag or delay.
The VPN also provides enough security features to secure your iOS device. It uses AES 128-GCM encryption to hide your internet activities. While it is not as safe as 256-bit encryption, it is enough for daily usage. There are five network protocols to select from UDP, TCP Multiple, TCP, HTTPS, and Auto. UDP provided us with the quickest speeds. TCP, on the other hand, is more dependable and secure.
The main issue with Speedify is that its free iPhone app only provides 2GB of bandwidth per month. It allows for 3 hours of SD streaming; however, it is best used for surfing, checking emails, streaming short movies, or downloading small files.
Website: https://speedify.com
14. TunnelBear VPN
It protects your iPhone with 256-bit military-grade encryption, making it almost hard to access your data. It also includes an automated kill switch to secure your identity if your VPN connection fails. The free edition has no advertisements, which is always appreciated. We also liked its SplitBear function, which allows you to prevent particular iOS applications from using the VPN connection. It is among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad to consider in 2022-23.
Unfortunately, TunnelBear’s free iOS app could have been better at unblocking popular streaming apps like Disney+, Hulu, APV, or the region-locked Netflix titles. However, its GhostBear function hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, allowing you to access banned social media sites such as TikTok.
The VPN provides an easy-to-use iOS app to help you protect your connection. The app took me 3 minutes to download and install on iOS device. You will be requested to create an account when you first start the app. Then, enter your email address and create a password. After that, you must verify your email address before you can proceed.
The downside of TunnelBear is that it only provides 500 MB of data per month. It is insufficient, especially if you are a power user who enjoys streaming and torrenting. You can also get an additional 2 GB if you recommend a friend and install it on your desktop device.
Website: https://www.tunnelbear.com
15. Kaspersky VPN
Kaspersky is among the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad that is very user-friendly, making it simple to protect your iPhone. You may encrypt your connection and begin surfing with a single click. It took less than two minutes to set up on an iOS device. The whole procedure, from download to installation, was fast and simple. The greatest thing is you don’t even need an email account to start.
It provides 200MB of data daily, enough to surf the web or check your email. Small files may also be downloaded. It is not, however, suitable for streaming or torrenting. The free server should provide you with decent connection speeds for seamless surfing. The app chooses the quickest one depending on your location, so it’s generally one nearby. During testing, the average speed was about 35 Mbps.
It has enough security features to protect your connection and hide your IP address. Military-grade encryption secures your data from anybody trying to track your online activity, while IP/DNS leak prevention protects you against leaks. We were disappointed that the free version only has one server and that you cannot pick where it is located. It means you won’t be able to access international content using it. However, it is still a decent option if you wish to avoid having your internet activities tracked.
Website: https://www.kaspersky.com
16. IPVanish VPN
IPVanish is an excellent feature-rich premium VPN that is low-cost. It is a very well-developed and consider among best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad and offers unlimited data. However, there is no free trial, but when you subscribe to the long-term plan, you receive a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish offers the highest level of data protection with AES-256 encryption and impressive speeds. Furthermore, the obfuscation tool will hide your VPN usage, and the split tunneling feature featured in the iOS app will allow you to choose which applications must use a VPN tunnel.
The provider has a large fleet of 2000+ servers spread over 50 locations, so you’ll never have to struggle with overcrowded servers. Also, we had no trouble unblocking Netflix and other major streaming sites’ worldwide libraries using this VPN.
What could possibly be better? Perhaps you can get the unlimited benefit of using a single IPVanish subscription. As you can see, this is an excellent low-cost option for a free iOS VPN.
Website: https://www.ipvanish.com
17. AirVPN-VPN Master WiFi Privacy
AirVPN is a secure VPN service that prioritizes privacy and internet freedom. It has strong encryption mechanisms, good speeds, and a clear privacy policy. You may also purchase an account anonymously and pay using bitcoin. AirVPN lets you easily view your favorite Netflix episodes (albeit it does not guarantee access to various Netflix libraries) and download torrents.
Overall, AirVPN is an excellent provider for advanced VPN users. If you’re starting, we suggest using a different VPN, such as Surfshark.
Website: https://airvpn.org
How we tested these free VPNs for iOS
It is difficult for iOS users to choose the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad. It is because there are many important factors to consider before selecting it. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the top free iPhone VPNs we’ve found.
Security
AES-256 encryption and safe tunnel protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard are recommended. We don’t readily fall for a VPN that doesn’t use these technologies.
Unlimited data
The greater the limitation, the less secure network you will have.
Speed
Nobody enjoys it when a network connection starts to buffer. As a result, the quicker a VPN is, the better your surfing experience will be.
Features
Because free VPNs are already weak in functionality, searching for the most feature-rich provider is essential.
Tolerance for iOS
Many VPN providers ignore iOS in favor of Android. As a result, we hunt for VPNs that nevertheless provide much functionality for iOS.
Warning: The Risks of Free VPNs
Other than the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad mentioned above, many free VPN apps for Android and iOS are dangerous and might do more damage than benefit. You should never download a free VPN app without first doing research. I have tested each VPN on this list to ensure its security, so you don’t have to. Even though all free VPNs have certain limits, the ones on this list will not compromise your privacy.
Some of the risks associated with free iOS VPNs are as follows:
Free VPNs may sell your data – Running a VPN service is costly. They must find other methods to cover their expenses if your VPN service does not charge them. Most free VPNs sell user data to other parties to earn a profit. As a result, it’s essential to ensure that your VPN has a reliable no-logs policy.
Free VPNs can leak your data – Some free VPNs lack essential security features, such as an automated kill switch and IP/DNS leak prevention, which might cause data leaks. Your data and privacy are always in danger without these features.
Free VPNs may infect your device with malware – Android is particularly vulnerable since Google Play isn’t picky about which applications it allows in the Play Store. There have been several reports of free Android VPNs, including spyware in their applications. However, in the case of the Apple App Store, there are fewer complaints than in Android VPN services. So Select the best-paid VPN services for Android and iOS devices, as most of the free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad may bombard you with harmful advertisements, further compromising your security.
Free iPhone VPNs to Avoid
We can all agree that specific free VPNs are reliable enough to provide access to your IP address. If you are hunting for the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad, let’s be straightforward about one thing: you will not fall for a VPN that is on the blacklist listed below.
Betternet – While this company is regarded as one of the best free VPNs for iOS, its actions regarding your security tell otherwise.
If you use Betternet, your IP address may be exposed, or you may get infected with malware.
Hotspot Shield – If you want to remain anonymous, just off Hotspot Shield. Trackers were discovered in the application of this free VPN service. DNS leakage was also found.
Opera VPN – you’re undoubtedly familiar with Opera as a browser. However, it also promises to provide a free VPN, which is nothing more than a web proxy that may help you remain anonymous but nothing more. However, Opera VPN fails to do this since it gathers many user data and is controlled by a Chinese corporation.
Final Thoughts
VPNs aren’t only for computers. You may also use them to improve the security and privacy of your iphone or iPad. So whether you want extra protection for your connection on a public Wi-Fi network or to bypass geo-restrictions for most of your favorite streaming services, a free VPN can help you.
Of course, the issue is that a variety of VPNs are available on the Google Play Store. So, which ones are worthwhile? Our experts have tested a variety of VPNs for iPhone and compiled a list of the best free VPN apps for iPhone and iPad you can trust. On this page, you may find our top recommendations.