5 Best Free VPNs for iPhone & iPad in 2024: Secure & Fast

Most free VPN apps on the App Store risk your iPhone's security. Many collect personal data, track your online activity, or share your information with advertisers. Others have severe limitations, like data caps and slow speeds, that make them practically useless for streaming or gaming on your iOS device.

My team and I thoroughly tested over 40 free VPNs to identify which ones actually protect your iPhone. While all free VPNs have restrictions, the ones I recommend below offer decent security features and reliable performance. However, if you want a VPN without any limitations for your iPhone, consider using a premium service instead.

ExpressVPN is my top paid recommendation for iPhone users. Its Lightway protocol delivers fast speeds while maintaining security, and its iOS app is intuitive to use. While not completely free, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test all its features risk-free. I've tested this refund policy myself and got my money back within a few days. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for iPhone in 2024

Best Free VPNs for iPhone — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Lightway Protocol for Improved Speeds and Security

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Tested December 2024

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol performs exceptionally on iOS devices. It uses fewer resources than traditional protocols and conserves battery life, which is ideal for mobile devices. During our tests, ExpressVPN gave us faster speeds than any other VPN in this list — just a 1% reduction on nearby servers (from 255 Mbps to 253 Mbps). This will give you smooth connections on iOS, whether you stream or make FaceTime calls.

Because I enabled advanced ad and tracking blocker, only the Automatic and Lightway protocols were available

While most free VPNs offer the basics, ExpressVPN provides industry-leading security features to keep the data on your iOS devices. Every server is equipped with automatic obfuscation to hide VPN traffic. This allows it to work on networks that block VPNs (for example, libraries or schools). It also offers a kill switch, called Network Lock, to prevent any data leaks. I saw it in action when my connection dropped briefly at a coffee shop.

The iOS app integrates perfectly with Apple's ecosystem. It took me less than 2 minutes to set up on both my iPhone and iPad. You can add a custom widget to your iPhone's home screen for quick VPN access (iOS 17+). The whole app is slick, modern, and very easy to use, so it’s suitable even for VPN newbies.

While not free, you can’t beat the versatility and consistently fast speeds you get with ExpressVPN. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and discounts of up to 61% off when you sign up for a long-term plan. That way, you can test it risk-free and request a refund through 24/7 live chat if you're not satisfied. In my experience, the refund process was very straightforward.

Useful Features

• Threat Manager. This blocks communications between your iPhone and servers known for tracking or harboring malicious software. Once activated, it helps control how much data third parties can collect about your online behavior. There’s also the option to block ads and trackers and parental control to prevent adult sites from loading on your iPhone.
• Works in China. ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that reliably work in China. It also offers mirror links that allow the VPN to be installed in China, where most VPN websites are blocked.
• Apple TV integration using QR codes. Unlike most free VPNs, ExpressVPN is compatible with Apple TV. Scanning the code with your iPhone camera instantly sets up the VPN on your Apple TV, saving you time.
• ExpressVPN Keys. This password manager and generator comes with every plan and creates strong, unique passwords for your iOS device that integrate with Apple's iCloud Keychain.

2. Proton VPN — Free Unlimited Data to Protect Your iPhone at All Times

Available on:

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN's free plan offers unlimited data for continuous iPhone protection. We used over 50GB of data during our tests without hitting any restrictions. Our speeds with Proton VPN were also good. They dropped by around 15% on the nearest server, which kept the iPhone running smoothly while streaming YouTube videos and browsing social media.

The iOS app is open-source and regularly audited for security. Security researchers can inspect the code for vulnerabilities, and third-party audits confirm its safety. It also offers 3 security protocols: Smart, WireGuard, and Stealth. The latter obfuscates your VPN traffic so you can use it on restrictive networks, which isn’t common among free VPNs. When I tested it at a library with VPN restrictions, I maintained a stable connection.

I quickly found the Stealth protocol to use it on my public library network

Free servers are available in 6 locations, including the US, Netherlands, and Japan. While you can't manually choose your server location, the app automatically connects you to the fastest available option. That said, when we clicked Change server, we were often connected to a different location entirely, so that’s one way to possibly get around the limitation.

Unfortunately, Proton VPN doesn’t officially support streaming on its free plans. However, it worked with YouTube, Netflix Originals, and Peacock during our tests, and no data caps let us stream for hours without any issues.

Useful Features

• Always-on VPN. Thanks to this feature, the VPN will automatically re-establish a secure connection every time your iPhone unexpectedly loses a connection with a VPN server.
• No ads. Proton VPN’s free plan is fully supported by the paying users of the premium plan, so you can be sure you won’t see any annoying ads while using it on your iPhone.
• Siri shortcuts and iPhone widgets. These features are tailored to flawlessly work on iPhone. Setting them up helps control your VPN connection straight from your home screen.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Vast Network of Free Servers for Global Connections

Available on:

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Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN's mobile app provides access to over 37 global server locations, significantly more than most free VPNs offer on iOS. It has a vast server network across Europe and the US (with a few servers also in Australia and Asia). You can choose the server manually or use the automatic location feature to connect to the fastest available server based on our location.

The server list includes some less common locations like Hong Kong or New Zealand

However, no matter what server we used, Avira Phantom VPN slowed down our speeds significantly (around 80% on average). This is common for free VPNs and means that, in most cases, you might experience interruptions during your online activities. That said, it’s also not suitable for HD streaming from anywhere.

You can protect all your Apple devices simultaneously without creating multiple accounts. Setting up the VPN on both my iPhone and iPad took less than 5 minutes in total.

The main drawback is the 500MB monthly data limit on the free plan. However, you can double this to 1GB by registering with an email address. While this won't cover extensive streaming or large downloads, it's enough for everyday activities like checking email and browsing social media on your iPhone.

Useful Features

• AES 256-bit encryption. Military-grade encryption makes sure your online privacy is protected at all times while browsing on your iPhone.
• No sign-up required. Browse privately on your iPhone without the need to create an account or log in.

4. hide.me — Support for IPv6 to Prevent Leaks on Your iPhone

Available on:

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me VPN is one of a few VPNs that support IPv6. This protocol isn’t common yet — the internet mainly runs on IPv4, so many VPNs just block IPv6. This may prevent access to sites that use IPv6. Or, if it does load, you won’t be protected by the VPN, leaving you vulnerable to leaks. hide.me securely routes all your IPv6 through the VPN, and when I used it on my iPhone, it passed all of my leak tests.

The free plan covers 8 server locations distributed across Europe and the US, which is decent. However, it’s not ideal if you live far from those regions, as servers close to your location usually give you the best speeds.

hide.me automatically connected me to the recommended server

hide.me's iOS app includes good security features that typically come only with paid VPNs. The military-grade encryption protected my sensitive data when using public WiFi at cafes, while the automatic kill switch prevented any accidental data exposure during network switches on my iPhone.

Similar to Proton VPN, you get unlimited data per month with hide.me. It doesn’t support a lot of streaming platforms on its free version, but it works with Netflix Originals and Max. You’re also limited to one device connection on the free plan, but if you just need a VPN for your iPhone, it’s enough.

Useful Features

• 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.
• Protocol selection. Choose between IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard, based on network conditions. You can also go for the automatic protocol selection for the best results.

5. Hotspot Shield — Proprietary Hydra Protocol for Fast Speeds on Your iPhone

Available on:

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield's Hydra protocol delivers reliable performance on iPhone. It also powers obfuscation technology so you can use the VPN on restrictive networks. When we tested Hotspot Shield, we had no interruptions as we streamed funny cat videos on YouTube for hours. Streaming options are limited, though, as the free plan doesn’t work with many major platforms.

The free version only supports the Auto and Hydra protocols

The iOS app keeps things simple with a streamlined interface. A single tap connects you to the fastest available server. You can also choose between 5 available server locations in the US, Singapore, and the UK. However, I was disappointed that the free version doesn’t have a kill switch.

The free version also displays ads, which can be mildly annoying when establishing connections. Luckily, the ads disappear once you're connected, and the unlimited data allowance means you can keep your iPhone protected without watching your usage.

Useful Features

• Always-on VPN. Just like Proton VPN's same feature, this one works by automatically re-establishing the VPN connection if it fails.

Quick Comparison Table: Free iPhone VPN Features

We've compared the most important features of these VPNs to help you choose the best one for your iPhone. The table focuses on key aspects like speeds, server coverage, data limits, and iOS compatibility.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for iPhone

We focused on testing these VPNs, specifically with iOS devices, to evaluate their performance and security. Our primary concerns were iOS compatibility, server network, and security. We also measured speed drops across different network conditions to assess performance. Integration with iOS features, like Widgets and Siri Shortcuts, was also a plus.

For a detailed breakdown of how we test VPNs, visit our methodology page. Our global team regularly updates these reviews based on continuous testing and real-world usage. Feel free to use it as a foundation for your own testing.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for iPhone Aren't Safe

While Apple's App Store has strict security standards, some questionable VPNs still slip through. Free VPNs can be particularly dangerous due to the sensitive personal data stored on your iPhone. Here are the main risks of using untrusted free VPNs on your iPhone:

• Data collection and monetization. Many free VPNs collect your browsing history, app usage data, and location information to sell to advertisers. For example, TouchVPN's privacy policy explicitly states it shares user data with third parties.
• Hidden malware and tracking. Hola VPN was caught selling users' bandwidth through a botnet, while SuperVPN contained malicious code that could access iPhone user data.
• Battery drain and performance issues. Some free VPNs run aggressive background processes that drain your iPhone's battery and slow down performance.
• Security vulnerabilities. Cross VPN was found to leak users' real IP addresses on iOS devices, completely exposing their online activities. Similarly, Link VPN lacked the basic encryption standards required for iPhone security.
• Excessive permissions. Some free VPNs request unnecessary access to your contacts, photos, and other private iPhone data.

That's why we conducted extensive testing and research on free iOS VPNs and found the ones that are actually safe and decent, with as few limitations as possible.

Free vs Paid VPNs: What's the Difference?

Premium VPN services tend to provide a much higher level of protection, delivering crucial security and privacy benefits. Paid VPNs typically undergo regular security audits and updates, ensuring that the latest vulnerabilities are patched promptly. They also adhere to robust encryption standards, which provide a higher level of data protection, making it more difficult for unauthorized parties to access your information.

Unlike free VPNs, premium services don’t rely on monetizing user data to sustain their business model, meaning your personal information is far less likely to be sold or shared with third parties. The free VPNs we've recommended follow a transparent freemium model, with clear privacy policies and security measures designed specifically for iOS. While they may have some limitations, they won't compromise your iPhone's security or your personal data.

FAQs on the Best Free VPNs for iPhone

Will a free iPhone VPN work with Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms?

Most free VPNs struggle to work with popular streaming platforms on iOS devices. Limited server networks and frequent IP blocks make it difficult to maintain reliable connections. While some free VPNs might work with Netflix Originals, Max, or YouTube, they typically aren’t reliable with many others.

If streaming is your priority, I recommend going with a premium service. They have faster speeds, unlimited data, and a large server network, so you can stream without interruptions from anywhere. Plus, they often offer a money-back guarantee, so you can test their capabilities before committing.

Are free iPhone and iPad VPNs safe?

Yes, some free VPNs are safe to use on your iOS device, but not all. So, it's important to choose reputable services that prioritize user privacy and security. All the VPNs that are shortlisted here are 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 Hola VPN, Touch VPN, Flash VPN, and VPN Proxy Master.

Is there a free iPhone VPN without a subscription?

Yes, there are free iPhone VPNs available without a subscription. During our time testing, we noted which top free VPNs for iPhone don’t require you to sign up before use. This is a nice option to have since it’s less personal information that you have to hand over. Plus, it’s sort of a loophole, as this allows you to install it on as many devices as you wish. Since you don’t use your email to sign up, it has no way of tracking how many devices you download it on.

Do free iPhone VPNs work in strictly censored countries like Iran, China, and the UAE?

No, most free VPNs won’t work in these countries. This is usually due to weak security features that aren’t equipped to overcome tough governmental firewalls. For a VPN to work in these countries, it needs advanced features, like obfuscation.

Only the top (premium) VPN on my list offers this for iOS, so it works reliably in China and other restricted countries. Plus, it has mirror links available for sign-up in countries where the VPN website is blocked, so it’s a solid (although not completely free) choice. To learn more, check out our list of the best VPNs for China.

What's the best free iPhone VPN for the US, UK, and Canada?

The second VPN in this list is my top choice for these countries. Although it doesn’t have free servers in the UK and Canada, it's the best 100% free option I found. It has fast speeds on all its free servers in the US and Europe, unlimited data, and a solid privacy policy.

On the other hand, the #1 VPN on this list has servers in the US, UK, and Canada and can securely access popular streaming platforms (like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+) from anywhere. Plus, its robust security and privacy features help keep your iPhone safe at all times.

Do iPhones 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.

Are there any 100% free VPNs for iPhone?

Yes, there are 100% free VPNs for iPhone that do not require payment. My top recommendation for a totally free VPN is Proton VPN. It has good speeds and unlimited data to freely browse as much as you like. However, it also comes with limitations — its free version only offers 6 server locations and is not optimized for streaming.

Can a free VPN affect my iPhone's battery life?

It depends. Free VPNs can drain your iPhone's battery more quickly than premium alternatives if they use less efficient protocols and basic optimization leading to higher power consumption. Some free VPNs also run unnecessary background processes that impact battery performance. Premium VPNs usually offer better battery efficiency through optimized protocols and smart connection management.

If you notice an increase in battery consumption, make sure your iOS version is up to date, as older versions may have bugs affecting VPN stability. If the problem persists, try disabling battery optimization on your phone and then switching it back on. Sometimes uninstalling the app and setting it up again can solve the issue. If you need help with setting up a VPN on your iPhone, check out this guide.

Get the Best FREE VPN for iPhone

Finding a free VPN that won't compromise your online security by selling your data or slowing down your device is hard. That’s why, after extensive testing with my team, 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 that don’t support streaming.

To avoid these annoyances, I recommend ExpressVPN for iOS. It's not free, but it offers top-notch security, unlimited data, and a high-speed global server network that can access multiple streaming platforms in HD from anywhere — which no free iOS VPN can compete with. You can even test ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not impressed, you can always claim a refund.

Can't find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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