5 Best Free VPNs for iPhone: Safe & Unlimited Data (2025)

Despite Apple’s strict App Store vetting, most free VPN iOS apps still pose a risk to 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.

After testing over 40 free VPNs on multiple iOS devices, we found only a few that are actually safe and functional. While all free VPNs have restrictions, the ones we recommend below have passed Apple’s safety checks, offer decent security, and have decent speeds. 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 works with most popular streaming services. Plus, you get completely unlimited data and native-level iOS compatibility for most iPhone and iPad versions. While not completely free, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee*, so you can test all its features risk-free.

Best Free VPNs for iPhone — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Lightway Protocol Delivers Out-of-the-Box Security and Speed for iOS Users

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Tested July 2025

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol gives you strong security without slowing down your iPhone. It uses fewer resources than traditional protocols, conserving battery and mobile data. During our tests on an iPhone 13, ExpressVPN gave us faster speeds than any other VPN in this list — we averaged 163.49Mbps. This meant we could stream Apple TV+ shows like Ted Lasso in HD without buffering.

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 that integrate perfectly with Apple’s security framework. Its password manager, Keys, supports Touch ID, Face ID, and integrates with Apple's iCloud Keychain. And its kill switch (Network Protection) works with iOS's native VPN controls to protect your data if your connection drops unexpectedly. I saw it in action while switching servers at a coffee shop.

ExpressVPN protects your online privacy with TrustedServer technology that runs entirely on RAM, meaning all data gets wiped with every server reboot. This is something that most free VPNs don’t offer. The iOS app also has Threat Manager, which blocks trackers, ads, and malicious sites, like Facebook’s background tracking domains, when using shopping apps.

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 significant discounts when you sign up for the long term. 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

• Works in China. ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs known to work more reliably 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.
• Privacy policies. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, out of the reach of the US intelligence-sharing agreements, such as the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Plus, its strict no-logs policy has been independently verified by PwC and other cybersecurity firms.
• Auto-connect. Your iPhone will automatically connect to the VPN when joining unknown WiFi networks, keeping your data protected against hackers at cafes and airports.

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, which is rare for a free iPhone VPN. We used over 50GB of data during our tests while streaming YouTube and Netflix without hitting any caps. In contrast, we often ran out of data using other free VPNs within just a few hours. We also got good speeds in our Proton VPN tests — it effortlessly streamed HD shows on mobile networks.

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. Stealth hides your VPN use to bypass blocks on restrictive networks. While ExpressVPN uses obfuscation on all servers, it's rare among free VPNs. I tested it at a library with VPN filters, and my connection stayed stable.

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. Netflix or Apple TV+ might not work from all locations. However, it worked with YouTube, Netflix Originals, and Peacock during our tests, and its fast speeds 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 offer, so it doesn’t bring annoying ads, malware, or privacy concerns 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.
• VPN Accelerator. When enabled, this uses advanced technology to improve your connection stability and reduce CPU usage, improving your battery life and browsing experience on iOS devices.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Free iOS VPN With No Sign-Up Required

Available on:

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Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN lets you protect your iPhone without signing up or providing any personal information. You can download it directly from the App Store and start using it immediately. This means that you don’t need to remember your login credentials or create yet another account to manage.

Its mobile app provides access to over 36 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). Unlike ExpressVPN, though, you can’t choose which one to use, but you get assigned one automatically based on your 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 kind of drop is typical for free VPNs, but with Avira, we couldn’t stream Netflix or YouTube in HD without some buffering. Even loading Instagram stories or FaceTime calls felt sluggish at times.

That said, its 500MB monthly data limit on the free plan means it’s not suitable for streaming anyway. 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.
• Smart connection rules. Set custom rules for when your iPhone VPN activates, like automatically connecting on public WiFi networks.
• DNS leak protection. Automatic settings prevent your device from revealing your real iPhone location through DNS requests, keeping your online activities private.

4. hide.me — Support for IPv6 to Prevent Data 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. It’s not ideal if you live far from those regions, as servers close to your location usually give you the best speeds. However, hide.me allows you to choose your preferred location option while using the iOS app. It only took a few seconds to connect on my iPhone 14.

hide.me automatically connected me to the recommended server

You get strong security features without having to configure anything on your iPhone. The VPN automatically enables its kill switch and DNS leak protection when you connect. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Securitum, proving it doesn't store any of your browsing data.

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 iOS 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.
• Stealth Guard. This feature prevents selected apps from connecting without VPN protection, adding an extra security layer for sensitive iOS apps like online banking or online shopping.

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. The free version limits your max speed to SD quality. However, when we tested Hotspot Shield, we had no interruptions as we streamed funny cat videos on YouTube for hours. While streaming options are limited on the free plan, it does offer locations optimized for Netflix in the US and UK.

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. Unlike most free VPNs, you can also choose between 5 available server locations in the US, Singapore, and the UK. It also clearly indicates which servers are meant for streaming or gaming.

The free iOS 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. I've highlighted important factors like data limits, iOS-specific features, and server availability to help you choose the right VPN for your iPhone.

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. They provide some of the benefits of the best premium iOS apps, with as few limitations as possible.

Free VPNs to Avoid

• Hola VPN (free). This isn't a real VPN — it routes your traffic through other users' devices. This means random strangers could access your iPhone's IP address.
• TurboVPN. Multiple security researchers have found concerning privacy issues with this app, including connections to servers in China despite claiming to be based elsewhere.
• VPN 360. This app has been caught collecting extensive user data and sharing it with third parties, despite claiming to protect privacy.
• X-VPN. Security researchers found this app sending user data to multiple third-party analytics services without disclosure in its privacy policy.

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. Not only is it important that they have strong security, like military-grade encryption, but also robust privacy policies. All the free VPNs that are shortlisted here are safe to use. They all use freemium models to encourage upgrades and use paid subscriptions to support free users. So, they don’t have to resort to underhanded tactics, like selling your data or spreading malware.

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 or DPI (deep packet inspection). For a VPN to work in these countries, it needs advanced features, like obfuscation.

Only the top (premium) VPN is known to work reliably in China and other restrictive countries with automatic obfuscation on all servers. 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, Canada, and India (virtual) 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 iPhone is hard. During our tests, we identified several safe options, but they're all restricted either by small server networks, limited data allowances, or slower speeds that can make streaming and gaming difficult on your iPhone.

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 for iPhone? 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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