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

It’s tricky to find a good free iPhone VPN when there are so many sketchy ones out there. Lots of free VPNs offer weak security features, slow down your device, and drain your iPhone or iPad’s battery. Some are even known to record and sell your data. What's crazy is that many of these untrustworthy and poor-quality free VPNs have 4+ star ratings in user reviews.

That’s why I used my expertise to test and compare 50+ free VPNs for iPhone, narrowing it down to the best and safest options. Some are even powerful enough to work on restricted networks and in strictly censored countries. Keep in mind that all free VPNs come with certain limitations, such as smaller server networks, slower speeds, and data caps.

I listed some decent free options for iOS, but they don’t keep up with my top recommendation, ExpressVPN. While it’s not 100% free, it deserves the top spot because it doesn’t limit you like free VPNs do. It offers uncapped data and speeds, a wide server network that can access popular streaming platforms from anywhere, and strong security features. Plus, you can try it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee that I personally tested. 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 & iPad in 2024

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

1. ExpressVPN — Reliable Obfuscation Offers Reliability on Restricted Networks

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Available on:

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Thanks to obfuscation technology that disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, ExpressVPN works on restricted networks and in countries with strict censorship (like China and the UAE). To optimize your connection for obfuscation, make sure you’re using the Automatic protocol so it chooses the best option to hide the fact that you're using a VPN.

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

If you’re more interested in speeds, ExpressVPN’s exclusive Lighway protocol is the fastest, using fewer resources than traditional protocols. During my tests, ExpressVPN gave me the fastest speeds for iOS. It’s also great for streaming — it provides reliable access to platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Max, and Disney+ from anywhere in the world.

With 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you’re likely to find a server next to you, which prevents any noticeable speed drops. All ExpressVPN servers are RAM-only, too, so all your information is deleted during reboots. This, together with an audited and confirmed strict no-logs policy, keeps your data private at all times.

ExpressVPN isn’t completely free, but it offers both a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up through the iOS app and get the 7-day free trial, but you won’t be covered by ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee. Instead, you’ll be at the whims of Apple’s loose refund policy. So, I recommend signing up through ExpressVPN’s site and then downloading the app to your iPhone.

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 the VPN websites are blocked.
• Shortcuts. I like that this feature allows you to create one-click connections to specific apps or websites immediately after connecting to the VPN. This makes it easier to quickly reach your frequently visited services with added security.
• 24/7 customer support. ExpressVPN provides around-the-clock support to assist with any issues that may arise. Whether you have questions about setting up the VPN on your iPhone or troubleshooting a connection, you can always get immediate help.

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

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN’s free iOS app offers unlimited data, so you can surf the web as much as you like. Most free VPNs only give you a single GB per month (sometimes only 500MB) — unlimited data is really rare for a free VPN. I was able to binge-watch 3 hours' worth of YouTube videos with no interruptions.

I had consistently good speeds with Proton VPN, too. When I tested the free server locations in the US, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands with my iPhone 14, I got an average speed of 90 Mbps, around a 19% drop from my base speed. For a free VPN, this isn’t bad at all.

Its free iOS app also offers several security and privacy features to keep your personal information safe. It offers a Stealth protocol (another rarity for free VPNs), which lets you use the VPN undetected on restricted networks. It also offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Plus, it comes with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. And since it's based in Switzerland, where there are strict privacy protection laws, you know your data is well protected.

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

It’s too bad that Proton VPN doesn’t offer streaming support on its free plan. However, since it offers unlimited data and a nifty Stealth protocol, you still have infinite data to browse or stream Netflix Originals or YouTube, even on networks where VPNs are blocked, like at work or school.

Useful Features

• Open-source and audited iOS app. Proton VPN’s iOS app is open-source, ensuring maximum transparency. It’s also been independently audited and proved to be a secure solution that lives up to industry standards.
• 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.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Unlimited Device Connections to Use on All Your Devices for Free

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so I could protect all the devices in my household. During my tests, I shared my account with my 2 roommates, and we all connected to the VPN at the same time — none of us experienced issues with the VPN connection.

In the "Auto-connect" feature you can also add your trusted WiFi networks

The VPN has free servers in 37 countries on iOS, which is not a bad number for a free VPN. However, no matter what server I used, Avira Phantom VPN slowed down my 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.

With a data cap of 500MB per month, Avira Phantom VPN isn’t great for data-intensive activities like streaming or torrenting (it’s just enough to stream in HD for 30 minutes). Luckily, you can get 500MB extra per month if you sign up with your email address.

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:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

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, hide.me 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

Similar to Proton VPN, you get unlimited data per month with hide.me as well. However, hide.me doesn’t support streaming servers on its free version.

Useful Features

• Kill switch. This is essential for the security of your iPhone. If the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the kill switch will automatically block all internet traffic to and from your device, preventing any data leaks until the VPN connection is re-established.
• 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.

5.TunnelBear — Free Access to a Large Server Network for Reliable Connections

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear’s free version allows you to use free servers across 47 countries. This gives you far more choice than any other free iOS VPN on this list. You won’t have to worry about server overcrowding, meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy a more reliable connection than most free VPNs can offer. Even if one server doesn’t work, you can easily find an alternative.

I like that TunnelBear immediately connected me to the fastest server available

I was pleasantly surprised with the great speeds TunnelBear offers. During my tests, I only got an 8% speed loss on nearby servers, which was almost unnoticeable. However, like most free VPNs, it doesn’t support streaming, and the 2 GB of data it offers allows only for moderate browsing and social media use.

Useful Features

• SplitBear (split tunneling). This feature lets you decide which apps and websites go through your VPN tunnel and which use your local network. It can be useful if you try to access your online bank apps that can sometimes block VPNs.
• VigilantBear (kill switch). If you choose to enable this option, in case your iPhone disconnects from the VPN, all internet traffic will be blocked until TunnelBear reconnects.

Quick Comparison Table: Free iPhone VPN Features

The table below displays the most important features of each free VPN on this list. When evaluating a free iOS VPN, speed is one of the primary considerations, as numerous options can significantly reduce your browsing experience. Additionally, the monthly data cap is another crucial aspect to consider.

I also provided details about whether you need to sign up, the compatibility of each VPN with iOS, and whether they are a good option for streaming. Finally, I meticulously examined and contrasted the logging policies, along with the extent of each VPN's server network.

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.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for iPhone

In my journey to uncover the best free VPNs for iPhone and iPad, I adhered to the subsequent criteria. Feel free to utilize these benchmarks in your personal research should you choose to embark on your own exploration for the optimal free iOS VPN that caters to your needs.

• Really free. A free iOS VPN doesn’t ask you to commit to a subscription right away. I made sure that all the VPNs in this list are either completely free or have a trustworthy, tried-and-tested money-back guarantee.
• Advanced security and privacy features. All the VPNs I shortlisted have AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your iOS data protected. I also read through every logging policy and made sure that the VPNs in this list don't store identifiable data.
• A user-friendly iOS app. You should choose an iOS VPN app with an easy-to-use interface for a hassle-free experience. All these VPNs have simple apps that are easy to use on an iPhone or iPad.
• Fast speeds and enough data. To stream, torrent, and browse without slowdowns, you should look for a VPN that can offer good speeds for iOS devices. I also checked each VPN’s data limits to make sure you can get at least 1GB of usage per month.
• Large server network. A larger server network reduces the risk of server overcrowding and gives you plenty of alternatives to choose from if any one server goes down. This will ensure you always have a reliable connection on your iOS VPN.
• Support for streaming services. A lot of free iOS VPNs won’t work with streaming sites at all. If streaming is your priority, I highly recommend trying ExpressVPN since it’s more reliable than any free VPN out there. It offers servers in 105 countries, making it possible to securely access popular streaming platforms (like Netflix, Disney+, Max, BBC iPlayer, and more) from anywhere.
• Mobile-friendly protocols. An iPhone VPN needs to offer fast-connecting protocols to keep you protected on the go, as you’ll constantly be switching between new WiFi and cellular data networks. Lightway, WireGuard, and IKEv2 all performed well in this regard during my tests.
• Good customer support. It’s important to always get the help you need without having to wait for too long. I checked that the VPNs have customer support or an extensive knowledge base for their iOS services.
• Works on restricted networks. Depending on your use of the VPN, you may need to consider if the VPN has advanced security to overcome tough firewalls. Some VPNs offer obfuscation and will work on restrictive networks like work, school, or even in countries with strict censorship.

Expert Tip: Dangers and Limitations of Free iPhone and iPad VPNs

Many free VPNs for iOS can put your online safety at risk. These are some of the risks to be aware of when you consider downloading a free VPN:

• Free VPNs can record and sell your data. Free VPNs can sell your online information to advertisers and other third parties to make a profit. To protect your online privacy, use a VPN with a strict zero-logs policy.
• They may leak your data. Free VPNs can lack the resources to keep their security features up to date. Be sure to use a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection to safeguard your online information.
• Your device could get infected with viruses and malware. Although this isn’t a huge concern since Apple is very strict about which apps can be in the App Store, it’s still something that’s happened with free VPNs in the past.
• Free VPNs can bombard you with lots of ads. Since free VPNs don't make money from you, they often fill the app with ads, which can be really annoying or potentially harmful.

Free VPNs to Avoid

It’s best to avoid the free VPNs listed below as they’re risky to use, even though they might have high ratings on the App Store. These free VPNs may record your data and share it with third parties (such as advertisers). Moreover, some of these free VPNs leaked my IP address, which means they can’t be trusted to protect your online privacy.

If the VPN doesn’t offer a paid version, it’s generating revenue and profits from another source. This is a point of concern, as it's likely that your personal data is the commodity being traded in this case.

Here are a few examples of the most dangerous free VPNs available on iOS and why you should avoid them:

• Hola: Hola is not a real VPN but a P2P network, meaning that you share your personal IP address with everyone in the network. If someone were to use your IP and conduct illegal activities, you could be held accountable. Moreover, it logs the times you connected, the websites you visit, and your IP address.
• TurboVPN: This VPN is full of advertisements and trackers. Moreover, it records your online data and sells it to advertisers to make income.
• Betternet VPN: Used to have a malware-infected app. Moreover, it has an intrusive logging policy as it logs the URLs you’ve visited, your location, and the device you’re using.

Other free VPNs to avoid include: Stealth VPN, Totally Free VPN, DotVPN, FreeVPN, OkVPN, EasyVPN, SuperVPN, HatVPN, One Click VPN, Flash VPN, SkyVPN, Touch VPN, VPN 360, VPN Proxy Master, and Yoga VPN.

FAQs on Free VPNs for iPhone

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

Unfortunately, most free VPNs don’t work well for streaming. They often don’t have the resources to upgrade their server networks to keep up with IP blocks enforced by popular streaming sites. They also limit your data and speeds too much to stream anything for long.

The top VPN on this list can reliably access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other platforms from anywhere. Plus, it has fast speeds, unlimited data, and a large server network, so you can stream without interruptions. However, keep in mind that it’s a premium service that offers a money-back guarantee (so it’s not 100% free).

I couldn’t find any 100% free VPN that would reliably work with popular streaming platforms. I was either blocked from the site by a paywall (telling me I had to upgrade to the VPN’s paid plan to access the site) or was met with an error message. In some cases, I could, however watch my local Netflix library.

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 HolaVPN, 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 my time testing, I 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 to.

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 — even paid VPNs struggle with this. 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 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. That said, TunnelBear offers obfuscation, but not on its iOS app.

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

The best 100% free iPhone VPN for the US, UK, and Canada is TunnelBear. It offers servers in these locations and supports fast connections. It might also work with local Netflix libraries in these countries. However, its free plan is not optimized for streaming.

On the other hand, the #1 VPN on this list can easily access popular streaming platforms (like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+) from anywhere. Plus, its fast speeds and unlimited data ensure an uninterrupted and buffer-free streaming experience.

Does iPhone 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.

Get the Best FREE VPN for iPhone & iPad

It's hard to find a free VPN that won't compromise your online security by selling your data or slowing down your device. That’s why 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 you try out ExpressVPN for iOS. It's not entirely free, but it offers top-notch security, unlimited data, and a high-speed global server network that can access multiple streaming platforms 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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