Best VPN for iPhone & iPad 2026 - iOS VPN Guide
iOS is more restrictive than Android for VPN apps, which is both good and bad. Apple’s strict App Store policies filter out most malware-laden VPNs, but they also limit what legitimate VPNs can do.
We tested 15 VPN apps on iPhone 16 Pro and iPad Air to find the best iOS VPN experience in 2026.
Best iPhone VPNs
| VPN | Battery Impact | iOS Rating | Siri Shortcuts | Widget | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 3% | 4.7★ | ✅ | ✅ | $6.67/mo |
| NordVPN | 3% | 4.7★ | ✅ | ✅ | $3.39/mo |
| Surfshark | 4% | 4.6★ | ✅ | ✅ | $2.29/mo |
| PIA | 2% | 4.5★ | ❌ | ✅ | $2.03/mo |
iOS-Specific Considerations
Protocol Limitations
iOS historically had issues with OpenVPN performance. The good news: all top VPNs now support WireGuard or WireGuard-based protocols natively on iOS, delivering the same speeds as Android and desktop.
On-Demand VPN
iOS has a powerful built-in feature called “On-Demand VPN” that the best VPN apps leverage. Configure it to:
- Automatically connect when leaving your home Wi-Fi
- Always connect on cellular data
- Stay disconnected on trusted networks
iCloud Private Relay vs VPN
Apple’s iCloud Private Relay (included with iCloud+) is NOT a VPN replacement. Key differences:
| Feature | VPN | iCloud Private Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Hides IP from websites | ✅ | ✅ |
| Encrypts all traffic | ✅ | ❌ (Safari only) |
| Choose server location | ✅ | ❌ |
| Unblock geo-content | ✅ | ❌ |
| Works with all apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Third-party trust | Your VPN provider | Apple |
Verdict: Use both. iCloud Private Relay for casual Safari browsing, VPN for everything else.
1. ExpressVPN — Best iOS VPN Experience
ExpressVPN’s iOS app is beautifully designed and deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem. Siri shortcuts, widgets, and seamless iCloud Keychain integration make it feel like a native iOS app rather than a third-party tool.
iOS Highlights
- Siri integration: “Hey Siri, connect to ExpressVPN” works perfectly
- Lock Screen widget for instant connection status
- Lightway protocol: Instant connections, minimal battery drain
- Shortcuts app support for complex automations
2. NordVPN — Best Value iOS VPN
NordVPN’s iOS app has improved dramatically in recent updates. NordLynx (WireGuard) support, Dark Web Monitor, and a clean interface make it the best value option for iPhone users.
iOS Highlights
- NordLynx on iOS — finally matches Android performance
- Dark Web Monitor — scan for leaked credentials
- Siri Shortcuts — voice-activated VPN control
- Apple Watch companion — connect/disconnect from your wrist
3. Surfshark — Best Budget iOS VPN
Surfshark’s iOS app is the most intuitive of any VPN we tested. The interface is clean, connection is fast, and at $2.29/month with unlimited devices, it covers every Apple device you own — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV.
iOS Highlights
- Unlimited devices — all your Apple devices on one plan
- CleanWeb — system-wide ad blocking via DNS
- Auto-connect — smart rules based on network trust level
- Apple TV support — native app available
Setting Up VPN on iPhone
- Download the VPN app from the App Store
- Open the app and sign in
- Tap “Allow” when iOS asks to add VPN configuration
- Enable the widget: long-press home screen → search for your VPN → add widget
- Set up On-Demand rules in the VPN app’s settings
- Optional: create Siri Shortcuts for quick connections
FAQ
Does a VPN slow down my iPhone?
Barely. Modern protocols like WireGuard add less than 5% speed overhead. Battery impact is 2-4% over a full day — you probably won’t notice it.
Can I use a VPN with Apple TV?
Yes. Options: Smart DNS (fastest), router VPN, or with tvOS 17+ some VPNs have native Apple TV apps.
Should I use Apple’s built-in VPN or a third-party?
Apple doesn’t have a built-in VPN. iCloud Private Relay is limited to Safari only. For full protection, you need a third-party VPN.
iOS testing conducted February 2026 on iPhone 16 Pro and iPad Air running iOS 19.