Best Free VPN for iPhone – Are they Worth it?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is now a necessary tool for safeguarding your online security and privacy in the modern era. In order to protect your online activity from prying eyes like hackers, governments, and even your internet service provider, a VPN service lets you access the internet through an encrypted tunnel.

Due to the fact that Apple’s operating system is not immune to cyber threats, using a VPN for iPhone is very crucial. Users of iPhones are equally susceptible to cyberattacks as users of other devices. Therefore, ensuring our online activities are secure is critical as we frequently access important information on our iPhones, such as banking information, emails, and social media accounts.

Table of content

• Best VPNs for iPhone – Threshold
• Criteria for Choosing a VPN for iPhone
• Top 10 Free VPNs for iPhone
• Free VPNs vs. Paid – The Better Choice!
• FAQs
• Conclusion – Free VPN for iPhone

The top 10 free VPNs for iPhone and an in-depth study of each VPN will be covered in the remaining sections of this article. Also, we will weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each service and offer suggestions based on individual requirements and preferences. When this post is over, you’ll know which free VPN service is best for you. However, getting a free and unreliable VPN service would not be capable enough to meet the required criteria of your demanded features. Then why not go for a premium VPN that can provide you with the best features to protect your privacy and security while allowing you to browse risk free on the internet.

Best VPNs for iPhone – Threshold

• ExpressVPN: If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and secure VPN service, ExpressVPN is your go-to option. With its extensive network of servers spread across 90 countries, you can enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and torrenting. At $6.67/month, it’s a bit pricier than others, but well worth it.
• SurfShark: With its sleek and intuitive interface, SurfShark is an excellent choice for VPN novices. It’s also incredibly affordable at just $2.49/month, making it one of the best budget VPN options out there. With its unlimited simultaneous connections and 3200+ servers, you can enjoy unrestricted browsing without breaking the bank.
• NordVPN: NordVPN is an all-around great VPN option, offering robust security features, a large server network, and fast speeds. Its double VPN encryption makes it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users. At $3.71/month, it’s more expensive than some other options, but its feature-packed service is well worth the cost.
• FastestVPN: As the name suggests, FastestVPN is all about speed. You can enjoy lag-free streaming and browsing with its optimized servers and fast connections. At just $0.83/month, it’s one of the most affordable VPN options, but its limited server network may not suit everyone.
• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and security. You can browse confidently with its strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and kill switch. It’s also incredibly user-friendly, with a one-click setup and automatic server selection. At $2.25/month, it’s a great value for its feature.

Criteria for Choosing a VPN for iPhone

When selecting a VPN for your iPhone, there are several key criteria to consider. These include security and privacy features, user-friendliness, connection speed and stability, server locations, and data limit and bandwidth.

• Number of Servers

The number of location of the VPN’s servers are also essential. A VPN with an extensive number of servers in many different countries can help you access geo-restricted content and improve your overall browsing experience. Additionally, the server locations should be spread out geographically to ensure that you have a broad range of options to choose from.

• Data Limit and Bandwidth

Finally, consider the data limit and bandwidth of the VPN. Some free VPNs impose strict limits on the amount of data you can use, which can be a major inconvenience. Look for a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth or at least a generous data limit that suits your needs.

• Privacy and security

First and foremost, the security and privacy features of a VPN are of utmost importance. Look for a VPN that uses robust encryption protocols such as AES-256, which is currently considered the gold standard in encryption. Also, ensure that the VPN has a strong no-logs policy, which elaborates that it does not store any information about your online activities.

• User-friendly Interface

Another important factor is the user-friendliness of the VPN. The VPN should have a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use, even for beginners. Ideally, it should also have a mobile app that is optimized for the iPhone, making it easy to connect to the VPN and switch servers.

• Speed and Reliability

Connection speed and stability are also critical when selecting a VPN for your iPhone. A VPN that slows down your internet connection or is prone to connection drops can be frustrating to use. Look for a VPN that offers fast and reliable connections, with minimal lag or buffering.

By considering these criteria when selecting a VPN for your iPhone, you can ensure that you choose a service that meets your specific requirements and provides reliable and secure online protection.

Top 10 Free VPNs for iPhone

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN service that provides exceptional online privacy and security. Its features include a robust network of servers in 94 countries, military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and unlimited bandwidth. ExpressVPN also has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to connect to its servers. It is pricier than other VPNs, with monthly plans starting at $6.67, but it offers excellent value for the price.

Pros:

• No Limits on Bandwidth
• DNS leak protection for OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP 
• OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP Kill Switch protection against DNS leaks
• All servers offer the P2P 
• AES-256-bit encryption.
• 30 days to get your money back

Cons:

• A bit more expensive than some competitors
• Limits simultaneous connections to five devices per account

Rating on App Store: 4.9

SurfShark

Surfshark is another excellent VPN service that offers some unique features, like the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Other features include strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and access to over 1700+ servers in 65 countries. Surfshark is also one of the most affordable VPNs, with monthly plans starting at just $2.49.

Pros:

• Unlimited multi-logins
• a no-logging policy
• Content can be downloaded and streamed at a very fast rate. 
• There are more than 1700 servers all over the world.
• Kill switch
• CleanWeb

Cons:

• Has fewer servers than some of its competitors
• Connection speeds are sometimes slower.

Rating on App Store: 4.7

NordVPN

NordVPN is a popular VPN service that is known for its robust security features, including double VPN encryption and an automatic kill switch. It also has an extensive network of servers in 59 countries and offers features like dedicated IP addresses and Onion over VPN. However, its monthly plans are more expensive than some of its competitors, starting at $3.49/month.

Pros:

• 5000 servers in 59 locations worldwide
• 24/7 Live Chat Support 
• Links up to 6 devices at once

Cons:

• Connection speeds are sometimes slower.
• Some people may find it hard to use the app on their phones.

Rating on App Store: 4.4

FastestVPN

FastestVPN is a budget-friendly VPN service that offers fast speeds and strong security features. It has over 350 servers in 40 countries, and its features include 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and malware protection. FastestVPN’s pricing is also very affordable, with monthly plans starting at just $2.08/month and a special offer of $20 for a lifetime.

Pros:

• 15 Simultaneous connections
• Encryption with 256-Bit AES
• Internet Kill Switch 
• NAT Firewall 
• 24/7 chat support 
• P2P-optimized Unix-based servers
• Offers extra security features like Double VPN.

Cons:

• Has a smaller server network than some competitors
• Has less money-back period than other premium ones

Rating on App Store: 4.4

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a popular VPN service with a user-friendly interface and strong security features. Its network consists of over 7,000 servers in 91 countries, and it offers features like ad and malware blocking and automatic HTTPS redirect. CyberGhost is a bit pricier than some of its competitors, with monthly plans starting at $2.19/month, but it offers excellent value for the price.

Pros:

• Limiting DNS and IP leaks
• Strict No Logs Policy
• Open VPN, L2TP-IPsec, and PPTP protocols
• allowed up to seven devices to connect.
• Offers extra security features like ad and malware blockers.

Cons:

• Occasionally has slower connection speeds
• The mobile app can be difficult to use for some users

Rating on App Store: 4.4

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a free VPN service that offers high-end security features, including AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. The VPN has servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands and provides unlimited bandwidth. However, the free version limits you to connect to only one server at a time, and the connection speed can be slow. Here are the pros and cons of ProtonVPN:

Pros:

• Excellent security features
• No-logs policy
• User-friendly interface
• Unlimited bandwidth

Cons:

• Limited server locations
• Slow connection speed

Rating on App Store: 4.5/5

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a popular VPN service offering a free plan with 500MB of monthly data. The VPN has servers in 23 countries, providing strong encryption and a user-friendly interface. However, the free plan is quite limited regarding data usage, and the connection speed can be slow. Here are the pros and cons of TunnelBear:

Pros:

• Strong encryption
• User-friendly interface
• Servers in 23 countries

Cons:

• Limited data usage
• Slow connection speed

Rating on App Store: 4.5

Windscribe

Windscribe is a free VPN service offering a generous 10GB of monthly data. The VPN has servers in over 60 countries and provides strong encryption and a user-friendly interface. The free plan also includes a firewall and an ad blocker. However, the connection speed can be slow, and the free plan limits you to only a few server locations. Here are the pros and cons of Windscribe:

Pros:

• Generous data limit
• Firewall and ad blocker
• Servers in over 60 countries

Cons:

• Limited server locations
• Slow connection speed

Rating on App Store: 4.5

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a free VPN service that offers unlimited bandwidth and servers in 15 countries. The VPN also provides strong encryption and a user-friendly interface. However, the free version includes ads, and the connection speed can be slow. Here are the pros and cons of Hotspot Shield:

Pros:

• Unlimited bandwidth
• Servers in 15 countries
• Strong encryption

Cons:

• Includes ads
• Slow connection speed

Rating on App Store: 4.4

Betternet

Betternet is a free VPN service that offers unlimited bandwidth and servers in several countries. The VPN provides strong encryption and a user-friendly interface. However, the free version includes ads, and the connection speed can be slow. Some users have also experienced connection issues and slow speeds. Here are the pros and cons of Betternet:

Pros:

• Unlimited bandwidth
• Servers in several countries
• Strong encryption

Cons:

• Includes ads
• Slow connection speed
• Connection issues and slow speeds for some users

Rating on App Store: 3.9

In conclusion, each of these free VPN services has its strengths and weaknesses, but they all offer essential security features and can provide reliable and secure online protection for iPhone users. It’s essential to consider their features, benefits, drawbacks, and user reviews and ratings to go for the one that exactly suits your needs and preferences.

Free VPNs vs. Paid – The Better Choice!

There are numerous choices, including both free and premium VPNs, when it comes to selecting one for your iPhone. But it’s crucial to think about the caliber and dependability of the VPN you select.

ExpressVPN is a VPN that is highly recommended. Strong security features, like as military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy, are what make ExpressVPN so well-known. Also, it has a sizable server network, which can speed up connections and enable users to access content from various geographical locations.

Free VPNs could seem like a good alternative, but they frequently have speed, security, and feature restrictions. Free VPNs also violate your privacy by profitably selling user data to third parties.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN provides a dependable and trustworthy service that prioritizes user protection and privacy. Although it could cost more than a free VPN, the extra security and privacy features make it worthwhile. ExpressVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee so that customers can test the service risk-free.

In general, it’s critical to prioritize security and dependability while selecting a VPN for your iPhone. Although using a free VPN could seem like a good decision, paying for a solid provider like ExpressVPN will guarantee a more secure and dependable browsing experience.

Conclusion – Free VPN for iPhone

While free VPNs for iPhones may seem attractive, they often come with limitations and potential privacy risks. If you’re looking for a more reliable and secure VPN experience, it’s worth considering a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. With premium VPNs, strong security features, and an extensive server network, they can ensure your online activities remain secure and private.