5 Best REALLY FREE VPNs for iOS in: I spent weeks testing over 40 free iOS VPNs and only found a few solid options. Generally, I don’t recommend free VPNs due to their limitations. During my tests, many of these free VPNs lacked essential security features, throttled speeds, drained battery life on my iPhone and iPad, caused issues with Apple services like CarPlay and AirPlay, and faced compatibility problems with iOS 18.
However, I did find a handful of free VPNs for iOS worth considering. These VPNs work well with the latest iOS updates (including iOS 18), offer decent speeds for browsing and streaming, and feature user-friendly apps. Plus, nearly all of them are free of ads.
That said, they can’t compete with premium options like ExpressVPN, my top recommendation. It’s incredibly fast, offers unlimited bandwidth, excellent streaming support, and broad server coverage. Unlike most free VPNs, ExpressVPN’s iOS app integrates seamlessly with Apple features, is frequently updated for new iOS versions, and fully complies with Apple’s App Tracking Transparency to ensure your data is protected. Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are owned by the same parent company.
Best VPN For Streaming
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | The fastest speeds we tested, ensuring you can stream, browse, game, and torrent without interruptions |
| Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries give you fast worldwide connections |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 8, so you can protect your compatible devices under one subscription |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
2. NordVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | High security features and fast speeds for a reliable connection |
| Server Network | 5,400 servers in 60 countries for improved accessibility and connection speeds |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 6 devices, suitable for protecting multiple devices simultaneously |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for iOS in 2025
ExpressVPN is my top choice for a VPN in 2025 due to its exceptional security features, lightning-fast speeds, and user-friendly iOS apps. It’s hands down the best VPN for streaming. In my tests, it worked seamlessly with iOS 18, causing no issues with AirPlay or CarPlay, whether connected to Wi-Fi or cellular networks. While ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free plan, it does provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and get a full refund if it’s not a perfect fit for you.
One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its speed. During testing, web pages and videos loaded instantly, mobile games ran smoothly without any lag, and I was able to stream HD content without buffering. With servers in 105 countries, you’re always guaranteed to find a fast, nearby server for the best connection. Plus, you can manually select your server, unlike Proton VPN, which automatically chooses one for you. Unlike hide.me’s free plan, ExpressVPN doesn’t throttle speeds either.
ExpressVPN works flawlessly with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, and niche services like DAZN and Crunchyroll. Unlike most free VPNs, it also doesn’t impose any data usage limits, so you can stream endlessly.
The app for iOS devices is top-notch. It supports iOS versions 12 and up, with updates available for iOS 15 and later. The app includes a kill switch called Network Protection (though ExpressVPN notes that it could interfere with Apple services like CarPlay and AirDrop). It also gives you full access to customer support, including live chat, email, and FAQs, along with useful tools like an IP address checker and leak detection.
For secure protocols, ExpressVPN offers Lightway, a fast option, and IKEv2, which is perfect for mobile devices since it’s reliable when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. There’s also an Auto setting that picks the best protocol based on your connection, which is useful since mobile devices switch between various networks.
Additionally, ExpressVPN provides Advanced Protection, which includes an effective ad, tracker, and malicious site blocker (though it disables the IKEv2 protocol when turned on). You can also choose to block adult sites. An excellent bonus is that every subscription comes with the free ExpressVPN Keys password manager, which is highly secure, supports unlimited passwords, and features reliable auto-fill, auto-save, and password generation.
2. Proton VPN — Top Free VPN for iOS with Unlimited Data & Fast Speeds
Proton VPN is the fastest free VPN for iOS on this list and one of the few free plans that offer unlimited data. This means you can browse the internet without worrying about running into a data cap, unlike most free VPNs that impose daily or monthly limits.
Even on the free plan, Proton VPN delivers impressive speeds. While other free options like hide.me and Hotspot Shield also offer unlimited data, they throttle speeds. During my tests, Proton VPN provided solid speeds for browsing and gaming, though it couldn’t quite match the performance of ExpressVPN.
The Proton VPN iOS app is compatible with iOS 15.0 and iPadOS 15.0 or later. It’s customizable and easy to use. In my tests, it worked smoothly both on Wi-Fi and cellular networks, and it even worked with CarPlay. The app supports the WireGuard protocol, a Stealth protocol for bypassing network restrictions, and a Smart protocol that automatically selects the best connection option for your network. It also includes a kill switch for iOS and an “always on” feature, which ensures the VPN reconnects automatically after any connection disruptions.
Proton VPN’s app features a Quick Connect function that automatically selects the best free server based on your location. However, you don’t have the option to choose your server manually. You can request a new server every 90 seconds, but after a few tries, it limits you to changing servers once every 20 minutes. Additionally, it doesn’t support split tunneling on iOS.
While Proton VPN’s free plan offers unlimited data, it does come with some limitations. You can only connect to servers in the US, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan. It also supports just one device, doesn’t allow torrenting, and lacks certain features available on premium plans, such as ad, tracker, and malware blockers, and access to Secure Core servers. While email support is available to free users, live chat is exclusive to paying subscribers.
If streaming is important to you, Proton VPN might be a decent choice for the free plan. Although it doesn’t officially support streaming, it can usually access several Netflix and Amazon Prime libraries. It also supports router setups, so you can secure your TV and all your iOS devices on a single connection.
For even more features, Proton VPN’s paid plans unlock access to servers in 117 countries, 10 simultaneous connections, faster speeds, guaranteed streaming support, and more.
3. hide.me — Great Free VPN for Beginners
hide.me offers a very user-friendly iOS app that’s easy to navigate, making it an excellent choice for VPN beginners. It features Siri shortcuts for quick connection and disconnection, a customizable auto-connect option for different network types (Wi-Fi or mobile), a connect-on-launch setting, and a Lock App feature that lets you secure the app with a 6-digit PIN or Face ID, ensuring unauthorized users can’t access it. The app supports three popular protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
In my tests, hide.me performed well across the board, with no connectivity issues on iOS 18. It’s compatible with iOS 12.0 and later, and you can even manually set it up on older iOS versions. Plus, it has a reliable kill switch for iOS (Persistent Connection), which passed all of my tests.
One of the best features of hide.me’s free plan is that it offers unlimited, ad-free data usage, so you can use it for as long as you like on your iOS device without worrying about data limits or interruptions. Plus, it doesn’t require you to create an account.
On the free plan, hide.me offers servers in 7 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and more. This means you can connect to a nearby server for better speeds, which is more than many other free VPNs offer.
However, hide.me’s free plan does come with some limitations. While it provides unlimited data, it’s slower than ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, and its speeds are only optimized for paid users. When it comes to streaming, hide.me only works with popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ about half the time, and it doesn’t support torrenting or router setups. Additionally, you can only connect one device at a time on the free plan.
For users who need more features, hide.me’s paid plans offer access to servers in 58 countries, support for 10 simultaneous connections, and better streaming capabilities.
4. TunnelBear — Extensive Server Network for iOS
TunnelBear’s free plan offers access to its entire server network in 47 countries, which is more than any other free VPN on this list. This gives you plenty of options to connect to nearby servers without the congestion that often affects free VPNs.
The free plan includes all of TunnelBear’s iOS features, including a kill switch (VigilantBear) and split-tunneling (SplitBear), which lets you exclude certain websites from the VPN tunnel, such as banking apps that might block VPNs. There’s also an iOS widget, and you can choose from 10+ app icons for your home screen, adding a personal touch to the app.
TunnelBear supports three major protocols (IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN), plus an automatic setting that selects the best protocol for your network. The app is easy to use and features a fun, playful bear theme with optional bear sounds. It also supports two-factor authentication for added account security. TunnelBear is compatible with iOS 13 and later.
The free version of TunnelBear offers 2 GB of data per month. While this is limited, it’s sufficient for casual browsing, checking emails, or securing your connection on public Wi-Fi. For those who need more data, Proton VPN’s free plan is a better choice with unlimited data.
TunnelBear’s free version provides good speeds, with websites and videos loading in around 2 seconds, and it supports streaming. However, the 2 GB data limit only gives you about 30 minutes of HD video streaming.
For unlimited data, TunnelBear’s paid plans are a better option, which also let you choose specific servers in the US and the UK.
5. Avira Phantom VPN — Ideal for Casual Browsing on iOS
Avira Phantom VPN is a solid option for light browsing on iOS, offering up to 1 GB of data (or 500 MB without registration), which is enough for around five hours of browsing or checking emails. If you’re looking for unlimited data, Proton VPN’s free plan would be a better fit.
Avira provides access to its full server network on iOS, which includes servers in 37 countries. While this is fewer than TunnelBear’s 47 countries, it’s still a large selection compared to many free VPNs that limit server locations.
The Avira app is compatible with iOS 11 and iPadOS 13.0 and later. During my tests on iOS 18, I didn’t experience any connectivity issues. The app is decently secure, offering DNS leak protection, though it lacks a kill switch. However, it does feature an auto-connect option for untrusted Wi-Fi networks, which worked perfectly in my tests.
One benefit of Avira Phantom VPN is that it allows unlimited connections, meaning you can use it on as many iOS devices as you want without needing to sign out of your account. Plus, it doesn’t require you to create an account to use the VPN on iOS, making it easy to quickly start protecting your traffic. If you choose to sign up for additional data, it only asks for your email, name, and country—information not typically requested by other VPNs.
Avira Phantom VPN offers reliable speeds on iOS. Although it only supports OpenVPN, I experienced minimal buffering and no slowdowns when streaming. It can access several Netflix libraries and streaming sites like Crunchyroll, although it doesn’t have the same extensive streaming support as ExpressVPN.
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To determine the best free VPNs for iOS, I used a rigorous testing methodology to ensure that each option on my list meets strict standards. The criteria I considered include ease of use, speeds, security, available features, and more:
- Data Allowance: Many free VPNs impose limits on the amount of data you can use each month. The VPNs I selected either offer unlimited data or generous data caps, ensuring you can browse and stream without constantly worrying about hitting a limit.
- Speed Performance: All VPNs affect connection speeds to some extent due to encryption, but some free VPNs exacerbate this issue by throttling speeds and limiting server locations, which can result in overcrowding. The free VPNs I recommend maintain decent speeds, though none match the performance of ExpressVPN.
- Security Features: I prioritized providers with strong security. Free VPNs can sometimes lack essential privacy features, so I focused on those that offer industry-standard security, such as 256-bit AES encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Most also include a free kill switch to prevent traffic leaks.
- Ease of Use: I selected VPNs with user-friendly iOS apps, suitable for all levels of technical expertise. Many of these apps are intuitive, and some even support features like Siri integration for quick connection and disconnection, as well as widgets for convenience.
- Streaming Support: While many free VPNs don’t offer robust streaming support, I chose VPNs that work with platforms like Netflix and Hulu at least 50% of the time on their free plans.
- Affordable Premium Plans: Some users may want to upgrade to a paid plan for full access to a VPN’s features. I only included VPNs that offer competitive premium plans that are reasonably priced.
Risks of Using a Free VPN for iOS
- Weak Security: Many free VPNs lack essential security features, such as strong encryption or leak protection, which could leave your IP address exposed. It’s important to be cautious with free VPNs, as they may not safeguard your privacy properly.
- Slower Speeds: Although all VPNs reduce connection speeds, free VPNs typically cause the most significant slowdowns. This is mainly due to limited server locations and overcrowded free servers, making it difficult to find nearby servers with fast connections.
- Unreliable Connectivity: Free iOS VPNs often suffer from unstable connections, especially because of the limited number of available servers and high demand for free services. This can lead to issues with devices like CarPlay and AirPlay.
- Data Caps: Most free VPN plans restrict the amount of data you can use each month (or day). Even VPNs with generous caps may not provide enough data for heavy users, particularly if you intend to stream or download content. Proton VPN is one of the few that offers unlimited data on its free plan.
- Limited Features: Free VPNs often lock advanced features behind a paywall. As a result, you may not have access to useful options like ad blockers, split tunneling, and more unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
- Traffic Logging: Some free VPNs may have weak or nonexistent no-logs policies, meaning they could track and sell your browsing activity to third-party advertisers to monetize their free services. This compromises your privacy and anonymity online.
Free vs Paid VPNs for iOS
All of the free VPNs on my list come with essential security features to safeguard your privacy, such as a no-logs policy, leak protection, military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, and more. Some also offer advanced features like ad and tracker blockers, perfect forward secrecy, and RAM-only servers.
However, these free options still fall short compared to premium VPNs in several key areas. Features such as extensive server networks, the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, streaming and torrenting support, and the fastest possible speeds are typically not included with free plans.
Here are some notable differences:
- Data Caps: While hide.me and Proton VPN offer unlimited data on their free plans, TunnelBear and Avira Phantom VPN impose data caps, which are only suitable for light browsing.
- Server Availability: Proton VPN offers free access to servers in 5 countries, while hide.me provides access to 7 countries.
- Security Features: Although Proton VPN offers excellent security, it doesn’t include NetShield, its ad blocker, on the free plan. On the other hand, hide.me offers security but limits your speeds on the free plan.
- Device Connections: Both Proton VPN and hide.me allow just 1 device connection on their free plans.
In contrast, premium VPNs provide a much wider range of features and enhanced performance. Paid plans offer a larger server network in dozens (or even hundreds) of countries, unlimited speeds, reliable P2P and streaming support, and unrestricted access to advanced features like specialty servers and split-tunneling.
Free VPNs for iOS to Avoid
- AceVPN: AceVPN lacks key security features like a kill switch, offers only around 20 server locations, and doesn’t provide actual apps. Instead, you have to manually configure it on your device, which is complicated and inconvenient.
- HolaVPN: HolaVPN is risky to use. It’s a peer-to-peer (P2P) VPN, meaning when you connect, you’re assigned another user’s IP address, and your IP is shared with others. This can lead to legal issues if someone uses your IP for illicit activities. It also has significant privacy concerns.
- PhoneGuardian: While not as dangerous as some others, PhoneGuardian doesn’t offer much of what a VPN should. It only encrypts your data, leaving your IP address and location exposed. Without other essential security features, your data remains vulnerable.
- TurboVPN: TurboVPN’s privacy policy is vague and concerning. Although it claims not to store your online activities, it doesn’t mention anything about IP address logging, leaving you uncertain about whether it collects sensitive data.
- FinchVPN: FinchVPN is unreliable and buggy. Its privacy policy is non-existent, and its website provides no clear information about the features it offers, making it a risky choice for privacy-conscious users.
- SuperVPN: SuperVPN is particularly poor when it comes to privacy protection. It logs sensitive data, including your IP address, browser, email, location, and operating system. It even suffered a significant data breach involving 133 GB of user data. Additionally, there’s no customer support available if you run into issues.
Best VPN For Firestick Free Trial
Best overall VPN with a free trial
ExpressVPN
Privacy protection and transparency
Show our expert takeFrequently Asked Questions
Are there any 100% free VPNs for iOS?
Yes, four of the VPNs on my list offer completely free plans. However, ExpressVPN doesn’t have a free plan but provides excellent value with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
That said, most free VPNs limit certain features behind a paywall. For example, Proton VPN doesn’t support streaming or torrenting on its free plan, and hide.me restricts speeds for free users. If you’re a frequent user, I recommend upgrading to ExpressVPN or another affordable paid VPN for the best experience.
Are free VPNs for iOS safe?
No, many free VPNs for iOS are not safe, as they often lack essential privacy and security features like 256-bit AES encryption, and some even log and sell your data.
The free VPNs I recommend are secure and trustworthy. They come with industry-standard security protocols and include advanced features like full leak protection, RAM-only servers, and perfect forward secrecy.
How do I get a free VPN on iOS?
Getting a free VPN on your iPhone or iPad is simple with these three steps:
- Choose a reliable iOS VPN with a free plan. I recommend Proton VPN — it’s fast, secure, and has no data usage or bandwidth restrictions.
- Download and install the VPN app. You can find it on the Apple App Store, and the installation process is straightforward with a guide to help you along the way.
- Launch the app. That’s it! You now have a fully functional free VPN on your iOS device.
Can I stream Netflix using a free VPN for iOS?
Some free VPNs work with Netflix, but most don’t. Even the ones that do often limit your data usage to the point where you can barely stream a full episode of a TV show.
For the best Netflix streaming experience, I strongly recommend upgrading to a paid VPN like ExpressVPN. It offers unlimited data, high speeds, user-friendly apps for all devices, and access to 100+ streaming sites worldwide.
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