Best free VPN for iPhone 2024
Why is it important to use VPN on iPhone
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure connection over the Internet, allowing you to protect your online privacy and security. It works by routing your encrypted data through a secure tunnel to a VPN server, masking your IP address and making it appear as if you are browsing from a different location. This allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content.
Using a VPN on an iPhone is important for several reasons:
Improved online privacy: a VPN masks your IP address, making it impossible for websites, advertisers, and hackers to trace your online actions
Public Wi-Fi security: public Wi-Fi networks are frequently unprotected, making them accessible to hackers. By using a VPN, you may encrypt your connection and protect your data while using public Wi-Fi
Access to geo restricted content: many websites and streaming services limit access based on your location. By using a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world
Tracking prevention: advertisers and websites often track your online activities in order to target you with personalized ads. By using a VPN on your iPhone, you can prevent tracking and protect your privacy
Criteria for choosing the best free VPNs for iPhone
- Security features and encryption protocols
Undoubtedly, security is one of the most important considerations when choosing a free VPN for iPhone. Look for VPN apps that use strong encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec, to keep your data secure and protected from cyber threats. In addition, features such as a Kill Switch, which automatically disconnects your device from the Internet if the VPN connection fails, provide an extra layer of security.
- Speed and performance
No one likes slow Internet connection, especially when using a VPN. Choose free VPNs for iPhone that offer fast and reliable connections for a seamless browsing, streaming, and downloading experience. Also, pay attention to speed limits in free plans, where such limitations happen most often.
- Servers
The number and variety of servers available from a VPN provider can have a big impact on your browsing experience. Choose free VPNs for iPhone with a large network of servers spread across multiple geographic areas. This will allow you to access content from different regions while maintaining fast connection speeds.
- User-friendly interface
An intuitive interface is essential for easy VPN use, especially for new users. Look for free VPN apps for iPhone that are easy to use and offer clear settings and customization options.
- Data limitations and restrictions
Many free VPNs for iPhone impose data or bandwidth limits that can affect your online activities. Check the data limits and restrictions imposed by each VPN provider and choose the one that offers enough data for your needs. Some VPNs may offer pricing options with higher data limits or unlimited usage, allowing greater flexibility.
- Privacy
When choosing a free VPN for iPhone, make privacy a priority by thoroughly reviewing each provider's privacy policy and logging practices. Choose the best free VPNs for iPhone that have a strong no-log policy, which means they do not collect or store data about your online activities. Transparency in data handling processes demonstrates a commitment to consumer privacy and trustworthiness.
- Additional features and compatibility
Consider the additional features free VPNs for iPhone offer, such as ad filtering, virus protection, or multi-device support. These features can improve your overall browsing experience. Also, make sure the VPN is compatible with iOS devices and has dedicated iPhone apps for easy integration and performance.
Top 10 best free VPNs for iPhone
AdGuard
AdGuard VPN is a security-focused Virtual Private Network service developed by AdGuard Software Limited. It aims to provide users with a secure and private browsing experience by encrypting their Internet connection and protecting their online activities from prying eyes. AdGuard VPN offers both free and paid versions, each with its own set of features and limitations.
Pros:
- Practical: the free version of AdGuard VPN provides basic VPN functionality with no subscription or upfront costs
- DNS server selection: users can improve security and traffic management by selecting a DNS server that prevents advertisements and protects against malware
- No-logs policy: AdGuard VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not track or store users' Internet activity or personal information
- Secure protocol: AdGuard uses its own proprietary protocol that mimics regular HTTPS traffic, which makes it extra hard to detect by websites and ISPs
- Ease of use: the user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to install and use AdGuard VPN on their devices
- Kill Switch: if the VPN connection breaks, the Kill Switch feature turns off the Internet connection
- QUIC support: when connecting to a VPN over cellular data or public Wi-Fi, the QUIC protocol improves connection quality
Cons:
- Limited server selection: AdGuard provides 65+ server locations, which is less than some of its competitors
- Limitations of the free version: unlike paid subscribers, users of the free version of AdGuard VPN are limited to 3 GB of traffic per month and their connection speed is lowered
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN offers a free version with limited features but provides strong security and privacy.
Pros:
- Swiss jurisdiction: the company is based in Switzerland, ensuring strong privacy laws
- Secure protocol: the VPN uses its own VPN protocol for fast and secure connections
- Strong encryption: ProtonVPN protects user data with powerful AES-256 encryption, ensuring a high level of security when sending data over the Internet
- No-logs policy: ensures that user activity on the network is not recorded and retained
- Unlimited traffic: unlike many other free VPNs, ProtonVPN does not impose data usage limits, allowing users to browse the Internet without any restrictions and at no additional cost
- DNS leak protection: ProtonVPN features DNS leak prevention, which prevents a user's IP address from being exposed even if a VPN connection fails
- Ease of use: ProtonVPN app for iPhone has an easy and intuitive interface, making it accessible to any user
Cons:
- Restrictions on access to certain services: the free version may have limited access to some high-speed servers or streaming services such as Netflix
- Limited number of servers in the free version: the free version provides access to a limited number of servers, which may result in lower connection speeds
- One device per connection: ProtonVPN can only be used on one device for free. Paid plans include the ability to connect VPN to many devices
Windscribe
Windscribe offers a generous free plan with 10GB of monthly data, along with strong encryption and privacy features.
Pros:
- Advanced ad and tracking blocking features: the built-in R.O.B.E.R.T. program prevents unwanted ads, trackers, and viruses
- Multi-platform support: in addition to iOS, Windscribe is available on many other platforms, and you can use one account on all your devices for free
- Streaming Support: although Windscribe is a free VPN, it bypasses the geographic restrictions of many streaming sites, allowing access to banned content
- No-logs policy: Windscribe does not keep connection logs or browser history to ensure user anonymity on the Internet
- Large data allowance: Windscribe offers a large data allowance of 10GB per month after email confirmation
- Ease of use: Windscribe is an iPhone VPN with an easy to use interface, that allows anyone to install and configure the VPN quickly and easily
Cons:
- Restrictions on use of some features: some advanced features, such as unblocking streaming services, may be limited or absent in the free version
- Limited server selection in the free plan: users of the free version have access to a limited number of servers, which may affect connection speed
TunnelBear
TunnelBear's free plan includes 500MB of data per month and user-friendly apps for iOS devices.
Pros:
- No-logs policy: TunnelBear does not store records of activity and connection history, providing a high level of anonymity
- Intuitive user interface: TunnelBear's interface is one of the most intuitive among VPN applications
- Encryption: AES-256 encryption protects your data from hackers and eavesdroppers
- VigilantBear (Kill Switch): this feature automatically blocks all communication if the VPN connection suddenly fails, preventing data leakage
Cons:
- Limited traffic in the free version: 500 MB per month can easily be used up, especially with heavy Internet use or video streaming
- Restricted access to some services: some popular streaming platforms may not be available through TunnelBear's free version due to geo-blocking restrictions
- Connection speed: slow internet connection, especially when connecting to services far away from your location
- Limited selection of servers: TunnelBear offers servers in over 20 countries, which helps with geolocation options and circumventing regional restrictions
Hide.me
Hide.me offers a free plan with limited server locations and user-friendly interface.
Pros:
- Secure encryption: Hide.me uses AES-256 encryption to prevent data from being intercepted
- No-logs policy: Hide.me does not keep connection logs or user activities
- Ease of use: Hide.me's user interface is intuitive
- Work with unstable connections: the software supports the IKEv2 protocol, which enables stable data encryption even when using an unstable 3G connection
- Traffic: Hide.me offers unlimited data transfer even in the free plan
Cons:
- Above average price: while the free plan offers good terms, Hide.me's subscription costs are higher compared to certain other iOS VPNs
- Limited server selection: the free plan only allows access to five servers, which can limit speed in some regions
- Device usage limits: free plan users can only use the app on one device
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield offers a free version with ads and limited server access but provides decent speeds and security features.
Pros:
- User interface: Hotspot Shield provides a simple and intuitive interface
- Large selection of servers: the free version of Hotspot Shield offers over 800 servers
- Privacy protection: Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 encryption to protect user data from eavesdropping and unwanted surveillance
- No-logs policy: Hotspot Shield does not log personal information or individual user behavior on the network
Cons:
- Connection issues: users may experience unstable connection speeds
- Ads: Hotspot Shield, like many other free VPN services, contains advertisements in the app
- Restrictions: the free version limits access to popular streaming and gaming providers. Also, users can only use the app on one device
Speedify
Speedify's free plan includes 2GB of data per month and combines Wi-Fi and cellular connections for faster speeds.
Pros:
- Encryption: Speedify uses AES encryption to protect your traffic and ensure that data is not logged
- Channel bonding technology: Speedify uses channel bonding technology that combines different Internet channels (such as Wi-Fi and mobile Internet) to improve the speed and reliability of the Internet connection. This can be useful in locations with slow connectivity or when transferring large amounts of data
- Automatic switching: Speedify automatically switches between connections without losing traffic, minimizing pauses during latency-sensitive activities such as streaming and video calls
- Intuitive interface: Speedify has an easy and user-friendly interface
Cons:
- Connection speed: the speed of your Speedify connection may vary depending on your location and the available Internet connections
- Privacy: Speedify promises not to log user activity. However, the company's privacy policy and jurisdiction demand more attention, because some data may be preserved, such as technical information about devices and user locations
- Data limits: Speedify offers only 2 GB per month in their free plan
Betternet
Betternet VPN offers a simple and intuitive app for iPhone users that makes it easy to protect your online activities with just a few taps.
Pros:
- Data encryption: Betternet encrypts user data with AES-256 to prevent it from being intercepted by third parties
- Automatic server selection: the app automatically selects the best server based on your location for optimal speed and a stable connection
- Ease of use: Betternet can be activated with a single tap. There is no need to create an account or configure complex settings
Cons:
- Unstable connection speed: inconsistent connection speed for some users
- Limited transparency: Betternet's privacy policies and data logging methods are not sufficiently open
- Advertisements: the free version of Betternet includes ads
- Limited features and settings: Betternet offers a limited set of features and options compared to paid VPN services
CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN offers a free trial period with a user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and a large server network for accessing geo-restricted content.
Pros:
- Security features: CyberGhost VPN uses 256-bit AES military-grade encryption protocols to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of users' data
- Kill Switch: CyberGhost features an automatic Kill Switch that stops Internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost, preventing data leakage
- Server network: with over 100 locations, CyberGhost VPN gives users plenty of options to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from all over the world
- Interface: CyberGhost's intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and customize settings according to your preferences
- No-logs policy: CyberGhost VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not monitor, store, or track your online activities
Cons:
- Limited device connections: CyberGhost VPN allows 7 connections on multiple devices
- Encryption features: CyberGhost has excellent privacy policies and encryption, but lacks additional encryption options, which may deter users with high security needs
Surfshark
Surfshark is a paid app with a free trial period. Surfshark gives users the ability to protect their online privacy and security by encrypting their Internet connection and routing it through a remote server.
Pros:
- No-logs policy: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, so your online activity is not tracked and no data is stored anywhere
- Unlimited number of devices: Surfshark VPN allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously under a single subscription
- Encryption and secure protocols: Surfshark encrypts your Internet traffic using advanced encryption protocols AES-256
- Automatic Kill Switch: to prevent data leakage, the Kill Switch feature immediately disables Internet access if the VPN connection is lost
- Malware blocking: the CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts
Cons:
- No free plan: Surfshark does not offer a free version, which may be a drawback for those looking for a completely free VPN for mobile
- Limited P2P support: only few Surfshark’s servers are optimized for P2P
- Connection speed: Surfshark normally provides fine connection speeds, but some users may experience periodic fluctuations or lower speeds, especially on more remote servers
Paid VPN or free VPN for iPhone: which one is better?
There are three types of VPNs: paid, paid with a free trial period, and completely free. In this section, we will compare paid and free VPNs.
Security and encryption
Paid VPN services typically invest in robust encryption protocols and advanced security features to protect users' data from cyber threats. They prioritize user privacy and employ stringent no-logs policies to ensure that browsing activities remain private and secure.
Free VPNs may offer encryption, but often with limitations. Some free VPNs for iPhone may lack essential security features and may even compromise user privacy by logging and selling browsing data to third parties.
Privacy
Paid VPN services adhere to strict privacy policies and do not monitor, track, or sell users' browsing data. They prioritize user trust and transparency, building a reputation as reliable and trustworthy providers in the VPN market.
Free VPNs may collect and sell users' personal and browsing information to third parties for advertising or other purposes. Users should exercise caution and thoroughly research the privacy practices of free VPN providers before entrusting them with sensitive information.
Speed and performance
Paid VPN services typically offer faster connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth, ensuring a seamless streaming, downloading, and browsing experience. They maintain optimized server networks to minimize latency and congestion.
Free VPNs often impose bandwidth caps and throttle connection speeds, resulting in slower performance and limited access to content. Overcrowded servers can exacerbate these problems during peak usage times.
Server network and accessibility
Paid VPNs typically provide access to a larger and more diverse network of servers, spanning multiple countries and regions. This extensive server coverage allows users to bypass geo-restrictions, access regionally restricted content, and enjoy optimized performance.
Free VPNs may provide access to a limited number of servers, which can become congested, resulting in slower speeds and connectivity issues. In addition, available server locations may be restricted, limiting users' ability to access certain websites and services.
Customer support and reliability
Paid VPN services often offer dedicated customer support channels, including live chat, email support, and extensive online resources. Their support teams are equipped to address technical issues quickly and provide setup and troubleshooting assistance.
Free VPNs may offer limited or unreliable customer support, leaving users stranded in the event of technical difficulties or emergencies. The lack of dedicated support channels can result in long response times and unresolved issues.
Benefits of AdGuard's paid version for iPhone users
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Unlimited speed: the paid version of AdGuard VPN has no speed limitations, while the free edition is limited to a maximum of 20 Mbps
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More servers: the free version allows users to connect to 10 locations, while paid subscribers have access to over 65 servers
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Unlimited traffic: AdGuard's free version offers a monthly limit of 3 GB, while paid subscribers enjoy unlimited traffic
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More connected devices: paid subscribers of AdGuard VPN can use the service on up to 10 devices simultaneously, while free users are limited to two devices
FAQ
- What is a VPN, and why do I need one for my iPhone?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your Internet connection and routes it through a remote server, increasing your online privacy and security. Using a VPN on an iPhone helps to protect your data from hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- How to choose the best free VPN for iPhone?
Pay attention to the following factors for choosing the best free VPN for iPhone:
- Connection speed and stability: it's important to consider the speed and stability of the connection, especially if you plan to use free versions, which often have speed limitations
- Available servers and countries: limited server availability in free VPN for iPhone services often leads to server overload and lower Internet speed. Choose services with a wide range of locations
- Privacy and no-logs policy: VPNs can collect and sell your data, so it's important to check the terms of service and privacy policy
- Ease of use: choose a VPN with a simple interface that makes it easy to manage connections and security settings
- Additional security features: choose a VPN with reliable security features such as DNS leak protection, Kill Switch and malware protection
- Do I need a paid plan or free one while using VPN?
Paid VPN services typically offer higher levels of security, faster speeds, and more reliable performance. Free VPNs for iPhone may have limitations such as data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server locations. Consider your needs and priorities when deciding between paid and free VPNs.
- Can I use a free VPN for iPhone to access geo-restricted content?
Yes, VPNs can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked or restricted based on your location. By connecting to a server in another country, you can access websites, streaming services, and other online content that may not be available in your region.
- Can I use the same VPN subscription on multiple devices, including my iPhone?
Yes, many VPN services allow you to use the same subscription on multiple devices at the same time, including iPhones, iPads, computers, and other devices. Check your VPN provider's terms and conditions to ensure that multi-device support is included in your subscription plan.
Final thoughts
After reviewing 10 best free VPNs for iPhone, we found that both free and paid VPNs’ plans have their advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a free VPN for iPhone, it's important to consider privacy policies, logging practices, number and location of servers, connection speeds, and user reviews. If you decide to subscribe, be sure to take advantage of any free trials available to thoroughly evaluate the service before committing. Always remember that investing in your online security and privacy will pay off in the long run.
