Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are extremely useful networking tools, and there are numerous reasons to use VPN apps. In addition to browsing anonymously, even on dubious WiFi networks, they can circumvent regional restrictions on websites, unblock restricted websites, and do a slew of other useful things online. For this reason, here are the 12 best free VPN for iPhone in 2022 if you want to keep your online activity private.
Best Free VPN Apps for iPhone and iPad in 2024
Apple has added a new iCloud Private Relay feature to iPhones in iOS 15 that acts as a virtual private network and encrypts browsing data. There are, however, some drawbacks. If you want to access blocked websites, Private Relay is useless. iCloud+ subscriptions are required to access this content. Because of this, iCloud Private Relay will not work as a free VPN for the iPhone. However, we’ve compiled a list of the best free iPhone VPN apps for you to choose from.
If you’re looking for a free app with many features, these are the ones for you. It’s all about how they use their free plans. On the other hand, other providers might limit your access to a specific server or servers. Others may set a cap on the data transfer rate. As a result, go through the list and pick the one that doesn’t bother you. Let’s move on to our list now that that’s out of the way. Using the table of contents below, you can easily switch between apps.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is my top choice for a free VPN app for iPhone users. The free tier of Proton VPN is one of the best aspects of the service, but it’s not the only one. ProtonVPN provides free unlimited bandwidth. It’s also possible to access websites on three continents simultaneously from servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Proton VPN has a larger network of servers. A subscription must access more than 560 servers spread across 43 countries. On the other hand, Proton VPN has a plethora of useful features. Always-on VPN and P2P servers are included, as well as torrenting support. When it comes to encryption, Proton VPN uses AES-265, 4096-bit RSA, and the HMAC algorithm with SHA384. Proton VPN’s Windows and Mac apps include a Kill Switch feature, but the iPhone app does not.
Using Proton VPN, you can rest assured that the VPN will not store your browsing history and activity. Because the company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it is not required to comply with any international surveillance requests; it will always protect your data.
Pros
- Access to an infinite amount of free internet bandwidth.
- The policy is to keep no records.
- AES-256-bit encryption is the industry standard.
Cons
- The iPhone app does not have Kill Switch functionality.
- It’s not cheap to subscribe to a paid plan.
Windscribe VPN
If you’re looking for a free iPhone VPN app, Windscribe VPN is an excellent choice. Windscribe on the iPhone encrypts and decrypts your data twice before it reaches the internet.
The kill switch in Windscribe VPN ensures that no data leaves the VPN tunnel. Separate public and private networks can be used simultaneously using split tunneling. Your data is further protected by SHA512 encryption. Windscribe VPN also protects WebRTC and DNS leaks.
Free users of Windscribe VPN can access up to 10GB of data per month, making it the most generous provider on this list. Torrenting and P2P servers are also supported. The Windscribe VPN is based in Canada, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which means that the company may be compelled to share any information it has about you with government agencies. There is also information about your monthly usage, such as how much data you consume.
Pros
- Turn off the power.
- SHA-512 ciphering with a double hop.
- Ten gigabytes of data for free.
- The policy is to keep no records.
Cons
- You may be required to provide your personal information to Canadian government agencies.
Hide.me VPN
Hide.me VPN is a free iPhone VPN app that I recommend checking out. Hide Me’s free features are impressive, making it a strong contender for the best free VPN for iPhone. You won’t see any ads when using Hide.me for a free month. Hide.me has a strict no-logging policy to protect your privacy and gives you a choice of five different locations.
Split-tunneling and AES-256 encryption are both supported, as are a variety of VPN protocols such as IKEv2, OpenVPN, SoftEther, and SSTP. 10GB of monthly bandwidth is included in the free service tier. But if you want even more features, like a fixed IP, dynamic port forwarding, and unlimited bandwidth, you can pay for a premium plan.
Pros
- Support for the use of a kill switch.
- Ten gigabytes of free internet bandwidth are at your disposal.
- No-ads.
- There aren’t any loggings.
Cons
- A single simultaneous connection is allowed under the free plan.
- Netflix is not supported.
TunnelBear
In the world of virtual private networks, TunnelBear is a popular choice. Connect to a VPN with the iOS app TunnelBear and browse the web anonymously from several different locations. You can let the app determine the best location for your VPN server, or you can do it manually. If you are not a heavy internet user, it is possible to get by with 500 MB of data per month on TunnelBear’s free plan. Also included are AES-256 bit encryption and servers located in 22 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and France. As far as free iOS-based VPNs go, TunnelBear is one of the best options on the market today.
Pros
- An impressively user-friendly interface.
- Protects personal information to a high standard.
- AES-256-bit encryption is the industry standard.
Cons
- Only 500 MB of data per month is provided in the freemium version.
- There are only about 22 countries where you can get a server.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield, a popular free vpn for iphone, also has high ratings in the App Store. At the beginning of use, you must register or log in. If you don’t want to create an account, you can use it without doing so. Over 70 locations are supported in addition to the fastest VPN services available. As a result of its military-grade encryption between the servers and the connected device, Hotspot Shield performs admirably. With the help of 1Password, the best password manager, you can manage your passwords and keep them safe from prying eyes easily and efficiently. However, keep in mind that the free version of Hotspot Shield does not include many features. Since the free version has some limitations, you’ll have to upgrade for a fee ($7.99/month for a one-year plan).
Pros
- Military-grade encryption for all communications.
- one password-compatible
- With the fastest VPN server in the industry.
Cons
- It’s less friendly to new users.
- There is room for improvement in the design language.
VPN by SurfEasy
VPN by SurfEasy is one of the best VPN apps available in the App Store. Your traffic is routed through an optimal server location by default, but you can change the location to a different country if you so desire. Your personal information is safe with us because we follow a strict no-logging policy and use industry-standard A-256 encryption. A tracker-blocking algorithm prevents cookies (which data trackers use) from being downloaded, allowing you to browse the web safely. SurfEasy is now a VPN that can meet the needs of the vast majority of users with the addition of WiFi hotspot protection and support for more than 28 countries. Although the freemium version of this VPN app has several restrictions, you will need to upgrade to the premium ($1.99/month) offering to unlock all of the app’s functions.
Pros
- Connection speedy.
- Reliable and secure no-log policy.
- Wi-Fi security for hotspots
- In terms of security, A-256 is comparable to that of a bank.
Cons
- At times, it seems to be less responsive.
- When the network is down, it automatically disconnects from it
Betternet
Betternet is a user-friendly VPN app with a minimal design that has received overwhelmingly positive reviews in the App Store. For $39.99/year, you can remove the ads that appear in the freemium version of the app, but the app has some limitations. Data trackers can’t see what you’re doing because it encrypts it. Thanks to the trustworthy no-log policy, you don’t have to worry about your personal information being misused.
If you’re concerned that Betternet is tracking your browsing habits, keep in mind that your IP address is anonymized and cannot be used to identify you. VPN apps use your IP address to approximate your location even though Betternet says it doesn’t log IP addresses. In addition, the app connects you automatically to the fastest VPN server, allowing you to browse at the desired speed, and it has servers in numerous countries. Among the VPN apps available on the App Store, Betternet is the easiest to use.
Pros
- Encrypts all of your files.
- The fastest VPN server is automatically selected.
- Policy of no logging
Cons
- Compared to the paid version, the freemium version is fairly straightforward.
VPN in Touch
It’s possible to use a VPN in Touch on your iPhone. Even though it lacks many features, it can protect your data. Using this app’s data compression algorithm, one of my favorites, you can save a lot of data even if you’re already using low data mode on your iPhone. For added peace of mind, the browser comes equipped with an effective ad blocker. To use all of the features of this VPN application without any limitations, you’ll pay $29.99 per year. VPN in Touch is a solid choice for iOS users looking for a dependable VPN solution.
Pros
- Provides the data security you require.
- A good algorithm for compressing data.
- An ad-blocking feature built-in
Cons
- The user interface appears to be outdated.
- Those looking for a more personalized experience are unlikely to enjoy this option.
Ultra VPN
Simple to use, Ultra VPN (formerly HexaTech) is a VPN app that works as advertised. With the click of a button, you can instantly connect with the VPN server without requiring any prior registration. In most cases, a VPN server is chosen based on the best possible performance, and this app is no exception. Up to five devices can be connected simultaneously, allowing you to browse the web safely on any of your devices. Its military-grade encryption makes it unmatched in protecting your private information from snoopers. There is no free version of Ultra VPN available at this time. It costs $12.99 a month to use this VPN app without restrictions.
Pros
- Connects you to a VPN server with the best possible performance.
- Allows for simultaneous connection of up to five devices.
- Unlimited bandwidth and uptime are available to premium members.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a free plan with all the bells and whistles.
- The premium subscription is a tad overpriced at $12.99 per month.
Daily VPN
Due to its adaptability, this is the type of VPN application that most users can use. The app has a decent freemium version, unlike many of its competitors. Secondly, it allows you to surf the Internet without consuming a lot of bandwidth. It’s like having more than 100 servers spread across 20 countries.
Every app on this list of the best iPhone VPN apps encrypts your data with 256-bit AES encryption, including Daily VPN. In addition, it can be used to unblock content on the likes of YouTube and Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and the like. You can also upgrade to the pro version ($12.99 per month) if the free version doesn’t meet your needs and you don’t want to see ads.
Daily VPN records your IP address, but it is immediately obscured and anonymized upon retrieval from the server. Additionally, the company only keeps track of your IP address while using the VPN service. When the session ends, the logs are deleted. Proton, which has a strict no-logging policy, is better than Daily VPN even though the latter doesn’t link your IP address with your online activity.
Pros
- A great freemium alternative to the original.
- More than a hundred servers in more than two dozen different countries.
Cons
- Due to advertisements, the free version of the application occasionally freezes.
- User IP addresses are saved as long as they are connected to the network.
Larva VPN
“Larva” would be my top pick for a VPN because of its easy-to-use interface and helpful features. An advantage of this service is that you don’t have to register to get started. All you have to do is open the app and connect to your preferred server to get started.
As a bonus, it has servers in more than 40 countries and is compatible with proxies, so you can surf the web without fear of violating any laws. Using Larva, I’ve been able to keep out ads, malware, and phishing websites. It is also very effective at reducing bandwidth usage, as only 2% of the network is utilized.
Pros
- Streaming servers in more than 40 countries are among the best globally.
- Only 2% of the population is connected.
- VPN services that don’t keep logs.
Cons
- Some users have complained of losing connection.
X-VPN
X-VPN is a reliable iPhone and iPad VPN app with over 8000 servers in more than 50 countries. In addition, it offers a freemium version that includes all of the tools you need to protect your online privacy without having to pay a penny.
X-user VPN’s interface is more streamlined and responsive than its competitors. One of the app’s best features is its ability to maintain a fast and stable connection. The app automatically configures the fastest servers to keep your binge-watching or web surfing uninterrupted.
Additionally, X-VPN provides comprehensive security with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an intelligent IP checker (premium only). Additional features include support for up to five devices and an effective privacy policy. It’s one of the best free iOS and iPadOS VPN apps, considering everything.
Pros
- There are over 8000 servers spread across 50 different countries.
- It’s easy to set up and has a fast connection speed.
- Turn off the power.
- A DNS leak test is in order here.
Cons
- The premium version costs more than the standard version.
Bonus: Use Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 DNS
Anyone can use Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 free DNS service. The 1.1.1.1 DNS app (iOS/Android) uses Cloudflare’s free 1.1.1.1 DNS to route your search traffic. Your personal information will not be stored or sold by the company to third parties. In addition, Cloudflare’s free DNS service does not require registration, and unlike most VPN services, there are no monthly usage limits for Cloudflare service. Read our article on configuring Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS configuration if you don’t want to use the app. Explore some of the best Cloudflare alternatives if you are not a fan of Cloudflare.