VPNs are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your information secure while using the internet, and iPhone VPN services offer most of the same features for your mobile device. While some tools are unavailable on iOS, you can still protect your data from third parties with many of the best VPN providers – pretty much all of which deliver stellar mobile support.
In this guide to iOS VPNs, we’ll take a look at how they work and how you can find the right option for your needs, and any limitations you might face compared to desktop VPNs. Then we’ll give our top recommendation.
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How does a VPN for iPhones work?
Like any VPN – which stands for virtual private network – a VPN on an iOS device stops third parties from accessing your data by directing it through its server before sending it over the internet. This process eliminates a critical weak point in the exchange of information. If you’re using a publicly accessible network, for example, it’s easy for a skilled attacker to extract data about your internet activity.
VPNs are typically used on desktops and laptops, but the same principle applies when you use one on a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone. Whether you’re connecting via Wi-Fi or a cellular network, the VPN will route your information through its own secure servers.
There are a few key differences between VPNs on iPhones and VPNs designed for other devices and operating systems, though. iOS has unique restrictions on app activity that prevent certain tools from being included in apps from the App Store.
Split tunneling, for example, directs some activity through the VPN while allowing other information to go over the network directly. This feature is included with many desktop and Android VPN services, but on iOS devices this seems to be impossible to do, and no VPN currently offers this (to the best of our knowledge).
What makes a good VPN on iPhone?
VPNs are designed to protect information about your traffic, but routing that data through an extra server can lead to slowdowns in some cases. This is particularly true in situations where you’re connecting to a server that’s relatively far away from your location. With that in mind, speed is one of the most important factors to consider in any VPN.
Of course, privacy is also critical for software that’s intended to keep your data secure. Unfortunately, many VPN providers store logs or even sell them to third parties for a profit. That’s especially common among free VPN services that need an alternative source of income.
You may also be interested in certain advanced features. For example, some VPNs come with a built-in kill switch that automatically stops your device from sending information over the internet whenever the VPN connection cuts out. Other notable benefits and options include support for streaming services, ad and malware blocking, and servers in a wider range of locations.
What’s the best VPN for iPhone?
While different VPNs have unique pros and cons, ExpressVPN is currently our top-rated iPhone VPN. It offers outstanding privacy and has strong connection speeds and support for some of the most popular streaming services.
Even though there are slightly cheaper options, ExpressVPN more than justifies its price tag with a strong set of features and servers located in more than 94 countries. You’ll also be able to stream content from tons of services all over the world, and what’s more, Tom’s Guide readers can now claim three months free on any annual plan.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I can provide information on various topics, including VPNs and iPhone VPN services. I have access to a wide range of knowledge and can provide detailed insights and explanations. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
VPNs and iPhone VPN Services
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are tools that help protect your information and enhance your privacy while using the internet. They work by creating a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, allowing you to browse the web anonymously and securely.
When it comes to iPhone VPN services, they offer most of the same features as VPNs for other devices. They help protect your data from third parties by directing it through a server before sending it over the internet. This process eliminates a critical weak point in the exchange of information, especially when using publicly accessible networks where skilled attackers can extract data about your internet activity.
However, there are a few key differences between VPNs on iPhones and VPNs designed for other devices and operating systems. iOS has unique restrictions on app activity, which prevent certain tools from being included in apps from the App Store. One example is split tunneling, which allows some activity to go through the VPN while allowing other information to go over the network directly. While many desktop and Android VPN services offer split tunneling, it seems to be impossible to implement on iOS devices at the moment.
What Makes a Good VPN on iPhone?
When choosing a VPN for your iPhone, there are several factors to consider:
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Speed: Since routing your data through an extra server can sometimes lead to slowdowns, it's important to consider the speed of the VPN service. Look for VPN providers that offer fast and reliable connections.
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Privacy: Privacy is a critical factor when it comes to VPNs. Some VPN providers store logs or even sell them to third parties for profit. It's important to choose a VPN service that has a strong privacy policy and does not keep logs of your online activities.
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Advanced Features: Depending on your needs, you may be interested in certain advanced features offered by VPN services. These can include a built-in kill switch that automatically stops your device from sending information over the internet if the VPN connection cuts out, support for streaming services, ad and malware blocking, and servers in a wider range of locations.
Best VPN for iPhone
While different VPNs have their own pros and cons, ExpressVPN is currently recommended as the top-rated iPhone VPN. It offers outstanding privacy, strong connection speeds, and support for popular streaming services. ExpressVPN has servers located in more than 94 countries, allowing you to access content from around the world.
Please note that the information provided above is based on general knowledge about VPNs and iPhone VPN services. It's always a good idea to do your own research and read reviews to find the VPN service that best suits your specific needs and requirements.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help with!
