5 Best Free VPNs for iPhone, iPad, and iOS (Tested in 2024)
Reading time: 17 min
Updated on November 01, 2024
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![Kate Richards]()
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![Sarah Frazier]()
Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Cybersecurity Editor
A free VPN is a great way to boost protection against threats that iOS is vulnerable to, like data leaks and phishing scams — all without paying. But choosing the right free VPN is confusing, as there are plenty on the App Store with high ratings that don’t improve security.
Instead, they compromise your data privacy by logging your activity, tracking you online, or by creating a passage for hackers to attack your iPhone or iPad. I’ve tested more than 30 free services and found the best safe and reliable free options. However, even the top free VPNs have some limitations, like data caps or small server networks.
Ultimately, you’ll only get full coverage and unlimited protection with a premium service like ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN includes unlimited data and speeds, access to a global server network, and all plans are backed by a 30-day guarantee for risk-free testing. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: Best Free iOS VPN Apps in 2024
- ExpressVPN — The best paid VPN for iPhone and iPad, with high-speed global servers, unlimited data, and a 7-day free trial when you sign up through the App Store.
- Proton VPN — 100% free VPN with unlimited data and stealth protocol for restrictive networks, but doesn’t support streaming or torrenting on free servers.
- Hotspot Shield — Unlimited free data for browsing on iPhone and iPad, but ad-supported and collects some data to personalize ads.
- hide.me — Completely free with no signup necessary and 7 server locations, but not a good choice for streaming.
- TunnelBear — Global network of servers and premium features for free users, but data cap of just 2GB per month.
Best Free VPNs for iPhone, iPad, and iOS in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN With Premium Features and Fast Connections
Key Features:
- Unlimited data and bandwidth for your online activities
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- AES-256-bit encryption, Advanced Protection, and zero-log privacy policy
- Connect 8 devices at the same time
- Works with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and more
- 24/7 support with live chat, email, FAQs, and video tutorials
ExpressVPN is the top VPN in 2024 for iOS, with impressive security features that help you avoid threats that iOS is vulnerable to. These include:
- Leak protection — stops accidental DNS, WebRTC, IPv4, and IPv6 leaks from revealing your data and compromising your privacy.
- Advanced Protection — includes blocks for trackers, malicious sites, and ads, as well as parental controls to block adult sites.
- Network Protection — cuts access to the internet if the VPN connection is interrupted to prevent data leaks.
- Keys password manager — protects your passwords and creates secure passwords for your personal accounts.
ExpressVPN is not only secure, it’s also the fastest service I’ve tested. I recommend using its proprietary Lightway protocol as it boosts speeds and improves battery conservation. On servers I tested, ExpressVPN had fast speeds — it’s ideal for lag-free streaming on Netflix and other platforms, and works with streaming apps and websites.
The iOS app on iPhone and iPad is easy to use and intuitive to navigate, so it’s a great choice for beginner users. I’d like to see more iOS integration, though — you won’t find a widget for quick connections, and there are no Siri shortcuts either.
While it’s not exactly a 100% free service, ExpressVPN has a 7-day free trial if you sign up via the App Store. Subscriptions are a little more costly (starting at $4.99 per month), but I think ExpressVPN provides good value considering its robust security and fast connections. If you change your mind about subscribing, you can get a full refund within 30 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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2. Proton VPN — 100% Free VPN With Unlimited Data and Stealth Protocol
Key Features:
- Unlimited free data — no ads
- Free servers in 5 locations — Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the US
- Military-grade encryption, Stealth protocol, split tunneling, and zero-log policy
- 1 device connection with free plan
- Works with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, and routers
- Free users can contact support via email
Proton VPN is 100% free for your iPhone — it doesn’t have any data limits or ads, and once you’ve signed up for a free account, it won’t keep prompting you to upgrade to a subscription. You can stay connected to Proton VPN for as long as you want, so you can switch the VPN on and leave it without having to worry about hitting a cap.
Though free, Proton VPN protects your iOS devices with top security features, including:
- Stealth protocol — helps avoid network restrictions that limit your online activity, disguising the VPN as regular traffic to hide from proxy detection — ideal for schools and workplaces.
- Military-grade encryption — AES-256-bit encryption keeps your activity and data secure against anyone watching, like malicious actors on public WiFi.
- Kill switch — blocks access to the internet if the VPN is interrupted to stop data leaks from exposing your identity, location, and other personal details.
While Proton VPN doesn’t officially support streaming on its free servers, our testing team found it could connect to Netflix Originals libraries, Crackle, Disney+, and Crunchyroll. However, you can’t choose which server you connect to — Proton VPN automatically connects to the best server for your location.
If you want to upgrade, you’ll have access to servers you can choose, faster speeds, an ad-blocker, and more of Proton VPN’s premium features. I recommend the 2-year plan at $2.99/month. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2024 Update! ProtonVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $2.99 per month with the 2-year plan (you can save up to 70%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Hotspot Shield — Impressive Speeds and Unlimited Data (Ad-Supported)
Key Features:
- Watch ads for unlimited data
- Free virtual servers available in Singapore, the UK, and the US
- AES-256-bit encryption, leak protection, and zero-log policy
- 1 device connection for free account users
- Works with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chrome
- Free users can access email support and online guides
Hotspot Shield is impressively fast for a free VPN, with speeds that were only 10% slower than my regular ISP connection. Free servers can often be congested and slow, so I was pleasantly surprised that I could browse online, watch YouTube videos, and play mobile games without interruptions or lags.
I really like that you don’t have to sign up for a free account with Hotspot Shield. All I had to do was download the app from the App Store and choose a server, so it’s quick and easy to get connected.
You’ll find servers available in 4 locations — Singapore, the UK, US East, and US West — and there are no data limits. However, Hotspot Shield’s free iPhone app is ad-supported, so you’ll have to watch ads to earn connection time. Ads pop up sporadically and don’t take long to exit, but some ads contain more adult content (like dating sites).
Unfortunately, Hotspot Shield free isn’t a good choice for streaming on iPhone as it actively blocks sites like Netflix to encourage free users to upgrade. The premium service is great for streaming, with fast speeds and 1,800+ servers. Subscriptions start at $2.99, and you get a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
4. hide.me — Feature-Rich Free VPN With Unlimited Data
Key Features:
- Unlimited data — choose your server location up to 10GB, then auto-connects
- 7 free locations — Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the US
- AES encryption, leak protection, and no-log policy
- Free accounts get 1 device connection
- Works with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux
- Full support for free users — 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides
hide.me’s free plan has plenty of useful features available at zero cost — you don’t even need to sign up for an account as the service is 100% free and anonymous. These features include:
- Kill switch — if the VPN is interrupted, all access to the internet is cut to avoid data leaks that could compromise your online security.
- Auto-connect — configure hide.me to automatically connect when your iPhone is using an unsecured WiFi network for instant protection.
- Leak protection — guards against IPv6, IPv4, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that might expose your private data.
- iOS integration — features Siri shortcuts to start and stop connections, and a widget for quick access to the app.
The free app offers servers in 7 locations — Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. You may have slower connections if you’re far from the continent. Conveniently, you’ll also find FAQs and email ticketing available directly in the iOS app.
Unfortunately, some of hide.me’s best features aren’t available in the free app. Optimized streaming servers, SmartGuard ad and malware blocking, and speed boost features are only for premium users. If you want to try these, hide.me’s plans start at $2.29/month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to hide.me for as low as $2.29 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 77%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
5. TunnelBear — Huge Server Network for Free Global Connections
Key Features:
- 2GB monthly data limit
- Access free servers in 40+ countries (but not the US or Canada)
- AES-256-bit encryption, premium features, zero-log policy
- Connect unlimited devices at the same time
- Works with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
- Email support for free users
TunnelBear has an impressive free iOS app that offers access to the majority of its servers, barring those in Canada and the US. This allows you to test a huge variety of servers to make sure it’s the right choice for your needs — all you need is a valid email address to create an account and get connected.
You’ll also find TunnelBear’s iOS app has access to all available premium features, including VigilantBear (obfuscation) and connection protocols. I was really pleased to be able to use all of the features and test them on my connection.
The iOS app is also quite fun to use, with customizable app icons, humorous bear sounds, and a quick connect option when you long press the TunnelBear icon. It’s easy to navigate the map interface or use the server menu, and making settings changes is simple.
However, TunnelBear only gives you 2GB of monthly data, which isn’t enough for streaming or playing mobile games — it’s just about enough for casual browsing or checking emails. For unlimited access, you’ll need to upgrade. Plans start at $3.33 per month, but you should know there isn’t a money-back guarantee available.
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad
| ExpressVPN | Proton VPN | Hotspot Shield | hide.me | TunnelBear | |
| 100% Free? | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Account Required | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited, but ad-supported | Unlimited, but cannot choose server after 10GB | 2GB |
| Available Servers | 3,000+ servers in 105 locations | 5 locations – Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, US | 4 locations – Los Angeles, Singapore, New York, UK | 7 locations – Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK, US | 45 locations worldwide |
| Streaming and Torrent Support? | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | Torrenting support | ✔ |
| iOS Compatibility | iOS 15+ | iOS 15+ | iOS 14+ | iOS 12+ | iOS 13+ |
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best Free VPNs for iPhone and iPad
All VPNs undergo rigorous testing, and each VPN is ranked based on the results in the following areas:
- Free to use — The top VPNs are either completely free to use (with or without an account required), or have a free trial you can use to test the service without paying.
- Reasonable data allowance — I looked for VPNs that offer unlimited monthly data that may have some limitations, or a monthly cap that is enough for secure browsing when needed.
- Premium security and privacy features — Even a free VPN should top-tier encryption and leak protection to secure your data, plus a trustworthy privacy policy that won’t log your personal information.
- Solid server network — A large number of servers makes it more likely you’ll find a free option nearby, and also reduces congestion that can slow your connection.
- Good connection speeds — The VPNs on this list underwent multiple speed tests to ensure smooth browsing, streaming, shopping, and mobile gaming.
- User-friendly, lightweight iOS apps — I tested each VPN for intuitiveness and ease of setup by downloading them to an iPhone XS and iPad Pro.
- Customer support available — free VPN customer support teams can be contacted via email, and some have a 24/7 live chat option.
3 Easy Steps: How to Use a Free VPN on iPhone
- Choose a VPN. You can opt for a 100% free VPN that has some limitations, or try ExpressVPN for free for 7 days if you sign up through the App Store.
- Download the VPN to your iPhone. Follow the setup steps, like signing in with account details if needed and allowing the VPN to install configurations.
- Connect to a server and start browsing. You can now use the internet with improved security on your iOS device.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Are Free VPNs Really Safe for iPhone or iPad? (Surprising Results)
There are a few free VPNs that are really safe, but there are also plenty that can compromise your security. Some shady free VPNs even have high ratings on the App Store, despite:
- Logging and selling your data to advertisers
- Leaking your data due to poor encryption
- Injecting your iPhone or iPad with malware
Here are some of the top free VPNs you should definitely avoid.
Warning: Avoid These Free VPNs
- Betternet VPN — Has a history of logging users’ locations, device information, and even the sites visited despite claiming to prioritize privacy.
- CrossVPN — Over 10 antivirus services found Trojan viruses in CrossVPN apps, making it a huge security risk to download it to your iOS device.
- SuperVPN — Reported security breaches involving millions of users’ personal information like credit card details, login credentials, and more being stolen.
FAQ: Free VPNs and iPhones
Which is the best free VPN for iPhone without subscription?
Do I really need a VPN for my iPhone and iPad?
What’s the best free iPhone VPN for China, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and other countries?
Does my iPhone have a built-in VPN?
Is iCloud Private Relay like a VPN?
Will a free VPN for iPhone work for streaming Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms?
Will a VPN drain my iPhone’s battery and use more data?
Will an iPhone VPN work on my other devices?
Protect Your iPhone With a Free VPN
It’s all too easy to download a shady free VPN to your iPhone or iPad — it won’t secure your connection and could share or sell your data with unknown third parties. Fortunately, every free VPN on this list is designed to protect your iOS devices, your online activities, and your private information.
However, even safe free VPNs have limitations, like small server networks, data caps, or no streaming support. If you’re happy to work with those limits, the recommended VPNs are a good option for your iOS devices.
If you need a more comprehensive VPN for your iPhone, I recommend you try ExpressVPN on your iOS device. It’s not free (although you can get a 7-day free trial), but it’s worth the cost for top security and fast speeds. If you change your mind about subscribing, you can get a full refund within 30 days.
The Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad in 2024 (With Money-Back Guarantees)
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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