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An iPhone VPN can unblock geo-restricted content, stop your ISP from tracking and throttling your speeds, encrypt your traffic to protect your data, and stop advertisers from targeting you with annoying ads.
Mobile usage is sky-high in Australia–according to Privacy Australia it constitutes more than 50% of web page views locally, with more than 32 million mobile connections across the country. A fair chunk of these users will be connecting to the web via their iPhone, with more than 1 billion active iPhones in global circulation as of 2024.
Read our comprehensive guide to find the best VPN for iPhones in Australia, based on factors like pricing, features, reputation and more.
Related: Best VPNs for Australians
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To find the best iPhone VPNs, we considered dozens of the leading providers in the space and narrowed it down to seven, which we then evaluated across five key categories and 33 different metrics. Our ratings consider factors such as transparent pricing, server locations, compatibility with third-party integrations, access to customer support, and ratings. Our Australian-based editorial team then applied an additional layer of editorial judgment and oversight, ensuring the shortlisted products were suitable to local users and their needs. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
NordVPN is a fast and secure VPN service with a range of additional security features that add plenty of value for Australian users.
On Nord VPN’s Secure website
A virtual private network, or VPN, sets up a secure and encrypted pathway between your iPhone and the internet. A VPN server can be used to reroute your internet traffic, which will disguise your IP address and keep your online activities private from hackers, ISPs, government agencies and other third parties.
Using a VPN on an iPhone offers several benefits:
An iPhone VPN can protect your privacy on the go and at home. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best one.
Most iPhone VPNs also work on other iOS devices such as iPads and iPod Touch. Additionally, many VPN providers offer apps for non-Apple products, including Android and Windows devices, allowing you to secure multiple devices under a single subscription. However, some providers have protocols built for specific devices (for example, hide.me has Bolt for Windows).
Users should expect to pay for VPNs on a subscription basis, typically monthly or annually. Standard iPhone VPN rates are around $5 AUD to $20 AUD per month if paid month to month, but users can save significantly by opting for longer-term plans. Annual and multi-year subscriptions often come with considerable discounts, lowering the average monthly cost.
There’s usually no difference in pricing for mobile VPNs compared to desktop computers, as most VPN providers offer multi-platform support within the same subscription plan. However, additional features such as a dedicated IP address, which provides you with a unique IP for enhanced privacy and access to certain services, may come at an extra cost.
To reduce VPN costs, you can:
Don’t always go for the cheapest option—consider value, features, security performance and customer support when choosing your VPN.
When evaluating VPNs, it’s essential to consider the average download and upload speeds they offer to ensure an optimal browsing experience. Speed is crucial for a variety of online activities, such as streaming video, online gaming, video conferencing and file transfers. Fast speeds provide a seamless internet experience, while slower speeds can lead to buffering, lag and a frustrating user experience.
Fast VPN Speeds
A fast VPN should provide download speeds of at least 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps or more. These speeds are generally sufficient for most online activities, including HD video streaming and large file downloads. Faster speeds mean better user experiences, especially for those on high-speed connections.
VPN Throttling and Speed Reduction
It’s important to note that using a VPN can sometimes result in slower internet speeds. This is because your data must travel through the VPN server, which can add latency and decrease speed. The level of speed reduction largely depends on the VPN provider, server distance and network congestion.
Some VPNs also implement bandwidth throttling, intentionally limiting users’ connection speeds to manage server load or encourage users to upgrade to a higher-priced plan. However, many top-tier VPNs prioritise providing fast and stable connections without throttling.
To maintain fast speeds while using a VPN, consider the following:
Quality customer support is crucial when using a VPN. Look for providers with various support channels including email, live chat and ticket systems. Support that is 24/7 ensures you can receive assistance at any time, while comprehensive knowledge bases and FAQs can help you troubleshoot common issues independently.
The iOS VPN bug has posed a significant concern for iPhone and iPad users who depend on VPNs to maintain their online privacy. Research conducted by Michael Horowitz revealed that this bug leads to data leaks, exposing users’ activities and making the VPN ineffective. Despite various parties, such as ProtonVPN and Windscribe, raising the issue, Apple has yet to provide a definitive solution or response.
The bug is still in iOS devices, and there’s no reliable information that Apple is attempting to remedy it. Users should be cautious of the implications of this bug on their privacy when using a VPN on an iOS device. Apple might come out with a patch for the issue eventually, but users should be wary and stay informed about the bug’s progress in the meantime.
To compile our list of the best VPNs for iPhones, Forbes Advisor scrutinised 33 factors to pinpoint the top options for iPhone users. Our evaluation process involved examining several aspects and weighting them according to their significance, with the most emphasis placed on security features and speeds.
We examined the displayed prices for each VPN, whether they offered a free trial or free version, and their starting and highest prices to assess affordability and value for money. Some provide discounts for students, non-profits and recent graduates. This makes up 15% of a platform’s score.
We studied each VPN’s general features, such as anonymous browsing, DNS protection measures, dedicated IP, kill switch, split tunnelling and multifactor authentication, as well as additional features including the number of continents with servers, no-logs policy, browser extensions and simultaneous connections. Features contribute 35% of the final score.
We evaluated each VPN based on their customer service and support offerings, including live chat, knowledge base, phone support and whether they provided 24/7 customer support. Some VPN providers will have community-based support as well, such as a Reddit forum, where users can access community help. Access to support accounts for 7% of the score.
We assessed the App Store ratings for each VPN’s mobile app, along with customer reviews on Trustpilot, Capterra and G2. This helped us determine the overall customer experience and satisfaction levels for each VPN. These reviews make up 13% of each provider’s score.
We considered the average download and upload speeds offered by each VPN to ensure they provided an optimal browsing experience. These speeds are tested by the Forbes Advisor team on a weekly basis and make up 20% of the total score.
We analysed the Forbes Advisor Expert Score for each VPN, including details and standout features, value for money, popularity and ease of use. We also considered scores from other experts to compare and validate our rankings. This analysis tallies up the final 10% of our scoring.
Finally, we checked that the VPNs were available and suitable for Australians.
Additional research: Anna Rey
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
No, it doesn’t, however the iOS platform allows you to easily set-up your chosen VPN provider.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best VPN for an iPhone depends on your specific needs. However, our top pick is NordVPN, which offers a large server network, strong encryption and a no-logs policy.
Installing a VPN is easy:
No, the iPhone does not have a built-in VPN. However, you can install a VPN app from the App Store to protect your privacy and security online.
Yes, it is safe to use a VPN on an iPhone, provided you choose a reputable VPN service. A good VPN will encrypt your internet connection, safeguard your privacy and protect your data from hackers and other malicious entities.
Yes, you can change your iPhone location without a VPN by using a GPS spoofing app. That being said, this approach is not advised, as it could conflict with the terms of service of some apps and could result in your account being banned. A VPN is a more reliable and safer way to change your location.
To check if your iPhone VPN is working, follow these steps:
While using a VPN significantly improves your privacy and makes it difficult to track your online activities, it does not make you completely anonymous. In some cases, advanced tracking techniques or potential VPN leaks may expose your real IP address or other identifying information. However, using a reliable VPN service with strong encryption and a no-logs policy can greatly reduce the chances of being tracked.
The process for connecting to a VPN varies, depending on your device and operating system. Generally, you need to download the VPN’s app or software, enter your username and password and select a server. For more detailed instructions, check out the VPN’s website or contact customer service.
Yes, a VPN is worth it for an iPhone as it can protect your privacy and security online. A VPN encrypts your traffic so it can’t be intercepted by hackers or government agencies. It also allows you to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites.
A VPN can mask your identity and prevent your ISP from tracking your online activity, so yes. However, if you’ve allowed sites access to your data, a VPN can’t protect you from that sort of tracking. The type of VPN protocols used also contributes to how secure your VPN is as outdated protocols have multiple known exploits.
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