BestFreeVPN
Updated June 2026 · Tested on iOS

The best free VPNs for iPhone

Every pick here has a native iOS app, installs straight from the App Store, and runs well on iPhone without draining your battery. We tested each one on a current iPhone. Here's how they stack up.

App Store apps only No configuration profiles required iOS 16+ tested
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Quick answer

Best free VPN for iPhone: Proton VPN

For most iPhone users, Proton VPN is the one to install first: it's the only free plan with no data cap, its iOS app is one of the nicer ones we've used, and its privacy claims are independently audited. The other two below are worth knowing about depending on what you need.

1
Best overall for iPhone

Proton VPN Free

★★★★★ 9.4 / 10
9.4
Our score
DataUnlimited
iOS appExcellent
Servers5 countries
BatteryLight
No-logsAudited

On iPhone, unlimited data is what makes Proton stand out. Leave it connected all day on cellular and there's no counter to watch. The iOS app is clean, sets up in under a minute through the App Store, and uses Apple's modern networking so the battery hit is minimal. Connections survive switching between Wi-Fi and cellular, which not every free VPN handles gracefully on iOS.

Best for: Anyone who wants to leave a VPN on all the time on their iPhone without thinking about data.
Get Proton VPN on the App Store → Free · no card required

Read our full Proton VPN review →

2
Easiest for iPhone beginners

TunnelBear Free

★★★★ 8.0 / 10
8.0
Our score
Data2 GB / mo
iOS appVery easy
ServersAll (auto)
BatteryLight
No-logsAudited

If this is your first VPN on an iPhone, TunnelBear is the friendliest possible start. The iOS app is a single big toggle (tap to connect, tap to stop) with none of the jargon that scares people off. The 2 GB monthly limit is the sticking point: fine for occasional use on public Wi-Fi, gone fast if you browse heavily. Its no-logs policy is independently audited, which is reassuring.

Best for: First-time VPN users who want the simplest possible iPhone app.
Get TunnelBear on the App Store → Free · no card required

Read our full TunnelBear review →

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3
Best iPhone privacy extras

Windscribe Free

★★★★½ 8.8 / 10
8.8
Our score
Data10 GB / mo
iOS appGood
Servers10+ countries
BatteryModerate
No-logsStated

Windscribe gives iPhone users 10 GB a month plus its built-in ad and tracker blocker, which cuts down on junk loading in Safari and apps. The iOS app has more options than TunnelBear's, so it's a better fit once you're comfortable. That 10 GB goes quickly if you stream video on cellular, so it suits browsing and messaging more than Netflix on the go.

Best for: iPhone users who want ad-blocking and more control, and can live with a data cap.
Visit Windscribe → Free · email sign-up

Read our full Windscribe review →

Good to know on iOS

Setting up a free VPN on iPhone

How do I install a VPN on my iPhone?

Download the app from the App Store, open it, and tap connect. The first time, iOS will ask permission to "Add VPN Configurations"; tap Allow and confirm with Face ID or your passcode. That's it; you won't need a separate configuration profile for any of the VPNs on this page.

Is iCloud Private Relay the same as a VPN?

No. Private Relay (part of iCloud+) hides your IP from websites in Safari, but it's not a full VPN. It doesn't cover all your apps, doesn't let you pick a country, and won't unblock region-locked content. A real VPN protects your whole connection. The two can complement each other, but one isn't a replacement for the other.

Will a VPN drain my iPhone battery?

A little, since it keeps an encrypted connection active. In our testing the modern apps here (especially Proton VPN and TunnelBear) had a light impact. If you notice drain, disconnect when you don't need it, or use a per-app or on-demand setup so it only runs when required.

Can I keep the VPN always on?

Yes. Most of these apps offer an "auto-connect" or "connect on untrusted Wi-Fi" option so the VPN turns on by itself. Because Proton VPN has no data cap, it's the most practical choice if you actually want it on 24/7.

Looking for another platform? See our picks for Android, Windows, or the full free VPN ranking.

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