Log in
Build Your Site
Free vs. Paid VPNs for iPhone: Comparing Cost and Benefits
Free or paid—what’s the best VPN for iPhone? Compare cost, speed, and security to choose the right VPN for your iPhone needs.
When you connect to public WIFI at an airport or a cafe to surf the Internet, has your head ever been haunted by a question in your mind? The question is whether your personal data on your iPhone is exposed to potential threats. The answer is yes! You need a VPN that can encrypt your connection and keep your data safe. According to a search, around 23%-25% of Internet users across the world used VPNs to protect their privacy and security online. This search shows that people attach greater importance to their online safety.
If you decide to use VPNs to protect your iPhone's online safety, you may wonder: Should I use a free VPN or a paid VPN? People naturally can't resist the temptation of free things, right? In this article, we will tell the difference between free VPNs and paid VPNs from costs and benefits. Also, we will list the best VPN for iPhone. Let's keep reading!
What is a VPN?
VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is a SaaS service that encrypts online connections. A VPN works like a shield for internet users by encrypting their data and hiding their location. This protects users from being spied on by others on the same network. A VPN doesn't change how people browse the Internet, but simply gives them a safer and more private online experience.
Why do you need a VPN on an iPhone?
Many people think that iOS makes iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads completely safe from hackers and other online threats. But this is a common myth. iOS security itself works more like a lockbox — it protects the passwords and data stored on the device, and only when the device is locked. So, it can't protect the data you send or receive online. Without a VPN, your iPhone data can be exposed, especially on public or unsecured networks.
A VPN acts like a secure tunnel for your data. Using a VPN is crucial when accessing bank accounts, making transactions, entering credit card details, downloading files, or sharing sensitive information through email or messaging apps.
What are the benefits of using a VPN on an iPhone?
Beyond offering security and privacy, a VPN leads to many other benefits for iPhone users. Here is why it's worth using the best :
-
Get location-specific search results
Your physical location has a great influence on what you see in search results. That’s because search engines often tailor results based on where your device is located. With a VPN, you can alter your location to get results that match where you want to search. Imagine that you are living in the U.S. and are making a plan to travel to Thailand. Connecting to a VPN server in Bangkok can help you find shops and services specific to Thailand.
-
Avoid targeted tracking
Websites often track your data via your IP address and build a profile based on your activity. So they will show you personalized ads to earn money. Using a VPN masks your real IP address, making it harder for ISPs and third parties to follow you around online or serve your targeted ads.
-
Reduce the Internet throttling
Some Internet providers slow down your speed, especially when you're streaming videos or playing games on your phone. A VPN can help avoid this kind of throttling by hiding your activity from your ISP. This can let you enjoy a smoother and faster online experience.
Everything You Need to Know About Free VPN
Should you trust a free VPN provider? The answer is that you’d better not believe it. Firstly, you need to know how VPNs work. Running a VPN service involves substantial costs, including server infrastructure ($5,000–$20,000/month), bandwidth ($10,000–$100,000/month), software development, customer support, and marketing. For instance, AWS charges $0.09 per GB for data transfer out, plus $0.05 per hour for VPN connections. These expenses highlight why quality VPN services often come with a price tag.
How do free VPNs work?
Free VPNs offer basic services without charging users, but they need to generate revenue to maintain their operations. Here's how they typically do it:
-
Advertising: Many free VPNs display ads within their apps or during browsing sessions. These ads can be intrusive and may track user behavior to deliver targeted content.
-
Data Collection and Selling: Some providers monitor users' online activities, collecting data such as browsing history and location. This information is then sold to third parties, including advertisers and data brokers. In this way, they can earn a huge amount of revenue.
-
Freemium Model: Free VPNs often offer limited features, encouraging users to upgrade to paid plans for enhanced services like faster speeds, more server options, and better security.
Should I trust a free VPN provider?
Although some free VPNs are safe and reliable out there, there are also lots of shady ones that risk your privacy and security. It’s important to do your research to ensure your security and privacy.
How to judge whether you can trust a free VPN? Firstly, you should check the provider’s history and reputation by researching this VPN and the company online. Next, you should attach great importance to reading through the provider’s privacy policy and terms of service. In this way, you can ensure they’re not collecting any of your data or selling it to third parties.
Another important factor when considering a free VPN provider is the security protocols they offer. The best VPN for iPhone usually utilizes industry-standard encryption methods, such as AES-256, to secure its users’ data. Additionally, some VPNs offer advanced features such as a kill switch or DNS leak protection. These can help to ensure your privacy and security when using the service.
If you’re looking for an extra layer of security when surfing the internet, then a paid VPN service may be more suitable. However, if you’re looking for a free provider that you can trust, doing your research is necessary.
What are the benefits of paid VPNs?
Paid VPN providers make their money through user subscriptions, which allows them to reinvest in their services. These funds go toward upgrading server infrastructure, boosting connection speeds, enhancing security tools, and ensuring stable, high-performance coverage. On the other hand, free VPNs often lack the financial support to offer the same level of protection or speed. Additionally, paid VPNs have higher accountability. Since customers are spending money, providers are expected to meet certain standards and deliver on their promises. Free VPNs don’t face the same level of responsibility, which often results in inconsistent performance and fewer user protections. Here are the main benefits of paid VPNs:
Top-tier Security Privacy
Paid VPNs typically utilize AES-256-bit encryption, a security standard trusted by military and government agencies worldwide. This powerful technology scrambles your data, making it impossible for hackers, your ISP, or third parties to read or intercept your online activity. This level of encryption becomes especially critical when using public Wi-Fi, which is often a hotspot for cyberattacks. With a paid VPN, your connection remains protected even on open networks. It safeguards personal information, such as login credentials, banking details, and sensitive work files, helping you stay private and secure, regardless of where you browse.
Extra Features That Come With Paid VPNs
Paid VPN services often include advanced tools that go beyond basic encryption to boost your online privacy and protection. Here are some additional powerful features:
Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN drops, preventing your data from being exposed accidentally.
IP & DNS Leak Protection: Keeps your real IP address and DNS activity hidden, so they’re never visible to outsiders.
Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts you if your personal information, such as login credentials, appears in dark web databases.
Private DNS: Hides your DNS queries from third parties, preventing anyone from snooping or redirecting your traffic.
Split Tunneling: Gives you control over which apps use the VPN and which connect directly, helping you balance speed and security.
Best Free VPNs for iPhone
1. Proton VPN
Proton VPN for iPhone regularly appears on top free VPN lists—and with good reason. Based in Switzerland, the company has spent over ten years championing online privacy and digital rights. It’s also backed by its community of users, showing a clear focus on serving people over profit.
While Proton VPN does offer premium plans, its free version is widely praised and considered one of the best in the market. So, what do you get without spending a dime? The free plan supports one device, includes unlimited data, and comes with a strict no-logs policy—all without a single ad. It works across all major operating systems and devices. If you decide to upgrade, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.
There are a few minor drawbacks, like occasional captchas and limited features, but Proton VPN stands out for offering true privacy without tracking or advertising, funded fairly by its paying users.
2. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is one of the best VPN for iPhone 2025 due to its popular free plan. Recently, the monthly data limit on its free tier was increased from 500MB to 2 GB. While 2GB isn’t a huge amount, it’s a decent choice for light browsing, quick privacy needs, or for anyone wanting to try the service before committing to a paid plan. With the free plan, users can be accessible to all 5000 servers in more than 45 countries.
TunnelBear is a solid free VPN with a strong reputation and positive user feedback. However, its low data cap can be a drawback. If your goal is to watch shows or videos online, this probably isn't the ideal option. But for casual browsing or light internet use, it does the job well and provides a basic level of privacy and anonymity.
3. Hide.me
Hide.me has been in the VPN space since 2012 and remains a favorite for users seeking online privacy without spending money. The free plan includes unlimited bandwidth, no logging, zero ads, and no tracking—plus it's compatible with a variety of devices and operating systems. Even with the free plan, you still get access to useful features like a Kill Switch, Auto-Connect, Split Tunneling, and more.
One of the standout things about Hide.me is the value it offers at no cost. Unlike many other free VPNs, there are no data caps, no intrusive ads or tracking, and your personal data isn’t sold. Impressively, even free users have access to customer support. While the connection speeds may not match some competitors and the server selection is somewhat limited, it remains a reliable choice, especially for users looking for a trustworthy free VPN for iPhone with consistently positive feedback.
Best Paid VPNs for iPhone
1. NordVPN
When it comes to paid VPN services, the options expand significantly in terms of speed, security, and advanced functionality. NordVPN is one of the best vpn for iPhone and iPad, a long-time favorite on Reddit, and widely regarded as one of the best VPNs globally. It’s known for its robust security setup, impressive speed, and vast global server network.
NordVPN offers an array of advanced tools like malware blocking, ad and tracker prevention, and access to thousands of RAM-only servers worldwide. What sets NordVPN apart is its commitment to privacy and safety. In addition to essentials like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and threat protection, it also includes Double VPN, which adds an extra encryption layer. Another standout feature is Meshnet, which creates secure links between devices—ideal for remote file access or setting up private multiplayer gaming sessions with friends as if you were on the same local network.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the best VPN for iPhone with subscription fees that delivers impressive speed, solid security, and a rich feature set. Launched in 2018, it has quickly gained industry recognition, winning multiple awards for its performance and cybersecurity standards. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with powerful tools like Static IP, Rotating IP, and MultiHop available right out of the box. If you’re after a reliable VPN packed with features and top-tier performance, Surfshark is a strong contender. Another best part is the unlimited device support under a single subscription—perfect for families or users with multiple devices. In comparison, many other top VPNs, like NordVPN, cap usage at around 6 devices.
In Conclusion
Free VPNs might seem like a great choice—especially if you're on a budget—but they usually come with trade-offs like slower speeds, fewer features, and potential privacy concerns. In contrast, paid VPNs provide better performance, stronger encryption, and access to more server locations. When comparing the two, it’s clear that investing in a trusted provider like NordVPN or Surfshark is the safer bet if you're serious about protecting your data.
That said, if you're simply looking for the best free VPN for iPhone to do light browsing or test things out, there are solid options available. Plus, most paid VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free before committing.
Written by
Kimmy
Published on
Jul 1, 2025
Share article
Read more
Our latest blog
Webpages in a minute, powered by Wegic!
With Wegic, transform your needs into stunning, functional websites with advanced AI
Free trial with Wegic, build your site in a click!