Note: You may want to refer to the Best OpenVPN app for iOS for additional information.
There is a number of providers who support VPN on mobile devices and even released their custom apps. Even though this is great, not all apps were created even. While Android have always had easy OpenVPN setup, iOS didn’t allow VPN apps to access network settings.
Once OpenVPN app is installed, the user needs to go to the main VPN Settings, manually download each VPN server for each location, and then manually connect to VPN from the main Settings in the iPhone (not the app, the main Settings in your iPhone).
Whenever you wanted to switch the VPN server, you would go to your VPN settings, manually disconnect from the old server and then chose the a different VPN location to connect to. And that’s assuming you have already downloaded the settings for that VPN location.
Essentially, the main function of the app was to deliver VPN server profiles to the iPhone. Server switching from the application interface is not possible with OpenVPN. All of the above means that the app is close to useless and very inconvenient to use.
Additionally, OpenVPN is not reliable on an iPhone as it frequently disconnects by itself (when idle) and heavily impacts battery life.
Fortunately, Apple realised this issue and introduced official documentation for IPsec/IKEv2 setup with with its iOS 8 release.
The best VPN providers have now released custom VPN apps that support this VPN protocol because it’s so much more efficient and offers excellent performance on mobile devices with no sacrifice in terms of security.
If you still prefer using OpenVPN instead of IPsec/IKEv2, all the VPN providers that we listed below allow manual OpenVPN setup as well. You are welcome to try setting up OpenVPN vs IPSec/IKEv2 on your iPhone and decide for yourself, of course.
Still, we highly recommend IPsec/IKEv2 as an excellent alternative to OpenVPN for iOS. IPsec is the main protocol used in a corporate environment that large companies trust enough to protect highly sensitive business related information from being intercepted by competing parties.
Overall IPsec/IKEv2 provides a much better functionally for iPhone users comparing to OpenVPN and finally allows connecting to/disconnecting from secure VPN tunnels and server switching right from the app interface.
ANNUAL PRICE: 3.49 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 11.95 USD
Panama based NordVPN is one of the best security oriented VPN companies with amazingly fast infrastructure. NordVPN offers over 5,000 servers in 62 countries, dedicated & shared IP types, and 6 simultaneous logins. NordVPN has a Smart Play technology offering an encrypted connection to access geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, BBC iPlayer and similar services. NordVPN implemented a strict no logs privacy policy, offers double data encryption, obfuscation tools and other advanced security features. Their custom apps run on system startup include Kill Switch feature and DNS leak resolver to protect the user from unexpected data leaks. To read a full NordVPN review and get an annual discount click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 1.32 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 10.95 USD
Hong Kong based PureVPN is a proud owner of a massive 2,000 servers network in over 140 countries with over 60 server locations specifically optimized for torrenting. PureVPN is a fast and reliable VPN provider with exclusive streaming servers to unblock Netflix, Hulu and similar services. PureVPN online gaming VPN servers are dedicated for gamers’ traffic only. Low ping offered by optimized PureVPN servers make it possible for gaming and streaming users to enjoy entertainment with the fastest load time. Secure PureVPN infrastructure is protected behind NAT Firewall. PureVPN offers custom apps for all devices, while desktop apps have a built-in Kill Switch feature that guards the users from unencrypted data leaks when the internet connection drops. To read a full PureVPN review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 1.66 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 12.95 USD
VyprVPN is a leading no logs VPN provider with over 700 ultra fast servers worldwide that support gigabit Internet connection (1,000Mbps). VyprVPN has done independent public audit by Leviathan Security to ensure that no logs are collected. Unlike most VPN providers, VyprVPN doesn’t rely on 3rd party hosting – they own and manage their own VPN servers. VyprVPN infrastructure is amazingly fast offering ultra fast speeds and low ping times for high speed HD streaming. With their server clusters located in close proximity to major gaming servers, VyprVPN also delivers a better overall gaming experience. VyprVPN custom software is very reliable and protects users from various IP leaks. In addition, VyprVPN is an excellent provider to bypass even the strictest firewalls that block VPN connection. To read a full VyprVPN review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 4.99 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 9.95 USD
Based in Malaysia, Hide.me is one the most secure and fastest VPN providers offering ultra fast VPN servers that provide gigabit Internet connection. Hide.Me VPN is extremely reliable and very fast which makes it a perfect choice for security oriented users who would like to enjoy uninterrupted streaming and browsing experience. Hide.Me offers incredibly convenient custom apps for all devices with a number of advanced security features for maximum protection. Hide.me is a no logs company that has custom software with a built-in protection against IP and data leaks, obfuscation tools to bypass strict firewalls, dynamic TCP/UDP port-forwarding (UPnP) and SOCKS5 proxy that is especially useful for torrenting. To read a full Hide.me review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 6.67 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 12.95 USD
ExpressVPN has one of the largest and fastest infrastructures with over 2,000 servers in 94 countries. Ultra fast ExpressVPN network supports gigabit Internet connection which makes it a perfect choice for ultra high speed streaming and torrenting. Besides, ExpressVPN aligns itself as one of the Internet’s leading advocates for net neutrality, for a democratic and open internet. Considering they have a no logs policy, accept Bitcoin and are located on the Caribbean Island, they are a great choice for privacy oriented customers who want to protect their data from surveillance, bypass censorship and access restricted materials. To read a full ExpressVPN review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 3.25 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 10 USD
IPVanish is a no logs VPN provider with a global servers infrastructure secured behind NAT Firewall. IPVanish offers native apps for desktop and mobile clients and allows 10 simultaneous connections. IPVanish servers are specifically optimized for streaming and gaming which ensures excellent download speeds and low ping times. IPvanish software protects users from unexpected data leaks and offers a number of advanced features especially useful for torrenting. To read a full IPVanish review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 2.50 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 12.99 USD
Romania based CyberGhost is a no logs VPN provider with over 3,500 high speed VPN servers. CyberGhost offers streaming servers to unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer as well as secure torrenting servers. For faster streaming and torrenting CyberGhost VPN allows switching between TCP/UDP protocols. VPN provider offers desktop and mobile apps with built-in advanced security features such as automatic kill switch, DNS & IP leaks, anti-fingerprinting and tracking protection, an ad-blocker and anti-malware. To read a full CyberGhost review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 4.49 USD/mo [promocode]
MONTHLY PRICE: 8.99 USD
Offering over 3,000 servers in 50 countries, all mainstream protocols and 5 simultaneous connections, TorGuard rightfully earned its place as a top VPN provider. No logs TorGuard offers a reliable, fast and secure VPN connection. Their SOCKS5 proxy is an excellent feature for high speed multimedia streaming and torrenting as it integrates with the main BitTorrent applications. TorGuard native apps offer advanced security features to ensure no data leaks, even when the connection drops. TorGuard’s StealthVPN protocol is an effective tool to bypass strict firewalls and VPN blocking. To read a full TorGuard review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE PRICE: 1.75 USD/mo
MONTHLY PRICE: 11.99 USD
ZenMate is a no logs privacy oriented VPN provider with a number of built-in security features for advanced protection from cybercrime and various IP leaks. ZenMate has over 1,000 ultra fast VPN servers that are great for streaming (including Netflix), torrenting and gaming since the infrastructure is optimized for low ping times and virtually eliminates lag. ZenMate Premium software for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android is lightweight, efficient and reliable – it takes about 2 seconds to disconnect from one VPN server and connect to another. ZenMate simply never disconnects! To read a full ZenMate review click HERE.
ANNUAL PRICE: 5.83 USD
MONTHLY PRICE: 10 USD
StrongVPN, a reputable company with 20 years of history, is now a no logs VPN provider offering OpenVPN, IPsec, PPTP and L2TP protocols along with OpenVPN obfuscation tools in order to bypass restrictions in countries like China, Iran, Syria. With almost 500 servers in 21 countries StrongVPN offers an impeccable speed for streaming Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Pandora, Amazon Video and many other services as well as torrenting. To read a full StrongVPN review click HERE.
Great article! OpenVPN is garbage for iPhones. I was soooo tired of never ending disconnections and battery drains! I now switched to IPsec and my god it’s a breath of fresh air. I really appreciate your recommendation.
So I have a new iphone and I used Nord app for iphone. It works like described here, no issues with servers.
Too bad most vpns don’t support ikev2 on iphone. So much better than openvpn. Highly recommended!
Yeah, not many VPN services work with IPsec so many iOS VPN apps are way to basic and useless. I’ve been searching for an app that works like Mac app and at first I couldn’t understand why iOS apps are so bad. I guess I won’t be using OpenVPN on my iPhone, thanks for clarifying what the real issue is.
VyprVPN iPhone app is superb! It’s the best iPhone VPN app on the market IMHO. It works so well, no issues with speeds, server connections, it doesn’t kill my batter in a manner of hours. Just a really good app comparing to the other VPN services I tried.
I don’t think you should be using any other protocol but OpenVPN because it’s considered the most secure open-source protocol, regardless of its implementation into iOS. I realize it’s inconvenient but I’d rather have an inconvenient VPN protocol that may not be the best for iPhone rather than IPsec. Just my $0.02.
I personally using Express VPN for my iPad and found the interface very friendly. Express VPN is very easy to install associated with high performance and extreme reliability. The security features are above par that motivated me to setup another account for Express VPN
Hi, I am looking for an iOS 9.3.3 compatible VPN that will automatically (or with automated reminder) start, based on network name, configurable by me, such that whenever networks like “insecurepublic1” or “Optimumwifi” are connected, the VPN starts up, connects and protects my wireless connection, but otherwise, for instance when my secure home or work networks are connected, shuts down and stays out of the way. I am willing to pay around $10 per month for this. I currently use Surf Easy free, and like it, but they do not support such config.
I am frequently on public WIFI, doing little more than surfing and email so mostly just want to protect WIFI—don’t need to spoof from Istanbul, stream netflix or anything else very complicated.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Thank you.
There is no VPN provider that supports what you have described. You need to either have it “on” all the time, or manually turn it on/off when you’re on a specific network. Actually, iPhone itself does not support this feature, even if there was a VPN provider willing to implement it in their software. Up until recently iPhone didn’t even allow connecting to VPN and server switching from the app interface, you had to do it from the main Settings.
Does any VPN provider offer a kill switch for iOS 9.3.3. ( iPhone6s or iPad)? It seems like the kill switch feature only works with computers (Windows, Mac) but not iOS.
Correct, kill switch is not available on mobile devices.