Using a free VPN on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can get you out of more than one tight spot : connecting with more privacy on public Wi-Fi, bypassing a temporary block, or checking out content from another country. However, if you've searched on Google, you'll have seen that the options are huge and not all are equally secure or honest with your data. If you're looking for alternatives, check out these 4 best free VPNs for iPhone.
This article provides a comprehensive and straightforward guide to the best free VPNs that work within the Apple ecosystem, their actual limitations, the risks involved, and when it's worth upgrading to a paid VPN with a free trial or money-back guarantee. You'll find specific alternatives for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, tips for using them without surprises, and several important privacy warnings. For more information, check out our guide to the best free VPN programs for Mac.
What is a VPN really and why would you want one on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates an encrypted "tunnel" between your device and a remote server . In practice, everything that leaves your iPhone, iPad, or Mac travels encrypted to that server, and from there it is forwarded to the website or app you are using.
The basic operating principle is simple, although there's a lot of engineering behind it : your device encrypts the data and sends it to the VPN server; the server decrypts it and contacts the destination website; the response returns to the server, is encrypted again, and is sent back to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. What the destination website sees is the VPN server's IP address, not yours.
This system offers several significant advantages on Apple devices : it hides your real IP address, makes it much harder to track you, protects your credentials on open Wi-Fi networks, and allows you to simulate being in another country to access websites or streaming services that are blocked or censored in your region. You can also read about its advantages on iPhone.
Important: Your traffic is no longer visible to your internet service provider or public Wi-Fi, but it becomes visible to the VPN company . If that company doesn't encrypt properly, keeps logs, or decides to sell them, you could go from being "more secure" to being worse off than before. Real-world cases demonstrate how free VPNs put privacy at risk . That's why you need to choose wisely and avoid the typical unknown app that promises a free VPN without explaining anything further.
Advantages and risks of free VPNs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Free VPNs make sense for very specific uses : connecting more securely at an airport, reading a website blocked in your country, or doing a couple of searches without spending a penny. Many are scaled-down versions of fairly reputable paid services, and that works in your favor.
The big problem is that nothing is truly free . Maintaining a server network costs money, and if you don't pay, someone else will with their data. There are documented cases of free VPNs storing browsing histories and reselling them to third parties to create user profiles. Others overload your connection with ads or insert advertising directly into the pages you visit. As an alternative for browsing on iPhones, Apple offers solutions like iCloud Private Relay.
The most common limitations of a free VPN you install on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac are threefold : a maximum monthly data allowance (500 MB, 2 GB, 10 GB, etc.), a capped speed that makes the paid version seem like paradise, and a minimum number of countries or servers you can connect to. Many also don't allow P2P, intensive streaming, or multiple simultaneous connections.
Another sensitive issue is actual privacy . Some services claim to "not store anything," but their privacy policies clearly state that they do log IP addresses, connection times, and the server you use. This data, combined, reveals a lot about you. The recommendation is clear: always look for VPNs whose primary business model is paid subscriptions, that have audited no-logs policies, and a scandal-free track record.
With all this in mind, a good free VPN can be a useful tool, but it shouldn't be your primary security layer for online banking, sensitive data, or continuous use . For that, serious premium services (especially if you try them with a money-back guarantee) are several steps ahead.
Free VPNs for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that are worth it
Within the vast sea of apps that appear when you search for "free VPN" in the App Store, a few stand out because they are the free versions of reputable paid services . They often limit data, speed, or location access, but in return, they take much better care of privacy than the typical opaque apps of dubious origin.
ProtonVPN Free: Unlimited data, but with capped speed
ProtonVPN is one of the most respected names in the privacy world , created by the same team behind Proton Mail, the popular encrypted email service. It's headquartered in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws, and its no-logs policy has been audited by third-party firms such as SEC Consult.
The free version of ProtonVPN has a huge advantage: it doesn't impose any data or bandwidth limits per month . You can keep the VPN active on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac for as many hours as you want without worrying about running out of data halfway through the month. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP and DNS leak protection, and on iOS/iPadOS/macOS, it's compatible with the WireGuard protocol, which significantly improves efficiency.
The downside lies in the other restrictions : it only allows one device to connect at a time, limits you to three server locations (United States, Netherlands, and Japan), and reserves its best nodes and extra features (NetShield, Secure Core, priority support) for paid plans. Furthermore, the speed on the free plan is usually significantly lower because they prioritize paying customers.
What ProtonVPN Free is good for : general browsing with good security on your iPhone/iPad/Mac, reading content, avoiding basic tracking and protecting yourself on public networks, as long as you don't need maximum speed or to unblock Netflix, Disney+ or other streaming platforms.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreTunnelBear: a very polished interface, but only 500 MB per month
TunnelBear is one of the oldest and most highly regarded free VPNs among iOS and macOS users . The company belongs to McAfee, a true classic in the security world, and its app is visually appealing: an interactive map, animations, and a design that makes connecting to a server as simple as tapping on the desired country.
On the plus side, even the free plan lets you use its more than 500 servers in around 30 locations . Registration requires minimal personal information, and the app integrates interesting features like VigilantBear (a kill switch that cuts the connection if the VPN drops) and GhostBear, which disguises traffic to bypass filters and censorship in countries with aggressive blocking.
TunnelBear Free's biggest drawback is its ridiculous data limit: only 500 MB per month . With that, you can check your email, read a few pages, and little else. It's useless for streaming or heavy use. Speeds aren't great either, and customer service, especially for the free version, is quite slow to respond.
What TunnelBear is good for : Ultra-short-term use on your iPhone or iPad when you need to connect from another country, look up basic information while traveling, or test how a VPN works without any hassle. For those who want something nice, easy, and for occasional use.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreHide.me: a good balance between security and 10 GB free
Hide.me is another VPN widely available on all platforms, including the App Store and macOS . It advertises itself as a no-logs service, with both free and paid versions, and offers apps with fairly comprehensive security features.
The free plan offers 10 GB of data per month, which is more than most free alternatives . It includes 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and compatibility with protocols like OpenVPN. Furthermore, it boasts a privacy policy reviewed by VTI, adding an extra layer of trust.
Among its drawbacks there are several : the free version only lets you choose between a handful of locations (Netherlands, Canada, Germany and a few others), it doesn't allow streaming or P2P downloads, and if you exceed 10 GB per month, you can continue connecting but with a significant drop in speed.
What Hide.me Free is good for : for those who prioritize security and a minimum of 24/7 technical support, and will use the VPN on iPhone, iPad or Mac for moderate browsing, without intensive streaming or torrents.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreWindscribe: Up to 10 GB free and a good focus on privacy
Windscribe has a bad reputation because it's based in Canada (the "Five Eyes" country), but its registration policy is quite respectful and, in practice, it stores less user data than many alternatives located in supposedly more "friendly" countries. Its app is available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, with a very simple interface.
The free version starts with 5 GB/month, but you can upgrade to 10 GB by creating an account and verifying your email . It allows you to choose from multiple storage locations, includes 256-bit encryption, WireGuard support, an ad blocker, and a firewall. Interestingly, you can also use it without an account with 5 GB, which is ideal if you want more anonymity on your Mac or iPhone.
Clear limitations : data runs out quickly if you're not careful, it's not a good option for streaming because it doesn't consistently unblock Netflix or other major platforms, and support isn't exactly exemplary. It also doesn't offer unlimited simultaneous connections on the free plan.
What Windscribe Free is good for : lightweight browsing with slightly more data allowance than other services, testing WireGuard on your Apple devices, and protecting occasional sessions with a good level of encryption.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreSpeedify: 2 GB per month and a focus on stability
Speedify is a lesser-known VPN, but it has been offering a mix of paid and free plans for years . Its app is available for both iOS and macOS, and its strength lies in managing multiple connection links to improve stability (for example, combining Wi-Fi and mobile data).
The free plan gives you 2 GB of data per month and a connection for a single device . In return, it promises not to log your browsing traffic, includes robust encryption, servers distributed worldwide, and specific streaming modes to minimize interruptions and buffering.
The big "but" is twofold : firstly, the speed is noticeably slower than the paid plan and other premium services, and secondly, the 2 GB monthly allowance is only sufficient for very specific uses. It's fine for a session here and there, but not for constantly relying on Speedify on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
What Speedify Free is good for : occasional connections where stability is important (short video calls, some light streaming) and as a way to test the service before considering a paid plan.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreHotspot Shield Free: very limited use and privacy concerns
Hotspot Shield was for years the go-to free VPN on many lists , thanks to its simplicity and availability on almost every platform. It uses its own protocol called Hydra to optimize speed, and the app is incredibly easy to use on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The free plan offers 500 MB of data per day, which doesn't roll over . This may be sufficient for very light tasks, and the speed is usually acceptable. However, it only allows you to connect to a server in the United States and is not reliable for unblocking Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming platforms.
The worrying aspect lies in the area of privacy . Hotspot Shield belongs to the Aura conglomerate, and its data policy admits that it records information such as your IP address, DNS requests, and other metadata. This amount of information, in the hands of a US-based company, is hardly ideal for someone seeking anonymity.
Hotspot Shield Free is good for : if you only want to encrypt some of your traffic occasionally on public Wi-Fi and aren't obsessed with extreme privacy. For anything serious, there are much more robust options.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreOpera VPN: the built-in browser option
More than a standalone app, Opera's VPN is integrated into its own browser , which is also available for iOS and Mac. Activating it is as simple as going to the browser settings and turning on the VPN switch.
Its main advantage is that it doesn't explicitly limit data or speed , and you don't need to register beforehand. Opera automatically chooses the location it considers most optimal, although it does allow you to select from a few regions. It works well for hiding your IP address during basic browsing and preventing tracking within the browser itself.
The downside is that it only protects traffic passing through Opera . The rest of the apps on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac (Mail, streaming clients, other apps) will continue to use your "normal" connection, without the VPN's encrypted tunnel. Furthermore, Opera isn't as transparent about logging as the major premium VPNs. If you need the VPN to operate at the system level on your Mac, see how to remove network restrictions on a Mac.
What is Opera's VPN good for ? For those who already use this browser and want an extra layer of privacy while browsing the web without too much hassle or installing anything else.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreOther free options to keep on your radar
In addition to the above, there are some names that appear frequently in mobile recommendations and that you can also use on Apple devices :
- NoLog VPNIt promises not to store logs and does not ask for an account; it is extremely simple but with little public information about its infrastructure.
- Free VPN ProxyIt boasts about 50 countries with no data or speed limits, but offers hardly any details about how it handles your data, so you have to take it with a grain of salt.
- Services provided by third partiesFor example, Google even offered a VPN to certain Pixel users. These are very specific cases and don't always apply to Apple, but they illustrate that some large companies "give away" VPNs linked to their devices or services.
With these types of opaque VPNs, the recommendation is to exercise extreme caution : use them only for non-sensitive matters and, if they don't clearly explain their privacy policy, it's best to opt for audited options.
Premium VPN that you can use "free" for a while on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
If you want maximum privacy, good speed, and serious streaming unblocking, completely free VPNs fall far short . The smart alternative is to take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees from premium services and use them temporarily at no real cost.
ExpressVPN: Maximum speed and carefully protected privacy
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest and most comprehensive VPNs on the market . In tests connecting from an iPhone to nearby servers, the speed loss is around 2%, practically imperceptible. Even when switching between servers on different continents, the connection remains smooth, which is crucial for streaming and cloud gaming.
Its proprietary Lightway protocol is part of the trick : it connects to the server much faster than OpenVPN and handles network outages or changes better. The network of over 3.000 servers in some 105 countries, with many nodes in Spain and Latin America, ensures you always have a fast option nearby.
In terms of content unlocking, ExpressVPN is one of the few that unlocks virtually everything : Netflix catalogs from various countries, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Prime Video, and a multitude of TV channels. On iPad and Mac, this is pure gold for watching series or sports without geographical restrictions.
In terms of security, the app uses AES-256-GCM or ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption, depending on the hardware . All of its more than 13.000 servers use RAM instead of disk, which means that, by design, long-term data storage is not possible. Its no-logs policy has been audited by PwC and KPMG, and it offers two types of kill switches to block traffic if the VPN goes down.
How to use ExpressVPN "for free" : It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You sign up, use it to its full potential on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and if within that period you don't want to continue, you request a refund via chat and get your money back. Technically, you've enjoyed a month of high-end VPN at no final cost.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreCyberGhost: Up to 45 days to thoroughly test it
CyberGhost combines a massive server network with good speed and a very competitive price . It has over 10.000 servers in more than 100 countries, many of them optimized for specific streaming services or P2P, making it easy to choose the best node from your iPad or Mac.
In terms of security, it's well-equipped : 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, WireGuard compatibility, and NoSpy servers, which add an extra layer of protection as they are managed directly by the provider in top-of-the-line security facilities. Their no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte, and they publish regular transparency reports.
For iPad and Mac, CyberGhost is a great option if streaming is your priority , as it typically works very well with Netflix and other platforms, with servers labeled according to the service. It also supports up to 7 devices simultaneously, allowing you to easily cover your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices.
How to use CyberGhost for virtually no cost : Their long-term plans offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, more generous than average. You subscribe, try it out thoroughly, and if you're not satisfied, you can request a refund within the specified period. The monthly plan only offers 14 days, so to truly experience it for free, it's worth choosing the longer plan.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreNordVPN: Top-tier security and high performance
NordVPN has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most secure and well-rounded VPNs . It offers over 5.500 servers spread across approximately 60 countries, with speeds very close to ExpressVPN and a network optimized for streaming, cloud gaming, and downloading.
Its greatest strength lies in security : it uses 256-bit encryption, a reliable kill switch, threat protection against malware and trackers, Double VPN servers that chain two tunnels to increase anonymity, and its own NordLynx protocol, a meticulously crafted implementation of WireGuard. Its no-logs policy has also been audited by PwC.
For Apple users, NordVPN offers a highly polished ecosystem : intuitive apps for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, support for up to six devices simultaneously, and advanced features without complicating the interface. It's a solid choice if you want something for everyday use, not just a temporary fix.
How to use NordVPN "free" for a few days : Just like ExpressVPN, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You sign up, use it without limits for that time on all your Apple devices, and if you're not satisfied, you can request a refund within the deadline.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreSurfshark: unlimited connections at a great price
Surfshark stands out for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription , which is perfect if you have multiple iPhones, iPads, a Mac, an Apple TV, and other gadgets at home. It offers over 3.200 servers in around 100 countries and very solid performance for the price.
Technically, it's well-equipped : it supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, includes ad and malware blocking, extra features like "bypass" to choose which apps use the VPN, and an effective kill switch. On iOS and macOS, the app is clear and fast, without complicated menus.
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on select devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee , so you can combine both to try it out risk-free. If you're looking for something very affordable, with good performance, and the ability to protect all your devices simultaneously, it's a serious contender.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreCommon uses of a VPN in the Apple ecosystem
In practice, most iPhone, iPad, and Mac users use VPNs for four main things :
- Privacy and security on public networksConnecting to Wi-Fi at the airport, hotel, or cafe with the VPN active greatly reduces the chances of someone "listening" to your traffic or stealing passwords.
- Avoid tracking and hyper-personalized advertisingBy hiding your IP address and encrypting traffic, you make it harder for third parties to track you and profile you for advertising purposes.
- Access blocked or censored content: both news websites and streaming platforms that only work from certain regions; with a VPN you can simulate that you are in another country.
- Bypass app or service restrictionsIn some places, apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Google, or social networks are blocked; with a quality VPN, it's easier to continue accessing them.
Setting up most of these apps on iOS or macOS is very simple : install the app from the App Store, accept the VPN profile installation when prompted, choose a server, and you're done. From then on, simply activate or deactivate the connection from within the app itself or from your system's VPN settings.
Legal aspects and safe use recommendations
In Spain, using a VPN is completely legal . What might be illegal is what you do afterward (for example, downloading copyrighted content from pirate websites or using unauthorized gambling services), but simply connecting via a VPN doesn't pose any legal problems.
The blocking of certain websites is usually imposed by your internet service provider or by court order . A VPN may still allow you access, but that doesn't change the legality of your activity on those sites. It's important to be aware of this to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
In countries with heavy censorship or very restrictive VPN legislation, the situation changes drastically . If you're traveling to one of these territories, research the options thoroughly beforehand and, if necessary, install and configure your VPN before arriving, because in some cases even downloading is blocked.
Whatever VPN you choose, there are some basic security recommendations worth following : don't enter bank details or perform any highly sensitive transactions through opaque free services, change the password for any sensitive service after using a VPN you don't know well, and avoid using VPN apps from developers without clear information or verified reviews.
A good approach is to use a reputable free VPN for occasional use on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and reserve a reliable paid VPN for continuous use . This way, you get the best of both worlds: you save money when it makes sense, but your important data always travels with the highest possible protection.
