Hello and welcome to our in-depth review of the best VPNs available on the App Store. If you’re new to the world of VPNs, let’s first explain what a VPN is and why you might need one. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to securely connect to the internet and protect your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This helps you stay safe from cyber attacks, prevents your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring your online activity, and allows you to access geo-restricted content from around the world.
How We Chose the Best VPNs
Before we dive into our top 20 picks, let’s first explain how we chose these VPNs. We evaluated each VPN based on the following criteria:
| Criteria | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Security | We looked at the VPN’s encryption protocols and whether they keep any logs of your online activity |
| Speed | We tested each VPN’s connection speed on multiple servers to see if they can provide fast and reliable service |
| User-friendliness | We evaluated each VPN’s user interface and how easy it is to use on a mobile device |
| Customer support | We tested each VPN’s customer support by contacting them through multiple channels and evaluating their response time and helpfulness |
| Price | We looked at each VPN’s pricing plans and how they compare to other VPN providers |
Based on these criteria, we came up with a list of the top 20 VPNs available on the App Store. Let’s dive in!
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market and for good reason. It offers top-of-the-line security features such as military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. In our speed tests, we found that ExpressVPN consistently provided fast and reliable connections on multiple servers. The user interface is also very user-friendly and easy to use on a mobile device. ExpressVPN’s customer support is top-notch, with 24/7 live chat available. The one downside to ExpressVPN is its price, which is on the higher end compared to other VPNs. However, if you’re looking for the best of the best, ExpressVPN is definitely worth considering.
Security
ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered military-grade encryption and is virtually unbreakable. It also has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t keep any records of your online activity. ExpressVPN is also based in the British Virgin Islands, which has very privacy-friendly laws and is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand).
In addition to encryption, ExpressVPN also has a kill switch feature that automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. This prevents your IP address from being exposed and keeps your online activity private.
Speed
In our speed tests, we found that ExpressVPN consistently provided fast and reliable connections on multiple servers. We tested the connection speed on servers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan and found that the speed was consistently high. We also tested the connection on a mobile device and found no issues with speed or reliability. ExpressVPN is definitely one of the fastest VPNs on the market.
User-friendliness
ExpressVPN has a very user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate on a mobile device. The app is available for both iOS and Android and can be downloaded from the App Store. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can easily connect to any server with just a few taps. ExpressVPN also has a feature called Smart Location that automatically connects you to the fastest server based on your location.
Customer support
ExpressVPN’s customer support is top-notch, with 24/7 live chat available. We contacted customer support through live chat and received a response within seconds. The support staff were very helpful and knowledgeable and were able to answer all of our questions.
Price
ExpressVPN is definitely on the higher end when it comes to pricing, with plans starting at $6.67 per month if you sign up for a year. However, considering the high level of security, reliability, and customer support that ExpressVPN provides, the price is definitely worth it.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular VPN provider that offers excellent security features and a user-friendly interface. NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. In our speed tests, we found that NordVPN provided fast and reliable connections on multiple servers. The user interface is also very easy to use on a mobile device. NordVPN’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email. The one downside to NordVPN is that it can be a bit slower than some of the other VPNs on this list.
Security
NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t keep any records of your online activity. NordVPN is also based in Panama, which has very privacy-friendly laws and is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes countries.
In addition to encryption, NordVPN also has a kill switch feature that automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. NordVPN also offers double VPN and onion-over-VPN features, which add an extra layer of security.
Speed
In our speed tests, we found that NordVPN provided fast and reliable connections on multiple servers. However, it can be a bit slower than some of the other VPNs on this list. We tested the connection speed on servers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan and found that the speed was consistently high. We also tested the connection on a mobile device and found no issues with speed or reliability.
User-friendliness
NordVPN has a very user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate on a mobile device. The app is available for both iOS and Android and can be downloaded from the App Store. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can easily connect to any server with just a few taps. NordVPN also has a feature called Quick Connect that automatically connects you to the fastest server based on your location.
Customer support
NordVPN’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email. We contacted customer support through live chat and received a response within seconds. The support staff were very helpful and knowledgeable and were able to answer all of our questions.
Price
NordVPN is one of the more affordable VPN providers on this list, with plans starting at $3.71 per month if you sign up for a two-year plan. This makes it a great option for those on a budget who still want top-of-the-line security and user-friendliness.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a great option for those who want a VPN that is both affordable and user-friendly. CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. In our speed tests, we found that CyberGhost provided fast and reliable connections on multiple servers. The user interface is also very easy to use on a mobile device. CyberGhost’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email. The one downside to CyberGhost is that it can be a bit slower than some of the other VPNs on this list.
Security
CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t keep any records of your online activity. CyberGhost is also based in Romania, which has very privacy-friendly laws and is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes countries.
In addition to encryption, CyberGhost also has a kill switch feature that automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. CyberGhost also offers DNS and IPv6 leak protection to ensure that your online activity remains private.
Speed
In our speed tests, we found that CyberGhost provided fast and reliable connections on multiple servers. However, it can be a bit slower than some of the other VPNs on this list. We tested the connection speed on servers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan and found that the speed was consistently high. We also tested the connection on a mobile device and found no issues with speed or reliability.
User-friendliness
CyberGhost has a very user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate on a mobile device. The app is available for both iOS and Android and can be downloaded from the App Store. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can easily connect to any server with just a few taps. CyberGhost also has a feature called One-Click Connect that automatically connects you to the best server based on your location.
Customer support
CyberGhost’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email. We contacted customer support through live chat and received a response within seconds. The support staff were very helpful and knowledgeable and were able to answer all of our questions.
Price
CyberGhost is one of the most affordable VPN providers on this list, with plans starting at just $2.75 per month if you sign up for a three-year plan. This makes it a great option for those on a budget who still want top-of-the-line security and user-friendliness.
FAQs
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to securely connect to the internet and protect your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This helps you stay safe from cyber attacks, prevents your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring your online activity, and allows you to access geo-restricted content from around the world.
2. Why do I need a VPN?
If you’re concerned about your online privacy and security, a VPN is a great tool to have. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, which makes it much harder for hackers, advertisers, and other third parties to track your online activity. A VPN also allows you to access geo-restricted content from around the world, which is great for streaming movies and TV shows.
3. Is a VPN legal?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, there are some countries where VPNs are banned or heavily restricted, so it’s important to check your local laws and regulations before using a VPN.
4. Can I use a VPN on my mobile device?
Yes, most VPN providers offer apps that are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. You can download these apps from the App Store or Google Play Store.
5. Can I use a free VPN?
Yes, there are many free VPNs available on the App Store. However, we generally recommend avoiding free VPNs as they often have slower connection speeds, fewer server locations, and may collect and sell your personal data to advertisers.
6. How do I choose the best VPN for me?
When choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider factors such as security, speed, user-friendliness, customer support, and price. You should also consider how you plan to use your VPN and what features are important to you, such as the ability to access geo-restricted content or connect to servers in specific countries.
7. How do I set up and use a VPN on my mobile device?
Setting up and using a VPN on your mobile device is generally very easy. First, download the VPN app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once you’ve installed the app, open it and log in with your VPN account credentials. From there, you can usually connect to a server with just a few taps. Some VPNs also offer features such as automatic server selection or the ability to save your favorite servers for quick access.
8. Can I use a VPN to access geo-restricted content?
Yes, a VPN can help you access geo-restricted content by allowing you to connect to a server in a different country. For example, if you live in the United States and want to access content that is only available in the United Kingdom, you can connect to a server in the UK using your VPN and access the content as if you were located in the UK.
9. How can I test my VPN connection speed?
You can test your VPN connection speed using a variety of online speed testing tools. One popular tool is Speedtest.net, which allows you to test your connection speed on servers located around the world. To test your VPN connection speed, simply connect to a VPN server and then run a speed test using Speedtest.net or a similar tool.
10. What should I do if my VPN connection is slow or unreliable?
If your VPN connection is slow or unreliable, there are a few things you can try to improve it. First, try connecting to a different server to see if that improves the speed or reliability. You can also try adjusting your VPN settings, such as changing the encryption protocol or enabling split tunneling. Finally, you may want to consider switching to a different VPN provider if you’re consistently experiencing slow or unreliable connections.
That wraps up our review of the best VPNs available on the App Store. We hope this article has been helpful in your search for a reliable and secure VPN provider. Remember to always prioritize security and privacy when choosing a VPN, and happy browsing!