In an effort to be at the edge of tech innovation, every year Apple introduces new hardware and software. It does this while also seeking to maintain its reputation of developing incredibly secure devices with features like Private Relay.
Introduced back in 2021, one would be forgiven for assuming this is Apple's very own version of a VPN. However that is not really the case, with a number of key limitations that make the need for third party iPhone VPNstill necessary in order to optimize your device.
Read on as we explain why Private Relay is not a built-in VPN for your iPhone, the differences between the two, and what the best VPN for the job looks like in order to protect your Apple smartphone.
Private Relay vs VPN: how do they differ?
The first thing to note is that just because you have an iPhone doesn't mean you automatically get the Private Relay feature. It comes with iCloud+ accounts - this is anyone that's paying for additional cloud storage. Already, in that sense, it's not a 'built-in' service.
Secondly, Private Relay is not a VPN, though it does offer some security and privacy perks - they're just not anywhere near as extensive as a fully fledged VPN.
Able to conceal a users IP address, Private Relay only protects traffic with Apple's own web browser, Safari, and apps with insecure connections (HTTP as opposed to HTTPS). For anyone opting to use Chrome or another browser on an iPhone won't be protected.
While Private Relay automatically chooses two random servers to connect to and prevent any digital path from being tied to you and your device, it loses out on the ability to select a specific country like a VPN.
Geo-spoofing allows you to access otherwise restricted content online and is one of the main reasons why (beyond boosted security) you'll want a VPN for your iPhone.
What can an iPhone VPN do?
Each VPN provider has its own sets of strengths and weaknesses, but all the top services we recommend for iPhone offer far more benefits than the Private Relay feature. For example, a good VPN:
- Conceals your IP address
- Encrypts incoming and outgoing traffic
- Boasts additional features to bolster security and privacy such as NordVPN's Double VPN
- Prevents bandwidth throttling from your Internet Service Provider
- Unblocks geo-restricted online content
- Gets American Netflix so you can watch US exclusives like 30 Rock
- Overseas? Watch UK TV abroad or stream other region-specific content wherever you are
Unlike Private Relay, a VPN will also provide you better online anonymity no matter whether the website or app uses HTTP or HTTPS.
So...is there a built-in VPN on your iPhone?
The short answer: no. The iPhone doesn't come with its own built-in VPN and Private Relay certainly isn't an answer to that. It's worth noting nor do any of Apple's other devices. Much like on an iPhone, you'll need a third party Mac VPN or iPad VPN which you can install from the App Store - though we always recommend signing up directly through a provider's website to get the best VPN deal.
What are the best VPNs for iPhone users?
Our top three VPN services to recommend for iPhone users are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. We deemed these providers to have the best interface on iPhone, assimilating well into iOS and providing an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user experience. In line with Apple's reputation for providing a clean and striking aesthetic, all three providers also tick off other key areas.
They maintain speedy performance across basic online browsing, gaming, and streaming, with all three securing above average speeds in our last round of testing. In fact, NordVPN maintained its track record of being one of the most reliable and fastest VPN with peaks of 730-760Mbps. Surfshark wasn't far behind at 720-790Mbps. ExpressVPN, while a touch slower, still soars at 420-630Mbps averages, all three sets of results of which are more than adequate for the average user.
As well as an abundance of security features including Double VPN, split-tunneling, kill switches, and strong encryption, all three also are able to open the doors to all the most popular streaming services. These include BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus. All three also find their way onto our best Netflix VPN guide, too.
- Get the best deal on your new mobile with today's best iPhone deals
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
Alice Marshall
eCommerce Editor
Alice is eCommerce Editor at Future with a focus on streaming services, such as Disney Plus and HBO Max, and VPN. She predominantly writes buying and streaming service guides, as well as how to watch articles. Previously a Commercial Content Writer at Trusted Reviews, Alice has five years experience giving online buying advice, and over two years writing about consumer tech.
More about vpn
Latest
Most Popular
By Chiara Castro
By Nate Drake
By Nate Drake
By Nate Drake
By Chiara Castro
By Chiara Castro
By Chiara Castro
By Chiara Castro
By Chiara Castro
By Chiara Castro
By Chiara Castro
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights and assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide explanations, and engage in discussions. If you have any questions or need information, feel free to ask!
Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.
Private Relay vs VPN: How do they differ?
Private Relay is a feature introduced by Apple in 2021. While it offers some security and privacy perks, it is not a built-in VPN for your iPhone. There are several key differences between Private Relay and a fully-fledged VPN:
- Availability: Private Relay is only available to iCloud+ accounts, which are users paying for additional cloud storage. It is not a built-in service for all iPhone users.
- Protection: Private Relay can conceal a user's IP address and protect traffic with Apple's own web browser, Safari, and apps with insecure connections (HTTP). However, it does not protect traffic when using other browsers like Chrome.
- Server Selection: Private Relay automatically chooses two random servers to connect to, preventing the digital path from being tied to the user and their device. However, it does not allow users to select a specific country like a VPN does for geo-spoofing.
What can an iPhone VPN do?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) offers more benefits than the Private Relay feature. Here are some advantages of using a VPN on your iPhone:
- IP Address Concealment: A VPN conceals your IP address, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your location and online activities.
- Traffic Encryption: A VPN encrypts incoming and outgoing traffic, ensuring that your data is secure and protected from potential eavesdropping or hacking attempts.
- Enhanced Security and Privacy: VPNs often provide additional features to bolster security and privacy, such as double VPN (encrypting traffic through multiple servers), kill switches (automatically disconnecting from the internet if the VPN connection drops), and strong encryption protocols.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted content by masking your location and making it appear as if you are browsing from a different country. This can be useful for accessing region-specific streaming services or websites.
- Preventing Bandwidth Throttling: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) throttle or limit bandwidth for certain activities. Using a VPN can help bypass these restrictions and maintain faster internet speeds.
- Better Online Anonymity: Unlike Private Relay, a VPN provides better online anonymity regardless of whether the website or app uses HTTP or HTTPS.
Is there a built-in VPN on your iPhone?
No, the iPhone does not come with its own built-in VPN. Private Relay is not a substitute for a VPN either. If you want to use a VPN on your iPhone, you will need to install a third-party VPN app from the App Store. It is recommended to sign up directly through a VPN provider's website to get the best VPN deal.
Best VPNs for iPhone users
Some of the top VPN services recommended for iPhone users are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These providers offer user-friendly interfaces that integrate well with iOS, providing an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user experience. They also offer the following features:
- Speed and Performance: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark maintain speedy performance across basic online browsing, gaming, and streaming. They have above-average speeds, making them suitable for most users.
- Security Features: These VPNs offer an abundance of security features, including double VPN (encrypting traffic through multiple servers), split-tunneling (allowing you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN), kill switches (automatically disconnecting from the internet if the VPN connection drops), and strong encryption protocols.
- Streaming Compatibility: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark can unblock popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Netflix, allowing you to access region-specific content.
- User Experience: These VPNs provide a clean and striking aesthetic that aligns with Apple's reputation for providing a visually appealing user experience.
Please note that the availability and performance of VPN services may vary based on your location and internet connection.
I hope this information clarifies the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
