4 Best VPN Browsers For iPhone

Looking for browsers with built-in VPNs? They offer an effective way to enhance your digital privacy and security and unblock websites without having to leave your browser. 

However, while these browsers offer convenience and some level of protection, they might not be the ultimate solution to your online worries. 

In this guide, we will give you an overview of the best VPN browsers for iPhone users and discuss why opting for a standalone VPN service is a better choice. 

The Best VPN Browsers for iPhone

Here are the top VPN browsers on the market right now:

1. Epic Browser

Epic browser comes equipped with a VPN built-in, ensuring your digital footprint is well-concealed. Its emphasis on privacy extends to blocking ads and trackers by default, creating a clean, uninterrupted browsing environment.

One of Epic’s standout features is its “always-on” VPN, which keeps your online activities private at all times. Epic offers substantial privacy protections, but it may not provide the same level of global server access as some standalone VPN services.

The browser has a user-friendly interface, making it simple to use for beginners. However, users seeking extensive customization options or a wide range of international servers might find it more limiting than comprehensive VPN solutions.

Pros: 

• Built-in VPN ensures consistent privacy and security.
• Automatically blocks ads and trackers for a cleaner browsing experience.
• User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.

Cons:

• Limited global server access compared to standalone VPN services.
• Fewer customization options and features.

2. Brave Browser 

Brave browser is packed with an array of privacy features, making it a good choice for those keen on safeguarding their online activities. Its VPN requires a subscription but offers comprehensive protection. 

For monthly or annual fee, users enjoy enhanced device-wide security, not just on Brave or any other browser. This VPN, backed by the respected security firm Guardian, is also equipped with a firewall to block unwanted connections. 

However, users might experience occasional connection drops and the absence of a kill switch potentially risks data exposure. Additionally, the lack of a third-party audit for its no-logs policy is a major downside.

Pros:

• Offers extensive privacy features, including a subscription-based VPN.
• VPN service enhances device-wide security and includes a firewall.

Cons:

• Potential for occasional connection drops.
• Absence of a third-party audit for its no-logs policy.

Related Read: Best VPN for Brave Browser

3. Opera Browser

Opera browser boasts plenty of features, including a built-in ad-blocker, free VPN service, AI assistant, crypto wallet, and even crypto jacking protection. It also lets you customize your wallpaper to personalize your browsing experience. 

The easy-to-use design makes navigating and using the browser simple. However, Opera’s privacy practices have been a point of discussion after its acquisition by a Chinese company in 2016, raising concerns among some users. 

While Opera serves as a reliable choice for those seeking an additional security layer when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or airports, it falls short for users with more stringent privacy requirements.

Pros:

• Integrated with a free VPN, ad-blocker, crypto wallet, and more.
• Easy-to-use design, suitable for a wide range of users.

Cons: 

• Privacy concerns due to its acquisition by a Chinese company.
• Less ideal for stringent privacy needs.

4. Aloha Browser

Aloha browser stands out by offering a free, unlimited VPN service to protect your browsing activities without any cost. This is particularly useful when you want to quickly and securely access public Wi-Fi hotspots to browse Facebook, for example. 

By compressing and encrypting web traffic before transmission, Aloha claims to minimize your data consumption, especially if you are connected to your cellular network. Despite these benefits, the typical concerns with free VPNs, like potential data commoditization, remain. 

For added features and more robust security, Aloha offers a premium VPN subscription. While competitive, it is worth comparing noting that Aloha comes with fewer server locations, weaker security protocols, and an unverified no-log policy.

Pros:

• Provides a free, unlimited VPN service.
• Compresses and encrypts traffic before transmission to save data on cellular networks.

Cons:

• Free VPN raises typical concerns about data privacy and commoditization.
• Premium version has fewer server locations and weaker security protocols.

Pros of Using a VPN Browser for iPhone

Here are some advantages of using browsers with built-in VPNs:

• They encrypt your data, safeguarding it against hackers, ISPs, and surveillance, especially on public Wi-Fi.
  
• They allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content worldwide by masking your real location.
  
• They help hide your online activities, reducing tracking by websites, advertisers, and other third parties.
  
• They offer easy setup and use directly within the browser, making them ideal for those not tech-savvy.
  
• They provide the benefits of a VPN at no extra cost, eliminating the need for separate VPN subscriptions.

Cons of Using a VPN Browser for iPhone

Here are some disadvantages of using browsers with built-in VPNs: 

• They often have fewer server choices, potentially affecting speed and performance, especially in certain geographic locations.
  
• They may not offer the same privacy level as standalone services, potentially logging activities or using weaker encryption protocols.
  
• They usually struggle to avoid detection, limiting access to certain websites and streaming platforms.

• They can slow down your internet speed and increase latency, impacting overall device performance.

• They are not as reliable as dedicated VPN services, with issues like connection drops and lack of features like a kill switch.

Why Should You Use a Premium VPN Service Instead?

Choosing an independent VPN service like PureVPN offers a significant advantage in terms of privacy and security over browser-integrated VPNs. Dedicated VPNs are specifically engineered to provide robust online protection, featuring strong encryption and advanced tools to prevent DNS and IP leaks, essential for maintaining your digital anonymity.

One of the key strengths of a standalone VPN service is the extensive flexibility it offers. For example, PureVPN boasts a vast network of servers globally, providing a wide array of location options and ensuring you always have a reliable and fast connection. This expansive network is something that browser-based VPNs simply can’t compete with.

Furthermore, premium VPNs like PureVPN offer a choice of verified security protocols, including IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN, enhancing the security and performance of your connection. This level of customization and security is crucial for users who require consistent, reliable, and secure internet access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a browser with VPN on iPhone?

Yes, there are many browsers with built-in VPNs available for iPhone users. Notable examples include Opera, Aloha, Epic, and Brave, to name a few.

Are standalone VPNs better than VPN browsers?

Absolutely! Standalone VPNs are generally better than VPN browsers. They offer stronger encryption, a wider range of servers, and more comprehensive privacy features, which browsers with built-in VPNs often lack.