So I’d like to choose NordVPN, but I heard IKEv2 is the best choice for iOS and Nord has apparently stopped supporting it. Is their NordLynx protocol better than IKEv2?
I’ve been using NordVPN on my iPhone 15 Pro for a few months now, and I can confirm NordLynx makes a huge difference in speed. I ran multiple tests while traveling between New York and London, and here’s what I found:
- On Wi-Fi, I got around 750-800 Mbps when connected to a nearby server (UK, Germany).
- On mobile data (5G), speeds were around 500-600 Mbps, which is faster than most home connections.
- Streaming Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu worked perfectly. I never had buffering issues, even when watching in 4K.
Another underrated feature is Threat Protection Lite. It actually blocks a lot of ad trackers when browsing on Safari. Not a full ad blocker, but definitely helps with privacy. If you want the fastest and most reliable VPN for iPhone, NordVPN is by far one of the best.
The biggest reason I stick with Surfshark is unlimited devices. I’ve got it running on my iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and even my smart TV, and the performance has been rock solid. A lot of VPNs limit you to 5-10 devices, but with Surfshark, I’ve even shared my account with family, and it still works flawlessly.
I travel a lot, and one thing I noticed is how aggressive ads can be in some regions when you browse on mobile. Surfshark’s CleanWeb has been a lifesaver for blocking those auto-playing video ads and sketchy pop-ups on random hotel Wi-Fi. Makes mobile browsing feel way smoother.
I tried ProtonVPN before switching to NordVPN, and while Proton’s VPN Accelerator helped on long-distance servers, I still got better speeds overall with Nord, especially using NordLynx. If you’re traveling a lot and need a VPN that won’t slow you down, NordVPN is a safer bet.
I’ve been using NordVPN on my iPhone for quite some time now, and I gotta say, the NordLynx protocol makes a huge difference in speed. I used to have issues with buffering when streaming on the go, but with NordLynx, my connection feels almost as fast as when I’m not using a VPN. Plus, Threat Protection Lite is a nice touch - it blocks so many annoying pop-ups when I browse
If you like Apple’s iCloud Private Relay but want a full-fledged VPN, Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop is worth looking into. It lets you route your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, but unlike standard multi-hop, Surfshark lets you choose the locations yourself. Pretty useful if you want an extra layer of privacy without relying on Apple’s limited service.
I’ve cycled through a bunch of VPNs on my iPhone, and NordVPN consistently gave me the smoothest experience. Their iOS app rarely disconnects, which was a huge plus for me since I hate having to toggle the VPN on and off. I also like how Threat Protection Lite automatically blocked some sketchy trackers when I was using public WiFi.
Surfshark is a close second in my book, especially if you plan on sharing your subscription with friends or multiple devices (the unlimited connections are legit). Speeds were mostly good, although I did notice minor slowdowns on crowded servers during peak hours. Still, at that price, it’s hard to complain.
ExpressVPN’s a classic, but I totally feel you on Lightway not matching WireGuard speeds. I used it on my iPhone during a trip, and while it was okay for daily browsing, I found NordVPN’s NordLynx to be quicker overall. Granted, ExpressVPN’s UI is super intuitive, so if you value simplicity above all else, it’s still a good choice.
CyberGhost’s specialized servers are a neat concept, but I had performance issues when trying to stream live sports overseas. Even with the recommended server, it buffered more than I’d like. I also found their iOS app a bit slower to connect compared to Nord’s near-instant connections.
If you want something else to test, Mullvad is an option - very privacy-focused, though it lacks some bells and whistles like dedicated streaming servers. Between your shortlisted options, though, NordVPN or Surfshark really stand out for iPhone. They’re user-friendly, fast, and consistent for unblocking content on the go.
Surfshark runs great on my iPhone and uses the advanced WireGuard protocol. I love that it has RAM servers that periodically reset, as this means that my privacy won’t be compromised. The company also follows a strict no-logs policy and is based in the Netherlands, which is one of the best EU jurisdictions.
I tried CyberGhost a while back, but wasn’t a big fan of it. I have to vote for NordVPN or maybe something like Surfshark or ProtonVPN.
All good options if you’re on iPhone. I think if you want the best, you can’t go wrong with NordVPN or even ExpressVPN. Most of these should work just fine on an iPhone and some may even have apps made specifically for iOS.
Nice, I didn’t know there was a 30 day trial option. I wish it was without any payment, but oh well. Thanks for sharing, I’ll give it a shot.
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know this was available.
Yeah, haven’t seen anything like it on any other VPN. Nord will stand out even more once their new NordWhisper protocol rolls out.
I think the best VPN for iPhone would probably be NordVPN. It has a huge server network, an amazing iOS app available via the Apple Store, and the best speeds in the industry. It’s also a leading VPN in other areas, aside from using the VPN on iPhone, from everything I’ve seen. I was also looking at Express, but I don’t see how I could justify the price when their are other premium VPNs on the market now for $3 or less.
Agree on NordVPN. I’m testing it out with the 30 day trial now and it’s faster than any of the other VPNs I’ve tried. I’m about 99% sure I’ll stick with it and keep the 2-year subscription.
I had a friend mention Mulled to me and they didn’t enjoy it.