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
Introduction
As an expert in technology and Apple products, I can provide you with information about the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge of Apple's hardware and software innovations, as well as their commitment to device security and privacy. I will explain the differences between Apple's Private Relay and a VPN, and recommend some of the best VPNs for iPhone users.
Private Relay vs VPN: How do they differ?
Private Relay is a feature introduced by Apple in 2021, but it is not a built-in VPN for your iPhone. While it offers some security and privacy benefits, it has key limitations that make the need for a third-party VPN necessary to fully optimize your device.
Private Relay is only available to iCloud+ accounts, which are users paying for additional cloud storage. It is not automatically included for all iPhone users. Additionally, Private Relay only protects traffic with Apple's own web browser, Safari, and apps with insecure connections (HTTP instead of HTTPS). If you use Chrome or another browser on your iPhone, Private Relay won't protect your traffic.
Unlike a VPN, Private Relay does not allow you to select a specific country. This means you cannot use geo-spoofing to access restricted content online, which is one of the main reasons why people use VPNs on their iPhones.
What can an iPhone VPN do?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) offers more benefits than Private Relay. Here are some of the things a good VPN can do:
-
Conceal your IP address: A VPN masks your IP address, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your location and online activities.
-
Encrypt incoming and outgoing traffic: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring that your data is secure and protected from potential eavesdroppers.
-
Boast additional security and privacy features: Many VPNs offer additional features like double VPN, split-tunneling, and kill switches to enhance your online security and privacy.
-
Prevent bandwidth throttling: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) throttle internet speeds for certain activities. A VPN can help bypass this throttling and maintain consistent speeds.
-
Unblock geo-restricted content: A VPN allows you to access region-specific content by masking your location and making it appear as if you are browsing from a different country.
-
Access streaming services: VPNs can help you bypass geographical restrictions imposed by streaming services like Netflix, allowing you to access content that may not be available in your region.
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. 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 deal.
Best VPNs for iPhone users
Based on our expertise and user reviews, the top three VPN services recommended for iPhone users are:
-
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly interface that integrates well with iOS. It provides fast and reliable performance, strong encryption, and a wide range of server locations. It also works well with popular streaming services.
-
NordVPN: NordVPN is known for its excellent security features, including double VPN and strong encryption. It offers fast speeds and a large network of servers worldwide. NordVPN is also capable of unblocking popular streaming platforms.
-
Surfshark: Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN option that doesn't compromise on features. It offers strong security, unlimited simultaneous connections, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services.
These VPNs have been tested for their performance, security, and compatibility with iOS devices. They provide a seamless and secure browsing experience on your iPhone.
In conclusion, while Apple's Private Relay offers some security and privacy benefits, it is not a built-in VPN for your iPhone. To fully optimize your device and enjoy the benefits of a VPN, it is recommended to use a third-party VPN app. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are among the top VPN services for iPhone users, offering a combination of security, speed, and compatibility with iOS.
