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NordVPN is the strongest all-round pick in Gizmodo’s 2026 iPhone test, where it had the smallest reported speed loss and held its connection through the network switches tested. The best choice still depends on what matters most: Proton VPN for privacy and a restricted free tier, ExpressVPN for battery life and smoothness, or another app if device limits, price, or settings take priority.
How the four VPN apps compare
The table summarizes figures and recommendations reported by Gizmodo in its October 7, 2026 comparison. The results are specific to that test—not guarantees of what an iPhone will experience on another network, server, or VPN plan.
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| iPhone app | Gizmodo’s stated fit | Average speed loss | Extra battery drain | Devices listed | Starting price listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Overall pick; fastest in the test | 13.6% | 2% | 10 | $3.49/month |
| Proton VPN | Privacy and free-tier pick | 17.5% | 2% | 10 | $2.99/month |
| ExpressVPN | Battery and smoothness pick | 16.2% | 1% | 10–14 | $2.99/month |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | Price and settings pick | 24.2% | 3% | Unlimited | $2.19/month |
All speed-loss and battery figures are Gizmodo’s 2026 results. Its starting prices are term-dependent and may be introductory offers, rather than the cost of paying month to month or the renewal rate. Device limits and plan details can change; check the terms for the plan and region you intend to use. Gizmodo’s comparison is the source for the rankings and figures.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat Gizmodo’s iPhone test can—and can’t—tell you
Gizmodo says it tested the five apps on an iPhone 17 Pro in October 2026. Its home Wi-Fi baseline was 54.7 Mbps download and 37 ms ping. It measured speeds on UK, US, and Japanese servers, battery drain during a 20-minute video session, and connection stability while switching between Wi-Fi and cellular. For the video test, it used YouTube at 1440p with WireGuard, NordLynx, or Lightway and extra protections enabled.
#1 Best Overall
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Those conditions make the ranking useful as one controlled comparison, not a prediction for every iPhone or connection. Your speed depends on factors such as the VPN server, distance, network, protocol, and current congestion. Gizmodo’s finding that NordVPN stayed connected through every handoff it tested describes that test alone; it is not a promise that a VPN tunnel will never drop on your device.
Which iPhone VPN fits your priority?
For the strongest result in Gizmodo’s speed test: NordVPN
NordVPN had the lowest average speed loss in Gizmodo’s comparison, at 13.6%, and was its overall pick. Gizmodo also reported 2% extra battery drain and said the connection persisted through its tested Wi-Fi-to-cellular switches. It noted that the interface is dense and that the trial it described was Android-only, so those details may matter if you want a simpler iPhone setup or an iOS trial.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
For privacy features or a free tier: Proton VPN
Gizmodo selected Proton VPN for privacy and its free tier, reporting 17.5% average speed loss and 2% extra battery drain. RTINGS describes Proton VPN Free as unlimited in data but limited to one device, with no manual choice of server location; it says official streaming and torrenting support is reserved for paid users. A free plan can be a useful way to try basic VPN use, but it is not equivalent to a paid plan’s controls or supported uses. These are RTINGS’ findings, separate from Gizmodo’s iPhone test. RTINGS’ Proton VPN review provides its assessment.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For battery use and a smooth app: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN had the lowest reported extra battery drain in Gizmodo’s setup, at 1%, with 16.2% average speed loss. TechRadar separately presents it as a beginner-friendly option in its own review; that is a different editorial assessment, not a result from Gizmodo’s battery test. Read TechRadar’s ExpressVPN review.
Rank #3
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
For price and configurable settings: PIA
PIA was Gizmodo’s price-and-settings pick, with the lowest listed starting price in its comparison. Gizmodo also reported the largest average speed loss among these four apps. It described domain-based routing as a workaround for a per-app split-tunneling option that its comparison says is unavailable on iOS. Whether that workaround meets your needs depends on the domains and routing behavior you want.
iOS VPN controls have limits
Gizmodo reports that none of the five apps it compared can exclude individual apps from the VPN tunnel on iOS; it describes PIA’s domain-based routing as a workaround. Treat that as a finding about those apps in that comparison, not a universal claim about every VPN configuration available for iOS. TechRadar also discusses constraints on iOS, but app features and Apple’s platform behavior can change.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
If per-app routing is essential, confirm the current iOS app’s controls before subscribing. Also check that the VPN has servers in the countries you need and that the plan supports your intended use: streaming access, server availability, and features can vary by service, plan, and region.
A VPN and iCloud Private Relay are not the same thing
Macworld explains that iCloud Private Relay hides your IP address in Safari, but does not encrypt all internet traffic from apps and other browsers. A VPN is designed to cover a broader range of device traffic, depending on its configuration. Neither should be treated as a guarantee of anonymity or safety on every network. Macworld’s guide to Private Relay and VPNs explains the distinction.
Best Value
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
How to choose before you subscribe
- Choose for your main use: weigh speed, battery, privacy features, simplicity, device count, and routing controls according to what you actually need.
- Check the plan, not just the headline price: Gizmodo’s listed starting prices may reflect term-based introductory rates. Verify billing frequency, renewal cost, trial eligibility, and simultaneous-device limits for your region.
- Confirm iPhone-specific features: check the current iOS app’s controls, connection behavior, and server locations rather than assuming desktop features are available on iPhone.
- Keep test results in context: the Gizmodo figures reflect its iPhone 17 Pro, network baseline, servers, and test activities; another connection can produce different results.
Other reviewers emphasize different strengths: TechRadar’s beginner-friendly assessment of ExpressVPN and RTINGS’ discussion of Proton VPN Free are their own judgments and review setups, not a combined ranking with Gizmodo’s results. TechRadar’s iPhone VPN coverage and RTINGS’ VPN reviews offer additional perspectives.
Quick Recap
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