According to Engadget, installing a virtual private network (VPN) on an iPhone is straightforward in 2026, with top services offering secure, user-friendly iOS apps. The guide explains that while iCloud Private Relay is not a true VPN, a dedicated service is necessary to hide your IP address from ISPs and secure data on public Wi-Fi. To choose the right provider, users should avoid App Store ads and research the company's background.

The article recommends Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN. Users can test services via free trials to check for speed and IP leaks. Once installed, configuration is key: enabling a kill switch, setting up automatic reconnection, and using split tunneling are vital security measures.

For those wary of third-party providers, iOS allows for manual IKEv2 configuration, though this requires technical knowledge of server addresses.