Best Privacy Apps for iPhone 2025

If you’re serious about privacy on iOS, you need the right stack. We tested the most credible apps across VPNs, email, password managers, browsers, messaging, tracker blocking, and 2FA. Use this guide to assemble a fast, secure, and easy-to-use setup.

How We Test

• Permissions and telemetry behavior
• Encryption model (E2EE, zero-knowledge)
• Independent audits and open-source components
• Jurisdiction and data policy
• Usability, speed, and reliability on iOS 17/18

Quick Picks (TL;DR)

Early Recommendation: NordVPN + 1Password + Proton Mail is the best-value starter stack for most iPhone users.

VPNs for iPhone

NordVPN — Best Overall

NordVPN is consistently fast on iOS, supports WireGuard-based NordLynx, and includes Meshnet for secure device-to-device routing.

• Strong speeds (great for streaming)
• Threat Protection (tracker/malware block)
• Large, audited server network

Get NordVPN →

Surfshark — Best Budget

Unlimited devices, clean iOS app, and solid speeds. Good family value.

Secure Email on iPhone

Proton Mail — Best Overall

• Zero-access encryption
• iOS app with biometric unlock
• Aliases via SimpleLogin integration

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Fastmail — Best Features (not E2EE)

• Great iOS app, custom domains, powerful rules
• Email masks and restoring control over identity

See our full guide: Best Secure Email Providers 2025

Password Managers

1Password — Best for Teams and Travel

• Travel Mode (hide vaults at borders)
• Watchtower security alerts
• Shared vaults and role-based access

Get 1Password →

Bitwarden — Best Free/Open Source

• Zero-knowledge, open-source, great iOS app
• Affordable paid tier with TOTP

See our full roundup: Password Managers Ranked 2025

Browsers

Brave — Best Overall Privacy Browser

• Shields, fingerprinting protections, ad/tracker blocking
• Private search and Tor tabs (desktop)

Firefox Focus — Best One-Tap Erase

• Minimal UI, auto-clears sessions
• Good for quick sensitive searches

Secure Messaging

Signal — Best Overall

• Open-source E2EE, safety numbers, sealed sender
• Disappearing messages and media controls

Threema — No Phone Number Required

• Privacy by design, Swiss-based
• Paid app reduces spam and abuse

Trackers and Firewalls

Lockdown — On-Device Firewall

• Custom rules, strong blocking lists
• Complement to a VPN

AdGuard — Premium Blocking

• Encrypted DNS, content blocking in Safari
• Flexible filtering

Photos and Metadata

Metapho — Strip EXIF Safely

• Remove location and camera metadata
• Simple iOS share extension

2FA

Authy or 1Password OTP

• Backups and multi-device support
• Prefer app-based 2FA over SMS

iOS Privacy Settings Checklist (10 Minutes)

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → App Tracking → Off
2. Location Services → While Using (review app list)
3. Safari → Prevent Cross-Site Tracking → On
4. iCloud → Advanced Data Protection → On
5. Mail → Protect Mail Activity → On
6. Photos → Limited Library access per app
7. Analytics & Improvements → All Off
8. Ads → Personalized Ads → Off
9. Passwords → Security Recommendations → On
10. Face ID & Passcode → USB Accessories → Off

FAQs

Is Apple Private Relay a VPN replacement?

No. It hides IP in Safari with relay, but it’s not system-wide, and it doesn’t offer country selection. Use a VPN for full-tunnel privacy and streaming.

Do I need both a VPN and tracker blocker?

Yes. VPN encrypts traffic and hides IP. Tracker blockers stop in-app/web tracking not covered by a VPN.

Which email should I choose on iPhone?

Proton Mail for privacy. Fastmail if you need power features and don’t require E2EE at rest.

Recommended Stack (Our Pick)

• NordVPN + 1Password + Proton Mail + Brave + Signal
• Add Lockdown firewall and Authy/1Password for OTP

Ready to upgrade your iPhone privacy? Start with the fastest wins: VPN, passwords, and email.