Explore this piece because it demystifies the world of proxy browsers for iPhone, emphasizing their pivotal role in safeguarding your online presence.

Your online presence can be just as significant as your physical one, and so the importance of internet freedom and privacy just can’t be overstated. Proxy browsers have emerged as a quintessential tool for those looking to browse the internet securely. They serve as the go-between, ensuring your interactions on the web are anonymous and private. 

While mainly aimed at unblocking content, these private browsers often come bundled with a host of features that enhance user experience and online safety. In this article, I take a look at some of the notable proxy browsers available for iOS, while also casting a broader net to include a few stellar apps that, while not traditional proxy browsers, offer a compelling blend of VPN services and a dedication to privacy and security.

Why Use a Proxy Browser on an iPhone?

Let’s talk about why using a proxy browser on your iPhone is a smart move. First off, a proxy browser is like an online invisibility cloak. They hide your IP address making it difficult for anyone to track what you’re up to online. And let’s face it, in a time where it feels like everyone’s trying to snatch up our data, a little extra privacy is always welcome. Since iPhones are portable, this means they’re often used on various networks, some of which might not be secure. A proxy browser steps in here, adding a layer of privacy by making sure that your browsing activities remain anonymous.

And for those wanting to dodge geo-restrictions and internet censorship, proxy browsers and VPNs are especially useful. They reroute your internet connection through servers located in different regions, granting access to content that may be blocked in your locale. They also enable access to region-specific content, which might be essential for various personal or professional needs.

Best Proxy Browsers for iOS compared side by side

Best Proxy Browsers for iPhone

1. Phoenix Browser + Proxy VPN: Best for Fast, data-efficient browsing
2. Private Browser: Best for Ultimate anonymity and security
3. Opera: Best for Customization and added security
4. Turbo VPN Browser: Best for Streaming and network restrictions bypass
5. VPN AI Private Browser: Best for Simple, no-frills VPN browsing
6. Hide.me: Best for an All-around solid VPN solution

Diving right in, let’s explore the best proxy browser apps in the market for iPhone. We’ll break down the standout features, the cost factor, perks of going premium, and sprinkle in my personal take on each. 

Let’s go!

1. Phoenix Browser + Proxy VPN

Phoenix Browser, as reflected by its solid rating of 4.6 stars on the App Store, emerges as a great solution for faster, efficient, and privacy-oriented browsing on iOS. This browser notably accelerates webpage loading speed by 2x, while its data compression tech can lead to a substantial 90% reduction in data usage, making it particularly handy on slower networks. While it’s not a traditional proxy browser, Phoenix Browser steps up the privacy game with its free unlimited VPN feature, providing a secure tunnel for your internet activities.

The browser comes equipped with some nice user-centric features like an integrated Ad Blocker to get rid of annoying ads, and an Incognito Mode for private browsing. It also supports multiple search engines, giving you a choice in how you navigate the web. 

According to their listing in the App Store, the app does track some of your activity across apps and websites you use on your device, but when opening the app, you can “Ask App Not to Track”.  The app also collects some of your data, but it’s not linked directly to you. 

What I like about Phoneix Browser is that the app is easy to use and it’s fast – which is their major selling point. You can turn the VPN on and off with one click. By default, it selects the fastest location (you would need to upgrade to select from their list of locations).

There really aren’t a ton of features, so if you’re not looking for any bells and whistles and just want an app with a balanced blend of speed, privacy, and usability in their browsing experience (plus some VPN functionality thrown in), Phoenix Browser is a good solution.

Features

• Fast page loads
• Free unlimited VPN
• Saves 90% of data + smooth browsing
• Ad block
• Incognito browsing
• Reader mode (for poor connections)

Pricing

Phoenix web browser is free to use, but they do offer a Premium version for $5.99/month, $12.99/3 months, $19.00/6 months, or $29.99/year. As you can see, the subscription becomes much cheaper the longer your plan is. Premium features include ad-free browsing, 24/7 tech support, and more encryption (though it doesn’t specify those extra encryption details).  

Pros

• Fast browser
• Comes with some free VPN functionality
• Privacy-friendly features
• Tech support available (Premium feature)

Cons

• Some data collection and tracking
• Not many features

Best Suited For

Phoenix Browser is best suited for those who are looking for a fast, data-efficient browsing experience. Its combination of speed-enhancing technologies and data-saving features makes it especially attractive for those on limited data plans or who frequently find themselves browsing on slower networks. 

2. Private Browser

So we mentioned Private Browser in our Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers for Android and we’re going to mention it here as well simply because it’s one of the best proxy browsers you’ll find in both the App Store and Google Play. In the App Store, Private Browser also boasts great reviews – 4.5 stars.

It has some great features that many other apps don’t offer that I really like, like browser protection through potent encryption, easy global server selection, and local security measures like Pattern Lock and Touch ID (which you can see from my screenshots above). 

With all their security features and powerful encryption methods, this is the perfect choice for those looking for ultimate anonymity and security.

Features

• Proxy technology over VPN servers
• Encrypted browser protection
• Local security like touch ID, pattern lock, and password
• Server selection
• Input/output data encryption
• Browser features like 25 tabs, Google default search engine, night mode, and bookmarks

Pricing

Private Browser comes with a 7-day free trial, but after that, you’ll have to pay $1.99 a month or  $19.99 for a year (saves 16%).

Pros

• Good security features
• Easy to use
• Comes with standard browser features
• 7-day free trial

Cons

• No desktop version
• Data policy not added to App Store (only Google Play)

Best Suited For

Overall, Private Browser is a good choice if you’re willing to pay for those extra security features and data encryption. You can try out the app for 7 days to see if it’s worth the price.

3. Opera

Opera Browser, while not quite a proxy browser, gets a mention here because of its popularity among iOS users (4.7 stars in the App Store). It’s a fast browser that’s highly customizable and comes with some decent privacy features. It’s a lightweight app built on Google’s Chromium engine, so you also get that nice user interface you’ll find on Chrome. 

The app now even offers an AI-powered feature, Aria, which enhances the user experience by offering ChatGPT-like functionality, like gathering info for you and answering questions.

Unlike standard browsers like Safari or Chrome, Opera comes with its own built-in VPN feature. Though not as robust as a dedicated VPN app, it does offer a basic level of privacy by hiding your online activities. Speaking of privacy, Opera has inbuilt Apple Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) which helps block third-party tracking. Some other handy features include private browsing mode, native ad blocker, and easy file sharing.

Besides its familiar interface and fast browsing, what I like about this browser is that it has a lot of customization options. You can see from my screenshots above what’s available in the settings, like the Aria AI feature, Crypto Wallet, ad blocking, privacy consent, default browser, and more. Overall, it’s a lot more than what you get with your standard browser, and it’s definitely more secure with the built-in VPN.

Features

• No-logs Built-in VPN
• Ad blocker
• Blocks third-party tracking
• AI-powered feature that uses OpenAI’s GPT technology
• File sharing across devices
• Crypto Wallet

Pricing

Opera Browser is free to use.

Pros

• Fast browser
• VPN functionality
• AI technology
• Lots of features and customization
• Lightweight app
• Free

Cons

• Some data is collected but it’s not linked to your identity
• No reading mode (for slower connections)

Best Suited For

Opera Browser is a solid choice for those who appreciate a level of customization and a bit of added security while surfing the web. This added value makes Opera a great alternative for those looking to step slightly outside the standard browsing box on their iOS devices.

4. Turbo VPN Browser 

Turbo VPN Private Browser is definitely another option to consider if you’re looking to amp up your online privacy and browse with a bit more security. It’s a paid app (no freebies with this one), and it comes with a nice spread of global servers, a strict no-log policy, and great features users love (4.7 stars in the App Store will back me up).

Since it’s a VPN service, the app hides your IP address and stores no logs. They offer over 1000 servers located worldwide (plus a search feature to make finding a server easier) that come with fast and stable connections. I personally didn’t encounter any issues during my free trial.

When you first log in, you’ll be greeted with a user agreement that lays out all the nitty-gritty of data collection and usage. I’m a fan of transparency, so this was a good start. From there, you can decide if you agree with how they handle your data (it’s not too long to skim through). 

A cool feature I like is the server optimization for different services, so if you’re looking to binge on YouTube TV, it suggests the best servers for that. And for streaming enthusiasts, the smart DNS server feature helps optimize streaming on platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

The overall ease of use, combined with the added VPN functionality and a private browsing feature makes Turbo VPN Private Browser a solid contender for anyone looking to step up their privacy game on iOS.

Features

• No logs VPN service
• Private Browser
• 10000+ servers in 40+ countries
• Smart DNS
• 5-10 devices
• Kill switch
• Network diagnostics

Pricing

Turbo VPN Browser offers a 3-day free trial. After that, it’s $49.99 a year, which comes with 1000+ fast premium servers with data encryption. You can connect 5 devices or upgrade to their  Turbo Platinum plan which comes with 10 devices for $69.99 a year.

Pros

• Stable and fast connection
• Easy to use
• Search feature for server list
• Nice set of features
• Free trial

Cons

• Some data collection and sharing (advertisers)
• Not available for desktop

Best Suited For

Turbo VPN Browser is great for users who want plenty of server options, especially if you’re into streaming since it points out which servers work best for that. The variety of servers also comes in handy if you’re looking to get around network restrictions in some areas.

5. VPN AI Private Browser

With 4.7 stars in the App Store, VPN Ai + Private Browser is a strong contender for those looking to access the internet quickly and with privacy. As its name suggests, this is a VPN service, but it also has its own integrated private browser—just know that the “Ai” in the name stands for “Alternate Identity”, not “Artificial Intelligence”.  

It encrypts your online activity, blocks tracking, and hides your IP address, keeping you private and anonymous. There’s worldwide coverage, so you can choose high-speed servers from several different countries and locations around the world.

While the app does collect some data, its privacy policy states that none of it is linked to you.

It’s pretty straightforward to use. Right when I open the app, there’s a big button to activate the VPN, which is free to use. To pick a server location, however, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid version. Doing searches in their integrated browser was fast, but when trying to access streaming services like YouTube, it was lagging a bit. So you might want to try upgrading to a paid plan for faster speeds. Luckily they offer a 7-day free trial so you can try it out.

Features

• No logs free VPN service
• Private Browser
• Worldwide coverage with over 15 countries
• Streaming service optimal locations

Pricing

VPN Ai + Private Browser has a free plan, but upgrading to their paid plan ($9.99/month) gets you a no-ad experience, unlimited bandwidth, higher speeds, and more servers.

Pros

• Free version
• 7-day free trial for the paid version
• Easy to use VPN

Cons

• Free version streaming is slow
• Collects some data but not linked to you

Best Suited For

Overall, this app is a good choice if you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use and no-frills VPN + private browser app. There isn’t much in the way of features and the user interface is also fairly simple. If that’s all you need, it’s certainly worth checking out.

6. Hide.me VPN

We took a look at the Hide.me VPN app for Android (check out our review here), and now we’re reviewing it again for iPhone, where it’s just as loved by users, coming in at 4.5 stars in the App Store. 

Hide.me VPN is touted as “The World’s Fastest VPN” that’s used by over 25 million users. It doesn’t have its own browser, but it does have some other great features, like thousands of hand-picked servers from around the world and an auto server selection that connects you to their fastest server automatically. Other features include multihop double VPN, IP leak protection, IPv6 support, and more. I also like that the app doesn’t collect any user data. That’s always a major plus in my book.

So is it the world’s fastest VPN? After testing the app myself, it’s definitely fast, even on streaming services like YouTube. But if you do experience some lagging when streaming, their premium plan lets you select the optimal streaming location (see screenshot above). This is also handy if you want to see content only available in other countries. 

If you’re in the market for a reliable all-around VPN, this one’s a top contender.

Features

• Free VPN
• Thousands of servers globally
• IPv6 support and WireGuard VPN protocol
• Kill switch
• Auto server selection
• Multihop double VPN
• No logs

Pricing

Hide.me VPN has a free plan and a paid premium plan, which costs $9.99 for 1 month or $59.99 for a year. The premium plan gets you access to the best servers from all over the world, unlimited data transfer, and faster speeds.

Pros

• No data collection
• Free version
• Also available on Windows, MacOS, and Android
• Easy to use

Cons

• A little more costly than other VPN services
• No integrated browser

Best Suited For

Hide.me VPN for iPhone is best for those wanting an all-around solid VPN solution. It’s fast, packs a punch with its feature lineup, and has a pleasant, easy-to-navigate user interface.

How to Set Up a Proxy Browser on iOS

Setting up a proxy browser on your iPhone is a pretty straightforward process. Start by heading over to the App Store, where you’ll find a variety of proxy browsers. Pick one that suits your needs (we’ve reviewed some great options above), hit download, and wait for the app to install. 

Once installed, launch the app and dive into its settings. Here, you’ll usually find an option to set up the proxy or VPN, often with simple on-screen instructions to guide you through. Pick a server that matches your needs – some servers are faster while others offer better privacy.

Now, onto some tips to make the most of your new proxy browser. You should always be connected to the proxy or VPN, especially when browsing on public Wi-Fi to keep your data secure. Regularly clear your browsing history and cookies for an added layer of privacy. 

Lastly, explore the settings of your proxy browser (which can vary from app to app). Tweaking these can optimize performance and security to match your browsing habits. Happy browsing!

Comparison with Other Browsers

On iPhone, while standard browsers like Safari or Chrome offer speed and an overall user-friendly experience, proxy browsers shine in the privacy department. They help bypass geo-restrictions and offer extra security, which can be especially handy on public Wi-Fi. Just keep in mind, that this can come at the cost of a slight dip in speed due to routing through various servers. 

In short, if you prioritize privacy and global content access, proxy browsers and VPNs are your best bet. But for sheer speed and a streamlined user experience, standard browsers hold the edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

When looking for an improved online browsing experience, the right browser can make a big difference. Phoenix Browser is a good pick for those who want fast and data-efficient browsing, especially useful for people on limited data plans or slow networks. If security is your priority, Private Browser could be worth considering. It comes with extra security features and data encryption, plus a 7-day trial to see if it fits your needs. For those who like to customize their browsing experience and appreciate a bit of added security, Opera Browser is a strong choice on iOS devices. 

Turbo VPN Browser is great for users who enjoy streaming, as it shows which servers work best for that. It’s also handy for getting around network restrictions. Lastly, if you prefer something simple and straightforward with VPN features, VPN Ai + Private Browser is a no-frills choice that’s easy to use. 

From proxy browsers to private browsers and VPNs, there’s something for everyone. Explore these options and find the one that suits your online browsing needs to enjoy a better and more secure online experience.

Jessica Cotzin

Jessica Cotzin is a Senior Engineer at a global digital agency. She is also a freelance writer in the tech industry, offering insights into the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Related posts:

A Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers for Android A Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers of 2023 A Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers to Unblock Websites A Guide to the Best Free Proxy Browsers (in 2024) Finding the Fastest VPN: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024 A Guide to the Top Proxy Browser Extensions for Chrome in 2024