When you are always plagued by geo-blocking, especially of streaming content from your favourite provider, getting a useful, sophisticated VPN is a must. But more than streaming through your preferred devices without interruption, having a VPN improves the security of your personal information, especially when you log in using public WIFI hotspot. A good VPN also secures you even when you are travelling so you can continue to enjoy reliable connectivity anywhere you are in the world.

What is a VPN, and How Does it Work?

Cisco defines a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, as an “encrypted connection over the Internet from a device to a network.” This encrypted connection allows the safe transmission of sensitive data. It prohibits “unauthorised people from eavesdropping on the traffic and allows the user to conduct work remotely.” It is a system that uses code so its users can securely access a computer anywhere in the world via the internet. That is why we mostly see VPN utilised in the corporate environment where secure connections are crucial to protect business data and transactions. 

It works by extending a corporate network using these encrypted connections made over the internet. Traffic remains private as it travels because of the encryption between the device and the network. Because of secure VPN, an employee, for example, who works remotely can still connect to the corporate network through a VPN. VPN also works on mobile devices, making secure connection accessible to anyone on the go. 

VPN Mentor suggests that you need to choose a VPN that has stable connections, good speeds, and no download or bandwidth limits. For non-US/UK residents, it’s best to choose a VPN provider that has servers in your country for a much-secure service. If you love streaming from US/UK sources, then you need a VPN provider that has servers in the UK or US so you can watch Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, and the like with no hassle. Choose one that has a fast, 24/7 customer support and a user-friendly interface for effortless operations.

We have gathered some of the best VPN providers today, focusing on those that work well with iOS devices:

1. NordVPN

Description: NordVPN has the most number of servers in New Zealand, including servers that allow you to torrent safely. It can bypass the Geoblocks of Netflix. It has a  no-logging policy strictly followed so users can torrent, surf, and stream securely. NordVPN’s iOS app is user-friendly, organised, and has a ‘quick connect’ widget that contains at-a-glance information about the nearest available server, load percentage and the like. iPhone features now include an added Siri capability and auto-connect capacity to connect the VPN when it detects you’re using an unsecured network or Wi-Fi.

Number of servers: 5,600+ (including 19 in NZ)

Server locations: 60+ 

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: 6

Unblocks: Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV

Supports torrenting: Yes, P2P specialty servers available

Works on these devices: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox. It’s also compatible with routers.

Key Features: 

• Lots of servers
• Includes 2048-bit AES encryption, double VPN, DNS leak protection kill switch, and a choice of protocols
• Strong security
• One of the best 24/7 customer service
• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Subpar interface
• Monthly billing is expensive

2. ExpressVPN

Description: ExpressVPN is fast and can access geo-restricted content securely. It has no bandwidth or download-restrictions for streaming and torrenting. New Zealand servers support protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, and PPTP and allow bank transactions while streaming because of its split-tunnelling system. 

Number of servers: 3,000+ servers worldwide, including one in New Zealand

Server locations: 160, 94 countries

Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, BBC, iPlayer, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN

Supports torrenting: Yes, all servers support P2P activity

Works on these devices: iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, routers

Key Features: 

• Has a 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection
• Has browser extensions for additional browsing security
• Fast and stable connections
• Strict no-logging policy
• Custom traffic obfuscation for better connectivity, even in censorship-heavy regions
• Easy-to-set-up iOS client with a user-friendly interface
• Connect with a single tap to use the VPN seamlessly, auto-reconnect when mobile data or Wi-Fi connection drop
• 24/7 customer support (live chat or email)
• 30-day money-back guarantee 
• Ability to switch protocols for iOS
• Lack of a kill-switch for iOS

3. IPVanish

Description: IPVanish consistently delivers excellent performance, and showed improved download speeds by 15% over a long distance. Its native client supports iOS 9 or better and works equally well on iPads. It has an auto-connect feature when internet traffic is detected and gives suggestions on the fastest server available based on users’ ping time and location.

Number of servers: 1,300+

Server locations: 75+

IP addresses: 40,000+

Maximum devices supported: 10

Works on these devices: Windows 7 and higher. OSX 10.10 and higher. Android 4.0

Key Features: 

• Super-fast VPN app for your Apple
• Excellent performance
• Powerful iOS app
• Offers a wide range of protocols (for iOS, IKEv2 and IPSec are available)
• No-log feature on any online activity or connection data while using the iOS app
• 7-day money-back guarantee

• Lack of kill-switch
• Interface not the best
• No free trial and slightly more expensive
• Its 1-year subscription is the most affordable option

4. CyberGhost

Description: CyberGhost is a truly complete VPN solution known for its easy-to-use interface features, and can access geo-restricted content with seven simultaneous connections. It allows users to stream and browse without limitations, bypass geo-restrictions, closedowns, and digital censorship with their VPN service.

Number of servers: 6,000

Server locations: 90+ countries (10 in NZ)

Maximum devices supported: 7

Unblocks: Dedicated streaming profile with servers optimised for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Sky Go, Eurosport, ESPN, Comedy Central, and more

Supports torrenting: Yes. It has a dedicated profile that shows countries and number of users.

Works on these devices: Windows, Android, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, Linux, and Chrome

Key Features: 

• Practical and easy to use
• Dedicated torrenting and file-sharing servers
• Has 256-bit encryption and automatic kill switch, OpenVPN protocol for a private and secure connection, and DNS and IP leak protection
• Access blocked websites and enjoy safe P2P torrenting, unblock streaming services, stream sporting events, and play region-locked games
• Get better deals online
• 45-day money-back guarantee and 7-day free trial

5. Hotspot Shield

Description: Hotspot Shield’s VPN is user-friendly and offers five simultaneous connections for maximum protection. It allows its users to access content anonymously and securely with lightning-fast speeds and military-grade encryption, guaranteeing quick, secure browsing. Users will be able to access geo-restricted content from anywhere, using any device, and is a popular choice for beginners and experienced users alike.

Number of servers: 1,300

Server locations: 75

IP addresses: 40,000+

Maximum devices supported: 5

Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer

Supports torrenting: Yes. P2P is allowed on all servers.

Works on these devices: Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome, Android

Key Features: 

• Perfect privacy and streaming
• Compatible with every operating system
• Has a no-logs policy, and offers dedicated tech support
• Military-grade encryption
• Unlimited data for up to 5 devices
• 7-day free trial

6. PrivateVPN

Description: PrivateVPN is a reliable VPN that gives the promise of being able to unlock anything and protect everything. It is the world’s fastest-growing VPN that allows its users to enjoy the entire internet at lightning speeds. It can open geo-restricted data from video streaming to social networks and enables users to be undetectable with its military-grade encryption shields. Users enjoy maximum speeds without buffering with its supercharged connections.

Number of servers: 100

Server locations: 60 (1 in NZ)

Maximum devices supported: 6

Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Supports torrenting: Yes, all servers support P2P activity; list of P2P-optimized servers available through the app.

Works on these devices: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers

Key Features: 

• The most secure, rapid connection of its kind.
• S1-click set-up for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers
• No usage or bandwidth restrictions
• Superb customer service
• Full 30-day money-back guarantee
• A limited number of servers as of date, compared to other VPN providers

7. SurfShark

Description: Enjoy SurfShark anywhere you go. Protects all your family devices with just one account, and provides safe and instant access for worry-free internet that leaves no footprints. With Surfshark, location and sensitive data remain private and secure at all times. 

Number of servers: 1040+

Server locations: 61+

Maximum devices supported: unlimited amount of simultaneous connections

Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, and more

Supports torrenting: P2P-friendly. Enjoy servers optimised for best download speeds and diamond-strong encryption for privacy.

Key Features: 

• Kill Switch when VPN connection drops, making sure data is always safe. 
• WhiteLister allows some apps or websites to bypass the VPN connection. Works excellent for banking!
• Clean-Web feature gives users protection from ads, trackers, malware, and even phishing attempts.
• Allows connection of different devices, all at once or simultaneously
• Inexpensive cost per day ($0.07)

8. ZenMate

Description: Zen Mate is your ultimate iOS VPN that provides fast speeds from 37 different countries worldwide. Connect with unlimited bandwidth, bypass internet restrictions and experience blazing fast connection speeds. ZenMate VPN never keeps users’ records of activities with a strictly no-logging policy, 1 ZenMate subscription covers up to 5 devices simultaneously, with its military-grade encryption to protect you from cyberthreats. It can bypass restrictions imposed by strict governmental agencies and allows users to enjoy borderless internet.

Number of servers: 2,000+

Server locations: 37+

Maximum devices supported: 5

Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, and more.

Works on these devices: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, OpenVPN, Chrome, Opera and Firefox

Key Features: 

• Unblock Streaming Services
• Zero Logging Policy
• Servers Located in 37+ Countries
• Military Grade Encryption
• Hides IP Address 
• One Tap Connect to become 100% anonymous instantly. 
• Protect personal information with no risks of cracked passwords, hacked emails or leaked banking details

9. UltraVPN

Description: UltraVPN gives all the benefits of a premium VPN by giving its users access with no buffering or slowing down, no-snooping feature even on public WIFI. It prides itself with virtually uncrackable encryption. ISPs will not be able to monitor their users’ online activity and browsing data with a VPN that lets them also browse without limits. 

Number of servers: 100+

Server locations: 58

Maximum devices supported: 3

Unblocks: Netflix, BBC, iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, YouTube, Spotify, ESPN

Works on these devices: –

Key Features: 

• Ultrafast & ultra-secure VPN
• No logs. Leave no trace of your browsing history.
• 6-Months Free VPN Access
• Free Premium Streaming Locations
• Free Remote Firewall
• Borderless internet
• 30-day money-back guarantee

10. Ivacy VPN 

Description: With Ivacy VPN, users can bid farewell to geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere, anytime. It protects five devices simultaneously

Number of servers: 1,000+

Server locations: 100+

Maximum devices supported: 5

Unblocks: Netflix, Disney Plus, Sony Live, LTV Livestream, TF1, TransTV, RTVs, RCN, and more

Supports torrenting: P2P-friendly

Works on these devices: Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Kodi, 

Key Features: 

• Ivacy VPN includes malware protection, advanced IPsec & IKEV Protocols, and Smart Connect Feature
• Unlimited Bandwidth with military-grade 256-bit encryption
• No browsing logs policy and internet kill switch
• High speed downloading
• 1000+ servers in 100+ locations
• Dedicated Kodi App
• 5 Devices Simultaneous Logins

“The most important things to look for in the best VPN to use in New Zealand are access, security, and privacy,” says VPN Mentor. It pays to add extra paddings of protection to yourself and your online activities and transactions to prevent security and data breach. Hackers and cybercriminals are getting more and more intuitive and creative as cybersecurity is intensifying, so we need to be a step ahead, always. Know about the different cybersecurity threats and ways to keep your computer and online credentials safe and secure. Having a VPN is one of the types of protection you can get for you and your family. Having a VPN is not just being a step ahead of clear and present dangers on the internet, but a leap into the future of safe, speedy, and secured connectivity.

About Author:

John Ocampos is an Opera Singer by profession and a member of the Philippine Tenors. Ever since, Digital Marketing has always been his forte. He is the Founder of SEO-Guru, and the Managing Director of Tech Hacker. John is also the Strategic SEO and Influencer Marketing Manager of Softvire Australia – the leading software eCommerce company in Australia and Softvire New Zealand