Best VPN Apps in 2025 (And 13 You Should Delete Right Now)

Why “best VPN apps” is a trickier question than it looks

You hop into the App Store or Google Play, search “best VPN app”, and get slammed with a wall of options:

• “Super VPN & Best Proxy”
• “Turbo Ultra Fast VPN”
• “Best VPN Proxy AppVPN”

They all promise “military‑grade encryption” and “100% anonymous”. Most are free. Easy win, right?

Not quite.

In late 2025, security researchers from Bitdefender and the Technology Transparency Project (TTP) highlighted at least 13 VPN apps on the Apple App Store that looked like privacy tools but were quietly harvesting user data in the background. Some had even been removed previously, then reappeared under new names while keeping their old ratings and reviews.

For iPhone users, the advice from experts was blunt: delete those apps.

So when Aussies search “best apps vpn”, what they’re really asking is:

• Which VPN apps are actually safe?
• Which ones are fast enough for streaming and gaming?
• And which sketchy “free” VPNs should I avoid like the plague?

This guide walks through:

• The risky VPN apps that have been flagged
• What makes a VPN app genuinely trustworthy
• The best VPN apps in 2025 for Aussies (streaming, privacy, travel)
• A quick comparison table so you can pick without overthinking it

Let’s make sure the app that’s meant to protect your privacy isn’t the one cashing in on it.

13 risky VPN apps you should delete right now

Based on reporting that cited TTP’s September 2025 data, at least 13 VPN apps on the Apple App Store showed worrying signs:

1. X-VPN - Super VPN & Best Proxy
2. Ostrich VPN - Proxy Master
3. VPN Proxy Master - Super VPN
4. Turbo VPN Private Browser
5. VPNIFY - Unlimited VPN
6. VPN Proxy OvpnSpider
7. WireVPN - Fast VPN & Proxy
8. Now VPN - Best VPN Proxy
9. Speedy Quark VPN - VPN Proxy
10. Best VPN Proxy AppVPN
11. HulaVPN - Best Fast Secure VPN
12. Wirevpn - Secure & Fast VPN
13. Pearl VPN

A few key points:

• These apps marketed themselves as private and secure.
• Investigations suggested they were collecting very sensitive data, including:
  • Browsing history
  • Location data
  • Device information
  • Potentially even payment data
• Some apps had been removed in the past, then came back with new names to dodge bad PR.
  • Example: WireVPN reportedly rebranded to iSharkVPN while keeping the old app data and reviews.

If you’ve got any of these on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Delete them.
2. Go into Settings → Privacy → Tracking and make sure they no longer have any permissions.
3. Change passwords for accounts you’ve used while connected to those VPNs (email, banking, social).

On Android, the exact list might differ, but the rule of thumb stands: any VPN with a spammy name and vague ownership is not where you want to send all your internet traffic.

How to spot a genuinely good VPN app

When you strip away all the marketing fluff, good VPN apps tend to have three things dialled in:

1. Transparent ownership & logging policy
2. Solid tech and security features
3. Real‑world performance and support

1. Ownership & logging: who’s actually behind this app?

Red flags:

• No clear company name or physical address on the website
• No independent audits of their “no‑logs” claims
• Privacy policy is copy‑pasted boilerplate or barely mentions logging

Green flags:

• Clear company information and contact details
• Independent audits (e.g. by firms like PwC, Deloitte or similar) confirming no‑logs claims
• Transparent privacy policy explaining exactly what’s logged (connection metadata vs none at all)

2. Security features that matter (and what’s just fluff)

You’ll see a lot of buzzwords. Focus on these core bits:

• Strong encryption – Modern protocols like WireGuard or a well‑implemented OpenVPN
• Kill switch – If the VPN drops, your internet stops so your real IP doesn’t leak
• DNS leak protection – Stops your ISP from seeing which sites you visit
• Multi‑platform – Apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, maybe Linux and browser extensions

Nice‑to‑have extras:

• Split tunnelling (choose which apps go through the VPN)
• Double VPN (route traffic via two servers)
• Ad/malware blocking

3. Real‑world performance & support

For Aussies, real‑world use usually means:

• Streaming overseas libraries (Netflix, Disney+, sports services like DAZN)
  Tech sites in Europe and beyond regularly test which VPNs still work with tricky platforms like DAZN and flag top performers for streaming.
• Gaming and latency – Servers in or near Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, NZ)
• Travel – Reliable apps that reconnect smoothly on hotel Wi‑Fi and airport networks
• Support – 24/7 live chat that actually answers, not just a bot sending you FAQ links

If a VPN nails these, it’s in the running for “best app”.

Best VPN apps for Aussies in 2025

Let’s break it down into use‑cases rather than throw a giant list at you.

1. Best all‑round VPN app: NordVPN

NordVPN keeps popping up in independent reviews and Black Friday deal round‑ups for a reason:

• Fast and consistent – Especially with its NordLynx protocol (WireGuard‑based)
• Very strong privacy posture – No‑logs policy, external audits, RAM‑only servers
• Massive server network – Great for Aussies wanting US, UK, Europe and Asia access
• Streaming friendly – European tech sites have noted its reliability for platforms like DAZN and international streaming libraries.
• Good apps – Clean, stable apps on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, plus smart TV and browser extensions

If you want one app to cover:

• Night‑time Netflix and sports
• Public Wi‑Fi at the café
• Occasional torrenting or Linux tinkering

…NordVPN is a very safe bet.

2. Best for “privacy first” types

If you’re less worried about streaming and more about minimising your digital footprint, look for:

• Strong jurisdiction and strict no‑logs stance
• Minimal data collection in the app
• Open‑source clients where possible

VPNs with this focus tend to:

• Offer anonymous signup (email + crypto, or even no email)
• Avoid analytics that log how you use the app
• Provide detailed security documentation

They might not be as smooth with every streaming service, but for privacy purists, that trade‑off is fine.

3. Best “easy mode” apps for non‑techy family members

If you’re setting up a VPN for parents or less techy mates, your criteria change:

• Super simple interface – Big “On/Off” button, auto‑connect to best server
• Auto‑start and auto‑reconnect – So they don’t have to remember anything
• Good support – Live chat when something inevitably confuses them
• Clear labels – “Streaming”, “Downloads”, “Browsing” profiles instead of protocol nerd‑speak

Many major VPNs offer “quick connect” and simple modes, but test the app yourself first. If you get lost in settings, they definitely will.

4. Best VPN apps specifically for iOS and Android

On mobile, a few extra things matter:

• Battery impact – Lightweight protocols (like WireGuard‑based) drain less
• Background stability – Doesn’t drop out every time the phone sleeps
• Permissions – No weird demands for contacts, photos, or SMS

Run a quick checklist:

• Does the app need more than VPN‑related permissions? Suspicious.
• Is the developer account consistent across iOS and Android?
• Is there an official website that matches the branding and app screenshots?

Remember those 13 risky apps earlier? A lot of them played games with branding and developer identities. Don’t fall for that.

Quick data snapshot: top VPN apps vs risky “free” ones

In short: reputable paid VPNs aren’t perfect, but they’re miles ahead of the sketchy, ad‑stuffed “free forever” apps that might be monetising you instead of protecting you.

How Aussies actually use VPN apps (and what you should care about)

1. Streaming US / UK content and live sport

Between local services (Binge, Stan, Kayo) and overseas platforms, Aussies use VPNs heavily for streaming. Tech outlets in Europe have been testing VPNs specifically for sports platforms like DAZN and keep highlighting services like NordVPN for their ability to bypass geo‑blocks while staying fast enough for HD and 4K.

If streaming is your main use:

• Prioritise speed + streaming reliability over ultra‑niche privacy features
• Check that your chosen VPN:
  • Has servers in the countries you care about (US, UK, Europe, Asia)
  • Actively supports streaming (many providers maintain special servers)
  • Still works with your platform of choice (things change constantly)

2. Public Wi‑Fi, cafés and airports

Using Wi‑Fi at:

• Airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brissie)
• Uni campuses
• Hotel lobbies
• Random cafés

…makes you a juicy target for snooping.

In this scenario, ANY trustworthy VPN app is better than none. Look for:

• Auto‑connect on untrusted Wi‑Fi networks
• Kill switch
• Strong encryption by default

Leave it on whenever you’re using public Wi‑Fi. You’ll barely notice with a decent provider.

3. Remote work from home or the road

If you’re working remotely for an Aussie or overseas company:

• Your employer might provide a corporate VPN – use that for work stuff
• For personal browsing and streaming, keep a separate consumer VPN

Why? You don’t want your employer’s IT team having visibility over your non‑work traffic, and you don’t want a random consumer VPN mixed into company resources.

Step‑by‑step: choosing the best VPN app for you

Here’s a simple decision flow you can run through in five minutes.

Step 1 – Define your top 2 priorities

Pick two:

• Streaming + unblocking
• Privacy + anonymity
• Torrenting / P2P
• Gaming / low latency
• Travel / bypassing local blocks
• Just “basic safety” on public Wi‑Fi

Step 2 – Decide your budget

Honest truth: below ~$4–$8/month (paid yearly or multi‑year), quality drops sharply unless there’s a sale.

Look for:

• 30‑day money‑back guarantee
• Black Friday / end‑of‑financial‑year deals (around November and June you’ll see heavy discounts, as highlighted in recent VPN promo coverage)

Step 3 – Shortlist 2–3 providers

Filter by:

• Apps for all your devices (iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, maybe TV)
• Strong, recent reviews from reputable tech sites (not just random blogs)
• Clear privacy policy + at least one independent audit

Step 4 – Test in your actual routine

For a week:

• Stream your usual services
• Use it on your daily commute or at the café
• Play a game or two and see if ping is acceptable
• Try support if you hit any issue

If you’re swearing at the app within 48 hours, refund it and move on.

MaTitie SHOW TIME: why your VPN choice actually matters

Alright, MaTitie time. Think of MaTitie as that slightly paranoid mate who also happens to be right way more often than you’d like to admit.

Every time you open a VPN app, you’re basically saying:

“Here, you see everything my ISP would normally see. Please don’t stitch me up.”

So yeah, which VPN you choose matters:

• For privacy – stopping your ISP and random Wi‑Fi owners from building a creepy profile on you
• For streaming – getting into overseas catalogues without buffering hell
• For access – using your favourite sites smoothly when you’re travelling

From everything we’ve seen in 2025 – security research, streaming tests, and the usual deal‑hunting – NordVPN is the one that keeps ticking the boxes for most Aussies:

• Excellent speeds and apps that don’t feel janky
• Strong no‑logs stance with external audits
• Reliable for big‑name streaming platforms across multiple regions
• Regular discounts and a 30‑day money‑back guarantee

If you’re overthinking the whole “best VPN apps” hunt and just want something solid you can set and forget, this is where MaTitie would nudge you:

🔐 Try NordVPN – 30-day risk-free

If you sign up through that button, MaTitie earns a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep this kind of independent, no‑BS content going.

FAQ: real questions people ask after installing a VPN app

1. “If I use a VPN app, am I 100% anonymous?”

No. A VPN:

• Hides your IP from websites and your ISP
• Encrypts your traffic so local snoops can’t see what you’re doing

But you can still:

• Log into your real accounts (Facebook, Google, bank) which know exactly who you are
• Get fingerprinted by your browser (screen size, plugins, fonts, etc.)
• Leak info through dodgy extensions or malware

Think of a VPN as one important layer, not a magic invisibility cloak.

2. “Should I run a VPN app alongside antivirus?”

Yes, and that’s normal in 2025.

• VPN: Protects your connection and privacy
• Antivirus / security suite: Protects against malware, phishing, dodgy downloads

Recent coverage from PC‑focused outlets has highlighted how strong security suites (like Bitdefender’s) can complement a VPN nicely. They do different jobs and work well together.

3. “Why does my internet sometimes get slower with a VPN?”

Because:

• Your traffic is being encrypted and sent through a VPN server that might be far away
• The VPN server could be busy
• The streaming platform might be trying to throttle or block VPN traffic

You can usually fix this by:

• Switching to a closer server (e.g. Sydney or Melbourne for local stuff, Singapore for Asia)
• Using the VPN’s faster protocol (NordLynx / WireGuard‑style)
• Checking you’re not on a super old Wi‑Fi router or slow NBN plan

If it’s always painfully slow no matter what, that’s a sign the VPN provider just isn’t up to scratch.

Further reading if you like going down rabbit holes

1. “Protect your PC for cheap with 78% off Bitdefender Total Security” – PCWorld (27 Nov 2025)
   Read on pcworld.com

2. “Outil de transparence, la localisation des internautes sur X sert aussi la désinformation” – Franceinfo (27 Nov 2025)
   Read on franceinfo.fr

3. “How to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 online — start time, line-up, streaming details” – Tom’s Guide (27 Nov 2025)
   Read on tomsguide.com

Honest wrap‑up & CTA: what to do next

If you’ve skimmed this far, here’s your game plan in plain English:

1. Delete any of those 13 risky VPN apps if you’ve got them installed.
2. Decide your main goal: streaming, privacy, or “set and forget” everyday safety.
3. Avoid random, ad‑stuffed “free” VPN apps with spammy names and no clear owner.
4. Try a reputable VPN with a 30‑day refund policy and see how it fits your actual life.

NordVPN is the one I recommend to most Aussies because:

• It’s fast enough for HD/4K streaming and gaming
• The apps are polished across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and more
• The privacy story is strong (no‑logs, audits, RAM‑only servers)
• You can bail within 30 days if you’re not happy and get your money back

Set it up on your phone and laptop, run it for a couple of weeks, and see if it genuinely makes your online life smoother and safer. If it doesn’t, get the refund and you’re only down a bit of time, not long‑term cash.

Disclaimer

This article combines publicly available information, recent reporting and AI‑assisted analysis to give you a practical overview of VPN apps in 2025. It’s for general information only and isn’t personal legal, security or financial advice. Always double‑check critical details (pricing, features, current risks) directly with the VPN provider and trusted security sources before making decisions.