The best iPad VPN 2023

Apple might be known for better privacy and security, nonetheless the best VPNs for iPad are a valuable addition to enjoy enhanced online browsing experiences and an extra layer of protection. Virtual Private Networks work by encrypting your internet connection, routing it through a secure server, and masking your IP address. This ensures better privacy, security, and access to content otherwise unavailable in your country. 

At TechRadar, our team of experts has spent 15 years meticulously reviewing and recommending the finest security software to our readers. This extensive experience ensures that we suggest only the most reliable and effective VPN services available. 

Given the overwhelming array of VPN options available, it can be complex for users to pick out the perfect VPN solution for their needs. Here we bring a  list of the top 5 VPNs designed to optimize security and privacy for iPad users.

Top three best iPad VPNs at glance

1. ExpressVPN—the #1 best iPad VPN

1. ExpressVPN—the #1 best iPad VPN
ExpressVPN for iPad sets itself apart from the competition with the best combination of effortlessly intuitive app setup and an impressive array of security features. It bypasses irritating geo-restrictions better than many other VPNs out there. Express offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, or sign up for a year and get 3 months extra free.

2. NordVPN—an iPad VPN that's hot on security

2. NordVPN—an iPad VPN that's hot on security
NordVPN keeps you protected from cyber threats while bypassing geo-restrictions. With its robust security features and years of reputation, NordVPN takes your iPad experience to new heights. Customize it to your needs using advanced features only Nord offers. Get up to 66% off NordVPN’s 2-year plan, backed by their 30-day money-back guarantee of satisfaction.

3. Surfshark—inexpensive high-quality iPad VPN

3. Surfshark—inexpensive high-quality iPad VPN
Surfshark is the affordable powerhouse that redefines online privacy and accessibility. With innovative security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a budget-friendly price starting at just $2.50 per month, Surfshark stands out among the competition as the most cost-effective VPN solution available.

Recent updates

We periodically review the content of our buying guide to ensure all information is up-to-date and reflects the changing VPN industry and global need for digital privacy. During the latest round of updates, we added details of our last round of VPN deep testing and new releases but the on-page ranking remained unchanged.

The best iPad VPNs for 2023:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

See how our top picks VPN for iPad compare in the following analysis and reviews as we discuss reasons to subscribe, reasons to avoid, our test results, what we liked most about each provider, and how they compare with the competition.

The best iPad VPN overall

ExpressVPN is the best iPad VPNTechRadar Editor's Choice award logo

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

1. ExpressVPN

The best iPad VPN on the App Store

Dedicated iPad app: Yes | Also available for: Windows, Mac, Android, Linux | Maximum devices: 8 | Integrated kill switch: Yes | App Store review: 4.5

Easy to use
3,000+ servers across 105 countries
Unblocks all streaming services
Super helpful 24/7 live chat support
No dedicated IPs
No free trial
Higher price than competitors
Subscribe if:

✔️ You move between different networks while on the go: ExpressVPN seamlessly switches between networks without interrupting the VPN connection.
✔️ You value accessing geo-restricted content: ExpressVPN's consistent and reliable unblocking capabilities make it an ideal choice.
✔️ If you use split tunneling: it routes necessary VPN traffic while sending other traffic directly to the internet, improving internet speed for streaming, and gaming.

Don't subscribe if:

❌ Price is a significant factor for you: ExpressVPN is priced higher compared to some other VPN providers.
You require many simultaneous connections: Up to 8 devices can be connected at the same time, while PIA and Surfshark offer unlimited devices allowance.
You require specialized VPN features: We recommend Nord for options that are not offered by ExpressVPN. 

Bottom line⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for iPad users who prioritize reliable performance, privacy and security, a vast server network, and user-friendly applications. 

According to our testing, ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN right now. Even better as its latest feature-packed update added new ad and adult-site blockers while extending both its server network (3,000+ servers covering from 94 to 105 countries) and multi-devices policy from five to eight simultaneous connections with just one subscription.  

Other advanced security features include its Network Lock feature (commonly known as a kill switch) to prevent any data leaks when the connection drops, web tracker and malware blocker (Threat Manager), DNS leak protection and split tunneling. Among its VPN protocol offering, there's also its WireGuard-inspired Lightway—developed completely in-house—which now include post-quantum protections

► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Streaming enthusiasts will also appreciate ExpressVPN's ability to unblock all popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Hulu on iPad. We managed to unlock everything we tried last time we checked.

Despite not reaching the top of our list in the speed test last time we checked, we actually experienced faster top connection speeds, passing from 560 to 750Mbps when using Lightway. That would be more than enough to enjoy seamless streaming or VoIP experiences on your iPad—no matter where you're in the world.

We also praise the provider's commitment to transparency, counting 11 independent audits in 2022 alone. Plus, we love the provider's intuitive apps as they are really easy-to-use, too. ExpressVPN is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 10 or later versions, as well as a wide range of devices including even its own router with built-in VPN Aircove.

The only real downside here is the price. However, while Surfshark is a cheaper alternative, ExpressVPN's high price reflects its premium service with super helpful 24/7 live chat support and extensive server network, which also helps trump all other competitors in unblocking streaming services. Try it out yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee to enjoy a special offer available for TechRadar's readers only...

Get the best iPad VPN with 3 months FREE

Get the best iPad VPN with 3 months FREE
You can probably tell by now that we really rate the ExpressVPN app. The good news is that TechRadar readers can get a little perk when they sign up, too. ExpressVPN has agreed to give readers three months extra free when they sign up, as well as the usual 30 day money back guarantee.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ExpressVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useIntuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingEffortlessly gives you access to content around the world⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyExpress offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAlways available, friendly, and helpful⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceMore expensive than leading competitors⭐⭐⭐

The best iPad VPN with antivirus

NordVPN on iPad

(Image credit: NordVPN)

2. NordVPN

Most feature-rich VPN for iPad

Dedicated iPad app: Yes | Also available for: Windows, Mac, Android, Linux | Maximum devices: 6 | Integrated kill switch: Yes | App Store review: 4.6

Among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested
Great for streaming
Easy-to-use app
Advanced features
Other VPNs have better mobile apps
AutoConnect glitches in the app
Basic browser extensions
Subscribe if:

✔️ You prioritize anonymity: NordVPN's unique features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN provide additional layers of encryption and anonymity.
✔️ You're a streaming enthusiast: NordVPN works reliably with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
✔️ You appreciate dedicated IP option: either you're a business or individual, you can enjoy the perks of a fixed IP with the security of a VPN for an extra tiny fee

Don't subscribe if:

❌ You're looking for affordable pricing for short-term subscriptions: NordVPN's pricing structure tends to offer better value for longer-term subscriptions.
If you rely heavily on the AutoConnect feature: users report that it can fail to autoconnect to VPN servers and not effectively hide your IP address.
❌ You use port forwarding: it allows for optimized connections, faster downloads and improved overall torrenting performance, which Express VPN offers.

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 NordVPN has a great package of advanced features and strong security, making it a reliable choice for users seeking privacy.

The biggest VPN name out there, NordVPN boasts over 5,800 servers across 60 countries, great unblocking capabilities and a set of advanced security features which make it perfect for users whose anonymity is paramount.

Among our favorites, there are double kill switches, DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, Onion over VPN to reroute traffic via both the VPN server and the Tor network, and a Double VPN option so that all your internet traffic will be encrypted not once, but twice. Its new addition Meshnet is then ideal for those seeking to secure their workload across multiple devices—even better as it's now free of charge for all.

Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Privacy-conscious users will also appreciate NordVPN's verified no-logs policy, audited by trusted firms like PwC. The provider even goes the extra mile to protect you from online threats with its Threat Protection feature, including malware scanning and Dark Web monitoring.

NordVPN performs well as a streaming VPN, virtually unblocking any streaming platforms out there. It's then the perfect solution if you wish to keep up with all your favorite TV series and sport matches when you travel. Plus, NordVPN's P2P support ensures that you can safely torrent directly from your iPad. 

Speed is another area where NordVPN brilliantly delivers. We experienced some improved connection speeds reaching 950+Mbps with its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol last time we checked, placing itself among the fastest VPN services on the market right now.

As a slight downside, you can protect only up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single NordVPN account—other providers offer way more generous devices allowance. Yet, that's something it can be partially addressed with its new Meshnet feature.

You can use its user-friendly apps for iPads on iOS 13.0 or later, as well as across all the main operating systems. However, we still aren't fans of its map-based interface on smaller screens and its browser extensions are still a bit basic. Linux users might find Nord's installation process a bit daunting, too.

You can rely on NordVPN for prompt assistance whenever you need it with customer support available 24/7 through live chat and email. Again, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee to decide for yourself if it's the right service for you totally risk-free.

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NordVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA fun design that can be a little busy for some people⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEverything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe fastest VPN in our latest round of tests⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingPerfect for Netflix and other streaming sites⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyEvery bit as strong as ExpressVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportFriendly, supportive and professional⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceFantastic value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best cheap iPad VPN service

(Image credit: Future)

3. Surfshark

Most wallet-friendly VPN for iPad

Dedicated iPad app: Yes | Also available for: Windows, Mac, Android, Linux | Maximum devices: Unlimited | Integrated kill switch: Yes | App Store review: 4.8