1. Top picks at a glance
2. Best iPad VPN overall
3. Best iPad VPN with antivirus
4. Best cheap iPad VPN
5. Best free iPad VPN
6. Best of the rest
7. How to choose iPad VPN
8. iPad VPN FAQs
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
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
✔️ 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.
❌ 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.
🔒 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...
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best iPad VPN with antivirus
✔️ 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
❌ 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.
🔒 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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun design that can be a little busy for some people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Everything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN in our latest round of tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Every bit as strong as ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly, supportive and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fantastic value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap iPad VPN service
