The best VPN for iPad in 2025

NordVPN's map-based interface looks sleek on the bigger screen of an iPad and its iOS app is user-friendly and packed with features. For example, a Favorites system will help you group commonly used locations, and you can also have the app automatically connect to the VPN when you access untrusted networks (like public Wi-Fi hotspots).

Privacy-conscious users will 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. So, if you need a VPN that'll keep annoying pop-up ads and malware at bay, NordVPN has your back.

NordVPN has a ton of additional security tools designed to keep your personal data, and your browsing habits secure from nosy third parties. The handy kill switch, for example, ensures that you don't leak any identifiable data if the VPN connection suddenly drops. NordVPN also made its Meshnet feature free to use, too, which is great news for folks who want to invite others to a private network and share files securely.

NordVPN is the very best streaming VPN, too, unblocking more Netflix libraries than any other VPN I've tested. It's the perfect solution if you want to keep up with all your favorite TV series and sports when you travel. Plus, NordVPN's P2P support ensures that you can safely torrent directly from your iPad.

Speed is another area where NordVPN delivers awesome results. I experienced connection speeds reaching 950+ Mbps with its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol, placing it among the fastest VPN services on the market right now, and making it a reliable choice for HD streaming and gaming.

Admittedly, I'm still not a massive fan of the map-based interface on the smaller screens of iPhones and Android phones, and the browser extensions are still a bit basic. Linux users might find NordVPN's installation process a bit daunting, too. However, you can rely on NordVPN for prompt assistance whenever you need it, thanks to customer support available 24/7 through live chat and email.

All in all, NordVPN is the #1 VPN for iPads in my testing, delivering on every single count, whether that's speed, security, unblocking, or value for money. Even better, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee to decide for yourself if it's the right service for you.

ExpressVPN is also very secure, thanks to Threat Manager, which blocks trackers, ads, adult sites, and communications with malicious sites. It's also worth noting that ExpressVPN is committed to proving its privacy-first attitude and has undergone no less than 18 independent audits. Considering that some providers struggle to get one audit under their belt, this is seriously impressive.

Other advanced security features include its Network Lock feature (commonly known as a kill switch) to prevent any data leaks if the connection drops, DNS leak protection, and a cross-platform password manager that'll help you come up with secure login details. Among its VPN protocol offerings, ExpressVPN's WireGuard-inspired Lightway – developed completely in-house – stands out thanks to the way it balances security with speed.

Streaming enthusiasts will also appreciate ExpressVPN's ability to unblock all popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu on iPad. During my testing, I was able to unblock each of these sites reliably, without hiccups. What's more, it also has a unique MediaStreamer tool, which makes it possible to stream blocked content on devices that don't natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.

ExpressVPN isn't the quickest VPN in our books, but it's no slouch. I recorded speeds of 410 Mbps while using Lightway. That's nothing to sniff at, and way more than you need to enjoy buffer-free streaming and gaming without lag spikes.

The only real downside with ExpressVPN is the price. However, while there are cheaper alternatives available, ExpressVPN's high price reflects its premium service, including probably the best VPN apps, super helpful 24/7 live chat support, an extensive server network, and no-quibble unblocking.

Try it out yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee. The best part is that TechRadar readers will get 3 months of extra protection and 1 year of cloud storage for free on a 12-month subscription.

With Surfshark, you'll have your pick of protocols, including the super-speedy WireGuard, and be able to switch between them with just a tap or two. The integrated kill switch ensures that any VPN dropouts don't leak your personal data. I did experience some issues with the kill switch during my testing – however, these only occurred under rigorous conditions and solely on the Windows app.

One of Surfshark's biggest selling points is its unlimited simultaneous connections. Other services limit you to about 8 or 10 connections – but not Surfshark. You'll be able to protect all of your gadgets, and share the love with friends and family, with just one subscription. To that end, Surfshark is compatible with just about every device you can imagine, too, including Android phones, Windows and Mac machines, and even Linux.

A network of more than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries lets you check out international streaming platforms without pesky geo-blocks. If you're having trouble getting around these obstacles, though, Surfshark's obfuscation tool (called Camouflage Mode) can give you a hand by disguising the fact that you're using a VPN in the first place. These features, plus Surfshark's blazing-fast performance, make it a steller VPN for streaming – whether you're keeping up with TV series, sports, or doing a bit of torrenting.

Overall, it's hard to beat Surfshark when it comes to value for money. You're getting a ton of features, some of the quickest speeds I've seen from a VPN, and apps that work like a charm for absolutely minuscule prices. If you're on the fence, check out Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee and take the provider for a risk-free test drive.

With PrivadoVPN, you'll get access to servers in 13 cities across 10 countries, including US, UK, Canada, and France. That's pretty impressive for a free service – and the same can be said for PrivadoVPN's performance. I noted speeds of 900 Mbps during my testing. The only caveat here is that you're tied to 10 GB of data every month. Surpass this limit and you'll still be able to use the service, but you'll be limited to a sluggish 1 Mbps connection. Still, it's better than being cut off completely.

PriavdoVPN is also the only free service that can reliably unblock the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer, making it perfect for streaming local content from outside the country and vice versa. You'll need to keep that data limit in mind if you plan on doing any movie marathons, however, or even consider upgrading to a paid plan to get rid of it entirely.

The good news is that PrivadoVPN has plenty of security tools. You'll get all of the staples, like a kill switch and AES-256 encryption, as well as access to battle-tested OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. I also appreciate that PrivadoVPN sticks to a no-logs policy.

As you might expect from a free provider, there are some drawbacks that keep PrivadoVPN from climbing higher in my rankings. For a start, you'll only get one connection to use, which is no good if you have multiple gadgets you're trying to protect. Similarly, 10 GB of data doesn't stretch very far if you're using your device to browse the web and stream every day. Ultimately, PrivadoVPN is a better pick for iPad users who need a VPN to use every now and then, and not all day every day.

The PIA iOS app looks a lot like its Android offering - so, if you've made the switch to Apple, you'll be right at home. Picking out a server is as simple as taking your pick from the handy list and hitting the "Connect" button, and going about your usual day-to-day browsing. There are some useful iOS-specific features, too, including support for Siri shortcuts to connect or disconnect the VPN with voice command and a Safari-dedicated content blocker.

PIA is one of the most privacy-oriented picks on my list, too, as all of its apps are open-source. That means anyone can take a peek at the source code to see whether the provider is living up to its promises - and you can too, if you want to. Plus, strong AES-256 encryption ensures that your browsing habits stay concealed from potential snoopers (including your ISP, workplace, and even the government).

In terms of speed, however, PIA falls short when compared to the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark. I recorded 436 Mbps when using WireGuard, which isn't totally sluggish, but places it squarely in the middle of the pack. Still, you'll have no trouble checking out HD streaming content with PIA - and all without the dreaded buffering circle.

On that note, PIA unblocks all big- and small-name streaming sites, including Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX - so you'll never run out of shows to watch (unless you're seriously picky).

To conclude, PIA offers a perfect combination of high-end features and low prices, and while there are admittedly a few caveats to consider, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out first-hand and see for yourself.