Are you trying to find the best iPad VPN? In this article, we’ll reveal our top 6 VPNs for iOS, how to get set up, and how to download a VPN if it doesn’t have an App in the App Store.

We get into plenty of detail about each of the VPNs on this list, but if you need to skip ahead in a hurry, here are the best VPNs for Ipad:

  • NordVPN: Our top pick for an iPad VPN. Excellent all-rounder that pegs amazing speeds and works with iOS 9 or newer. Large server network and strong privacy and security features. 30-day money-back guarantee included.
  • Surfshark: Best Budget VPN. A security-focused VPN with decent speeds, a no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock plenty of geo-restricted services abroad.
  • ExpressVPN: iOS 7 or newer apps in the App Store. High-speed servers tuned for streaming, downloading and circumventing geo-blocked sites. Tight security and privacy features. Keep no logs.
  • CyberGhost: Great value VPN, yet fast service. Easy to use app. Privacy and security are solid.
  • IPVanish: High privacy and security standards. Good speeds for streaming.
  • Private Internet Access: Works with iOS 12.1 and newer. Good speeds and up to 10 simultaneous connections. Strong security.

We’ve curated our list of the best VPNs for iPad based on the following criteria:

The best VPNs for iPad – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for iPad.

The best VPNs for iPad

Here is our list of the best VPNs for iPad (or any iOS device):

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works with iOS devicesTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for an iPad VPN. It performs better than most of its rivals in our speed tests and offers great features for iPads and other iOS devices. The app is easy to install and use, and has an extensive, global network of VPN servers to choose from. As an added bonus, NordVPN allows P2P traffic through their VPNs without limiting bandwidth, so it’s popular for torrenting. The company accepts Bitcoin which is a bonus for privacy.

A single subscription allows you to connect up to six devices at the same time. If you want a value-for-money option with plenty of servers, good privacy protection features, and excellent streaming potential (for Netflix and and other sites), then Nord is a stellar choice as an iOS VPN. NordVPN has recently been able to evade China’s Great Firewall and will work in other countries which actively block VPNs including the UAE.

BEST VPN FOR IPAD:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation. Extremely fast and a top performer in all categories. Good iOS device support. Has strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee making it risk-free.

Pros:

  • The fastest VPN we’ve tested
  • Great option for iOS 9 or newer devices
  • Offers secure, encrypted connections at all times
  • Major emphasis on security and privacy
  • Works with a wide range of geo-locked sites
  • Offers 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Can select city location of servers, but not specific servers

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works with iOS devicesTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, and an easy-to-use iOS app that hides plenty of advanced features. This service can securely access major streaming platforms like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer, plus it’s fast enough to stream live HD video with no noticeable buffering. This VPN has no connection limit, so it’s ideal for families or people looking to secure lots of devices at once.

This service takes user security very seriously. Your traffic is secured using effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, as well as IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. There’s also a kill switch (in every version) that immediately stops all traffic whenever you lose connection to the VPN unexpectedly. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information although you can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying in Ripple, Ethereum, or Bitcoin. 24/7 support is on-hand over live chat.

Surfshark offers iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux apps. It also works with supported routers although these must be configured manually.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark offers an unlimited number of connections, multi-platform support, and excellent streaming ability, giving you the freedom to access whatever you want, wherever you are. It also comes with powerful security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • No connection limit

  • Strong security and no-logs policy

  • Fast enough to stream live HD content

  • 24/7 live chat available

  • Accepts cryptocurrencies

  • Smaller network than some others in this list

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN’s app will run on iOS 7 and newer. It can be installed on iPhones, iPads and even the iPod Touch. The company operates VPN servers in 94 countries and does not limit your bandwidth or the number of times you can switch servers.

One of the best features is their logging policy stating that they don’t keep records of your traffic while connected to their servers. They also receive some bonus points for accepting many different payment methods: all the major credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and others.

ExpressVPN is fast, great at protecting user privacy, and works with apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and BBC iPlayer. It will also work in countries like Turkey and China where many other VPN services have been blocked.

GREAT UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN offers a great iOS app. Optimized for high-speed connections. Scores well for streaming and evading censorship. Excellent privacy and security. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Performed well in our tests for iOS 7 or newer devices

  • Doesn’t log any data that can identify you

  • Fantastic speeds for downloading and streaming

  • Hard to beat on privacy and security

  • Not the cheapest option in this list

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost makes a slick, friendly VPN app that allows you to choose a server not just based on location, but based on how you plan to use the VPN. For example, the app has separate lists of servesr for streaming, gaming, or P2P filesharing, taking out the guesswork that comes with most other VPNs. Perfect for streaming on the go with an iPad.

CyberGhost has ramped up expansion and now boasts over 9,000 servers in 90 countries. Every connection is protected by 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an optional kill switch that halts all internet traffic should the VPN connection drop. The provider keeps no logs of your activity while connected.

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is easy to use. A budget choice. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Runs on all devices with iOS 9.3 and higher

  • Budget provider that doesn’t compromise on security and privacy

  • Minimal configuration required

  • Impressive streaming and downloading speeds

  • Doesn’t reliably work in China or UAE

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a no-logs VPN service that utilizes effectively uncrackable encryption and a zero-logs policy to ensure both privacy and security. Features like unlimited P2P traffic, anonymous torrenting, a SOCKS5 web proxy, and unlimited server switching are just the beginning. IPVanish lets you connect all of your devices simultaneously with unlimited bandwidth. IPVanish owns and operates its own servers rather than renting them, as is the status quo, ensuring you can always find a fast, uncongested connection.

While not as adept at unblocking video streaming sites as others on this list, IPVanish is a favorite among Kodi users thanks to its easily navigable interface and ability to work with any Kodi addon. If you need an iPad VPN to use with Kodi, IPVanish is a top contender.

CONNECT ALL OF YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers and handles multiple connections well. Easy to use and preferred by users who need high standards of privacy. Good streaming ability and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • No connection limit

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • Very fast speeds

  • Works well with Kodi Devices that require an iPhone or iPad VPN

  • Will only run on devices with iOS 10+

  • Apps don’t work in China

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. Private Internet Access

Works with iOS DevicesTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access has an iOS app which is compatible with iOS 12.1 and later versions. This easy-to-use VPN service provides good speeds and won’t throttle your bandwidth. As such, you can use it to stream your favorite TV shows while traveling abroad. Indeed, it can even securely access Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

With just one PIA account, you can secure as many as 10 devices at the same time. Your subscription also comes with access to live chat and email support. This VPN provider doesn’t keep any logs, making it a great choice if you’d like to be able to browse anonymously on your iPad. PIA has a strong security offering with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection included.

EASY TO USE:Private Internet Access couldn’t be simpler to use on iPad thanks to its iOS app. Good speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth. Secure up to 10 devices simultaneously. Uses encryption to keep data secure. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Absolutely no bandwidth throttling so you can stream lag-free

  • Connect up to 10 of your devices at the same time

  • Worked with both Netflix US and BBC iPlayer in testing

  • Highly secure with encryption and a kill switch

  • Doesn’t work well in China

  • Struggles with some streaming services

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Methodology: How we find the best VPNs for iPad

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market and they are not all the same. This can make picking a VPN tricky. At Comparitech, we pride ourselves on giving consumers reliable advice. We have developed a fool-proof, scientific VPN testing methodology. 

For additional transparency, below we have included the most important features we looked for when recommending VPNs for iPad:

How to setup a VPN on iPad

If this is your first time using a VPN then you might find it helpful to see how to get started. Below is our simple step-by-step guide to iPad VPN setup.

Here’s how to setup a VPN on your iPad:

  • Visit the App Store on your iPad and search for your chosen VPN provider. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download the VPN provider’s App.
  • Once the download is complete navigate to the App on your device.
  • After opening the App choose and connect to an appropriate server. If you are looking to unblock specific content then choose a country where the content is available (for example you would need a US server to unblock American Netflix). However, if you are simply looking to improve your online privacy then any server in your home country will achieve this.
  • You are now connected to the internet through an iPad VPN!

What to do when there is no iOS app

If you don’t want to use the provider’s app, or if your VPN service doesn’t come with an iOS app, there is a VPN tool built into iOS that can be manually configured to connect to your VPN provider’s server of choice. It’s a fairly straightforward setup, but you will need the following information before you begin:

  • Supported protocol – listed as “Type” in iOS
  • VPN server address
  • Your User ID and password
  • If a certificate is required, you will need to get the certificate from your VPN provider
  • Proxy details, if any
  • Server
  • Port
  • Username
  • Password
  • Or just the URL of the proxy server

To start, simply get into your Settings app and follow these instructions:

  • Server

  • Port

  • Username

  • Password

  • Or just the URL of the proxy server

  • Scroll down and tap on General, then scroll down and tap on VPN.

  • Tap VPN Configuration to get into the configuration settings.

  • Choose the most secure protocol that the VPN server supports. OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 are preferred, but L2TP is almost as secure. PPTP has been proven to provide very weak encryption but provides a faster connection if speed is more important than security.

  • Give the connection a description so that you will know the provider as well as the server that it will connect to. Then you will need to enter the server address provided by your VPN service provider. If a certificate is required then the provider will have one ready for you. (NordVPN is one that provides a certificate for the IKEv2 protocol only. However, NordVPN’s iOS app uses OpenVPN by default for supported versions of iOS, so you’re better off simply using their app instead.)

  • If there’s no certificate option, you will need to enter your username and password. For Authentication, select Username and enter the details below. Your VPN provider will also have a shared secret key for you to enter. Make sure you get it from the provider’s manual VPN configuration instructions.

  • Finally, if you have to connect to the internet through a proxy, then you should already have the proxy information. If you don’t know what this is, then leave it off. Tap the blue Done button at the top right of the screen.

  • You will now have a VPN slider as well as the VPN description listed on this screen. Simply slide the switch to the on position and watch to make sure the connection is successful. When the status shows “Connected”, you’re done. You can now surf privately and securely.

Note that manually setting up an iPhone VPN this way will encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, but you won’t get many of the other useful features found in the apps like kill switches, leak protection, and automatic public wi-fi protection.

How to connect several Apple devices to the VPN at the same time

Apple junkie? No problem! All of the iOS VPNs we recommended above allow for several simultaneous connections so you can connect your iPhone, iPad, Macbook, and anything else in your house to the VPN at the same time. This is also useful if you share your VPN subscription with family or roommates.

Here are how many devices you can connect on each VPN with a base tier subscription:

  • ExpressVPN: 5 simultaneous connections
  • NordVPN: 6 simultaneous connections
  • IPVanish: No limit on number of simultaneous connections
  • VyprVPN: 10 simultaneous connections
  • CyberGhost: 7 simultaneous connections

If that’s not enough for you, you might consider configuring the VPN connection on your wifi router or setting up a VPN-enabled hotspot with a windows virtual router. A wifi router only counts as one device, and you can connect as many devices to it as you need and route them through the VPN. This also works for devices that don’t intuitively support VPNs, such as Apple TV.

If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, we recommend ExpressVPN’s pre-configured VPN routers. ExpressVPN makes the best VPN-enabled router firmware in the market. You will need an ExpressVPN subscription to use it, however.

Otherwise, you can configure a VPN on your own with a compatible router. Some routers come with firmware that supports VPN connections, and others don’t. If your router doesn’t support VPNs, look around to see if you can replace the firmware with an open-source alternative like DD-WRT or Tomato.

Note that you should use extreme caution when flashing new firmware to a router. Using firmware that’s incompatible with your exact router model or making a mistake during the flashing process could brick your router and leave it permanently damaged. The exact process varies from router to router.

  • hide your internet traffic from your internet service provider
  • use unsecured, public wi-fi for any type of secure communication
  • add an extra layer of security for online communications
  • access to any content that is geo-blocked

… then you need a VPN on whatever device you use to get online. Fortunately, you have a variety of options and price ranges to choose from.

Tor does something similar, but uses very strong encryption and does not sell anyone’s bandwidth. Tor’s software also does not grant anyone else access to the resources of the device that it’s running on or make your device available to anyone else for any kind of misuse or abuse.

Finally, most of the supposedly free VPNs include features that most users will want to avoid. Things like injecting advertisements into your web browser traffic, using weak or even no encryption, selling your personal information or detailed logs of your internet activities to third parties of their choosing, and even installing unwanted software on your devices, like adware, viruses, trojans, botnet clients, and other forms of malware.

Every device (and VPN service) is different, which makes it quite difficult to say how much of an impact your VPN will have. Generally, you can expect a drop in battery life of at least five percent, with some estimates going as high as fifteen, though this will depend on the level of encryption you’re using, if there’s additional obfuscation on top of this, and whether you’re also using the VPN app to scan for malware.