iPads are essentially laptops by a different name, and there's so much you can use them for at home, at work and when travelling. They are, for instance, a great way to browse the internet – and that's why you should think about bagging one of the best iPad VPNs.
Using one of the best VPNs for iPad routes your internet usage through an encrypted data tunnel, keeping it away from prying eyes. Given children love to play on tablets that's especially important. Public Wi-Fi connections are also a hotspot for hackers to find new targets, and a VPN will make you a much tougher target.
If you're facing restrictions on the internet then spoofing your location with a VPN is a fantastic way to get around them. Whether it's your work network being restrictive, government censorship or just region-locked content, connecting to a server in a different country with an iPad VPN is a fantastic workaround.
Sounds important, right? We agree, which is why this guide brings you our hand-tested recommendations of the best iPad VPNs available.
Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content. Mo tests VPN services every day to see what providers say they do, and what it's really like as a day-to-day user.
Top 3 at a glance
In a hurry? Here are my three top VPN picks for iPad (and don't worry – they're all some of the best iPhone VPNs, too).
The five best iPad VPNs in 2024
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NordVPN: The best iPad VPN overall
✔️ You're a huge Netflix fan. NordVPN can unblock more Netflix libraries than any other VPN I've tested.
✔️ You want to maximize security. Keep your iPad safe with a kill switch, leak protection, and tough encryption.
✔️ You want an all-in-one solution. NordVPN is a solid all-rounder, and fairly priced, packing a built-in antivirus.
❌ You need unlimited connections. NordVPN limits users to 10 simultaneous connections, unlike Surfshark's unlimited offering.
❌ You want a super-simple interface. On smaller screens, the NordVPN map interface can feel a little busy.
NordVPN is a huge name in the world of VPNs – and it's easy to see why. It's the quickest service on the block, great for accessing Netflix, and will ensure your iPad is covered with a stacked roster of security tools. See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN is an incredibly popular service that has the features, unblocking power, and speed to back up the hype. In my most recent tests, I found that it works just as well on iPads as it does on desktop computers.
NordVPN is seriously speedy, reaching speeds of 950 Mbps with its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol. You'll be able to leave NordVPN switched on without noticing a huge impact on your device's performance, which is great news if you'll be using your iPad when traveling.
As you'd expect from a market leader, NordVPN is also a great pick for streaming. The VPN has servers in 60 countries, which is fewer than ExpressVPN and Surfshark, but still a generous spread that'll help you sidestep geo-restrictions and unblock content from around the world. NordVPN is also my top Netflix VPN recommendation, seeing as it effortlessly unblocks the UK, US, Canada, and Japan libraries, amongst others.
In terms of security, NordVPN is near-unmatched. With a recent audit of its servers and extra features – such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, two kill switches, and DNS leak detection – you can rest assured that your sensitive information is kept out of the hands of snoopers and cybercriminals.
The NordVPN apps look fantastic, and I've always found them to be nice and responsive. However, the map-based interface can be tricky to navigate on smaller screens – which is admittedly more of a problem for iPhones than iPads. NordVPN recently added Siri support which someone will find useful, I'm sure.
Overall, NordVPN is the best iPad VPN on the market thanks to its balance of speed, security, and top-notch support.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Stylish and fun, but can feel crowded | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The map interface is slightly fiddly, but otherwise apps are nice and sleek | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The quickest VPN I've tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A great pick for Netflix and other in-demand services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Built-in antivirus, kill switch, and Threat Protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Troubleshoot any issues with 24/7 live chat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fairly priced and packed with value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: The best VPN for beginners
✔️ You want a simple, streamlined VPN. ExpressVPN's app is easy to use and perfect for beginners.
✔️ You stream across multiple devices. Unblock Netflix (and more) from anywhere on your iPad or iPhone.
✔️ You want to take your privacy on the go. ExpressVPN's tough 256-bit encryption and countless audits ensure your browsing stays secure wherever you go.
❌ You have a tight budget. ExpressVPN isn't cheap. Luckily, you can try Surfshark for way less.
❌ You want an all-in-one solution. Unlike NordVPN, ExpressVPN doesn't have its own antivirus suite.
ExpressVPN it's incredibly easy to use, has speedy servers dotted around the globe, and will unblock a world's worth of sites and services. This being said, it is a more expensive option than our other top picks.
ExpressVPN is an outstanding VPN for just about any purpose. During our testing we found connection speeds to be snappy, the apps were easy to use (even if you're totally new to the world of VPNs), and expert support was accessible in only a click.
First up, the selection of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries is more than enough for anyone – you'll be able to effortlessly hop from location to location to avoid government censorship or VPN bans. The broad coverage is perfect for checking out international streaming content, too, and ExpressVPN has no trouble unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and more.
ExpressVPN is one of the most private VPNs in the biz, too, which is hugely important if you'll be using your iPad in airports or cafes. You'll be covered by AES-256 encryption, a verified zero-logging policy, and a good selection of protocols (including ExpressVPN's very own Lightway). Plus, Express's RAM-only zero-knowledge TrustedServer tech means it's impossible for your information to be stored.
Beyond these technical features, though, ExpressVPN is also an excellent choice for enhancing your everyday browsing experience. We found it simple and easy to use – which is essential on an iPad where you have a touchscreen rather than a mouse and keyboard – and packed with handy features like the "MediaStreamer" that makes it possible to watch shows on your Smart TV.
Currently, you'll be able to use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously. That's great news if you have a lot of hardware you want to keep secure (like your iPhone, for instance.) Still, other providers are more generous, and Surfshark even offers unlimited connections.
If you need help picking out a server or using any of ExpressVPN's features, you can reach out to the customer service team 24/7 via live chat, and the team has always been able to untangle even the most technical queries in my experience.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fresh and fun design that's easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Perfect for total VPN newbies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A speedy service, although others are quicker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly unblocks the most in-demand streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Superb encryption and an audited no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Get expert help 24/7 via live chat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Undeniably pricey, but backs it up with quality features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: The best cheap VPN
✔️ You don't want to spend a fortune. You can grab a Surfshark subscription, and enjoy a wealth of features, for a bargain price.
✔️ You want a speed demon. Surfshark is the fastest provider I've tested.
✔️ You have a lot of devices. Unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can secure every device in the house.
❌ You rely on your kill switch. I was able to break the Surfshark kill switch during testing, which probably won't happen in real life, but is worth noting.
❌ You're an avid torrenter. It's entirely possible to torrent with Surfshark, but ExpressVPN is better suited to sharing P2P traffic.
I'm always amazed at just how good Surfshark is considering the price. It's a premium provider with lightning-fast speeds and awesome unblocking power that you can try for a minuscule fee – or, if you'd rather be on the safe side, you can make use of its 30-day refund period.
If you're after a quality service that won't break the bank, then Surfshark is a great pick – and one that proves that, as one of the best cheap VPNs that low price doesn't mean poor quality. In my latest Surfshark review, I discovered an improved iOS app that offers some interesting extras that you won't find elsewhere.
Surfsharks apps are incredibly easy to use, and you'll have no trouble accessing the various tools. The auto-connect feature is particularly handy, and will connect you to a Surfshark server as soon as the VPN detects a Wi-Fi connection. If you fancy taking a deep dive into the settings, to switch protocols or try out Double Hop, it only takes a few taps.
Checking out international streaming content is just as simple – and not just because Surfshark has servers in 160 locations in over 100 countries. I was able to unblock Netflix and BBC iPlayer with Surfshark, as well as smaller regional services in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere. So, if you really want to broaden your streaming horizons, it's worth taking Surfshark for a spin.
I was also impressed by how quick the VPN is, coming in second place behind NordVPN in my most recent speed test. With peak speeds of 950 Mbps, you can count on smooth, buffer-free streams, even when you're on vacation, and even hop into online games or video calls without interruptions.
Of course, one of Surfshark's main selling points is its unlimited simultaneous connections. Most of us have multiple internet-enabled devices, like phones, tablets, and PCs, and Surfshark lets you protect all of your gadgets with a single plan. You can even share the love with family and friends if you're feeling generous.
You can't go wrong with Surfshark, and there's even a 7-day free trial for iOS, Android, and Mac users to check out. If you want even more time to try before buying, don't worry – there's also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and clutter-free apps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easy for anyone to use – no expertise required | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the quickest VPNs on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks all streaming apps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Fantastic privacy tools, though kill switch isn't infallible | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 support is reliable and quick | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Super cheap and packed with value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You're looking for open source apps. Because Proton VPN is an open source platform, you can check out its code anytime to see if its sticking to its claims.
✔️ You want a true privacy pioneer. Proton VPN has always been a champion of digital privacy, with dedicated (and free) Deutsche Welle servers.
✔️ You want lots of connections. Cover up to 10 devices at a time with a single Proton VPN plan.
❌ Speed is everything. It wouldn't be fair to say Proton VPN is slow, but NordVPN is much quicker.
❌ You want a low-cost VPN. Proton VPN plans are on the pricey side, especially compared to Surfshark.
Proton VPN is the perfect pick for iPad users who value their digital privacy above everything else. It's reliable, stuffed with security features, and even has a free plan you can use to get a feel for the service. Alternatively, check out the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Proton VPN has been through a transformation of sorts, recently, and in my latest review, I was glad to see that the security-focused Swiss provider had made a number of updates that I'd been hoping for. Now, the service can well and truly be considered one of the better VPNs on the market – and that's particularly true for iPad users.
Right off the bat, I was impressed by Proton VPN's iPad app, seeing as it perfectly matches the power and functionality of its desktop counterparts. That's not something you see with every provider, and means that once you've used one Proton VPN app, you'll have no trouble using the VPN on a different device.
If you plan on using your iPad when you're out and about, you'll be glad to hear that Proton VPN is an audited no-logs provider, and being based in Switzerland means that your information won't fall into the hands of the 5 or 14 Eyes groups, which is exactly the peace of mind that a VPN should be providing.
A Proton VPN plan comes with all sorts of unique features, like Secure Core which routes you through a private VPN server in Switzerland, Sweden, or Iceland before your destination of choice) and VPN Accelerator which provides incredible connection speeds. Overall, a good mix of functionality should serve you well no matter what you use your iPad for.
If you're looking for one of the best streaming VPNs, though, there's more good news – Proton VPN can unblock just about every streaming service. It's so reliable, that I'd put it up there with the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN as a top-performer.
Proton VPN's support team is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable, but I was disappointed to see that live chat isn't available 24/7. Luckily, there are plenty of support articles to sift through if you fancy troubleshooting roadblocks yourself.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Dark mode is especially snazzy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | No major issues, though some features might feel complicated | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not a standout, but no slouch | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A paid subscription unblocks most services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | An audited service with Swiss law protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Plenty of guides and live chat support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A free plan is available, but paid options are pricey | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You like deep customization. Hide.me lets users take a deep dive into tons of configurable settings.
✔️ You need a speedy VPN. Though it doesn't beat NordVPN, Hide.me still clocks impressive speeds.
✔️ You'd like extra storage. Hide.me plans come with Internxt cloud storage, which is a nice bonus.
❌ You're a VPN newbie. The sheer amount of customization options can be intimidating if you're unfamiliar with VPNs.
❌ You need an airtight kill switch. I noticed issues with the Hide.me kill switch when changing location.
Hide.me is incredibly customizable and impressively quick, making it a great option for iPad users who are comfortable with a more advanced VPN. Take the service for a spin in your own time with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Hide.me might be a smaller provider, but it's well known for its seriously powerful apps that are packed with functionality – and the iPad apps are no exception.
Like Proton VPN, Hide.me's iOS app is almost as powerful as its desktop applications, and if you're looking for customization, there's plenty to spare. You'll have access to an infinitely sortable server list, full ping time info, IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP & TCP, and WireGuard protocols, alongside a kill switch, auto-connect, and even customizable DNS servers.
If you're a VPN newcomer, all of these options might be overwhelming – but don't worry. Hide.me is still as plug-and-play as ExpressVPN and Surfshark. Plus, the Hide.me iPad app is crisp, clear, and responsive, meaning you'll have no trouble navigating it.
There are 2,000 Hide.me servers dotted across 79 locations, which is far less than the others on this list. However, this is still more than enough to unblock content from around the world or keep up with friends and family if you're traveling abroad.
On that note, Hide.me impressed me with its unblocking capability. I was able to check out a decent selection of Netflix libraries, as well as content from BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and smaller regional services without a hitch. Hide.me is incredibly speedy, too, reaching 950 Mbps in my most recent tests – meaning you won't be interrupted by that dreaded buffering circle.
Ideally, Hide.me will invest in another independent audit of its no-logs policy sooner rather than later. An audit is one of the best, and most transparent, ways to show users that their privacy is really being protected, after all, and will keep Hide.me a competitive alternative to the bigger names in the industry.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A huge amount of customizability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginners might be overwhelmed by the complexity | ⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the quickest providers on the block | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Slightly inconsistent, but otherwise impressive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Plenty of tools and good encryption, but some kill switch hiccups | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live chat support is useful and backed up with articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Longer plans are a bargain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How we test
We conduct extensive testing of VPNs here at Tom's Guide. It's important before recommending a product that we've gleaned everything there is to know about it.
If you want a full rundown of our testing process then you can read up on how we test VPNs but I'll give you a quick summary here:
I work with our expert in-house VPN team that has hands-on experience with each provider (and more) which you'll find in this guide for iPad users.
Every six months we retest each provider in two different locations, using a 1 Gbps wired connection in both the US and UK.
With the importance of streaming when it comes to iPads we also put the VPNs through our comprehensive streaming tests. We try all of the big streaming services on the chosen VPNs and even test Netflix every month as it is notoriously fickle with VPNs.
How to choose
Choosing the best VPN for your iPad is an important decision so you should think about it for yourself.
The best overall option for most people is NordVPN, but it might not be the right choice for you. If you're completely new to VPNs and want something that's super straightforward then ExpressVPN might be the better option, you can connect with just one click.
Budget is always an important factor to consider too and something that's different for everyone. Express VPN is a premium-priced VPN and that might not be viable for everyone. Surfshark is the best budget option we've seen, while there are even some impressive free VPNs.
Depending on what you're planning on streaming it's also important to have appropriate servers available to connect to. For example, you can't watch BBC iPlayer without a UK server. Luckily all of the providers in this guide have plenty of servers.
FAQ
What is the best iPad VPN?
For the best combination of streaming performance, general privacy, and ease of use, NordVPN is the best option available for your iPad.
However, Surfshark is another great pick, thanks to its improved iOS app and budget pricing. If you're a beginner to VPNs, I recommend ExpressVPN.
What makes a good iPad VPN?
When hunting for a VPN for your iPad, you'll want to make sure it prioritizes your privacy and comes with security features. Keep an eye out for powerful encryption and a comprehensive privacy policy to keep your sensitive information out of the reach of cybercriminals and snoopers.
Most iPad users will also want good streaming support so, you'll also need a wide selection of international servers with the power to sidestep geographic restrictions put in place by streaming providers.
Finally, a polished interface is a no-brainer, and it should match the inimitable simplicity of iOS. I like VPNs that are simple on the surface, but make it easy to access any additional features – and my top pick NordVPN combines powerful security, streaming, and pleasing aesthetics like no other provider I've tested.
Do I really need a VPN on my iPad?
If you want to make sure your sensitive information is kept safe and out of the hands of ne'er-do-wells, a VPN is essential.
However, security isn't the only use for a VPN. If you're traveling abroad and have a subscription to a service like Netflix, you may find that your favorite shows aren't available where you are. If you've got access to a quality VPN, you can virtually relocate yourself back home and get access to what you're used to.
Learn more about the many benefits of using a VPN in our handy guide.
What does a VPN for iPad do?
Once your iPad is connected to the internet, be it through your mobile data connection or Wi-Fi, it's at risk. In the case of unsecured public Wi-Fi, like at coffee shops, hotels and airports, this risk of your data being exposed. That's where a VPN works to keep you safe.
Discover more about how VPNs keep you safe here.
Can I get a free iPad VPN?
Free VPN services can be very tempting, but while there are some good options, they're all limited in some way or another.
We've done a deep dive into whether free VPNs are safe to give you all the info you need.
Bottom line, to get the best VPNs for iPads (and the best Android VPNs), I wholeheartedly recommend going with a paid service, or at the very least one of my top-rated free providers. Don't just search the App Store and download the first free VPN you come across.
Does my iOS device have a VPN built in?
Since iOS 2.0, iPhones, iPads and other portable Apple devices have supported VPN connections – but they've never come with a VPN built in.
However, VPN integration is now absolutely seamless, so if you pick any of the best services from my list, you can be sure that you'll get – and stay – protected in seconds.
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Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
