Let's talk iPad VPN. In their quest for tech world domination, Apple have produced some impressive device lines, to say the least. When you don't have the demand for a MacBook, but you want something bigger than your iPhone, then came the iPad. Apple might be leader in their field, but none of their devices have the protection that the best iPad VPNs can provide. Only the best VPNs can protect your iPad from data breaches and other online threats.
You need a Virtual Private Network that compliments the inner workings of your Apple iPad. You need a provider that works to your needs. Perhaps you take advantage of that big screen for streaming, photo editing, or anything else in between, a VPN ensures a level of security your iPad desperately needs.
Most premium VPNs cater to all operating systems, offering the same service with slight alterations depending on the device in question. When choosing a Virtual Private Network for your iPad, you need a provider that understands iOS. There's no use just choosing a great VPN at base value, it needs to have exemplary iOS credentials.
The best iPad VPNs at a glance:
• The best iPad VPN: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
• The best iPad VPN app: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The best iPad VPN for value: Surfshark - View on Surfshark
The VPNs in this ranking are hand-crafted for iPads and all iOS devices, for that matter. Considering both iPads and iPhones run on iOS, these VPNs are sublime options for both. Understand what makes these VPNs perfect for your iPad. Read on for our dedicated list made up of nothing short of the best.
Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.
The best iPad VPN
nordvpn.com
When a VPN builds up a reputation for itself, it's usually no coincidence. NordVPN lives up to the hype and then some. For iPad, Nord leaves nothing up for debate with an inclusive Virtual Private Network experience.
Commonly applauded for its unmatched security, this is still the case on iOS and for iPads. The double data encryption strikes again, making your iPad more secure than it'll ever be. The phenomenal privacy features go in tandem with Nord's more than impressive speeds. It's easy to connect to NordVPN on iPad, with fast connections and fast speeds. What's more to love?
Nord's map-based interface might take some getting used to, but once you're acquainted, you'll never look back. On another note, sign-up does require an email address, so VPN buffs might turn their noses up at Nord somewhat.
Pros
- Premium security - super secure
- Advanced features
- Solid app - well-rounded
Cons
- Map-based interface is an acquired taste
- Email required for sign-up
| Servers: | 5709 |
| Simultaneous connections: | 6 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| 24/7 live support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "Huge improvement in the iOS VPN's quality. Two years ago, it would constantly drop connection and would be pretty slow, I couldn't stream without regular buffering. Nowadays the connection is stable and fast, I rarely have issues and am able to enable it with one tap."
The best iPad VPN app
go.expressvpn.com
If you craft a great VPN app, the result tends to be a great VPN. ExpressVPN understood the assignment and has delivered a tremendous iOS app that runs terrifically on iPad. The app is polished, it's simple, and it could appease a total VPN beginner and a hardened veteran.
The Express app makes it so easy to do everything you want to do with a VPN. Server hopping is seamless, and ExpressVPN's unblocking abilities make it a brilliant option for streamers looking to access different catalogues. If you're ever stuck, Express' 24/7 live customer support is always there, night and day.
This is a provider that impresses across the board of Apple products. Not only do they make online privacy a breeze on iOS systems, but they do it on macOS and Apple TV too.
ExpressVPN does only allow five simultaneous connections, but with router support, you can benefit from an unlimited capacity under one roof.
Pros
- Simple, polished app - highly functional
- Amazing customer support - 24/7, real operators
- Easy server hopping, great unblocking
Cons
- Cheaper options offer nearly as much
| Servers: | 3000+ |
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| 24/7 live support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "Easy to set up on my devices, great instructions. I am not very savvy on computers but I had no problem at all with ExpressVPN."
The best iPad VPN for value
surfshark.com
There's plenty of reasons why you wouldn't want to pay the premium prices that come with most premium VPNs. Perhaps you don't actually use your iPad too often, but you still want that privacy protection when you do. Or you simply want the best VPN for as little price. If that's the case, Surfshark is for you.
Surfshark is great value for money, and it doesn't cut any corners either. You get access to over 3200 servers, servers that are very reliable and fast for streaming. If this wasn't enough, Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Maybe don't be bonkers with this limit though, many users found kill switch issues under extreme usage.
Pros
- Best value VPN
- Generous coverage - matches Express
- Impressive streaming capabilities - reliable too
Cons
- Kill switch bugs on extreme use
| Servers: | 3200+ |
| Simultaneous connections; | Unlimited |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| 24/7 live support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "Very solid VPN with good speeds and reliable connections. There's a wide variety of servers to choose from. The app is well laid out and responsive. I've had nothing but good experiences with Surfshark."
The most powerful iPad VPN
protonvpn.com
Behold the power of Proton. No, it's not a comic book villain, Proton is the most powerful VPN you can get for iPad and iOS. As a provider based in China, you're signing up for high-grade privacy. There's an abundance of configurable and effective privacy features in ProtonVPN.
There are also equally as many features for speed with Proton, should speeds ever dip, you can arm your VPN accelerator. A VPN accelerator kicks the VPN up a gear, injecting a massive speed boost to your iPad.
We've praised Proton extensively for its free plan too. It's by far the most packed free VPN package out there right now. We urge users to take full advantage of this before signing up for a paid plan. There's no 24/7 live support on ProtonVPN, so it's best to get to grips free of charge.
Pros
- Chinese privacy - robust
- Powerful features - tailor your experience
- Best free version
Cons
- No 24/7 live support
| Servers: | 1720 |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| 24/7 live support: | No |
- Customer review: "Super solid and easy to use. From a company that actually delivers security and doesn't scan your emails. Nothing better than Proton."
The best iPad VPN for functionality
hide.me
This Virtual Private Network is reliable, functional, and intuitive. It's Hide.me. For a VPN that works in partnership with your iPad, contributing to its strengths, there's none better. The Hide.me iOS app doesn't throw heaps and heaps of features your way that you probably won't even use. Every feature has an everyday function.
You get 10 simultaneous connections with Hide.me can withstand this limit too. Function comes first. Based on its drive for functionality, Hide.me may alienate users brand new to VPNs. A level of VPN knowledge is definitely required to get the most out of Hide.me. There's surprisingly no iOS kill switch for Hide.me currently, so being VPN and tech-savvy may be required to tackle this provider.
Pros
- Intuitive iOS app - highly responsive
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Reliable
Cons
- Too complex for beginners
- No kill switch for iOS.
| Servers: | 2100 |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| 24/7 live support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "Best VPN out there. Using this on all of my devices without any problems. Fast and secure, all the features you need from a vpn provider (Premium plan)."
Key VPN terms
VPN – Virtual Private Network
Kill switch – When internet connection is lost, it's a feature that kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link can be attained once more
Double data encryption – When a VPN combines two algorithms in order to create an encrypted Virtual Private Network
Simultaneous connections – Number of devices that can be connected to the VPN at once
How to use a VPN on iPad
Using a VPN on your iPad is simple. Find your chosen provider on the app store and download the app. Once installed, log in/sign up, and you can, at this point, optionally adjust your configuration settings. Then, you can activate your Virtual Private Network.
Do I need a VPN on my iPad?
Just like any device that has access to the internet, your iPad is vulnerable to the very real dangers of the net. Streaming is an online activity with high data usage, so if you use your iPad for heavy online activities like streaming, protection is vital.
Are VPNs illegal?
Nope, VPNs are a perfectly legal and legitimate way of protecting your online devices. As long as your online activity is legal, and you're in a country where VPNs are legal, there's nothing wrong with using one to protect your personal data.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.