Raven Wu
Updated on: May 12, 2025
Fact-checked by Eric Goldstein
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🥇 ExpressVPN
: Its iPad app is feature-rich and has an intuitive interface. It’s also a super-fast VPN with top-notch security, a large server network, and great streaming support. Plus, it backs all first-time subscriptions with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
Many VPNs offer generic iOS apps, and most aren’t fully optimized for iPads. For example, many VPNs have fewer features on iPads compared to other operating systems. Meanwhile, others simply scale up their iPhone interface without optimizing the layout or controls for a tablet display.
In the article below, I highlight the 5 VPNs with the best iPad apps. ExpressVPN is my top choice because of its blazing-fast speeds, strong security, and ease of use. However, all of the VPNs on my list are great alternatives. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for iPad
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for iPad
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is my go-to VPN for iPad. It’s fully compatible with iPadOS versions 15 and up, so it’ll work with all the newest iPad models. It also offers support for versions 12 to 14, but you won’t have access to its newest features and security updates.
- Lightning-fast speeds
- Accesses 100+ streaming platforms
- Audited apps and no-logs policy
- Excellent ad blocker
- Limited support for older models
This VPN is really good for streaming on an iPad. It provides super-fast speeds thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is faster and more lightweight than common VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. In my tests, I encountered no buffering when watching videos, even when connected to distant servers. It also supports streaming on all of its servers and works reliably with 100+ streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN is very secure as well. It has a kill switch (Network Protection) on the iPad. This feature disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, so your data is never unprotected. This is great because a lot of VPNs don’t have a kill switch on their iPad app.
I also like that ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and its iPad app have undergone independent audits, which helps me trust it more. Additionally, it comes with a good ad, tracker, and malware blocker (Advanced Protection).
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the No. 1 VPN for iPad. It provides blazing-fast speeds, works with 100+ streaming platforms, and includes a kill switch on iPad. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and iPad app have both been audited by third-party cybersecurity experts, and it comes with an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Streaming Servers on iPad
CyberGhost VPN is a very good choice for streaming on an iPad. It works on iPadOS versions 13 and up, and it has special servers that are optimized for streaming on 50+ streaming platforms. Each of these servers is tested frequently to ensure that they can access a specific platform, saving you the hassle of looking for a server that works.
- Works with iPadOS 13+
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Great Wi-Fi protection
- No ad blocker
- Lacks full leak protection
I also think it’s nice that these streaming servers are organized in a separate tab for ease of access. Plus, you can even use the search bar to find a specific streaming server. That said, I still prefer ExpressVPN for streaming because it works with more platforms.
Another thing that I like about CyberGhost’s iPad app is its Wi-Fi Auto-Protect feature, which lets you specify how you want CyberGhost to react when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. For example, you can set it to automatically start a VPN connection when you join an unsecure Wi-Fi network. This can be quite handy if you travel frequently with your iPad and need to safely connect to a cafe, hotel, or airport Wi-Fi.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN is a good choice for streaming on an iPad. It has dedicated servers for streaming on 50+ platforms. It also lets you automate your connections, so it’s easy to secure your connections on public Wi-Fi networks.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors’ Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. NordVPN — Easy-To-Use VPN With Siri Shortcuts Integration
NordVPN is a user-friendly VPN that’s compatible with iPadOS versions 15+. I think it’s neat how the app’s main screen shows its server network map for 1-click connections. I also like that its iPad app is compatible with Apple’s Voice Control, so you can connect and disconnect to NordVPN hands-free.
- Intuitive iPad app
- Includes an ad blocker
- Voice Control compatibility
- Doesn’t support older iPad models
- Works with fewer streaming apps
This VPN’s iPad app includes Threat Protection, which helps block ads and malicious domains. This is good to see since some VPN ad blockers aren’t available on iPad (for example, CyberGhost VPN’s Content Blocker).
However, the basic version of Threat Protection that’s on iPad lacks anti-phishing protection, a malicious website blocker, and isn’t as good at stopping ads compared to the Pro version that’s only available on Windows and macOS. ExpressVPN has a fully-featured ad, tracker, and malware blocker on its iPad app.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN is a beginner-friendly VPN for iPad. You can connect to the VPN quickly by tapping on the location on its server network map, and it’s compatible with Siri Shortcuts. Its iPad app also includes a decent ad blocker.
4. Private Internet Access — Highly Customizable VPN for iPad
Private Internet Access (PIA)’s iPad app is great for advanced users on iPadOS versions 12.1+. It comes with a lot of settings that you can tweak to make it work exactly how you want it to. Notably, you can change the encryption level from 256-bit to 128-bit AES encryption to get faster speeds on slower networks.
- Extremely flexible apps
- Works great on mobile networks
- Supports older iPad models
- No ad blocker
- No split-tunneling
You can also ask PIA to Use Small Packets, which may result in better performance on mobile networks if you’re using an iPad with cellular connectivity. Additionally, like NordVPN, PIA is compatible with Siri Shortcuts. I also like PIA for streaming, as it works with many popular apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple+.
I was pretty disappointed to learn, though, that PIA’s excellent ad blocker, MACE, isn’t available on its iPad app.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access has a highly customizable iPad app with plenty of settings that advanced users can tweak to make the VPN work exactly how they want it to. It’s also compatible with Siri Shortcuts.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editors’ Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
5. Surfshark — Has Split-Tunneling on Its iPad App
Surfshark is one of the only VPNs with split-tunneling on its iPad app. The beta version that’s currently available can exclude websites from the VPN tunnel. This is a useful feature for multitasking. You can exclude non-sensitive browser traffic from the VPN tunnel to avoid unnecessary speed loss without disconnecting from the VPN entirely. This is convenient if you need to access websites that don’t work with VPNs, like banking sites.
- Supports latest iPad models
- Offers split-tunneling
- Good ad blocker
- Can only split-tunnel websites
- Lacks full leak protection
This VPN is compatible with iPadOS versions 13+, and, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it has an ad blocker that works on its iPad app, called CleanWeb.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is the only VPN on this list with split-tunneling on its iPad app, which lets you exclude certain traffic from the VPN tunnel. It also comes with a decent ad blocker.
Read the full Surfshark review
Quick Comparison Table
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I made this list of the best VPNs for iPad after conducting extensive research and testing on all of the top VPNs on the market. I followed SafetyDetectives’s proven testing methodology. I investigated the features and interfaces of each iPad app. I also tested each VPN’s speeds, security, streaming support, and more. Read on to learn more about how I ranked and compared the VPNs on my list:
- I checked for iPadOS compatibility. Not all VPNs have iPad apps. All of the VPNs on my list are compatible with the newest versions of iPadOS and also offer support for older versions, in case you have an older iPad model.
- I looked for VPNs with fast speeds. Using any VPN will reduce your speeds slightly as a result of the encryption process. However, all of the VPNs I recommend maintain fast enough speeds for smooth browsing, streaming, and gaming on an iPad.
- I examined each VPN’s security features. A lot of VPNs don’t have a kill switch on their iPad apps, which is an important feature because it prevents accidental data leaks. All of the VPNs on my list have a kill switch on iPad, plus other industry-standard security features, including bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, and a strict no-logs policy (the VPN doesn’t keep track of what you do online).
- I prioritized VPNs with good streaming support. The large screen and portability of an iPad make it ideal for streaming content. I prioritized VPNs that work with a variety of streaming apps. ExpressVPN can access 100+ streaming platforms.
- I chose VPNs that offer great value. I only recommend VPNs with reasonably-priced plans and deals, that allow multiple simultaneous connections, and come with a money-back guarantee.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- PrivateVPN. It’s cheap and easy to use, which makes it a great choice for people new to VPNs. However, it doesn’t have a kill switch on iPad, and it lacks useful extra features, like an ad blocker.
- TunnelBear. It has a kill switch and split-tunneling on its iPad app, which is quite rare. I don’t like that it lacks a money-back guarantee and is missing router support.
- VyprVPN. It’s fast and offers good streaming support. That said, its iPad app doesn’t have a kill switch. Additionally, some of its useful extra features, like its malicious site blocker, don’t work on an iPad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do iPads have a built-in VPN?
While iPadOS includes native support for VPN connections in its settings, you still need to install a third-party VPN app, like ExpressVPN. Apple’s iCloud Private Relay isn’t a VPN, either. It only works in Safari and doesn’t let you change locations or encrypt all app traffic.
Is there a free VPN for iPad?
Yes, there are free VPNs available for iPad, but they all come with major limitations. Free plans usually have data caps, limited server locations, slower speeds, and fewer security features. Some free VPNs may also log your data or bombard you with ads. A reputable free VPN, like Proton VPN, can work if you need a VPN for browsing. However, for consistent fast speeds, privacy, and streaming access, getting a good paid VPN for iPad is highly recommended.
Will using a VPN drain my iPad battery faster?
Yes, using a VPN can cause slightly faster battery drain on your iPad. VPNs run in the background, maintain constant encrypted connections, and sometimes use more CPU when switching servers or handling traffic spikes. That said, the impact is usually minimal, especially if you use a VPN app that’s well-optimized for iPads.
Should I use a VPN on my iPad?
Yes, using a VPN on your iPad is a smart way to protect your online privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and keeps your activity private on public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks. A good VPN for iPad can also access streaming sites, work on restrictive networks, and bypass government censorship.
