With so many VPNs to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the right service. I have done the hard work for you and tested more than 30 services to find the top VPN for iPad in 2023, and the results show ExpressVPN is the #1 service. ExpressVPN provides an easy-to-use app for iPad, plus fast speeds and best-in-class security and privacy. You can try ExpressVPN with your iPad risk-free as the service is backed by a money-back guarantee — if you change your mind, you can get a full refund. Try ExpressVPN with iOS risk-free
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for iPads in 2023
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The Best iPad VPNs (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Secure Global Network of Blazing-Fast Servers Ideal for Streaming, Gaming, and Browsing on iPad
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the top service for iPad in 2023 with blazing-fast speeds across its global network of 3000+ servers. During tests, ExpressVPN kept my speeds fast on my home WiFi and when I connected to public networks. I never experienced a reduction of more than 18%, even when connected to servers thousands of miles away. I could FaceTime with friends, stream my favorite shows in UHD, play online games, and more without buffering or lag. Not only is ExpressVPN fast, but it’s also a top choice for keeping your iPad secure and your online activity private. Its iPad app includes the following features:
Military-grade encryption — keeps your data secure on every server connection A kill switch (called auto-connect) — shuts off the internet if the VPN connection is interrupted, preventing data leaks Threat Manager — blocks trackers and malicious sites Secure Lightway protocol — optimized for security and top connection speeds and its lightweight code won’t drain your battery life TrustedServer Technology — all servers are RAM-based and cannot log or store user data Audited zero-log privacy policy — guarantees your data is secure when you’re connected to ExpressVPN
I like that ExpressVPN is excellent at accessing streaming apps on iPad, especially as it can be difficult to connect to a service like Netflix when using a VPN. However, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation masks your VPN traffic to look like regular traffic, making it easy to use streaming apps from anywhere in the world. ExpressVPN can easily connect to accounts with the following services: The downside to ExpressVPN is that it doesn’t have an auto-connect feature for iPad, which would be useful for securing public connections. However, I found ExpressVPN’s intuitive app makes it easy to connect to a server, so I could quickly secure my iPad when out and about. While ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than other options, I think it’s worth the price for full-coverage security, fast speeds, and an easy-to-use iPad app. Plans start at $6.67/month for a 1-year + 3 months subscription, and every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I suggest you try ExpressVPN with your iPad risk-free and see if it’s right for you. If you change your mind, getting a full refund is easy. I tested the process myself by contacting an agent over the 24/7 live chat. My cancellation request was approved immediately, and I had my money back in less than 5 days. Try ExpressVPN with your iPad
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Provide Fast, Easy Access to Streaming Apps on iPad
Key Features: CyberGhost’s optimized streaming servers are available on iPad, making it easy to connect to streaming services from anywhere. These servers are frequently tested by CyberGhost staff to ensure a working connection — I didn’t have to spend time switching servers to connect to Netflix, saving me time. Plus, there are servers for popular streaming apps and regional services. Using CyberGhost, I could connect to my local streaming accounts without seeing proxy errors. CyberGhost can stream the following on iPad: With CyberGhost’s fast speeds, I had no issues with lag or buffering on local servers. I could stream, play mobile games, and FaceTime with friends on my iPad with a minimal slowdown of less than a 25% decrease of my regular speed. While I did experience some speed reduction over long distances, this is typical for a VPN. CyberGhost’s optimized servers are faster, so I recommend using those and the WireGuard protocol for the best connections. Alongside solid speeds, CyberGhost has multiple features for iPad to keep your data and device secure. These features include:
Military-grade encryption — every server connection is protected by AES 256-bit encryption Automatic kill switch — always active to protect against data leaks if the VPN is interrupted WiFi Auto-Connect — instantly secures your connection when you’re using a public network, protecting you from hackers and spies iPad widget — instantly connects to your nearest server in 1 click Audited zero-log policy — confirms no user data is logged or stored when you connect to a CyberGhost server
While CyberGhost’s VPN app doesn’t come with an ad-blocker, I found it has a separate Private Browser for iPad. This browser stops all trackers and ads so you can browse anonymously and keep your bookmarks secure with fingerprint or facial recognition. As a plus, I found my web pages populated quickly, and I used less mobile data as I wasn’t loading ads and trackers. The downside is CyberGhost is an expensive short-term option, so I suggest choosing a long-term subscription. Plans start at $2.19/month for a 2-year + 2 months subscription, and this is backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee. You can try CyberGhost with your iPad and test every feature risk-free. If you change your mind, you can get a full refund — I contacted the 24/7 live chat and requested my money back after using CyberGhost for 39 days. The agent processed my request within minutes, and I had my money back in less than a week. Try CyberGhost with your iPad
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network Provides Reliable, Secure iPad Connections
Key Features: Private Internet Access (PIA) has an enormous server network for easy iPad connections — more than 35000 servers in 84 locations. With so many servers to choose from, you’ll always find a local option for a fast, reliable network connection. During my tests, I didn’t experience user congestion or trouble establishing a connection, as there was always an available server. To find the fastest connection, PIA displays each server’s ping (or latency). By choosing a low-ping connection, I could maintain reliably fast speeds across PIA’s server network. There was some slowdown over long-distance connections, but my speeds reduced by around 30% on average — fast enough for streaming, mobile gaming, and FaceTime without lag or interruptions. If your network speeds are slow (around 20Mbps or less), you may notice some buffering, but it should be minimal. For top-tier security and privacy on every connection, PIA has the following features:
Military-grade encryption — used on all servers, protecting your data and devices Automatic kill switch — maintains data security if the VPN connection is interrupted Safari Content Blocker — stops malicious ads and trackers when using your iPad (only works with Safari) Siri shortcuts — make it easy to connect and disconnect to a local server iPad widget — 1-click connections to the fastest server Audited zero-log privacy policy — confirms your data is never stored on PIA’s servers
I was pleased to find PIA is a good choice for streaming on iPad, as it works with most streaming apps without showing proxy errors. PIA can access the following services without issue: However, I did have issues connecting to some streaming services with PIA. It took a few tries on several different servers before connecting to Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer didn’t work, even in the UK. If you have trouble connecting to a streaming service, make sure you try PIA’s optimized streaming servers — if that fails, you can use the live chat, and an agent can recommend a suitable server. You can try PIA risk-free with your iPad as the service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Better still, it’s an affordable option, with plans starting at just $2.19/month for a 2-year + 2 months subscription. If you change your mind within the guarantee period, you can get a full refund — I sent an email to customer support at helpdesk@privateinternetaccess.com requesting a refund and had my money back within a week. Try PIA with your iPad
4. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Feature Ideal for Secure, Anonymous Connections in Your iPad
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature is ideal for making reliable and anonymous iPad connections from anywhere in the world. Stealth VPN obfuscates the VPN connection, making it look like regular internet traffic. This makes it easier to connect to apps without detection and access content that doesn’t allow VPNs or proxies. I found this useful for my iPad streaming apps, and PrivateVPN can connect to the following options: I was concerned Stealth VPN would significantly slow my speeds, but PrivateVPN is reliably fast, especially on local connections. While there was a small reduction in speed, my connection was fast enough for UHD streaming, lag-free gaming, and video calls that didn’t buffer. If your speeds are slower (around 20Mbps or less), you can boost your connection with PrivateVPN’s customizable encryption levels. By switching from AES-256 to AES-128, you can improve your connection speed without impacting your online security. This option is available on iPad with the OpenVPN protocol. Alongside Stealth VPN and customizable encryption, PrivateVPN provides the following top-tier security and privacy features on iPad:
Secure connection protocols — includes OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec Free dedicated IP addresses — ensures you’re the only person using that connection Network kill switch — automatically enabled to protect your data if the VPN is interrupted Audited zero-log policy — confirms your data is anonymous and never stored on PrivateVPN’s servers
The downside to PrivateVPN is that its server network is small. With only 200 servers, I experienced issues when trying to connect to popular locations in the UK and the US. Sometimes it would take up to a minute to connect, and sometimes the connection would fail altogether. While I didn’t mind waiting or reconnecting, it can be frustrating when a service like ExpressVPN provides almost instant server connections at any time. However, PrivateVPN is a low-cost option for those on a budget, with plans starting at just $2.00/month for a 3-year subscription — it’s one of the best monthly VPN subscriptions available, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try PrivateVPN with your iPad risk-free, and if you change your mind, it’s easy to get a refund. When I tested the refund process, I sent an email to customer support asking to cancel my account, and it was approved the same day. I had my money back in a week. Try PrivateVPN with your iPad
5. IPVanish — Connect Your iPad, iPhone, Mac, and More With Unlimited Device Support
Key Features: IPVanish is the only top VPN to offer unlimited connections so that you can secure your iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows PC, smart TV, and more. I set up IPVanish on 8 devices and never had to worry about disconnecting one to encrypt another — I could ensure all my devices were protected. I thought multiple devices would slow my speed, but IPVanish keeps speeds fast across its network. Even with 8 devices connected simultaneously, my slowdown was barely noticeable — just a 10% reduction. This was fast enough for UHD streaming, uninterrupted FaceTiming, and lag-free gaming. Even if your speeds are slow, multiple device connections shouldn’t impact your connection. As well as fast speeds, IPVanish maintains top-tier security and privacy for your iPad connections with the following features:
Military-grade encryption — ensures security on every server On Demand connections — automatically connects the VPN when using untrusted WiFi networks Siri shortcuts — quickly connect and disconnect from the nearest server iPad widget — connects to the fastest nearby server in one click Audited zero-log policy — proves your data is never stored on IPVanish’s servers
I was pleased to find IPVanish works well with streaming apps on iPad, as it can be tricky to connect if the app detects your VPN. During tests, IPVanish could connect to accounts with the following: You can find the best server for streaming and more by checking IPVanish’s detailed interface. Each server has the ping (or latency) and user load listed — by choosing a server with low ping and load, you can ensure a fast and reliable connection. My issue with IPVanish for iPad is it’s an expensive option for what it offers. It has fewer server connections than ExpressVPN, no ad or malware blocker, no kill switch, and no optimized servers for streaming or gaming. Its plans start at $6.67/month for a 1-year + 3 months subscription, and every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try IPVanish with your iPad risk-free, and it’s easy to get a full refund if you change your mind. From your browser, head to the “Subscription” menu in your IPVanish account and click “Cancel Now.” It took less than 5 minutes to cancel my account, and my money was returned within 4 days. Try IPVanish with your iPad
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for iPads
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How I Tested and Ranked the Best iPad VPNs
I tested more than 30 services to find the best VPNs in 2023 for your iPad. Each VPN was rigorously tested and ranked according to the following criteria:
Intuitive apps for iOS: I ensured each VPN has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate iOS app, ideal for beginners and advanced users. Plus, the apps are quick to install and set up and won’t take up too much storage space on your device. High-level security and privacy features: Each VPN has AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and data leak protection. You’ll also find a strict zero-log policy to secure your online activity and data, and some VPNs have an ad-block feature to protect against malicious content. Global server network: A worldwide network of servers allows you to make quick and easy connections from anywhere and helps to keep speeds fast by reducing user congestion, particularly at peak traffic times. Fast download speeds: Your VPN should be able to reduce speed loss and keep your download speeds reasonably fast across its network. This way, you can browse, stream, game, and more with minimal lag and buffering. Access to streaming services: I tested each VPN with popular streaming service apps like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more to ensure you can access your local streaming accounts on your iPad. 24/7 customer support: I contacted customer support for each VPN to make sure you get prompt and informative responses to queries — necessary if you’re having trouble connecting or need advice. Value for money: Each VPN provides a range of top-quality features to secure your iPad connections, making them worth the cost. Plus, they all have a money-back guarantee, making it risk-free to try them for yourself.
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4 Easy Steps: How to Use a VPN on an iPad
Setting up a VPN with your iPad is simple, as all the recommended VPNs have dedicated iOS apps for quick and easy installation. It’s important to note that you should subscribe to your VPN through the official website, not the Apple App Store. Otherwise, you won’t be eligible for any money-back guarantees offered by the VPN, and if you require a refund, you’ll have to go through the App Store. This can be a lengthy and frustrating process — it’s much easier and faster to communicate with your VPN’s customer service. Try ExpressVPN with iOS
Why do I need a VPN on my iPad?
While iOS is a very secure operating system, your iPad is still exposed to online threats if you don’t use a VPN. By connecting to a top-tier VPN on your iPad, your online activity and personal data are hidden within the encrypted tunnel. No hackers, spies, or intrusive third-party advertisers can monitor your connection to steal your data or target you with ads. Some of the best VPNs can also block malicious ads and websites — phishing scams and shady links are some of the biggest threats to your iOS and iPad security. If you take your iPad out with you, you’re also at risk if you connect to public WiFi. Public connections are notorious hotspots for hackers, so using a VPN can protect your iPad from the dangers of unsecured WiFi.
Do iPads come with a built-in VPN?
No, your iPad doesn’t have a built-in VPN. There are some anonymizing tools available, but none of them will give you the protection and data security of a top-tier VPN service. However, your iPad comes with full VPN support, which makes it very easy to download and install a third-party VPN like ExpressVPN. You can also manually configure a VPN connection with your iPad, but I don’t recommend this. It doesn’t support secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, and you could risk your security if it’s incorrectly configured. I recommend downloading a top-tier VPN service, as this will provide complete protection with no tricky configuration.
Which iPad VPN is the best for Netflix?
The best iPad VPN for Netflix is ExpressVPN. The Netflix app is notoriously tricky to use with a VPN, as it often caches location data from your device to determine where you are — it can sometimes detect your actual location even with a VPN connection. ExpressVPN disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic with obfuscation and masks your real IP address, making it easy to stream on Netflix from anywhere — even when using the Netflix app rather than your browser.
Why isn’t my VPN working on my iPad?
Even the best VPNs in 2023 for your iPad can have connection issues, so here are some quick and easy fixes to get you connected again:
Connect to a different server: The server you’re using may be down for maintenance or simply be having an issue. Try disconnecting and choosing a different server — this is often the easiest way to fix a connection issue. Check your VPN for updates: If you have a pending update available, now is the time to install it. Regular updates keep your VPN operating smoothly and free from bugs and vulnerabilities. Once you’ve updated the VPN, restart it and try connecting again. Clear cookies and cache: Your true location data is sometimes stored in your browser’s cookies. You could be denied access if a website or service detects this and it conflicts with your VPN server. Clearing the cookies and cache in your browser can help resolve this problem — you’ll find this in your browser’s privacy and security settings. Check your firewall: Sometimes, your firewall can deny your VPN access to the internet, causing your connections to fail. Check your firewall settings and add your VPN to the list of permitted software. Contact your VPN’s customer support: If all else fails, get in touch with customer support using the 24/7 live chat. An agent can provide step-by-step troubleshooting help to get you connected as soon as possible.
Can I use Private Relay instead of a VPN?
I don’t recommend it — Apple’s Private Relay provides some anonymity, but it won’t give you the high-level encryption and overall protection of a top-tier VPN service. However, you can use Private Relay alongside a VPN connection to improve your security. Private Relay is only available for iCloud+ subscribers and only works with Safari — you won’t be able to use it with other browsers, and a Private Relay connection won’t encrypt the traffic for your entire iPad. Your activity in other apps, like banking, shopping, and streaming services, won’t be protected. With a top-tier VPN, your whole device benefits from the encrypted connection, so all of your online activity is anonymous. Unfortunately, Private Relay doesn’t provide access to restricted content and isn’t available in locations like China, Egypt, Belarus, and South Africa. Plus, Private Relay doesn’t have any obfuscation, making it more likely you’ll face detection and blocks. Ultimately, the only way you’ll get complete protection, easy access to global content, and total device security is with a premium VPN service.
Can I use a free VPN on my iPad?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. A free VPN won’t have the high-level features and iPad compatibility necessary for a quality VPN experience. Many 100% free VPNs have shady privacy policies and won’t protect your activity, selling your data to third-party advertisers. Worse still, some free VPNs have been known to host malware that can infect your device and steal your sensitive information. Even the best free VPNs on the market aren’t ideal for use with your iPad. These services are free versions of premium VPNs, so while you can guarantee your security and privacy, you’ll face many limitations — data caps, speed restrictions, a small number of server connections, and more. Instead, I recommend you try a VPN with a generous money-back guarantee. A service like CyberGhost has 45 days for you to test every feature on your iPad and make sure it’s right for you. If you change your mind, you can easily get a full refund. I tested the process myself, and it was simple — it took less than 5 minutes of talking to a customer support agent, who arranged my refund with no questions asked. I had my money back in less than a week. Try CyberGhost risk-free
Get the Best VPN Protection for Your iPad
Every time you connect to the internet with your iPad without using a VPN, you’re putting your data at risk. Fortunately, I have found the top VPNs for your iPad to ensure you get the best protection every time you connect. The recommended VPNs are easy to use on all your Apple devices (plus Windows, Android, smart TVs, routers, and game consoles) and have solid speeds for browsing, streaming, online gaming, and more. Overall, the best VPN for your iPad is ExpressVPN, with top-tier security and privacy features and fast speeds across its global network. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN on your iPad risk-free — if you’re not fully satisfied, you can get a refund within 30 days. When I tested the refund process, it was simple, and I had my money back in less than 5 days.
