The best VPNs for your iPad

All the best services for securing your favourite tablet.

By Joseph Green

Sept. 19, 2024

Credit: Pexels

NordVPN

Best For Security

You can't go wrong with Nord. It's a well-known and reliable VPN that has over 5,000 servers worldwide and doesn't track your activity.

Pros & Cons

CyberGhost VPN

Best For Simplicity

CyberGhost makes staying protected on your Android device easy.

Pros & Cons

Private Internet Access

Best For Server Network

Installs quickly and comes with loads of premium features for all types of users.

Pros & Cons

Surfshark

Best For Multiple Devices

Surfshark offers an impressive set of features with an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Pros & Cons

So you're considering investing in a VPN? That's the first step. The second step is somewhat harder. Deciding to invest in one of these powerful cybersecurity services is the easy part, but actually picking the right VPN for you and your tech is tricky. But do not fear, because we can help you make an informed decision.

Here's everything you need to know before subscribing to a VPN.

What is a VPN?

A VPN provides vital protection for your data and identity when you're online by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. This network forms a protected tunnel that you send all of your information through, so instead of sending and receiving information in the open, everything happens under the cover of an encrypted connection. The result of this process is that nobody can see your data, and all of your activity is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN for your iPad?

We all know that iOS devices are generally more secure than devices operating with Android, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in some form of cybersecurity for your most prized possessions. That's because every time you browse the web or connect to public WiFi, your data could be exposed to online threats. To keep your data protected in transit, you need a VPN.

The other reason to consider partnering your iPad with a VPN relates to streaming. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This quick and easy process can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are connecting from another country, meaning you can watch all the content that is normally locked to that location. If you want to watch extra content from the likes of Netflix and Prime Video on your iPad, you should seriously consider a streaming-friendly VPN.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are a lot of free versions of top VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. With this in mind, why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There are always catches with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will work fine for some people, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on the move, it isn't going to work. Free trials work differently: they come without limitations, but don't tend to last very long. Trials give you the opportunity to test out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution if you're travelling.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for your iPhone?

Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all service, there are plenty of VPNs that can partner effectively with iOS devices like the iPad. To help you pinpoint the best service for you, we have listed the best VPNs to protect your iPad. There should be something for everyone in this list, with popular services like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN making the cut.

These are the best iPad VPNs in 2024.

NordVPN

Best For Security

The good

One of the sturdiest, most reliable VPNs Fast servers Can connect six devices Doesn't log activities

The Bad

It's expensive

The Bottomline

If you want a VPN that has a fast service and allows you to connect to multiple phones at once, try out NordVPN.

Specs

Monthly: £10.39/month
One-year plan: £3.99/month
Two-year plan: £3.19/month

Read our full review of NordVPN.

NordVPN has a reputation for being amongst the sturdiest, most reliable VPNs out there. NordVPN has fast servers that are also not on any blacklists. You should be able to stream Hulu or Netlfix shows in several European countries without any issues.

NordVPN says it offers over 5,000 servers worldwide. It lets you connect six devices at the same time, and it claims to keep no logs of your activities. INordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, with a wide range of advanced security features that combine to protect your data and identity.

CyberGhost VPN

Best For Simplicity

The good

Great security features Easy to use with Android Generous money-back guarantee

The Bad

Speeds can drop

The Bottomline

CyberGhost VPN keeps things real simple, and focuses on strong security features.

Specs

Monthly: £10.89/month
Six-month plan: £6.19/month
Two-year plan: £1.92/month

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Cyberghost VPN has a really simple interface with easy-to-understand terminology explaining all of its features. It keeps things easy and focuses on strong security features. It’s very fast to set up and has intuitive apps for a variety of popular devices.

CyberGhost might be easy to use but that doesn't mean it's not on par with other options on this list. Users have access to 3,600 servers in over 60 locations around the world, with unlimited bandwidth and traffic. This makes for reliable streaming, but some users have said connections can be slower than with other VPN offerings.

Private Internet Access

Best For Server Network

The good

Encrypted WiFi Kill switch Number and spread of servers Range of apps

The Bad

Interface is dated Not the fastest

The Bottomline

List of features that should suit beginners and advanced users.

Specs

Monthly: £10.99/month
Six-month plan: £5.39/month
Two-year plan: £1.69/month

Private Internet Access (PIA) installs quickly and comes with loads of impressive features for all types of users, no matter if you're a beginner or an advanced user who likes fiddling around with settings.

You get your standard secure VPN account, encrypted WiFi, P2P, IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, plus a whole lot more. PIA isn't a particularly sexy app, but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for with a long list of features. It also has a solid backbone, with thousands of servers in countries all around the world.

It's also relatively speedy. We noticed our "naked" download and upload speeds dropped by only about a half or two-thirds (common for most VPNs). It may not be the fastest VPN around, but it's definitely not the slowest, either.

PIA has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and an extension for Chrome.

Surfshark

Best For Multiple Devices

The good

No limit on simultaneous connections Intuitive app Multi-hop and split tunnelling tools

The Bad

Not the strongest connection speeds

The Bottomline

Surfshark ticks a lot of boxes for streaming sport and should be your top choice if you rely on a lot of tech.

Specs

Monthly: £9.90/month
One-year plan: £3.05/month
Two-year plan: £1.76/month

Surfshark is probably the best VPN for anyone who relies on a lot of tech, as you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same plan. This also makes it something to seriously consider if there is a lot of people in your house looking to stream at the same time.

Surfshark also offers a wide range of impressive features including split tunnelling and enterprise-grade infrastructure, with an easy to use and stylish interface making it a strong choice for total beginners.

Surfshark is not the cheapest provider, but if you're willing to commit to a longer contract, the monthly rate comes down sharply.

Topics: Tech, VPN (Virtual Private Networks), ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN