Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad in 2026: Top Picks for Privacy and Speed
Description
If you are browsing the web using your iPad or iPhone your online activity is visible to your internet service provider (ISP), your government, and potentially others. You might think you have nothing to hide, but if you are accessing the web via a public Wi-Fi network there is a chance of interception that could put your data at risk. There is a really simple solution if you want to maintain online privacy and anonymity: a VPN.
The VPN will encrypt your data and provide a secure means of surfing the web. If privacy is important to you, and why wouldn’t it be, surfing via a VPN will guard your identity. If you are surfing from a location that requires some form of identification to view certain sites, a VPN would allow you to bypass that requirement by hiding your IP address and switching it for a new IP address somewhere else in the world.
PROMOTION
X-VPN: Your Best iOS VPN for Unblocking
Rated 4.7/5 by over 521K users on the Apple Store, X-VPN operates from Singapore outside the 14 Eyes to give iOS users more freedom and privacy for just $34.99 a year($2.99/mo)
You can switch to an IP address in the same country, or it could be halfway across the globe. This makes a VPN an essential tool for iPad and iPhone users wanting to access streaming services in countries where they don’t exist (such as HBO Max in the U.K. or BBC iPlayer in the U.S.) or to watch content that isn’t available where you are on services like as Disney+, Netflix, or Amazon Prime. If you’re traveling abroad and missing out on your favorite shows you can use a VPN to connect to a server in your own country and carry on watching as if you were at home.
How we choose the best VPN for iPad and iPhone
To select the best VPNs, the experts at Macworld conducts hands-on testing on iPhone and iPad that combines performance benchmarks with practical, real-world use. Our evaluation process is built on a foundation of quantifiable data and qualitative analysis to ensure we recommend only services we would use ourselves. You can read more about our methodology below.
At a glance: Feature comparison table
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| VPN | Privacy & No-Logs | Streaming Support | Speed & Performance | Device Limit | Ease of Use (iOS App) | Free/Trial | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Excellent (strict no-logs) | Strong | Fast & reliable | Up to ~10 devices | Very good | 30-day refund | Best all-around choice |
| Surfshark | Excellent (no-logs) | Good | Fast (unlimited connections) | Unlimited | Very good | 30-day refund | Best for multiple devices/budget |
| ExpressVPN | Excellent | Very strong | Very fast | ~8 devices | Excellent (simple UI) | 30-day refund | Best for ease of use |
| ProtonVPN | Excellent (privacy-first) | Moderate | Good | Varies (free/paid tiers) | Good | Free tier + refund | Best free/secure option |
| FastestVPN | Moderate | Good | Decent | Varies | Basic | Trial/Lifetime options | Good budget/streaming pick |
| hide.me | Good | Good | Good | Up to 10 devices | Good | Free tier | Good privacy + free tier |
| PIA (Private Internet Access) | Good | Moderate | Good | ~10 devices | Moderate | Refund policy | Customizable & privacy-focused |
| CyberGhost | Good | Very good | Good | Up to ~7 devices | Very easy | 45-day refund | Good for streaming & beginners |
| ClearVPN | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Easy | Refund/Trial | Basic user-friendly options |
Best iPad and iPhone VPN 2025: Reviewed & Ranked
We’ve tested many VPN services on Macs and we’ve tested them on iPads and iPhones. The good news is it’s never been easier to find a great VPN for your iPhone or iPad, but they’re not all created equal. Here are our picks.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for iPhones and iPads
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Pros
- Lots of servers around the world
- Impressive speeds
- Independently audited
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
- Connections aren’t unlimited
Best Prices Today:
United States
