Thinking your iPhone or iPad is inherently safe from online snooping? Think again. While Apple's iOS and iPadOS boast robust security, they are not impervious. Features like iCloud Private Relay offer only limited protection, confined to the Safari browser. Step into Chrome, TikTok, or any other app, and that privacy shield drops. For comprehensive security on public Wi-Fi and protection from advertisers and internet service providers (ISPs), a dedicated Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for both your phone and tablet.
Our Top VPN Picks for iPhone and iPad in 2026
After extensive testing on an iPhone 15 Pro Max and an 11th-generation iPad, our senior tech critic, Alex Lee, has identified the standout VPN services for Apple mobile devices. The evaluation, conducted in January 2026, focused on speed, reliability, streaming performance, and privacy features like strict no-logging policies. Here are the top recommendations.
ExpressVPN: The Best Overall Experience
ExpressVPN earns the top spot for its sheer simplicity and powerful performance on iOS. The app provides a clean, intuitive interface, allowing users to select servers manually or use a smart location feature for the fastest connection. It supports the Lightway and IKEv2 protocols for optimal speed and reliability.
Key features include a Network Protection kill switch, a customisable threat manager for blocking ads and trackers, and integrated parental controls. Its ExpressVPN Keys password manager is also built directly into the app. All servers run on RAM-only infrastructure, ensuring data is wiped upon reboot. During tests, it provided flawless access to UK streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and ITVX, with no buffering issues. Pricing starts from £2.62 per month.
Surfshark VPN: Feature-Rich and Budget-Friendly
For users seeking advanced features without a high price tag, Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice. Acquired by Nord Security, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. The app, while slightly cluttered, provides extensive options including MultiHop servers for double encryption, a rotating IP address feature, and a split tunnelling tool called Bypasser.
Subscribers to Surfshark One also get access to a private search engine and an alert system for data leaks. It reliably unblocked UK Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX in testing, with only minor initial buffering. The main drawback is intrusive notifications, which can be disabled. It represents tremendous value, with plans starting from £1.69 per month.
NordVPN: The Security Powerhouse
NordVPN is the go-to for users who prioritise security and customisation. Its iOS app offers a map-based interface and access to specialty servers, including Double VPN, P2P, and Onion Over VPN. A standout feature is Meshnet, which lets you create a secure private network linking up to 60 devices.
Other notable tools include Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor, and an automatic kill switch. It delivered excellent streaming performance with UK and US servers, accessing all major platforms without speed degradation. While the interface can be overwhelming for beginners, it's a top-tier choice for advanced users. Plans start from £2.59 per month.
Windscribe VPN: The Best Free Option
For those unwilling to commit financially, Windscribe VPN offers the best free tier. It provides a generous 10GB of data per month with a verified email address, or 2GB without. Crucially, its free plan works with streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Disney+, a rarity among free VPNs.
The app includes the R.O.B.E.R.T. tool for blocking ads and malware at the DNS level. Following a 2021 security incident, Windscribe has overhauled its infrastructure, moving to RAM-only servers and undergoing independent audits. While speeds are not the fastest, its functionality and strong privacy stance make it the leading free VPN for iPhone and iPad.
Why You Need a VPN on Apple Devices
The testing underscores a critical point: Apple's built-in protections are not a substitute for a full VPN. A quality VPN encrypts all traffic from your device, creating a secure tunnel that shields your data on any network, especially risky public Wi-Fi in airports and cafes. It also prevents ISPs and advertisers from tracking your online activity across all apps, not just your browser.
When choosing a VPN for your iPhone or iPad in 2026, consider ease of use, connection speeds, streaming capability, and the depth of privacy features. Whether you opt for the streamlined power of ExpressVPN, the customisable security of NordVPN, the value of Surfshark, or the capable free tier of Windscribe, enhancing your iOS device's privacy has never been more important.
