Best VPNs for iPhone and iPad in 2026: Top picks for Privacy and Speed

• Up to 6 devices at once.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Amazon Fire TV and tvOS.

Why we recommend NordVPN: NordVPN offers a superb combination of speed, simplicity, and strong privacy tools, making it an excellent all-round VPN for users who want reliable protection and easy access to geo-restricted content. It’s a fast, simple to use, feature-rich VPN.

NordVPN for Mac is best suited to beginners and general users, particularly those interested in privacy protection and bypassing geo-blocks without complexity. It is ideal for newcomers and requires minimal technical knowledge to get started.

Its main benefits include excellent ease of use, strong security, fast performance, and a wide server network. The app is delightfully simple, with one-click location switching and end-to-end encryption. It also includes tools like malware protection, ad and tracker blocking, and Dark Web monitoring, plus optional extras like insurance features on higher tiers. Speed is a standout, with only about a 12% drop, making it one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested.

The drawbacks are mainly around pricing and contracts, which are confusing and biased toward long-term plans that may increase on renewal.

Feature-wise, it offers broad device support (Mac, iOS, iPad, etc.), six simultaneous connections, and simple server switching.

Usability is a major strength: it is beginner-friendly, with limited need for configuration. However, that also means less granular control, as the focus is simplicity over advanced tweaking.

Streaming and travel use are strong: it’s a great option for getting around geo-blocking and accessing region-locked content like Netflix libraries. Connections are reliable with a large server range.

Privacy claims include a no-logs policy (audited), Panama jurisdiction, and strong encryption, plus transparency reporting.

Compared to similar apps, NordVPN stands out for speed, ease of use, and features, though pricing is less competitive.

See the deals on NordVPN’s website.

• Unlimited devices.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Apple TV, Windows, Chrome, Firefox and Edge extensions.

Why we recommend Surfshark: Surfshark offers a combination of low cost, ease of use, and reliable performance, offering strong privacy tools and effective geo-unblocking without the complexity or high price of many rivals.

Surfshark is best suited to budget-conscious users who want a simple, reliable VPN that works across many devices and can handle streaming and general privacy needs. It appeals particularly to beginners thanks to its straightforward interface and low pricing.

The main benefits are its affordability, wide server network (3,000+ servers in 100 countries), strong privacy focus, and broad app support. It also offers additional tools through higher-tier plans, including antivirus, breach alerts, and data removal services.

Drawbacks include some past performance inconsistency and occasional slowdown, plus the fact that its private search feature can be unreliable.

Features include a VPN connection, kill switch, private search, antivirus (higher tiers), identity tools, and security reports.

It is easy to use and beginner-friendly, with minimal setup required.

Streaming performance is strong: it is capable of bypassing geo-blocks and accessing region-locked content, aided by apps like Apple TV support.

Speed results improved in newer testing, with no noticeable performance drop on modern hardware, though earlier tests showed slowdown. Connection reliability is good overall, with improvements over time.

Privacy claims include a “no logs” approach with minimal temporary data storage, cleared within 15 minutes, plus recent security audits.

Compared to competitors, it stands out mainly for price and value, while still offering comparable core functionality.

See the current deals on Surfshark’s website and read our Surfshark review for more details.

• Up to 8 devices at once.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, tvOS, Mac, Android, Windows, Chrome, XBox, Playstation, Switch and more.

Why we recommend ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a good choice for users who want a fast, dependable VPN that works out of the box, with minimal setup and consistent performance across devices, especially for streaming and everyday privacy.

ExpressVPN is best suited to users who want a simple, fast, and reliable VPN with minimal setup, particularly beginners or those prioritising ease of use over advanced configuration. It’s positioned as a premium but accessible service.

The main benefits are its excellent speeds, straightforward interface, and strong overall performance. It is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, with very little noticeable slowdown in everyday use, making it suitable for streaming and general browsing. Its apps are clean and intuitive, requiring little technical knowledge.

Drawbacks include pricing (still relatively expensive despite new tiers) and a lack of more advanced features compared to some competitors, limiting appeal for power users.

Features include core VPN functionality, a wide server network, and cross-platform apps. On iOS, the app mirrors the simplicity of desktop versions, focusing on quick connection and ease rather than deep configuration. Missing features are mainly advanced tools found in rivals (e.g. more granular controls or specialist privacy options).

Ease of use is a standout strength: it is highly beginner-friendly, with minimal setup and mostly automatic operation. However, this simplicity means the level of control is relatively limited.

Protocols include modern options (e.g. Lightway) alongside standard VPN protocols. Streaming support is strong, aided by high speeds and reliable connections, making it effective for bypassing geo-blocks and travel use. Connections are generally stable with no major performance issues reported.

Privacy-wise, ExpressVPN is a secure, trustworthy service with strong protections.

Compared to similar apps, ExpressVPN stands out for speed and simplicity, but may lag behind competitors offering more features at lower cost

While not the cheapest, ExpressVPN does run discounts, with the best deal being the one-year subscription, which is almost half-price.

• Up to 8 devices at once.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, tvOS, Mac, Android, Windows, and more.

Why we recommend Proton VPN: Proton VPN combines strong speeds, intuitive design, and a genuinely useful free plan, making it one of the easiest and most accessible VPNs to get started with.

Proton VPN strikes a balance between solid performance, ease of use, and a generous free tier, making it particularly well suited to beginners and privacy-conscious users trying a VPN for the first time.

Its main strengths are simplicity, fast performance, and a free plan that lowers the barrier to entry. The service includes core VPN tools such as secure connections and broad cross-platform support, with a focus on usability rather than overwhelming users with complex settings. Performance is consistently fast, with minimal noticeable impact during everyday use.

The interface is clear and easy to navigate, and overall performance is strong enough to compete with top-tier alternatives. Ease of use is a standout feature: Proton VPN is highly beginner-friendly, offering a straightforward experience backed by its accessible free tier.

There are some drawbacks. Setup on macOS can be slightly fiddly, and there are a few minor usability inconveniences, meaning the experience isn’t completely seamless across all platforms.

Compared to similar apps, Proton VPN stands out primarily for its free tier and ease of use, helping it differentiate itself from competitors that rely on paid trials or limited refund periods.

You can sign up for Proton VPN here.

• 10 devices at once.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, and more.

Why we recommend FastestVPN: It is a good option for users seeking an affordable, easy-to-use VPN with solid basic security and streaming support, especially if cost matters more than advanced features or top-tier performance.

FastestVPN is a budget-friendly, beginner-oriented VPN that has improved its feature set and now competes more closely with larger providers. It is well suited to new or casual users who want simple privacy protection and streaming access without paying premium prices.

The main benefits include low cost (including a lifetime plan), solid core security, and ease of use. It offers standard protections such as AES-256 encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and a no-logs policy, with its Cayman Islands base reinforcing privacy claims. It also supports streaming-optimised servers and allows P2P traffic, making it useful for everyday streaming and downloading.

However, drawbacks include a smaller server network, fewer advanced features, and performance that doesn’t match top VPNs. It lacks the scale and polish of leading competitors and isn’t consistently the fastest despite its name.

FastestVPN includes features such as kill switch, split tunnelling, auto-connect options, and multiple server categories (streaming, P2P, etc.). The interface is simple and beginner-friendly, though settings are relatively basic, meaning limited advanced control compared to more customisable VPNs. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.

Streaming support is good overall, with dedicated servers and reliable access, though not industry-leading. Device limit is 10 simultaneous connections. Speeds are adequate for typical use but not class-leading, with some inconsistency, especially on distant servers.

Privacy claims include no-logs policy (independently audited), strong encryption, and a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.

Compared to rivals, FastestVPN is cheaper but less powerful, lacking the performance, features, and network size of top-tier services.

FastestVPN is available on Mac as well as Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and more.

You can sign up for Private Internet Access here.

Why we recommended Hide.me: Hide.me is a great choice for users wanting a simple, free VPN with solid core features on Apple devices, especially beginners who value ease of use over advanced performance or premium polish.

Hide.me VPN is best suited to casual users or beginners, particularly those seeking a free VPN on Mac or iOS with minimal setup. It balances simplicity with a decent range of features, though it doesn’t fully match premium competitors.

Its main benefits include a clean, user-friendly interface, a generous free tier, and cross-platform support for Apple devices. The app is easy to navigate, making it accessible for beginners, while still offering advanced options like split tunnelling, multiple protocols, and a kill switch. It also includes ad and tracker blocking, and a consistent experience across macOS and iOS.

However, drawbacks include a dated interface, and premium plans that don’t compete well with rivals. Some features are less fully implemented on macOS, and overall polish lags behind top-tier VPNs.

On iOS, key features mirror macOS, focusing on ease of use, secure connections, and core privacy tools, though mobile apps are described as more basic. The software is generally very easy to use and beginner-friendly, but still offers a moderate level of control through settings and protocol choices.

Hide.me supports multiple VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN.

General performance is solid and connection reliability is good, there are no major usability concerns. Privacy-wise, it is a secure, privacy-focused VPN.

Compared to similar apps, Hide.me stands out for its free plan, but falls behind competitors in premium value and refinement.

• 700+ servers
• 5 connections
• Available on Mac, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android

Why we recommend it Mullvad VPN: It is a good choice for users who prioritise privacy above all else, offering anonymous sign-up, solid performance, and simple pricing in an easy-to-use package that remains highly competitive overall.

Mullvad VPN is best suited to privacy-focused users who want strong anonymity without complexity. It particularly appeals to those who value minimal personal data use and simple pricing over advanced features or large server networks.

Its main benefits are its strong privacy-first approach, anonymous sign-up process, low flat pricing, solid speeds, and effective ability to bypass geo-blocks for streaming. The service is straightforward and transparent, making it accessible while still delivering reliable performance.

However, the main drawbacks include a relatively small server network and a limit of five simultaneous connections, which is lower than some competitors.

Mullvad is a simple, beginner-friendly, easy-to-understand service, with minimal complexity and a clean approach to pricing and setup. While not deeply customizable, it offers enough control for typical users without overwhelming them.

Mullvad delivers good speeds with no major performance issues, and it performs well for streaming and bypassing geo-blocks, making it competitive despite its smaller infrastructure. The connection is reliable, supporting consistent use.

In terms of privacy, Mullvad stands out by allowing users to sign up anonymously and focusing heavily on protecting user identity, going further than many VPNs in this regard.

Compared to similar apps, Mullvad is positioned as a privacy-first alternative, trading off some features and server scale for stronger anonymity and simplicity.

• Unlimited devices.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, and more.

Why we recommend Private Internet Access (PIA): We recommend PIA for users who prioritise privacy, flexibility, and value, offering a powerful feature set and strong protection, even if it sacrifices some speed and simplicity compared to leading competitors.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN well suited to power users and privacy-conscious individuals rather than complete beginners. It has extensive customisation options and a robust feature set, making it particularly appealing to users who want granular control over their VPN configuration.

Its main benefits include strong privacy credentials, a large set of advanced tools, and excellent overall value for money. The service supports unlimited device connections and offers a flexible pricing structure, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

However, the main drawbacks are reduced ease of use and slower speeds compared to some rivals. The interface can feel less intuitive, especially for newcomers, and performance can vary with noticeable download speed loss.

PIA includes a wide range of features and tools, particularly focused on privacy and control, though the review emphasises breadth rather than specific platform features. On iOS, functionality is broadly aligned with other platforms. Some competing VPNs offer more polished or innovative features, so certain cutting-edge tools may be missing.

In terms of usability, it is not the most beginner-friendly, but experienced users will appreciate the level of control available. It includes detailed configuration options that go beyond simpler VPNs.

There is support for OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Streaming performance is solid but not class-leading, and while it can unblock content, speeds may impact performance. Unlimited devices are supported, but speed loss is more noticeable than competitors, which can affect streaming and general performance.

PIA’s privacy claims are a major strength, with a strong focus on user anonymity and data protection. Compared to similar apps, it stands out for customisation and value, but lags slightly in speed and ease of use.

You can sign up for Private Internet Access here.

• Up to 7 devices at once.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, Android, Windows and more.

Why we recommend CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers simplicity, reliable performance, and ease of setup, making it an excellent starting point for VPN beginners who want secure browsing without dealing with complex settings.

CyberGhost VPN is suited to beginners or casual users who want a simple, no-fuss VPN on Mac, iPhone, or iPad. It focuses on ease of use rather than advanced functionality, making it a strong entry-level option.

Its main benefits include a very user-friendly interface, a large global server network, and solid all-round performance. The apps are slick and easy to navigate, and the service offers decent speeds alongside reliable access to a wide range of servers.

However, the drawbacks stem from that simplicity: CyberGhost lacks the depth and advanced tools found in more premium VPNs. It prioritises accessibility over customisation, which may frustrate experienced users looking for fine-tuned control.

In terms of features, CyberGhost includes cross-platform apps, a large server network, and straightforward connection tools. On iOS, the experience mirrors the Mac app, focusing on simplicity and quick connections rather than advanced settings.

The VPN is very easy to use and beginner-friendly, with minimal setup required. This simplicity means the level of control is relatively low, with fewer configuration options than rivals.

It offers decent speeds and reliable general performance, though not industry-leading. It is suitable for everyday browsing and streaming, with stable connections and a large server selection helping with geo-block access and travel use.

On privacy, CyberGhost emphasises audited practices and secure infrastructure, aiming to reassure users about data protection.

Compared to similar apps, CyberGhost stands out for simplicity but falls behind more feature-rich competitors, which offer greater speed, control, and advanced tools.

You can sign up for CyberGhost here.

• Up to 6 devices at once.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows.

Why we recommend ClearVPN: ClearVPN is great for users who value simplicity and quick setup over advanced tools, as it provides an easy entry point into VPN use with minimal friction.

ClearVPN is best suited to beginners or casual VPN users who prioritise simplicity over advanced functionality. The app is designed with newcomers in mind, offering a streamlined experience rather than deep customisation, making it less appealing to experienced users.

Its main benefits are ease of use and an attractive, well-designed interface. The app’s clean layout and simple setup make it one of the most accessible VPNs available, while it performs well for bypassing geo-blocks. However, the main drawbacks include a lack of advanced features, a relatively small server network, and slower speeds compared to rivals.

ClearVPN includes core VPN functionality with a focus on guided usage rather than manual control. The iOS experience mirrors this simplicity, prioritising quick connections and ease of navigation. However, it lacks tools like split tunnelling, and other features that more advanced users may expect.

The app is extremely beginner-friendly, requiring minimal setup or technical knowledge. This simplicity comes at the cost of control, as users have fewer configuration options than with competing services.

In terms of performance, ClearVPN is capable but not particularly fast, with noticeable speed reductions compared to top competitors. Despite this, it remains effective for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content. Connection reliability is generally solid, though the limited server count may affect consistency.

Compared to similar apps, ClearVPN stands out for ease of use but falls behind in features and performance.

You can sign up for ClearVPN here.

• Up to 6 devices at once.
• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows.

Why we recommend PureVPN: We recommend PureVPN for users who want a simple, reliable VPN for streaming and everyday privacy, without needing advanced configuration or deep technical control.

PureVPN is best suited to general users and beginners who want a simple way to access geo-restricted content or secure public Wi-Fi. It is sleek and easy to use, making it approachable for those without technical experience.

Its main benefits include ease of use, a polished interface, and reliable geo-unblocking, making it effective for streaming and accessing region-locked services. It also offers a large server network and broad device compatibility, including Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

The main drawback is its pricing structure, which pushes users toward long-term (two-year) plans that may feel restrictive.

Features include access to thousands of servers, cross-platform apps, and tools aimed at streaming, privacy, and general browsing. On iOS, it mirrors the Mac experience with simple connection options and ease of use.

The app is very beginner-friendly, prioritising simplicity over deep customisation. This means the level of control is moderate, not highly advanced.

PureVPN supports IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols, though protocol handling is largely automatic.

Streaming support is strong, with reliable geo-unblocking being a key strength. Connection reliability is generally good, and performance is described as fast enough for typical use, with no major issues highlighted.

Compared to competitors, PureVPN is competent but not standout, especially given pricing concerns.

You can sign up for PureVPN here.