A enjoy a private and secured internet browsing experience, you’re better off picking one of the best VPNs for iPad and iPhone out there. Here’s our detailed guide on the best VPNs for iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 you can grab right now, and why you definitely must.
Ever since the very first Apple iPhone was unveiled in 2007, the company has excessively focused on data privacy and security. One of the primary excuses Apple makes for its closed-loop ecosystem of iDevices, is to ensure the minimal presence of viruses and malware.
Over the years, revolutionary features such as iCloud for secured storage, and Touch ID / Face ID have further bolstered the claim of iOS and iPadOS being the most secure mobile platform in the world. However, smart devices aren’t limited to the data you store on it, and even the iDevices cannot escape the clutches of the ISP (Internet Service Provider).
iPadOS 16 / iOS 16 Update: Key Privacy Changes
Mobile devices are an extended personality of who we are, and with the latest software update for the iPhone and iPad, Apple isn’t taking user privacy lightly. With the release of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, the slew of privacy features has been added to the system.
The Safari browser app now allows you to take control of the passwords saved on websites and monitor them for any vulnerabilities. The Security Recommendations section gives you a quick highlight of which website passwords may have been compromised recently. Apple is also revamping the security layer in the App Store to integrate a privacy section. Before you go ahead and download an app for the iPhone or iPad, you will be greeted with a list of permissions and activities that the specific app will require.
A new feature of iOS 16 / iPadOS 16 notifies you every time a certain app tries to track your data across apps and websites. You can either choose to allow all apps to track you, or limit it for some of the intrusive apps. Additionally, Apple has updated the Safari browser app to provide you a comprehensive report through the Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature. Built with the intent to reduce internet tracking by third-party clients, the Privacy Report compiles a list of trackers on each website, and highlight the recurring ones.
The increasing online surveillance by federal agencies, and the bombardment of cyberattacks from all across the World Wide Web has made users extra cautious. Many among us are turning towards the best VPNs for iPad and iPhone, most of which are built to provide complete anonymity when browsing the internet. But a simple search on the Apple App Store and you will realize there’s a sea of VPN services to choose from.
However, not all VPN services are built equal, and picking the right one can be a tedious job if you don’t know what aspects to factor into the decision-making process.
Do I still need VPN on iPadOS 16 / iOS 16?
Apple has become the industry standard in mobile encryption, putting your private data ahead of everything else. While iOS 16 further improves on the already rock-solid privacy features, the jurisdiction of the ISP in connecting to the network, is where even Apple’s iron-clad security has no power. A large chunk of iOS apps (despite Apple’s push) does not implement end-to-end encryption.
While the updated iOS 16 software version does give you the opportunity the choose the websites and apps that can view and share your data, Apple itself shares user details with third-party services. Moreover, Apple is a member of the PRISM surveillance program, which means almost all of your private data and media content is accessible to security agencies such as the NSA.
For all iPad and iPhone users who wish to unleash the limitations set forth by the ISP, while keeping their web browsing experience safe, here’s why you still need a VPN on iOS 16 / iPadOS 16.
Unlock regional restrictions – Several websites, as well as streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Hotstar, and others, host different content libraries based on the region. Using a VPN on iPad or iPhone allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access the content that would otherwise be well out of your reach.
Get past the firewall – When using the iPhone or iPad on the corporate wireless network or in the school campus, the websites you can access is heavily regulated. The right VPN client masks your IP address, allowing you to break free from the restrictions of the firewall put in place by the IT department.
No user tracking – Since the basic concept of a VPN is to mask your network IP address, your browsing history would be exempted from tracking. Depending on the VPN service you pick, it would ideally come with a “no-log” policy that keeps all of your browsing data away from prying eyes.
User data safety – The Wi-Fi network at your local coffee shop or amusement park can be a hive for cybercriminals to steal and misuse private data you transfer over the network. Since the VPN encrypts your network traffic right at the source, you never have to worry about data theft of any kind, even on an open wireless network.
Can I get a free iPad VPN?
A majority of VPN services available for free on the App Store are just rebranded proxy services, which do change the IP address of your network connection, but provide no security whatsoever. Some of these free VPNs for iOS and iPadOS are notorious for not only plaguing their user interface with advertisements, but also logs your data and share it with third-party services, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN. However, we’ve listed the two most reliable VPNs for iPad that put security above everything else:
There are dozens of VPN apps on the App Store, and a large number of them are available for free. However only a preferred few like the Hotspot Shield can be trusted regarding security. Advancing high-efficiency network transfer speeds from various geographic locations across the world, Hotspot Shield packs the ability to hide the IP address, provides high-grade data encryption, and is free from data logging too.
When you start with the Hotspot Shield free version, you get to savor the VPN service with permitted access of up to 500MB each day at 2MB/s speed. Since the Hotspot Shield VPN service runs across the entire iOS and iPadOS ecosystem, you can use it with practically any app. It allows you to spoof your regional location and unlock geo-restricted content, no matter if you’re browsing with Safari or accessing the media library of Netflix.
Pros:
- Higher network performance quality compared to most free VPNs.
- Multi-platform support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
- Simplified user interface with a quick setup.
Cons:
- You are restricted to only 500MB of data allowance per day.
- Only U.S. servers are available with some advertisements involved.
A VPN that has made a name for itself across desktop platforms, as well as iOS for secure mobile browsing, Proton VPN prides its Swiss privacy laws. To unlock the full potential of this VPN client, along with high-speed 10GB/s bandwidth, you do need to subscribe to the premium plans to make the most out of it.
But even under the free membership, your web browsing experience is secured with encryption via PPTP, IPsec, and several other security protocols. You do get unlimited data allowance when using this free VPN for iPad, and while the availability of just 3 regional servers, limits the usability, Proton VPN manages to be among the select few service providers that does not log your private data, and neither does it sour your user experience with intrusive advertisements.
Pros:
- One of the only free VPNs with no data cap involved.
- Offers 3 different server locations to choose from (Japan, USA, and Netherlands).
- A quick and easy user interface that works across multiple platforms.
Cons:
- Free users are on low-priority, which means slower transfer speeds.
- No support for Tor or P2P data sharing on the free version.
What is the best preminum VPN for iPad and iPhone?
While the free VPN services listed above do a decent job, advanced users will need a premium VPN that does not throttle the network bandwidth, and goes the extra mile. We’ve listed down the most popular VPN clients available for iOS and iPadOS at the moment, so you can pick one that serves you right.
NordVPN – Overall Best VPN for iPad
A giant in the VPN industry that has catapulted in demand by offering high-quality service at a reasonably priced plan, NordVPN has reached across not just iOS, but all operating system platforms. Apart from providing an official app on the App Store, NordVPN is available for every major mobile and computer operating system, with dedicated support channels on every medium.
NordVPN has put forward a 30-day refund policy to secure your investment, so you never have to worry about the money you put into it. Although NordVPN may not have the gigantic number of servers such as other names in the VPN business, it effectively operates across more than 50 nations globally with several servers in high-traffic countries such as the USA to guarantee maximum server up-time.
Price:
- 1 Month Plan – $11.95/month
- 1 Year Plan – $4.92/month
- 2 Year Plan – $3.71/month
Pros:
- Logs none of your data or browsing history whatsoever.
- Unblocks all popular region-locked services such as Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
- Built-in kill switch keeps your browsing experience secure at all times.
- Customer support is prompt with 24/7 live chat.
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption along with obfuscated servers.
Cons:
- The mobile interface can be finnicky at times.
ExpressVPN – Best High-Speed VPN
A leader in the VPN service industry, ExpressVPN has strongly cast a wide net across all mobile and desktop platforms, including an official server channel for VPN routers and Apple tvOS platform too. Backed by the assurance of money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the VPN within 30 days, ExpressVPN runs seamlessly on PC, Mac, Android, iPadOS, and iOS as well.
Speaking of the VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions, none does it better than ExpressVPN, which hosts more than 130 VPN servers spanning across a total of 90+ countries all across the globe. While it is bit pricier compared to the other VPNs for iPad and iPhone on the list, a rich list of features such as smart DNS proxy and round the clock customer support make it worth it.
Price:
- 1 Month Plan – $12.95/month
- 6 Month Plan – $9.99/month
- 1 Year Plan – $8.32/month
Pros:
- Puts your privacy first with a zero-log policy for data collection.
- Obfuscated servers offer high-speed data transfer even in regions such as China.
- State-of-the-art security protocols added on the desktop and mobile version.
- Fast speed across all servers to unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
Cons:
- Pricier than some of the other VPNs on the list.
- Does not come with a dedicated web browser extension.
Private Internet Access – Best VPN for Privacy
A comparatively newer admission into the VPN market, Private Internet Access has still persevered in cementing its name as one of the best VPN for iPad and iPhone out of the lot. The VPN service brings multi-platform support across ten different devices, and is all secured up with premium features such as high-end encrypted network data transfers, website ad-blocking, and a no-log policy in place.
No bandwidth restriction has been put in place by Private Internet Access, which makes it ideal for times when you’re streaming several gigabytes of content in high definition on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Supporting remote network servers in 70+ countries globally, Private Internet Access also extends the ability to access the internet with complete anonymity, backed by military-grade encryption.
Price:
- 1 Month Plan – $11.95/month
- 1 Year Plan – $3.33/month
- 3 Year Plan – $2.19/month
Pros:
- The WireGuard kill-switch protocol is ironclad with AES-128 encryption.
- Offers plenty of customizations in the security settings for advanced users.
- No logging policy with unlimited access to torrenting websites.
- Offers one of the most affordable long-term subscription plans out there.
Cons:
- Not all geo-restricted content can be accessed at times.
- The no-log claim has not been confirmed by a third-party security audit.
More noteworthy VPNs for iPad
Apart from the top tier VPN services we have listed above, there isn’t a short supply of other premium VPNs you can get for the iPad or iPhone right now.
- IPVanish
Powering 1000+ protected and anonymous servers across the globe in 60+ countries, IPVanish is popular for not logging any user information. While extending heavy security with security protocols such as OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and others, IPVanish further also provides a 7-day money-back guarantee. While it may not be the fastest VPN service for iPad and iPhone, you will prefer IPVanish for offering an uncomplicated UI without any clutter. - VyprVPN
Packing security features like L2TP/IPsec, Chameleon, and PPTP, you don’t have to worry about data privacy with VyperVPN by your side. What makes this iPad VPN a point of interest is the commitment from the company to allow not just Netflix, but several other regional streaming services from across the world. VyprVPN is known for a no-log policy that hides the user connection time and IP address, making it a viable feature for users that put privacy first. - CyberGhost VPN
Popular not just for its ironclad security standards, but CyberGhost VPN is also revered for the simplified user interface it offers. One of the more cost-effective options to take up for iPad and iPhone, CyberGhost comes with a free trial period of one day for you to test it all out. While it is not the fastest VPN for iPad in terms of network transfer speeds, it still accomplishes the goal to be one of the most secure VPNs with IP address and DNS masking, a no-logs policy, and several failsafe features. - Surfshark
Surfshark is an up-and-coming name among top VPN services, which is backed by a 256-BIT security protocol. This VPN service provider for iPad and iPhone brings you exceptional support not just for desktop and mobile devices but also for VPN routers. Packed with 3200+ servers across 65 countries worldwide, there is barely any spot on the map where Surfshark doesn’t have a server set up. All of this comes with a secure, 30-day money-back policy, so you don’t have to gamble your money away if it does not seem worthwhile.
Final words
Even with the improvements in user privacy on iOS 16 / iPadOS 16, the need for a secure VPN service is not eliminated entirely. The tightened internal security is only as good as the external factors, such as the wireless network you are connected to. By putting some of the best VPNs for iPad and iPhone in between the network connection and the iDevice, you can create an iron curtain of protection from data tracking, geo-restrictions, speed throttling, and so much more.
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