It can be difficult to find the most reliable Android VPN service, especially when there are many options that claim to be the fastest, most secure, and most private. We’ve looked past the market claims to determine which VPN providers will give you the best experience on your Android device.
As the service does for your computer at home or work using a VPN on your Android hides your IP address, directing your traffic through remote servers and encrypting your data in transit. This is essential for anyone who uses public WiFi and wants to protect themselves from hacking. It is also useful for those who travel and want to access streaming content while on vacation.
VPNs also hide your browsing activity, allowing your internet service provider (ISP) and other third parties to see what you’re doing online. The six VPNs we recommend will keep no logs, ensuring that your online activity is completely private. Check out our top picks for the best Android VPNs below and stay safe wherever you travel.
— Best Overall Access to Private Internet- Best value: IPVanish – Most secure: NordVPN – Best customer support: ExpressVPN Fastest speed: Proton VPN – Best with unlimited bandwidth: CyberGhost
How We Picked the Best Android VPNs
The two most important things that a VPN service provides are security and privacy. We quickly realized that not all VPN service providers are created equal. We removed all VPN services that kept records of its users’ activities as well as those that had limited bandwidth or had less than 1,000 servers. To ensure that all activity is private, All VPN services we evaluated had their own DNS directories.
These factors have ruled out all free VPN services, but our value pick offers excellent protection for less than a milk per month for an entire year. All of our options provide a free trial or a 30-day (or 45-day in the case of CyberGhost) money-back guarantee.
Good VPN services are transparent about what makes their services different, so we looked for evidence that backed up claims of faster speeds, better security, no apps, and the list goes on. Good customer service is crucial because VPNs are relatively new. Almost all of our options provide 24/7 live chat support and the one that doesn’t, Proton VPN, makes up for it with extensive privacy protection and fast speeds.
Best Android VPNs: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Private Internet Access
Specifications: Jurisdiction: USA– Number of Servers: 10,000+-The number of locations in 84 countries Bonus Features such as split tunneling kill switch and ad blocker, dedicated IP address option— Android Compatibility: 5.1 and newer
Pros: User friendly Android interface.– Large servers to provide faster connection speeds.– Great price.– Fast 24/7 email and live chat.
Cons: – Less reliable than more expensive VPN services. Cons:– Less reliable than more expensive VPN
Private Internet Access did not invest hours in creating a name. But they considered what the VPN service could do for your Android phone or other device. It is a way to provide privacy. PIA has servers based in over 84 countries. While that number increases however, it also decreases depending on when a country implements data collection mandates, against PIA’s strict no-logs policy.
Although the majority of VPN services use an open source VPN protocol (OpenVPN or WireGuard), Private Internet Access also provides its own software for inspection by making its client’s source code available to the public. Whether or not you have the time or the knowledge to dig into their code, knowing that it’s there for anyone to look through can give peace of mind to those concerned about how their VPN provider’s operations are.
You can pay for PIA VPN services in complete anonymity. They accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and gift cards from BestBuy and Starbucks, in addition to PayPal and credit cards. You can download the Android APK from their website without having to download the Google Play Store.
PIA only uses servers made of bare metal (ie physical hardware that PIA does not share with anyone else) and their no-apps policy has been tested in US courts with all subpoenas and warrants revealing no information about PIA users.
They are very effective at protecting users’ information, but they also pay attention to performance. The 84 countries they serve host 10,000 servers to ensure you are never overwhelmed by people. The Android app is simple and intuitive for those who are new to the game. There is a button in the middle that allows you to activate VPN mode. You will be amazed by the amazing features like split tunneling and port forwarding. It has great features like auto switch and built-in ad blocking.
Like all VPN service providers, access to certain streaming services may be limited to intermittent because streaming services are constantly trying to remove providers that allow content from outside of a given user’s home country. But PIA is working hard to maintain access to services like Netflix and Hulu and says users will have access to those services.
Private Internet Access allows a whopping 10 devices per account, which means that once you set up your Android with VPN protection, the other devices you’ve set up can be next. You can also try the VPN before you buy with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best Value: IPVanish
What made it on the list: IPVanish is still the best value service with low annual costs safe, reliable security and better privacy.
Specifications:– Jurisdiction is USA- – Number Servers: 2000 – Number Locations: 75 Countries – Bonus Features: Kill switch, split tunneling, SOCKS5 proxy Android Compatibility: 5.1 or the latest version.
Pros: The best annual base price- Unlimited device connections- Live 24/7 chat support
Cons: Not very customizable
If price is the main concern, it’s best to go with a cheap VPN service like IPVanish. The first year of service can cost less than $4 per month with current promotions. After that, the price of $90 per year comes to $7.50 per month, which is less than the non-promotional price of almost all reliable VPN services — and IPVanish is much safer and more secure, as well as reliable, than any other free service you find.
A few years ago, IPVanish faced backlash when they disclosed customer data to authorities, violating their no-logs policy. Since then the company has changed hands and states that they keep no logs. To prove this, a third-party audit was conducted.
IPVanish can do everything a VPN service should do, such as providing IP anonymity and data encryption and plenty of servers to choose from. It also offers useful features such as split tunneling or switching. You can switch between four different VPN protocols. Another advantage is the inclusion of the SOCKS proxy function. This masks your IP address, but does not provide encryption. This will enable faster speeds when data security is not as important for example when using a trusted P2P network.
IPVanish consistently scores high in speed tests and their handy Android app is simple to use. Offering an unlimited number of devices per account and no bandwidth limits IPVanish will cover any device you need to connect to the internet. You can try their free VPN service for 30 days (only available on the annual plan).
Most Secure: NordVPN
The reason it was chosen: The popular NordVPN provides strong security for Android and five other smartphones.
Specifications: – Jurisdiction Panama– Number Of Servers: 5,500 – Number Of Locations: 59 Countries– Bonus Features: Double VPN Obfuscated servers and obfuscated servers, Onion Over VPN dedicated IP plugin, threat protection, split tunneling and switch. – Android Compatibility 6 and newer
Advantages:- Strong standard and proprietary security features.– Fast connection speeds.— Meshnet connection to mobile virtual LAN parties.– Live chat support.
Cons Limit of 6 devices per account
NordVPN is the top VPN service. NordVPN is a popular paid VPN service that has over 14 million users. In addition to offering all the VPN security features you’d expect with any paid service, NordVPN offers even more robust VPN add-ons, along with some of its own unique features.
Double VPN offers serious IP security by routing your traffic through two remote servers. The use of obfuscated servers allows you to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. Multi-factor authentication protects your account, and their dedicated IP address add-on is great for remote workers who require this option.
The Android app is simple to use and offers fast connections. Nord-only features like their own VPN protocol, NordLynx, offer faster speeds, and their Threat Protection feature protects against malware and tracking on your laptop or desktop, even when you’re not using the VPN. The new Meshnet feature allows a secure connection from your Android to other NordVPN users and lets you host secure mobile LAN-style gaming parties.
Their servers are big and their logs are fast. Plus their current offer is two years at $6 per month for their Standard Plan. This plan gives you most of the features described above, but does not include cloud storage, dedicated IP, or password manager options. You can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee to test if security is as good as we say.
Best Customer Support: ExpressVPN
Why it made the cut: ExpressVPN does a great job of supporting and educating users. The Android app also comes with help guides, something that not all providers offer.
Specifications:– Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands-Number of Servers: 3,000-The number of locations from 94 countries Bonus Features Kill switch split tunnel speed test and tracker, as well as malware blocking.— Android Compatibility 5 and up.
Pros: Live chat support (website) available 24/7- Help guides for the Android app- Includes most countries on our list. a large library of information about VPNs, internet security and more.
Cons:– More expensive Limit to 5 devices per account
The best way to choose the best VPN service is to study it. This is why you are here. ExpressVPN has compiled a number of tutorials, articles and videos that can help you learn everything you need to know about VPNs and security online. If you can’t get your questions answered this way, they also provide immediate, ongoing help with live chat on their website as well as via email.
Express has servers in over 94 countries. You can switch between them as often as you want, and there is no limit to the files you can download or upload. Express has designed its servers to run on RAM memory, which means it is not stored and is wiped when the server shuts down.
ExpressVPN as with all our recommended services, provides additional security features, such as a cell switch and configurable split tunneling. This allows you to choose which apps will be routed through your VPN tunnel.
The Android app is simple to install and use, taking advantage of ExpressVPN’s helpful and friendly design aesthetic. The Android app now comes with troubleshooting and support guides that can help you resolve any issues you may encounter. The 30-day trial allows you to test the service and discover everything you need to know about VPN security.
Fastest Speed: Proton VPN
The reason it made the list: Proton VPN is a great choice for security and privacy. Thanks to their VPN Accelerator, Proton VPN can work up to four times faster than other VPNs, especially when there are no connections.
Specifications:– Jurisdiction: Switzerland– Number of Servers: 1,700– Number of Locations: 63– Bonus Features: Kill switch split tunneling, never on double VPN, Tor Over VPN Compatibility Android 6 and newer
Pros:– Uses proprietary technology to increase speed of VPN connection and browsing. Double VPN improves privacy- Open source and audited application code– Connect up to 10 devices
Cons:-Live customer support is not available.
If you’re familiar with Proton, it’s probably through their encrypted email service, ProtonMail. A favorite among journalists and activists, Proton is even based in Switzerland, which is a country with historic neutrality and some of the strongest privacy protection laws. While the service is able to give NordVPN a run for its money in terms of security, we were most impressed with how quickly Proton’s Accelerator can outperform typical VPN speeds.
Their VPN Booster uses various proprietary technologies to offer minor tweaks to things like CPU performance as well as congestion control algorithms, and the reduction of inefficiencies within VPN protocol codes. It is built-in and works automatically for all Proton VPN accounts. You can turn it off at any time, but there appear to be no downsides and it comes with the ability to boost browsing speed up to four times faster, improving the stability of connections.
As we mentioned, Proton is not a late player in the safety department (and almost made our list for safest). They use a double VPN for all traffic and a feature they call Secure Core, routing everything through servers located in secure (physically fortified) data centers in Switzerland, Iceland and Sweden and through your preferred endpoint VPN server.
Similar to Private Internet Access, Proton VPN’s code for the app is open source, but they go a step further by recruiting third-party auditors and publishing the results. Proton offers a true free plan that is not a trial period. However, the number of servers you can access is limited. You’re still protected by their strict no-logging policy and won’t be bombarded with ads like in most free alternatives.
Their monthly price is only $10. The promotional prices they offer for the first two years reduce the cost to $5 per month. If you are interested in the service in more depth, it is simple to upgrade from the free version and get the paid option.
Best with Unlimited Bandwidth: CyberGhost
Why it made the list The reason is that while most VPN services offer unlimited bandwidth and a range of other services, CyberGhost stands out with its dedicated servers for torrenting, streaming and other services.
Specifications:– Jurisdiction: Romania– Number of Servers: 7,800 The number of locations 90 Bonus Features Kill switch, split tunneling dedicated to streaming servers- Android Compatibility: 5 and newer
Benefits: – 24/7 live customer support 45-day money-back guarantee (2-year plan and more) – Servers optimized for streaming – Connect up to 7 devices
CyberGhost doesn’t judge services based on their personality, but it manages to make the process of VPN protection look fun. You are signing up to become a Ghost. Once you’ve done that, your data encryption, IP privacy, and no-app policy will keep you safe. They were the first VPN company to provide reports on the user data government agencies requested from them and the zero results they were able to provide.
Many users who want unlimited bandwidth worry about their ISP’s throttling. An ISP may try to limit your bandwidth by slowing down your connection to certain websites, such as streaming or gaming websites. Using VPNs A VPN prevents this from happening because the ISP doesn’t know what websites you use. CyberGhost provides a number of streaming servers. In addition, for mobile streamers, there is a streaming tab on the Android app that will show servers optimized for various streaming services and regions.
The trial period is free for 7 days and the 45-day, no-questions-asked, refund policy allows you to download, upload and stream what you like while you decide if you like being a Ghost.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Android VPN Service
A VPN service is a must for Android users. It’s a great way to protect your Android from the dangers of public WiFi and allow them to access geo-restricted content. There are many other safeguards that a VPN service can offer, but these are the main services that a reliable VPN service will offer.
Keeping Your IP Address Private
VPN services hide your IP address by routing your internet activity through remote servers. This means that the application or website you are using will not have access to your IP address. Instead, they will have an IP address that is from Romania or Canada or Sweden. Your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing either. Users who are more concerned about privacy will want a VPN service that follows a “no-app policy.” This means that they do not record user activities. The six recommended VPNs have no-logging policies and most of them prove that they are true to their word.
Security, Staying Safe With Unfamiliar WiFi Access
Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secured, which makes them an easy target for hackers. Because a VPN connects you to a private network of servers and encrypts your data, it’s much harder for anyone to gain access to your data over an unsecured Wi-Fi network. A VPN helps you avoid trying to access a fake or malicious twin WiFi network.
Streaming, Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
Copyright laws and licensing agreements ensure that a service like Netflix, for example, can only show specific content in a given region. That means if you’re from the US and you’re traveling to the UK and visiting the UK, you might not find all the shows you’re used to. A VPN service allows you to choose a server that is located in the country that allows your content to be broadcast anywhere. While many streaming providers are trying to stop this practice, many VPN services pride themselves on staying one step ahead so you can access geo-restricted content from anywhere.
FAQs
Q: Can I get in trouble for using a VPN?
VPN use in countries that are restricted such as Russia, China, Iraq or Iran can get you charged with a crime. VPNs are allowed in most countries around the world including the US, Canada and the UK. However, you must use them for legal reasons, such as privacy enhancement or security.
Q: What does my ISP see when I’m connected to my VPN?
Your ISP will only be aware that you are connected via a VPN. They will not track what you do, what websites you visit, or any other monitoring of your activities. Some VPN services (like NordVPN) offer obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place.
Q: What devices can I use an Android VPN on?
Android VPN can be used on any device that has the correct version Android operating system. This includes Android smartphones and tablets. The VPN services for Android we recommend all support devices with Android 6 and above, with some of them also compatible with Android 5.
Q: Will a VPN log or store my data?
Some VPNs will store or intercept your data. This is especially the case with free VPN services. All VPN services we recommend have strict no-logging policies. This means that if they were ever forced by authorities or if their servers were hacked, there would be no user data available to access as these VPN services do not record your activity or where you used the service.
Final Thoughts on Android VPNs
We chose Private Internet Access because they are committed to keeping their own services open, while also ensuring their customers are completely protected and anonymous, as evidenced by their open source code, cryptocurrency payment options, and transparency releases.
This post was created and edited by Recurrent Media, the owner of Futurism. Futurism may receive a portion of the sales for products featured in this article.
However, NordVPN offers a seven-day free trial to all new Android customers. The VPN service also offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee for Windows, macOS, iOS and all other platforms. For the duration of 30 days you will have access to one of the fastest VPNs available.
Which VPN gives free unlimited data?
Speeds | Monthly Data Limit | |
---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | Very fast | unlimited |
CyberGhost | Very quickly | unlimited |
ProtonVPN | average | unlimited |
Avira Ghost | Quickly | 1GB (500MB without registration) |
Is VPN available for free? The free Internet VPN service will now allow you to securely access a free public Wi-Fi system and transfer internet data for Android remotely over public networks.
Which VPN is easiest to use?
Without a doubt, ExpressVPN is the easiest VPN to use…. Key Features:
- ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN to start with. It is a combination of speed, security and convenience in a simple and well-designed VPN application.
- CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access are all great VPNs that are mobile-friendly for beginners.
Which VPN type is the fastest? WireGuard is considered the fastest of all VPN protocols. After logging into PureVPN, WireGuard recommends streaming and downloading P2P files faster on the network. L2TP, IKEv2 and L2TP are all fast, while OpenVPN, SSTP and L2TP are slower than other VPN protocols.
What is the easiest VPN to set up?
It’s easy to set up NordVPN. Choose the best subscription plan for you to install the app, and sign in. You can now enjoy a secure VPN connection from any device.
Is antivirus or VPN better?
It is true that it is not true that a VPN by itself is not more secure than an antivirus. Both tools can be used together to improve your security and privacy. Antivirus keeps you safe from malware infections while VPNs protect against malware while VPN protects your internet traffic with encryption.
Do VPNs protect against viruses? A VPN will not protect you from viruses and malware. Antivirus software scans your system for malware and then removes it. However, some VPNs like NordVPN detect and block websites that host malware, making sure it doesn’t reach your device in the first place.
Should I get a VPN or antivirus?
Which is better: antivirus or VPN? The truth is that antivirus software is more effective at protecting you from some cyber attacks, while VPNs are better at protecting you from other threats. They are meant to complement each other not be competitive.
Is a VPN the same as an antivirus?
Antivirus software guards the user’s device. It monitors your computer and scans for potential threats. A VPN, however, is an encryption system that secures information in transit. It secures all the data that is transmitted and received from your device.
Which is best VPN or antivirus?
{“status”:”Failure”,”error”:”Sorry, we could not process your text, please report it to us. This work will not increase your usage. Please try again in a moment.”}Is Atlas VPN free?
Atlas VPN is a completely free VPN that also provides an extremely affordable premium plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It provides applications for Windows, macOS and Android. Premium users can use unlimited simultaneous connections
Which VPN is completely free? PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for Windows and Mac users. ProtonVPN: The most reliable free VPN with unlimited data. Hide.me is the best free VPN in terms of customer support. TunnelBear The most reliable free VPN for those who need to connect to multiple server locations.
How much is Atlas VPN monthly?
Atlas VPN’s premium subscription service is offered at the price of $10.99 (monthly) and $71.49 (3-year subscription). You can find all our offers and choose the one that suits you best here. The free trial version of Atlas VPN is also available so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Does Atlas VPN sell your data?
Atlas VPN has a pretty robust no-logging policy. According to the company, they will never store or monitor your online activities. When you use Atlas VPN your domains, applications will not be associated with your IP address, device or email.a
Does Atlas VPN give unlimited data?
Atlas VPN is a free VPN provider that can be used on unlimited devices. The free version comes with 10GB of data per month, and the premium plans are incredibly affordable.
Is Atlas VPN Free for Android?
Unlimited access and unlimited use Our free VPN Android is completely free. Atlas VPN has no bandwidth limitations, so it won’t affect your online experience.
Can you get Atlas VPN for free?
Surf anonymously and safely. Our VPN for Windows, Android and macOS is available for free to protect your data and allow you to access more content. We also deliver everything quickly. All of this is free, now and forever!
How can I get a free VPN for free?
ProtonVPN and TunnelBear are also great free VPN providers. Each of them has distinct advantages and characteristics. Our top pick for free VPNs is PrivadoVPN. It is the best free VPN for Windows and Mac users.
Is it safe to use free VPN on Android?
Conclusion. Conclusion. A free VPN has its limitations, but it’s better than leaving your Android vulnerable. A free VPN will offer a lot of data, a few places you can connect to, and some security features like the switch or AES256 encryption.
Can a free VPN be safe? Free VPNs can be risky because they compromise your privacy, instead of protecting it. In particular, many free VPN service providers lack the resources to protect your data and prevent others from engaging in the shady practice of selling it.
Is free VPN harmful for mobile?
Is it safe to use VPNs on your phone? The simple answer is that it is perfectly safe to use the VPN on your phone. If you choose a trusted app, it is safe. A good VPN application will allow you to change the server over the internet. This will effectively mask your location.
What is VPN password?
A VPN username and password combination is the key to gaining access to secure connections that you can only get by purchasing a subscription. You can find many posts on forums and on electronic sites that sell VPN subscriptions for popular providers.
What is pre-shared key in VPN?
A pre-shared secret key is the default authentication option. A pre-shared secret key is a Site to Site VPN tunnel option that you can select when you create a Site to Site VPN tunnel. A pre-shared key is a number you enter when you configure your gateway device for customers.
Are free VPN for Android safe?
Many free VPNs for Android are insecure and can cause more harm than good. You should never download a free VPN app without doing your own research before you download it. However, I’ve thoroughly tested every VPN on this list to ensure their security, so you don’t have to.
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