The 10 Best VPNs for Android (2024 Tested List)

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are becoming widespread due to increased surveillance and data theft. Fortunately, many VPN providers offer dedicated Android apps you can easily download and install. Besides securing your internet connections, a VPN will also help you access geographically restricted content and services.

That means whether you use an Android smartphone, tablet, streaming device such as Fire Stick, or Smart TV, having an Android VPN has become a must-have tool.

In this guide, we’ll explain the critical features to consider, the most dependable providers today, the benefits of using a VPN, and much more.

Summary of the top 5 Android VPNs

Short on time for a full read? No problem. Here’s a quick list of the top 5 VPNs for Android that you can use today:

What a VPN does on Android

The ability of mobile devices to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi and cellular makes them unique as they can access the internet anywhere at any time. However, they are more vulnerable to privacy issues when using the internet. For example, cybercriminals can track your phone by hacking it using impersonated familiar networks.

Fortunately, VPNs can help protect your device and data against malware and phishing sites. However, with a mobile device, you can easily use other security and privacy-protecting means. For instance, to protect your account from attacks, you can use a password manager, which helps you to create a unique and strong password. Nonetheless, using a VPN makes it almost impossible to be tracked online. Also, you can use the Tor anonymization network for additional security. Tor Android client apps are available on the Google Play Store.

The best Android VPNs for 2024

Below is our list of the best VPNs with Android support for smartphones and tablets. We rigorously tested the services to ensure they offer stellar security and privacy measures, boast superior geo-unblocking capabilities, and more.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is our top recommendation VPN. The app is quick to download, and the setup process is straightforward. There is even the Quick Connect feature to quickly connect to the fastest server available.

The VPN provides a native Android app. Setting it up on your device is easy, so it is an excellent option for beginners. Once you have installed it, sign in, activate the ad blocker, and connect to your preferred server. You can search for the servers manually, but it is quicker with the Quick Connect feature. In addition, it allows you to connect up to ten simultaneous connections on one account.

It has a massive network with over 6,800 servers in 113 countries worldwide. The good news is that you will have more than one server option in each country. In addition, connection speeds will be fast and stable regardless of the server you use.

Although it does not have as many server locations as ExpressVPN, its network is giant with more servers. The US has the most extensive coverage, with over 1970 servers in 15 cities. This gives you plenty of options to unblock streaming services such as Netflix and Oxygen TV.

NordVPN is one of the fastest Android VPNs on this list. It recently introduced NordLynx, a WireGuard extension that significantly improved the speeds. The most exciting thing is that international servers match the speeds of nearby servers. So, no matter the server you connect to, you will get enough speeds to stream, torrent, and play games.

The VPN uses several security features to safeguard your connections to the internet. First, it has Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption, the most robust security algorithm. Second, it backs the encryption with SHA2-384 authentication, perfect forward secrecy (PFS), and 2048-bit encryption. On top of that, it has OpenVPN and IKEv2, both of which are highly secure. Additional security features include an automatic kill switch, double VPN (multi-hop), DNS leak protection, and CyberSec adblocker.

When using a VPN, your online activity and logs should remain completely private. NordVPN strictly follows its no-logs policy and promises not to store IP addresses, connection timestamps, or traffic data. It goes a step further to submit to an independent audit by reputable firms to confirm the no-logs claims. Besides, the provider is based in Panama, which does not force companies to retain user data.

Currently, the company is in the process of making its entire server network run on RAM. As a result, no data will ever be stored permanently on the servers. Therefore, if a server is hacked or seized by authorities, there will be no information to trace back to you.

NordVPN has a ticket submission system and round-the-clock live chat. The agents are friendly, prompt, and informative to help you with any issue you might be facing. You can also use the chatbot to ask basic questions such as setting up the app, server locations, etc. Furthermore, there is a tutorial section and plenty of FAQs with answers to the most asked questions.

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2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another affordable VPN. It is famous for its commitment to privacy, extensively customizable apps, and massive server network.

The VPN has a feature-packed Android app that is effortless to use. You will only need to download and install it from the Google Play Store, log in, and allow it to access VPN configurations. Then, click on the ‘Connect’ button in the centre of the interface to initiate a connection with the fastest server available.

PIA also works well with other operating systems and platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and Linux. It supports up to ten simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This is twice the allowance you will get with big brands like ExpressVPN.

PIA has the most extensive network on this list, with over 35,875 servers in 91 countries. There will be less congestion on the servers with an extensive network like this, translating to better speeds. Nearly all the servers we tested offered excellent speeds for streaming, torrenting, playing games, and making HD VoIP calls. However, these tests are not definitive, as many factors can cause speed discrepancies.

This VPN allows you to customize the security features greatly, which is rare with many VPNs nowadays. AES 128-bit is the default encryption, but you can switch to 256-bit encryption or even remove the encryption altogether (not advisable). Although many VPNs use AES 256-bit, 128-bit is still enough for most average users and is more lightweight. Besides, OpenVPN UDP is the default protocol, but it allows you to use OpenVPN TCP, L2TP/IPsec, and WireGuard.

One thing that will impress you is PIA’s stance on privacy. It is based in the US, where law enforcement can compel companies to hand over any relevant data. The US is also a member of the 14-Eye Alliance, a group of countries sharing intelligence information.

This might be a concern if you are conscious of your privacy. However, don’t worry, as Private Internet Access follows a strict no-logs policy. It explicitly indicates that it does not store any identifiable logs.

The MACE feature blocks not only malicious ads but also malware and trackers. It is available on the Android app, and you can easily activate it in the settings. We tested the feature on sites filled with ads, and it blocked all of them successfully.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best Android VPN for beginners. It is fast, secure, and capable of keeping you completely anonymous when using the internet.

The VPN works well with Android and other operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS, and iOS.

It also offers a dedicated browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. However, they only encrypt the traffic passing through the browser, leaving everything else unencrypted.

There is a lot of value when you have one subscription but can connect multiple devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN allows you to use up to five devices at the same time, regardless of the platform. Moreover, you can install this VPN on a router to add more connections.

One area where ExpressVPN excels is the utter number of servers. The VPN boasts over 3,000 servers in 107 countries across 160 locations. It has the registered IP address and physical server in the same country, but you can also get virtual servers.

The VPN applies TrustedServer technology on all its servers. It ensures that the servers run only on random access memory (RAM), not storing any information. This means that your entire data and activities will be deleted entirely after every session.

Speed is another critical factor to consider when choosing a VPN. It showed blazing-fast performance during our recent VPN speed test. The improved speeds are due to the proprietary Lightway protocol, which is double or sometimes triple the OpenVPN protocol speed. Usually, nearby servers offer better speeds, but with ExpressVPN, even international servers maintain consistent speeds.

You wouldn’t want third parties such as your ISP, government, and hackers to intercept your traffic. The VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to ensure this never happens. Furthermore, it fortifies the encryption with additional security features such as perfect forward secrecy, a 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA-512 authentication. This is almost impossible to break even with the smartest computer.

ExpressVPN is committed to your privacy and observes a strict no-logs policy. The provider does not collect any identifiable information, including IP address, browsing history, metadata, or DNS queries. It is also based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not part of any intelligence alliance such as 14-Eyes or SIGNIT. This helps to keep you completely anonymous.

Reliable customer support is an integral part of any VPN service. After all, if it is your first time using a VPN, you would want someone to guide you. ExpressVPN has a 24/7 live chat where you can talk to the representative one-on-one. There is also email and ticket support.

Overall, ExpressVPN is slightly pricier than its competitors. It has three different-length plans you can choose from, each with similar features. The most affordable and popular option is the annual plan which brings the monthly cost down to $8.32. It also has monthly and 6-month plans costing $12.95 and $9.99, respectively, when broken down per month.

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4. Surfshark

Surfshark is another excellent VPN for an Android user. It is incredibly lightweight, with an expansive list of unique features.

Getting started with Surfshark on your Android device is effortless. Just go to the website and click the menu button on the top right side. Next, tap on ‘Apps’ and choose Android from the options. It will open a new window with a button to download the apk file. Once it has been downloaded, click ‘Install’ and the app will load and ask for login credentials. The process is also quick and easy for other compatible operating systems.

Surfshark has a network with more servers than ExpressVPN but slightly fewer server locations. All the 3,200 servers are robust and reliable, with fast connections. This makes it an excellent option to unblock geo-restricted movies and TV shows. Fortunately, it has physical servers in countries with heavy censorship, such as Vietnam, Turkey, and Russia.

Speed is essential regardless of how you plan to use the VPN because the encryption process slows down connections. Surfshark offers fast and consistent speeds on most servers. During our tests, the average speed was 67.21Mbps, but some servers had speeds of up to 91.86 Mbps. You can use the ‘Fastest Server’ feature to get an automatic fast connection.

This VPN is as secure as it gets. First of all, it uses AES 256-bit encryption, and military-grade protection to prevent third parties from seeing your online activities. Surfshark also has RAM-only servers that automatically delete all the data after every session. Secondly, it allows you to choose between IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Shadowsocks, the safest VPN protocols available.

A VPN may not be enough to keep your personal data completely private on your Android devices. This is because malicious actors can use your GPS instead of the IP address to trace your location. Surfshark has a GPS spoofing feature to address this issue. It will make you look like you are physically located in the server location you are connected to.

Surfshark is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, where companies are not required to retain or report data. Furthermore, the provider is explicit about its no-logs policy. Surfshark does not collect IP addresses, session information, connection time stamps, or any other identifiable information. You will be impressed to know that the company issues a warrant canary indicating whether it has received subpoenas.

The Help Section has a decent amount of information to assist you with various issues. For example, setup tutorials, manual connection guides, and router, apps, and extension guides exist. Most of the information is readily available on the website, but you can use the 24/7 live chat if not.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN runs a smaller network than its competitors, but the Android app has plenty of valuable features. The client is simple and easy to use, with tons of customizations, giving you complete control of the VPN security.

Besides Android is also compatible with other major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and iOS. In addition, one subscription allows you to connect six simultaneous connections, making it ideal if you have multiple devices. The advantage is that the apps are lightweight, so they won’t affect your device’s performance.

You might think the VPN will offer mediocre speeds because of the small server network of only 150 servers in 62 countries. In contrast, the provider uses superior servers that produce incredible speeds and reliable connections. You will get speeds that are better than average if you connect to nearby servers.

The VPN offers military-grade encryption, such as AES 256-bit. It also has an automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to safeguard your data if the VPN connection breaks unexpectedly. Finally, there is also support for various secure protocols such as OpenVPN UDP/TCP, PPTP, L2TP, IPsec, and IKEv2. The combination of these features will ensure no one intercepts your traffic or steals your data.

PrivateVPN is incorporated in Sweden, which is part of the 14-Eyes jurisdiction. Worry not, as the provider is devoted to maintaining your privacy and anonymity. Its privacy policy clearly indicates that it does not store any traffic logs or usage data. The only information it holds is your email address when signing up.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish is the best budget-friendly VPN that is increasingly becoming popular because of its unrestricted simultaneous connections and competitive speeds across all platforms.

The VPN has a dedicated app for Android that is very easy to install. It is user-friendly with a good design and worked well during our testing. The VPN also supports other operating systems, including macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux. A single subscription allows you to connect as many devices as you want at the same time.

Currently, IPVanish runs over 2000 servers in more than 75 countries. The countries with the most servers include the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and France. You can choose a server location from a map, select it from the server list, or use advanced filters to narrow your search. Switching servers is unlimited.

When using a VPN, your speed may drop slightly because your traffic has to pass through remote servers. However, IPVanish uses high-quality servers to counteract this issue. So, it is ideal for strenuous tasks, including gaming, torrenting, and streaming.

This VPN will protect your data and connections with AES 256-bit encryption. Even if malicious actors succeed in intercepting your traffic, they will just see random letters and numbers. Additionally, it supports encryption with DHE-RSA 2048 key exchange and SHA512 authentication.

The automatic kill switch will break your connection if the VPN stops working. Together with DNS leak protection, it will help prevent your information from accidentally leaking. Unfortunately, this feature is not available on Android devices; it is only available on Windows and MacOS.

IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider. This may raise privacy concerns as the FBI, NSA, and other intelligence agencies force companies to submit user data. However, IPVanish has a strict no-logs policy and does not store any identifiable information. In fact, it has never collaborated with law enforcement to arrest anyone.

In case you encounter any issues, you can contact support through the 24/7 live chat or email. The help section is also resourceful, with plenty of tutorials and informational articles covering numerous topics.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a well-established VPN. It has a large network, airtight security, and offers fast speeds.

The Android app is easy to comprehend and use. It has all the features available on the desktop client, including ad and malware blockers, Wi-Fi protection, split tunneling, etc. The most exciting feature is the data compression that constricts images and other page elements to minimize data usage. Regrettably, the app does not have DNS/IPv6 leak protection and HTTPS redirect.

It has a network of more than 8,000 servers with great coverage in over 90 countries. Over 1,100 servers in 11 US cities make it a great option to unblock US geo-restricted streaming sites. Surprisingly, the VPN operates servers in hard-to-reach regions like Lithuania, Saudi Arabia, China, and Latvia. All the servers are RAM-based, so they can’t store any of your data.

The extensive network means that there is less congestion on the servers, which translates to better speeds. However, we noticed that nearby servers offer better speeds compared to international servers. Alternatively, you can use the Best Server Location feature that will automatically establish the quickest connection.

Many VPN providers claim to provide formidable protection, yet they use inferior security features. CyberGhost lives up to its word by providing state-of-the-art features. They include AES 256-bit encryption, NoSpy servers, kill switch, app protection, Wi-Fi protection, and more.

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8. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is one of the best free VPNs for Android. The free version is minimal, but you can upgrade to premium to access all the features and server locations. In addition, it provides advanced security and privacy features to keep you safe always.

Using the Android app is quick and easy. Download the app from Google Play Store, open it and sign up, press ‘Connect’ and you are good to go. The VPN also has apps for other devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux Ubuntu, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also install the VPN on compatible routers to protect all of your devices. The apps are highly customizable with automatic Wi-Fi protection, auto-connecting to the last server, etc.

Hotspot Shield has established its network of more than 1800 servers in over 80 countries worldwide. It arranges the server list alphabetically by country, making it easy to connect to a specific server. You can also connect a server in a specific city in countries with multiple locations such as the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Does Hotspot Shield offer sufficient speeds? The speeds remained consistent on most of the servers during our testing. You will stream 4K videos and make HD video calls if you have a robust base internet speed. It is powerful enough, and there will be no noticeable connection drops or slowdowns.

It uses AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and 2048-bit RSA keys to safeguard your connections. The kill switch will stop your traffic if the VPN connection is lost. However, this is not enabled by default; you must activate it in the settings. Moreover, the auto-protect feature will automatically establish a VPN connection whenever you start using Wi-Fi. It also has an inbuilt DNS leak protection to prevent DNS request leakage.

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9. Windscribe

The VPN has an Android native app and supports other major platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux. It has recently updated its Android app to include OpenVPN/IKEv2 support and split routing. Both free and paid plans allow you to have unlimited connections, a great feature if you have multiple devices. The Firefox and Chrome browser extensions nowadays come with location/API spoofing and malware/phishing blockers.

A slow VPN can be frustrating. Whether you want to torrent, stream movies, play games, or simply surf the web, you would want a fast VPN. The average speed was 35.76 Mbps during our testing, which is enough to handle most tasks.

Windscribe keeps your connections secure with AES 256-bit encryption, SHA512 authentication key, and 4096-bit RSA keys. It also uses perfect forward secrecy that regularly generates new encryption keys for every new session. IKEv2 is the default protocol, but you can switch to Open UDP and TCP.

If you are not sure about the service, you can start with the free version. However, it has some considerable limitations and probably won’t be enough in the long run. For example, you cannot access Netflix because the Windflix servers are only available on paid plans. Also, you will only access servers in 11 countries. In most cases, these servers are slower due to congestion. On the other hand, the free version comes with 10GB monthly data, which is much more generous than most rivals.

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10. TunnelBear

This VPN has a streamlined Android app and works well with other operating systems such as Windows, iOS, and macOS. It also offers Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions but not for Internet Explorer or Safari. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with routers, so you cannot protect devices that don’t support VPNs like smart TVs.

The VigilantBear features act as the kill switch to cut your traffic if the VPN connection is compromised. There is also DNS/IPv6 leak protection to prevent IP address and DNS request leakage. These features are enabled by default to keep you anonymous all the time.

One of the biggest advantages of TunnelBear is the free plan. Regrettably, it only offers 500MB of data which is insufficient for most tasks. For example, you cannot stream a whole movie or even an episode of your favorite show. However, you can easily upgrade to paid plans to get unlimited bandwidth.

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Comparison table for Android-supported VPNs

VPNs	Price	Average Speed	Max. Simultaneous device connections	Suitable for streaming	Money-back guarantee
NordVPN	$3.59/month	Super-fast	10	Yes	30 days
PIA	$2.03/month	Fast	Unlimited	Yes	30 days
ExpressVPN	$8.32/month	Super-fast	8	Yes	30 days
Surfshark	$2.30/month	Fast	Unlimited	Yes	30 days
PrivateVPN	$2/month	Average	10	Yes	30 days
IPVanish	$3.99/ month	Fast	Unlimited	Yes	30 days
CyberGhost	$2.03/ month	Super-fast	7	Yes	45 days
VyprVPN	$5/month	Fast	10	No	30 days
Proton VPN	$4.99/month	Average	10	No	30 days

The criteria for choosing the best Android VPNs

Currently, hundreds of VPN services are on the market, making it tough to choose the right one. The VPNs in this guide have met our criteria for security, speeds, ease of use, streaming, customer support, and price. These are the key features you should consider when selecting a top VPN. Let us elaborate on this below.

Compatibility

A VPN cannot claim to offer the best services if it is not compatible with specific devices. So, before subscribing to a VPN, ensure it works well with Android and other popular operating systems. Fortunately, the VPNs on this list offer an app for all devices and platforms.

Likewise, choose a VPN that allows you to connect multiple devices at the same time. Some VPN services, such as Surfshark and IPVanish, stand out as they do not limit the number of simultaneous connections. This can save you significantly if you have a big household or run a business.

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Security

A secure VPN should be transparent about the measures it has put in place to maintain your security. It must have the latest encryption level and solid connection protocols.

Pay attention to features such as military-grade AES 256-bit encryption automatic kill switches, OpenVPN, split tunneling, etc. Even a secure VPN connection can suffer leaks, revealing your activities to your ISP and other third parties. Therefore, choose a VPN with DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection.

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Privacy policy

One of the critical stages of assessing a VPN is evaluating the privacy policy. Regrettably, many providers on the market are not transparent with their logging practices.

The VPN should have a strict zero-logs policy. If the policy is followed and implemented to the latter, your activities and data will remain completely anonymous. Unfortunately, many providers use this word just for marketing purposes, so it isn’t easy to know a genuinely no-logs VPN.

Reliable VPNs collect minimal basic information such as server load, bandwidth usage, server location, etc. This is for operation purposes and cannot be traced back to you. Oppositely, some VPNs have a reputation for logging identifiable data, such as IP addresses or even entire online activities.

So, choose a VPN that is clear on the type of data it keeps during after-sessions. In fact, some providers have undergone independent audits to verify the no-logs claims.

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Location and jurisdictions

Every company is bound to the laws and regulations of the land, which might impede your privacy. Therefore, you should never overlook the jurisdiction of where the provider is based. 

The jurisdiction does not matter if the provider observes a strict zero-logs policy. However, any sincere provider should have clear procedures on how to handle requests by authorities. Indeed, some VPNs such as Surfshark have a warrant canary informing the public about any looming subpoenas.

Check where the provider is headquartered and whether it has a history of cooperating with authorities. For example, Panama and the British Virgin Islands are some of the well-known privacy-friendly countries.

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Speed

A VPN may reduce your speeds because of the encryption process. So, choose a VPN with the ability to maintain consistent speeds. The fastest VPNs have massive networks with powerful servers spread out across the world.

More servers are always better because there will be less congestion. This reduces the server load for improved speeds. In addition, with more servers, you are likely to get nearby servers. The closer you are to a server, the faster the connection because your traffic will have to travel a short distance. So, always choose a server close to your location unless you want to unblock specific geo-blocked content.

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Streaming

Many streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC IPlayer use advanced geo-blocks to control their content. As a result, some regions have limited catalogs while others are blocked completely.

When you connect to a server, the VPN will assign you an IP address of that country. This will trick the streaming site that you are accessing the content from within. So, a VPN will enable you to bypass geo-blocks and watch whatever you want from anywhere. Some VPNs, such as SurfShark, have streaming-optimized servers.

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The fastest Android VPNs available

A fast VPN is excellent for all activities, from streaming, torrenting, gaming, video calling, and regular browsing. We conducted a speed test to determine Android VPNs with the best speeds. Our base speed without a VPN connection was 100 Mbit/s. The results are in the table below.

Provider	Average speed (Mbit/s)	Maximum speed (Mbit/s)
NordVPN	65.79	89.35
Surfshark VPN	67.21	91.86
ExpressVPN	70.10	95.24
IPVanish	61.53	80.41
Private Internet Access (PIA)	57.86	79.68
PrivateVPN	55.34	63.16
CyberGhost	51.17	60.73
Hotspot Shield	48.89	56.12
Windscribe	35.76	48.65
Tunnelbear	28.55	45.81

Benefits of using a Android VPN

We will show you how an Android VPN will help you stay safe when using the internet. But before we do that, let’s first look at the basics.

The way a VPN works on your Android device

Once you connect to the internet, your traffic will pass over a local network and go through your ISP’s servers. The problem is that your data and web activities can be tracked, harvested, and sold to the highest bidder.

This is where a VPN comes in. Using a VPN is among the most effective ways to secure Android. It will encrypt your traffic before leaving your Android device and pass it through secure servers. Thus, no one can detect your personal data or see what you are doing online, even your ISP. The setup may seem simplistic, but it is beneficial in many ways.

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Advantages of a VPN for Android users

• A VPN will prevent the websites you visit from tracking your location or identity. They will see your traffic originating from the VPN server instead of your device. This will hide your actual IP address to keep you anonymous.
• Because a VPN will route your traffic through its servers, your ISP will not see what you are up to. So, even if you are doing an intensive activity like torrenting, your ISP will not throttle your speeds.
• Many governments rely on the data provided by ISPs to conduct mass surveillance. Therefore, if the ISP does not know what you are doing, so will the government. However, you shouldn’t use a VPN for illegal purposes.
• You risk exposing yourself to all sundry when using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. This means hackers can easily steal and sell your data and browsing history. A VPN will pass your traffic through secure tunnels to keep off all malicious actors.
• There are many risks involved with torrenting such as copyright trolls, DDoS attacks, and ISP penalties. You can use a reliable VPN to avoid these issues and torrent safely on your Android devices.
• A VPN will help you avoid censorship if you live in a country with heavy online restrictions. Since many VPN services operate servers worldwide, you can connect to a server in a privacy-friendly region.

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Android VPNs for Netflix

Although Netflix’s library is extensive, most of the content is geo-restricted because of copyright and licensing issues. So, if you have a Netflix account, the movies and TV shows you access will depend on where you live.

However, a VPN will help you to bypass the restrictions and watch your favorite content. It will assign you a region-specific IP address when you connect to a server. Usually, Netflix relies on IP addresses to determine user location. So, if you use a VPN to spoof your location, you’ll seem to be streaming from a different country. For example, you can connect to the US servers to unblock the Netflix US library, which has an immense catalog of titles.

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Android VPNs for Gaming

You can also benefit from a VPN if you are a gamer. For example, suppose you notice that your speed is depreciating when gaming. It may be because the ISP is throttling your bandwidth. This is common when engaging in intensive activities like gaming, torrenting, or streaming. A VPN will anonymize your traffic, preventing your ISP from seeing what you are doing.

Some players use DDoS attacks for competitive advantage to either slow or ultimately lockout participants in multiplayer games. They will flood your IP address with trash data to overwhelm your device. A VPN will come in handy by masking your IP address and encrypting your traffic.

Another benefit of using a VPN for gamers is to unblock restricted gaming titles. In most cases, the latest deluxe edition of most games is only available in selected countries. A VPN will allow you to connect to servers in these regions so you can access games as they unveil. Check out our in-depth analysis of the best gaming VPNs.

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How to set up VPN on Android

Setting up a VPN on your device is effortless as most providers provide a native Android VPN app. Just follow the steps below to get started. 

1. Use the link provided in your VPN account dashboard or simply search your selected VPN service by its name on Google Play Store. Our number one recommendation for Android users is NordVPN.
2. Download and install the app.
3. Accept the app’s permission. Be careful with the permissions the app requests. Most apps will ask permission to access WiFi settings. You shouldn’t allow any other permission to maintain your privacy.
4. Select your desired plan and subscribe (if you’ve not signed up already).
5. Sign in and connect to the server of your choice. That’s it; you now have a VPN connection active on your Android device.

Is there a reliable free VPN for Android?

Currently, there are thousands of free Android device VPNs in the Google Play Store that claim to offer high-quality services. Don’t fall into their trap because the vast majority of these free VPNs are risky and can jeopardize your security and privacy. Studies have continuously shown that free VPNs are designed to harvest and sell user data. Others have been found to have critical leaks, inferior encryption, and contain malware.

Operating a VPN infrastructure is very expensive and involves a lot of upkeep costs. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to run a VPN and offer completely free services. That is why VPNs that claim to provide entirely free services engage in unethical activities to make money. One such way is to collect and sell your data to advertisers and other third parties.

Fortunately, premium VPNs offer free trials, such as SurfShark, which offers a 7-day free trial. However, in most cases, totally free plans for life have limitations such as throttled speeds, capped bandwidth, and partial servers. That’s why you must upgrade to paid plans to access all the features.

The free VPNs we recommended earlier in this article are safe to use. Other than their limited features, they won’t compromise your security and privacy in any way. So, if you are on a budget, be sure to use our suggested free VPNs.

Windscribe is our top pick for free Android VPNs. It offers generous free data, does not keep logs, and has watertight security.

Use a VPN for Android risk-free

It is understandable to be undecided about VPNs if it is your first time using one. After all, how would you know how it works until you try it yourself? Fortunately, many top VPNs are nowadays offering sufficient money-back guarantees so you can try them risk-free.

That means you could test the features of a VPN without risking your money. For example, you will be able to unblock content, safeguard your traffic and gain privacy – all risk-free. Many providers will return the whole amount if you request your funds before the time elapses.

We’ve tested the money-back guarantee of all these top providers, such as ExpressVPN, so we know it works as they claim. The advantage of these money-back guarantees is that you can shop around before deciding on the best service for your needs.

VPN	Money-back guarantee	Duration
NordVPN	✔	30 days
Surfshark VPN	✔	30 days
ExpressVPN	✔	30 days
IPVanish	✔	7 days
Private Internet Access	✔	30 days

VPNs to avoid for Android users

It is a bad idea to search VPNs directly on the Play Store since it hosts hundreds if not thousands of risky VPNs. So, you should ideally stick to our recommended VPNs because we have tested and tried them. Below are the VPNs with Android support you should avoid using:

Hola

Hola is known to turn user devices into exit nodes for other users to pass their traffic. In addition, it sells users’ unused bandwidth, which can greatly affect your speeds. The privacy policy is not clear, so it may be collecting and selling your data.

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HideMyAss (HMA)

In 2011, HMA collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to track a hacker. The FBI used the IP address and activity logs it got from the company to prosecute the perpetrator. Although the hacker may have done something illegal, it clearly shows that HMA stores user data.

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PureVPN

The FBI traced and arrested an alleged stalker in 2017 after getting activity logs from PureVPN. Despite the company’s zero-logging claims, the incident shows the provider keeps identifiable information and collaborates with authorities.

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Zenmate

Zenmate has been found to suffer from IP leaks, potentially exposing your IP address and traffic. This, coupled with the unclear privacy policy, is the reason we advise you to avoid the VPN service.

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Opera VPN

Opera VPN alleges to offer the security and confidentiality of a standard VPN. However, according to its privacy policy, Opera VPN collects much of your data and uses it to deliver irritating personalized advertisements.

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Yoga VPN

Once you install the VPN, you’ll be prompted to give questionable permissions requests like your call history, phone number, and network. Also, the provider keeps your log information and cooperates with the authorities.

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Drawbacks of using an Android VPN

Mobile VPNs have various drawbacks, but they all depend on various factors like your VPN selection, your location, your phone’s processing speed, and the standard of its mobile service.

• Some VPNs have sluggish servers that reduce your internet connections to a crawl.
• Certain websites, like Netflix, block VPN traffic.
• It is difficult to know how well a VPN encrypts your data.
• VPNs are illegal or restricted in some countries like China and Russia.
• Some VPNs collect and sell users’ data to third parties.
• VPNs can give you a false sense of online anonymity.
• You might experience connection breaks.
• You are better off without a VPN rather than using a free VPN.

FAQs