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, a streaming device such as Fire Stick, or Smart TV, having an Android VPN has become a must-have tool.
The quality of Android VPNs has improved recently. But, most of the VPN apps on the Google Play Store lack the necessary features to maintain your security and anonymity. Furthermore, a recent study found out that the majority of VPNs leak personal information. So, how do you know the best one for your needs? 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 the quick list of the top 5 VPNs for Android that you can use today:
- NordVPN – Our top recommendation for Android users. It boasts high-speed servers, impressive unblocking capabilities, top-notch security and privacy features.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) – Extensive server network, Android app, unblocks streaming sites, MACE adblocker.
- Surfshark – Unlimited connections, affordable plans, bypasses geo-blocks, fast speeds.
- ExpressVPN – Watertight security, massive server network, no-logs policy, unlimited bandwidth and data.
- PrivateVPN – Up to ten simultaneous connections, robust security, trustworthy zero-logs policy, lightweight Android app.
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 Google Play Store.
The best Android VPNs for 2023
Below is our list of the best VPNs with Android support for both 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
The best Android VPN that offers easy-to-install Android APKs to protect your phones. The app ensures a safe gaming experience, malware protection, thorough IP spoofing, and robust security.
5,000+ servers in 60 countries 
P2P optimized servers 
AES-256-bit encryption 
Up to 6 simultaneous devices 
CyberSec feature 
Automatic kill switch 
Double VPN feature 
30 days money-back guarantee Pros
- Supports Android (offers app as well as manual instructions)
- Strong encryption standards
- Privacy-friendly
Cons
- Desktop app is a bit tricky for naive users
NordVPN is our top recommendation for the best VPN for Android. The app is quick to download, and the setup process is straightforward. There is even the Quick Connect feature to connect to the fastest server available quickly.
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 six simultaneous connections on one account.
It has a massive network with more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries around the world. 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 has improved the speeds significantly. 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.