5 Best Free VPNs for Android Users in 2024

An Android device is as vulnerable to online tracking as any other device. In fact, Android devices risk many more security threats than Windows or iOS devices. So, it’s wise to protect Android devices with a robust premium VPN. However, a premium VPN is not always possible, especially for short-term use cases.

Therefore, this article lists the best free VPN services for Android so that you never leave your phone vulnerable again, even when you’re concerned with spending money.

Top free VPN for Android – Quick list

Are you in a rush and can’t read the detailed descriptions for the best five free VPNs for Android? Here’s a sneak peek.

Best free VPNs for Android – A detailed analysis

We tested over 50 free and low-cost VPNs to find the best. Based on our extensive research and testing, many low-quality free VPNs are out there. But most such products are traps. They don’t work as advertised.

However, we found several that work well—even with geo-blocked websites. Please note, though, that all VPNs, even the good-quality free ones, have limitations. Those shortcomings include slow speeds and data caps. As a result, a paid Android VPN is your best bet if you don’t want restrictions.

1. Proton VPN

A big win for Proton VPN is it offers unlimited data. You can stream your favorite TV shows for long hours without interruption. Even better is its security; the VPN offers 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, and WireGuard support.

Its Android app is intuitive and includes malware blocking. Being a Swiss-based provider, it adheres to the country’s privacy laws by maintaining a no-logs policy. Compared to other free VPNs, it shows no ads. The provider also has fast speeds.

Web pages loaded instantly during our tests, and we could watch videos in HD. Besides, it has an Accelerator feature that increases your connection speeds on distant servers. For a freemium service, Proton VPN offers generous features.

Unfortunately, it has some limitations. First, the provider only has three free US, Netherlands, and Japan servers. Regarding bandwidth-hungry activities like torrenting and streaming, you should choose ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Proton VPN doesn’t work well with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Disney+. Even if it did, you may experience lags.

Fortunately, it’s a low-cost premium service. For as low as $4.99 monthly, you can enjoy perks like a large server network, 10 device connections, streaming, and P2P support.

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2. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield has some interesting quirks that make it an outstanding free VPN. If you’re big on torrenting, this VPN is a good choice. Its Android app is sleek and modern, making it easy to use. The VPN provides crucial security features like the standard 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.

Since it only has one server in the US, you may expect overcrowding and slow speeds. However, Hotspot Shield has a Hydra proprietary protocol that ensures fast speed and stable connection. Unlike most VPNs with limited data bandwidth, the VPN offers 15 GB monthly, which is quite generous for a freemium service.

But those aren’t the only highlights of the free Android version of Hotspot Shield. The service has a malware blocker to protect your device from malicious websites. Upgrading to its premium plan protects you against scam sites and phishing.

Nevertheless, the VPN isn’t torrent-friendly. Moreover, its privacy policy states that it stores significant user information. Plus, the VPN app displays ads often, which can be annoying.

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Best premium VPN services that offer free trial

1. NordVPN

Looking for a cheaper alternative to ExpressVPN? Try NordVPN. This provider has excellent support for streaming. Indeed, this makes it a perfect choice for streaming movies on the go. It comes with secure AES-256 encryption alongside popular VPN protocols like OpenVPN and Wireguard.

That’s not all; the VPN has 6800 servers in 113 countries, so you can access worldwide content. NordVPN has outstanding performance speeds, making it ideal for bandwidth-consuming activities. While testing this service, we experienced a drop in download speed by only 15 percent. This means you can watch UK Netflix from Asia in HD.

NordVPN’s Android app is easy to interact with and has a simple user interface. As a first-time VPN user, you’ll appreciate its straightforward design. Plus, it features an ad blocker, automatic kill switch, split tunneling, and NordLynx proprietary protocol. The provider has RAM-only servers, making it impossible for the service to keep your data.

It’s an excellent VPN for torrenting, thanks to its dedicated P2P servers. NordVPN also has obfuscated servers, enabling you to bypass censorship in China. All of these features make NordVPN a trustworthy freemium VPN for Android. Like ExpressVPN, it offers a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee, and you can get a full refund.

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2. Private Internet Access

While not entirely a free VPN, PIA is another worthy mention, boasting impressive speeds. It has basic features like a reliable kill switch and traffic obfuscation, enabling you to browse the web while hiding your digital identity.

With an extensive network of over 34,000 servers in 90 countries, you can access worldwide content. Unfortunately, its free service has limited servers. While it’s not an ideal VPN for streaming, it can unblock some geo-blocked content. During our test, this VPN reliably unblocked US Netflix and BBC iPlayer on the first try.

Unlike other free services, PIA prioritizes users’ privacy by only storing their names, email addresses, and payment methods. PrivateInternetAccess is a decent pick for torrenting, but keep in mind that not all its servers support it.

To get the best out of this VPN, use its 30-day money-back guarantee. This will give you a clear idea of whether the VPN fits your needs. For example, whether it works well with your preferred top streaming sites.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN we tested. It has an easy-to-use mobile Android app that delivers fast speeds. This service lets you load web pages and stream videos quickly without experiencing buffering or lags.

Thanks to its extensive list of over 3,000 server networks, it’s an ideal choice for unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu and bypassing censorship. The provider has a proprietary Lightway protocol, which is faster and more secure than other open-source protocols. With ExpressVPN, we could download a 15 GB torrent in 10 minutes.

The VPN is highly secure, as it comes with bank-grade AES-256 encryption and a kill switch (Network Lock), which are rare features among free VPN apps. ExpressVPN holds a reputation for privacy thanks to its audited no-logs policy. Moreover, it offers eight simultaneous connections and 24/7 live chat support.

While this VPN is a paid service, you can enjoy its features without spending a dime. The trick is to use its 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, you can test the VPN risk-free and get a full refund before the 30-day expiration. Alternatively, subscribe to its 7-day free trial to determine if it meets your needs.

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Quick comparison table of the best free Android VPN

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	PIA	Proton VPN	Hotspot Shield
Number of Servers	6800+ servers in 113 countries	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	35,000+ servers in 90 countries	3 free server locations	1 free server location
Speed	Very Fast	Very Fast	Fast	Fast	Fast
Monthly Data Cap	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	15GB (500MB/day)
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Logging Policy	No logs	No identifying data	No logs	No identifying data	No logs
Maximum Devices Supported	10	8	Unlimited	1	1
Streaming/Torrenting capability	Both	Both	Both	Streaming	Torrenting
Sign up requirement	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
APK availability	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Free Trial	30 days	30 days	31 days	30 days	45 days

Tips on choosing the best free (near-to-free) VPNs for Android

Selecting a decent free VPN may be confusing once you open the Google Play Store, as many providers claim to offer impressive features. Yet, unlike premium VPNs, only a few free services are worth the shot.

To be safe, you should avoid free VPNs because compared to paid VPNs, they lack vital privacy functionalities and have strict data caps. If you’re unsure about what to look for in a free Android VPN, here are factors you should consider.

1. Reputation

Not every free VPN will sell your data to the government or third parties. You may also be lucky to find one free from malware and viruses. We advise that you not only rely on customers’ reviews and ratings but also research and check experts’ opinions.

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2. Privacy and security

Choose free VPNs with 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. You should also read the preferred provider’s privacy terms and data logs policy to determine if they uphold users’ privacy.

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3. Streaming support

Many free Android VPNs cannot unblock streaming sites. Opt for a provider that can access streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max. Confirm that your preferred free VPN works excellently on Android TV so you can watch your favorite TV shows on a big screen.

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4. Fast speeds

The faster the VPN, the better the experience. You may experience browsing lags using a free service compared to paid providers. Each free VPN on our list offers 1GB of data monthly to enable you to surf the internet for a reasonable amount of time.

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5. Extensive server list

Prioritize free VPNs with an extensive server network to avoid overcrowding and enjoy reliable connections. The larger the server, the less chance of traffic congestion with an increased speed.

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6. Torrenting support

Select Android-free VPNs with dedicated P2P servers to make torrenting safe and secure.

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7. User interface

All the best Android-free VPNs on our list have simple and intuitive apps. You can easily connect to a server network with the click of a button.

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8. Completely free

Look for Android VPNs that don’t require spending a cent during sign-up. Ensure the VPN provider offers a free trial and money-back guarantee.

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9. Excellent customer support

An ideal free VPN should have friendly and responsive customer service. They should have a live chat, email, and phone channels that provide 24/7 customer support. Regardless of the VPN service you select from our list, you can rest assured of dedicated customer support.

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Is it worth having a free VPN on Android?

If you want to use the internet privately and securely on your Android device, you must use a VPN. This will safeguard your online identity.

However, opting for a free VPN depends on your needs. Remember, a free VPN has speed, data usage, and security limitations. Plus, it cannot measure up to a premium service. This means it’s only suitable for occasional online activities.

A free Android VPN will be helpful if you want to stay secure on public WiFi, protect yourself from ISP snooping, or ensure anonymity while accessing your emails. On the contrary, you should opt for a premium version if you want a VPN for torrenting or unblocking streaming platforms.

While using a free VPN, you may experience more anxiety than peace of mind, as most providers lack the resources to protect your information. This means there’s the possibility of experiencing data theft or malware attacks when using VPNs for free on Android.

Upgrade to any of the premium services above to enjoy a VPN’s full features. These providers have unlimited bandwidth, fast speeds, and an extensive servicer list.

Is a free VPN good for gaming on my Android phone?

No, it’s not. You may be lucky to access gaming sites using a free VPN. However, it won’t function flawlessly.

Many free services lack the infrastructure to offer a seamless gaming experience because they don’t generate user revenue. You’ll likely experience crowded servers, performance issues, and slow speeds. At worst, you may face lags during gaming sessions due to their limited bandwidth.

In most online games we tested using free VPNs, we noticed an increase in latency and a drop in download numbers, making the connection unstable. Free VPNs for Android aren’t a preferred service for enjoying iconic gameplay like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Apex Legends Mobile, Fortnite, or World of Warcraft.

Risks and disadvantages of using a free VPN

There are multiple risks of a free VPN, depending on factors like your location, the quality of your phone’s mobile service, your phone’s connection speed, and your preferred VPN provider. Here are some of them.

• Limited monthly bandwidth: Many VPNs have limited bandwidth to restrict how much you can browse the internet daily. The reason is to prompt users to purchase their premium plans. Thankfully, Proton VPN offers unlimited data.
• Lacks streaming capability: Many people use VPN for streaming rather than security. But sadly, only premium VPNs work excellently with geo-restricted websites. Even if you’re lucky to access streaming platforms with a free VPN, you can only stream your favorite movies briefly due to their low data caps.
• Weak security: Free VPNs are usually less secure than their premium counterparts. Besides, you risk infecting your Android device with viruses using a free service. Also, many lack security features like 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.
• Slow speeds: Generally, VPNs slow down your connection’s speeds. However, you’ll likely experience slower connection speeds with a free service due to overcrowded servers and limited bandwidth.
• No privacy: While premium VPNs won’t sell your data to third-party advertisers thanks to their audited no-log policies, a free VPN might not be as virtuous. Many free providers log users’ online activity and IP addresses. This way, third-party advertisers can place annoying ads and trackers to meet your needs.

Are free Android VPNs safe?

Generally, free Android VPNs are not as safe as using premium VPNs. They do more harm than good. It can be pretty tempting to download a free service to stream movies.

Unfortunately, the reality is much different, as critical features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and complete leak protection are non-existent in free VPNs. Hence, your preferred provider may not have enough firepower to unblock Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, or Disney+.

Some also have poor privacy policies, no encryption, and malware apps. Free VPNs display a lot of ads to generate revenue. Moreover, these ads have embedded viruses, which can compromise your security.

Fortunately, you can find a few reliable free VPNs with industry-standard security features to keep you safe and ensure online anonymity.

How to set up a VPN on Android for free

Setting up a free VPN on Android is relatively easy and shouldn’t take you more than five minutes. Here’s how to set up a VPN on your Android:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN. Visit your preferred VPN’s website and choose a subscription plan. We recommend NordVPN because it’s fast, secure, and great for streaming movies from any location.
2. Download and install the VPN app from your Google Play Store onto your device. You can also use the VPN’s browser extension if it’s available.
3. Launch the app and sign in using your details.
4. Connect to a nearby server location. We advise that you pick the closest server to your physical location for a faster VPN speed.
5. Now, you can browse the internet safely on your Android.

Remember, Android now has a built-in kill switch called “Block connections with VPN” and “Always-on VPN.” As not every free Android VPN comes with a kill switch, you can rely on your device by toggling on “Always-on VPN” and “Block connections with VPN” in the settings menu to protect your data.

Free Android VPNs to avoid

Not every free VPN on the market is trustworthy. Many of them have privacy and security issues. They are notorious for recording users’ data and sharing it with third parties and law enforcement agencies. Besides, many of them don’t support Android TV.

So, it’s ideal you avoid them altogether to protect your privacy and security. If you insist on getting a free VPN, subscribe to the freemium service of paid VPNs through their trial period and money-back guarantee.

Here is a list of the worst free Android VPNs we’ve tested, and we strongly advise you not to install them on your device.

1. HolaVPN

HolaVPN has a history of storing users’ data from their IP address and full name to their social media profile picture.

This provider functions as a P2P rather than a VPN service. It engineers as a peer-to-peer using idle user bandwidth on the devices signed into its network. This means your IP address is available to everyone in the network while using the service.

HolaVPN doesn’t encrypt your data, which means another user can use your IP for illegal activities. It has injected a “trojan horse” into users’ devices and also engaged in Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks on other sites.

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2. OperaVPN

This is one of the least secure Android VPNs we reviewed. OperaVPN comes alongside the Opera browser, so it can be tempting to use it as an extension.

However, the provider has a questionable privacy policy. Its no-logs policies have not been independently audited and confirmed.

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3. BetternetVPN

Although BetternetVPN has a high star rating on the Google Play Store, it’s notorious for its malware-infected app. It has weak security because it lacks a kill switch and Smart DNS.

Hence, hackers can infiltrate its servers and steal your data. BetternetVPN also keeps your data logs, such as connection timestamps, device information, and IP address.

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4. Ninja VPN

From the name, one would expect this VPN to have strong security. Sadly, Ninja VPN doesn’t offer security features like 256-bit encryption, additional protection layer option like DoubleVPN, or OpenVPN. Instead, it works like HolaVPN, sharing users’ idle bandwidth resources with others in its P2P network.

Unlike other free VPNs, it relies on 128-bit SSL encryption, which isn’t enough to ensure online security and access to popular streaming services. NinjaVPN collects personal data like customers’ IP addresses, activity logs, and connection timestamps.

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5. TurboVPN

TurboVPN is packed with viruses, trackers, and advertisements. Worse, the provider’s privacy policy states that it stores a disturbing amount of personal data, like your timestamps, device identifiers, ISP, and IP address.

TurboVPN also has a reputation for sharing customers’ data with third parties. Plus, it has strong links with China.

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6. Psiphon

We tested Psiphon, and it leaked our DNS and IP address. The VPN tracks your browsing activity and connection timestamp.

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FAQs