VPNs have become an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security in today‘s digital world. Especially on mobile devices like Android phones, where we tend to access sensitive apps and data frequently via public Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
A VPN allows you to encrypt your internet traffic and masks your real IP address, making it much harder for snoopers or hackers to steal your data. It also lets you bypass geographic restrictions and censorship.
But with hundreds of VPN services in the market, zeroing in on the right one for your Android device can get overwhelming. I‘ve tested and reviewed dozens of them hands-on to come up with this curated list of the 12 best VPNs for Android in terms of metrics like:
Speed and Reliability: You want to avoid major speed slowdowns. The VPN should offer consistent speeds across different locations.
Privacy & Security: It must have robust encryption, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy audited by independent agencies.
Ease of Use: The app should be intuitive and easy to set up even for VPN beginners. Quick connect features and kill switches are a plus.
Pricing: While free VPNs seem attractive, they often lack advanced privacy features or place unreasonable data caps. Paid ones offer better value in the long run.
Unlock Capabilities: Ability to access geo-restricted streaming sites and other censored content. Useful while traveling abroad.
Now without further ado, here are the best Android VPN services that checked all the boxes after extensive testing:
1. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Android
ExpressVPN has been my go-to VPN for all devices over the years, including Android phones and tablets. Here‘s a quick rundown of what makes it the top choice:
Lightning-Fast Speeds: Delivers blazing fast speeds thanks to an enormous network of 3000+ global VPN servers optimized for speed. Barely notice any slowdowns even on congested public Wi-Fi or 4G/5G networks.
Enhanced Privacy Features: Uses AES 256-bit encryption by default and has security protocols like TrustedServer and split-tunneling that prevent any data leaks. Independently audited for a strict zero-log policy.
Reliability & Support: Excellent uptime record across servers. 24/7 live chat support resolves any issues promptly.
Unblocks Websites & Streaming: Unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and 200+ sites from anywhere.
Pricing: Despite being a premium VPN, ExpressVPN‘s pricing is quite reasonable for the unmatched quality of service. Starts from $8.32/month for 1-year plan.
Ease of Use: The Android app is intuitive with one-click connect and a built-in speed test. Can even configure for always-on protection.
Other Perks: Supports manual configuration for routers and Android TV. Unlimited bandwidth with no activity/data logs.
With incredibly fast speeds that don‘t quit and best-in-class privacy protections, ExpressVPN is undoubtedly the top service for VPN users across platforms, especially on Android. Try it out risk-free!
2. NordVPN – Most Secure Android VPN
If watertight security is your foremost priority, look no further than NordVPN. It has the most hardcore privacy and encryption standards that guarantee complete anonymity.
Some standout features that make NordVPN the most secure include:
- Onion Over VPN adds TOR encryption over the regular VPN tunnel for multilayer privacy.
- Obfuscated Servers can stealthily bypass all forms of VPN blocking and censorship.
- Double NAT-hopping bounces your traffic through multiple servers making it near impossible to trace.
- Kill Switch blocks internet access if the VPN drops to prevent accidental leaks.
Besides the extreme encryption, you also get excellent speeds thanks to specialized P2P and streaming-optimized servers. Unblocks Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu and more sites.
The easy-to-use Android app sets up in minutes. You can even safeguard devices like Amazon Firestick via manual router configuration. 24/7 customer support is available through live chat if issues arise.
If you want uncompromising security along with full unlock capabilities and responsive support, get NordVPN. Price starts from only $3.29/month if you commit for 2 years.
3. Surfshark – Best Budget VPN for Android
Surfshark strikes the perfect balance between affordability and high-quality service. It is among the cheapest VPN options with unlimited device connections.
The Android app makes it effortless to safeguard smartphones/tablets on the move. One-click connect, quick server switching, and MultiHop make it a breeze even for novices.
You still get premium features like AES 256-bit encryption, private DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and a no-logging assurance confirmed through independent audits. Over 3200 servers in 65+ countries ensure reliable connections.
Unblocks 15+ Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, YouTube. Torrenting/P2P supported on all servers. Runs consistent speed tests to finetune encryption protocols and server positions for faster streaming/downloads.
A single Surfshark plan allows unlimited devices at under $2.50/month. Ideal for securing all gadgets on a budget!
4. CyberGhost – Most User-Friendly Android VPN
While many VPN providers still have clunky apps and interfaces, CyberGhost makes it insanely easy to get started even if you are a total newbie.
It starts with an automated profile creator that will identify the best possible VPN setup based on what you plan to do online. Options include stream anonymously, unlock websites, protect Wi-Fi, torrent securely, etc.
One-click connect instantly starts your configured profile. The maps-based interface lets you pick any desired server with details on current load and ping. Settings offer pre-configured streaming/torrenting profiles alongside manual configurations.
Under the hood, you get military-grade AES 256 & SHA 512 encryption plus standard privacy essentials like kill switches, IPv6/DNS/WebRTC leak shields, and true zero-logging certified through audits.
With over 7000 servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost unblocks 35+ streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, ESPN, Eurosport, etc. Torrents allowed on designated servers.
Despite all these features, it starts at just $2.19/month covering 7 devices, making CyberGhost a user-friendly all-rounder.
5. Private Internet Access – Most Customizable Android VPN
As the name suggests, Private Internet Access (PIA) offers uncompromising privacy alongside excellent customization potential.
You have your pick from WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SOCKS5 proxy protocols. Manually select ports, cipher combinations, handshake settings, etc for each protocol. Features like MACE enable obscuring VPN metadata.
For new users, pre-configured options for various purposes are available. The Android app sets up in minutes – connect to the nearest fast server or particular countries with a tap. Split tunneling support as well.
PIA‘s network includes 10,000+ servers in 78 countries optimized for P2P/streaming. However, its strength lies in advanced privacy more than unlocking geo-sites. Encryption includes AES-256, RSA-4096, SHA1.
No traffic or activity logs are maintained. All infrastructure is diskless and located in jurisdiction safe from surveillance laws (Sweden data centers).
PIA can be grabbed for as low as $2.19/month covering 10 devices. If you know your way around protocols and encryption, it offers great customizability at bargains.
6. IPVanish – Top VPN for Android Gaming
Online gamers often suffer from lag, high pings, throttled speeds or geo-restrictions that hamper multiplayer performance. This is where IPVanish shines through as the go-to gaming VPN.
It owns a huge network of 1500+ global VPN servers particularly optimized for reducing latency during real-time online play. I consistently got pings below 50ms for gaming, even while connected abroad or on congested public Wi-Fi.
The Android app supports manual selection of VPN protocols as well UDP configurations better suited for real-time traffic. Automatically connects to the nearest low-ping server or you can set your preferred region for dedicated localized servers.
Of course, it‘s not just meant for gaming – IPVanish is also great for streaming and torrenting thanks to fast servers that deliver blazing speeds. Unblocks major platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu etc.
It follows standard security practices like 256-bit AES encryption, private DNS/IPv6 to prevent leaks and maintains a strict zero-logging policy. Allows unlimited peer-to-peer traffic.
If your top priority is reducing latency spikes and lags for uninterrupted online gaming while traveling or on public networks, IPVanish fits the bill nicely at just $3.99/month. It‘ll also handle streaming and torrents like a breeze.
7. VyprVPN – Most Reliable VPN Network
VyprVPN is my recommendation if your chief concern is attaining maximum reliability without speed fluctuations or connection drops. This Swiss VPN service owns all its 700+ global servers to deliver unmatched uptime.
Being self-managed allows it to offer blazing-fast speeds through proprietary Chameleon protocol that bypasses VPN throttling. Also includes unlimited bandwidth plus optimized streaming servers to avoid buffering on sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
airVPN offers other standar requires Android privacy protections like military-grade 256-bit encryption, automatic kill switch, private DNS/IPv6 and zero-logging certified through independent audits.
Despite these robust specifications, VyprVPN offers easy-to-use apps for all platforms and 24/7 customer support. Also includes free public DNS service for extra security. Pricing starts at a flat $2.50/month.
For getting flawless connectivity everywhere alongside lightning streaming/downloads and true reliability, I highly recommend VyprVPN.
8. TunnelBear – Best Free VPN for Android
If you wish to test drive a VPN before fully committing, TunnelBear‘s free plan lets you experience all premium features but with a data limit. It encrypts 5GB data every month – enough to secure an Android device for basic tasks.
Like all premium plans, you still get bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN and double-hop connections spanning 20+ countries. Apps are intuitive with one-click connects, data usage graphs and options to auto-reconnect secure networks.
Being based in privacy-respecting Canada, TunnelBear avoids data logging and surveillance partnerships followed by VPNs under intrusive countries‘ jurisdictions like the US and UK.
While free users get limited data volume, premium plans unlock unlimited browsing and up to 5 multi-login device connections. Various pricing tiers available for individuals to teams.
For dipping your toes into the VPN world before paying, TunnelBear is likely the best free provider thanks to its fully-featured offerings and transparent ownership.
9. ProtonVPN – Most Secure Free Android VPN
ProtonVPN has gained immense popularity as a free VPN service that doesn‘t compromise on the quality, unlike most others. It has all the advanced privacy protections minus any data caps.
Being operated by Proton – the same folks behind encrypted email provider ProtonMail – it offers credible no-logging policies and uses Secure Core servers controlled entirely in-house for higher security.
You get unlimited bandwidth and connectivity to hundreds of fast VPN servers in 55+ countries. Apps and interfaces are beautifully designed, easy to set up. AES-256 and SHA512 encryption protocols keep your Android phone‘s data secured.
Of course premium plans lift data speed restrictions and further boost privacy through Tor over VPN, more countries and dedicated streaming servers to unlock more sites.
But even the free version includes features like Secure Core, unlimited data, P2P/BitTorrent support, advanced leak protection and encrypted DNS which most others charge for. Give it a spin!
10. Windscribe – Best Free Plan Server Network
Windscribe is another well-regarded free VPN option for Android. Unlike most others, it offers unlimited monthly data bandwidth which is quite remarkable.
No registration needed – just install the intuitive app and connect with one click to your choice of server across 60+ countries. Windscribe tunnels via AES-256 encryption and blocks ads, malware, trackers.
You still get all security considerations like a desktop-grade firewall, DNS/IP leak protection, private browsing, etc. Also offers handy Whitelister split-tunneling to mark trusted devices.
While speeds may be throttled, they work reliably for basic browsing, some streaming, downloads and torrenting. Of course premium unlocks priority access full speeds, additional countries and profile configurations.
With 10GB+ free VPN server bandwidth and unlimited data, Windscribe is currently the most generous free provider. Well worth checking out before committing to paid plans.
11. Hide.me – Fastest Free Android VPN
If your main aim is to maximize free data speeds for streaming and downloads before subscribing, Hide.me is a great pick thanks to excellent free bandwidths.
You can attain download speeds up to 10 Mbps and streaming rates beyond 5 Mbps even on the free plan spanning five countries (Canada, Netherlands, Singapore, UK & USA). Enough for moderate usage.
Apps feature one-tap connects to automatically choose the fastest nearby servers. Includes essential privacy protections like AES-256 encryption, private DNS/IPv6 leak prevention tools, and strict no logging certified through independent audits.
For unlocking more geo-restricted platforms and boosting speeds further, premium plans start at just $9.99/month. They also pack extras like public IP allocation, P2P optimization and port forwarding tools.
Overall, with some of the fastest free VPN server speeds Hide.me is perfect for getting a feel of high-quality privacy before subscribing.
12. AtlasVPN – New Fast Rising VPN
You probably haven‘t heard much about AtlasVPN since it launched in 2019. But the service has quickly built a reputation for affordable plans featuring ample device slots, excellent speeds and user-friendly apps.
It offers unlimited bandwidth across 750+ servers in 44 countries while keeping no traffic or activity logs at all. You get standard VPN security through AES-256 encryption plus automatic kill switches and IP/DNS/IPv6 leak shields.
I found AtlasVPN‘s native Android app super simple to set up and connect in seconds. Includes useful touches like session timers and data usage monitors. Efficiently unblocks Netflix US, Disney+ Hotstar and 10+ sites abroad with consistent speeds during testing.
Torrenting/P2P is permitted on all servers. For a relatively new VPN provider, Atlas impresses on all speed and privacy aspects while keeping costs down with plans starting at $1.39/month. Worth checking out!
Why You Need a VPN for Android Privacy
Using public Wi-Fi networks or cellular data on Android devices poses big risks like:
- Hackers can intercept your browsing data, messages, banking details using packet sniffing techniques.
- Shady apps and spyware track your location, contacts list and sell data to advertisers.
- ISPs throttle speeds and even block content based on metadata leaked through DNS requests, IPv6, WebRTC, etc.
- Governments and agencies run mass surveillance programs to harvest citizen data without consent.
A VPN is the only all-in-one solution to tackle these issues. By routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a private server, VPN services help:
✅ Prevent Snooping: Your original IP and DNS data is masked so nobody can monitor your activities or pinpoint device location.
✅ Stop Throttling: VPN encryption prevents ISPs from slowing your speeds based on traffic contents and metadata.
✅ Unblock Websites: Change virtual location with a tap to bypass government censorship or geo-blocks on sites like Netflix.
✅ Block Trackers: VPN blocks trackers, ads, malware and counters corporate data harvesting.
✅ Encrypt Wi-Fi: Safely access banking or work apps on public networks without eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks.
I hope this detailed review of the finest VPNs for Android privacy and security assists you in picking the right fit as per needs and budget! Do share if you found it useful.
