A VPN is your Android smartphone’s first line of defense against many online injustices. It is also a key to unlocking restricted content around the world.
In this guide, you will learn about the best VPNs for your Android smartphone, why you need a VPN on your Android, and you will also know the criteria we use to select the VPNs.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the best VPNs for Android without further ado.
9.9 total score
Consistently super fast and ultra secure. Powerful encryption. Great for HD streaming. 24/7 Live Chat support. Outstanding!
9.5 total score
Fast speeds, strong privacy and security features including malware protection. Chrome and Firefox extensions. 24/7 Live Chat support.
9.1 total score
Consistently super fast and ultra secure. Powerful encryption. Great for HD streaming. 24/7 Live Chat support. Outstanding!
8.7 total score
Optimal for privacy and anonymity all across the globe. iOS, Android, Mac and Windows apps & browser extensions. 24/7 Live Chat support.
Price from: $8.32/mo
Available on:
ExpressVPN is our top pick VPN for Android. This VPN offers an all-rounded VPN service for privacy, security, and performance. It also has an easy-to-use, simple Android app.
ExpressVPN has a server coverage of 160 locations across 94 countries. These servers are optimized to handle any online task you perform on your Android device.
You can access content from Netflix, HBO Australia, watch the BBC iPlayer from abroad, and other streaming services without buffering. You can also unblock restricted websites and social media.
ExpressVPN is also ideal if you are looking for a DAZN VPN.
Blazing speeds and unlimited bandwidth allow you to securely torrent content to your Android device.
You are also in luck if you have a powerful Android gaming smartphone. ExpressVPN servers offer DDoS protection and can lower your ping for an improved multiplayer experience.
All the online activities on your Android smartphone will always remain private. Not even ExpressVPN will know what you have been to.
ExpressVPN doesn’t collect or store logs concerning your online and connection activities.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN relies on TrustedServer technology. This is an implementation of RAM-only servers.
Data is lost when there’s no power, or a scheduled reboot is done. This ensures no one will get your information even if they seize the ExpressVPN servers.
ExpressVPN also enjoys the British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction. The BVI has no mandatory data retention laws. Also, it is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.
ExpressVPN uses the best-in-class AES 256-bit encryption to protect all the incoming and outgoing traffic from your Android smartphone.
Its proprietary Lightway protocol offers faster speeds and excellent performance and doesn’t drain your Android battery. ExpressVPN also provides the gold-standard OpenVPN protocol.
Other than encryption, ExpressVPN also implements advanced leak protection. Your DNS queries are always serviced in the ExpressVPN tunnel.
ExpressVPN offers a secure and reliable Android VPN app compatible with Android 5.0 or later. The app is well-designed, easy to use and sports a user-friendly interface.
The app features a one-click connection via a smart location, a protection summary, shortcuts to launch apps from ExpressVPN when connected, and easy server switching.
You can also change protocols, use the split tunneling feature, and set your preferences. Generally, even novice users will appreciate the ExpressVPN Android app.
ExpressVPN is known for its expensive plans, and it is the same even for the Android VPN. You get the best value on the long-term plan. Here are the pricing plans
The monthly plan costs $12.95 per month.
The 6-months plan retails at $9.99 per month. This sums to $59.95 every six months.
The 1-year plan costs $8.32 per month. This amounts to $99.95 per year. This plan gives you a 35% discount.
ExpressVPN allows you to test drive the VPN service. It offers a 7-day free trial on Android, and you also enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN offers 24-hour customer support. You can get help through a 24/7 live chat, the support center, or the email ticket system.
You can access the support through the website or the in-app help section of the Android VPN app. The support center provides guides, setup tutorials, and FAQs.
For quick results when talking to an agent, it is advisable to use live chat. The email ticket can take hours to get a response.
Price from: $2.03/mo
Available on:
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top-notch, budget-friendly VPN for Android. It has a proven no-logs policy and is suitable for unblocking content from anywhere in the world.
Private Internet Access takes pride in its next-gen servers. These world-class servers in 84 countries deliver unmatched speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth.
This makes PIA perfect for using it as a Disney+ VPN or as a BeIN Sports VPN.
Some of the servers are optimized for streaming. You can access any streaming service depending on the server location. Your content will never buffer on your Android device.
The Next-gen servers also allow P2P traffic. You can set your Android torrenting app to use the PIA proxy. Furthermore, you can use port forwarding on your Android smartphone.
Like desktop apps, you can use geo-located (virtual) servers on Android. You have the option to include or exclude them.
Private Internet Access is based in the US. Despite this unfavorable jurisdiction, PIA VPN keeps a 100% no-usage logs policy. A policy that has been proven in court more than once.
PIA VPN also uses open-source apps, including the Android app. Anyone with tech skills can verify the code without relying on PIA VPN’s word.
PIA VPN is among the few VPNs that offer excellent yet flexible encryptions. PIA allows you to use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption on the Android app.
Protocols offered include OpenVPN and WireGuard. WireGuard provides outstanding performance, and it works well on Android smartphones.
PIA allows you to use the in-app kill switch or the Android kill switch on Android 8.0 or later. You get leak protection and can enable aggressive IPv6 blocking for surety.
The MACE feature lets you surf the internet without ads, trackers, or landing on malicious sites. Thus, you get a clean web while saving your Android battery and bandwidth.
The PIA VPN app is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It offers many customizations, and you can tweak many settings. You can also use it on the go.
Each setting explains what it does, and you also get recommendations for other functionalities.
The Android app sports protocol settings, proxy settings, encryption settings, general settings, and application information.
The general settings offer a wide range of customizations, including network management. The app also provides per-app settings.
You will need to sideload the PIA VPN Android app to use the MACE feature. You can get it from the PIA website.
You can subscribe to PIA VPN via its three subscription plans. The monthly plan is expensive, and thus it is advisable to go with the long-term plan.
Here is an overview of the plans:
All the plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee, offer up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a free email breach monitor.
Additionally, you get a 7-day free trial on Android and a free 1-year Boxcryptor license on long-term plans. Boxcryptor protects your cloud files.
You can use the contact support functionality on the Android App or the PIA support portal on the website.
Customer service is offered through a live chat, an email ticket system, and a knowledge base. PIA VPN’s customer service is excellent and reliable; you can get it 24/7.
Price from: $2.29/mo
Available on:
CyberGhost is a fully-featured VPN service for Android. It offers decent speeds, excellent security, and privacy, and the VPN app is suitable even for novice users.
CyberGhost boasts a fleet of 7800 plus servers spread across 91 countries. On Android, you get servers optimized for streaming and also torrenting.
As such, Cyberghost is perfect as an ESPN VPN and to watch Diney+ Hotstar in the USA.
The Android app makes it easy to know which server to use when streaming. The server list shows what content you can stream from each streaming server.
The servers offer the highest possible speeds that ensure your connection doesn’t lag and your streaming doesn’t buffer.
CyberGhost also offers unlimited bandwidth and unlimited server switches. If you come across a slow server, you can choose another one.
CyberGhost ensures that all your digital data remains private at all times. Its strict no-log policy guarantees this privacy.
This VPN provider doesn’t track, monitor, or profile anything you do while on your Android or other devices. Thus, your digital identity won’t be compromised.
CyberGhost jurisdiction, Romania, backs up this no-log policy. Romania is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances and doesn’t enforce data retention policies.
You can also access the No Spy servers for complete protection. These servers are managed by CyberGhost and engineered to offer ultimate security, privacy, and performance.
CyberGhost boost’s your Android’s online security by using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data.
This state-of-the-art security relies on fast and secure protocols; OpenVPN and WireGuard. Additionally, all your Wi-Fi connections on your Android are encrypted by default.
CyberGhost offers four options that you can use to manage Wi-Fi security. They are; asked, protected, disabled protection, and ignored. You can also enable more delicate controls for Wi-Fi.
For a smooth surfing experience, CyberGhost offers a content blocker; It blocks domain ads, trackers, and malware.
The CyberGhost VPN app for Android has a simple, minimalistic design. The interface is user-friendly, and navigation is easy.
The app offers a one-tap connection, easy access to the well-labeled server list, and many features.
You can quickly tweak settings on various categories such as general, VPN, Wi-Fi, and account. The VPN also offers a reliable split tunneling feature.
You also have the option to add and activate your dedicated IP address. To ensure privacy, CyberGhost uses the token system for dedicated IP.
CyberGhost offers four subscription plans and a 7-day free trial. The plans are as follows:
The 2-year and 3-year plans are pocket-friendly with a better value. The long-term plans include free additions: Privacy Guard, ID Guard, Boxcryptor license, and access to No Spy.
They also carry a 45-day money-back guarantee. The monthly plan includes a free ID Guard and a 14-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost offers customer service right from the Android VPN app. You can access the article catalog and FAQs and report a problem.
Comprehensive support is offered through the website. You can access a live chat, an email ticket system, and a vast support center.
Price from: $2.49/mo
Available on:
Surfshark VPN for android packs advanced security features and unmatched unblocking abilities, and you get unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark has a network of 3200 plus high-speed servers in 65 countries. This is good coverage that ensures you can access worldwide content.
The abundance of servers makes it perfect to use as Stake VPN and DraftKings VPN.
On Android, Surfshark offers a server list with a speedometer. This feature shows you the latency and the server overload.
This ensures you can avoid congested servers and connect to fast servers. Nonetheless, the servers are optimized to offer speeds of up to 10Gbps.
Surfshark is also among the top VPNs that can unblock streaming services. You also get access to static IP addresses.
Surfshark is a no-log VPN. It doesn’t track, monitor, or collect information about your online activities or connections.
This VPN has a favorable British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction. The BVI doesn’t force VPNs to retain user data. It’s also outside the reach of the 5/6/14 Eyes Alliance.
To ensure no logs, Surfshark uses 100% RAM-only servers. These servers do not store any data since it’s wiped during periodical reboots.
Additionally, Surfshark uses obfuscation to conceal your VPN traffic. Your VPN connection will always be private, even in countries with heavy censorship.
Surfshark uses industry-leading AES-256 encryption and lighter but secure encryption (ChaCha20Poly1305) to protect your data.
The lighter encryption allows for better speeds. On the Android app, Surfshark offers OpenVPN and the WireGuard protocols.
The multi-hop feature allows for a double VPN setup. You get double encryption, and this means impeccable privacy.
You also get leak protection, a kill switch, a clean web (blocks ads, malware, and trackers), and a white-lister (split tunneling for Surfshark).
Surfshark offers No Borders mode and Camouflage mode to bypass restrictions.
The Surfshark Android VPN app is fully-featured, like desktop apps. The app sports an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Generally, the app is straightforward to use.
The default screen allows a quick connection to the nearest server. It also gives you access to server locations, features, and settings.
You can tweak various settings such as application, connectivity, and advanced. Other tabs include the account and help.
The app also allows you to override your GPS and set it to that of the server location.
Surfshark offers value-friendly plans subscription plans. They include:
To enjoy the 7-day free trial on Android, you need to select the 12-months plan. All the plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can get help right from the Android app. On the help tab, the app offers you access to guides, the email ticket system, and your previous interactions with the agents.
The website offers a live chat, email, and a comprehensive knowledge base with more guides, tutorials, and tips.
The Google Play Store and other Android App Stores have many VPN apps. However, most VPN apps are unreliable and will compromise your privacy.
Nonetheless, selecting the best VPN for Android doesn’t always have to be hectic. Here are the aspects we use to choose the best VPN for Android.
Your Android smartphone is a powerful palm-held computer that you use to carry out many online tasks.
If you are not on social media, you check your bank accounts, shop online, book tickets, and do many other productivity tasks, including working remotely.
Therefore, there’s a need to protect your digital identity and online privacy. Here are the benefits of using the best VPN for Android.
Use public Wi-Fi securely
By using a VPN, hackers and public Wi-Fi providers won’t be able to snoop and eavesdrop on your connections. Your data and online traffic will be safe and untampered.
Avoid ISP throttling
A VPN connection prevents your ISP from viewing and monitoring your online activities. Thus, your ISP won’t know what to throttle and what traffic to reshape.
Additionally, you can use obfuscation to hide your VPN traffic. This is helpful if your ISP decides to throttle your VPN connection.
Bypass censorship and restrictions
An Android VPN will allow you to unblock geo-restricted content, such as websites and other services from around the globe.
You will also reclaim your digital freedom since the VPN keeps your identity private.
Torrent securely and privately
Torrenting without a VPN severely compromises your online privacy. This is because peers and other interested parties (ISPs and copyright enforcers) can see your IP address.
Avoid mass surveillance
ISPs and other government institutions are constantly monitoring what netizens are doing online. Use a VPN to avoid being a victim of mass surveillance.
Browse privately
Surfing the internet without a VPN allows websites to track your online activities. A VPN hides your IP address and lets you browse the internet anonymously and securely.
Get the best shopping deals
Using a VPN to change your geo-location can help you avoid price discrimination. In the right location, you will get lower prices and great deals.
Privacy and security are essential for your Android smartphone. Our best VPN picks for Android offer excellent protection against your ISP, online hackers, and other prying eyes.
They also unblock streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. You can watch your favorites on your Android smartphone without buffering.
The VPNs are also compatible with other devices such as Windows, Macs, Linux, iOS, smart TVs, and routers.
Some people found answers to these questions helpful
What is the best VPN for Android?
Our top picks; ExpressVPN, PIA VPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark offer the best VPN service for Android. They can handle any task and offer better value for your money.
Which free VPN is best for Android?
Free VPNs are not advisable for Android. Although some are good, most will compromise your security and privacy. They also offer slow speeds and limited bandwidth. They also bombard you with ads.
Will a VPN change my location?
A VPN will change your online location by changing your IP address to the select server. Nonetheless, with Surfshark VPN, you can override your GPS location. Thus, you can spoof your actual location.
Which is the fastest VPN for Android?
Speed usually depends on many factors. Nonetheless, our best VPNs for Android, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PIA VPN, and Surfshark offer the fastest speeds for Android. Connect to the nearest server and use the WireGuard protocol to get better speeds.
Does my Android come with a VPN?
Android has an in-built VPN functionality. However, you need to set it manually. If you don’t have a VPN profile from the best VPNs for Android, the in-built VPN won’t be helpful.