Written by Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer
and
David Gewirtz, Senior Contributing Editor
Reviewed by
Elyse Betters PicaroWhy you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers perform extensive testing on the VPNs on this list. We test out connections through different countries, and run speed tests using speedtest.net to measure and compare results. We also test whether the VPN has any DNS leaks while connecting, which would potentially provide information to your ISP or other services about what sites you visit or your originating location or IP address. We evaluate how easy each service is to navigate via website and app, how well it works for streaming content, and its customer service offerings. All of these factors give us a view into how well the VPN works, and how secure it is.
What to Consider
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Performance
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Simultaneous connections
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Security
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Kill switch
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Geoblocks and streaming
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Platforms
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Countries and servers
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Trial length and price
NordVPN
Best VPN for Android
View now View at Nordvpn
ExpressVPN
Best Android VPN for speed
View now View at ExpressVPN
IPVanish
Best click-and-go VPN for Android
View now View at IPVanish
Surfshark VPN
Best cheap Android VPN
View now View at Surfshark
We use our smartphones to access sensitive information and conduct online transactions more often than ever before, so ensuring our digital security is essential.
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While you might focus your security on laptops and home PCs, you shouldn't forget that your smartphone is often the key to your digital kingdom. It may be used to access personal email accounts and hubs, work resources, social media, and financial services -- and if you fail to protect it, you may be more at risk of having your accounts compromised.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as powerful tools for safeguarding your online activity and protecting sensitive data from cyber threats. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your IP address and protecting your online identity. With the right VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and avoid being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and government surveillance.
Google's Android operating system is in billions of devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Android functions on a broad range of products, most of which are internet-connected, so VPN providers ensure they support this OS.
Also:The best VPN trials
In this guide, I explore reliable, fast, and secure VPNs for Android that offer robust security features and easy-to-use interfaces. Whether you're looking for a free or paid VPN, I've got you covered. I'll also explain how to set up a VPN on your Android device and what factors to consider when choosing a VPN.
Pros
- Solid speed and performance
- Extensive server network
- Easy-to-use app
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Only six simultaneous connections
NordVPN
Best VPN for Android
NordVPN Android features:Google Play Store rating: 4.5 average, 717K reviews |Simultaneous connections: 6 |Kill switch: Yes |Native app support: Android 6 or higher |Logging: None, except billing data |Countries: 60|Money-back guarantee: 30 days
With over 700,000 reviews, NordVPN is one of the most popular consumer VPNs in the Google Play Store. However, that is not why I think it's the best VPN for Android. Its helpful features and rock-solid performance carried it across the finish line.
Review:NordVPN
NordVPN supports peer-to-peer file sharing, streaming, and a number of other platforms outside of Android. Its Onion over VPN feature removes the need for a separate Tor browser. Plus, the brand's Double VPN sends your data through two servers instead of one, encrypting your information twice. There are also add-ons available for an extra fee, including a dedicated IP address, password manager, and encrypted cloud storage.
In my speed tests, NordVPN connected quickly and reliably to all the servers we tested, although you'll want to use the smart connect feature for the best performance. But if you're still not 100% sold on choosing NordVPN, you can try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Also:NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which it better for you?
Prices start from $3.99 per month if you purchase two years of service upfront, with a standard month-to-month subscription coming in at $12.99 for basic protection. New users who subscribe to a two-year plan will save up to 59% and also receive three months free.
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Pros
- Speedy connections
- Works on Android 5 Lollipop and up
- Transparent privacy policy
- APK available
Cons
- Expensive
- Only five simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN
Best Android VPN for speed
ExpressVPN Android features:Google Play Store rating: 4.3 average, 323K reviews |Simultaneous connections: 5 |Kill switch: Yes |Native app support: Android 5 or higher |Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Countries: 94 |Money-back guarantee: 30 days, Seven day Android trial
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that made my list due to its generally high speeds, expansive server network, and user-friendly app for Android devices.
ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries that are spread across 160 locations, so you can easily find a server to connect to wherever you are. In my testing, I found that ExpressVPN offers stable and consistent speeds.
Review:ExpressVPN
In addition to supporting Android 5 Lollipop and above, ExpressVPN works with a variety of platforms and browser extensions, and an APK is available. Therefore, you should be able to use its app regardless of what devices you own.
ExpressVPN has a clear and easily accessible privacy policy. It doesn't log browsing history or traffic, but it does log the dates you connect to the service, how much data is transferred, and the location of the VPN.
At the time of writing, subscription costs begin at $6.67 per month if you buy a year of service upfront. As a bonus, ExpressVPN will also give you three months for free, added to the end of the contract term. Alternatively, you could pay $9.99 per month for six months of access or $12.95 on a month-to-month basis. A seven-day trial for Android devices is available.
Exclusive offer:
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Pros
- Unlimited connections
- Fast connection speed
- Flexible with a wide range of protocols
- Stylish UI
Cons
- Steep price increases after subscription ends
IPVanish
Best click-and-go VPN for Android
IPVanish VPN Android features:Google Play Store rating: 4.4 average, 46K reviews |Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Native app support: Android 5.1 and up |Logging: None, except billing data |Locations: 75 |Money-back guarantee: 30 days
IPVanish seems to market itself as a click-and-go VPN service, but it's much more than that. In terms of performance, IPVanish excels with fast connection speeds and solid transfers.
A bonus of this VPN is its stylish user interface in the app, which not only looks good but is also extremely easy to navigate. A recent improvement has been made to the app's VPN status indicator to display the connection status from different screens.
Review:IPVanish
IPVanish also features a variety of protocols and server options, and there are extensive options for configuring the app itself. Overall, IPVanish delivers a solid user experience and VPN service compared to many other options on the market.
If you commit to two years, IPVanish offers a discounted plan for $3.33 per month. This increases to $4.50 per month for a yearly plan and $11.99 for a month-to-month subscription. Once your deal ends, you should keep an eye on the price hike unless you've chosen to turn off automatic renewal.
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Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Variety of useful features
- Fast connection times
Cons
- Average download speeds
Surfshark VPN
Best cheap Android VPN
Surfshark VPN Android features:Google Play Store rating: 4.3 average, 72.7K reviews |Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Native app support: Android 5 or higher |Logging: None, except billing data |Money-back guarantee: 30 days, seven-day Android trial
Surfshark is the best option if you want a cheap Android VPN that will keep your mobile data secure and mask your activities.
In our speed testing, we found Surfshark's performance to be average. It cut download speeds, but the connection times were fast.
The VPN also has what it calls MultiHop, a double VPN feature that creates a more secure connection by routing you through two VPNs. Additional complimentary tools include ad-blocking, anti-tracking, and split tunneling. At present, Surfshark provides 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
Review:Surfshark VPN
There is also a whitelist function that allows apps and devices to bypass the VPN on your Android device.
Currently, Surfshark is running a sale on the two-year subscription plan. Reduced from $12.95 per month (the typical one-month subscription fee), the VPN will only cost you $2.30 per month, plus two free months. Alternatively, you can sign up for a year and pay $3.99 each month. A seven-day trial is available for Android devices.
Exclusive offer: Get 2 free months
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What is the best Android VPN?
NordVPN is my top pick. It offers capabilities beyond basic VPN services with a high level of security and popularity. Overall, it's a solid choice, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's worth a try.
| Android VPN | Price | Simultaneous connections | Kill switch | Native app support | Logging | Countries | Money-back guarantee | Google Play Store rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Starts at $3.99/month | 6 | Yes | Android 6 or higher | None, except billing data | 60 | 30 days | 4.5/5 |
| ExpressVPN | Starts at $6.67/month | 5 | Yes | Android 5 or higher | No browsing logs, some connection logs | 94 | 30 days, 7-day free trial | 4.3/5 |
| IPVanish | Starts at $3.33/month | Unlimited | Yes | Android 5.1 and up | None, except billing data | 75 | 30 days | 4.4/5 |
| Surfshark VPN | Starts at $2.30/month | Unlimited | Yes | Android 5 or higher | None, except billing data | 100 | 30 days, 7-day free trial | 4.3/5 |
Note: The information presented in this table is accurate as of our last publish date, and prices, ratings, and other details may have changed since then.
Which is the right Android VPN for you?
When you're deciding which VPN service is the right one for you, personal preference can be just as important as objective performance. Since these VPNs each have a 30-day money-back guarantee, your best bet is to try one out and see if you like it.
| Choose this Android VPN... | If you want... |
| NordVPN | A do-it-all secure VPN. NordVPN is a versatile and reliable VPN service that offers high-speed connections and advanced security features for protecting your online privacy. |
| ExpressVPN | A user-friendly, simple app. ExpressVPN is known for its easy-to-use interface and simple, user-friendly app that allows you to connect quickly and easily to servers around the world. |
| Surfshark | To pay less. Surfshark is an affordable VPN option that provides a range of useful features, including unlimited simultaneous connections, ad-blocking, anti-tracking, and split tunneling. |
| IPVanish | A plug-and-play (PnP) service. IPVanish is a plug-and-play VPN service that is designed to be easy to set up and use, with unlimited connections and fast connection speeds for streaming and downloading. |
How did we choose these Android VPNs?
I analyzed the best VPNs for Android using the most important criteria to help you make an informed decision, including:
- Kill switch: This feature automatically cuts your internet connection if your VPN connection drops.
- Price and refund policy: How much does the service cost, and how long is the money-back guarantee period?
- Countries: Having more servers is better, but server locations also matter. Does the VPN have servers in countries you want to connect through?
- Simultaneous connections: You'll want to use a single VPN subscription for all of your devices.
- Platforms: Most VPNs have native apps for the most popular operating systems, but make sure your VPN is compatible with your devices.
- Logging: VPN providers maintain data logs, which could put your privacy at risk. Does the VPN provider log your traffic or just log critical billing info?
I also kept in mind the reputation, customer reviews, and security history of VPN organizations. I have considered different use cases, affordability, user-friendliness, the servers and countries on offer, and more in my review.
What is an Android VPN service?
An Android VPN service is a virtual private network service that encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides you with an anonymous and secure connection while using your Android device. These may include smartphones and tablets manufactured by companies including Google, Samsung, and Motorola.
Will these VPNs work on all Android devices?
Probably not. Many Android-based devices are not updated to the latest Android releases and have no update path. Some vendors even ship brand-new devices running older (and far more vulnerable) versions of Android.
However, these VPNs support Android OS as far back as versions 5 and 6. Chances are that most people are running a version that's fully supported by a native VPN app, especially if they keep their smartphones and tablets up-to-date (which is recommended as a best practice for security and privacy).
Some providers may even support older versions of Android with a manual installation. You may need to connect with customer service to find out which older versions are supported and get step-by-step instructions on installation.
What's the difference between antivirus or anti-malware software and VPN software?
While these technologies are intended to protect you and your device, they protect different aspects of your usage. VPNs fundamentally protect data in motion, which is sent to and from the internet. VPN protection is generally provided by encryption, so hackers can't spy on the data while it moves. However, some organizations will also bolt on malware scanners, data breach monitors, and more.
Anti-malware software protects against the execution of malicious software on your device. Those apps scan data, monitor running software processes and downloads, and may intercept suspicious activities while they're running. Regarding mobile devices, this may also include checking permissions and ensuring apps don't have more control over your device than they need.
Is there a free VPN for Android?
Although we do not typically recommend free VPN servicesdue to their lack of reliability and low-quality performance, several free VPNs for Android are supported by premium paid subscriptions.
These free services are sometimes offered by reputable VPNs likeAtlasandHotspot Shieldand are generally safe to use. However, they usually have severe data or performance limits, making them useful only as a way to test out the full service. One exception to this isProton VPN'sfree service, which has no data caps or speed restrictions.
Outside of a free Proton VPN account, there are very few practical applications for free VPNs. And in the worse case scenarios, you could be putting your data at risk because less reputable free VPN services could be selling your information for a profit.
How to set up an Android VPN
Getting a VPN up and running on your Android device is fairly straightforward. Once you've chosen the VPN you want to install, go to the Google Play Store and search for it. In most cases, you'll be able to download the VPNapp directly from the Google Play Store, but you may have to download it from the VPN provider's site. (If this is the case, please make sure you trust the vendor and domain.)
After the app is downloaded, you can open it and log in to the service with your username/email and password you created when you subscribed.
In rare cases, you may have to manually set up a VPN service on your device. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites with details on how to complete a manual setup. It's best to reference those instructions for the specific VPN you're using and to contact support if you have any issues.
Why do I even need a VPN on my Android phone?
Most people's phone data runs through a local carrier, which is moderately difficult for hackers to intercept. Generally, you're reasonably safe if you're using your carrier's LTE or 5G connection. But carriers have data caps and data carriage fees that can get expensive. Even if you have an unlimited data plan, carriers might charge you for hotspot use.
To avoid extra costs, you can use local Wi-Fi that coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels, and schools often offer to the public for free. Unfortunately, that Wi-Fi is often open and easy to intercept. Having a VPN on your Android phone can protect your data when accessing the internet through one of these hotspots. In fact, I recommend never accessing the internet through a Wi-Fi hotspot without an active VPN.
Furthermore, you may want to consider using a VPN to remain secure and to be able to pick your preferred location if you are using your Android device to stream content.
What is the best way to run a VPN on my Chromebook?
If you want to run atop VPNon your Chromebook, your best bet is to install an Android VPN client to do the heavy lifting. ZDNET experts discuss that in-depth in our guide to thebest VPN for Chrome and Chromebooksin 2023.
Are Android VPN services legal?
Yes, Android VPN services are legal, but the legality of using VPNs varies from country to country, and it is important to check the laws of your location before using a VPN.
Are there alternate VPNs for Android to consider?
There are several other Android VPNs you can consider outside of this list. While it isn't possible to highlight every worthy offering on the market, here are a few more of my favorites:
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