Best VPN’s for Android

Why You Need a VPN on Android

Android devices power over 70% of the global smartphone market, making them a prime target for hackers, ISPs, and intrusive advertisers. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, masks your IP address, and lets you bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services and blocked websites—a must-have for anyone concerned about privacy or wanting unrestricted access on the go. Whether you’re accessing public Wi-Fi at a café or streaming your favorite show during a flight, the right VPN app for Android provides both security and convenience without compromising speed.

Key Criteria for Choosing the Best Android VPN

When evaluating VPNs for Android, consider these critical factors:

Security Protocols & Digital Security: Look for AES-256 encryption and modern protocols like WireGuard® or OpenVPN to ensure military-grade security and strong online security.
Speed & Excellent Speeds: A robust, extensive server network and optimized routing minimize speed loss—essential for HD streaming and gaming with blazing speeds.
Server Network & Port Forwarding: More server locations translate to better unblocking capabilities, reduced congestion, and options like port forwarding for advanced setups.
No-Logs Policy & Privacy and Security: Ensure the provider has been independently audited, maintains a strict no-logs policy, and abides by strong privacy and security standards (e.g., Swiss privacy laws).
App Usability & Dedicated App: A dedicated Android app—optimized for Android phones and Android smartphones—should include features like an auto-connect kill switch, split tunneling, and an intuitive user-friendly interface to make setup and daily use seamless.

1. ExpressVPN: Best for Speed & Streaming

ExpressVPN consistently tops “best android vpn” lists thanks to its lightning-fast speeds and rock-solid unblocking capabilities. With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, you can stream Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video without buffering. The Android app offers:

Lightway Protocol for rapid connection times (under one second).
Built-in Speed Test to automatically connect you to the fastest server.
Split Tunneling so you can route only select apps through the VPN tunnel.

ExpressVPN’s seamless setup on Android devices—including a one-tap widget—combined with 24/7 live chat support, makes it ideal for both beginners and power users.

2. NordVPN: Best for Advanced Security

NordVPN is renowned for its blend of speed, security, and specialty servers. Its NordVPN app for Android includes:

Double VPN (Multi-Hop) routing for an extra layer of encryption.
Obfuscated Servers to bypass strict censorship in countries like China.
CyberSec Suite that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites at the network level.

With over 5,800 servers in 60+ countries and audited no-logs policies, NordVPN offers peace of mind for privacy-conscious users. It achieved speeds upwards of 900 Mbps in independent tests, making it one of the fastest VPN services available.

3. Surfshark: Best Budget-Friendly Choice

Surfshark stands out for offering unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription—perfect for families or anyone with multiple devices. Key features of the Android app include:

GPS Spoofing to trick location-based apps into thinking you’re elsewhere.
CleanWeb ad and malware blocker built into the VPN tunnel.
NoBorders Mode to ensure reliable performance in restrictive regions.

Despite its budget pricing, Surfshark delivers speeds comparable to premium VPN competitors and includes features you’d expect only in paid plans.

Free Android VPNs

Not everyone wants to pay—so here are the best free VPN options, all with a free plan or free vpn app you can try on your mobile device:

Proton VPN
- Free Plan: Unlimited data with no ads or logs, and strong Swiss privacy laws backing its service.
- Free VPN App: Available on the Google Play Store, it’s one of the rare free android vpns with unlimited bandwidth.
- Premium VPN Upgrades: Unlock Secure Core servers, faster speeds, and new features like NetShield.
Windscribe
- Free VPN: 10 GB per month, access to servers in 10+ countries, built-in ad-blocking, and port forwarding.
- VPN App for Android: User-friendly interface, supports split tunneling, and offers dedicated apps for Android phones and other devices.
- Paid Plans: If you need more data, its paid plans boost you to an extensive server network and unlimited bandwidth.
Hotspot Shield Free
- Free Plan: 500 MB per day (about 15 GB/month), AES-128 encryption, and access to one US server.
- Best Android VPN for Casual Browsing: Ideal if you just need basic privacy on public Wi-Fi without a premium VPN subscription.

Honorable Mentions

Proton VPN (Paid): When you’re ready for paid plans, its premium tier adds faster speeds, more servers, and split tunneling.
TunnelBear: Cute, easy-to-use dedicated app with a 500 MB/month free tier and premium options for unlimited data.

How to Set Up Your Android VPN

Download & Install: Open the Google Play Store, search for your chosen VPN app, and tap “Install.”
Log In or Sign Up: Open the app, create a new account or enter credentials.
Grant Permissions: Allow the VPN to establish a secure tunnel by confirming the system prompt.
Enable Kill Switch: In settings, turn on “Network Protection” or “Kill Switch” to prevent leaks if the vpn connection drops.
Connect to a Server: Choose based on speed or location for streaming services, blocked websites, or access to your favorite content.

Conclusion

Selecting the best VPN on Android boils down to your priorities: ExpressVPN excels at speed and streaming, NordVPN leads in privacy and security, and Surfshark delivers unbeatable value. For those on a budget, Proton VPN’s free plan or Windscribe’s free vpn app offer solid protection on Android smartphones and other mobile devices. No matter which you choose, ensure you install the dedicated app, enable the kill switch, and verify you’re connected securely—so all your sensitive data and online privacy remain protected.