Android may be one of the best open-source software around, but it really falls back in providing any means of what I deem as “good cybersecurity measures”. With the best VPN for Android, you’ll never have to worry about using unknown Wi-Fi sources or getting your phone hacked ever again.
TLDR; The best Android VPN Apps
- Surfshark – Top recommended VPN for Android, unlimited device connections, user-friendly app, fast, top-grade security, and free trial for Android mobile app.
- NordVPN – Best Android VPN for online and device security, a strict no-logs policy, extremely fast speeds, and affordable packages.
- ExpressVPN – Best speeds and unblocking abilities for Android, comes with a free trial for Android smartphone, operates using military-grade encryption.
- CyberGhost – Best Android VPN for beginners and professionals. Offers a free trial and optimized servers for streaming.
- IPVanish – best for unblocking US-based streaming services, offers a unique Scramble OpenVPN Traffic feature for Android and offers unlimited connections.
Android is one of the largest operating systems in the world, with almost 2 billion monthly users, and the base of the most app downloads.
Keeping that in mind, there are more Android VPN apps available on the Play Store than imaginable. But, how do you know if those apps are authentic? The short answer is, only a couple are truly reliable.
For that, I’ve shortlisted only the best working VPNs for Android devices.
The Best VPN for Android in 2021
When you choose the best VPN service, there are many things you need to look for that make the VPN great. The same applies to choosing the best VPN for Android.
Of course, the Android VPN needs to offer a dedicated app that supports your version of Android OS. It should be user-friendly, and easy to set up or use.
Other than that, you need to make sure the Android VPN also supports other devices, offer the best features, speeds and keeps your web traffic secure.
The VPNs mentioned on my list are best for Android Phones, Android Boxes, and other devices using Android OS. It also supports numerous other OS just in case that’s what you’re looking for.
My team and I ran a number of tests before selecting these top 5 providers for your Android. They are:
1. Surfshark – #1 VPN for Android
- 30-Day money-back guarantee
- 3200+ servers in 65 countries
- Unlimited device connections
- Compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, Firestick, macOS, Linux, Firestick, and others.
- AES 256-bit encryption, NoBorders mode, Kill Switch, CleanWeb, OpenVPN protocol + an additional Shadowsocks protocol under testing
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus
- Website: Surfshark.com
Surfshark with its origin in the British Virgin Islands is known to be one of the safest choices for Android. It has around 3200+ servers in 65 countries, with some of the greatest speeds, and unlimited bandwidth.
It has a dedicated app for Android on Google Play Store, with a 4.3-star rating. The Android app is user-friendly, simple to install, and offers a great variety of features.
Other than Android, it’s compatible with a wide range of devices and apps for Fire Stick, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Nvidia Shield, browser extensions, and much more.
The Android app operates using 256-bit AES encryption, has a Kill Switch, Split-tunneling, Multihop, and a Whitelister feature. Additionally, it also offers a Geo-spoofing feature, NoBorders, and Camouflage mode for Android. It’ll give you the freedom to bypass restricted services like the US Netflix library. These are only a few reasons why Surfshark is quite popular among users.
You’ll be able to test the Android app using the Surfsahrk free trial or use it for longer over the 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark also tops the list of best VPN for Android because it’s affordable. You can avail of its best-discounted price using the Surfshark coupon.
2. NordVPN – Best speeds & security for Android OS
- 30-Day money-back guarantee
- 5400+ servers in 59 countries
- AES 256-bit encryption, CyberSec feature, OpenVPN protocol, Double VPN, obfuscated technologies, Onion Over VPN support
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN, HBO Go, DAZN, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus
- Simultaneous connections up to 6 devices
- Compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, Firestick, macOS, Linux, Firestick, etc.)
- Offers Dedicated IP
- Fast speeds
- Website: Nordvpn.com
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Android for many reasons, with its network coverage being the main attraction. It offers a dedicated app for Android on the Google Play Store, with an over 4.3-star rating. You can also download the APK app from the website for your version of Android OS.
It offers around 5400+ servers in 59 countries, all of which produce extremely good speeds for streaming or gaming on your Android phone.
Speaking of streaming, NordVPN works great with Netflix, along with many other platforms. This provider also adds a great deal of privacy and security for both devices and data on your Android. It’s headquartered in Panama and observes a strict no-data retention policy.
Other than Android, you can use NordVPN for other devices since it allows up to 6 multi-device connections. NordVPN offers apps for Firestick, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Linux, and a lot more.
Among other VPNs, NordVPN stands out for having both, good privacy policies and an even stronger security backing.
It operates using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and offers a Kill Switch by default even on the Android app. Other features include an advanced CyberSec feature, DNS and IP leak protection, and a lot more. For this, NordVPN is loved by many and often gets many great user reviews.
You can even run a few tests on the Android app or use the NordVPN 30-day money-back guarantee. Either way, if you’re not happy with the results contact the NordVPN support team and ask them for a refund or account cancelation.
If you’re on a budget, NordVPN offers great discounts. You can choose the best one using the NordVPN coupon.
3. ExpressVPN – Android VPN with the fastest speeds
- 3000+ servers in 94 countries
- Allows up to 5 multi-device connections
- Offers MediaStreamer DNS, strict no-logs, Kill Switch, OpenVPN connections, Split-Tunneling
- Unblocks Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime
- Compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick, Linux, Apple TV, Xbox, Smart TVs
- The fastest speeds for UHD streams
- Free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
- Website: Expressvpn.com
ExpressVPN is another top VPN in the industry, with origin in the British Virgin Islands. It’s known for the best privacy policies and no-logging laws, making sure all your internet traffic over your Android device is completely anonymized.
Coming to devices, ExpressVPN offers a dedicated app for Android on the Play Store, along with the APK version that you’ll find on the website.
If you’re planning on securing other devices, ExpressVPN also supports apps for Nvidia Shield, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Windows, iOS, macOS, Smart TVs, Routers, and a lot more. You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously.
If your main focus is streaming on your Android, ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix with ease, along with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and a lot more.
You’ll have access to over 3000+ servers in 94 countries. These servers are optimized with the best speeds, unlimited bandwidth, with an allowance to torrent safely using its P2P servers.
ExpressVPN runs with AES 256-bit encryption on all major protocols, has a functional Kill Switch even on the Android app, is DNS and IP leak protected. Other features include a distinct Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer, perfect for providing access to geo-restricted platforms.
For those who’d like to give the VPN a try, ExpressVPN offers a limited free trial for Android and iOS mobile devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Not happy with the service? Then ask for a full refund or account cancellation.
ExpressVPN is quite a pricey VPN according to users, however, its performance is a force to be reckoned with. Plus, it’s got a 4.4-star rating on the Play Store, so the numbers speak for themselves. You can avail of the most affordable package using the ExpressVPN coupon.
4. CyberGhost – Best Android VPN for Privacy
- 6000+ servers in 90 countries
- Allows up to 7 multi-device connections
- Strict no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN/WireGuard encryption, Kill Switch
- Unblocks Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ESPN
- Compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick, Linux, Android TV, PlayStation
- Consistent speeds
- Offers free trials and a 45-day money-back guarantee
- Website: Cyberghost.com
Hailing from Romania, CyberGhost is known for giving its users the best privacy features, even on the Android app. There are many other reasons why it’s one of the best VPNs for Android, which is why users usually rate it as a user-friendly and diverse VPN.
It has huge coverage of 6000+ servers in 90 countries, springing some really reliable speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
It covers a vast portion of devices and apps, with the inclusion of an app for Android. Besides that, it offers apps for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android TV, Amazon FireStick TV, and a lot more. You can find a tutorial on its website, regarding how to get started or find solutions to various problems on setting up with your Android.
Besides being good for privacy, its security front is pretty impressive too. It runs on 256-bit encryption, an active Kill Switch, Perfect Port forwarding, and additional default features that include, Automated HTTPS Redirect and a lot more. With strong security, you’ll now be able to access any restricted websites that may have previously been blocked.
You could try out its 24-hr free trial for PC, or its 7-day free trial available for Android phones. For those who’d like to test the VPN out a little longer, CyberGhost also has a reliable 45-day refund policy.
5. IPVanish – Great for streaming on geo-restricted services
- 1600+ servers in 75+ countries
- Unlimited device connections
- Strict no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN connections, Kill Switch, SOCKS5 web proxy
- Unblocks Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ESPN
- Compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick, Linux, PlayStation, Kodi
- Great speeds
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Website: IPVanish.com
IPVanish is mainly known as one of the best VPN services in general and makes the best VPNs for android for a number of reasons.
However, offers a slick VPN client that is feature-rich and is tested and approved for being able to unblock most US-based streaming services. Speaking of, IPVanish unblocks Netflix and also unblocks other international services.
IPVanish offers a dedicated app for Android on the Play Store, with a 4.1-star rating. Other than that, it supports a wide coverage of devices and apps, some of which include Fire Stick/Android Box, Windows, iOS, macOS, Routers, Chrome extension, Kodi, Smart TVs.
You can test all of these features and more since IPVanish offers a free trial that you can hack over the 30-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish is already an affordable VPN, but you can still use the IPVanish coupon to get the best deal.
How to choose the best Android VPN app
I completely get that our main focus is targeted towards Android, but you should know that all the 5 VPNs picked are capable of much more than just being the best for Android devices.
Not all VPNs work well for each and every digital situation, depending on what it offers. So, to choose the best for Android and other multi-purposes, I followed an important criterion.
For the best Android VPN, you should:
Focus on the level of security offered by with VPN provider
The main target for a VPN for Android is to look at the kind of security features it provides. It has to be up-to-par with the device you use. So for the best, always look for impenetrable encryption, and by that, I mean AES 256-bit encryption and nothing less.
A Kill Switch is also another feature that a VPN should possess. This helps protect your data or physical location from being tracked if ever the VPN connection fails. Other than that, look for other advanced features like Malware protection, DNS and IP leak protection, Split-tunneling, GPS Spoofing, and a lot more.
Privacy and no-logging policies
To avoid any further data leakages, make sure that the VPN provider you go for, doesn’t steal your data or log in any of your sensitive information, selling it to third parties. Go for VPNs that are located in privacy-friendly regions. And, if not a safe jurisdiction, at least one that provides reliable privacy and no-data retention policy.
Look for a smart collection of server locations
Most of us probably think, “Bigger is better”, but fail to see the lack of quality it provides. A VPN should always offer its services, worldwide. And, by that, I mean to incorporate a rich server list of locations spread across the globe.
Of course, you should look for a VPN that offers around 100 servers. But, as long as it covers up all the major parts of the world, for you to access every platform desirable, it’s good to go.
Connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth
Slow speeds can be a big bust when it comes to streaming or downloading large files. Choosing a VPN largely depends on the level of connection and download speeds.
If there are free trials or refund policies, this makes it easier for you to test the speed out using speedtest.net or other online sources. Besides that, of course, the need for unlimited bandwidth is vital. What are great speeds if combined with a limited amount of data usage?
Access to geo-restricted services from geo-censored locations
Keeping tight security, great speeds, unlimited bandwidth, privacy policies, and server-rich platforms in mind, the VPN you choose should also be able to bypass restricted services.
Platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and a lot more aren’t readily available to every country. That’s where the services of the best VPN for Android come in. They should be strong enough to bypass some of the biggest blocks with anonymity.
User-friendly interface
You’ve probably heard that a million times on different platforms. There’s a reason user-friendliness plays a big part. A VPN software should be designed to encrypt your data with the heaviest of tools or features.
That doesn’t mean it should be built only to be operated on by professionals. A great VPN is developed to suit the needs of beginners and professionals alike. All the VPNs on this list provide a sleek and clean appearance, super-easy to operate.
Compatibility with multiple devices and connections
Besides a VPN being compatible, with Android operating systems, it’s imperative that it supports multiple other devices and apps, which include Windows, iOS, browser extensions, etc. The wider the compatibility range the better the VPN. Along with this, it should also allow you to make simultaneous multiple device connections per subscription.
Having a VPN that supports multiple device connections is a miracle! The majority of internet users are always logged into their media accounts in more than one device. It gets extremely expensive to constantly make separate VPN subscriptions according to the devices you use.
A free trial or reliable refund policy
Another vital policy to look into is one that offers either a reliable refund policy or free trial VPNs. In this way, it gives you the opportunity to test drive the VPN services, checking out its speeds and ability to access geo-restricted websites. You can also put its Kill Switch to the test.
What is a VPN app for Android?
An Android VPN app is similar to that of Windows, but with a simpler interface and easy navigation, with all features and options available. There can be countless great VPNs, but not every VPN provider offers an app for Android.
The ones mentioned on my list above (Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and IPVanish), all provide a dedicated VPN app for Android.
VPN apps can be downloaded both from the Google Play Store and from the VPN provider’s website. So, once you’ve chosen which VPN for Android to go with, head over to their website or search its app on the Google Play Store to proceed with downloading its app.
Can I use a free VPN for Android?
No, it’s not safe. In general, not all VPNs are safe for your device. You’ll find a couple on the Play Store that might seem appealing, but in turn, come with all sorts of viruses and drawbacks. Free VPNs often steal user data or log information. What you could do is use the best free VPN for Android by hacking a free trial over paid subscriptions.
Why do you need a VPN for Android?
Before getting to why you need a VPN for Android, you must understand why you need a VPN in general. There are many cases where using your device unprotected, connected to multiple unknown networks or internet sources, could do a lot of damage.
Using a VPN for Android could put an end to you being bait to many heinous individuals, who set up fake Wi-Fi networks that are free to your disposal.
The thing is, you might never be able to tell the difference between a bad or a good source. A VPN for your Android could help you filter out the plagued websites.
Apart from just connecting to unknown sources, most websites you visit, or even your ISPs, tend to monitor the kind of activities you’re going through. Other “fake” websites infiltrate your traffic taking hold of any sensitive information you enter. This ranges from email IDs to passwords and even Credit Card details.
A VPN for Android gives you online protection against cybercriminals and surveillance agencies. It uses military-grade encryption and split-tunneling to provide you anonymity over the web and unrestricted access to geo-blocked content from around the world.
And speaking of global coverage, the best VPNs for Android mentioned in my list, have been deemed as great for multi-purposes, regardless of where you’re located. You can be from the US or UK or even Russia, these VPNs will do you justice.
How to set-up your VPN on Android
You can download and install your preferred VPN on your Android devices in many ways. The easiest way is through the Google Play Store. So, to install your preferred VPN via Google Play Store here’s how:
- Subscribe to the best VPN for your Android device. I’ve recommended 5!
- Head to the Google Play Store on your Android device and look for the VPN app you chose.
- Or, visit the website of the VPN you went with to download their Android VPN app.
- Install the app on your device.
- Login with your VPN credentials.
- You can tweak around with the settings, choosing your desired protocol.
- Connect to the best server location
- And enjoy your internet freedom and anonymity!
Can I use a VPN on my Android Tablet?
Yes, you can!
Doesn’t matter if you use an Android cell phone or an Android Tablet, you can use a VPN exactly the same way for any Android device. The Google Play Store is available on most Android devices, if not all. You can get a VPN for Android Tablet from Google Play Store as well.
But this isn’t the case for Amazon Fire Tablets. Even though Fire Tablets run on Android, they don’t have Google Play Store. Instead, there is an Amazon App Store available for it. Not many VPN providers offer an app for Fire Tablets, and you won’t find many on Amazon App Store either.
Only FastestVPN has a dedicated VPN app for Amazon Fire. However, most VPNs offer manual setup through which you can easily install your preferred VPN on Fire Tablets.
Here’s how you can install a VPN on your Amazon Fire Tablet:
- Download the Android APK file of your VPN directly from the website.
- Side-load the VPN app
- Download OpenVPN for Android from the Amazon Store.
- Configure your VPN settings using the OpenVPN configuration files
- Root your Amazon Fire Tablet
- Take control of your online privacy and freedom on your Fire Tablet like never before.
To conclude
Looking for the best VPN for Android also means looking for the best app for mobiles, tabs, Smart TVs, and more. A great VPN must always be versatile in terms of performance. All the Android VPNs mentioned on my list (Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and IPVanish) are capable of producing the best speeds, access to restricted streaming, and torrenting platforms; all with unlimited bandwidth.
There are other great VPN services in the business, but what matters most is choosing one that works perfectly for the majority of devices you use, including providing apps for Android.
To Summarize, the Best VPNs for Android are…..
Rank | Provider | Our Score | User Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
![]() Surfshark
|
9.6/10
|
Read Review | Find Out More Get Started >> |
2 |
![]() NordVPN
|
9.4/10
|
Read Review | Find Out More Get Started >> |
3 |
![]() ExpressVPN
|
9.3/10
|
Read Review | Find Out More Get Started >> |
4 |
![]() Cyberghost
|
9.0/10
|
Read Review | Find Out More Get Started >> |
5 |
![]() IPVanish
|
8.8/10
|
Read Review | Find Out More Get Started >> |
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