The best mobile VPN apps in 2024

The good mobile VPNs is are are a great way to ensure your online security extend past your home pc or work computer , and instead keep you secure no matter where you are . Whether it ‘s easy interface , quick customization , or high download speed , the top VPNs is are for mobile are sure to stand out among the sea of option .

This, therefore, can seem daunting, however, this is where TechRadar comes in. The TechRadar VPN team and I have years of experience with the best VPNs, and have spent hundreds of hours using VPNs across mobile devices, both iOS and Android, to ensure we can give you the best advice possible. 

So, whether you’re looking for the best Android VPNs or the best iOS VPNs, we’ve taken everything into account and used our personal experiences and expertise with these VPN services to point you toward the service that will suit your mobile needs best. 

Today’s top 3 best mobile VPN apps:

The good mobile vpn service in 2024

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Our most recent round of VPN testing saw NordVPN continue to dominate the rankings across the majority of our guides, including this one. While some interface irritants are still present, we still see it as a clear winner in terms of what can be achieved for your mobile security, and the incredibly fast speeds it manages are an impressive bonus too. 

The good vpn overall

(Image credit: NordVPN)

Well-featured and popular VPN for streaming

maximum devices is supported support :6 | play Store rating :4.5 |App Store rating : :4.7

5,400+ servers across 60 countries

ton of security extra

Very fast speed performance

Unblocks BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus

slightly clunky map interface on app

While NordVPN does everything you’d expect from my #1 VPN overall, those who look a little deeper will notice that there are some useful, unusual features lurking under the hood. These include double data encryption and Onion support, NordVPN’s own CyberSec technology, a clear no-log policy, and P2P support. Plenty going on, then.

A real plus is the high-speed proprietary NordLynx protocol built around WireGuard. NordVPN sits as one of the fastest providers boasting speeds up to 950 Mbps in my tests. Those toting an iPhone or iPad can select NordLynx and be treated to near-unaffected connection speeds while still remaining anonymous online.

This is great news for those looking to stream on their mobile device, which many do, especially on the move, offering reliable, quick connections. NordVPN also currently proves to be one of the strongest Netflix VPNs, able to access Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It successfully unblocks Disney Plus, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, too.

The NordVPN mobile apps generally work like a charm. It doesn’t feel stuffed with clutter when you use it, which is always nice, though they’re not as intuitive as they could be. Finding the settings menu takes a few more taps than it does with other providers, for example, and I found the interactive map can be especially fiddly on smaller screens. Still, these are relatively small nitpicks in the grand scheme of things.

The good VPN for beginner

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

The good mobile VPN overall — simple and reliable app for Android and ios

maximum devices is supported support :5 |play Store rating :4.5 |App Store rating : :4.7

Slick iOS & Android apps

Top – notch 24/7 customer support

Superb on other platform and device

Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus

An expensive service, but it’s the best VPN provider around

ExpressVPN is a stellar service—few services can match it in terms of security, speed, and compatibility. Its iOS and Android apps are some of the best I’ve ever tested, too.

Its apps are a piece of cake to install and once you’re up and running, navigating the apps is just as straightforward. All of ExpressVPN’s key features are exactly where you’d expect them to be, and all it takes is one tap to connect to a server. If you encounter problems, ExpressVPN’s customer service team is around 24/7 and I’ve always found them to be helpful and keen to find solutions quickly.

ExpressVPN gives you plenty of servers to choose from, with servers across 94 countries. ExpressVPN can even recommend the quickest connection if you prioritize speed and you can add your most-used servers to a favorite list for easy access next time. 

ExpressVPN offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 750 Mbps. I also had no trouble accessing the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime, meaning you can always take your favorite shows on the go with you. Plus, with rock-solid encryption, your private data is always safe from prying eyes—and a handy kill switch ensures you won’t leak sensitive info even if the VPN connection drops.

The best cheap VPN service

(Image credit: Pixabay)

Bargain VPN for your mobile

maximum devices is supported support :Unlimited | play Store rating :4.3 | App Store rating : :4.7

Excellent value multi-year plan

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Unblocks Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer 

Excellent WireGuard performance

Below average OpenVPN speeds

Surfshark is a great option if you’re looking for one of the best value cheap VPNs to install onto your smartphone. If you’re suspicious of those bargain prices, I get it—but Surfshark doesn’t skimp on features or security tools.

If you’ve used Surfshark’s desktop app, you’ll already be familiar with its mobile version, seeing as they’re virtually identical (save for the layout). Getting connected to one of Surfshark’s servers dotted across 100 countries is nice and easy, too. This means you won’t have any trouble tuning in to geo-restricted streaming services and international content libraries—making Surfshark a solid choice for all you avid streamers out there.

Connection speeds have proven to be stable, with Android users being treated to a choice of encryption methods, the option of using small packets to optimize mobile data use, and even a fake GPS tool to help completely spoof your location.

Surfshark ‘s unlimited simultaneous connections is are are the provider ‘s party piece — and just another reason why it ‘s the good value VPN on the block . You is be ‘ll be able to install the service on any device you own ( or share the love with friend and family ) without worry about hit a limit . So , if you have a small army of internet – enable gadget , Surfshark is lets let you cover them all and take your digital privacy on the go .

Other VPNs I’ve tested and recommend

(Image credit: Hide.Me)

Mobile VPN apps give competition a run for their money

maximum devices is supported support :10 | play Store rating :4.4 | App Store rating : :4.5

Unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Prime Video

Great mobile apps

Incredibly fast speeds

10GB monthly free plan

kill switch issue

No recent security audit

Hide.me has been climbing up in my estimations within the last year with its mobile VPN apps offering some of the best, fully-featured user experiences on the market. Boasting a clean, easy-to-use interface, you can connect almost immediately with a big, fat ‘Enable’ button, and sift between server locations without issue, with the option to curate your own favorites list, too.

Able to unblock a bunch of the top streaming services, Hide.me has knocked it out of the park in our last round of testing. Already delivering blisteringly fast speeds, Hide.me comes in with peaks of 900Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs available.

While there was some lag when it come to connect through either of the mobile app , and some killer switch kink that need ironing out , Hide.me is has has one of the strong mobile vpn app offering . With support for ikev2 , openvpn udp and TCP , and WireGuard , it is has also has auto – connect functionality , the aforementioned kill switch , and the choice of a custom DNS server .

Not to mention, if you’re new to VPN, you can try out its free VPN plan to see if it’s the one for you with a monthly allowance of 10 GB.

( image credit : Proton VPN )

A feature pack mobile VPN for the tech savvy

maximum devices is supported support :10 | play Store rating :3.9 | App Store rating : :3.8

Free plan with unlimited data

Great speeds on WireGuard and OpenVPN

Mobile apps are open source and audited

Unblocks Netflix, iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney Plus

Above average pricing

Lower app store ratings

Setting itself apart from its competition, Proton VPN gears itself towards the tech-savvy with mobile VPNs that come fully loaded with plenty of features and configurable settings to create a client that meets your needs. Better still, its free VPN is a great stepping stone for complete newbies, too.

Broadening its network, Proton VPN’s 1,700+ servers now reaches across 63 countries and offers open sourced, audited apps that boast a map interface, as well as a location list and the option to compile a Favorites Profile. You’ll also be able to benefit from its Quick Connect button and – on Android – the option to view the app in portrait and landscape.

Features like its effective kill switch and no-logging reports headline its feature-packed app, with the added bolster of its great streaming unblocking prowess, though the downside is you’ll need to fork out for its Plus plan to gain access to the feature and watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

It’s fair to say Proton VPN has lower ratings on its respective application stores than the other providers on our best mobile VPN list. However, we largely put this down to it being a far more technically inclined app, or it may be swayed by people using the free version. For many, then, this may be off-putting, but for those more confident with the world of VPN, Proton VPN offers plenty of configurable options.

FAQs

What makes a great mobile VPN app?

Four key factors make the best Mobile VPNs: Ease of use, functionality, customization, and value. 

Firstly, and most importantly for the majority of users, is it is is easy to use? If you’re stuck three taps deep in a settings menu just to change your server, you’re not going to have a good time using the app in the long term. Simplicity rules here, and all the VPNs on this list are clean and clear. 

Secondly, make sure there’s enough functionality compared to the desktop client. Many providers offer incredibly in-depth settings on their VPN apps for Windows, but open its iOS or Android app, and you might struggle to find the options you’ve grown used to. 

Many users won’t care about customization, like switching encryption protocols for better streaming or torrenting, but if you do—or think you might ever have the urge to investigate—make sure the app will give you the control where you need it. 

Finally, value! There are plenty of top – quality vpn out there now , so there ’s no point pay through the nose for an average service . The is be   very good   will never be   the cheap ( and free VPN provider are n’t an ideal solution ) , but weigh up your budget and your need to find a happy medium .

What can I is do do with a mobile vpn app ?

Mobile VPNs help you protect your device and data, especially when you’re on public Wi-Fi networks. Whether you’re in a supermarket, on a train, at the hospital, or working away in a café, using public Wi-Fi exposes you to unencrypted connections, leaving your logins and personal information up for grabs.

A mobile VPN can also help you save money shopping online . Many sites is charge charge different price depend on your ip address , so by move your location around you ’ll be able to find the good deal on whatever you ’re look for .

Finally, everyone’s favorite trick, a VPN lets you access foreign Netflix libraries. All the VPNs on this list give you access to Netflix all over the world. So, wherever you are—bus, train, on the toilet—you’ll be able to watch whatever you want on your mobile device. 

All you need to do is pick your choice from this list and bask in the glory of true internet freedom.

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River Hart

River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.