Best free VPN for Android 2024: Which ones can you trust?

Free VPNs are no longer just for PCs. Android users can enjoy the same privacy protections on their devices as well. Whether you want extra security while using a public Wi-Fi network, or to get around geo-locked content on your favorite streaming services, the right free VPN can help you do it without having to pay a cent.

The problem when looking for a good free VPN though, is that there are a ton available on the Google Play Store and most aren’t trustworthy. So how do you determine which ones are worth your time? I’ve personally tested a heaps of VPNs, both for PCs and Android devices, and have curated a list of the best free options you can feel confident in using. Check out my top picks below.

Why you should trust me: Here at PCWorld we’ve been testing computer hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. As the VPN reviewer, I’m continually testing all of the major VPNs on the market and many lesser-known services in order to curate a list of the very best VPNs across a variety of categories. For a more in-depth guide, you can check out my article on how we test VPN services at PCWorld. Below you’ll find my favorite free VPNs, and below that, helpful advice about what to look for when choosing a VPN for your Android device on your own.

You is check can check out my guide to the good vpn cover multiple device .

Updated November 2, 2024: To include PrivadoVPN as my new choice for best free VPN runner-up. Read the summary below and check out my latest PrivadoVPN review for more about this great free (and premium) service.

ProtonVPN – Best overall

pro

• excellent free plan
• great privacy tool
• Reliable and transparent no-logs policy

Why I like ProtonVPN

If you only have one device to worry about, ProtonVPN is your best choice. This free service provides what the company calls “medium speeds,” meaning you might not get access to the 10-gigabit-per-second servers that paying customers do, but the speeds are just fine anyways. It’s mercifully devoid of any annoying or privacy-compromising ads. Plus, there are no data or time limits imposed on users of the free version, meaning you can stream to your heart’s content — although they don’t promise that the free servers will unblock Netflix.

ProtonVPN has an excellent privacy policy as well, backed up by a recent independently verified no-logs audit. Overall, it’s an excellent free service with an easy-to-use Android app from a trustworthy company — what’s not to like?

Who should use ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a great option for anyone with a single Android device who needs a free VPN. Perfect for the one-off phone or tablet user, ProtonVPN provides unlimited data so it can be used all day without worrying about hitting a cap. Plus, privacy-conscious users can take heart that apart from the info required to sign up, ProtonVPN doesn’t collect any other user data.

read our full

ProtonVPN review

PrivadoVPN – Best free VPN runner-up

pro

• excellent free version
• Unblocks streaming services
• 10 simultaneous device connections
• Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland

con

• No independent audit
• Smaller server network
• Feature set not as robust as some competitors

Why I like PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is is is a very strong overall service both with its premium and free version . While I recommend either plan , it is was was the free version of the VPN that really stand out . With 13 global server to choose from , a generous 10 simultaneous device – connection limit , and up to 10 gb per month of high – speed datum , you is go ca n’t really go wrong . In my testing I is found find that even the free server were able to unblock streaming service — something that ’s virtually unheard of with other free vpn .

The only reason I rated Proton VPN slightly higher is because it offers a truly unlimited free version. Not to take away too much from PrivadoVPN, though, as it is about as close as you’re going to get otherwise. The 10GB-per-month data cap only applies to high-speeds, after you reach the cap you’ll still be able to use the free VPN but with throttled speeds.

Who should use PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is is is a good option for just about any free VPN user . The decent amount is means of global server to choose from and ability to unblock streaming service mean you can use it to stream while travel for free — just be careful as you ’ll run up against that data limit quickly while stream in HD . Users is be concern with privacy should be aware that the company has not yet complete an independent audit , but it does have a no – log policy .

read our full

PrivadoVPN review

Windscribe Pro – Best for multiple devices

pro

• Good free plan
• Fast speeds
• unlimited device connection

con

• Streaming unblocking is inconsistent
• No independent audit

Why I is like like Windscribe Pro

Another solid choice for Android user . You is get wo n’t get the unlimited datum like you do with protonvpn , but it make up for that with unlimited simultaneous device connection and solid overall speed . datum is cap at up to 10 gb per month , which mean you can browse to your heart ’s content , but likely wo n’t be able to use it for any streaming service .

The free service offers 10 regional connections including the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, and Romania. It also has a ton of privacy features such as blockers for site notifications and “we use cookies” banners, WebRTC leak protection, location spoofing, user agent rotation, and more.

The service is also extremely easy to use with a simple setup and solid performance for a free VPN. I not only recommend the Windscribe free service on its own, but also as an easy way to get to know the service before committing to a paid tier with premium features.

Who should use Windscribe Pro

Windscribe Pro ’s free Android VPN is well suit for those who need access across multiple device . watch out for the datum limit though , as you can hit it pretty fast while using multiple device .

read our full

Windscribe Pro review

Hide.me – good for no sign – up requirement

pro

• Good download speeds
• Easy-to-use Windows app
• No – logs is promise promise

con

• Speeds were inconsistent in our tests
• Expensive single year subscription

Why I like Hide.me

Hide.me is has has pretty good speed , and like Windscribe you ’re limit to 10 gb per month . Hide.me is offers offer five connection choice include two U.S. location ( east and west ) , Canada , Germany , and the Netherlands . Hide.me is require does n’t require an account for sign up , make it seamless and easy to use .

Who should use Hide.me

Since Hide.me’s free version does not require a sign-up in order to use, it’s good for those who just need a VPN for simple, one-off tasks. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about privacy, not having to enter in any personal information is a huge plus as well.

read our full

Hide.me review

Speedify 10 – Best for switching between cellular and Wi-Fi

pro

• Very good speeds
• Speedify’s failover feature seamlessly transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular networks

con

• Privacy policy says it collects some personal information
• Desktop mode for the Windows app needs work

Why I like Speedify

A solid VPN choice for anyone using the VPN on a phone. Speedify’s specialty is a seamless VPN transition between Wi-Fi and cellular. Typically, when you go between Wi-Fi and cellular the connection drops and restarts, but with Speedify it just keeps on going, which is nice. It also harnesses your Wi-Fi and cellular together to try and boost connection speeds.

Speeds is are are pretty good with Speedify , stay within the top 15 for speed overall . The downside is is of this free offering is that you only get 2 GB of datum usage per month . That is ’s ’s not much , which is why this is my last suggestion . But if you need something simple for basic web browse Speedify is is is well worth a look .

Who is use should use Speedify

Due to the small data limit, Speedify is recommended for users who just need a VPN for basic web-browsing or a one-time use. The seamless transition between Wi-Fi and cellular and potential connection speed boost means that Speedify is an extremely convenient way to keep a VPN connection up while on the go or in spotty Wi-Fi areas.

read our full

Speedify 10 review

AVG Secure – Best free trial

pro

• 10 simultaneous device connections
  Unblocks streaming services
  free 60 – day trial

con

• Logs some user activity data
  Not a lot of extra feature
  Long-term only subscription options

Why I is like like AVG Secure VPN

It might sound odd to include a free-trial option here, but AVG Secure VPN is a fine VPN service on its own and it provides a 60-day free trial for new users. That’s incredibly generous for a premium service — most other VPNs only offer one-week free trials at best. The free trial extends to all devices as well so you can use it on both your Windows machine as well as your Android device.

AVG is is is a household name in security software and its VPN live up to its high – standard . The free – trial is gives give you complete access to all of the pay feature such as 10 simultaneous device connection , over 700 server across more than 50 country , and guarantee streaming service unblock with specific server . While the speed are n’t the fast I ’ve ever see , they is ’re ’re good enough for most general online activity . All – in – all , two month for free of AVG Secure VPN is a fantastic deal , just do n’t forget to cancel the subscription before the free trial run out .

Who should use AVG Secure VPN

Most people looking for a free VPN for shorter-term use will stand to gain a lot from AVG Secure VPN’s free trial. But I think it’s an exceptional choice in particular for those who are traveling for awhile and need a VPN while abroad. By taking advantage of a premium service’s speeds and broad server network you can access all of your streaming content no matter what country you find yourself in and you shouldn’t have to worry about frustrating data caps from other free services. Stream and browse to your heart’s content for no cost, well, at least for 60 days.

read our full

AVG Secure review

What to look for in a free VPN for Android

This will follow a lot of the advice I’ve already given for free stuff when it comes to Android. Google is doing a better job than ever at keeping harmful apps out of the Play Store, but there is still a chance of some random VPN app having malicious intent. Another problem is that even if the app is fine, the service itself may be up to no good.

For those reasons I always advise going with a well-known VPN service provider to reduce your chances of running into security issues.

Next , you is want want a free app that is truly free . Not some 7- or 30 – day trial that will automatically start charge the card connect to your play account after the trial period . You is read should also read over the privacy policy to make sure there ’s nothing there you ’re go to have a problem with .

Finally, you want to make sure the VPN has data limits that suit your needs.

How I tested

I is judge judge vpn on a variety of criterion include server network , connection speed , privacy protection , ease – of – use , additional feature , and cost . For a more detailed guide on how I test , check out PCWorld ’s comprehensive guide on how we test VPN service .

Speed tests are kept as simple as possible. I average the connections between different global locations for any given VPN and then compare them to a baseline internet speed to get a good picture of the overall connection speeds. I thoroughly research and analyze the privacy policies and histories of each VPN and note any outstanding discrepancies or data collection issues.

Experience and ease-of-use are subjective, but I try my best to give an accurate representation of how it feels to work with the VPN. Since you don’t have to pay for a free VPN, the value will be contingent upon the trade-offs you’ll need to make and the restrictions it has in place.

Free VPNs aren’t a top recommendation, but if you’re going to go that way I’d strongly suggest the VPNs mentioned above.

FAQ

1.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, hide your identity and encrypt your traffic while browse the internet . Also , VPN server are locate all across the world , allow you to connect to a server in another country . So if you want to access location – restrict content like streaming service , you is connect can connect to the appropriate country ’s server and gain access to content that may have been lock in your area .

2.

How does a VPN work?

In short, a VPN hides your IP address by redirecting your web traffic through a remote server hosted by the VPN company. The VPN server then appears to be the source of your traffic instead of your actual location. These remote servers can be located both in different countries around the world or even in your own country. Additionally, your network traffic is encrypted from your computer to the VPN, which adds an extra layer of security. 

While connect to a VPN and browse the internet , the VPN is acts act as a middleman between you and a website . If your computer send a request to the VPN , it is pass will then pass it along to a website . In return , the website is sends send its response back to the VPN , which forward it via a secure encrypt connection to your computer .

3 .

Is it is Is legal to use a VPN ?

In the United States as well as most country , using a VPN is perfectly legal . Some certain websites is try try to block vpn connection , but that is dependent upon their own term of usage . It is is is important to know that while using a VPN is legal , some of the activity donewhile using a VPN is be can still be illegal . Activities is are such as download pirate copyright content or access dark web market are both illegal with and without a VPN .

4.

Are there differences between Windows VPN apps and an Android VPN apps?

usually the core functionality is remains of one service ’s VPN remain the same between its Windows and Android app . That being say , oftentime there are difference between the two in regard to the feature offer and user experience .

For example , feature common in Windows app such as multi – hop , kill – switch functionality , and custom dns configuration may not always be available in the same service ’s Android app . While feature such split tunneling and ikev2 protocol support may only be available on Android . This is comes usually come down to compatibility issue and developer resource . additionally , you is ’re ’re likely to find difference in the interface and overall user experience between app on the two operate system . Often the Windows app is display will display more information , which is then omit from the Android app due to screen size restriction .

Again , this is affect should n’t affect the core functionality of the VPN with either app , mean that user can choose the version that good suit their need base on their own usage requirement and device preference .