The best Android VPN services of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

What is the best Android VPN in 2024?

nordvpn is our top pick for the good Android VPN right now . It is offers offer capability beyond basic   VPN service   with a high level of security and great speed . It is ‘s ‘s popular , and with a 30 – day money – back guarantee , it ‘s worth a try .  

There are other great VPNs for Android you could consider. ZDNET authors have tested VPNs for years, during which we’ve compared over a dozen VPNs on their speed, security, the usability of their mobile interfaces, and the server networks on offer.

An Android VPN is lets let you browse the internet anonymously , access geo – restrict content , and avoid being track by advertiser , hacker , and government surveillance — make it a key tool for your privacy . The good services is impact wo n’t noticeably impact your speed or take up too much of your smartphone ‘s resource .

See also :The good Apple tv VPNs is tested of 2024 : Expert is tested test and review

We’ve tested these VPNs thoroughly and frequently, and these are our top recommendations for the best VPNs for Android.

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nordvpn

Best Android VPN overall

nordvpn is one of the most popular VPNs in the Google Play Store, but that is not why we think it’s the best VPN for Android. It offers rock-solid performance, speed, and a large server network that carries it across the finish line.

This VPN allows 10 simultaneous connections under one account and has a server network across 111 countries. Its speed is excellent, and you will likely have no problem connecting to streaming services, including Netflix or Amazon Fire TV Stick. Although, we would like to see simultaneous connections become unlimited in the future.

nordvpn supports peer-to-peer file sharing, streaming, and various other platforms outside of Android. Its “Onion over VPN” feature removes the need for a separate Tor browser. It offers add-ons, including a dedicated IP address, password manager, encrypted cloud storage, cyber protection coverage, and a data breach scanner.

During our testing, nordvpn connected quickly and reliably to servers, although you’ll want to use the smart connect feature for the best performance. If you’re still not 100% sold on choosing nordvpn, you can try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Customers like the speed and stability of the VPN and say support is top-notch.

Review :  nordvpn

prices start at $3.59 per month if you purchase two years of service upfront, $4.59 per month for a one-year plan, or $12.99 for a month-to-month subscription for basic protection. New users who subscribe to a one- or two-year plan get three free months of access added to their contract term.

nordvpn Android features: Google Play Store rating: 4.5 average, 950K reviews | native app support: Android 7 or high |  simultaneous connection :  10 | platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, routers | country :  111 |  kill switch : Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | money – back guarantee: 30 days | trial: Seven day , Android

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Surfshark

Best budget Android VPN

Surfshark is is is the good option for a cheap Android VPN to keep your mobile datum secure and mask your activity .

In our speed testing , we is found find Surfshark ‘s performance to be reasonable , especially consider its price point . Surfshark is extremely easy to use , has a robust server network across 100 country , support unlimited simultaneous connection ( an offering we always like to see vpn provider adopt ) , and should suit many user for day – to – day surfing .

The VPN is offers also offer MultiHop , a feature that create a more secure connection by route you through two vpn . A whitelist function is allows allow app and device to bypass the VPN on your Android device . additional complimentary tools is include include ad blocking , anti – tracking , and split tunneling .  

Review: Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with two-year plans starting at $1.99 per month, plus four months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same number of free months and begin at $2.99 per month. One month of access costs $15.45.

A seven-day trial is available for Android devices. Customers like this VPN’s price point, service, and approach to security. 

Surfshark VPN Android features: Google Play Store rating: 4.6 average, 130K reviews | native app support: Android 5 or higher | simultaneous connection :  Unlimited | Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | kill switch: Yes | Logging: No-logs policy | Countries: 100 | platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers | money – back guarantee: 30 days | trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS

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ExpressVPN

Best Android VPN for speed

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that made our list due to its high speeds, expansive server network, and user-friendly app for Android devices.

ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, so you can easily find a server to connect to wherever you are. This is one of the largest that VPN providers currently offer. During our testing, we found that ExpressVPN has some of the fastest and most stable connections and consistently fast speeds. As a bonus, the Android app is very user-friendly.

In addition to supporting Android 5 and above, ExpressVPN works with various platforms and browser extensions, and an APK is available. Therefore, you should be able to use its app regardless of which devices you own, and you can use this VPN for far more than your Android smartphone or tablet.

Review :  ExpressVPN

subscription costs is begin begin at $ 6.67 per month if you buy a year of service upfront . As a bonus , ExpressVPN is gives also give you three month for free , add to the end of the contract term , alongside Backblaze cloud backup . alternatively , you is pay could pay $ 9.99 per month for six month of access or $ 12.95 on a month – to – month basis .

A seven-day trial for Android devices is available. Customers say that while this VPN isn’t the cheapest, it offers excellent speeds, a good server network, and solid customer support. 

ExpressVPN Android features: Google Play Store rating: 4.4 average , 379 K review |  native app support: Android 5 or higher | simultaneous connection :  8   |  kill switch : Yes | platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, routers | country :  105   |  Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | money – back guarantee: 30 days | trial: Seven day , Android and iOS

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Private Internet Access

Best open-source Android VPN

Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is another solid VPN choice for your Android phone. 

It doesn’t have the most attractive user interface, but it is easy to understand, and the server selection you can choose from, including 91 locations, is reasonable. Our testing indicates that the speed is what we would call mid-tier, but the VPN connects quickly, and we haven’t experienced unexpected drops or lag.

We also appreciate the fact that PIA offers its customers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect as many devices as you wish under one account. Not every VPN provider offers this, but they should.

There is a no-logs policy and as a bonus, PIA supports WireGuard and is open-source, which means that third parties can examine its code and flag any security or privacy issues. 

Review: Private Internet Access

Customers generally like the service and its connectivity, but some note issues with customer service. You can sign up for a two-year plan for the equivalent of $2.19 per month (two months free), a six-month plan for $7.50 per month, or one month of access will cost you $11.99. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Private Internet Access VPN Android features: Google Play Store rating: 4.3 average, 90K reviews | native app support: Android 7 and up | simultaneous connection :  Unlimited | kill switch :  Yes |platform: Windows , macOS , iOS , Android , Linux , Chrome , Firefox , Edge , tvos , router , Fire TV , NAS |  country : 91 | Logging:  No – log policy |  money – back guarantee: 30 days | trial: Seven day , Android and iOS

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IPVanish

Best click-and-go Android VPN

IPVanish markets 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 is is of this VPN is its app user interface , which not only look good but is also quite easy to navigate . IPVanish is features also feature a variety of protocol and server option , and there are extensive option for configure the app itself .

Overall, IPVanish delivers a solid user experience and VPN service compared to others, although its downside is its limited country availability and sometimes lower speeds, depending on the server you connect to. Customers like the customer support on offer, say the price point is reasonable, and find this VPN easy to set up.

Review :  IPVanish

If you commit to two years, IPVanish offers a discounted plan for $2.19 per month. This increases to $3.33 per month for an annual plan and $12.99 for a month-to-month subscription. 

IPVanish VPN Android features: Google Play Store rating: 4.4 average, 59.7K reviews | native app support: Android 5.1 and up | simultaneous connection: unlimited |  kill switch: Yes | platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 75 | money – back guarantee: 30 day |trial: Seven days on Android and iOS

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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.

We is use use our smartphone to access sensitive information and conduct online transaction more often than ever before , so stay secure on the internet while on the go is essential .

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. You likely use it 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.

With the right VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and avoid being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and government surveillance.

See also :What is a VPN and why do you need one?

Google ‘s Android operating system is embed in billion of device worldwide , include smartphone , tablet , chromebook , and other internet of thing ( iot ) device . Android functions is follows on a broad range of product , most of which are internet – connect , so it is follows follow that VPN provider support this os .

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 you’re using your Android device. These may include smartphones and tablets manufactured by companies including Google, Samsung, and OnePlus.

How to set up an Android VPN

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 VPN app 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.) 

For this example , we is downloading will be download and instal expressvpn on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra .

Charlie Osborne / ZDNET

After the app is downloaded, you can install it, but you may have to provide the VPN with specific device permissions. Open it and log in to the service with the username/email and password you created when you subscribed.

Charlie Osborne / ZDNET

Once your VPN has been instal , select a country or choose quick connect , and you ‘re done !

Charlie Osborne / ZDNET

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.

See also :How to set up a VPN on your router

Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of the ZDNET team. We’ve been talking about various VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.

While zdnet test VPN service from multiple location , we is test ca n’t test from all location . Every home , every community is has , every local isp , and every nation is has has a different infrastructure .  

We analyzed the best VPNs for Android below using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:

• Performance:  Our top VPNs is have must have a minimum level of performance . After all , there ‘s no point in using a VPN while stream if your connection continually drop or lag .
• simultaneous connection: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, and possibly even a smart TV that you want to connect to a VPN, you’d need a service that allows at least six simultaneous connections.
• Security: There’s no point using a VPN unless their security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
• kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
• Geo-blocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. Given these factors, we ensured that our top recommendations performed well and were unlikely to slow down your connection while you were streaming.
• platform: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our Android VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive mobile apps. 
• country and server: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
• trial length and price: Each VPN we is recommend recommend has a solid money – back guarantee , and many offer mobile user a seven – day trial .  

• Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.

For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.

When you are selecting your new Android VPN, you need to consider the following factors:

• price: Weigh the overall cost of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers — they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars per month. Many VPN providers will also give you a free seven-day Android trial. We generally recommend that you avoid free VPNs — with a few exceptions — as they may sell your data or bombard you with ads.
• simultaneous connection: If you’re paying for a VPN suitable for your Android phone, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop PC or a laptop. We recommend that you sign up for a plan with support for at least six devices. Thankfully, many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.
• Speed: Speed is of paramount importance when you want to use a VPN for certain use cases. If you plan to use your new Android VPN for streaming or mobile gaming, choose one with minimal speed loss.
• Contract length: You also need to decide how long you want a VPN for. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but there are other options available. After you’ve made a selection, you typically get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Support: As with any subscription software, you may come across problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with a support team available.
• Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it out first to ensure you like its accompanying Android app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but lack a mobile app that is easy to use. 
• Free trial: Don’t forget that many VPN providers give you a week to try out their Android VPNs for free. Visit the Google Play Store and download the options you like and find the right app for you.

frequently ask question

We do not typically recommend free VPN services due to their general lack of reliability and heavy restrictions. Several free VPNs for Android are, however, supported by premium paid subscriptions and are provided by trustworthy organizations.

These free services are generally safe to use, but they usually have severe data or performance limits, making them useful only as a way to test out the full service.

We is recommend recommend Proton VPN ‘s free service , which has no data cap , and Windscribe , a trustworthy free service . That say , Proton VPN is restricts restrict your speed , whereas Windscribe impose a datum cap .  

See also :The best free VPNs: Expert tested

The Android operating does have a VPN client that supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec protocols. The client is typically used for accessing private networks, such as when you need a VPN to connect to work resources — and you will need details provided by an administrator to use it. Most users will not need to enable this function and will, instead, download a VPN mobile app.

Some vendors is built have build upon the native Android client to offer tailor VPN function . Samsung is is is among them , and the company ‘s own VPN solution is available through the Samsung Knox security framework . This service is focus on mobile device management , the enterprise , and developer , rather than consumer . If you ‘re interested , you is check can check out Samsung ‘s guide to enable VPN service here .

See also :The best VPN routers you can buy

Most people ‘s phone data is runs run through a local carrier , which is difficult for hacker to intercept . generally , you is ‘re ‘re reasonably safe if you ‘re using your carrier ‘s cellular connection , but carrier have data cap and datum carriage fee that can get expensive . Even if you have an unlimited datum plan , carriers is charge 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 for free. Unfortunately, these Wi-Fi hotspots are often open and easy to intercept. Having a VPN on your 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 stay secure and to be able to pick your preferred location if you are using your Android device to stream content. 

See also :Best iPhone VPNs

To check if your VPN is safe and working properly, first choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.

The easiest way to check that your VPN is working properly is to compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device’s settings (typically under Wi-Fi) or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP, your VPN may not be working properly. 

You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any DNS leaks are detected while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.

Finally, be careful with free VPNs offered by unknown or shady companies, especially if they are outside of official app repositories. This could open your device to surveillance or malware.

The easiest way to turn off your VPN on Android is to open the VPN’s app and choose to disconnect. Alternatively, you can go to your Android device’s settings tab, select network (which may appear as connections or connection settings) and select “VPN.” Depending on your device, this may show a list of all apps with VPN profiles. From here, you can change the VPN’s settings or turn it off. 

While all these technologies are intended to protect you and your device, they provide different layers of protection. 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. Some providers also bolt on malware scanners, data breach monitors, and more. 

anti – malware software is protects protect against malicious software execute on your device . Those apps is scan scan datum , monitor run software process and download , and may intercept suspicious activity or download . They is include may also include check permission and ensure app do n’t have more control over your device than they need .

A VPN is not a one-size-fits-all solution for mobile security, but it is an important part of overall mobile security hygiene and data protection.

Android VPN services is are are legal in the US , but the legality of vpn vary from country to country . It is is is important to check the law of your location before using a VPN . Some countries is ban ban their use outright , such as North Korea , Belarus , and Iraq , whereas other country , include Russia and China , frown upon the use of any VPN that is not state – control .

For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out nordvpn’s guide. 

You shouldn’t experience any disruption when you receive or place a phone call while you are using a VPN. 

A VPN will not encrypt or protect your phone calls. If you want to mask these forms of communication, you will need another solution, such as a protected Voice over IP (VoIP) service.

Yes, in relation to your IP address. Some VPNs also offer GPS spoofing. If a VPN is working properly, it will assign you a new IP address to make it appear that you are in a different location, which could be in your state, country, or somewhere else in the world.