Top 6 VPN Apps for Android in 2024: Your Guide to Secure Browsing
Looking for the best VPN for Android phones? Using a VPN on your Android device isn’t as technical as you might think, but finding the best VPN requires thorough research. We reviewed our top 6 VPN apps so you can narrow down which one suits your security needs best.
Data privacy is an important topic. With ISPs logging and selling information, hackers stealing data, and websites tricking users out of their personal details, it seems like someone’s always out to compromise our security. Safe browsing is a concern for even casual users, and it’s especially important for Android owners who carry their devices everywhere.
Boost your privacy on Android using these high-security VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best Android VPN – Refined Android app, along with access to a massive server and unbeatable encryption.
- Surfshark – Automatic obfuscation and censorship-busting, independently audited logging policy, snappy apps.
- ExpressVPN – One-tap Android app interface, blazing fast servers, dynamic IP changing, and much more.
- PureVPN – A catch-all VPN with additional cybersecurity provisions like adblocking.
- IPVanish – Well-trusted by thousands of Android users worldwide for enhanced privacy.
- VyprVPN – Allows true anonymity with their cutting-edge Chameleon protocol and self-owned network.
The easiest and most accessible way to protect your data online is to use a virtual private network. VPNs act like a tunnel between your Android phone and the internet. Instead of sending raw web browsing data tied to your IP address, a VPN encrypts information and sends it to servers around the world. This makes it nearly impossible to identify individual users, keeping your privacy intact no matter your location or which network you connect to.
Editor's Pick October 2024
Top VPN apps to boost your Android’s security
We’ve scoured the market for the best providers with Android-compatible apps, and determined the following VPNs to be the best in class. Note: All VPNs on our list come with:
- Limited time money back guarantee
- Unblock streaming services
- High uptimes
- No logs policy
- Customer support
- Torrenting optimizations
Here’s a table with some quick stats and then we’ll dive deeper into each one.
| NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | IPVanish | VyprVPN | |
| Countries | 111 | 100 | 105 | 70+ | 75+ | 63 |
| Servers | 6200+ | 3200+ | 3000+ | 6500 | 2400+ | 700+ |
| Uptime | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| Best Price | $3.99/month | $2.19/month | $8.32/month | $2.14/month | $2.19/month | $3.00/month |
1. Best Overall: NordVPN
- SPECIAL OFFER: 2-yr plan (70% off – link below)
- Mind-boggling number of servers
- Strong encryption is used on all connections
- No logs and encrypted connections for total privacy
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Some servers can be slow and unreliable
- Can’t specify City or Province in App
NordVPN has some of the most unique features of any VPN service, such as its signature double encryption process. This wraps all data in an unbeatable AES with 256-bit encryption, making it incredibly secure, even against a supercomputer. There’s plenty of other features to love too, making it a top contender for best VPN for Android.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Best for Unlimited Connections: Surfshark
- Reliably unblocks Netflix US, UK, Japan, and more
- Unlimited server switching
- Unbreakable AES-256-GCM encryption on every connection
- Absolutely no logging of connection data, IP addresses, bandwidth used, or traffic
- Helpful 24/7 live chat with an actual human being
- Overall, not much to complain about
- Power users may wish for more settings to fiddle with
Surfshark launched in 2019, but they’ve hit the ground running with some of the most modern privacy provisions–like the cutting-edge 256-AES-GCM, unbreakable by a supercomputer and the same encryption used by the NSA. It completely blocks third-parties from viewing the data transmitted through your OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, or WireGuard tunnel. It also doesn’t bog down speeds with unnecessary encryption overhead.
3. Best for Built-in Extras: ExpressVPN
- SPECIAL OFFER: 3 months free (49% off – link below)
- 3,000+ super fast servers
- OpenVPN, IPSec & IKEv2 Encryption
- No logging policy well enforced
- Customer Service (24/7 Chat)
- Max 3 connections simultaneously
- High cost for month-to-month users
ExpressVPN has a well-deserved reputation for speed. The service delivers consistently high numbers on speed tests from a variety of locations. The network has thousands of servers in 105 countries and counting, giving plenty of options for bypassing content restrictions or looking for a faster server.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. Most Servers Available: PureVPN
PureVPN is a safe haven for privacy advocates looking for fast, reliable, and unrestricted access to the internet. They offer unlimited switching between 6,000 + servers in 65+ countries, unbeatable encryption practices, zero-logging, unlimited bandwidth, and no file type restrictions. All of this is backed by a fantastic 99.99% uptime rating, ensuring you’re never without access to a private internet connection, no matter where you are.
Read our full PureVPN review.
5. Best Mid-Tier Option: IPVanish
IPVanish refuses to compromise on speed or security. It offers access to 2400+ servers in over 90 locations, each locked down with 256-bit AES encryption and a no-exceptions zero-logging policy. Unlimited bandwidth, no restrictions on P2P or torrent traffic, and amazing speed test results make it a fantastic choice for Android users looking for privacy without compromise.
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. Best for Privacy and Security Practices: VyprVPN
VyprVPN takes privacy a step further. The company owns and operates its entire network of 700 servers in 70+ countries, allowing it to customize hardware and software for optimal privacy and speed. By not outsourcing maintenance and development to third parties, VyprVPN has more control over its network, which means better security.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
Factors to Consider for Android VPN
Getting the best VPN for your Android device is a daunting task. Factors to research include:
- Cost
- Speed
- Compatibility
- Privacy policies
- Server distribution
We’ll break down the importance of each.
App compatibility
Be sure your VPN supports Android devices. Most major VPNs have a custom Android app or support OpenVPN, which is a free download for all Android users. A lightweight interface is especially useful on mobile devices with small touch screens.
No-logging policy
A good VPN never keeps logs. Even though data sent through VPN servers is encrypted, if a third party or government agency seizes the computers, it’s possible the information can be decrypted. If a VPN doesn’t keep logs, data loss is impossible.
Wide server distribution
Whether you’re traveling or just want to access content not available in your country, switching virtual locations is a major benefit. VPNs with large server networks maximize your options.
Fast speed
Unfortunately, VPNs are notorious for slower download speeds. Encryption overhead causes a lot of slowdowns, as does connecting to a server physically located across the globe. To help offset this, choose VPN providers that work to keep speeds as high as possible, even on Android devices.
No traffic limitations
One of the best features of Android is its wide support for files and apps from a variety of sources. Some VPNs ban certain types of downloads, like P2P traffic or torrents. Be sure to choose a VPN that doesn’t block any types of traffic.
How We Test VPNs for Android
Our testing factors for Android-friendly VPNs include:
- Speed tests based on various server locations and activities
- Availability of customer support
- How user-friendly their Android app is
- How competitive pricing is compared to other VPNs
- What extra features are available
- Privacy and security practices
- Accessibility of geo-blocked content, like streaming services
- Compatibility for Android OS
Frequently Asked Questions about Android VPNs
What is the best free VPN for Android?
If you’re looking for the best free VPN for Android, the Google Play app store is loaded with options that promise free and unlimited service. But as is the case with many freebies, there’s a catch.
Running a VPN costs money. To maintain that network, a VPN provider needs revenue. Frequently, free VPN providers make money by selling the data they’re promising to protect. Even if the service’s privacy policy states otherwise, free VPNs have no incentive to keep your information secure. If you value data privacy, go with a paid service. Using a free VPN just isn’t worth the risk, especially when there are so many affordable VPNs out there.
If you’re determined to use a free VPN, try a free trial of a more reputable company. Otherwise, use a free VPN at your own risk. We recommend at least diving into user reviews and policy agreements first. Just remember, there is no best free unlimited VPN for Android that doesn’t have some kind of strings attached.
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is a free and open source software that creates secure connections between devices or websites. Because of its ease of use and wide availability, several VPN providers use it as their main software for non-standard operating systems, such as smaller Linux distributions. Some VPNs use OpenVPN for their mobile and desktop applications.
If you’ve ever researched installing a VPN on your router, you’ve probably encountered OpenVPN. The software has been embedded in several systems and firmware, including DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and Tomato for routers.
Many VPNs allow you to use OpenVPN in place of their custom software, which is useful if their app doesn’t run well on your device. OpenVPN runs well on almost all Android devices, making it a great alternative.
Why should I use a VPN for Android?
Using a VPN circumvents many privacy issues facing internet users. Encryption ensures your information stays scrambled, even as it moves around the world, and switching virtual locations lets you access content otherwise unavailable in your area. Other reasons:
Privacy everywhere: Android devices are made to travel. Connecting to public Wi-Fi carries a number of risks, such as possibly untrustworthy ISPs. With a VPN, it’s much safer to connect to public networks.
Access region-locked content: Traveling with an Android phone means being limited to the content restrictions of your host country. With a VPN you can switch virtual locations, gaining access to worldwide content from services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc. You can watch your favorite content and circumvent local censorship.
Stop ISPs from tracking you: Using your Android phone at home isn’t necessarily safe. Local internet service providers collect and store browsing data and personal information, and often have the legal right to sell these to third parties without your consent. A VPN prevents ISPs accessing your private information by encrypting data.
Better local privacy: VPNs offer fantastic privacy/security for data leaving your device. To ensure information stays secure locally, however, you’ll need to encrypt the phone itself. This prevents data theft in cases of a lost or stolen device.
Pairing a VPN with local encryption is smart. Android offers all the tools you’ll need to encrypt your device from end to end, minimally impacting usability.
Conclusion
Using a VPN with your Android device protects your data while opening geo-blocked content across the globe, no matter where you are. Now you know all the features to look for in a VPN provider so you can easily find your perfect fit for the best VPN for Android.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
I am using Ipvanish, it stopped working after the latest update. It doesn’t connect on both my android phone and tab. i tried every possible solution, no dice! Really disappointing!
ExpressVPN rules. Out of every service I tried they were the best. Glad to see it’s getting its due credit.
Technically, point number 2 of limitations shouldn’t even be considered a limitation. It’s like expecting your anti-virus to increase your downloading speed or your fps count in a game. vpns like pure, ivacy and express are there to encypt the data and protect users from getting their phones hacked when they’re sitting in starbucks or KFC, not to guard against malware because malware has a different mechanism. but i still do agree with the post’s point of freebies being unsafe. but i guess one can only get as much for free.
Excellent information. You summarize it beautifully.
My vpn is not in the list ;(
Its cheap and works completely fine on android.
Please add ivacy too. Thanks.