The report highlights that while plenty of VPN services cater to Windows users, a select few truly stand out on Android. I’ve narrowed down my favorites to help you find the best fit for your smartphones and tablets. Mobile devices have become the primary way most of us browse the internet, making a reliable VPN for your phone more essential than ever.
In a fresh development, full compatibility with Android OS is a must, and since Wi-Fi connections can be unpredictable, I tested each app across multiple days to evaluate both speed and reliability. I also factored in the overall experience of the Android app itself, including how intuitive it is to navigate, along with practical considerations like pricing and how many devices you can connect simultaneously. All of the picks on this list share these important Android VPN criteria and more. Choosing a great Android VPN goes beyond the usual essentials.
The report highlights that as reviewers and users of PC devices and programs, we put every product through its paces using rigorous benchmarking and hands-on evaluation. We’d never recommend something we wouldn’t want for ourselves. Why you should trust PCWorld for VPN reviews and buying advice: Here at PCWorld we’ve been testing computer devices, programs, and services since the 1980s.
Industry observers note that privacy is important, to be sure, but so are speeds, extra functions, server network size, and ease of use. NordVPN has it all, and that’s why it’s my top choice for VPNs and a truly solid option for any smartphone or tablet user. The best overall VPN for Android needs to come with all of the tools needed to browse online anonymously.
The report highlights that the service also carries out regular independent audits and uses RAM-only diskless servers for increased security, so the privacy-conscious user can rest assured their data will remain anonymous. Nord has the most functions of any VPN on the market, with tools that will appeal to power users as well as an easy-to-use Android app that is intuitive and straightforward even for beginners.
In a fresh development, speeds in my testing averaged 72 percent of the base internet speed across all servers, which makes it the fastest VPN I’ve ever tested. If speed is a priority, NordVPN won’t let you down either.
Industry observers note that it offers a ton of different functions including access to the TOR network over VPN, multi-hop connections, Meshnet file sharing network, a security suite complete with ad- and malware-blocking, and Nord’s most recent password manager and link-checker safety tool. Also, there will be no problems accessing any streaming service while using NordVPN and it has an extensive server network to connect to all over the global stage. NordVPN’s Android app is very easy to use with well thought-out and simplified controls compared to Windows.
Industry observers note that even with the discounts offered by long-term plans, it can still seem pricey. You get what you pay for though, and in this case, it’s a heck of a lot of functions. The main downside is that NordVPN’s pricing is a bit expensive compared to many other VPN services.
According to the latest update, vPN novices will find that they can easily download the programs, choose their server location, connect, and be on their way. But more advanced users will be able to choose from functions such as split-tunneling, protocol optimization, kill switch, and more. ExpressVPN is another great option for any Android user.
In a fresh development, so the VPN can not only be used for Android or Windows, but across practically any and all services no matter what device you’re trying to protect — with up to eight simultaneous device connections. Plus, ExpressVPN has one of the most expansive device support networks I’ve ever seen.
In a fresh development, still, you can’t go wrong if you decide to go with ExpressVPN as your VPN of choice. The only reason it placed a close second is due to NordVPN providing a few more functions and slightly edging it out on speed.
In a fresh development, plus, the service is regularly bringing in third-party auditors to validate its privacy credentials. ExpressVPN takes privacy and security seriously with all diskless, RAM-only servers, meaning no data is ever stored long-term.
The report highlights that it’s even begun branching out to take a more holistic approach to security for users, adding ad- and tracker-blocking and, most recently, a password manager to the service, as well. It also comes with a smart DNS capability for set-top boxes, consoles, and more.
Industry observers note that no matter the membership tier you’ll still get excellent value for your money. It’s not the cheapest VPN out there, but it recently revamped its membership structure providing more flexibility for users to determine what functions they are willing to pay for.
In a fresh development, i’ve never seen another VPN that actively resists knowing who you are the way Mullvad does. Mullvad doesn’t ask for anything when you sign up, not your email address, name, or other contact info. Instead it assigns a random account number that acts as your identifier and login. The service accepts payments using standard methods such as credit cards and PayPal, but you can also mail your payment in cash to remain as private as possible. Mullvad has a no-logging policy and doesn’t collect any identifying metadata from your usage. It should come as no surprise that Mullvad is our pick for Best Android VPN for Privacy.
According to the latest update, don’t get me wrong, it’s a more than capable VPN for any user. But the ultra-privacy conscious Android user will find the most to like in its anonymized payment system, commitment to not collecting user data of any kind, and strong internal privacy practices. Mullvad is all about maximizing privacy.
In a fresh development, additionally, it offers a standardized fee across all plan lengths. While this makes it very affordable month-to-month, it does lose value in the long run compared to other top VPNs that offer significantly reduced prices with longer plan lengths. Beyond just privacy, Mullvad is also fast, ranking among our top five for speeds.
The report highlights that i also found that it doesn’t always unblock streaming services, so users who want their VPN to access location-restricted content may want to take that into consideration before subscribing.
In a fresh development, the free version will of course appeal to those on a tight budget, but it’s also a great option for those who just need a VPN to do quick online tasks safely and securely. Whether you opt for the free or paid version, Proton VPN is a good choice for any Android user.
Industry observers note that thankfully, Proton VPN serves no ads and the restrictions are fairly light compared to other services. For no cost at all, you’ll get a one-device connection limit and access to five servers located around the global stage. In my testing I also found that speeds were very good even with the free version, ranking in the top 10 of all VPNs—paid or free. And since there are no monthly data limits on Proton’s free VPN version, it’s also a great option to stream content while using a VPN — just be aware, the free servers don’t promise to work with Netflix like some of Proton’s paid servers do. Many free VPNs, especially free smartphone VPNs, have either unreasonable limitations or they’re loaded with annoying ads.
The report highlights that overall, you get a lot for paying nothing and this easily makes it our favorite free VPN for Android.
The report highlights that the VPN is from the same publisher behind Proton Mail, a privacy-focused email service, so it’s very easy to integrate the VPN into the whole Proton ecosystem if you so wish.
In a fresh development, both the premium and free versions have undergone multiple independent audits confirming the publisher’s no-logs policy. The monthly price for the premium version does come in at the expensive side though, so I would recommend trying out the free version first before you upgrade. The publisher also has an excellent privacy track record and takes transparency very seriously.
The report highlights that cyberGhost provides both by offering a staggering 11,500+ servers for users to connect to, which is more than twice as many as most other VPNs on this list. Plus, unlike some competitors, these servers aren’t all concentrated in the U.S. Or Europe, either. Not only does it provide a huge server count, but the server spread is vast, totaling 100+ countries all across the global stage. CyberGhost even recommends optimized servers to users for various needs such as tech industry, streaming, and torrenting. Using a VPN while travelling means that you want variety and wide coverage in the server locations.
Industry observers note that for those who travel a lot or just need access to a diverse and vast server spread, CyberGhost should be high on your list. Due to its wealth of servers and locations, CyberGhost is one of the best options for finding a server no matter where you are in the global stage.
The report highlights that it lacks some of the power-user functions that other VPNs on this list provide such as multi-hop and IP rotation, but that shouldn’t be a big deal to the average user. CyberGhost also has a well-designed Android app that is intuitive and easy to use, even when tweaking settings.
The report highlights that but overall, the speeds are good enough to do everyday web browsing, streaming, etc. CyberGhost recently began the process of upgrading its servers to 10Gbps as well, so speeds should only increase in the future. In my testing I found that some of the servers were faster than others, with servers located in Europe having excellent speeds and servers in Asia not fairing as well.
The report highlights that while we believe that the above Android VPNs are the most worthy of your money, there are a few other notable services that deserve attention:.
The report highlights that i’m continuously evaluating fresh VPNs and reevaluating services I’ve already tested on a regular basis, so be sure to come back for more recommendations and to see what else we’ve put through their paces.
As part of the ongoing story, vPN services are frequently running deals throughout the year, so you should be able to snag your favorite VPN at a steep discount if you can time it right. Here at PCWorld, we are regularly hunting down the best VPN deals to help you get the most bang for your buck.
According to the latest update, it’s best to keep checking our deals article to see what fresh limited-time discounts are on offer each week. Additionally, sales events such as Amazon Prime Day in mid-July and Black Friday at the end of November provide excellent opportunities to find even cheaper VPN deals. While the prices for all VPNs on this list are revised daily, they do not account for special deals or offers.
In a fresh development, for a more detailed guide on our evaluation process, check out PCWorld’s comprehensive guide on how we test VPN services. We judge VPNs on a variety of criteria including server network, connection speeds, privacy protections, ease-of-use, additional functions, and cost.
Industry observers note that we average the connections between different worldwide locations for any given VPN and then compare them to our baseline internet speed to get a good picture of the overall connection speeds. Speed tests are kept as simple as possible.
As part of the ongoing story, experience and ease-of-use are subjective, but we try our best to give an accurate representation of how it feels to work with the VPN. And finally, we compare the value of the service based upon its price and additional functions to the industry average to help you gain an accurate picture of what you’ll get for your money. We thoroughly research and analyze the privacy policies and histories of each VPN and note any outstanding discrepancies or data collection issues.
The report highlights that when he’s not on the hunt for the best computer deals he’s covering VPNs, productivity programs, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade devices and programs. Sam Singleton is PCWorld’s VPN beat reporter and jack of all trades.
Industry observers note that it’s difficult to judge a VPN by just one capability, but a semi-reliable way to tell if a VPN is even worth your time is to look at the server network. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations will do. One of the first things you should look for when shopping around for any VPN is the number of servers and locations.
Industry observers note that this may be tricky to do since you aren’t likely to be able to test connection speeds without paying to use the service. Reading reviews online will give you a general estimate. Look for reviews, like ours, that give you a relative average of connection speeds rather than direct Mbps speed comparisons, for a more accurate picture. The next thing to consider is a VPN’s speed.
According to the latest update, does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone any independent audits of its servers? Where is the VPN publisher located? All of these will give you an idea of whether or not a VPN is transparent with its data collection policies and if it’s subject to government data sharing requirements. You’ll also want to read up on a VPN’s privacy protections.
The report highlights that do you want a monthly or yearly subscription? Some top VPNs might be pricey month-to-month, but actually become quite affordable with long-term plans. As with all subscription services, you’ll want to review the price of a VPN service.
According to the latest update, some of these functions, such as split-tunneling and kill switches, can be extremely useful for certain purposes and might sway your subscription decision one way or the other. Kill switches in general have historically been an issue with phone app versions of VPNs, so it’s always a good idea to read up on any known issues before committing. Other factors you’ll want to take into consideration are the overall ease-of-use, user experience, and any additional functions.
As part of the ongoing story, not only does it have the fastest speeds and most extensive capability set, but it also comes with a large server network and can unblock streaming sites with ease. There is currently no other VPN on the market that provides as much value as NordVPN and that’s why it’s our top pick. NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN for Android.
In a fresh development, it is one of the only free VPNs that doesn’t impose usage limits or compromise your privacy. Proton VPN is our pick for the best free VPN for Android thanks to its unlimited data, unrestricted speeds, and privacy track record.
The report highlights that when you connect to a VPN your web traffic is routed through the chosen VPN server to make it appear as though you’re browsing from that server’s location, and not from your actual location. The VPN app will also encrypt your data so that any third parties such as your ISP can’t see your specific online activities. A VPN can be a great response to a variety of concerns, such as online privacy, anonymity, greater security on public Wi-Fi, and, of course, spoofing locations. VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet.
As part of the ongoing story, vPNs enhance your online security and privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. They also allow you to access geographically restricted content such as on streaming sites and bypass censorship by governments or other third parties. While you don’t absolutely need a VPN for your smartphone, Android or otherwise, it is highly recommended.
As part of the ongoing story, there is built-in VPN support, but to gain the full benefits of a VPN you’ll need to use a separate service. The easiest way to use a VPN on Android is to subscribe to a VPN service such as those on this list and download the provider’s native Android app onto your device. No, Android devices do not have a built-in VPN.
In a fresh development, this makes it much more difficult for hackers to hijack your online traffic and steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card details. Public Wi-Fi is often vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, where hackers intercept your data en route to the server. A VPN can protect against this by encrypting the connection, thereby making your data unreadable and all but useless to any potential snooping third parties. Yes, a VPN can help protect you when using public Wi-Fi by encrypting your data and masking your IP address.
In a fresh development, when he's not on the hunt for the best computer deals he's covering VPNs, productivity programs, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade devices and programs. Sam Singleton is PCWorld's VPN beat reporter and jack of all trades.