If you’re looking for ways to keep your phone or tablet secure, maintain your privacy, and browse anonymously, then you might want to use a VPN.
- Unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee
- No activity logs and no connection logs
- Easy-to-use apps for all devices
Google’s Android OS users can now enjoy anonymous, secure browsing, as well as unlimited access to geo-restricted content. Thanks to the emergence of brilliant Android VPNs.
A quick search on the Android Play Store reveals a plethora of VPNs available in the market today. And this should be a source of concern, but not for you. And here’s why.
We tested a dozen best VPNs before further narrowing down the list for you. For this reason, you can now pick the one that meets your needs from our well-researched list of best VPN providers with mobile support.
Our list is designed to cater to most of (if not all) your VPN needs; regardless, you want to torrent anonymously, login to Facebook account during office hours, or even stream 4K video content from geo-restricted locations.
If you’re traveling, be it local or international, you’ll most likely be allowed to use poorly secured public Wi-Fi connections, e.g., in coffee shops. As such, you’ll want to protect sensitive data such as credit card information, passwords, and browsing history from hackers and snoopers. And that’s where a VPN comes in.
The good news is that the movers and shakers in the VPN market are well-aware of this and have put in a lot of resources and time into ensuring that they produce the best VPNs for Android.
Best VPNs for Android
To create this list, we took the top VPNs through a series of rigorous tests before settling on 5 of the best VPNs for Android. Note that all our top 5 VPNs allow streaming, anonymous torrenting, and access to geo-restricted content.
- ExpressVPN: Our #1 best all-round VPN for Android, thanks to its fabulous 24/7 customer support, top-notch security features, and rapid connection speeds.
- NordVPN: This VPN provider puts security at the heart of its operations. It features exclusive encryptions, reliable leak protection, and more. Plus, it’s one of the fastest.
- CyberGhost: An inexpensive option with premium features. CyberGhost is an easy-to-use VPN with plenty of well-protected servers to allow you to surf anonymously and unblock content.
- IPVanish: If speed is a concern when downloading or streaming, then IPVanish could be your Android VPN of choice. Moreover, the VPN protects your online travels using the best security features.
- PrivateVPN: A powerful provider to keep all your online activities anonymous in a single click. So, no matter the public Wi-Fi you connect to, your private data remains protected.
The 5 VPN providers listed above all meet basic user requirements for use in smartphones and tablets running on the Android platform. Our evaluation and ranking of the top 5 best VPNs for Android was based on the following parameters:
- Global server coverage
- Connection speeds
- Privacy and security protections
- Customer support
- Ability to unlock geo-restricted content
- Multi-platform support
The following is my list of the 5 best VPNs for Android.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Android devices that we’ve tested so far, providing reliable and stable performance all through.
This provider allows you to access services that are not available in your region and protect your privacy. It lets you surf anonymously, download stuff, and connect to unsecured Wi-Fi.
It also facilitates access to streaming services like Netflix, BBCiPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Plus, a single account lets you connect up to 5 devices simultaneously.
Most importantly, this VPN if famous for providing advanced security. Thanks to its default OpenVPN, the most secure protocol.
What’s more, the VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and consistent top speeds. In one of tests, ExpressVPN clocked a download speed of 86.1 Mbps.
While it’s not the cheapest VPN around, ExpressVPN delivers in almost all the critical areas; high-grade military encryption, Netflix unblocking, split tunneling, IPv6/DNS leak protection, kill switch and includes a clear no-logging policy.
Global server coverage? ExpressVPN servers are spread across 160 locations in 94 countries. Plus, as soon as you fire the Android app, it will suggest the ideal servers so you can enjoy the best connections.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. It’s a jurisdiction that does not have strict data retention laws. For this reason, the service doesn’t store any connection and activity logs.
The company provides round the clock support via email, live chat, and a FAQ section in case you run into any issues.
Pros
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer and Netflix
- Superior performance
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- A proven dedication to privacy
Cons
- Pricey
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a cut above many VPNs thanks to its affordable pricing and rich list of features, which appeal to both VPN novices and elitists.
NordVPN features an impressive mobile interface; no wonder it’s one of the most attractive options for Android users. The easy to install VPN also allows for up to six simultaneous connections with the ability to connect more if using a supported router.
The VPN provider applies a no-logging policy, provides reliable, and top of the line security, and is compatible with various Android devices.
In addition to the standard VPN features, NordVPN includes some unique options, e.g., DoubleVPN, CyberSec, and Onion over VPN technology. The app is also equipped with a built-in ad-blocker so you can surf the internet more freely using lesser data.
Need for speed? Connect to one of their over 5,100 servers spread across more than 59 countries across the globe. And yes, in our tests, we enjoyed download speeds of up to 78Mbps.
What about streaming? Users can easily unblock Netflix, no matter it’s restricted for Italy, the US, France, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, or more. Other supported streaming platforms include Amazon Prime, Kodi, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
While many customers may not like the idea of contacting support, sometimes, you’ve got no option but to seek help. NordVPN provides support via email, 24/7 live chat, and its FAQ help center.
Pros
- Large server network
- An independently certified no-logging policy
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and more
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No free trial
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is a reputable, robust, and highly reliable service. It features an easy-to-use app, cheap pricing plans, responsive customer support, and packs respectable technical features. Without a doubt, this provider deserves a position on this list.
Into the bargain, a single CyberGhost account lets you connect your Android device and 6 other devices simultaneously.
CyberGhost provides fast speeds so users can stream live events and access their favorite geo-restricted shows, and more. Plus, while accessing all, you can be confident your activity and connection are always kept under wraps. Courtesy of a security feature in its application, you can ‘download content via untraceable servers.’
It packs over 5,381 servers in more than 81 countries, offering you 4K-capable connection speeds, and unlimited bandwidth. As such, you can stream Netflix without a glitch. On top of this, you can unblock Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and a lot more.
The VPN provider also ensures your streaming sessions via your android device aren’t interrupted by operating a series of IP address changing servers. These servers run a broad range of security protocols, including PPTP, L22TP-IPSec, and OpenVPN protocols.
The VPN, as well, features the standard AES-256 bit encryption, and extra security features to protect your internet sessions against IP and DNS leaks.
While the VPN features a 24/7 live chat support, and a “Contact Us” form, it misses a searchable FAQ section. What’s good, it comes with a 45-day no questions asked money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Cheaper subscription plans
- Global server locations
- Easy account setup
- Industrial-grade security and encryption
Cons
- Limited customer support options
4. IPVanish
As far as Android is concerned, IPVanish is one of the serious performers. It packs a horde of desirable qualities that helped it scoop a position in this list of top 5 best VPNs for Android.
IPVanish unlocks censored or geo-restricted websites and services such as Twitter, Hulu, Spotify, Facebook, Skype, and Kodi.
Unfortunately, according to our tests, it didn’t support BBC iPlayer. IPVanish also didn’t stream Netflix when we connected to a US server, but your experience might be different from ours.
Even so, IPVanish stands out for two things; first, a single subscription to the service lets you protect up to 10 devices concurrently. And second, the provider runs its own more than 1,300 optimized servers, and over 40,000 shared IP addresses in over 75 countries.
Since the VPN provider manages the servers, it delivers fast speeds. Plus, it allows you to share and exchange large files. More notably, they don’t feature any data or speed limitations, making the VPN ideal for users transferring files.
Its Android application comes with 256-bit AES, a kill switch, and an option for split tunneling. Split tunneling helps you choose the apps that you would like to be routed via both your internet service provider as well as your virtual private network.
Split tunneling is important, especially when using apps that regularly require you to confirm your identity, for example, banking applications.
Pros
- Allows up to 10 concurrent connections
- Unblocks several streaming services
- 24/7 live chat
- Zero logs policy
Cons
- Only provides a 7-day money-back guarantee
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN’s strengths include reliable connections, no-logging policy, robust security, and award-winning customer support.
The service provides and maintains reliable connection speeds, which are easily comparable to its major competitors. While the service provider has not indicated which servers are slow and vice versa, we recorded an average download speed of 62.9 Mbps.
PrivateVPN further sells itself for being user-friendly, especially for streaming purposes. So much better, a single account lets you connect up to 6 devices at the same time.
With over 150 servers spread across 60 different countries, its server network isn’t the largest in the VPN market. It’s adequately labeled all the servers for streaming. While the labeling is accurate, some of its servers are not able to bypass the Netflix VPN block.
In stealth mode, the VPN easily bypasses geo-restrictions and censorship. Thanks to its designated servers that allow you to access ABC, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
The designated Netflix streaming servers are located in Peru, the US, Italy, UK, Germany, and Canada. We were, however, not able to access BBC iPlayer.
PrivateVPN protects your public-Wi-Fi browsing using 2048-bit encryption. To further keep your activities private, the VPN features IPv6 leak protection and doesn’t store logs.
Not sure how to go about it? Talk to an in-house customer rep via their remarkable live chat.
Pros
- Advanced configuration settings
- Unblocks major streaming services
- In-house support for remote locations
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Few servers compared to top providers
What to Know About Using a VPN
The internet continues to evolve with each passing year. Today, we can make infinite connections, improving our access to quality information.
While it’s easier (now) to connect to the internet, there’s a need for us to learn how to remain safe. Surfing, making online transactions, and sending and receiving information are all activities we perform daily.
But did you know that each of these actions makes you prone to credit card fraud, identity theft, and intrusion by hackers?
Whereas it’s possible for you to feel left behind by the ever-changing nature of the web, donning a VPN is arguably the best step to protecting you from major online threats.
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to mask your location by connecting to a remote server location. This way, it hides your actual location, web activity, and true identity.
VPNs provide you with a way to enhance your safety and control your privacy. Simply put, a VPN increases your security and helps protect your identity by making a web connection using your preferred server location.
Why Use VPN for Android?
Security, Security, Security: Using a VPN helps enhance your safety. Any data you transmit via the internet is encrypted implying that hackers cannot access it.
Company employees using VPN for Android on the firm’s closed network can keep their connections completely private. This translates to improved security for them, for the business, and any critical business files in their possession.
Online Anonymity: Do you know that your ISP can track all your web activity? For you to retain your privacy, you might want to use a virtual private network.
The right VPN functions as a mask, allowing you to continue accessing to access web applications and web sites without being detected—something both IP masking software and web proxies lack.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Some countries and websites restrict content that can be accessed by its residents and visitors. For this reason, VPNs tend to be very popular in countries such as China, which is known to implement internet filters that make it impossible for its people to use social networking accounts.
With a VPN, a user can easily bypass the internet policies put in place such regimes and gain access to the freer internet.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN is our #1 all-around VPN provider. Its Android app is straightforward, user-friendly, and offers a ton of advanced user options
ExpressVPN protects your online travels via neat privacy and security features, including the most secure AES 256-bit encryption. To enhance this protection, the VPN includes an insecure network detector and a top-rated location picker.
Most importantly, the tested servers were unfailingly fast, making it ideal for users looking to stream content, visit geo-restricted websites, and share files online.
Want to learn more about its inner workings? Visit the official ExpressVPN site, and try a 30-day money-back guarantee.
