7 Best Android VPNs in 2024

Many of us use Android smartphones to access the Web via private and public Wi-Fi networks. Unfortunately, Android devices can be easily hacked, exposing your data to those who would use it for malicious purposes or sell it to third parties. However, an Android VPN can secure your device from cyberattacks and ensure your data remains safe.

With the best VPN for Android, you’ll enjoy military-grade encryption and access to thousands of servers worldwide. Connecting to a VPN server allows you to mask your true location with a different IP address. This will also give you access to any geo-restricted content from the countries hosting the servers.

The best VPN providers offer mobile VPN applications, making them natively compatible with Android devices. Furthermore, if you get the best VPN for multiple devices, you can use the service on your phone, PC, tablet, router, and more. 

In this article, we’ll share the 7 best Android VPN providers and give a comprehensive breakdown of their features, pros, and cons. We’ll also show you how to get a VPN for Android and discuss what a VPN can do for you.

So, let’s begin. 

How to Get a VPN for Android

To get a VPN for Android, you must first subscribe to a suitable provider and download its mobile app on your phone. Here’s everything you’ll need to do:

1. Subscribe to a suitable VPN for Android (we recommend ExpressVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN app from the Play Store.
3. Open the VPN app and sign into your account. 
4. Connect to a VPN server in the country of your choice.
5. Leave the app running in the background.
6. Now you can use your Android phone completely protected!

It’s best to subscribe to the VPN of your choice directly via the provider’s website rather than through the Play Store so you can take advantage of any money-back policies it might have. 

Best VPN for Android

The best VPN for Android needs to have strong security and privacy features to protect your data. It must have an easy-to-use native Android app so people with no technical background can install and use it. In addition, your Android VPN should have a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that it won’t collect, keep, or share any of your data. The best Android VPN also needs to have a vast server network for unblocking content from all over the world. Lastly, a 30-day money-back guarantee is always preferred, so you can test the service and decide if it fits your needs.

Based on the criteria above, here are the 7 best VPNs for Android:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for Android
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Android for High-End Privacy
3. CyberGhost VPN – Best Streaming-Optimized Android VPN
4. Surfshark – Best Android VPN for First-Time Users
5. Private Internet Access – Android VPN with the Largest Server Network
6. IPVanish – VPN for Android with Unlimited Connections
7. Ivacy – Budget-Friendly VPN for Android Phones

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Android

Right now, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Android. There are many reasons why we're featuring it in this article, so let's give you a brief overview of what you'll get.

Highly secure protocols (including the VPN's Lightway protocol), a high level of encryption (up to AES-256), and this VPN's no-logging policy mean that ExpressVPN is the "go-to" option when it comes to privacy and protection.

Among other security features, know that you'll find a kill switch and split tunneling here - both of which are available via ExpressVPN's Android app.

Boasting unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds, you'll be able to stream your favorite shows and other forms of online media without interruption. If geo-spoofing is one of the most attractive features of using a VPN to you, ExpressVPN has got you well covered in that respect.

At the moment, you can choose from 90+ countries and thousands of servers, all of which are suitable for Web browsing, P2P, streaming, and more.

On top of those great features, you've also got around-the-clock customer support that can be accessed via live chat or email – ideal for when you encounter any issues – and there's also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you pick this hugely capable Android VPN, check our additional guides for more info. For example, here's how to install ExpressVPN on Android, and also, here's how to fix issues with ExpressVPN on Android.

2. NordVPN - Best VPN for Android for High-End Privacy

NordVPN delivers on three core areas you need to keep an eye on when looking for an Android VPN service – security, privacy, and speed. Moreover, this is a long-standing VPN service with millions of loyal users from all around the world, which tells a lot right off the bat.

NordVPN has military-grade encryption (AES-256) that uses the latest technology alongside a Threat Manager feature to block malicious digital threats, guaranteeing your private data is safe. Still, remember that for Threat Manager to work, you'll need to install NordVPN's APK file. You can find more info on that in our guide on how to install NordVPN on Android.

With just a few taps on your Android device's screen, you can hide your IP address, be protected from DNS leaks, and benefit from an automatic kill switch, even when your connection drops. NordVPN also brings split tunneling on Android.

When it comes to accessing geo-restricted content, know that NordVPN features thousands of servers. Many of those are specialized, such as 'Double VPN' and 'Onion over VPN' servers.

So, if you're concerned about privacy, NordVPN will meet your needs regarding encrypting and hiding your online data. And finally, know that we're talking about a verified no-logs VPN service here, with 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back policy.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Streaming-Optimized Android VPN

CyberGhost VPN is one of the fastest-evolving Android VPNs. Every few months, we see new features and increased security measures - all while keeping the application incredibly easy to use. That's why CyberGhost is one of the best Android VPN apps at the moment.

This VPN for Android is doing its best to be as transparent as possible. You can read a lot about how this VPN service protects your data and ensures no one sees what you do online. However, it all comes down to the VPN's encryption (up to AES-256) and its protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2).

On the one hand, it provides unbreakable encryption that cloaks your data and keeps it away from your ISP and the websites you visit. On the other hand, it does not collect your personal data - so even CyberGhost won't know anything about your online activities.

In terms of more advanced features, Android users will be happy to know that a kill switch and split tunneling are available. This is also one of the rare VPNs that allow you to use a dedicated IP on your Android device. That said, learn how to install CyberGhost on Android properly.

It's also worth mentioning that this VPN can be used to unblock websites, access the world's most popular media streaming services, and it's also one of the best options for torrenting.

You'll find more than 9,000 servers here, and many of them come specialized in specific online activity types. There's also 24/7 live chat support and a 45-day money-back policy.

4. Surfshark - Best Android VPN for First-Time Users

Surfshark is perhaps the youngest Android VPN service in this guide, but don't make a mistake thinking that's a downside. This VPN is well aware of its competition, managing to develop a solid set of features, especially on Android.

You can use this VPN to secure your Web connection, hide your IP address, encrypt your Web traffic, and even eliminate ads and trackers. Among more advanced features, you'll see that Surfshark has a 'MultiHop' feature connecting you to several servers at once, and there's also a kill-switch and split tunneling (and yes, all of that is available on Android).

A unique feature of Surfshark on Android is the ability to spoof your GPS data. That can be used to trick even the most advanced apps into thinking you're somewhere else. However, know that GPS spoofing is available on rooted Android devices only.

The best thing is - this VPN doesn't collect your data (it comes with a no-logs policy) and has a pristine reputation. Also, know that Surfshark is a solid option for streaming, as it can unblock just about any website out there. We've had plenty of luck using this VPN to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more.

In the end, know that this VPN for Android phones provides 24/7 customer support. On top of that, it has a 30-day money-back policy.

5. Private Internet Access – Android VPN with the Largest Server Network

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent VPN for Android because it has the largest server network out of all the VPNs on the market. The provider has thousands of servers, including servers in all 50 US states. Its servers cover 83 countries, making PIA an excellent option for those who want to unblock streaming platforms and websites, especially ones in the US.

With PIA, you’ll get excellent security for your Android device with great customization options. PIA users can tweak their security settings, increase and decrease their level of encryption, fine-tune their protocols, and more. 

You can easily download PIA’s VPN app from the Play Store and get it up and running in a few minutes. However, if you want more robust security and privacy measures than what comes preconfigured, you must know your way around a VPN to modify them.

Conversely, PIA isn’t the fastest VPN, and if you enhance your security, your speeds will be even slower. Thus, it’s about finding the right balance between security and speed. In general, you can expect medium-level connection speeds from this provider. 

PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out and see if it works for your purposes. They also provide 24/7 customer support via live chat, which may come in handy if you need help customizing some of the more advanced settings. 

6. IPVanish – VPN for Android with Unlimited Connections

IPVanish is an easy-to-use Android VPN with a straightforward app you can download from the Play Store. First-time VPN users can quickly get the hang of IPVanish’s app, so if you’re new to the world of Android VPNs, IPVanish could be a great option for you.

The provider offers a wide range of privacy and security features, including numerous VPN protocols to choose from, military-grade AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and more. So, it's obvious that IPVanish is the best VPN for Android if you're focused on your privacy primarily.

IPVanish allows its users to choose from more than 2,000 servers that are spread across 50+ countries worldwide. It can unblock a wide range of streaming platforms and supports torrenting as well. 

While IPVanish isn’t the fastest VPN provider out there, it can definitely get the job done. More importantly, you can trust this provider to keep your data safe thanks to its strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. 

Like its competitors, IPVanish also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and its customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

7. Ivacy VPN - Budget-Friendly VPN for Android Phones

Ivacy might not be the most recognizable VPN brand out there. However, that is most definitely poised to change in the future. This Singapore-based VPN checks all the right boxes and comes with a comprehensive set of features and privacy-protecting measures for all your devices. And, of course, Android is among those as well.

First of all, Ivacy VPN comes with a set of really capable VPN protocols. Depending on your priorities, you can choose from a wide range of those (if you need protection over performance and vice versa).

This VPN also comes with a highly polished Android application, available on the Play Store. Download it, log in, connect to a server of your choosing, and that's about it.

However, Ivacy also offers detailed instructions on setting up this VPN manually, which is perfect for more advanced users. No matter which installation method you pick, you can be sure that Ivacy doesn't collect your private information, as this is a no-logs VPN provider.

Among other features, note that Ivacy is often recommended for media streaming. Its apps offer servers specialized for all kinds of streaming services, where you'll also find plenty of niche options.

It's equally helpful in unblocking websites not available in your country, which makes it a reliable anti-censorship tool (it even offers a special app for users in China). The only downside is that Ivacy isn't the fastest VPN out there, so we recommend it to those with speedier connections.

What Is a VPN on an Android Phone? 

A VPN for an Android phone is a service that encrypts your phone’s Internet connection to secure your device and keep your data safe. Thus, your identity and sensitive information will be hidden from third parties, including governments, ISPs, hackers, and anyone else who might want your data. 

You can also access geo-restricted content from all around the world when you use a VPN to change your location on Android. All you have to do is connect to a server in the country where there are sites or platforms you want to access. You can also connect to a server in your own country if you simply want to hide your identity for activities like torrenting. 

With the best Android VPN apps, connecting to a fast server takes just a few seconds. You can keep the VPN on all the time on Android to consistently ensure your device’s safety. 

What Does a VPN Do on Android?

With the best VPN for Android, you can connect to servers that are outside the country you’re currently located in. Thus, it allows you to change your virtual location and make it seem like you’re in an entirely different place than you really are.

Other things a VPN for Android can do for you include the following:

• Protect Your Data – Phones can easily be hacked, especially on public Wi-Fi. An Android VPN can prevent this by encrypting your Internet connection and shielding your traffic.
• Hide Your Online Activity – The best Android VPN will come with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy to hide your online activity from everyone, including the VPN provider itself. This way, no one will be able to access your browsing history, send you targeted ads, or see what you’re doing online.
• Help You Avoid Bandwidth Throttling – ISPs often slow down users’ Internet connections when they see that they’re using a lot of data. Fortunately, you can avoid this with an Android VPN, which will hide your online activity from your ISP.
• Bypass Geo-Restrictions – Since a VPN allows you to change your virtual location, it also allows you to bypass restrictions, so you can access content that is otherwise unavailable in your country. For example, if you’re not in the UK but want to watch BBC iPlayer, you can connect to a UK-based server and enjoy BBC iPlayer without restrictions. 

Do You Really Need a VPN App for Android? Why?

Yes, you really need a VPN app - and especially if you're on Android. That's because VPNs protect your privacy, block trackers, and prevent your sensitive data from being exploited.

First and foremost, VPNs are designed to secure your privacy. They take your incoming and outgoing Web traffic and put all that data into a secure tunnel. That happens using a range of protocols coupled with high-end VPN encryption. In other words, your data becomes invisible to anyone else online - and this is especially important if you're an Android user, and here's why.

Android is a hugely powerful (and widely used) mobile operating system, offering a high level of customization. However, this also means malicious apps can easily find their way to your Android device, even via Google's Play Store.

We keep hearing about Android app-based threats, and there are reports on hidden backdoors, which makes it hard to know where your private data ends up. A VPN won't stop a malicious app from installing, but it can significantly help by encrypting and scrambling your data.

Next, let's talk about public Wi-Fi networks. Do you tend to connect to Wi-Fi networks in public places? Well, know that devices within the same Wi-Fi network "talk" to each other, which means malicious actors can easily target that whole group of devices.

The best VPN for VPN will make sure no one can access your device, and it makes sure that your (sensitive) data doesn't leave your phone in any way.

Finally, let's not forget that many apps and online services are limited to individual countries. A VPN is a crucial tool in that case as well, allowing you to change and mask your location.

How to Choose the Best Android VPN?

To pick the best VPN for Android aligned with all your needs, you need to establish criteria for your search based on your needs and priorities.

So, check below for what any capable Android app needs to offer.

• Find a Native Android VPN App: You'll want to sign-up for a VPN offering a native Android app. On the other end of that spectrum, we have VPNs that require manual configuration on Android, which is something you'd want to avoid.
• Use an Often-Updated Android VPN App: Keep in mind that your VPN should offer a highly polished app, as not just about any kind of app will do the job. VPNs invest heavily in supporting the latest protocols and security standards, and they also work hard on eliminating vulnerabilities. So, a reliable VPN releases new software updates often.
• Check Which VPN Protocols You'll Get: You'll often see VPNs saying they offer a bunch of VPN protocols, but that doesn't mean that you'll get all of them, as they are typically reserved for specific platforms. When it comes to Android, pay attention to OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and IPSec.
• Cover Your Specific Needs: Do you want to stream media as well? Do you need to unblock new apps and websites? If that's so, take your time to read hands-on reviews, and you'll find plenty of those on TechNadu. Make a list of your requirements (anything outside of basic privacy protection), and do your research before committing to a VPN.
• Ensure You're Spending Your Money Wisely: Any reputable VPN will offer a money-back policy. That means you'll have several weeks to test your chosen VPN while reserving your right to change your mind (and have your money returned). So, find a VPN with a generous money-back policy, giving you from 30 to 45 days to test its capabilities.

Is It Legal and Safe to Use a VPN on Android?

Yes, it's legal and safe to use VPNs on Android - as they protect your right to privacy, which means that you have every right to pick any VPN app out there.

Of course, that applies to countries where VPNs are legal to use. With that said, know that a small group of countries has made VPNs illegal (use the provided link to learn more), so we advise you to check your local laws.

We also need to add that you must adhere to your country's laws when using a VPN. That type of software hides your online whereabouts and keeps your Web browsing data away from anyone's eyes. Still, that doesn't mean that you should use a VPN for activities that might get you in trouble, such as copyright infringement, for example.

To help you find answers regarding the legality of VPNs, we made sure to produce a dedicated guide. So, if you want to learn more, here's whether using VPN is legal and safe.

Are VPNs Harmful for Android?

No, VPNs are not harmful to your Android device - but only if you use a reliable VPN that doesn't take advantage of your trust and privacy.

Know that you should never use a free VPN, even if it comes from the Play Store. Since Android is a very open platform, it's prone to different kinds of malware apps. So, if you use a VPN that comes with malicious intentions (which is the case with most free VPNs and not just on Android), you could put your privacy at risk.

A reputable and reliable VPN will never harm your privacy and won't harm your Android device in any sense or way. Instead, it will protect you on the Web, helping you battle against all kinds of digital trackers, many of which come preloaded on Android.

How Do I Setup a VPN on Android?

There are two ways to set up a VPN on Android, based on whether you can download it from the Play Store or by downloading its APK file.

Find more info just below.

• Download & Install a VPN from the Play Store: This is the primary method of getting a VPN on your device. Launch the Play Store and look for the VPN app you want to install. Download the app, launch it, and log in to your account. That's it!
• Download & Install a VPN via an APK File: Some VPNs also offer APK files, letting you install their apps manually. Due to Play Store's restrictions, apps distributed that way can be limited in their features. That's why many VPNs offer APK files, giving you access to features that their Play Store counterparts don't offer.

We're sure that you'll want to check the detailed steps as well. With that said, here's how to set up a VPN on Android, covering all of the previously explained methods. And if you have a media streaming device powered by Android, here's how to set up a VPN on Android TV.

Can I Use My Android VPN on PC?

Yes, you can also use your Android VPN on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, as well as across plenty of other devices and platforms.

Every VPN service allows you to have more than a single VPN connection active. For example, ExpressVPN gives you 5 simultaneous connections, NordVPN gives you 6, CyberGhost VPN gives you 7, and Surfshark doesn't have a limit of that sort.

That means you're free to install your chosen VPN app on Android. Then, you can do the same on your computer, tablet, or even a media streaming device. Also, you'll get to have multiple sessions active at the same time, as that's already included in your VPN subscription.

You might also be interested in reading about how to share a VPN connection on Android without rooting, as well as how to share a VPN connection from Android to PC.

Can I Use a VPN on an Android Tablet?

Yes, you can use a VPN on your Android tablet as well. That's because pretty much every VPN app for Android also has a version for larger screens.

If using a VPN on your Android tablet is crucial to you, make sure to check the Play Store for additional information. That's where you'll see whether your chosen VPN offers a version for tablets, which will probably be a scaled-up version of its smartphone app.

What Is Google One VPN?

As part of its Google One subscription, you can use a VPN made by Google. That option became available in October 2020.

Google's VPN solution works across Android devices, promising to give you secure and private connections without data logging. That sounds great in theory, but we all know that Google is behind the most aggressive trackers on the Web.

That said, it can be very hard to trust Google to keep your sensitive data safe. And aside from that, pretty much any other reputable commercial VPN will bring you more features, including the ability to bypass geo-blocked websites.

So, even though we recommend using Google One as it brings many benefits (like up to 2TB of cloud storage, for example), we don't recommend using Google's VPN solution.

Can I Leave My Android VPN ON All the Time?

Yes, you can leave your Android VPN on all the time. That's because the best VPN for Android will always come with unlimited bandwidth.

Also, like on any other platform, Android VPNs work in the background. Once you connect to a VPN server, all your Web data flows through that server. You can use any browser to interact with the Web, or you can use any app - while making sure your personal data is safe and encrypted.

Still, know that any VPN will introduce additional processes to your Android device, which means that they have some effect on your smartphone's battery. In that sense, know that VPNs won't drain your battery, even though some protocols are more efficient than others. We recommend relying on the WireGuard protocol to preserve your device's battery.

How Can I Fake My Location on Android?

Using a VPN service, you can fake your location on Android and trick websites and apps into thinking you're somewhere entirely else, which happens in two different ways.

By changing your IP address, you change your high-level geo-location data. Any VPN app will let you pick from a range of countries, which means that once you connect to a server, you'll get a country-specific IP address. In other words, you can use a VPN to change your IP location on Android, and that's how you can hide your IP address as well.

Your Android device also uses GPS coordinates to pinpoint your whereabouts. Those can be very hard to fake, even though some VPNs offer a solution regarding that type of data. At the moment, Surfshark is the best option for spoofing your GPS data.

What's the Fastest VPN for Android?

The fastest VPN for Android at the moment is ExpressVPN. It's closely followed by NordVPN and Surfshark, all of which are speedy and reliable.

All three of those VPN services are pretty fast on Android, even without any fine-tuning. What's important to mention is that they achieve fast speeds while bringing highly secure protocols from the get-go. Other VPNs can be very fast as well, but they typically use less powerful protocols (like IKEv2 and IPsec, for example) by default.

Still, keep in mind that any VPN will slow you down a bit. That's why it's crucial to pick a VPN with fast baseline speeds, and that's precisely why we strongly recommend ExpressVPN.

Why Is My Android VPN Not Working?

If your Android VPN doesn't work, you'll want to switch to another server, use a different protocol, or update your device's software.

Find more information just below.

• Switch to Another Server: Today's VPNs have large server networks capable of supporting many users. Still, individual servers can get overcrowded at times, especially those found in countries like the US and the UK. So, if you're having a hard time reaching a stable VPN connection, you might want to try switching to a different server.
• Switch to Another Protocol: Each VPN protocol has a different set of instructions regarding how your Web data is handled. Picking another protocol is handy if your VPN refuses to connect to servers, which can sometimes happen when using WireGuard.
• Update Your Software: For any Android VPN to run smoothly, your software needs to be up to date. That means that you should update your device's operating system, as well as any VPN app you might use and its dependencies.
• Reach Out To Your VPN: As recommended in our guide on the best VPNs for Android, you should always pick a VPN with reliable customer support. Doing so helps you when things go wrong, as you can count on live chat support to resolve your issue quickly. So, it's always the safest bet to turn to your VPN and report your problem.

We made sure to produce a guide on what to do when your VPN doesn't work. Make sure to use the provided link for additional tips and instructions.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Android?

Yes, you can use a free VPN on Android. However, that's really not a good idea. There are many reasons why staying away from free VPNs is recommended, so let's explain.

Remember that we told you how VPNs handle your incoming and outgoing traffic, right? Well, that is a huge opportunity for malicious actors to take advantage of your trust. We're talking about your privacy here, which you should never take for granted.

With this said, we strongly recommend you avoid free VPN services as these aren't safe to use (actually, they can be very dangerous and harmful). In fact, it's said that 25% of the most popular free Android VPNs were found to leak DNS data, which beats their primary purpose.

Today's VPNs (even the most powerful ones) are very affordable. They can cost you only a couple of dollars per month, and we recommend getting a long-term subscription (like an annual plan, for example). Also, the best VPN for Android will always come with a money-back policy, so if you're not happy with your chosen VPN, you will have your money back without much fuss.

If you're adamant about using a free VPN, at least go for a safe one. Our guide to the best free VPN for Android can help you in your search.

What's the Best Free and Unlimited VPN for Android?

Our guide to the best free VPNs for Android offers a single option that comes with unlimited bandwidth - and that would be ProtonVPN.

Still, even though ProtonVPN is both free and unlimited, it has pretty severe limitations. You'll get to connect to a handful of servers only, and you'll face limited speeds. Aside from that, ProtonVPN's free accounts don't support P2P or media streaming.

Once again, we recommend staying away from free VPNs. Even though there's a small group of trustworthy ones (like ProtonVPN), they come with all kinds of restrictions. So, if you're on a budget, you might want to check the best VPN deals, helping you save quite a lot.

Final Thoughts

A VPN is a bulletproof way to protect your Android device and your Internet activities. It hides your identity and allows you to change your virtual location. With an Android VPN, you can also unblock all kinds of websites and streaming platforms unavailable in your country. 

We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Android because it offers thousands of servers worldwide, military-grade encryption, and lightning-fast Internet connections that are ideal for Android phones. If you want to effortlessly unblock geo-restricted services and feel confident that your identity is protected, ExpressVPN is your best bet.

That's all for our guide to the best VPN for Android. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!