8 Best VPNs for Android and How to Set Them Up in 2024 (2024)

Whether it’s the Samsung Galaxy S, a One Plus 11, or a Google Pixel 7, Android phones all come with support for VPNs built-in. However, it can be difficult to set up a VPN on an Android device manually.

It is far easier to subscribe to a VPN service that has a dedicated Android app. This means, that instead of going through the hassle of manually setting up a VPN on your device, you can simply choose your VPN server and hit connect in order to get up and running with a VPN on an Android device immediately.

When you connect to a VPN, regardless of the device, your connection is routed through a secure, third-party server. This masks your IP address and online activity from ISPs, governments, and even hackers. In addition, VPNs also help users to access restricted content such as geographically blocked streaming content on platforms such as Hulu and Disney+.

In this article, I cover the best VPNs for the job in detail. However, if you don’t have the time to study the reviews of the VPNs I have chosen, here is a quick summary.

The best VPNs for Android users:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for an Android VPN. In addition to mobile devices, it works on many other operating systems as well. On top of that, it offers fast speeds, strong security measures, and has thousands of servers available worldwide. It also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: This is a great budget provider that offers an Android option. It works with several services, including streaming services, and has strong security measures in place.
3. ExpressVPN: A solid option for Android. In addition to offering fast streaming speeds, it supports many platforms and is a very secure platform.
4. CyberGhost: This is a great Android option for those who want access to a large number of servers. It has more than 9,000 servers and can access many different services.
5. PrivateVPN: A newer VPN service that supports Android. Although its server count is low compared to NordVPN, it has a presence in around 63 countries and is a secure platform.
6. IPVanish:This provider is popular among Kodi users since it has fast connection speeds and great Android support.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA): A lightweight and secure option that’s compatible with Android and offers easy access to geo-restricted services while you’re abroad.
8. Atlas VPN: Although it’s a smaller provider, it still offers fast and secure connections around the world and is available for Android.

I carefully researched the best VPNs for Android based on the following criteria:

• Works on a wide range of devices including Android
• Fast connection speeds
• Ability to unblock services
• Strong security measures

You can find out more about the criteria I used to evaluate VPNs in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for Android

So, without further ado, here is my list of the best VPNs for Android.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN’s network consists of over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries. It is fast and can access many different services. This includes streaming services and other services such as online banking services.

In addition, NordVPN has strong security features in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, and a kill switch. Protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks is also included. NordVPN also accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments since names aren’t associated with them.

NordVPN apps are available for Linux, Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows. Plus, some routers can have this service installed on them. In addition, users have the option of connecting six of their devices simultaneously. The customer support team is available 24/7 to help users with issues they may have.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures in place
• No logs are stored
• Apps available on many different platforms
• Customer service team is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR ANDROID:NordVPN is the bestoption available. It has a large server network, supports mobile devices, including Android, and has strong security measures in place. It also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN that has a strong VPN network with fast connection speeds and strong security measures in place. In total, there are more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. This server network can also be used to access geo-restricted services.

The provider’s security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. There is also an option for traffic scrambling. This provider accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments since names are not associated with them.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, some routers can also have this service manually installed on them. The customer service team is available 24/7 and you can connect an unlimited amount of devices at once.

Pros:

• Can access many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• An unlimited number of connections are supported
• Cryptocurrency payments increase anonymity

Cons:

• Some servers can be slow

BEST BUDGET OPTION FOR ANDROID:Surfshark is an affordableVPN option that can access services without hassle wherever you are in the world. It works on mobile devices as well and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers some of the best streaming speeds on the market. Its server network consists of over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries and it is also capable of accessing many different services; including online banking and top-tier streaming services.

This provider also ensures the safety of its users with several different security measures. These include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. In addition to the regular website, ExpressVPN also has a .onion website in place which is accessed via the TOR network. This lets users protect their anonymity since the TOR network is heavily encrypted. This service stores no logs and eight simultaneous device connections are allowed at once.

ExpressVPN has apps available for a number of different operating systems. These include Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS. It can also be installed on some supported routers. In addition, ExpressVPN’s customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds are available
• Can access many different streaming services
• .onion site available
• Cryptocurrency payments are supported
• Strong security measures are in place

Cons:

• A little more expensive than some of the other options on the list

GREAT OPTION FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is oneof the best VPNs on the market for streaming. It also values security and privacy, as shown by its .onion website. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a huge number of servers. In total, this VPN has over 9,700 servers in 91+ countries.

There are strong security measures in place, too. These include 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. This service doesn’t store any logs and it accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments.

CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. The customer support team is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are supported by this provider.

Pros:

• Clients are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service is provided
• Massive server network spread across a large number of countries
• Strong security and privacy measures are in place

Cons:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a very largeserver network. It gives users lots of different choices for getting a different IP address. It has strong security measures in place and gives users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has over 200 servers in 63+ countries. It can access many different services and the quality of its service offering is high. It rewards you with fast speeds and can support the streaming of top-tier streaming services.

The provider has several security measures in place as well. These include 256-bit AES encryption and protection against leaks (DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6). No logs are stored either. This provider accepts cryptocurrency payments, allowing for greater anonymity.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for several platforms. These include Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Some routers and Linux devices can be manually configured to work with this service. Although the customer service agents are only available during regular Swedish business hours, the quality of customer service is excellent. 10 devices can be connected simultaneously with this service.

Pros:

• Can access many services
• Fast connection speeds
• Works in China
• No logs are stored

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support is not available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a security-focused VPN. It has strong encryption in place and no logs are stored. Connection speeds are also fast. Many services can be accessed with PrivateVPN and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a fast VPN provider with a network of just under 2,000 servers in 50+ countries. This provider can also access many different services and there are several security measures in place. It’s hugely popular with Kodi users and torrenters.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also an included traffic scrambling option and no logs are stored by this provider.

IPVanish has apps available for several different platforms. These include Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. In addition, an unlimited number of connections are allowed and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• An unlimited number of connections allowed
• No logs are stored
• Great option for Kodi users and torrenters

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is secureand offers fast streaming speeds, making it a popular choice among Kodi users and torrenters. Subscribers can also have an unlimited number of connections at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight choice. It has several customization options and allows users to change the app’s interface to their liking. This service also uses the fast and efficient WireGuard VPN protocol. Plus, it can access many different streaming services.

Strong security is offered by this VPN, with security features that include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. No logs are stored by this service.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. PIA has customer service that is available via the 24/7 live chat and an unlimited number of connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Can provide secure access to many services
• WireGuardVPN protocol supported
• Several customization options are in place

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design can be lacking in some ways

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE OPTION:PIA is a lightweight optionthat is fast and efficient. It supports an unlimited number of connections and several customization options. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has a server network that spans 40+ locations and has over 750 servers. This provider’s network is fast and secure, allowing users to access services with ease. Atlas VPN is a newer provider but it doesn’t skimp on quality.

The provider also has a lot of security measures in place. These include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This service stores no logs and MultiHop servers are available that can encrypt your data twice. Atlas VPN also allows users to make payments with cryptocurrency.

Atlas VPN apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. In addition, this service supports an unlimited number of connections.

Pros:

• Can access many different services
• MultiHop servers encrypt data twice
• No identifying logs are stored

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Customer service could be better

FAST OPTION WITH STRONG ENCRYPTION:Atlas VPN is a newer servicebut it provides quality features. It offers fast speeds and strong security, such as 256-bit AES encryption. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for Android

There are many different VPN services that are available on the market. However, not all of them are of the same quality. For this reason, I used my comprehensive testing methodology to find the best VPNs for Android. Here is a list of the criteria that I used to find the best VPNs.

• Servers: The greater the number of servers the better. Having a large number of servers ensures that users from across the globe can successfully access streaming platforms and other services while abroad.
• Ability to unblock services: A good VPN is capable of accessing a wide variety of services. The VPNs on the list above can unblock many services, including streaming sites and other services such as online banking.
• Security: VPNs can provide protection against hackers on open WiFi networks and they also protect your privacy while you’re on the internet. All of the VPNs on this list have strong security measures in place, such as 256-bit AES encryption.
• Speed: Fast connection speeds are necessary to make sure that users’ internet experiences aren’t compromised.
• Usability: I picked VPN providers with easy-to-use Android apps. While it is important to have solid functionality across both the desktop and mobile apps, due to the layout of Android devices, I looked for app designs that made it easy to access this functionality from a mobile device.

How to set up a VPN on Android

Simply follow these steps to get set up with a VPN on Android:

1. Sign up for a top-quality VPN. I recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the Android app on your device.
3. Now connect to a VPN server in a location of your choice (for accessing services from back home as you travel, select a server in your home country).
4. You are now connected using a VPN.

If you encounter any issues, try clearing your device’s cache and cookies. If this still doesn’t work, try contacting your VPN’s support team.

Best VPNs for Android FAQs