Best VPN for Android 2024: Top 7 Most Secure Apps - VPN Compare (2024)

There are plenty of Android apps out there but choosing the best Android VPN is harder than you might think.

In this guide, we’ve identified the seven best Android VPN apps for your mobile devices to help you stay secure, unblock website content, bypass geo-restrictions and more.

If you’re an Android user, then you’re in good company. According to Statcounter,over 70% of all smartphone and tablet devices are running some version of Android [1].

This means there are lots of VPNs in Android’s Play Store and with less regulation than in the Apple App Store, this means there are a lot of dodgy Android VPN apps too. In this guide, we will help you pick the best Android VPN.

If you’re ready to increase your security and unblock more content, let’s dive in.

Top 7 Android VPNs

Keeping your Android phones and tablets secure is critical these days and unblocking streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer is important too. A VPN will help you to do both.

Below are our experts round-up of the top six choices of VPN apps for Android for all purposes.

1. ExpressVPN – #1 recommendation!
2. NordVPN
3. CyberGhost VPN
4. PrivateInternetAccess
5. VyprVPN
6. IPVanish
7. Surfshark

1. ExpressVPN

Simplicity is key when using an Android VPN and ExpressVPN have certainly achieved this with their dedicated app which surpasses their Windows/Mac apps as far as we are concerned.

Settings are minimal on the easy-to-use app and being based in the British Virgin Islands means their no user logging policy is watertight and you can switch IP addresses with confidence.

A high-speed connection can be made right from the main screen of the app by simply tapping the connect button securing you with AES 256 encryption. The no user logs policy brings guarantee and independently verified user privacy too.

There’s also a couple of ‘Recent Location’ options which allow you to connect to some of your favourites quickly. A new neat addition is the ability to customise ‘app-launch’ buttons making your five favourite apps accessible straight from within the ExpressVPN app after connection.

The intuitive Android app is simple to use, so much so even my parents managed to grasp it.

You can select from ExpressVPN’s network of VPN server locations in over 94 countries which are split into ‘Recent’ and ‘Recommendation Locations’ and also grouped by ‘Continent’ if you need to select a specific country.

Connection speeds are excellent and there is unlimited monthly data and bandwidth which means Android VPN users will be able to stream in full 4K UHD from online streaming services.

It unblocks Netflix (Netflix US, UK Netflix, and Netflix Canada included), Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Android TV, and many others.

I found this to be the best VPN for Android to watch the latest episodes of The Mandalorian on Disney Plus while travelling Asia without issues.

Security features

ExpressVPN have an integrated kill switch feature that cuts your internet access if your VPN connection drops. Having a kill switch helps you remain anonymous while surfing the web.

There is a split tunneling offering and port forwarding support too. I used the split tunneling to access my online banking using a local IP address, while maintaining a connection to an overseas location through the VPN.

Another useful feature is the protection against DNS leaks.

The service is covered by their 30-day money-back guarantee so you’ve got loads of time to test their service and you can connect up to five devices simultaneously too.

Prices start from just $6.99 / £5.59 per month, which is one of the best VPN deals around.

There is 24/7 customer support with live chat, to help with any questions the user might have too. It has a high satisfaction rating with users.

Sign up today with our exclusive offer and get three months free on an annual deal for one of the very best Android VPNs.

Our #1 Recommended Android VPN

30-day money back guarantee

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s dedicated Android app is completely different to ExpressVPN’s and provides a more feature-rich experience and great speeds. It is very similar to their Windows/Mac apps.

You can use one-click connection or the neat map view to choose your location from one of their 5,000+ VPN server network in multiple server locations around the world.

I enjoyed using their user friendly Android app, it was a breath of fresh air and allowed me to connect to overseas IP addresses with ease.

The number of server locations offered by NordVPN is growing all the time.

Speciality servers have their own section including P2P, Double VPN servers (which reroute your data through two separate VPN servers), Dedicated IP Address and Obfuscated options. You can also neatly set your Favourites for quick connection.

I used the double VPN to make my connection extremely secure while travelling. While my connection speeds did slow down slightly, it still unblocks Netflix with ease and I suffered no issues streaming Emily In Paris.

There is a comprehensive no user logging policy to bring top user privacy and their nifty NordLynx tool too which all helps mask your actual IP Address.

The VPN software works well for unblocking services such as Netflix (including Netflix US), Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, iFollow and more. Plus there’s a money-back guarantee for 30 days letting you test the app risk-free.

It’s always a good idea to test VPNs with all of the services you’ll be using it for, so it’s handy that NordVPN give you 30 days to do so.

Nord also offers a great user-friendly customer support with live chat, a built-in kill switch, split tunneling, AES 256 encryption, and prices as low as £2.59 per month for a 2 year plan which makes it one of the cheapest VPN services on the market too.

Looking for a quality Android VPN? NordVPN has you covered, it’s one of the best paid Android VPN services around.

3. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN’s Android app is one of the most user-friendly apps available. You can just click the ‘On’ switch to connect, although there are available server locations just a further click away.

These are split into individual countries, favourites and ‘Streaming Friendly‘. If unblocking video streaming websites on your Android handset is a top priority, then you’ll love this feature (great for Netflix users).

I found it unblocks most Netflix libraries including Netflix UK, US, Canada, Japan, and more.

Each server is owned by CyberGhost, which means no third party businesses have access to your mobile traffic. I like this, as it gives you an extra piece of insurance, knowing the VPN provider is keeping your data safe.

The application also has a kill switch, AES 256 encryption, a built-in ad-blocker, online tracking prevention and a data compression option which may allow you to squeeze a little more data out of your mobile internet service.

A no user logging policy is their standard policy too meaning great privacy protection.

You can have 7 simultaneous connections, unlimited network data, and there is a 45-day money-back guarantee available too. Prices start from just £1.85 per month.

Overall I found CyberGhost to be a quality Android VPN app that lets you use the web anonymously.

4. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access’s Android app is not one for beginners and would be classed as functional but it does still offer decent online security.

It is a good Android VPN app although has lots of features lacking from some of its competitors. Settings allow you to select the remote port to connect to, which DNS servers and data encryption to use, what authentication, handshaking, unlimited bandwidth, and more. The privacy policy is decent too.

Private Internet Access VPN also has a built-in kill switch, split tunneling, and many other features that help you to block certain types of Android-specific leaks.

Since early 2023 Private Internet Access VPN provides you with unlimited simultaneous connections. You can connect unlimited devices to your VPN.

I used their unlimited simultaneous connections to connect my entire families devices to their service seamlessly.

If you like getting your hands dirty, know exactly what you’re doing or need a higher level of customisation and options then the Private Internet Access Android VPN app is the one for you.

Prices start from just £1.67 per month – a small price compared to many VPN companies and for unlimited access to the web securely.

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN’s Android app is one of the better ones we’ve seen that has a nice balance between simplicity and features. It is designed so you can access both advanced features and VPN server selection all from the main screen.

Servers are broken down into a country listing showing you the speed of each but unfortunately, you can’t pick specific servers.

Protocol and DNS options are available but the standout feature for us has to be the split tunneling feature that lets you exclude certain apps from using the VPN connection to protect the web traffic that matters without slowing other network traffic down.

I found it useful for accessing betting apps and online banking. It saves you from having to constantly connect and disconnect to your VPN.

There’s also a Kill Switch, AES 256 encryption and the usual variety of automatic connection options.

VyprVPN offers a money-back guarantee for 30 days and a 24/7 live chat customer support. Prices start from $5.00 per month which is on the pricey side.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish has recently updated the look of its Android app. This was long overdue and is a significant improvement on what went before, adding a clean user-friendly look. IPVanish does a good job of securing your Android connection too.

I was a big fan of their upgraded look and found it more user-friendly compared to the older version. A nice app is a must for any VPN provider.

Quick network connection can be achieved through the IPVanish home screen of the application, or you can choose different Countries, Cities or even specific Servers.

You can switch between a UDP and TCP OpenVPN connection or choose the new fast and lightweight WireGuard protocol if you prefer.

Two other features we found extremely useful were the ability to select a specific port to connect through and the ‘Scramble‘ feature which lets you break through some restrictive networks by disguising the VPN connection from your internet service provider helping to unblock websites.

Pretty handy if you want to access tough websites and additional Netflix libraries.

They offer 256-bit encryption, a kill switch and IPVanish also has a split tunneling option. Throw in unlimitedsimultaneous connections with unlimited devices and you can protect all your devices with one subscription. However, they don’t offer dedicated IP address options.

There is great live chat support to help when you are using a VPN and get stuck. I tested their live chat feature and they provided answers swiftly.

IPVanish is one of the best Android VPN services with several features other VPN providers lack.

7. Surfshark

Looking to for one of the best Android VPNs? Surfshark VPN could be what you’re looking for.

It has a brilliant looking Android app which is a pleasure to use. I managed to make a connection in as little as 5 seconds, which is pretty impressive if you ask me.

I was pleased to see their ‘quick connect’ button, which allows you to connect to the fastest connection immediately.

Security Features

Like the other VPNs on this list, Surfshark offers a wide range of security features to keep your data secure while you use your Android device.

My favourite security features on Surfshark are:

• Kill switch
• DNS leak protection
• Camouflage mode
• AES 256-bit encryption
• A range of protocols
• And more…

I’m impressed with Surfshark and they’ve got an excellent track record when it comes to keeping you secure.

Streaming

When it comes to streaming with Surfshark, it’s one of the best VPNs for the job. It allows you to access over 30+ Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Disney Plus, and more.

I used their VPN to unblock Disney Plus while I was in Cyprus, it unblocked the streaming platform and allowed me to binge all of the Star Wars Saga.

Pricing

Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs for Android. You can subscribe to their service for as little as £1.86, which is incredibly cheap. However, it does mean you need to sign up to their 24-month deal in order to get this price.

While it’s great for keeping the cost down, there’s no telling what the app will be like in 2 years time. So it’s something to consider before comitting.

Overall, Surfshark is a brilliant VPN for Android.

How we chose and ranked the VPNs

In order to determine which VPN providers are good and which are not, we assessed several criteria including:

1) Security Features

All the best VPNs for Android should offer 256-bit AES encryption and security protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard as standard to help you establish a secure VPN tunnel for your internet connection.

We also looked for other useful security features such as a built-in kill switch that will help prevent any data leaks to phishing sites and hackers such as your IP address. We also considered split tunneling options and Tor over VPN servers.

2) Usability

Naturally, Android users need a VPN on an Android smartphone or tablet that does everything that users need it to do. That means offering fast enough speeds to stream content and access websites swiftly.

It also means having a user-friendly and clutter free Android VPN app with a simple design, and ideally a single-click function to connect to the fastest available server. Trust me, the last thing you want is a bloated VPN app that’s difficult to use – like most free android VPNs.

We also ensured that all the VPNs are available on the Google Play Store for ease of downloading.

3) Accessibility

For a VPN to be considered good, it also needs to be accessible for users. This means being available in countries around the world so that anyone can use it, no matter where they live.

We generally recommend those that have a large number of servers, spread across a wide variety of countries, so you’re not plagued by overcrowding and can get an IP address from many countries as well as secure web traffic.

How to choose an Android VPN?

VPN apps work across many devices but choosing one for an Android mobile device has specific considerations.

Look for the following features before choosing a particular VPN for your Android device to help you make the best choice.

• Android app: Make sure the VPN service you sign up to has a dedicated app. This is far easier than trying to set your VPN up manually.
• Limited clutter:While desktop clients are about features, apps should be minimal. Using a VPN can drain your battery so making sure the app has a small footprint will improve usability.
• Widgets: If you love controlling your Android apps from your phone’s home screen then a limited number of VPN applications have built-in widgets that allow you to turn the VPN on and off at the flick of a switch.
• Unlimited data:Ensure that your chosen VPN service provider offers unlimited monthly data to be sure that your customer data is safe and not going to run out either.
• Money-back guarantee: Choose a provider that offers a money-back guarantee. VPN applications can vary in price depending on your location and usage. Having a money-back guarantee brings peace of mind allowing you to test the service without risk.

Which Android VPN is best for you?

Above, we’ve listed 7 of the best Android VPNs. You can use a VPN from this list on both phones and tablets.

The standout virtual private network provider for us is ExpressVPN.

It has the best balance of simplicity and features. However, choosing a VPN for Android isn’t an exact science and the ‘best’ VPN for you will depend on your individual requirements

Simon Hill of Digital Trends findings confirmed our own [2] rating ExpressVPN in their top 5 choices.

To help you make a decision on which is the best Android VPN app for you we’ve listed some of the most common uses:

If you want excellent privacy protection, choose ExpressVPN.

With servers in 94 countries, a tested and audited no-log policy and being registered off-shore there is no better service to keep your usage private while using your Android device.

If you want an app that’s easy to use, get NordVPN.

Their app is one of the best designed Android VPNs that we’ve seen. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to navigate your way around and with one-touch connections, it’s impossible to get it wrong. Plus they have world-class customer support.

If you want a feature-rich Android app, take PrivateInternetAccess.

This is definitely the expert’s option, with features to select everything from encryption to authentication types, a kill switch, and split tunneling, you’ll be in geek-heaven.

If you want to unblock & stream more TV content, choose CyberGhost VPN.

It has dedicated options to unblock streaming platforms like Netflix (including Netflix US), Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Sky, Hulu, YouTube and more.

It also has a huge range of VPN server location options, CyberGhost VPN will make your Android device the ultimate portable entertainment system and allow you to switch between multiple IP addresses as well as benefit from one of the fastest VPN services around.

If you want a risk-free experience, select ExpressVPN, NordVPN or CyberGhost.

All three offer either a 30 or 45-day money-back guarantee respectively giving you plenty of time to try them out. With a free trial not common these days, this is as good as it gets.

How can I sign up for an Android VPN app?

Most VPN apps don’t allow you to sign up directly in the app itself although some like NordVPN and VyprVPN do. This is true for both the mobile and desktop version.

The most reliable way to get a VPN service for your Android device is first to visit the VPN service’s website directly using a web browser on your tablet or phone. Just click through one of the links on this page.

Sign up for their service online and then visit the Play store or your VPN’s official website. Download their app in a couple of clicks and you’re away.

You can quickly open the app and login with the username and password you created when signing up.

In Summary

Recap of Top 7 VPNs for Android

Selecting a the best VPN for Android is challenging. There are so many available on the Google Play store, it can leave you confused knowing which is best.

From testing the top VPNs around, we found the following to be your best options:

1. ExpressVPN (Our top pick)
2. NordVPN (Excellent VPN app)
3. CyberGhost VPN (Ideal for streaming)
4. Private Internet Access (Great for technical features)
5. Vypr VPN (Fast connection speeds)
6. IPVanish (Unlimited connections)
7. Surfshark VPN (Cheap deals)

All of these offerings have their own pros can cons, but come with money-back guarantees, so you can test them out risk-free.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN

When it comes to choosing the best Android VPN for you, there are several factors you should consider.

Connections speeds

Having an Android VPN with fast connection speeds ensures you can stream TV in full HD and UHD. It also ensures you can download files quickly.

Server locations

A wide rang of server locations ensures you can connect to many different locations without losing speed. It also allows you to access content from many regions globally.

VPN app

An Android VPN needs a user-friendly app that’s simple to set up. Be sure to choose one with a decent Android app, you’ll thank me for it.

Security features

Want to stay safe online? If so, the VPN you choose needs to have excellent security. Things like a kill switch, split tunnelling, AES 256-bit encryption, and more.

Our Top Pick for the Best VPN for Android

Out of our list of best Android VPNs, ExpressVPN offers the best combination of features and simplicity. If you’re a beginner, you’ll have no issues making a connection and will benefit from their excellent security.

With ExpressVPN, you can unblock most streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and many more.

They offer excellent deals and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN, I’ve personally been using their services for years now.

One thing I strongly recommend is that you avoid free Android VPNs.

Free VPNs aren’t worth the hassle and pose a security risk. Plus, they never offer what the promise.

Whichever VPN you choose, there is no such thing as best free VPNs.

With the premium VPNs I’ve have recommended, you can’t go wrong. No matter which app you end up choosing they’re all great services for all Android users.

Check them out online and download one from the Google play store.

Sources

1. Statcounter | Mobile & Tablet Operating System Market Share Worldwide
2. DigitalTrends | The best VPNs for Android

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Illustration © Seeni Vasagam & Muhammad Zafar | Dreamstime.com