Last Updated on 22/04/2022 by st.tdh.update
It’s tough to locate a VPN that you can rely on to keep your Android safe. On the Google Play Store, there are hundreds of bogus VPN apps that might infect your Android with malware. Furthermore, you cannot rely on most of them to safeguard you as they say.
My team and I evaluated over 100 Android VPNs to identify the safest, most secure options. We also examined each to guarantee that it has fast speeds, excellent security features, and dependable worldwide networks. Furthermore, each VPN on this list is extremely user-friendly and ideal for Android streaming.
ExpressVPN is my #1 Android VPN suggestion. It’s lightning-fast, has military-grade security measures, and dozens of powerful servers that can circumvent even the most difficult geoblocks. It is also backward compatible with all major operating systems and has a money-back guarantee. That means you may try out all of ExpressVPN’s capabilities on your Android device without risk. If you are dissatisfied with it, you have 30 days to request a complete refund.
What makes the best Android VPN?
Speed, security, server count, and ease of use are all crucial characteristics of any Android VPN, with the latter being the most important one for many users. ExpressVPN is our preferred VPN for Android due to the combination of these features, as well as a long-standing reputation for quality.
Among other things, the best Android VPN will offer a kill switch to safeguard you in the unusual event that your connection breaks, keeping you safe from the risks of any unprotected network you may be utilizing. Split tunneling, which isolates the traffic of various apps, should also be avoided. This allows you to route certain traffic over the VPN while leaving others on your normal connection.
While Express is at the top of our list, we’ve gathered four more deserving candidates that offer a variety of experiences for various users. All you have to do now is keep scrolling – it’s time to find the best Android VPN for you and recover your online privacy.
Are Android VPNs legal?
VPNs have a somewhat tainted reputation as a result of their connections with hackers, pirates, and other internet criminals. However, using a VPN on any and all of your devices is completely legal — and the great majority of users do so as well.
While the secrecy provided by VPNs may occasionally assist nefarious people, law-abiding persons have the right to enjoy those freedoms for their own personal, lawful purposes as well.
What else can Android VPNs do?
While you’re on your phone, you’re probably not going to utilise your Android VPN to its full potential – simply to be secure online and maybe watch some foreign Netflix – but happily, everyone on our list enables you to use your subscription on various devices.
That means you’ll be able to install your VPN on your PC or Mac, as well as your smart TV, gaming console, or router. There, you may make use of the power VPNs have to offer.
One of the key advantages of utilizing a torrenting VPN is that it keeps you secure, as P2P sharing is a risky activity for people who indulge in it without security.
Another reason is to escape any limits on your internet access, which is especially handy for students, those living in leased housing, or those at work, and allows you to surf the web without anybody limiting what you want to look at.
How do you set up an Android VPN?
On Android, installing a VPN is as simple as installing any other software.
To begin, download the app from the Play Store or straight from the provider’s website. You may then install the app as normal, and once it’s launched, you’ll be prompted to login in to your account.
After you sign in, your device will request permission to establish a VPN connection. This will display regardless of whatever Android VPN you have subscribed to. After you’ve granted those rights, your VPN is ready to use. All of the VPNs on our website have outstanding support networks, so if you have any issues, they will always be pleased to assist you.
Tips for Choosing the Best Android VPN
A good VPN for Android should provide you with excellent security, quick speeds, and dependability. These are the criteria I used to choose the VPNs on my list. Here’s a rundown of what you should look for:
- Strong security – At the very least, it should have 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention.
- Android apps that are easy to use – Make sure the Android app is well-designed and equivalent to the PC version.
- Fast servers assist eliminate latency or buffering whether streaming, gaming, surfing, or torrenting on your Android device.
- Extensive server network – Having additional servers will help you avoid overpopulation and provide you access to more worldwide content with your Android from anywhere.
- Unblocking streaming services — Confirm that the VPN allows you to access your favorite streaming sites on your Android device.
- Privacy protection – I recommend ensuring that the company has a rigorous no-logs policy; it’s even better if it has independent audits and transparency reports, as well as is located outside of the authority of the 5/9/14 Eyes.
- Money-back guarantee with no strings attached – Look for a free trial or, even better, a risk-free money-back promise. You may try the VPN on your Android before committing to a full subscription this way.
- Reliable customer support — It’s ideal if the business includes a live chat feature in the Android app that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I evaluated each VPN’s customer care — regardless of the technique, they all responded within 24 hours.
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s Android app provides top-tier security to keep you secure online. Your online behavior is virtually difficult to read thanks to military-grade 256-bit encryption and absolute forward secrecy. Even if the encryption key was discovered, it would not be able to decrypt anything because it is always changing.
I loved how its automated kill switch informed me that it had halted my internet access while the VPN was unplugged. These security features allow you to surf on your Android with the assurance that you are connected to a secure network.
Connecting to ExpressVPN with your Android protects your online privacy as well. It follows an audited and validated no-logs policy, which ensures that no of your data is saved. You’re also shielded from IP and DNS leaks, which keep your true location disguised. I checked 15 of their servers for leaks and found none.
ExpressVPN is also based in the British Virgin Islands, which are outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. Because there are no data retention rules in this area, ExpressVPN is not legally obligated to keep any of your data. It’s also one of just a few VPNs that has been certified by ioXt. This alliance examined ExpressVPN’s Android app to ensure it met its stringent security and privacy requirements, as well as its degree of openness and other criteria.
It’s also one of the quickest VPNs I’ve ever used on my Android device. I tested download speeds using both local and long-distance servers, and my average download speed was 49 Mbps. That was just a 3% decrease in speed from my base connection, which is rather good. Servers located far from your real location are typically slower since your data must travel a greater distance. But even on the Tokyo server (which is 13,000 kilometres away from me), I only experienced a 9% decrease in performance. This had no influence on my internet activity. You won’t have to suffer with bothersome latency or buffering on your phone because to its dependable, ultrafast speeds.
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for Android streaming. It is compatible with almost every platform. There are other servers that are designed for individual websites, such as Netflix, Spotify, and HBO Max. By dynamically swapping IP addresses each time someone connects, the specialty servers make it more difficult for streaming sites to block them.
Its servers are also quite fast. I tested 14 of its streaming optimized servers, including the Netflix US one, and found that it operated 12 percent quicker than non-optimized locations on average. I watched two episodes of Shadow and Bone without experiencing any buffering. Then I tried it with BBC iPlayer and Disney+, and it worked just as well with both. You’ll have constant access to material on your Android no matter where you travel.
Because CyberGhost adheres to a stringent no-logs policy, you can be certain that your data will be kept confidential. Furthermore, it provides NoSpy servers situated in Romania, outside of the territories of the 5 and 14 Eyes. NoSpy servers provide further security by avoiding third-party tampering because they are owned, controlled, and accessible solely by CyberGhost staff.
It also protects your data with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. These features ensure that your data is not mistakenly exposed, even if your WiFi connection is unreliable. I checked it for leaks using an independent program just to be sure, and it didn’t find any.
For Android, you have two security protocol options: OpenVPN or Wireguard. Because it is open-source, OpenVPN is extremely secure. This means that it is always being evaluated for flaws and improved upon. That is why, for optimal security, I recommend utilizing it. In the app’s privacy settings, you may alternatively select the somewhat quicker (but still safe) WireGuard protocol. These top-tier security measures ensure that your Android is well-protected.
3. IPVanish
IPVanish provides lightning-fast speeds. I evaluated six places throughout the world, including one in my own country (Costa Rica), as well as Australia, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the United States. The quickest server I found was in my own nation, with a speed of 32 Mbps. Even the most distant server I tested (Japan) had a connection speed of 15 Mbps, which is three times what you need to stream in HD. You won’t have to suffer from sluggish loading times or buffering on your Android when connected.
The Android app is extremely user-friendly, providing you with information as well as the ability to personalize your experience. It displays the ping and load % of each server (how congested it is) so you can determine which connection is the quickest available. I like its Quick Connect function, which automatically finds the quickest server for your area.
It employs cutting-edge security and privacy features to keep you safe while using your Android. Perfect Forward Secrecy is used in conjunction with 256-bit encryption to keep all of your data private. Furthermore, IP and DNS leak prevention ensure that your data is not mistakenly exposed. To ensure that you can rely on this, I ran it using a leak detection program and found no IP/DNS leaks.
Scramble is an obfuscation mechanism that conceals the use of a VPN. This is important if you visit places where WiFi networks are restricted (like libraries or workplaces). To test it, I disabled Facebook on my wifi but was still able to access it using Scramble. This allows you to surf freely on your Android device, even when connected to a restricted network.
It also works with some of the most famous streaming services. With the Miami server, I could watch Disney+, Netflix US, and HBO Max (but not Hulu or BBC iPlayer). It even offers a Kodi app, which many VPNs do not. You’ll get access to a plethora of stuff to watch on your Android device.
One disadvantage is that IPVanish is headquartered in the United States, which is a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, because of its certified, rigorous no-logs policy, it will have nothing to offer even if the government requests your data.
An IPVanish membership costs $3.75 per month, making it a reasonably priced alternative.
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) gives you the ability to customize how you safeguard your Android. You may utilize 128-bit encryption to increase speeds while maintaining basic security, which is very handy for torrenting. However, for optimal security, I recommend utilizing the 256-bit mode. This option is easily accessible in PIA’s settings, where it is labeled “Connection Preferences.”
A mix of security and privacy protections protects your data. A kill switch and DNS/IP leak prevention are included. When I tested PIA with a leak detector, I was happy to discover that you can trust on it; it passed with zero leaks. Furthermore, it follows a stringent no-logs policy, which has been confirmed in two court instances.
The Android app is simple to obtain from the Google Play store. However, if you download it from there, you will not receive the built-in ad and malware blocker (PIA MACE). I was relieved to discover that the MACE blocker is included if you download the APK file from PIA’s website – it’s just as simple to install.
One minor drawback I discovered was that PIA did not always function with Netflix or Hulu. I had no trouble accessing the Netflix Germany and US libraries. However, when I tried it in Brazil and Mexico, I was denied access. As a result, if you want to watch Netflix on your Android, I recommend ExpressVPN or CyberGhost.
PIA offers various payment options as well as improved prices for long-term subscriptions. For example, if you sign up for a 2-year plan, you may receive PIA for as low as $2.03 per month. It accepts the majority of payment methods, including BEAM, a type of secret cryptocurrency.
Private Internet Access also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out on your Android first. After 23 days, I put this to the test by phoning a real customer support agent. Before my refund was accepted, we had a 4-minute conversation; I received my money in 5 days.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN enables you to easily access the most popular streaming services on your Android smartphone. It was compatible with every streaming service I tested it with. I was able to view Fatherhood on Netflix US without any buffering or loading issues. It even allows you to name the best streaming servers, ensuring that you may stream without interruption.
Its constant speeds make it ideal for streaming on your Android device. I tested 5 servers in Australia, Switzerland, the United States, India, and Japan, and my average speed was 21.17 Mbps. Port forwarding is also available as a configuration option to assist enhance speeds. On your Android, you’ll always have quick and dependable access to information.
It protects all of your Android traffic with industry-standard security measures. This contains 256-bit encryption, a kill switch specific to Android, and DNS/IP leak prevention. I decided to run it through a leak detection programme, and it passed with no leaks discovered. You may also select your preferred security protocol. It provides OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2 protocols. All of these security mechanisms ensure that you are always protected from cyberattacks.
PrivateVPN is an outstanding torrenting service for Android since it supports P2P on all of its servers. Furthermore, the service acquires bandwidth directly from major IP transit providers, ensuring the fastest download speeds possible. This allowed me to torrent a 2.62 GB file in 16 minutes! As a result, you’ll be able to share and download data at lightning rates.
Unfortunately, the live chat isn’t open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so keep that in mind if you have any queries or concerns. During business hours, however, the agents are very quick to reply and give useful, pleasant service.
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN provides a unique security benefit in that it controls its server network. Most services rent their servers, which introduces a third party and opens the door to a (rare but potential) security compromise. I like this one-of-a-kind feature since it gives an extra degree of confidence to the service, allowing you to rest assured that your Android and personal data are adequately safeguarded.
It has an audited no-logs policy and is situated in Switzerland for further confidence. Because Switzerland is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance, they are not compelled by law to provide user data even if government authorities request it. You can be confident that your information will be safe from unauthorised access.
The Android app is simple to use and may be tailored to your specific requirements. Split tunnelling is one feature that I found beneficial. I put this to the test by leaving Expedia out of the VPN connection. When I accessed the site, it automatically loaded in my location, allowing me to browse local airline bargains.
One small disadvantage is that speeds slow over extended distances. Servers in other countries, such as Spain, provided me with roughly 12 Mbps. However, servers near me, such as those in Miami and Brazil, provided me with fast average speeds (44 Mbps). Fortunately, with so many servers spread throughout the globe, you’ll be able to choose a nearby location with a fast connection.
VyprVPN is an excellent deal at $8.33 per month. When I signed up, I even received 6 months added to my account for free, so this is a low-cost VPN.
VyprVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out first to see whether it’s right for you. I put the policy to the test, and it worked well. You may request a refund through email or live chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week (like I did). It just took 7 days for my money to be returned to me.
7. Hide My Ass
Hide My Ass (HMA) provides a large number of streaming and P2P-optimized servers. I opted to try its Netflix US server, and there was no buffering or loading time, as I had seen with the Phoenix (non-optimized) server. On your Android, you’ll have quick and easy access to content.
When you connect to HMA on your Android, your internet activities remains anonymous. It has leak detection, a kill switch, and IP rerouting. I activated the IP shuffle option every 30 minutes after testing it. Following that, I observed that the programme was connecting my Android to a different IP address every half hour. This is a fantastic tool for keeping your data private from inquisitive eyes. I particularly enjoyed its WiFi Threat Scan function, which will notify you if you connect to an unsafe network or if a hacking attempt is detected (even if you aren’t using a VPN).
When you connect Android to neighbouring servers, you receive decent speeds. I tried a few US cities (Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Chicago), and my base speed dropped by no more than 8%. However, the faraway servers in Japan and Egypt provided me with an 85 percent reduction (7 Mbps). Having said that, its network is large and contains servers that are tuned for speed, ensuring that you can always find a fast connection.
One disadvantage to be aware of is that HMA retains only incomplete logs. Your connection timings, duration, and bandwidth utilisation are all included. HMA, on the other hand, claims that this is only for diagnostic purposes and that it never collects any personally identifying data from its customers. Other VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, do not need to retain this information, so keep that in mind if you’re concerned about your privacy.
8. ProtonVPN
If you want unquestionable privacy security for your Android, ProtonVPN is the app for you. ProtonMail, a free and encrypted email platform, was also founded by one of its founders. Furthermore, Proton has been an outspoken supporter of internet freedom for many years. The corporation even pushed to get restrictive legislation repealed in its own country of Switzerland.
The fact that it operates in this nation also provides a privacy benefit because it is not subject to the authority of the 5/9/14 Eyes. Its Android app is also open-source and independently inspected, demonstrating ProtonVPN’s commitment to your privacy. The advantage of open-source software is that it is routinely scanned for vulnerabilities. I dug into the audits and discovered the whole findings on its website, demonstrating how open it is with its consumers.
When I tested the premium server in Dallas, it was significantly faster (44 Mbps) and had a load rate of only 49%. I recommend obtaining its Plus plan, which allows you to connect 10 devices and access all of its optimized servers.
I was disappointed to find out that ProtonVPN does not provide live chat assistance. The only method to contact us is via email or a support request. However, this was not a major issue for me. When I asked a query in a ticket, it took less than 24 hours for an agent to react with a helpful answer.
Despite the fact that ProtonVPN has a free plan, I don’t suggest it because it was too sluggish to even surf on my Android. Fortunately, upgrading to a subscription plan is not prohibitively costly – you can join up for as little as $6.63 a month. This is the most basic premium plan; if you want a more feature-rich version, you’ll have to pay extra.
9. TunnelBear
It’s also a fantastic alternative for Android streaming (albeit not for torrenting). Only a few of its servers enable torrenting, and no P2P servers are available. It did, however, allow me to unblock Netflix US, HBO Max, and Hulu; but, I was unable to access Disney+. Overall, it is compatible with the majority of streaming services and provides a reliable connection.
TunnelBear provides fairly steady speeds. First, I ran several tests on servers in Miami, Brazil, and Costa Rica. I discovered a speed of 28.73 Mbps on average. Long-distance servers provided me with an average of 24.21 Mbps, which I found impressive. This implies that you may watch, game, and torrent on your Android device with no latency.
It has three various options to pick from, one of which is free. The free plan is fully functional but limited to 500 MB of data per month. As long as you don’t use a lot of data, this is an excellent alternative for testing the VPN with your Android.
It has three various options to pick from, one of which is free. The free plan is fully functional but limited to 500 MB of data per month. As long as you don’t use a lot of data, this is an excellent alternative for testing the VPN with your Android.
One disadvantage is that TunnelBear is headquartered in Canada and is a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Even if an agency were to seek user information from TunnelBear, it would have none to give because it has a no-logs policy.
What disappointed me the most is that TunnelBear does not provide a money-back guarantee. If you want to experience it before committing to a subscription, you’ll have to make do with the limited free version. It does, however, have reasonable costs, and you can sign up for as little as $3.33 each month.
10. hide.me
since it employs Private DNS on all of its servers, this Android VPN protects your personal information. DNS is a one-of-a-kind code sent out by your device each time you browse a website, and it may be used by advertising, hackers, and governments to snoop on your data. PrivateDNS adds an extra layer of security on top of encryption, making it impossible for fraudsters to follow you.
Because hide.me follows a no-logs policy, your internet behavior on your Android is safe and anonymous. It also has a leak detection system and an automated kill switch. During my testing, I utilized a program to check for DNS/IP leaks, and to my relief, it found none.
Its free plan is adequate, but I still prefer the paying membership. You won’t be assaulted with the bothersome adverts seen on most free VPNs, and you’ll have access to customer service, all of its security protocols, and 10 GB per month with the free version. You are, however, restricted to 5 server locations and 1 device connection. I was also unable to access Netflix or Disney+ on free servers, which are easily unblocked with a subscription service. As a result, the free plan is a good opportunity to try it out before you buy.
The only disadvantage I discovered with hide.me is that its short-term plans are rather pricey. If you only need a VPN for a few days, IPVanish provides a better deal. However, if you need a VPN for the long term, hide.me is available for $3.84/month.
The advantage is that you may test it for 30 days with a money-back guarantee on all programs. When I tested it, all I had to do was send an email asking for a refund. There were no follow-up inquiries. Within 24 hours, I received approval for the return. The money was returned to my account the next week.
11. Hotspot Shield
If you want speed and security without having to do anything, Hotspot Shield may be the finest Android VPN for you. While it’s well-known for its high-quality free VPN, the premium version takes it to the next level.
The Android version employs the same Catapult Hydra technology as the PC clients, and the provider provided connection rates of about 400Mbps on a 1Gbps line in our Hotspot Shield evaluation. If you’ve already upgraded to 5G, your VPN will not limit your speeds here – however, companies like NordVPN have leaped to astounding rates of approximately 900Mbps.
It’s quite simple to get started with the app. You’ll be able to connect with a single tap, and a list of different worldwide servers is just a tap away. If you’re looking for in-depth settings, Hotspot’s mobile VPN options aren’t for you – they’re highly effective, but they don’t enable the user to adjust anything at all.
However, this may fit a wide range of users, and the remarkable speeds more than compensate for the lack of complex capabilities. If you want a VPN that can take advantage of the impending 5G speeds, Hotspot Shield might be a good choice – and the recent price cut makes it even more enticing.
Conclusion
With so many shady services available, it’s tough to know which VPNs will genuinely keep your Android secure. These Android VPNs provide great security and privacy features to safeguard your data. Furthermore, they are all user-friendly and provide added features such as the ability to access geo-blocked streaming sites, WiFi protection, and more.
ExpressVPN is my #1 Android VPN suggestion. It employs strong security mechanisms and privacy protections to ensure that no one can monitor your activities. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tried, so you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, torrenting, and gaming. You can even try ExpressVPN on your Android 100% risk-free because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it isn’t for you, you may easily request a refund.
