The Best VPN for Android in 2024: Free & Paid Apps
If you've yet to install the best VPN for Android on your smartphone, you're leaving yourself exposed to tapjacking and smishing attacks. Don't let a lax security approach expose your personal information to malicious individuals. Read our guide to find an Android VPN to keep you safe and private.
Android’s security model is so robust that, in most cases, attackers don’t exploit the operating system but the user themselves. Many Android users fall victim to SMS phishing (smishing), phishing voice calls (vishing) and tapjacking, a case where an attacker hijacks what you tap on your smartphone. The best VPN for Android helps you sidestep these threats.
A virtual private network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security, keeping your personal information and identity safe as you surf the internet or make payments online. The best VPN also enables you to access movies and TV shows that are unavailable in local libraries and watch them on your Android smartphone without interruption.
Our professional testers took a bunch of VPNs for a spin and recommended five services that work best on Android devices. In this guide, we’ll reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the best VPNs for Android to help you find one that suits your needs and preferences.
Achieve Online Privacy and Security Even as a VPN Novice
- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
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02/01/2024 Facts checked
Whittled down the list of Android VPNs from eight to five to delve deeper into each provider’s capability. Altered the order of providers based on the latest performance to put the best at the top.
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06/21/2024 Facts checked
We changed the best free VPN on this list to PrivadoVPN to reflect current performance and features.
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10/01/2024
We revised the rankings to account for new security measures and speed enhancements.
Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: NordVPN
Our thorough hands-on testing shows that NordVPN is the best Android VPN. Beyond flawless compatibility with Android 5.0 and later, the app is intuitive and easy to use. Its solid security, fast connection speeds and unmatched unblocking ability make it the best all-around VPN apt for streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship or handling casual uses on Android.
The Best VPNs for Android
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- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, JCB, UnionPay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, X-Coin
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Average speedDownload Speed89 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency6 ms - 2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
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Average speedDownload Speed89 MbpsUpload Speed8 MbpsLatency103 ms - 3
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, Giropay, Pixpay, Sepa Direct Debit
- : 8
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Average speedDownload Speed85 MbpsUpload Speed8 MbpsLatency3 ms - 4
- : PayPal, Credit card, Coinbase, SEPA, Discover
- : 10
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- 5
- : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
- : 7
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Average speedDownload Speed79 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency37 ms
The 5 Best VPN Services for Android Phones & Tablets Compared
While these are the top five Android VPNs, they differ in features, performance and pricing. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll shed light on the speed, streaming ability, security and privacy, VPN features and pricing of each service, starting with NordVPN — the best VPN for Android.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Android
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NordVPN is the best Android VPN with over 50 million downloads on the Google Play store. This VPN is a security juggernaut that offers more advanced security features than you’d find in other services.
Besides the regular servers in 61 countries, NordVPN offers specialty servers that set it apart from other Android VPNs. Some specialty servers include P2P servers, which enable you to securely download torrents. The obfuscated servers scramble VPN metadata, allowing users in countries where VPNs are banned to use NordVPN without being caught.
Other specialty servers include a double VPN, which routes traffic through two servers for extra protection. In addition, NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses at an extra cost. Unlike the regular IP, a dedicated IP is exclusively yours, and since you don’t share it with other VPN users, it won’t be blocked by online services for the misdeeds of others.
Standout Android Features
Meshnet is another arrow in NordVPN’s quiver that helps you access home devices remotely via an encrypted tunnel. It’s ideal for remote teams that need to share files or access office devices when working from home. You can also use it to bypass the stringent Netflix password sharing restrictions.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
NordVPN’s powerful Android app mirrors the map interface of the desktop version. The main UI is neat and clutter-free, with a large connection (which also has a server selector) and a navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. Selecting a VPN server is as easy as swiping up on the connection selector to see the list of regular and specialty servers.
While most features are within reach, some are hidden in peculiar places that can be difficult to find, mainly for beginners. For example, the “settings” menu is tucked away in the profile, which makes it a little hard to find. This cost NordVPN a few points for usability.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
During our testing, NordVPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus and Peacock. However, in some cases, such as when accessing Netflix libraries abroad, we had to switch servers multiple times to find our way around the geoblocks.
Streaming app: | Status |
---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | |
BBC iPlayer | |
Disney Plus | |
Peacock | |
Max | |
Hulu |
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
Since NordVPN launched its proprietary NordLynx protocol, its connection speeds have improved significantly. Our latest automated speed tests show that NordVPN has overtaken ExpressVPN and is now the fastest VPN.
While active, the Android app consistently hits speeds that are comparable to those achieved while your device is unprotected, whether you’re connecting to a nearby or long-distance server.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
NordVPN is as secure as VPNs for Android can get. By default, the Android version uses the NordLynx protocol — NordVPN’s version of the WireGuard protocol. However, if you need to be in control of your connection, you can manually change between the NordLynx and OpenVPN protocols.
Protocol: | Encryption |
---|---|
NordLynx | ChaCha20 |
OpenVPN | AES 256-bit |
Beyond the solid protocols and encryption, you get a kill switch and split tunneling. NordVPN also packs a punch in terms of advanced security features. The Android version offers features such as:
- Threat Protection Lite: An ad and malware blocker that uses DNS filtering to block malicious domains. Unlike Threat Protection, which doesn’t require an active VPN connection, Threat Protection Lite protects you while the VPN is on.
- Tapjacking protection: Alerts you when it detects Android apps with screen overlays meant to deceive you into unintended action.
- Unsafe WiFi detection: Notifies you when you connect to an unsafe WiFi network.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
NordVPN is the best cheap VPN. While its monthly plan is pricey, extended plans come with significant discounts. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $3.09 per month.
There’s a seven-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you need more time to tinker with the features. Read our full NordVPN review to learn more about the VPN features.
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark — Best Budget Android VPN
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Surfshark is another pocket-friendly Android VPN with over 10 million downloads on Google Play. While it’s relatively new compared to our top two picks, it has quickly become a great NordVPN alternative, thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections and excellent ability to unblock streaming sites.
In addition to regular servers in 100 countries, the Surfshark Android app offers static servers in six countries. Static servers assign you the same IP address every time you connect, but it’s shared with other VPN users. You also get a dedicated IP address in 11 countries and territories.
In addition, there are 12 ready-made multi-hop servers (similar to NordVPN’s double VPN servers). Thankfully, Surfshark allows you to pick an entry and exit node to create custom multi-hop connections, a feature you won’t find with other top-tier VPN providers.
Standout Android Features
Two features set Surfshark apart from the crowd:
- Alternative ID: Generates a unique, fictitious profile you can use to subscribe to online services to uphold your privacy. Read our comprehensive Alternative ID guide to learn more.
- Rotating IP: Changes your IP address when your connection is active without altering your virtual location.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
While Surfshark’s Android app has much more going on, it’s well-organized to simplify usability. The basic and advanced features are within reach, and it takes beginners only a short time to figure it out. Everything is straightforward, from selecting a server and changing the VPN protocol to using Surfshark’s unique tools, such as Antivirus, Search and Alert.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Unblocking Capability Test Results
Surfshark has an excellent unblocking ability. During our testing, the VPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max and Peacock on the first attempt.
Streaming app: | Status |
---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | |
BBC iPlayer | |
Disney Plus | |
Peacock | |
Max | |
Hulu |
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Surfshark’s near-distance speeds are excellent — our latest automated speed tests show that the speeds hover around our top two picks most of the time. Sadly, its latency when connecting to nearby servers is 40 times higher than NordVPN.
When connecting to longer-distance servers, you mostly enjoy fast speeds. However, because of Surfshark’s rampant inconsistency, its speeds can sometimes be unserviceable.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
Like the rest of the pack, Surfshark utilizes an “automatic” protocol by default. If you need complete control over your connection, you can manually use OpenVPN, IKEv2 or the WireGuard protocol.
Protocol: | Encryption |
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WireGuard | ChaCha20 |
OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) | AES 256-bit |
IKEv2 | AES 256-bit |
Beyond VPN protocols and encryption, the Surfshark Android app offers a kill switch and split tunneling features. In addition, you get the following advanced security features:
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers and malware-laden websites when Surfshark is connected.
- Override GPS location: Changes your Android mobile device’s GPS location to match your current virtual location.
- Invisible LAN: Makes your Android phone invisible to printers, mobile phones and smart TVs on your local area network (LAN).
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark is expensive on a monthly scale. However, extended plans come with significant discounts. Its best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $1.99 per month. Luckily, with its unlimited simultaneous connections offer, you can split the bill with friends to lower the price further.
Each plan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you change your mind. To avoid making a hasty decision, make the most out of Surfshark’s seven-day free trial on Android and read our full Surfshark review for the nitty-gritty details.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Best Easy-to-Use VPN for Android
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ExpressVPN is a great VPN for Android users. The service has garnered over 50 million downloads on the Google Play store, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s one of the best VPNs for streaming, thanks to its unblocking ability and fast connection speeds. Plus, with servers in over 105 countries, it’s ideal for accessing country-specific services and content.
The servers use TrustedServer technology to wipe data on every reboot to keep your personal information secure. If hackers or government officials intrude upon or seize a VPN server in search of user data, they would find none.
In addition, ExpressVPN has always-on security features such as a kill switch, which cuts your internet connection when the VPN connection is interrupted. Moreover, you can set the VPN to auto-connect when joining unsecured networks, such as public WiFi, to keep the cyber threats that lurk on these networks at bay.
Standout Android Features
ExpressVPN is the only provider on our list that bakes a password manager (called Keys) into its Android VPN app. The feature lets you manage passwords from a centralized dashboard. When you save passwords on the Keys browser extension, you can easily access them on your Android app, anytime anywhere.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
The ExpressVPN Android app has one of the most beginner-friendly user interfaces. Selecting a server is as easy as tapping the “selected location” button and scrolling through the list to find a preferred location. Alternatively, you can connect to a “smart location,” which is usually the closest server geographically.
Moreover, every feature is clearly labeled to make it easier for all users to find their way around. As a result, changing the VPN protocol and activating the kill switch, split tunneling and advanced protection tools is child’s play.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: | Status |
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Amazon Prime Video | |
BBC iPlayer | |
Disney Plus | |
Peacock | |
Max | |
Hulu |
During our testing, ExpressVPN unblocked BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, Max and Peacock on the first attempt. Even better, we were able to stream movies in HD uninterrupted, thanks to ExpressVPN’s blazing-fast speeds.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
ExpressVPN is the second-fastest VPN out there after NordVPN. Its local speeds hover above 94%, with a relatively low latency rate. Long-distance speeds dip below 80%, but that doesn’t mean they are unserviceable.
We never experienced buffering or video lags during our testing, even when streaming movies in libraries several continents away. The speed should also support flawless video calling, even when connecting with friends thousands of miles away.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
ExpressVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, thanks to its solid protocols and encryption ciphers. By default, the provider uses the “automatic” protocol on Android. In this case, the VPN app chooses an ideal VPN protocol based on your connection. However, you can adjust the protocol manually to the proprietary Lightway or OpenVPN
Protocol: | Encryption |
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Lightway | ChaCha20 |
OpenVPN | AES 256-bit |
In addition, ExpressVPN offers an ad blocker to thwart ads that erode your mobile data and slow down your connection. Other helpful features include the malware blocker for blocking malicious websites and parental controls for blocking adult sites.
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN is comparatively pricey. The monthly plan costs $12.95, but you can save a few dollars when you subscribe to a yearly plan for $6.66 per month. Despite sitting on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, ExpressVPN offers a huge bang for your buck, thanks to its features and all-around performance.
To learn more about this service, read our full ExpressVPN review or try it out for yourself with the seven-day free trial. If you need more time to make a decision, get a paid plan and make the most out of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. PrivadoVPN — Best Free Android VPN
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN overall, and it’s no surprise that it’s the best free option for Android. First, it has a sleek and well-organized Android app, which should be easy to use for beginners.
PrivadoVPN offers access to free servers in 10 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Thankfully, these servers can easily spoof your online location and unblock all the major streaming services.
Standout Android Features
PrivadoVPN’s notable features on Android include the following:
- Unlimited speeds the free plan: Unrestricted speeds allow you to browse and stream without any lags or buffering wheels.
- Free monthly data: PrivadoVPN offers 10GB of monthly data, which might be enough for casual browsing but not binge streaming.
- Excellent security and privacy: PrivadoVPN offers a kill switch, a choice between three protocols and a strict no-logs policy.
PrivadoVPN Hands-On Testing
PrivadoVPN’s Android app is easy to install and navigate. We installed it on our Android phone in about two minutes. The homescreen comprises a large connect button and a menu for you to select your preferences. When you connect to a server, PrivadoVPN shows details of your connection, including your new IP and location.
Clicking on the menu tab lets you tweak the VPN to your taste. This includes changing your protocols and deciding which apps to split tunnel. Overall, PrivadoVPN is a user-friendly VPN.
Notes From the Lab: PrivadoVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
PrivadoVPN has excellent unblocking ability. During our testing, the free version unblocked the streaming platforms we threw at it. Similarly, the paid version unblocked BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Max, Peacock, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on the first attempt.
Streaming app: | Status |
---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | |
BBC iPlayer | |
Disney Plus | |
Peacock | |
Max | |
Hulu |
Notes From the Lab: PrivadoVPN Speed Test Results
Since PrivadoVPN isn’t part of our automated speed testing, we did a series of manual tests using the WireGuard protocol. It preserved 80% and 90% of our unprotected download and upload speeds, respectively. Its latency increased four times even in nearby locations, suggesting it might not be the best for gaming.
Notes From the Lab: PrivadoVPN Security Analysis
Without a doubt, PrivadoVPN is the most secure free VPN, thanks to its solid protocols and encryption ciphers. By default, it uses the “automatic” protocol, but you can manually change the protocol on the Android app to WireGuard, OpenVPN or IKEv2.
Protocol: | Encryption |
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Automatic Protocol | ChaCha20 AES 256-bit |
WireGuard | ChaCha20 |
OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) | AES 256-bit |
IKEv2 | AES 256-bit |
In addition, PrivadoVPN offers other security features, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
PrivadoVPN Pricing & Value
PrivadoVPN’s free plan appeals to Android users on a tight budget. It’s suitable for standard use, such as surfing the web or securely sending and reading emails. However, you need a paid plan to perform speed-intensive activities like gaming or streaming movies in HD.
PrivadoVPN’s paid version offers unlimited data, servers in 44 countries, an ad blocker and malware protection. Thankfully, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you need more time to try the paid features. Read our full PrivadoVPN review to learn more about the service.
- 10GB
- 1
- *Billed $44.85 for the first 15 months, then $59.88 every 12 months. *Billed $53.73 for the first 27 months, then $95.76 every 24 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
5. CyberGhost — Best Android VPN for Public WiFi Protection
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CyberGhost used to rank higher on our best Android VPN list thanks to its ease of use. It’s still one of the most beginner-friendly VPN providers, but inconsistent connection speeds have pushed it down the list. Criticism aside, CyberGhost offers automatic WiFi protection features, making it an ideal choice for users who rely on public WiFi networks.
The VPN provider has a large server network in 100 countries and an extensive server count. It also offers dedicated IPs in 12 countries and streaming-optimized servers. This makes it ideal for Android users who want to stream movies on their mobile devices.
Standout Android Features
CyberGhost’s standout feature is the WiFi automation options, which give you always-on protection when using public WiFi networks. For example, you can configure the Android app to establish a connection when it detects an unsafe WiFi network.
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost’s Android app has a clutter-free user interface. The home UI only has a big “connection” button, a server selector and a “settings” icon. When you tap the server selector, you can view the list of regular, streaming-optimized or favorite servers.
The “settings” menu is organized into general, VPN and WiFi categories, making every feature easy to find. It will take any user, including newbies, no time to figure out the CyberGhost Android app.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Unblocking Capability Test Results
CyberGhost’s unblocking ability is a mixed bag. During our testing, these streaming servers unblocked Max on the first attempt but failed to access Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer. Luckily, we managed to unblock both services with the regular servers. Sadly, Amazon Prime Video was a hard nut to crack for both the regular and streaming servers.
Streaming app: | Status |
---|---|
Amazon Prime Video | |
BBC iPlayer | |
Disney Plus | |
Peacock | |
Max | |
Hulu |
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
CyberGhost’s struggle with inconsistent download speeds is a constant issue. Sometimes, it hits over 90% of unprotected download speeds, but other times, it’s sluggish — never exceeding 40% of unprotected speeds. Its near-distance upload speeds are consistent, hovering above 85% most of the time.
On longer-distance connections, the download speeds hover below 70%, and inconsistency remains rampant. The upload speeds are fast but more inconsistent than the near-distance connection.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
Protocol: | Encryption |
---|---|
OpenVPN | AES 256-bit |
WireGuard | ChaCha20 |
CyberGhost’s Android app uses the OpenVPN protocol by default, but you can manually choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Beyond the VPN protocols and encryption ciphers, CyberGhost offers a kill switch and split tunneling features. In addition, the Android app comes with a content blocker, which blocks domains known to spread ads, trackers and malware.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
The CyberGhost monthly plan is pricey, but extended plans offer a huge bang for the buck. The two-year plan costs $2.19 per month, making it the best CyberGhost deal.
Read our full CyberGhost review to learn more. Alternatively, subscribe to the three-day free trial for Android or get a paid plan and make the most of the generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Keep in mind that the monthly plan offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Can You Use a Free VPN for Android?
You can use a free VPN service provided it is secure and has the relevant features. Remember that most of the free VPNs you find on the Google Play store are unreliable for various reasons:
- Unreliable security: The VPN provider requires money to maintain top-class VPN infrastructure. Most free VPNs without an income source have a porous VPN infrastructure, hence the poor security.
- Poor privacy: In most cases, unscrupulous VPNs are a privacy risk. Some are honeypots for hackers and third-party advertisers, while others harness user data and sell it in dark web data marketplaces.
- Inability to unblock streaming services: To consistently unblock streaming services, the VPN has to frequently update its pool of IP addresses, something the worst free VPN services fail to do.
- Slow speeds: Many free VPN services are slow and inconsistent and can’t support interruption-free streaming or torrenting.
- Contains ads: Some free VPNs display in-app ads, which deplete your mobile data and ruin VPN performance.
Free Android VPNs to Avoid
Some of the worst free VPNs that are guilty of the issues listed above include:
- Hotspot Shield: This VPN has over 100 million downloads on the Google Play store, but many users are oblivious to its porous privacy. It may sell your personal information under certain circumstances, as Aura — Hotspot Shield’s parent company — outlines in its privacy policy.
- Betternet VPN: Another popular yet unsafe Android VPN with over 50 million downloads on Google Play. Betternet VPN shares the same parent company with Hotspot Shield, and it adheres to the privacy policy that gives it leeway to sell user data.
- Thunder VPN: Another free VPN with over 50 million downloads on the Google Play store. Sadly, the Android app contains ads, and according to ThunderVPN’s privacy policy, the provider collects and stores personal information.
The Best Free Android VPN: Privado VPN
PrivadoVPN is the best free Android VPN, thanks to its top-notch security and privacy. It offers free servers in 10 countries and can unblock all the most popular streaming services. It offers 10GB of data and reasonably fast speeds, ideal for casual browsing and occasional streaming.
Final Thoughts
The best VPN for Android depends on your needs and preferences. The VPN services on our list offer solid security and privacy but differ in speed, unblocking ability, ease of use and pricing.
If you need a VPN with an easy-to-use Android app, top-notch security, blazing-fast speeds and unmatched unblocking ability, pick NordVPN. Curious about NordVPN? Its 30-day refund policy means you can explore all its features worry-free and decide if it’s the right fit for you. If NordVPN isn’t for you, try Surfshark.
Have you used a free VPN for Android? Which VPN service did you use? Which features did you like or dislike most? We’d love to hear about it in the comment section. As always, thanks for reading.
FAQ: Best VPN for Android
NordVPN is the best VPN for Android, thanks to its ease of use, blazing-fast speeds, solid security and unmatched unblocking ability.
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for Android, thanks to its solid security and privacy and its reliable unblocking ability.
Using a VPN on Android allows you to stay secure and anonymous online. It also enables you to unblock streaming services abroad and watch movies unavailable in your country.