Key Takeaways:

• ExpressVPN for Android devices offers all the features of its desktop version, providing solid security and privacy, the ability to unblock streaming services, and fast speeds to stream, torrent and play games online without interruptions. 
• NordVPN offers mobile-specific features, such as a metered connection, which lets you save precious MBs when using mobile data. 
• Windscribe and ProtonVPN are the best free VPNs for Samsung phones.  

Chances are, you’re reading this article on your smartphone, and likely it’s a Samsung. If so, you likely used it to make payments, kill time at the airport, or access directions through GPS. If you have been doing these activities without the best VPN for Samsung phones, you’re leaving yourself exposed. 

Hackers and malicious snoopers can infiltrate unprotected public WiFi, hoping to invade your privacy, inject malicious software and steal personal information through man-in-the-middle attacks. In addition, ads on your phone are even more frustrating than on desktop. 

A virtual private network (VPN) helps sidestep all these online threats. It encrypts your web traffic, masking your location and activities from potential hackers, snoopers and advertisers. 

In this guide, we’ll reveal the six best VPNs for Samsung phones. If you’d like to save time, ExpressVPN is the best Samsung phone VPN, but there are other cheaper and capable VPN alternatives, so read on.

Time's up

The Top VPNs for Samsung Phones

What Makes the Best VPN for Samsung Phones? 

The best VPN for Samsung smartphones has to be compatible with the Android version your Samsung phone runs on. Beyond compatibility, the VPN should offer solid encryption, VPN protocols, DNS leak protection and a kill switch that cuts your internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. It should also adhere to a strict no-logs policy.

If you’re short on time, here’s a list of the top VPN services that fit the criteria:

1. ExpressVPN — Secure VPN for excellent streaming on mobile
2. NordVPN — Lightning-fast VPN with a bunch of specialty servers
3. Surfshark  — Affordable service with unlimited simultaneous connections
4. CyberGhost — Easy-to-use service with streaming-optimized servers
5. Private Internet Access — Pocket-friendly VPN with a fast ad and malware blocker
6. VyprVPN — Trimmed-down VPN with proprietary Chameleon protocol

These VPN services made it onto our list because they tick the right boxes. They’re easy to install: Simply head over to Google Play store, search the VPN of choice and install it — that’s it. Most VPNs come with intuitive mobile clients. The degree of intuitiveness varies, but you won’t struggle to find your way around, regardless of the VPN you pick. 

Most importantly, the VPN services get the principal job done. They have the basic security and privacy tools to keep you protected and anonymous online. Some even come with advanced tools such as obfuscation, double VPN and malware and ad blockers for additional protection. Stick around to learn how the VPNs differ in terms of capabilities.

The 6 Best VPNs for Samsung Phones

Without further ado, here are the top six VPN services for Samsung phones. Let’s dive in, starting with our number one pick, ExpressVPN.

1. ExpressVPN

More details about ExpressVPN:

• Pricing: $6.66 per month
• Provider websites: expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Samsung smartphones. The Android VPN app brings the full capability and ease of use of the desktop client. It’s no wonder it hogs the first spot on our best VPN for mobile and best VPN for Android lists. You get all the basic tools, from VPN protocols and encryption to DNS leak protection and split tunneling.

There’s a kill switch (called “network protection”) with functions that transcend the usual desktop kill switch. The Android VPN kill switch lets you block the internet connection when unable to connect or reconnect to the VPN. The second option is even more secure, as it lets you block all non-VPN traffic, but doing so disables split tunneling. 

Beyond the basics, ExpressVPN servers use RAM-based servers, called “TrustedServer” technology, which guarantees that ExpressVPN is a no-logs VPN. In addition, it boasts built-in obfuscation, which blends VPN traffic with regular web traffic. As a result, internet service providers won’t know you’re using a VPN, and that’s great if you’re in a restrictive country. 

Enjoy an Excellent Streaming Experience

Instead of offering specialty servers for streaming, ExpressVPN optimized its entire server fleet to cut through the streaming geoblocks to get you into Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and more. Despite coming in second on our fastest VPN list, it’s still incredibly fast and will let you stream without interruptions. 

Samsung phone users get a seven-day free trial to take ExpressVPN for a spin. As usual, the paid plans are on the pricey end, but offer a reprieve in the form of a 30-day money-back guarantee. Each plan supports eight simultaneous connections (read more in our full ExpressVPN review). 

ExpressVPN Plans

• Unlimited GB
• 8
• Yes

30-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 6-months plan

1-month plan

$12.95/month

6-months plan

$9.99/month

$59.94 billed every 6 month

Save 22%

15-months plan

$6.66/month

$99.95 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 48%

2. NordVPN

More details about NordVPN:

• Pricing: $3.48 per month
• Provider website: nordvpn.com

Like ExpressVPN, the NordVPN Android app mirrors its desktop version; unfortunately this means the world map of servers is squished on your mobile screen — making it harder to navigate and putting it in second place on this list.

NordVPN covers the basics well with solid encryption, protocols (OpenVPN and NordLynx) and DNS leak protection. You also get a split-tunneling tool that lets you designate certain apps to use the internet directly when the VPN is on. You have to set up the kill switch in Android settings.

In addition, NordVPN has features geared toward mobile data users. For example, the metered connection lets you limit how much data your phone consumes via downloads. Not to mention that threat protection cuts back on malware-laden links and annoying ads. Blocking ads improves load speeds while saving mobile data. 

NordVPN sends prompt alerts when it detects tapjacking, in which hackers create an invisible button that overlays legitimate buttons. Plus, the auto-connect option lets you configure the VPN service to automatically connect to a specific VPN server when it detects a mobile or WiFi network. 

Make the Most of NordVPN’s Specialty Servers 

NordVPN prides itself on the slew of specialty servers built for different purposes. The double VPN feature routes your connection via two servers, adding an extra layer of protection. You can also use P2P servers for a smooth torrenting experience, or connect to obfuscated servers to hide VPN use in a restrictive country. 

Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers a seven-day free trial for Samsung phone users, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its monthly plan is pricey, but long-term plans are more affordable than ExpressVPN. Each plan offers six simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth. Read our NordVPN review to learn more. 

30-days money-back guarantee

Basic

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 6
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$12.99/month

1-year plan

$5.74/month

$68.85 billed every year

Save 55%

2-year plan

$3.48/month

$83.43 billed every 2 years

Save 73%

Plus

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 6
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$13.99/month

1-year plan

$6.86/month

$82.35 billed every year

Save 50%

2-year plan + 3 months

$3.99/month

$107.73 billed every 2 years

Save 71%

Complete

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 6
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$15.99/month

1-year plan

$9.36/month

$112.35 billed every year

Save 41%

2-year plan + 3 months

$5.99/month

$161.73 billed every 2 years

Save 62%

3. Surfshark

More details about Surfshark:

• Pricing: $2.29 per month
• Provider website: surfshark.com

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN that has positioned itself as an affordable ExpressVPN and NordVPN alternative. Like our top two picks, it has an intuitive Android app that works seamlessly on all Samsung phones using Android 5 or newer. 

It supports modern WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, and solid AES-256 encryption. Beyond that, Surfshark comes with CleanWeb, a reliable ad and malware blocker. It also offers split tunneling and NoBorders mode, which lets you bypass internet censorship in schools and restrictive countries. 

Unlike other services, Surfshark’s Android app comes with two kill switches: a VPN kill switch and an Android native kill switch. The two kill switches disable internet traffic when your VPN connection drops, so unprotected traffic doesn’t leave your device. However, the Android native kill switch disables the split tunneling and isn’t ideal if you want certain apps to bypass the VPN tunnel. 

Get Extra Protection With IP Rotator

Traditionally, VPN providers assign you a single IP address for every session — the address only changes when you disconnect and reconnect. With Surfshark’s IP rotator, your IP address changes periodically without you having to disconnect and reconnect. This way your internet activity isn’t tied to a single IP, and that backs up your anonymity and privacy. 

Surfshark’s two-year plan offers a great value for the money. However, you don’t have to start with the paid plan. You can take it for a spin free of charge, thanks to the seven-day free trial on mobile. Each plan comes with unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee (learn more in our Surfshark review). 

30-days money-back guarantee

Surfshark Starter

• Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $185.40 for one year, $370.80 for two years
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan + 2 months

1-month plan

$15.45/month

1-year plan + 2 months

$3.22/month

$41.86 billed every year

Save 79%

2-year plan + 2 months

$2.29/month

$59.54 billed every 2 years

Save 85%

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $191.40 for one year, $380.80 for two years.
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$15.95/month

1-year plan

$4.09/month

$49.08 billed every year

Save 74%

2-year plan

$3.19/month

$76.56 billed every 2 years

Save 80%

Surfshark One+

• Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $215.40 for one year, $430.80 for two years
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$17.95/month

1-year plan

$6.49/month

$77.88 billed every year

Save 63%

2-year plan

$4.97/month

$119.28 billed every 2 years

Save 72%

4. CyberGhost

More details about CyberGhost:

• Pricing: $2.37 per month
• Provider website: cyberghostvpn.com

We always praise CyberGhost for its ease of use on desktops; the case is the same on Samsung phones. The provider has packaged the desktop features to fit the smaller Samsung widget, without cluttering it up or losing the ease of use. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned user, you won’t struggle to customize the Android VPN app.

However, the Android VPN app has some interesting design tweaks. Even though you get all the basic features, from VPN protocols to app split tunneling, there’s no option to tinker with the kill switch. It’s activated by default, meaning you can’t switch it off.  

In addition, you don’t get the full capability of smart rules on your Samsung phone. You can’t set it to launch specific apps or set certain apps to trigger a CyberGhost connection as you can on desktop. However, the Android VPN lets you configure the app to automatically connect when it detects an unconfigured mobile and WiFi network.

Enjoy Excellent Streaming With Specialty Servers

CyberGhost’s Android VPN app is geared toward folks who like streaming movies on mobile. It doesn’t come with gaming, but it does have servers optimized for different streaming services. As we found out during our CyberGhost review, the servers unblock Netflix and Max, but struggle to get into BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video.

CyberGhost has a three-day free trial, so be sure to start your trial run as soon as you install the app. If it lives up to your expectations and you want to subscribe to a paid plan, we recommend subscribing to a long-term to get the best bang for your buck. Extended plans also offer a generous 45-day money-back guarantee and up to seven simultaneous connections.

CyberGhost Plans

• *The $56.94 price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
• Unlimited GB
• 7
• Yes

45-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 6-months plan

1-month plan

$12.99/month

6-months plan

$6.99/month

$41.94 billed every 6 month

Save 46%

2-year plan

$2.37/month

$56.94 billed every 2 years

Save 81%

5. Private Internet Access

More details about Private Internet Access:

• Pricing: $2.19 per month
• Provider website: privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access is another great VPN for Android phones. It’s not as neat and easy to use as the rest of our apps, but the “quick settings” section goes a long way toward flattening the learning curve. It provides quick access to the VPN kill switch, automation and private browser, letting you switch them on with a single tap.

Beyond these options, there’s a per-app settings tool, which PIA claims to be an advanced split tunneling. There’s really nothing unique about it — it’s a standard split-tunneling feature that lets you designate certain apps to use the VPN tunnel. The automation feature lets you set how PIA behaves when it detects a new mobile or WiFi network, though it’s still in beta. 

Other notable PIA features include obfuscation. However, this isn’t your typical obfuscation tool in that it doesn’t scramble your traffic to hide VPN use. Instead, the tool lets you connect via a proxy — nothing more. PIA Android VPN app lets you use port forwarding, which reroutes your traffic to bypass the NAT firewall for improved speeds.

Improve Performance With PIA MACE

PIA MACE is a reliable ad and malware blocker that’s faster than other blockers because it doesn’t have to cross-check every DNS request against a blocklist. By blocking ads, MACE improves load time and saves you data. Sadly, MACE isn’t available on the PIA app downloaded from the Google Play Store; you have to install the APK version to get it.

Like most of our picks, PIA offers a seven-day free trial on Android. Paid plans are available at a bargain-bin price, with the two-year plan being the best deal on our list. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee just in case you change your mind (learn more in our Private Internet Access review).

Standard Plans

• 10
• Yes

30-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 3-year plan

1-month plan

$11.95/month

3-year plan

$2.19/month

$79 billed every 3 years

Save 81%

1-year plan

$4.17/month

$49.99 billed every year

Save 65%

6. VyprVPN

More details about VyprVPN:

• Pricing: $5 per month (one-year plan)
• Provider website: vyprvpn.com

VyprVPN’s Android app is a trimmed-down version of its desktop version, and the simplicity is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it means the Android app is easy to use as there are only a handful of settings to tinker with. Even total beginners won’t fiddle around trying to figure out where the options are. 

On the other hand, it means VyprVPN had to cut down on the number of key features, such as split tunneling and ad blocker. The result is that the Android version can’t protect certain apps while letting others such as banking apps use the internet directly. Plus, you have to put up with ads as you traverse the digital landscape. 

This drawback aside, VyprVPN for Samsung has some interesting additions. For example, you can configure the app to establish a connection when it detects untrusted WiFi networks. Plus, VyprVPN automatically restores the connection lost as a result of a firewall block, weak signal strength or inferior VPN protocols.

Defeat Censorship With VyprDNS and Chameleon Protocol

Looking to use a VPN in restrictive regimes? Fret not. The Chameleon protocol scrambles OpenVPN metadata, making it unrecognizable even through deep packet inspection. Doing so helps you bypass restrictive networks erected by ISPs, workplaces and government agencies in draconian regimes. 

VyprVPN offers a three-day free trial for Android VPN app users, which is shorter than most providers on our list, and its monthly plan is the most expensive we’ve seen. The one-year plan offers a discount of nearly 50%, but it’s still on the higher end. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee (read our full VyprVPN review to learn more). 

30-days money-back guarantee

Monthly

• Unlimited GB
• 30

1-month plan

$10/month

One year

• Unlimited GB
• 30

1-year plan

$5/month

$60 billed every year

Two year

2-year plan

$3/month

$72 billed every 2 years

More plans

Business

• Includes 3 Users, $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management. Global Business Servers, Dedicated Account Manager
• Unlimited GB
• 3

1-year plan

$24.92/month

$299 billed every year

Business Cloud

• Includes 3 Users $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management, Your own dedicated server, Fast and easy deployment
• Unlimited GB
• 3

1-year plan

$29.08/month

$349 billed every year

What’s the Best Free VPN for Samsung Phones? 

If you’re on a tight budget or think a full-size VPN app is more than you need, a free VPN might be right up your alley. When it comes to the best free VPNs, two services spring to mind: Windscribe and ProtonVPN.

Windscribe

Windscribe is the best free Android VPN, and for good reason. Although it’s free, you get access to its entire suite of security features, including stealth, IKEv2, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. You can also split-tunnel your Samsung apps’ traffic, configure the always-on VPN and block malware and ads with R.O.B.E.R.T.

Even better, Windscribe is incredibly fast (it’s one of our fastest VPNs) and doesn’t limit your speed. Not to mention, the free plan offers unlimited simultaneous connections. That said, Windscribe’s free plan limits you to 10GB of data per month and you can access only 10 VPN server locations. 

Thankfully, the build-a-plan option offers a smooth transition to a paid plan as it lets you subscribe at $1 per server location. Plus, the premium plans come at middling prices. Read our comprehensive Windscribe review to learn more. 

3-days money-back guarantee

Free

• Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
• 15GB
• Unlimited

FREE

Pro Plan

• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited
• Yes

1-month plan

1-month plan

$9/month

1-year plan

$5.75/month

$69 billed every year

Save 36%

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN hogs the second spot on our free VPN list, thanks to its top-notch online privacy and security. Unlike Windscribe, ProtonVPN’s free plan doesn’t come with a monthly data limit, which is music to the ears of binge-watchers. Sadly, the free plan soft-limits your speed by putting you at medium speeds — and limits you to three server locations.

You get access to over 100 servers in three countries, but can only connect one device at a time. You can remove the usage limits when you subscribe to a paid plan. The monthly plan is relatively cheaper at $9.99, but the two-year plan is the best deal. Read our ProtonVPN review to learn more.  

30-days money-back guarantee

Free

• Unlimited GB
• 1
• Yes

FREE

Plus

• Unlimited GB
• 5
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$9.99/month

1-year plan

$5.99/month

$71.88 billed every year

Save 40%

2-year plan

$4.99/month

$119.75 billed every 2 years

Save 50%

Samsung’s Built-In VPN Client 

Samsung devices — whether it’s the Samsung S8 or any other Samsung Galaxy model — come with a built-in VPN function. However, the VPN is bare-bones and doesn’t offer key VPN features such as split tunneling or VPN servers. Its simplicity renders it ineffective for consumer use. 

You can add an IP address, and the VPN will encrypt your traffic using the designated protocol. According to Samsung, the VPN wasn’t intended to utilize advanced VPN capabilities. For this reason, its usefulness is limited in the enterprise space — perhaps to help remote employees access company resources and digital assets. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, our guide has shed light on the benefits of using a VPN on your Android device and it’s easier for you to pick an ideal VPN service for Samsung phones. However, if you’re still at a crossroads and can’t decide which VPN suits your needs, we recommend getting started with ExpressVPN. 

The VPN service is apt for casual browsing, streaming, online gaming and torrenting, thanks to its top-notch security and lightning-fast speeds. You can get a firsthand feel for its features free of charge with the seven-day free trial. If affordability is a priority, NordVPN and Surfshark are suitable ExpressVPN alternatives.  

Which VPN provider do you use on your Android phone? Have we left out your favorite VPNs for Android devices? We’d like to hear about it in the comment section. As always, thanks for reading.

FAQ

• What Is the Best VPN for Samsung?

  ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Samsung because it works seamlessly on all Samsung smartphones. It also offers solid security and privacy, unmatched ability to bypass geoblocks and fast connection speeds.

• What Is the Best Free VPN for Samsung?

  Windscribe is the best free VPN for Samsung. Besides being one of the fastest VPNs, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections and has excellent security. However, the VPN provider only lets you access 10 VPN server locations and use 10GB of data per month.

• Do Samsung Phones Have a VPN?

  Samsung mobile devices come with a built-in VPN function. However, the VPN is bare-bones and is unfit for consumer use as a result.