As successful Android VPN has to have an expertly designed Android VPN app. The best Virtual Private Networks are compatible with a whole assortment of devices, including those pivotal to our everyday lives, smartphones. They have dedicated apps for all major operating systems, Android is one of those very systems. Choosing the best Android VPN app is fundamental to your experience.
In order to protect your Android smartphone, you need a well-received VPN that has a dedicated Android app. The importance of a good VPN app can’t be overstated, from the app interface, privacy features, and overall speeds. It’s the culmination of these factors that’ll contribute to your Android VPN experience.
Smartphones are the pocket-scaled computers, they need as much protection from the dangers of the internet as your desktop does. As a primary method of communication, most people would admit that they keep even more personal information on their handsets. Logically, you'd want to protect the devices you use most often.
The best Android VPN apps at a glance:
• The best Android VPN app: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The best Android VPN app for privacy: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
• The best Android VPN app for value: Surfshark - View on Surfshark
The VPN app is fundamental to all online privacy experiences, that goes for Kodi VPNs, Fire Stick VPNs, and of course, Android VPNs. Read on and discover the right Android VPN for you, and everything its app has to offer.
The best Android VPN app
go.expressvpn.com
If there was ever a VPN to take notes from, that leads by example, Express would be that VPN. It’s been complimented time and time again for checking off nearly everything a Virtual Private Network is expected to do.
The story with the Android app is more of the same. From just a glance you can tell ExpressVPN has invested time and resources into making a top-notch Android VPN app. The app design is remarkable, somehow catering to advanced VPN users as well as newcomers simultaneously.
The app’s kill switch has been highly revered, pair that with Express’ signature Lightway protocol and Android users are in for the most secure and speedy VPN experience.
A group of Android users can get in on the fun, but ExpressVPN is limited to five simultaneous connections.
Pros
- Phenomenal app design - so easy to use
- Reliable features and speeds - bugs are rare
Cons
- Only five simultaneous connections - cheaper options offer more
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 |
| Servers: | 3000+ in 94 countries |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 24/7 support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "ExpressVPN works well, it stops me from getting those annoying targeted ads, and it gives me back the sense of privacy I think we all should have."
The best Android VPN app for privacy
nordvpn.com
Well-known for its extensive arsenal of privacy features, NordVPN earns its place on our list without question. Nord is one of the leaders in the market, and their consistency with various operating systems has to be taken seriously.
Privacy is paramount for NordVPN, and the providers double data encryption shouts it from the rooftops. Through both WireGuard and their very own Nordlynx, NordVPN is as secure as they come. The Android app is completely fortified against any privacy risk the internet could conjure up.
NordVPN is a first choice for gaming, so you shouldn't be concerned about power on your Android, as it seriously delivers on PS5 and as an Xbox VPN.
The Android app for NordVPN hasn’t been complimented for its interface design, or ease of use. But Nord proves that privacy doesn’t need to be pretty. Give your Android device the best fighting chance with a Virtual Private Network that puts privacy first.
Pros
- Double data encryption - extra layer of security
- Designated Android app audits
Cons
- App interface is basic
| Simultaneous connections: | 6 |
| Servers: | 5500+ in 59 countries |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 24/7 support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "If you just want to quickly connect, change countries, and don't want to mess around, the Android app is surprisingly good. It operates very fast and smoothly. Unlike many provider apps, it allows local network access and split tunnelling. My only gripe is not being able to specifically choose a server, which the service makes difficult even on their website."
The best Android VPN app for value
surfshark.com
In an ideal world, premium VPNs would be free to the public and not just another monthly bill. Surfshark might not be free, but it’s not far off – and it’s undoubtedly premium. When the conversation is value for money, Surfshark is repeatedly coming out on top.
You wouldn’t ordinarily find the words budget and premium in the same sentence, except when Surfshark is concerned. With unlimited simultaneous connections, impressive speeds and 24/7 live support, the Surfshark Android app deserves serious acknowledgement.
You may not want to test those unlimited connections out too much though, users found some kill switch issues when the app was under intense use.
For a Virtual Private Network that’s on the cheaper side, the Android app’s speeds are far better than you’d expect, and privacy is no joke either.
Pros
- Best value for money available
- Unlimited simultaneous connection - limitless protection
Cons
- Some kill switch issues on heavy use
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Servers: | 3200+ in 95 countries |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 24/7 support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "Has a great user interface. That allows customization of which apps are routed thru the VPN, or not routed thru the VPN, your option in the settings. So, no issues with Netflix, prime, etc. In my personal experience, it increases the speed of my connection."
The best Android VPN app for extra features
www.cyberghostvpn.com
When you break it all down, what really makes a VPN app is what it can do. CyberGhost is as feature-packed as they come. Similar in a lot of ways to Surfshark, you get a lot for your money with CyberGhost.
Unlike some premium apps, plenty of CyberGhost’s security settings are customisable. Android users will have access to a huge 9022 servers spread across 91 different countries, so CyberGhost is a great option when you’re on the go.
A no-logs policy is credited by regular independent audits of the Android app, so you can be assured your devices are in the safest of virtual hands.
You might find a more comprehensive support with other providers, but a decent 24/7 live support is surely better than none at all.
Pros
- Packed with customisable features - personalise your experience
- Wide app coverage - loads of servers
Cons
- Support could be improved
| Simultaneous connections: | 7 |
| Servers: | 9022 in 91 countries |
| Encryption: | AES-256 |
| Money back guarantee: | 45 days |
| 24/7 support: | Yes |
- Customer review: "Top shelf at a bargain price. The app is easy to use, more than enough high-quality servers in all the countries that matter. I see very little reduction in the speed tests I've conducted (reviews that show big drops are simply wrong) and the service has all the key elements and features I would use and then some."
The best Android VPN app with a free plan
protonvpn.com
Plenty of premium VPNs offer free plans, while they might not be suited for heavy use, they’re great for beginners to Virtual Private Networks. Proton VPN flips this on its head and delivers a free plan for their Android app that very nearly matches the full version.
First of all, Proton’s free plan for the Android app offers unlimited data, which is virtually unheard of from a free VPN. Not only this, but Proton’s improved network coverage applies to free users as well.
Of course, there are going to be extra features solely accessible to the paid version. Some of these include priority support, the double hop feature, and dedicated streaming servers. That isn’t to say that a free plan with no ads, 100+ servers, and unlimited data is anything to discount.
Proton VPN is a great choice for Android users judging by its incredibly generous free plan. The app is devoid of annoying ads that usually litter free versions of anything. You’re getting a near-premium experience for what’s essentially an unlimited free trial.
Pros
- Near premium free plan
- Excellent privacy - airtight
Cons
- Support on free version isn't prioritised - could be 24/7
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Servers: | 1300+ |
| Encryption: | AES-256/ChaCha20 |
| Money back guarantee: | 30 days |
| 24/7 support: | No |
- Customer review: "This VPN works very well. I was using the free service for years with very few problems. Recently, I decided to give the paid servers a try. It's been about four months with no problems. It connects and disconnects quickly. Switching servers between countries is no problem. Good job, Proton!"
Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.
About our expertise
At What’s The Best, we live and breathe technology. Among our team of tech experts, we have pretty much every base covered - from televisions and speakers to cameras and smartphones.
To say we spend a lot of time on the internet is a bit of an understatement, and most of the time, we’re using a VPN. Whether for work or recreation, we’re regularly connecting to VPN servers near and far.
It’s by collecting this shared knowledge, experience and passion that we are able to select the best VPNs for you. We trust each of our picks implicitly - in fact, many of them we use ourselves. That's because at What’s The Best if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves, we don’t recommend it. Simple.
Terms to remember
VPN – Virtual Private Network
Kill switch – When an internet connection is lost, it’s a feature that kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link can be attained once more
Double data encryption – When a VPN combines two algorithms in order to create an encrypted Virtual Private Network
Simultaneous connections – Number of devices that can be connected to the VPN at once
Are VPN apps safe?
Yes, VPN apps are entirely safe. The purpose of a VPN is to keep your online device safe from data breaches. The app is simply the control hub of the VPN and will have been rigorously tested, audited, and verified for public use.
When should I use a VPN on my phone?
You should use a premium VPN on your phone as often as possible, especially when accessing anything on the internet. It’s important to note that free VPNs tend to come with data limits, so you will have to manage your usage.
Does Android have built-in VPN?
No, very few devices come with a Virtual Private Network pre-installed unless you buy it in a package. To get a VPN on your Android device, you’ll need to head over to the Google Play store and find your chosen Virtual Private Network app there.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.