You have your desktop and your computer linked up to a top VPN, but what about your Android? Most of us use a mobile device the majority of the time we’re online, and if you’ve protected your computer but left your mobile device unsecured, that’s a bit like locking your doors only to leave the windows open.
Thankfully, these days there is no shortage of VPN plans that can help secure your Android device, giving you an extra layer of security and a little peace of mind. Not only that, these Android VPN plans are very affordable and come loaded with features.
Here are our top VPNs for Android, so take a look and see which one is right for you.
1. ExpressVPN
196 servers in 94 countries
Fast speed across usage and protocols
24/7 customer service, email and live chat
Intuitive, powerful and easy to use, ExpressVPN has one of the best Android VPN options on the market. It’s designed to work right out of the box; and comes complete with a smart locations feature that chooses the fastest server possible based on your location when you log on. You’ll also benefit from all of the same ExpressVPN features for desktops and laptops. OpenVPN is the default security protocol; and the more than 100 servers in 78 countries are all optimized for speed and come with 99.99% uptime and unlimited bandwidth. Read our expert ExpressVPN review.
2. NordVPN
Up to 6 simultaneous connections
No logging
Double encryption
One of the best-rated apps on the Google Play store, NordVPN’s Android app is intuitive and beautifully designed. The service has a firm zero logging policy, and all your data is encrypted using OpenVPN as standard. Best of all? It’s as user-friendly as it gets. Just download, install and that’s it. You’re all done. Read our expert NordVPN review.
3. CyberGhost
Military-grade encryption
Unlimited bandwidth
Anti-fingerprinting system
Cyberghost’s mobile apps promise to give you some of the best security on the market, with what the company says is the strongest “military grade encryption” on the market. The Android app allows you to determine which WiFi networks you’d like the security system to work for, and automatically sends you instant feedback about blocked malware, online tracking, and other parameters. Cyberghost also offers industry-leading speed on their servers. Read our expert CyberGhost review.
4. PureVPN
Great value yearly plan
Unlimited bandwidth universally
Split tunneling
PureVPN boasts one of the most fully-featured VPN Android apps around. It has four modes - stream, internet freedom, security, and file-sharing - which allow you to quickly adjust the VPN’s settings depending on what you want to do online. Even better, you can sync your preferences across all of your Android devices. This ensures a seamless experience, whether you’re on the go with your smartphone or at home on the couch with your tablet. Read our expert PureVPN review.
5. Hotspot Shield
- Free tier
Anti-malware protection
Up to 5 simultaneous connections
Hotspot Shield’s tagline is that it offers the most trust privacy solution anywhere. That may be up for debate, but Hotspot undoubtedly offers great value for money, as well as anti-malware and ad blocker protection, unlimited bandwidth and access to faster premium servers. Read our expert Hotspot Shield review.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Android
Usability: The best VPNs are as meticulously designed on the backend as they are simple to use on the front end. If you’re unfamiliar or less savvy with VPNs, it’s wise to consider one of the more popular, highly-rated providers such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. These VPNs have mastered both their desktop and mobile apps to give users of all experience levels the chance to easily install and use the VPN on their Android.
Privacy: These days, most of us use our phones to pay bills, make purchases, and check our bank accounts. So if you’ve noticed that your Android is becoming increasingly like your personal computer, you’ll want to treat it as such. That means finding a VPN with solid encryption and reliable performance so that it doesn’t crash or fail when you’re out and about and more exposed to nefarious elements.
Speed and performance: It’s safe to assume that your Android is with you wherever you go. Which is why it makes sense that the VPN for your Android should have access to a large server network, which can provide faster and more reliable service, to say nothing of more options for streaming or accessing content unavailable in your location. Some of the more well-known VPN companies offer thousands of servers across the world. When searching for an Android VPN, check out the provider’s network and make sure the amount and location of the servers are adequate for your needs.
How to Download and Install a VPN on Your Android
The easiest and quickest way is through the app. Most Android VPN providers have apps that you can find for free on Google Play. Simply download the app and follow the instructions. Typically, the steps are as follows:
- Download and open the app
- Enter your log-in information when prompted
- Connect to a server. Most apps will suggest the best server for you to use, though you can select one manually if you prefer by simply scrolling down the list.
And that’s it. Downloading and setting up a VPN on your Android should take no more than a few minutes.
Conclusion
As you can see, getting a VPN software for your Android device is extremely important to ensuring your data and personal details remain secure. Luckily you have several amazing providers that each offer unique features and tools to choose from. If you want to read more about any of the providers we discussed above, view our expert reviews here.
VPNs for Android FAQs
Do I need an Android VPN?
There are many benefits to having a VPN on your Android. These can range from privacy and security issues to entertainment options. A VPN can help you protect the information you share online by securing it in a protected “tunnel.” This way, when you’re out in public and make a purchase through your phone, do online banking, or share other information, you can feel secure in the fact that hackers won’t be able to access that information through public WiFi. Additionally, a VPN allows you to access geo-restricted websites. This means you can watch Netflix and other streaming platforms when out of the country or in any type of a restricted zone.
Are Android VPNs legal?
Yes, VPNs are perfectly legal. The top VPN companies are legit enterprises with servers all around the world that simply let you avoid using public WiFi and allow you to mask your IP address from hackers and other cyber threats. It’s important however to make sure that the VPN provider you choose has a good reputation, reliable customer service, and transparent pricing.
Can I trust an Android VPN app?
Yes. VPNs are perfectly trustworthy and there is little danger in using one. VPN services, however, may differ from one to the next, so it’s important to find a trustworthy Android VPN provider. Below we’ve outlined some of the most reputable providers in the field. All of them offer reliable service, transparent privacy policies, and accessible customer support.
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