The best Android VPN apps 2024

Protect your phone or tablet with the very best Android VPN

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More and more of us rely on our mobiles to do our day-to-day browsing. So, finding the best Android VPN to protect your digital privacy and check out geo-restricted streaming content is more important than ever.

There are a lot of VPNs on the market, however, which is why the TechRadar team has put all the major services to the test. We compared the Android apps, speed, unblocking power, and features of today’sbest VPNsto find the best options for your trusty mobile.

Keep reading to see which VPNs made the cut in a hugely competitive field – and what makes them such show-stealers.

The three best Android VPNs in 2024

Need a quick answer? Here’s a quick rundown of our top three picks to secure your Android device.

1.NordVPN– from $3.09 per monthThe best VPN overallNordVPN is a massively popular service that works like a charm on Android devices – and just about any other gadget you happen to have. A sleek interface, blistering speeds, and awesome unblocking power make NordVPN a reliable all-rounder that you can count on to shore up your digital security. I really enjoy NordVPN’s ad-blocking and malware-protection tools, too, and they come in handy if you’re looking for an easy way to protect a child’s Android. Interested? Check it out with a30-day money-back guarantee.

2.ExpressVPN– from $6.67 per monthThe best VPN for beginnersExpressVPN is our top pick for VPN beginners. It’s incredibly easy to use, even if you’ve never picked up a VPN before, and all of its apps look divine. ExpressVPN doesn’t sacrifice speed for simplicity, however, being more than capable of keeping up with your HD/4K streaming sessions. There’s no denying that ExpressVPN is more expensive than some of its closest competitors, but the price buys you unbeatable quality. You’ll have a30-day money-back guaranteeto take advantage of, so you can test ExpressVPN in your own time.

3.Surfshark– from $2.19 per monthThe best cheap VPNIf you’re looking for an absolute steal, then Surfshark is the service for you. Its prices are downright minuscule, but the provider still manages to outperform competitors that charge twice as much. Surfshark is quick, unblocks virtually everything, and has beginner-friendly apps for all devices. Oh, and speaking of devices, you’ll also get unlimited simultaneous connections with your Surfshark plan, so you can share round-the-clock security with friends and family. Take the service for a test drive with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN continues to top our rankings for the best Android VPN. Despite there being no major movements among our rankings, we have seen some positive movements in terms of the capabilities of some of our top Android VPN providers.

The best Android VPN for 2024:

Why you can trust TechRadarWe spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.Find out more about how we test.

See how my top picks VPN for Android compare as I discuss reasons to subscribe, reasons to avoid, my test results, what I liked most about each provider, and how each service compares with the competition.

The best VPN overall

1.NordVPN

An ace app from one of the biggest names in the business

✔️You like blazing-fast speeds: NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs we used in our most recent round of testing, making it great if you’re looking for high-intensity use.✔️Security is everything: strong encryption, Double VPN, ad/malware-blockers, and Onion Over VPN are just some of its advanced security features✔️You appreciate a dedicated IP option: Whether you need one for business or personal use, NordVPN offers fixed IP addresses for a small fee.

❌You use port forwarding:if you’re a torrenter looking for a way to supercharge your torrenting, you’ll want to check out ExpressVPN’s port forwarding feature.❌ You are after a simple Android VPN app:NordVPN’s map-style interface might be a bit clunky for some users, especially those new to the VPN world.

🔒NordVPNis my #1 pick for Android users thanks to its snappy speeds and awesome UI. You can take it for a test drive today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPNis one of the biggest and best-known VPNs on the block – and there’s a good reason for it. The VPN has scored more than 50 million downloads and a topGoogle Playrating and works like a charm on Android.

NordVPN offers, in fact, a greater wealth of advanced security features compared to many competitors. Our favorites include split tunneling, enhanced CyberSec malware shield, auto-connect, dedicated IP, Double VPN technology, and the speedy NordLynx protocol. It also operates a strict ‘zero logs’ policy (regularly audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers no less) which promises to never track your online activities. This has even been backed up on Android with ioXt Alliance certification.

▶Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If all this isn’t enough already, its newMeshnettool allows you to create your own secure network to connect your and other devices via encrypted NordVPN connections. It is, perhaps, the most valuable built-in bonus VPN feature I’ve seen so far. Even better now as it’sfree to use for all users.

TheNordVPN Android app is easy to downloadand use. However, I have to admit that I’m not a fan of the server’s map view. Having said that, there is the option for switching to a more standard list format (this uses only flag icons, though) and recent upgrades made the map more thumb-friendly now.

Nord’s overall strength when it comes tounblocking websitesand getting around streaming restrictions is almost unparalleled. It ticks off all the big streaming giants, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, making it a great choice for all the Android streamers out there. Some excellent speeds during our last round of testing also placed the provider among thefastest VPNson the market with peaks of 950+Mbps with NordLynx.

The app provides a live chat feature for 24/7 customer support, too. This is great, allowing you to iron out any niggles you might be having without even leaving the app itself.

There’s no need to take our word for granted, though, as you can try NordVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee before you commit. The multi-year offer is clearly the best choice in terms of overall value.

The best VPN for beginners

2.ExpressVPN

The best VPN for newbies

✔️You value your privacy: ExpressVPN packs military-grade encryption and an independently audited no-logs policy, keeping your data under lock and key.✔️You want to unblock content:with servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is well-equipped to unblock streaming content from anywhere.✔️You’re new to VPNs:an auto-connect feature and user-friendly Android interface make ExpressVPN a great choice for first-time VPN users.

❌You need a cheap VPN: if you’re working with a limited budget, you’ll get more for your money with Surfshark.❌You want more simultaneous connections:8 simultaneous connections aren’t bad, but Surfshark and Windscribe support unlimited devices.

🔒ExpressVPNis an excellent choice for Android users who prioritize reliable performance, privacy and security, a vast server network, and user-friendly applications.

Visit myExpressVPN reviewfor all the details about this industry-leading service.

There are so many things to like about ExpressVPN and its Android offering. The dedicated app is extremely user-friendly and straightforward, but also offers a lot of advanced options for folks who want to customize their VPN experience. One of my favorite features is the one-click connect, which lets you secure your device (and all your sensitive info) with one tap of a power button.

There are a huge amount of servers to choose from, too, and they’re dotted across 105 countries. You can scroll through the server list to pick out a specific location, add servers to a handy favorites system, or let ExpressVPN recommend servers based on speed.

►Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

On the subject of speed, ExpressVPN is no slouch. The provider clocked in at 410 Mbps during my most recent round of testing. While that’s slower than the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark, it is still more than 30 times what you need to enjoy HD and4Kstreaming, smooth torrenting, and online gaming. Plus, the service is more than capable of unblocking your favorite streaming platforms (like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, andAmazonPrime).

Few providers can match ExpressVPN on a privacy level, too, thanks to AES-256 encryption that’ll keep your sensitive information out of the hands of third-party snoops. Users can check out the WireGuard protocol or ExpressVPN’s very own proprietary creation, Lightway, whichrecently passed a second auditandadded post-quantum protection. ExpressVPN’sbrowser extension aced another third-party audit, too, which is good news for folks who plan to use the service on their mobile device and desktops.

The good thing is that in case you run into any difficulties at all with this VPN – whether that be when youinstall the ExpressVPN Android appor during use – its website features a wide array of handy content and video guides, as well as 24/7 customer support by live chat.

ExpressVPN isn’t certainly the cheapest VPN out there, or the one for you if you wish to protect all your household – it recently expanded its multi-device allowance, though, from five to eight. However, you can always try it 100% risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, TechRadar’s readers can take advantage of an excellent value by signing up for its 12-month plan.

The best cheap Android VPN service

3.Surfshark

So easy to use and at a very good price point

✔️You value affordability:Surfshark is a great cost-effective VPN solution that doesn’t compromise on features and performance.✔️You needGPS spoofing:Surfshark Android app is one of the very few to include this feature to make it more difficult for apps to see where you really are.✔️You need to protect your whole household:Surfshark offers unlimited device connections with just one subscription.

❌ You need a torrenting VPN: despite Surfshark being more than capable, we found ExpressVPN P2P connections to be more reliable.❌You need advanced customization options:for specific features that are not available in Surfshark, we advise looking into Nord VPN.❌May prompt captchas when browsing on mobile:many search engine entries involve having to complete a captcha before you can continue, presumably because the shared IP address was flagged for some reason.

🔒Surfsharkis a solid choice for Android users looking for a cheap, reliable and privacy-focused VPN to secure as many devices as you need at the same time.

Surfshark is my go-to recommendation for anyone working with a budget - or any bargain-hunters out there. It’s thebest cheap VPNon the market right now because it packs a ton of functionality into tiny prices. However, the minuscule price tag doesn’t mean you’re getting a low-quality product – and the same applies to the Android app.

Unlike a lot of other providers, Surfshark barely alters the user interface from desktop to mobile. It means you can easily get security features like the dedicated kill switch, split tunneling, integrated malware blocker, and double-hop for extra safety. The provider has also just introduced adedicated IP featurefor an additional fee.

▶Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee..

But what really sets Shurfshark apart from its competitors is that it includes a GPS spoofing feature, enabling it to return the coordinates of your chosen VPN server. It’s actually the only Android VPN app we’ve seen doing that. Not something everybody will use, but a handy feature if you want to, for example, get a location forfake GPS for Pokémon Goplaying (although, even then, it requires some workarounds).

As well as offering the market-standard AES-256 encryption and the aforementioned features, Surfshark also boasts its own private DNS and a recently audited no-logs policy. Its most worrying downside is around its kill switch issues. However, these occur only in extreme situations and on Windows. So, you should be perfectly covered on Android.

In our latest round of testing, Surfshark also proved to be among the strongest providers for unblocking, especially if you’re after aNetflix VPN. The provider was able to access Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It’ll also easily open the gates to Disney Plus, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It also confirmed itself among the fastest VPNs when connected to WireGuard, reaching peaks of 950Mbps the last time we checked.

If youdoneed support or spot a bug, then it’s easy to raise support tickets right from the app itself. But in our experience, you won’t be using that function too much. Surfshark keeps things really straightforward on mobile.

Assuming you’ll want to use this VPN on yourlaptop, TV streaming device, router, and other gadgets as well, you would be happy to know that you can connect unlimited devices with just one subscription.

4.Proton VPN

A powerful performer and streaming unblocker

✔️You are after a secure free VPN: ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited-bandwidth, 100 servers across three countries and great security.✔️You need advanced security:itsSecure Core servers route internet traffic via multiple privacy-enhancing servers in different countries for extra protection.✔️ You value open-source apps:all ProtonVPN applications are open-sourced, meaning that anyone can check its code for vulnerabilities and/or false claims.

❌ You need a large server network:while Proton VPN has a decent server network, it’s not as extensive as some other providers.❌ You need a free VPN for Netflix:Proton VPN supports Netflix and other advanced features just on their Premium plans.❌You need a free VPN for torrenting: again, you need to upgrade to its Premium plans to use its P2P-optimized servers.

🔒ProtonVPN’s free plan option is a good option for those looking for basic VPN functionality without spending money, but it’s the premium service that really shines.

Proton VPN comes from the same brains behindProtonMail, the world’s biggest encrypted email service, and has carved out a niche in the industry as a real champion of privacy. The Proton VPN apps are all open source and audited – which is awesome transparency right off the bat, ensuring that prospective users can verify the provider’s security claims for themselves before committing to a subscription.

For those who enjoy a map interface but want an alternative option to NordVPN, Proton VPN’s Android app isn’t dissimilar from its desktop counterpart. You’ll also find a useful location list and favorite server system.

▶Try Proton VPN’s unlimited free plan.

In terms of features, Proton VPN’s mobile apps boast more than usual, another tick against this provider. You’ll find its Quick Connect option, as well as itsSecure Coretechnology, which routes you through multiple servers for better defense against network attacks. On top of that, expect a kill switch, MultiHop VPN function, Netshield (aka, its ad-blocker), and split tunneling.

Proton is one of the most secure VPNs we’ve ever tested. Swiss privacy laws add an extra layer of protection to your data - which is encrypted by tough AES-256 protocols, too. A recent update sawProton VPN double down on its commitment to user privacywith a bevy of new features. A Discreet Icon tool lets you switch the Proton VPN icon to something else – which could help you get around physical device inspections like thoseemployed by Myanmar authoritiesattempting to enforce VPN bans.

Proton VPN is a strongstreaming VPN, too. It unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and plenty of the biggest streaming platforms you might want to watch straight from your smartphone. Usefully, Proton has seen its speeds jump back up to among the fastest providers currently available, offering over 950 Mbps using the WireGuard protocol.

One small downside is that live chat support is not 24/7 yet, probably an issue for those new to the world of VPNs. In terms of simultaneous connections, despite not being the best, Proton is nonetheless well-placed with an allowance of 10 devices connected at once.

The provider is also a great option if you’re after a securefree VPN. It has even recently improved its network coverage, passing from 29 free servers to more than 100. However, you need to upgrade to its paid plans to enjoy its great streaming service unblocking track record, P2P customized servers, and excellent speeds. Its newfamily subscriptionsmight be just the right solution for bigger households.

5.Windscribe

Lots of features for this improved Android VPN

✔️You need a free VPN with a bigger network:unlike Proton VPN, Windscribe offers 11 countries to choose from on its free servers.✔️You want to pretend you’re in Antarctica:that’s right, Windscribe has a fake Antarctica server, so you can pretend to be a penguin accessing international content.✔️You are a dissidents:an exclusive of Android apps, Windescribe Decoy Mode seeks to help dissidents avoid detection in extreme situations.

❌ You need a longer trial period:Windscribe allows for a refund only within 3 days of purchase and if must have used less than 10GB.❌You want an audited VPN:Windscribe is open source, so anyone can audit, but it has yet to commit to a proper, independent third-party audit.❌ You appreciate affordability:it’s a great service, but even Windscribe’s cheapest premium plan just doesn’t offer the same value for money as the likes of Surfshark.

🔒Windscribeoffers an amazing free plan, but its premium service struggles to compete with the industry leaders in terms of value.

Another service that keeps improving, we’ve foundWindscribeto have addressed some of the issues that were holding it back in the past. This makes it a fairly new entry in our best Android VPN guide.

If you are used to the Windscribe interface on a Windows browser, you won’t find any differences: the distinct background flag, the big On/Off button, details on your new IP, and the preferred protocol.

▶Try Windscribe for free today.

In terms of features, all Windscibe apps are crammed with advanced functionality that, perhaps, most users will never make use of. These include its R.O.B.E.R.T. system that blocks IP addresses and domains of your choice on all devices, static IPs option, port forwarding, and split tunneling. A nice addition to Android apps only is its Decoy Mode which helps dissidents avoid detection in extreme situations. We’ve even tested its tracker and malware-blocking system and found it really effective.

The provider offers only the best in terms of VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN) supporting strong AES-256 encryption and stealth technologies to avoidVPN blocks. It doesn’t keep any identifying logs and, even though its security infrastructure hasn’t been audited yet, its apps are all open-source so anyone can check its code for vulnerabilities. What’s more, we couldn’t find any trackers on its website or Android apps last time we checked.

Windscribe unlocked almost all the main streaming platforms during our last test. However, it failed to do so with ITV, C4, 9Now, and 10 Play. It also unlocked only the US Netflix catalog. Its connection speeds seriously improved, though, placing itself alongside the likes of Nord and Surfshark among the fastest VPNs thanks to peaks of 950+Mbps when connected to the WireGuard protocol.

Even though it isn’t active yet, 24/7 live chat support is on its way. This means that users struggling to work out the many features included in Windscribe Android apps will still need to rely on its website tutorials for a bit longer.

Overall, Windscribe is still a bit behind its competitors in accommodating any type of users, from experts to newcomers. However, it also comes with a powerful and feature-packed free VPN with 10GB of data allowance and unlimited connections included. But remember, you have to upgrade to a paid plan if you want to use itsstreaming VPNfunction.

How to choose the best Android VPN

Head to the Play Store on your smartphone and you’ll see tons of VPN apps. Beware, though, as many of those are shady free VPNs likely to offer you a poor experience or, in the worst scenario, expose your data with a third-party tracking library – exactly what you are trying to avoid here.

We try and test a ton of services all the time to only select the ones that combinetight securityandwatertight privacy policies. Some providers have now started verifying their appswith the ioXt Alliance, too, giving even more peace of mind.

In terms of functionality, an Android VPN app should beas user-friendly as possible. Ensure it supports your version of Android, with most going back at least to Pie and usually beyond.

It’s also worth noting that while you’ll find all the VPN services in our list featured in the Google Play Store, we’d definitely recommend looking into them more closely andsigning up directly on their websitesto ensure that you get the best possible price.

How we test VPNs

Testing VPNs is tricky. There are lots of variables involved in the process that can influence results – think tracking performance across different locations, different device types, and even protocols. Plus, a VPN’s speeds can change throughout the day and over time, which means that one standalone test just won’t be enough to get an accurate picture.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a gauntlet of tests for the Android VPNs we evaluate. With the results in hand, we can pinpoint which VPNs are worth your time and money – and which ones aren’t worth the risk.

Meet the team

Meet the experts behind our Android VPN guide:

A privacy purist at heart, Andreas is a VPN expert who believes that the best VPN doesn’t have to be the most expensive – it’s about what’s right for you. He tests Windows and Android VPN apps, picks apart privacy policies, and investigates the technical security of VPNs behind the scenes to uncover whether they’re actually secure, or just saying they are.View author page

Mike is head-geek and has been our lead tester for years – he’s responsible for our speed analysis, stream unblocking tests, and functionality testing. He’ll find out if a kill switch won’t hold up under stress, or whether or not your IP address is likely to leak out. Mike is always peeking behind the curtain to see how a VPN app is coded to unveil the truth of a VPN’s build quality. He also tests VPN apps on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire stick, and Roku.View author page

Best Android VPN FAQs

What can I do with an Android VPN?

An Android VPN acts as an excellent first line of defense alongsideAndroid antivirusin protecting yourself when online. The nature of their encrypted tunneling and ability to keep your IP address secret makes them a wonderful way to keep cybercriminals at bay – no more worrying about online banking and shopping while using unfamiliar networks.

But it’s their shapeshifting, geo-spoofing abilities that have made the popularity of Android VPNs explode. The fact you can log into a server in another country elsewhere in the world means that you don’t have to miss out on the stuff you’d usually stream to your mobile/tablet when abroad on holiday or business.

And they’ve proved a great way of getting around blocked websites. Where mobiles are concerned, a fantastic example is usingWhatsApp in China, as well as other sites and services. The state may have blocked some of the big hitters, but they can’t do anything about it when you use your Android VPN app to make it look like you’re in another country entirely!

What devices can I use an Android VPN on?

From yourSamsung Galaxy S24to yourfavorite Android tablets, Android VPNs are primed and ready to work with all the modern smartphones and tablets running on the OS.

If you’re a few generations behind then you should generally be covered, too, as the best Android VPN apps go back a fair few iterations. For example, the NordVPN app is compatible with devices still running Marshmallow, while ExpressVPN and Surfshark go even further back to Lollipop.

It’s worth noting some Android VPNs can even be used as aSmart TV VPNdepending on what kind of TV you have, too.

How do I setup a VPN on my Android phone?

First things first, it’s really easy. And you even have two options to choose from toset up a VPN on your Android phone.

The first involves you scrolling back up this page, choosing the app that you like the look of best (and don’t forget, all theseVPNs have free trials, so you really don’t have to worry too much about committing) and clicking the link to go through to the website. From there, you’ll be able to select your plan, sign up, download, and install. Away you go!

Alternatively, get yourself over to the Play Store and search for your chosen VPN app. But it’s worth noting that if you go down this road, you might end up missing out on some of the awesome exclusive pricing andVPN dealsthat only TechRadar readers can get by clicking through to the provider from our pages.

Should I get a free VPN app for Android?

A free VPN is handy in a pinch, but it can’t match premium providers when it comes to the quality and quantity of features. You’ll also need to deal with limitations – think puny monthly data caps, bandwidth limits, and a smaller pool of servers to choose from.

There are tons of free services on the Play Store but it’s better to avoid the majority of them. Some are lightweight versions of full services, designed to tempt you into upgrading, and others are simply scams that are hungry for your identifiable information. Stick to our recommended free services – or check out Surfshark if you want a premium VPN without the premium price tag.

How can I fake my location on Android?

While all good Android VPN apps will let you change the location of your IP address to a server elsewhere, they don’t all includefake GPStechnology.

In fact, of the big players out there,only Surfshark has an integrated GPS spoofing tool. That makes it the obvious choice if your main reason for getting a VPN is for use with Pokémon Go or similar mobile games.

What is the ioXt Alliance?

With their spelled-out no-logging policies and growing number of independent audits, the challenge VPN companies face is it show that your private web usage is safe in their hands. A new way they have started to do this is by getting the certification of theirAndroid appsfrom theioXt Alliance– an organization that seeks to build confidence in the Internet of Things.

In order to get the certificate, providers need to show that their Android VPN apps meet eight strict criteria:

No universal passwords
Secured interfaces
Proven cryptography
Security by default
Verified software
Automatic security updates
Vulnerability reporting program
Security expiration date

River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1.Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2.Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up.She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com

The best Android VPN apps 2024#

The three best Android VPNs in 2024#

The best Android VPN for 2024:#

The best VPN overall#

1.NordVPN#

The best VPN for beginners#

2.ExpressVPN#

The best cheap Android VPN service#

3.Surfshark#

Other VPNs I’ve tested and recommend#

4.Proton VPN#

5.Windscribe#

How to choose the best Android VPN#

How we test VPNs#

Meet the team#

Best Android VPN FAQs#

What can I do with an Android VPN?#

What devices can I use an Android VPN on?#

How do I setup a VPN on my Android phone?#

Should I get a free VPN app for Android?#

How can I fake my location on Android?#

What is the ioXt Alliance?#

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.#