What is the best VPN for Android?

How does a VPN protect your Android?

A VPN keeps your devices safe. Here’s how it protects your Android:

• Encrypts your traffic: a VPN uses encryption to transform your data into a cipher. When your data is encrypted, intrusive third parties only see incomprehensible gibberish. 
• Masks your IP (Internet Protocol): your IP address is a goldmine for cybercriminals. It contains identifying information like your internet service provider (ISP), approximate location, and device information. With a VPN, the VPN server’s IP address replaces your actual IP address. This way, your information remains private.
• Prevents ISP tracking: ISPs may throttle connections to ease network congestion, limit data usage, or discourage bandwidth-intensive activities. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it impossible for ISPs to see your online activities and throttle your connection.
• Protects you on public Wi-Fi: most public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, making your data relatively easy to access. A VPN eliminates the vulnerabilities by encrypting all traffic to and from your Android.

How to choose the best VPN for Android

When looking for the best VPN for Android, here’s what you should consider:

• Security: AES-256 is the go-to encryption for most providers. It’s one of the safest ciphers and is often used alongside WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. A small number of premium VPNs, like Surfshark, also go the extra mile and offer ChaCha20 for WireGuard.
• Privacy: the best VPN service for Android should operate on 100% RAM-only servers. These servers store data on volatile memory and delete everything with each reboot. Also, look for VPNs that back up their no-logs claims with independent audits. Take Surfshark, for example. Its no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte. 
• Features: look for a VPN with extra security features, like kill switch, ad blocker, double VPN connections, and obfuscated servers.
• Servers: consider server count and location. A higher server count minimizes the risk of overcrowding, which helps with connection speeds. And a wider location coverage guarantees there’s a server near you, which ensures better speeds.  
• Simultaneous connections: to protect all your devices, look for a VPN with multiple or unlimited simultaneous connections, like Surfshark

Choosing the best VPN for Android

Let’s compare the leading options in the industry to find the best VPN for Android that works for you:

Surfshark

Surfshark encrypts your data with AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. It also runs on 100% RAM-only servers and has a Deloitte-verified no-logs policy. Since it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, you can secure not only your Android but all your other gadgets too.

Surfshark’s security suite is comprehensive, with features like kill switch, ad blocker, MultiHop (Double VPN), obfuscated servers, and split-tunneling (Bypasser). Besides these features, it also has advanced options. For instance, the IP rotator changes your IP address without disconnecting, and the GPS override matches your GPS location with the server’s location.

When it comes to servers, Surfshark can certainly hold its own. With 3200+ servers spanning 100+ countries, it mitigates the risk of overloading. This means that you can enjoy faster connections.

NordVPN

NordVPN is another standout option for the best VPN app for Android. It lets you secure up to six devices simultaneously with AES-256 encryption. You can also choose among its proprietary NordLynx, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols.

Privacy-wise, NordVPN has all you’d expect from a reliable VPN. It runs on RAM-only servers and has had its no-logs policy verified by both PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Deloitte.

NordVPN charms Android users with its wide variety of features, too. These include a kill switch, Meshnet for traffic routing and file-sharing, dark web monitor, Threat Protection Lite to block ads, double VPN, obfuscated servers, and more.

Check out our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison to find out how they stack up against each other.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has all the essentials down pat, with AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and an audited no-logs policy. Additionally, it lets you choose between OpenVPN or its in-house Lightway for protocol.

In terms of features, ExpressVPN offers a kill switch (Network Protection), DNS blocker, Threat Manager, and ad blocker. On top of these essential features, it also offers a built-in password manager Keys and supports up to eight simultaneous connections.

Read our Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN comparison to discover more.

CyberGhost

One of CyberGhost’s biggest draws is its enormous network of 11800+ servers in 100 countries. The size means that you’re less likely to experience overcrowding.

Apart from the extensive server network, CyberGhost’s functionalities are pretty standard for a reliable VPN. It encrypts your data with AES-256 encryption and offers Android users two protocol options: WireGuard and OpenVPN. As for features, it offers kill switch, connection checker, split tunneling, and Content Blocker to block ads, trackers, and malware.

For those who prioritize privacy, it’s worth noting that CyberGhost runs on RAM-only servers and has a verified no-logs policy. The VPN accommodates up to seven simultaneous connections, making it suitable for users with multiple devices.

Head over to our Surfshark vs. CyberGhost article to get the full picture of how they compare.

PIA

PIA (Private Internet Access) offers comprehensive security with AES-128 and AES-256, WireGuard and OpenVPN for tunneling protocols, and RAM-only servers, and has an audited no-logs policy.

Plus, its massive network of 64000+ servers means that you have ample options to choose from. In terms of features, PIA is well-equipped and offers a kill switch, double VPN, obfuscation, split tunneling, PIA MACE to block ads and malware, and leak protection, among other things. It even supports unlimited simultaneous connections.

Want to dive deeper into the VPN? Check out our Surfshark vs. PIA article.

IPVanish

IPVanish uses AES-256 for encryption and pairs it with modern tunneling protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec). It also has an audited no-logs policy. Another big plus is that it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure all your devices or share access with family members.

As for features, IPVanish covers the essentials — including a kill switch, Automatic Startup, split-tunneling by app, and Threat Protection. Meanwhile, its server count is on the smaller side at 2400+ servers, but this should still meet the needs of most people.

A more pressing concern is that it hasn’t switched to RAM-only servers, which automatically wipe all data upon shutdown. Since IPVanish still uses physical servers, your user data could potentially be extracted and used if seized by authorities.

Dive deeper into IPVanish and how it measures up against Surfshark in our Surfshark vs. IPVanish review.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s free plan is a little too limiting to do much good. But for paid users, ProtonVPN secures Android devices with AES-256 encryption and modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2). It also has an audited no-logs policy.

It doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features, too. In addition to 10 simultaneous connections, you get features like kill switch, NetShield ad blocker, leak protection, Secure Core VPN, and Stealth for obfuscation.

The only stumbling block here is that it hasn’t switched to the more modern and safer RAM-only servers. Instead, ProtonVPN’s use of physical servers means that your data is retained and could potentially be recovered and misused if the servers are seized.

Find out more in our Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN comparison.

Mullvad

Mullvad protects up to five devices simultaneously with AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, split tunneling, double VPN, obfuscation, and custom DNS servers.

However, there are several things to note before you take the plunge. First, Mullvad’s no-logs policy lacks third-party verification. Second, it exclusively supports the WireGuard protocol on the Android app. WireGuard is an excellent protocol, but this does limit your options. And third, the provider’s server count and coverage are relatively small compared to its peers.

To learn more, visit our Surfshark vs. Mullvad comparison.

The best VPN for Android should be tailored to your needs

The best VPN for Android is the one that reflects your needs and preferences. If you need an affordable, well-rounded VPN with advanced features and simultaneous connections, Surfshark is the top choice. However, if a large server fleet is a priority, consider PIA. Regardless of your choice, make sure it’s a premium VPN like those on the list.

FAQ

Which is the best free VPN for Android?

There is no best free VPN for Android. Free VPNs often suffer from subpar security, data caps, and limited server selections, leaving you as vulnerable as without a VPN. Plus, free VPNs typically rely on alternative revenue solutions to sustain their services. That means they may show you lots of ads or sell user data. 

Does Android have a built-in VPN?

Yes, Android has a built-in VPN client. However, it requires both a server to connect to and a complicated manual setup. Furthermore, it doesn’t support modern VPN protocols and instead restricts usage to the older PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec protocols. A much simpler and better alternative is to opt for a third-party VPN app from trusted providers like Surfshark.

What can I do with an Android VPN?

There are many things you can do with an Android VPN. It allows you to avoid price discrimination for cheaper bookings, access home content while away, and safely use online banking services on public Wi-Fi.    

How do I get a VPN on my Android?

To get a VPN on your Android you can download and install a reliable VPN app directly from the Google Play Store. Or you can manually install a VPN by downloading the APK file from your provider’s website.