Best VPNs for Android
These days, let’s be real—most of us are glued to our phones for everything online. That means a solid VPN for your Android isn’t just nice to have; it’s a straight-up necessity. Some VPNs are all about Windows, but if you’re rocking an Android, there are options that seriously deliver. I’ve been through a ton of them to put together a list of the best picks, tailored to keep you connected, secure, and sane.
Here’s how I size them up: the VPN needs to play nice with Android, no weird compatibility quirks. Speed matters because slow Wi-Fi is already annoying enough without your VPN making it worse. I’ve also tested these over a few days because anyone can act cool for one day, but consistency is the real MVP. Throw in stuff like app design, pricing, and how many gadgets you can hook up at once, and you’ve got my checklist.
And just so you know, this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve been poking around in tech since back when floppy disks were a thing, and I’ve tested more VPNs than I care to count. Whether it’s big-name heavyweights or underdog services, I’ve been there, done that. So trust me when I say, I’ve got the goods on what works.
Alright, enough rambling. Here’s my hit list for Android VPNs—let’s get you sorted.
NordVPN
Let’s talk NordVPN—it’s a crowd favorite for a reason. This thing is packed with over 6,000 servers spread across 110 countries, and yeah, it claims it can handle Netflix like a pro. No special servers needed; just pick one and you’re good to stream. We put that claim to the test, and guess what? It passed every time.
The Android app? Slick. It’s got that same map setup as the desktop version for picking locations, which is honestly pretty fun to use. There’s also a super handy carousel for popular spots and a full list of countries right there. Plus, it supports all the cool extras—P2P sharing, Meshnet, and those fancy multi-hop VPNs. Oh, and let’s not forget the security perks: ad-blocking, malware protection, a new password manager, and even a link checker to keep sketchy stuff at bay.
Nord’s all about privacy, too. They just aced their fourth audit on that no-logs policy, so you know they’re not snooping. It’s on the pricier side, but you’re getting speed and features to back it up. Our tests clocked it at 72% of base internet speed, which makes it one of the fastest VPNs out there.
if you’re on Android and need a VPN, NordVPN’s a no-brainer. It’s packed with features, secure as hell, and the app is stupid easy to use. Put it on your list—at the top.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a solid pick if you want speed and simplicity in one package. During testing, it held onto 72.14% of base internet speed, which is impressive enough to put it in the top tier of fast VPNs. Switching servers is a breeze—just tap a tile under the big on/off button. The app even color-codes your connection status: red means off, green means you’re locked in.
The Android app also throws in some handy extras like split tunneling, auto-connect, and a kill switch—so even if the VPN craps out, your data stays private.
It’s not perfect, though. The price tag is steeper than most, and it’s not quite as smooth as NordVPN when it comes to user experience. Still, it’s a beast of a VPN, especially if you’ve got other gadgets you want to protect. The multi-device plan runs about $100 for the first 15 months, and honestly, for what you’re getting, it’s worth it.
ProtonVPN
If Mullvad’s not your thing, ProtonVPN is another badass option for privacy nerds. It’s part of the Proton ecosystem—think ProtonMail, ProtonCalendar, ProtonDrive—but you don’t have to buy the whole package. You can grab ProtonVPN on its own, or go premium and score access to ProtonDrive too, which is a nice little bonus.
Speed-wise, it’s on par with Mullvad, clocking in at around 57% of base speed during tests. You get a solid lineup of country options, and the privacy policy says all the right things. Plus, it’s Netflix-friendly, supports TOR over VPN, and handles P2P on most servers without a hiccup. Oh, and if you’re into layers of security, their Secure Core feature is a dream—multi-hop connections that make you even harder to track.
It’s not the cheapest option at $10 a month, but if you’re willing to commit to a longer plan, you can knock that price down. Totally worth it if you’re serious about privacy.
Mullvad
Mullvad is the go-to if you’re all about keeping your online life under wraps. Privacy is their whole vibe—they don’t even want your email. Instead, you get a random account number, and that’s all you need to log in and pay. Oh, and speaking of paying, they’re super chill about how you do it. Cash? Sure. Bitcoin? Yep. PayPal, credit card? All good. Basically, you can stay as off-the-grid as possible while still using a VPN.
They also promise not to track what you’re up to online, which is kind of the bare minimum but still nice to hear. Speed-wise, Mullvad hits about 57% of your regular internet speed on Android. It’s not blazing fast like some of the others, but it’s solid enough for streaming, browsing, or whatever you’re into. And at €5 a month (a little over five bucks), it’s ridiculously affordable for what you’re getting.
CyberGhost
If you’re new to the whole VPN game, CyberGhost is a super chill option. It’s got this no-nonsense Android app that’s stupidly easy to figure out. There’s a big on/off button up top, and right under that, you’ve got a tile to pick your country. Tap it, and boom—you’re in a menu where you can pick a server for streaming, gaming, or torrenting. Speeds were solid in my tests—plenty fast for streaming, browsing, or whatever you’re doing online.
They’ve added split-tunneling recently, which is cool if you’re into customizing your setup, but honestly, you don’t need to mess with it. The basics work perfectly fine. CyberGhost keeps it simple, which is why it’s great for first-timers. Pricing’s flexible too—you can go monthly, yearly, or lock in for two years if you want to save some cash.
Windscribe Pro
Windscribe’s another great pick for Android users, especially if you’re juggling a bunch of devices. Sure, you don’t get unlimited data like ProtonVPN, but they let you hook up as many gadgets as you want at once, which is a win. You’ve got a 10GB monthly data cap—not bad for casual browsing, though streaming’s probably off the table unless you’re rationing hard.
The free plan includes servers in 10 regions—think U.S., Canada, UK, and a few other spots. Plus, it’s got a buffet of privacy tools: cookie blockers, WebRTC leak protection, location spoofing, and even user agent rotation. You won’t be worrying about random pop-ups or trackers with this thing running.
It’s also ridiculously easy to set up. No tech wizardry required. Honestly, the free version’s good enough to get a real feel for it before deciding if you wanna splurge on premium perks.
Hide.me
Hide.me keeps things straightforward and fast, offering solid speeds with a 10GB monthly cap—same deal as Windscribe. You get five server options: two in the U.S. (east and west), plus Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. The best part? No account needed. You just fire it up and go.
This one’s perfect if you’re only using a VPN occasionally or you don’t want to mess with signing up. Got a quick task or just super protective of your privacy? Hide.me’s no-sign-up approach has you covered, no questions asked.
Speedify 10
Speedify’s got a cool trick up its sleeve—seamlessly switching between Wi-Fi and cellular without dropping your connection. No annoying pauses, no starting over, just smooth sailing. It even uses both at the same time to try and crank up your speeds, which is pretty slick. Speeds are decent too, landing in the top 15 overall.
The catch? You’re stuck with a tiny 2GB data cap per month. That’s not going far, but if all you need is quick and basic web browsing, it does the job. Perfect for quick tasks or keeping things running smoothly when you’re bouncing between spotty networks. Simple, smart, and gets the job done—just don’t expect a marathon out of it.