Best VPNs for Android in 2023
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Inga Valiaugaitė
Writer
For those who prioritize their privacy, considering the use of a VPN app on an Android device is recommended. The potential dangers that accompany browsing the web on Android make using a VPN app highly useful. The dangers include activity-tracking ads, unsafe public Wi-Fi, your ISP throttling your connection, and other sorts of surveillance and risk of the data breaches.
The best Android VPN can protect your identity from unsecure networks, provide complete anonymity and even boost mobile streaming capabilities by spoofing your IP address. Then, you can access regional TV shows, movies, or sports libraries on multiple platforms.
Below, you will find the best Android VPNs that we tested based on our hands-on experience. We have carefully selected only those apps that performed well in our testing process. At Cybernews, we regularly conduct extensive research and test new apps and software providers to ensure that we recommend only the highest quality products.
Top 5 best Android VPNs
- NordVPN – best Android VPN app in 2023
- Surfshark – unlimited connections VPN for Android with low-cost plans
- Atlas VPN – easy-to-use mobile VPN for Android
- ExpressVPN – secure VPN app for Android working with geo-blocks
- CyberGhost – anonymous Android VPN with a wide range of servers
How to choose the best Android VPN app
In order to choose a truly secure and high-class VPN for Android devices, you need to put some checkmarks on it first. For a VPN to fit the market’s standard and your needs, it should have at least these functionalities for Android:
| Data encryption: | AES-256 |
| Standout features: | Ad and malware blocker, multi-device connections, kill switch |
| Fast tunneling protocols: | WireGuard |
| Android app: | User-friendly interface, easy to install and use |
- Compatibility with Android. Before checking any features of a VPN, ensure it’s compatible with Android devices and is available on the Google Play Store. Some VPNs might be desktop or mobile-focused, so do your homework by selecting the ones offering high-quality apps for your device’s version.
- Strong security and performance. Ensure a VPN uses robust encryption protocols (WireGuard), boosted data encryption (AES-256), and a kill switch for starters. Other security features like obfuscated servers and DNS leak protection will also add to your Android security.
- User-friendly interface. The VPN’s Android app should have a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to use the VPN – select servers, and customize settings in the blink of an eye.
- Features. Consider any features that may be important to you – split tunneling, an ad blocker, a dedicated IP address, gaming, torrenting, streaming-optimized servers, and antivirus. All of these features will help you match the most suitable VPN for Android.
The best VPNs for Android in 2023 – our detailed list:
Here are the best VPNs for Android we tested and selected. This list solely focuses on the mobile offering of each VPN provider, and it overviews its Android features, security, streaming capabilities, and the best available deals.
1. NordVPN – best and the safest VPN for Android
| Servers/countries: | 5,800+ servers in 60 countries |
| Available for: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Maximum connections: | 6 |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get NordVPN with 68% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥 |
NordVPN is certainly the best and the most secure VPN for Android devices. It conquers the market with one of the highest ratings in the Google Play Store – 4.5/5.0 stars. More than 50 million downloads confirm it’s users’ favorite too.
Interface. NordVPN’s Android app is super easy to install and use. Thanks to its well-designed and clean Android interface, the map list lets you select the server in a flick of an eye. All the other settings are well-organized in the dashboard, so you can access them as easily as on the desktop.
Features. Android app features include split tunneling, a customizable kill switch, pausing, and auto-connect, which is really convenient if you want to be protected on autopilot. You can also easily access Double VPN, Dark Web monitoring, and even Meshnet – the unique NordVPN feature that lets you create a private secure network and access other devices remotely.
Security. This VPN’s security is pretty much impeccable – users get the NordVPN-branded proprietary NordLynx protocol, next-generation AES-256 encryption and are protected by an independently audited no-logs policy. NordVPN’s Android app’s security has also been backed up with ioXt certification. We have overviewed the rest of the security features in our NordVPN review.
Streaming. This VPN is generally known to have powerful unblocking and streaming capabilities – and getting around streaming restrictions on Android devices is no exception. While testing, we could unblock and stream such platforms as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Max, and more platforms without buffering. Besides, NordLynx (WireGuard variation) tunneling protocol provides swift speeds by retaining around 90% of original speeds.
Pricing and support. NordVPN plans for Android start at $3.19/month for 6 simultaneous connections. What’s very enticing is that this VPN offers a 7-day free trial for Android devices and a 30-day refund. If you encounter any issues, NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support and an extensive help center.
See the full picture in the in-depth NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – Android VPN with unlimited connections and attractive prices
| Servers/countries: | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Available for: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Maximum connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 2 months FREE 🔥 |
Surfshark is a great VPN option for Android – its compelling price, market-leading security, speeds, and privacy makes it a great combination of a quality VPN. It offers over 3200 servers spanning 100 countries – another reason why it’s rated shining 4.4/.5.0 stars on the Google Play Store.
Interface. Surfshark’s dedicated Android app is very similar to its desktop versions, making it easy to adjust on different devices. Even though this VPN doesn’t have a map list like NordVPN, its intuitive dashboard enables you to get around and locate settings without a problem.
Features. Surfshark has a fully-featured Android app – you’ll find split tunneling and even CleanWeb feature that’s going to block suspicious sites. What’s truly unique about Surfshark’s Android app is that it also offers a GPS spoofing feature, allowing you to match your VPN IP with corresponding GPS data.
Security. As we mentioned in our Surfshark review, the security this VPN provider implements exceeds all the expectations compared to its price. On the Android app, you’ll get secure end-to-end encryption, an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, and antivirus functionality. Also, features like auto-connect are really useful for non-secure networks.
Streaming. This VPN has proved to be one of the most powerful ones for unblocking content and also one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. With Surfshark, you can bypass geo-blocks of Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and other platforms. WireGuard tunneling protocol will provide you with blazing-fast speeds on Android, retaining over 85% of its original speeds.
Pricing and support. The best part that no competitor has beaten is Surfshark’s price. Premium plans start at $2.30/month if you get it long-term (unlimited simultaneous connections included). You also get a 7-day free Android trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Run into a technical issue? Surfshark’s help center is there to support you.
Pay a visit to our Surfshark review for more information or contrast it with the ultimate VPN in the Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.
3. Atlas VPN – user-friendly Android VPN app with superb unblocking functions
| Servers/countries: | 1,000+ servers in 42 countries |
| Available for: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick |
| Maximum connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get Atlas VPN, now 85% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥 |
Atlas VPN is an unmatched VPN option for Android devices. Since it’s mobile-focused, you will surely enjoy this basic and beginner-friendly service on your Android phone or tablet. Its Google Play Store rating – 4.2/5.0 stars also shows users enjoy and find it appealing.
Interface. Since the Android app of Atlas VPN has been around longer than its desktop counterparts, it’s naturally better developed – we liked how clean, uncluttered, and basic the interface is. With a few clicks, you can select your preferred server location and access other features on the dashboard. In our Atlas VPN review, we dissected those features in more detail.
Features. Feature-wise, Atlas VPN has toggles for Tracker Blocker and a system-wide kill switch. With Data Breach Monitor, you can also check if your email appeared in any breaches. Also, the SafeBrowse feature helps you prevent phishing and malware.
Security. This VPN meets all the market-leading security standards – just as NordVPN and Surfshark, Atlas VPN implement AES-256 cipher, no-logs policy, and WireGuard tunneling protocol. Even though the VPN is based in a 5-Eyes alliance country – the US, the provider ensures none of the data is stored or compromised.
Streaming. Atlas VPN unblocked almost all the streaming platforms during our latest tests. Multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more services are easily accessible to watch on Android. Its WireGuard protocol really improved the performance retaining approximately 85% original speeds.
Pricing and support. Atlas VPN stands out of all the VPNs on this list with its free version. Even though limited, it has basic features for daily use. Premium plans cost $1.82/month for unlimited connections. Every plan also comes with a 30-day guaranteed refund. You can contact Atlas VPN’s customer support by filling out an email request.
4. ExpressVPN – advanced VPN for Android excellent at bypassing geo-blocks
| Servers/countries: | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries |
| Available for: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Maximum connections: | 8 |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get ExpressVPN, now 49% OFF the 1-year plan! 🔥 |
ExpressVPN is a speedy and well-rounded Android VPN. The dedicated app is straightforward and has advanced features for those more tech-savvy users. It’s been rated 4.3/5.0 stars on the Google Play Store, which is an excellent score but also has some space for improvement.
Interface. Similarly to Surfshark, the ExpressVPN Android app is nearly identical to its desktop counterpart – the country selection tab is well-equipped, and the interface itself is responsive and easy to navigate.
Features. ExpressVPN’s Android app has the auto-connect feature, just as previously mentioned providers. A split tunneling feature lets you select which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel. Other than that, the Shortcuts feature lets you add a website link to always have it available within a few clicks.
Security. AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and secure tunneling protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard-based Lightway) are the essential security features that this VPN offers. But that’s not all – as we’ve put down in our ExpressVPN review, it operates on RAM-only servers and a zero-logs policy to ensure your data is wiped after each use.
Streaming. ExpressVPN is truly reliable when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms – we had no bummers streaming various Netflix libraries, Disney+, Max. However, we experienced a slightly lower speed retention rate than other providers – approximately 75% of its original speeds. It’s not very noticeable, but if you prioritize speed – NordVPN or Surfshark would suit you more.
Pricing and support. Price is another pitfall of ExpressVPN – its premium plans start at $6.67/month, which is much more expensive than other providers on this list. However, if the price is not the deciding factor for you, it will be a great option. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee with each plan and can test the service on Android with its 7-day free trial. There’s also online support and live chat that can fix any bugs or issues.
Visit our ExpressVPN review to gain more knowledge. Otherwise, inspect NordVPN vs ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost – anonymity-focused Android VPN with a wide-ranging server network
| Servers/countries: | 9,600+ servers in 91 countries |
| Available for: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Maximum connections: | 7 |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get CyberGhost VPN, now 83% OFF + 2 months FREE 🔥 |
CyberGhost is another VPN for Android that made it to our list. This anonymity-focused provider offers a decent dedicated Android app and stands out with its broad server fleet. Users rated CyberGhost 4.2/5.0 stars on the Google Play Store – another reason to check it out.
Interface. CyberGhost’s Android app has a minimalistic but visually-appealing design. By default, there’s a server map from which you can select the preferred VPN server. Generally, the app didn’t seem as intuitive as NordVPN or Surfshark, but it is fully functional.
Features. On CyberGhost’s Android app, there’s a dedicated IP, split tunneling if you’d like to select which traffic goes through a VPN tunnel, a content blocker (blocks ads, trackers, malware), Wi-FI protection, and some more that we tested for our CyberGhost review. However, it’s not very feature-rich, so in this case, NordVPN would be a better pick for you.
Security. Along with the essential features – AES-256 encryption, and an automated kill switch to prevent leaks, there are secure WireGuard and OpenVPN tunneling protocols and a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy. It also operates with RAM-only servers.
Streaming. CyberGhost is a reliable streaming VPN. When testing its unblocking capabilities on Android, we had no fails but had to connect to streaming-optimized servers to access platforms like Netflix or BBC iPlayer. It also provides fast speeds, retaining around 85% of the original ones.
Pricing and support. This VPN has reasonable prices, too – you can get its subscription for $2.19/month and even pay anonymously (covers up to 7 devices). This VPN also gives you a slightly shorter 3-day free trial on Android and an extended 45-day money refund. If you need any help – CyberGhost has 24/7 customer support.
How did we test VPNs for Android?
When testing VPNs for Android, we followed a comprehensive hands-on approach to evaluate various providers. The research was done on Nokia 6.2 smartphone (Android version 11, 64GB internal storage) by considering multiple factors. Here are the main ones:
- Android app. We assessed the ease of use and intuitiveness of the VPN app's interface, considering the setup process, connectivity, and server selection.
- Security and privacy. Since Android devices are much more prone to run into bad actors due to third-party apps, the security of the VPN must be impeccable. For this reason, we analyzed each VPN's independent audits, encryption protocols, logging policies, country the VPN is based in and security features to ensure robust protection and anonymity.
- Server network. We examined the provider's server coverage, including the number of servers, their global distribution, and the ability to access geo-blocked websites or content. Some Android VPN providers offer RAM-only or obfuscated servers, which is a massive plus to online protection.
- Speed and performance. We conducted speed tests to assess the fastest VPNs and measure how they impacted internet speeds on Android devices, ensuring they provided a seamless browsing or streaming experience.
- Extra features. We explored any additional features offered by Android VPNs, such as ad blockers, split tunneling, or malware protection, to determine their value and offered security level.
Top Android VPN apps compared
Secure your digital life with our comprehensive comparison of the top-notch Android VPNs – make an informed choice for online privacy and protection on Android devices.
| NordVPN | Surfshark | Atlas VPN | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |  |  |
| Rating | |||||
| Google Play Store rating | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Unblocked streaming sites | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Lowest monthly price | $3.19/month | $2.30/month | $1.82/month | $6.67/month | $2.19/month |
| 1-year price | $4.99/month | $3.22/month | $3.29/month | $8.32/month | – |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 |
| ioXT-certified | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Base country | Panama | The Netherlands (part of 9-Eyes) | United States (part of 5-Eyes) | British Virgin Islands | Romania |
| Servers | 5,800+ servers in 60 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 1,000+ servers in 42 countries | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries | 9,600+ servers in 91 countries |
| Review | NordVPN review | Surfshark VPN review | Atlas VPN review | ExpressVPN review | CyberGhost review |
Do I really need a VPN on an Android phone?
If privacy, security, and anonymity are your priorities, then yes, it’s recommended to have a VPN on an Android phone.
A VPN can help protect your privacy, security, beat censorship, and grant access to geo-blocked content or services. It encrypts your traffic, making it much more difficult for anyone to track your online activity. It can also help protect you from malware and other online threats.
A VPN for Android is also needed if you want to bypass restrictions imposed by your ISP (bandwidth throttling) or government (surveillance). If you are concerned about your privacy or security, or if you need to access blocked content or services, then a VPN can be a valuable tool.
What can I do with a VPN on Android?
If you’re still wondering what you can do with a VPN on Android, here are some of the most common use cases:
- Increase security while using public Wi-Fi. A VPN conceals your Android’s data and traffic, making it much more difficult for hackers to steal your data. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured.
- Bypass geo-restrictions. A VPN can be used to bypass geo-blocks, which are often used by streaming services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer and other websites to prevent users from accessing content in certain countries. This means you can watch your favorite shows and movies on your Android device, even if they're not available in your region.
- Avoid censorship. In some countries, the government censors the internet. A VPN can be used to bypass this censorship and access websites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Reddit, and many more) that would otherwise be blocked.
- Protect your privacy. A VPN can help you protect your privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting online traffic. This means that websites and advertisers won't be able to track your online activity or log any other data.
- Torrent safely. Using a VPN on Android while torrenting can help ensure privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address from potential monitoring or tracking.
How do I set up a VPN on Android?
Setting up a VPN on Android is relatively easy and doesn’t require much effort. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
- Head to the Google Play store, select, download, and install the VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 68% OFF
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Open the app and sign up or log in if you already have an account
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Connect to a VPN server by either using the Quick Connect button or manually selecting a server location
- You can customize the VPN settings, such as a kill switch, according to your preferences
- That’s it! Unleash the full power of NordVPN on your Android and browse safely
Is it safe to use a VPN on Android device?
Yes, it’s completely safe to use a VPN on an Android device as long as the VPN service provider is trustworthy.
Simply put, VPNs provide an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, protecting the data that travels in between. As a result, VPNs prevent unauthorized access and surveillance by hiding your IP address.
However, not all VPNs provide the same encryption and privacy protocols. For example, some free VPNs are known to trade users' data in order to generate revenue. So, choosing a worthy VPN with a no-logs policy is important, as it won't store your browsing activity. Additionally, be cautious when downloading VPN apps from third-party sources, as they may be malicious. Stick to trusted sources like the Google Play Store or official VPN websites.
Video review: best Android VPNs
Final thoughts
Your mobile device holds a wealth of personal information, making it crucial to prioritize online privacy and security. Using a trustworthy VPN for Android is essential to encrypt your data and prevent potential leaks to advertisers or simply when using public Wi-Fi.
However, not all VPNs are equal. You need a provider that values your data and offers robust features to surf the net or unblock and stream geo-restricted content, specifically on Android gadgets.
NordVPN stands out as the most reliable choice, with strong encryption, a zero-logs policy, and a feature-rich Android app. With competitive pricing and reputation, a 7-day free trial, and spiffing performance, NordVPN ensures a secure online experience for Android users.
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FAQ
What's the best VPN for Android?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Android due to its excellent security features, swift and stable connection speeds, user-friendly and intuitive Android app, as well as a vast server network spanning 60 countries. It offers top-class encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a no-logs policy, ensuring a seamless online experience on Androids.
Does Android have built-in VPN?
Yes, Android has a built-in VPN client that allows users to set up and connect to VPN services directly from their device settings. This feature provides a convenient and integrated way to enhance privacy and security. However, to enable the full potential of a VPN for Android, we recommend opting for a premium VPN app.
Should I turn on VPN on my Android phone?
Yes, having a VPN enabled on your Android phone is recommended to enhance your privacy and security. It encrypts your internet connection, protects your data from potential threats, and allows you to browse the internet anonymously, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
What is the best free VPN for Android?
One of the best free VPNs for Android is NordVPN, followed by Surfshark. Both services offer 7-day free trials and 30-day money-back guarantees. These premium solutions offer an excellent speed and security combination for Android without risking any money.
Can I use my Android VPN on other devices?
No, Android VPN apps are specifically designed to work on Android devices and cannot be directly used on other devices, such as computers or iOS devices. However, most VPN providers offer separate apps or manual configuration options for other devices to connect to their VPN servers.
Which VPN app is safe for Android?
NordVPN is regarded as one of the safest VPNs for Android. Its high-level security measures, such as AES-256 encryption, proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, and a strict no-logs policy, ensure your internet traffic on Android is obfuscated and hidden from any prying eyes.
Is it legal to use a VPN on Android?
Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN on Android. VPNs are widely used for privacy, security, and bypassing geo-blocks. However, we don’t condone any illegal activity while on VPN, and we encourage you to comply with the laws of your specific country while using it.
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