Best VPNs for Android in 2022

Android VPN apps are the perfect tools for online security and privacy protection. And although smartphones are known to be more secure than computers, they’re not fully threat-proof either.

Some of the dangers include using public wifi – whether it’s browsing the web at airports or performing banking operations, your data can be easily accessed, hacked, or stolen. That is, unless you use a VPN on your Android phone that encrypts your information and protects your sensitive data by making it unreadable.

But in this rapidly growing market, how do you choose the best VPN for your phone or tablet?

To make the process easier for you, we tested and picked out the best Android VPN providers for your mobile or tablet that offers top-notch security and have our seal of approval.

Top 5 best Android VPNs:

1. NordVPN – the best overall VPN for Android devices
2. Surfshark – Android VPN with low prices and unlimited connections
3. Atlas VPN – a great affordable VPN for Android
4. PrivateVPN – a simplistic Android application
5. PureVPN – an all-rounded security solution

The best VPNs for Android – our detailed list:

The list below features only the best VPNs for Android devices. All you need to do is pick an application that seems to suit your needs, download it, and enjoy all the perks a Virtual Private Network can give you.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Android

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NordVPN is the best VPN for Android because of its steady balance between security, speed, and functionality. In other words, it suits the needs of any VPN user.

The NordVPN app interface has an intuitive design, which is easy to understand and looks pleasing to the eye. You can see the number of available servers and with a single click, you can pick the closest location. Or move around the map to pick your wanted area.

With a single NordVPN account, you can protect up to 6 devices. So you can secure both your phone and tablet or connect your family’s devices.

If you download NordVPN, you’ll start watching more movies than ever before. That’s because this is one of those VPNs that unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more streaming platforms.

Next, let’s talk about security. You might like to know that NordVPN uses RAM-only servers, which means that none of your info can be physically stored long-term. Other than that, NordVPN’s privacy policy has been audited not once, but twice.

As for the tunneling protocols, the Android app of NordVPN offers both OpenVPN and NordLynx (a super fast in-house WireGuard-based protocol).

Additionally, the Android application has a kill switch, as well as the split tunneling, pausing, and auto-connect features.

In short, if you’re looking for the best VPN for Android phone, NordVPN will be the one that will definitely knock your socks off.

You can get NordVPN from $3.29 a month!

2. Surfshark – unlimited device coverage

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One of the best (and cheapest!) VPNs for Android, Surfshark has already taken a huge bite out of the VPN market, boasting millions of customers all over the world. It’s also one of those VPNs that you’ve heard about over and over again thanks to numerous YouTube ads.

And I’m happy to tell you that Surfshark’s popularity isn’t just a fad. Let’s take a closer look at their Android application.

The intuitive and easy-to-use Surfshark app interface is attractive to users. You can pick the fastest or nearest country servers with a single click. Or choose from a vast list of servers provided.

With a singular Surfshark account, you get a simultaneous connection on unlimited devices. If you and your family have lots of computers and phones, this makes Surshark not just cheap but virtually free!

First of all, Surfshark Android allows you to choose from three different VPN protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, and even Shadowsocks (which is more of a proxy that works even in China).

Next, the Android app has a neat feature called GPS spoofing. It lets you spoof your physical GPS location, allowing you to successfully trick the other apps installed on your phone. For example, this can be helpful when playing Pokémon GO.

You can also use Surfshark to watch Netflix: the Android application successfully unblocks a selection of libraries, including the US one. Other accessible streaming platforms include Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, YouTube, and more.

If Surfshark VPN has caught your attention, go and invest in it from $2.30 a month!

3. Atlas VPN – a great freemium VPN for Android

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Atlas VPN is definitely one of the best VPNs for Android, and not only because it has a freemium version.

At its core, the Android app doesn’t differ that much from its Windows counterpart. It supports the same tunneling protocol (IPSec/IKEv2), as well as the same level of encryption (AES-256).

It also has a really nice user interface. It not only looks pretty, but is also easy to use – just what I’d expect from a quality service. And with a single Atlas VPN account, you will get unlimited simultaneous connections for your devices.

However, that’s not it. You also get a bunch of great features to try out. A data breach checker, tracker blocker, system-wide kill switch – all of this is tightly packed into a single app, making Atlas VPN a really secure VPN for Android.

If you’re interested in watching streaming platforms, Atlas VPN unlocks the global content from Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube.

If you’re eager to get your hands on the Android app of Atlas VPN, you can do it by either downloading the free version or investing in a paid one that starts from $2.05 a month and has more server locations and countries.

4. PrivateVPN – a simplistic Android application

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The Android app of PrivateVPN looks simple, yet it packs a bunch of features useful to both beginners and advanced users alike.

PrivateVPN mobile app interface isn’t hard to use or understand, but it can be choppy. The setup is similar to the desktop version, but the level of user experience is lesser.

A great feature of PrivateVPN Android is that it brings you unlimited bandwidth, really fast speeds, and the possibility to use 6 devices simultaneously.

When it comes to security, you won’t be disappointed. The Android app is protected by military-grade encryption, lets you choose between two extra secure tunneling protocols (OpenVPN TCP and OpenVPN UDP), and has a no-logs policy.

The Android version of PrivateVPN also protects your device against IPv6 leaks and lets you choose to automatically turn on the VPN on startup. There’s also a kill switch that will allow you to use the internet only when connected to a VPN server.

For streaming platforms, PrivateVPN unlocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Video, and more. So, you’ll never run out of content to consume.

As there’s no free version, you’ll have to choose one of the subscription plans of PrivateVPN. The cheapest option starts from $2.00/month.

5. PureVPN – an all-round Android solution

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The PureVPN app for Android is great. I like it much more than its Windows counterpart, which could use some design improvements.

The PureVPN app for Android is the most feature-rich out of all its variations. Its interface is easy to use and is attractive to users, with both a quick connect option and a list of servers to choose from. And you can get 10 simultaneous connections with its plans.

So, what puts it among the best VPN apps for Android? Well, first of all, it supports a tunneling protocol perfect for mobile devices – IKEv2. It is very stable, allowing for a frictionless change between wifi and mobile data.

Next, we have a wide choice of countries. PureVPN offers 6500 servers in 78 countries, which means you’re likely to find the exact location you need. You can also pick a specialized server for streaming, file sharing, security, and bypassing restrictions.

What’s more, PureVPN unblocks various streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN. So, if you have a Netflix app on your Android, simply connect to a VPN server, launch the streaming application, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the movies blocked in your region.

You can get PureVPN for as low as $1.99 a month.

How we selected and tested these VPNs

Listed below are the features we expect a good Android VPN to have. So you can pick the best VPN for you for the best price range.

• Tunneling protocols. Unfortunately, the selection of tunneling protocols for Android VPN apps is usually smaller than the one for Windows or macOS. However, it’s important to have a wider choice in case a certain protocol is blocked or simply doesn’t work with your device.
• Features. Usually, it’s the Windows version that gets all the neat features that the VPN provider advertises left and right. Meanwhile, mobile apps get only the basics. To select only the best VPN services for Android, we looked for applications that offer more than simple protection.
• Logging policy. As VPNs are all about privacy, you have to make sure that the one you’re about to download offers a no-logs policy. In other words, a reputable VPN for Android won’t collect any personal information, including your real IP address.
• Streaming. As Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms have their own Android applications, it’s important to have a VPN that would unlock the geo-blocked libraries you need. Luckily, most VPN providers on this list can easily help you with that.
• Simultaneous connections. Let’s admit it – the more simultaneous connections a VPN offers, the cheaper it becomes in the long run. It’s especially great when you can use a single subscription on unlimited devices (like in the case of Surfshark).
• Price. All of the best VPNs for Android on this list are incredibly cheap. I’m not saying that an expensive VPN is a bad VPN – but it’s always nice to spend as little as possible if you can get away with it.

What to look for when choosing a VPN for Android?

It’s easy to choose a VPN for your Android device when you know what to look for. Here are some of the main points you should consider when trying to determine, which VPN is truly the best for your Android:

• Safety. First and foremost, your Android VPN should be safe to use. This means it must come from a reputable company and have an audited no-logs policy.
• Streaming experience. There are lots of good streaming applications for Android (like Netflix), and having a VPN that bypasses their geo-blocks will allow you to broaden your selection of content to watch.
• Extra features. While Android VPNs aren’t known for a wide selection of features, having a few can be pretty helpful. Split tunneling, specialized servers, and GPS spoofing are the main things you should look for.
• Speed. Having good speeds is essential when you use a VPN on mobile. When picking a VPN for Android, you can check for fast and stable tunneling protocols like WireGuard or IKEv2, which are perfect for smartphones.

Do I really need a VPN on Android phone?

Yes – when it comes to security and online privacy, Android owners actually need a VPN more than PC users. Here’s why:

• Wifi dangers. You may connect to public wifi on various occasions – while waiting for your burger at McDonald’s or simply texting your friends at the mall. Using public hotspots can pose certain risks, such as personal data leakage or even malware distribution. By encrypting your traffic, a VPN will prevent such dangers from happening.
• Streaming possibilities. You might actually need a VPN even if all you do is sit at home. That’s because you can use a VPN to broaden your Netflix movie selection. VPNs like Surfshark or NordVPN work with the Netflix app, letting you watch the content you previously couldn’t.
• Accessing content. Another reason for using the best VPN for Android is bypassing various blocks imposed by your country. For example, if you live (or travel) somewhere where YouTube is blocked, a VPN can be a real lifesaver. Of course, you should first check if a VPN is legal in your region in the first place.

How to set up a VPN on Android

Installing a VPN on Android is a piece of cake. It’s even easier than installing one on your computer, as you don’t even need to follow the instructions on the installation wizard.

So, this is how you install a VPN on Android:

1. Go to the Google Play Store and search for NordVPN service

2. Tap the green Install button to download the VPN app

3. Launch the app and log into your account or sign up for a new one (in this case, you'll need to also pick a plan)

4. Choose the region you want to connect to. That's it!

You may also go to Settings and explore the features and connection options available to you.

Visit NordVPN

Is it safe to use a VPN on my Android?

Yes, it’s not only safe to have a VPN on your Android device – it’s actually preferable.

Of course, to stay safe, you need to use (and I can’t stress this enough) a reputable VPN service. That is, a no-logs VPN audited by an independent company. Otherwise, you might actually increase your risk by using a VPN.

Luckily, all the best Android VPN services featured on this list (together with any other VPN mentioned on this website) are completely safe. No logging, no scams, no third-party data buyers. Only pure protection.

However, if you’ve just browsed through Google Play, stumbled upon a nice-looking VPN, and are tempted to try it, write a comment on this very page and we’ll tell you whether the program is truly safe for your Android.

Can I leave my Android VPN on all the time?

Yes, you can leave your Android VPN on at all times if you’re in need of privacy. Keeping the VPN on will make sure that your real IP address doesn’t get accidentally exposed. Also, your ISP won’t be able to see your browsing history, which is another great plus.

However, you should keep a few things in mind. Certain applications might need your real location (or at least your real country) to function properly (like Tinder or Uber Eats). Also, a VPN usually decreases your internet connection speed, which means your connection will be constantly slowed down.

You should also know that a VPN, like any other application, uses your phone’s battery. In other words, you might need to charge your phone a bit more frequently if you leave your VPN on all the time.

Are free Android VPN apps worth it?

We tested the most popular free Android VPN options and came to a conclusion: these Android VPNs will always be worse than premium options. There are too many drawbacks.

Some premium VPNs will offer free versions for you to try. However, with very limited data caps, they don't allow for unrestricted browsing. Plus, with a very small server fleet used by a lot of people at the same time, streaming and torrenting will be virtually impossible. Providers offer such premium features only on a premium plan that you have to pay for.

Free VPN apps, found on your Google Play Store, suffer from the same problems. But there are also additional data security concerns there, so we recommend against using these apps as well. It’s better to use a freemium VPN that also offers a paid subscription. In this way, you can see that the service makes money from sales instead of personal user data.

And if you want a reliable and powerful VPN, the best approach is to get a premium one, use it for a bit, and claim the money-back guarantee if you don't like it. Because in general, free Android VPNs are not worth it.

Conclusion

With the launch of Android 12 and many updates to come, it’s apparent that this fan-favorite operating system isn’t going away anytime soon. And since we often use our mobile devices to connect to public wifi or perform banking operations, using a VPN on your Android is a must. Without it, public hotspots become breeding grounds for hacks and data leaks.

However, while many VPNs may seem similar on the outside, not all of them ensure first-class privacy protection and security. So we compiled a list of the best VPNs for Android. NordVPN is our top pick for Android. It offers the best balance between security, speed, and functionality.

More VPN guides from CyberNews:

Best VPNs for Android TV box: unblock every streaming service
Best VPNs for Linux: improve your privacy on Linux
Best VPNs for Mac: protect your device with a VPN
Best VPNs for Windows 11: protect your device from common cyber threats

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