7 Best VPN's For Android Reviewed: Pros and Cons (2024)

7 Best VPN's For Android Reviewed: Pros and Cons (1)

The more we become connected to the world, the more people worry about privacy. We love it when we can get a pizza delivered with the tap of a few virtual buttons, but it’s a totally different thing when some looming tech giant monitors all our traffic.

That may be especially important when that looming tech giant also provides the operating system that runs your phone. That’s right: Google is behind the operating system for every Android phone.

That matters, because Google makes its money by monitoring your traffic. Without one of these best VPN’s for Android, they can monitor whatever traffic you send out to the internet.

They gather your traffic data to sell ads. The only way to escape is to hide your traffic from the tech overlords, and that means you need a VPN, but not just any VPN. You need a best vpn for Android.

What makes a VPN qualify as one of the best VPN’s for Android? It needs to have an Android-specific app. It should work seamlessly with all your devices from a phone to a PC to a smart TV.

Here’s a list of our favorite tested VPN’s for Android:

  • NordVPN: low cost VPN for Android with 5,248 servers in 59 countries
  • ExpressVPN: a trusted VPN with excellent Android suppor
  • PrivateVPN: Router support but no kill switch
  • Surfshark: Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • VyprVPN: Security flexibility with 70 global locations
  • IPVanish: Ten connections to use all your devices
  • ProtonVPN: Secure email with flexible subscriptions

Let’s take a deeper look at this list of best VPN’s for Android.

1. NordVPN

Features:
  • Easy-to-use Android app: Yes
  • Android devices: Tablet, Chromebook, Android TV
  • Kill switch: Yes
  • Bandwidth: Unlimited
  • Devices: 6 simultaneous devices
  • No logging policy: Yes
  • Torrenting: Yes
  • Streaming sites: Yes. Users report fast streaming speeds on multiple sites
  • Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
  • Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
  • Price: Between $3.45 and $11.95 a month

NordVPN Review

NordVPN is one of the most recommended and trusted best VPN for Android. Many users report quality service, fast speeds, and excellent customer service. It’s easy to see why it is among the best VPN app for Android.

NordVPN for Android Devices

NordVPN supports many of your favorite Android devices. Their app is in the running for the best VPN app for Android. It is easy to use, and it looks great. NordVPN for Android also offers support for Android tablets, Chromebooks, and your smart TV. If you have a device that needs a VPN, it’s easy to get NordVPN to work.

NordVPN also supports a VPN protocol through their router. Instead of just NordVPN for Android, this option uses VPN protection for every device that connects through the router. You can even use it for your smart thermostat if you want.

Streaming On The Go

NordVPN works with all the major streaming sites, from Netflix to BBC iPlayer, but that can change depending on the ways that streaming sites try to prevent users from getting around their geo-blocks.

Pricing

NordVPN offers a few pricing options. They offer plans from as low as $3.49 a month, for a three-year plan, up to $11.95 a month for a monthly subscription. The lowest cost version is among the least expensive, but the month-to-month plan is more expensive than most VPN.

Three years is a long commitment, so the company offers a NordVPN free trial for 30 days. You can try out the VPN to see if it’s the right service for you. At the end of the NordVPN free trial, you can cancel with no questions asked, but they’re betting you won’t.

Pros
  • Excellent VPN app for Android
  • Many server locations
  • VPN router and Android TV
  • 6 simultaneous devices
Cons
  • Few server locations in Africa, the Middle East, and India

Visit NordVPN

2. ExpressVPN

Features:
  • Quality Android App: Yes
  • Android Devices: Phone, Tablet, Chromebook, TV
  • Kill switch: Yes
  • Bandwidth: Unlimited
  • Devices: 5 simultaneous devices
  • No logging policy: Yes
  • Torrenting: Yes
  • Streaming sites: Yes. Specific sites depend on streaming site updates
  • Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
  • Protocol: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP
  • Price: Between $8.32 and $12.95 a month

ExpressVPN Review For Android

ExpressVPN is a best VPN for Android for its quality service, speed, and its easy-to-use Android App.

ExpressVPN For Android Compatibility

ExpressVPN supports all your favorite Android systems, phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and even your Android smart TV. If you’re all-in on the Android ecosystem, ExpressVPN works everywhere.

There is a problem, though. ExpressVPN only supports 5 simultaneous connections. If two people are each using a phone, a tablet, and they’re watching a smart TV together, no one else can connect through the VPN. Too few connections for even a small family.

Mobile Streaming

ExpressVPN for Android works well for streaming on the go. The service works with all the major streaming sites, so you can get whatever content you want wherever you live.

ExpressVPN offers 160 locations around the world with more than 3,000 VPN servers, so you can use these locations to get around any streaming content blocks to get what you need. They are especially good, at least compared to their competition, on their locations in Africa and the Middle East.

Pricing

VPN express for Android is among the most expensive VPN services, though. With a price range from just over $8 to almost $13, the service costs more than any other on this list. We still keep it here, because we think VPN express for Android is still one of the fastest and most trusted services, even if the price is high.

Pros
  • Fast VPN service
  • Support for the whole Android ecosystem
  • Easy-to-use Android app
  • Mobile streaming
  • Comparably more server locations in Africa and the Middle East
Cons
  • More expensive than other VPN’s
  • Only 5 simultaneous devices

Visit ExpressVPN

3. PrivateVPN

Features:
  • Quality Android App: Yes
  • Android Devices: Phone, Tablet, Chromebook, Some TV’s
  • Kill switch: No
  • Bandwidth: Unlimited
  • Devices: 6 simultaneous devices
  • No logging policy: Yes
  • Torrenting: Yes
  • Streaming sites: Yes. Specific sites depend on streaming site updates
  • Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
  • Protocol: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, IKEv2
  • Price: Between $3.82 and $7.67 a month

PrivateVPN for Android Review

PrivateVPN for Android is one of our favorites, because it offers a simple, easy-to-use, and stylish Android app. The interface is almost too easy to mess up, and the process to select servers is straightforward. It’s a big plus to have a user-friendly app on your phone or tablet. An extended PrivateVPN free trial means there’s nothing to stop you from taking it for a test run. Private for Android without any commitment!

PrivateVPN For Android Security

There is one big question about whether this is a best VPN for Android, though. PrivateVPN doesn’t have a kill switch for its Android App. Why is this a big deal?

One of the ways the service makes you private for Android is that it hides your IP address. A VPN kill switch stops all traffic if the VPN connection goes down. Without it, your IP address might leak out. It’s a big hole in PrivateVPN’s security system.

PrivateVPN Mobile Streaming

PrivateVPN works with all the major streaming services, like Hulu and Prime Video. This private internet access review thinks it’s a great service for streaming on the go and at home.

However, their Android support site suggests that there is limited support for smart TV’s. The say they support only the Amazon Firestick and an Amazon Smart TV. This works out well when you have an Amazon branded device, but not so much if you have another Android TV.

Pricing

We should first mention the generous PrivateVPN free trial period, a 30 day money back guarantee. It’s a great way to test out the service. Even without the PrivateVPN free trial period, this VPN has low prices, from $3.82 a month, a 13-month commitment, to $7.67 a month, month-to-month pricing.

Pros
  • Low prices
  • Generous free trial period
  • Excellent Android App
  • Support for routers and other devices
Cons
  • No kill switch
  • Questionable Android TV support

Visit PrivateVPN

4. Surfshar

Features
  • Quality Android App: Yes
  • Android Devices: Phone, Tablet, Chromebook, TV (sort of)
  • Kill switch: Yes
  • Bandwidth: Unlimited
  • Devices: Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • No logging policy: Yes
  • Torrenting: Yes
  • Streaming sites: Yes. 15 + streaming services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Specific sites depend on streaming site updates
  • Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Windows phone, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, PS 4, Xbox
  • Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
  • Price: Between $1.77 and $11.95 a month

SurfShark For Android Review

SurfShark is another of our best VPN’s for android. It’s easy to use, has a great Android app, and it sports some very low prices. Like many of the VPN’s on this list, it also has a 30-day free trial period, so there is no commitment to testing it out.

SurfShark For Android Security Features

Surfshark has excellent Android support, with a fantastic app that works in most Android systems. The security features really make it stand out, though.

In addition to the standard kill switch, the app has its own Android kill switch. You can also choose to use higher security modes that do things to camouflage your traffic more than a regular VPN. They offer ways to send your traffic through multiple servers and access a VPN in areas where they are banned. A whitelist feature gives you the option to bypass a VPN for sites, like banks, that stop you if they don’t recognize your device.

SurfShark Streaming

SurfShark supports all the major streaming sites, so you can watch video to your heart’s content, bypassing geo content blocks and mobile throttling wherever you are.

SurfShark doesn’t have a native app for Android TV’s or other smart TV’s. You can do it, but it’s an involved process with emails and links and settings changes. If you don’t like to mess with settings, it will be difficult to get your TV on this VPN.

Unlimited Connections

It also supports unlimited simultaneous connections with one account. You can have the whole family running their devices through the VPN, and you won’t have to worry about getting cut off from the internet. You can see why we include this in our list of the best VPN’s for Android!

Pros
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Low prices
  • Android security features
  • Streaming support
  • Whitelist feature
  • Wide support for other plat
Cons
  • Difficult smart TV set up
  • High month-to-month prices

Visit SurfShark

5. VyprVPN

Features:
  • Quality Android App: Yes
  • Android Devices: Phone, Tablet, Chromebook, TV
  • Kill switch: Yes
  • Bandwidth: Unlimited
  • Devices: 5 simultaneous connections
  • No logging policy: Yes
  • Torrenting: Yes
  • Streaming sites: Yes. 15 + streaming services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Specific sites depend on streaming site updates
  • Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Routers
  • Protocol: OpenVPN™, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, and Chameleon™
  • Price: Between $2.50 and $12.95 a month

VyprVPN For Android Review

VyprVPN for Android has several features that make it stand out. It’s proprietary chameleon protocol adds flexibility when you choose the balance between security and speed. It’s a fantastic entry on our list of the best VPN’s for Android. Their VyprVPN free trial makes it risk-free to test, too.

Android Support

VyprVPN for Android supports the whole Android ecosystem, from an excellent mobile Android app all the way to Android smart TV’s. It’s easy to use, and even the least tech savvy people can get it running without a problem.

The Android app also lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. That means you can set your bank apps to connect directly to the server, if you want to, so you don’t have to bump up against their security system every time you log on.

It supports only 5 simultaneous connections, though. If you want to use this for a family VPN, you’d have to get multiple accounts to cover everyone’s devices all the time.

VyprVPN for Streaming

VyprVPN is the best VPN for Android because it supports all the major streaming platforms. You can get around any geo content blocks, whether on your phone or through your smart TV.

The limited simultaneous connections, however, make it more difficult for you to stream while using separate devices.

Pricing

Their subscription prices vary between $2.50, two-year commitment, and $12.95, month-to-month. A Vypr VPN free trial is a great way to test out the VPN before going all in.

Pros
  • Extra security flexibility
  • Smart TV support
  • Customizable connections on Android App
  • Great low-end prices
  • VPN free trial
Cons
  • High month-to-month prices
  • Limited simultaneous connection

Visit VyprVPN

6. IPVanish

Features:
  • Quality Android App: Yes
  • Android Devices: Phone, tablet, Chromebook, FireTV
  • Android Kill switch: No
  • Bandwidth: Unlimited
  • Devices: 10 simultaneous connections
  • No logging policy: Yes
  • Torrenting: Yes
  • Streaming sites: Yes. Specific sites depend on streaming site updates
  • Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Windows Phone, iOS, Android, Fire TV
  • Protocol: OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, IPSec, PPTP
  • Price: Between $6.49 and $10.00 a month

IPVanish For Android Review

IPVanish is on the list of best VPN’s for Android, because of its excellent Android app, and its support for almost all of the Android ecosystem. Unfortunately, IPVanish free trial policy is only 7 days, so a test run will have to be fast.

IPVanish for Android Support

IPVanish has an excellent, easy-to-use Android app. It’s simple design makes connecting to the VPN and selecting a server location a simple process. Even people who are not adept at learning new technology can easily install and use this great app.

It is disappointing that IPVanish doesn’t support the whole Android ecosystem, though. While it is among the best VPN’s for Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks, it doesn’t work with smart TV’s except for the Amazon TV’s.

IPVanish Streaming

IPVanish works with all the major streaming sites, so you will have no problem streaming on the go. Whether you want to get around content blocks or simply have HD streaming, this VPN works great for you.

A subscription also includes up to 10 simultaneous connections, double what many VPN’s on this list include. For most people, even most families, that is plenty to have everyone, with all their devices, connected at the same time.

No Kill Switch

Unfortunately, the Android App doesn’t include an automatic kill switch. This means that your internet traffic can leak out, unencrypted, if the connection to the VPN server is interrupted. If security is your main concern for using a VPN, this service isn’t a good choice.

Pricing

IPVanish has relatively high pricing compared to the rest of the VPN’s on this list, between $6.49 for a one-year commitment and $10.00 for month-to-month. That is among the highest priced VPN services for the long-term commitment in this list. The IPVanish free trial is also short, only 7 days.

Pros
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • Streaming support
  • Excellent Android App
Cons
  • No Android kill switch
  • No Android smart TV support
  • High cost
  • Short free trial

Visit IPVanish

7. ProtonVPN

Features:
  • Quality Android App: Yes
  • Android Devices: Phone, tablet, Chromebook
  • Android Kill switch: yes
  • Bandwidth: Unlimited
  • Devices: 1 – 10 simultaneous connections depending on your plan
  • No logging policy: Yes
  • Torrenting: Yes
  • Streaming sites: Yes. Specific sites depend on streaming site updates
  • Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, Android,
  • Protocol: OpenVPN
  • Price: Between $6.49 and $10.00 a month

ProtonVPN for Android Review

ProtonVPN is an interesting and more complicated VPN to review. It’s pricing and features work differently than many other services because the price doesn’t relate to how long you commit to the service. Instead, each price level gets you different features.

ProtonVPN Subscription Model

ProtonVPN is among the best VPN’s for Android, because it offers a kind of flexibility that other VPN’s don’t through their subscription plans. Each level offers different services.

The first level is the free plan, which is excellent for what you pay. Then the plans range from the basic, 2 devices and all the servers, to the Visionary, which includes dedicated servers, secure streaming, and proton visionary mail. This pricing model works best for people who want more flexibility, whether to cut off features they don’t want or to have super-secure email accounts.

Their prices range from free to $42 a month, though most people will be able to get away with their $4 or $8 plan. The ProtonVPN free trial is a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

Android Support

The excellently designed Android App is one of the reasons this is the best VPN for Android. It’s stylish and easy to use. DNS leak prevention and a built-in Android kill switch make this a safe, secure VPN for Android. This service doesn’t include Android smart TV support, though.

Servers and Locations

This best VPN for Android doesn’t have as many servers or locations as others on this list. There are only 44 locations with 628 servers at the time of this writing. That’s many, many fewer servers than the others.

They counter that their servers are more protected than others. They place their servers in physically secure locations, such as old fallout shelters (one is even 1,000 feet below the surface), and they also use only their own equipment.

Pros
  • Flexible subscription options
  • 30 ProtonVPN free trial
  • Capable free plan
  • Secure servers
Cons
  • Fewer locations and servers
  • No smart TV support

Visit ProtonVPN

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