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An Android VPN is an essential part of all theproviders’ line ups, but there’s quite a variation in quality. If you’re mobile-first, picking the right provider can be a bit of a minefield, and if using an Android VPN is your first experience with VPNs in any form, it’s even more important to pick a good’un.
If you’re often out of the house, your Android device may well be the main way you connect to the web, and you’re also likely to be using it on public Wi-Fi – whether that’s your daily coffee shop visit or when overseas. That’s why it’s so important to have the best VPN for Android, as you might be relying on it more than you think.
the our favorite VPN for Android.
Among other features, the best Android VPN will have a kill switch to protect you in the unlikely event that your connection fails, sparing you from the dangers of whatever unsecured network you might be using. You should also look out for split tunnelling, which separates the traffic of different apps. This lets you route some though the VPN while allowing others to use your standard connection.
While you’ll find Express at the top of this guide, we’ve pulled together four more very worthy contenders that provide different experiences for different users. All you need to do is keep scrolling – it’s time to pick the right Android VPN for you and reclaim internet privacy.
1.
If you want the very best protection possible for your Android device, ExpressVPN should be your first choice. Its apps are both simple and intuitive yet powerful and configurable, and with a huge 3,000+ servers to choose from you’re bound to find a searing connection. Plus, you can now get three months free.
2.
If you’re looking for simple and effective cover from your Android VPN, look no further than Hotspot Shield. With a smart, intuitive interface alongside searing connection speeds, it’s a top choice. Plus, Tom’s Guide readers can claim an exclusive price of just $2.49 a month, with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
3.
Just like Hotspot Shield, Surfshark offers a bargain Android VPN that does the job incredibly well. With great streaming support, decent speeds and a well-designed app, it’s great value at just $2.49 a month.
The best Android VPNs apps today
1. ExpressVPN
The absolute best Android VPN today
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 5 | 24/7 support: Yes | Play Store rating: 4.0 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Slick, trouble-free apps
Excellent configuration
Brand-new Lightway protocol
Unblocks Netflix and the rest
Fewer simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN is the best Android VPN (read the fullhere) thanks to rapid connection speeds, fantastic security and near-perfect 24/7 customer support. However, not only is it the most powerful VPN on Android, but it’s also one of the easiest to use. With a clean, simple interface and tons of servers in all the locations you could wish for, it’s no surprise we rate it as the top Android VPN on the market.
When you’re on the go you’ll be able to access any Netflix library you want, as well as your iPlayer, Hulu and Amazon Prime accounts. Express doesn’t stop there, though.
If you want to delve into the guts of the app to configure it just how you like, there’s great power under the hood. Just like the desktop client, you’ll be able to switch between a selection of protocols, activate a kill switch to protect you should your connection fail, and even split tunnelling if you want to choose which apps to route through the VPN.
An interesting development as of September 2020 is ExpressVPN’s introduction of its own Lightway protocol. Built from scratch, it’s incredibly lightweight and promises to deliver excellent speeds. For most apps it’s currently in private beta, but Android users can sign up to the public beta and get access to Lightway before anyone else.
Although the five-device limit isn’t the largest, it’s enough to cover all your mobile devices plus your desktop computer and smart TV to boot. And, if you have problems with any of those, the class-leading online support and live chat will help you out in minutes should you need it.
While there’s no trial – few VPNs offer one – there’s an industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee in case you discover it’s not quite right for you. However, as the very best Android VPN available today, it’s unlikely to come to that.
Tom’s Guide readers are offered three months free with ExpressVPN’s year-long plan which, alongside the 49% discount, gives. For the best Android VPN available, this is a steal – but you’re still covered by that 30-day money-back guarantee if things don’t work out.
2. Hotspot Shield
Fast, simple, and effective
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections : 5 | 24/7 support: Yes | Play Store rating: 4.1 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 45 days
As fast as it gets
Simple and easy to use
Great for streaming
Perhaps too simple for power users
If you want speed and security without having to do a thing, Hotspot Shield could be the best Android VPN for you, and while it’s known for its quality, the paid version takes it to another level.
The Android version uses the same Catapult Hydra protocol as the desktop clients, and in ourthe provider delivered connection speeds of almost 400Mbps. If you’ve already taken the jump to 5G, your speeds won’t be throttled by you VPN here.
App-wise, it’s super simple to get started. You’ll be able to get connected in a single touch, and a list of various global servers are just a tap away. If you’re after in-depth configuration, though, you’ll be out of luck – Hotspot’sofferings are very effective, but don’t allow the user to change much at all.
However, that might suit a lot of users, and the incredible spee
ds more than make up for this lack of advanced functionality. If you want a VPN that can make the most of the incoming 5G speeds, Hotspot Shield could be an excellent bet – and the recent price drop makes it even more appealing.
3. Surfshark
Bargain-basement yet fully featured Android VPN
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: Yes | Play Store rating: 4.2 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Great value
Attractive and effective Android app
Great connection speeds
Unlimited connections
App lacks truly in-depth features
When it comes to their Android VPN offerings, it’s hard to separate Surfshark and Hotspot Shield – and running theme in our. However, there are a few reasons why you might choose Surfshark.
First up, Surfshark provides a surprising number of additional features, with basics like a kill switch and split tunneling backed up by more advanced options like HackLock and BlindSearch.
Surfshark’s streaming performance in second on to ExpressVPN, as well, with tons of Netflix libraries available as well as iPlayer and more. Alongside the commendable speeds (especially when using WireGuard), you won’t be waiting for anything to buffer when you’re out and about.
Its standout feature, though, is the unlimited connections policy. If you’re a Marques Brownlee character with a drawer full of phones, you’ll be able to install Surfshark on any and all of them, and still be able to cover any laptops, desktops and routers without any hassle.
At just $2.49 it’s great value, but this has recently been matched by Hotspot Shield’s exclusive offer for Tom’s Guide readers – so, if you don’t fancy ExpressVPN, take your pick from these two. They’re pretty much level pegging.
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4. NordVPN
The biggest name is still one of the best
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 6 | 24/7 support: Yes | Play Store rating: 4.2 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Good privacy credentials
Big name
Tons of features on Android
Awkward app design
If you’ve only heard of one VPN before, it’s likely to be NordVPN. With over 10 million downloads on the Play Store and excellent reviews, the VPN titan is a tempting proposition, and delivered an excellent performance in our.
It’s evident that NordVPN has prioritised the security of its customers. It offers Double VPN and Onion over VPN plus a good selection of protocols should you want to change them, and you’ll get Nord’s CyberSec malware and phishing protection too. Nord has recently been certified by a secondto be truly zero-logging, so if privacy is a priority that’ll be a big tick.
The app is powerful, and there’s plenty of configuration available if you venture into the settings. However, one drawback is its awkward design. The VPN on Android mirrors the desktop client’s layout, and opens up with a map-based interface. While this works well on a larger monitor or tablet, limited real estate on a phone means it can be hard to find the exact server you’re after. There’s a server list available, but we’d like to see it straight off the bat.
That one gripe aside, NordVPN is as successful as it is for a reason. Secure and fully featured apps, a great support network and a remarkably good price mean that it’s certainly one to keep on your radar.
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5. IPVanish
Reliable US-based veteran still doing well
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: Yes | Play Store rating: 4.0 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
App provides lots of info
In-depth configuration
Cheap introductory prices
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Could be too complex for novices
Long-standingprovides users with a powerful Android VPN that retains a whole load of functionality from its desktop client. The first thing you’ll notice is the amount of info you’re given – for VPN novices it might be a little much, but for those who like to keep a track of servers, IP addresses and more, it’s all good stuff.
A nice touch is how the VPN on Android has kept the scrolling connection speed graph from the desktop client. Again, it might be overkill, but we appreciate a little aesthetic flair. To match this in-depth data, users are given plenty of options, including protocol selection, a kill switch, split tunnelling and ‘Scramble’, which hides the fact you’re using a VPN at all.
IPVanish also offers excellent introductory prices on both one-month and 12-month plans, so it’s a super affordable way of bagging a good Android VPN. However, be aware that prices rise after that, and the previously free SugarSync cloud storage is now a paid extra (although it’s still way cheaper than buying it alone).
In July 2020, IPVanish announced a change to its connections policy, moving from a limit of 10 to a truly unlimited number of devices available with any one plan. Along with Surfshark, IPVanish is one of the few VPN providers to offer this.
While in practice IPVanish’s Android VPN might not be quite as polished as the most premium competition (and speeds are marginally slower, too), if you’re looking for a decidedly techy experience plus the ability to cover every one of your devices, then it’
s certainly one to consider.
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