Casually browsing the internet unprotected isn’t as safe as you’d think. You’re constantly exposing your Android to threats if you don’t take the proper precautions. The best way to shield yourself from this is by getting one of the top VPN for Android. So stick around and learn everything there is to know!
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are among the best security tools a web surfer can have. You can use them to surf otherwise seedy public WiFi with more security and privacy. They can even get around firewalls, and the list of potential uses goes on and on. Whatever the reason, VPNs are powerful and popular tools. Here are the best Android VPN apps and free VPN apps! We also linked a video just above that explains what a VPN is in case you want to know
Why Use an Android VPN?
Just like the internet traffic that you send from your home or work computer, the traffic you send from your phone should be protected. A VPN provides that protection.
For a detailed explanation, check out our full beginner’s guide to VPNs. In short, though, using a VPN on your Android:
- Hide your IP so you can remain anonymous and private
- Bypasses geo-restrictions (especially useful for streaming Netflix, Hulu, Youtube etc…)
- Helps keep your personal data safe and secure
- Protects your anonymity online and online spying
You might not think that you have any reason to hide the internet traffic coming from your phone, but remember that you send texts, photos, and emails from it. Would you want someone spying on those? Even if you’re not sending anything particularly private, you still don’t want anyone snooping.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation recommends using VPNs to avoid surveillance by your ISP. The same is absolutely true of your mobile data provider, and for all the same reasons.
There are certainly other reasons you might use a VPN, but these are the most popular. Protected browsing is crucial for streaming and torrenting from your phone, but the security benefits alone are worth setting up a VPN.
The Best VPN Service for Android
These are all the VPN software for Android that I highly recommend. I am an avid VPN user and have tested out dozens of services over the years. You’ll be glad to know that I was able to narrow it down to only the best of the best. In other words, this list only contains the good VPN for Android.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is arguably the best VPN that has a solid track record of security and privacy. It is based in Panama and, therefore, the company has no legal obligation to surrender any information logged on its server.
Data tunneling through its 5000+ servers is secured with OpenVPN and AES-256 encryption standard. You can expect remarkable connection speeds when connected to NordVPN servers. The speed on the servers is above average, and you’ll have no problems streaming videos or sharing files.
While the NordVPN app is intuitively designed, you’ll have access to helpful customer support and the in-depth guides and tutorials.
Pros
- Industrial standard protocol and encryption.
- Above average connection speed.
- Located in Panama with no data-retention legal obligation.
- Strict no-logging policy.
- Responsive customer support.
Cons
- The refund process can be inefficient.
2. Windscribe
Windscribe is a newcomer to the VPN industry, but it has made an impact on the scene. For a change, it offers unlimited concurrent connections for a single account. You’ll also be impressed by the responsive Windscribe app that can be installed and used without hassle.
Windscribe’s implementation of OpenVPN and AES-256 assures the security of your Android’s device. Also, no instances of DNS leaks have been detected on the VPN.
However, the connection speed on Windscribe’s server isn’t something to be proud of, and we hope there will be a remarkable improvement in the near future.
Pros
- Strict no-logging policy.
- Industrial standard OpenVPN and AES-256.
- Dedicated server for Netflix.
- Unlimited device connections.
- No DNS leaks.
Cons
- Unimpressive connection speed.
3. Surfshark
With an independent audit that confirms its superior security, Surfshark has made its presence felt in the VPN industry. While it offers a default IKEv2/IPsec protocol, users can opt for the popular OpenVPN protocol and depend on the ever-reliable AES-256 encryption.
Surfshark boasts commendable connection speeds that make streaming videos a pleasant experience. Of course, your privacy is ensured as the VPN suffers no DNS-leak issues. Also, Surfshark has a strict no-logging policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, effectively keeping it away from data-retention laws.
If you need to connect more than one Android device to VPN, Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that offer unlimited connections.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
If you insist on an Android VPN that doesn’t slow down your browsing speed, you’d be impressed with Private Internet Access or PIA. It is comparatively fast compared to some of its competitors.
Such an impressive speed is backed by sturdy security, as PIA allows users to choose from AES-256 or AES-128 encryption. Anonymity is guaranteed when you’re using PIA as there are no reported cases of DNS leaks. It’s also transparent in its logging policy, and you won’t have to worry about unwarranted data storing.
But, the fact that PIA is located in the US may be uncomfortable for some as it is obliged to surrender user data when and if needed by the authorities.
Pros
- Uses AES-256 encryption for maximum security.
- No DNS leak issues.
- Reasonably fast connection speed.
- Clear no-logging policy.
- Great for torrenting.
Cons
- Based in the US.
5. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is an inherently secure VPN that impresses technology experts. Besides the highly secure OpenVPN and AES-256, TunnelBear implements measures to detect any potential DNS leaking, which of course, has never occurred.
The TunnelBear Android app is also cleverly designed and easy to use. While it lacks live chat support, you can expect a speedy response from the conventional ticket system. It also has a strict no-logging policy, and that means your privacy is assured should the TunnelBear be summoned by the Canadian authority to hand over its data.
Pros
- Highly-secure VPN.
- No DNS leaks reported.
- Responsive ticket support.
- Strict no-logging policy.
- User-friendly app.
Cons
- Below average connection speed.
Is there a free VPN app for Android?
You can definitely find free apps on Google Play but I wouldn’t advise getting any of them. Trust me, as much as I love saving money, I wouldn’t think it’s worth what I’m sacrificing just to get a free VPN software for Android.
You see, a lot of free providers parade themselves as a really good service that’s on par with the best VPN service for Android. But what most don’t know is that they actually have a lot of faults to them.
First of all, most VPNs don’t take your privacy as their main priority. In fact, they even take your information to sell it to advertising companies! This is why you get so many pop-up ads when you get a free service.
Secondly, it actually has a very limited data cap. Some only allow you a maximum of 500 MB a month. If you intend to use this for streaming, then you can say goodbye to that plan.
There are just too many risks surrounding the use of a free VPN. To me, you’re better off availing a free version from any of the top VPN for Android.
Why should I use VPN software for Android?
As much as you hate to admit it, your phone is basically your lifeline. It has all your messages, calls, contacts, history, identification and etc. As soon as someone gets their hands on those, then you can officially consider your identity stolen.
If you’re still not convinced on getting one of the top VPN for Android, maybe these will be reason enough for you:
1. Hide your IP Address with the Best VPN Service for Android
This is one of the main functions of a good VPN for Android. First, it takes your real IP address and hides it. Then, it gives you a new IP address which tricks your ISP and other third-parties into thinking you’re somewhere else. This way, they can’t keep track of your activities. So basically, it’s like you’re doing your online activities anonymously.
2. Bypass geo-restrictions using the Top VPN for Android
The government agencies, universities and even business companies love to put censorship on your online activity. They get to decide what sites you can and can’t access. Have you ever tried getting blocked from a site that should be available anywhere else? That’s because the website’s servers can see your IP address and decide whether or not to grant you access.
With a VPN, Android users can easily get around this problem by simply selecting a server that is in another location and have their IP addresses switched. This method also works for the big streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Go. Did you know that you can’t access content from these streaming services if you’re outside the United States? Well, that’s not gonna be a problem anymore with the best VPN service for Android.
A good VPN for Android can also help you get early access to games and products. Yup, you read that right. This is perfect for you if you’ve ever had to go through the agony of waiting after another country has already had it for weeks. Say goodbye to that painful experience because you can now get any game you want.
3. Keep your data safe
Other than hiding your IP address, a good VPN for Android also encrypts your data to make sure that nobody can read it.
And in addition, if ever there are times when the server gets infiltrated or tampered with, it has cool security features that act as a failsafe. The most common ones are called the kill-switch and anti-DNS leak protection.
A kill-switch basically cuts off your connection to the VPN servers if it senses that there is someone trying to access them. So it automatically shuts off any of the windows and apps that you were using while connected to that server to prevent anything from getting into your Android.
The anti-DNS leak protection is there to guard and keep watch over your connection. If it senses any data ‘leaking’, it will take action right away to prevent anyone from getting their hands on your data. These are features only available to the top VPN for Android.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network is essentially a software that protects your personal identity and gives you private internet access. This program is also very popular amongst users that wish to stream movies and unblock content. However, this is not something that should only be used on desktops but, you should also consider getting a VPN software for Android.
Indeed, every time you use your Android phone or tablet, you’re still prone to be attacked or spied on by unwanted third-parties. And even when you connect to public WiFi, you never know what is lurking just around the corner. If it wasn’t configured properly, there’s a chance that others can see your activity. And sometimes, people set up fake WiFi networks to trick people into connecting to it. Then they swoop in and steal your personal information!
Did you know that it is actually legal in some countries for ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to take your data and sell itoff? They do this in the hopes of gaining a quick buck from advertising companies. This is very capable of happening if you don’t use a VPN software for Android. And it’s actually the big names like Google and Facebook that benefit from your information the most.
So, the best way to protect yourself from all this is to get a VPN software for Android.
What a VPN is not
In selecting a good VPN for Android, it’s very important to know your stuff. There are a lot of VPN companies claiming to be one thing when it’s actually impossible.
While it can make you anonymous when you are online, it can’t keep your anonymity for everything. One of the times when a VPN won’t work is when you’re trying to access sites from the dark web. So it’s best to note its limitations.
And contrary to what most VPN providers promote, they DONT protect you from malware. They can only prevent pop up ads from appearing. If you truly want to stay protected from malware and other threats, then it’s best you get an anti-virus in addition to the best VPN service for Android. But you must also always be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious buttons.
We’re done here!
That was all the elements that you need to know about where to download VPN for Android. Just because it’s a mobile device, doesn’t mean it is less prone to threats. Keep out spies and hackers by using a good VPN for Android to thwart their plans.
If you can help it, always dodge the free VPNs because it may cause you more inconvenience. If you really want the best free VPN app for Android, you can always try out anything from the “Best VPN Service for Android” list on a free trial.
Don’t forget to check out each VPNs’ individual reviews. My personal opinion will always be to stick to ExpressVPN as it is the best provider I’ve experienced by far. It’s cheap, user-friendly, fast, allows simultaneous connections AND very convenient on Android.
There are several different VPN protocols, not all of which are used by all of the VPN services we reviewed. Most operating systems have built-in support for at least one of these protocols, which means you can use that protocol — and a willing VPN service — without client software. The full-fledged VPN services have online instructions for how to do this, as well as how to set up routers to connect directly to the services.
Summary
It’s undeniable that Android has been aggressively patching up security flaws that are exposed over time. But Android users shouldn’t assume that they are fully safe from cyberattacks just because they install the security patches promptly.
As long as you’re connected to the Internet, particularly unsecured public WiFi, you’re susceptible to being a target for malicious online hackers. To prevent being a target, installing a VPN for your Android device is a wise move.
Of course, not all Android VPNs are built equally as some may suffer from security flaws that could compromise your privacy. We’ve shown the providers you should consider when choosing an Android VPN and included our preferred VPN apps.
So, stop waiting for the security updates and start taking charge in keeping your Android phone off the hacker’s radar.
