Best VPN for Android in 2024 – These 5 Passed Our Tests

If you are the average Android user, you probably spend about three hours a day on your Android device. Do you really want to spend that much time online every day without VPN protection? I didn't think so. To maximize your ability to stay private and secure, while also getting full access to all websites and streaming platforms, you will want to use the best VPN for Android.

Unfortunately, there are many dangerous and malicious VPN apps for Android that have been flagged by researchers. So how do you find the VPN app that will keep your data safe and secure? This updated guide will answer all your questions and show you the best Android VPNs available today. Here are the five options you should consider based on our latest tests.

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Android, fast and reliable, switches between towers efficiently while providing excellent security and privacy on public and private networks (74% off coupon here)
2. Surfshark – Reliable and affordable VPN for Android, with excellent performance for browsing and streaming
3. Proton VPN – Strong security, a huge server network, and Swiss privacy boost this VPN
4. ExpressVPN – Expensive, but reliable and easy-to-use VPN with servers in over 100 countries
5. IPVanish – Speedy, reliable, audited no-logs Android VPN based in the United States

We tested the most popular VPNs for Android and ranked the top performers. Here's what we'll cover in this Android VPN guide:

1. The best VPNs for Android that met all of our criteria
2. How to use a VPN on Android
3. When you should use a VPN on Android
4. How to set up an Android VPN
5. Tips for using a VPN with Android
6. Why free Android VPN apps are not recommended
7. Android VPN comparison table

Testing and ranking the best VPNs for Android

Below we will take a close look at each of the recommended Android VPNs. So how did we narrow it down to these choices? To be recommended in this guide, the virtual private network (VPN) needed to meet these criteria:

1. Passed all tests with no data leaks found (no IP address leaks or DNS leaks)
2. Good performance throughout the server network (speed and reliability)
3. High-quality Android VPN apps with all features working correctly
4. Supports secure VPN protocols with strong encryption standards
5. Offers a money-back guarantee
6. Trustworthy and well-established VPN provider with a good track record
7. Has a no-logs policy that has been audited by a reputable third party

Here are the best Android VPN services in 2024.

NordVPN – Value, performance, and security make this the best Android VPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs in the world. It is at or near the top of the pack in every category, delivering excellent privacy and security along with phenomenal performance. This excellent Android VPN includes powerful features like Double VPN, Dedicated IP, and Onion over VPN servers, along with the Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains.

Note: The NordVPN app includes Threat Protection, rather than the full Threat Protection Pro (which is only available in the Windows and macOS apps at the moment). This is discussed more in our guide on VPN ad blockers, and also in the NordVPN ad blocking article.

NordVPN boosted its performance significantly when it added support for the WireGuard VPN protocol in all apps. The WireGuard VPN protocol offers huge performance upgrades and improvements over legacy VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IPSec. Here’s why you want a VPN that supports WireGuard with your Android device:

• Much faster speeds than legacy VPN protocols (up to 755 Mbps in our tests).
• Faster to establish a connection with the encryption handshake (two seconds or less).
• Seamless transition between network interfaces. This means you can transition between Wi-Fi and cellular networks without losing your VPN connection. No other VPN protocol does this, which is why WireGuard is the most reliable protocol for mobile devices.
• Better battery life for your devices (OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols drain the battery faster).

Fastest VPN for Android

NordVPN is extremely fast, and when using WireGuard delivers the highest average speed we have seen from any VPN service. It currently holds the top spot in our comparison of the fastest VPNs. The NordVPN implementation of the WireGuard VPN protocol is called NordLynx. In one speed test using our 1,000 Mbps test setup, NordVPN delivered a blistering download speed of 755 Mbps:

Fast speeds and solid reliability make NordVPN an excellent choice for any high-bandwidth activities, such as using a VPN for torrenting or streaming. Combining WireGuard with NordVPN's huge and fast server network (over 7,000 fast, diskless servers spread across 113 countries) gives you perhaps the best VPN for Netflix and other streaming services. 

What about privacy and security? The NordVPN Android app passed all the tests we put it through. There were no data leaks, bugs, or connection issues, and all the features worked perfectly.

Here are some additional privacy and security features that convinced us that NordVPN has the best Android VPN app:

• Dedicated RAM servers: The company does not use any virtual server locations and runs all servers in RAM-disk mode (no hard drives). This means no data can ever be stored on a server or seized by a third party.
• Obfuscated servers: NordVPN has a full lineup of obfuscated servers to conceal your VPN traffic or use a VPN where they may be blocked, such as when using a VPN in China.
• Verified No logs: NordVPN is a verified no-logs VPN service and has passed two separate third-party audits that verified the no-logs policy.
• Strong encryption: NordVPN uses an AES-256-GCM cipher with an HMAC SHA256 hash authentication and DHE-4096 key exchange for Perfect Forward Secrecy.
• WireGuard: Most VPNs do not even support WireGuard yet. NordVPN leads the pack with full WireGuard support built into all of their VPN apps via NordLynx.
• Best VPN for streaming: NordVPN is rated the best VPN for Netflix and streaming in general. It works with 14+ Netflix regional libraries, as well as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video streaming, and many more.
• Responsive support: You get 24/7 live chat support directly through the website, as well as many support manuals and videos.
• 30-day money-back guarantee: If NordVPN doesn't work well for you, simply cancel in the first 30 days for a 100% refund.

See all NordVPN features here >>

We found the NordVPN Android app to work very well in our tests. It is responsive, fast, and reliable with the WireGuard VPN protocol giving you a major performance boost. Here are the overall pros and cons of NordVPN:

See our NordVPN review for more test results and info.

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Surfshark VPN – A fully-featured Android VPN

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs on the market and offers one of the best Android apps as well. It has full WireGuard support with excellent performance (screenshot below), advanced security features and server types, an ad blocker (CleanWeb), and much more.

Our latest tests show that Surfshark is a leader in the Android VPN space. It outperforms other longstanding VPN services, as you can see in the IPVanish vs Surfshark comparison. Here is a speed test where Surfshark gave us a download speed of 752 Mbps for a Surfshark server in the US:

We didn’t find any problems with the Surfshark Android app. It didn’t leak, crash, or glitch during our tests. With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, the server network is large enough to give you a local server in all the most interesting places. This network is comparable to NordVPN and CyberGhost.

After testing Surfshark VPN on Android, here are some of our favorite aspects of this service:

• Strong security: The service has solid security and leak protection, including double-VPN servers and a kill switch to prevent any data leaks.
• Privacy-focused: With a no-logs policy, and features like Override GPS location and Invisible to devices, Surfshark goes above and beyond to protect your privacy on Android and other platforms.
• Bypasser: This is a split tunneling feature that lets you route selected apps or websites around the VPN connection.
• Great for streaming: Surfshark officially supports 16 different Netflix regions (including the US, UK, and Canada). It also supports many other streaming services and is a great VPN for BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more.
• RAM servers: Surfshark runs all servers in RAM-disk mode without hard drives for a higher level of data security.
• Great support: Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support that was responsive and helpful when we did our tests.
• WireGuard: Surfshark supports the WireGuard VPN protocol for impressive speeds and reliability.

See all Surfshark features here >

All of the features we listed above are available in the Surfshark Android VPN app that we tested out for this guide. Here is a screenshot of what it looks like:

Great value: Surfshark is also a great value. It is one of the few VPN services that supports unlimited simultaneous connections. And at little more than $2.00 per month with the two-year plan with the coupon below, it is arguably one of the best cheap VPNs as well.

Note: There are times when VPNs go on sale or offer special promotions. See our VPN coupons guide for more info on this topic.

See our Surfshark review for more test results and analysis.

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Proton VPN – Strong security, a huge server network, and Swiss privacy boost this VPN

Proton VPN is a new addition to our list of the best Android VPNs. The service has long had strong privacy and security credentials, but now is faster and more capable than ever before. Like all Proton VPN apps, its Android app is intuitive and easy to use. It packs the kind of features we have come to expect from the best apps for Android devices, including a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, split tunneling, and an ad blocker (NetShield).

One of the key features that make Proton VPN's Android app exceptional is its access to Proton VPN Secure Core servers. This feature is similar to NordVPN's Double VPN feature, with a twist. In both cases, your data is routed through two VPN servers in different locations, greatly increasing the difficulty of tracking your online activities. But Proton VPN differs in that the first server in the chain is always in a highly secure data center in one of a handful of countries with especially strong online privacy laws.

Proton VPN has also made upgrades to its network and policies that make it an even better option than before. Its server network has grown massively, with 8,000+ fast servers in 112 countries at the time of this article. It is now one of the fastest, most secure options for accessing geo-blocked content, and fully supports the WireGuard protocol for greater speed and security.

Moreover, Proton VPN offers an audited no-logs policy, ensuring that your browsing activities are never recorded or shared with third parties. This commitment to privacy is backed by its Swiss jurisdiction, which boasts strong privacy laws.

While Proton VPN can run with the big boys in the VPN world in most cases, it does have one drawback. While this service does provide live chat customer support, it does so only during Swiss business hours. Meanwhile, leading competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark provide 24/7 live chat customer support.

Want more information on Proton VPN? Check out our complete Proton VPN review.

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ExpressVPN – A reliable and user-friendly VPN for Android phones and tablets

While NordVPN is our pick as the best VPN app for Android, ExpressVPN is also a strong contender, even in the #4 spot. Based in the British Virgin Islands (a great locale for internet privacy), ExpressVPN offers very secure, reliable, and user-friendly Android VPN apps. It is easily one of the best Android VPN apps and it performed well in our tests.

We found no leaks, bugs, or connection issues of any kind when testing out ExpressVPN on our Android device. And like NordVPN, ExpressVPN is also a verified no-logs VPN service, having passed an independent audit by PWC. It also gets high marks with both security and features:

• Strong encryption: ExpressVPN uses strong encryption standards with an AES-256 or ChaCha20 ciphers.
• VPN Protocols: The ExpressVPN Android app gives you the choice of OpenVPN UDP or TCP protocols, as well as IPSec/IKEv2 and Lightway. Lightway is a self-developed protocol by ExpressVPN with many similarities to WireGuard.
• Audited: ExpressVPN has passed multiple third-party audits of every aspect of their service, including the no-logs policies.
• Split Tunneling: ExpressVPN offers this feature in its Android app. This allows you to select which apps will use the VPN tunnel and which will go directly to the regular (unencrypted) internet.
• Secure servers: ExpressVPN's TrustedServer feature runs all VPN servers in RAM-only mode, as we also saw with NordVPN and Surfshark. This protects your data against physical seizure of the servers.
• Network protection: ExpressVPN Android apps can temporarily block internet access when you are unable to connect or reconnect to the VPN. This block prevents internet traffic from leaking out when it is not protected.

See all ExpressVPN features here >

You can enable “Network protection” in the settings of the Android VPN app as you see below:

Beyond ensuring privacy and security, ExpressVPN excels in streaming capabilities. It effectively unblocks several Netflix regions, although fewer than Surfshark as shown in our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison. ExpressVPN is compatible with all major streaming devices, such as Smart TVs, tablets, computers, and Android TV boxes. Additionally, it provides a dedicated Amazon app, making it one of the best VPNs for Firestick and Fire TV.

Below is the ExpressVPN Android app in action. It is clean, minimal, and was very reliable in our tests.

Unlike NordVPN, ExpressVPN offers server selection with a list, rather than a world map. There are pros and cons to each layout. For a more detailed discussion of differences, see the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison guide.

Here are the pros and cons of ExpressVPN:

Check out the ExpressVPN review for more test results and analysis.

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IPVanish – Speedy, reliable, audited no-logs Android VPN based in the United States

IPVanish is a fast and reliable VPN, with a good Android VPN app. Like NordVPN and Surfshark, IPVanish uses the WireGuard VPN protocol, making it an excellent VPN for mobile devices. The service has over 2,200 servers worldwide, with 1,106 servers in the USA, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections at a reasonable price.

IPVanish is compatible across a range of platforms with native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Fire TV, in addition to Android. As with our other picks, you can protect all your devices with one VPN.

IPVanish provides strong defenses for your online privacy and security. The service is now an audited no-log VPN, which is very important, as you will see in a moment. While this service doesn't provide a wide range of advanced features (beyond split tunneling), it does support a variety of VPN protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as a kill switch.

One of IPVanish's strong points is raw speed. You can see it in our Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison. In our recent speed tests, IPVanish turned in the fastest download speed we have ever recorded in our 1,000 Mbps test facility.

Historically we have recommended people avoid using a VPN service in the United States. For example, NordVPN and Surfshark, as well as ExpressVPN, are all based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. However, the fact that IPVanish has had its no-logs policy audited by a third-party (Leviathan Security Group) makes us more comfortable about the privacy aspects of this service.

Like the other VPNs in this comparison, IPVanish provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can take advantage of that guarantee to try IPVanish on your Android devices risk-free before committing to a subscription.

When it comes to paying for this VPN service, IPVanish supports the most common payment methods, except for cryptocurrency payments. If paying with crypto is important to you, ExpressVPN and Surfshark could be a better option for you.

Check out our IPVanish review to learn more.

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Android VPN overview

If you are new to using a VPN on a mobile device or are new to VPNs altogether, you're probably wondering how to use a VPN with Android. Let's quickly cover VPN basics, and then talk specifically about using a VPN on an Android-powered device. We'll focus on installing and using a VPN on an Android smartphone since this is by far the most likely use case.

How to use a VPN on Android phones and tablets

So how do you use a VPN on an Android smartphone? There are a few steps:

1. Choose a good VPN service – The VPN service provides the software you need to connect your Android to the physical servers that comprise the VPN network.
2. Download the Android app – The VPN software (app) automatically handles your side of the connection. This includes interacting with the VPN's servers, encrypting outgoing messages before they leave your device, and decrypting incoming messages once they arrive.
3. Connect to the VPN – Given the correct login credentials, the VPN software will create an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server you select. It will also replace your IP address and location with the VPN server's IP address and location.

Do you need a VPN for Android?

The short answer is yes. There are numerous situations in which you would need a VPN for your Android device. Most importantly, you need a VPN on Android to achieve a higher level of privacy, security, and online freedom. Here are just a few examples:

• Whenever you are doing something private or personal online – Logging into your bank account, reviewing your medical records, or planning to visit a controversial website? Using the VPN will greatly increase your privacy and security.
• Whenever you are using a public WiFi connection – Public WiFi is a wondrous thing… if you are a hacker or spy. Most free public networks are extremely vulnerable to being hacked. Recent news reports also show that mobile WiFi itself is vulnerable to hackers.
• Whenever you don't want someone to track your location – Your device's IP address can be used to figure out approximately where you are in the physical world. The VPN server you connect to replaces your real IP address with the server's address when sending your messages to the internet.
• When your Internet Service Provider is spying on you – If you are not using a VPN, you have virtually no privacy online. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will track you, as will all sorts of hostile entities (spies, hackers, and various three-letter-agencies). If you use a VPN, you will be protected because your traffic is encrypted.

In a nutshell, a VPN is a crucial tool in an age of eroding privacy. This is why so many people are discussing the best VPNs for Android, even on Reddit.

How to set up your Android VPN

There are three major approaches to setting up an Android VPN. They are:

• Use a VPN service's Android app
• Use third-party VPN clients for Android
• Use Android's built-in VPN features

In the following sections, we will take a look at each of these options in more detail. There are of course pros and cons to each.

Should you download the Android APK file or go to the Google Play Store?

When deciding whether to download the Android APK file or use the Google Play Store, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some users prefer to avoid the Google Play Store to maintain privacy, as using it can give Google insight into the apps on your phone. Luckily, most VPN services offer the option to download the APK file directly, bypassing the Play Store. To find the APK file, log in to your VPN account and contact support if needed.

Using a VPN service's Android app

The best VPN services for Android provide their own Android client. These clients give you access to most or all of the features and benefits of the VPN service, making it the easiest way to make the connection. Even better, using the official VPN app lets you take full advantage of the VPN's features.

Use third-party VPN clients for Android

While using a VPN service's own Android app is normally the best way to go, sometimes those apps are more trouble than they are worth.

Let's take a quick look at some free Android apps that might work for you in such a situation.

OpenVPN Connect for Android

Until recently, OpenVPN has been recognized as the best overall VPN protocol. It is secure and capable of using 256-bit encryption keys and top encryption algorithms. It does a good job of bypassing firewalls, supports Perfect Forward Secrecy, has passed third-party audits, and is available for all popular operating systems.

OpenVPN has been a staple among top VPN services since its initial release in 2001. As open-source software, it offers transparency and reduces the risk of hidden data manipulation. However, OpenVPN isn't the fastest protocol and has a large codebase, which increases its vulnerability to attacks. The official Android VPN app, OpenVPN Connect, is developed by OpenVPN, Inc., providing a reliable option for Android users.

Using the WireGuard VPN protocol on Android

WireGuard is quickly becoming the leading VPN protocol. Small (about 4,000 lines of code vs OpenVPN's 600,000+ lines) yet sophisticated (built with state-of-the-art cryptography), WireGuard is meant to replace all those other VPN protocols out there, including OpenVPN.

Our testing shows that WireGuard is inherently be faster than OpenVPN. You can see in our WireGuard vs OpenVPN speed tests page that WireGuard was about 57% faster in our tests.

WireGuard is the best protocol to use with Android

The updated rankings in this Android VPN guide reflect the performance of WireGuard. In other words, NordVPN and Surfshark are at the top in large part due to their excellent implementations of WireGuard.

Tips for using a VPN with Android

Here are a few tips that could be helpful when using a VPN on Android devices.

Enable Always-on VPN and block Android connections without a VPN

Starting with Android 8 (Oreo), we've had access to two new VPN settings. They are:

• Always-on VPN – Exactly what the name implies. Your device will try to connect to the installed VPN and stay connected. This is a great way to avoid forgetting to turn on the VPN after rebooting your phone or after the VPN gets disconnected for some reason.
• Block connections without VPN – Again, the name implies the function. If your device is not connected to the VPN, you will not have access to the Internet. This is a way to ensure that your real IP address and other personal data don’t accidentally “leak” onto the Internet.

To change these settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app, and tap Connections.
2. If you don't see the VPN option here, tap More Connection settings.
3. Tap VPN, then tap the Gear icon next to your VPN's name. You should now see these options. For the utmost in privacy, turn both of these options On.

Choose the right VPN server to maximize speed on your Android device

You can sometimes get better performance from an Android VPN (or any VPN for that matter) by manually choosing the right VPN server. The “right” server to connect to depends on what you are going to do with your device while connected. The following are a few rules of thumb for deciding which VPN server to connect to:

• Connect to the nearest VPN server – For optimal performance, connect to a VPN server that is geographically closest to you. This reduces the travel time for signals across the internet, minimizing latency.
• Switch servers if the one you are using seems slow – Sometimes individual VPN servers get overloaded with too many users or have other problems that cause the server itself to slow down. If the server is the problem, switching to another server nearby will let you bypass the problem.
• Utilize split tunneling – If your device or internet connection struggles with all traffic going through the VPN, split tunneling can help. By directing only sensitive activities through the VPN, you can improve speed and efficiency on your Android device.

Try different VPN apps on your Android phone or tablet

As we discussed earlier in the post, there are some third-party Android VPN apps that you might want to try if you are unhappy with the performance or usability of your VPN app on Android. OpenVPN Connect and VPN Client Pro both have a lot of potential in this case since the vast majority of VPN services do support OpenVPN.

What is the best free Android VPN app in 2024?

We cannot recommend any free VPN services. Free Android VPN services have cultivated a toxic reputation — and for good reason. One major study examined over 200 free Android VPN services and found some alarming issues, including:

• 38% installed malware
• Many contained tracking libraries
• 84% leaked user data (IP addresses or DNS requests)
• Some used browser hijacking to redirect customers to shady commerce sites
• Many gave third parties access to your data (see our Betternet review for an example)

We generally do not recommend any free VPN services. However, there are some free trial VPNs you could consider.

Conclusion: use a good VPN for Android in 2024

There are hundreds of VPNs for Android devices to choose from. And the majority of them either don't work well, spy on you, or both at once. Finding those few excellent Android VPNs is a huge amount of work. Instead of leaving you to figure this out yourself, we decided to do the research for you.

Our top recommendation as the best Android VPN is NordVPN.

If for some reason NordVPN doesn't appeal to you, the other services recommended in this guide are strong contenders and worth considering.

This Android VPN guide was last updated on December 22, 2024