Your Android phone or other Android devices will gain an additional layer of security and peace of mind by adding a VPN. Many VPN services are quick, simple, and Android-friendly, and in order for people not to end up with wrong VPN, we decided to come up with a review of the best VPN for android.
The mobile VPN industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. According to research firm Top10VPN, more than 480 million mobile VPN apps were downloaded worldwide in just 12 months between 2019 and 2020, which is 54% more than the previous year.
The majority of those downloads, roughly 75%, were made using an Android phone or other Android gadgets. Although 84 percent of all mobile VPN downloads were from free services, we advise you to always opt for a reliable paid VPN rather than a free Android VPN. That means you will receive value for your money from an Android VPN app that is reliable and secure.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is an excellent tool for maintaining the security of your digital data and preserving your online privacy. But is a VPN essential for use with an Android smartphone or tablet? An Android VPN is a good choice if you use public Wi-Fi, which is frequently less secure than your home network. This is due to how much sensitive information your mobile device stores.
Why do I need to use an Android VPN?
There are several benefits to using an Android VPN.
- To secure your public Wi-Fi browsing
Intermediary servers constantly relay data between your phone and the websites you visit. Using a VPN prevents them from seeing what you’re doing or identifying who you are.The main reason for using a VPN on your Android device is that you frequently connect to the internet via public Wi-Fi when using a mobile device. This means you’re joining a pool of networked devices. Malicious users may eavesdrop on the internet traffic you’re sending and receiving. Because you can use your Android device for essential tasks like banking and shopping, it’s a good idea to use a VPN. VPN protects your browsing from prying eyes when you’re out and about.
- To evade content restrictions and firewalls
To get around firewall blocking rules, use a VPN. Certain websites may be blocked by your institution, employer, ISP, or nation. However, if you activate your VPN, the firewall won’t be able to detect that you are even trying to access the blocked website.
Additionally, when you’re streaming, downloading torrents, or even playing games online, some internet service providers may block or throttle the speed of specific types of internet traffic. Whatever you use your internet for, a VPN can help you keep a faster connection speed.
- To unblock geographically restricted content
Certain countries are the only ones from which you can access some content on streaming websites like Netflix. A VPN can assist you in getting past this by connecting through a server in the necessary country.
By illustration, if you use a VPN in South Africa, you can connect to a VPN server in the US and access regionally exclusive streaming media. If you’re wondering, yes, this is entirely legal. The same holds for national streaming platforms like Hulu or the BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Although these are only offered in one nation, you can use a VPN to relocate and access the restricted content virtually. Some of these services, such as NBC’s Peacock and iPlayer, are cost-free, allowing you to watch content without paying a subscription fee.
What would I gain from using a VPN with your Android phone?
- Privacy of your browsing history
If you don’t use a VPN, your ISP can access your browsing history and may sell it to advertisers and other third parties.
- Anonymity
A VPN offers complete online anonymity. If the VPN provider has a no-logging policy, it hides your browsing history from everyone, including your ISP.
- Encryption
A VPN may also encrypt your data while you use a public network to browse the internet. After talking about what a VPN is, how it functions, and why you should use one, it’s time to move on to the list of the best providers.
What are the best VPN for Android phones?
ExpressVPN
Like ExpressVPN, which consistently ranks as the fastest VPN on the market, its Android app is made with a streamlined approach intended to connect users quickly and easily. Android users are directed to click rapidly by a large button on the app’s landing screen. A location selector is also present, with your fastest nearby city already selected.
The rest of ExpressVPN’s options, including its account and settings options, security and privacy tools, and support page, are discreetly positioned at the bottom of the screen. A password generator, two leak testers, and an IP address checker are all built into ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN built one of the most extensive RAM-disk server networks in the world that run on TrustedServer technology to lessen the possibility of user activity logging. ExpressVPN has a solid reputation in the privacy space. Its zero-log policy was validated at the time of a server seizure by law enforcement.
ExpressVPN regularly publishes transparency tools and takes part in groups like the i2Coalition that work to raise industry service standards. We also appreciate the number of available server locations, the caliber of the VPN’s setup instructions, and the thorough details in its FAQ.
ExpressVPN has been operating since 2009 and has a vast network dispersed across 94 nations. This VPN offers the best encryption, unlimited bandwidth, and protection for your online privacy.
Its best package, which includes three months free, costs $100 per year for the annual package. Additionally, you can purchase a monthly plan for $13 per month or a biannual program for $60 every six months. If you are unhappy with the service, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The features of ExpressVPN include:
- simple, quick, and efficient app
- More than 3,000 servers are employed.
- There are 160 VPN server locations spread over 94 nations.
- The British Virgin Islands is the location of this sentence.
- The first 15 months of service will cost $6.67 per month.
- Competitive speeds
- Solid security suite
- The company is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Surfshark’s VPN
Despite its ability to be customized and strong VPN performance, Surfshark’s Android app has a surprisingly user-friendly interface. A single-click connection button is highlighted on the app’s landing screen.
In contrast, various privacy tools and connection options are subtly hidden by their four-tabbed layout. You may easily use one of Surfshark’s multihop connection choices without navigating the app’s settings. One of its most intriguing features allows you to bounce around multiple nations to obliterate your track. Bonus points go to Surfshark for making its customer support resources. Resources such as its manual user library and help ticket feature are accessible from the dedicated Android app.
Amidst having a smaller network than some, Surfshark’s VPN service more than makes up for it with features. Even though each VPN maintains a separate network, Surfshark and NordVPN announced a merger in February.
The unlimited device support offered by Surfshark is another central selling point. You don’t have to worry about many devices being on or connected. This is particularly useful if you want to run your entire house or office on Surfshark’s VPN. As part of its software, it also provides anti-malware, ad blocking, and tracker blocking.
Surfshark had paid German security company Cure 53 to audit its Chrome and Firefox extensions for privacy. Surfshark’s performance generally received excellent ratings (PDF link to full report). It uses the industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption algorithm and supports Perfect Forward Secrecy, which requires frequent encryption key changes to prevent security breaches.
In addition to multihop, Surfshark provides two other unique modes for people who want to get around limitations and carefully conceal their online footprints. Your ISP won’t know you’re using a VPN because Camouflage Mode hides your VPN activity. Additionally, NoBorders Mode “enables you to use Surfshark successfully in restricted regions.”
Surfshark’s introductory pricing packages vary, and they get more expensive after the first term of your subscription plan, like an increasing number of other VPNs. The prices decrease the longer your contract lasts.
One of your choices is to commit to 26 months of service for roughly $60, which Surfshark characterizes as “24 months plus two free” for $2.30 per month. Although it’s an excellent introductory offer, the plan then renews annually for $96. You will pay around $48 initially for the first year of service with the standard yearly subscription plan and then $96 per year for any additional benefit. The regular monthly Surfshark plan costs $13 per month with no discounts. Surfshark provides a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the service.
The features of Surfshark VPN include:
- Market-leading speeds
- Doorbuster pricing
- Multihop VPN
- Easily navigable app UI with lots of power
- There are almost 3,200 servers.
- 65 VPN server locations are available.
- The British Virgin Islands is the location of this sentence.
- $4 per month (a 69 percent savings).
IPVanish VPN
The user-friendly interface of IPVanish is a big plus; it makes it the perfect client for anyone curious about how a VPN works from the inside out. With its newly redesigned Android app, IPVanish successfully crams the same extensive suite of digital knobs and dials into a pleasantly simple mobile interface. The IPVanish VPN is a good choice if you need the flexibility to fine-tune your VPN connection.
IPVanish is also an app for the methodical tech tweaker who enjoys having precise control over their mobile internet traffic. It comes with a bevy of switches controlling things like the kill switch, split tunneling, VPN protocol, and LAN connection allowance. People looking for a VPN that works with Netflix will also benefit from its multi-platform versatility.
Despite not being the fastest VPN, IPVanish’s 58 percent speed loss in our most recent speed tests is comparable to most VPN providers. However, we found that IPVanish’s Quick Connect feature doesn’t always connect you to the best available server, so you might need to manually connect to a server with less traffic to increase your speeds.
By tapping Locations, choosing Cities, and then tapping the number next to each city in the IPVanish Android app, you can view the current server load for each location.
IPVanish is attempting to steer you toward its annual program, which costs $48 for the first year and jumps to $90 for additional years of service, with its $11 monthly plan.
A monthly subscriber who decides they don’t like the service may be disappointed to learn that the provider only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you buy the yearly plan. However, the business deserves praise for enabling an unrestricted number of concurrent connections.
The features of IPVanish include:
- Most adaptable VPN program
- More than 2,000 servers are spread over more than 75 sites.
- An infinite number of connections
- Country or jurisdiction: United States
- $4 per month for the initial 12 months of service.
- Competitive speeds
- The interface encourages learning.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Conclusion
What a VPN is and how it may increase your online security is now clear. You also know about some of the top VPNs for your Android device and their features. When you are prepared, think about purchasing a VPN subscription. A VPN can significantly increase your online safety and security if you are a frequent internet user or a business executive. A VPN can keep you safe, and you can decide where you want to hide your tracks by using a VPN.
