Android phones and tablets come with built-in support for a Virtual Private Network (VPN), but the process of setting one up and getting connected can be tedious. On top of that, the protocols available don’t include OpenVPN, which is widely regarded as more secure and reliable than PPTP and L2TP/IPSec. For this reason, instead of manually configuring a VPN with your Android phone, we recommend subscribing to a provider with dedicated VPN apps for Android. That way, rather than inputting server domains and pre-shared keys, all you need to do is install the app, log in, choose a server, and hit connect.

In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for android users. We go into depth about each of the VPNs we recommend but if you haven’t got time to read all the details, here is a quick summary:

Best VPNs for Android users:

Best VPNs for Android devices – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Android devices.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you, and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

The best VPNs for Android devices

Not all VPN providers offer the same level of service. To make our list of the best Android VPNs, we looked for services that meet all the following criteria:

  • Stable, lightweight, easy-to-use Android VPN apps
  • OpenVPN protocol support
  • No ad injection, tracking, or other privacy incursions
  • Allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously
  • Bonus points if P2P is allowed and a kill switch is built-in
  • Fast speeds, suitable for streaming

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs that we recommend in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that made our list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Android.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for an Android VPN. Speeds are impressive, and you can choose from either a list of servers or just click a pin on the world map to quickly connect to a server. The company’s SmartPlay DNS can bypass anti-VPN firewalls on geographically restricted sites like YouTube TV, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. OpenVPN over both UDP and TCP is available, as is NordLynx, a proprietary protocol based on WireGuard. You can set the app to automatically connect to a specific server on startup. Live chat support is available from within the app. P2P traffic is allowed.

NordVPN adheres to a true zero-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t retain any data about what its customers use the VPN service for or how. 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy ensure no one can peek through the secure tunnel. NordVPN offers DNS leak protection and automatic public Wi-Fi network protection.

Six devices can be connected simultaneously. The Android app can be downloaded from the Google Play store.

BEST VPN FOR ANDROID:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation. It offers a huge server network, blazing-fast speeds, and great unblocking capabilities. This provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee making it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Android app is available on the Google Play store and is easy to use
  • OpenVPN protocol support, UDP and TCP
  • Privacy-first provider that doesn’t skimp on security or privacy features
  • Exceptional speeds for streaming and downloading
  • Purpose-specific servers available (streaming, torrenting, P2P etc.)
  • Excellent customer support

Cons:

  • Can choose server locations but are not able to choose specific servers

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN here.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider with an excellent Android app. It has a wide network of over 3,200 servers in approximately 100 countries. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, lets you to choose between using the app’s kill switch or the native Android one, and enables you to override your device’s GPS location without the need for third-party apps.

One of the best things about this app is that it has most of the functionality that desktop apps do. There’s 256-bit encryption, a protocol selection menu, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and access to multi-hop servers, for instance. With steady speeds and a no-logs policy, Surfshark makes it easy to browse safely on the go.

Connect as many devices as you like. Download the Android app from the Google Play Store or get the APK directly from Surfshark’s website.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY:Surfshark is fast, secure, and capable of handling whatever you throw at it. Keeps no logs, has no connection limit, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Versatile service with a great Android app

  • Fast enough for most purposes

  • Allows unlimited connections

  • Doesn’t compromise on security

  • Keeps no logs

  • Has the occasional slow server

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN offers an easy-to-use Android app that requires you to enter a one-time activation code for the device, after which you don’t have to enter a username or password again. The well-designed app can be set to connect as soon as Android starts up. You can choose between UDP (faster) or TCP (more stable) OpenVPN protocols. Torrenting and other peer-to-peer traffic is allowed.

HIGHLY VERSATILE VPN:ExpressVPN is easy to use and has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. Very strong privacy and security. Works with all major streaming services including Netflix. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works seamlessly with Android devices, and the app is easy to use

  • Has support for the OpenVPN protocol

  • No privacy incursions such as tracking or ad injections

  • Has kill switch and torrenting and P2P are allowed

  • Tight encryption makes for solid security and privacy

  • Priced a bit higher than competitors

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

The company has ramped up expansion as of late, and its server network now numbers over 9,000 spread across 90+ countries. CyberGhost VPN performed well in our speed tests. 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection ensure maximum privacy.

The Android app is only officially available from Google Play. CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections, so you can connect all your devices at the same time.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:CyberGhost provides access to lots of geo-restricted content and its easy-to-use apps are ideal for beginners. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Android App is easy to use and is available on the Google Play store

  • Keeps no user activity logs and provides strong encryption to bypass activity detection

  • Ideal for P2P users

  • Perfect for streaming

  • Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Doesn’t reliably work in China or UAE

  • Better suited to beginners than power users

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is another solid option for an Android VPN. The app lets you see the load and ping time of each VPN server in the list. A widget can be installed and resized anywhere on your home screen. Dropped VPN connections can be automatically reconnected. P2P is allowed. WireGuard and OpenVPN connections are both available, along with a “Scramble” obfuscation feature designed to bypass network traffic sensors that detect and block VPNs.

IPVanish offers reliable performance and fantastic speeds. Security includes 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and DNS leak protection. IPVanish sticks to a strict no-logs policy.

PRIVACY-FOCUSED:IPVanish has a large network of servers and handles multiple connections well. Easy to use and preferred by users who need high standards of privacy. Can’t unblock as many streaming services as some of its rivals. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Apps work well with Android devices and are easy to use

  • Android app displays ping and server time information

  • WireGuard supported

  • Impressive speeds and reliable connections

  • Not all servers suitable for Netflix

  • Based in the US

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

This VPN has a great security offering, with WireGuard support, a tracker-blocker, and a Shadowsocks proxy built-in. There’s also 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a customizable kill switch, as well as a true no-logs policy. If you need help, you can contact support staff 24/7 via email or live chat.

PIA apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. If you’d rather secure an entire network, you can manually install this VPN on select routers.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:PIA has plenty to offer, from its strong streaming potential to its wide range of security tools. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works wide a wide range of streaming services

  • Impressive security features and privacy protections

  • Lots of server locations to choose from

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China

  • App design could be refined

Read our full PIA review.

Best free VPN for Android

Windscribe

Website: www.windscribe.com

Windscribe is the best free Android VPN by all accounts. The free tier gets you 10GB of data per month—tons more than any other decent free Android VPN app—with just an email address.

This free VPN for Android works with US Netflix, is a suitable VPN for torrenting, boasts good speeds, and even works in China. Windscribe employs strong security and keeps no logs of your activity.

Aside from Android, apps are also available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can connect as many devices as you want at the same time on one account, but keep in mind the 10GB cap for free users.

BEST FREE ANDROID VPN:Windscribe is one of the few free Android VPNs we recommend. If the 10GB cap isn’t enough, Windscribe offers a low-cost premium tier. Unlike the paid options above, however, there’s no money-back guarantee.

  • Free

  • Works in China and allows torrenting

  • Works with Netflix and similar sites

  • 10GB data cap

  • Streaming involves some trial and error

  • Mobile app is slick but limits user choices

Check out or full Windscribe review here

How to set up a VPN on Android

Setting up a VPN is a simple process once you have settled on an appropriate VPN provider. Follow our step-by-step instructions below.

Here’s how to set up a VPN on Android:

  • Settle on a VPN provider from the list above. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Download the VPN app on the Google Play Store (we’ll explain how to get around using the Play Store below).
  • Choose an appropriate server (for accessing services from back home as you travel, select a server in your home country).
  • You are now connected through a VPN. If you’re still having trouble loading content from abroad, try clearing your cookies and refreshing the webpage.

See also: How to set up a VPN on Nvidia Shield

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Android devices

People use Android devices for all sorts of things, from streaming to staying in touch with freinds. As you might expect, this makes it difficult to say one VPN is best overall. That’s why we search for the most balanced services instead. Our top VPNs had to excel in all of the areas below to even be considered for a spot on this list:

This is just a small taste of our larger testing process. We actually have a more detailed post that explains exactly how we put VPNs to the test in case you’d like to learn more.

VPNs Android users should avoid

Betternet

Betternet supports itself by using tracking cookies and injecting ads into the websites you browse. Because these ads come from a third party, they are not to be trusted. Furthermore, only two servers are available.

Cloud VPN

Typing “VPN” into the search bar of the Google Play Store will likely return Cloud VPN as the top result. Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps for free sounds enticing, but the app works with third-party advertisers to inject ads and collect some information including your device ID and real IP address. That includes putting unsolicited tracking cookies in your browser. Furthermore, the app will suspend users who attempt to use P2P apps.

“Free” VPNs

A quick search on Google Play will turn up no shortage of so-called “free” VPN apps. We strongly advise against using these for several reasons.

First, performance is usually poor. Free VPN services will usually have a limited selection of servers, impose data caps, and restrict bandwidth. Some force users to wait in a queue before connecting.

Second, security is often substandard, and in some cases, free VPN services can actually make your privacy worse. With hackers using increasingly sophisticated attacks to target Android devices, security is more important than ever. Encryption standards employed by free VPN providers might be deprecated, obsolete, or even non-existent.

What’s more, many free VPN services use your data, insert tracking cookies or log your activity to gather personal information and sell it to third-party advertisers. Others inject advertisements directly into your web browser. In the worst cases, VPNs can even carry malware payloads to infect your device. The developers do little to offer support and often hide their identities, so there’s no way to know if most free VPNs are even remotely credible.

If you only need a VPN for a short period, a free trial of a paid plan is a better option than a free VPN.

No Google Play? Try the APK

If you’re using an Android device without Google Play, finding the app for your VPN can be a pain. Uncertified devices, such as some Kindle Fire HD tablets and smartphones bought in China, for example, can’t install Google services, including the Play Store.

The alternative is to download the APK file for the app and install it manually. To do that, you’ll first need to change the settings in your phone to allow apps from third-party developers. The exact steps will vary a bit depending on your version and fork of Android, but below are the basic steps for Android 4.0 and later.

Here’s how to set up a VPN on Android without Google Play:

  • Go to Settings > Security (‘Device’ in Kindle Fire).
  • Scroll down to “Unknown sources” and toggle it on.
  • Confirm if necessary.
  • Find the APK file for the VPN app. Hopefully, you can get this directly from your VPN provider’s website with a bit of searching. Ask customer support if you can’t find it.
  • Alternatively, you can download the APK from a third-party site. There are a ton of APK hosting sites out there with pretty much every app you can imagine. Just Google ” APK” and it should pop up. Be warned, however, that these are not official downloads from the company and thus could contain malware or be outdated. Always read reviews if they are available, run a virus scan on the file once it’s downloaded, and double-check the version. If it looks shady, don’t install it.
  • Once you’ve downloaded the file, just click on it, and Android will ask you if you trust the app. Confirm and let Android do the rest. It should install just like a normal app.

How to set up a VPN on Android without an app

As a last resort, you can set up an L2TP/IPSec connection manually in your Android settings. We recommend avoiding PPTP, the other built-in protocol available, as it contains known security vulnerabilities.

Here’s how to manually set up a VPN on Android 9:

  • Go to Settings > Network and Internet > Advanced > VPN.
  • Click the + sign in the top right corner.
  • Enter your VPN profile details according to your VPN provider.
  • Click Save.
  • Click on the profile you just created to connect. A key icon in the notification bar indicates you are connected to the VPN.

On older versions of Android, VPN settings might be found under Settings > More > VPN.

While this works, proper VPN apps like those we recommend above offer far better security and a much less tedious setup.

OpenVPN for Android

Not all VPN providers have their own apps, or maybe you can’t find/don’t trust a third-party APK file. Another option is to use an open-source VPN app. We highly recommend OpenVPN for Android over OpenVPN Connect and the other clients out there. It’s easier to use and works with a wider range of configurations. Conversely, if you made your own OpenVPN server, this is a great app to use to connect to it.

Here’s how to setup OpenVPN on Android:

  • Download the OpenVPN config file (extension .conf or .ovpn) from your VPN provider’s website.
  • Download and install OpenVPN for Android.
  • Run the app and click the plus sign at the top right to add a VPN profile.
  • You will probably want to import an existing config file rather than set up your own, so choose the “import” option.
  • Find it, select it, and you should be set to go.