Best VPNs for Android
We rounded up the best VPNs for Android based on pricing, practicality, security, and the ability to watch streaming content abroad.
Last updated Nov 8, 2023
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Best for Multiple Devices
View More
Best for Affordable Privacy
5.0
Learn More
On Private Internet Access's website
Private Internet Access
-
Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
View More
NordVPN is hard to beat as the best virtual private network (VPN) for Android. It provides great overall value with fast internet speeds, security features that efficiently hide your data, and an easy-to-use Android app.
Surfshark also made the list for allowing unlimited connected devices, a truly standout quality for a VPN. Finally, Private Internet Access was a close runner-up and won us over with an affordable subscription without sacrificing privacy.
In this article
The best VPNs for AndroidNordVPN: Best for overall value
Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy
Honorable mentions
Best VPNs for Android FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Android
How we tested the best VPNs for Android
The best VPNs for Android
- NordVPN: Best overall
- Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
- Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy
Top 3 VPN services for Android compared
| VPN |  NordVPN Best Overall
|
 Surfshark |
 Private Internet Access |
| Starting price | Starts at $2.99/mo | Starts at $1.99/mo | Starts at $2.03/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Streaming support | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get Private Internet Access |
NordVPN: Best overall
4.9
Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months
NordVPN
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High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
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Loads of servers for multiple connection options
-
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
-
Too many confusing plans
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is best for people who want a VPN to do everything right with minimal fuss. It provides fast internet connections, doesn't leak your data, unblocks international streaming content, and can still fit a budget.
What we liked
NordVPN has all the security features you expect from a VPN, including AES-256 bit encryption, split tunneling, kill switches, and a no-logs policy. The Android app is easy to use, and you don't have to navigate away from the main dashboard to find recent connections or quickly connect to a server.
While NordVPN is a bit more expensive than other VPNs, it does come with some additional benefits even if you're using the low-tier Standard plan. For example, all plans include a tracker and ad blocker along with malware protection.
To top it all off, we didn't find any major issues with NordVPN while testing its speed, checking for WebRTC and DNS leaks, and connecting to Netflix abroad.
What we didn’t like
Although Nord includes plenty of extra features and functionality, it may be pricey for some considering its pricing plans start at $2.99/mo. If you're looking for a no-frills VPN without extra security features, then NordVPN is pricey compared to Surfshark ($1.99/mo) and Private Internet Access ($2.03/mo).
NordVPN specs
| Price range | $2.99–$14.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | 5,000+ in 60 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 6 |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN |
Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
4.9
Limited-time offer: 82% off + 4 months free
Surfshark
-
VPN technology offering stability and speed
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Unlimited simultaneous connections
-
Works with Netflix and other streaming services
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Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Who it’s best for
Surfshark is best for people who need multiple device connections. Surfshark offers budget-friendly plans and it doesn't cap how many devices you can connect to one account, making it easy for people in large households to protect their online privacy.
What we liked
Most VPN providers only allow you to connect five to 10 devices at a time. But Surfshark doesn't limit how many devices you can connect to an account. With Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections and extensive compatibility, you can connect any Android user in your home as well as any other devices in need of extra security.
The Android app has a clean interface that's easy to use. You can easily find data like your connection time, VPN IP address, and location as well as options to pause or disconnect. We liked how it has the option to connect to the fastest available server and nearest country, so you don't have to worry about facing unnecessary slow connection speeds.
We like that Surfshark also offer useful bonus features. Surfshark CleanWeb is a feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware, so you can keep your Android clean from those annoyances. It also comes with a double VPN feature, which enables you to connect via two different VPN servers for enhanced protection.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a Nine Eyes Alliance member, a large international surveillance group. We're reassured that Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy that's been audited by Deloitte and Cure53 in the past. It's also worth noting that the Netherlands is not subject to any data retention laws, so it's not required to keep logs of user activity. However, if you're looking for maximum privacy, you might be better off with a provider like NordVPN, which is located in Panama and isn't part of the Eyes Alliances at all.
Surfshark specs
| Price range | $1.99–$19.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark |
Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy
5.0
Save 83% on a 2-year subscription + 4 months free
Private Internet Access
-
VPN offering fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
-
Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
-
Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
Who it’s best for
Private Internet Access (PIA) is best for budget-minded people looking to gain online privacy at an affordable price. There's no need to sacrifice speed to protect your data with PIA.
What we liked
PIA does everything you want your VPN to do: be fast, protect your privacy, allow for watching streaming content abroad, and be affordable. Subscriptions start at $2.03/mo. NordVPN doesn't come close to beating that price, while Surfshark is still about 50 cents more per month. And thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PIA risk-free.
The Android interface is easy to use and can quickly connect to servers. PIA doesn't share how many servers it has, but it does have servers in 91 countries and every U.S. state, which makes it easy to connect internationally. It also has all the essential security features of a VPN: a no-logs policy, high-quality VPN protocols, and no data leaks based on our testing.
What we didn’t like
PIA headquarters are located in Denver, Colorado, which raises some concerns since the U.S. is part of the Five Eyes Alliance. While PIA has done independent audits as recently as June 2022 to verify its no-logs policy, some people may prefer a VPN provider that may not face issues maintaining user privacy.
Private Internet Access specs
| Price range | $2.03–$11.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | Servers in 91 countries + all 50 U.S. states |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get PIA |
Honorable mentions
If you find that NordVPN, Surfshark, and PIA aren't right for you, rest assured that there are a lot of VPNs available on Android. Here are some alternate VPN recommendations for Android:
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is popular, and there are some good reasons why. Lightway, the in-house VPN protocol, provides fast internet speeds. It can also access streaming content internationally and it passes all of our security tests.
CyberGhost: CyberGhost has one of the most affordable plans on the list and it passed all of our security tests. In 2022, it underwent an independent audit performed by Deloitte to verify its no-logs policy and it's based in Romania, a country with no data retention laws. - IPVanish: IPVanish is another affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Its Android app has a modern, dark-theme interface that's easy to use.
Best VPNs for Android FAQs
+
What is the best free Android VPN?
The best free VPNs for Android include providers like Atlas VPN, PrivadoVPN, hide.me, TunnelBear, and Windscribe. However, always do your research before using a free VPN. These VPNs often make an income by logging your activity and selling it to outside organizations. Free VPNs also usually have fewer features than their paid counterparts, so it may be worth investing in a strong VPN service to ensure your protection.
+
Does Android have a built-in VPN?
Yes, Android does have a built-in VPN. However, it does require complex configuration and only supports protocols PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPsec. Another potential drawback is that the built-in VPN is not available on some older versions of Android. You may prefer using beginner-friendly VPN apps if you don't have the IT knowledge to configure VPNs or want stronger protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
+
What devices can I use an Android VPN on?
You can use an Android VPN on mobile devices like Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, and any other Android-based devices. Many VPN providers make their services available to multiple devices, so it's possible your preferred Android VPN can also cover Windows devices, macOS, smart TVs, routers, and more.
+
How do I get a VPN on my Android?
You can get a VPN on your Android by downloading an app from the Google Play Store. Simply open the Play Store, search for a VPN, and select Install. Once the VPN app has been downloaded, you can usually get it set up and ready to go within minutes. Alternatively, you can set up a built-in VPN on Android, but this usually requires some IT knowledge to configure.
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Can I use my Android VPN on other devices?
Yes, you can use your Android VPN on other devices. Many VPN providers can cover multiple types of devices made by Apple and Google. For example, NordVPN also works on iOS, PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and more. You may want to choose a VPN provider with enough versatility to provide protection to all of your internet-connected devices.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Android
NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Android devices due to its reliability, fast internet connection, excellent security features, and ability to unblock streaming services. However, if you are looking to connect more than five to 10 devices in your household, Surfshark may provide the best budget-friendly solution for you. Finally, Private Internet Access has the most affordable plan without sacrificing speed and privacy.
3 best VPNs for Android
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
| NordVPN | Starts at $2.99/mo | Overall | Get NordVPN |
| Surfshark | Starts at $1.99/mo | Multiple devices | Get Surfshark |
| Private Internet Access | Starts at $2.03/mo | Affordable privacy | Get PIA |
How we tested the best VPNs for Android
We evaluated Android VPNs by comparing features we considered essential for a good VPN. We primarily looked at and tested four factors:
- Price: We prioritized VPNs offering affordable plans while providing great value.
- Practicality: The VPNs were easy to set up and use for average Android users.
- Unblocks streaming content: There were no issues accessing streaming services with geo-restrictions while using our top VPNs.
- Protects your privacy: Top VPNs mask your IP address, provide leak protection, encrypt your information, and don't log your online activity.
4.9
Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months
NordVPN
-
High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
-
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
-
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
-
Too many confusing plans
Author Details
Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.
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