What is the best Android VPN in 2024?
NordVPN
is our top pick for the best Android VPN right now. It offers capabilities beyond basic VPN services with a high level of security, it’s popular, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s worth a try.
There are other great VPNs for Android you could consider. Together with other ZDNET authors, I’ve been testing VPNs for years, during which I’ve compared over a dozen VPNs on their speed, security, the usability of their mobile interfaces, and the server networks on offer.
An Android VPN lets you browse the internet anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and avoid being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and government surveillance — making it a key tool for your privacy. The best services won’t noticeably impact your speed or take up too much of your smartphone’s resources.
See also: The best Apple TV VPNs of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
I’ve tested these VPNs thoroughly and frequently, and these are our top recommendations for the best VPNs for Android.
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NordVPN
Best Android VPN overall
NordVPN is one of the most popular consumer VPNs in the Google Play Store, but that is not why we think it’s the best VPN for Android. It offers rock-solid performance and speed that carried it across the finish line.
NordVPN supports peer-to-peer file sharing, streaming, and a number of other platforms outside of Android. Its Onion over VPN feature removes the need for a separate Tor browser. There are also add-ons available, including a dedicated IP address, password manager, encrypted cloud storage, cyber protection coverage, and a data breach scanner.
This VPN provides 10 simultaneous connections under one account and a server network with access to 111 countries. Its speed is excellent, and you will likely have no problem connecting to streaming services, including Netflix or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
During our testing, NordVPN connected quickly and reliably to servers, although you’ll want to use the smart connect feature for the best performance. If you’re still not 100% sold on choosing NordVPN, you can try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers like the speed and stability of the VPN, and say support is top-notch.
Review: NordVPN
Prices start at $3.59 per month if you purchase two years of service upfront, $4.99 per month for a one-year plan, or $12.99 for a month-to-month subscription for basic protection. New users who subscribe to a two-year plan will receive three months of access free.
NordVPN Android features: Google Play Store rating: 4.5 average, 915K reviews | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Kill switch: Yes | Native app support: Android 6 or higher | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 111 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
We use our smartphones to access sensitive information and conduct online transactions more often than ever before, so staying secure on the internet while on the go is essential.
While you might focus your security on laptops and home PCs, you shouldn’t forget that your smartphone is often the key to your digital kingdom. It may be used to access personal email accounts and hubs, work resources, social media, and financial services — and if you fail to protect it, you may be more at risk of having your accounts compromised.
With the right VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and avoid being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and government surveillance.
See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one?
Google’s Android operating system is embedded in billions of devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Android functions on a broad range of products, most of which are internet-connected, so it follows that VPN providers support this OS.
An Android VPN service is a virtual private network service that encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides you with an anonymous and secure connection while you’re using your Android device. These may include smartphones and tablets manufactured by companies including Google, Samsung, and Motorola.
How to set up an Android VPN
Once you’ve chosen the VPN you want to install, go to the Google Play Store and search for it. In most cases, you’ll be able to download the VPN app directly from the Google Play Store, but you may have to download it from the VPN provider’s site. (If this is the case, please make sure you trust the vendor and domain.)
For this example, I will be downloading and installing ExpressVPN on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
After the app is downloaded, you can install it, but you may have to provide the VPN with specific device permissions. Open it and log in to the service with your username/email and password you created when you subscribed.
Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or choose quick connect, and you’re done!
In rare cases, you may have to manually set up a VPN service on your device. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites with details on how to complete a manual setup. It’s best to reference those instructions for the specific VPN you’re using, and to contact support if you have any issues.
See also: How to set up a VPN on your router