In this Guide we present to you the most comprehensive review for the top 4 best free VPN apps for Android. Our team tested Express VPN, Nord VPN, PureVPN, and SurfShark VPN on speed, connection reliability and privacy.
We found ExpressVPN the best app for android on the market, which provides great value for money, with plans starting at $6.67/month.
List of the best VPN apps for Android
#1. ExpressVPN - The ExpressVPN Android app is optimized for high-speed connections. Minimal impact on battery and memory, one-click connection, easy to use interface.
#2. NordVPN - NordVPN for Android can even block ads on your phone (videos, games, and apps) if you download the APK from the official website - not from Google Play. The price starts at $3.49 per month.
#3. PureVPN - PureVPN APK for Android is compatible with Android 10, Pie, Oreo, and other versions. Installable in just a few clicks, you can test the server and speeds, and partake in a free 7-day trial on Google Play.
#4. Surfshark - Surfshark APK for Android has over 1 million installs from Google Play, has 1,700+ servers, and is available across 63 countries and six continents. Available torrents and Netflix are supported, all starting at $1.99 / month.
#5. CyberGhost - CyberGhost APK for Android is suitable for Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, and Pie. When downloading from Google Play, you will receive a 7-day trial version for free.
Why Do You Need VPN for Android
If you get used to taking your Android tablet or smartphone with you and connect to Wi-Fi on-the-go VPN app for Android is the thing you must have. It will encrypt your data while you’re using open Wi-Fi spots, it will help you to watch or listen geo-restricted content, it will spoof your real IP address and location.
All the the best VPN services offer their own Android VPN applications. If you are not sure whether your current VPN service offers such application, you can check its site. On the page named “Features” or “Apps” or “Downloads”, you will find the information about all supported operating systems.
If you don’t use any VPN provider but want to enhance the security and privacy options of your Android device you can download a native Android VPN app from Google Paly Store.
Our Top Product Picks
- Try it 30 days risk free
- Up to 6 devices simultaneous
- Connect to over 90 countries
- 24/7 customer support
- Blocks ads, other web threats.
- Kill switch
- More than 5,100 servers
- OpenVPN protocol by default
- 7-day free period
- Up to 10 devices per account
- Choosing the optimal encryption protocol
- Automatic reconnection after connection loss
- AES-256 encryption
- Hides real IP address
- Unlimited devices per account
- IKEv2 / IPSec and OpenVPN encryption protocols
- IP and DNS leak protection
- Up to 7 devices per license
- Supports advanced WireGuard protocol
- Automatic disconnection via Kill Switch
1. ExpressVPN
Price Range: $6.67 - $12.95. Special offer: $99.95 for 15 months
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices: up to 5 |
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Devices: Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux |
Express is ranked as the Best VPN app for Android in many reviews. It is the best choice for Netflix and other streaming services, unblocks everything, and at the same time it is able to work even in countries with strict censorship. This is the best VPN for China on Android and other platforms.
Try ExpressVPN now and get our special offer!
2. NordVPN
Price Range: $3.49 - $11.95. Special offer: 2-year deal with 68% off
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:6 |
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Devices: Firestick, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, Chromebook, Chromecast |
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS |
The NordVPN iPhone app is available on Play Market for free, however you you must pay for a service. Price starts at $3.71 per month. Dedicated servers are optimized for streaming, for double protection, there are APPs for all popular devices. Turn on CyberSec feature and get rid of ads on your Android.
3. PureVPN
Price Range: $1.32 - $10.95. Special offer: 7-day trial for only $0.99
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Money-Back: 31-day free trial |
Devices: 10 |
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Devices: Routers, Android TV, Amazon FireStick, Microsoft Surface |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox |
A reliable VPN service that autonomously connects to the fastest server available based on the user’s location (6,500 servers worldwide). Go online using Wi-Fi, 4G, or 3G wireless connections.
If you don’t need to encrypt all of your traffic while using your Android, you can use the split-tunneling feature. This feature allows you to determine which apps can pass through the encrypted channel while enabling you to decide which ones can remain (social media networks). New users who are not satisfied with the quality of services will be able to get their money back within 31 days from the date of registration.
Now work, binge & stay secure online with PureVPN
4. Surfshark
Price Range: $1.99 - $11.95. Special offer: Get 81% discount
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:Unlimited |
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Devices:Android TV, FireTV |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Chrome |
Surkshark was founded in 2018 and is available for as low as $2.49 a month with a subscription of 24 months. Connect to 3,200 servers worldwide at high speeds and benefit from the CleanWeb feature that blocks ads on the network. Similar to NordVPN and PureVPN, the provider has a split tunneling feature called Whitelister.
The service does not keep logs and automatically blocks data transmission through the Kill Switch if the connection is compromised. The MultiHop function provides more stealth with connection across two countries.5. CyberGhost
Price Range: $2.75- $12.99. Special offer: 3 extra months for FREE
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Money-Back: 45-day free trial |
Devices: 7 |
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Devices: Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, Android TV, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
A reputable VPN provider that offers an extensive network of about 7,000 servers in 90 countries worldwide (available for VPN connection for Android). The mobile client automatically selects an appropriate point and establishes a connection with one mouse click.
In addition to the high connection speed, CyberGhost offers four tariff plans with subscriptions for one month, one year, two years, or 39 months. Mobile version clients have a 7-day trial period. For a subscription, a 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Enjoy a fast and reliable VPN
How to Install a VPN on Android
Installation takes place from Google Play or via the APK file. How to use Google Play option:
- Open Google Play. Enter the name of the service in the search box and tap on “Find” in the form of a magnifying glass icon. Also on the site of each of the services there is a direct link to their product in the Google store.
- The official client page in the store will open, tap/click on “Install” and wait for the download to complete.
- After installation, open the client and log in or use the 7-day trial period if the vendor offers one.
Unlike iOS, Android is an open operating system, which allows you to install VPN clients from alternative sources. How to do it:
- Go to the official website of the company, open the “Download”, “VPN” section or scroll down to the very bottom of the page, expand "Product" and select “Android”.
- On the page that opens, tap on "Download APK". NordVPN, PureVPN and Surfshark.
- Wait for the download to complete and tap on the downloaded APK. If necessary, give permission to install software from an unverified source.
You can get VPN updates for Android installed from the APK through the aforementioned Google Play. Regarding where to get APK from other companies:
- On file exchangers or forums — it is not safe because viruses can be sewn into the file.
- Ask friends using the service to make a copy of the APK using an application called — Apk Extractor.
APK files can be transferred via Bluetooth. This will be relevant if you are going to China, the UAE or another country with severe Internet censorship.
Where Can I Download VPN for Android?
If you already use reliable VPN provider and you are fully satisfied with service it is better to use the Android application from this provider. If you have a lot of devices, it is better to choose VPN application from the same provider which you are already subscribed (so you will pay less per device). Of course it is better to check how many devices and simultaneous connections does your VPN provider support.
Note: Some VPNs offer a trial period from 7 do 30 days. You can try it absolutely risk free. If you don't like it grab your money back
- Try it 30 days risk free
- Up to 6 devices simultaneous
- Connect to over 90 countries
- 24/7 customer support
The VPN application should be downloaded only from Google Play Store or directly from the site of VPN service as application from any other place may contain malicious code. If you have quite outdated Android device it is better to check whether VPN application supports your version of Android.
How to Choose VPN for Android
Support different platform versions
Please check, whether your VPN provider offers support for different versions of Android (like Google TV, Streaming Android TV boxes, Android TV.droid, etc.). If you have a more specific Android device, you can always ask the support team about the possibility of using VPN on your device.
Performance
VPN service for Android (as well as VPN for any other operating system) has to provide good connection speed and reliable servers. If you are looking for VPN which will let you watch your favorite Hulu or Netflix TV series on Smart TV
Encryption
As encryption of traffic is one of the main reasons of using VPN for Android your provider has to offer the most advanced VPN protocols and encryption protocols. The best protocol for Android VPN is OpenVPN (also, an open-source solution with great possibilities of customization). As for encryption protocol, 256-bit AES is an industry standard.
Security
Your VPN service should provide such additional security features as protection against DNS leaks and IP leaks as well as a kill switch. These features help to keep your real IP address and DNS records in secret even if something wrong with connection or with the setting of your browser.
Latest Customer Review
FAQ
- Will Android VPN app slow my device down?
In most cases, you won’t feel any difference. Maybe if you have a very outdated smartphone or tablet with the little volume of ram memory one more application will slow it down significantly. In this case, it is better to use native apps on OpenVPN as they usually require less memory to operate.
- Will VPN app for Android ensure my full anonymity and security?
VPN (no matter for what operating system) can provide privacy and security, but not the full anonymity. In most cases, your Android device is packed with different applications and some of them may have an access to a lot of settings and data. Also, your location may be kept in applications. That is why VPN is not able to guarantee your anonymity. The best way to gem maximum security is not to use free VPN service.
- Whether Android VPN app is compatible with Smart TV?
All reliable VPN providers offer the support of Smart TV. Some of them create custom applications for them, some VPN services offer VPN routers which can be used with any device. If you need VPN to watch Netflix or Hulu VPN router will better option as it helps to spoof your real IP address better (and it won’t be saved in some settings of your Smart TV).
VPN Providers Comparison
| Name |
ExpressVPN
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NordVPN
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PureVPN
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Surfshark
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CyberGhost
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| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Pricing and Plans
At just $0.99 per month, Ivacy VPN for Android is the most affordable VPN. Surf the web privately, stay protected on public WiFi and block malware like millions of Android users for up to 90% off.
| min price | $6.67 | $3.49 | $1.32 | $1.99 | $2.75 |
| max price | $12.95 | $11.95 | $10.95 | $11.95 | $12.99 |
| max discount | 49% | 80% | 88% | 83% | 79% |
| Money back days | 30 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 45 |
| Free Version Available | |||||
| BitCoin accepted | |||||
| No Credit Card Trials |
Android carriers can grab a 2-year plan for as low as $3.71 per month (68% off) for the first two years with NordVPN. Access more than 5,100 servers worldwide, enjoy the no-log policy, and connect up to 6 devices simultaneously while being backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Other VPNs
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2.8
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4.3
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4.0
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Read Review → |
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3.9
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3.8
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Read Review → |
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Written by: Stefany Anderson
Technical Writer, Visit My WebSite Techno-copywriter, Privacy, Internet Security
Read Comments
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Jackson
I didn’t like Private VPN because it has no 24/7 chat and no kill switch for Android, what is the cheapest alternative with these features?
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Admin
We would recommend trying Surfshark VPN, it has all the mentioned features and is the cheapest one in this list. Moreover, it allows for an unlimited number of devices, which is beneficial, when you have a big household.
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Luke
I don’t understand anything about VPNs, which one is the easiest to use on Android?
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Admin
CyberGhost is said to be the most user friendly VPN with a simple interface for Android. However, other VPNs from our lists are not hard to use either and most of them have 24/7 chat where you can ask any questions. VPNs from this list that don’t have a 24/7 support chat are PrivateVPN and VyprVPN, which does not make them bad, but if you are new to VPNs, you better choose another one.
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Blake
What is a kill switch for Android and why some VPNs don’t have it?
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Admin
A kill switch is one of the VPN service’s features that disconnects your device from the internet when something happens to the VPN connection. This safety tool prevents your IP from getting exposed and controls your anonymity. All of the VPNs from this service have a different focus and thus their security features vary: PrivateVPN, IPVanish SaferVPN and ProtonVPN do not kill switch functions.
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Evie
How do you choose the best VPN for Android to use in China?
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Admin
China is a very protected region when it comes to the internet and it’s Firewall is extremely hard to break. Therefore, when choosing VPN for this location we recommend to focus on the security level and consider paid VPN services since they usually contain more proficient and reliable security features. All of the VPNs from the list are good to use in China apart from the CyberGhost.
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Chris
Is it legal to install VPN from APK on Android?
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Admin
Android smartphones support the installation of third-party applications. Download the APK only from the providers’ official websites to avoid miners and hackers.
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