A virtual private network (VPN) service is important in your privateness, and one suitable with the Android working system will prolong safety to your cell gadget. A VPN offers encryption, forging a safe tunnel between your Android smartphone and on-line providers. They can help you browse the web with a level of anonymity, to entry geo-restricted content material, and to keep away from monitoring by advertisers.
For those who’re involved a couple of VPN working within the background and draining your battery, do not be. One of the best VPNs available in the market will not noticeably impression efficiency or drastically decelerate your speeds.
See additionally: The best Apple TV VPNs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
What’s the finest Android VPN proper now?
NordVPN is our high decide for the perfect Android VPN proper now. It provides capabilities past fundamental VPN providers with a excessive stage of safety and nice speeds. It is common, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it is value a strive.
ZDNET authors have tested VPNs for years, throughout which we have examined and in contrast over a dozen VPNs on their speed, safety, the usability of their cell interfaces, and the server networks on provide. We take into account how every VPN performs on Android units, its value level, and the way every vendor approaches safety. These are our high suggestions for the perfect VPNs for Android in 2025.
Kind by
All
Nations and servers
Usability
Pace and efficiency
Safety
Value
Greatest Android VPNs of 2025
Present much less
NordVPN is likely one of the hottest VPNs within the Google Play Retailer, however that’s not why we expect it is the perfect VPN for Android.
Why we prefer it: It provides rock-solid efficiency, velocity, and a big server community that carries it throughout the end line.
This VPN permits 10 simultaneous connections underneath one account and has a server community throughout 111 international locations. Its velocity is superb, and you’ll probably haven’t any downside connecting to streaming services, together with Netflix or Amazon Fire TV Stick. Though, we want to see simultaneous connections turn out to be limitless sooner or later.
NordVPN helps peer-to-peer file sharing, streaming, and varied different platforms outdoors of Android. Its “Onion over VPN” function removes the necessity for a separate Tor browser. It provides add-ons, together with a devoted IP tackle, password manager, encrypted cloud storage, cyber safety protection, and a knowledge breach scanner.
Overview: NordVPN
Throughout our testing, NordVPN linked shortly and reliably to servers, though you may need to use the Sensible Join function for the perfect efficiency.
Who it is for: Prospects just like the velocity and stability of the VPN and say assist is top-notch, and we agree. This VPN will go well with nearly all of Android customers and as a bonus, it will not noticeably drain your battery, both.
Costs begin at $3.09 per 30 days if you are going to buy two years of service upfront, $5 per 30 days for a one-year plan, or $13 for a month-to-month subscription for fundamental safety. New customers who subscribe to a one- or two-year plan get three free months of entry added to their contract time period.
Moreover, NordVPN is ZDNET’s decide for the best school VPN.
For those who’re nonetheless not 100% bought on selecting NordVPN, you possibly can strive it out with a 30-day money-back assure.
Who ought to look elsewhere: One of many downsides of NordVPN is that it doesn’t provide limitless simultaneous connections. If that is necessary to you, take a look at one in all our different suggestions.
Additionally: Best VPN for torrenting in 2025
NordVPN options: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Hearth TV, tvOS, and routers | Nations: 111 | Kill change: Sure | Logging: Electronic mail tackle and billing info solely | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot score: 4.2 | Google Play score: 4.6 | App Retailer score: 4.7
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Surfshark is the most suitable choice for an inexpensive Android VPN to keep your mobile data secure and masks your actions.
Why we prefer it: In our velocity testing, we discovered Surfshark’s efficiency to be affordable, particularly contemplating its value level. Surfshark is extraordinarily straightforward to make use of with a strong server community throughout 100 international locations. It helps limitless simultaneous connections — an providing we at all times prefer to see VPN suppliers undertake — and may go well with many customers for day-to-day internet browsing.
Additionally: Best iPhone VPN of 2025
The VPN additionally provides MultiHop, a function that creates a safer connection by routing you thru two VPNs. A whitelist perform permits apps and units to bypass the VPN in your Android gadget. Extra complimentary instruments embrace advert blocking, anti-tracking, and split tunneling.
Overview: Surfshark VPN
Who it is for: Anybody who desires a budget-friendly VPN for his or her Android smartphone.
Surfshark is likely one of the most affordable VPNs available on the market, with two-year plans beginning at $2 per 30 days, plus three months of free entry. Yearly plans provide the identical variety of free months and start at $3.19 per 30 days. One month of entry prices $15.45.
A seven-day trial is accessible for Android units. Prospects like this VPN’s value level, service, and strategy to safety.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If velocity is essential, I’d suggest ExpressVPN as a substitute.
Surfshark options: Simultaneous connections: Limitless | Advert-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill change: Sure | Nations: 100 | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Hearth TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot score: 4.4 | Google Play score: 4.7 | App Retailer score: 4.7
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
ExpressVPN is a well-liked VPN service that made our record because of its excessive speeds, expansive server community, and user-friendly app for Android units.
Why we prefer it: ExpressVPN has servers in 105 international locations, so you possibly can simply discover a server to connect with wherever you might be. This is likely one of the largest that VPN suppliers presently provide.
Throughout our testing, we discovered that ExpressVPN has a few of the quickest and most secure connections and consistently fast speeds. As a bonus, the Android app may be very user-friendly.
Along with supporting Android 5 and above, ExpressVPN works with varied platforms and browser extensions, and an APK is accessible. Subsequently, you must be capable of use its app no matter which units you personal, and you need to use this VPN for way over your Android smartphone or tablet.
Overview: ExpressVPN
Who it is for: Anybody who prioritizes velocity in a cell VPN service.
ExpressVPN has just lately moved to a tiered plan system, and so the outdated subscription value of $6.67 per 30 days on a two-year contract has been lowered to $3.49 per 30 days on its fundamental plan, with 4 months of free entry.
A seven-day trial for Android units is accessible. Prospects say that whereas this VPN is not the most affordable, it provides glorious speeds, a superb server community, and stable buyer assist. Moreover, ExpressVPN is ZDNET’s decide for the best VPN for Chrome total.
Who ought to look elsewhere: For those who want limitless simultaneous connections, take into account one other of our suggestions, as this VPN supplier’s most is 14.
ExpressVPN options: Simultaneous connections: 10 – 14 | Kill change: Sure | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Hearth TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Nations: 105 | Logging: No looking logs, some connection logs | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot score: 4.0 | Google Play score: 4.7 | App Retailer score: 4.7
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
IPVanish markets itself as a click-and-go VPN service, nevertheless it’s rather more than that. By way of efficiency, IPVanish excels with limitless simultaneous connections and stable transfers.
Why we prefer it: Total, IPVanish delivers a stable consumer expertise and VPN service in comparison with others, though its draw back is typically decrease velocity. Now, its server community has expanded from 75 places to 130 in 103 international locations, making it among the many largest networks out there.
IPVanish additionally options quite a lot of protocols and server choices, and there are in depth choices for configuring the app itself.
Overview: IPVanish
Who it is for: Prospects recognize the assist on provide, discover the value level affordable, and take into account this VPN straightforward to arrange. We agree and take into account this an ideal alternative if you need a set-and-forget VPN with limitless simultaneous connections.
For those who commit to 2 years, IPVanish provides a reduced plan for $2.19 per 30 days. This will increase to $3.33 per 30 days for an annual plan and $13 for a month-to-month subscription.
Who ought to look elsewhere: It does not carry out in addition to another rivals with regards to velocity and so if velocity loss is of concern — otherwise you plan to repeatedly stream — take into account one other service.
Be aware: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s mum or dad firm. For extra info, see our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish options: Simultaneous connections: Limitless | Kill change: Sure | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Hearth TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, besides billing information | Places: 108 international locations | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot score: 4.2 | Google Play score: 4.4 | App Retailer score: 4.6
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Non-public Web Entry, also called PIA, is one other stable VPN alternative in your Android phone.
Why we prefer it: It does not have essentially the most engaging consumer interface, however it’s straightforward to know. The server choice is affordable with 91 places to select from. Our testing signifies that the velocity is what we might name mid-tier, however the VPN connects shortly, and we’ve not skilled sudden drops or lag.
Overview: Private Internet Access
We additionally recognize the truth that PIA provides its clients limitless simultaneous connections. This implies you possibly can defend as many units as you want underneath one account. Not each VPN supplier provides this, however they need to.
There’s a no-logs policy and as a bonus, PIA helps WireGuard and is open-source, which signifies that third events can study its code and flag any safety or privateness points.
Who it is for: Anybody who appreciates open supply applied sciences, as this enables third events to look at its code for privateness or safety points.
Prospects usually just like the service and its connectivity, however some be aware points with customer support. You possibly can join a two-year plan for the equal of $2.19 per 30 days with two months free, a six-month plan for $7.50 per 30 days, or one month of entry for $12. A 30-day money-back assure is accessible.
Who ought to look elsewhere: In comparison with another VPN suppliers, providing 91 international locations is kind of low. If server location availability is necessary to you, take into account another choice.
Non-public Web Entry VPN options: Simultaneous connections: Limitless | Kill change: Sure | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Hearth TV, and NAS | Nations: 91 | Logging: No-logs coverage | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot score: 4.2 | Google Play score: 4.5 | App Retailer score: 4.7
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Android VPN | Value | Simultaneous connections | Nations | Cash-back assure | Google Play Retailer score |
NordVPN | Begins at $3.09 per 30 days | 10 | 111 | 30 days, seven-day free trial | 4.6/5 |
Surfshark | Begins at $2 per 30 days | Limitless | 100 | 30 days, seven-day free trial | 4.7/5 |
ExpressVPN | Begins at $3.49 per 30 days | Eight | 105 | 30 days, seven-day free trial | 4.7/5 |
IPVanish | Begins at $2.19 per 30 days | Limitless | 108 | 30 days, seven-day free trial | 4.4/5 |
PIA | Begins at $2.19 per 30 days | Limitless | 91 | 30 days, seven-day free trial | 4.5/5 |
Be aware: The data introduced on this desk is correct as of our final publish date, and costs, rankings, and different particulars could have modified since then.
We use our smartphones to entry delicate info and conduct on-line transactions extra typically than ever earlier than, so staying safe on the web whereas on the go is important.
Whilst you may focus your safety on laptops and residential PCs, you should not overlook that your smartphone is commonly the important thing to your digital kingdom. You probably use it to entry private e mail accounts and hubs, work assets, social media, and monetary providers — and should you fail to guard it, you might be extra susceptible to having your accounts compromised.
With the precise VPN, you possibly can browse the web anonymously, entry geo-restricted content material, and keep away from being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and authorities surveillance.
See additionally: What is a VPN and why do you need one?
Google’s Android working system is embedded in billions of units worldwide, together with smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and different Web of Issues (IoT) units. Android features on a broad vary of merchandise, most of that are internet-connected, so it follows that VPN suppliers assist this OS.
An Android VPN service is a digital personal community service that encrypts your web visitors, hides your IP tackle, and offers you with an nameless and safe connection when you’re utilizing your Android gadget. These could embrace smartphones and tablets manufactured by corporations together with Google, Samsung, and OnePlus.
Find out how to arrange an Android VPN
As soon as you have chosen the VPN you need to set up, go to the Google Play Retailer and seek for it. Generally, you possibly can obtain the VPN app straight from the Google Play Retailer, however you will have to obtain it from the VPN supplier’s web site. If that is so, please be sure to belief the seller and area.
For this instance, we will likely be downloading and putting in ExpressVPN on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
After downloading the app, you possibly can set up it, however you will have to supply the VPN with particular gadget permissions. Open it and log in to the service with the username/e mail and password you created if you subscribed.
As soon as your VPN has been put in, choose a rustic or select Fast Join, and also you’re accomplished.
In uncommon circumstances, you will have to arrange a VPN service in your gadget manually. Most VPN suppliers have in depth FAQ sections on their websites with particulars on the best way to full a guide setup. It is best to reference these directions for the precise VPN you are utilizing, and to contact assist when you have any points.
See additionally: How to set up a VPN on your router
Many suppliers advisable on this record have been topic to in-depth testing and opinions by members of the ZDNET staff. We have been speaking about varied VPNs for years, spoken with their administration and their customers, and developed a usually favorable impression.
Whereas ZDNET checks VPN providers from a number of places, we won’t check from all places. Each house, each neighborhood, each native ISP, and each nation has a unique infrastructure.
We analyzed the perfect VPNs for Android beneath utilizing the next standards that will help you make an knowledgeable choice:
- Efficiency: Our high VPNs should have a minimal stage of efficiency. In spite of everything, there is not any level in utilizing a VPN whereas streaming in case your connection frequently drops or lags.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs restrict what number of units you possibly can connect with a service concurrently. If in case you have a cellphone, a pill, a laptop computer, a desktop, and presumably even a wise TV that you just need to connect with a VPN, you’d want a service that permits at the least six simultaneous connections.
- Safety: There is no level utilizing a VPN until their safety protocols and encryption ranges are as much as scratch. We additionally ensured the event staff behind every advisable VPN cares about making safety enhancements over time and patching reported bugs.
- Kill change: A kill change prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is a vital function for a VPN, because it protects you by stopping a return to a default Wi-Fi connection ought to your web connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: We all know VPNs will be key to accessing native content material and providers when you’re away from house. Given these components, we ensured that our high suggestions carried out effectively and had been unlikely to decelerate your connection when you had been streaming.
- Platforms: What methods and units are you able to run the VPN on? Our Android VPN suggestions have to supply easy-to-use and intuitive cell apps.
- Nations and servers: In what number of completely different international locations does the VPN have servers? This will embrace bodily and digital servers, and whether or not there are sufficient — at the least 50 or so — to supply selection.
- Trial size and value: Every VPN we suggest has a stable money-back assure, and plenty of provide cell customers a seven-day trial.
Assist: As with all subscription software program, you might encounter issues with putting in apps, utilizing the service, renewing, or canceling. We record VPNs with an out there assist staff.
For a extra in depth breakdown, take a look at our complete VPN testing methodology page.
Select this Android VPN… | If you’d like… |
NordVPN | A do-it-all safe VPN. NordVPN is a flexible and dependable VPN service that gives high-speed connections and superior security measures for safeguarding your on-line privateness. |
Surfshark | To pay much less. Surfshark is an reasonably priced VPN possibility that gives a variety of helpful options, together with limitless simultaneous connections, advert blocking, anti-tracking, and break up tunneling. |
ExpressVPN | A user-friendly, easy and speedy app. ExpressVPN is understood for its easy-to-use interface and easy, user-friendly app that permits you to join shortly and simply to servers around the globe. |
IPVanish | A plug-and-play Android VPN service. IPVanish is designed to be straightforward to arrange and use, with limitless connections and quick connection speeds for streaming and downloading. |
PIA | An open-source Android VPN. Non-public Web Entry offers a user-friendly Android app, secure speeds and connectivity, and is open-source — that means third events can study its code for safety points. |
If you end up deciding on your new Android VPN, you should take into account the next components:
- Value: Weigh the general value of your new VPN plan. Attempt to benefit from promotions, however ignore countdown timers — they usually are simply advertising and marketing instruments. Whereas top-notch VPNs can value upwards of $10 per 30 days, many can be found for just a few {dollars} per 30 days. Many VPN suppliers can even offer you a free seven-day Android trial. We usually suggest that you just keep away from free VPNs — with just a few exceptions — as they could promote your information or bombard you with adverts.
- Simultaneous connections: For those who’re paying for a VPN appropriate in your Android cellphone, you may nonetheless need to use it throughout a number of units, equivalent to a desktop PC or a laptop computer. We suggest that you just join a plan with assist for at the least six units. Fortunately, many paid VPN plans now provide limitless connections.
- Pace: Pace is of paramount significance if you need to use a VPN for sure use circumstances. For those who plan to make use of your new Android VPN for streaming or cell gaming, select one with minimal velocity loss.
- Contract size: You additionally must resolve how lengthy you need a VPN for. For those who go for a two-year time period, you are inclined to safe the perfect costs, however there are different choices out there. After you have made a variety, you usually get a 30-day money-back assure.
- Assist: As with all subscription software program, you might come throughout issues with putting in apps, utilizing the service, renewing, or canceling. We record VPNs with a assist staff out there.
- Apps: When deciding on a VPN, strive it out first to make sure you like its accompanying Android app. Some VPNs, for instance, have nice desktop software program however lack a cell app that’s straightforward to make use of.
- Free trial: Do not forget that many VPN suppliers offer you every week to check out their Android VPNs without cost. Go to the Google Play Retailer and obtain the choices you want and discover the precise app for you.
Newest information
- ExpressVPN launched EventVPN, a free service primarily based on an promoting mannequin.
- ProtonVPN handed its fourth impartial safety and no-logs coverage audit with flying colours.
- A surging wave of Akira ransomware is focusing on SonicWall VPN deployments.
We don’t usually suggest free VPN providers because of their common lack of reliability and heavy restrictions. A number of free VPNs for Android are, nevertheless, supported by premium paid subscriptions and are supplied by reliable organizations.
These free providers are usually protected to make use of, however they normally have extreme information or efficiency limits, making them helpful solely as a solution to check out the total service.
We suggest Proton VPN’s free service, which has no information caps, and Windscribe, a reliable free service. That stated, Proton VPN restricts your velocity, whereas Windscribe imposes a knowledge cap.
See additionally: The best free VPNs: Expert tested
The Android working does have a VPN client that helps PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec protocols. The shopper is often used for accessing personal networks, equivalent to if you want a VPN to connect with work resources — and you will have particulars supplied by an administrator to make use of it. Most customers won’t must allow this perform and can, as a substitute, obtain a VPN cell app.
Some distributors have constructed upon the native Android shopper to supply tailor-made VPN features. Samsung is amongst them, and the corporate’s personal VPN resolution is accessible via the Samsung Knox safety framework. This service is concentrated on cell gadget administration, the enterprise, and builders, fairly than shoppers. For those who’re , you possibly can take a look at Samsung’s information to enabling VPN providers here.
See additionally: The best VPN routers you can buy
Most individuals’s cellphone information runs via a neighborhood service, which is troublesome for hackers to intercept. Usually, you are fairly protected should you’re utilizing your service’s mobile connection, however carriers have information caps and information carriage charges that may get costly. Even when you have a limiteless information plan, carriers may cost you for hotspot use.
To keep away from additional prices, you need to use native Wi-Fi that espresso outlets, airport lounges, lodges, and faculties typically provide without cost. Sadly, these Wi-Fi hotspots are sometimes open and simple to intercept. Having a VPN on your phone can defend your information when accessing the web via one in all these hotspots. The truth is, I like to recommend by no means accessing the web via a Wi-Fi hotspot with out an energetic VPN.
Moreover, you might need to think about using a VPN to remain safe and to have the ability to decide your most popular location if you’re utilizing your Android gadget to stream content material.
See additionally: Best iPhone VPNs
To examine in case your VPN is protected and dealing correctly, first select a good vendor recognized to have a robust safety background.
The best solution to examine that your VPN is working correctly is to check your IP tackle earlier than and after enabling a VPN connection. You’ll find this underneath your gadget’s settings (usually underneath Wi-Fi) or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. In the event that they each show the identical IP, your VPN might not be working correctly.
You can even go to dnsleaktest.com to see if any DNS leaks are detected while you’re utilizing a VPN, which may very well be an indication that your info is being leaked.
Lastly, watch out with free VPNs supplied by unknown or shady corporations, particularly if they’re outdoors of official app repositories. This might open your gadget to surveillance or malware.
The best solution to turn off your VPN on Android is to open the VPN’s app and select to disconnect. Alternatively, you possibly can go to your Android gadget’s settings tab, choose community (which can seem as connections or connection settings) and choose “VPN.” Relying in your gadget, this will present a listing of all apps with VPN profiles. From right here, you possibly can change the VPN’s settings or flip it off.
Whereas all these applied sciences are supposed to guard you and your gadget, they supply completely different layers of safety. VPNs essentially defend information in movement, which is distributed to and from the web. VPN safety is mostly supplied by encryption, so hackers cannot spy on the info whereas it strikes. Some suppliers additionally bolt on malware scanners, information breach screens, and extra.
Anti-malware software protects towards malicious software program executing in your gadget. These apps scan information, monitor working software program processes and downloads, and should intercept suspicious actions or downloads. They might additionally embrace checking permissions and making certain apps do not have extra management over your gadget than they want.
Additionally: Best free software uninstaller
A VPN will not be a one-size-fits-all resolution for cell safety, nevertheless it is a vital a part of total cell safety hygiene and information safety.
Android VPN providers are authorized within the US, however the legality of VPNs varies from nation to nation. You will need to examine the legal guidelines of your location earlier than utilizing a VPN. Some international locations ban their use outright, equivalent to North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq, whereas different international locations, together with Russia and China, frown upon using any VPN that’s not state-controlled.
For a listing of nations the place VPN utilization is illegitimate, take a look at NordVPN’s guide. Moreover, take a peak at our complete analysis on the best travel VPNs.
You should not expertise any disruption if you obtain or place a cellphone name while you’re utilizing a VPN.
A VPN won’t encrypt or defend your cellphone calls. If you wish to masks these types of communication, you will have one other resolution, equivalent to a protected Voice over IP (VoIP) service.
Sure, in relation to your IP tackle. Some VPNs additionally provide GPS spoofing. If a VPN is working correctly, it’ll assign you a brand new IP tackle to make it seem that you’re in a unique location, which may very well be in your state, nation, or some place else on the earth.
Newest updates
- September 2025: In ZDNET’s September replace, we carried out editorial and structure adjustments. We additionally up to date our high picks and various choices.
Various Android VPNs to think about
Present much less
CyberGhost is a good various to think about if you need a click-and-go cell VPN when you’re on the go.
It is quick and low-cost, beginning at $2.19 per 30 days. The service is a dependable possibility for streaming with specialised servers assigned to the duty.
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Proton VPN offers end-to-end encryption, robust privateness insurance policies, and a variety of superior security measures.
Free or paid plans can be found, with entry-level choices now solely $3 per 30 days.
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Windscribe is a sturdy, quick VPN that’s nice for accessing geo-locked streaming providers.
Free or customized plans can be found, and this VPN is one in all solely a handful of free VPN providers we suggest.
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
For those who’ve loved our greatest Android VPNs information, take into account our top mobile VPN picks, the best VPNs overall, and our favourite Apple iPhone VPNs.
