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Android Police

Best Android VPN in 2025

Kris Henges
Split-screen graphic showing NordVPN and ExpressVPN on a phone, with a Best label in the center
Justin Duino/Android Police

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential for securing your privacy online, making it a service that feels right at home on an Android phone or tablet. From protecting your information and internet activity through data encryption to slipping past geo-restricted content around the globe, having a VPN app will help you safely surf an even wider web.

Fortunately, VPN services have brilliant, easy-to-use Android apps with a wealth of advanced security tools. The problem is that app stores like the Google Play Store are flooded with them — and many aren't worth downloading.

Finding a reliable Android VPN that will let you connect to thousands of servers all over the world, unlock region-specific streaming service libraries, and even boost your internet speeds can be tricky. So, we've compiled this list to help you grab the best Android VPN for you. No need to fret; even if you have a Pixel, Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, or other type of device, these VPN apps will work the same on all Android devices.

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  1. NordVPN logo on a white background
    Source: NordVPN
    NordVPN

    Best overall

  2. Surfshark VPN logo on a white background
    Source: Surfshark
    Surfshark

    Best for unlimited connections

  3. Red ExpressVPN logo on a white background
    Source: ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN

    A no-frills option

  4. Logo of VPN company Private Internet Access with the company name next to a cartoon of a green padlock with a smiley face
    Source: Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access

    Best value

  5. Cyberghost VPN logo on a white background
    Source: CyberGhost
    CyberGhost

    Generous server count

  1. IPVanish VPN logo on a white background
    Source: IPVanish
    IPVanish

    Clean interface

  2. Proton VPN
    Proton VPN

    Focus on privacy

  3. Blue and white Windscribe VPN logo on white background
    Source: Windscribe
    Windscribe

    Flexible pricing

Top VPNs for Android phones and tablets

With NordVPN, you're arguably getting the fastest VPN speeds for your Android device. The only section where it loses points is with the app itself; the Android app uses a map interface that makes it a little tricky to connect to the VPN server you want, making it feel less intuitive.

However, there's an option to switch to a more straightforward list. In the broader picture, this is only a minor nuisance compared to what NordVPN dishes out.

From its Threat Protection and AES 256-bit encryption to its app-specific kill switch and dark web monitoring, NordVPN is here to keep your private data safe from prying eyes.

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It ups the ante with its Double VPN tool that redirects your traffic through two servers for extra protection, a Meshnet feature to keep connections between devices secure, and the superfast NordLynx protocol.

With over 6,400 servers in 111 countries and excellent unblocking abilities, it can stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more without breaking a sweat.

NordVPN has a credited zero-logs policy and supports Perfect Forward Secrecy. It's also based in the privacy-friendly Panama. It takes privacy seriously, which is what you want from the best VPNs available.

For Black Friday, you can save up to 77% on NordVPN's subscriptions. The Basic plan is now down to just $2.99 per month, and the popular Plus plan is only $3.89 per month. You'll even get three extra months for free. There's no better time to sign up.

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Surfshark is an excellent budget Android VPN. Its app is easy to use and doesn't skimp on features despite frequently boasting some of the most eye-catching VPN deals.

For Black Friday, it's even more so. You can pick up the Surfshark Basic plan for $1.99 a month, and the most feature-rich plan (Surfshark One+) is just $4.19 a month, 80% off its full price. You also get three months for free, so if you're looking to commit, now is the time.

From connecting to the fastest location with one tap to delivering an effective Android native kill switch to stop data leaks, Surfshark's app will have you surfing (pun intended) around the web anonymously in seconds.

The real star of the show is its unlimited device connections. With one subscription, you can jump online with a VPN connection on all of your devices, and there are over 3,200 servers in over 100 countries to choose from.

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For security, it offers AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, a rotating IP tool, and an override GPS location switch to match your location with your VPN location. It can even block ads, trackers, and malware whenever you're connected.

Moreover, Surfshark offers some of the fastest speeds around. However, it suffers from some unblocking issues, meaning a connection can suddenly drop, or a streaming service may detect that you're using a VPN and block your IP address.

Fortunately, its Camouflage mode can hide VPN traffic, making online services believe you're using a standard connection, which in turn avoids IP blacklisting.

Like our top pick, Surfshark has British Virgin Islands jurisdiction and a credited no-logs policy that keeps your information private.

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ExpressVPN features an intuitive user interface that provides a streamlined experience, allowing you to connect to the fastest server with a simple tap, while also offering a choice from its extensive list of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. It couldn't be easier.

As a bonus, it's also available in 16 languages, in addition to English, making it a comprehensive Android app for many users.

With its rightfully described blazing-fast speeds, made even faster by its unique Lightway protocol, you can expect your internet speeds to remain consistent.

It can easily bypass geo-blocked content and strict streaming services, allowing you to access your favorite shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Paramount+, and many more, anywhere in the world.

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It isn't all about speed, though, as the Android app has plentiful security tools to keep you anonymous. This includes an effective kill switch, split tunneling, a Threat Manager feature to block trackers and malicious websites, and AES 256-bit encryption. Moreover, you can check the strength of your connection to see if it's worth switching to another server.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, it's not subject to data retention laws. Its no-logs policy has passed security audits multiple times and boasts Perfect Forward Secrecy, meaning all your encrypted data can't be captured and decrypted by threat actors.

ExpressVPN may be on the pricier end, but Android users will find considerable value in this service.

If you're not fussed about an app's design and need a VPN to bypass region-locked content and country-specific streaming libraries, PIA (Private Internet Access) is the Android VPN for you.

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Not everyone needs a fancy app to get the job done, especially if it touts speedy connections, over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, and commendable security features.

With a massive number of servers delivering 10GB/s network speeds in countries around the world, PIA manages to bypass geo-restricted content and streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, BBC iPlayer, and more without any trouble (although it has struggled with Amazon Prime Video in testing).

It also offers a selection of advanced security features, including the always-reliable WireGuard protocol, split tunneling, a kill switch, ad and malware blocking, anonymous cryptocurrency payments, and an email breach scanner to check if your email address has been compromised.

PIA is an open-source VPN with a strict no-logs policy, which has been reviewed and approved by an independent audit firm. However, it's based in the U.S., which isn't ideal if you're concerned about your data.

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CyberGhost remains one of the best VPNs on the market, and its Android app is a testament to that.

A quick and efficient user interface lets you choose the best servers in countries around the globe and gives you easy access to its several helpful features. If bypassing streaming service blocks is your goal, this VPN provides dedicated streaming servers for reliable connection speeds straight through the app.

Above-average speeds through its WireGuard protocol, combined with its vast selection of over 11,500 servers in 100 countries, make CyberGhost stand out from the pack.

However, its affordable two-year subscription plan is the cherry on top. Even better, its 45-day money-back guarantee gives you ample time to consider making it your go-to Android VPN.

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Although it offers a solid mix of features, including a reactive kill switch, it doesn't have app-specific split tunneling. And if you have more than just Android at home, note that its iOS and macOS counterparts offer fewer features.

Lastly, with its credited no-logs policy, you can expect your data to be safe. CyberGhost VPN is based in Romania, a privacy-friendly country that is not part of the Five Eyes alliance.

IPVanish's Android app is as simple and effective as they come, and its dark mode style adds to its flair.

Easy to navigate and providing a shortlist of your favorite VPN servers for quick access, it's an excellent option for those seeking to access geo-restricted content promptly.

With 2,400 servers in 75 countries, it lacks the wide selection that other VPN services offer. However, its reliable unblocking techniques rarely fail, providing stable connections (thanks to its WireGuard protocol) that enable access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms.

And while its kill switch, split tunneling, and other handy tools are great perks, it's the OpenVPN Scramble feature that impresses. This tool tricks strict geo-blocked content that blocks VPNs into thinking you're not using a VPN.

It's essential to note that IPVanish is subject to U.S. jurisdiction. This means a government entity can obtain and share its private information.

However, the VPN service has a no-logs policy, which has been audited and verified by a third-party cybersecurity company.

Following a recent update, Proton VPN has enhanced its design and offerings, including its dedicated Android app.

It shares a similar map interface with NordVPN, which may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it lets you quickly access the countries and servers you want, along with a simple country list for quick connections. Furthermore, it offers a favorites list to save the VPN servers you use frequently.

This open-source VPN service is from the makers of the end-to-end encryption email service ProtonMail, so privacy and security come naturally.

With a kill switch, split tunneling, routing your traffic through multiple servers, a NetShield adblocker, and more, it's one of the most secure VPNs out there.

It also offers a free plan that doesn't limit bandwidth — a rare feature. Meanwhile, the paid Proton VPN Plus plan provides access to over 6,500 servers in 112 countries, along with 10GB/s capable servers.

One downside is that connection speeds are somewhat limited, but you can still access streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

With its Swiss jurisdiction and a no-logs policy that has been fully audited by third-party professionals, rest assured that Proton VPN will keep your online activities private.

Windscribe comes with all the perks the best Android VPNs offer: a beginner-friendly app for quick VPN access, unique security features that power users will appreciate, and connection speeds that have greatly improved since the VPN's beginnings.

In addition, its no-fuss approach in its Android app helps it shine by letting users know what country they're connected to, its IP address information, and what protocol it's using.

What sets this one apart from the rest is its flexible pricing. The "Build A Plan" model gives you control of what you're paying, charging $1 per location used per month with an unlimited data allowance. Not bad, considering you're getting unlimited device connections, too.

Additionally, the VPN's Free plan provides 2GB of data per month (which can be increased to 15GB if you provide an email and tweet about the provider) with connections to 11 countries.

On the other hand, the Pro version offers access to 69 countries and security features, such as its R.O.B.E.R.T. system, which blocks specific IP addresses and domains. It also provides split tunneling, static IPs, and Decoy Mode for Android to help power users avoid detection.

Windscribe doesn't specify the number of servers it has, which can be a bit unnerving, and it has trouble accessing a few streaming services abroad, such as ITVX and 9Now.

Despite this, it'll stream lag-free content due to its WireGuard protocol.

The VPN is based in Canada, which is known for its robust data privacy laws, so you can expect your data to be in safe hands. Plus, the VPN service has undergone third-party security audits for its no-logs policy.

How to set up and turn on your Android VPN

If you're new to the world of virtual private networks, you'll be relieved to know that getting started with your Android VPN app is ridiculously easy. There are two main ways to set yourself up.

  1. Once you've used our guide above to choose your preferred provider, click on the linkto navigate to their website.

  2. From there, navigate to the provider's "Download" page, where you can select "Download"to install the Android app.

  3. You'll be asked for a few unobtrusive details, including the plan you'd like to choose, as well as your payment details.

  4. Or navigate to the Play Store appon your smartphone and search for the VPN that stands out. Select, Download, and Open, and then you'll be guided through the setup process to create an account.

Once you have the app and are logged in, connecting to your new VPN couldn't be easier. All the VPNs above either have very obvious 'Connect' buttons or even a big On/Off toggle switch.

Should I use a free VPN?

While the Google Play Store is jam-packed with free VPN apps to download, they are known to be unreliable regarding server connections and, most importantly, privacy. For example, last year , SuperVPN exposed data on 360 million users .

The best VPNs are based in privacy-friendly countries, have a credited no-logs policy, and come with handy bonus features worth investing in. If you're interested in trying out a VPN before committing to a subscription, we recommend taking advantage of their 30-day free trials.

Why using a VPN on your Android is important

With many of us using Android phones daily, it's essential to know they're a hotbed for data tracking, meaning personal information is at risk. Unless you have a VPN turned on, that is.

While a VPN's purpose is to hide your online presence by encrypting your traffic and changing your IP address, the best of them take this privacy to the next level. Even better, our picks for the best VPNs for Android come with even greater benefits.

NordVPN only continues to get better. Now boasting a wide network of over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, you'll have plenty of locations to hop between. Being the fastest VPN around is also a bonus, thanks to its own NordLynx protocol and reliable connections. Add its diverse range of features, including Meshnet and dark web monitoring, and you have a VPN that offers a welcome upgrade in online protection and usability.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a compelling, affordable option (if you're willing to commit for three years) with a vast number of servers and unlimited simultaneous connections. Its speeds are admirable, and you'll get the right tools to keep your Android secure. It's also sneaky enough to get past strict streaming service restrictions, so stream away. If privacy is a must, be aware that it's based in the U.S.

Do you simply need a way to unlock Netflix's full library of global content? These brilliant VPNs for Netflix on Android will do the trick.

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