1. Top 3 at a glance
2. Best VPN overall
3. Best VPN for beginners
4. Best cheap VPN
5. Honorable mentions
6. How to choose
7. FAQ
With over 3 billion active Android devices in use around the world, it's no surprise that Android VPNs are in high demand. These handy security tools ensure your mobile phone or tablet stays safe at home, work, or on the go – and you don't have to spend a fortune.
The best VPNs come with extra features, like ad-blocking tools that'll streamline your browsing experience, and you can use their geo-spoofing power to unblock streaming content from overseas, too. So, if you're looking to expand your film and TV horizons, a VPN can help you out.
Unfortunately, a lot of the VPNs on the market today are duds - not worth your hard-earned cash. I've been putting VPNs to the test for years to determine which services are the best, most reliable, picks, and which ones are better off avoided. I've picked out the providers that are super-speedy, easy to use, and awesome at unblocking to curate this list of the 5 best VPNs for Android.
I've been in charge of Tom's Guide's VPN articles since 2020, and in that time I've helped test and review over 100 VPN providers for both Tom's Guide and TechRadar. I strongly believe that privacy, price, and ease of use all go hand in hand to make the very best VPN.
I've covered cybersecurity and tech in TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?, and you'll also find my work in titles from Watkins Publishing, and even the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The three best VPNs in 2024
Recent updates
The results of the most recent Tom's Guide VPN tests are in – and NordVPN has shot up the rankings, leapfrogging over ExpressVPN and Surfshark. I've reflected this across the page and spruced up the navigation elements, too, so you'll have an easier time checking out my top picks.
The best Android VPN services in 2024
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best VPN overall
✔️ You want superb streaming support: NordVPN is your best bet if you want access to your favorite movies and TV shows on your Android device no matter the streaming platform.
✔️ You want 360-degree security: alongside essentials like AES-256 encryption and a proven no-logs policy, NordVPN impresses with a built-in antivirus.
✔️ You want the perfect blend of cost and quality: NordVPN gets you speedy connections, rock-solid security, impressive unblocking, prompt support, and the backing of one of the most popular names in the industry for a reasonable price.
❌ You want to protect a lot of devices: NordVPN only offers 6 simultaneous connections, considerably lower than ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, let alone Surfshark, which comes with unlimited simultaneous connections.
❌ You need the simplest Android VPN app: NordVPN's Android version is not the most user-friendly, as its map-style interface might come across as clunky for some users, especially beginners.
❌ You want servers in a lot of locations: although a presence in 60 countries is nothing to look down upon, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark, which are practically everywhere.
NordVPN boasts a simple Android app with a map-like interface that has only gotten better with time. You get a complete security solution with built-in antivirus, excellent encryption, and some of the most effective unblocking that I've seen. Test it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN is sitting pretty at the top of the charts, and in terms of price it holds the middle ground between ExpressVPN and Surfshark. With over 6,100 servers in 61 countries, you'll have plenty of servers to choose from, and with an excellent 4.5/5 rating in the Play Store, you can rest assured that you're getting a quality product.
Nord's Android app has a lot to offer, and just like the two above, it doesn't hold back on features when compared to its desktop brethren. You'll have the standard AES-256 encryption alongside split tunneling, a kill switch (that, admittedly, I found a bit convoluted to turn on), and Double VPN – plus Nord specialties like Onion over VPN and Double VPN among the 'Specialty servers' list.
NordVPN gives top security providers (let alone VPNs) a run for their money with a built-in antivirus alongside password management and secure online storage. You'll enjoy protection from all kinds of digital threats, including malware, viruses, trackers, ads and pop-ups, and everything else too. And the fact it frequently undergoes independent audits will be a big tick if privacy is a top priority.
A standout, though, is the free for all Meshnet feature that allows you to create your own network and connect up to 60 devices directly (eliminating the need to send files to the server cloud) and secure them via encrypted NordVPN connections. This is an excellent innovation and perfect for gaming or working in a group.
However, in my NordVPN review, I did find the layout of the app slightly less intuitive than some other providers thanks to the map interface. While on larger screens it can be pleasant to use, on smaller touchscreens (including its iPhone VPN sibling), I'd much rather just have a well-ordered list of servers to begin with. Despite this quibble, there's a sense that the NordVPN UX designers are constantly iterating and improving – not long ago it added a handy 'recent connections' list to help you start where you left off the last time you used the app.
NordVPN only offers 6 simultaneous connections and, in a world where rivals are pushing for more (ExpressVPN recently upgraded to 8), it comes across as slightly limiting.
That's a minor gripe though, and streaming fanatics will be thrilled to read that NordVPN is one of the best Netflix VPN services on the market, unblocking a wide range of libraries. The speeds the NordLynx protocol can deliver are excellent, too – topping out at a massive 950Mbps, it's equal to Surfshark as the very fastest service I've tested.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun and intuitive design, but it's a tiny bit crowded | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The map-style interface isn't the simplest I've seen, but the Android app is overall easy to run | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Blistering speeds, and one of the fastest around | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A force to reckon with and unblocks all popular and even hard-to-crack locations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | No shortage of essential security measures, plus a built-in antivirus and ad blockers make it an all-rounder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 friendly and professional customer support with tons of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Great value for money but slightly on the expensive side | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for beginners
✔️ You want a simple Android VPN: with a straightforward interface containing a big on/off button and 24/7 support if you need it, ExpressVPN is a delight for beginners and experts alike.
✔️ You need class-leading privacy and reliability: ExpressVPN offers the best security money can buy thanks to AES-256 encryption, a bulletproof kill switch, a strict no-logs policy.
✔️ You want access everywhere: with servers in 160 locations and 105 countries, ExpressVPN boasts one of the widest networks of servers we've seen.
❌ You're on a tight budget: ExpressVPN is on the expensive end of things, and those pinching for pennies may be better off with Surfshark or CyberGhost.
❌ You want an Android VPN that's also a good Linux VPN: ExpressVPN only offers a command-line interface for Linux devices and not the much preferred graphical user interface.
❌ You want built-in antivirus: ExpressVPN hardly misses a beat as far as user security is concerned but the lack of an antivirus is slightly disappointing, especially when rivals like NordVPN and Surfshark provide one.
ExpressVPN is a top pick for Android thanks to a super simple app with a big on/off button, class-leading security including an intuitive auto-connect functionality and unblocking prowess. Friendly 24/7 support and tons of helpful guides are the cherry on top – well worth the upmarket price tag.
ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable services on the market, because no matter what you ask of it, you'll get results. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries worldwide there's a huge spread of locations to choose from, and its simple, intuitive and powerful Android app will have you protected in no time.
Installation is a breeze and finished in a minute or so, and when the app's up and running you'll be met with a large, inviting on/off button. Tap it, and you'll be connected to your nearest server in seconds. If that's all you need, close the app and carry on with your day – set it and forget it.
Dig into ExpressVPN's Settings menu, though, and you'll find that despite Express's simple appearance there's a ton of power under the hood. With AES-256 encryption as standard alongside the open-source Lightway protocol, split tunneling, a kill switch and 100% RAM-only servers, you can be sure your data won't be compromised.
There's also a neat Protection Summary feature under the Privacy and Security Tools menu which tells you the strength of your connection and shows you the IP address that you're connected to. Also, ExpressVPN's Android app is available in 16 languages so it does well to cater to its wide user base.
That's all backed up by frequent app updates (ad blocker and parental controls are recently added features), and an independently audited logging policy that ensures no identifiable data is kept about you or your connections – so even if ExpressVPN is somehow compelled to hand over logs, there'll be nothing to see.
It's not all about privacy, though. Express is my highest-rated VPN when it comes to streaming, too, so wherever you are in the world you'll be able to watch content you pay for. And if you're worried about buffering, don't be – in my tests for my full ExpressVPN review, the provider delivered excellent speeds of around 750Mbps when connected via Lightway. That's not quite as fast as rivals NordVPN or Surfshark. but will be more than enough for just about every user.
Although the eight-device limit isn’t the most generous, it should be enough to cover all your mobile devices plus your desktop computer and smart TV to boot – but if you've got tons of devices, a provider that offers unlimited connections like Surfshark may appeal.
If you have any issues, the class-leading online support and live chat will help you out in minutes should you need it, and if you're not sure, it's worth making the most of Express's risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use the service as much as you like for a month, and if it doesn't live up to your expectations, you can claim your money back.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and clean interface and every option is easy to find and operate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Excellent for both beginners and advanced users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Sufficiently quick for every use case but not as fast as Surfshark or NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks just about every streaming platform with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | One of the very best for privacy thanks to rock-solid encryption and security add-ons | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support with tons of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | It's worth the money, but cheaper options are available | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap VPN service
✔️ You want a fast Android VPN: it's tough to beat Surfshark in terms of sheer speed, as it boasts a peak speed of 950 Mbps.
✔️ You need unlimited simultaneous connections: with just one Surfshark account, you can cover any number of devices, including Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and more.
✔️ You want a budget pick: Surfshark is one of the cheapest options on the market, but doesn't make any sacrifices.
❌ You want a foolproof kill switch: Surfshark's kill switch is very functional and won't leak day-to-day. In my rigorous testing it failed, however – although this is very unlikely to happen to you.
❌ You want a VPN for torrenting: while Surfshark allows torrenting, it's not quite as adept as rivals like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
❌ You need tons of configuration: Surfshark stands out for its simplicity, but the same plays against it when it comes to appeasing tech-savvy users who want to play around with the settings.
Surfshark is an ideal choice for those on a budget, plus with unlimited simultaneous connections and lightning-fast speeds, there's a lot of power under the hood too. Its Android client is equally as powerful as its desktop version and is able to unblock everything from the get-go. A great alternative to the more expensive ExpressVPN.
For those looking for a a quality cheap VPN, Surfshark offers a seriously powerful VPN for Android at a very compelling price. You'll have access to 3,200 servers in 100 countries, and connection speeds have been supercharged up to a blistering 950Mbps, which makes Surfshark one of the fastest VPNs I've tested.
While some providers dump every feature under the sun into their Windows VPN app yet neglect mobile offerings, I found Surfshark's Android app to be fully featured – and even offers a couple of features not seen on any other platforms.
You'll get a kill switch, split tunneling, AES-256 encryption, a range of static IPs and a Multi-Hop feature. However, something unique is its fake GPS location override. As the only VPN I know to offer this, it's perfect if you want to trick games like Pokémon GO into thinking you're overseas. CleanWeb is another nice option, which will block ads, trackers and malware when toggled on.
Surfshark's Android app is pretty intuitive in that it senses if your current network is facing any restrictions, and if that's the case, it will activate the NoBorders mode which will provide you with a list of the highest-performing servers that are unaffected by your current network restrictions.
Surfshark's streaming performance is also excellent, and while in the past I’ve seen some inconsistencies, my latest testing showed it's currently able to unblock just about every site there is.
Another standout feature is the unlimited connections policy. If you're a Marques Brownlee-type with a drawer full of phones, you'll be able to install Surfshark on any and all of them and still be able to cover any laptops, desktops and routers without hassle.
There are a couple of downsides. In my stress-testing, I found that Surfshark's kill switch could fail (although I stayed protected), and if you want to use OpenVPN – necessary for using Camouflage mode – speeds were a little slower than rivals.
However, when you consider how much cheaper Surfshark is than ExpressVPN – or just about any other VPN for that matter – it's an excellent Android VPN that's absolutely worth considering. Plus, a 7-day free trial for Android users (in addition to the standard 30-day money-back guarantee) means that you have ample time to test the service before committing.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Minimalistic, clean, and intuitive design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | One of the most beginner-friendly VPNs with an Android app that's easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest provider I've tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gets past every major streaming platform | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The kill switch could use some tweaks, but everything else is excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support with tons of helpful articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A bargain deal with excellent value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
For most users, I think ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark will be the best choice – after all, they're my top three VPNs overall. However, if you're looking for something a little different, or have a particular use-case in mind, the following providers that also proved to work well in my testing might be worth considering.
✔️ You need a privacy-focused VPN: Proton VPN is based out of Switzerland, well-known for its strict privacy laws, plus all Proton VPN apps are open-source.
✔️ You want a free Android VPN: Proton VPN comes with a free plan which is more than sufficient for normal usage thanks to unlimited data and zero ads.
✔️ You want decent simultaneous connections: Proton VPN allows you to protect up to 10 devices at the same time, which is more than what ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer.
❌ You want to stream for free: Proton VPN's free plan doesn't boast its impeccable unblocking capabilities which are reserved for paying users only.
❌ You want lots of servers: with around 3,000 servers in 71 countries, Proton's reach is a little less than some competitors.
❌ You're looking for a bargain: even after recent price cuts, Proton VPN is nowhere near Surfshark or CyberGhost in terms of affordability.
Proton VPN is very privacy-focused with an open-source Android app and an always-on VPN feature for 24/7 security. You can get started with its free plan, and to experience its top-notch unblocking capabilities, try its premium plan on for size with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In my in-depth Proton VPN review, I found that in the last couple of years, the security-obsessed Swiss provider has well and truly earned its place among the big guns.
ProtonVPN offers 3,300+ servers across 71 countries, which in my experience is more than enough to ensure speedy connections in every location. All of these servers are owned by Proton too, which keeps all user traffic out of third-party hands. Proprietary VPN Accelerator technology amps up server speeds by over 400%, and although I didn't notice a massive jump in my own testing, it's reassuring to know that you're backed by servers pushing for the best performance.
I discovered that the Android VPN app is much like the desktop version – plenty of server info, a map interface that's a little better than Nord's, the ability to activate split tunneling, a kill switch, and more. It's even got a landscape mode, which could prove useful to tablet users.
Proton's Android version also gets its standout Secure Core technology which routes your internet traffic through a very secure Proton VPN server in either Sweden, Iceland, or Switzerland before connecting you to your destination of choice. Multi-Hop and ad-blocking are nifty add-ons.
Streaming is one of the most popular VPN uses, and it was great to see during my testing that Proton can access multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more. Its good connection speeds mean you won't be waiting around for your streams to load, and its OpenVPN speeds are some of the very fastest from any provider.
While other providers offer a limited-time free trial or money-back guarantee allowing you to try the service risk-free, Proton VPN is one of the very few to boast a completely free VPN. It certainly impresses me that it doesn't restrict your data usage and ensures a clutter-free experience with zero ads. Although it's worth noting that you don't get any say on your server location – it connects you to a random country like the Netherlands, Romania or Japan and you can only change it to another random location a limited number of times.
Proton VPN isn't cheap – at its regular price it is almost as pricey as ExpressVPN. While some may prefer Proton's techy interface, for most I think my #1 pick will offer better value for money. While its Android VPN app is very easy to navigate and you shouldn't need much help to begin with, the lack of 24/7 live chat support could pose a minor inconvenience, especially for first-time users.
Overall though, ProtonVPN is well worth considering for privacy-focused individuals and those on the lookout for a handy free plan.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Intuitive and lively design with the dark mode as the showstopper | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The Android app is simple to use, and it's only the desktop clients that are a bit complex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for everything you need it for | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Access to your favorite movies and TV shows no matter the platform | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Swiss privacy law, independent audits, and open-source apps speak volumes about its reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | The response time is decent and the guides are very detailed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Not the most affordable of the lot, but there's a handy free plan | ⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You want tons of servers: CyberGhost has over 9,000 servers across 100 countries on offer, meaning you'll always find a high-speed and non-congested server to connect to.
✔️ You want a lot of time to test a VPN: CyberGhost beats almost every other VPN provider by offering a 45-day money-back guarantee.
✔️ You want a bargain deal: at around the $2.20 a month mark, CyberGhost is even cheaper than Surfshark.
❌ You want a VPN for streaming: CyberGhost failed to unblock Disney+ in my last testing, and I'd recommend NordVPN or ExpressVPN for unrestricted streaming.
❌ You want a VPN for lots of devices: 7 simultaneous connections mean that CyberGhost is not up to the mark if you want to cover unlimited devices on a single plan.
❌ You need excellent customer support: CyberGhost's support is not as well-rounded as that of NordVPN or ExpressVPN and its resource center could use some depth.
CyberGhost is a perfect choice for beginners who are looking for lots of easy-to-use customization options in their Android VPN app. A Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, and thousands of servers make it a good choice for privacy and streaming – although my picks further up the page will likely suit most better,
Rounding off my Android VPN recommendations is CyberGhost, and the Romanian provider is a great cheap provider that covers all the bases.
In my CyberGhost review, I found that while its apps across the board are impressive, the Android app is a real standout. Along with standard features like AES-256 encryption and the choice between OpenVPN and WireGuard, you'll also be able to auto-connect on insecure Wi-Fi, choose which apps route through the VPN with split tunneling, mask your identity with leak protection and kill switch, and even activate a random port feature which could help sidestep VPN blocking.
The built-in content blocker is a bonus – although I think dedicated apps are more effective – and domain fronting is another useful trick to avoid VPN blocking. Plus, you get an anti-tracker built in that helps avoid targeted ads.
CyberGhost is well known as a streaming VPN, and in my testing it performed well – although be aware that I couldn't unblock Disney+. Combined with a huge 9,000+ servers in 100 countries and excellent speeds on most of them, it shouldn't be hard to find a location that suits you.
The VPN provider maxed out at a very respectable 630 Mbps when I set it to use the WireGuard protocol, but what's more impressive is its OpenVPN connection speeds that churned out a maximum of 360 Mbps in my testing, which is significantly higher than the industry standard. Even providers like Surfshark that knock it out of the park on WireGuard fall behind on OpenVPN with connection speeds of around 130 Mbps.
Alongside dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, CyberGhost is also great for securely browsing the internet (including sensitive portals such as banking sites) on public Wi-Fi.
Considering the price and performance of CyberGhost, and the power of its VPN for Android, it's definitely worth considering – especially if you'll make use of its extra features. It also comes with a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee giving you a full fortnight more than other Android VPNs to test the service without putting any money on the line.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple and fun design that's easy to customize even for first-time users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simple navigation with every option easy to understand and use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | In the upper echelon for speed but Surfshark and NordVPN are admittedly faster | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Decent unblocking but unfortunately it couldn't unblock Disney+ in my latest testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Excellent security with a proven no-logs policy and anti-tracking tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support agents come in clutch but the guides need more depth | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Great value for money along with a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose an Android VPN
When making your decision, you should consider what you'll be using your VPN for Android for.
Are you just looking for extra privacy when you're out and about? If so, strong encryption, great speeds, and a few extra features that allow you to tailor the experience may be all you need.
If you're looking to access TV and films from around the world, you should make sure that your chosen provider is able to do so – not all are.
Some of this all comes down to taste, too. Some Android VPN apps are super simple, almost sparse, which is great if you don't like a cluttered interface. Others show tons of data and info about your connections.
I consider all of the providers on this page as entirely safe to use, so read through my in-depth reviews and make your mind up from there.
Android VPN FAQ
What is the best Android VPN?
After reviewing countless VPNs for Android, a familiar name ended up on top – ExpressVPN. With supremely usable apps, great speeds and excellent privacy credentials, it ticks all the boxes.
However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, we also recommend checking out Surfshark. Priced around the $2.50-a-month mark, it's a proper bargain and gives ExpressVPN a real run for its money.
Do I need an Android VPN?
If you ever connect to public Wi-Fi networks, and Android VPN is a must.
While many are protected with passwords and encryption, there are still plenty around that can leave you open to attacks from other users that are connected. An Android VPN's encryption protects you and your data from any potential hackers, and for just that we’d say the small monthly fee is worth it.
However, one of the biggest reasons users sign up to use their VPN for streaming. If you’re abroad, it’s likely you won’t be able to access the shows you watch at home without a VPN – even if you’ve paid the subscription.
This is because online TV services geo-block their libraries for licencing reasons (Netflix and iPlayer, to mention a couple). Using a VPN can make your device appear to be in a country of your choice, and you’ll therefore be able to access the same media anyone else in that country can.
Are Android VPNs legal?
VPNs have developed a somewhat tarnished reputation due to their links with hackers, pirates and other online criminals. However, in most countries it's 100% legal to have a VPN on any and all of your devices – and the vast majority of users remain entirely above board as well.
Some countries have banned VPNs entirely – Belarus, China, and Iran to mention a few. VPNs are still widely used in these locations, and while we don't recommend breaking the law in any circumstance, if you do choose to use a VPN in these countries, make sure you choose a secure provider that offers obfuscated servers.
What else can Android VPNs do?
Whilst you're on your phone, you probably won't be making full use of your Android VPN – just staying safe online and perhaps the odd bit of overseas Netflix – but thankfully every one on this list allows you to use your subscription on multiple devices.
That means you'll be able to install your VPN on your PC or Mac, and often on your smart TV, games console or router as well. There, you can make the most of the power VPNs can offer.
Staying safe by using a torrenting VPN is one of the major benefits, as P2P sharing is an activity that poses a real risk to those who engage in it without protection.
Another reason is to avoid any restrictions on your internet service – especially useful for students, those in rented accommodation or those at work – and means you can surf the web without anyone blocking what you want to look at.
How do you set up an Android VPN?
Installing a VPN on Android is as easy as installing any other app.
Firstly, you’ll need to download the app from either the Play Store or directly from the provider’s website. From there you can install the app as usual, and once the app has opened you’ll be asked to sign in to your account.
Once you’ve signed in, your device will ask for your permission to set up a VPN connection. This will appear no matter what Android VPN you’ve signed up for. After you’ve allowed those permissions, your VPN is set up and ready to go.
All the VPNs on this page have excellent support networks, so if you do run into any problems they'll always be happy to help.
How do I turn on my Android VPN?
Once you've chosen and installed your VPN it really couldn't be simpler to turn your VPN app on. Open up the app and, depending on the provider, there will either be a big, obvious on/off 'switch' or an equally clear place to tap to turn on the VPN.
It's just as easy to change the server that you're connected to. Open up the server list and then pick either the geographical location or use-case (e.g. streaming, P2P, etc) that you need. If you're simply turning it on as an extra layer of security, most Android VPN apps have a default or smart location that should give you the best possible speeds and most reliable connection.
Is an Android VPN safe?
If you choose one of the five Android VPNs on this list, you can be sure that they are a reputable, secure provider. Heading to the provider websites through the links on this page will ensure you're in the right place, or you could search for them on the Play Store.
However, a VPN doesn't give you absolute immunity – if you enter details on a bogus site or download malware, your VPN won't be able to protect you. You still have to be savvy online, but if you're smart, a VPN will boost your protection to the next level, and stop your data from leaking when it's not your fault.
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Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
