All top virtual private network (VPN) providers will offer Android-compatible software, allowing you to extend privacy and security tools to your handset. Why use a VPN on your Android? The core purpose of an Android VPN is to improve your online privacy and security by forging an encrypted tunnel between your Android smartphone and online services. They also grant you enhanced anonymity by masking your internet protocol (IP) address and making you appear to come from another location.
If you’re concerned about a VPN running in the background and draining your battery, don’t be. The best VPNs in the market won’t noticeably impact performance, drain your battery, or drastically slow down your speeds.
See also: The best Apple TV VPNs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
What is the best Android VPN right now?
NordVPN is our top pick for the best Android VPN. It offers capabilities beyond basic VPN services with a high level of security and great speeds. During my smart TV tests, I found it did not drastically reduce my speeds and was often successful in unlocking streaming content libraries.
It’s popular, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s worth a try. During NordVPN’s early Black Friday sale, it’s now only $3 per month.
Alternatively, if you want to prioritize speed over everything else, consider ExpressVPN.
ZDNET authors have tested VPNs for years, during which we’ve tested and compared over a dozen VPNs on their speed, security, the usability of their mobile interfaces, and the server networks on offer. We consider how each VPN performs on Android devices, its price point, and how each vendor approaches security. These are our top recommendations for the best VPNs for Android in 2025.
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Best Android VPNs of 2025
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NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs in the Google Play Store, but that is not why we think it’s the best VPN for Android.
Why we like it: It offers rock-solid performance, speed, and a large server network that carries it across the finish line as my top choice.
This VPN allows 10 simultaneous connections under one account and has a server network across 111 countries. Its speed is excellent, and you will likely have no problem connecting to streaming services, including Netflix or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Although we would like to see simultaneous connections become unlimited in the future, NordVPN told ZDNET there are no current plans to do so. However, fans of NordVPN’s Meshnet secure device network service can rejoice as the organization reversed its decision to close the program following user feedback.
NordVPN also supports peer-to-peer file sharing, streaming, and various other platforms outside of Android. Its “Onion over VPN” feature removes the need for a separate Tor browser. It offers add-ons, including a dedicated IP address, password manager, encrypted cloud storage, cyber protection coverage, and a data breach scanner.
Review: NordVPN
During our testing, NordVPN connected quickly and reliably to servers, although you’ll want to use the Smart Connect feature for the best performance. It provides some of the best speeds around.
Who it’s for: Customers like the speed and stability of the VPN and say support is top-notch, and we agree. This VPN will suit the majority of Android users and as a bonus, it won’t noticeably drain your battery.
NordVPN started its Black Friday sale early this year. Pricing begins at $3 per month if you purchase two years of service upfront, $4.59 per month for a one-year plan, or $13 for a month-to-month subscription for basic protection. New users who subscribe to a one- or two-year plan get three free months of access added to their contract term.
Additionally, NordVPN is ZDNET’s pick for the best school VPN.
If you’re still not 100% sold on choosing NordVPN, you can try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who should look elsewhere: One of the downsides of NordVPN is that it does not offer unlimited simultaneous connections. If this is important to you, check out one of our other recommendations.
Also: Best VPN for torrenting in 2025
NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Surfshark is the best option for a cheap Android VPN to keep your mobile data secure and mask your activities.
Why we like it: In our speed testing, we found Surfshark’s performance to be reasonable, especially considering its price point.
Surfshark is extremely easy to use with a robust server network across 100 countries. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections — an offering we always like to see VPN providers adopt — and should suit many users for day-to-day web surfing.
Also: Best iPhone VPN of 2025
The VPN also offers MultiHop, a feature that creates a more secure connection by routing you through two VPNs. A whitelist function allows apps and devices to bypass the VPN on your Android device. Additional complimentary tools include ad blocking, anti-tracking, and split tunneling.
Recently, Surfshark debuted 100Gbps servers in the Netherlands, an advance that may indicate that better speeds and reliability are on the horizon. In addition, a new two-factor authentication (2FA) feature was introduced for households using the firm’s web blocker.
Review: Surfshark VPN
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a budget-friendly VPN for their Android smartphone.
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with two-year plans starting at $2 per month, plus three months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same number of free months and begin at $3.19 per month. One month of access costs $15.45.
However, Surfshark One is available at a discount through the company’s early Black Friday promotion. The mid-tier offering includes an antivirus and data breach alerts. While often far more expensive, this plan now starts at just $2.19.
A seven-day trial is available for Android devices. Customers like this VPN’s price point, service, and approach to security.
Who should look elsewhere: If speed is crucial, I recommend ExpressVPN instead.
Surfshark features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.4 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that made our list due to its high speeds, expansive server network, and user-friendly app for Android devices.
Why we like it: ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, so you can easily find a server to connect to wherever you are. This is one of the largest that VPN providers currently offer.
During our testing, we found ExpressVPN has some of the fastest and most stable connections and consistently fast speeds. As a bonus, the Android app is very user-friendly.
In addition to supporting Android 5 and above, ExpressVPN works with various platforms and browser extensions, and an APK is available. Therefore, you should be able to use its app regardless of which devices you own, and you can use this VPN for far more than your Android smartphone or tablet.
Review: ExpressVPN
Who it’s for: Anyone who prioritizes speed in a mobile VPN service.
ExpressVPN recently moved to a tiered plan system. The old subscription cost of $6.67 per month on a two-year contract was reduced to $3.49 per month on its basic plan, with four months of free access.
A seven-day trial for Android devices is available. Customers say while this VPN isn’t the cheapest, it offers excellent speeds, a good server network, and solid customer support. Furthermore, ExpressVPN is ZDNET’s pick for the best VPN for Chrome overall.
Who should look elsewhere: If you need unlimited simultaneous connections, consider another of our recommendations, as this VPN provider’s maximum is 14. The company also has a free service, Event VPN, but I can’t recommend it due to its ad-based nature and frustrating user experience.
ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 – 14 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.0 | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.7
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IPVanish markets itself as a click-and-go VPN service, but it’s much more than that. In terms of performance, IPVanish excels with unlimited simultaneous connections and solid transfers.
Why we like it: Overall, IPVanish delivers a solid user experience and VPN service compared to others, although its downside is sometimes lower speed. Now, its server network expanded from 75 locations to 130 in 103 countries, making it among the largest networks available.
IPVanish also features a variety of protocols and server options, and there are extensive options for configuring the app itself. Its latest transparency report backs its no-logs policy.
Review: IPVanish
Who it’s for: Customers appreciate the support on offer, find the price point reasonable, and consider this VPN easy to set up. We agree and consider this a great choice if you want a set-and-forget VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections.
If you commit to two years, IPVanish offers a plan for $2.19 per month. This increases to $3.33 per month for an annual plan and $13 for a month-to-month subscription.
Who should look elsewhere: It doesn’t perform as well as some other competitors when it comes to speed. If this is of concern, or you plan to continually stream, consider another service.
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s parent company. For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 108 countries | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6
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Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is another solid VPN choice for your Android phone.
Why we like it: It doesn’t have the most attractive user interface, but it is easy to understand. The server selection is reasonable with 91 locations to choose from. Our testing indicates mid-tier speed, but the VPN connects quickly, and we haven’t experienced unexpected drops or lag.
Review: Private Internet Access
We also appreciate that PIA offers its customers unlimited simultaneous connections under one account. Not every VPN provider offers this, but they should.
There is a no-logs policy and as a bonus, PIA supports WireGuard. It is also open source, which means that third parties can examine its code and flag any security or privacy issues.
Who it’s for: Anyone who appreciates open source technologies, as this allows third parties to examine its code for privacy or security issues.
Customers generally like the service and its connectivity, but some note issues with customer service. You can sign up for a two-year plan for the equivalent of $2.19 per month with two months free, or a six-month plan for $7.50 per month.
I’m not a fan of the loss of annual plans, but a 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Who should look elsewhere: Compared to some other VPN providers, offering 91 countries is quite low. If server location availability is important to you, consider another option.
Private Internet Access VPN features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Android VPN
Price
Simultaneous connections
Countries
Money-back guarantee
Google Play Store rating
NordVPN
Starts at $3 per month
10
111
30 days, seven-day free trial
4.6/5
Surfshark
Starts at $2 per month
Unlimited
100
30 days, seven-day free trial
4.6/5
ExpressVPN
Starts at $3.49 per month
Eight
105
30 days, seven-day free trial
4.7/5
IPVanish
Starts at $2.19 per month
Unlimited
108
30 days, seven-day free trial
4.4/5
PIA
Starts at $2.19 per month
Unlimited
91
30 days, seven-day free trial
4.5/5
Note: The information presented in this table is accurate as of our last publish date, and prices, ratings, and other details may have changed since then.
We use our smartphones to access sensitive information and conduct online transactions more often than ever before, so staying secure on the internet while on the go is essential.
While you might focus your security on laptops and home PCs, you shouldn’t forget that your smartphone is often the key to your digital kingdom. You likely use it to access personal email accounts and hubs, work resources, social media, and financial services — and if you fail to protect it, you may be more at risk of having your accounts compromised.
With the right VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and avoid being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and government surveillance.
See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one?
Google’s Android operating system is embedded in billions of devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Android functions on a broad range of products, most of which are internet-connected, so it follows that VPN providers support this OS.
An Android VPN service is a virtual private network service that encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides you with an anonymous and secure connection while you’re using your Android device. These may include smartphones and tablets manufactured by companies including Google, Samsung, and OnePlus.
How to set up an Android VPN
Once you’ve chosen the VPN you want to install, go to the Google Play Store and search for it. In most cases, you can download the VPN app directly from the Google Play Store, but you may have to download it from the VPN provider’s site. If this is the case, please make sure you trust the vendor and the domain.
For this example, we will be downloading and installing ExpressVPN on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
After downloading the app, you can install it, but you may have to provide the VPN with specific device permissions. Open it and log in to the service with the username/email and password you created when you subscribed.
Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or choose Quick Connect, and you’re done.
Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
In rare cases, you may have to set up a VPN service on your device manually. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites with details on how to complete a manual setup. It’s best to reference those instructions for the specific VPN you’re using, and to contact support if you have any issues.
See also: How to set up a VPN on your router
Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of the ZDNET team. We’ve been talking about various VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.
While ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, we can’t test from all locations. Every home, every community, every local ISP, and every nation has a different infrastructure.
We analyzed the best VPNs for Android below using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:
- Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, and possibly even a smart TV that you want to connect to a VPN, you’d need a service that allows at least six simultaneous connections.
- Security: There’s no point using a VPN unless their security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. Given these factors, we ensured that our top recommendations performed well and were unlikely to slow down your connection while you were streaming.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our Android VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive mobile apps.
- Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
- Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee, and many offer mobile users a seven-day trial.
-
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
Choose this Android VPN…
If you want…
NordVPN
A do-it-all secure VPN. NordVPN is a versatile and reliable VPN service that offers high-speed connections and advanced security features for protecting your online privacy.
Surfshark
To pay less. Surfshark is an affordable VPN option that provides a range of useful features, including unlimited simultaneous connections, ad blocking, anti-tracking, and split tunneling.
ExpressVPN
A user-friendly, simple and speedy app. ExpressVPN is known for its easy-to-use interface and simple, user-friendly app that allows you to connect quickly and easily to servers around the world.
IPVanish
A plug-and-play Android VPN service. IPVanish is designed to be easy to set up and use, with unlimited connections and fast connection speeds for streaming and downloading.
PIA
An open-source Android VPN. Private Internet Access provides a user-friendly Android app, stable speeds and connectivity, and is open-source — meaning third parties can examine its code for security issues.
When you are selecting your new Android VPN, you need to consider the following factors:
- Price: Weigh the overall cost of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers — they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars per month. Many VPN providers will also give you a free seven-day Android trial. We generally recommend that you avoid free VPNs — with a few exceptions — as they may sell your data or bombard you with ads.
- Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN suitable for your Android phone, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop PC or a laptop. We recommend that you sign up for a plan with support for at least six devices. Thankfully, many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.
- Speed: Speed is of paramount importance when you want to use a VPN for certain use cases. If you plan to use your new Android VPN for streaming or mobile gaming, choose one with minimal speed loss.
- Contract length: You also need to decide how long you want a VPN for. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but there are other options available. After you’ve made a selection, you typically get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Support: As with any subscription software, you may come across problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with a support team available.
- Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it out first to ensure you like its accompanying Android app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but lack a mobile app that is easy to use.
- Free trial: Don’t forget that many VPN providers give you a week to try out their Android VPNs for free. Visit the Google Play Store and download the options you like and find the right app for you.
Latest news
- The new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select, a $40 dongle for streaming content in 4K, operates on Vega OS. This is currently not compatible with VPN apps — a move that may combat illegal streaming. Amazon promised a fix.
- A severe bug in WatchGuard VPN could grant hackers full firewall control.
- Threat actors are masquerading as Ivanti, offering fake “downloads” of the Ivanti VPN client on malicious websites laden with malware.
- ExpressVPN launched EventVPN, a free service based on an advertising model.
- ProtonVPN passed its fourth independent security and no-logs policy audit with flying colors.
- A surging wave of Akira ransomware is targeting SonicWall VPN deployments.
We do not typically recommend free VPN services due to their general lack of reliability and heavy restrictions. Several free VPNs for Android are, however, supported by premium paid subscriptions and are provided by trustworthy organizations.
These free services are generally safe to use, but they usually have severe data or performance limits, making them useful only as a way to test out the full service.
We recommend Proton VPN’s free service, which has no data caps, and Windscribe, a trustworthy free service. That said, Proton VPN restricts your speed, whereas Windscribe imposes a data cap. There’s also Event VPN, but it is ad-supported to a fault and very frustrating to use.
See also: The best free VPNs: Expert tested
The Android operating does have a VPN client that supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec protocols. The client is typically used for accessing private networks, such as when you need a VPN to connect to work resources — and you will need details provided by an administrator to use it. Most users will not need to enable this function and will, instead, download a VPN mobile app.
Some vendors have built upon the native Android client to offer tailored VPN functions. Samsung is among them, and the company’s own VPN solution is available through the Samsung Knox security framework. This service is focused on mobile device management, the enterprise, and developers, rather than consumers. If you’re interested, you can check out Samsung’s guide to enabling VPN services here.
See also: The best VPN routers you can buy
Most people’s phone data runs through a local carrier, which is difficult for hackers to intercept. Generally, you’re reasonably safe if you’re using your cellular connection, but this can become expensive over time.
To avoid extra costs, you can use free, local Wi-Fi offered at coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels, and schools. Unfortunately, these Wi-Fi hotspots are often open and easy to intercept. Having a VPN on your phone can protect your data when accessing the internet through one of these hotspots.
I recommend never accessing the internet through a Wi-Fi hotspot without an active VPN, although for the sake of your personal security and privacy, try to avoid them altogether. You never know what is lurking on these open networks.
Security considerations aside, you may want to use a VPN to pick your preferred location if you are using your Android device to stream content.
See also: Best iPhone VPNs
To check if your VPN is safe and working properly, first choose a reputable service, such as those listed in our recommendations.
The easiest way to check that your VPN is working properly is to compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device’s settings (typically under Wi-Fi) or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP, your VPN may not be working properly, as it should assign you a new one as you enter its server network.
You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any domain name service (DNS) leaks are detected while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.
Be careful with free VPNs offered by unknown or shady companies, especially if they are outside of official app repositories. This could open your device to surveillance or malware, and lead to your data being collected, shared, or sold.
The easiest way to turn off your VPN on Android is to open the VPN’s app and choose to disconnect. Alternatively, you can go to your Android device’s settings tab, select network — which may appear as connections or connection settings — and select “VPN.” Depending on your device, this may show a list of all apps with VPN profiles. From here, you can change the VPN’s settings or turn it off.
While all these technologies are intended to protect you and your device, they provide different layers of protection. VPNs fundamentally protect data in motion, which is sent to and from the internet. VPN protection is generally provided by encryption, so hackers can’t spy on the data while it moves. Some providers also bolt on malware scanners, data breach monitors, and more.
Anti-malware software protects against malicious software executing on your device. Those apps scan data, monitor running software processes and downloads, and may intercept suspicious activities or downloads. They may also include checking permissions and ensuring apps don’t have more control over your device than they need.
Also: Best free software uninstaller
A VPN is not a one-size-fits-all solution for mobile security, but it is an important part of overall mobile security hygiene and data protection.
Android VPN services are legal in the U.S., but the legality of VPNs varies from country to country.
It is important to check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries ban their use outright, such as North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq, whereas other countries, including Russia and China, frown upon the use of any VPN that is not state-controlled.
For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out NordVPN’s guide. Also, take a peek at our comprehensive research on the best travel VPNs.
You shouldn’t experience any disruption when you receive or place a phone call while you are using a VPN.
A VPN will not encrypt or protect your phone calls. If you want to mask these forms of communication, you will need another solution, such as a protected Voice over IP (VoIP) service.
Yes, in relation to your IP address. Some VPNs also offer GPS spoofing. If a VPN is working properly, it will assign you a new IP address to make it appear that you are in a different location, which could be in your state, country, or somewhere else in the world.
Our top VPNs all offer something called simultaneous connections, which allow you to link multiple devices under one account. For example, you can actively use the VPN on your PC, smartphone, and smart TV at the same time.
When you are considering signing up for a VPN, it won’t just be to protect one device unless you opt for a free plan. On average, expect to pay the equivalent of around $2 – $5 per month plus tax.
Latest updates
- October 2025: In ZDNET’s October update, we performed editorial changes and revised our FAQ section.
- September 2025: In ZDNET’s September update, we performed editorial and layout changes. We also updated our top picks and alternative options.
Alternative Android VPNs to consider
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CyberGhost is a great alternative to consider if you want a click-and-go mobile VPN. We like this VPN as a strong Android alternative as it is fast and cheap, starting at $2.19 per month.
The service is also a reliable option for streaming with specialized servers assigned to the task and has a reasonable UI for the Android operating system.
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Proton VPN provides end-to-end encryption, strong privacy policies, and a range of advanced security features. There’s a free plan, too, which doesn’t bombard you with ads or steal your data, which could make it the right choice for you if you just want a free VPN to protect some of your activities on your Android handset.
Free or paid plans are available, with entry-level options now priced at $3.59 per month.
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If you’ve enjoyed our best Android VPNs guide, consider our top mobile VPN picks, the best VPNs overall, and our favorite Apple iPhone VPNs.
