10 Best VPN Apps for Android | Tested in October 2019

With so many fake and dangerous VPN apps for Android, it’s no wonder we receive hundreds of emails from users every month reporting yet another VPN that isn’t real.

A trustworthy VPN is the only way to protect your phone. But with 200+ VPNs available on the Play Store, how do you know which service is safe to use? And are the free VPNs listed in the Play Store safe? (Hint: no, most are dodgy at best.)

We’ve tested more than 300 services for safety, speed, and privacy to find the best VPN for Android phones and tablets. Our top recommendation is NordVPN.

Our Android VPN recommendations are secure, user-friendly, and fast. They’ll give you unlimited access to streaming sites like Netflix, fast speeds for streaming in high definition, and powerful security, even on public wif-fi.

We also made sure that each VPN has a dedicated, easy-to-use Android app that works seamlessly on all Android devices and versions, up to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

The Best Android VPNs of 2019 – Reviewed & Compared

1. NordVPN

The best VPN for Android is fast, secure, and great for streaming

With its budget-friendly price tag and a user rating of 4.3 on Play Store, NordVPN is the best VPN for Android. It offers powerful security including optional double encryption, ad blocking, and the biggest global server network on the VPN market, spanning 5,400+ servers in 60+ countries.

Its great features are packaged in an easy-to-use app, which can be downloaded from the Play Store or through a secure APK on NordVPN’s website. Each subscription includes 6 simultaneous device connections.

Its huge server base and high speeds mean NordVPN is also great for streaming. We tested NordVPN with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming services and experienced HD streams with zero buffering, so as long as your 3G connection is working, your VPN won’t slow you down.

NordVPN’s streaming-optimized servers can unblock 400+ geo-restricted streaming services. Its SmartPlay feature detects the server you need to be on to unblock a website and makes the switch automatically. NordVPN also offers a dedicated torrenting profile with specialized P2P servers, so you can access all the entertainment you need from your phone.

The service is based in Panama, outside the 5/9/14-Eyes jurisdiction, so you can be sure your browsing activity stays private.

NordVPN protects your data with 256-bit encryption and a zero logs policy. Its Android app offers an automatic kill switch, and its Cyber Sec feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

Thanks to advanced obfuscation settings, NordVPN works in China and most countries that censor or block VPNs.

If you have any questions or require assistance, NordVPN offers 24/7 support via live chat.

It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try its service risk-free. You can also check for active NordVPN coupons on our deals page.

Get Started with NordVPN NOW!

Take a look at what customers are saying about NordVPN in these reviews.

2. ExpressVPN 

The fastest VPN for Android

Featuring easy-setup via the Play Store or a secure APK download, a user-friendly app, and blazing-fast speeds, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we tested on Android. It operates 3,000+ high-speed, P2P-enabled servers across 94 countries, and is a great choice for streaming and torrenting on all Android versions.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. It uses OpenVPN and military-grade security features, including 256-bit encryption, a zero-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch. It also offers DNS leak protection and split tunneling. Data sent over your Android phone remains secure, even when you’re connected to public wi-fi.

ExpressVPN’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

We tested ExpressVPN and found it offers reliable, high-speed access to most popular streaming services, including Netflix US. We were able to use its MediaStreamer technology to stream on devices that don’t support VPN connections, including gaming consoles and smart TVs.

Its unique TrustedServer technology ensures all of its servers are running secure, up-to-date software. Its servers run entirely on RAM, which requires power to store data. This means that all of the information on a server is deleted every time it is rebooted, so it can’t store any user logs.

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free on up to five devices. Look for current ExpressVPN deals on our coupon page – you can currently get 15 months for the price of 12.

Get Started with ExpressVPN NOW!

Take a look at what ExpressVPN users are saying in these reviews.

3. CyberGhost

User-friendly VPN that’s great for VPN newbies

CyberGhost operates 6,000+ high-speed servers across 90+ countries. Your subscription will cover 7 simultaneous connections.

We were able to use its built-in streaming profile to unblock Netflix, Hulu, and most popular streaming services. It also has a dedicated torrenting profile with links

CyberGhost’s intuitive app and one-click installation makes it a great choice for VPN beginners. It’s easy to download from the Play Store and has great user review.

It offers 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch with all its apps. CyberGhost doesn’t log your activity, either. You can set the app to connect as soon as you turn your device on so you will always be protected.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. CyberGhost offers a 24-hour free trial and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (or 14 days for one-month plans). You can find current CyberGhost deals on our coupon page.

Get Started with CyberGhost NOW!

See what users are saying about CyberGhost in these reviews.

4. Surfshark

Unlimited simultaneous connections make it great value for large households and home offices

With 800 servers across 50 countries, Surfshark’s network is smaller than other top VPNs. But this doesn’t slow it down. During our tests, we were able to unblock and stream popular services like Netflix US, HBO GO, and BBC iPlayer in high definition.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections so you can protect all of your devices with just one account.

The app features a special Android native kill switch in addition to its standard kill switch. This works with the Whitelister function and allows you to choose what traffic is protected, so you can multitask safely even on public wi-fi. You can also opt to use smaller data packets to save mobile data.

Surfshark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, far outside the reach of the 5/9/14-Eyes alliance. It uses 256-bit encryption and keeps a zero logs policy.

Surfshark offers strong obfuscation settings to bypass censorship and VPN bans, so you can stay completely safe when you travel. Camouflage Mode masks your VPN connection, MultiHop sends your connection through multiple servers, and NoBorders Mode allows for VPN use in restricted regions.

However, if you run into any issues, you can contact customer support 24/7 via live chat. You can test Surfshark risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get Started with Surfshark NOW!

Learn more from Surfshark’s customer reviews.

5. PrivateVPN

The best budget-friendly VPN for Android

PrivateVPN is a budget-friendly service with high-end security, a 4.2-star rating on Google Play Store, easy installation, and plenty of premium features for Android users.

It uses 256-bit encryption and offers IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Although this Swedish-based VPN is in the 14-Eyes jurisdiction, it doesn’t keep any logs. This means that it doesn’t have any user data to hand over, even if it’s asked to.

PrivateVPN operates 150 servers in 59 countries. During our tests, we were able to stream Netflix US, Hulu, HBO GO, and BBC iPlayer using its Netflix-optimized servers.

You can contact customer support via live chat during business hours. When the team is out of office, you’ll need to open a support ticket via email instead.

PrivateVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also contact customer service to request a free 7-day trial prior to signing up.

Get Started with PrivateVPN NOW!

Check out PrivateVPN’s customer reviews to learn more.

6. VyprVPN

VyprVPN for Android offers all the security features you need from a VPN, packed into a user-friendly app. It has 256-bit encryption, no logs, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.

Proprietary Chameleon technology scrambles OpenVPN metadata to make it look like regular traffic under deep packet inspection. This allows users in restrictive countries like China and Russia to use VyprVPN without detection.

This also helps VyprVPN to bypass geo-restrictions and VPN blocks. During our tests, we were able to stream Netflix US, Hulu, HBO GO, BBC iPlayer, and most other top streaming services.

There is no live chat, so you’ll have to reach out to customer support via email or by posting on the forum. Each new subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get Started with VyprVPN NOW!

Check out VyprVPN’s customer reviews here.

7. IPVanish

With more than a million downloads to date, IPVanish is popular with Android users. It operates a high-speed network of 1,300+ servers across 75+ countries.

It uses military-grade 256-bit encryption to protect your data. It also keeps a strict no-logs policy, and offers IPv6 leak protection. However, there is no automatic kill switch in the Android app, so you’ll need to monitor  your connection status to prevent data leaks.

The Android app is easy to use. Its API Load Balancing feature will automatically suggest the fastest server for your connection based on your ping and location.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. Although there is no free trial, IPVanish offers a 7-day money-back guarantee for you to try its service.

Get Started with IPVanish NOW!

Find out what customers have to say about IPVanish here.

8. SaferVPN

SaferVPN offer a user-friendly, easy-to-install app and has 4.7-star rating on Play Store. It operates 700+ servers across 34 countries. During our tests, we found its streaming-optimized servers can unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO NOW, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming services.

SaferVPN keeps a strict no-logs policy and protects your data with 256-bit encryption. The Android app features one-click connect, and its Automatic Wi-Fi Security feature will connect your device to the best server as soon as you connect to a public wi-fi network.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. You can try SaferVPN with its 24-hour free trial. All new subscriptions are entitled to a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it worry-free.

Get Started with SaferVPN NOW!

You can see what other users are saying about SaferVPN here.

9. Private Internet Access

With more than 1 million downloads, PIA is a popular choice for Android. It protects your device with 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch. It keeps a strict no-logs policy and tracks its Android-specific user updates on in the Play Store.

Please note that the app uses 128-bit encryption by default, so you’ll need to select higher encryption in the settings interface.

PIA’s MACE feature includes an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

Its 2,500+ high-speed servers are able to unblock Netflix from anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to unblock Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or HBO GO during our tests.

You can contact customer support by submitting a support ticket through the website. PIA offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on all its plans.

Get Started with PIA NOW!

Click here to read informative reviews from PIA customers.

10. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers one of the few trustworthy free VPN plans for Android. With 1 million+ downloads and a high 4-star rating, users are clearly happy with the service.

The free plan is a limited version of its premium plan, with access to three servers on one device. Once you’re ready to upgrade to its premium plan, you’ll have access to 430+ servers across 33 countries on up to 10 devices.

ProtonVPN uses 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN and IKEv2. It doesn’t keep logs, so you’re guaranteed secure, private browsing. Its SecureCore server architecture routes your traffic through multiple servers before it leaves the network.

You can contact ProtonVPN support by submitting a ticket from the help center page.

All premium accounts come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

However, ProtonVPN handles money-back guarantees a little differently. Instead of receiving the full purchase amount, you’ll receive a prorated refund for any unused time on your subscription.

Get Started with ProtonVPN NOW!

Read our customer reviews to learn more about ProtonVPN.

VPN Features Quick Comparison Table

VPN	Money-Back Guarantee	Simultaneous Connections	Supports P2P
NordVPN	30 days	6	Yes, on dedicated servers
ExpressVPN	30 days	5	Yes
CyberGhost	45 days	7	Yes, on dedicated servers
Surfshark	30 days	Unlimited	Yes
PrivateVPN	30 days	6	Yes
VyprVPN	7 days	5	Yes
IPVanish	7 days	10	No
SaferVPN	30 days	5	Yes, on dedicated servers
PIA	7 days	10	Yes
ProtonVPN	30 days, prorated	10	Yes

How We Ranked & Compared These VPNs

Every VPN on this list has met our strict criteria for speed, security, streaming, customer support, ease of use, and price.

Here are some of the key features we looked for when making our selection:

Powerful Security

All the VPNs on this list offer military-strength security to protect your personal information from hackers, trackers, and spies.

We chose only services that offer 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy. We gave preference to VPNs with automatic kill switches, DNS leak protection, and other high-end security protocols.

Usability

The VPNs we chose all offer user-friendly, lightweight apps for Android. We looked well-designed apps that are easy-to-use and won’t waste data or RAM.

In other words, these VPNs won’t slow your device down.

High Speeds

When you’re on the go with your tablet or phone, speed is everything.

You don’t want to wait hours for that email attachment to upload, or for Spotify to load a song, so it’s important to choose a VPN with high connection speeds.

It’s normal for your connection to slow down slightly when you’re using a VPN because your data has to travel farther to the VPN server, and because it takes extra time to encrypt and decrypt your data. However, this should be barely noticeable with a premium VPN.

The VPNs on our list are consistently fast enough to browse, stream, and transmit files easily. They also all offer unlimited bandwidth.

Unblock Streaming Services

Streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu use geoblocks to control what their users can watch. This often results in limited catalogs in countries outside the US, or not being able to access the service at all.

VPNs hide your IP address to make it look like you’re browsing from another location. You can use your VPN to bypass geoblocks and watch what you want, when you want, from wherever you want.

We looked for VPNs with large server networks that can unblock a variety of streaming services.

Privacy Standards

VPNs are vital in the fight for online privacy. In countries like China, Russia, and Iran, internet censorship is a serious issue.

Citizens and tourists in these areas can use a VPN to bypass internet censorship and avoid surveillance measures.

We looked for services that can unblock censored websites and avoid detection under deep packet inspection. We favored VPNs that offered extra obfuscation settings, SOCKS5, and double encryption.

What Are the Best VPNs for Android Tablets?

All of the VPNs listed above work for Android tablets, so our top recommendation for tablets is NordVPN. However, all our top-rated VPNs will keep your tablet safe from online threats, and help you access all your favorite streaming at lightning-fast speeds.

Are Free VPNs Safe?

Businesses need to make a profit, and VPN companies are no different. If there’s no income from paid subscriptions, they need to find other ways to make money.

Some free VPNs generate revenue by selling users’ data to third parties, even if they’ve promised top-notch security. A few have even been found to install malware and trackers on your device.

There are a few safe free VPNs, though. These are the limited free versions of premium VPN services, like ProtonVPN. These free VPNs heavily restrict your speed and data, but they can be a good option if you only need a VPN for a few days.

But with so many premium providers offering free trials and money-back guarantees, there’s very little reason to risk your security with a free VPN.

Are VPNs Legal?

It’s legal to use a VPN in about 95.9% of the world. The main exceptions are China, Iraq, Iran, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. In these countries, VPN use is either a legal gray area or completely illegal.

But if you’re a tourist, you don’t need to worry. There haven’t been any issues with international tourists using VPNs in these countries.

No matter where you live, it’s your responsibility to make sure you follow the law and your provider’s terms of service to stay out of trouble.

Can I Use my Android VPN on my PC?

Yes! All our Android VPN recommendations also have native apps especially designed for both Windows and MacOS computers, so you can secure all your devices with the same account. Plus, simultaneous device connections mean you won’t have to choose – you can protect all your devices at the same time.