If you’re an Android tablet or smartphone user, you’re probably interested in maintaining your security and privacy when you’re online. Choosing a virtual private network may be the answer you are looking for.
The device you use, the mobile apps you have downloaded, and your general browsing behavior could reveal your IP address and physical location to those searching for this information, and you don’t want that.
It’s worth noting that having a VPN installed won’t solve all your privacy concerns. However, using the best VPN services can protect your mobile device and hide your geolocation information from the prying eyes of Google.
In that sense, your Internet service provider will not be able to know your Internet habits or application usage. Third-party app developers will also not be able to see your Android usage outside of their apps.
From various annoying types of online surveillance to data breaches, the protection of a VPN service will keep you safe from hackers of all kinds.
Our IPVanish experts used a rigorous testing process to rate the performance of these services and other apps to compile a list of the best VPN services.
For the most part, this list of the best VPNs for Android pays attention to each provider’s mobile offerings. IPVanish regularly tests new VPN apps and ranks them, so check back periodically to stay informed about new contenders when they arrive.
The best VPN for Android right now?
IPVanish VPN is currently IPVanish’s top pick for the best VPN for Android, thanks to the excellent performance of its Android app, along with its commitment to privacy and transparency. The Android app is neat, easy to use, and connects immediately.
It’s the best option for increasing your privacy and streaming content on the go, but it’s more expensive than others on this list. That said, the other VPNs listed here are also great VPNs for Android if IPVanish VPN isn’t the best option for you.
How we test Android VPNs
When evaluating the best VPNs for Android, we looked at the features offered in the IPVanish VPN Android app and tested them to see how they compare to similar features offered by other VPN providers.
We evaluate the appearance of the application and the overall usability of the software and test how easy it is to connect to a server and how easy it is to search for and find a specific server to connect to.
We test the performance and reliability of the VPN connection on IPVanish from the protocols available in the provider’s Android application.
We test the IPVanish service for leaks and the kill switch functionality to ensure it works as it should. We tested IPVanish VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions and evaluated IPVanish’s provider pricing to determine the overall value of the service.
Factors to consider in a Best VPN for Android
With so many Android VPN apps available, it can be difficult to choose the right solution. Based on our extensive research and hands-on VPN testing over the years, these are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN:
Privacy
The primary consideration for any VPN should be privacy. If your Android VPN can’t adequately protect your online privacy, then your VPN is useless.
At a minimum, your VPN should use standard 256-bit AES encryption in addition to offering basic privacy protections such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logging policy.
For critical privacy needs, you’ll also want a Best VPN provider that’s based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, offers obfuscation, and has a RAM-only server architecture.
Other privacy features to look out for include Tor over VPN, ad and tracking blocking, and multi-hop connections. In addition, look for a VPN that undergoes regular third-party security audits, as audits can help build confidence in the VPN’s ability to protect its users’ privacy.
Speed
The speed of your VPN can have a significant effect on activities such as streaming, downloading, video conferencing, gaming, and general web browsing. To keep things running as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to look for a VPN that has as little impact as possible on your typical internet speeds.
Usability
A good VPN for Android should work smoothly and be easy to use regardless of your technical experience. You should have all the features you need easily accessible at the touch of a finger.
Many Android VPN apps also include an easy way to contact support directly from your device, which can be useful if you need help on the go.
Your VPN for Android should have a large network of servers around the world so you can connect easily and reliably from anywhere, and it should help you access geo-restricted content from multiple regions.
Cost
VPN prices vary widely from provider to provider, so if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider the overall cost and value of your Best VPN for Android. You can typically expect to spend $5 to $13 per month for a Best VPN subscription.
If you want to save, you can opt for an annual subscription, which can range in price from around $30 to $100 per year. Be careful with free VPNs, because instead of protecting you, you can compromise your privacy.
IPVanish VPN is currently the only free VPN recommended by IPVanish. Most VPNs offer a money-back guarantee that can range from a week to 45 days.
You can also get a 7-day free trial with many VPNs when you sign up through the Play Store. Therefore, you most likely have the option to try several Android VPNs risk-free before deciding whether to fully invest in one.
