Most of our online activity these days happens right on our mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets. This makes having a high-quality VPN that works perfectly on your Android device more important than ever. While some VPN services are optimized more for desktop, others truly excel on Android. I've put together a list of my top choices to help you find the ideal fit for your specific needs.

When evaluating what makes a VPN great for Android users, I look at specific criteria alongside the usual VPN essentials. A crucial factor is ensuring the app works with full features on the Android operating system. Also, because mobile Wi-Fi signals can be spotty, I test these apps over several days to check for reliable speeds and consistent service performance. I then consider the design and user-friendliness of the Android app itself, along with other important aspects like pricing and how many devices you can connect at the same time with one account. All these points helped me choose the top VPNs on this list.

Why you can trust this advice: PCWorld has been reviewing technology hardware, software, and services for a long time, since the 1980s. I consistently test many of the leading VPN providers out there, plus some less famous ones, to create lists of the best VPNs for different purposes. Below, you'll find my favorite VPNs for Android, details on how I test them, and helpful tips on what features to look for when picking an Android VPN yourself.

Here are my recommended VPNs for your Android devices:

NordVPN – Top Overall Choice for Android

Pros

• Packed with excellent features.

• Outstanding connection speeds.

• Multiple independent checks confirm its no-logs policy.

• Includes antivirus and a password manager.

Cons

• Can be expensive.

Why I Like NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most widely recognized VPN services out there. The company boasts a massive network with over 8,000 servers located in more than 118 countries. They also guarantee that their service works with Netflix, meaning streaming should just work from any server you connect to – and in our testing, it did consistently.

Nord's Android app feels quite similar to its desktop version, keeping the interactive map interface for selecting locations. However, the rest of the app is clearly designed for mobile use, featuring a simple carousel for popular locations and a full list of countries below it. The Android app supports Nord's specialized servers for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, its Meshnet feature (for connecting devices directly), and multi-hop VPN connections for extra privacy. NordVPN also includes strong security tools like ad-blocking, protection against malware, and a password manager plus a link checker.

NordVPN maintains an impressive record for privacy, having successfully passed its fourth independent audit of its no-logs policy recently. It's on the higher end of the price scale, but it comes loaded with features and delivers top performance. In our speed tests, NordVPN kept nearly 75 percent of the initial internet speed, positioning it among the fastest VPNs we've tested.

Who Should Consider NordVPN

Anyone with an Android phone or tablet who wants a VPN should definitely check out NordVPN. You get all the great standard features from a leading service like NordVPN, plus their Android app is one of the easiest and most intuitive interfaces I've used.

ExpressVPN – Excellent Runner-Up for Android

Pros

• Great speeds.

• Well-designed and user-friendly app.

• Successfully unblocks all major streaming services we tested.

• Strong security and privacy standards.

Cons

• More expensive than some competitors.

• Slightly fewer extra security tools compared to others.

Why I Like ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a fantastic combination of ease of use and impressive speed, making it a solid pick for nearly everyone. In my testing, ExpressVPN maintained 70 percent of the original connection speed, which is excellent and ranks it among our fastest VPN services. It also features a huge server network, and switching locations is super simple – just tap the server location icon near the main connect button. The app's interface is thoughtfully designed for Android (mirroring its quality on other platforms) and incredibly straightforward to navigate.

The ExpressVPN app for Android includes handy features like split tunneling (choosing which apps use the VPN), auto-connect options, and a kill switch that automatically cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops, helping keep your data private.

While it is a bit pricey and doesn't pack as many additional features as NordVPN, it's still a brilliant option. Its wide support across many devices also makes it ideal if you use other operating systems besides Android and want consistent protection. ExpressVPN costs roughly $80 for the first year.

Who Should Consider ExpressVPN

Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN is a great choice for pretty much anyone. Because ExpressVPN works on almost any device you can think of, it’s especially perfect for users who juggle different gadgets running various operating systems and want robust protection across the board.

Mullvad – Best Android VPN for Privacy

Pros

• Good speeds.

• Affordable pricing.

• Unmatched focus on user anonymity.

• Flexible ways to pay.

Cons

• Sometimes struggles to unblock streaming services.

• Has a smaller network of servers.

• Doesn't have as many extra features as competing services.

Why I Like Mullvad VPN

Mullvad is an easy choice for our top pick regarding privacy. It's genuinely hard to beat when it comes to keeping you as anonymous and private online as possible. Unlike most other VPN services, Mullvad doesn't even require you to provide an email address when signing up. Instead, it gives you a random account number that you use to log in and pay. You can even pay with cash (sent by mail), as well as Bitcoin, PayPal, and credit cards – they actively try to know nothing personal about you.

Mullvad promises not to track your online activity, and they back this claim up with multiple audits conducted by independent firms. Plus, the speeds are decent. In our Android tests, Mullvad kept about 57 percent of the baseline speed. This isn't as fast as some others on the list, but it's more than adequate for most things like web browsing and streaming standard video. Mullvad charges a flat rate of €5 per month (which was just over $5 USD at the time of this writing), making it quite affordable.

Who Should Consider Mullvad VPN

If privacy is your absolute top priority when using a VPN, you really can't go wrong with Mullvad. Your anonymity is protected from the moment you create your account and pay, all the way through using their service. It might not offer all the fancy add-on features of our top picks, but you can be confident that your privacy is always Mullvad's main focus.

Proton VPN – Solid Runner-Up for Privacy

Pros

• Excellent free plan available.

• Includes strong privacy tools.

• Transparent and trustworthy no-logs policy.

• Servers located in many different countries.

Cons

• Can be expensive for paid plans.

• Occasional minor issues with unblocking some services.

Why I Like ProtonVPN

If Mullvad isn't quite what you're looking for, Proton VPN is another excellent option for those focused on privacy. This VPN is part of a larger suite of services that includes Proton Mail (secure email), Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive (secure storage). You can get Proton VPN on its own, but the other services in their bundle are often worth considering if you opt for a premium plan.

In our speed tests, Proton VPN maintained around 65 percent of the original connection speed. They offer a wide variety of countries to connect through, their privacy policy clearly states they don't log your activity, and it supports Netflix streaming, using Tor over VPN, and P2P file sharing on most of its servers. It also includes multi-hop connections via its "Secure Core" feature, adding another layer of camouflage for privacy-conscious users. Proton VPN's monthly plans are relatively expensive (around $10/month), but longer-term plans bring the cost down considerably. However, if privacy is your main goal, the price is justified – the company is very reputable, undergoes regular independent security checks, and is based in Switzerland, which has strong data privacy laws.

Who Should Consider ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is another superb choice for users prioritizing online privacy. The key difference compared to Mullvad is that you will need an email address to sign up, and anonymous cash payments are not an option. Aside from that, ProtonVPN is from a highly respected company and does an outstanding job of keeping your identity and activity private.

CyberGhost – Best Android VPN for Beginners

Pros

• Independently verified no-logs policy.

• Very impressive number of servers in many locations.

• Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

• Server speeds can sometimes be inconsistent.

• Doesn't have all the extra security features of some rivals.

Why I Like CyberGhost VPN

Another good option if you're new to VPNs is CyberGhost, which is owned by Kape Technologies. This VPN's Android app has a very clean and user-friendly interface. There's a simple large power button at the top, and below it, a space to pick your country location. Tapping on the location brings up a list where you can choose by country or select servers optimized for specific tasks like streaming, gaming, or torrenting. In my tests, CyberGhost provided decent enough speeds for typical VPN activities like general web browsing and streaming video.

CyberGhost has added more features to its app lately, such as split tunneling, but you don't need to mess with these settings if you only want the basic privacy protection. This straightforward approach is what makes it a great option for first-time VPN users. CyberGhost offers monthly, one-year, and two-year plans, with the longer plans offering significant cost savings.

Who Should Consider CyberGhost VPN

New VPN users and beginners will appreciate how simple and intuitive CyberGhost's Android app is to use. Plus, the cost is more budget-friendly than some other services, meaning you won't be paying extra for advanced, niche features you might never need.

Exploring Other VPNs and Features

Beyond the top recommendations, you can find more reviews. Mullvad VPN is known as the "undefeated king of privacy" for its unique approach to anonymity and reasonable price. ExpressVPN stands out with a great Android app, high speeds, solid privacy, and a large server network. NordVPN is our top overall pick for its comprehensive features, strong privacy/security tools, and excellent speed.

Wondering if VPNs can help save money on hotels? Some have tested this idea. You also quickly learn things when you first start using a VPN, like the different legal aspects of VPNs and how often authorities might request logs (many top VPNs have policies against keeping logs, which is why independent audits are important).

How We Tested

My evaluation of VPNs includes several factors: the size and spread of their server network, how fast the connections are, the strength of their privacy features, how easy they are to use, any extra features they offer, and the overall cost. For a full breakdown of our testing methods, you can check out PCWorld's guide on testing VPN services. I apply the same rigorous approach to testing on Android as I do on Windows.

Speed tests are kept simple. I average the connection speeds across different global locations for each VPN and then compare this average to the original internet speed without the VPN. This provides a clear picture of how much the VPN impacts speed. I also thoroughly investigate and analyze each VPN's privacy policy and past incidents, noting any red flags or issues with data collection.

While ease of use and user experience can be somewhat subjective, I do my best to accurately describe what it feels like to use the VPN app. Finally, I determine the overall value of the service by comparing its price and features to the industry average, helping you understand what you're getting for your money.

What to Look For When Picking an Android VPN

One of the first things you should consider when shopping for a VPN is the scale of its server network – specifically, the number of servers and the countries they are located in. While it's tough to judge a VPN on just one aspect, having a decent server network (say, 1,000+ servers in 30+ countries) is usually a good sign that it's a service worth considering.

Connection speed is the next critical factor. This can be tricky to assess without subscribing, but looking at online reviews can provide a general idea. Try to find reviews, like this one, that give you an average speed relative to a baseline rather than just raw speed numbers, as these are more useful for comparison.

You'll also need to research a VPN's privacy track record and features. Do they have a clear "no-logs" policy, meaning they don't record your activity? Have they had their servers and policies audited by independent security firms? Where is the company legally based (some countries have stronger privacy laws or less invasive government surveillance)? All these details help you understand how transparent a VPN is about data collection and whether they are subject to government requests for user data.

Other things to think about include how easy the app is to use (user experience) and any additional features it offers. Features like split-tunneling or a kill switch can be incredibly useful depending on what you plan to use the VPN for, and they might influence your decision.

Finally, like with any subscription service, check the price. Do you prefer paying monthly or annually? Some top-tier VPNs might seem expensive on a month-to-month basis but become much more affordable if you commit to a longer-term plan.

That wraps up this guide to the best VPNs for Android. If you're interested in exploring more VPN options beyond just Android, you can check out PCWorld's general best VPN roundup. While those reviews focus on Windows, nearly all the recommended services also offer capable Android apps.

FAQ

1. What exactly is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, works by hiding your real identity (like your IP address) and encrypting your internet data as you browse. It also lets you connect to servers located all around the world. So, if you want to watch online content that's only available in a specific country, you can connect to a server in that country using the VPN and gain access to that region's content.

2. How does a VPN actually function?

Essentially, a VPN hides your IP address by sending your internet connection through one of its remote servers, which are operated by the VPN company. To anyone watching, the VPN server's location appears to be the source of your data instead of your own device. These servers can be in your home country or different countries globally. On top of that, the data sent between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, adding a layer of privacy.

Think of a VPN like a secure tunnel for your internet traffic. When you browse while connected to a VPN, the VPN acts as a go-between for your device and the website you're visiting. Your request goes to the VPN securely, the VPN passes it to the website, and the website sends its response back to the VPN, which then securely forwards it back to your device.

3. Is using a VPN legal?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in the United States and in most countries worldwide. While some websites might try to block VPN connections, the act of using the VPN itself is generally fine. However, it's crucial to remember that illegal activities remain illegal whether or not you are using a VPN. Actions like downloading copyrighted material without permission (piracy) or accessing illegal marketplaces on the dark web are against the law, with or without a VPN.

4. Are Android VPN apps different from Windows VPN apps?

Typically, the basic job of a VPN service is the same across its Windows and Android applications. However, there are often differences in the specific features available and how the apps are designed.

For example, features like multi-hop connections, a network kill-switch (which prevents data leaks if the VPN disconnects), and options for custom DNS settings that are common on Windows apps might not always be included in the Android app from the same provider. On the other hand, features like split tunneling (to route only some apps through the VPN) or support for specific connection protocols like IKEv2 might be present or work differently only on Android. This usually depends on compatibility limitations and how developers prioritize resources. You'll also likely see differences in the app's look and feel; Windows apps often display more detailed technical info which is simplified or left out on Android due to the smaller screen size.

Despite these variations, the main function of the VPN – encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP – should be consistent between the apps. This means users can choose the app version that best suits their needs based on how they plan to use the VPN and their device.

Conclusion:

Adding a reliable VPN to your Android device is a crucial step in protecting your online privacy and data in 2025. Whether you prioritize blistering speed, rock-solid anonymity, or a simple interface, there's a strong option out there for you among our top picks. Make the smart move and secure your mobile browsing today!