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Updated: Sep 7, 2024, 8:21am
A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This allows you to access public Wi-Fi networks safely and keep your data private from prying eyes. When choosing a VPN for Android, it’s important to consider factors, such as the number of servers, speed, security features, geoblock bypassing and price. Dedicated internet protocol (IP) addresses are also a plus, as are split tunneling and torrenting support. Here are the best Android VPN options available.
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, first-person testing, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.
Our team analyzed 16 VPN providers with 33 factors such as transparent pricing, number of server locations, the number of devices it can cover, access to customer support and customer ratings to organize this list of the best VPN services for Android. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
An Android VPN is a virtual private network you can use on your Android phone or tablet. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel protects your data from being intercepted by anyone else on the network, including your ISP.
A VPN also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can access content that’s normally blocked in your area.
VPNs are also useful for protecting your privacy. When you’re connected to a VPN, your traffic is routed through the VPN server, rather than directly to the internet. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities.
Picking the best Android VPN can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available, all promising to offer the best security and privacy. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when deciding on an Android VPN.
When paying for multiple years at a time, you’re going to get the best rates, often less than $5 per month. If you’re paying month to month, you can expect to pay around $10 per month.
While VPNs offer significant benefits in terms of privacy, security and bypassing geo-restrictions, they are not a one-stop solution for all online threats. It’s critical to understand the limitations of a VPN to ensure you’re taking adequate precautions to protect yourself. Here are some areas where a VPN might not offer protection:
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Private Internet Access
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To set up a VPN on Android, you need to install a VPN app on your device. There are many VPN apps to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. The best VPN apps will have a user-friendly interface, be easy to use and offer a variety of features.
Once you’ve installed the VPN app, open it and enter your login information. Once you’re connected, you can choose a server location and start using the VPN. Most VPN apps will automatically connect to the best server location, but some allow you to choose a specific server.
To rank the best VPNs for Android, Forbes Advisor analyzed a variety of factors, including price, number of servers, privacy policies and server speed. We also looked at customer service availability and whether the company is a part of the FVEY surveillance alliance.
While several on our list are part of these allied countries, they have strict no-logs policies. We also looked at customer reviews to see if a VPN’s marketing promises match real customer experiences.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the best VPN for your Android phone will vary depending on your needs. However, Private Internet Access scored 4.7 out of 5 stars in our analysis across dozens of data points, making it a solid contender to consider.
The best free VPNs for Android include NordVPN, TunnelBear and ProtonVPN. Each offers privacy protection and attractive pricing.
Most Android phones have a built-in VPN. However, you can install a VPN app on your device for more features.
Most VPN service providers offer apps for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac devices. All you need to do is download the app on your machine of choice and log in with your account information.
VPNs let you connect to servers in other countries, making it easy to access content on streaming platforms that might not be available in your region. However, not all VPNs work well for streaming.
You don’t need a VPN for everyday use but it can help protect your privacy and access georestricted content.
You can change your IP address by connecting to different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, but using a VPN is a more secure and consistent way to change your IP while keeping your privacy intact. Some VPNs even allow you to purchase private IP addresses, which makes it a little easier to access banking sites or other websites that don’t work well with VPNs others have access to.
VPNs are typically safe for Android devices, but it’s crucial to select a trustworthy VPN provider that prioritizes security and privacy.
To make sure your VPN is functioning on Android, connect to the service and then use an IP address checking tool or visit a site, such as whatismyipaddress.com. This will help you confirm that your IP address and location have been altered successfully.