Best Free Android VPN services in 2023
With a market share of over 71%, Android is by far the world’s most popular mobile operating system.
Despite this popularity, accessing the internet using a public Wi-Fi network via an Android phone is not always as secure or as private as many users want to believe. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the best way to protect your data and your privacy when browsing the net on an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly what a VPN does, and why you should have one if you are an Android phone user. Then I’ll take an in-depth look at the top VPNs for Android users in 2023. By the time you have finished reading, you will have all the info required to choose the best VPN for your needs.
In case you don't want to read the entire article, here’s a quick summary of the best VPN services according to our independent tests and research:
- NordVPN Best VPN for general work and entertainment purposes. I found it to be reliable, high-speed, and easy to set up, and it's one that I use daily for work.
- ProtonVPN (Free Version) Proton is often referred to as the single most trustworthy company in the VPN business. They focus on security over anything else and offer the best free VPN available. This is the company behind ProtonMail.
- CyberGhost VPN was voted as the best gaming VPN for 2023 and is one of the cheapest VPN services among the whole top 10.
Best Android VPN apps of 2023
RANK
BRAND
DEVICES
STATS
DOWNLOAD
1
6
6 simultaneous devices.
- ● Fastest VPN 2023
- ● Servers: 5300+
- ● Countries: 60+
WHY I LIKE NORDVPN NordVPN has long been regarded as one of the strongest brands in cybersecurity. With one of the largest server offerings on my list and support for most, if not all operating systems, making NordVPN an obvious choice for many. They have 24/7 customer support if you need help getting started. Their app is one of the most well-designed apps I have ever used. NordVPN even accepts cryptocurrencies as payment for extra anonymity.
2
∞
Unlimited simultaneous devices.
- ● Best Cheap VPN 2023
- ● Servers: 3200+
- ● Countries: 65+
WHY I LIKE SURFSHARK: Surfshark VPN is perfect for those who want a cheap and reliable VPN that also has many extra features. "Camouflage Mode" hides your usage from your ISP, "Kill Switch" suspends your connection and protects your information if you temporarily lose Internet access, "MultiHop" to connect from multiple countries at the same time just to name a few. My favorite feature of Surfshark is "Whitelists" which allow the user to exclude specific apps and programs from the VPN connection.
3
7
7 simultaneous devices.
- ● Best Torrent VPN
- ● Servers: 7400+
- ● Countries: 91+
WHY I LIKE CYBERGHOST CyberGhost VPN is the first choice of many other cybersecurity experts, and the reason is clear; they have the most complete VPN service. An incredible number of extra features that are best suited for the more advanced users but also work flawlessly for every-day purposes like P2P-filesharing. Cyberghost VPN also has the longest stretching money-back guarantee at a full 45 days.
4
∞
Unlimited simultaneous devices.
- ● Best Netflix/Streaming VPN
- ● Servers: 35500+
- ● Countries: 84+
WHY I LIKE PIA VPN: PrivateInternetAccess is at the top of my streaming tests, which is a great combination with their easy-to-use UI, Open-Source software and built in adblocker. PIA is also perfect for those who want to be able to pay with PayPal which for some reason, many other VPN services do not support. 30-day money-back guarantee, multiple Netflix libraries, and extremely affordable are the three main selling points for this VPN service.
5
∞
Unlimited simultaneous devices.
- ● Robust/Security focused
- ● Servers: 750+
- ● Countries: 43+
WHY I LIKE ATLAS VPN: Atlas VPN is one of the best new free VPN services. With the free version, you get unlimited data, no ads and zero logging. During my speed tests, Atlas VPN performed very well and could compete with mainstream services. Kill Switch, Ad-blocker, and P2P support all included with a regular subscription, which is incredibly cheap for such a robust service.
6
10
10 simultaneous devices.
- ● Best Free VPN 2023
- ● Servers: 1713+
- ● Countries: 63+
WHY I LIKE PROTONVPN: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and is most known for their e-mail service ProtonMail. They currently offer the safest free VPN services on the market. There is also support for TOR usage and P2P file sharing. I highly recommend ProtonVPN if you are intending to do some extensive online sharing. It goes without saying that Proton does not collect logs of any kind and is completely safe to use.
7
10
10 simultaneous devices.
- ● Best VPN for Gaming and Streaming
- ● Servers: 200+
- ● Countries: 63+
WHY I LIKE PRIVATEVPN: PrivateVPN is the strong underdog in the world of VPNs. With a shy number of servers, it is evident that they are focusing on quality over quantity. Overall, PrivateVPN is a very decent choice of VPN, especially if you had enough of the excessive advertising by some of the other more known brands in this list. Setting up the VPN requires extremely little intervention, and you can even pay with Bitcoin.
8
49%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Best Mobile VPN app
- ● Servers: 3000+
- ● Countries: 94+
10
77%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
45 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Fastest free VPN
- ● Servers: 3200+
- ● Countries: 80+
11
85%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
7 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Great free VPN
- ● Servers: 1000+
- ● Countries: 26+
12
68%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
10 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Best reputation
- ● Servers: 91+
- ● Countries: 17+
14
79%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
15 day money-back guarantee.
- ★ Great adblocker included
- ★ Servers: 1800+
- ★ Countries: 20+
15
66%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 5 devices simultaneously
- ● Unlimited usage
- ● 50+ locations
16
70%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Unlimited traffic
- ● Up to 1 Gbps
- ● Free trial
17
85%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 10 devices
- ● Unlimited bandwidth
- ● Countries: 60+
19
$5.00 /user
14 day free trial/money-back guarantee.
- ● Simple Cloud VPN Setup
- ● Site-to-site VPN Tunneling
- ● Easy Server & User Management
21
67%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
7 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 5 devices
- ● Locations: 65+
- ● 24/7 live support
22
80%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● 10 devices
- ● Countries: 20+
- ● P2P Optimization
23
66%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
Basic, advanced, and pro plans.
- ● Countries: 22+
- ● Locations: 36+
- ● 24/7 live support
24
79%
DISCOUNT
DISCOUNT
30 day money-back guarantee.
- ● Best multi-device VPN
- ● Servers: 1000+
- ● Countries: 200+
Comparison of all VPN services
| Brand | Average Rating | Logs | Netflix | Lowest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 91.25% | No | Yes | $6.67 |
| Surfshark VPN | 88% | No | Yes | $2.49 |
| NordVPN | 86,66% | No | Yes | $3.29 |
| Mullvad VPN | 84% | No | No | $5.50 |
| PrivateVPN | 81% | No | Yes | $2.50 |
| IVPN | 80,16% | No | Yes | $3.80 |
| ZoogVPN | 79,75% | No | Yes | $1.87 |
| LiquidVPN | 79% | No | Yes | $4.75 |
| VyprVPN | 78,14% | No | Yes | $1.67 |
| Hotspot Shield VPN | 77,14% | No* | Yes | $7.99 |
| LimeVPN | 76,40% | No* | Yes | $1.49 |
| ProtonVPN | 76,37% | No* | Yes | $3.29 |
| Windscribe VPN | 75,50% | No | Yes* | $4.08 |
| CyberGhost VPN | 75,20% | No | Yes | $2.25 |
| PrivateInternetAccess VPN | 74,71% | No | Yes | $2.69 |
| Malwarebytes Privacy VPN | 74,25% | No | No | $3.33 |
| OVPN | 74% | No | Yes | $4.99 |
| IPVanish VPN | 72,42% | No | Yes | $4.16 |
| TunnelBear VPN | 71,50% | No | No* | $3.33 |
| VPNUnlimited | 70,50% | No | Yes | $4.99 |
| Trust.Zone VPN | 68,50% | No | No* | $2.33 |
| Bitdefender Premium VPN | 67% | No | Yes | $2.49 |
| HideMyAss VPN | 63,57% | Yes* | Yes* | $2.99 |
| PureVPN | 62% | No | Yes | $3.33 |
| Namecheap VPN | 61,60% | No | No | $1.88 |
| Avast VPN | 59,40% | No | No | $3.99 |
| Hola VPN | 55,75% | Yes* | No | $2.99 |
What is a VPN exactly?
Beginning with the fundamentals, VPN, an acronym for ‘Virtual Private Network,’ is designed to establish a secure and private internet connection. This enhanced security shields users from being tracked by websites and protects against surveillance from potential cyber threats.
How does a VPN function? Essentially, it redirects your internet connection through a series of encrypted servers globally. This process effectively masks and encrypts your IP (Internet Protocol) address. As a result, it renders your online activities and real-world location untraceable, safeguarding your digital footprint.
What an Android VPN Does not Do
VPNs provide a layer of privacy by masking online activities, but they do not offer complete anonymity like some other systems, such as Tor. They are not suitable for accessing the more secretive realms of the internet, like the Dark Web.
While VPNs do encrypt your data for enhanced security, they are not a panacea against all cyber threats. Users must remain vigilant against malware, phishing sites, and viruses. Careful browsing habits, cautious data input, and scrutiny of downloads and email attachments are still essential.
It’s important to note that VPNs encrypt data only while it’s processed through their servers. Once you send a text or email, it’s no longer under the VPN’s protective encryption. However, there are specialized applications available that can ensure continuous encryption of your messages.
Why You Should Use a VPN for your Phone
Connecting to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks exposes your data and privacy to potential risks. Unfamiliar networks, especially those set up incorrectly, are prime targets for hackers to intercept and steal your information.
Most public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured and use shared passwords, making them vulnerable. Engaging in online activities at common public places like cafes, shopping centers, or libraries without proper security measures can be risky.
Hackers often employ ‘Man in the Middle’ (MTM) tactics to pilfer data. They set up deceptive Wi-Fi networks to lure users or create counterfeit websites that mirror legitimate ones to gather information.
Beyond the threat posed by ‘Black Hat’ hackers, using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or indeed any network, allows advertisers and websites to track your online behavior. This data is frequently shared with government entities, further compromising your privacy.
By using a VPN, your data will be transmitted through an encrypted server. This means that if someone is trying to eavesdrop on your digital activity, all they will see is useless, unintelligible data. This is especially useful if you are trying to stay safe from undetectable spy apps.
People use VPNs for a variety of reasons. As I’ve mentioned, most people use VPNs to stay secure while browsing the internet. You can also use a VPN to unblock global content (for instance, to get access to US Netflix while travelling), to avoid censorship, and to ensure that you can torrent safely.
Will a VPN Slow Down Your Internet Connection?
A common hesitation among many Android users regarding VPNs is the belief that it might reduce their connection speeds, a valid concern since VPNs can potentially slow down internet performance.
The reason for this slowdown is the VPN’s reliance on multiple servers spread across various countries, which can affect web browsing and download speeds. The impact on speed depends on the VPN’s network configuration, server locations, and the quality of its infrastructure.
As a result, many new VPN adopters prioritize finding the fastest VPN available. However, it’s important to remember that while speed is a crucial aspect of a VPN service, it should not be the sole criterion for selection. Other factors, such as security features and privacy policies, are also vital to consider.
How to Choose an Android VPN
Not all VPNs have the same levels of quality or security. Choosing the right VPN means making sure you are well-informed of what the application does. Although there are hundreds of free VPNs available, most of these are not reliable and some are downright scams.
When choosing a VPN for the first time, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Make sure the VPN has top-level encryption. Ideally, you should be looking for 256-bit AES encryption. Check if the VPN has a Kill Switch. If the VPN connection is interrupted, it will stop all internet traffic. Ensure your VPN has leak protection and that it uses multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2.
If you want to unblock content, you need to first check that this is an available function on your VPN of choice. Not all VPNs can unblock restricted websites.
You’ll also want to ensure the VPN has fast speeds and a large global network of servers, and that it is compatible with a range of streaming devices. Lastly, I recommend that you use a VPN with a ‘no-logs policy’, which means none of your usages will be recorded or logged in any way.
The Top VPN Recommendations for 2023
Currently, the Google Play Store has over 200 VPN applications available to users. The sheer number of VPNs makes it incredibly hard for new users to find a reliable, safe, and trustworthy application.
To save you the time and hassle of digging through hundreds of apps yourself, here are four of the best VPNs out there in 2023.
ExpressVPN
If you want an easy-to-use, super-fast VPN, then ExpressVPN is a great choice. Located in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates via over 3,000+ high-speed, P2P-enabled servers scattered throughout 105 countries.
ExpressVPN uses its own patented TrustedServer technology that makes certain that all servers are using the latest software. It has military-grade security, with 256-bit encryption and a zero-logs policy.
ExpressVPN has DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch feature, which keeps users safe when they are on public Wi-Fi connections. ExpressVPN supports torrenting and can be used to unblock many popular streaming services, including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
If ExpressVPN has a downside, it is that it’s not the cheapest VPN option on the market. However, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so new users can try it out on up to 5 devices for a month, risk-free. It’s worth checking their website to see what discounts and deals they are currently offering, as these can bring the price of ExpressVPN into line with other VPNs.
NordVPN
NordVPN is massively popular with Android users and is often touted as the best VPN on the market to date. It’s easy to see why, since NordVPN offers users a lot of features for a small price tag.
Based in Panama, NordVPN has servers across the globe, with over 5882 servers in 60 countries. This huge base of servers makes NordVPN fast, reliable and ideal for streaming. In fact, users can unblock over 400 geo-restricted streaming sites with NordVPN.
NordVPN offers users top-level security with a double encryption option, an automatic kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and a zero logs policy. Additionally, the NordVPN Cyber Sec feature stops unwanted advertisements, website trackers, and malware.
Users should keep in mind that NordVPN does not have total PayPal support in every country. Alongside the affordable price tag, NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users and regularly offers discount coupons on their website.
Surfshark VPN
If you want to use your VPN simultaneously across multiple devices, then Surfshark VPN is the one to go for. Although the Surfshark network is smaller than other leading VPNs – it has just 3,200+ servers throughout 100 countries – Surfshark still provides fast speeds and is great for streaming.
Surfshark VPN offers users unlimited concurrent device connections, which means you can use one account to provide protection for all your devices. This feature makes Surfshark VPN a great choice for households or small businesses.
Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark VPN provides top 256-bit encryption and uses a zero logs policy. It has robust obfuscation settings, which means it can easily bypass VPN bans or censorship, making it a good choice for travelers.
The Camouflage Mode feature hides your VPN connection, while NoBorders Mode allows you to use Surfshark VPN in restricted regions. The MultiHop setting will automatically bounce your connection through multiple services, giving you added security.
Surfshark VPN usually does not offer deals or discounts, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. New users should be aware that the Surfshark VPN email customer support service can be slow to respond to tickets.
CyberGhost VPN
If you are new to the whole idea of using a VPN and want a fast, simple-to-use, and easy-to-set-up VPN, then CyberGhost VPN is the perfect solution. Cheap, quick to download, and with a straightforward interface, CyberGhost VPN is ideal for VPN newbies.
CyberGhost VPN operates out of Romania and has 10206 servers operating in 100 countries around the world. It is a great VPN for accessing streaming sites and can unblock sites like Showtime, Netflix, and Hulu. CyberGhost VPN offers simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices.
CyberGhost VPN rates well on the security scale as the VPN goes out of its way to protect users from malicious websites, ads, and trackers. CyberGhost VPN uses 256-bit encryption and also maintains a strict no-logs policy. It also features a reliable automatic kill switch.
It must be said that CyberGhost VPN is not the cheapest option available, but it does offer a 45-day money-back guarantee or 14 days for one-month plans. Users who travel should also take note that at the time of writing, CyberGhost VPN does not work in China.
Some Last Words on Android VPNs in 2023
To sum up: if you are not currently running a VPN on your Android phone, you should be. With the rise of public Wi-Fi, hackers and scammers are becoming more prevalent and using smarter and more devious ways of getting your data than ever. A VPN can help protect you, your data, and your privacy.
Right now, it is totally legal to use a VPN in more than 95% of countries. Users need to take care when visiting places such as China, Russia, Belarus, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. VPNs are either illegal or restricted in these countries. Although international tourists have yet to report any issues using VPNs in these countries, we recommend exercising caution if you choose to do so.
Most VPNs are totally safe to use and can be easily downloaded from the Google Play Store. Again, users must be cautious, since there are many free VPNs that are not as reliable as user-pays models. That is why I have not chosen to recommend any free VPNs.
To break it down, my recommendations for Android VPNs in 2023 are:
- ExpressVPN – Superfast speeds at a reasonable price
- NordVPN – Fast, secure, and ideal for streaming
- Surfshark VPN – Great for travelers, families, or businesses
- CyberGhost VPN – Perfect option for VPN newbies
A VPN is a powerful tool that can be used to help users protect themselves and their data while online at home, in public, or when travelling overseas.
Whatever VPN you choose and however you choose to use it, I hope that you have found this article informative and helpful.
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