Best VPNs for Android
Quick Navigation
In this article, we will show you the best VPNs for Android.
Most users prefer Android devices. Through these smartphones, there is no problem surfing the internet anymore. But we need to be careful while streaming on different sites, and apps using our Android devices. Most websites and apps track our online activities, making our information open to a lot of domains, etc.
By using a Virtual Private Network or VPN, we can protect ourselves from hackers, and trackers. It will also give us access to a lot of features and content that are geo-restricted in our location.
As you continue to read this article, you will learn all the best VPNs you can use on your Android device.
What Makes a Good Android VPN?
Though Android users are far away from those using Apple. Users who use the Apple Store spend 4 times as much as the Google Play Store. That’s because most Android users are in developing markets like India and China.
This has meant that a lot of emphases is placed on developing an iOS application, leaving the Android mobile application as an afterthought.
The code can be similar but it’s not the same. Some companies may simply try to copy the Apple product and end up with problems in terms of UI and US (User Interface and Experience)
This is changing, but there are a few things to look out for when choosing a good Android VPN and mobile application.
Resource Usage
A VPN connection will use RAM as well as see some reduction in baseline internet speed. This can be anywhere from 5-30%. This is often mitigated by anonymizing your IP and giving you the fastest possible speed if your ISP has a habit of throttling connections in your area.
Ultimately you want a VPN that is going to reduce speed as much as possible and use resources transmitting to the VPN’s server using the application.
Often the more functional and simpler the application the fewer resources it will use. Always choose style over substance if the app is easy to use.
Speed
Chances are if you are using an Android mobile application you are going to be connecting wirelessly, for browsing or streaming. More data-heavy usage is reserved for computers.
If you can ping test your starting speed connected to your internet without a VPN and then ping again when connected using your VPN.
All the providers in our Top 5 list have shown they can maintain fast speeds consistently.
Another factor to bear in mind is location. Servers for some providers in Asia and Latin America can be slower. So, make sure you test and check these first. All reputable VPNs will give you 7-60 days for a money-back guarantee, so check it all out in the first week before deciding.
Streaming and Torrenting
A torrent is a file you download to watch later, while a stream is real-time media. If you are traveling or going somewhere where the internet connection is spotty, you can download media files onto your phone to watch later.
Get a VPN that has high-speed servers, or even better P2P servers which are specifically configured for downloading and uploading.
Application Quality
Finding a quality Android application is not as easy as you would think. Often mobile applications will have reduced functionality compared to web applications because your usage is simplified.
But it should be easy to use, intuitive and snappy. Allowing you to connect quickly. Some applications will have an inbuilt kill switch that stops the internet if your VPN freezes, and you can even set others to start as soon as your phone is on.
Finally, you want an application that is easy to navigate and has all the functions you want. Again, a nice-looking app is great only if it does everything you want it to do.
Top 5 Best VPNs for Android
SurfShark
SurfShark ranks top 1 on our list of the best VPNs for Android. It works well with any device most especially with Android.
They have a rigorous zero logs policy, which has been tested, and are an outspoken voice for internet privacy and personal freedom. With over 3,200 servers in 65+ countries, you can also be sure that wherever you are in the world, you are never far from a super-fast connection.
SurfShark has also modified 1,000 of its servers specifically for P2P and super-fast streaming.
The application is super easy to use. With the familiar one tap the on/Off function for your VPN. You also have an in-built kill switch and can tell the app to secure any Wi-Fi service before your phone connects. It also lets you have the option to favorite your chosen servers so you can quickly connect next time, as well as heaps of additional options to configure security and connection.
You can use SurfShark on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
For a more detailed review, read our SurfShark VPN review, and also learn How to Install SurfShark on Firestick.
Grab your subscription now!
NordVPN
NordVPN is the most downloaded VPN for Android with over 10 million installations. It offers an impressive mobile experience. The company’s reputation puts it’s it at the top 5 of any list regarding VPN providers.
NordVPN is amazing with 5,000+ servers in 60+ countries. You can enjoy military-style encryption. It also offers a host of additional features like Cyber Sec that blocks malicious websites and malware. NordVPN also offers a Double VPN that gives you the option to route your connection through 2 VPN servers and make your IP untraceable.
You get a 7-day free trial with the Android App. It uses a similar style seen in a few big names. A simple on/Off button connects you to the server which is best for you. Depending on your criteria. You can pick the fastest or go and find another server manually.
You can also connect the application to Android TV, or access P2P-supported servers for fast torrents. What we really liked about NordVPN is they seem to be taking the time to reply to every comment posted on the Google Play Store and we saw evidence of them implementing fixes suggested by the community
You can connect 6 simultaneous devices.
Read our NordVPN review to know more about this VPN
How to Isntall NordVPN on Firestick
Grab your subscription now!
ReviewVPN cannot attest to the legality, security and privacy of the applications discussed on this site. It is highly recommended that you use a VPN service while streaming or using Kodi. Currently, your IP 216.73.216.1 is visible to everyone and your Browser is being tracked by Advertisers & ISP Provider. Here are the main reasons why you must use a VPN: A VPN works be replacing your ISP-assigned IP address and creating an encrypted tunnel. We recommend the no log service offered by IPVanish. It works well on a Firestick and offers the fastest possible speeds.
YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITY IS BEING WATCHED
IPVanish
IPVanish makes almost any list of the Top 5 for VPNs. With a great reputation for customer service, stability, and speed. They also differentiate themselves by owning all their infrastructure. From the VPN servers to the DNS and in-house technology team. Many VPN providers use third-party providers which can present a security risk. Third parties can be motivated to sell data to advertisers.
You can access 40,000+ IP addresses in 70+ countries. Unlike other providers, IPVanish uses IP Sharing, which means multiple users look like they are using the same IP. This helps to keep your browsing history safe, as even in the unlikely case that your IP is tracked, there is no possible way to distinguish your traffic from anybody else’s.
The mobile application offers a host of cool functions, including being able to monitor your connection speeds, advanced security features including the type of security protocol you want to use with your connection, and an easy one-click quick connect function. IPVanish will also automatically secure an unsecured Wi-Fi connection and encrypts everything you do online including your emails and messages sent through other applications.
Their security is the maximum level of encryption used by the US military, and they are one of the few providers who offer 24/7 assistance via online chat or a telephone number.
Read our IPVanish review to know more.
How to Install IPVanish on Firestick
Grab your subscription now!
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is the only provider to make our list that has a free as well as a premium service. With the free service, you get a generous 10GB data allowance per month and access to 3 servers. Normally you would get 3-5 locations.
What we love about Atlas VPN is the tonnes of functionality that you get with their paid service.
You can access 750+ servers across different countries with paid plans and a solid zero-log policy to boot. The app also lets you see the usage and speed of all country’s servers, allowing you to connect to the fastest server or find one with the least used one in your region.
You can also access special servers which have been specially configured to just use with Netflix and get the best speeds.
The application is fun, easy to use, and has easy on/off buttons for all those juicy extra features.
To learn more, read our Atlas VPN review.
Grab your subscription now!
ExpressVPN
Not far behind NordVPN is ExpressVPN commonly thought of as the Number 1 VPN provider. Another provider has gone to great lengths to give a great mobile experience. One noticeable difference from NordVPN is you can not attach commonly used applications that connect to the internet to the connection screen and connect directly through their app. Make sure your connection is encrypted.
This is a great feature if say, you use WhatsApp which may connect unencrypted using your mobile data. Apart from that, the app is clean and easy to use with a similar on/Off button. But you can also speed test local servers prior to connecting which is very cool. Allowing you to check if the server you are automatically connected to is the fastest.
Take advantage of 3,700+ servers in 90+ countries to access some of the best speeds around. ExpressVPN is often touted as one of the fastest VPN providers. With constant speeds across the world.
Another cool feature is split tunneling, where you can choose what application uses a VPN service and what can be white-labeled where the connection is not secured. You also get an inbuilt kill switch.
How to Install Express VPN on Firestick
Grab your subscription now!
Install SurfShark on Firestick with Screenshots
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.
2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.
3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.
4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.
5. Press the Download (You own it) button.
6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.
7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.
8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.
9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.
10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.
Learn more about Surfshark and Grab the Best Surfshark Deal Now!
FAQs
Why should I use a VPN on Android?
Chances are you use public Wi-Fi all the time on your mobile. This stops you from eating into your data plan and allows you to stream to your heart’s content.
Problem is that hackers and malicious agents also monitor public Wi-Fi connections and can use snooping applications to try and phish for data, and passwords and intercept traffic.
Using a VPN with an Android device keeps your connection secure and may also allow you to get the fastest speeds by anonymizing your requests. Public Wi-Fi actively throttles, to prevent tonnes of people from streaming and using all the bandwidth.
A VPN like SurfShark on Android will also secure everything that is connected or being sent over the internet like emails, instant messages, credit card details, and even passwords.
Using a VPN on Android keeps your data secure and your privacy intact, wherever you go and no matter how dodgy the public Wi-Fi is.
What are the Best Free VPNs for Android?
We’ve already highlighted probably the best freemium VPN out there is Atlas VPN. But we hasten to add that the best VPN providers are the ones you pay for. Even with Atlas VPN, you are going to get severely reduced functionality and only enough data for general day-to-day browsing.
What are the best VPNs for Android?
The best VPNs for Android are SurfShark, NordVPN, IPVanish, Atlas VPN, and Express VPN.
Conclusion
There are thousands of brands for VPNs out there. But only a few are really trust worthy and make it to our top 5 for Android.
We always recommend using SurfShark but you can also consider others like Nord, IPVanish, Atlas VPN and Express VPN.
