Best Android VPN Apps 2022
The Best Android VPN Apps 2022 | Android VPN
Best Android VPN: Want the best VPN and benefit from its security and geo-unblocking properties even on your smartphone? Lucky for you, the top providers on the market always have an excellent Android VPN in their arsenal, which means you can equip your smartphone, tablet, and any other device with it.
While promoting a more secure connection when online, the best Android VPN will use encryption and other privacy features to ensure that your information remains under lock and key. Better still, by switching your IP address, it can give you access to geo-restricted apps and other online content.
From easy customer support and easy-to-use interface to nifty security smarts and extra features, we've rounded up the best Android VPN providers for your mobile or tablet.
How To Choose The Best Android VPN app
A dedicated Android VPN app should definitely be as user-friendly as possible. Make sure it supports your version of Android, with most going back at least to Pie and generally going beyond that. And below we have also explained which are the best for accessing foreign Netflix and other streaming content.
It's also worth noting that while you look at all of the VPN services listed below in the Google Play Store, we recommend that you take a closer look at them and sign up directly as you'll probably find a better offer on each provider's website. Will secure Make sure you get the best possible price.
- The Best VPN In 2022
- The Best Cheap VPN In 2022
- The Best Netflix VPN In 2022
- The Best Youtube VPN In 2022
- Best Gaming VPN In 2022
- The Best iPad VPN In 2022
- The Best iPhone VPN In 2022
- The Best Android VPN In 2022
- The Best Mac VPN In 2022
Best Android VPN Apps 2022
1. ExpressVPN
PROS
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Top marks across the board
- Easy to run on almost any platform
- Speedy VPN servers in 90+ countries
- Strong on encryption and unblocking
- Superb 24/7 live customer support
CONS
- Expensive
- Fewer simultaneous connections than some
- Above-average prices
| ExpressVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 3,000+ |
| Server locations | 160 |
| Countries | 94 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 5 |
ExpressVPN is fast. Fast, with great connection speeds on servers in multiple countries. And that's even when we're using the default OpenVPN protocol in our tests – they get even faster with the above Lightwave option turned on.
In terms of additional features, ExpressVPN goes above and beyond. Bitcoin payments, P2P support, kill switch, DNS leak protection, solid and reliable performance, and a clear no-logging policy have been verified by independent auditors. That's all and the company is constantly innovating, at the same time, giving its users the benefits of a more general online security presence like a cookie-blocking threat manager.
It is worth knowing about this VPN provider's excellent levels of customer support. The support website is filled with detailed guides and tutorials to get you up and running. And if you run into any problems, there is 24/7 live chat support to answer your questions. It works too - we consistently get helpful responses from a knowledgeable support agent within minutes of posting our questions.
Frankly, we don't hide the fact of how highly we rate ExpressVPN. It's very simple... it's the best VPN you can get in almost every scenario. That said, it would be an apology for us not to talk about ExpressVPN's 'exciting' week in August 2021. First, it announced that it was acquired by Cape Technologies, which owns CyberGhost and PIA, and has a somewhat controversial history. Then a few days later it was revealed that its CIO had been fined for previous hacking charges. TechRadar's view doesn't seem particularly prominent - though we understand why they rattled some cages in the VPN world - and we see no current reason to stop recommending this provider.
2. NordVPN
PROS
- Uses WireGuard VPN technology
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Unparalleled security smarts
- Great at most unblocking
- Improved further with NordLynx protocol
- Great value subscription options
CONS
- Expensive
- Occasionally cramped interface
| NordVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 5,300+ |
| Server locations | 80+ |
| Countries | 60 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 6 |
Perhaps the most recognized name in the VPN business and now a veteran of 10 years in the business, NordVPN lives up to its high reputation. It excels in every area you want to take into account when choosing your new service and is only a shade behind ExpressVPN in our scoring.
For starters, the level of security NordVPN has been impressing us with for some time now. Offering AES-256 as standard, you also have the option of turning on its Double VPN system, where all your internet traffic is encrypted not once, but twice. It's easy to know where your internet anonymity is of paramount importance such as when you're on public Wi-Fi or, perhaps, torrenting.
Like its main competitor above, other features include strong DNS leak protection, a kill switch (application-specific and system-wide), proxy extensions for the Chrome and Firefox browsers, and payment options that include Bitcoin, PayPal, and credit cards. It is also helping to lead the charge as VPNs become more like traditional virus protection, including tools like threat protection.
And Nord nets ExpressVPN the best on the server count, cranking out an eye-watering 5,000 (in 60 countries) while allowing up to six simultaneous connections.
The provider's custom NordLink protocol has certainly been a fascinating development over the past year or so. This has helped make Nord's connection speeds some of the fastest and more reliable we've recorded, even on servers that are further away.
3. Private Internet Access
PROS
- So many servers
- Feature-filled apps
- New features added
- Good value security audit
CONS
- Unusual login system
- No free version
| Private Internet Access Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon, Player |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 10,000+ |
| Server locations | 100 |
| Countries | 78 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 10 |
It may not be the fastest VPN, cheapest, or most powerful, but Private Internet Access (often stylized as PIA) is still a likable VPN provider to justify a spot on your shortlist. Has more than enough facilities.
Its most notable claim from recent VPN reviews is the massive increase in PIA's server count. It took things from a simple 2,000ish to an almost bottomless 30,000+. The latest count we've been told is over 10,000, which still puts it ahead of the rest in terms of net server numbers.
It certainly sounds impressive, but it just wouldn't be worth something without a quality VPN client and a wealth of security smarts. Thankfully, PIA offers a healthy mix of privacy features and security protocols (including WireGuard) - this extends to its first-rate Chrome extension, which works to block location access, third-party cookies, website referrers, and more. Adds option.
Whether you intend to use your VPN mostly on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or perhaps a mix, they are all reliable, easy to use, with more features than most. It's not just us saying this, as user reviews on the App Store and Play Store are generally really positive. And there's support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, so it's easy to cover pretty much all of your devices on one reasonable subscription.
The reason PIA climbed in our ranking of the top VPNs is that it continues to improve. Since our last round of testing, it's added SmartDNS to its list of features - another string in its bow to help you watch region-restricted content.
Frankly speaking, PIA currently doesn't even come close to making it to our list of the fastest VPNs. It's not the slowest and won't stop you significantly for most 'normal' web activity. But for edge-seeking gamers, streamers who hate the slightest hint of buffering, and don't want to roam torrents, perhaps you should go by one of the better/faster options on this list.
4. Surfshark
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Eye-catching prices
- Unlimited devices covered
- A dream to use
- Excellent unblocking
CONS
- High monthly price
- Confusing long-term subscription pricing
- Middling speed test results
| Surfshark Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 3,200+ |
| Server locations | 100+ |
| Countries | 65 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | Unlimited |
We understand that the available prices for Surfshark are the factor that will stand out the most when considering a new VPN, but there's way more to like about Surfshark than just dollars and cents.
When you first visit its website, Surfshark's cool and playful branding takes software that can be a little intimidating to newbies and makes it accessible and user-friendly.
So if you're someone who gets easily confused and, eventually, put off by complicated menus and myriad options, Surfshark - like ExpressVPN above - could be the ideal VPN for you. It completely retracts its interface and keeps it free from complications. You'll only see options for 'Quick Connect' and 'All Locations', along with a Settings icon, and nothing else. Whether that level of detail (or lack thereof) is a boon or a drawback depends entirely on your point of view.
That said, Surfshark is all business when it comes to protecting you and your online identity. It has now added the new protocol to its OpenVPN UDP and TCP and IKEv2 options in the city WireGuard. In addition, Surfshark boasts a private DNS and an additional security blanket through a double VPN hop. And we found that it holds up successfully with unblocking geo-restricted access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
Coming back to price, sign up for Surfshark's two-year plan and the effective monthly cost comes in at as low as $2.50 / £2 / AUD 3.50. This is a significant difference from the VPN services sitting above in this guide.
And that too for unlimited connections. So if you plan to use your VPN to watch foreign TV on your laptop, desktop (compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux), tablet, some mobile phones (covering both iOS and Android), and Amazon Fire TV Stick Well, one account will cover you all at once. And theoretically, you could even let friends and family members use your sub.
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to try it out before committing to a longer-term.
So where does it lose points? There aren't a lot of locations, but the competition is tough these days - especially since Express and Nord have managed to improve their server speeds so much, while Surfshark only remains 'good'. And, like our testers, we've noticed the odd issue with the Surfshark kill switch. The result is far from fatal, but it doesn't quite reach the level of perfection that Express has achieved.
But it always seems like the company is trying to step up its game, and in May 2021 it completed a security assessment asking independent security consultant Cure53 to "fully investigate and evaluate the security pose exposed by Surfshark servers". Let's do it - this eventually confirmed that there was "a very solid security base in Surfshark".
5. CyberGhost
PROS
- Excellent performance levels
- Loads of features
- Speedy live chat help
- Lots of locations
CONS
- Expensive
- No third-party audit
- Confusing privacy policies
| CyberGhost Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, iPlayer |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 45 Days |
| Number of Servers | 7,500+ |
| Server locations | 105+ |
| Countries | 91 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 7 |
VPN service CyberGhost has been our favorite for some time now, and it's no surprise that it has a user base of over ten million customers. The company covers the basics well with over 7,000 servers spread across 90 countries, apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, torrent permissions, and instant live chat support.
CyberGhost shines no matter what device you plan to use it on. Beneath its clean, easy-to-follow interface is a sea of great features and functionality. For example, if you're specifically looking for streams or torrents, this will quickly connect you to the right server for you.
And additional touches like its Smart Rules panel show that CyberGhost's engineers have put some thought into the user experience. This allows you to automatically launch a particular app (such as your default browser in Incognito Mode) from your preferred server when you boot your computer. Really useful bonus.
We just need to spend a little time referencing the speeds CyberGhost demonstrated in our most recent tests. We saw connection speeds when we jumped to the WireGuard protocol, which gave NordVPN and ExpressVPN a run for their money.
Website unblocking has historically been another strong suit of CyberGhost, and we're happy to report that it has upped its game again in our streaming tests. We got access to US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus through its servers. And while we couldn't get access to exclusive Netflix content in regions like Canada and the UK, it's not uncommon or even the best VPN in 2022.
To break into the holy top five, we'd like to see CyberGhost clean up some of the rough edges we've seen. No matter the auditor not having a great support site, the Windows app keeps shutting down when it's disconnected, and it bothers us that once you've registered your seven devices, you won't be able to use CyberGhost. One has to deregister before it can happen. Another computer, phone, or other gadgets.
Android VPN FAQ
What is a VPN?
Which Is The Best Android VPN?
When it comes to the best Android VPN, ExpressVPN is at the top. It is a beautifully presented app that is very easy to install and operate but still jam-packed with handy features. Split tunneling, dedicated kill switches, and access to more than 3,000 servers are all included, along with the ability to unblock websites and gain access to foreign Netflix shows.
What Can I Do With Android VPN?
First things first, they act as an excellent first line of defense along with Android antivirus in keeping yourself safe when you're online. As mentioned above, their encrypted tunneling nature and ability to keep your IP address secret make them a great way to keep cybercriminals away – from worrying about online banking and shopping while using unfamiliar networks. There is no need for it.
But it is their resizing, geo-spoofing capabilities that have exploded the popularity of Android VPNs. The fact that you can log into a server in a different country anywhere else in the world means you don't have to miss out on stuff that you usually do on your mobile/tablet for a vacation or business abroad. stream during.
And they have proven to be a great way to get around blocked websites. Where mobile is concerned, using WhatsApp as well as other sites and services in China is a great example. The state may have blocked some of the big hitters, but they can't do anything about it when you use their Android VPN app to pretend you're in another country entirely!
What Devices Can I Use Android VPN?
From your Samsung Galaxy S21 to your Lenovo Tab P11 Pro, Android VPNs are primed and ready to work with all modern smartphones and tablets running the OS.
If you're a few generations behind (still using that trusty old Samsung Galaxy Note 8?) for example, the NordVPN app is still compatible with devices running Marshmallow, while ExpressVPN and Surfshark go well beyond Lollipop.
Should I Get a Free VPN App for Android?
Even a quick dip into the Play Store menu will reveal that there are a ridiculous amount of free apps available that you can download. Some will be fine, some will be far from fine, but none will be excellent.
If you don't use your VPN app a lot, we'd suggest just going for a freebie. Otherwise, you'll soon hit annoying usage restrictions and feel pretty damn fast that the free versions only have a handful of servers (as opposed to the 5,000+ odd-even providers like NordVPN offers). And when you consider that the cost of downloading Surfshark is less than $2.50 per month, you can get your hands on one of the best Android VPNs in your pocket.
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