Best VPN for Android 2023: 10 (un)paid options

by Vít Nováček, updated January 1, 2023

VPN apps on mobile phones protect users from third-party tracking, advertising, and internet trackers. An activated VPN will also provide better security when connecting to unsecured wi-fi networks.

We have ranked the best VPNs for Android primarily based on the features the apps offer, overall reliability and user-friendliness, connection speed, country offerings, and device support.

You can try all the VPNs for free or get your money back during the guarantee period.

Top 10: Best VPNs for Android 2023

1. NordVPN: High speed and premium features included

   • Few application languages
   • Average number of devices connecting simultaneously

   • NordVPN is independently audited
   • The app offers superior features
   • Unblock streaming services
   • High connection speed

   Get this VPN 75% cheaper

   • Price: $3.19
   • Devices included: 6
   • Number of servers: 5,570
   • Number of countries: 59
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
   • Web: NordVPN, NordVPN reviews

   NordVPN’s protection tops our rankings. We appreciate its superior feature set, large number of servers, high speeds, and above-average ability to unblock streaming services.

   The range of 59 countries is perfectly adequate. In addition to the Android app, it supports others, not only desktop devices but also selected routers, for example. Moreover, you can use NordVPN’s VPN protection on up to 6 devices simultaneously.

   NordVPN’s only weakness is the app’s four-language localisation, but otherwise, NordVPN for Android is an intuitive and easy VPN for more than the most casual use.

   The whitelist, or split tunneling, and kill switch features are available in the Android app, though you need to set the kill switch directly in the device settings. Using the split tunneling feature, you can set up connections outside of the VPN for individual apps.

   As abonus, the NordVPN Android app offers sensitive data leak checking (such as login credentials), dangerous site blocking, and protection from fraudulent apps. These features will help protect even less experienced users.

   Connection speeds through NordVPN are good – both in nearby locations and in more distant countries. NordVPN can unblock not only censorship and blocked sites but also libraries of streaming services.

   NordVPN’s price is higher than the competitors in our rankings, but you can take advantage of promotional offers where the VPN is at a better price. The NordVPN discount is around the clock for all students.

2. Surfshark: Excellent value for money

   • A lower number of countries than the best-competing VPNs

   • A large range of advanced features
   • Favorable price
   • Ability to unblock streaming services
   • No limit on the number of connected devices

   Get this VPN 81% cheaper

   • Price: $2.05
   • Devices included: 999
   • Number of servers: 3,200
   • Number of countries: 97
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
   • Web: Surfshark, Surfshark reviews

   Surfshark came out as the second-best VPN for Android in our comparison. Like NordVPN, Surfshark VPN offers many added features but lost essential points due to the fewer countries offered (97). In addition, although the number of simultaneously connected devices is unlimited, to use the 7 days free trial, you must fill in a payment method (usually a card number).

   Surfshark supports numerous devices, in addition to Android, such as iOS, macOS, and Windows, or selected routers and smart TVs.

   Among the advanced features, Surfshark offers blocking of ads, trackers, malicious code, and phishing attempts. For example, the camouflage mode feature for covert VPN use can come in handy when your employer blocks VPN connections. Of course, the kill switch and whitelist feature that Surfshark offers under the name Bypasser is a must-have for this position.

   The menu of 3,200 servers and 97 countries is sufficient for most users. Compared to other VPNs, Surfshark offers excellent value for the money.

   The speed of Surfshark VPN is suitable for all everyday uses, including streaming. In addition, Surfshark can unblock and allow access to foreign libraries.

   In addition to VPN, Surfshark also offers antivirus, a private search engine, and control of sensitive data leaked on the internet. These features and VPN are a part of the Surfshark One subscription.

3. CyberGhost VPN: Wide selection of countries and servers

   • Average number of devices

   • Good selection of servers and countries
   • Trial version without having to enter payment details
   • Interesting, advanced features
   • Friendly price

   Get this VPN 81% cheaper

   • Price: $2.29
   • Devices included: 7
   • Number of servers: 9,690
   • Number of countries: 89
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 45 days
   • Web: CyberGhost VPN, Cyberghost VPN reviews

   Romanian company CyberGhost is one of the leading VPN providers with a long history. The CyberGhost Android VPN app is a popular and highly rated app on the Google Play Store. In the app, you will find ad-blocking, tracker, and malware-blocking features in addition to the split tunnel whitelist. Furthermore, the kill switch feature is available through settings on the device.

   With CyberGhost VPN, you can secure up to 7 devices at a time. Whitelist functionality is available in the app for individual apps on the device. CyberGhost has 9,690 servers and a menu of 89 countries, making it one of the largest VPNs.

   You can try CyberGhost’s VPN before buying it for 24 hours. In case of dissatisfaction, you can request a refund within 45 days of purchase. In addition to VPN, CyberGhost offers subscription-based antivirus protection, automatic device updates, and privacy settings for Windows devices. CyberGhost also offers a password manager for browsers and mobile devices.

   If you want a VPN for streaming, CyberGhost offers dedicated servers for streaming services that will also unlock foreign streaming content.

   Connection speeds should also be fast enough without noticeable slowdowns. CyberGhost’s VPN pricing is reasonable, especially for promotional offers and extended subscription periods.

4. Private Internet Access: High number of available servers

   • It does not unblock all streaming libraries
   • Longer initial setup and familiarisation with the application

   • Protects up to 999 devices simultaneously
   • Lots of features and customisation options
   • Transparency and open source
   • Good value for the money

   Get this VPN 81% cheaper

   • Price: $1.74
   • Devices included: 999
   • Number of servers: 35,400
   • Number of countries: 78
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
   • Web: Private Internet Access, review Private Internet Access

   Private Internet Access (PIA) is another well-known VPN with over ten years of history. It is characterized in particular by a good range of features also available for Android, open source codes, and overall transparency

   It is possible to connect above average 999 devices simultaneously. In addition to Android, the apps are also available for iOS, macOS, and Windows, select routers, smart TVs, and more.

   The server offering is the largest VPN, with 35,400 servers. The range of 78 countries you can connect to is also above average. Connection speeds through the VPN are good. In addition to the kill switch and whitelist features, PIA VPN also offers malware, tracker, and malicious site blocking.

   Unblocking streaming services is a strong point of PIA VPN, so you can also watch content on streaming services for foreign users.

   Private Internet Access offers a — trial version for Android and iOS in the app stores and a 30-day money-back guarantee. In addition, with a VPN PIA subscription, you get a free security alert service to notify you if your login credentials become leaked from your internet accounts.

   For an additional fee, you can get antivirus protection that is available for Windows devices or a dedicated IP address with your VPN subscription.

   The price of Private Internet Access is good with the features offered.

5. ExpressVPN: High speed and many countries for a high price

   • Only 5 devices simultaneously
   • High price compared to other VPNs

   • Excellent speed even for foreign servers
   • Multiple countries
   • Audited

   Get this VPN 49% cheaper

   • Price: $6.66
   • Devices included: 5
   • Number of servers: 3,000
   • Number of countries: 94
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
   • Web: ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN reviews

   ExpressVPN is another popular service that offers a quality VPN connection with good speeds, even when connecting to remote servers. The range of 94 countries is one of the best among VPN providers.

   Basic VPN features like a kill switch and whitelist are available in the app. Unfortunately, unlike other VPN providers, ExpressVPN does not offer tracker blocking, unsafe sites, or, for example, connecting to multiple servers simultaneously for even more privacy.

   ExpressVPN is a popular choice if you want to use a VPN primarily for streaming foreign content on streaming services or for watching foreign sports.

   ExpressVPN device and app support is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and select routers, Linux, smart TVs, and more.

   The subscription price is higher than most competitors, but you can save by purchasing as part of a promotional offer. In addition, ExpressVPN subscriptions come with a 7 days satisfaction guarantee, during which time you can receive a refund.

6. Proton VPN: Excellent privacy protection even with the free option

   • Higher price
   • A lower number of countries than the best VPNs

   • Open source apps
   • ProtonVPN is independently audited
   • Lots of features
   • Free version offer
   • Good speed

   Get this VPN 34% cheaper

   • Price: $6.63
   • Devices included: 10
   • Number of servers: 3,000
   • Number of countries: 54
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
   • Web: Proton VPN Plus, ProtonVPN reviews

   We included Swiss company ProtonVPN and its services in our ranking for its approach to privacy, user-friendly Android app, and VPN offerings for other devices as well.

   ProtonVPN also offers ProtonVPN Free alongside its paid Plus version. With ProtonVPN Plus, you get a wider range of features, the ability to use the VPN on up to 10 devices simultaneously, and faster speeds on all servers. With unlimited data transfers, ProtonVPN is a great free VPN for Android

   Even in the free VPN version, you get the critical kill switch feature that protects you from sensitive data leaks when your connection goes down. The ProtonVPN app also offers a whitelist feature. In the paid Plus subscription, you will get protection from dangerous sites, trackers, and ads, streaming support, VPN functionality with Tor, torrent protection, and multi-server connectivity.

   ProtonVPN offers an ultra-secure VPN server in Switzerland, located deep underground in a former military complex. Through this Swiss server, you can run your connection on a multiserver connection, where you get maximum protection for your connection. In addition, ultra-secure VPN servers are in Iceland and Sweden.

   The range of 54 countries and 3,000 servers is smaller than the best VPNs but still sufficient for almost all users.

   Connection speeds are good, and the ability to unblock streaming content makes Proton VPN Plus an excellent choice for streaming.

   Device support is good; the ProtonVPN app is available for the most widely used platforms. The option to connect through ProtonVPN on a router is for those not directly supporting VPN connections.

   The subscription price is higher than the competition, which cost ProtonVPN its place in the rankings. However, you can save by purchasing a two-year subscription during bargain offers and opting for the bargain Proton package. This offers well-secured email, calendar, and cloud in addition to the VPN.

7. PureVPN: Cheap VPN if you only need basic features

   • Lacks some advanced features

   • Ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
   • Good value for the money

   Get this VPN 82% cheaper

   • Price: $1.99
   • Devices included: 10
   • Number of servers: 6,500
   • Number of countries: 42
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 31 days
   • Web: PureVPN, PureVPN reviews

   PureVPN has won users over with its large selection of servers and countries, its ability to unblock streaming services, and its offering of all basic features.

   Of course, there is the kill switch feature, split tunneling for easier management of individual app connections through the VPN, and regular unprotected connections.

   PureVPN’s Android app is simple to use, and the setup is not extensive. You can set up a persistent VPN connection, and you can also choose your connection protocol.

   In addition to the Android app, PureVPN supports all major mobile and desktop devices, including Linux, routers, and smart TVs. Chrome or Mozilla browser extensions are also available.

   PureVPN offers VPN connections to 42 countries and more than 6,500 servers, making it one of the leading providers. In addition, PureVPN supports torrenting on dedicated servers. Connection speeds were good, and the ability to unblock foreign streaming service libraries made PureVPN a quality choice for streaming videos.

   The PureVPN subscription covers up to 10 devices. Furthermore, the user can purchase a dedicated IP address, port forwarding feature, or DDoS protection. For students, PureVPN offers an extra 15% discount on subscriptions.

8. HMA VPN: Widest range of countries, but lacks ad blocking

   • Ad and tracker blocking is missing
   • Does not support WireGuard protocol

   • Largest selection of countries among VPNs
   • Trial version
   • Wi-Fi security scan and automatically changing IP addresses

   Get this VPN 70% cheaper

   • Price: $2.33
   • Devices included: 5
   • Number of servers: 1,050
   • Number of countries: 218
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
   • Web: HMA VPN, HMA VPN reviews

   HMA may be in the UK, but it is under the umbrella of Avast, a Czech cyber company with more than fifteen years of experience. HMA has the advantage of offering advanced features to enhance your online protection and privacy.

   The HMA app is easy to use, offering automatic connections on selected internet networks. You can connect to the fastest server in your area with one click. In addition, you can save your favourite servers for faster access, and the HMA app for Android is available in 27 languages

   The HMA app is easy to use, offering automatic connections on selected internet networks. With one click, you can connect to the fastest server in your area. You can save your favorite servers for faster access. The HMA app for Android is available in 28 languages.

   The HMA Android app offers a kill switch and whitelist for each app, a wi-fi security check, and regular IP address changes while connected to the VPN. In addition, DNS protection against data leaks is a given with HMA. Finally, with an HMA connection, you receive protection from DDoS attacks.

   In addition to VPN for Android, HMA offers apps for iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, Apple TV, router, and game consoles.

   The largest selection with 218 countries would be enough for every user. The number of 1,050 servers is below average, but the connection speed test showed this is not a problem. HMA also offers dedicated streaming servers that unblocked all streaming services in our test.

   HMA subscriptions are offered for one month, one year, two years (for a ten-device subscription), or three years. Additionally, you can choose between supporting five or ten connected devices simultaneously. In addition to the option to try the VPN for 7 days free, HMA guarantees a 30 days money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

9. AdGuard VPN: A solid VPN for Android for free

   • Proprietary AdGuard protocol only
   • A low country selection

   • A good connection even on weak Wi-Fi
   • Speed of connection and data transfer

   Get this VPN 80% cheaper

   • Price: $2.40
   • Devices included: 10
   • Number of servers: 1,000
   • Number of countries: 59
   • Kill Switch: Yes
   • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
   • Web: AdGuard VPN, AdGuard VPN reviews

   AdGuard is one of the youngest VPN services. However, the eponymous company AdGuard has been known for quite some time for its ad blocker, so it is certainly no newcomer to privacy protection.

   We ranked AdGuard VPN among the best VPNs for Android for its simplicity and connection speed. Plus, AdGuard VPN Free for Android free with 3 GB per month of data per month is a good fit for users who do not want to spend on a subscription. However, the free version has fewer servers and lower connection speeds. Also, it does not support streaming in the free VPN version.

   We ranked AdGuard VPN among the best VPNs for Android for its simplicity and connection speed. Plus, with AdGuard VPN for Android free with 3GB of data per month, it’s a good fit for users who don’t want to spend on a subscription. The free version is limited by fewer servers and lower connection speeds. Also, streaming is not supported in the free VPN version.

   The app is simple to use, offering whitelist settings for websites and apps. In the settings, you can set up automatic connections on wi-fi or mobile data and choose which networks are trusted.

   In the paid version, you can choose from 59 countries. It is not much, but since AdGuard is a newcomer among VPNs, you can expect to see gradual growth. In the free version, you can then choose from 11 countries. Currently, AdGuard only has 1,000 servers, but the number will grow as the VPN grows.

   You can always find the servers with the fastest speeds in your area at the top of the server overview. Among the features, there is a kill switch, and thanks to AdGuard’s special DNS servers, you can block ads and your devices from being tracked.

   In addition to AdGuard VPN on Android, you can also protect iOS, Windows, and macOS devices. It also offers Edge, Firefox, and Chrome browser extensions. Within a single subscription, you can protect up to 10 devices

   The app is capable of unblocking streaming services. However, they are actively fighting VPNs and improving the detection of such connections, so only time will tell if AdGuard will hold up in the long run.

   AdGuard VPN subscriptions are on a monthly, annual, and two-year basis. A 30 days money-back guarantee for annual and two-year subscriptions.

10. TunnelBear: Does not unblock Netflix but offers free VPN for Android

    • Block ads and trackers only as a browser extension
    • High price with no money-back guarantee
    • Application languages available

    • Simple Android VPN app
    • Offers free VPN for Android
    • Good speed

    Get this VPN 67% cheaper

    • Price: $3.33
    • Devices included: 5
    • Number of servers: 2,600
    • Number of countries: 49
    • Kill Switch: Yes
    • Money-Back Guarantee: —
    • Web: TunnelBear VPN Unlimited, TunnelBear Unlimited VPN review

    TunnelBear offers a user-friendly Android VPN app in terms of usage. You will find the basic kill switch and whitelist functions, which in TunnelBear are called VigilantBear and SplitBear. TunnelBear also offers an advanced GhostBear feature that hides VPN usage.

    TunnelBear’s VPN is available on the most widely used desktop and mobile platforms. You can also download VPNs as an extension to Firefox or many other browsers via the Chrome Web Store

    The range of 49 countries and more than 2,600 servers will satisfy most users. You can use VPN TunnelBear on 5 devices simultaneously. In addition, TunnelBear VPN is suitable for unblocking streaming services, allowing you to watch content not commonly available in our country.

    In addition to the paid version, the company offers a free TunnelBear VPN Free option that will give you 0.5 GB per month to stream data every month.

    TunnelBear’s price is among the more expensive VPNs. A 70% TunnelBear discount is available for students.

❓ Android VPN FAQ