In today’s connected world, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for maintaining privacy and security, especially on mobile devices like Android phones and tablets. Whether you're streaming, gaming, or browsing, a reliable VPN can protect your data while ensuring fast and uninterrupted connectivity.
Here’s a roundup of the best VPNs for Android in 2025, complete with options for every need.
Why Use a VPN for Android?
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, offering privacy from hackers, ISPs, and other prying eyes. They are particularly useful for accessing geo-restricted content and maintaining secure connections over public Wi-Fi.
Android VPNs are tailored to work seamlessly with your smartphone or tablet, ensuring ease of use without compromising security.
Top VPNs for Android Devices in 2025
1. NordVPN
Pros
- Outstanding speeds (maintained 72% of base internet speed in tests).
- A user-friendly Android app with a map-based server selection interface.
- Robust privacy measures backed by independent no-logs audits.
Cons
- Higher subscription costs compared to competitors.
- Lacks certain niche features like split tunneling in some regions.
NordVPN stands out as the top choice for Android users due to its combination of speed, security, and intuitive design. With over 6,000 servers in 110 countries, it provides consistent performance for streaming, gaming, and more. The app is equipped with features like Meshnet, P2P support, and multi-hop connections, alongside extras like ad-blocking and malware protection.
Why Choose NordVPN
NordVPN combines top-tier speed, robust security, and an intuitive app design, making it a well-rounded choice for Android users. Its pricing starts at $11.99/month, with significant discounts on annual and bi-annual plans. Additionally, it offers features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and multi-hop connections for enhanced user control.
Who is NordVPN Best For
Ideal for Android users seeking a fast, feature-rich VPN with excellent privacy measures.
For more on securing your Android device, check out how to fix Android phone charging issues.
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Maintains over 72% of base internet speeds.
- Wide compatibility with non-Android devices.
Cons
- Relatively higher cost.
- Limited advanced customization options for Android.
ExpressVPN combines simplicity and speed, making it an excellent choice for users of all experience levels. With a clean and intuitive interface, features like split tunneling and a kill switch, and support for nearly every device, it’s a versatile VPN for Android users.
While a bit pricey, ExpressVPN ensures comprehensive coverage for multiple devices. It’s perfect for users who value both performance and simplicity.
Why Choose ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN stands out for its exceptional ease of use, high-speed servers, and seamless compatibility across multiple devices. Pricing starts at $12.95/month, with discounts available for 6-month and annual plans. Its extensive server network spans 94 countries, ensuring minimal latency and excellent streaming capabilities.
Who is ExpressVPN Best For
Perfect for users who value simplicity and speed across a variety of platforms, not just Android.
3. CyberGhost
Pros
- User-friendly interface ideal for first-time users.
- Generous money-back guarantee.
- Affordable long-term plans.
Cons
- Limited advanced features for power users.
- Speeds may vary depending on server location.
CyberGhost is an excellent option for users new to VPNs. Its Android app boasts a simple design and helpful features like streaming-optimized servers and split tunneling. While it lacks some advanced features, its affordability makes it a fantastic starting point.
Why Choose CyberGhost
CyberGhost’s intuitive design and beginner-friendly features make it easy for first-time VPN users to secure their Android devices. With plans starting at $12.99/month and discounted multi-year options, it’s a budget-friendly choice. Its specialized servers for streaming and torrenting add great value for specific use cases.
Who is CyberGhost Best For
Ideal for VPN beginners who want a straightforward, affordable solution for Android.
4. Mullvad
Pros
- Best for pseudo anonymity with no personal data required.
- Supports multiple payment options, including cash and Bitcoin.
- Maintains decent speeds (57% of base speed in tests).
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features available in competitors.
- Speeds may not meet high-performance requirements for certain tasks.
For users prioritizing anonymity, Mullvad VPN offers unmatched privacy features. Unlike most VPNs, it doesn’t require an email for registration. Payments can be made via cash or cryptocurrency, further enhancing your anonymity.
Pair Mullvad with secure browsing practices like using strong passwords. Need help generating one? Try this random password generator.
Why Choose Mullvad
Mullvad offers unparalleled anonymity with no email registration required and multiple anonymous payment options, including cash and cryptocurrency. It charges a flat fee of €5 per month, making it one of the most affordable options for privacy enthusiasts. Its no-nonsense approach to user security is a standout feature.
Who is Mullvad Best For
Best suited for privacy enthusiasts who prioritize anonymity over additional features.
5. ProtonVPN
Pros
- Supports TOR over VPN.
- Reliable and transparent no-logs policy.
- Comprehensive suite of privacy tools.
Cons
- High subscription cost for premium features.
- Limited free plan server options compared to competitors.
ProtonVPN offers a robust alternative for privacy-conscious users, with strong encryption and extra features like Secure Core for multi-hop connections. While its free plan is a highlight, the premium tiers unlock advanced options suitable for tech-savvy Android users.
Why Choose ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN combines strong encryption with advanced privacy tools, offering a comprehensive suite for security-conscious users. It provides a free tier with limited servers and paid plans starting at $9.99/month. The premium plans include features like Secure Core and multi-hop VPNs for an extra layer of protection.
Who is ProtonVPN Best For
Great for users who seek advanced privacy features and don’t mind paying for premium protection.
What To Look for in a VPN for Android
One of the first things you should look for when shopping around for a VPN is the number of servers and locations. Learn more about why server locations matter in our detailed guide to VPN server performance.
It’s difficult to judge any VPN by just one feature, but a semi-reliable way to tell if a VPN is even worth your time is to look at the server network. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations will do.
The next thing to consider is a VPN’s speed. Learn how to evaluate VPN performance in our guide to testing VPN speeds. This may be tricky to do since you aren’t likely to be able to test connection speeds without paying to use the service.
Reading reviews online will give you a general estimate. Look for reviews, that give you a relative average of connection speeds rather than direct Mbps speed comparisons.
You’ll also want to read up on a VPN’s privacy protections. For a deeper understanding, check out our guide to no-logs policies and privacy audits.
Does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone any independent audits of its servers? Where is the VPN company located? All of these will give you an idea of whether or not a VPN is transparent with its data collection policies and if it’s subject to government data sharing requirements.
Other factors you’ll want to take into consideration are the overall ease-of-use, user experience, and any additional features. Some of these features, such as split-tunneling and kill switches, can be extremely useful for certain purposes and might sway your subscription decision one way or the other.
Finally, as with all subscription services, you’ll want to review the price of a VPN service. Do you want a monthly or yearly subscription? Some top VPNs might be pricey month-to-month, but actually become quite affordable with long-term plans.
That’s it for this roundup of the top Android VPNs. If you want to take a look at more VPN services check out PCWorld’s best VPN roundup. While the reviews are focused on PC, almost all of the services I’ve covered offer an Android app as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VPN?
Are VPNs legal to use?
How do VPNs work on Android?
What features should I look for in an Android VPN?
Can I use one VPN subscription on multiple devices?
Do VPNs affect internet speed?
For additional tips on safeguarding your smartphone, explore our guide on protecting your Android device from crashes.
Whether you prioritize speed, privacy, or ease of use, the right VPN can enhance your Android experience in 2025. From the feature-packed NordVPN to the beginner-friendly CyberGhost, these services cater to a range of needs. Evaluate your requirements and choose the one that aligns best with your lifestyle.
For more insights into the best apps and tools for Android, discover our curated list of the best strategy games for Android.
