What's the best VPN for Android?

VPN
1

I want to improve privacy and also access streaming sites on my Android phone (Samsung Galaxy), and it seems that the best way to do so is by using a VPN. Unfortunately there are tons of different opinions as to what is the best VPN for Android, so I’m looking for advice on Reddit.

After looking at all the options, I narrowed my list to 5 top Android VPNs, but I still don’t know which one to choose. I also don’t have enough time to try them all out. And for those wondering, I’ve already tried a few free services, but I found them limited at best, while some also compromised my security.

1. NordVPN - Seems like the best VPN for Android

The general consensus seems to be that NordVPN can unlock nearly every website and streaming platform. It also offers some impressive privacy and security features, along with very fast speeds. On Android phones, NordVPN support WireGuard protocol (NordLynx), which is an important feature for me. Overall this VPN seems well-rounded and affordable.

  • Based in Panama
  • 6,800+ servers in 113 countries worldwide
  • Dedicated Android VPN app
  • Supports router installation
  • Provides cutting-edge NordLynx and IKEv2/IPsec protocol
  • Obfuscation lets you camouflage your VPN traffic
  • High-end AES-256 encryption secures all outgoing data
  • Audited VPN with a strict no-logs policy
  • RAM servers ensure complete privacy
  • Threat Protection feature blocks trackers, intrusive ads, and malware domains
  • Multiple leak protection features and a kill switch prevent your identity from leaking
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 customer support via live chat
  • 30-day money-back policy
  • Starting price: $2.99/month (see the Reddit coupon offer below)

NordVPN 74% off Coupon: https://nordvpn.com/reddit-offer

2. Surfshark - Android VPN with unlimited connections

Surfshark seems like another great option as I’m on a tight budget. It also uses WireGuard, so I guess speed and performance won’t be a problem, even on remote servers. Have any of you guys used it on your Android phone?

  • Based in the Netherlands
  • 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide
  • Can access restricted websites and streaming sites like Hulu
  • No-logs VPN app with RAM servers
  • Dedicated Android app
  • IP Rotator periodically switches your IP to maintain privacy
  • Uses AES-256 encryption
  • Utilizes both WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols
  • CleanWeb removes ads, trackers, and malware
  • Can be installed on routers
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day refund policy
  • Starting price: $2.19/month

Surfshark coupon: https://surfshark.com/deals/coupon

3. Proton VPN - Swiss VPN with good Android app

I’ve read that Proton VPN is fast, secure, and has a native Android app. However, it lacks RAM servers, and I am not sure how good this is for my privacy. Aside from that, it seems like a pretty good Android VPN.

  • Located in Switzerland (top privacy jurisdiction)
  • 9,100+ servers in 112 countries
  • Dedicated app for Android devices
  • Uses advanced WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols
  • AES-256 encryption scrambles your outgoing traffic
  • Stealth protocol provides obfuscation
  • Offers 10 simultaneous connections
  • 30-day refund guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat customer support
  • Starting price: $3.59/month with coupon below

Proton VPN Coupon: https://protonvpn.com/coupon

4. ExpressVPN - Maybe the most secure Android VPN?

ExpressVPN has been thoroughly audited and is hailed as a classic VPN. Still, I have my doubts if it’s Lightway protocol can compete with WireGuard. Did anyone compare these two protocols? Besides that, ExpressVPN is quite expensive, so I’ll probably look elsewhere.

  • Located in the British Virgin Islands
  • Global network of 3,200+ servers in 105 countries
  • Native Android app
  • Easy access to geo-restricted websites
  • Relies on AES-256 encryption
  • Follows a strict no-logs policy
  • Successfully completed 19+ independent audits
  • Lightway protocol gives instant server connection
  • Uses RAM servers that wipe user data
  • 8 simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day refund guarantee
  • Starting price: $8.32/mo.

5. IPVanish

At a glance, IPVanish seems like a lesser version of Surfshark. There are fewer servers and it is also located in the US (which surely isn’t too good for privacy). Has anyone here tested its performance on remote servers? What do you think about its Android VPN app?

  • Based in the US
  • Has 2,400+ servers in 50+ countries
  • Comes with Android app
  • Military-grade AES-256 encryption
  • Uses WireGuard and IKEv2 to provide solid performance
  • Verified no-logs VPN
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Starting price: $2.19/mo.

Gotta say, I’m still not certain which VPN is best for Android. Hopefully you all have some advice, so let’s hear it! :slight_smile:

2

I switched to NordVPN after trying out both ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN. For my Android device, and specifically Samsung Galaxies, I found the NordVPN app to perform way better than the other two VPNs I tried. It was more stable, faster, and the design was more intuitive.

FYI they have a 30 day trial here for anyone wanting to test: https://nordvpn.com/30-day-trial

3

While WireGuard is a super-fast protocol, I would recommend that you use IKEv2 on your smartphone. It is designed by Cisco and Microsoft to provide the most consistent and reliable performance on smartphones. This is why I went with Surfshark (aside from the fact that it is very affordable).

4

One thing I love about Surfshark’s Android app is the GPS spoofing feature. Some apps (like banking or ride-sharing services) check your GPS location instead of your IP, which can cause issues when using a VPN. Surfshark lets you match your GPS to your VPN server location, so apps don’t flag you. Super useful if you travel or use location-locked apps often!

5

One thing I appreciate about NordVPN is how lightweight the Android app is. It doesn’t drain my battery like some other VPNs I’ve tried, and the interface is clean and easy to navigate.

6

I have used surfshark before and it has been pretty good for me.

7

ProtonVPN looks interesting. I will look into the others as well.

8

It’s not on your list, but the only complaint I’m aware of about Windscribe is that it’s headquartered in Canada.

9

f privacy is your top priority, Proton VPN is an excellent choice. Based in Switzerland, it offers strong security with WireGuard and AES-256 encryption, and their Stealth protocol is great for obfuscating your traffic. While it lacks RAM servers, Proton VPN still offers solid privacy protection. The price is a bit higher at $3.59/month, but considering its strong privacy features, it might be worth it.

10

From my experience, NordVPN runs really well on Android devices. It also has IKEv2/IPsec protocol, which will give you the most reliable connection on smartphones.

11

I have an iPhone, but previously on my Android I used NordVPN.

12

Surfshark is my favorite Android VPN. It is super affordable and supports IKEv2 protocol which makes it run well on smartphones. Plus, since it can hold unlimited connections you can use it to protect all of your devices.

13

If you’re looking for the best VPN for Android, then you can’t go wrong with NordVPN, Surfshark, or ProtonVPN. All of these 3 VPNs are market leaders and perform very well on Android devices. I’ve personally used NordVPN on my Android tablet and also my Samsung Galaxy, and it gave me fast speeds and unblocked Netflix and other streaming platforms without any issues.

14

I’ve only used IPVanish and think it is pretty good. The only potential problem is that it is based in the US, which is supposedly not that great for privacy.

15

I agree with your verdict of Nord being at the top. I use it pretty much everyday on all my devices (Android, iOS, and Windows). It’s always worked flawlessly for me without a hiccup

16

I’m wondering if anyone has tested NordVPN’s Threat Protection specifically on Android. Does it noticeably reduce spammy pop-ups and ads in apps or just browsers? I’m curious if it interferes with normal app functionality, like blocking in-app promotions that aren’t necessarily malicious

17

I’ve used almost all of these VPNs and I think NordVPN, Surfhshark, and ExpressVPN are the best. I’d also give Cyberghost an honorable mention

18

Anyone using any of these VPNs on an older Android phone? I’m wondering if they slow down your device noticeably

19

Surfshark has been fantastic on android. Most of my family own android phones, and since Surfshark can be used on unlimited devices, I’ve allowed them to use my account on their phones for added protection.

20

I just got a superbox and am getting malicious activity alerts? I think aim going with nord. Will I be ok If I just install it on the box or donI need to install it on all of my devices.?