How to choose the best Android VPN app

Our conclusions come from personal experience with various Android VPN client options. Hopefully, they’ll be useful to those seeking a VPN app for their Android device.

If you’re trying to make sense of it all and know what’s important when choosing a VPN, here’s what we look for when deciding which VPNs will end up in our 5 best Android VPN list:

• Security and privacy. Nothing is more important than this when it comes to a VPN service. Always look for services that use OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, or Wireguard tunneling protocols.
• Versatility. Not every user needs all (or even most) VPN functions, but that shouldn’t matter. The more you can do with a product, the better you’ve spent your money: look for native apps for a plethora of devices, specialized servers, everything that could be beneficial to you.
• Speed. Even the most secure VPN is worthless if it significantly slows down your connection. Look for bigger server pools and check speed test benchmarks to make sure that you’ll get good speeds.
• Netflix. Unblocking popular streaming platforms means you can enjoy your favorite content anywhere anytime. This also vastly expands available entertainment options.
• Torrenting. A good VPN allows P2P on all or most of its servers and doesn’t throttle your bandwidth.
• Price. The lack of bang for the buck may result in getting stuck with an overpriced service for a few years. It’s always good to know what you’re paying for beforehand. This way you can commit to a service that delivers.

Android VPN FAQ

How does VPN work on Android?

A VPN for Android phone connects to a VPN server first, hiding your IP address. Only then your request to open one or another website is completed. In the meantime, your traffic is encrypted using a military-grade cipher. This means that nobody can see what you are sending or receiving, including the VPN itself. Of course, that’s true only if the provider is serious about not collecting logs.

If you want to learn more about how a VPN works, check out the following section of our “What is a VPN” article.

Do I need an Android VPN?

We believe that everyone should use an Android VPN. You can hear about new vulnerabilities after each version of this OS, and that’s not likely to change. Besides, there are plenty of shady apps on Google Play Store than can inject malware or data logging. Even some VPNs for Android are considered as dangerous!

Therefore, you need a VPN for Android if you want to:

• Hide your IP address from the ISP, the government, and hackers
• Encrypt your traffic, so nobody knows what you’re downloading or uploading
• Protect your torrenting efforts
• Unblock Netflix and other streaming platforms
• Find better prices in other countries
• Access Facebook and other sites blocked at work

Which Android devices can be protected using a VPN?

Most Android devices using older Android versions like Jelly Bean, KitKat, etc. should definitely consider getting a VPN software as older OS versions have more security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

A VPN won’t solve those vulnerabilities, but you’d be a lot harder to trace, which might just do the trick. Usually, this means going to the Google Play Store (that comes pre-installed in all android devices) and downloading the provider’s VPN app, turning it on, and that’s it – you’re now protected.

Does VPN drain Android’s battery?

Most VPNs won’t drain your Android’s battery. While it used to be the case with older OS versions, now there are few complaints about battery time when the VPN is on. Of course, if you actively use a VPN for streaming or torrenting, the battery will drain much faster.

Luckily, premium VPNs offer a battery-saving option, so when your phone’s screen is off, so is the VPN. It’s best to combine battery-saving with the “Always-on VPN” Android setting. In such a scenario, any app that sends data while your screen is turned off won’t work. Without the “Always-on VPN,” apps would connect in the background to an unprotected network.

How do I stop my Android from disconnecting from VPN?

If you have battery optimization turned on, your Android VPN will disconnect whenever your smartphone’s screen goes black. This can be not only annoying but also dangerous because any app that runs in the background will be sending and receiving data without protection.

You can solve this in multiple ways. One is to turn on the “Always-on VPN” setting. Another is to remove your VPN from the list of apps that use battery optimization. Instructions on how to do that depend on the model of your phone.

Here are some examples of the most popular Android devices:

Huawei

1. Go to Settings
2. Choose Battery
3. Choose Close apps after screen lock
4. Disable for your VPN
5. Go back to Settings
6. Click Ignore battery optimization
7. Choose All Apps from the Allowed menu
8. Tap your VPN and choose Allow

Samsung

1. Go to Settings
2. Choose Apps and find your VPN
3. Choose Battery and then Optimise battery usage
4. Turn off power saving for your VPN

Xiaomi / MIUI

1. Go to Apps
2. Choose Security app
3. Choose Permissions
4. Choose Autostart
5. Allow the VPN to autostart

Why is VPN not working on Android?

There can be a number of reasons why the VPN is not working on your Android device. We will try to list the most common issues and how to solve them.

• VPN access is not allowed. Chances are you missed the pop-up to add and enable VPN in the System Settings. If the connection is successful, you will see a key icon at the top of your screen.
• Clear cache and data. This method is great for curing various Android ailments. Open Settings > Apps > Application Manager > All apps. Choose your VPN > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
• Reinstall the VPN. Sometimes it just starts working after reinstall.
• Reset Network Settings. Open Settings > Reset Network Settings > Reset.
• Try another VPN. This one can help you determine whether the issue lies on the VPN’s side or your phone’s.

If all of the above didn’t help, we recommend searching for an answer in your VPN’s knowledgebase. If 24/7 live chat is available, it would probably be the best option. Make sure to tell the representative if everything worked with another VPN – this might save time for everyone.

Can mobile Android VPN be used on PC?

While you can’t install Android VPN on a PC, most of them have desktop versions for Windows, macOS, and even Linux. When you buy a VPN for Android, you also can install it on other supported platforms, including browser extensions.

However, you should also have in mind the number of simultaneous connections allowed. Most providers allow up to 10 devices at the same time, but others like Surfshark put no limit at all. To sum up, all of our recommended best VPNs for Android have PC versions.

Is it safe to use a VPN on Android?

Using a VPN on an Android device is safe if you avoid shady and ill-reputed providers. There are plenty of free Android VPNs on Google Play Store that promise no-logs, fast speeds, and Netflix. In truth, most of them will collect and sell your data to third parties, sometimes also adding a dose of ads.

However, if you install a reputable Android VPN that has a strict no-logs policy, you can be sure that it’s safe to use.

Does Android have a built-in VPN?

Android has a built-in VPN, but we cannot recommend it. To start with, this VPN uses outdated L2TP/IPSec, IPSec, and PPTP protocols. Furthermore, it won’t let you change your location and won’t unblock streaming platforms. Finally, you won’t get any extra features, such as GPS spoofing, Stealth VPN, or malicious sites blocker.

Using Android’s built-in VPN is better than nothing because at least you’ll hide your IP and encrypt your traffic. However, if you’re serious about protecting your smartphone, choose from the best VPNs for Android.

How to set up a VPN on Android?

There are three main ways to set up a VPN on your Android device:

1. Get one of our best VPN apps for Android (see the list above)
2. Install OpenVPN Connect and import settings from a third-party VPN
3. Configure the built-in Android VPN

If you want to try the native Android VPN, follow these instructions.

Why isn’t free VPN for Android a good option?

As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. In a VPN context, this usually means compromises to security and performance. Paying for quality VPN can drastically improve your experience, provide more services, and maximize your data privacy. This typically also includes customer support that helps to sort any issues that might arise that you’d get only the best experience.

Meddling with free VPNs can be a gamble, and you should keep that in mind when choosing a free provider. However, if you’d rather use a free option, check our free VPN for Android list.

Bottom line: should you get a VPN for Android phone?

Android users should celebrate – they’re much better off on the VPN market than their iOS brethren. Plus, the best Android VPNs also offer numerous features for your desktop devices as well.

Our Top 5 VPN for Android phones in 2020 list is a great place to kickstart your journey towards a safer online presence even on your smartphone if you stick to our security tips and do your research before committing. Always remember that your data privacy is not an expense – it’s an investment.

iOS user? Check out Best VPN for iPhone list.