With so many Android VPN apps available, it can be difficult to choose the right solution. Based on our extensive research and hands-on testing of VPNs over the years, these are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN:
Privacy
The primary consideration for any VPN should be privacy. If your Android VPN is unable to sufficiently protect your online privacy, then your VPN is useless. At a minimum, your VPN should employ industry standard AES 256-bit encryption over the OpenVPN protocol, or ChaCha20 over WireGuard. You'll also want basic privacy protections like a kill switch (which cuts off your internet connection completely in the event of an unexpected VPN disconnection), DNS leak protection (to hide your public IP address) and a no-logs policy (proving that your VPN provider isn't recording the websites you visit or apps you use while you're connected to a VPN server). Power users may appreciate advanced features like split tunneling, which lets you use a VPN for some traffic but not others -- for instance, you can route your Chrome web browser through a VPN for streaming Netflix in a browser, while downloading a game from Steam without a VPN connection for faster speeds, all on the same computer.
For critical privacy needs -- like if you're an investigative journalist, asylum-seeker, political activist or concerned torrent-user -- you'll also want a VPN provider that is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, offers obfuscation and has a RAM-only server architecture. Additional privacy features to look out for include Tor over VPN capabilities for additional encryption, ad and tracker blockers and multihop connections which encrypt your data more than a single VPN server. Also, look for a VPN that undergoes regular third-party security audits, as audits can help bolster trust in the VPN's ability to protect its users' privacy.
Speed
The speed of your VPN can have a major effect on activities like streaming, downloading, video conferencing, gaming and general web browsing. To keep things running as smoothly as possible, you'll want to look for a VPN that will have as minimal an impact on your regular internet speeds as possible. The fastest VPNs we've tested only drop your internet download speeds by an average of 25% of loss, with the snappiest VPNs delivering a lightning-quick less than 15% average internet download speed loss.
Usability
A good Android VPN should run smoothly and be easy to use regardless of your technical expertise. It should have all of the features you need easily accessible with a tap of your finger. Many Android VPN apps also include an easy way to get in touch with support directly from the device, which can be helpful if you need assistance on the go. Your Android VPN should have a large network of servers around the world so you can connect easily and reliably from wherever you are, and it should be able to help you access geo-restricted content from various regions.
Cost
VPN pricing varies greatly from provider to provider, so if you're on a budget, you may want to consider the cost and overall value of your Android VPN. Typically, you can expect to spend about $5 to $13 per month for a VPN subscription plan. If you want to save money, you can opt for an annual subscription, where prices can range from roughly $30 to $100 per year. Be careful with free VPNs because you may end up putting your privacy at risk instead of protecting it. Proton VPN is currently the only free VPN that CNET recommends. Most VPNs offer a money-back guarantee that can be anywhere from a week to 45 days. You can also get a seven-day free trial with many VPNs when you sign up through the Play Store. So you'll most likely have options to try various Android VPNs risk-free before you decide whether to fully invest in one.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a Swiss-based open-source VPN provider that is staunchly committed to user privacy. Proton VPN's Android app is easy to use and includes a kill switch that is always on by default and a VPN Accelerator feature that can boost your VPN speeds. If you're looking for a free VPN, Proton is the only one that CNET recommends.
Proton VPN's free tier doesn't include access to all of the 8,100-plus servers spread across 112 countries that you can hop onto with its premium tier, but its ad-blocker tool or advanced privacy features like its Secure Core servers or Tor Over VPN function, there are no usage limits and the encryption, obfuscation and leak protection are the same for free users as they are for paid users. Premium plans are priced at $10 per month or $60 for your first year or $108 for two years (the one- and two-year plans renew at $80 annually), with a 30-day money-back guarantee included.
Read our Proton VPN review.
IPVanish
A big win for IPVanish is its fun, configurable interface, which makes it an ideal client for those who are interested in learning how to understand what a VPN does under the hood (IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis). In its Android app, IPVanish manages to pack the same extensive suite of digital knobs and dials into a refreshingly clean mobile interface to impressive effect. If you want to do some precision tuning to your VPN connection, IPVanish is a solid bet. With a bevy of switches controlling things like the kill switch, split tunneling, VPN protocol and LAN connection allowance, IPVanish is an app for the methodical tech tweaker who enjoys having exact control over their mobile internet traffic. Its leisurely 44% average speed loss and comparatively small server network of just 2,400-plus servers spread across only 55 countries lag significantly behind the competition.
IPVanish costs $13 per month or $40 for the first year (then $90 annually upon renewal). At the price, it's hard to recommend considering its small server fleet and sluggish speeds. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only if you get the yearly plan -- which could be a disappointment to anyone who bought a monthly subscription and decided they didn't like the service.
Read our IPVanish review.
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