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Our phones are our gateway to the world, allowing us to stay connected, informed, and entertained. All these activities, to a different extent, require user data, which is vulnerable to exploitation. Cybercriminals or third parties could be collecting and selling your personal information, leading to potential reputational or monetary damage.
To prevent data leaks and access geo-specific content, a mobile VPN is essential. However, finding the best VPN app for your mobile device can be overwhelming.
Therefore, I’ve conducted an in-depth comparison of the best mobile VPNs for Android, Windows, and iOS phones. By looking at their interface, features, performance, and pricing, I’ll help you pick the best mobile VPN app for your needs.
NordVPN is thebest VPN for mobile devices, and for a good reason. It’s one of the safest VPN providers out there, with the fastest mobile VPN speeds currently. With it, you retain over 90% of the baseline internet speed, thus enjoying geo-restricted content securely and lag-free.
Features
Due to NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol and expansive server network, excellent performance is guaranteed.
NordLynx, an advanced version of the renowned WireGuard protocol, combines speed with robust security, surpassing other known VPN protocols. Consequently, even with AES–256 encryption, your connection maintains speed and stability.
NordVPN stands out among most VPNs, especially in terms of user privacy. The provider ensures user data confidentiality with a strict no-logging policy verified by PwC and Deloitte. Moreover, NordVPN operates on RAM servers, ensuring browsing data is erased with each reboot.
NordVPN provides a wide range of features, making it a versatile option for online security. It includes essential tools such as a kill switch for protecting your real IP, split tunneling, double VPN feature, and other advanced functionalities.
Additionally, NordVPN offers the Threat Protection Lite suite, which enhances protection against adware and online tracking.
Pricing
NordVPN offers affordable pricing, starting at just $3.09/month. With a single subscription, you can secure up to ten devices simultaneously.
However, if you want well-rounded mobile protection, I suggest checking out its Plus plan for $3.99/month. This plan includes antimalware and ad blocker tools, plus a free password manager.
Android mobile users can also access a free 7-day trial by downloading the app from the Google Play store. You can also extend the trial period with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who It's Best For
NordVPN offers an excellent service and is one of the leading premium providers on the market. If you want the fastest connections available, then NordVPN is the best mobile VPN you can buy.
Surfshark is one of the cheapest mobile VPNs, offering a great price-to-quality ratio. The provider also allows connecting unlimited devices simultaneously, making it perfect for households with numerous devices for only a few bucks per month.
Features
This top-tier mobile VPN implements the WireGuard VPN protocol, ensuring lightning-fast connections without compromising protection. Moreover, Surfshark employs cutting-edge encryption technology to make your traffic virtually impossible to decrypt.
Aside from Deloitte’s independently audited no-logs policy and privacy-friendly country of jurisdiction, Surfshark utilizes RAM-only servers. This means the user’s data gets wiped away after each server reboot, leaving no trace of your online activities.
Plus, there’s an Alternative ID feature that helps you to set up a brand new online identity and prevent identity theft.
Surfshark offers essential VPN features like a functional kill switch, a Bypasser allowing you to select apps to use with the VPN connection, and the NoBorders feature for bypassing stringent restrictions.
Additionally, on Android devices, you will find an exclusive GPS Spoofing feature for spoofing your actual location, an ad blocker, and a secure search engine.
Pricing
Surfshark’s prices start at just $2.19/month, making it significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN or Proton VPN. However, the entry plan is fairly basic, offering an ad blocker and an alternative ID feature.
To get the most out of Surfshark and guarantee the best mobile device security, I suggest opting for its Surfshark One plan that includes an antivirus solution. The antivirus will effectively scan your mobile device for any malicious files 24/7.
There’s also a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service.
Who It's Best For
Surfshark has a lot going for it, given the amount of value that it delivers at a relatively low cost. Because of this, it’s ideal for individuals looking for an affordable, high-quality service. With coverage for unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s also a great option for families and businesses.
ExpressVPN stands out as a highly secure VPN app for Android and iOS devices. With its extensive VPN server network spanning over 3,000 servers across 105 countries and advanced security measures, ExpressVPN is a very reliable VPN for mobile users.
Features
Depending on the selected tunneling protocol, ExpressVPN employs top-tier encryption ciphers, AES-256 and ChaCha20. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN offers its own Lightway protocol, ensuring fast speeds and robust security. Furthermore, users have the option to utilize OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2 for their connection.
The provider’s strict no-logging policy has been court-approved, guaranteeing that your online activities and personal information remain undisclosed and unmonitored. ExpressVPN also employs TrustedServer technology, ensuring no data is stored on the server’s hard drive; servers operate solely on RAM.
ExpressVPN’s mobile app, whether on Android or iOS, comes equipped with essential security features to keep you safe online.
These include a Threat Manager suite, a kill switch to prevent IP leaks, obfuscated servers for encrypted connections without revealing VPN activity, and DDoS protection. There’s also a free password manager that has already undergone independent auditing.
Pricing
Unlike other providers, ExpressVPN only has one VPN plan, which drops in price per month with longer-term subscriptions.
Subscriptions start at $6.67/month for two years, which is more than double the price of Surfshark or PureVPN. However, you can test the service with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who It's Best For
ExpressVPN is a great pick for mobile users looking for a premium service that can instill confidence, with fast connections and an expansive global server network. Whatever angle you look at it, ExpressVPN offers a very strong package for mobile.
PureVPN brings security and speedy connections to any Android or iOS device. Its implementation of an Always-On Audit and incorporation of top-notch in-app security measures guarantee impeccable online protection.
Features
PureVPN utilizes the AES-256 encryption – renowned for its reliability and trusted by governmental bodies worldwide. It provides a range of tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard OpenVPN or IKEv2, ensuring versatile options for users. While WireGuard offers fast speeds, it may not suit everyone, though, due to its limitations in supporting certain features, including split tunneling.
PureVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy – independently audited by Altius IT and KPM – and operates from a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. While PureVPN has faced previous incidents where user data was leaked to the FBI, it has adopted an Always-On Audit system to avoid potential incidents.
The provider includes essential features like split tunneling or a reliable kill switch, ensuring your real IP address remains protected even if the VPN connection drops.
Additionally, the obfuscation feature allows for secure connections without disclosing VPN usage. Furthermore, users can enhance their subscription with a password manager or a Dedicated IP feature for a monthly fee.
Pricing
PureVPN is an affordable VPN for mobile devices, with prices starting as low as $2.14/month. A single subscription allows you to connect up to ten devices simultaneously and includes a tracker blocker.
While the entry plan is pretty functional, the Plus plan offers better mobile security, with an added free password manager and file encryption service.
Though there’s no free plan, you can test the service for seven days after paying $0.99 or simply use a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Who It's Best For
PureVPN provides excellent security features, which makes it a great pick for privacy-conscious users, and it’s often named as the best app for VPN for security.
Despite its reasonable pricing, PureVPN delivers a very reliable service which also comes with an impressive server fleet.
Proton VPN is an excellent option if you’re looking for a reliable and free VPN app. This premium VPN offers one of the best free plans on the market, giving you unlimited monthly data and connection speeds, VPN servers in five countries, and more.
Features
Proton VPN employs two different encryption ciphers based on your chosen tunneling protocol. If you opt for an industry-leading WireGuard tunnel, your data is shielded by the top-notch ChaCha20 cipher. As for other protocols, the VPN relies on the AES-256 cipher to ensure robust protection.
Considering that Proton VPN also offers a free plan, reviewing its privacy policy is essential. The provider has subjected its no-logs policy to independent scrutiny conducted by Securitum.
The free version of Proton VPN offers essential features like a functional kill switch, an obfuscation tool for hiding your VPN activity, and an ad blocker to fend off adware.
However, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan for advanced functionalities such as VPN Accelerator, Secure Core, or split tunneling.
Pricing
Proton VPN offers both a free and a paid subscription. With a free plan, you can only connect one device at a time, while the paid plan offers protection for up to ten devices simultaneously.
If you find the free plan insufficient, you can opt for a premium subscription starting from $3.59/month. You can also use a 30-day money-back guarantee to try premium features risk-free.
Who It's Best For
If you’re looking for the best free phone VPN, Proton VPN is perfect. It also has great coverage and features, so there’s plenty more on offer if you upgrade.
Coming from the same parent company as ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, CyberGhost offers a top-grade VPN that is excellent for streaming on mobile devices. With over 11,500 servers in more than 100 countries and specialized streaming servers, this provider unblocks any streaming service you like.
Features
In addition to streaming-optimized servers, CyberGhost offers NoSpy servers to provide extra privacy and security free from third-party interference. By utilizing the WireGuard tunneling protocol, users can experience swift speeds coupled with robust encryption using the AES-256 cipher.
Beyond its streaming capabilities, CyberGhost is a top choice for privacy-conscious users. Based in Romania, CyberGhost operates outside the Five Eyes Alliance jurisdiction and is not subject to data retention regulations for VPN providers.
With a firm commitment to user privacy, CyberGhost enforces a strict, independently audited, no-logging policy and employs RAM-only servers.
CyberGhost also offers an ad blocker, which eliminates unwanted advertisements and ensures a seamless browsing experience. With the inclusion of Smart Rules, users can automate VPN connections for added convenience.
In addition to its streaming servers, CyberGhost also provides specialized servers for torrenting and gaming, enhancing your online activities.
Pricing
Similarly to ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, CyberGhost also offers a single paid plan, just at different subscription terms. CyberGhost offers budget-friendly prices, starting at just $2.19/month, with the flexibility to safeguard up to seven devices with a single subscription.
Android users can explore a 3-day free trial, while iOS users enjoy a more extended 7-day trial. Plus, all users benefit from a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Who It's Best For
CyberGhost is a great VPN for streaming on mobile. The large server network, optimized servers, and security features ensure you’ll be able to access whatever service you want. It’s also a good pick for torrenting and gaming.
Pros
Dedicated servers for streaming content, gaming, torrenting
If you’re seeking your first-ever mobile VPN, PrivadoVPN is one of the most suitable options for beginners. It’s designed for users new to VPNs, offering an intuitive VPN app, sleek design, and fundamental cybersecurity features for a budget-friendly price.
Features
This user-friendly VPN relies on AES-256 encryption, providing robust security for your online endeavors. While there might be concerns about its effect on network speed, the WireGuard protocol ensures a swift, stable, and secure connection, enabling seamless browsing and lag-free streaming.
PrivadoVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly country. Swiss laws don’t require VPN providers to store data, ensuring greater privacy. While it hasn’t undergone independent auditing, its location and policies offer strong security and privacy assurances to users.
While the PrivadoVPN app has fewer features than the NordVPN app, it does provide essential functionalities catering to various needs.
For instance, it offers parental controls, allowing you to monitor and regulate your children’s access to social media platforms. Moreover, it has an ad blocker that safeguards against malicious ads while improving browsing speed.
Pricing
PrivadoVPN offers a free plan with 10GB of monthly data and access to twelve servers. For those seeking more robust features, premium plans start at only $1.99/month and allow securing up to ten devices simultaneously.
Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to explore the premium service risk-free.
Who It's Best For
With its intuitive interface and simple but powerful toolset, PrivadoVPN is ideal for beginners and users with less technical experience. It’s extremely easy to get started, and there are also parental control tools included, meaning it’s a good pick for families.
IPVanish is a top choice among advanced VPN users because of its robust security features. While the app’s aesthetics may not be its strongest point, its exceptional performance more than justifies its value, making it well worth the investment.
Features
For starters, IPVanish offers users a choice between two highly secure encryption ciphers. When using the WireGuard VPN tunnel, the provider employs the lightweight and secure ChaCha20 cipher, ensuring security and efficiency.
Alternatively, when opting for the OpenVPN or IKEv2 tunneling protocols, your data undergoes encryption with the AES-256 cipher.
While IPVanish is headquartered in the US, a founding member of the 5-Eyes Alliance, it maintains a solid no-logs policy. This policy has undergone independent auditing by the Leviathan Security Group, ensuring user privacy and data protection.
Aside from the no-log policy, you also get standard VPN features, such as a kill switch or split tunneling.
Like NordVPN, IPVanish offers the Threat Protection suite, which can help users remove ads, block trackers, and avoid malicious websites.
Pricing
IPVanish offers competitive pricing, starting at just $2.19/month with a two-year subscription. A single subscription allows you to install and use the VPN app on unlimited.
Additionally, iOS and Android users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial (when a yearly subscription is chosen), extendable with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
Who It's Best For
IPVanish is a good pick for advanced users who want additional control over their mobile VPN connection. It also offers great performance and an impressive 500GB of encrypted storage, which pros will also appreciate.
Pros
Provides an encrypted 500GB storage
Unlimited simultaneous connections
7-day free trial available for mobile device users
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
What Is a Mobile VPN?
A mobile VPN is a safe software application that protects users’ online data and Internet activities.It establishes a secure and encrypted tunnel from the user’s device to the Internet via a VPN server. All the data that travels via this secure tunnel is encrypted, making it unreadable to any spying eyes.
Why Do I Need a Mobile VPN Provider?
If you don’t use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), your network provider (ISP) and government agencies can easily track your IP address and internet activities. Advertisers and malicious actors can also track your internet use, building up a profile of your online activities and perhaps taking advantage of it.
Having a VPN in place means you can anonymize your internet connection by encrypting the data. This is a great first step for protecting your privacy and security and can help shield you from surveillance and cyber-attacks, especially on unsecured public WiFi networks.
VPNs also allow you to access the internet as if you were in a different country, making bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions easy. This enables you to access services that are restricted in your territory – whether you want to enjoy different Netflix libraries or read a local newspaper.
All in all, whether you’re at home, on the move, or simply surfing the web, a VPN can ensure your online activities remain private and secure. That’s why you should look for protection, whether you need a reliable VPN for a Windows laptop or a functional virtual private network for your mobile device.
When Should I Use a VPN App?
A VPN application will secure all your online activities, regardless of whether you’re using a social media app, browsing the internet, playing a game, or paying for goods and services.
Unlike a VPN browser extension, a secure phone VPN is not tied to a single browser window. Therefore, it allows you to protect all your files and applications on your phone.
Here are some instances when you might want to use a VPN for mobile to:
Protect yourself when using unsafe Wi-Fi connections
Secure your connection when transmitting sensitive data
Access geo-blocked services like Netflix
Hide your location when playing mobile games
Compare prices when shopping online
Stop advertisers and trackers following you online
Prevent ISP bandwidth throttling
What Devices Can You Use a Mobile VPN App On?
Most providers offer a dedicated VPN application for various different operating systems, including the most popular phone brands and models, and secure mobile VPNs can typically be used on numerous devices.
Android – Nearly all leading providers support the ubiquitous Android OS, which has a 70% market share. For more recommendations, see our best Android VPN guide.
iPhone – All good mobile VPN providers also offer iPhone VPN apps so iOS users can safeguard and encrypt their web traffic. For additional information, check out our guide to the best iPhone VPNs.
Other Devices – You can use a VPN app to secure your Windows devices, Macs, iPads, gaming consoles, routers, and smart TVs. Providers like NordVPN allow users to secure up to 10 devices simultaneously, so you can protect your digital ecosystem and all the devices in your household.
What Makes a Good Mobile VPN App?
When I tested the top VPN apps for this guide, I considered a range of factors that are important for an optimal user experience on mobile devices. Here’s how I ranked the best mobile VPN services:
Performance and SpeedsSecurityUnblocking PowerServer NetworkValue for MoneyUser Feedback
Performance and Speed
A quality VPN should provide fast and reliable connections that enable you to browse, stream, and download content seamlessly. Furthermore, the app should deliver consistent speeds unaffected by the number of people connected to a particular server.
On top of this, a reliable connection is paramount for an optimal VPN experience. A superior VPN application should remain connected without interruption, providing a seamless transition when switching between various servers.
Security
Ensure your online privacy and security with a VPN app that encrypts your internet connection and masks your identity. Look for one with strong privacy policies that protect data without storing any logs, as well as robust VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN to secure the connection.
Unblocking Power
VPN users rely on their apps to bypass geo-restrictions and unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Hulu. A great VPN should be to help you access geo-restricted content in any region.
Server Network
A great VPN should boast an extensive server network that enables you to establish connections with servers from anywhere on the globe. This helps guarantee unhindered access to restricted content and fast and reliable VPN connections.
Value for Money
A quality VPN should strike the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and reliability. Not only must it provide robust security and privacy features, but also an equitable price point compared to other offerings in the market.
User Feedback
User reviews are a crucial consideration when assessing VPNs. Good ones should garner positive reviews from their users, who should enjoy an effortless and secure experience.
I’ve considered all of these factors to formulate this top list of the best mobile VPNs.
Are There Downsides to Mobile VPN Apps?
VPNs are an excellent solution to ensure you’re able to use the internet privately and securely, evading censorship and surveillance. They aren’t entirely without downsides, though.
While we say the price is more than worth it, it is an extra investment. Plus, most VPN services require users to pay for the entire subscription period upfront, which makes the initial payment fairly large.
Secondly, since the VPN reroutes your internet traffic via its server, it might have a slight impact on your connection speed.
Lastly, if you use a free service, you might experience significant limitations, like monthly data caps or limited server options. Worst case, unreliable free VPNs might collect and share your private data with third parties.
How to Use a Phone VPN In 3 Steps
Ready to take control of your online privacy? NordVPN takes only a few minutes to install after you pick a subscription that fits your needs and budget from its website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install NordVPN after you purchase it.
Download NordVPN App on Your Device
First, go to the NordVPN site and sign up for a subscription. Once done, go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the VPN app.
Login to Your NordVPN Account
Once installed, open the VPN application, and log in to your account.
Start Browsing Securely
Select a server based on the content or speeds you’re after and browse the web freely, securely, and privately.
While a free option may seem appealing, there are often limitations and risks associated with using it. It’s important to note that free VPNs have certain restrictions – such as slower speeds and limited server access – which could prevent them from reliably unlocking streaming services.
Nick SaraevTech and SaaS Expert
EXPERT INSIGHT
“Although free VPNs are a great way to test the waters of a VPN service, they often don't offer the same level of security as paid plans and completely free VPNs are renowned for selling user data.”
With that said, reliable providers like PrivadoVPN, although with a limited free plan, provide free users with the same level of protection as premium customers.
Given all this, whether you’re considering the best free VPN app for Android or iPhone, we suggest investing in a paid provider that offers either a money-back guarantee or a trial period.
Conclusion – What Is The Best Mobile VPN App?
With the constantly rising use of mobile devices for data-sensitive operations like online shopping, banking, or even working, the need for extra online security is undeniable. Therefore a secure VPN app should be a must on your mobile phone.
After extensive testing and comparing over 20 popular VPNs, I’ve found NordVPN to be the best mobile VPN available. The provider offers fast connection speeds that won’t slow your network and a large variety of security features that will keep your online data safe.
Using reliable VPN software on your mobile device will improve your online security, as well as hide your real IP address, enabling you to access content from all over the globe.
How does a mobile VPN work?
A VPN secures your internet connection on mobile by encrypting it and routing it through a remote server. This masks your IP address and location, making it difficult for third parties to monitor or access your online activity – protecting both your privacy and security.
How much does a mobile VPN cost?
Depending on what features are included in your chosen plan and the subscription length, a VPN for mobile devices can cost anywhere from $1 to around $13 per month.
What’s the best free mobile VPN app?
PrivadoVPN offers a free plan with 10GB of data per month, making it a good free VPN app available for mobile. That said, a paid plan is likely to be a much better and much more reliable option for anything more than light use with an app VPN.
What can I do with a mobile VPN?
Mobile VPNs enhance your online privacy and security and keep sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, and account information safer when you browse the web. In addition, a mobile VPN will keep your IP address and physical location private from ISPs, third parties, websites, trackers, and governments. Beyond the security benefits, using a mobile VPN will also mean that you can bypass geo-restrictions and stream more of your favorite content online.
How do I protect myself from malicious VPN apps?
When using a VPN app, your primary assumption is that whatever the app is doing is done on a network that will keep your web browsing and personal data safe. But this may not always be the case when you’re not using the best mobile VPN. Research has raised concerns about the use of malicious VPN apps, largely due to the fact that Google Play has failed to warn against or restrict download access in its store. You can usually tell if your device has been affected by malware or adware when you notice significant changes in performance. If you don’t trust the VPN app or clearly understand what data they’re collecting and why, delete! Always check the VPN app reviews before downloading. In addition, run additional third-party malware scanners on top of what your device already provides.
Techopedia’s editorial policy is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
Nick Saraev is a writer & entrepreneur who pivoted from a path in medicine to forge a series of successful digital media businesses. He's been featured in Popular Mechanics, Apple News, & Bloomberg, and is an Amazon Kindle best-seller. He has extensive experience in the tech and SaaS industry, writing in-depth guides to help users grasp technical concepts better.
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