Finding a good VPN for Android can be a baptism by fire as there are so many providers that are professing to be the fastest and most secure. For mobile users, the proper VPN should implement the VPN Go features technological commitments – it should provide the proper encryption, at the very least, low battery consumption, and it should also be able to work without any disruptions if the connection fails. In this year, there have been various VPNs that have made a name for themselves due to their optimized Android phone apps, privacy conscious policies, and also reliable streaming access. In this review, we go through the best candidates for your Android devices in this year.
What Makes a VPN Stand Out on Android
The perfect Android VPN needs to be simple. The app should be easy to use, lightweight and responsive – no connection loss or slowdowns. Security: AACS follows the best practices in security; no logs and enforced no-logs strict no-long policies, RAM-only servers and AES 256 encryption. However, the speed is important to the mobile users as well, especially when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. A good VPN should be able to maintain connections which have a stable throughput of 70-90 percent of the internet speeds.
Besides performance, the perfect VPN should support use of streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ or BBC iPlayer. Features like kill switch, split tunneling and ad or tracker blocking help make it valuable for use not just for privacy, but for convenience too. With this in view, we are going to compare the best VPN currently available for Android.
NordVPN β The All-Round Performer
NordVPN is still one of the best for Android users, mostly because they have a good balance between speed, security and usability. The android application is designed cleanly which lets the users to tap on the optimized servers. In addition, it has some built-in protection functions, such as Threat Protection Lite, which blocks trackers and malicious sites to make surfing safer. NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports advanced encryption protocols like WireGuard (with the NordLynx protocol) guaranteeing quick connections without giving away the privacy tradeoff.
In regard to performance, NordVPN upholds a more than 80% of the base speeds speed connection at long distances and streaming services. It’s privacy policy is solid – its RAM only servers and independent audits are proof of its no logs claim. The negative is all price which is little expensive as compare to the entry level competitors. However, for those who want a good and feature-rich Android VPN, NordVPN is still a great choice.
ExpressVPN β Fast, Simple, and Reliable
ExpressVPN is known to be simple and reliable. Its Android app is not flashy and is not all about extra features it is more about good user experience. It is extremely easy to use in interface – huge connect button, suggest places, simple designing without much clutter. And behind this simplicity there is a strong technology. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol has incredible speeds and connection stability even with changing mobile networks.
Privacy and trust is an essential component of ExpressVPN’s reputation. The service is run on pure no-logs policy, and moves on diskless (RAM only) equipment, and there is an absolute no lingering user data policy. It is also one of the few VPNs that are frequently audited by third-party cyber security companies. Speed: ExpressVPN do a splendid job on behalf of streaming and gaming, however the only drawback is its cost. It is one of the pricier VPNs in the world; however for the android user who is interested in achieving performance without technical headaches, it is a consistent source of excellence.
Surfshark β Powerful Features at a Fair Price
Surfshark is regarded as one of the best value VPNs for Android. It allows for unlimited device connections meaning that you can all protect your phones, tablets and laptops under the same subscription. A well-designed app for its Android platform, it’s chock-full of features, including CleanWeb ad blocking, GPS spoofing and split tunneling. Surfshark’s servers are RAM only hosted and it has the latest WireGuard protocol for unbelievable speed and security.
Surfshark usually keeps 70-90 percent of initial speeds as far as the performance in wild is concerned. It is also compatible with top streaming services; hence, it can be used for in-the-go entertainment purposes. And while its global server network is slightly smaller than NordVPN, that’s not discernible in day-to-day use much. For those who want affordable yet dependable performance, Surfshark is one of the better decisions that one can render with these Android devices.
Proton VPN β The Best Free and Transparent Option
Proton VPN is notable for being transparent and for the scarcity of its free tier (without a data limit). The free version is limited to only a few places on a server but unlike most of the free VPN it doesn’t annoy the users with advertisements or sell the data to the highest bidder. For those who want to splurge, the premium tier provides for faster speeds, streaming does, and more than 3000 servers.
The Android one is relatively simple and privacy focused, and is a development from the same team that makes ProtonMail. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland which has a strict privacy law and data protection standards and has been audited a number of times by third parties. Usually, it is quite good to browse and use it for daily purposes but it is not as good as NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Still, Proton VPN is still a great option for people who are interested in privacy and transparency especially those who want a solid free proposition.
Mullvad β The Choice for True Privacy
Mullvad is unique on how they approach the privacy problem. It does not require an email address, or any other personal information to sign up to, instead it creates a random account number. Its Android app is simple and minimal with all the focus conjunction security and poor design. The offered protocols of Mullvad are WireGuard and OpenVPN both of which provide high level encryption and great performance.
The speed tests are stable and respectable, however Mullvad is not strong with regard to streaming. Not a favorite Netflix or Hulu VPN, but it is the best of all VPN for those who prioritize their anonymity over all other things. Same simple logic is in its pricing – no discounts, no tiers. Of all the options on the market, Mullvad may be the most transparent and secure Android users on the market who value on privacy over entertainment.
Final Thoughts:
Each of these VPNs comes with something special on the table. NordVPN is the all round winner that offers good performance, a lot of features and good privacy features. ExpressVPN comes on top regarding ease of use and reliability that will be perfect for users that seek a hassle-free experience. Surfshark is most suitable for the users in search of best features at a moderate price. 5. A unique combination of security and no-compromise free plan makes 3Proton VPN ideal in providing an unmatched security. For a complete level of anonymity, Mullvad is in a class of its own.
When it comes to deciding on the best VPN for Android, the best choice depends on individual need — whether fast streaming, cheap and all encompassing multisupport or strict privacy. But one thing is for sure, in a digital world, where tracking and surveillance are omnipresent, using a trusted VPN has become a must-have tool for every Android user who cherishes the security, liberty and privacy online.
Also Read: Review β Best VPNs for LinuxΒ
