The top four Android VPN services in 2022

Android OS is not limited to Android phones and tablets. It also works within recent Chromebooks, and now, surprisingly, but fully supported, Windows 11 devices, including Intel-based Windows 11 laptops.

Android VPN solutions are particularly intriguing since Android runs on a wide range of devices. Installing an Android VPN client to perform the hard lifting is your best chance if you want to run a quality VPN on your Chromebook. However, because Android OS is more open, many versions aren’t constantly updated. Malware is also common, however VPN malware scanners can assist.

In 2022, here are the top five VPN services for Windows PC.

We look at four of the most popular Android VPNs in this overview. Here are our thoughts:

NordVPN

The Best Android VPN

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros

• Excellent speed and performance
• A large server network
• Simple-to-use app

Cons

• There are only six simultaneous connections.

NordVPN Android requirements

• Google Play Store rating: 4.5 out of 5, with 616K reviews.
• 6 concurrent connections
• Yes, a kill switch exists.
• Android 6 or above is required for native app compatibility.
• Except for billing data, there is no logging.
• 59 countries
• 30 day money-back guarantee

In addition, learn how to set up and utilise NordVPN.

NordVPN is one of the most popular consumer VPNs in the Google Play Store, with over 600,000 ratings. However, it is not why we believe it is the best VPN for Android. Its beneficial features and rock-solid performance propelled it to victory.

Outside of Android, NordVPN offers peer-to-peer file sharing, streaming, and a variety of other platforms. Its Onion over VPN capability eliminates the need for an additional Tor browser. Furthermore, the brand’s Double VPN route your data across two servers rather than one, encrypting your data twice. For an additional charge, you can get a dedicated IP address, a password manager, and secured cloud storage.

NordVPN barely lowered download speeds by 28% on average in our speed testing. It also connected to all of the servers we tested swiftly and consistently. If you’re still not convinced about NordVPN, you can test it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN

The fastest Android VPN

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros

• Rapid connections
• Android 5 and higher are supported.
• Transparent policy on privacy

Cons

• A little pricey
• There are only five simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN Android requirements

• Google Play Store rating: 4.3 out of 5, with 279K reviews.
• 5 concurrent connections
• Yes, a kill switch exists.
• Android 5 or above is required for native app compatibility.
• Logging: There are no browsing logs, although there are some connection logs.
• 94 countries
• 30 day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN was in the news last year for some bad business news, but we’ve decided to retain it on our list. After all, ExpressVPN features a transparent and easy-to-access privacy policy. It does not record browsing history or traffic, but it does record the dates you connect to the service, the amount of data exchanged, and the VPN’s location.

ExpressVPN works with a multitude of platforms and browser extensions, in addition to Android 5 and higher. As a result, regardless of the devices you own, you should be able to utilise its software.

ExpressVPN provides servers in 94 countries and 160 locations, so you can connect to a server no matter where you are. ExpressVPN lowered speeds by less than 2% when compared to a direct connection while using the OpenVPN protocol.

IPVanish

Best VPN for Android with a single click

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros

• Connections are limitless.
• Rapid connection speed
• With a diverse set of procedures, it is adaptable.

Cons

• There is no two-year plan, and prices increase after one year.
• Does not conceal VPN connection

IPVanish VPN Android requirements

• Google Play Store rating: 4.6 out of 5, with 36K reviews.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Yes, a kill switch exists.
• Android 5.1 and higher are supported by native apps.
• Except for billing data, there is no logging.
• 75 locations
• 30 day money-back guarantee

IPVanish appears to market itself as a “click-and-go” VPN service, but it is much more than that. IPVanish excels in connection speed and good transfers when it comes to performance.

IPVanish is safe, however it does not conceal your VPN connection. It’s OK for home connections as long as you’re not trying to conceal the fact that you’re using a VPN.

IPVanish also offers a variety of protocols and server options, and the user interface has good performance graphics. There are also other choices for setting the programme itself. In comparison to other solutions on the market, IPVanish provides a decent user experience and a high-ranking VPN service.

Surfshark VPN

Cheapest VPN for Android

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros

• There is no restriction to the number of concurrent connections.
• Several helpful features

Cons

• Slower connection times on occasion

Surfshark VPN Android requirements

• Google Play Store rating: 4.3 out of 5, with 59K reviews.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Yes, a kill switch exists.
• Android 5 or above is required for native app compatibility.
• Except for billing data, there is no logging.
• 30 day money-back guarantee

In our Surfshark study, we discovered that Surfshark’s speed performance was comparable to NordVPN, with a 28% reduction in download speed. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that connection times were somewhat slower than with comparable VPNs.

It also offers MultiHop, a double VPN function that enables a more secure connection by routing you over two VPNs. Ad-blocking, anti-tracking, and split tunnelling are all useful extras (Bypasser). You may pay extra to use a non-logging search engine, anti-virus software, and a data breach scanner.

Which VPN is the best for Android?

NordVPN is top recommendation. It goes beyond simple VPN functionality. Overall, it’s a good option that comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Price Google Play Store rating Countries Android OS compatibility VPN for Android

• ExpressVPN $6.67/month with a one-year subscription that includes three free months 4.3 94 Android 5 or higher
• Surfshark VPN $2.21/month with a two-year package that includes three free months 4.3 65+ Android 5 or above
• NordVPN $3.69/month with a two-year contract that includes three free months 4.5 59 Android 6 or higher
• IPVanish $3.33/month with a one-year contract 4.6 50 Android 5.1 or above

Which Android VPN is best for you?

Personal preference might be just as significant as objective performance when determining which VPN service is suitable for you. Because many VPNs provide 30-day money-back guarantees, your best strategy is to test one out and see how it works for you.

If you like, you may use this Android VPN…

• NordVPN is an all-purpose VPN.
• ExpressVPN Performance
• Surfshark to save money
• IPVanish is a service that is plug and play (PnP).

What criteria did we use to choose these Android VPNs?

To assist you in making an educated selection, we reviewed the top VPNs for Android based on the most significant characteristics.

The kill switch instantly disconnects your internet connection if your VPN connection fails.

Concurrent connections: You should use a single VPN subscription for all of your devices.

Platforms: While most VPNs offer native apps for the most prevalent operating systems, be sure your VPN is compatible with the devices you intend to use.

Logging: VPN services keep data logs, which may jeopardise your privacy. Is the VPN service logging your traffic or only crucial financial information?

Will these applications be compatible with all Android devices?

Most likely not. Many Android-based devices are not up to date with the most recent Android updates and have no way to be updated. Some manufacturers even offer brand-new smartphones that run older (and considerably more susceptible) versions of Android.

These VPNs, on the other hand, support Android OS versions 5 and 6. Most folks are probably using a version that is fully supported by a native VPN programme. Some carriers may even allow previous Android versions via manual installation. You may need to contact customer care to see if previous versions are supported and to obtain step-by-step installation instructions. That is why it is important to take advantage of money-back guarantees and test your download as soon as possible after purchasing.

What is the distinction between anti-malware and VPN software?

While both technologies are designed to secure you and your device, they do so in different ways. VPNs, at their core, safeguard data in motion, or data transmitted to and from the internet. VPN safety is often given through encryption, which prevents hackers from spying on data as it travels.

Anti-malware software guards against the execution of malicious software on your device. These applications scan data, monitor programmes, and intercept app operations while they are operating on your PC.

Consider VPN software to be an armoured car transporting a cargo from one point to another in safety. Consider anti-malware to be building inspectors who are continually inspecting your building’s infrastructure for mould or undesirable bugs.

Is there a free Android VPN?

Despite the fact that we do not advocate free VPN services due to their lack of dependability and poor performance, there are various free VPNs for Android. ProtonVPN is a well-known free VPN service. There are additional businesses, such as Atlas and Hotspot Shield, that provide free VPNs in exchange for premium paid memberships.

How to Configure an Android VPN

It is rather simple to set up a VPN on your Android device. Once you’ve decided on the VPN you want to use, look for it on the Google Play Store. In most situations, you can download the VPN’s app directly from the Google Play Store, although it may be necessary to download it from the VPN provider’s website. After downloading the app, open it and log in to the service using the username/email and password you created when you enrolled.

In rare situations, you may be required to manually configure a VPN service on your device. Most VPN providers’ websites include comprehensive FAQ sections that outline how to accomplish a manual setup. It’s advisable to follow the directions for the VPN you’re using and contact assistance if you run into any problems.

Why do I need a VPN on my Android phone in the first place?

Most people’s phone data is routed through a local carrier, which hackers find somewhat difficult to intercept. In general, if you’re utilising your carrier’s LTE or 5G network, you’re safe. However, carriers have data limitations and data carriage costs that might add up. Carriers charge for hotspot use even if you have an unlimited data plan.

To save additional expenditures, you can utilise free local Wi-Fi provided by coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels, and schools. Unfortunately, such Wi-Fi is frequently unsecured and easily intercepted. When you connect to the internet via one of these hotspots, having a VPN on your Android phone can secure your data.