Top VPN Apps for Android: All the Best Free Options

ProtonVPN is definitely one of the top premium VPN services, but they also offer a free plan with no data cap or ads. While it has some limitations compared to their paid plans, it still offers more flexibility than most other free VPNs. It’s worth trying out first.

• Top Features: Unlimited data, No speed limits, Servers in multiple countries, Kill switch, Protocol Control
• Pros: Zero ads, No data logging, One-button server changes
• Cons: Limits how quickly you can switch servers, Free servers in only five countries (zero in Canada), Several upsell attempts, Inconsistent streaming performance

This is a fun, easy-to-use free VPN for Android that has a playful, kid-friendly vibe. TunnelBear features an animated bear tunneling underground from your location to the VPN server you connect to. It offers a completely free plan alongside its paid options, and you get access to the same countries and advanced options as paid users.

• Top Features: Servers in 45+ countries, Kill switch, Protocol control, Split tunneling
• Pros: Zero ads, No data logging, Select which country to connect to, Unblocks Netflix
• Cons: 2 GB monthly data cap, No access to premium servers, Can’t pick a specific server/city

The hide.me VPN app for Android excels over the competition in a few ways. While it is a bit cluttered with features you can’t use unless you pay, once you get connected to a VPN server, you’ll enjoy some awesome benefits at no cost.

• Top Features: Unlimited data, Several countries to pick from, Home screen widgets for quick access, Protocol control, Split tunneling, Lock the app
• Pros: No user account necessary, Zero ads, No data logging, Customer support access
• Cons: Limited to seven server locations, Lots of paid features look free until you try to use them

PrivadoVPN is a unique free VPN for Android because it gives you access to emergency servers even after you reach your monthly data limit. Based in Switzerland, this no-log company offers affordable plans if you ever choose to upgrade. Free servers are available across the world—Canada, France, India, Mexico, and others.

• Top Features: Change your GPS location, 13 global servers (four in the US), Connect on app launch, Kill switch, Protocol control, Split tunneling, Home screen widgets
• Pros: Free data renews monthly, Select the server you want, Zero ads, No data logging
• Cons: Limited to 10 GB of data per month, Hard-to-remember default password, Several upsell attempts

Windscribe is an awesome choice. This VPN is available across all platforms, even Android TV. While there are paid plans with extra features, the free VPN for Android works great and even lets you get free data without providing your email address.

• Top Features: Servers in 10 countries, Advanced options like decoy traffic and GPS spoofing, Blocking tools (ads, porn, etc.), Protocol control, Turns on automatically when connected to Wi-Fi
• Pros: 2 GB free without signing up (10 GB if you sign up), Unlimited connections, No throttling, Free data renews monthly, Options for getting more free data, Cheap unlimited data, Same app features as paying users
• Cons: App feels odd to use

You’ve probably heard of this one if you’re familiar with the best VPNs. NordVPN, a Lithuanian VPN provider, is advertised all over the place, and for good reason. It’s highly secure, fast enough for streaming and downloading, and is incredibly easy to use through the Android app.

See our NordVPN review for more information.

• Key Features: Servers in over 100 countries, 7,000+ servers (three in Canada), Dark Web Monitor for leaked credentials alerts, Double VPN, SmartPlay for streaming, Kill switch, Split tunneling
• Pros: Unlimited data, Unblocks streaming apps, Zero ads, No data logging
• Cons: Unavailable globally, It’s expensive

This VPN company owns all their servers and networks, which helps guarantee faster speeds and better streaming quality without relying on third-party providers. This sets VyprVPN apart by combining key features that many VPN services lack: speed, reliability, transparency, and functionality.

• Key Features: 700+ servers in 70+ countries, Split tunneling, Kill switch, DNS leak protection, Custom Chameleon protocol, Auto-connect when on unknown Wi-Fi networks
• Pros: Unlimited data, Incredibly fast, Dynamic server switching to prevent overloaded servers, Audited to prove no data logging, Simultaneous connections for five devices, Unblocks streaming apps
• Cons: Relatively few servers, No anonymous payments (like crypto), No free trial (must cancel to get money back)

ExpressVPN is a well-known and generally respected VPN service with a place in many “best VPN” lists. It offers servers around the globe, enforces a killer privacy policy, works well with torrents and streaming platforms, and performs at top speeds. If you want this VPN on more than just your Android, you can even buy a router from them that includes the software built-in.

• Key Features: RAM-only servers (this is safer), Unblocks Netflix and other streaming apps, Built-in two-factor authentication, Kill switch, Custom Lightway protocol fast and reliable connections, Extras like a password manager and ad blocker
• Pros: Negligible drop in speed, Finds the fastest server for you, Can pay with cryptocurrencies, Unlimited data, Audit confirms no-log policy, Unblocks streaming apps
• Cons: Websites sometimes hang indefinitely until you refresh the connection, No free trial (must cancel to get money back)

Available since 2018, Surfshark is a prized VPN if you’re looking for blanket support for all your devices. Not only does the app run on Android and all the other common platforms, but you also don’t have to worry about how many of them are using your account at the same time, something you won’t get with most providers.

See our Surfshark review for more information.

• Key Features: Unlimited simultaneous connections, GPS spoofing, IP Rotator can change IP every 10m, 3,000+ servers (three in Canada), Includes a selection of double VPNs, Kill switch, Advanced split tunneling, Ad-free search engine
• Pros: Supports cryptocurrency as payment, Not part of the Five Eyes, Finds the fastest server for you, Audited logging policy, Totally free for seven days, Unblocks streaming apps
• Cons: Expensive monthly plan

This is another extremely popular and safe VPN service. The Android app includes loads of great features, some unique to this service, and makes it easy to connect to a specific country, city, or favorited location. This VPN app for Android includes full access to servers in over 135 locations.

• Key Features: Over 50 Canadian servers (2,400+ total), Blocks trackers, Checks links for malicious content, Several protocol choices, Split tunneling (apps and sites), Bypass firewalls with OpenVPN Scramble, Double VPN, Auto-connect at startup, Kill switch
• Pros: Unblocks streaming apps, Third-party audit confirms no-log policy, Free access for eligible journalists
• Cons: Short trial, Expensive monthly plan

Pros and Cons of Free VPNs

Free VPNs can be a great starting point, but they’re not without their trade-offs. While they are free—who doesn’t like that?—and easy to set up, many come with data caps, annoyingly few servers, and possible privacy concerns. Let’s look into the key benefits and drawbacks of free VPNs for Android to help you decide whether a no-cost option is right for you.

Pros of Free VPN Apps

Free VPNs are the most budget-friendly way to protect your online privacy. They unlock access to essential features like encrypting your connection and masking your IP address without spending a dime. This can be enough for casual users who just want a basic layer of protection.

Many free VPNs are designed to be user-friendly. You can download and install these top VPN apps for Android in minutes, even if you’re not tech-savvy. They typically require little to no configuration, so they’re perfect for beginners.

Even a free VPN can add an extra layer of security when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. It encrypts your data, making it harder for hackers to steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.

Cons of Free VPN Apps

A common limitation of free VPNs is restricted data usage. Some limit data usage so much that they’re hardly useful for streaming a few YouTube videos, which means they are useless for long-term use. If you need unlimited access, you’ll have to consider paid options.

Free VPNs often provide access to only a handful of servers, and they might all be in high-demand locations. This can slow your connection speed and reduce your ability to bypass geo-restrictions. For example, you might encounter sustained buffering or simply no access at all until you switch servers (assuming the app offers that ability).

Not all free VPNs are truly secure. Some make money by collecting and selling your data or bombarding you with ads. When choosing a secure VPN for Android, always check their privacy policy and reviews to ensure they prioritize your safety.

Advanced features are often reserved for the best paid VPNs. Free versions typically stick to basic functionality which might work for some of you, but probably won’t be ideal if you’re a power user. Examples include gaming servers and advanced network-related options.

Tips for Choosing the Right Free VPN for Android

Finding the right VPN on the app store can feel overwhelming. There are simply too many to pick from. Here are some questions to ask yourself to narrow down the list and help you pick the best free VPN for Android:

• Why do I want one? Before picking a VPN, really think what you’ll be using it for. A free VPN will do the trick if you’re only browsing or securing public Wi-Fi. But if you’re streaming, torrenting, or trying to unblock restricted content, you might need a paid service or free trial for the additional features.
• Is there a data limit? Data caps are one of the biggest challenges with free VPNs. A service with a smaller cap might work if you only need occasional use. For heavier usage, look for free VPNs that offer higher data allowances or unlimited usage.
• Does it have security features? Security should always be a priority. Look for features like a no-logs policy and DNS leak protection. These are the basics of any secure VPN for Android and ensure your data is safe from hackers, governments, ISPs, etc.—even the service provider itself.
• What’s the speed like? Speed is a crucial factor for streaming or gaming. Some free VPNs have congested servers that can slow your connection to a crawl. Check reviews or test the VPN to make sure it’s fast enough for whatever you plan to do with it.
• What does the fine print say? If you care about privacy and not just data or features, then this might be the most important question. Not all “free” VPNs are truly free. Some rely on intrusive ads or collect your data to make money. Always read their privacy policy and terms of service to confirm that you’re not trading your security for cost savings.

Why is price important if I want a free option?

As we’ve explained, it is difficult for a free option to measure up to the features and control of a service you pay for. In order to ensure you get the best possible protection and features, we have narrowed it down to the best options that can grow as your needs do, and will not break the bank.