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Best Free VPN for Android: Which Should You Use?
VPNs (virtual private networks) are software tools that provide users with a secure connection to the internet, thereby increasing online privacy across all of your favourite Android devices.
At this point, you are probably already aware of just how useful these tools are for both businesses and individuals. That is why we delve deeper in this review. We’ll go over how they work and why you should definitely be using one. We’ll even cover the all-important question of whether you should be paying for your VPN.
Unlock True Online Privacy: A Guide to How VPNs Work
Virtual private networks are servers that any device — such as a computer or an Android device—can use to connect to the internet securely. When a user turns on their VPN, all their internet activity is routed through the network’s encrypted tunnel, to a server, which is then connected to the internet.
This mixes all your web traffic with other users’ activity, leading to increased privacy and security. The best VPN for Android users will bolster this system with high-level encryption, to protect your data as it’s routed through the server.
Why You Really Should Be Using a VPN for Android
Private networks are great security tools that can ensure none of your data is being spied on. They’re especially helpful when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
Once you’ve connected to a VPN, all your browsing activity is routed through an encrypted tunnel, meaning you’re protected against cybercriminals, targeted advertisements, and other snoopers. This allows you to browse, scroll and share in complete privacy, even when you are on the more. These services also hide IP addresses, giving you privacy and access to content that is otherwise restricted in your true geographic location.
The Real Question: Should You Pay for a VPN?
While it’s ultimately up to you, we highly recommend a paid service if you want access to unlimited data and all the best features. Unfortunately, using a free service does come with a certain amount of risk.
Unreliable free services have been known to limit the amount of data you can use, restrict the overall functionality of their apps, or even sell private data to third-parties. That is why it’s best to stick to the well-known, reputable services that we will discuss in more details later on.
A Quick look at How Our Recommended VPNs for Android Compare
While reviewing Android VPN apps, we focused our attention on four key criteria that helped us determine if the app is something that we’d recommend—security, server network, unblocking content, and price. We gave each criterion a score out of 5, so you can determine which VPN is best for you.
We get it, you’re busy. Here’s a brief look at how our top choices compare head-to-head.
| Service | Pricing | Servers | Connections | Customer Service |
| NordVPN | $3.59 to $12.99 per month | 6000+ servers in 111+ countries | Up to 10 | 24/7 Email or Live chat |
| Surfshark | $1.99 to $20.65 per month | 3200+ servers in 100+ countries | Unlimited | 24/7 Email or Live chat |
| ExpressVPN | $8.32 to $12.95 per month | 2000+ servers in 105 countries | Up to 8 | 24/7 Live chat |
| VyprVPN | $3.00 to $10.00 per month | 700+ servers in 96+ locations | Up to 10 | 24/7 Email or Live chat |
| IPVanish | $2.19 to $3.29 per month | 2400+ servers in 130+ locations | Unlimited | 24/7 Email or Live chat (Advanced plans offer phone support) |
| CyberGhost | $2.03 to $12.99 per month | Servers in 126 locations | Up to 7 | 24/7 Email or live chat |
It is important to keep in mind that prices mentioned, only cover the initial, introductory plans. Renewal prices tend to be a bit steeper, but long-term plans work out much cheaper, in the long run.
Our Top 6 Best Free VPN for Android options
1. NordVPN – Best for Daily Use
While not completely free, this provider offers a free 30-days trial. This service ticks all the boxes for us — it has great security measures, a large network of servers, and it unblocks content flawlessly.
Altogether, it is the best free Android VPN, thanks to its free trial and quality services.
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How to use NordVPN for free?
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who want to try the product for free. If you’re not happy with the service, you can cancel and get your money back.
2. Surfshark – Best for Multiple Users
Surfshark is one of the best free unlimited VPNs for Android users. The app comes with all the bells and whistles. This includes top-class security features, auto-connection capability, and a pop-up and ad blocker. Because there is no limit to how many simultaneous devices you can use at once, it is great for multi-member households or small offices.
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How to use Surfshark for free?
Users can sign up for Surfshark and complete a 30-day trial. Fortunately, it has one of the most competitive pricing structures on our list. So, if you do decide you can’t live without it, you will be getting a good deal.
3. ExpressVPN – Best for Privacy Best Practices
So what do we like about ExpressVPN? It is really very simple. It’s strong, fast, and reliable. What we love is the extra add-ons that are pretty nice to have and often not included in other providers’ plans. This includes factors such as the third-party audits, their no-logs policy, the tracker blocker, the password manager and more. They also have great security protocols and responsive customer support.
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How to use ExpressVPN for free?
Sign up for an ExpressVPN account, choose your payment plan, and cancel after 30-days to receive your money back.
4. VyprVPN – Best VPN for Android for Split Tunnelling
VyprVPN is a highly reliable service, with great modern security features, solid connection speeds, and consistent performance. What’s more, this provider is recognized as one of the most trustworthy in terms of split tunnelling, allowing you to choose what is routed through the VPN and what is not.
Another key point to mention is the fact that VyprVPN owns all of their own servers. That means there is zero third-party access. They can customize, secure, and keep them private without worry of outside vulnerabilities. That is huge for online security.
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How to use VyprVPN for free?
VyprVPN doesn’t offer a free plan, but it does have a free 30-day trial period like the above VPNs. Sign up for a plan, and if you aren’t happy, you can get your money back.
5. IPVanish – Best Android VPN for the Whole Family
IPVanish is a great option for families who all want to use the service on their Android device. Just one account allows unlimited device connections. The company has also had its no-logging policy reviewed by an independent auditor, meaning you can be sure your data is private.
As with all top services, IPVanish offers excellent threat protection, and use advanced techniques to keep your data safe while you are browsing.
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How to use IPVanish for free?
The free version of IPVanish is a trial period of 30 days. Do note that this trial is only offered when you sign up for a yearly or a 2-year plan.
6. CyberGhost – Best for the Free Trial
CyberGhost’s free app for Android includes a generous free trial of 7 days and a 45-day money-back guarantee for users who sign up for an account. Like the rest of the providers on this list, CyberGhost has all the important features you would expect of such a service. Advanced security protocols, unlimited bandwidth, and thorough encryptions.
The only downside we can think to mention is that CyberGhost has not been entirely forthcoming with how many global servers they have. Even their customer support representatives admitted that they were not privy to such information. This makes a head-to-head comparison tricky, but it does bode well for the whole lips-are-sealed-policy side of things.
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How to use CyberGhost for free?
Download the app and create an account with your email address. Then, use the free trial, or purchase a subscription for a refundable 45-day trial period.
The Review Process to Choose the Best Free VPN for Android
While reviewing the best names in the business, we focused on four key criteria to determine if they qualified as a recommended VPN for Android: security features, server network, ability to unblock content and price.
We gave each criterion a score out of 5, so you can determine which option is best for you.
Why is security important?
These services are designed to offer privacy and to hide your IP address. The more security features an application has, the safer you can feel as you browse the web.
Why do I need to know about the servers?
When you sign up for a particular service, you have access to all the servers associated with that company. If the company has an impressive list of worldwide servers, you’ll have a better connection and better flexibility.
Why should it be able to unblock content?
Many social media sites, streaming services, and websites block access to their content, depending on where you are in the world. Many providers can get around these geo-restrictions and help you get access to a wider library of content. A wide network of global server locations gives you more options for geo-restricted content.
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.
