Best Free VPNs for Android

When you connect to the internet, you might become vulnerable to hackers, especially on your Android device. So how can you connect to the internet safely while browsing on your phone?

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to establish an encrypted network connection when using public networks like the public WIFI in your hotel room or a local café. It makes connections anonymous by routing traffic through servers located elsewhere.

VPNs help you combat online threats while browsing the web. In this article, Benzinga reviews the best VPN for Android phones to help you disguise your online identity.

What VPN Can You Use on Your Android?

Based on their dynamic features and usability, here are some of the best VPNs for Android devices:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is an online VPN service designed to secure your connection with next-generation AES-256 encryption. This encryption allows you to log into your private accounts, shop online and browse public networks on your Android without worrying about privacy breaches.

It has over 5,600 servers in 59 countries, all designed with no bandwidth or speed limit. In addition, it uses advanced DNS and IPv6 leak protection to prevent data breaches. NordVPN also has a kill switch that blocks internet connections until you're safely connected to the VPN.

One of the reasons users use NordVPN is that it allows split tunneling. Split tunneling is a premium feature that allows users to separate the applications that can connect directly to the internet from those routed through the VPN servers. NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service provider that lets you route your internet traffic through high-speed, secure and anonymous servers. It features over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, each with guaranteed strong encryption and no bandwidth limit.

It has a kill switch that automatically disconnects your Android from the internet when the VPN connection drops. On top of that, it allows split tunneling. Split tunneling will allow your selected applications to access the internet directly while the rest go through the VPN.

If you like your VPN safe and fast, consider ExpressVPN. The pricing is also affordable and risk-free. You can try out ExpressVPN free for 30 days, and if you're not satisfied with the quality of the service, you can get your money back.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a premium VPN that helps you increase your privacy by hiding your real IP address. Surfshark operates more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries. It has a kill switch that intuitively disconnects your Android device from the internet until you're safely connected to the VPN server.

You can also decide which applications can run over the VPN connection and which can use direct internet through split tunneling.

The best part is that you can connect as many android devices as you like to your Surfshark account. The service goes for $2.49 per month with an initial 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try before you buy.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish is a commercial VPN built to provide fast VPN services for your Android. It does this by routing your internet traffic through secure servers and ensuring 256-bit encryption protection while browsing and streaming. There is no limit to the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.

This VPN for Android devices also keeps no traffic logs. This means that it can provide safer access to the internet and prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from tracking you. You can save 63% on your first year with its $3.99 monthly plan billed at $47.89 for the entire year. Individual IPVanish VPNs retail at $10.99 per month.

5. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN uses the best-in-class WireGuard® protocol to ensure a secure and seamless browsing experience on your Android. It comes with IPSec/IKEv2 and AES-256 encryptions to ensure maximum security through your Android browsing experience.

It also features a network kill switch designed to deactivate and disable your online activities when a connection becomes unstable. This feature will also help to prevent DNS leaks. You can save up to 85% on your first two years by signing up for $1.64 per month, billed at $49.19. The experience is completely risk-free as AtlasVPN comes with a full 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why Do You Need a VPN for an Android?

A VPN helps you establish a secure connection for all your activities online. Features include connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, streaming videos and downloading files. In addition, it helps to disguise your IP address, making your location invisible and ultimately defending your Android against external attacks.

With one of the best VPNs for Android, you can mask your location and surf more confidently. Here are some more specific reasons why you need a VPN for your Android:

• Increased security and privacy: When using a VPN, all your traffic is encrypted and tunneled through an intermediary server. The tunneled traffic makes it much more difficult for anyone to spy on your online activity or steal your data. 
• Bypass censorship and geographical restrictions: A VPN can help you access content that is blocked in your country or region. It can also help you evade government censorship and surf the web anonymously.
• More bandwidth: Using a VPN might increase the bandwidth of your internet connection because your ISP could throttle your connection and limit internet speed. By hiding your activity from the ISP, the VPN removes your ISP’s ability to reduce your internet speed. 

Considerations With VPNs

As useful as VPNs are, they do have some considerations. Here are some things you should know before deciding if a VPN is the best option for you:

• Slow connection speeds: Maintaining a VPN can take up bandwidth and potentially slow down connection speed. VPN providers are improving on connection speeds, but you may have to upgrade your plan for minimal loss of connection speeds. 
• VPN blocking software: Companies that want to offer different services or fees based on location also know about VPN software. As a result, some sites use VPN blockers that identify and keep users from using VPNs. They can highlight when you are using the service in a different location from usual and may restrict access. 
• Additional costs: To use a VPN, you will need to purchase a subscription plan from a provider. These plans can be expensive, especially if you need to subscribe to multiple services to get access to all of the features you need.

Frequently Asked Questions