Top-rated VPN’s for Android 2025: Best VPN android clients

New Delhi [India], May 28: A VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through secure servers, giving you more data security and online anonymity. With cyber threats on the rise and ISP data collection increasing, VPNs have become a must have for protecting your personal info from prying eyes. If you’re new to VPNs, Surfshark is an easy to use and affordable option with good protection. VPNs also let you bypass geo-restrictions and access international streaming libraries, so they’re a favourite among film & TV buffs. There’s more to it, you’ll find out in this guide.

Here’s a quick look at some of the best Android VPNs we’ll be discussing in this guide and what they’re known for:

1. Surfshark: Best VPN for streaming services with good yearly subscription offers

2. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for gaming and easy to use

3. NordVPN: Best VPN for security and a variety of locations

4. Private Internet Access: Best VPN for customization and unlimited connections

 >>> Register With Surfshark Now & Use Bonus <<<

Top VPN Android download options for 2025

The best Android VPNs have fast speeds, strong encryption, no-logs policy and many servers. You should also find the option to unblock streaming services, support torrenting and work on multiple devices. Extra features like kill switch, split tunneling and 24/7 support add more value. You can find most of these features at top providers like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Private Internet Access. Let’s dive in:

Our #1: Surfshark

Surfshark offers a great combination of speed and affordability. You can get a 2-year plan for $1.99/month, the cheapest of any plan and the largest discount. Plus, user friendly apps on all major platforms make setup a breeze and unlimited simultaneous connections means you can protect all your devices, whether Android or any other OS.

This Android VPN has a global network of over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries. Perfect for bypassing geo-blocks and accessing region-locked content from your Android or tablet. On the technical side, Surfshark’s security suite includes AES-256 encryption, WireGuard protocol support, kill switch and CleanWeb ad/malware blocker to protect your privacy.

• Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices

• Industry leading encryption and no-logs policy

• Blazing fast speeds, often over 950 Mbps

• Exceptional value for plans starting under $2/month

Rating: 4.9/ 5.0

>>> Register With Surfshark Now & Use Bonus <<<

Second best VPN: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN may have the highest price of any of the top VPN Android apps in this guide but there’s a reason for that. The VPN has a seamless blend of speed, security and extras. For example, its proprietary Lightway protocol delivers super fast connections and fast reconnections when switching networks. Plus, a robust Network Lock kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, keeping your real IP hidden.

The higher price of ExpressVPN is also justified by the fact that you also get ExpressVPN Keys, a fully audited password manager that’s included with any subscription. And the built-in MediaStreamer Smart DNS lets you extend VPN access to devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs, which makes ExpressVPN more than just a basic VPN Android download.

• Proprietary Lightway protocol for top speeds and reliability

• MediaStreamer Smart DNS for VPN on non-supporting devices

• TrustedServer RAM-only servers for zero data retention

• Includes ExpressVPN Keys password manager for free

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0

>>> Register With ExpressVPN Now & Use Bonus <<<

Next best VPN: NordVPN

NordVPN’s Android app has a clean and simple interface for on-the-go security and privacy. Built on the WireGuard®-based NordLynx protocol, it gets super fast speeds and minimal battery drain on Android devices. Plus, Android specific features like auto-connect and split tunneling let you ensure critical apps always route through the VPN while leaving trusted apps on your regular network. The app’s built-in Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites system-wide without root access.

With over 7,500 servers in 100+ countries, it’s easy to bypass geo-restrictions directly from your Android, whether at home or on the go. Additional security features include an offline dark web monitoring system that will notify you if your credentials are exposed, all from within the mobile dashboard. You’ll also find an Automatic Kill Switch that safeguards your IP in case of an unexpected drop, with granular controls in settings.

• NordLynx protocol for fast speeds and efficient battery use

• Auto-connect and split tunneling for customised VPN routing

• Threat Protection Pro to block ads, trackers and malicious sites

• Material Design interface with one-tap connect

Rating: 4.7/ 5.0

>>> Register With NordVPN Now & Use Bonus <<<

Next best VPN: PrivateInternetAccess

Private Internet Access’s Android app gives you control without complexity. You can switch between OpenVPN and WireGuard® protocols for the perfect balance of security and speed. Automation options let this top VPN Android app connect or disconnect based on your Wi-Fi network and you can customise the connection screen to show your favourite servers.

Advanced split tunneling lets you send only selected apps through the VPN tunnel, ideal for banking apps or streaming services, while trusted apps bypass the VPN altogether. And unlimited simultaneous connections means you can protect your phone and all your other devices under one subscription, great value for money.

• Granular customisation & automation options

• Home-screen widget for one-tap reconnect

• Advanced split tunneling for app-specific routing

• Choice of OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0

>>> Register With PrivateInternetAccess Now & Use Bonus <<<

Understanding VPN Android clients

Still not sure about VPNs and why they are good for your Android device? Let’s dive into some of the key features and benefits of these apps:

Core functionality of VPNs

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all internet traffic from your Android device before it leaves your network, making it unreadable to ISPs, public Wi-Fi snoopers and advertisers. This encrypted ‘tunnel’ means even if someone intercepts your data on a cafe hotspot or cellular network, they see only ciphertext, not the websites you visit or the content you access.

VPNs also mask your device’s IP address by assigning you a virtual IP from the VPN server’s location. So websites, apps and services think you’re browsing from the VPN server’s country, not your real location. This IP substitution is key for both privacy, to prevent tracking and to access region-locked services.

IP address masking and traffic encryption

One way any good VPN Android app will ensure privacy in both directions is through two-way encryption. But how does this work? Once connected, your Android’s traffic flows through the VPN server. The server decrypts your requests, fetches the content, re-encrypts it and sends it back through the tunnel to your device.

Furthermore, modern VPN protocols determine how encryption is handled. WireGuard® for instance is built into many Android VPN apps for its balance of high throughput and low power consumption. But other protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 remain popular for their configurability and audited security.

Streaming services abroad

One of the most popular use of a VPN on Android is unblocking streaming services abroad. By connecting to a VPN server in another country you can watch Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more as if you were physically there. This is available in almost any VPN Android client: just choose your desired country in the interface and tap “Connect.”

Good VPN Android options: Evaluating VPN providers

When looking for a new VPN Android app you might want to know a bit more about the company you’re using and its practices. Here’s a comparison of these providers for operations, privacy values and brand reputation:

Server count and locations

Server count refers to how many individual endpoints a VPN provider has. Top services usually have between 1,000 to 5,000 servers worldwide, some with over 7,000 to absorb heavy traffic. If you’re looking for a top Android VPN you want to look for a larger pool of servers to reduce crowding, prevent slowdowns and buffering during streaming or gaming on mobile networks. It also enables dynamic load balancing, routing connections to underused servers to preserve high throughput.

Server location determines how close a VPN endpoint is to you, directly affecting latency and responsiveness. Closer connections provide faster performance, important for time-sensitive apps like VoIP and mobile gaming. But a more distant connection allows you to bypass geo-blocks, unlock global streaming libraries from your Android device. Android VPN apps with extensive, well-distributed server grids deliver better speed, reliability and content access on the go.

First-hand experience

I used my Android device’s VPN app for a week of remote work and travel and a few features stood out. Auto-connect kicked in whenever I joined an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network, encrypting my traffic without me having to do anything.

I also liked split tunneling which allowed me to route only my banking and messaging apps through the VPN while keeping streaming services on my regular connection for uninterrupted playback. And the kill switch was super useful during my subway commute when the connection dropped and all internet activity halted immediately, preventing any data leaks.

Finally when I had some free time at the end of the day I was able to set my location to a server close to home. I was able to watch one of my favourite Netflix shows which wasn’t available in the country I was in.

Privacy and security

Android users looking for privacy should opt for VPN apps based outside of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes and Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances to reduce legal obligation to retain or share user data. Countries outside of these alliances usually don’t have data-retention laws, so it’s more private. A good example of this is NordVPN which is based in Panama.

A no-logs policy is also important. It means connection timestamps, IP assignments and browsing history are not recorded.

Specialised VPN services

Some of the best Android VPN apps specialise in specific areas and uses. Here are a few of the most popular:

• VPNs for streaming – If you want to watch Netflix libraries from other countries or access region-locked sports coverage, look for VPNs with streaming servers. These servers are updated regularly to bypass geo-restrictions and offer fast, buffer-free performance.

• VPNS for gaming – Gamers need more than encryption – they need speed. VPNs for gaming offer low latency, high-speed connections and DDoS protection. Some also have split tunneling so your game traffic stays fast while other apps stay secure.

• VPNS for torrenting – For safe and anonymous file-sharing choose a VPN with a no-logs policy and P2P-optimised servers. These ensure faster download speeds and protect your identity while torrenting.

• VPNs for privacy enthusiasts – Some VPNs focus purely on maximum security. Think military-grade encryption, multi-hop routing and RAM-only servers that erase data on every reboot. These are ideal for journalists, activists or anyone dealing with sensitive data.

VPNs for different purposes like gaming, streaming, and different platforms​

Android VPNs serve many purposes beyond just privacy. For gaming low latency and stable connections are key, especially for competitive titles like Call of Duty: Mobile or PUBG. Some VPNs even have servers optimised for gaming traffic.

And if you’re switching between different platforms, say, using your Android phone, tablet or Android TV you’ll need a VPN that supports multiple simultaneous connections and has a user-friendly app across all these device types.

How to set up your Android VPN

Chosen your provider and paid for your subscription? Then you can follow this quick and easy generic guide to set your Android VPN app up:* Download the app: Get the VPN client from the Google Play Store to ensure you get the official, unmodified version.

• Grant VPN permissions: Tap Allow when prompted so Android can create the secure tunnel and route all traffic through it.

• Sign in: Open the app and enter your subscription credentials, usually an email and password, to activate the service.

• Choose a server: Select a nearby server for minimal latency or a foreign location to access geo-restricted content.

• Enable Always-On VPN: In Settings > Network & internet > VPN, toggle Always-On VPN to force all connections through the tunnel.

• Activate kill switch: In the app’s settings turn on the kill switch to block internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

• Test your connection: Visit whatismyipaddress.com to see if your IP has changed and if your traffic is encrypted.

• Adjust advanced settings: Configure features like split tunneling or switch between WireGuard® and OpenVPN protocols to balance speed and security.

Final verdict on downloading a VPN Android App

Now that you’ve read this full guide you know all the amazing benefits a VPN Android app can bring. A safe, secure and fast online browsing experience with geo-bypassing to watch your favourite movies and TV shows. The best VPNs on the market are Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and PrivateInternetAccess. But which one will you choose? I’d recommend the one that fits your needs and budget best.

>>> Register With Surfshark Now & Use Bonus <<<

Best VPN Android FAQs

What is the best VPN for Android in 2025?

Surfshark is our top pick for most users due to its unbeatable pricing, excellent performance, and unlimited device support. However, other viable options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access.

Are VPNs safe to use on Android devices?

Yes, if you use a reputable provider like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Private Internet Access. These services offer strong encryption and no-logs policies for Android users.

Will using a VPN slow down my Android internet?

It might slightly, but top-tier VPNs like those in our list are optimised for speed and use modern protocols like WireGuard or Lightway.

*Provided in cooperation with WLX

Disclaimer

This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.