Nearly everyone uses the internet daily at this point, there’s almost no way around it. Between cybercriminals, phishing emails, and targeted ads, though, many people are looking for ways to protect themselves while they use the internet. This is where VPN apps come in handy, since they can help protect your browsing habits and data on virtually any device.
We’ve aggregated a list of some of the most reliable mobile VPN apps for Android and iOS, along with critical information that can help you select the best mobile VPN for your needs.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Mobile VPNs Unique?
- Key Factors When Choosing a Mobile VPN
- 1. Most Reliable: ExpressVPN
- 2. Best Free Option: Windscribe
- 3. Best Security Features: NordVPN
- 4. Best Open Source Option: ProtonVPN
- 5. Best for Streaming: Private Internet Access
- 6. Best for Multi-Device Use: Surfshark
- The Benefits of Having VPN Apps on Your Mobile Device
What Makes Mobile VPNs Unique?
As you may have guessed, you can use virtual private networks on any device, from a desktop computer connected to a wired network to a smartphone that jumps between Wi-Fi networks and cellular data connections. However, not all VPNs work with devices that switch between networks frequently. In these cases, you need a mobile virtual private network or mobile VPN.
As the name implies, a mobile VPN is a specific type of virtual private network that continues to function even if you experience changes in physical connection, IP address, or network attachment. Mobile virtual private networks can be used on any type of device, though there are unique benefits to having a VPN on your smartphone or other small device.
Key Factors When Choosing a Mobile VPN
- Connection Speed: Slow speeds can ruin the user experience. Check whether the VPN is known for minimal speed drops, especially on mobile data.
- Security and Encryption Protocols: Make sure the VPN supports strong encryption standards (e.g., AES-256) and secure protocols (like WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2). This ensures that your data remains private, even on public Wi-Fi.
- Automatic Kill Switch: A kill switch will cut off your internet if your VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data leaks. This is especially important on the go, where network reliability may fluctuate.
- Server Locations and Network Size: A wide array of server locations gives you more options to bypass region restrictions. More servers usually translate to less congestion and better speeds.
- Ease of Use and Interface: On mobile devices, a clean, intuitive interface makes a big difference. Look for straightforward apps that don’t bury essential features behind confusing menus.
1. Most Reliable: ExpressVPN
Price: Free trial available; paid plans as low as $4.99/month
ExpressVPN made it their mission to create one of the best possible mobile VPN apps on the market, and although their prices are a bit higher than the competition, it seems they’ve mostly achieved that goal.
ExpressVPN offers over 3,000 servers across an impressive 94 countries, making it one of the most widespread VPN options out there. Additionally, Express VPN is one of the few mobile VPN apps on this list to allow Lightway, an open-source protocol that increases the speed and reliability of the VPN connection. The app also offers the standard 256 AES encryption plus an added 4096 bit RSA certificate, making your data virtually undecipherable.
When it comes to security measures, ExpressVPN is at the top of the list. The VPN service offers a strict no-logs policy, TrustedServer technology (RAM-based servers), split tunneling and an automatic kill switch, which it calls Network Lock. Every ExpressVPN server comes with encrypted DNS, which is also a nice privacy perk.
However, there are other privacy features that ExpressVPN is lacking in, especially given the price. For example, ExpressVPN does not offer double VPN (also called multi-hop), nor does it offer Tor over VPN. While these aren’t deal breakers per se, they may matter to anyone who wants tight security from their VPN.
For More Information: Explore our review of ExpressVPN to learn more about why it is a great mobile VPN.
2. Best Free Option: Windscribe
Price: Free (with premium subscription options)
Windscribe is an affordable and popular option for VPN apps for iPhone and Android devices. In fact, it’s one of the few options on this list that offers a free plan.
Although Windscribe just launched in 2015, it has already built a relatively large network of 170 servers across 69 countries. Like most of the others on this list, the servers use AES 256 encryption, and offers WireGuard throughout the server network.
When it comes to added features, Windscribe has you covered. The app offers split tunneling, ad blocking, malware protection, and tracker disabling. Furthermore, the app also has MAC address spoofing, which helps reduce tracking and blocking far beyond the common DNS blocklist that other VPNs use.
In terms of pricing, Windscribe offers 2GB free per month to anyone, with the option to upgrade that to 10GB per month just for adding and confirming your email address. However, the free plans do come with some limitations on the servers you can use, meaning you may want to also look at their paid options.
3. Best Security Features: NordVPN
Price: Free trial available; paid plans as low as $3.09/month
NordVPN is one of the most notable mobile VPN apps out there. The company has been offering VPN services since 2012, and has ratings of over 4.5 stars in both the Android and Apple app stores.
NordVPN runs a vast network of over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. It employs AES-256 encryption, alongside protocols like NordLynx (based on WireGuard) and OpenVPN, ensuring top-notch security and respectable speeds for streaming or browsing.
You’ll find a range of extra goodies here, too. NordVPN includes an automatic kill switch, Double VPN for enhanced security, ad and malware blocking (CyberSec), and even specialized P2P servers for torrenting. This robust feature set provides more control and privacy, whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Do note that the version in the Google Play store does not have ad-blocking capabilities (due to Google policy). However, you can download and install the apk file directly from the NordVPN website to have access to the ad-blocking function.
4. Best Open Source Option: ProtonVPN
Price: Free (with premium subscription options)
ProtonVPN is another solid VPN for Android and iPhone that offers a free version. From the same team behind ProtonMail, this mobile VPN is often touted as the best open-source option, with all its apps publicly available for scrutiny on GitHub.
Since 2017, Proton VPN has expanded into a sizable global network of hundreds of servers across 60+ countries. Like most reputable VPNs, Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard and OpenVPN for those who prioritize stability and flexibility.
Beyond its solid encryption protocols, Proton VPN offers a handful of distinctive features. For instance, ProtonVPN prides itself on its Secure Core servers. Essentially, you can set up your most secure data to multi-hop through one of these secure servers before going to the VPN network of your choice. This protects your data even if, the VPN server were to get hacked.
Other key features include NetShield (an ad blocker, malware protection, and anti-tracker system), a split tunneling system, and DNS leak protection. The company boasts VPN Accelerator technologies that increase the speeds even further. The app offers an auto kill switch, an “always on” feature, and Tor over VPN.
5. Best for Streaming: Private Internet Access
Price: Free trial available; paid plans as low as $2.09/month
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been around since 2010 and remains a favorite mobile VPN among users looking for fast, streaming-friendly VPN connections at an affordable price.
With thousands of servers in over 80 countries, PIA uses AES-256 encryption and offers multiple protocols – WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 – to ensure compatibility with various devices. It also provides customizable security settings, including a kill switch, which you can tweak based on your personal preference for speed or privacy.
PIA’s most significant selling point for many is its reliability for streaming. Whether you’re trying to watch Netflix abroad, access Hulu while traveling, or view region-specific sports coverage, PIA typically performs well. The service often updates its server list, and IP ranges to stay one step ahead of streaming service blocks.
Regarding added features, PIA includes MACE, an integrated ad, malware, and tracker blocker that functions across most apps and websites. There’s also a strict no-logs policy – regularly verified through external audits – so you can browse and stream without worrying about data collection. But, if you still aren’t sold on this mobile VPN, read our honest review of Private Internet Access.
6. Best for Multi-Device Use: Surfshark
Price: Free trial available; paid plans as low as $1.99/month
If you’re looking for an outstanding mobile VPN that doesn’t have a device limit, then you’ll want to check out Surfshark.
Despite its newcomer status, Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries. Like other premium VPNs, it relies on AES-256 encryption to keep your data secure and supports multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The mobile apps, available for iOS and Android, feature an automatic kill switch to protect you from accidental data exposure if the connection drops.
Surfshark also includes a suite of privacy features to enhance your browsing experience. Its CleanWeb module blocks ads, trackers, and malware, while split tunneling (Whitelister) lets you choose which apps bypass the VPN tunnel. For those who want additional anonymity, Surfshark’s multi-hop feature routes your connection through two different VPN servers before it reaches the internet.
The real differentiator is that Surfshark allows you to protect every device in your household without needing extra subscriptions – a major benefit for large families or power users juggling multiple phones, tablets, and laptops. Prices are already competitive, and you can often find promotional deals by opting for longer-term plans. If you’re still on the fence, Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a safe option to test out.
The Benefits of Having VPN Apps on Your Mobile Device
You may think that there isn’t a lot of reason to install a VPN on your cell phone. However, those mobile devices are actually the ideal hardware for VPN apps.
Most of the time, people hop between mobile data and free Wi-Fi hotspots when using the internet on their cell phones. Unfortunately, these hotspots are rarely secured, making it easy for anyone to access any data you send over that connection. This includes everything from your email address and passwords to banking and credit card information.
Furthermore, VPNs can help make what you’re doing on the internet more private too. VPN apps essentially make your browsing habits incognito all the time, meaning you don’t have to worry about companies tracking what you do.
Of course, VPNs can do more than just keep your private information safe or prevent companies from targeting you. In fact, if you are traveling, they can also help you access content that may otherwise be unavailable. This includes popular streaming apps that are cracking down on access from abroad and social media sites that are censored in some areas.
Remember, VPNs are just one layer of protection when using the internet. You may also want to use secure and private internet browsers or use other Android privacy protection measures.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Megan Glosson.
