Best Mobile VPN in 2024 – Find Top VPN Apps for Any Device

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Finding the best mobile VPN app can be a daunting task. With so many options, how do you decide which one is right for you? You should look for an application offering speedy connections, reliable data encryption, and a broad range of VPN servers.

We’ve conducted an in-depth comparison of the top picks for best VPN for mobile. By looking ‌at their features, prices, and overall performance, we’ll help you figure out which ones offer the most value for your money. Read on to find out which of the best VPN providers has the perfect app for you.

PureVPN – Functional VPN With Cheap Add-Ons

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ExpressVPN – Fast VPN With a Free Password Manager

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Surfshark – Superb VPN with Unlimited Connections

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ProtonVPN - Secure VPN With an Unlimited Free Plan

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NordVPN – Feature-rich VPN for Security and Privacy

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IvacyVPN - Very Affordable Long-Term VPN

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CyberGhostVPN – Secure VPN With Various Dedicated Servers

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PrivadoVPN - Secure VPN With Parental Control

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IPVanish – Speedy VPN With No Data Transfer Caps

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Best Mobile VPN Apps At a Glance

  1. PureVPN – Best mobile VPN with Always-On Audit
  2. ExpressVPN – Best mobile VPN for all-around protection
  3. Surfshark – Best VPN for unlimited mobile devices
  4. NordVPN – Fastest mobile VPN provider with obfuscated servers
  5. ProtonVPN – Top freemium VPN app for mobiles
  6. IvacyVPN – Cheap and functional VPN app for a mobile phone
  7. CyberGhost – Best streaming VPN for phones
  8. PrivadoVPN – Best mobile VPN app for beginners
  9. IPVanish – Best mobile VPN for complete privacy

Best VPN for Mobile Devices Reviewed

In our full reviews, we’ll provide detailed information about each of the best VPN apps, covering their features, pricing, and pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about which mobile VPN app will best serve your needs.

1. PureVPN – Mobile VPN for Robust Protection

Max Devices 10
Server Network 6,500+ servers in 65+ countries
Free plan No
Price From $3.99/month
Why We Picked It

PureVPN stands out as one of the most secure options for any Android or iOS device. Its implementation of an Always-On Audit and incorporation of top-notch in-app security measures guarantee impeccable online protection.

Features

PureVPN utilizes the AES-256 encryption – renowned for its reliability and trusted by governmental bodies worldwide. It provides a range of tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard OpenVPN or IKEv2, ensuring versatile options for users. While WireGuard offers fast speeds, it may not suit everyone, though, due to its limitations in supporting certain features, including split tunneling.

PureVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy – independently audited by Altius IT and KPM – and operates from a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. While PureVPN has faced previous incidents where user data was leaked to the FBI, it has adopted an Always-On Audit system to avoid potential incidents.

The provider includes essential features like split tunneling or a reliable kill switch, ensuring your real IP address remains protected even if the VPN connection drops.

Additionally, the obfuscation feature allows for secure connections without disclosing VPN usage. Furthermore, users can enhance their subscription with a password manager or a Dedicated IP feature for a monthly fee.

Pricing

Here are all the details of PureVPN’s plans.

12 months +3 free 6 months 1 month
PureVPN Standard $3.99/month $6.65/month $12.95/month

PureVPN is an affordable VPN for mobile devices. Its prices start at $3.99/month, and a single subscription allows you to connect up to ten devices simultaneously. Though there’s no free plan, you can test the service for seven days after paying $0.99 or simply use a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Who It's Best For

PureVPN provides excellent security features, which makes it a great pick for privacy-conscious users. Despite its reasonable pricing, PureVPN delivers a very reliable service which also comes with an impressive server fleet.

Pros

  • Over 6,500 servers worldwide
  • Independently audited no-logs policy
  • Can be audited at any time without prior notice
  • Affordable
  • 31-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Certain features don’t work with WireGuard
  • The trial week isn’t free

PureVPN
9.4
Review

2. ExpressVPN – Premium Mobile VPN App for Top-Notch Protection


Max Devices 8
Server Network 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries
Free plan No
Price From $6.67/month
Why We Picked It

ExpressVPN stands out as one of the top choices among VPN users. It is renowned for its robust security features on any Android and iOS device. With its extensive VPN server network spanning over 3,000 servers across 105 countries and advanced security measures, ExpressVPN is a reliable VPN for mobile users.

Features

Depending on the selected tunneling protocol, ExpressVPN employs top-tier encryption ciphers, AES-256 and ChaCha20. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN offers its own Lightway protocol, ensuring fast speeds and robust security. Furthermore, users have the option to utilize OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2 for their connection.

The provider’s strict no-logging policy has been court-approved, guaranteeing that your online activities and personal information remain undisclosed and unmonitored. ExpressVPN also employs TrustedServer technology, ensuring no data is stored on the server’s hard drive; servers operate solely on RAM.

ExpressVPN’s mobile app, whether on Android or iOS, comes equipped with essential security features to keep you safe online.

These include a Threat Manager suite, a kill switch to prevent IP leaks, obfuscated servers for encrypted connections without revealing VPN activity, and DDoS protection. There’s also a free password manager that has already undergone independent auditing.

Pricing

Unlike other providers, ExpressVPN only has one set of plans, which drop in price per month with longer-term subscriptions

12 months + 3 free 6 months 1 month
ExpressVPN $6.67/month $9.99/month $12.95/month

Subscriptions start at $6.67/month, more than double the price of Surfshark or PureVPN. However, you can test the service with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who It's Best For

ExpressVPN is perfect for users looking for a premium service that can instill complete confidence with fast connections and an expansive global server network. Whatever angle you look at it, ExpressVPN offers a very strong package for mobile.

Pros

  • Blocks ads, trackers, and infected websites
  • Includes a password manager
  • Servers operate on RAM
  • 7-day free trial for mobile VPN app users

Cons

  • Can be pricey
  • No free plan

ExpressVPN
9.2
Review

3. Surfshark – Best Value for Money Mobile VPN

Max Devices Unlimited
Server Network 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
Free plan No
Price From $2.19/month
Why We Picked It

Surfshark has been a market leader for a few years now, surpassing other mobile VPNs in terms of its price-to-quality ratio. With this provider, you can connect unlimited devices simultaneously, enjoy lightning-fast speeds, and access geo restricted content for only a few bucks per month.

Features

This top-tier mobile VPN implements the WireGuard VPN protocol, ensuring lightning-fast connections without compromising protection. Moreover, Surfshark employs cutting-edge encryption technology to make your traffic virtually impossible to decrypt.

Aside from Deloitte’s independently audited no-logs policy and privacy-friendly country of jurisdiction, Surfshark utilizes RAM-only servers. This means the user’s data gets wiped away after each server reboot, leaving no trace of your online activities.

Plus, there’s an Alternative ID feature that helps you to set up a brand new online identity and prevent identity theft.

Surfshark offers essential VPN features like a functional kill switch, a Bypasser allowing you to select apps to use with the VPN connection, and the NoBorders feature for bypassing stringent restrictions.

Additionally, on Android devices, you will find an exclusive GPS Spoofing feature for spoofing your actual location, an ad blocker, and a secure search engine.

Pricing

Here are the details of Surfshark’s plans – which get considerably cheaper on a per-month rate with long-term subscriptions.

24 months + 3 free 12 months + 3 free 1 month
Surfshark Starter $2.19/month $2.79/month $15.45/month
Surfshark One $2.69/month $3.19/month $15.95/month
Surfshark One+ $4.29/month $5.09/month $17.95/month

Surfshark’s VPN app prices start at just $2.19/month, making it significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN or Proton VPN. There’s also a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service.

Who It's Best For

Surfshark has a lot going for it, given the amount of value that it delivers at a relatively low cost. Because of this, it’s ideal for individuals looking for an affordable, high-quality service. With coverage for unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s also a great option for families and businesses.

Pros

  • Allows unlimited parallel connections
  • Intuitive mobile apps
  • Packed with advanced features
  • Cheap subscriptions
  • 7-day free trial is available

Cons

  • No free plan
Surfshark
9.6
Review

4. NordVPN – The Fastest VPN for Mobile Phone

Max Devices 10
Server Network 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries
Free plan No
Price From $3.09/month
Why We Picked It

NordVPN is one of the most famous names on the market and for a good reason. It’s been the fastest mobile VPN for several years. With it, you retain over 90% of the baseline internet speed, thus enjoying geo-restricted content lag-free wherever you are.

Features

Due to NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol and expansive server network, excellent performance is guaranteed.

NordLynx, an advanced version of the renowned WireGuard protocol, combines speed with robust security, surpassing other known VPN protocols. Consequently, even with AES256 encryption, your connection maintains speed and stability.

NordVPN stands out among most VPNs, especially in terms of user privacy. The provider ensures user data confidentiality with a strict no-logging policy verified by PwC and Deloitte. Moreover, NordVPN operates on RAM servers, ensuring browsing data is erased with each reboot.

NordVPN provides a wide range of features, making it a versatile option for online security. It includes essential tools such as a kill switch for protecting your real IP, split tunneling, double VPN feature, and other advanced functionalities.

Additionally, NordVPN offers the Threat Protection Lite suite, which enhances protection against adware and online tracking.

Pricing

Here’s a breakdown of NordVPN’s pricing across its plans.

24 months + 3 free 12 months + 3 free 1 month
NordVPN Basic $3.09/month $4.59/month $12.99/month
NordVPN Plus $3.99/month $5.49/month $13.99/month
NordVPN Ultimate $5.99/month $7.49/month $15.99/month

NordVPN offers affordable pricing, starting at just $3.09/month. With a single subscription, you can secure up to ten devices simultaneously. Android mobile users can also access a free 7-day trial by downloading the app from the Google Play store. You can also extend the trial period with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who It's Best For

NordVPN offers an excellent service and is one of the leading premium providers on the market. If you want the fastest connections available, then NordVPN is the best VPN mobile app you can buy.

Pros

  • Up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • Lightning-fast connection speeds
  • RAM-only servers for complete privacy
  • 7-day free trial for Android users

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Mobile apps don’t remove malware
NordVPN
9.2
Review

5. Proton VPN – Mobile Freemium VPN App With Unlimited Data

A logo of Proton VPN

Max Devices 10
Server Network 4,450+ servers in 85 countries
Free Version Yes, with unlimited bandwidth
Price From $4.49/month
Why We Picked It

Proton VPN is an excellent option if you’re looking for a reliable mobile VPN app for free. This premium VPN offers one of the best free plans on the market, giving you unlimited monthly data and connection speeds, VPN servers in five countries, and more.

Features

Proton VPN employs two different encryption ciphers based on your chosen tunneling protocol. If you opt for an industry-leading WireGuard tunnel, your data is shielded by the top-notch ChaCha20 cipher. As for other protocols, the VPN relies on the AES-256 cipher to ensure robust protection.

Considering that Proton VPN also offers a free plan, reviewing its privacy policy is essential. The provider has subjected its no-logs policy to independent scrutiny conducted by Securitum.

The free version of the Proton VPN mobile app offers essential features like a functional kill switch, an obfuscation tool for hiding your VPN activity, and an ad blocker to fend off adware.

However, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan for advanced functionalities such as VPN Accelerator, Secure Core, or split tunneling.

Pricing

Proton VPN offers a single plan, but the price drops for longer-term subscribers.

24 months 12 months 1 month
Proton VPN $4.49/month $4.99/month $9.99/month

With a free plan, you can only connect one device at a time, while the paid plan offers protection for up to ten devices simultaneously. If you find the free plan insufficient, you can opt for a premium subscription starting from $4.49/month. You can also use a 30-day money-back guarantee to try premium features risk-free.

Who It's Best For

If you’re looking for the best free mobile VPN app, Proton VPN is perfect. It also has great coverage and features, so there’s plenty more on offer if you upgrade.

Pros

  • Free plan includes an ad blocker
  • Unlimited monthly data
  • Open-source VPN service
  • Paid plan unblocks popular streaming services

Cons

  • Free servers only in 5 countries
  • Premium plans are quite expensive
ProtonVPN
8.5
Review

6. IvacyVPN – Most Affordable Mobile VPN

Max Devices 10
Server Network 5.700+ servers in 70+ countries
Free plan Yes
Price From $1.17/month
Why We Picked It

Priced at only $1.17/month, IvacyVPN is the most budget-friendly VPN option for Android and iOS users. It offers a comprehensive feature suite, including over 5,700 servers in 70 countries, making it an excellent option for both virtual and real travel worldwide.

Features

IvacyVPN employs the widely trusted AES-256 encryption cipher, which government institutions also favor. Despite its robust security, this cipher can be resource-intensive. Ivacy VPN integrates the WireGuard tunneling protocol to ensure both security and speed, allowing for swift and secure internet connections.

This VPN is also one of a few premium providers offering a free plan. However, even if it follows a strict no-logging policy, it has yet to undergo independent auditing, making it a less reliable freemium provider than Proton VPN.

Nevertheless, the company states that it doesn’t gather sensitive data, such as activity logs, connection records, or original IP addresses.

In the IvacyVPN mobile VPN app, you can access a kill switch and split tunneling to customize VPN traffic, along with DDoS Protection to ensure secure gaming experiences. Furthermore, the Secure Download feature monitors attachments for malware.

Pricing

IvacyVPN, like ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, has a single plan that’s discounted for longer-term subscriptions.

5 years 2 years 1 month
IvacyVPN $1.17/month $1.99/month $9.95/month

A single IvacyVPN subscription allows up to ten devices simultaneously. Paid plans also have a 30-day money-back guarantee or a 7-day free trial. If you don’t feel like paying, you can use the free Ivacy application, which gives unlimited monthly data but automatically connects you to certain servers.

Who It's Best For

IvacyVPN is a great pick for users looking for a cheap mobile VPN. As well as a low monthly subscription price, there’s also an excellent free plan, and while it’s very affordable, the mobile VPN nevertheless has an excellent range of features to protect your privacy and anonymity.

Pros

  • Free plan with unlimited data
  • Affordable long-term pricing
  • Downloaded attachments monitoring for malware

Cons

  • Lacks extra features
  • Free plan doesn’t allow to connect to a server manually
  • Can be slow
IvacyVPN
8.1
Review

7. CyberGhost VPN – Top Phone VPN for Streaming

Max Devices 7
Server Network 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries
Free plan No
Price From $2.19/month
Why We Picked It

Coming from the same parent company as ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, CyberGhost offers a top-grade VPN that is excellent for streaming on mobile devices. With over 11,500 servers in more than 100 countries and specialized streaming servers, this provider unblocks any streaming service you like.

Features

In addition to streaming-optimized servers, CyberGhost offers NoSpy servers to provide extra privacy and security free from third-party interference. By utilizing the WireGuard tunneling protocol, users can experience swift speeds coupled with robust encryption using the AES-256 cipher.

Beyond its streaming capabilities, CyberGhost is a top choice for privacy-conscious users. Based in Romania, CyberGhost operates outside the Five Eyes Alliance jurisdiction and is not subject to data retention regulations for VPN providers.

With a firm commitment to user privacy, CyberGhost enforces a strict, independently audited, no-logging policy and employs RAM-only servers.

CyberGhost also offers an ad blocker, a feature that eliminates unwanted advertisements, ensuring a seamless browsing experience. With the inclusion of Smart Rules, users can automate VPN connections for added convenience.

In addition to its streaming servers, CyberGhost also provides specialized servers for torrenting and gaming, enhancing your online activities.

Pricing

Here are the pricing details for CyberGhost’s plans.

2 years + 2 free 6 months 1 month
CyberGhost $2.19/month $6.99/month $12.99/month

CyberGhost offers budget-friendly prices, starting at just $2.19/month, with the flexibility to safeguard up to seven devices with a single subscription. Android users can explore a 3-day free trial, while iOS users enjoy a more extended 7-day trial. Plus, all users benefit from a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Who It's Best For

CyberGhost is a great VPN for streaming on mobile. The large server network, optimized servers, and security features ensure you’ll be able to access whatever service you want. It’s also a good pick for torrenting and gaming.

Pros

  • Dedicated servers for streaming content, gaming, torrenting
  • Utilizes RAM-only servers
  • 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries

Cons

  • Doesn’t operate in China
  • Free plan isn’t available
  • Apple app lacks some features
CyberGhostVPN
8.7
Review

8. PrivadoVPN – Excellent Mobile VPN App for Beginners

Max Devices 10
Server Network 300+ servers in 65 countries
Free plan Yes, with 10Gb per month
Price From $1.99/month
Why We Picked It

If you’re seeking your first-ever mobile VPN, PrivadoVPN is one of the most suitable options for beginners. It’s designed for users new to VPNs, offering an intuitive VPN app, sleek design, and fundamental cybersecurity features for a budget-friendly price.

Features

This user-friendly VPN relies on AES-256 encryption, providing robust security for your online endeavors. While there might be concerns about its effect on network speed, the WireGuard protocol ensures a swift, stable, and secure connection, enabling seamless browsing and lag-free streaming.

PrivadoVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly country. Swiss laws don’t require VPN providers to store data, ensuring greater privacy. While it hasn’t undergone independent auditing, its location and policies offer strong security and privacy assurances to users.

While there are fewer features than you would find in the Surfshark app, PrivadoVPN does provide essential functionalities catering to various needs.

For instance, it offers parental controls, allowing you to monitor and regulate your children’s access to social media platforms. Moreover, it has an ad blocker that safeguards against malicious ads while improving browsing speed.

Pricing

Here’s PrivadoVPN’s pricing information.

24 months + 3 free 12 months + 3 free 1 month
PrivadoVPN $1.99/month $2.99/month $10.99/month

PrivadoVPN offers a free plan with 10GB of monthly data and access to twelve servers. For those seeking more robust features, premium plans start at only $1.99/month, allowing simultaneous connections for up to ten devices. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to explore the premium service risk-free.

Who It's Best For

With its intuitive interface and simple but powerful toolset, PrivadoVPN is ideal for beginners and users with less technical experience. It’s extremely easy to get started, and there are also parental control tools included, meaning it’s a good pick for families.

Pros

  • Intuitive iOS app and Android app
  • It has a free plan
  • Includes the parental controls feature

Cons

  • Free plan includes only 10GB of free monthly data
  • Only a few extra features
  • Small VPN server fleet
PrivadoVPN
8.6
Review

9. IPVanish – Best Smartphone VPN for Advanced Users

A logo of IPVanish

Max Devices Unlimited
Server Network 2,200+ servers in 52+ countries
Free plan No
Price From $2.19/month
Why We Picked It

IPVanish is a top choice among advanced VPN users because of its robust security features. While the VPN app’s aesthetics may not be its strongest point, its exceptional performance more than justifies its value, making it well worth the investment.

Features

For starters, IPVanish offers users a choice between two highly secure encryption ciphers. When using the WireGuard VPN tunnel, the provider employs the lightweight and secure ChaCha20 cipher, ensuring security and efficiency.

Alternatively, when opting for the OpenVPN or IKEv2 tunneling protocols, your data undergoes encryption with the AES-256 cipher.

While IPVanish is headquartered in the US, a founding member of the 5-Eyes Alliance, it maintains a solid no-logs policy. This policy has undergone independent auditing by the Leviathan Security Group, ensuring user privacy and data protection.

Aside from the no-log policy,  you also get standard VPN features, such as a kill switch or split tunneling.

Like NordVPN, IPVanish offers the Threat Protection suite, which can help users remove ads, block trackers, and avoid malicious websites.

Pricing

Here are IPVanish’s pricing details.

24 months 12 months 1 month
IPVanish $2.19/month $2.79/month $12.99/month

IPVanish offers competitive pricing, starting at just $2.19/month, with the flexibility to connect unlimited devices under one subscription.

Additionally, iOS and Android users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial (when a yearly subscription is chosen), extendable with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.

Who It's Best For

IPVanish is a good pick for advanced users who want additional control over their mobile VPN connection. It also offers great performance and an impressive 500GB of encrypted storage, which pros will also appreciate.

Pros

  • Provides an encrypted 500GB storage
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 7-day free trial available for mobile device users

Cons

  • Based in the US
  • Doesn’t operate in China
  • No forever-free plan
IPVanish
8.3
Review

Techopedia’s Best Mobile VPN Picks Compared

This table provides all the information you need to compare the top VPN app providers against one another – including pricing, device support, and VPN server network size – so you can find the service that’s right for you.

Mobile VPN Best For Cheapest Plan / Trial Money-Back Guarantee Max Devices Supported Server Count Server Countries
PureVPN Global network $3.99/month 31-days 10 6,500+ 65+
ExpressVPN Security $6.67/month 30-days 8 3,000+ 105+
Surfshark Affordable option $2.19/month 30-days Unlimited 3,200 100+
NordVPN Speed $3.09/month 30-days 10 6,400+ 111+
ProtonVPN Great free service Free / $4.49/month 30-days 10 4,450+ 85+
IvacyVPN High-speed streaming $1.17/month 30-days 10 5,700+ 70+
CyberGhost Encryption $2.19/month 45-days 7 11,500+ 100+
PrivadoVPN Beginners Free ($1.99/month) 30-days 10 300+ 65+
IPVanish Fast connections $2.19/month 30-days Unlimited 2,200 52+
Methodology

How We Review and Test VPN Services

20 VPNS TESTED

25 DATA POINTS MEASURED

300+ HOURS TESTING

500+ USER REVIEWS READ

To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:

  • Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
  • Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
  • Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
  • Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
  • Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
  • Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
  • Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.

What Is a VPN App?

A VPN app is a safe and secure software application that allows users to connect to the internet in a more secure way. The VPN app establishes a secure and encrypted tunnel from the user’s device to the internet via a VPN server.

All the data that travels via this secure tunnel is encrypted, making it unreadable to any spying eyes.

While you can also opt for a VPN browser extension, the VPN app is a more diverse tool that allows you to secure all your activities on your chosen device; while a browser extension is limited to a specific browser, the VPN extension has been set up on.

When Should I Use a VPN App?

The VPN application secures all your online activities, regardless of whether you’re using a social media app, browsing the internet, playing a game, or paying for goods and services.

Since it is not tied to a single browser, unlike a VPN browser extension, you can secure all your files and applications on your phone or any other device.

So, if you want to enjoy secure connections when streaming on Netflix, playing mobile games on your phone, scrolling social media, or browsing the web, opt for the VPN app.

Why Do I Need a Mobile VPN Provider?

If you don’t use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), it’s easy for your network provider and government agencies to track your IP address and your usage of the internet. In addition to that, advertisers and malicious actors can track you as well, building up a profile of your online activity and perhaps taking advantage of it.

Having a VPN in place means you can anonymize your internet connection while the VPN encrypts your internet traffic. This is a great first step for protecting your privacy and security and can help to shield you from surveillance and cyber-attacks. It’s an intelligent thing to do if you’re using an unsecured public WiFi network, for example.

VPNs also allow you to access the internet as if you were in a different country. This is a great way of bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions, so you can enjoy services that are restricted in your territory – whether you want to access Netflix libraries or read a restricted newspaper.

It’s a fact of life that cyber-attacks are on the rise today, and VPNs are an essential tool in the fight, right alongside antivirus software – so smart internet users will get a VPN in place for themselves and their families.

No matter if you’re at home, on the move, or simply surfing the web, a VPN can ensure your online activity remains private and secure. That’s why you should look for protection, whether you need a reliable VPN Windows app for your laptop or a functional virtual private network for your mobile device

What Devices Can I Use a Mobile VPN App For?

A secure mobile VPN app can be used on numerous devices. With little effort, you can find a reliable Android VPN or a functional VPN for iPhone.

Most VPN providers offer dedicated apps for different operating systems, including the most popular phone brands and models. Therefore, our top suggested VPN apps are highly diverse and compatible. With them, you can secure your Windows devices, Macs, iPads, gaming consoles, routers, and more. Best of all, providers like Surfshark allow users to secure all their devices simultaneously.

What Makes a Good Mobile VPN App?

When we tested the top VPN apps for this guide, we considered a range of factors that are important for an optimal user experience on mobile devices. Here’s how we ranked the best mobile VPN services:

Performance and SpeedsSecurityUnblocking PowerServer NetworkValue for MoneyUser Feedback

Performance and Speed

A quality VPN app should provide fast and reliable connections that enable you to browse, stream, and download content seamlessly. Furthermore, the app should deliver consistent speeds unaffected by the number of people connected to a particular server.

On top of this, a reliable connection is paramount for an optimal VPN experience. A superior VPN application should remain connected without interruption, providing a seamless transition when switching between various servers.

Security

Ensure your online privacy and security with a VPN app that encrypts your internet connection and masks your identity. Look for one with strong privacy policies that protect data without storing any logs, as well as robust VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN to secure the connection.

Unblocking Power

VPN users rely on their apps to bypass geo-restrictions and unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Hulu. A great VPN app should be to help you access geo restricted content in any region.

Server Network

A great VPN app should boast an extensive server network that enables you to establish connections with servers from any corner of the globe. This helps guarantee unhindered access to restricted content, as well as fast and reliable VPN connections.

Value for Money

A quality VPN app should strike the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and reliability. Not only must it provide robust security and privacy features, but also an equitable price point compared to other offerings in the market.

User Feedback

User reviews are a crucial consideration when assessing VPN apps –good ones should garner positive reviews from their users, who should enjoy an effortless and secure experience.

We’ve considered all of these factors to formulate our top list of the best VPN apps.

How to Use a VPN Phone App

Ready to take control of your online privacy? Surfshark takes only a few minutes to install after you pick a subscription that fits your needs and budget from its website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Surfshark after you purchase it.

  1. Download Surfshark VPN Paid App on Your Device

    First, go to Surfshark official page and sign up for a subscription. Once done, go to Google Play Store or Apple App store and download the VPN app.
    Download Surfshark VPN Paid App on Your Device
  2. Login to Your Surfshark Account

    Once installed, open the VPN app, and log in to your account.

    Login to Your Surfshark Account
  3. Start Browsing Securely

    And that’s all there is to it. Select a server based on the content or speeds you’re after and browse the web freely, securely, and privately – and without any anxiety. And remember to install your VPN on all your devices to take advantage of the available unlimited simultaneous connections.
    Start Browsing Securely

What’s the Best Free Mobile VPN?

While a free option may seem appealing, there are often limitations and risks that come with using them. With that said, PrivadoVPN offers a top-tier free mobile VPN service, providing 10GB of data each month.

However, it’s important to note that free VPNs have certain restrictions – such as slower speeds and limited server access – which could prevent them from reliably unlocking streaming services.

Although free VPNs are a great way to test the waters of a VPN service, they often don’t offer the same level of security as paid plans, and completely free VPNs are renowned for selling user data.

With that said reliable providers like PrivadoVPN, although there are limitations, provide free users with the same level of protection as premium customers.

Given all this, whether you’re considering the best free VPN app for Android phone or the best free VPN app for iPhone, we suggest investing in a paid provider that offers either an unconditional money-back guarantee or a trial period to get a dependable VPN solution.

Are There Downsides to Mobile VPN Apps?

VPNs are an excellent solution to ensure you’re able to use the internet privately and securely, evading censorship and surveillance. They aren’t entirely without downsides, though.

While we say the price is more than worth it, you do – only naturally –have to pay for the best services. And because of the nature of routing traffic, app VPNs may have a slight impact on your connection speed.

With disreputable providers, though, you’re on shakier ground, and if you use a free service, you may be directing your sensitive traffic through a data farm. There’s also the fact to consider that while it will be much harder to track you when using a VPN, you can still be subject to device fingerprinting, and logging into services and uploading files will leave some trace.

FAQs

Should I have a VPN on my mobile?

How does a mobile VPN work?

How much does a mobile VPN cost?

What is the best VPN mobile app?

What’s the best free mobile VPN app?

What can you do with a mobile VPN?

References

  1. Internet: Living with the Great Firewall of China (Reuters)
  2. OpenVPN (Computer Science at Brown University)
  3. WireGuard homepage (WireGuard)
Nick Saraev
Tech and SaaS Expert
Nick Saraev
Tech and SaaS Expert

Nick Saraev is a writer & entrepreneur who pivoted from a path in medicine to forge a series of successful digital media businesses. He's been featured in Popular Mechanics, Apple News, & Bloomberg, and is an Amazon Kindle best-seller. He has extensive experience in the tech and SaaS industry, writing in-depth guides to help users grasp technical concepts better.