15 Best Free VPNs for Android

Do you need to keep your Android phone secure without impacting network speeds, performance, or battery life?

There are plenty of high-quality virtual private networks for Android available, but they all tend to come with a subscription fee or lifetime charge. If you spend most of your time logged into your secure home Wi-Fi network, and handle online payments and e-banking on your Mac or Windows PC, then paying for a VPN service might not make a lot of sense.

But downloading a free VPN can maintain online privacy whether you’re sitting in a waiting room or checking your email while out and about. So how do you know what is the best free VPN for Android devices?

Some free Android VPNs come with dozens of annoying ads. Other ones don’t provide complete anonymity when you’re online or throttle your internet connection speeds. Of course, functionality is bound to be limited on free VPN services – otherwise, nobody would buy a monthly plan. That is why it is necessary to examine the limitations of free VPN plans and services closely:

What is their customer support like? This can be an issue with open-source VPNs.
Since they don’t tend to have unlimited connections, how many do they offer? Is a single connection sufficient for your needs?
Is their server network large enough, and are there any server locations in your region?
Can they handle streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney, Netflix, or BBC iPlayer?
Can they unblock access to important sites or services regardless of the region?
What is their no-logs policy like, and do they keep your online activity genuinely private?
If a VPN is available on multiple operating systems, that doesn’t mean it will be just as good on Android devices. If you’re happy with the VPN you’re using on your Linux server or MacOS device, that’s no guarantee that the Android app will be top-notch. If it works great on an iPhone, that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for Android users, too.

It is also worth noting that some familiar names in the VPN space aren’t included in our list because they don’t offer a free service tier. For example, NordVPN and Cyberghost typically rank well in VPN reviews, but they’re not free and will be omitted from our list.

Ultimately, much depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you merely want to open a couple of Chrome tabs, check your emails on the road, or make the occasional payment, you may want to emphasize security and privacy over streaming support and bandwidth. If you’re more concerned about missing your favorite TV show than hackers, you will probably choose plans with more speed and bandwidth.

That’s why our list of the best free VPNs for Android includes a range of services that emphasize different features in their free versions.

1. ExpressVPN

While ExpressVPN isn’t exactly free, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN stands out for its speed, privacy, and unblocking capabilities. With 148 server locations and more than 2,000 servers, ExpressVPN is able to offer a fast connection in nearly 100 countries. In addition to low latencies and high speeds, ExpressVPN also boasts DNS leak protection, powerful AES-256 encryption, as well as a kill switch. This widely-acclaimed VPN service is an excellent choice for secure browsing on your Android phone or tablet.

2. Surfshark

Not every Android app needs to utilize a secure VPN connection. Thankfully, Surfshark takes this into account and supports split tunneling. This allows you to choose what programs and websites are protected by the extra security provided by the VPN connection and which ones don’t need it. Even after you make your choice, Surfshark won’t store any logs about the sites you’re visiting or the programs you’re accessing on your Android device. Ultimately, Surfshark offers a well-rounded service and is a good choice for most users.

3. Windscribe

The free version of Windscribe provides you with a massive 10GB of data per month to use however you see fit. However, you can score another 5GB if you tweet the company directly. Using the free version of this VPN service, you are limited to ten server locations as opposed to 63 in the paid version. Technically, this does not mean you will be geo-restricted, but latencies could be an issue depending on your location. However, you still get Windscribe’s military-grade 256-bit encryption, ad and malware blocker, split tunneling, and the peace of mind of knowing that none of your activity will be logged. Windscribe is one of the best VPN services, and it’s a good choice for Android users as well.

4. Hide.me

You won’t be able to stream Netflix or do much torrenting with this VPN provider’s 2GB of data per month, but Hide.me is still one of the best free VPNs for Android if you want to check your emails or do some online banking while you’re out of the house. There’s also an option to choose what apps on your Android device use the VPN service so that you don’t eat up your plan or waste data on programs that don’t need the added level of protection provided by a virtual private network.

5. ProtonVPN

Even the free version of ProtonVPN provides you with top-of-the-line encryption for your Android device. It offers servers based out of the Netherlands, Japan, and the US, and you’re able to access any streaming service or application from these countries easily. There’s no limit on data, but your speeds are restricted on the free version. Due to its high level of security, it’s still one of the best Android VPNs available today.

6. Avira

If you want a large selection of virtual private network servers to choose from, Avira could be the best Android VPN for you. It features a choice of 38 server locations around the world, which allows you to not only browse online securely but also access streaming services and apps from other countries. The platform also takes extra care in preventing any DNS leakage to ensure there is no possibility of your personal information getting compromised or collected by your internet service provider.

7. TunnelBear

TunnelBear’s 500MB cap might not sound like much, but it might be the best free Android VPN for anyone who doesn’t use their device all the time and doesn’t use it for torrenting or streaming. It’s the ideal option if you’re traveling to a location that censors the web or monitors internet usage as it can easily bypass VPN blocks and deep packet inspections. If you really enjoy this free VPN, then you can upgrade for unlimited data across five simultaneous connections.

8. Freedome VPN

Sometimes you only need to hide the IP address on your Android device so that apps and websites realize you’re still in the same country. By default F-Secure’s Freedome VPN only disguises this identifier so that you may freely use browsers, streaming services, banking applications, and delivery services. However, if you need to access geo-blocked content, you can do this too, which is why it’s one of the best Android VPNs.

9. Opera VPN

If you use the Opera browser on your Android device, then this free VPN is the easiest option to install. While it will only work while you’re viewing websites in the app, it offers unlimited bandwidth, data, and speeds. You can also choose between three servers based in Asia, Europe, and the US. While you’re limited in how you can use it, and while it does not offer the same level of security as most VPNs on this list, it’s still free, and it can be a good choice for certain users.

10. Speedify

While Speedify is one of the best free Android VPNs available due to its 5GB data monthly cap and the simplicity of installation and setup, you need to be aware that it does collect some of your personal information. While you’re connected, the VPN app will receive your contact details, when you connected to the free VPN, and how long you have been using it. Other than this flaw, this free VPN service provides you with the anonymity you need to be able to utilize apps and complete online transactions.

11. Betternet

The free plan for Betternet’s Android VPN only contains 500MB of data per day, but this is plenty to send and receive emails as well as visit some of your favorite websites. It utilizes 25-bit encryption and the Catapult Hydra protocol, which continues to grow in popularity with many virtual private network providers. You might not be able to stream your favorite videos or engage in torrenting because of the relatively low data caps, but you’ll feel safe and secure with everything else you do online.

12. Private Internet Access

This VPN app packs a lot of punch for a free Android VPN. Not only does Private Internet Access boasts multiple security features and protocols such as WireGuard, PPTP, and SOCKS5, but it also helps in blocking malware and intrusive advertisements that can interrupt your browsing experience. It also takes the extra step and encrypts your Wi-Fi when you’re relaxing at home. This is one of the best Android VPNs on the market for advanced users.

13. Hotspot Shield VPN

A lot of Android VPNs are modifications of apps or programs that are available on other devices, e.g. Apple’s iOS devices or Windows PCs. However, Hotspot Shield is a virtual private network that is specifically designed for Android devices. While the paid version has been verified by Ookla Speedtest as the world’s fastest VPN, the free option is still quick. It provides the same military-grade encryption to protect you from malware and other malicious activities.

14. VyperVPN

If you use a lot of public Wi-Fi connections, then you might want to consider ensuring you have VyperVPN turned on when you’re online. It can help protect your personal information and can easily block network traffic and internet access if it detects any suspicious activity. You do need to register to use the platform, but it’s worth it if you’re on the move regularly and need public Wi-Fi to access the internet. VyperVPN uses 78 VPN servers located around the globe and claims its WireGuard protocol offers some of the fastest speeds on the market.

15. Hola Privacy VPN

Over 250 million Android users trust Hola Privacy VPN to keep their devices safe. These users also likely chose this VPN service provider due to the fact that it has somehow found a way to increase your network speeds while you’re online. It doesn’t seem to matter what country’s server you’re utilizing. You’ll get lightning-quick load times regardless of what it is you’re accessing. You might even find it difficult to go back to your Wi-Fi after spending some time on this free Android VPN.

Even though Hola is widely popular, we don’t like it for a couple of reasons, namely because it relies on free users to contribute their bandwidth and processing power, allowing them to use higher speeds for a while before cutting access. That’s why it’s the last one on the list, at least in its free incarnation.

How to Test the Best Free VPN for Android

There are dozens upon dozens of virtual private network applications available on the Google Play Store, with new ones coming out on a regular basis. Some of them require you to register for a free trial, so you can get a taste of what the provider has to offer. Others are completely free and allow you to browse securely and remain anonymous when conducting business.

Many offer additional benefits to try to coerce you into purchasing a subscription, but the best free VPN for Android devices are those that don’t impact your ability to access the internet because you haven’t handed over your credit card details. That’s why it’s critical that you test your free VPN for Android phones to ensure that you’re not sacrificing speed and performance to protect your anonymity.

We can put your virtual private network through its paces and check how it performs on different mobile devices using different VPN servers in various locations around the globe. Not all free Android VPNs hide all of your personal information from your ISP or malicious actors, while others throttle your network speeds or disconnect in an effort to convince you to upgrade to a paid plan.

If you want to find the ideal free Android virtual private network for your specific needs, then visit VPN Testing on your Android device to find everything you need to know.

Read the list of best VPN for overall use.

Android VPN FAQs

What’s the best VPN to use with Android?

ExpressVPN is our top choice based on its reputation, pricing, and performance. The app is good and intuitive, too.

What is the best VPN for Android?

ExpressVPN stands out due to its affordability, performance, and app quality.

Which free VPN app is best for Android?

Completely free VPNs for Android are few and far between. Your choices are limited to Opera, Hide.me, and TunnelBear. The latter is limited to just 500MB per month, so we would single out Hide.me as the best completely free VPN for Android.

What is the best 100% free VPN?

If you insist on not paying anything and not sharing your credit card information with any VPN vendor, you should focus on Hide.me and TunnelBear. While their functionality is limited, so is the choice of 100% free VPN services.