Our phones are our gateway to the world, allowing us to stay connected, informed, and entertained. All these activities require the transfer of user data – which is vulnerable to exploitation. Cybercriminals and hostile third parties could be collecting and selling your personal information, leaving you open to financial damage or worse.
Getting the best mobile VPN is essential to prevent data leaks, to ensure your privacy and security online, and to unlock geo-specific content. However, finding the best VPN app for your mobile device can be overwhelming.
I’ve conducted an in-depth comparison of the best mobile VPNs for Android and iOS phones, working from a longlist of 20 providers. By exploring their interfaces, features, performance, and pricing, I’ll help you pick the best mobile VPN app for your needs.
The Best Mobile VPN Apps Tested By Our Experts
- Show Full Guide
NordVPN – Best Mobile VPN Overall
Current Deal | Get up to 74% off |
---|---|
Free plan | No |
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 6,300+ servers in 111+ countries |
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
Surfshark – Best Cheap Mobile VPN
Current Deal | Get up to 86% off |
---|---|
Free plan | No |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
Pros
- Allows unlimited connections
- Intuitive mobile apps
- Packed with advanced features
- Cheap subscriptions
- 7-day free trial is available
Cons
- iOS app lacks some secondary features
ExpressVPN – Best Mobile Phone VPN for Security
Current Deal | Get up to 48% off |
---|---|
Free plan | No |
Max Devices | 8 |
Server Network | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries |
Pros
- Blocks ads, trackers, and infected websites
- Includes a password manager
- Servers operate on RAM
- 7-day free trial for mobile users
Cons
- Can be pricey
- No free plan
PureVPN – Best Phone VPN for Speed
Current Deal | Get up to 83% off |
---|---|
Free plan | No |
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
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
- Trial week isn’t free
Proton VPN – Best Free Mobile VPN
Current Deal | Get up to 64% off |
---|---|
Free Version | Yes, with unlimited bandwidth |
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 6,600+ servers in 112 countries |
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
CyberGhost VPN – Best Phone VPN for Streaming
Current Deal | Get up to 84% off |
---|---|
Free plan | No |
Max Devices | 7 |
Server Network | 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries |
Pros
- Dedicated servers for streaming content, gaming, torrenting
- Utilizes RAM-only servers
- 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
Cons
- Doesn’t work in China
- Apple app lacks some features
PrivadoVPN – Best VPN App for Beginners
Current Deal | Get up to 82% off |
---|---|
Free plan | Yes, with 10GB per month |
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 300+ servers in 65 countries |
Pros
- Intuitive iOS app and Android app
- Free plan available
- Parental controls feature included
- Privacy-friendly HQ
Cons
- Free plan includes only 10GB of free monthly data
- Small VPN server fleet
IPVanish – Best Smartphone VPN for Android Users
Current Deal | Get up to 83% off |
---|---|
Free plan | No |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Server Network | 2,200+ servers in 52+ countries |
Pros
- Provides 500GB of encrypted storage
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 7-day free trial for mobile device users
- Web protection tools
Cons
- Based in the US
- No free plan
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 Mobile VPN?
A mobile VPN is a safe software application that protects users’ online data and Internet activities. It 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.
Why Do I Need a Mobile VPN Provider?
If you don’t use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), your network provider (ISP) and government agencies can easily track your IP address and internet activities. Advertisers and malicious actors can also track your internet use, building up a profile of your online activities and perhaps taking advantage of it.
Having a VPN in place means you can anonymize your internet connection by encrypting the data. This is a great first step for protecting your privacy and security and can help shield you from surveillance and cyber-attacks. This is especially important when using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, which may otherwise leave individuals vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.
VPNs also allow you to access the internet as if you were in a different country, making bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions easy. This enables you to access services that are restricted in your territory – whether you want to enjoy different Netflix libraries or read a local newspaper.
All in all, whether you’re at home, on the move, or simply surfing the web, a VPN can ensure your online activities remain private and secure. That’s why you should look for protection, whether you need a reliable VPN for a Windows laptop or a virtual private network for your mobile device.
What Does Your ISP or Mobile Carrier See When You’re Connected to a Mobile VPN?
When you access the internet via a VPN server, your IP address will switch to the address of the server. This can help bypass geo-restrictions for your location or access content that’s available at the target address, such as international Netflix libraries.
In addition, your connection will be encrypted, so your mobile carrier will not be able to track your online activity. In some cases, service providers may be able to detect that you’re using a VPN, and some even use VPN blockers. This can be circumvented by connecting to an obfuscated server or using a dedicated IP. Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer dedicated IP addresses and obfuscation via the OpenVPN protocol.
When Should I Use a Phone VPN App?
A VPN application will secure 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.
Unlike a VPN browser extension, a secure phone VPN is not tied to a single browser window. Therefore, it allows you to protect all your files and applications on your phone.
Here are some instances when you might want to use a VPN for mobile to:
- Protect yourself when using unsafe Wi-Fi connections
- Secure your connection when transmitting sensitive data
- Access geo-blocked services like Netflix
- Hide your location when playing mobile games
- Compare prices when shopping online
- Stop advertisers and trackers following you online
- Prevent ISP bandwidth throttling
What Devices Can You Use a Mobile VPN App On?
Most providers offer a dedicated VPN application for various different operating systems, including the most popular phone brands and models, and secure mobile VPNs can typically be used on numerous devices.
- Android – Nearly all leading providers support the ubiquitous Android OS, which has a 70% market share. For more recommendations, see our best Android VPN guide.
- iPhone – All good mobile VPN providers also offer iPhone VPN apps so iOS users can safeguard and encrypt their web traffic. For additional information, check out our guide to the best iPhone VPNs.
- Other Devices – You can use a VPN app to secure your Windows devices, Macs, iPads, gaming consoles, routers, and smart TVs. Providers like NordVPN allow users to secure up to 10 devices simultaneously, so you can protect your digital ecosystem and all the devices in your household. See our best VPN for Windows and best Mac VPN guides for further information.
What Makes a Good Mobile VPN App?
When I tested the top VPN apps for this guide, I considered a range of factors that are important for an optimal user experience on mobile devices. Here’s how I ranked the best mobile VPN services:
Performance and Speed
The best VPN for phone 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 should be to help you access geo-restricted content in any region.
Server Network
A great VPN should boast an extensive server network that enables you to establish connections with servers from anywhere on the globe. This helps guarantee unhindered access to restricted content and fast and reliable VPN connections.
Value for Money
A quality VPN 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 VPNs. Good ones should garner positive reviews from their users, who should enjoy an effortless and secure experience.
I’ve considered all of these factors to formulate this top list of the best mobile VPNs.
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 the price is more than worth it, in my opinion, it is an extra investment. Plus, most VPN services require users to pay for the subscription period upfront, which makes the initial payment larger.
Secondly, since the VPN reroutes your internet traffic via its server, it may have a slight impact on your connection speed.
Lastly, if you use a free service, you might experience significant limitations, like monthly data caps or limited server options. Worst case, unreliable free VPNs might collect and share your private data with third parties.
How to Use a Phone VPN In 3 Steps
Ready to take control of your online privacy? NordVPN 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 NordVPN after you purchase it.
Download NordVPN App on Your Device
First, go to the NordVPN site and sign up for a subscription. Once done, go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the VPN app.
Login to Your NordVPN Account
Once installed, open the VPN application, and log in to your account.
Start Browsing Securely
Select a server based on the content or speeds you’re after and browse the web freely, securely, and privately.
Free Mobile VPN vs. Paid Subscriptions
While a free option may seem appealing, there are often limitations and risks associated with using it. 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 notorious for selling user data.”
With that said, reliable providers like PrivadoVPN, although with a limited free plan, 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 or iPhone, I recommend instead investing in a paid provider that offers either a money-back guarantee or a trial period.
Conclusion – What Is The Best VPN Phone App?
With the constantly rising use of mobile devices for data-sensitive operations like online shopping, banking, or even working, the need for extra online security is undeniable. Therefore a secure VPN app should be a must on your mobile phone.
After extensive testing and comparing over 20 popular VPNs, I’ve found NordVPN to be the best mobile VPN available. The provider offers fast connection speeds that won’t slow your network and a large variety of security features that will keep your online data safe.
FAQs
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References
- Internet: Living with the Great Firewall of China (Reuters)
- OpenVPN (Computer Science at Brown University)
- WireGuard homepage (WireGuard)
- Android – statistics & facts (Statista)