A virtual private network (VPN) service is essential for your privacy, and one compatible with the Android operating system will extend security to your mobile device. A VPN provides encryption, forging a secure tunnel between your Android smartphone and online services. They allow you to browse the internet with a degree of anonymity, to access geo-restricted content, and to avoid tracking by advertisers.
If you're concerned about a VPN running in the background and draining your battery, don't be. The best VPNs in the market won't noticeably impact performance or drastically slow down your speeds.
See also: The best Apple TV VPNs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
What is the best Android VPN right now?
NordVPN is our top pick for the best Android VPN right now. It offers capabilities beyond basic VPN services with a high level of security and great speeds. It's popular, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's worth a try.
ZDNET authors have tested VPNs for years, during which we've tested and compared over a dozen VPNs on their speed, security, the usability of their mobile interfaces, and the server networks on offer. We consider how each VPN performs on Android devices, its price point, and how each vendor approaches security. These are our top recommendations for the best VPNs for Android in 2025.
Sort by All Countries and servers Usability Speed and performance Security Price
Best Android VPNs of 2025
Show less View now at Surfshark Surfshark is the best option for a cheap Android VPN to keep your mobile data secure and mask your activities. Why we like it: In our speed testing, we found Surfshark's performance to be reasonable, especially considering its price point. Surfshark is extremely easy to use with a robust server network across 100 countries. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections -- an offering we always like to see VPN providers adopt -- and should suit many users for day-to-day web surfing. Also: Best iPhone VPN of 2025 The VPN also offers MultiHop, a feature that creates a more secure connection by routing you through two VPNs. A whitelist function allows apps and devices to bypass the VPN on your Android device. Additional complimentary tools include ad blocking, anti-tracking, and split tunneling. Review: Surfshark VPN Who it's for: Anyone who wants a budget-friendly VPN for their Android smartphone. Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with two-year plans starting at $2 per month, plus three months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same number of free months and begin at $3.19 per month. One month of access costs $15.45. A seven-day trial is available for Android devices. Customers like this VPN's price point, service, and approach to security. Who should look elsewhere: If speed is crucial, I would recommend ExpressVPN instead. Surfshark features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.4 | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.7 Countries and servers 8 Usability 9 Speed and performance 6 Security 8 Price 9 Pros Unlimited simultaneous connections
Variety of useful features
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