Online safety stopped being a peripheral topic of conversation a long time ago. We are more aware of various safety issues when we’re on our phones and computers than ever before; hence the interest in VPN apps is bigger than it ever was. And it’s a good change, especially for Android users who can easily become the targets of malicious hacker attacks due to the popularity of Android worldwide.
But finding a quality VPN for free is no mean feat. Many free VPNs for Android are very limited in the range and quality of services they provide. Some don’t offer sufficient protection, so it’s not as simple as choosing the first brand you can find and calling it a day.
Fortunately for you, I took it upon myself to find the very best free VPNs for Android, and I’m ready to present you my findings in this review. From it, you’ll learn about the most reliable VPN service providers and all the advantages and drawbacks of their products, so you can make the most informed decision about which VPN brand to choose.
But first, let’s answer a very important question.
Is It Worth Having a Free VPN on Android?
If you’re reading this review, you’re probably aware of what a VPN is and the basic principle behind how it works. You likely know a few most popular VPN service providers, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
All the biggest names in the industry gained popularity because of the level of protection they provide alongside other important factors, like connection speeds, data usage, and additional features. And unfortunately, most trustworthy and comprehensive VPNs are not available for free.
If you’re interested in free VPNs for Android, you might have to be prepared to compromise on some services and a range of tools that are at your disposal. And if you need a VPN that will offer you more, especially if you’re planning on using it frequently, then going with one of the paid plans is probably the most beneficial approach.
Most of the VPNs that are featured in this review offer paid subscriptions that don’t limit data use and speed and offer interesting features. You might be inclined to switch to a paid plan after seeing what a good VPN provider can offer you.
Either way, the free VPNs that I chose to include in my ranking are sufficient for some basic internet surfing and can be entirely valid for this type of use, especially if you’re not planning on using your VPN to stream lots of movies or play games.
Without further ado, here are my picks for the best free Android VPN apps.
Best Free VPNs For Android Users in 2023
- NordVPN (best free Android VPN overall)
- ExpressVPN (best free VPN for streaming services)
- Surfshark (best free VPN with unlimited data)
- Atlas VPN (solid free VPN for Android users)
- Proton VPN (great free VPN with outstanding security features)
- CyberGhost (great VPN for frequent travelers)
- Private Internet Access (amazing free VPN with the highest number of server locations)
Best VPN Apps for Android 2023 – Comparison
# | VPN | Rating | Free Trial | Forever Free Plan? | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
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5/5 |
Yes, 7-day |
No |
|
2 |
|
5/5 |
Yes, 7-day |
No |
|
3 |
![]() |
4.9/5 |
Yes, 7-day |
No |
|
4 |
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4.7/5 |
Yes, unlimited |
Yes |
|
5 |
![]() |
4.7/5 |
Yes, unlimited |
Yes |
|
6 |
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4.6/5 |
No |
No |
|
7 |
![]() |
4.4/5 |
Yes, 7-day |
No |
NordVPN
1

NordVPN
Expert ReviewVery Good

NordVPN is one of the leaders in the VPN scene, and there are plenty of reasons for that.
In my opinion, this VPN provider offers the most comprehensive app for Android users, offering the best quality-to-price ratio on the market. Although they don’t offer any forever free plans, you can benefit from the free trial and experience the power of this VPN for yourself.
Why I Like It
If you’re looking for a robust and top-notch Android VPN, then going with NordVPN is a smart decision. First of all, I love how many great features they put in their Android app. The list is extensive, but some of my favorites are state-of-the-art encryption, Onion Over VPN, P2P, and a double VPN, offering you maximum protection and anonymity online.
Avid movie and show watchers will be happy to know that NordVPN app is streaming-friendly, so all your favorite foreign Netflix gems are only a few clicks away. You are able to torrent your heart out as well, which is a big plus.
Free VPN app offers amazing speed, which I very much appreciate since it’s not always the case with free apps. Meanwhile, 256-bit encryption provides you with a substantial layer of protection.
Of course, the app offers all the important safety features, such as split tunneling and a kill switch. I need to say that using this app was a wonderful experience from start to end — everything worked just as I was expecting, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of services I was provided with.
NordVPN offers really affordable plans, and you can use the app free of charge for 7 days.
Who’s It For
I recommend this app to anyone interested in quality above all. This VPN app works seamlessly and offers a generous package of features to all Android users.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive set of features
- Great for streaming services and torrenting
- Unlimited data
- Large number of server locations
- Superior safety features
- Free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No free forever plan
ExpressVPN
2
ExpressVPN
Expert ReviewVery Good

ExpressVPN is another contender for the best android VPN app title in my book.
The company is based in the British Virgin Islands and offers its users an excellent Android app for streaming services and staying safe during various online endeavors. Here are my reasons for putting ExpressVPN so high on my list.
Why I Like It
The Android app from ExpressVPN provides you with everything you might be looking for in quality VPN services. I was pleased with how the app performed in all of my tests, offering me great connection speeds, sufficient security features, and the option to stream all of my favorite shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ (I am a bit of a collector when it comes to streaming platforms apparently).
ExpressVPN app comes with AES-256 encryption as well as the kill switch, making you invisible and fully protected from most potential attacks and breaches of privacy. You also get to benefit from features like split tunneling and Threat Manager that takes care of blocking trackers, etc.
You get a 7-day long free trial, and after that, you can switch to one of their paid plans, which can be quite affordable if you’re ready to commit to them.
I had the opportunity to test their customer service as well, and I have to say, I’m pretty happy with how that went. I contacted one of their representatives via chat and received all the answers to my questions in under an hour.
Who’s It For
ExpressVPN will be suitable for those looking for a reliable, secure VPN for streaming platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong security features
- Large number of server locations
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Great for streaming
- Many valuable features in the mobile app
Cons
- No forever free plan
- No multi-hop connections
Surfshark
3

Surfshark
Expert ReviewVery Good

Surfshark is another industry-leading VPN known for its security measures, great streaming quality, and unlimited simultaneous connections. How this Android VPN app performed in my tests?
Why I Like It
After using Surfshark for two weeks, I can confidently say it’s one of the best VPNs for your Android device. I had a seamless ride with their Android app from the beginning to the end. Surfshark offers a lot, filling their app with most of the features you will find in the desktop version of the VPN.
Surfshark is an excellent choice regarding safety features, providing you with AES 256 GCM encryption, private DNS & leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. One of the most impressive and interesting features for me was their GPS spoofing feature that allowed me to switch my GPS location on my phone — a rather useful tool if you want to stay off the grid at all times.
With Surfshark, I could access various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. For me, and many other users, one of the best features this VPN company offers is the option to use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices. This could be a massive advantage if you’re in the market for a VPN for your whole family – especially considering that Surfshark can be really affordable in comparison to their competitors (although it is a time-limited offer).
Overall, I couldn’t recommend this VPN more. With their week-long free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test this premium VPN for yourself without any risks.
Who’s It For
Surfshark is another industry-leading VPN known for its security measures, great streaming quality, and unlimited simultaneous connections. How this Android VPN app performed in my tests?
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Great streaming and torrenting quality
- Many interesting features – like GPS spoofing
- RAM-only servers
Cons
- No forever free plan
- Available paid plans can be quite expensive
- Can be a little complicated to set up
Atlas VPN
4

Atlas VPN
Expert ReviewVery Good

Another great choice on my list of free Android VPNs is Atlas VPN. Actually, it’s the first VPN on this list that offers a completely free subscription plan. What exactly can you expect when choosing this Android VPN?
Why I Like It
Like I said above, this is one of the VPN providers that offers a truly quality free plan for Android phone users. While it’s amazing that you get to benefit from the free services, there are some limitations to this plan.
With a 5GB monthly limit, you can’t really expect to catch up on the new season of Stranger Things or Bridgerton, but it might be sufficient for everyday internet surfing.
With the free VPN package, I got access to three server locations: USA (Los Angeles), USA (New York), and Netherlands (Amsterdam). The app is equipped with all the essential safety features, including a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and safe tunneling protocols. They also offer a solid no-logs policy.
If you want to use streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, you might be forced to switch to one of their paid plans. This was important to me, as I watch a lot of content (clearly). Atlas VPN was not able to provide me with a good streaming experience for free.
Additionally, you can unlock many more server locations, precisely in more than 38 regions, increasing your safety and connection speeds when you switch to a paid plan.
I should mention that I’ve experienced a couple of minor bugs using their free Android app, but it wasn’t anything serious, so I can still recommend their free app with a clear conscience.
Who’s It For
In my opinion, a free version of the Atlas VPN app will meet the expectations of those who plan to use their VPN from time to time or for some basic internet surfing. If you want to use streaming platforms or torrenting, then you’ll be better off with one of their paid subscriptions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free plan available
- Stellar safety features
- No-logs policy
- Decent speeds
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limit of 5GB in the free version of the app
- Only three free VPN server locations
- Only one connection
Proton VPN
5

Proton VPN
Expert ReviewVery Good

If we’re talking about robust and genuinely free VPNs for Android, there are not many better options than what Proton VPN has in store.
As far as free VPN providers go, this company exceeded most of my expectations, offering a comprehensive set of features for free or in very affordable plans.
Why I Like It
If I could describe this app with one word, I’d use the word impressive. Proton VPN’s free app offers an unlimited amount of data, allowing you to stream without any limitations and enjoy the libraries of platforms such as Disney+. Some streaming services were unfortunately not available with the free app, and these would be Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, or Hulu, among others, which is something worth keeping in mind – a bit of a letdown for me, to be honest.
However, a significant positive I found using this app is its great safety features. Proton VPN implements AES 256-bit encryption, offers a kill switch, and complies with a strict no-logs policy, providing a high level of security and anonymity.
Something that is a rarety in free VPNs for Android is the lack of ads in the free version. I really appreciated this touch, as I, like many others, use VPN to escape unwanted advertising. It’s nice not to be exposed to it within the app itself.
Of course, there are some limitations in the free version of the app. For example, I experienced worse connection speeds compared to when I switched to their paid subscriptions. For me, the connection speeds were quite stable and mostly sufficient in the free app, and I was even able to improve on them by switching different VPN protocols (WireGuard did offer the fastest connection during my tests).
Overall, it was one of the easiest and most user-friendly VPN apps to use, which is also something I consider a big advantage. Their interface is simple and easy to understand, so you shouldn’t have any problems setting it up.
Who’s It For
Proton VPN is one of the best VPN apps for Android, so I recommend it to anyone who’s interested in a very affordable VPN that is both incredibly safe and does not have data limits.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free plan available
- Unlimited data
- Great safety measures
- OpenVPN protocol
Cons
- Worse speeds in the free VPN app
- One connection
- The free app is not able to unlock some streaming platforms
CyberGhost
6

CyberGhost
Expert ReviewVery Good

CyberGhost is an amazing free Android VPN, especially for those who travel a lot and need a reliable and easy-to-use app. It offers excellent speeds, access to various streaming platforms from different locations in the world, and a modern interface that works amazingly on Android devices.
Why I Like It
I don’t consider myself an avid traveler, but I knew going into this review that CyberGhost has a reputation for being one of the best android VPNs for those who like to change their scenery from time to time. With almost 10,000 VPN servers scattered across 91 countries, it’s a well-deserved reputation and one I chose to test during my vacations across a few famous European destinations.
And after two weeks of testing this app on the road, I got to say that this VPN has surprised me in the best ways possible. First of all, CyberGhost offers excellent connection speeds, so I was able to stream my current favorite shows and movies without any lags. HD and 4K streaming are available, which is obviously a significant advantage.
CyberGhost unlocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Disney+, among others. The app offers all the necessary safety protocols, including 256-bit AES encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, which means you’re automatically protected in case you lose your VPN connection.
I was also very pleased with their Wi-Fi Protection feature, which offered me an easy way to program how I want the VPN to interact with new networks (something really handy when you’re traveling). They also give you the option to use VPN on seven devices simultaneously.
CyberGhost does not offer a forever free plan, but they provide you with a 45-day money-back guarantee, so if you want to try them out on your next trip, it’s a good way to do so. If you decide you like them after that, you can benefit from one of their affordable plans.
Who’s It For
CyberGhost is one of the best free Android VPNs for travelers, but it will work very well for your everyday needs as well.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Breaks geo-restrictions
- Extended money-back guarantee
- Works great for streaming
- Offers solid safety features
- Available to use on seven devices simultaneously
Cons
- No forever free plan
- Some servers are quite slow
- Setting up and using the app can come with a learning curve
Private Internet Access
7

Private Internet Access
Expert ReviewVery Good

Free VPN services that offer sufficient speeds and are constantly being improved to make the user experience better with time might be hard to find. Enter Private Internet Access.
This free VPN software for Androids is equipped with solid safety features that are regularly audited, offering its users the highest level of protection.
Why I Like It
Private Internet Access and I became quick friends, as this app was straightforward to set up and offered me everything I look for in a VPN. What I really appreciated about this Virtual Private Network Android app is the fact that it is an open-source VPN.
It’s crucial because it allows third-party developers to introduce changes and improvements to this VPN, ensuring better use safety. Apart from that, I was able to access Amazon Prime Video as well as Netflix and watch my content without significant compromises on the quality of streaming.
Private Internet Access is also one of the VPNs with the largest number of servers (almost 30,000) located in 84 countries. So it offers excellent VPN connection quality. I was also content with the multi-hop feature, which I used to connect with multiple VPN servers. This is another layer of protection some users might benefit a lot from.
Kill switch, built-in ad blocker, and unlimited data are also big selling points for this app. All in all, Private Internet Access is a good free VPN with some interesting features.
The only problems I found with this app are the fact that it doesn’t offer a forever free plan, and their internet speeds were dicey at times, but most of the time, that was not a big issue for me.
Who’s It For
I found this VPN very user-friendly, and I appreciate their dedication to making their product better by inviting other contributors to develop it. In my opinion, Private Internet Access is a quality VPN for Android mobile devices and will serve the best those users who wish to access multiple servers simultaneously and enjoy the best connection in many locations around the globe.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simultaneous connections
- Unlimited data
- Good for streaming and torrenting
- Large number of server locations
- Open-source VPN
Cons
- No forever free plan
- Unreliable internet connection speeds
How I Tested and Reviewed VPNs for Android?
Choosing the best free VPN for Android is not the easiest feat. There are many VPN providers on the market, but many who offer a free VPN service compromise on internet connection speeds, data limits, and safety protocols to deliver a free product to users.
In preparation for this review, I tested thirty different VPN Android apps, some with completely free plans and some with free trials and paid subscriptions, to find the best products with sufficient speeds and safety protocols.
I focused on the following factors.
When it comes to VPNs, security features are crucial. Quality apps will come with AES-256 encryption and tunneling protocols, like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.
The best VPN for Android allows you to stream your content without any caps on data. Most free Android VPNs come with, sometimes substantial, data limits, so I wanted to find the apps that provide the most generous plans.
Another crucial aspect is the internet connection speeds. Again, many completely free VPNs limit their speeds, so I focused on selecting apps that perform the best in this area.
I also looked for and tested all the available features, like kill switch or multi-hop, and chose the apps that come with the most comprehensive and functional solutions.
As you’ve probably noticed, most of the apps in this review don’t offer forever free plans. Nevertheless, I took into consideration the length of the trial period, money-back guarantees, and the prices of paid plans. I chose the apps that have the most generous offers and present valuable solutions, offering an excellent value-to-price ratio.
What’s the Best Free VPN for Android?
And with that, we’ve reached the end of my review. I’ve tested and selected the best free Android apps that can make all your internet adventures much safer and enjoyable.
The absolute champion amongst VPNs for mobile users for me is NordVPN which comes with exceptional safety protocols, unbeatable connection speeds, and a great, user-friendly app that performs smoothly on an Android device.
Although I wouldn’t call this a completely free Android VPN, you get the free 7 days trial and 30 days money-back guarantee, so you have enough time to test it out for yourself and see if their offer interests you.
I hope that this review helped you get a better idea of what’s out there in terms of quality VPNs for Android users. Be sure to check Productively for other comprehensive reviews of VPNs for iPhone, Mac, and your PC!