The Best VPNs for Android: Reddit Recommendations

Our Android devices are more than just phones; they are lifelines. We bank, chat, work, and binge-watch shows on them. But, how often do we ponder about the digital footprints we leave? That is where Android VPNs can help – they not only protect you from prying eyes but also ensure maximum security. 

You can also bypass censorship by using a VPN on your Android device. However, with a maze of options out there, which ones truly are worth your time and money? To help you out, we have listed the best VPNs for Android that Reddit users recommend and discussed what makes them so great.

Reddit’s Best VPNs for Android – A Quick Overview

PureVPN	Budget-friendly Android VPN
NordVPN	Most secure Android VPN
ExpressVPN	High-speed Android VPN
Surfshark	Android VPN for unlimited devices
Private Internet Access	Easy-to-use Android VPN

What Redditors Look for in an Android VPN?

Reddit users consider the following factors when looking for the best Android VPN:

• Android Compatibility: The VPN must have a dedicated Android app, ensuring seamless integration and a user-friendly experience.

• Strong Encryption: A good Android VPN should employ the highest level of encryption to protect your personal data from prying eyes. 

• Must-Have Features: Features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection are important to keep your online privacy intact at all times.

• Fast Connection Speeds: For uninterrupted streaming and browsing, the VPN should guarantee high-speed connections without frequent drops.

• Proven No-Logs Policy: Always choose VPNs with strict no-log policies, which have been verified by renowned auditors.

• Global Server Coverage: A wide range of server locations means better chances of bypassing geo-restrictions on Android devices.

• Affordable Pricing: While quality is important, many Reddit users appreciate VPNs that offer great features without being overly expensive.

The Best VPNs for Android by Reddit

Here is a detailed list of the best Android VPNs according to Reddit users: 

1. PureVPN 

PureVPN’s Android app offers a sleek design and user-friendly interface, making it a top choice. The app is packed with features such as AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection and a robust kill switch, ensuring maximum security and privacy. It also has split tunneling, allowing you to divide your traffic between your VPN and ISP.

With a vast network of 6,500+ servers in 70 countries, users can enjoy smooth access to geo-blocked content globally. Additionally, its 20 Gbps server speed ensures ultra-fast streaming, and a strict no-log policy (audited successfully four times) reaffirms its commitment to user privacy.

Pros:

• Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
• 10 simultaneous connections
• Excellent in-app support options

Cons

• Occasional performance issues

Also read: Android VPN by PureVPN

Get PureVPN

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s Android app is brimming with features, ensuring a top-notch experience for its users. Its settings, which include split tunneling, Double VPN, a kill switch, and Onion over VPN, set it apart and offer layers of security and customization.

The app also boasts Threat Protection Lite, shielding users from ads, trackers, and malware for a smoother browsing experience. With over 5,500 servers across 60 countries, NordVPN guarantees broad access and optimal speeds. Their commitment to privacy is evident, with a no-log policy that has been audited successfully three times.

Pros:

• Plenty of useful features 
• RAM-only servers
• Meshnet for creating secure peer-to-peer connections

Cons:

• Not the most user-friendly app
  

Also read: PureVPN vs NordVPN: Which VPN is Better in 2024?

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides a slick and hassle-free Android app, ensuring users experience smooth connectivity and navigation. With an expansive network of over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, global access is just a tap away. 

The app boasts top-notch security features like AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, and a dedicated kill switch. Emphasizing on user privacy through 100% RAM-only servers and an independently audited no-log policy, ExpressVPN stands as a top choice for Android users.

Pros: 

• App is available in 16 languages 
• Reliably unblocks most streaming services 
• Custom Lightway protocol

Cons:

• Costly subscription plans

4. Surfshark 

Surfshark has a fully-featured Android app packed with a kill switch, split tunneling, and the standard AES-256 encryption. Furthermore, with the unique Multi-Hop and GPS spoofer functions, users can benefit from both top-tier security and location masking.

With a growing network of more than 3,200 servers across 100 countries, global connectivity is seamless. Plus, Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited device connections and a rigorously audited no-logs policy.

Pros:

• The only VPN to offer GPS location spoofing
• Impressive connection speeds 
• 7-day free trial

Cons:

• Kill switch needs some work
  

Also read: PureVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better in 2024?

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides a straightforward Android app that caters to both beginners and advanced users. The app comes loaded with features like AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, and the multi-hop option for an added layer of privacy. 

Unique settings such as “Use Small Packets” help optimize connectivity by reducing IP packet size. Furthermore, PIA’s 7-day free trial lets users experience its service firsthand, and its court-proven no-log policy underscores the company’s commitment to upholding user privacy.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced subscriptions 
• RAM-based servers 
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

• Based in the United States

Also read: PureVPN vs Private Internet Access: Which is better in 2024?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free VPN for Android?

According to Redditors, ProtonVPN stands out as the best free VPN for Android. It offers a handful of servers to connect to, which deliver good performance without any data caps or ads.

Does a VPN drain battery on Android?

Yes, using a VPN on Android can lead to increased battery consumption. This is because encrypting and decrypting data in real-time requires additional processing power, which in turn uses more battery.