Best free VPN for Android in 2024
Today, more than ever, a VPN for Android is a necessity for protecting your online activities. In essence, it encrypts your internet connection, making it unreadable to prying eyes, whether you're scrolling through social media or simply browsing on unprotected public Wi-Fi. In fact, it's your go-to tool for virtual anonymity, hiding your true location, and bypassing geo-restrictions.
While many think that online threats have nothing to do with mobiles, the importance of a VPN for Android cannot be overstated. Cyber threats lurk around every corner of the internet, and Android smartphones are no exception. With a reliable VPN, you create a secure tunnel for your data, shielding it from potential threats and snoopers while you browse, shop, or stream content.
While totally free VPNs often come with strict limitations, we've rigorously tested numerous options to bring you both costless and risk-free solutions without compromising quality. Throughout our tests we've curated a solid selection that showcases the best free VPN for Android, ensuring robust security features, all without denting your wallet.
Best free VPN for Android: shortlist
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The best VPN for Android with free trial
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Outstanding free-trial VPN with limitless connections
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Free Android VPN with limitless data
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Versatile Android VPN with a free 7-day trial
Why do you need a free Android VPN?
Anyone familiar with VPN services will tell you about their numerous benefits. However, they usually forget to mention that those perks are only available with premium VPNs for Android. Conversely, free virtual private networks will, at most, hide your IP address and location. However, they can’t unlock foreign streaming content or bypass strict online censorship.
But that doesn’t mean that free Android VPNs don’t have their place. As mentioned previously, they’re a good choice if your only goal is masking your actual IP address. Unsurprisingly, a trustworthy provider will also encrypt your online activities with impenetrable AES-256 encryption. Plus, your confidentiality is guaranteed with a tight-lipped no-logs policy.
On the flip side, there’s an overabundance of potentially dangerous providers on the free VPN market. Many claim good intentions and effective performance but disappoint in both regards. For example, they will collect and sell your data while simultaneously annoying you with ads because that’s the only way they can make money. After all, VPNs need a revenue stream to maintain the service.
Ultimately, the best VPNs in any category, whether streaming or security, require some kind of investment. If it’s not money, you’ll have to sacrifice your personal data. Personally, I’d pick the first option. Plus, you can delay the monetary commitment using free trials and money-back guarantees.
Best free-trial VPNs for Android: overview
To start off, let’s take a look at the leading Android VPN options that offer free trials and money-back guarantees. It’s important to note that there are specific terms and conditions associated with these offers. Nonetheless, we have tried all of them and can confirm that the process is straightforward and doesn’t require any needless commitment.
These Android VPNs excel in terms of connection speeds, safest privacy practices, and bypassing geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms. We rigorously tested 25 VPNs that are compatible with Android devices before identifying the top three. Here are our best finds:
1. NordVPN – the best free-trial VPN for Android
118
7000
24/7, email
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Wicked fast thanks to NordLynx
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User-friendly Android app
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Independently-audited and secure
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Only 6 simultaneous connections
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line service, NordVPN is the best for Android. It’s not exactly free, but you can go more than a month without paying by using the NordVPN 7-day free trial with the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you like it, you can continue onward with a 74% discount if you use a NordVPN discount code.
There are plenty of features to go around, from Threat Protection for secure browsing to obfuscated servers that hide all VPN usage tracks. The expansive network won’t leave you wanting either, just pick a location from the 7000+ servers in 118 countries. And don’t forget the fastest NordLynx tunneling protocol for the best performance.
NordVPN's intuitive, dedicated app makes it our go-to choice for Android. Subscribers get almost the same tools as the desktop version, plus an extra for this OS – Tapjacking protection. It prevents unintentional disconnects from the VPN, both malicious and innocent.
Other nifty things include specialized P2P servers that significantly boost your file-sharing efforts. As for getting access to foreign streaming libraries, NordVPN can do so with a single press of a button.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – free trial Android VPN with no device limit
100
3200
24/7, FAQ
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WireGuard-fuelled speeds
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Top-notch privacy tools
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GPS override feature
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Unaudited no-logs policy
Need a lightweight and simple VPN for Android? Then don’t miss out on Surfshark VPN. As with NordVPN, you can utilize the 30-day money-back guarantee and the Surfshark free 7-day trial to get it scot-free for quite some time. And if hits the spot, continue forward and save 86% by using an available Surfshark coupon.
CleanWeb keeps your internet escapades malware and malicious-website free, while Camouflage and NoBorders modes ensure you can access everything. Trust us, nothing is off-limits when the network offers the largest coverage country-wise – 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Just enable the WireGuard protocol to avoid long loading times.
Surfshark offers a dedicated app for Android, which is almost the same as the desktop one, but with some visual differences. Apart from the classic VPN toolkit, this version also includes GPS override. This feature spoofs your GPS location to a different one, allowing you to stop invasive location tracking and use region-specific services.
In terms of versatility, this provider doesn’t disappoint. Torrenting is enabled on all servers, there are no issues accessing geo-locked content, and you even benefit from an extra layer of privacy during online mobile games.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN – solid Android VPN with a 7-day trial
63
200
24/7
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Free 7-day trial
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10 simultaneous connections
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Solid feature package
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No WireGuard protocol
PrivateVPN is a versatile and cost-effective choice for a free VPN on Android. After the free trial, it offers affordable subscription prices and you can secure up to 10 devices simultaneously with a single account.
When it comes to speed, PrivateVPN employs the trusted OpenVPN protocol and HQN (High Quality Network) technology, resulting in stable connections and a solid speed performance. Privacy is prioritized as PrivateVPN operates from Sweden, with a strict no-logs policy and additional security features like Stealth VPN, Application Guard, and DNS leak protection.
With a fleet of 200+ servers across 63 countries, PrivateVPN offers a reliable server network. Unlike third-party rentals, PrivateVPN maintains its infrastructure in-house, ensuring better reliability. Additionally, it provides dedicated IP addresses at no extra cost.
Prospective users can obtain a 7-day free trial through Google Play store or enjoy significant discounts of up to 85% on long-term plans using available coupon codes. PrivateVPN combines affordability, strong security, and impressive speed, making it a worthy choice for Android users.
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
Best free VPNs for Android: overview
If you are short on cash and can’t dip into money-back guarantees or just not a fan of short trial periods, there are solid options out there. In this case, what you need is a completely free VPN for your Android device. Out of 25 tested VPNs, the most trustworthy options in this category are offered by freemium VPNs. Such services usually provide a decent infrastructure and quality since it’s built off of the premium version, but only strapped short.
These providers also do not engage in data logging or other questionable practices to generate income. Instead, they rely on their premium subscribers, who are not affected by the limitations faced by free users. Unfortunately, our tests have determined that these free VPNs for Android cannot unblock foreign streaming content. However, they do provide sufficient security and are not plagued by weak connections or security risks.
1. Proton VPN – Swiss-based free Android VPN
110
9200
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No data caps
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VPN Accelerator for excellent connectivity
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Independently-audited no-logs policy
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No P2P
Proton VPN will benefit those with a particular need for enhanced anonymity for Android. Its privacy-friendly jurisdiction, combined with the open-source and audited software, makes it one of the safest providers to boot. Another bonus is the fact there are no data caps to limit your online mobile activities.
But alas, we can’t have it all. The free Proton VPN version allows only 1 simultaneous device. Furthermore, the only available servers are in Japan, the Netherlands, and the US. There is a noticeable lack of WireGuard, too, but speeds won’t be an issue since VPN Accelerator guarantees low latency over long distances.
The Android app includes an Always-On kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection that you can’t disable. Another notable feature is alternative routing, an anti-censorship feature meant to ensure that all Proton services – VPN, Mail, and Calendar – are always accessible.
Sadly, free-tier accounts can’t use streaming, torrenting, and malware protection. If you must have them, though, going premium is always an option. Snag a Proton VPN code and sign up with a 64% discount on the house. And in case you don’t like it, utilize the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
Free Android VPN comparison
Selecting the perfect free Android VPN can feel overwhelming, with dozens of options out there. Not every VPN might match your specific balance of privacy and performance needs. Here, we've condensed all key data of our Top 5 free VPNs for Android to pit them against one another for a full head-to-head comparison.
| 💼 Provider |  |
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| 🌐 Provider’s website | www.nordvpn.com | www.surfshark.com | www.protonvpn.com | www.privatevpn.com |
| ⭐ Google Play rating | ⭐4.4 | ⭐4.4 | ⭐4.2 | ⭐3.8 |
| 🆓 Free version or trial | 7-day free trial | 7-day free trial | Free version | 7-day free trial |
| 💸 Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| 🌎 Servers | 7000 servers in 118 countries | 3200 servers in 100 countries | 9200 servers in 110 countries | 200 servers in 63 countries |
| 🚧 Free version data limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 📝 Logs policy | No logs, independently audited thrice by PwC and Deloitte | No logs, independently audited by Deloitte | Court-proven no-logs policy, independently audited by Securitum | No logs |
| 👥 Simultaneous connections | 10 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 |
| ⚡Avg. speed | 452 Mbps | 405 Mbps | 423 Mbps | 38 Mbps |
NordVPN undoubtedly stands out as our frontrunner among free VPN options for an Android smartphone. It excels in delivering the fastest connection speeds, fortified security, and a wide range of tools to bolster anonymity. Explore NordVPN and all of its features for more than a month completely free by taking advantage of the free trial and the added money-back guarantee combo.
Video review of the best free VPN for Android
Want to see our hands-on impressions with the top free VPNs for Android devices? Check out our video about the best Android VPNs you can get your hands on right now!
How we tested these free VPN apps for Android
Finding the best free VPN for Android takes time as you have to sift through tons of providers. For our analysis, we used a Samsung Galaxy S10 with the latest build of Android 12 and assessed dozens of options. Here are the main criteria we used for our tests:
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Good privacy practices. The primary reason for using a VPN is to avoid excess surveillance. And while a no-logs policy is easy to claim, there are cases where free VPNs were caught lying. We went the extra mile and dug through the privacy policies of every contender to find the ones that can truly be trusted.
- Strong security features. Truly free VPNs are known for cutting corners on the security front. And so, we checked if the encryption standards are top-notch (at least 256 bits). We also filtered out any participants without essential tools like a VPN kill switch.
- Dedicated Android app. Some VPN developers place more focus on some platforms than the others. We handpicked the services with frequently updated and maintained Android applications.
- Reasonable limits. Free software includes loads of limitations, and VPNs are no exception. You’ll have fewer server options, throttled connection speeds, and monthly data caps. Needs and preferences may vary, so we took into account any limitations of trial or free versions.
- Bonus perks. Encountering a free VPN that can change your Netflix region is like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, we gave extra points to the apps that offered any (even minor) convenience or security features, like split tunneling, ad and malware blockers, etc.
Are free Android VPNs safe to use?
An alarming majority of free Android VPNs simply aren’t safe to use. While there’s a handful of trustworthy free VPNs for Android devices, there’s even more that can land you in more problems than they solve. For instance, you might download one that jeopardizes your privacy and security even further if you’re not careful. Some of the totally VPN services are known for:
- User monitoring. If there’s no premium tier to cover the operating costs, it’s more than likely that the free VPN provider will log your every online action and then sell the data to third parties.
- Dangerous clients. From classic malware and viruses to trojans, spyware, and keyloggers, it’s not unusual for costless VPN applications to have some malicious software hidden inside. These aid in collecting more info about you and compromising the integrity of your Android phone.
- Intrusive marketing. Annoying ads and pop-ups are another way free services stay afloat. The problem is that they tend to contain nasty surprises that can infect your device.
- Weak tools. You’re unlikely to get the complete essential feature package – solid encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. And even if some are included, they usually don’t work as intended, so be prepared for trouble.
The key takeaway here is that you need to do your research into potential candidates. For one, providers with free and premium tiers are less likely to partake in shady practices, but you need to remain vigilant.
Free Android VPNs you should avoid
Think we’re over-exaggerating about the potential dangers of unreliable free VPNs? Have a look at a few examples of some of the worst VPNs on the market.
| Providers | Known malpractices |
| Betternet VPN | Clients contain malware and user trackers, logs your every move, has subpar leak protection, and no kill switch |
| Hola VPN | Operates on a P2P basis (exposing your IP address and personal data), uses the extra resources of your device for unknown purposes, logs your every move and discloses it to third parties, plants trojans on user devices |
| Psiphon VPN | Software is outdated, logs your every move and shares the data with sponsors, does not have a kill switch, and leaks your DNS |
| Hoxx VPN | Utilizes outdated encryption that is easy to hack, tracks your every move and shares it with authorities if necessary, doesn’t have standard security tools |
Feeling kinda put off by this whole free VPN thing? Don’t worry, you can still benefit from these tools without paying a dime. Most reputable providers offer free trials that you can use for a limited time, with access to the full feature and server list. Once it ends, no one’s stopping you from jumping to a different VPN, then another, and another, and another.
Is it worth it using a free VPN for Android?
Free Android VPN can be a good idea budget-wise, but there’s always a caveat. The general consensus among internet users is that most totally free VPNs are simply not good enough for reliable online protection and anonymity. Industry-leading services, such as NordVPN, always hold the advantage since they do not log or sell your information to third parties or subject you to intrusive advertisements.
Furthermore, with a reliable premium VPN, you won't encounter data limits or bandwidth restrictions. Moreover, certain free Android VPN alternatives don’t even mask your IP properly, so bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, or Hulu is simply off the table. That’s why we wholeheartedly recommend sticking with budget-friendly or at least trusted and tested free VPNs outlined earlier.
How to set up a free VPN for Android?
Setting up a VPN on Android is a super easy and straightforward process, especially if you’ve used the Google Play Store before. Once you download the VPN for your device, the system will automatically install the app, doing most of the work for you. Here’s a little refresher on how it all goes:
- Head to the Google Play Store on your phone and search for the VPN of your choice. In this instance, we’ll take our top pick NordVPN, as the easiest installation example
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Click on" Install" and the download will begin
- Click "Open" to launch the application once the setup is complete
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Log in or create a new account to start. In the case of some other VPNs, you can connect to a server from the get-go. Other providers require users to register an account to use the service – do so if need be.
- You’re all set!
Try the best free VPN for Android
How to use a free VPN for Android?
Most modern VPNs are extremely easy to use, even for someone with no technical know-how. However, if you’ve never used an Android VPN, it’s still better to get familiarized with how to use one. Here’s a simple guide on how to activate your VPN connection:
- Launch your new VPN application.
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Connect to a server available from the list
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To double-check, it’s a good practice to perform an IP and DNS leak test to ensure your VPN connection is airtight. ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com are good tools for the job
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Activate the VPN kill switch (if your VPN has one available) to avoid accidental leaks in case of a lost connection
- Surf the web completely anonymously!
Free VS Paid VPNs for Android
The debate between free and paid VPNs is not always black and white, especially when you weigh in possible usage scenarios and user needs. Paid VPN services generally offer a premium suite of advanced features, including tougher security, faster speeds, and a high level of reliability. Free VPNs do have their use cases too and can be handy for sporadic users or light browsing, with basic privacy protection and access to some geo-restricted content.
When considering a free VPN, be aware they’re mostly suitable only for occasional use, as pretty much all of them impose extremely low data limits. In contrast, the best Android VPNs are usually paid and should be your top picks if you value industry-standard security, high-speed performance, unlimited data, and steadfast customer support.
| Free VPNs | Paid VPNs |
| ❌Slower connections | ✔️Minor speed impact |
| ❌Limits on data, bandwidth, and servers | ✔️Huge worldwide networks |
| ❌Possible logging risks | ✔️24/7 customer support |
| ❌Don’t bypass geo-restrictions | ✔️Easy geo-block bypassing |
| ❌Only basic security features | ✔️Loads of extra features |
| ✔️No cost | ❌Requires subscription |
| ✔️Try out many options with no commitment | ❌Lower prices require long commitment |
While paid VPNs generally offer a higher level of service, it can also be difficult to measure whether a free VPN for Android would appropriately cover your needs. We genuinely recommend more renowned and trustworthy services that not only offer better security practices but also a finer overall online experience. Furthermore, most premium VPNs provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that you won't be stuck paying for something that doesn't meet your expectations.
Conclusion
All completely free VPNs for Android come with some limitations right out of the box. Some are hindered by slow speeds and capped data, while others display lackluster security, breached privacy, or missing features. As they may provide basic functionality, it never comes close to the level of performance and security that premium VPN services provide.
To ensure the highest level of security and functionality for your Android smartphone, we recommend exploring alternatives such as free trials and free versions or taking advantage of a premium VPN provider's money-back guarantee. These options allow you to experience the benefits of a robust VPN service without the limitations of completely free options.
NordVPN emerges as our top recommendation for Android users seeking a reliable VPN solution. With its free trial and month-long money-back guarantee, you can test its features risk-free for over a month. NordVPN offers top-notch security, a vast network of servers, and exceptional performance on Android devices, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.
Are you satisfied with your free Android VPN? What would it take to switch to a premium option? Share your opinions by leaving a comment!
You may also like to read:
How to fix Android VPN issues
Best VPN for Android TV Box
How to change location on Android
Best free VPN for iPhone
Best free VPN for USA
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FAQ
What is the best 100% free VPN for Android?
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Android devices. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store. It includes 5 GB of data every month, two simultaneous connections, and a kill switch for preventing IP leaks. Plus, premium subscriptions are now 64% off if you’d like to upgrade.
Which VPN is totally free for Android?
You won’t find a reliable VPN that’s completely free because these services need some kind of revenue stream to operate. The best alternative is freemium providers that offer both free and paid options. The top VPN in this category is Proton VPN. It’s fast, trustworthy, and includes essential security features.
What free Android VPN has the most servers?
Proton VPN is a free Android VPN with the most servers. You can pick from 147 of them, located in three countries – Japan, the Netherlands, and the US. You can expand the number to a whopping 9200+ servers across 110+ countries by going premium, now with a 64% discount.
Are free Android VPNs safe?
Most free VPNs for Android are not safe, and you should be extra careful when looking for a costless provider. It’s strongly recommended to subscribe only to the best free Android VPNs that come from reliable providers, adhere to a zero-logs policy, and include the necessary VPN security features.
How do I install VPN on my Android phone for free?
Installing a VPN on an Android phone is super easy if you use official app stores. First, you’ll have to pick one of the best free Android VPNs. Then, head to the Google Play store and download the VPN app. For more help, check our step-by-step guide on how to install a VPN on your Android device.
