Best VPN For Android: A Complete Guide [2023]


Best VPN For Android: A Complete Guide [2023]Pin

Here’s the best VPNs for Android right now based on months of extensive testing on a range of Android phones during 2023…


Key Takeaways

  • VPN Importance: A quality VPN is crucial for maintaining online privacy and security. It’s advised to avoid free VPNs as they often lack robust security measures and can even be dangerous.
  • Best VPN for Android: NordVPN is highly recommended for Android users due to its excellent features and affordable pricing. It offers over 6000 servers worldwide, a no-logs policy, and allows up to 6 devices to connect simultaneously.
  • NordVPN Pricing: NordVPN offers a two-year plan for just $3.29 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They also accept PayPal and Crypto Currency as payment methods.
  • NordVPN Security: Beyond just changing your location, NordVPN provides protection from hackers, malware, and pop-up ads, making it one of the best VPNs in the industry.
  • Device Compatibility: NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android, iOS, Mac, and PC. A single subscription covers up to six devices.
  • Unblocking Content: A VPN like NordVPN can help bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to access content from your home country while traveling.
  • Avoid Free VPNs: Free VPNs often come with hidden costs, including data leaks and potential misuse of your data by the VPN provider. It’s recommended to use a trusted, paid VPN like NordVPN for reliable security and privacy.

Having a VPN up and running on your Android phone is like having an extra layer of security for your device. A good VPN not only hides your location but also ensures your browsing data stays secure.

Do NOT be tempted by free VPNs; they’re free for a reason and it’s because they’re not very good and, in some cases, are downright dangerous.

Best VPN For Android 

NAMERATINGBest For…BEST DEAL
NordVPN★★★★★Netflix, Torrents, Security, SpeedVIEW PLANS
ExpressVPN★★★★★Streaming, Fast Downloads, Ease of Use, P2P, NetflixVIEW PLANS
PureVPN★★★★Value For MoneyVIEW PLANS
SurfShark★★★P2P & Low Monthly FeeVIEW PLANS
The Best VPN Apps For Android

I’ve used a BUNCH of VPNs over the years. Too many to recall right now. Only a few were any good, though. And these ones are the best options if you’re looking for a cheap VPN that doesn’t suck. The best of which are included (in order) in the table above.

My preferred choice for VPN on my Android phone these days is NordVPN. Why? Because it’s brilliant. And it doesn’t cost too much either (you can grab two year’s worth of coverage for just $3.29 a month).

If you want to trial a month in order to see how you get on, it’ll cost you $11.95.

They accept PayPal and Crypto Currency too. Handy if, like me, you don’t use credit cards.

NordVPN Key Features

  • There are many benefits of going with NordVPN but for me the following highlights kind of tell you everything you need to know.
  • Access 6000+ servers worldwide
  • No logs policy
  • Connect 6 devices at the same time
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

With this type of VPN up and running on your phone, you’ll be protected from hackers, malware, and even annoying pop-up ads.

Bottom line: it is about WAY more than simply switching your location from, say, the UK and the US so you can access US-only content.

There’s a myriad of added security benefits you get on top of this and it is these things that make NordVPN truly one of the best VPNs in the business right now

NordVPN for iPhone and Android (And Also Mac and PC)

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If you go with NordVPN, you will not only be able to do your Android phone but also any iOS-powered devices you have – like an iPad – as well as your PC and/or Mac.

You get up to six devices covered when you sign up, so you should be able to get everything secured pretty easily. I have A LOT of tech in my home, but I still didn’t manage to use all six of the NordVPN installs.

Unblock The Web With A VPN

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If you travel a lot, you’ll know all too well the pain and frustration of not being able to access content from your home country. It’s super annoying, especially if you’re already paying for it. Using a VPN gets around this by tricking your device into thinking it is back home. This way you can download and watch whatever you like – regardless of where you are.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a VPN – one for ALL your devices – and you’re struggling to decide on a service provider, I would 100% recommend NordVPN. I’ve been using it for over 12 months now and it hasn’t messed up once. The prices are also REALLY good too. Especially when you consider the amount of stuff you get included.

Why You Should 100% AVOID Free VPNs… 

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When something is free, there is always a hidden cost. With apps, it’s adverts and in-app purchases. Online, free content is made possible by adverts as well. But when it comes to VPNs, free comes with WAY more caveats – and most are pretty sinister.

For instance, did you know that around 84% of free VPNs tested were found to leak their customers’ IP addresses? Not good. Then there was the whole Hola VPN scandal, whereby Hola VPN was using its customers as endpoints to expand its bandwidth. Again, not good.

Free VPNs are basically more dangerous than NOT using a VPN. They’re not secure, they don’t protect you, and the owners – usually Chinese or Russian companies – will actively use and sell your data to the highest bidders. You do not want this. And this is why we ALWAYS recommend you go with a VPN like NordVPN, which uses military-grade encryption and security features.

If you value your privacy and want to keep your data and online activity hidden, you simply cannot trust free VPNs. Even for things like torrenting and accessing overseas content like HULU or Netflix. Your personal data is worth billions to companies and hackers, so make sure you’re protecting it appropriately.

[lasso id=”127680″ link_id=”97999″ ref=”nordvpn-link”]

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

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    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

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    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

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    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

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    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

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    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

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    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

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    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

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    Data: 20GB