Free VPNs for Android: Top 5 for Streaming and Security 🚀🎬
Free VPNs aren't just for PCs anymore. 🖥️ Android users can enjoy the same privacy protections on their devices, too. Whether you're looking for more security when using public Wi-Fi or want to bypass geo-blocked content on your favorite streaming services 🎬, the right free VPN can help you do it without spending a dime.
The problem with searching for a good free VPN is that there are so many available on the Google Play Store, and many aren't trustworthy. 😕 So how do you determine which ones are worth your time? I've personally tested many VPNs, both for PCs and Android devices, and curated a list of the best options you can use with confidence. Check out my picks below.
Proton VPN – The Best Free VPN for Android
Pros
Unparalleled free pass
Great privacy tools
Reliable and transparent no-logs policy
Good distribution of servers
Cons
Expensive
Some minor unlocking issues
Why I like Proton VPN
If you only have one device to worry about, Proton VPN is your best option. This free service provides what the company calls “medium speeds,” meaning you might not have access to the 10 gigabits per second servers that paid customers have, but the speeds are more than acceptable! 💨 Plus, it’s thankfully free of annoying ads that compromise your privacy. And while they don’t promise the free servers will unblock Netflix, in my tests I was able to use the streaming service without issue.
Proton VPN also has an excellent privacy policy, backed by a recent independent no-logs audit. Overall, it's an excellent free service with an easy-to-use Android app from a trusted company—what more could you ask for?
Who should use Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a great option for anyone with a single Android device who needs a free VPN. Perfect for casual phone or tablet users, Proton VPN offers unlimited data so you can use it all day without worry. Plus, privacy-conscious users can rest assured that aside from the information required for registration, Proton VPN doesn't collect any other user data.
PrivadoVPN – Second Best Free VPN for Android
Pros
Excellent free version
Unblock streaming services
10 simultaneous device connections
Based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly country
Cons
There is no independent audit
Smaller server network
Feature set not as robust as some competitors
Why I like PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is a very solid service in both its premium and free versions. 🔒 While I recommend either plan, the free version of the VPN really stands out. With 13 global servers to choose from, a generous limit of 10 simultaneous device connections, and up to 10GB per month of high-speed data, you really can't go wrong. In my testing, I found that even the free servers could unblock streaming services—something virtually unheard of with other free VPNs.
The only reason I rate Proton VPN slightly higher is because it offers a truly unlimited free version. However, I don't discount PrivadoVPN's value, as it's almost as good as an alternative. The 10GB per month limit only applies to high speeds, and after you reach the limit, you'll still be able to use the free VPN, but at reduced speeds.
Who should use PrivadoVPN?
PrivadoVPN is a good choice for almost any free VPN user. The good number of global servers to choose from and the ability to unblock streaming services mean you can use it to stream while traveling for free—just be careful, as you'll quickly approach that data limit while streaming in HD. Privacy-conscious users should know that the company hasn't completed an independent audit yet, but it does have a no-logs policy.
Windscribe Pro – Best for Multiple Devices
Pros
Good free plan
Fast speeds
Unlimited device connections
Cons
Streaming unblocking is inconsistent
There is no independent audit
Why I like Windscribe Pro
Another solid option for Android users. You won't get the unlimited data you get with Proton VPN, but you make up for it with unlimited simultaneous connections and generally solid speeds. 🚀 Data is limited to up to 10 GB per month, which means you can browse freely, but you probably won't be able to use it for any streaming services.
The free service offers 10 regional connections, including the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, and Romania. It also has a host of privacy features, such as notification blockers, WebRTC leak protection, location spoofing, and user agent rotation, among others. 🛡️
The service is also very easy to use, with simple setup and good performance for a free VPN. I recommend Windscribe's free service not only on its own, but also as an easy way to learn about the service before committing to a paid tier with premium features.
Who should use Windscribe Pro?
Windscribe Pro's free VPN for Android is best suited for those who need access to multiple devices. Keep in mind the data limit, as you can reach it fairly quickly when using multiple devices.
Hide.me – Best for use without registration
Pros
Good download speeds
Easy-to-use Windows application
No-logs promise
Cons
Speeds were inconsistent in our tests
Single-sided subscription
Why I like Hide.me
Hide.me has pretty good speeds, and like Windscribe, you're limited to 10 GB per month. 🚀 Hide.me offers five connection options, including two locations in the US (East and West), Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. Plus, Hide.me doesn't require an account to sign up, making it seamless and easy to use. ☁️
Who should use Hide.me?
Since the free version of Hide.me doesn't require registration, it's ideal for those who only need a VPN for simple, one-off tasks. Alternatively, if you're concerned about privacy, not having to enter personal information is a huge advantage.
Speedify 10 – Best for switching between cellular and Wi-Fi
Pros
Very good speeds
Speedify's failover feature seamlessly transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular networks
Cons
The privacy policy says that it collects certain personal information
Desktop mode for Windows apps needs improvement
Why I like Speedify
A solid VPN option for anyone using a VPN on a phone. Speedify specializes in seamless VPN transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular. 🚀 Typically, switch from Wi-Fi to cellular, the connection It crashes and restarts, but with Speedify it just keeps going, which is great. It also leverages Wi-Fi and cellular together to try to boost your connection speed.
The speeds are quite good with Speedify, remaining in the top 15 for overall speed. The downside to this free offer is that you only get 2GB of data usage per month. That's not much, so this is my last suggestion. But if you need something simple for basic web browsing, Speedify is worth considering.
Who should use Speedify?
Due to its small data limit, Speedify is recommended for users who only need a VPN for basic web browsing or occasional use. The seamless transition between Wi-Fi and cellular and the potential connection speed boost make Speedify an extremely convenient way to maintain a VPN connection while on the go or in areas with unstable Wi-Fi.
Collects some user activity data
Few additional features
Long-term subscription options only
Why I like AVG Secure VPN
It seems strange to include a free trial option here, but AVG Secure VPN is an excellent VPN service on its own. and offers a 60-day free trial for new users. 😲 That's incredibly generous for a premium service — most other VPNs only offer free trials of a week at most. The free trial extends to all devices, so you can use it on both your Windows machine and your Android device.
AVG is a well-known name in security software, and its VPN lives up to its high standards. The free trial gives you full access to all paid features, including 10 simultaneous device connections, over 700 servers in over 50 countries, and guaranteed unblocking of streaming services with specific servers. While speeds aren't the fastest I've seen, they're good enough for most general online activities. Overall, two free months of AVG Secure VPN is a fantastic deal—just don't forget to cancel your subscription before the end of the free trial.
Who should use AVG Secure VPN?
Most people looking for a free VPN for short-term use will get a lot of use out of AVG Secure VPN's free trial. But I think it's an exceptional option, particularly for those traveling for a while and needing a VPN while abroad. 🌍 By taking advantage of the speeds of a premium service and its extensive server network, you can access all your streaming content no matter what country you're in, and you shouldn't have to worry about the burdensome data limits of other free services. Stream and browse to your heart's content without cost—well, for 60 days, at least.
What to look for in a free VPN for Android
This will follow many of the tips I've already given you about free stuff on Android. Google is doing a better job than ever keeping harmful apps out of the Play Store, but there's still the possibility that some random VPN might have malicious intent. ⚠️ Another issue is that even if the app is okay, the service itself may not be entirely trustworthy.
For these reasons, I always recommend opting for a well-known VPN service provider to reduce your chances of encountering security issues. 🔒
Next, you want a free app that's truly free. Not some kind of 7- or 30-day trial that will automatically start charging the card connected to your Play Store account after the trial period. You should also read the privacy policy to make sure there's nothing in it that could cause you problems.
Finally, you'll want to make sure the VPN has data limits that suit your needs.
How I tested
I judge VPNs on a variety of criteria, including server network, connection speeds, privacy protections, ease of use, additional features, and cost.
Speed tests are kept as simple as possible. I average connections across different global locations for a given VPN and then compare them to a baseline internet speed to get a good idea of overall connection speeds. I thoroughly research and analyze each VPN's privacy policies and history, noting any notable discrepancies or data collection issues.
Experience and ease of use are subjective, but I try to give the most accurate representation of how it feels to work with the VPN. Since you don't have to pay for a free VPN, the value will depend on the tricks you'll have to perform and the restrictions it has.
Free VPNs aren't a top recommendation, but if you're going to go that route, I would strongly recommend the VPNs mentioned above.
In conclusion
While free VPNs for Android have some limitations ⏳, such as restrictions on data usage or the number of available servers, there are reliable options that provide a secure 🔒 and functional experience for those looking to improve their privacy or access geo-blocked content 🌍 at no cost.
Services like Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN, Windscribe Pro, Hide.me, Speedify, and the free trial of AVG Secure VPN stand out for their balance of security, ease of use, and streaming capabilities 🎬.
When choosing a free VPN, it's key to prioritize reputable providers ⭐, carefully review their privacy policies 🔍, and consider your specific needs, such as the number of devices or data volume 📱💾. This way, you can take full advantage of a VPN's benefits without compromising your privacy. security or your Android experience.
Other VPN reviews and features
FAQ
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, hides your identity, and encrypts your internet traffic. VPN servers are also located all over the world, allowing you to connect to a server in another country. So, if you want to access location-restricted content, such as streaming services, you can connect to the appropriate country's server and gain access to content that may have been blocked in your area. 📺
2. How does a VPN work?
In short, a VPN hides your IP address by redirecting your web traffic through a remote server hosted by the VPN company. The VPN server then appears as the source of your traffic rather than your actual location. These remote servers can be located in different countries around the world, or even in your own country. Additionally, your web traffic is encrypted from your computer to the VPN, which adds an extra layer of security.
While you're connected to a VPN and browsing the internet, the VPN acts as an intermediary between you and a website. If your computer sends a request to the VPN, it will pass it on to a website. In return, the website will send its response back to the VPN, which will forward it through a secure, encrypted connection to your computer.
3. Is it legal to use a VPN?
In the United States, as in most other countries, using a VPN is perfectly legal. Some websites attempt to block VPN connections, but this depends on their own terms of use. It's important to know that, although using a VPN is legal, some of the activities performed while using VPNs may still be illegal. Activities such as downloading copyrighted content or accessing dark web markets are illegal with or without a VPN.
4. Are there any differences between VPN apps for Windows and VPN apps for Android?
Typically, the core functionality of a VPN service remains the same between its Windows and Android apps. However, there are often differences between the two in terms of the features offered and the user experience. 💡
For example, common features in Windows apps, such as multi-hop, backhaul functionality, and custom DNS settings, may not always be available in the same Android service app. Meanwhile, features like split tunneling and support for the IKEv2 protocol may only be available on Android. This is generally due to compatibility issues and development resources. Additionally, you're likely to find differences in the interface and overall user experience between apps on the two operating systems. Often, the Windows app will display more information, which is then omitted from the Android app due to screen size restrictions.
Again, this shouldn't affect the VPN's core functionality in either app, meaning users can choose the version that best suits their needs based on their usage requirements and device preferences.
How to Fix Google Play Store: Quick Fix in… How to fix the Google Play Store and get back to enjoying your apps in seconds. Discover these simple steps that will change your...
Pros
Pros
