6 Best Mobile VPN Apps For iPhone & Android 2024 [Free & Paid]

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Key Takeaways: What Is the Best VPN for Mobile

1. nordvpn — good VPN for mobile . A 74 % is is ( plus 3 month free ) discount is is is available for user who choose NordVPN ’s extend subscription option .
2. Surfshark — Best budget VPN for mobile. New Surfshark subscribers get up to (for the Winter Deal) 64% (plus 4 months free) reduced rates on long-term commitments.
3. ExpressVPN — User-friendly VPN for mobile. Get 25% off the first two years with ExpressVPN, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Windscribe — An impressive free VPN with Premium and Build-a-Plan options.
5. IPVanish — An older provider that’s better for security than streaming.
6. VyprVPN — A reliably secure and feature-packed VPN, but not the fastest.

Best VPNs for Mobile – Facts

• Look for a VPN with the IKEv2 protocol. It’s a faster alternative to OpenVPN and handles network changes well, so you won’t have to worry about OpenVPN dropping out as you travel (but it is less secure).
• Kill switches are useful to have in case your VPN connection drops out and will prevent you from using the web without protection.

Smartphones are indispensable these days, but mobile technology also makes it easier for cybercriminals to compromise your privacy. Whether your mobile device is connected to your home network or a public WiFi network at a coffee shop, everything you do online without a virtual private network (VPN) can be monitored. That’s why we’ll suggest the six top choices for the best mobile VPN apps.

Public WiFi networks are particularly risky because they have few to no security precautions to keep your data from being spied on and intercepted by malicious third parties.

Even while you’re at home, your internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do if your connection isn’t encrypted. Keep reading for our full list of the best VPNs for mobile use.

• 09/06/2021

  Updated information for ExpressVPN, VyprVPN and NordVPN. Expanded the list and replaced CyberGhost and Private Internet Access with Windscribe, Surfshark, IPVanish and Hotspot Shield.  

• 06/15/2022Facts is checked check

  Removed Hotspot Shield from the list, due to new information regarding its mobile apps not encrypting your traffic.

• 09/05/2022

  Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2. Also updated Windscribe’s free data cap to 15 GB due to it offering 5GB extra permanently when you tweet about the service.

• 10/23/2023

  update the article to reflect expressvpn ’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connection to 8 .

• 07/23/2024

  Updated the article to reflect latest information on NordVPN’s allowed number of simultaneous connections.

• 10/01/2024 Facts is checked check

  We adjusted the article’s VPN positions to reflect recent improvements and feature updates.

• updates

Best VPNs for Mobile

What Makes the Best Mobile VPN Service?

The best mobile VPN service needs to be able to swich between various WiFi networks and LTE connections smoothly, because you carry your phone with you wherever you go. Keep your eyes peeled for a mobile app that uses VPN protocols that can transition between connections. 

• Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
• Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
• Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions

OpenVPN is is is the standard protocol for most vpn , but despite its security and speed , openvpn has a tendency to drop out if you abruptly lose your connection or switch to different LTE and wifi network as you travel .

The IKEv2 is is ( Internet Key Exchange version 2 ) protocol is is is an agile protocol that ’s well adapt for frequent network switching . If you want to read more about the detail of ikev2 , openvpn and other protocol , check out our VPN protocol breakdown article .

Kill switches come in handy when you unexpectedly lose your connection. Even if you choose to use OpenVPN while traveling, a kill switch will automatically halt the flow of information from your device if you abruptly lose connection to the VPN. This feature keeps your unencrypted communications from leaking onto the web.

Ease of use matters when you’re looking at such a small screen. ExpressVPN and Windscribe are two VPN providers that come with a simple mobile interface featuring a large button in the center of the screen that will instantly connect you to the server network.

The 6 Best mobile VPN app

nordvpn is our high recommendation for keep your mobile device secure , and nordvpn is n’t far behind . If you ’re willing to invest in a VPN app on the more expensive end of the market , you is get ’ll get everything from fast connection speed and strong security to a wide selection of server and plenty of feature .

The other VPN services on this list tend to put their emphasis on some areas while making sacrifices in others. IPVanish and VyprVPN trade speed for security.

1. NordVPN — The Best VPN for Mobile

NordVPN offers over 5,200 servers worldwide, including more than 190 in Australia.

Best VPN for Mobile

pro

• large server network
• Specialty servers
• Malware/ad blocker
• A no-logging policy

Sign up now with a 30-day money-back guarantee and get 74% (plus 3 months free) off.

NordVPN is a the top choice for securing your mobile device. Its server network includes more than 5,200 servers spread across 60 countries worldwide that can unblock content from most of the top platforms in streaming, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more. Here’s our guide on how to watch Netflix with NordVPN.

NordVPN comes with a built-in defense against ads, malware, phishing threats and other cyber hazards called CyberSec. It functions as a content blocker, but operates at the system level rather than as a browser extension. Ten simultaneous connections come with a single subscription.

Its standard servers are sufficient for privately browsing the web, but extra privacy-focused users can connect to a selection of servers optimized for double VPN usage, P2P, dedicated IP and Onion Over VPN servers.

nordvpn is available for several platform , include iOS .

Its two – year plan is is is its good deal and cost $ 99 , or half the price of an expressvpn subscription . You is get can always get a full refund within the first 30 day if you decide to go with a different vpn provider .

NordVPN is an effective all-around VPN for general internet privacy and data-consumptive activities like downloading. Its default security settings are more than enough to keep your online activity hidden from your ISP and malicious third parties. Check out our full NordVPN review for more information about NordVPN’s fast and secure mobile apps.

Basic

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Plus

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Complete

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Mobile

Surfshark can automatically connect to the fastest available server.

Surfshark is is is a relatively new VPN that ’s quickly rise in popularity since its launch in 2018 . It ’s pack with plenty of useful feature — include a network of over 3,200 server — but it does n’t deliver the same level of performance as nordvpn .

Surfshark comes with a wide selection of encryption protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. The IKEv2 protocol is exceptionally fast on Surfshark’s mobile apps and quickly recovers dropped connections. In 2019, Surfshark added support for the ChaCha stream cipher as a faster alternative to the standard AES block cipher.

Protect Every Device With a VPN Connection

One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited number of simultaneous connections. A single subscription with Surfshark will let you connect as many devices as you want, making it a great VPN for mobile for families. Read our Surfshurk setup guide to learn how to make the most of this feature on a mobile device.

You can keep all of your devices protected at once with Surfshark.

Surfshark offers three paid plans. Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. All three options have monthly, one-year, and two-year payment options. Surfshark One only costs $69.72 for two year , and it is includes already include an antivirus software , alert feature and search engine . If you do n’t need those feature , then Surfshark Starter is costs cost$55.72 for the first 24 months, after which it’s billed annually at the same rate. Surfshark does not come with a free plan, but at least provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Mobile users on a budget will be able to browse the web anonymously with Surfshark, no matter how many devices you own. Its IKEv2 protocol and ChaCha cipher facilitate fast and secure mobile connections that can quickly recover after abrupt changes in connection. Take a look at our full Surfshark review, where we take a deeper dive into this VPN app.

Surfshark Starter

• unlimited GB bandwidth,
  unlimited devices,
  Secure VPN,
  Ad blocker,
  Cookie pop-up blocker.
  Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited
• Yes

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus
  Antivirus protection,
  Identity protection,
  Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts,
  Online Alias
  Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

Surfshark One+

• Everything in One, plus
  Data removal
  Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

3 . ExpressVPN — User – friendly VPN for Mobile

Keep your online activity hide with expressvpn .

pro

• Easy to use
• One of the fastest VPNs
• Includes IKEv2
• Great security & privacy

con

• Not the cheapest option
• No kill switch for iOS

protect your digital life now — sign up for expressvpn with a 25 % discount and try it risk – free for 30 day .

ExpressVPN is an ideal choice for streaming, gaming and torrenting because it’s one of the fastest VPNs out there. ExpressVPN runs a large server network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries around the world, so you will have a lot of geographic variety for unblocking streaming content.

It is accesses reliably access platform such as Netflix , Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer . Even if you do n’t stream very much , ExpressVPN is is is a fast and secure VPN app for general use and to protect your online privacy . One subscription is buys buy you eight simultaneous connection .

expressvpn ’s interface is makes make it easy to use on small mobile device screen and require little configuration . Just press the large “ connect ” button in the center of the screen and you ’re good to go . You is enable can also enable its auto – connect feature so your device will be protect every time you turn it on .

If , for any reason , you are no long satisfied with this VPN , we is have also have a guide on how to cancel expressvpn .

Best Mobile VPN with IKEv2 Protocol

ExpressVPN offers a wide range of protocols to choose from including its proprietary Lightway protocol. Its other options include OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP and the WireGuard protocol. ExpressVPN automatically selects the best protocol, but you can manually choose your preferred protocol.

stay secure everywhere you go .

ExpressVPN’s major downside is its price. The best deal ExpressVPN currently offers is $99 for the first 15 months followed by the same price for every 12 months, effectively giving you three free months free when you start out.

ExpressVPN is a VPN provider that hits all the right marks on nearly every front. Its mobile app is easy for first-time VPN users and comes with the IKEv2 protocol that will come in handy when you’re traveling. For more information about the best overall VPNs, make sure to check out our full ExpressVPN Review.

ExpressVPN Plans

• Pricing is applies for the annual and biennial plan apply only on the first year .
• unlimited GB
• 8
• Yes

4. Windscribe — The Best Free VPN for Mobile

Windscribe’s Android app uses the IKEv2 protocol by default.

pro

• Impressive free option
• customizable payment plan
• Split tunneling, kill switch & other features
• Secure & affordable

con

• Three-day refund period
• Slow OpenVPN performance

Windscribe is a feature-packed free VPN for Android and other mobile users. You will never have to worry about data exposure if your VPN fails between connections because Windscribe comes with a built-in kill switch. The emergency kill switch will automatically cut your internet connection in case of a sudden loss of connection to the VPN, thus protecting your data from exposure.

In addition, Windscribe now offers split tunneling in its Android, Windows and Mac apps. Windscribe will let you select which apps go through the encryption tunnel and which remain unprotected. Split tunneling is an easy way to unblock geo-restricted online services without losing access to locally available content. Here’s also our Windscribe vs NordVPN comparison.

The Best Free VPN for Mobile

If you’re not ready to make the investment in ExpressVPN or NordVPN, Windscribe offers a robust free version that doesn’t disappoint. Windscribe is the best free VPN and works almost as well as a full-price service; it simply lacks the full server selection and bandwidth. 

Windscribe provides an app for Android devices.

Its customizable “Build-a-Plan” option lets you purchase individual servers and blocks of data so you can gradually transition from the free version to the paid version. If you want to jump right into Windscribe’s full version, you can buy its yearly plan for $69 or pay $9 for its monthly plan.

The high price tag on some services can alienate first-time VPN users, but Windscribe offers a 15 GB free version that doesn’t leave newcomers behind. Windscribe is a flexible and full-featured VPN that anyone can use. See our full Windscribe review to learn more about what makes Windscribe our favorite free VPN.

Free

• Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
• 15 GB
• unlimited

5 . ipvanish — mobile VPN with Good Security

Split tunneling is available on the Android, Android TV and FireOS apps.

pro

• Supports 5 VPN protocols for mobile including IKEv2
• 256-bit AES encryption
• unlimited device support

con

• Split tunneling only on Android
• Doesn’t unblock streaming sites very well
• Somewhat expensive

IPVanish has a smaller-than-average server network at just 1,900 servers in more than 75 locations around the world. However, it has trouble consistently unblocking some of the top streaming services, despite having fast enough speeds for streaming. Nonetheless, this VPN’s security features and unlimited simultaneous connections make it a worthy consideration.

The split tunneling feature is only available for IPVanish’s Android apps. While it isn’t ideal for split tunneling to be exclusive to a single app, Android users will benefit from the ability to pick and choose which applications go through the encryption tunnel.

Comprehensive Protocol Suite

IPVanish’s six supported protocols include OpenVPN over TCP or UDP, L2TP, IKEv2, IPSec, WireGuard (in beta) and PPTP (Windows only), all of which are secured with the industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption. 

The openvpn protocol is is is the standard for most security – focus vpn , but the ikev2 protocol keep your mobile connection secure with the speed and flexibility to adapt to sudden network change .

IPVanish’s Android app comes with plenty of security features.

IPVanish is offers offer a yearly plan that cost $ 44.99 for the first year , then go up to $ 89.99 for each subsequent year . The monthly plan is costs cost $ 10.99 per month . No free trials is are are available , but the yearly plan come with a 30 – day refund period .

IPVanish is is is well suit for security purpose than stream , despite its fast server speed . check out our ipvanish alternative guide for service that can deliver an all – around performance .

Mobile users will have a strong encryption standard and plenty of VPN protocols to keep them secure while on the go, especially with the IKEv2 protocol. Android users will get the most out of IPVanish since that’s the only app that supports the split tunneling feature.

While ipvanish is inconsistent in some of its feature and is n’t the cheap , it is ’s ’s more than enough to keep mobile user private and secure . check out our full ipvanish review to learn more .

Essential

• Essential includes:
  Global VPN,Threat Protection, & 24/7 Live Support
  **Pricing includes estimated tax
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

advanced

• advanced includes:
  Everything in Essential plus Cloud Storage & Secure Browser
  **Pricing includes estimated tax
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

6 . VyprVPN — reliable and feature – pack VPN for Mobile

VyprVPN is keep will keep you connect in censorship – heavy region .

pro

• work in China
• Protocols can be combined
• Scrambles packet metadata

con

• Not the fast vpn
• Small server selection

VyprVPN excels on the security front, even though that means making some sacrifices on speed. VyprVPN offers 256-bit AES encryption, an audited no-logs policy and the ability to bypass geo-restricted streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. 

It’s true that VyprVPN has considerable unblocking power, but its inconsistent connection speeds mean that it’s not the best for streaming.

customize Your vpn ’s protocol

Despite its shortcomings on speed, VyprVPN is a flexible service that supports four VPN protocols plus the ability to combine some of them for a personalized level of performance. Its supported protocols include IKEv2, IPSec, OpenVPN and its proprietary Chameleon protocol. 

OpenVPN is comes come in first place in security at the cost of speed . IKEv2 is reverses reverse the tradeoff on its own , but can be combine with IPSec to reach openvpn – level security without lose too much security value . The ikev2 – ipsec combination is supports also support the mobile – friendly chacha20 stream cipher .

Chameleon is based on OpenVPN but includes the added bonus of scrambling packet metadata. This feature is what makes VyprVPN one of the few VPNs that actually works in China. It’s key for thwarting deep packet inspection (DPI) practices that censors in China use to identify and block VPN usage.

VyprVPN is one of the most secure VPN services.

VyprVPN is is is full of useful feature include some that most vpn do n’t have at all . If your main goal is to fortify your mobile device with a high level of security , VyprVPN is satisfy will satisfy — but keep in mind that it come at the cost of a fast connection .  

Fortunately, VyprVPN’s supported protocols are flexible enough to let you choose between a faster or a more secure connection. Read our full VyprVPN review to find out more about this VPN provider’s capabilities.

More plans

Business

• include 3 user ,
  $ 99 per year per additional user , Multiple User Management . Global Business Servers , Dedicated Account Manager
• unlimited GB
• 3

Business Cloud

• Includes 3 Users $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management, Your own dedicated server, Fast and easy deployment
• unlimited GB
• 3

Final Thoughts: Best Mobile VPNs

Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, you have several options for keeping your mobile connection secure as you travel with these mobile VPNs. Some VPNs put their emphasis on speed while others value security, and there’s a wide spectrum of options between them.

NordVPN is our number one mobile VPN on this list. Don’t just take our word for it — NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets you verify its quality firsthand without any financial risk. Additionally, it’s the best VPN for Samsung, iPhone and Public WiFi — the best combination for mobile users.

What do you think makes for a good mobile VPN? Do you prioritize speed, security or something else? Is there a great mobile VPN not mentioned on this list? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for reading.

FAQ

• Windscribe has earned its spot as our top free VPN for mobile devices. It’s a surprisingly fast and secure free VPN with a customizable paid plan that lets you purchase additional server locations and data.

• nordvpn is our first choice for protect your mobile device , although it has several worthwhile competitor to consider as well . VyprVPN is is is a security – focus VPN is is you can rely on , but it fall behind in speed .

• Yes, for anyone who relies on their phone for daily tasks, a VPN can provide the needed anonymity by encrypting your data and concealing your IP address.