Top 15 Best Android VPN Apps to Protect Your Online Privacy in 2018

AppBytes: This article helps you to quickly filter out the best Android VPN apps that will help you to protect your privacy and stay secured on the Internet. Check out the list of free VPN apps available for Android. 

Data is the new currency and everyone out there on the Internet has an eye on your data including big names in the world of technology.  Companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter etc harvest your data and reap billions of dollars using the data. You are responsible for your data and you have to be cautious about it.

What is a VPN?

VPNs hide our data by masking our private IP address. They protect our data from online trackers and secure it by encrypting it. They can even get around firewalls. Another advantage of using VPNs is that they can unlock the geo-restricted content on the Internet. With such a huge list of potential uses, VPNs have become a choice for many Internet users and everyone started using them to secure their online footprints from data-hungry companies.

Why Do I Need a VPN?

The Internet is an open place and you need to take care of your privacy. If you are not worried about your privacy, then you end up losing it. There are several ways to protect your privacy over the Internet. Using VPN’s is one of the easiest ways to safeguard your online identity. They are amongst the best tools to secure your web surfing. VPNs also help you to use apps that are not available in your country and also help you try safely use apps that are not available on Google PlayStore and more.

Which VPN is best for Android?

So as most of us spend our time using mobile phones, it is recommended to use a secure VPN to protect and hide your data generated during mobile usage. As Android occupies the major share in the smartphone segment, there are plenty of Android VPN apps on the market. Not every VPN app is secure as some of them may track and log your behaviour and monitor the usage.  We are sharing the top VPN services available to Android devices for free.

So if you are an Android user, then you must check the list of free VPN apps for Android and pick one to hide your digital identity.

List of Best Android VPN Apps:

1. Hotspot Shield:

Hotspot Shield is the best Android VPN service with nearly 50 Million+ installs. It is one of the highest rated and reviewed Android VPN Service with a massive userbase. Hotspot Shield is a good VPN for those who frequently connect to public Wi-Fi. One advantage of Hotspot Shield is that you can choose to fire the VPN automatically when certain apps are launched in your device.

Features of Hotspot Shield VPN:

• It doesn’t track or keep any logs of its users and their activities.
• Fast, Stable and secure performance
• Built-in Malware scanner.
• Offers free plan with bandwidth limitations.
• A wide network of over 20 countries.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 50M+
• Rating: 4.2
• Size: 7 MB
• Price: Free/Premium

Pros:

• Trusted by Millions.
• Fast and Secure.
• Malware protection

Cons:

• Display advertising.
• Allows only 500MB daily usage on the free plan.
• Impose some limitations on the free plan which get unlocked in Premium plans.

2. BetterNet VPN

The second in the list comes Betternet VPN, a beautifully designed VPN service that is available across various platforms including Android and iOS. Betternet VPN has a clean UI with a visually appealing interface. Just like the design, Betternet VPN offers a raft of features for free.

Like all the other VPN’s Betternet offer IP spoofing for anonymous browsing, helps unblock sites and apps on your Android phone,  secure your internet traffic and many others. Check out the full list of features of Betternet VPN.

Features of Betternet VPN:

• Unblock Websites and Apps.
• Anonymous Connection and Privacy Protection.
• Secure Your Device.
• Surf anonymously at Fast Speed.
• Shield WiFi Hotspot.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 10 Million+
• Rating: 4.5
• Size: 17 MB
• Price: Free/Paid

Pros:

• Stable and faster internet speeds.
• Clean and beautiful UI.
• Excellent Support

Cons:

• Too many Advertisements.
• Many Bugs.
• Few connection issues.

3. Express VPN

Express VPN is one of the fastest growing VPN services right now attracting the attention of many users. Express VPN is available for almost every platform that can be used to access the Internet. You name it and Express VPN is there for your rescue. The key to its success and quick growth is that it offers consistent and stable connections. It supports many devices and all the plans have the same features. Express VPN can bypass the Great Firewall in China and is the best of all VPN’s that can do this feat. It has a wide array of server locations and delivers greater performance. There is a lot more this VPN can do and here below are a few noteworthy features of Express VPN.

Features of Express VPN:

• A wide range of server locations.
• Good support with 24-hour live chat and email
• Strict no-logging policy
• Best performance.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 5 Million+
• Rating: 4.1
• Size: 20 MB
• Price: Paid

Pros:

• Trustable and reliable.
• Stable and reliable speeds

Cons:

• No trial plan for users to try

4. Hola VPN

Hola VPN is another simple Free Android VPN service that offers exactly the features that users need. It is an unlimited Free VPN and proxy service. A noteworthy thing about Hola VPN is that it is a free peer-to-peer VPN service, that works by sharing idle resources of its users to create a more open Web. It means that the app uses your device resources like WiFi and very limited cellular data when you keep your device idle.

Apart from this, Hola VPN is flexible to use without any limitations.

Features of Hola VPN Proxy:

• Browse the web privately & anonymously
• It is completely Free
• You can switch between countries easily

App Statistics:

• Installs: 10M+
• Rating: 4.5
• Size: 12MB
• Price: Free

Pros: 

• Faster browsing speeds even on free plans.
• Reduce data costs with optimised performance.
• Comes included with a built-in browser to surf the web safely.

Cons:

• Consumes device resources.
• UI is old fashioned.

5. OpenVPN Connect

OpenVPN Connect for Android is an adorable VPN service with powerful features. Of all the VPN apps, OpenVPN Connect is a truly free VPN service available for Android. It is Open Source and the source code is available making it the most trusted VPN app.

One downside of this VPN app is that it isn’t user-friendly. Unlike other VPN apps in this list, OpenVPN doesn’t have any polished user interface. You need to be a geek to use this as it needs some technical knowledge about networking. This means the app has a learning curve. You need to play with some advanced options to set up a secure connection and it will definitely enhance your knowledge.

Features of OpenVPN Connect:

• Offers Fast & Secure Connection without any compromising.
• Easily create VPN tunnels with enterprise-grade encryption standards.
• Easy Remote Network Access to connect to your organisation resources from anywhere.
• Offers 100% security even on public Wi-Fi and hotspots.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 10M+
• Rating: 4.2
• Size: 14MB
• Price: Free

Pros:

• Enterprise-grade encryption standards.
• Unlimited data with ad-free experience.
• Protects user privacy.

Cons:

• Cluttered User Interface.
• Need some technical skills to set up a connection.

6. TunnelBear VPN:

TunnelBear is another humble VPN app on the list that is listed as free with some limitations. It is an incredible VPN service for basic usage like browsing the Internet privately and securely. TunnelBear VPN encrypts your web browsing data and protects it from hackers, ISPs, and advertisers. It doesn’t collect any of your data as it encrypts every packet you send and receive. Easy to use and worth trusting as it offers uber cool features right out of the box.

Features of TunnelBear VPN:

• One-tap connect.
• A strict no-logging policy and completed a 3rd party, public security audit.
• Global VPN network.
• Grizzly-grade security.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 5Million+
• Rating: 4.4
• Size: 14 MB
• Price: Free/Premium

Pros:

• High-grade security with AES-256 bit encryption.
• Simple interface.
• Servers available in 22+ countries.
• Provides faster connections.

Cons:

• Limitation on Bandwidth in the free plan, Only 500 MB per month.

7. SurfEasy

SurfEasy VPN is a highly transparent and secure VPN service that is way different from many other free VPN providers. With a builtin  Ad Tracker Blocker algorithm, SurfEasy VPN intercepts the cookies that advertisers use to follow you online and restores your privacy from the internet that is crowded with ads. SurfEasy VPN even protects your Torrent privacy by masking your IP address which is otherwise exposed. Check other features of SurfEasy VPN.

Features of SurfEasy VPN:

• Torrent Protection
• Ad blocking and tracking prevention algorithm.
• Wi-Fi hotspot security
• Excellent support.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 5 Million+
• Rating: 4.5
• Size: 19 MB
• Price: Free/Paid

Pros:

• Easy to switch between various regions
• Statistical Interface
• Requests few permissions
• Quick Widgets

Cons:

• Issues with connectivity in some regions.
• Disconnection problems.

8. VPN Robot

If you are looking for a best free VPN app for streaming video content then nothing could satisfy your need better than VPN Robot. The best part of this VPN is it is free and offers unlimited bandwidth. Yes, it is free forever. Being a free VPN it is also the best free unlimited VPN for Android devices. There several other mind-blowing offers from this free VPN Android app and they will surely amaze you.

Features of VPN Robot:

• 100% free VPN. Unlimited bandwidth, unlimited time and No credit cards required not even Login details.
• Offers The strongest VPN hammer to bypass filters, censorships and surveillance.
• Blazing speeds for free.
• Offers Thousands of servers.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 5 Million+
• Rating: 4.6
• Size: 6.2 MB
• Price: Free

Pros:

• It is free forever.
• Unlimited Bandwidth.
• Data Encryption
• Low app size and consumes less disk space

Cons:

• UI is not so awesome.
• Full of ads.

9. Onavo VPN

A VPN service from the world’s leading Social Media network, Facebook. Yes Onavo VPN is a VPN service that is offered by Onavo which is a subsidiary of Facebook. Onavo Protect is not only just a VPN service it is also a Data Manager app that lets you keep an eye on your Mobile data and Bandwidth. It gives you detailed insights about data usage in your phone. Dive into the full list of features below.

Features of Onavo Protect:

• Add an extra layer of security and data encryption
• Help secure your personal information when you’re on public Wi-Fi
• Use a free, fast and secure VPN to help protect personal information
• Get alerts when apps are using lots of data
• Block apps from using data in the background
• Limit apps to Wi-Fi only
• Set notifications when an app reaches a set amount of data

App Statistics:

• Installs: 10 Million+
• Rating: 4.4
• Size: 17 MB
• Price: Free

Pros:

• Works great and is easy to use
• Drains Battery

Cons:

• Consumes more disk size.
• Requests several permissions and is from Facebook.
• Slows down the phones with low-end hardware.

10. Touch VPN

Touch VPN is another free VPN service in the list with unlimited bandwidth offering. It is across platform VPN service that is available for Windows, Android, iOS and other platforms. The free version with unlimited usage has ads while the paid version gives you ad-free experience.

Features of Touch VPN:

• Backed by HotSpot shield.
• Free VPN
• Simple User Interface.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 10 Million+
• Rating: 4.5
• Size: 33 MB
• Price: Free

Pros:

• Free
• High performance
• No registration required
• Unlimited bandwidth

Cons:

• Worthless privacy policy
• No information on the website
• Dubious Android app reviews
• DNS leaks with the Windows app

11. Hideman VPN

A very simple free VPN app for Android without a cluttered user interface. Looks a bit old school but Hideman VPN is one of the lightweight VPN Android apps. It is free to use and simple to navigate and switch between various locations.

Features Hideman VPN:

• Free VPN Android app.
• Simple UI
• Hides IP

App Statistics:

• Installs: 5Million+
• Rating: 4.1
• Size: 8 MB
• Price: Free

Pros:

• Lightweight
• strong 256-bit encryption.

Cons:

• Connection issues.
• Reduces speed.

12. Vypr VPN

Vypr VPN is an independent VPN service that was founded by Internet veterans who have fought to preserve online privacy, security and freedom since 1994. This is one of the few VPN that doesn’t depend on the third party hosting servers and thus preserving your data from getting into wrong hands. Vypr VPN is a trustworthy VPN with good customer support. It has some of the best industry leading features that are listed below.

Features of Vypr VPN:

• OpenVPN 256-bit encryption protocol
• Automatic reconnect
• Ping test to view server location connectivity speeds
• Up to 5 simultaneous connections
• Proprietary VyprDNS – Zero-knowledge DNS

App Statistics:

• Installs: 1 Million+
• Rating: 4.2 
• Size: 23 MB
• Price: Free/Paid

Pros:

• Unlimited data usage
• 700+ servers and 200,000+ global IPs
• Fast VPN speeds

Cons:

• Refund and Subscription issues

13. Nord VPN

Nord VPN is another best Android VPN service that comes at an affordable price point. It only costs $99 for 3 years which equals to $2.75 a month. It is a VPN service that values user privacy and hence use a hard to decipher encrypted tunnel which means better data protection. It provides military grade encryption protocols to deliver best user security and is a Zero-log VPN service.

Features of Nord VPN:

• IKEV2/IPSEC encryption protocols.
• Automatic kill switch for optimised performance and stable connections.
• Unlimited data streaming.
• 24/7 support.

App Statistics:

• Installs: 1 Million+
• Rating: 4.3
• Size: 24 MB
• Price: Paid

Pros:

• Military grade encryption and enhanced security.
• Simultaneous connection upto 6 devices and 4000+ servers across 60 countries.

Cons:

• Not a freemium.

14. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is an incredible VPN service for Android as it is completely free with no advertising. It has all the cool features that one need in a good VPN app. It respects user privacy and doesn’t log the user data. This VPN app is developed by scientists and CERN to give journalists, activists, and everyday citizens unrestricted and secure access to the Internet.

Features of Proton VPN:

• Protects your privacy by hiding your IP address
• Lets you browse the web securely (even on public WiFi)
• Lets you visit blocked/censored websites.
• Re-routing method through privacy-friendly countries
• Ad blocker functionality

App Statistics:

• Installs: 100,000+
• Rating: 4.2
• Size: 19MB
• Price: Free/Premium

Pros:

• Proton VPN is free from ads.
• Relatively quick speeds.
• Supports Tor.
• Encrypts data and no logging policy

Cons:

• Few bugs.
• The speed with the free plan is low
• No P2P option with the free plan.

15. Windscribe VPN

Windscribe VPN is VPN app for beginners who wish to enjoy the benefits of a professional VPN service at a free cost. Actually Windscribe a Freemium VPN with paid plans but that comes after you use 10GB of bandwidth in a month. If you can limit your bandwidth to 10 GB per month then Windscribe can surely impress you. Talking about the features it encrypts all your web traffic offering privacy. Windscribe offers the same features for premium and free plans the only restriction is bandwidth and server locations.

Features of WindScribe VPN:

• Super easy to use, just turn it on with a single tap
• Strict no-logging policy

App Statistics:

• Installs: 500K
• Rating: 4.2
• Size: 11 MB
• Price: Free

Pros:

• 10 GB of data free for 1 Month.
• Simple and cleaner navigation.

Cons:

• Shows error often during connectivity.

Final Verdict:

In this new age of social connectivity, your data is what other need. The more you provide the better they earn from you. Did you know, Data is the New currency in this digital world and tech companies are mining billions of dollars. VPN apps are boon to users who seek privacy in this open connected world and one should choose a best VPN app to get utmost privacy from the tracking of companies like Google and Facebook and be free from surveillance of governments. With this list, if best VPN Android apps you can stay anonymous while browsing the Internet on your Android smartphone.

Did we miss your favourite VPN service? Tell us through the comments below and we will add it. To know more about Android and iOS keep following AppBeep.