5 Best Free VPNs for Android in 2024 (Fast, Trusted & Safe) (2024)

The Android operating system powers countless devices these days, making it a prime target for hackers. That's why using a VPN on your Android device is so important. While premium VPNs offer advanced features and faster speeds, a reliable free Android VPN can still provide privacy and security and let you stream your licensed content safely in HD.

My team tested over 50 free Android VPNs. There are a lot of poor-quality ones out there, but we found some reliable options that keep you safe and work with at least a few streaming sites in their licensed locations. However, free VPNs do have limitations like slower speeds and data caps. If you want unrestricted performance, a paid VPN is your best bet.

My top recommendation for Android is ExpressVPN. It offers fast speeds, robust security, and unlimited data — perfect for a smooth and secure online experience. While it’s not free, it’s still my pick because it doesn’t have any of the limitations of a free VPN. Plus, you can try it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied, you can get a full refund. Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Android in 2024

Best Free VPNs for Android — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds for a Seamless Online Experience on Android

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

ExpressVPN is hands down the fastest Android VPN I’ve tested — ideal for data-heavy tasks like streaming and torrenting. During my tests on its nearby UK servers from London, I only saw a 5% speed drop. This is largely due to Lightway, the VPN’s proprietary protocol that’s engineered to be fast without compromising your security. For context, I experienced a 20% or higher speed loss with most free Android VPNs on nearby servers.

I could stream shows in 4K without any slowdowns

With its reliable server network, you can stream your favorite shows and movies on platforms licensed for your country without interruptions. Testing from the UK, I had a seamless streaming experience on BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK, and Amazon Prime Video with ExpressVPN on my Samsung S23. Plus, our US-based reviewer could also use their Disney+, Max, and Netflix US accounts with ease.

While you can, theoretically, use a VPN to stream platforms outside of their licensed regions, this could break their terms of use and could even be considered copyright infringement. Neither the vpnMentor team nor I condone using a VPN to break copyright law. Please use your VPN responsibly.

When it comes to privacy, ExpressVPN has been consistently setting the bar high. It has an audited no-logs policy that was proven in real life when Turkish authorities seized one of its servers but found no data to collect.

ExpressVPN does offer a 7-day free trial on Android, but this isn’t always enough time to gauge if it’s the best choice for you. Luckily, it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. This means you can test it risk-free and get a full refund if it fails to meet your expectations. I put this guarantee to the test myself and had my money refunded hassle-free within just 3 days.

Useful Features

• Strong security. ExpressVPN’s Android app offers military-grade encryption with perfect forward secrecy. This changes your encryption key regularly for enhanced security. You also get leak protection and a kill switch to prevent DNS/IP leaks.
• Privacy-focused. RAM-based servers wipe your data clean after every reboot, ensuring your Android activity won’t be traced back to you. Plus, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly country with no data retention laws.
• Advanced Protection. This comprehensive suite includes Threat Manager, Ad Blocker, and Parental Control. It enhances your security by blocking trackers, malicious sites, and unwanted ads while also offering robust parental controls to safeguard family browsing.
• Automatic obfuscation. ExpressVPN’s obfuscation technology hides the fact you’re using a VPN on your Android, helping you to stay safe on restrictive networks like those at work or school. It’s also what allows the VPN to work in censorship-heavy locations like India, China, and the UAE.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for Uninterrupted Browsing and Streaming on Android

Unlike most free VPNs that impose data caps, Proton VPN’s free Android app offers unlimited data. This makes it an excellent choice for extended browsing and streaming sessions. During my tests from the UK, I binge-watched unrestricted YouTube videos endlessly on my Android phone without ever running out of data. I had to wait a few seconds for videos to load sometimes, but I didn’t experience much buffering.

I didn't encounter any slowdowns even when streaming in HD

Free users get access to 5 server locations. However, you don't get to choose which country to connect to. Instead, the app automatically connects you to the fastest available server based on your location. In my case, I was never able to connect to its US servers, regardless of how many times I switched locations. However, I didn’t have any issues with the Netherlands server I was usually connected to.

Our US-based tester, on the other hand, had no trouble connecting their Google Pixel 8 to Proton VPN's free US servers, which proved to be highly reliable. They could effortlessly stream content from their Netflix US, Disney+, Funimation, and Max accounts. The free US server didn’t work with their Amazon Prime Video and Hulu accounts, though.

I was a bit disappointed that you need an email address to sign up. It’s also too bad it doesn’t have a 24/7 live chat feature, although most free VPNs don’t. However, when I contacted support via email, I was able to get a response within 24 hours.

Useful Features

• Strong security and privacy. This includes military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. The Android app doesn’t contain any ads, even if you’re on a free plan. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy, so your online activity is private.
• Multiple VPN protocols. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Stealth on your Android device. I received the fastest speeds with WireGuard, but if you’re looking to bypass network restrictions, Stealth is your best option.
• Alternative routing. This feature ensures you can still reach the Proton VPN website, even if it's been blocked by your network administrator. So, you can still download Proton VPN to protect your Android device, even if you’re on a restrictive network.
• Router support. Proton VPN is one of the very few free VPNs that are compatible with routers. This means you can set it up on your router and securely stream content licensed for your country on your Android TV.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Unlimited Connections to Protect All Your Android (& Other) Devices

Avira sets itself apart by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can use it to secure as many of your Android and non-Android devices as needed. In my tests, I connected my Samsung S23, Realme X2 Pro, and Windows laptop to its San Francisco server, and the connections remained stable even while streaming non-restricted YouTube videos on all these devices.

What particularly impressed me is that the free Android app offers servers in 37 countries, which is a lot for a free VPN. While not quite as reliable as premium options like ExpressVPN, Avira still worked well in our testing. Our international team of testers could use it with streaming platforms licensed for their respective countries (like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer) with ease.

Avira offers more than a dozen server locations in the US

The best part about Avira's free Android app is that you don't even need to sign up to start using the service. Simply download the app, pick a server, and enable the VPN connection with a single tap — no account creation or personal info needed to start securing your Android traffic.

The main issue with Avira is its restrictive 500 MB of monthly data on the free plan (bumping up to 1 GB if you create an account). That tight cap means you'll struggle to do much heavy-duty streaming or downloading before hitting the limit. Plus, the lack of live chat support could be inconvenient if you run into issues.

Useful Features

• Basic security. It protects your Android device with its AES 256-bit encryption and leak protection. The free plan doesn’t offer a kill switch, though, which can leave you unprotected if your connection drops.
• Good speeds. Its speeds are pretty good — during my tests from the UK, I lost 26% of my base speed on its nearby UK servers. You’ll be able to browse and stream on your Android without slowdowns (until your data runs out, at least).

4. hide.me — Strong Security to Keep Your Android Device Safe

The reason I love hide.me is that it offers strong security and privacy features with its free Android app. For example, its Auto Connect feature automatically connects you to the VPN when you connect to an unknown network. This ensures your Android device remains protected even if you forget to manually enable the VPN.

With hide.me, you can choose when you want your VPN to connect

It also lets you optimize your connection as per your needs — you can choose between IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and SSTP. You’ll also get some more advanced settings, like fully configurable split tunneling. Plus, the Android app packs all the essential security essentials, including military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a reliable kill switch.

Importantly, hide.me is based in the privacy-friendly nation of Malaysia, which sits outside the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This means the service is not legally obligated to store any user data. It also strictly adheres to a no-logs policy.

Like Proton VPN, you can't manually select the server location. The app automatically connects you to the optimal server based on your current whereabouts. In my testing, I was consistently connected to the same Netherlands server, which meant I couldn’t use my licensed streaming sites. However, the free plan provides access to servers in 8 locations, which is more than most free VPNs.

Useful Features

• Decent speeds. hide.me doesn’t restrict speeds on its free plan, but the free servers are often overcrowded. From the UK, I experienced a speed loss of 58% on its Netherlands server, but I could still watch non-restricted YouTube videos in HD since I had a fast baseline connection.
• 24/7 support. Many VPNs don’t offer support to their free customers. However, with hide.me, 24/7 live chat support is available even for free users. No matter where you are in the world, it’s easy to get help using hide.me on your Android.

5. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol for Fast Speeds Even Over Long Distances

Hotspot Shield's Hydra protocol delivers impressive speeds and stability, even over long-distance connections. During my tests from the UK, its US server only saw a 22% speed reduction. That’s really good for a free VPN.

Hydra attains fast speeds without compromising security

This protocol makes Hotspot Shield a great choice for torrenting on Android. While the free plan only offers a handful of locations, it's P2P-friendly. I was initially concerned that a small server setup would lead to congestion and slowdowns, but I never experienced any such issues while downloading files.

Be careful when you’re torrenting, though. Many torrenting sites contain copyrighted material, which is illegal to download. Always ensure you’re downloading works that are in the public domain, and remember to use a VPN responsibly.

Hotspot Shield also includes a built-in malware blocker that works in the background to protect your Android device from dangerous websites. The free tier blocks malware, while paid users get even more extensive protections against phishing and scams.

The main tradeoff with Hotspot Shield's free Android app is that it's ad-supported. The service's privacy policy does note that it collects some user information, like your IP address, in order to serve those ads. However, it claims not to log any details about your actual browsing activity.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data. Hotspot Shield's free Android app offers unlimited data, but you need to keep watching ads to maintain your connected time. For every 30-second advertisem*nt you view, you're rewarded with an additional 15 minutes of VPN usage.
• Auto-Protect. This automatically secures your Android device when you connect to public WiFi.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Android

The table below compares the key features of my recommended free VPNs. The importance of each factor will depend on your specific needs — whether that's streaming content, supporting torrenting, or prioritizing robust security. Many free Android VPNs come with severe limits, so I’ve included whether each VPN is suitable for streaming and torrenting.

You can also see which ones offer a kill switch for added protection against data leaks. Finally, I’ve included whether or not each VPN offers.apk files on its official website. This ensures that you can download the VPN even if it’s not available in your Play Store region.

Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPNs for Android

I used the following criteria to shortlist the best free VPNs for Android. Focus on these features if you’re unsure what to look for in a good free Android VPN.

• Really free. A free VPN shouldn’t require you to commit to a subscription. I made sure that all the Android VPNs on the list are either completely free or backed by a legitimate money-back guarantee.
• Strong security and privacy features. I made sure that all the free Android VPNs have essential security features, like military-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. Furthermore, I thoroughly read each VPN’s logging policy to be sure they’re trustworthy with your data.
• Fast speeds and enough data. Free VPNs are notorious for slow speeds and tight data caps, so I prioritized options that could still deliver a smooth, usable experience. My recommendations maintain download speed drops within 50% of the baseline and provide enough data for you to test the VPN.
• Streaming support. Most free Android VPNs do not work with streaming sites at all. However, I made sure to choose VPNs that work with at least a couple of services. Plus, most of them also work with Android TV, so you can watch your local content securely on your big screen.
• Supports torrenting. If you torrent on your Android device, you should choose a VPN that allows P2P sharing. I made sure to include some free options that don't prohibit or throttle this type of internet traffic.
• Reliable customer support. I made sure that it’s easy to get answers to all your questions, whether via email, live chat, or a knowledge base on the VPN’s website. Live chat is preferred, but most free VPNs don’t offer it.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Android Aren’t Safe

It's important to exercise caution when downloading any free VPN apps for your Android device. Many of these supposedly “free” options are actually wolves in sheep's clothing and can do more harm than good to your privacy and security.

That's why I've thoroughly vetted each VPN on this list to ensure they won't compromise your sensitive data. While all free VPNs will have certain limitations, the ones I'm recommending are at least safe to use, unlike the many sketchy alternatives out there.

Let's look at some of the key risks you need to watch out for with free Android VPNs:

• Data monetization schemes. If a VPN provider isn't charging you anything, you can bet they're finding other ways to profit from your usage. Many free VPNs resort to selling user data to third parties as their primary business model. So, it's critical to verify they have a trustworthy no-logs policy before trusting them with your data.
• Security vulnerabilities. Some free VPNs lack essential security features like an automatic kill switch and leak protection. Without these safeguards, your data and online activities could be exposed every time you use the VPN.
• Malware threats. Android is a particularly vulnerable platform as the Google Play Store doesn't always strictly vet apps on the platform. There have been numerous cases of free VPN apps smuggling malware into people's devices. Even the ads within these apps can sometimes act as gateways for infecting your smartphone.

Free Android VPNs to Avoid

During my tests, I found some free Android VPNs that are unsafe to use and should be avoided at all costs. The dangers associated with these sketchy free VPNs range from exposing your personal data and putting you at risk of viruses and malware.

• Hola VPN. This is a P2P network that utilizes its users’ devices as endpoints instead of having its own dedicated servers. That means other Hola users can use your IP address. If they do something illegal, you could get into trouble for it.
• Betternet VPN. It keeps logs of your data, such as your IP address, connection timestamps, and device information. Moreover, its Android app was riddled with malware back in 2016.
• CrossVPN. This free VPN has been known to download malware and spyware to its users’ devices.
• Psiphon. When you use this free VPN, it logs a huge amount of data, including your browsing history and connection timestamps. On top of that, it doesn’t have DNS leak protection or a kill switch.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Android

Can I use a free VPN on my Android TV?

Absolutely; the free VPNs on this list have apps for Android TV that you can easily install from the Play Store. However, it's important to keep a few key limitations in mind.

Most free VPN services severely restrict your monthly data allowance, which can become a significant issue when you’re streaming. You'll typically need around 1.5 GB of data per hour to watch content in 1080p quality.

Plus, free VPNs usually only work with a small selection of streaming platforms. The 100% free options on this list do work with a handful of sites, but even they aren’t very reliable.

If you plan on doing a lot of Android TV streaming, I'd strongly suggest considering a low-cost premium VPN instead. That way, you'll get unlimited data, better performance with streaming sites, and faster overall speeds.

Is there a free Android VPN that doesn't require registration?

Yes, there are a few free Android VPN options on this list that don't require any kind of registration or account creation. Specifically, #3 and #5 on this list let you secure your connection without having to provide an email address or personal details.

The no-signup approach can be beneficial for those who prioritize privacy when using a free VPN. However, it doesn't exempt these options from typical free VPN limitations like smaller server networks, slower speeds, and data caps.

Ultimately, the lack of registration is a plus from a privacy perspective, but the overall performance may still be constrained compared to a premium VPN. Consider your specific needs to decide if one of these no-signup free options or a paid VPN is the better fit.

Will a free Android VPN work with Netflix?

Free Android VPNs often struggle with streaming sites like Netflix. Some of the 100% free options on this list do work with the platform, but they either have low data caps or limited server networks. This means you likely won’t be able to stream content in HD from your licensed Netflix library after all.

For the best Netflix streaming experience on Android, your best bet is to use a reputable, low-cost premium VPN. Many of these paid services also provide money-back guarantees, allowing you to test them risk-free.

Which free Android VPN allows torrenting?

There are a few good free VPNs that allow torrenting. The problem is they usually don’t offer enough data to torrent more than 1 GB per month, but most of the ones I shortlisted offer unlimited data. After running my tests, I’d recommend #4 and #5 on this list as decent free options for torrenting. Both these VPNs have P2P-friendly servers and give you a generous data allowance.

If you torrent large files frequently, then your best option is to opt for a low-cost premium VPN. You can use their money-back guarantees to test them out, and you won’t be faced with data limits that impact how much you can download.

What is the best free unlimited VPN for Android?

If you’re looking for a 100% free and unlimited Android VPN, I recommend #2 on this list. It delivers fast speeds, strong security features, and even works with a handful of streaming platforms. However, the trade-off is that this VPN’s server network is fairly limited compared to premium providers. You also can't use it to torrent.

If you don't want any restrictions on server access or use cases like P2P file-sharing, then I'd recommend exploring low-cost premium VPN services instead. They'll provide you with a worldwide network of servers, even faster performance, and comprehensive support for activities like streaming and torrenting.

Does Android have a built-in VPN?

Yes, Android does have a built-in VPN that allows you to connect using PPTP, LT2P, and IPSec protocols. Take note that it’s only a VPN client that lets you connect to a third-party network separately. This means you still have to sign up for a VPN service to use it. Plus, the whole setup can make your head spin.

That’s why it’s better to use a dedicated VPN Android app instead because it’s much easier to set up. Plus, it offers much better security and a wider range of worldwide servers.

Which free Android VPN works best for China, India, and the UAE?

For countries with strict internet censorship (like China, India, and the UAE), you should choose a VPN that offers obfuscation. This disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping you bypass VPN blocks and tough firewalls.

Our top recommended Android VPN isn’t entirely free, but it offers automatic obfuscation features that kick in when the app detects a restrictive network environment. This helps it work undetected in China and the UAE.

The truth is that very few free Android VPNs work completely reliably on restrictive networks, like those in China, India, and the UAE. They don’t usually have the resources to keep up with the constantly evolving technological landscape in these countries. Even the best premium VPNs can struggle in China from time to time. If you need a reliable VPN that can work in these countries, you’re better off investing in our #1 VPN choice.

Note that VPN use is restricted in China and some similar countries, meaning you are only allowed to use services that are approved by the government. There haven't been any publicly recorded cases of tourists being fined for using other VPNs there, but you should still proceed with caution. The team and I don't condone breaking any laws with a VPN.

How do you install a VPN on your Android if you don't have Google Play?

If your device doesn’t have Google Play, you can download the APK file for the app from the VPN provider’s website and manually install it. Setting up a VPN is easy — just follow the instructions on the screen, and you should be fine.

Another tip is to make sure that you have third-party installations enabled on your Android device. Hypothetically, you can use this same method to install the VPN app if it’s on the Play Store but just not available in your region.

What is the fastest free VPN for Android?

All free Android VPNs on this list offer decent speeds.However, they don't offer the same level of performance as top premium VPNs. This is because free VPNs often have limited server networks that can get crowded, leading to slower speeds.

If you want to protect your Android device and data without slowdowns, I recommend trying a premium VPN instead. Our top recommendation has a 7-day free trial on Android and a generous money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Android

Many free Android VPNs are not safe to use. Some sell your data for a profit, while others do not protect your privacy at all. Even though the 100% free Android VPNs on this list are safe and trustworthy, they do have limitations, like slow speeds and smaller server networks.

That’s why I recommend a low-cost premium VPN, like ExpressVPN instead. It has world-class security to keep your Android device safe, extremely fast speeds, unlimited data, and servers in 105 countries. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN with Android risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, it’s easy to get a full refund.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN for Android? Here are the best premium alternatives…