Best Free Android VPN Services

Increasing numbers of Android users are now looking for a more private and secure browsing experience when they head online, but don’t want to break the bank whilst doing it. This is where an Android VPN comes in – but if you’re looking for a free Android VPN app then you should know that the current market is full of providers that have unreliable apps and dodgy data practices.

To help you find a free Android VPN that you can actually trust, this guide gives you a rundown of the best free Android VPNs to use on your smartphone, tablet, or Android Smart TV. 

What are the best free VPNs for Android?

We have listed the best free VPNs for Android below. Check out our detailed summaries for more information about any of the services on the list.

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When researching the best free android VPN services, we made sure all of the VPNs on our list have the following features:

• A good track record – no leak history, and a sizable user base. 
• Good performance speeds.
• A large monthly data allowance.
• A proper encryption policy.
• A large number of servers.

See our dedicated free VPN page for a list of unlimited free VPN services that will work on Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac.

Best free VPNs for Android: an in-depth analysis

We take a closer look at the best free Android VPN services below.

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Best free VPNs for Android – testing methodology

A perfect free VPN doesn’t exist. You’ll either have to compromise on security or quality of service – very often both. Keeping in mind that their services are free, one has to ask oneself how these VPNs are paying for their bills. Most of them, unfortunately, earn money by tracking and selling your data to suspicious third parties. These VPNs are to be avoided, and we never recommend them.

The only free VPNs we ever recommend are those that offer paid plans as well, so at least there’s more transparency about where the money is coming from. They usually offer free tiers or trial periods as a way to promote their premium plans. So, yes, your free VPN will come with some limitations and restrictions, but at least you know there’s less chance you get involved in black market data trade or other fishy businesses.

Of course, this is just the beginning of your quest. There are so many other important factors to consider. Luckily, you don’t have to begin from scratch. ProPrivacy has a team of VPN experts to do all the research, reviews, and comparisons for you – and all you have to do is choose the service which suits you the best. We use our thorough review and testing methodology daily, so you can rest assured you’re deciding based on the latest findings and results.

Here are some of the factors we considered when picking the best free VPNs for Android:

• Slick apps for Android, intuitive and easy to use
• Strong encryption with industry-leading VPN protocols
• Servers where you need them to bypass online censorship
• Advanced privacy features – a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and such
• The capacity to access popular sites – streaming platforms and social media
• A free subscription plan so you can use or test the VPN for free 
• A money-back guarantee, in case you decide to upgrade to a premium plan 

Are free VPNs safe to use on Android?

Although the VPNs reviewed in this article are safe and secure for use on Android, practically all free VPNs come with security risks you won’t experience when using a paid VPN. If you’re thinking of downloading a VPN not on this list, be sure you choose very wisely or you could run into more trouble than it is worth.

Simply put, the majority of free Android VPNs do not have the same financial resources as paid services, and won’t be able to invest in protecting their users in the same way. This means that, whatever level of protection a free VPN for Android may claim to have, it’s never going to be top of the range. 

They are also less likely to have a global network of servers and, perhaps most worryingly, many keep surprisingly detailed activity logs. Check out our no-logs VPN page for more information about why this is a worry. Adverts and malware are also much more common on free Android VPNs.

Free VPNs on the Google (Android) Play Store you should definitely avoid

All of these free Android VPN providers have a string of good reviews on the Google Play Store. However, all of them have terrible track records when it comes to protecting users. 

What about free trials?

One way of ensuring you have a safe, secure, and free Android VPN experience is to take advantage of the free trials offered by the most reputable service providers, the best ones of which are listed on our VPN free trial page. 

Or money-back guarantees? 

Most premium VPNs now offer a refund period that lasts between 30 and 45 days, where you can road-test your chosen provider and reclaim your money if left unsatisfied. 

[[post-object type=”gotolink” provider=”expressvpn”]]ExpressVPN[[/post-object]], our top-rated VPN, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why a cheap VPN is better than a free Android VPN?

Purchasing a VPN is sometimes wrongly viewed as a false dichotomy: bad security features for free, or pay through the teeth for military-grade privacy software. 

This couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, [[post-object type=”gotolink” provider=”surfshark”]]SurfShark[[/post-object]], one of our top-rated paid VPNs, has a long list of state-of-the-art security protocols, yet only costs $2.21 a month if you purchase the two-year deal.

Just think how much you’d pay for a house alarm, door lock, or even just a good set of curtains to put in the front room window. You’re much more exposed when you’re online than at home, and mitigating unnecessary snooping is actually much cheaper.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a free VPN for Android VPN, there are only a few services that are really worth your time. Using any other service could lead to your data being harvested and sold. Or to a VPN that contains spyware. So be sure to stick only to free VPNs for Android that provide reliable security and a no-logs policy. 

Here’s a quick reminder of the best free VPNs for Android:

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Best free Android VPN services – FAQs

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Is it worth upgrading to a paid VPN on Android?” answer=”Short answer – Yes! Why? Paid VPN services by default provide more (usually unlimited) data, faster speeds, access to all their server locations, and additional privacy and security features. All this makes the upgrade worth considering. On top of that, you usually get better customer support, wider platform compatibility, and more simultaneous connections.

Using a free VPN for Android can be a great way to protect your l simple online activities, like web browsing, without the additional costs. However, for more demanding tasks, like streaming and gaming, and especially if online privacy and security are important to you, investing in a paid VPN service is a better choice.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Are free VPNs legal?” answer=”The legality of a VPN isn’t related to its cost but usually depends on VPN laws in a certain country. So, if VPNs are legal in your country, you can use the free ones without fear that you’ll break the law. That being said, using a VPN to conduct (or cover up for) your illegal activities online remains illegal no matter what VPN you use.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I use a free VPN on other devices besides Android?” answer=”Some free VPNs offer apps for all your devices, however, they usually allow only one connection at a time. So, if you’re looking for a VPN with multiple simultaneous connections to secure your entire household, then paid VPNs are a better option for you.” /]]