Best free VPN for Android in 2024

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology for secure and anonymous Internet usage. VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote VPN server, which then redirects your Internet traffic through that tunnel. VPN hides your real IP address and protects your data from unauthorized access or surveillance, helps you bypass censorship and geographic restrictions, and gives you access to content from other countries.

Connecting smartphones and tablets to public Wi-Fi networks increases the risk of data interception, and in this case, VPN serves as a reliable shield to protect your data on the Internet.

In the following sections, we will discuss which services are considered as the best free VPNs for Android in 2024 and compare their features.

Why is it important to use VPN on Android?

Public Wi-Fi network protection

One of the main functions of a VPN is to protect data when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unprotected and are an easy target for malicious actors looking to intercept your personal information. VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the Internet. This ensures that all sent and received data is inaccessible to others. This means that even if someone intercepts your traffic on a public network, they will only see a meaningless string of characters.

Geographic restriction and censorship bypass capabilities

VPN is a tool for bypassing geographic restrictions and censorship. Regardless of your location, you can access websites and content that may be blocked in your country or region. This is achieved by changing your IP address to the one from another country, allowing you to bypass control systems and access the Internet without restrictions.

Privacy and online anonymity

VPN protects your personal information and ensures anonymity on the Internet. Your real IP address is replaced with the IP address of the VPN server, making it nearly impossible to trace your online activities.

How to choose a free VPN for Android

To help you choose the best free VPN for Android, we have highlighted several criteria.

Speed and stability of the connection

High connection speed and stability are among the most important features of any VPN service. Free Android VPNs tend to have lower bandwidth, and if their servers are overloaded, your Internet connection speed may be lower. When choosing a VPN for a cell phone, pay attention to user reviews regarding the speed and connection stability. Also, the auto-select feature will determine the optimal server based on your location and server load, making the connection faster.

Available servers and countries

A large number of servers and a wide selection of countries improve connection speed and provide the ability to bypass geographic restrictions. Free Android VPNs often have a limited number of servers, leading to server overloads and decreased Internet speed. Choose a service with a wide range of locations so that your choice is not limited to few countries and your Internet speed does not suffer.

No-logs policy and personal data collection

Logs are information about user actions recorded while using a VPN. Choose a VPN provider with a clear no-logs policy that does not store traffic logs. Some free VPNs for Android may collect and sell data about your traffic, putting your privacy at risk. Check the privacy policy of the service and make sure there is no data logging.

Usability

Android VPN apps should have an intuitive interface that makes it easy to connect to servers, adjust settings, and enable additional security features. Check if the app is available on Google Play and pay attention to user reviews regarding its functionality and ease of use.

Additional security features

Look for security features when choosing a VPN. DNS leak protection, Kill Switch (automatic disconnection from the Internet if the VPN connection is lost), tracking and malware protection significantly increase your level of security on the Internet. Learn about the additional features of the service and how they can help to protect your device and data.

Top 11 Free VPNs for Android in 2024

AdGuard

AdGuard VPN is a service with a strict privacy policy that does not record or share your data with third parties. AdGuard protects your data, hides your IP address and location, and also blocks unwanted advertising banners through DNS servers.

Advantages of AdGuard VPN

• Strong encryption: AdGuard VPN's proprietary protocol provides a high level of privacy and complete anonymity
• No-logs policy: AdGuard VPN does not collect or store user activity data
• DNS server selection: users can increase security and better manage traffic by choosing a DNS server that blocks ads and protects against malware
• Kill Switch: if the VPN connection fails, the Kill Switch feature disables the Internet connection
• QUIC support: the QUIC protocol improves connection quality when connecting to a VPN over cellular data or public Wi-Fi

Disadvantages of AdGuard VPN

• Limited number of servers: AdGuard offers 65+ server locations, which is fewer than some of its competitors
• Limitations of the free version: unlike owners of a paid subscription, users of the free version of AdGuard VPN are limited to 3 GB of traffic per month and their connection speed is reduced

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is one of the best free Android VPN services with a high level of privacy and security. Developed by a Swiss company known for creating the encrypted email service ProtonMail, ProtonVPN inherits strict security standards and commitment to protecting personal data. The free version offers functionality and security without data usage limits, setting it apart from the competition.

Advantages of ProtonVPN

• Unlimited traffic unlike many other free VPNs, ProtonVPN does not impose any data usage restrictions, allowing users to access the Internet without any limitations and at no additional cost
• No-logs policy: ensures that user activity on the network is not tracked or stored
• Strong encryption: ProtonVPN uses advanced AES-256 encryption to protect user data, ensuring a high level of security when transmitting data over the Internet
• DNS leak protection: ProtonVPN includes DNS leak protection, which prevents the disclosure of a user's IP address even in the event of a VPN connection failure
• Ease of use: ProtonVPN app for Android has a simple and intuitive interface, making it accessible to any user
• Secure protocol: the app has its own VPN protocol, which ensures fast and secure connections
• Swiss jurisdiction: the company is based in Switzerland, providing users with additional protection due to strict data privacy laws

Disadvantages of ProtonVPN

• Limited number of servers in the free version: the free version only provides access to a limited number of servers, which may lead to lower connection speeds
• One device per connection: you can only use ProtonVPN on one device for free. Connecting VPN for multiple devices is available in paid plans
• Restrictions on access to certain services: the free version may have restrictions on accessing certain high-speed servers or streaming services such as Netflix

Windscribe

Windscribe is a free Android VPN service that provides users with online privacy and tools to bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked content. Windscribe stands out from the competition with a comprehensive set of security tools such as DNS leak protection and DPI resistance and a free version that offers users more than many other VPN services.

Advantages of Windscribe

• Large data allowance: Windscribe offers 10 GB per month after email confirmation
• Advanced ad and tracking blocking features: the built-in R.O.B.E.R.T. tool protects users from unwanted ads, trackers, and malware
• Support for streaming services: despite being a free VPN, Windscribe bypasses geographic restrictions on some streaming platforms, providing access to blocked content
• No-logs policy: Windscribe does not store connection logs or browser history, ensuring user anonymity on the Internet
• Ease of use: Windscribe is an Android VPN that has an intuitive user interface. Installing and configuring the VPN is quick and easy even for inexperienced users
• Multi-platform support: in addition to Android, Windscribe is available on many other platforms and allows you to use one account on all your devices for free

Disadvantages of Windscribe

• Limited server selection in the free plan: users of the free version have access to a limited number of servers, which may decrease connection speed
• Restrictions on using some features: some advanced features, such as unblocking streaming services, may be limited or unavailable in the free version

Surfshark

Surfshark stands out for its free trial and subscription, which is considered one of the most affordable options on the market for Android users. The service pays special attention to privacy, security, and ease of use, and offers fast connections and a wide choice of servers worldwide.

Advantages of Surfshark

• No-logs policy: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy. This means that your online activity is not tracked and no data is stored anywhere
• Unlimited number of devices: Surfshark allows you to use one account on an unlimited number of devices at the same time, which sets it apart from other apps
• No geographic restrictions: Surfshark bypasses geographic restrictions and provides access to a wide range of streaming services and websites from anywhere in the world
• Encryption and secure protocols: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and secure data transmission protocols, ensuring a high level of protection for your data online
• Automatic Kill Switch: in case of VPN connection loss, the Kill Switch feature automatically blocks Internet access to prevent data leakage
• Malware blocking: the CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts

Disadvantages of Surfshark

• No free plan: Surfshark does not have a free version, which may be a drawback for those looking for a completely free VPN for mobile
• Limited P2P support: not all of Surfshark’s servers are optimized for P2P
• Connection speed: it may be low, especially when connecting to servers far from your current location

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is one of the easiest Android VPNs to use on the market.

Advantages of TunnelBear

• Intuitive interface: TunnelBear has one of the most intuitive interfaces among VPN apps
• No-logs policy: TunnelBear does not keep logs of activity and connection history, ensuring a high level of anonymity
• Wide choice of servers: TunnelBear has servers in over 20 countries, which helps with geolocation choices and bypassing geographic restrictions
• VigilantBear (Kill Switch): this feature automatically blocks all traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, protecting your data from leaks
• Encryption: AES-256 ensures that your data is protected from hackers and eavesdroppers
• Traffic: TunnelBear offers a free plan with 500 MB of traffic per month

Disadvantages of TunnelBear

• Limited traffic in the free version: 500 MB per month can be quickly exhausted, especially with active Internet usage or video streaming
• Connection speed: slow Internet connection, especially when connecting to servers far from your location
• Restrictions on access to certain services: some popular streaming platforms may not be available through TunnelBear's free version due to geoblock bypassing restrictions

Hide.me

Hide.me is an Android VPN service that stands out among its competitors for its commitment to privacy. The free plan offers 10 GB of traffic per month and access to five server locations.

Advantages of Hide.me

• Traffic: 10 GB of data per month in the free version
• No-logs policy: Hide.me does not store connection logs or user activity
• Secure encryption: Hide.me uses AES-256 encryption, which protects data from interception
• Ease of use: Hide.me has an intuitive user interface
• Work with unstable connections: the app supports the IKEv2 protocol, which ensures stable data encryption even with an unstable 3G connection

Disadvantages of Hide.me

• Limited server selection: the free plan only provides access to five servers, which may limit speed in some regions
• Above-average price: while the free plan offers good terms, Hide.me's subscription prices are higher compared to some other Android VPNs

Nord VPN

NordVPN doesn't offer a free plan for users, but it does have a trial period with all the benefits of a paid subscription.

Advantages of NordVPN

• High level of security: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports secure protocols, including OpenVPN and NordLynx (based on WireGuard)
• No-logs policy: NordVPN doesn't store user activity logs, ensuring anonymity and privacy online
• Large number of servers: NordVPN offers excellent connection speed and easy bypassing of geographical restrictions, as the service has thousands of servers in different countries
• Additional security features: CyberSec feature blocks ads and malicious websites, while Double VPN provides an extra layer of encryption and automatic Kill Switch
• P2P support: NordVPN supports P2P networks, allowing direct information exchange bypassing centralized servers, which speeds up the data transmission process

Disadvantages of NordVPN

• Lack of a free plan: users only have access to a trial period
• Price: NordVPN's subscription costs are above average

Speedify

Speedify is an Android VPN that combines multiple Internet connections (e.g., Wi-Fi and mobile Internet) for a more stable and fast Internet access. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need increased bandwidth and connection reliability in addition to standard VPN features.

Advantages of Speedify

• Channel bonding technology: Speedify uses channel bonding technology, which combines multiple Internet channels (e.g., Wi-Fi and mobile Internet) to improve the speed and reliability of the Internet connection. This can be useful in areas with poor connection or for transferring large amounts of data
• Automatic switching: Speedify automatically switches between connections without losing traffic, minimizing interruptions during streaming, video calls, or other latency-sensitive activities
• Ease of use: Speedify has an intuitive interface
• Encryption: Speedify uses AES encryption to protect your traffic, ensuring that data is not logged
• Free plan: Speedify's free plan includes 2 GB of traffic per month

Disadvantages of Speedify

• Data limits: the free version of the service offers only 2 GB per month
• Connection speed: Speedify connection speed may vary depending on location and available Internet connections
• Privacy: Speedify claims not to log user activity, but the company's privacy policy and jurisdiction require additional attention, as some data may be retained, such as technical information about devices and user locations

Betternet

Betternet is a free Android VPN service that allows users to instantly connect to VPN servers without registration.

Advantages of Betternet

• Ease of use: Betternet can be activated with a single tap, without the need to create an account or configure complex settings
• Automatic server selection: the app automatically chooses the most appropriate server based on your location, providing optimal speed and a stable connection
• Data encryption: Betternet uses AES-256 encryption to protect user data from being intercepted by third parties

Disadvantages of Betternet

• Advertisements: the free version of Betternet contains advertisements
• Limited transparency: Betternet's privacy policy and data logging practices are not sufficiently transparent
• Limited features and settings: compared to paid VPN services, Betternet offers a limited set of features and settings
• Unstable connection speed: some users may experience unstable connection speed

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is an Android VPN service that has a free version and over 800 servers.

Advantages of Hotspot Shield

• No-logs policy: Hotspot Shield does not log personal information or specific user actions on the network
• User interface: Hotspot Shield has a simple, intuitive interface
• Privacy protection: Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 encryption to ensure the security of user data, protecting it from interception and unwanted monitoring
• Wide choice of servers: the free version of Hotspot Shield offers over 800 servers

Disadvantages of Hotspot Shield

• Advertisements: like many other free VPN services, Hotspot Shield includes ads in the app
• Connection issues: users may experience unstable connection speeds
• Restrictions: the free version has restrictions on accessing content from popular streaming and gaming services. Also, users can only use it on one device

ZenMate

ZenMate is an Android VPN service with a free browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and a 7-day trial period for desktop and mobile apps.

Advantages of ZenMate

• Many servers: ZenMate has more than 80 servers
• Unlimited data: there is no limit to the amount of data
• User interface: simple and intuitive interface

Disadvantages of ZenMate

• Limited speed: the free version is slower than the paid version
• Privacy concerns: ZenMate has shared some user data with third parties, although they claim to have stopped this practice. However, this is still a concern
• Limited number of connected devices: only one device can be connected in the free version

Free vs. paid Android VPN

Comparing paid and free versions of VPN services, such as AdGuard VPN for Android, we found several advantages that make the paid version a better choice for users interested in increased security and privacy.

Advantages of AdGuard VPN paid version over free

• Unlimited speed: the paid version of AdGuard VPN has no speed limitations, while the free version offers a maximum of 20 Mbps
• More servers: the free version provides access to 10 locations, while paid users get access to 65+ servers
• Unlimited traffic: the free version of AdGuard offers from 3 GB per month, while paid users get unlimited traffic
• More connected devices: the paid version of AdGuard VPN can be used on 10 devices simultaneously, while the free version can only be used on two

VPN usage recommendations for Android

• Choose a reliable VPN provider: when choosing a VPN, make sure the provider uses encryption and has no-logs policy
• Use secure connections: when setting up VPN, use only trusted Wi-Fi networks to prevent possible attacks on your device through public networks
• Activate Always-on VPN: If your VPN app supports the Always-on VPN feature, activate it to automatically turn on the VPN every time you connect to the Internet
• Keep the app updated: check for and install updates to your VPN app regularly
• Use additional security features: take advantage of additional VPN features such as ad blocking and malware protection
• Do not transmit confidential information: avoid transmitting confidential information over open or unreliable networks, even if you are using a VPN
• Turn off VPN if necessary: if you find that your VPN is slowing down your Internet speed or causing issues with certain apps, temporarily disable it
• Secure your VPN access: remember about the security of your VPN login credentials. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your account from unauthorized access

FAQ

1. What is VPN and why should I use it on Android?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that provides a secure and private connection between your device (such as a smartphone or computer) and the Internet. It creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote VPN server through which all your Internet traffic passes.

VPN on Android is typically used for the following purposes:

• Protect when using public Wi-Fi networks: one of the main functions of VPN is to protect data when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the Internet, making all data sent and received inaccessible to outsiders
• Bypass geographical restrictions and censorship: VPN is a tool for bypassing geographical restrictions and censorship, allowing you to access blocked content regardless of your location. This is achieved by changing your IP address to the one from another country, providing unrestricted access to the Internet
• For privacy and anonymity online: VPN protects your personal information by replacing your real IP address with the address of the VPN server, ensuring anonymity online

2. How do I choose a free VPN for Android?

When choosing a free VPN for Android, pay attention to the following factors:

• Connection speed and stability: it's important to consider the speed and stability of the connection, especially if you plan to use free versions, which often have speed limitations
• Available servers and countries: limited server availability in free Android VPN services often leads to server overload and lower Internet speed. Choose services with a wide range of locations
• Privacy and no-logs policy: VPNs can collect and sell your data, so it's important to check the terms of service and privacy policy
• Android compatibility and ease of use: choose a VPN with a simple interface that makes it easy to manage connections and security settings
• Additional security features: choose a VPN with reliable security features such as DNS leak protection, automatic Internet disconnection if the VPN connection is lost, and malware protection

3. Which are the best VPN apps for Android to consider?

Here are 11 most popular VPN apps for Android:

• AdGuard
• ProtonVPN
• Windscribe
• Surfshark
• TunnelBear
• Hide.me
• NordVPN
• Speedify
• Betternet
• Hotspot Shield
• ZenMate

4. Is it better to choose a free VPN for Android or a paid one?

Paid VPN services usually offer a high level of security, more servers, higher speed, and no data limit. However, if you need a VPN for basic use, a free VPN may also be a good choice.

5. Can VPN apps slow down my Android device?

Yes, some VPN apps may slightly slow down your device's performance by routing traffic through an additional server. However, the best VPN apps offer a wide range of servers to minimize any slowdown.

Final thoughts

We reviewed 11 VPN services and found that even free versions can provide reliable protection, access to blocked content, and unlimited traffic. When choosing a free Android VPN, pay attention to the privacy and logs policy, number and location of servers, connection speed, and, of course, consider the feedback from other users. If you decide to purchase a subscription, be sure to take advantage of the free trial period before making a final decision. Remember, your online security and privacy are investments that always pay off.