The best mobile VPNs are a great way to ensure your digital privacy is always protected – no matter if you're at home or on the go. Whether it's their mobile-friendly interfaces, speedy servers, or unblocking power, the best VPNs tick all the right boxes.
Choosing a VPN provider can be a daunting task, however, which is why the TechRadar team spends hours reviewing and comparing today's top contenders. With the holiday season sales about to ramp up, it's a great time to shore up your online security and bag a bargain.
So, whether you're looking for the best Android VPNs or the best iOS VPNs, we've covered everything you need to know to help you find your match. Keep reading, and I'll dig into our favorite mobile VPNs.
Today's top 5 best mobile VPN apps:
The best mobile VPN services in 2024
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Recent updates
Our most recent round of VPN testing saw NordVPN continue to dominate the rankings across the majority of our guides, including this one. While some interface irritants are still present, we still see it as a clear winner in terms of what can be achieved for your mobile security, and the incredibly fast speeds it manages are an impressive bonus too.
The best VPN overall
While NordVPN does everything you’d expect from my #1 VPN overall, those who look a little deeper will notice that there are some useful, unusual features lurking under the hood. These include double data encryption and Onion support, NordVPN’s own CyberSec technology, a clear no-log policy, and P2P support. Plenty going on, then.
A real plus is the high-speed proprietary NordLynx protocol built around WireGuard. NordVPN sits as one of the fastest providers boasting speeds up to 950 Mbps in my tests. Those toting an iPhone or iPad can select NordLynx and be treated to near-unaffected connection speeds while still remaining anonymous online.
This is great news for those looking to stream on their mobile device, which many do, especially on the move, offering reliable, quick connections. NordVPN also currently proves to be one of the strongest Netflix VPNs, able to access Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It successfully unblocks Disney Plus, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, too.
The NordVPN mobile apps generally work like a charm. It doesn't feel stuffed with clutter when you use it, which is always nice, though they're not as intuitive as they could be. Finding the settings menu takes a few more taps than it does with other providers, for example, and I found the interactive map can be especially fiddly on smaller screens. Still, these are relatively small nitpicks in the grand scheme of things.
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN is a stellar service—few services can match it in terms of security, speed, and compatibility. Its iOS and Android apps are some of the best I've ever tested, too.
Its apps are a piece of cake to install and once you're up and running, navigating the apps is just as straightforward. All of ExpressVPN's key features are exactly where you'd expect them to be, and all it takes is one tap to connect to a server. If you encounter problems, ExpressVPN's customer service team is around 24/7 and I've always found them to be helpful and keen to find solutions quickly.
ExpressVPN gives you plenty of servers to choose from, with servers across 94 countries. ExpressVPN can even recommend the quickest connection if you prioritize speed and you can add your most-used servers to a favorite list for easy access next time.
ExpressVPN offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 750 Mbps. I also had no trouble accessing the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime, meaning you can always take your favorite shows on the go with you. Plus, with rock-solid encryption, your private data is always safe from prying eyes—and a handy kill switch ensures you won't leak sensitive info even if the VPN connection drops.
The best cheap VPN service
Surfshark is a great option if you’re looking for one of the best value cheap VPNs to install onto your smartphone. If you're suspicious of those bargain prices, I get it—but Surfshark doesn't skimp on features or security tools.
If you've used Surfshark's desktop app, you'll already be familiar with its mobile version, seeing as they're virtually identical (save for the layout). Getting connected to one of Surfshark's servers dotted across 100 countries is nice and easy, too. This means you won't have any trouble tuning in to geo-restricted streaming services and international content libraries—making Surfshark a solid choice for all you avid streamers out there.
Connection speeds have proven to be stable, with Android users being treated to a choice of encryption methods, the option of using small packets to optimize mobile data use, and even a fake GPS tool to help completely spoof your location.
Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections are the provider's party piece—and just another reason why it's the best value VPN on the block. You'll be able to install the service on any device you own (or share the love with friends and family) without worrying about hitting a limit. So, if you have a small army of internet-enabled gadgets, Surfshark lets you cover them all and take your digital privacy on the go.
The best budget all-rounder
Hide.me has been climbing up in my estimations within the last year with its mobile VPN apps offering some of the best, fully-featured user experiences on the market. Boasting a clean, easy-to-use interface, you can connect almost immediately with a big, fat 'Enable' button, and sift between server locations without issue, with the option to curate your own favorites list, too.
Able to unblock a bunch of the top streaming services, Hide.me has knocked it out of the park in our last round of testing. Already delivering blisteringly fast speeds, Hide.me comes in with peaks of 900Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs available.
While there was some lag when it came to connecting through either of the mobile apps, and some killer switch kinks that need ironing out, Hide.me has one of the strongest mobile VPN app offerings. With support for IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP and TCP, and WireGuard, it also has auto-connect functionality, the aforementioned kill switch, and the choice of a custom DNS server.
Not to mention, if you're new to VPN, you can try out its free VPN plan to see if it's the one for you with a monthly allowance of 10 GB.
The best free mobile VPN
Setting itself apart from its competition, Proton VPN gears itself towards the tech-savvy with mobile VPNs that come fully loaded with plenty of features and configurable settings to create a client that meets your needs. Better still, its free VPN is a great stepping stone for complete newbies, too.
Broadening its network, Proton VPN's 1,700+ servers now reaches across 63 countries and offers open sourced, audited apps that boast a map interface, as well as a location list and the option to compile a Favorites Profile. You'll also be able to benefit from its Quick Connect button and - on Android - the option to view the app in portrait and landscape.
Features like its effective kill switch and no-logging reports headline its feature-packed app, with the added bolster of its great streaming unblocking prowess, though the downside is you'll need to fork out for its Plus plan to gain access to the feature and watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
It's fair to say Proton VPN has lower ratings on its respective application stores than the other providers on our best mobile VPN list. However, we largely put this down to it being a far more technically inclined app, or it may be swayed by people using the free version. For many, then, this may be off-putting, but for those more confident with the world of VPN, Proton VPN offers plenty of configurable options.
FAQs
What makes a great mobile VPN app?
Four key factors make the best Mobile VPNs: Ease of use, functionality, customization, and value.
Firstly, and most importantly for the majority of users, is it easy to use? If you’re stuck three taps deep in a settings menu just to change your server, you’re not going to have a good time using the app in the long term. Simplicity rules here, and all the VPNs on this list are clean and clear.
Secondly, make sure there’s enough functionality compared to the desktop client. Many providers offer incredibly in-depth settings on their VPN apps for Windows, but open its iOS or Android app, and you might struggle to find the options you’ve grown used to.
Many users won’t care about customization, like switching encryption protocols for better streaming or torrenting, but if you do—or think you might ever have the urge to investigate—make sure the app will give you the control where you need it.
Finally, value! There are plenty of top-quality VPNs out there now, so there’s no point paying through the nose for an average service. The very best will never be the cheapest (and free VPN providers aren't an ideal solution), but weigh up your budget and your needs to find a happy medium.
What can I do with a mobile VPN app?
Mobile VPNs help you protect your device and data, especially when you're on public Wi-Fi networks. Whether you’re in a supermarket, on a train, at the hospital, or working away in a café, using public Wi-Fi exposes you to unencrypted connections, leaving your logins and personal information up for grabs.
A mobile VPN can also help you save money shopping online. Many sites charge different prices depending on your IP address, so by moving your location around you’ll be able to find the best deals on whatever you’re looking for.
Finally, everyone’s favorite trick, a VPN lets you access foreign Netflix libraries. All the VPNs on this list give you access to Netflix all over the world. So, wherever you are—bus, train, on the toilet—you’ll be able to watch whatever you want on your mobile device.
All you need to do is pick your choice from this list and bask in the glory of true internet freedom.
River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
