Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any earnings do not affect how we review services. Learn more about our editorial integrity and research process.
↑
VPN apps can differ dramatically between their desktop and mobile versions, so what works for one platform may not work as well for the other. We’ll explore what mobile users need to keep in mind when searching for the best mobile VPN.
Written by Max Pitchkites (Writer)
Last Updated: 2023-12-19T10:08:43+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Smartphones are indispensable these days, but mobile technology also makes it easier for cybercriminals to compromise your privacy. Whether your mobile device is connected to your home network or a public WiFi network at a coffee shop, everything you do online without a virtual private network (VPN) can be monitored. That’s why we’ll suggest the six top choices for the best mobile VPN apps.
Key Takeaways:
- ExpressVPN is the best mobile VPN option, followed closely by NordVPN and Windscribe.
- Look for a VPN with the IKEv2 protocol. It’s a faster alternative to OpenVPN and handles network changes well, so you won’t have to worry about OpenVPN dropping out as you travel (but it is less secure).
- Kill switches are useful to have in case your VPN connection drops out and will prevent you from using the web without protection.
Public WiFi networks are particularly risky because they have few to no security precautions to keep your data from being spied on and intercepted by malicious third parties.
Even while you’re at home, your internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do if your connection isn’t encrypted. Keep reading for our full list of the best VPNs for mobile use.
-
09/06/2021
Updated information for ExpressVPN, VyprVPN and NordVPN. Expanded the list and replaced CyberGhost and Private Internet Access with Windscribe, Surfshark, IPVanish and Hotspot Shield.
-
06/15/2022 Facts checked
Removed Hotspot Shield from the list, due to new information regarding its mobile apps not encrypting your traffic.
-
09/05/2022
Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2. Also updated Windscribe’s free data cap to 15GB due to it offering 5GB extra permanently when you tweet about the service.
-
10/23/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8.
Windscribe has earned its spot as our top free VPN for mobile devices. It’s a surprisingly fast and secure free VPN with a customizable paid plan that lets you purchase additional server locations and data.
ExpressVPN is our first choice for protecting your mobile device, although it has several worthwhile competitors to consider as well. VyprVPN is a security-focused VPN you can rely on, but it falls behind in speed.
Best VPNs for Mobile
1
www.expressvpn.com
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, PaymentWall
- :
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speed
Download Speed88 MbpsUpload Speed8 MbpsLatency5 ms$6.66 / month(save 48%)(All Plans)
30-days money-back guaranteeVisit ExpressVPNReview
2
www.nordvpn.com
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, AmazonPay, ACH Transfer, Cash
- : 6
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speed
Download Speed94 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency4 ms$3.39 / month(save 73%)(All Plans)
30-days money-back guaranteeVisit NordVPNReview
3
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speed
Download Speed94 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency2 ms$5.75 / month(save 36%)(All Plans)
3-days money-back guaranteeVisit Windscribe Review
4
surfshark.com
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speed
Download Speed96 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency101 ms$2.29 / month(save 79%)(All Plans)
30-days money-back guarantee5
www.ipvanish.com
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
- :
$3.33 / month(All Plans)
30-days money-back guaranteeVisit IPVanishReview
6
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : 25
- :
- :
- :
- :
$8 / month(save 38%)(All Plans)
45-days money-back guaranteeVisit Hotspot ShieldReview
7
www.vyprvpn.com
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : 30
- :
- :
- :
- :
$5 / month(All Plans)
30-days money-back guaranteeVisit VyprVPNReview
What Makes the Best Mobile VPN Service?
Mobile users are more likely to switch between various WiFi networks and LTE connections than desktop users because you carry your phone with you wherever you go. Keep your eyes peeled for a mobile app that uses VPN protocols that can smoothly transition between connections.
- ExpressVPN — Our top VPN for mobile covers all the bases when it comes to speed, security and features
- NordVPN — A close second choice that also works as an all-purpose mobile VPN
- Windscribe — An impressive free VPN with Premium and Build-a-Plan options
- Surfshark — A network of 3,200 servers and unlimited simultaneous connections
- IPVanish — An older provider that’s better for security than streaming
- VyprVPN — A reliably secure and feature-packed VPN, but not the fastest
OpenVPN is the standard protocol for most VPNs, but despite its security and speed, OpenVPN has a tendency to drop out if you abruptly lose your connection or switch to different LTE and WiFi networks as you travel.
The IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) protocol is an agile protocol that’s better adapted for frequent network switching. If you want to read more about the details of IKEv2, OpenVPN and other protocols, check out our VPN protocol breakdown article.
Kill switches come in handy when you unexpectedly lose your connection. Even if you choose to use OpenVPN while traveling, a kill switch will automatically halt the flow of information from your device if you abruptly lose connection to the VPN. This feature keeps your unencrypted communications from leaking onto the web.
Ease of use matters when you’re looking at such a small screen. ExpressVPN and Windscribe are two VPN providers that come with a simple mobile interface featuring a large button in the center of the screen that will instantly connect you to the server network.
The 6 Best Mobile VPNs
ExpressVPN is our highest recommendation for keeping your mobile devices secure, and NordVPN isn’t far behind. If you’re willing to invest in a VPN app on the more expensive end of the market, you’ll get everything from fast connection speeds and strong security to a wide selection of servers and plenty of features.
The other VPN services on this list tend to put their emphasis on some areas while making sacrifices in others. IPVanish and VyprVPN trade speed for security.
1. ExpressVPN
More details about ExpressVPN:
- Pricing: $99 for 12 months, plus three months free the first year
- Provider website: expressvpn.com
Pros:
- Easy to use
- One of the fastest VPNs
- Includes IKEv2
- Great security & privacy
Cons:
- Not the cheapest option
- No kill switch for iOS
ExpressVPN is an ideal choice for streaming, gaming and torrenting because it’s one of the fastest VPNs out there. ExpressVPN runs a large server network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries around the world, so you will have a lot of geographic variety for unblocking streaming content.
It reliably accesses platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Even if you don’t stream very much, ExpressVPN is a fast and most secure VPN app for general use and to protect your online privacy. One subscription buys you eight simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN’s interface makes it easy to use on small mobile device screens and requires little configuration. Just press the large “connect” button in the center of the screen and you’re good to go. You can also enable its auto-connect feature so your device will be protected every time you turn it on.
Best Mobile VPN with IKEv2 Protocol
ExpressVPN offers a wide range of protocols to choose from including its proprietary Lightway protocol. Its other options include OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP and the WireGuard protocol. ExpressVPN automatically selects the best protocol, but you can manually choose your preferred protocol.
ExpressVPN’s major downside is its price. The best deal ExpressVPN currently offers is $99 for the first 15 months followed by the same price for every 12 months, effectively giving you three free months free when you start out. ExpressVPN also offers one- and six-month plans, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN is a VPN provider that hits all the right marks on nearly every front. Its mobile app is easy for first-time VPN users and comes with the IKEv2 protocol that will come in handy when you’re traveling. For more information about the best overall VPN, make sure to check out our full ExpressVPN Review.
ExpressVPN Plans
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
1-month plan, 6-months plan
1-month plan$12.95/month6-months plan$9.99/month$59.94 billed every 6 month Save 22%2. NordVPN
More details about NordVPN:
- Pricing: $3.67 per month on the two-year plan
- Provider website: nordvpn.com
Pros:
- Large server network
- Specialty servers
- Malware/ad blocker
- A no-logging policy
Cons:
- Inconsistent speeds
NordVPN is a close runner-up for securing your mobile device. Its server network includes more than 5,200 servers spread across 60 countries worldwide that can unblock content from most of the top platforms in streaming, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more.
NordVPN comes with a built-in defense against ads, malware, phishing threats and other cyber hazards called CyberSec. It functions as a content blocker, but operates at the system level rather than as a browser extension. Six simultaneous connections come with a single subscription.
Specialty Servers for Extra Security
Its standard servers are sufficient for privately browsing the web, but extra privacy-focused users can connect to a selection of servers optimized for double VPN usage, P2P, dedicated IP and Onion Over VPN servers.
Its two-year plan is its best deal and costs $99, or half the price of an ExpressVPN subscription. You can always get a full refund within the first 30 days if you decide to go with a different VPN provider.
NordVPN is an effective all-around VPN for general internet privacy and data-consumptive activities like downloading. Its default security settings are more than enough to keep your online activity hidden from your ISP and malicious third parties. Check out our full NordVPN review for more information about NordVPN’s fast and secure mobile apps.
Standard
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
1-month plan, 1-year plan
1-month plan$12.99/month1-year plan$4.49/month$53.88 billed every year Save 65%Plus
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
1-month plan, 1-year plan
1-month plan$13.79/month1-year plan$5.79/month$69.48 billed every year Save 58%Complete
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
1-month plan, 1-year plan
1-month plan$14.99/month1-year plan$6.99/month$83.88 billed every year Save 53%3. Windscribe
More details about Windscribe:
- Pricing: Free, or $5.75 per month on the 12-month plan
- Provider website: windscribe.com
Pros:
- Impressive free option
- Customizable payment plan
- Split tunneling, kill switch & other features
- Secure & affordable
Cons:
- Three-day refund period
- Slow OpenVPN performance
Windscribe is a feature-packed free VPN for Android and other mobile users. You will never have to worry about data exposure if your VPN fails between connections because Windscribe comes with a built-in kill switch. The emergency kill switch will automatically cut your internet connection in case of a sudden loss of connection to the VPN, thus protecting your data from exposure.
In addition, Windscribe now offers split tunneling in its Android, Windows and Mac apps. Windscribe will let you select which apps go through the encryption tunnel and which remain unprotected. Split tunneling is an easy way to unblock geo-restricted online services without losing access to locally available content.
The Best Free VPN for Mobile
If you’re not ready to make the investment in ExpressVPN or NordVPN, Windscribe offers a robust free version that doesn’t disappoint. Windscribe is the best free VPN and works almost as well as a full-price service; it simply lacks the full server selection and bandwidth.
Its customizable “Build-a-Plan” option lets you purchase individual servers and blocks of data so you can gradually transition from the free version to the paid version. If you want to jump right into Windscribe’s full version, you can buy its yearly plan for $69 or pay $9 for its monthly plan.
The high price tag on some services can alienate first-time VPN users, but Windscribe offers a 15GB free version that doesn’t leave newcomers behind. Windscribe is a flexible and full-featured VPN that anyone can use. See our full Windscribe review to learn more about what makes Windscribe our favorite free VPN.
Free
- Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
- 15GB
- Unlimited
Pro Plan
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
4. Surfshark
More details about Surfshark:
- Pricing: $2.49 per month on the two-year plan
- Provider website: surfshark.com
Pros:
- Unlimited devices
- Split tunneling
- Supports ChaCha stream cipher
Cons:
- Expensive monthly plan
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN that’s quickly risen in popularity since its launch in 2018. It’s packed with plenty of useful features — including a network of over 3,200 servers — but it doesn’t deliver the same level of performance.
Surfshark comes with a wide selection of encryption protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. The IKEv2 protocol is exceptionally fast on Surfshark’s mobile apps and quickly recovers dropped connections. In 2019, Surfshark added support for the ChaCha stream cipher as a faster alternative to the standard AES block cipher.
Protect Every Device With a VPN Connection
One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited number of simultaneous connections. A single subscription with Surfshark will let you connect as many devices as you want, making it a great VPN for families. Read our Surfshurk setup guide to learn how to make the most of this feature on a mobile device.
Surfshark offers three paid plans. Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. All three options have monthly, one-year, and two-year payment options. Surfshark One only costs $75.14 for two years, and it already includes an antivirus software, alert features and search engine. If you don’t need those features, then Surfshark Starter costs $59.54 for the first 24 months, after which it’s billed annually at the same rate. Surfshark does not come with a free plan, but at least provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Mobile users on a budget will be able to browse the web anonymously with Surfshark, no matter how many devices you own. Its IKEv2 protocol and ChaCha cipher facilitate fast and secure mobile connections that can quickly recover after abrupt changes in connection. Take a look at our full Surfshark review, where we take a deeper dive into this VPN app.
Surfshark Starter
- Unlimited GB bandwidth,Unlimited devices,Secure VPN,Ad blocker,Cookie pop-up blocker.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
1-month plan, 1-year plan
1-month plan$10.99/month1-year plan$3.49/month$41.88 billed every year Save 68%Surfshark One
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
1-month plan, 1-year plan + 2 months
1-month plan$17.95/month1-year plan + 2 months$3.76/month$48.84 billed every year Save 79%Surfshark One+
- Everything in One, plusData removal
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
1-month plan, 1-year plan + 2 months
1-month plan$20.65/month1-year plan + 2 months$5.99/month$77.88 billed every year Save 70%5. IPVanish
More details about IPVanish:
- Pricing: $3.75 per month on the one-year plan
- Provider website: ipvanish.com
Pros:
- Supports 5 VPN protocols for mobile including IKEv2
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Unlimited device support
Cons:
- Split tunneling only on Android
- Doesn’t unblock streaming sites very well
- Somewhat expensive
IPVanish has a smaller-than-average server network at just 1,900 servers in more than 75 locations around the world. However, it has trouble consistently unblocking some of the top streaming services, despite having fast enough speeds for streaming. Nonetheless, this VPN’s security features and unlimited simultaneous connections make it a worthy consideration.
The split tunneling feature is only available for IPVanish’s Android apps. While it isn’t ideal for split tunneling to be exclusive to a single app, Android users will benefit from the ability to pick and choose which applications go through the encryption tunnel.
Comprehensive Protocol Suite
IPVanish’s six supported protocols include OpenVPN over TCP or UDP, L2TP, IKEv2, IPSec, WireGuard (in beta) and PPTP (Windows only), all of which are secured with the industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption.
The OpenVPN protocol is the standard for most security-focused VPNs, but the IKEv2 protocol keeps your mobile connection secure with the speed and flexibility to adapt to sudden network changes.
IPVanish offers a yearly plan that costs $44.99 for the first year, then goes up to $89.99 for each subsequent year. The monthly plan costs $10.99 per month. No free trials are available, but the yearly plan comes with a 30-day refund period.
IPVanish is better suited for security purposes than streaming, despite its fast server speeds. Check out our IPVanish alternatives guide for services that can deliver an all-around performance.
Mobile users will have a strong encryption standard and plenty of VPN protocols to keep them secure while on the go, especially with the IKEv2 protocol. Android users will get the most out of IPVanish since that’s the only app that supports the split tunneling feature.
While IPVanish is inconsistent in some of its features and isn’t the cheapest, it’s more than enough to keep mobile users private and secure. Check out our full IPVanish review to learn more.
Monthly
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
Yearly
- Every year after: $89.99 ($7.50 per month)
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
Two-year
- Every two years after: $179.99 ($7.50 per month)
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
7. VyprVPN
More details about VyprVPN:
- Pricing: $5 per month (one-year plan)
- Provider website: vyprvpn.com
Pros:
- Works in China
- Protocols can be combined
- Scrambles packet metadata
Cons:
- Not the fastest VPN
- Small server selection
VyprVPN excels on the security front, even though that means making some sacrifices on speed. VyprVPN offers 256-bit AES encryption, an audited no-logs policy and the ability to bypass geo-restricted streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
It’s true that VyprVPN has considerable unblocking power, but its inconsistent connection speeds mean that it’s not the best for streaming.
Customize Your VPN’s Protocols
Despite its shortcomings on speed, VyprVPN is a flexible service that supports four VPN protocols plus the ability to combine some of them for a personalized level of performance. Its supported protocols include IKEv2, IPSec, OpenVPN and its proprietary Chameleon protocol.
OpenVPN comes in first place in security at the cost of speed. IKEv2 reverses the tradeoff on its own, but can be combined with IPSec to reach OpenVPN-level security without losing too much security value. The IKEv2-IPSec combination also supports the mobile-friendly ChaCha20 stream cipher.
Chameleon is based on OpenVPN but includes the added bonus of scrambling packet metadata. This feature is what makes VyprVPN one of the few VPNs that actually works in China. It’s key for thwarting deep packet inspection (DPI) practices that censors in China use to identify and block VPN usage.
VyprVPN is full of useful features including some that most VPNs don’t have at all. If your main goal is to fortify your mobile device with a high level of security, VyprVPN will satisfy — but keep in mind that it comes at the cost of a fast connection.
Fortunately, VyprVPN’s supported protocols are flexible enough to let you choose between a faster or a more secure connection. Read our full VyprVPN review to find out more about this VPN provider’s capabilities.
Monthly
- Unlimited GB
- 30
One year
- Unlimited GB
- 30
Business
- Includes 3 Users, $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management. Global Business Servers, Dedicated Account Manager
- Unlimited GB
- 3
Business Cloud
- Includes 3 Users $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management, Your own dedicated server, Fast and easy deployment
- Unlimited GB
- 3
Final Thoughts: Best Mobile VPNs
Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, you have several options for keeping your mobile connection secure as you travel with these mobile VPNs. Some VPNs put their emphasis on speed while others value security, and there’s a wide spectrum of options between them.
ExpressVPN is our number one mobile VPNon this list: it’s the best VPN for Samsung, iPhone VPN and best VPN for Public WiFi, the best combination for mobile users. It’s also the best VPN for travelers. However, each user’s needs are unique, and no one VPN can provide everything.
What do you think makes for a good mobile VPN? Do you prioritize speed, security or something else? Is there a great mobile VPN not mentioned on this list? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for reading.