The best mobile VPNs: Expert tested
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Virtual private networks (VPNs) protect your privacy online, whether browsing the internet at home or joining a public Wi-Fi network. VPNs can help you protect any device, including the smartphones and tablets we now use daily to access our social media, email, and banking apps. VPNs provide a valuable layer of encryption and mask your IP address.
Also: The best VPNs for Android
While no VPN can guarantee absolute anonymity and security, you should always choose a reputable service with dedicated Android and iOS apps when you need a mobile-friendly service that helps preserve your privacy and stops you from being tracked. If you rely on a mobile device while you're away from home, you can also use a VPN to access your streaming services from a different location than your home network.
Also: The best VPNs for iPhone and iPad
Considering how important our mobile devices are in managing our lives, choosing the right VPN can be difficult, but that is where ZDNET comes in. We've compiled a list of the best mobile VPNs of 2024.
What is the best mobile VPN right now?
Our pick for the best mobile VPN overall is NordVPN, due to its user-friendly mobile app, expansive server network, and consistently strong speed and stable performance. We particularly like NordVPN's mobile user interface, too, as some top VPN providers fall short in the design of their mobile apps. Another bonus is NordVPN's solid customer support.
ZDNET authors have decades of experience in the VPN space and have conducted extensive testing with the best VPNs. Keep reading to learn about ZDNET's other top picks for the best mobile VPNs and how they compare.
Best mobile VPNs of 2024
NordVPN is a fast and reliable VPN with an extensive server network, regardless of what device you use.
Once you've figured out NordVPN, there's no additional learning curve for using it on other devices. When you first open it, you'll see a landing screen map. From here, you can pick a country or head to the fastest local server automatically. If your screen's too small for that to be handy, you're only a swipe away from a VPN server list.
Also: How does NordVPN work? Plus, how to set it up and use it
NordVPN grants you 10 simultaneous devices under one account, allowing you to connect your smartphones, tablets, PCs, TVs, and more to the service at the same time. NordVPN is compatible with all major platforms, and its server network includes 111 countries. To protect your privacy, there's a kill switch that can automatically disconnect your phone or tablet from the internet if your VPN connection is interrupted.
We've used NordVPN for years and have always been impressed with its stable connectivity and rapid speeds, and we've found it to be a great streaming option. Given the price point, however, it should support unlimited simultaneous connections.
Customers generally report excellent speeds and minimal buffering with easy setup, although some caution that you should turn off auto-renewal.
Two-year subscriptions begin at $3.59 per month, rising to $4.59 per month for one-year plans and $12.99 if you want to use the service for one month. One and two-year plans come with three months of free access.
If you need additional security benefits, opt for the Ultimate plan, which includes coverage for identity theft and cyber extortion.
NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
Surfshark is a solid VPN with robust security features and a consistently affordable price point.
We enjoy using Surfshark as a "one size fits all" VPN solution. Sometimes, the speeds and the time it takes to connect aren't the best, but they are acceptable, considering how affordable this VPN is. We also like the "pause" function, which allows you to resume your regular connection for five minutes, 30 minutes, or a few hours.
Device connections are unlimited, the Bypasser function allows you to add specific apps to a safe list to bypass the VPN, and there is a strict no-logs policy. The server list is impressive for the price, and while the app's interface could use some optimization, it's still a great choice -- especially if you're looking for something affordable.
Review: Surfshark VPN
SurfShark includes a feature that lets you spoof your GPS location to ensure no one can track you. If someone tries to track down your location, it will report that you're at your VPN server's coordinates. Furthermore, in October, Surfshark launched Bypasser on iOS, allowing you to use your regular connection and skip the VPN to access select websites or services.
Customers say that speeds are relatively fast, streaming works most of the time, and many enjoy it as a beginner-friendly VPN.
Surfshark's cheapest plan is for a two-year subscription for $1.99 per month, with four months of free access added to the term. Alternatively, you can choose a one-year subscription for $2.99 per month (plus four months free), or one month of access for $15.45.
Surfshark features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: No-logs policy | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.8
IPVanish is another of our favorite mobile VPNs. We are particularly impressed with the user interface of the Android and iOS apps, which are quick to install and extremely easy to use. The app's interface is stylish and modern, although it doesn't look as good on PCs.
Speeds are reasonable, and the app almost always quickly connects to a server. IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a helpful feature if you have multiple mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones. The server network has recently been upgraded to 130 locations (103 countries), surpassing Surfshark and placing this VPN on par with ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Overall, IPVanish provides a highly customizable VPN experience. Its real strength is the range of settings you can change, and it's also a good option for streaming.
Review: IPVanish: A VPN with a wealth of options
Customers report they are happy with IPVanish's customer service and the overall speed and reliability of the VPN.
IPVanish offers a seven-day trial for mobile users. Alternatively, you can sign up for a two-year plan at $2.19 per month, an annual plan for $3.33 per month, or you can opt for a monthly subscription for $12.99 per month.
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company. For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 130 (103 countries) | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.5
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers reasonable speeds and decent mobile apps, but what sets it apart is that its code is open-source.
PIA has adopted open source practices for almost all of its components, which gives it a standout level of transparency and makes it open to examination by third parties. This helps with software vulnerabilities, too, as they may be more likely to be detected early and patched. For you, this means extra assurance that your privacy and security are being taken seriously.
Review: Private Internet Access
The VPN provider is based in the US, which may turn some potential users away if they are concerned about privacy and data laws. Still, PIA offers benefits including unlimited simultaneous connections, ad and malware blocking, and a strict no-logs policy.
PIA is a solid and affordable VPN, but the user interface could modernized. Customers say they are fans of the VPN's performance and encryption, which is also an excellent torrenting and streaming VPN option.
PIA's two-year plans cost $2.03 per month, plus four months of free access. Alternatively, PIA is one of the few VPN vendors that offers a six-month plan, but it is more expensive at $7.50 per month.
Private Internet Access features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Google Play rating: 4.3 | App Store rating: 4.7
VPN speeds vary widely depending on where you are, the server you're trying to connect to, and the country distance. During our frequent tests, however, ExpressVPN has consistently shown itself to be one of the fastest VPNs available and one of the best options for streaming.
Hit a button and connect to the fastest and closest ExpressVPN server. You can also be selective with your servers, but this VPN is hard to beat if you want to connect without any trouble or fuss.
Review: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers paid plans with up to eight simultaneous devices and a server network that spans 105 countries. Connections are stable and reliable, but given that this VPN is more expensive than most, we would eventually like to see support for unlimited simultaneous connections.
During extensive testing over the years, we've found ExpressVPN to offer a speedy, reliable service with a great server network. On rare occasions, we've needed to switch servers due to website blocks, but aside from that, ExpressVPN is well worth the money. It doesn't hurt how easy the VPN is to use, either.
Customer reviews are generally positive regarding speed and streaming, but price hikes on renewal aren't popular.
You can purchase ExpressVPN for $12.95 on a month-to-month plan, $9.99 per month for six months of access, or, during current holiday promotions, instead of the typical $6.67 price tag for a two-year plan, you can pay $4.99 per month. Furthermore, you will receive four months of free service.
ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.7
What is the best mobile VPN?
Best mobile VPNs | Price | Simultaneous connections | Google Play rating | App Store rating |
NordVPN | Starts at $3.59/month | 10 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
Surfshark | Starts at $1.99/month | Unlimited | 4.6 | 4.8 |
IPVanish | Starts at $2.19/month | Unlimited | 4.4 | 4.5 |
Private Internet Access | Starts at $2.03/month | Unlimited | 4.3 | 4.7 |
ExpressVPN | Starts at $4.99/month | 8 | 4.4 | 4.7 |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which is the right mobile VPN for you?
Choose this best mobile VPN... | If you want… |
NordVPN | The best overall VPN for mobile devices. This is a great mobile option that consistently performs well in terms of speed and stability and has an expansive server network. |
Surfshark | An affordable mobile VPN. Surfshark is a cheap VPN that offers connections for as many devices as you like, whether PC or mobile. It also has interesting security features, including GPS spoofing. |
IPVanish | A mix of value and speed combined with a highly customizable VPN. The VPN also supports numerous streaming services with decent speeds and is reasonably priced. |
Private Internet Access | The best open-source mobile VPN. As an open-source product, the VPN is open to public appraisal, so this is one of the most transparent solutions on the market. Furthermore, PIA offers unlimited connections. |
ExpressVPN | The fastest mobile VPN. ExpressVPN is an excellent option if speed is your top priority, but it can be expensive. The mobile app is also extremely easy to use. |
Factors to consider when choosing a mobile VPN
When you are selecting your new mobile VPN, consider the following factors:
- Price: The overall price of your new VPN should factor into your decision. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers -- they are typically just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars.
- Speed and stability: Opt for a VPN that won't drastically reduce your speed (known as "speed loss") and is known for stable connections.
- Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a mobile VPN, you might want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop PC, laptop, or smart TV. We recommend you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices, and thankfully, most paid plans now offer at least this number.
- Contract length: You must also decide how long you'll need to use a VPN. A two-year term tends to secure the best prices, but monthly, six-month, and one-year options are often also available. After you've made a selection, there's typically a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Contract terms: VPN providers constantly offer discounts, typically on longer-term plans, so you need to consider the fine print before you sign up. Remember to cancel before the automatic renewal if you're no longer happy with the service or want to switch to a cheaper deal elsewhere.
- Apps: When selecting a mobile VPN, try it out first to ensure you like its accompanying iOS or Android app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but have a mobile app that isn't as easy to use.
- Trial periods: Many VPN providers offer a free seven-day Android or iOS trial, so you can try before you buy. Head to the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store to check.
How we test VPNs
All VPN providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by the ZDNET team. We've been writing about these VPNs for years, spoken with their management and users, and developed a generally favorable impression. Here are the top factors we consider during our testing process:
- Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags, which is especially important when you're on mobile.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least six simultaneous connections.
- Security: There's no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements and patching reported bugs.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. This is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. Given these factors, we ensured that our top recommendations performed well and were unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our mobile VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive mobile apps.
- Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN provider have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.
- Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee, and many offer mobile users a seven-day trial.
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.
ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't cover all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure. Once you choose, it's essential that you test for all your likely usage profiles and only then decide whether to keep the service or request a money-back guaranteed refund.
Check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page for a more extensive breakdown.
Mobile VPN FAQs
How do VPNs work?
Suppose you're at your desk and want to access a website like this one. To do this, your computer initiates a request by sending some packets. If you're in an office, those packets often travel through switches and routers on your LAN before a router transfers them to the public internet.
Also: What is a VPN, and why do you need one?
Once on the public internet, those packets travel through many computers. Your browser makes a separate request to a series of name servers to translate the DNS name ZDNET.com to an IP address. That information is sent back to your browser, which sends the request again through many computers on the public internet. Eventually, it reaches the ZDNET infrastructure, routes those packets, grabs a webpage (a bunch of separate elements), and sends all that back to you.
Each internet request usually involves a series of communication events between multiple points. A VPN encrypts those packets at the originating point, often hiding the data and the information about your originating IP address. The VPN software on your end then sends those packets to the VPN server at some destination point, decrypting that information.
Should I use a VPN on my mobile phone?
Yes, you should use a VPN whenever you can. It doesn't matter what device you are using. If it has any form of personal data on it, or if you are using the device to go online, you should invest in a VPN to improve your privacy.
Does a VPN slow down your phone?
When using a VPN, a decrease in online speed is expected, although the best VPNs shouldn't cause a speed loss of more than 30%. Your phone's performance shouldn't be impacted, unless you have many apps running at the same time, as all apps require computing resources.
What's the best free VPN service?
There is rarely an exception to a simple answer: none. The free ones that sound good will take you, your data, and your security for a ride. Avoid them.
A good VPN service requires hundreds of servers worldwide and many networking resources. If you're not paying to support that infrastructure, advertisers or data miners probably are. If you use a free service, your data or information will likely be sold, and that's never good. After all, you're using a VPN to keep your data secure. You wouldn't want your data to go to some company to sift through -- it completely defeats the purpose of a VPN.
All that said, we do recommend a handful of free VPN services, offered by Proton and Windscribe. The trade-off is that the free options are quite limited.
Do I need a VPN if I'm traveling or using a Wi-Fi hotspot?
If you're traveling or using the internet in a public place like a coffee shop, data encryption is critical. Most public Wi-Fi hotspots are open and unencrypted, which means anyone on the network can see what you send, eavesdrop on your activities, and steal passwords. If you can, stick to cellular networks.
Can you use a VPN to watch Netflix and other streaming services?
The war between VPNs and streaming services has heated up. This is a gray area of the law. Despite this, many VPNs market themselves as great options for streaming and accessing geo-locked libraries and content.
Using a VPN might go against a streaming service provider's terms of service. So, while you can stream with a VPN enabled, access can change when streaming services block IP addresses, and you could potentially lose your account.
Also: Best VPN for streaming
What are simultaneous connections, and why should you care?
Simultaneous connections refer to the maximum number of VPN connections you can have at any time. For example, if you only have five simultaneous connections, and you're using your smartphone, laptop, and tablet over a VPN at the same time (such as on a business trip) as your partner is using their smartphone, PC, and tablet over the VPN back home, there might be a problem.
One of your connections won't be private any longer. Having access to more simultaneous connections is a good thing.
How can I tell if my VPN is working or not?
A fully functional VPN should protect your privacy and mask your location and IP address. If you're unsure if your VPN is working correctly, some tools make checking your VPN's performance easy.
You can find out your IP address and location using whatismyipaddress.com. Compare the IP address and location when you're connected with and without a VPN. If they are different, then your VPN is doing its job.
It's also possible that your VPN is leaking your data and potentially exposing your online activity. You can run tests on a site like DNS Leak Test to ensure your VPN has no DNS leaks or IP leaks. Plenty of tools allow you to test for leaks, but VPN providers own many of them, and it may not always be clear who developed the tool, which could be a conflict of interest. You may want to run tests with several different sites and compare the results.
Does a VPN slow down your internet connection?
Yes. There are some circumstances when it doesn't, but those tend to be rare. Generally speaking, you'll get from 50% to 90% of your real-world speed through a VPN connection, depending on your original location and the country server you select. Remember, the further away your preferred server, the more likely that you will experience speed loss.
Are there any free mobile VPNs?
There are many free VPNs available for mobile devices, but nothing in life is truly free, and you will likely be handing over your data in return for the service. They may also not be trustworthy, have ads, and track your online activities.
Also: The best free VPNs: Expert tested
Free VPNs from trustworthy companies are few and far between. Proton's free VPN is an option we support, although it is limited. Others you might want to explore are listed in our guide.