Best Mobile VPN apps for 2024 (2024)

Having the best mobile VPN allows for superb online privacy on the go. It gives you the freedom to connect to a VPN server, encrypt your traffic, and surf the internet privately. However, a proper VPN for mobile devices can do so much more.

You can use it for streaming, online gambling, and even playing games without lag. Not to mention its ability to conceal your P2P traffic and allow for torrenting. People struggle to find a safe and secure mobile VPN. Rightfully so.

Many mobile-only VPNs you’ll find are anti-privacy, storing a heap of logs. Moreover, they usually limit your traffic and slow down internet speed, almost to a screeching halt. In this mobile VPN guide, we’ll avoid those like the plague.

Instead, we’ll focus on the top-tier VPNs that you can use on iOS and Android phones and tablets. Rest assured, our team tested every service and we can say we use all of them daily for different purposes. That said, the information you see below is based on our experiences.

Best Mobile VPN in 2024: Our Top 5

To ensure we provide you with the best possible options, we opted for paid VPNs. However, it’s worth noting that most of these have free trials on iOS and Android that you can use for testing purposes. In short, the best VPNs for mobile include:

1. ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost
3. NordVPN
4. Surfshark
5. ProtonVPN

For those wanting to find out more about the best mobile VPNs, our mini-reviews are below. We’ll explain what makes every provider great and give you the ability to get a special discount on each. Read on to find out more about them.

1. ExpressVPN

We chose ExpressVPN as the best mobile VPN in 2024 for many reasons. First, it offers a beautiful mobile app that works smoothly. Second, it’s the fastest mobile VPN you can get, with the Lightway protocol that exceeds in speed and performance.

As an iOS VPN, it’s amazing given its inclusion of the kill switch and top-notch IP leak protection. Moreover, ExpressVPN has split tunneling on Android and iOS, coupled with the OpenVPN protocol for those who want plenty of protocol options.

We like how well it works for streaming too. If you’re frequently binging Netflix, you’ll be happy to know it’ll unblock a wealth of catalogs. On top of that, it works with Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and other popular streaming portals.

ExpressVPN’s privacy is undeniable. When going online, you’ll be protected by AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers. Additionally, ExpressVPN stores zero logs of your online whereabouts, which is confirmed in several third-party audits.

Gamers and those who love playing PUBG Mobile and other games will be delighted with its gaming performance. ExpressVPN prevents ISP throttling, thereby, reducing ping and ensuring a smooth gaming experience. This is accompanied by 8 simultaneous connections.

Not to mention Threat Manager, a feature for blocking ads and trackers for added privacy. All of this can be yours for a relatively affordable price discounted by 49% in the annual plan, which comes with 3 free months. Discover the best mobile VPN for 2024 below.

Get ExpressVPN: The #1 Mobile VPN

2. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers splendid Android and iOS mobile VPN apps. It’s easy to use and excels in snappiness making it feel premium. Apart from its polish, CyberGhost owns 11,000+ servers in over 100 countries – the largest VPN on this list.

CyberGhost users adore its streaming servers that work with pretty much all streaming platforms. Many use it to stream Prime Video on their tablets and phones but we also love streaming Netflix US, JP, and CA with it. Performance-wise, it’s impressive, too.

The VPN comes with WireGuard, a protocol known for impeccable speeds. Coupled with 10 Gbps servers, CyberGhost is hasty, stable, and reliable for those who want to stream, play games, or roam the internet.

AES-256-bit encryption is a staple but other features include a kill switch, split tunneling, and an ad blocker. CyberGhost is amazing on both iOS and Android platforms, offering 7 simultaneous connections – one less than ExpressVPN.

On the brighter side, it comes with advanced features, such as SmartDNS, RAM servers, and PrivateDNS, helping you stay anonymous online. Those who pay $1 more a month on top of the subscription can get an antivirus, albeit, only on their computers.

CyberGhost lets you buy a cheap dedicated IP as well, which you can use on your mobile VPN app. Generally, it’s pretty affordable, with a 45-day refund policy and a risk-free 24-hour FREE trial. Download CyberGhost VPN now, test it on your mobile, and buy it if you end up liking it!

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3. NordVPN

NordVPN’s a great mobile VPN for iPhone or any Android phone. Speaking of that, we also think it’s one of the most dependable Android VPNs in 2024 with exquisite features. Most notably, it packs over 6,000 servers in 60+ countries, with plenty of abilities.

Mobile VPN users love its Threat Protection Lite, which protects them from intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious sites. Also, NordVPN includes Double VPN servers for doubling your encryption and ensuring you can’t be tracked online.

Being one of the most advanced VPNs, it comes with obfuscated servers that you can use in China to get over the Great Firewall. Better yet, P2P servers for torrenting are available on mobile apps as well, unlike CyberGhost which doesn’t include them.

This means you can download torrents on your phone while enjoying superb VPN protection. Speaking of that, NordVPN’s a jack of all trades, offering bank-grade encryption, a no-logging policy, and a proprietary NordLynx protocol.

It has several third-party audits combined with unique features like Meshnet and a Dark Web Monitor. Users can enjoy Meshnet on Android and iOS too, and it’s amazing for remote control, file sharing, and creating LAN parties for gaming or business.

NordVPN is reliable for streaming, as it easily unblocks 20+ Netflix catalogs. All of these capabilities might come as a surprise given how affordable it is. It offers a special discount on the 2-year plan plus a 7-day free trial on mobile devices that you can get below.

Get Your NordVPN App for Mobile

4. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best VPN for mobile if you’re opting for unlimited connections and lots of servers. Having 3,200 servers in 100 countries, it’s easy to be impressed by it. While not the fastest service, its mobile VPN apps are beautiful and feature-packed.

Most notably, you’ll love its MultiHop feature, which functions the same as the Double VPN function. This time, you can choose both server locations and fully customize it. Another perk of Surfshark is the option to use geo-spoofing for games like Pokemon Go and others.

Surfshark has Static and Dedicated IP servers too, which makes it stand out from the pack. However, we must stress how great it is for streaming, as it works with virtually every platform. Admittedly, it’s better than ExpressVPN and NordVPN even!

Surfshark’s downside is that the kill switch sometimes fails to work – but rarely. To remedy this, the VPN includes military-grade encryption with features like an ad blocker, split tunneling, and NoBorders for getting over censorship in China and other countries.

We should also mention its Surfshark One plans that offer unique options, one of which is an antivirus. There’s also this true incognito mode that you can use to browse the web without the ISP tracking. Needless to say, this VPN keeps no logs and has several third-party audits.

We don’t like its Dutch jurisdiction but so far, it has no negative influence. Surfshark’s 2-year plans are on a heavy discount, so don’t hesitate to check them out below. Oh, and newcomers can also opt for a 7-day trial through mobile VPN apps!

Protect All Mobile Devices With Surfshark

5. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a Swiss VPN with supreme security and privacy – as expected from the best mobile VPN in 2024. Compared to other picks on this list, it’s a tad more expensive but extremely reliable, with over 3,000 servers in 70+ countries.

The VPN is known for its Secure Core servers as well as NetShield, one of the best ad blockers. We like ProtonVPN’s mobile apps that look stunning on iOS and Android. Moreover, ProtonVPN offers solid performance thanks to WireGuard.

Its servers are optimized for a variety of purposes. Mobile VPN users will enjoy streaming Netflix with it, downloading torrents, and even going on the dark web in privacy. ProtonVPN includes the VPN Accelerator feature, which boosts the performance mildly.

Above all, this is a no-log provider, as indicated by several security audits. We like its focus on ease of use, as everything is intuitive and laid out perfectly. Tap once on the server and you’ll be protected by its 256-bit encryption and a solid kill switch.

ProtonVPN uses RAM servers like all other VPNs here and its PrivateDNS will protect you against DNS leaks. Another benefit is that you get 10 simultaneous connections, which should be enough even if you’re a very demanding user.

As said, its price is a bit higher compared to CyberGhost and NordVPN. But there’s a silver lining in the form of a free VPN for iPhones and Android devices with no traffic limits. More about that later in this best mobile VPN guide.

Stay Private Online With ProtonVPN

How to Use a Mobile VPN on iOS and Android?

One of our favorite things about mobile VPNs is their simplicity. They don’t require a complex setup and work like any other app on your phone. Still, if you’re not tech-savvy and are not sure how to use a VPN on your phone or tablet, we’re here to ease your worries.

Android

Let’s start with Android. First of all, we want to stress how important it is to download your mobile VPN from Google Play. Android devices support apps from third-party sources but we DO NOT recommend them, as they can be littered with malware and trackers.

That said, to use a VPN on Android, you have to follow these steps precisely:

• Subscribe to the best VPN for mobile from our list. We advise using ExpressVPN and its 49% discount with 3 free months for the annual plan. You can use the buttons in our article and subscribe to it from any device – mobile or desktop.
• Go to Google Play and search for the VPN you subscribed to. Type in ExpressVPN in this case and it should appear at the top.
• Tap on the VPN and then select “Install.”
• Once the VPN is installed, you’ll have the option to open it directly – do so or close Google Play and open the app manually.
• Sign in with the credentials provided during the subscription. It will be your email/password or an activation code provided by the VPN.
• Once you’re in the app, find the server you want and connect to it. If prompted to allow the VPN connection, confirm your choice, and you’re all set.

iOS

Using a mobile VPN for iPhone is simple as well, with no notable differences.

Still, let us go through all the steps for those who want to ensure they’re doing everything right.

• If you haven’t already, subscribe to the VPN of your choice.
• Go to the Apple Store on your phone.
• Search for the VPN service you want to download – ExpressVPN, for example.
• Once it appears in the search results, tap on it and then download the app.
• When it’s downloaded, you can open it directly from the Apple Store or do so manually.
• In the app, sign in with the credentials you provided or an activation code.
• Connect to a VPN server. When prompted to allow the VPN connection, enter your PIN code and allow the VPN connection.
• With the connection in place, you’re safe to go online and do whatever you want.

Why Use a VPN on Your Mobile Device?

Mobile devices are like mini computers that can do a variety of tasks on the fly. Given their ability to connect to different networks and allow for internet access, using a mobile VPN is mandatory for additional online privacy. Here’s why you should use it.

Public WiFi Protection

Public WiFi networks suffer from the lack of encryption and other means of protection. They’re easily compromised by hackers who usually lurk in the shadows and steal people’s data. A VPN provides much-needed protection thanks to its encryption.

Once the connection is encrypted, you’re assigned another IP address, while the native IP is concealed. This makes the connection untraceable, with no ability to read its contents. Even if a hacker intercepts the connection, which is impossible, he won’t be able to see anything.

To him, it’ll look like an ugly mess of numbers, letters, and signs. This is essential if you often travel abroad and have to use different public WiFi hotspots. Or perhaps, if you’re spending lots of time in cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

Online Gaming

Gaming on mobile phones is as popular as it can be nowadays. PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Apex Legends, and other games are often played. Online gaming tends to be laggy at times, plus, your IP address is exposed to other players.

A laggy connection often means your ISP is throttling your speed. With your IP exposed, other players can execute DDoS attacks and even send a SWAT team to your address – also known as “swatting.” These issues can be mitigated by using a safe VPN for mobile.

Connect to a server, hide your whereabouts, and prevent ISP throttling in an instant. Now, you can test and hone your skills against other players without interruptions. Besides, connecting to a server overseas lets you compete againstplayers from different continents!

Accessing Geo-Blocked Content

Hopping on Netflix and watching an episode of your favorite show is great during lunch breaks and long bus drives. Well, if the show you want to access is geo-restricted, you’ll be left with no entertainment. Thankfully, our selection of mobile VPNs is also reliable for Netflix.

To be precise, they work with a load of streaming platforms, all of which can be accessed promptly. To get over geo-blocks, connect to a server in the country where the streaming service works. This will allow you to access the service normally.

With this trick, you can access any geo-restricted website or TV channel. Some of them include ABC, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Peaco*ck TV, and dozens more. Imagine having all of these at your fingertips on your phone – sounds too good to be true but it IS true after all.

Gambling and Betting

The best VPN for mobile can help you overcome geo-restrictions on gambling and betting sites. Sometimes, you just want to play some poker or place a bet on your local football team but might be unable to because you’re abroad.

Again, you can remedy this by connecting to a VPN server. This way, you can place bets on geo-blocked sites like Betfair or any other. The same applies to gambling sites that you can unblock and enjoy some of the best games on DraftKings and similar sites.

Best Free Mobile VPN: Do We Recommend Any?

At the start of the article, we mentioned that we’re against free mobile VPN services. We didn’t change our opinion. Free VPNs that are usually popular on mobile devices are extremely bad, so to speak. Unfortunately, many people use Hola VPN.

This is an example of a VPN that stores tons of logs and is dangerous to your privacy. Then, there are mobile-only options that you’ll find on Google Play or Apple Store. They’re free but littered with ads and trackers that compromise your privacy.

Then, we have safer VPNs that won’t keep logs but will limit your bandwidth. They can be annoying, as the bandwidth limit is typically very low and you’ll cross it in a few days. Many of the best free mobile VPN providers have low server counts – another annoyance.

This means not being able to unblock streaming services or play games properly. If you find our paid options expensive and you can’t afford one, we recommend two free VPNs. They are, however, much worse, and suffer from at least one or more of these issues.

Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is secure and offers solid performance. Its mobile app is easy to use and even works with Netflix US. Overall, it’s great if you exclude its 5 GB bandwidth cap, only 3 server locations, and the lack of many premium security features.

This is a premium service by default, in which case, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Its free version allows for none and excludes 24/7 live chat service. All in all, a bog-standard free mobile VPN experience.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN puts no bandwidth restrictions but it’s very slow. It also offers 3 server locations, neither of which work with streaming services. ProtonVPN also forbids all P2P traffic, so downloading torrents is out of the way.

Another downside is the lack of an ad blocker and Secure Core servers. Plus, the provider’s customer support is lackluster, with no 24/7 live chat support. ProtonVPN is secure, with a no-logging policy and RAM servers. Other than that, it’s subpar.

Does a VPN Work on Mobile Data?

We need to address one important question – do VPNs work on mobile data? Yes, they do. Its benefits, in this case, include added privacy and encryption that prevents your internet provider (telecom operator) from tracking your activities.

You can also avoid ISP throttling and ensure better speed. Vital to know is that a VPN used on mobile data can’t help you get over bandwidth restrictions imposed by the telecom provider. If you hit the limit and can’t go online, you also can’t connect to a VPN.

VPNs tend to increase your bandwidth consumption on mobile data as well. It ranges from 4 to 20 percent, depending on many factors. Batter consumption is also higher, as using 4G or 5G consumes more batter natively. Other than that, you get the same benefits.

This means being able to circumvent geo-blocks, save money on online purchases, and play online games in privacy. We recommend using ExpressVPN, as its Lightway protocol is efficient on mobile devices, yet, it provides substantial performance and top-grade security.

Summary

With everything said and done, picking the best VPN for mobile in 2024 shouldn’t be difficult. We recommended ExpressVPN many times but that’s not to say other options are subpar. In fact, we think CyberGhost is a mighty VPN for a very low price.

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN are amazing in every regard, with Surfshark packing unlimited connections for an amazing experience. All VPNs offer a money-back guarantee and a free trial dedicated to mobile users for risk-free testing.

Visit ExpressVPN