Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best VPNs for Android users in 2016! With an increasing number of security breaches and data theft incidents happening worldwide, the importance of having a virtual private network (VPN) has never been more critical. In this article, we’ll help you navigate the vast sea of VPN options available to Android users and find the best one that suits your needs.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Your Android Device?
Before we delve into the best VPNs for Android, let’s first understand why you need a VPN in the first place. Firstly, a VPN provides online privacy – it encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it impossible for third parties to spy on your online activity. This is especially crucial if you use public Wi-Fi networks, as they are typically unsecured and can easily be hacked.
Secondly, a VPN provides online security by blocking unauthorized access to your device and data. Hackers can easily exploit security vulnerabilities in Android devices and steal sensitive information like credit card details, passwords, and personal data. A VPN protects against such attacks by establishing a secure encrypted connection between your device and the internet.
Lastly, a VPN can help you bypass geographical restrictions and access websites and content that are normally unavailable in your region. For example, if you’re travelling to a country where social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are banned, a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access these sites without any hassle.
What to Look for in a VPN for Android?
Now that you understand why you need a VPN for your Android device, let’s look at some of the things you should consider when choosing a VPN:
1. Strong Encryption
Look for a VPN that uses strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, or IKEv2. These protocols ensure that your internet traffic is encrypted and secure, making it impossible for hackers to intercept and steal your data.
2. Wide Server Network
Choose a VPN with a large server network. The more servers a VPN has, the more options you have for connecting to the internet. This is important if you’re planning to use your VPN to bypass geographical restrictions.
3. No-Logs Policy
Make sure the VPN you choose has a strict no-logs policy. This means that the VPN provider does not collect any data about your online activity, ensuring your privacy and anonymity.
4. Fast Connection Speeds
Choose a VPN that has fast connection speeds. A slow VPN can be frustrating to use, especially if you’re streaming videos or downloading large files.
5. User-Friendly Interface
Choose a VPN with a user-friendly interface. This makes it easy for you to configure and use the VPN on your Android device.
6. Customer Support
Choose a VPN that offers excellent customer support. In case you have any issues with the VPN, you want to be able to reach out to the provider and get help quickly.
7. Cost
Choose a VPN that fits your budget. VPNs can range from free to expensive, so choose one that offers the features you need at a price point that’s reasonable for you.
The Best VPNs for Android in 2016
We’ve researched and tested some of the most popular VPNs available for Android users in 2016. Here are our top picks:
VPN |
Encryption |
Server Network |
No-Logs Policy |
Connection Speeds |
User-Friendly Interface |
Customer Support |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2 |
3,000+ servers in 94 countries |
Yes |
Fast |
Yes |
24/7 live chat, email support |
$6.67/month |
NordVPN |
OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
5,500+ servers in 59 countries |
Yes |
Fast |
Yes |
24/7 live chat, email support |
$3.71/month |
Surfshark |
OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
3,200+ servers in 65 countries |
Yes |
Fast |
Yes |
24/7 live chat, email support |
$2.49/month |
CyberGhost |
OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2 |
6,700+ servers in 89 countries |
Yes |
Fast |
Yes |
24/7 live chat, email support |
$2.25/month |
Private Internet Access |
OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP |
23,000+ servers in 77 countries |
Yes |
Fast |
Yes |
24/7 live chat, email support |
$2.69/month |
Advantages of Using a VPN for Android
1. Online Privacy
As mentioned earlier, a VPN provides online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This ensures that your online activity is private and secure.
2. Online Security
A VPN provides online security by blocking unauthorized access to your device and data. This protects you from hackers and cybercriminals who may try to steal your personal and financial information.
3. Bypass Geographical Restrictions
A VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access websites and content that may be blocked in your country or region. This means you can access your favorite websites and services no matter where you are in the world.
4. Save Money on Online Purchases
Did you know that online prices can vary depending on your location? By using a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country and access lower prices on online purchases.
5. Access Public Wi-Fi Safely
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, which makes them vulnerable to hackers. By using a VPN, you can ensure that your internet traffic is encrypted and secure, even when using public Wi-Fi.
6. Protect Your Online Reputation
Using a VPN can help protect your online reputation by hiding your IP address and online activity. This helps prevent advertisers and marketers from tracking your behavior online and bombarding you with targeted ads.
Disadvantages of Using a VPN for Android
1. Cost
While some VPNs are free, the best ones typically come with a price tag. This may not be an issue for some, but it’s important to factor in the cost when choosing a VPN.
2. Slower Connection Speeds
While VPNs provide security and privacy, they can also slow down your internet connection speeds. This can be frustrating, especially when streaming videos or downloading large files.
3. Incompatibility with Some Apps
Some apps may not work properly with VPNs. This can be due to app-specific security protocols or configuration issues.
FAQs
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN is a virtual private network that provides online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address.
2. Do I need a VPN on my Android device?
If you value your online privacy and security, then yes, you need a VPN on your Android device.
3. Can I use a free VPN on my Android device?
While there are free VPNs available for Android, they often come with limitations like data caps, slow connection speeds, and security vulnerabilities. It’s always better to choose a paid VPN for better security and reliability.
4. Can I use a VPN to access Netflix on my Android device?
Yes, you can use a VPN to access Netflix on your Android device. However, not all VPNs work with Netflix, so make sure you choose a VPN that supports Netflix streaming.
5. How do I choose the best VPN for my Android device?
Consider factors like encryption protocols, server network, no-logs policy, connection speeds, user interface, customer support, and cost when choosing a VPN for your Android device.
6. Can a VPN be hacked?
While it’s rare for a VPN to be hacked, it’s not impossible. That’s why it’s important to choose a VPN with strong encryption and security protocols.
7. Is it legal to use a VPN on my Android device?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN on your Android device. However, make sure you use it for legal and legitimate purposes only.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, a VPN is a crucial tool for ensuring online privacy and security on your Android device. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the best VPN that suits your needs. Remember, always prioritize security and choose a VPN that offers the features you need at a price point that’s reasonable for you.
Don’t leave your online security and privacy to chance – get a VPN for your Android device today!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not condone or support the use of VPNs for illegal activities. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that they use the VPN for legal and legitimate purposes only.