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A virtual private network—or VPN—is a tool that creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This allows you to safely access public Wi-Fi networks and keep your data private from prying eyes.
When choosing a VPN for an Android device, it’s important to consider factors such as the number of servers, speed, security features, geo-block bypassing and price. Dedicated IPs are also a plus, as are split tunnelling and torrenting support.
There are now more than three billion active Android devices in the world, with Androids claiming 44.05% of the mobile market share in Australia, just behind Apple’s 54.91%.
Here is our pick of the best Android VPN options available to Australians today.
Related: Best VPNs in Australia
Note: The below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.
NordVPN is a fast and secure VPN service with a range of additional security features that add plenty of value for Australian users.
On Nord VPN’s Secure website
Picking the best Android VPN can be a daunting task, given the myriad options available, all promising to offer the best security and privacy. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when deciding on an Android VPN in Australia.
When paying for multiple years at a time, you’re going to get the best rates, often less than $10 AUD per month. If you’re paying month to month, you can expect to pay around $20 AUD per month.
While VPNs offer significant benefits in terms of privacy, security and bypassing geo-restrictions, they are not a one-stop solution for all online threats. It’s critical to understand the limitations of a VPN to ensure you’re taking adequate precautions to protect yourself. Here are some areas where a VPN might not offer protection:
To set up a VPN on Android, you need to install a VPN app on your device. There are many VPN apps to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. The best VPN apps will have a user-friendly interface, be easy to use and offer a variety of features.
Once you’ve installed the VPN app, open it and enter your login information. Once you’re connected, you can choose a server location and start using the VPN. Most VPN apps will automatically connect to the best server location, but some allow you to choose a specific server.
To rank the best VPNs for Android, Forbes Advisor analysed a variety of factors, including price, number of servers, privacy policies and server speed. We also looked at customer service availability and whether the company is a part of the FVEY surveillance alliance.
While several on our list are part of these allied countries, they have strict no-logs policies. We also looked at customer reviews to see if a VPN’s marketing promises match real customer experiences.
Additional research: Anna Rey
You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Starting price
$19.79 AUD
There is no doubt that using a VPN on your device makes it a lot more secure and allows you to access content restricted in your geography. However, there is a big difference in quality between free VPNs and paid versions so, if budget permits, it’s worth forking out for a paid plan or at the very least a cheap VPN.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best VPN for your Android phone will vary depending on your needs. However, Private Internet Access scored 4.7 out of 5 stars in our analysis across dozens of data points, making it a solid contender.
The best free VPNs for Android include Windscribe, ProtonVPN, Privado and Hide.me. Each offers privacy protection—albeit at a lower quality than paid versions.
Yes, most Android phones have a built-in VPN. However, you can install a VPN app on your device for even more features.
Yes. Most VPN service providers offer apps for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac devices. All you need to do is download the app on your machine of choice and log in with your account information.
VPNs let you connect to servers in other countries, making it easy to access content on streaming platforms that might not be available in your region. However, not all VPNs work well for streaming.
Related: How To Access International Shows On Netflix Using A VPN
You can change your IP address by connecting to different Wi-Fi networks or using mobile data, but using a VPN is a more secure and consistent way to change your IP while keeping your privacy intact. Some VPNs even allow you to purchase private IP addresses, which makes it a little easier to access banking sites or other websites that don’t work well with VPNs others have access to.
VPNs are typically safe for Android devices, but it’s crucial to select a trustworthy VPN provider that prioritises security and privacy.
To make sure your VPN is functioning on Android, connect to the service and then use an IP address checking tool or visit a site such as whatismyipaddress.com. This will help you confirm that your IP address and location have been successfully altered.
Yes, there are free VPNs on the market where you don’t have to pay a single cent in order to use them. However, these are often lacking in a lot of the features that paid VPNs offer, such as better privacy protection and security.
For more information on free and cheap VPNs, you can read our guides here:
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