What’s The Best Free VPN
None of them.;Seriously. While there are plenty of excellent free security and privacy apps online, VPNs sadly aren’t among them. Safe VPNs cost companies a lot of money to operate and keep secure, and free ones are almost always malware-laden data snoops. But there’s good news: The burgeoning VPN market is hypercompetitive right now, so prices for even the best VPNs regularly drop to less than $5 a month. In fact, the least expensive VPN we’ve seen so far ranks in our top three VPNs overall for security and speed. Check out our;quick list of budget-savvy VPNs;to find one in your price range.
Advantage 8: Access To Your Companys Network
More and more companies are giving people the possibility to work from home, or abroad for instance. Some people connect to the internet via a VPN to access the company network at home. This enables people to work from home safely and efficiently.
To read more about the different reasons why people use a VPN please read our article on the subject: What are the advantages of a VPN?
How Do I Turn Off A VPN On My Phone
If you want to turn off the VPN on your phone you simply go in here:
Theres another way to do it and it is by opening the VPN app from the VPN provider. In the case above it will be an app from XpressVPN or Windscribe. When the app is opened you can simply click the big On/Off button at the center of the screen.
Now you have deactivated the VPN and you will no longer be browsing through an encrypted connection.
For an Android phone, you do it in a similar way. You go to:
And of course, you can also open the VPN app on your Android device and simply turn off the VPN there.
Read Also: Can I Use VPN On My Smart TV
What Is The Best Mobile VPN
All options considered, we rate ExpressVPN as the best mobile VPN on the market.;
As soon as you open the app, it’s clear it’s a professional bit of kit. It’s simply laid out, but in just a couple of taps you can access in-depth features and settings like a kill switch, different protocols, split tunneling, and auto-connect.
With 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, there’s a huge range of locations to choose from, and almost every one delivers great speeds plus, these should only increase with the introduction of the upcoming Lightway protocol.
And, even if none of that interests you, ExpressVPN is the best mobile VPN for accessing Netflix and other streaming services, so whatever you want it for, we reckon it’s the best choice.
With New Ownership Comes Greater Speed

Private Internet Access didn’t use to be a contender. But, after KAPE, now known as Private Internet, which also owns CyberGhost VPN and ZenMate, picked it up, it’s gotten a considerable hardware upgrade. What that means for you is faster performance all around.
PIA’s speed and security both impressed me. Besides the new hardware at the backend, PIA’s also adopted open-source software for almost all of its components.
What I like the most about PIA is its extras. While many VPNs can block ads and ad trackers and keep you out of malicious sites, if you get a two-year plan with PIA, it comes bundled with BoxCryptor. This very useful service encrypts your cloud files from pretty much any cloud storage provider. This includes, among many others, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. There is a basic free-for-personal-use version, but this deal gives you the superior Personal plan. This supports unlimited devices and cloud providers. If you care about security — and since you’re using a VPN clearly you do — this is a really nice additional program.
PIA’s pricing starts at $10 a month. If you elect for the two-year plan, you can bring the price tag down to a trifle over $2.50 a month.
Features:
Also: Hotspot Shield review: Actually lives up to the hype
Again, once you learn how to use Hotspot Shield on one platform, you’re good to go on any other device. It just works and it works well.
Features:
Recommended Reading: How To Remove VPN From Computer
Advantage 3: Secure Browsing On Public Networks
Using a public Wi-Fi network can be very risky. Other users on the same network can easily tap into your data and personal information. Since you dont want others to have access to, for instance, your email login, images/files or credit card information it might be wise to use a VPN connection.
The VPN encrypts all of your data while you use the public Wi-Fi network. A hacker will only see encrypted matter and wont be able to see or use your personal information.
Is A VPN Really Worth It
In tech circles we spend a lot of money, but there are some decisions that are easy and a few that are hard. We know that a smartphone is an essential nowadays, so paying up to $100 a month or more for the latest model isn’t something we generally anguish over.;
We invest in high-speed internet, powerful laptops, high-end earbuds, voice-controlled speakers, mirrorless cameras, glowing keyboards, VR headsets… The tech elite will always want the fastest and most functional option possible, so that’s why when it comes to getting the best VPN , its almost a no-brainer if you care about privacy, security, and anonymity.
Unlike some of those other products, the cost of a VPN is rarely astronomical, even if you choose the premium commercial options and add all of the perks . The overhead to using a VPN isn’t that significant either , and the truth is that a VPN provides a layer of encryption for all your internet traffic that’s worth the cost and trouble.
- Make your money go further with the best cheap VPN
- Looking specifically to stream? See the best Netflix VPN
- Need a provider for Apple? Check out the best Mac VPN
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Access Stuff From Back Home On Vacation
When you go abroad, many websites and services from your home country become unavailable. This is because of geo-restrictions set up by those websites. With a VPN, you can pretend to be back home by connecting to a server in your country. This lets you access websites and services youre your home country, even while you are away on vacation. For more information, check out our VPNs to use while on holiday guide.
Important Things To Consider
There are many reasons why having a VPN on your phone is a good idea, with the ones we mentioned above offering the most significant benefits. But, to stay objective, we should also consider all other things that can have an impact on your experience when using a VPN on your phone. Here are some crucial things you should keep in mind before you start using a VPN on your phone:
Also Check: How To Buy Games Cheaper With VPN
What Can I Do With A Mobile VPN App
Protection on;public Wi-Fi networks;is at the top of the list. Whether youre in a supermarket, on a train, at hospital or working away in a café, using public Wi-Fi exposes you to unencrypted connections, leaving your logins and personal information up for grabs.
A mobile VPN can also help you save money shopping online. Many sites charge different prices depending on your IP address, so by moving your location around youll be able to find the best deals on whatever youre looking for.
Finally, everyones favourite trick: access geo-blocked Netflix libraries with a VPN. All the VPNs on this list can give you access to Netflix all over the world. So, wherever you are bus, train, on the toilet youll be able to watch whatever you want on your mobile device.;
All you need to do is pick your choice from this list, and bask in the glory of true freedom on the internet.
Read more:
Best For Privacy Hawks On A Budget
Pros
- Privacy baked into its account system
- Strong stance on transparency
Pros
- Requires no email or account information
- Extremely affordable
- Some advanced features, like multihop connections
Cons
- Servers in a small range of countries
- Account number system may confuse some customers
Pros
- Powered by privacy hawk Mullvad
- Simple, snazzy design
- Split tunneling on Android and Windows
Cons
- No privacy tools beyond VPN
- Few server locations
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Are There Privacy Concerns With Your Phone
The idea of syncing your phone to your PC, or rather, mirroring aspects of it, could be a security and privacy concern, especially if all the data is being synced to the cloud.
But that is not what happens with Your Phone.
Your Phone relies on local connections through Wi-Fi , but the system never takes your data and stores it on Microsoft’s servers. When disconnected there is no maintained data, but rather a local cache on the user’s PC for some items. Because of this technique, Microsoft will be in full compliance with the new European Union General Data Protection Regulation out the gate.
Your Phone only retrieves the last month of text messages and the most recent 25 photos, but it is not an exhaustive system to mirror your phone’s entire contents.
How Do I Setup A VPN On My Android Phone

First thing’s first…it’s reeeeeally easy. And you even have two options to choose from.
The first involves you scrolling back up this page, choosing the app that you like the look of best and click the link to go through to the website. From there, you’ll be able to select your plan, sign up, download and install. Away you go!
Alternatively, get yourself over to the Play Store and search for your chosen VPN app. But it’s worth noting that if you go down this road, you might end up missing out on some of the awesome exclusive pricing and VPN deals that only TechRadar readers can get by clicking through to the provider from our pages.
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How Can I Fake My Location On Android
While all good Android VPN apps will let you change location of your IP address to a server elsewhere, they don’t all include fake GPS technology.
In fact, of the big players out there, only Surfshark has an integrated GPS spoofing tool. That makes it the obvious choice if your main reason for getting a VPN is for use with Pokémon Go or similar mobile games.
Does A VPN Slow Down Your Internet Connection
Some people doubt whether they should use a Virtual Private Network because theyve heard it can slow down your internet connection. Its true that some VPNs have this effect. After all, a VPN redirects your connection through a remote server. This takes longer, so it could slow down your internet connection. However, this isnt always the case.
There are many VPNs that do everything in their power to make your internet connection as fast as it can be . If you want to make sure you end up with a fast VPN, check out our research on the fastest VPNs of this moment. All VPNs we recommend there have proven to work perfectly and cause little to no delays. Streaming, gaming, and browsing will go as fast as normal, only with increased freedom, security, and privacy.
If your internet speed is artificially restricted by your ISP or another party, a VPN can actually make your connection faster. The VPN ensures this limit no longer applies to you, so you can use the full potential of your connection.
Also Check: How To Get VPN For Computer
Which Is The Best VPN For My Phone
One of the best all-round VPN services is ExpressVPN. This offers a huge number of international servers, fast connection speeds, secure encryption, a great 24/7 live chat support service, and crucially really good clients. These are VPN apps, which work on Android and iPhone and are super easy to use. This will work in the background keeping you secure no matter what Wi-Fi connection you’re using.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the top pick in our eyes for many reasons. Sign up today and see how it works for yourself! If you don’t like it, you have 30 days to get your money back!
We also have a great list of all the best VPN services as well as free VPNs in case you are looking for some additional options. Here are all the best Android VPN services to consider.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1.Accessing a service from another country .2.Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The 7 Best VPNs For Mobile In September 2021
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- No ISP throttling – browse with blazing speeds
- Stay anonymous by hiding your IP address
- Discover the best VPN deals & the best VPN free trials
Available on:
Fastest VPN
ExpressVPN has it all: speed, security, and a proven no-logs policy. Its no wonder it’s ranked as our number 1 VPN. With some of the fastest connections weve seen, you’ll forget that you’re even using a VPN.
- The fastest VPN we’ve tested
- Generous 30 day money back guarantee
- 5 simultaneous connections with a single account
- Works in China
- Servers in over 90 countries
- Compatible with multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Over 6,000 people have picked ExpressVPN in the last 30 days
With five user profiles to choose from, finding the best server for your needs has never been easier.
- Excellent security and privacy features
- Specialized servers for browsing
Private Internet Access is based in the US, but it’s an exception to the Five-Eyes rule – despite its less-than-favorable location, it gives you the highest level of privacy
- Very fast short-distance speeds
- High-level encryption for anonymous browsing
- Unlimited bandwidth and data transfer
Located in Sweden, a country known for strict privacy laws, PrivateVPN lives up to its name. With a strict no-logs policy and 2048-bit encryption. you’ll be anonymous and secure with this VPN.
- Reliable in-house support team
- 6,500+ servers in 140 countries
- Fast speeds and unlimited data
- 40,000+ IP addresses
Also Check: How To Change Your Ip Without VPN
Should You Use A Free VPN On Your Smartphone
Free options work for some parts of life. But when it comes to your online presence and security, you can’t be too careful. Free VPNs may come with drawbacks such as:
- Security protocols may be limited
- Connection can be slow, laggy or entirely unavailable at times, particularly with free VPN services that cap your bandwidth usage
- The provider may track your data, and may use it for advertising purposes
You want to select a provider whose quality and security you can trust. Speed is also important, and a paid VPN service may let you enjoy higher connection speeds than a free service, so you don’t have to sacrifice speed or bandwidth for security. While free services may track and save your activity, many paid providers offer a no-log guarantee. This means they don’t track the sites you visit as you surf the web. Perhaps most importantly, most paid options have strong security protocols so you can surf the web with peace of mind.
Get A Secure Connection
If your mobile device is an indispensable part of your daily life, then a VPN is in invaluable tool to protect your sensitive data, safeguard your privacy, and provide open access to the internet. Whether youre a tech-savvy do-it-yourselfer or a tech-wary just give me an easy app kind of person, theres a mobile VPN solution for you.
Now that youve read this guide and are armed with the tools of knowledge about all things related to mobile VPNs, its time to arm yourself with the tools of protection. Download a free trial of SecureLine VPN today.
Also Check: Can You Use VPN On Chromebook
What Are The Different VPN Protocols
If you opt to go the DIY route and set up the VPN manually, you will have to choose which VPN protocol you want to use. So, its a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different options that are available how they operate andtheir strengths and weaknesses. Some VPN providers, including Avast SecureLine, support multiple protocols.
OpenVPN
One of the most popular and recommended protocols,OpenVPN is a highly secure, highly configurable open-source platform that can use AES 256-bit encryption and is especially good at bypassing firewalls. OpenVPN works on all of the major operating systems, including Android and iOS. However, it is not natively supported on any platform, which means you have to add it to your mobile device via a third-party client .
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is a common protocol supported by most operating systems. It was developed by Microsoft and others back in the 1990s. This protocol is fast, but its considered to be one of the least secure options available today which is probably why it is no longer natively supported by iOS. We do not recommend the use of this protocol, so we did not include it in the setup sections below.
L2TP/IPSec
IKEv2
IPSec
IPSec can also be used on its own and is natively supported on iOS devices.
SSTP
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is a proprietary Microsoft protocol that can provide a very secure connection and is good at bypassing firewalls, but its compatibility is limited to;Windows devices.