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.
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What Does A VPN Hide
As you can see, VPNs hide your actual IP address. They also encrypt your traffic using a military-grade cipher. But how does that translate into real-world scenarios? Lets take a look.
- IP address. Websites track you by your IP address. By using a VPN, you can hide your real IP address and your identity behind the IP of the VPN server.
- Location. Your IP gives away your approximate location. With a VPN, it becomes difficult to track you and your movement. Plus, changing your location enables you to access geo-blocked content.
- Web activity. If youre using a VPN provider that doesnt log your web activity, you can be sure that neither your ISP nor your government knows what youre doing online.
Where Is A VPN Used And Why
A VPN is mainly used in business organizations, offices or companies. For example, when you need to connect via computer or telephone to any kind of networks that are located outside the company’s office, the employee undertakes to use a VPN.
But why does an ordinary user need such a function? Everybody probably feared at some point that someone could see their correspondence, photos, and inappropriate videos in any file sharing service. The problem is that anyone can see your personal information not just by looking at the phone screen but also by hacking the data.
In order to avoid cyber attacks, you need to set up a VPN protection on your device. Those hacking other people’s gadgets have repeatedly confirmed that access to all user information was not difficult when devices are connected to public WiFi networks. A VPN connection will be the safest solution for you: this way you can protect your data. The only thing you need to do is to pick the right solution from the cooltechzone.com rating.
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To Go Around Online Censorship
Although most countries globally allow internet users to use the internet freely, this is unfortunately not the case everywhere. The internet is heavily censored in several countries, including North Korea, China, and Russia. They restrict access to various websites and services, commonly Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
Besides social media platforms, journalist platforms and news websites also get blocked as they represent a threat to ruling regimes. In these countries, citizens experience an adverse impact on free speech. Several other countries also have online restrictions blocking sites such as Pirate Bay to prevent citizens from pirating material online.
If you live in such a country, a VPN will allow you to sidestep these restrictions and censorships and connect to a server in another country. This way you can use the internet as if you were there. So, you’ll be able to browse services and on sites that are unavailable in our country.
What Are The Best VPN Apps For Android
Next, we have five of the best Android VPN apps currently available:
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN stands out for its simple user interface, speedy connections, and high security. The app includes a superb location picker, unsecured network detection, and some specialist privacy tools like kill switch for increased security. Its lightweight, therefore will not slow down your phone whilst its connected, and comes with a 30-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee with three, free months extra.
NordVPN
NordVPN stands out essentially for its privacy and strong encryption, and it is rated as the best in PlayStore. It encrypts web traffic via multiple servers using multi-hop technology.
For an extra layer of security, it uses Double VPN technology to pass your connections through two individual servers instead of one. Plus, it automatically connects to NordVPN whenever you connect to Wi-Fi. Theyre offering a 30-day, try before you buy, money-back guarantee.
IPVanish
IPVanish is one of the best VPN apps for Android, with its super-fast download speeds and robust encryption. Via the app, you can stream and connect to up to ten devices simultaneously. You have the option to use the internet via their VPN only, or with the Split Tunneling feature that allows you to connect to a public and private network and the same time doing so speeds up your bandwidth.
TunnelBear
Surfshark
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Can I Be Tracked Online While Using A VPN
The point of a VPN is to prevent you from being tracked while online. The very name virtual private network explains that your connection is meant to be private. In addition, a VPN is designed to encrypt both your IP address and your web activity within a secure tunnel. However, the VPN itself could, if it wanted to, see what you were doing. After all, it has access to all the tools it uses to encode your data. That said, reputable VPNs guarantee they dont monitor or record your online activities.
What Makes Online Privacy So Important
From the beginning, the internet community has seen the world wide web as a private space and have fought to keep it free, accessible, and open. Many users see it as the last great haven of free speech, a place where anonymity should be guaranteed to those who seek it. Others point to its value as a site of political resistance in countries where free speech can be punished with jail or worse. Some even worry about U.S. government surveillance through the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes organizations. For those who feel this way, a VPN offers important protection for freedom and liberty.
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The Best Mobile VPN Apps In 2021
Everyone knows we’re using our phones more than ever and with that comes increasing demand for the very best mobile VPN apps. Available from just about every provider, there are countless options wherever you find your apps. However, the choice can make it difficult to work out which is the best but seeing as we live our lives in the palm of our hands, picking the best VPN for your phone is essential.
The best mobile VPN apps should be flexible and intuitive, and provide you with more than just a simple privacy solution. Rather, they’ll give you access to geo-blocked streaming services, help you avoid targeted ads, evade governmental web blocks and more all while securing your data when connected to public Wi-Fi.
Why Do I Need To Use A VPN On My Phone Anyway
Are all of the internet-connected apps on your phone up to date and running versions that were published later than, say, 2017? How about your operating system — is it the latest version from Android or iOS? If the answer to any of those questions is, “I don’t know,” then you should use a phone VPN if possible. It may be hard for malicious actors to take advantage of everyday users on public Wi-Fi, but outdated software can give them the opening they need to steal the passwords to your most sensitive accounts.
If you’re concerned about the risks of using public Wi-Fi to check sensitive work email accounts, bank account balances or airline ticket and passport information, a VPN can offer some peace of mind. Some of our top-rated options include ExpressVPN, Surfshark and NordVPN.
Choosing a VPN for your iPhone or Android doesn’t have to be difficult.
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Data Privacy From The Apps And Services You Use
Your ISP isnt the only potential liability that youve brought into your own home. Unfortunately, many of our favorite apps and internet serviceshave been called out for the way theyve used the data of their users.
A VPN will prevent apps and websites from attributing your behavior to your computers IP address. It can also limit the collection of your location and browser history.
The Disadvantages Of Using A VPN
Whilst the downsides of a VPN are relatively few, it is still important to consider them in conjunction with your specific circumstances. Know what your priority is – are you after heightened security or a tool to unblock content?
A VPN has an effect on your internet speed, and unfortunately, this is inevitable. The good news is that theres an important reason for it. Your VPN takes extra steps to create encryption protocols that secure your data packets, and whilst you should expect a dip in speed due to this, it should never exceed 10-20% loss.
The downsides of VPNs:
- Slightly slower speeds because of the encryption process .
- Some record activity logs if you don’t use a zero logs service.
- Cost is a factor for premium features and reliable security features.
Some VPNs log your activity, which isn’t ideal if your goal is to protect your privacy. Activity logs can be relinquished to intrusive governments with a simple warrant. Fortunately, we have seen a rise in “no logs” services, which keep your browsing history, IP address, and other personally identifiable details off the record. However, some logging can be beneficial in order to enforce necessary restrictions, like bandwidth monitoring or keeping an eye on how many devices you have connected, but sticking with a true zero logs provider will keep you safe.
Written by:Hannah Hart
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What Is A VPN Privacy Policy
While many VPN service providers boast of having a strict no-logs policy, the reality is often contradictory. Minimum data logging is needed if the user pays with a credit card or other non-anonymous method, so theres nothing to worry about here. Its the other things you should look out for in the Privacy Policy: logging IP addresses, DNS queries, etc.
In any case, we can group all VPNs and their privacy policies into these categories:
- Verified no-logs policy. On rare occasions, VPN providers have to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Yet even when they do, no information about a user can be gained from the VPN servers. Such VPNs have a no-logs policy and can be trusted. Examples include Private Internet Access.
- Independently-audited no-logs policy. Some VPNs like NordVPN or VyprVPN invest in having their no-logs policies audited by a third party, which is a sign that theyre serious about your privacy.
- Minimal logging. Some providers like CyberGhost claim to do minimal logging, and were inclined to trust them for the time being because they rank high in other areas, such as security.
- More than minimal logging. These services, such as TunnelBear, should be used cautiously because they care less about your privacy.
- Extensive logging. Finally, we have services that collect as much data as possible and probably sell it to third parties. Thats why they have no problem with handing over your information to authorities if needed.
Theres Nothing To Lose
VPNs are very inexpensive these days and simple to set up. Because of that, theres really nothing to lose when using a VPN on your phone.
At their simplest, they ensure your data is secure from a website trying to learn more about you. However, they can also keep you safe when accessing less familiar public Wi-Fi networks which may be unsecured.
A VPN on your phone also gives you other benefits like being able to get cheaper flights or simply being able to watch more Netflix shows. You really wont want to miss out here.
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How Many Servers Are There
VPN providers with lots of servers can spread their users out to avoid overloading any one server. This ensures faster and more stable connections for everyone. Wondering how many servers your chosen VPN has? Weve got the numbers right here:
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Avast SecureLine VPN: 700+ servers
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AVG Secure VPN: 700+ servers
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CyberGhost: 6,900+ servers
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TunnelBear: Approximately 3,000 servers
What Is A VPN And Why You Need One
The best VPNs can help secure your web traffic against snoops, spies, and anyone else who wants to steal or monetize your data.
Have you ever connected to a public Wi-Fi network and wondered if someone, somewhere might be able to see your online activity? It’s an entirely reasonable concern, considering the forces arrayed against your privacy. With a virtual private network , you can protect your information from prying eyes and regain a measure of privacy online.
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Do I Need A VPN On My Phone
If you are using your phone on unsecured wifi in places like cafes, hotels, airports, etc. you would benefit from using a VPN. The VPNs are very cheap and they will make it much harder to access your private information which can otherwise be stolen quite easily on these low-secured networks.
Its so easy today to steal personal data and the results can be very frustrating for the victim!
Ive taken a rather extensive course on how hackers work and how they typically manage to get their hands on private data such as passwords and other personal data.Its SURPRISINGLY easy to hack a wifi router in a public space!
So, as always, the answer depends on what youre using your phone for.
I never use my phone without a VPN when Im in an airport, a cafe, a restaurant, etc. I will make sure my VPN is turned on so its impossible to see what Im typing in and which passwords Ive installed on my phone.
The Hard Way: Configure A VPN Manually
In addition to OpenVPN, there are other available protocols you can connect to either natively through your device platform or by using a VPN client. And if youre willing to spend the extra time, you can essentially use whichever one you want as long as its supported by your VPN provider. Lets look at the pros and cons of different mobile VPN protocols.
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What Does A VPN Do On My Phone
The VPN program will run in the background to make your connection to the internet secure. By default, you will have all your internet activity logged by your boss or your Internet service provider. Thats not the case when you use a VPN.
On top of that, you are MUCH less vulnerable to attacks by hackers when youre using your phone out and about. When you hop on open wireless networks its quite easy to see what youre doing.
It only takes a few minutes to access your data when youre on a public Wifi for an experienced hacker!
Trust me, I know how it is done and just how easy it is. Anyone with technical skills can learn it off the internet and access your data. Especially when youre using public wifi on the bus, in a restaurant, in a hotel lobby, in an airport, etc.
A VPN will protect you in all these situations by making sure that everything you communicate to and from the internet over wifi or while on cellular data will have a very high level of encryption.
A VPN Will Secure Your Data
On top of that, a VPN will use encryption to pass those data messages along without exposing any of the content. This means that only the person with a key, at either end of the transfer, will have access in this case only you at the receiving end. That means that even if someone were to somehow find a way to intercept that data, it would be unintelligible as they could not decode it without the key.
So a VPN will actually make your internet experience more secure than going online naked without one where your data flows freely for anyone to grab.
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Can I Still Be Tracked Online When Using A VPN
If you pay for your VPN with a credit card, your VPN provider will likely know who you are. Since youre connecting to your VPN from your device, theyll also have your IP address. But thats it most VPNs dont monitor your online activity, and many include explicit no-logging policies that prevent them from collecting any information about what you do while using their services.
A VPN protects your data along its trip between your device and the VPN server. If youre connecting to websites that use HTTPS encryption, your data will be safe along its entire journey. But if youre connecting to unsecured websites, your data will be exposed after it leaves the VPN server.
While VPNs can prevent people from tracking you based on your IP address, they cant block other web tracking methods such as cookies and browser fingerprinting. And once you log in to a site, such as a social network, that site can still track what you click on, share, and like even if youre using a VPN because youre logged in.
Security and privacy extensions for Chrome and, especially, truly secure and private browsers can block cookies and protect you against browser-based web and ad tracking, while a VPN insulates your data and hides your IP address.
VPNs that offer give you another layer of protection. By grouping multiple users under a single IP address, these VPNs make it very difficult for anyone to pinpoint the actions of any specific user.