5 Best free VPN for Android In 2025

A virtual private network (VPN) gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. Most importantly, VPN services establish secure and encrypted connections to provide greater privacy than even a secured Wi-Fi hotspot. It helps you protect your identity and browsing activity from hackers, businesses, government agencies, and other snoops. By using a VPN one can easily bypass region-specific restrictions virtually. Using a VPN, ensures that all your online activities are encrypted and can not be traced back to you.

While premium VPNs offer advanced features, free VPNs can be a great starting point for casual users who want basic security and anonymity. In this article, we explore the 5 best free VPNs for Android, highlighting their standout features and ideal use cases.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that encrypts your internet connection, ensuring your data is safe from hackers, ISPs, and other prying eyes. When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is routed through a secure server in another location, masking your IP address and making it appear as though you’re browsing from a different country.

• Enhanced Privacy: Keeps your online activities hidden from ISPs and advertisers.
• Unblocking Content: Access geo-restricted content, like streaming platforms.
• Public Wi-Fi Security: Safeguards your data on untrusted networks.

How Does a Free VPN Work?

Free VPNs work similarly to paid VPNs but with some limitations. When you connect to a free VPN server, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN server. This hides your IP address and encrypts your data, making it difficult for third parties to track your online activities. However, free VPNs often have data caps, meaning you can only use a certain amount of data each month. Additionally, they may offer fewer server locations and slower speeds compared to paid VPNs.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Free VPNs are ideal for those who want to protect their online privacy without spending money.
• Ease of Use: Many free VPNs offer user-friendly interfaces and simple setup processes.
• Basic Security: Free VPNs provide essential security features, such as encryption and IP masking, which can help protect your data.

Cons:

• Data Limits: Free VPNs often have data caps, limiting the amount of data you can use each month.
• Speed Restrictions: Free VPNs may offer slower connection speeds compared to paid services.
• Limited Server Options: Free VPNs typically have fewer servers and locations, which can affect performance and access to content.
• Privacy Concerns: Some free VPNs may log user data or display ads, compromising your privacy.

Why Use a VPN on Android?

VPNs protect your internet activity by encrypting your data and routing it through secure servers. They are particularly useful for:

• Privacy Protection: Prevents ISPs, hackers, and advertisers from tracking your online activities.
• Unblocking Content: Access region-restricted websites and streaming services.
• Securing Public Wi-Fi: Shields your data from potential threats on open networks.

If you are looking best free VPN for Android or you want to Switch from your premium VPN app to a free VPN app for Android. Here are some of the recommendations to check out.

ProtonVPN Free

ProtonVPN is one of the most trusted free VPN apps for Android users, operated by the Swiss company Proton AG. This service is supported by FONGIT (the Fondation Genevoise pour l’Innovation Technologique), a non-profit organization financed by the Swiss Federal Commission for Technology and Innovation.

ProtonVPN has an extensive server network with over 1,000 servers across 54 countries. All servers are owned and operated by ProtonVPN, ensuring optimal performance and privacy. It uses advanced security protocols like OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) and IKEv2, combined with AES-256 encryption, offering industry-standard protection.

The company enforces a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no user connection data is tracked or stored. ProtonVPN also includes features such as DNS and Web-RTC leak prevention to keep users’ true IP addresses hidden. A kill switch feature is available, automatically shutting off internet access if the VPN connection is lost.

Key Features:

• Unlimited data without ads or bandwidth throttling.
• AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) and IKEv2 protocols.
• No-logs policy ensures no user activity is tracked or stored.
• DNS and Web-RTC leak prevention for enhanced security.
• Servers in 3 countries (US, Japan, Netherlands) on the free plan.
• Includes Tor support and a kill switch feature.

ProtonVPN’s free plan is ideal for basic security needs, while its premium plans, starting at $4/month, unlock faster speeds and a broader server network.

Windscribe Free

Windscribe is another excellent free VPN option for Android users, developed by the Canada-based company Windscribe Limited. Known for its privacy-oriented approach, Windscribe offers a generous free plan with 10GB of monthly data and access to servers in 10 countries.

This VPN service uses robust encryption methods, including AES-256 with SHA-512 authentication, to ensure user data remains secure. The service also supports advanced features like split tunnelling, which allows users to route specific apps through the VPN while others access the internet directly.

Windscribe includes a built-in ad blocker and tracker blocker to enhance the browsing experience. The free plan provides sufficient speed for basic browsing and light streaming, with the ability to upgrade to a paid plan for unlimited data and additional server locations.

Key Features:

• 10GB of free data per month (additional 5GB with a tweet about the service).
• Servers in 10 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada.
• AES-256 encryption with SHA-512 authentication for robust security.
• Built-in ad and tracker blocker for a seamless browsing experience.
• Split tunneling feature lets you route specific apps through the VPN.

The free plan offers decent speeds and security, while premium options unlock unlimited data and more server locations.

PrivadoVPN Free

PrivadoVPN is another standout choice for Android users, offering a free plan with unlimited data and strong privacy features. Based in Switzerland, the VPN benefits from the country’s strict privacy laws, ensuring that user data is not logged or shared.

PrivadoVPN uses high-security protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, paired with AES-256 encryption, to provide top-notch security. The service also supports streaming, with servers optimized for accessing platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

The free plan includes access to servers in multiple locations and offers speeds sufficient for browsing and streaming. Its Android app features a kill switch for added protection, ensuring that your data is never exposed in case of a dropped connection.

Key Features:

• Unlimited data with no speed throttling.
• AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols for strong security.
• Servers in multiple locations optimized for streaming.
• No-logs policy, ensuring user activity remains private.
• Kill switch functionality to protect your data if the VPN disconnects.

The free plan provides essential security features, while upgrading unlocks more servers and simultaneous connections.

Hide.me Free

Hide.me is another reliable free VPN service for Android users, offer 10GB of monthly data and a no-ads experience. The Malaysia-based company is known for its focus on privacy and security, maintaining a strict no-logs policy.

This VPN service uses AES-256 encryption and supports a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, to ensure secure and fast connections. The free plan provides access to servers in multiple countries, enabling users to bypass geo-restrictions and browse privately. Hide.me’s Android app is simple to use, making it a great choice for casual users. Features include a kill switch and split tunneling, which adds flexibility by allowing users to decide which apps should use the VPN connection.

Key Features:

• 10GB of data per month for free.
• Servers in multiple countries for bypassing geo-restrictions.
• AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols.
• No-logs policy to protect user privacy.
• Features include split tunneling and a kill switch for added security.

Hide.me’s free plan is designed for everyday browsing, while its premium options cater to users with higher data and server needs.

TunnelBear Free

TunnelBear is a popular free VPN for Android, known for its approachable and playful design. The Canada-based company provides a straightforward service with 500MB of free data per month, suitable for light browsing or occasional use.

TunnelBear’s Android app is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. It uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption to secure your connection and follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your data remains private.

Key Features:

• 500MB of data per month (expandable by tweeting about the service).
• Servers in multiple countries for unblocking restricted content.
• AES-256 encryption with a strict no-logs policy.
• Easy-to-use Android app with a playful design.
• Provides the same security features as the premium plan.

TunnelBear’s free version is perfect for occasional use, while upgrading unlocks unlimited data and access to a broader server network.

If you do not want to compromise your privacy by taking a free VPN for Android then you may try some of the best paid Fast and Secure VPN for Android.

NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most trusted premium VPNs, offering top-tier security, blazing-fast speeds, and a vast network of servers. Headquartered in Panama, it benefits from privacy-friendly jurisdiction, ensuring that your data remains confidential. NordVPN is ideal for Android users who want a secure, feature-rich VPN for both personal and professional use.

Key Features:

• Global Server Network: Over 5,600 servers in 60 countries for seamless access to geo-restricted content.
• Military-Grade Encryption: AES-256 encryption with support for OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), and IKEv2/IPSec protocols.
• Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two servers for extra security.
• CyberSec Suite: Blocks ads, malware, and phishing sites.
• No-Logs Policy: Strictly no tracking or logging of user data.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling: Protects your data in case of connection drops and allows selective app traffic routing.

NordVPN is perfect for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. Plans start at $2.99/month (billed annually), offering excellent value for the level of protection and speed provided.

Best VPN deal: Nord VPN 74% off + 3 months extra $2.99/month

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another premium choice, offering unparalleled speed, privacy, and ease of use. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it is a pioneer in the VPN industry with a reputation for maintaining user anonymity and providing top-notch performance.

Key Features:

• Extensive Server Network: 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, offering consistent speeds and access to restricted content worldwide.
• Next-Generation Encryption: AES-256 encryption with protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2 for secure connections.
• No-Logs Policy: Independently audited to ensure user privacy.
• MediaStreamer: Enables streaming on devices that don’t support native VPN apps, like smart TVs and gaming consoles.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling: Maintains privacy during interruptions and allows app-specific VPN usage.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Round-the-clock assistance via live chat.

ExpressVPN’s intuitive Android app ensures an effortless user experience. Plans start at $8.32/month (billed annually), making it a premium yet worthwhile investment for Android users seeking uncompromised privacy and speed.