5 Best Mobile VPNs in 2024

Mobile phone users are justifiably concerned about their digital privacy, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Moreover, there are a lot of websites and streaming platforms with limited access due to geo-restrictions. VPNs can address these issues, but finding a good mobile VPN can be challenging as VPN mobile apps are limited in features compared to their desktop versions.

Luckily, there is a solution to all these problems: using a reputable and trustworthy mobile VPN. With a VPN app optimized for mobile devices, you’ll be able to encrypt your data on your phone and hide your activities from prying eyes. This will also allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions—all while maintaining your privacy.

In this article, we’ll share the 5 best phone VPNs and show you how to use one on your phone. We’ll also explain why you need a smartphone VPN, how to choose the best VPN for phones, help you compare the best options, answer some FAQs, and more.  

Best Mobile VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Phone in 2024
2. Surfshark – User-Friendly Mobile VPN with Unlimited Connections
3. ExpressVPN – High-End VPN for Cell Phone for Privacy Protection
4. CyberGhost VPN – Capable VPN for Mobile Devices with Lots of Servers
5. Private Internet Access – Highly Customizable VPN for Advanced Users

How to Get a VPN on Your Phone

To get a VPN on your phone, you must first find a reliable provider that offers a native, optimized VPN mobile app. Then, get a subscription and connect to a VPN server. Do the following:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works on mobile devices (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the VPN app using your device's app store.
3. Launch the VPN app and sign in to your account to get started.
4. Connect to a VPN server of your choosing.
5. You’re done! Now, you can use a VPN on a phone to surf the Web safely.

Getting a VPN on your smartphone should be easy and quick. However, if you'd like more detailed information, here's how to set up a VPN on Android, and how to set up a VPN on iOS.

The Best VPNs for Mobile in 2024

To find the top mobile VPN, you need to follow the criteria from our guide to finding the best VPN for multiple devices. According to that, first, you should focus on finding a VPN that supports most mobile devices and offers a native mobile app. Your provider should also support other devices, like computers and routers. 

Next, find a VPN that has a vast global server network and offers a few simultaneous connections. In addition, the VPN you choose must come with robust security and privacy, including a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, and strong encryption. Moreover, it should offer other useful VPN features like a kill switch, split tunneling, an ad-blocker, and more.

Furthermore, look for a provider that has strong content-unblocking capabilities and can help you access a wide range of geo-restricted websites and streaming platforms. Fast speeds and reliable performance are also a must, as well as a good price, plenty of value, money-back guarantees, and 24/7 customer support. 

Based on the criteria mentioned above, these are the 5 best phone VPNs in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Phone in 2024

NordVPN is the best mobile VPN in 2024, offering strong coverage for mobile devices and providing easy-to-use mobile apps for both iOS and Android. In addition to using this VPN for phone support, you can also get it on other devices like computers and routers. It allows up to 6 simultaneous connections on one subscription. 

Those who use NordVPN on mobile also get excellent privacy and security, as it comes with features like secure VPN protocols, an independently audited no-logs policy, and AES 256-bit encryption. You’ll also get a kill switch, split tunneling, an ad-blocker, a Double VPN feature, obfuscation, data leak protection, anti-malware, and more.

Furthermore, NordVPN comes with a large global server network of more than 6,000 servers in 60+ countries. It has top-notch unblocking capabilities, so it will give you access to various geo-restricted websites and streaming platforms. 

While using NordVPN, you’ll get ultra-fast connection speeds. This is one of the rare VPNs to offer equally fast connections to nearby and remote servers, putting it ahead of its competition. As such, it supports downloading large files and streaming in up to 4K without any issues.

This VPN costs $3.39/month for its 2-year plan. Moreover, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans. Users get excellent 24/7 customer support, no matter which plan they buy. It is available via the provider’s live chat feature on its official website.

Lastly, here's how to set up NordVPN on Android, which will help you get started in no time. Of course, you can also check out how to set up NordVPN on iOS if you're an iPhone user.

2. Surfshark – User-Friendly Mobile VPN with Unlimited Connections

Surfshark is an easy-to-use VPN for a cell phone that offers seamless mobile VPN support and beginner-friendly iOS and Android apps. Additionally, it supports a wide range of other devices like computers, gaming systems, routers, and more. And on top of that, you can have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections running. 

Moreover, Surfshark has an extensive global server network that stretches across 100 countries with 3,200+ servers. It has content-unblocking capabilities and can give you access to a vast array of websites and streaming platforms that are otherwise geo-restricted.

Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs money can buy, offering super-high connection speeds and reliable performance. With top-tier security and privacy, you'll get a no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and secure VPN protocols. A few other notable features include Multi-Hop, a kill switch, split tunneling, an ad-blocker, Camouflage Mode, and more. 

To get started with this VPN, you'll need to pay $2.29/month (2-year plan). You can try out the provider risk-free via its 30-day money-back guarantee and see if it’s the right solution for you. Lastly, if you ever have a problem or a question, their 24/7 customer support will be there to help you out.

3. ExpressVPN – High-End VPN for Cell Phone for Privacy Protection

ExpressVPN is a high-end phone VPN that offers excellent phone support and has native mobile apps that work seamlessly on iOS and Android. It also supports a wide range of other devices and platforms, and it allows you to have up to 8 simultaneous connections with one subscription. 

By using this VPN on phones, you’ll get a wide range of privacy and security features that will keep all your devices safe. Some of them include an independently audited no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols (Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, to name a few), and military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. 

ExpressVPN comes with many other useful features, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, a data leak protection, obfuscation, and more. Using ExpressVPN on mobile will give you access to a wide global server network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. This means you’ll get excellent content-unblocking capabilities. In addition, you’ll get blazing-fast speeds and reliable performance. 

ExpressVPN is priced at $6.67 (annual plan) and also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, allowing you to try out its services risk-free. You’ll also get reliable 24/7 customer support, which you can access via live chat.

Finally, we'll steer you towards our guide on how to set up ExpressVPN on Android, which applies to phones and tablets. We also have a guide on how to set up ExpressVPN on an iPhone/iPad.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Capable VPN for Mobile Devices with Lots of Servers

CyberGhost is another VPN for mobile devices that works well on phones. It offers native apps for iOS and Android that are optimized for a great user experience. There is also support for a wide range of other devices like computers, smart TVs, routers, and more. You’re allowed to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. 

With CyberGhost, you’ll get access to a large global server network of over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries. This, along with its superior content-unblocking capabilities, will allow you to access any region-locked streamers or websites. In addition, you’ll get medium-fast connection speeds and stable performance, no matter which server you use.

Using CyberGhost as your mobile phone VPN will give you all the security and privacy features you need, including a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, and AES encryption. It also comes with many other useful features, such as split tunneling, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, Smart DNS, NoSpy servers (which cost extra), data leak protection, and more. 

Getting started with this VPN will cost you $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. On top of that, if you get one of CyberGhost’s longer-term plans, you’ll be eligible for a 45-day money-back guarantee. Moreover, all users get reliable, 24/7 customer support. 

5. Private Internet Access – Highly Customizable VPN for Advanced Users

Private Internet Access (PIA) comes with excellent mobile support and simple apps that you can download on both iOS and Android. It also supports a plethora of other devices like routers and computers. Best of all, it allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections with one subscription. 

With PIA, you’ll get access to one of the largest network infrastructures on the market, as the provider boasts thousands of servers in 90+ countries. It also has top-notch content-unblocking capabilities, allowing you to access numerous websites, streaming platforms, and apps. 

PIA also offers great security and privacy, providing military-grade encryption, secure VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy for all users. In addition, you’ll be able to customize your settings and use features like a kill switch mechanism, split tunneling, Multi-Hop, data leak protection, an ad-blocker, and more. 

However, this VPN is the slowest option on our list, offering average Internet connection speeds and reliable performance. Regardless, you can still use it for streaming and browsing.

PIA is priced at $2.19/month (2-year plan), and like the other providers on our list, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Lastly, it offers excellent 24/7 customer support via the live chat feature on its official website.

Best Phone VPNs: Compared

Do I Need a VPN on My Phone?

Yes, you need a VPN on your phone so that you can surf the Web safely and keep your personal data hidden regardless of what network you’re connected to. Other reasons why you need a VPN for mobile include the following:

• Hide Your Browsing Activity – Your mobile carrier, ISP, the government, and hackers can see what you’re doing on your phone. A VPN will protect you from that by encrypting your Internet connection.
• Mask Your IP Address – With a mobile VPN, you can get a new IP and hide your real one from prying eyes.
• Prevent Tracking and Targeted Ads - No matter if you use iOS or Android, your mobile device's operating system tracks your app usage. The same applies to online trackers who follow you online for the purpose of servings personalized ads. A VPN helps you fight against online tracking.
• Enhanced Security Against Cyber Threats - Aside from stopping trackers, a VPN helps you encrypt your data, prevent you from visiting malicious websites, and stops malicious actors from intercepting your traffic.
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – Bandwidth throttling happens when your ISP slows down your Internet because you’re using too much data. A VPN will hide your activity from your provider, effectively allowing you to use your mobile data however you want.
• Avoid Local Censorship – Many countries block or censor certain websites and platforms. By using a VPN to connect to a foreign server, you’ll be able to bypass any local censorship.
• Access Global Content – With a VPN, you can connect to a server in any country you’d like to access international geo-restricted websites, apps, and streaming platforms.
• Watch Local Content While Traveling – If you want to watch all your favorite content from your country while you’re abroad, you can use a VPN to connect to a server back home.
• Use Public Wi-Fi Safely – Public Wi-Fi can present great risks to mobile users. A cell phone VPN can encrypt your connection and make unsecured networks safe to use. Of course, you can also use a mobile hotspot with a VPN from any device, not just public Wi-Fi.
• Improve Gaming Experience – VPNs can help you lower your ping and reduce lagging by connecting to a VPN server that’s close to your game’s server.
• Get Better Prices – With a VPN, you can get the best deals available by connecting to a server in a country that offers the lowest prices.
• Shop Safely Online – When you buy something online, you provide sensitive information that could be stolen. By encrypting your Internet connection with a VPN, you can avoid this issue and shop without worries.

How to Choose the Best Mobile VPN?

To choose the best mobile VPN, you need to find a provider that offers seamless cell phone support and easy-to-use mobile apps. Other features you need to look out for when choosing the best VPN for mobile devices include the following:

• Support for Mobile Devices – Your VPN must be compatible with mobile devices and offer native apps that work well on them.
• Support for Other Platforms – Find a VPN that also supports other devices, like computers, Smart TVs, gaming systems, routers, and more. This way you can use it to protect all your tech. 
• Simultaneous Connections – Make sure your provider allows multiple simultaneous connections so you can secure all your devices under the same plan.
• Server Network Size – Ensure that you get a VPN with thousands of servers that covers many different countries worldwide. This will give you access to content from as many locations as possible.
• No-Logs Policy – A no-logs policy will ensure that the VPN you choose doesn’t collect or share your data.
• VPN Protocols and Encryption – Make sure to get a VPN that offers robust AES 256-bit encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard so that you’re completely safe online.
• Advanced VPN Features – Some other helpful features you should look for include split tunneling, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, data leak protection, and more.
• Website Unblocking Capabilities – Make sure your VPN has the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and give you access to blocked content. To determine this, check how many countries it has servers in and whether or not it offers obfuscation. 
• Performance and Speed – Find a VPN that offers fast speeds and reliable performance so that you can enjoy a seamless mobile VPN experience. This way, you’ll enjoy smoother streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting. 
• Pricing - A high-end mobile VPN app shouldn't cost too much. You'll want plenty of value overall, and you'll want to pay special attention to long-term plans, which is where you'll find the biggest discounts.
• Money-Back Policy – With a generous money-back policy, you’ll be able to try out a provider risk-free before you commit to a long-term subscription.
• Customer Support – Find a VPN that offers 24/7 live chat and email support so you can get help whenever you need it. 

Can You Use a Free Mobile VPN?

Yes, you can use a free mobile VPN, but we wouldn’t recommend it. By getting a free VPN for phone support, you’ll be risking your personal information being sold, as most free VPNs collect and sell users’ data. Also, free VPNs are quite limited, and most of them don’t offer optimized mobile apps.

Many free phone VPN apps come with an overwhelming number of ads, and you often can’t even discern their features from one another. Also, they come with low data caps, bandwidth limitations, small server networks, and poor content-unblocking capabilities.

Thus, we suggest you use a premium VPN provider instead of wasting your time with a free one. That’s because only the top VPN providers can give you the features and services you need to protect your mobile devices and your data online. Even better, consider getting a free VPN trial.

By getting a VPN trial, you'll get high-end VPN features without any risk, giving you full access to plenty of servers, proper privacy protection, and advanced cyber-sec tools. We recommend NordVPN's free trial, which can be activated on Android and lasts for 7 days. This capable VPN offers a 30-day money-back policy as well, which applies to all its supported devices.

Final Thoughts

Hacking and tracking a cell phone is a pretty easy task. This is why many mobile users seek to encrypt their traffic and protect their devices. Moreover, streaming content on your phone can be limited, as many streaming platforms have geo-restrictions in place. However, both problems can be solved with a VPN, but finding a good mobile VPN service is easier said than done.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for a phone because it offers seamless support for mobile devices and comes with easy-to-use native mobile apps. It also employs top-tier security and privacy, delivers blazing-fast speeds, and demonstrates superb content-unblocking capabilities. 

That’s all for our guide on choosing a mobile VPN. If you have any more remarks or questions, feel free to share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!