Featured Partner Offers
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
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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. Here are 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.
Featured Partner Offers
On NordVPN’s Secure Website
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
On Surfshark’s Secure Website
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
On Private Internet Access’s Secure Website
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
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
$US131.76 ($192 AUD) for the first two years, or $US14.99 ($22 AUD) monthly
Undisclosed number in 60 countries
$US131.76 ($192 AUD) for the first two years, or $US14.99 ($22 AUD) monthly
Undisclosed number in 60 countries
NordVPN earns the top spot on our list of best Android VPNs in Australia due to its comprehensive security features and user-friendly experience. With Threat Protection to stop malware and web trackers, Meshnet for private encrypted networking, and Dark Web Monitor for account compromise alerts, NordVPN ensures a secure online presence.
Additionally, dedicated IP options, global coverage and support for multiple devices make it suitable for various user needs. NordVPN’s commitment to privacy with its no user tracking policy, coupled with its easy-to-use apps and 24/7 support, provides seamless digital protection for everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.
Android users who want an easy-to-use VPN will appreciate NordVPN’s simplicity.
$US39.99 ($58 AUD) per year or $US120 ($174 AUD) for three years
5,000; 47 countries
$US39.99 ($58 AUD) per year or $US120 ($174 AUD) for three years
5,000; 47 countries
TunnelBear offers a reliable and user-friendly VPN experience, with features that cater to various privacy needs. Its VigilantBear function blocks unsecured traffic when the connection is disrupted, while SplitBear allows control over which apps and websites are tunnelled. With a no-logging policy and support for WireGuard protocol, TunnelBear ensures top-notch performance and security.
Its global network of over 5,000 servers, unlimited device connections and strong AES 256-bit encryption makes it a solid choice for users seeking privacy. However, it’s worth noting that TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance, potentially affecting its privacy guarantees.
With one subscription cost, you can connect an unlimited number of devices to TunnelBear.
$US59.99 ($87 AUD) per year or $US9.99 ($15 AUD) month to month
More than 3,000 in 50 countries
$US59.99 ($87 AUD) per year or $US9.99 ($15 AUD) month to month
More than 3,000 in 50 countries
TorGuard VPN is our best pick for speed. None of the plans throttle your speed and there are servers in over 50 countries. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other options, but it’s worth it for its fast speeds. However, it’s in an FVEY country.
You can use TorGuard on up to eight devices simultaneously (depending on your plan) and it offers 24/7 customer support. It’s a great choice for those who torrent or need to bypass geo-blocks often.
TorGuard VPN is best for users who need a fast VPN for gaming, streaming or downloading large files.
$US119.76 ($174 AUD) for 24 months, or $US9.99 ($15 AUD) month to month
Depends on plan; 100-plus across three countries (Free plan), 1,900-plus across 65-plus countries (Plus plan)
$US119.76 ($174 AUD) for 24 months, or $US9.99 ($15 AUD) month to month
Depends on plan; 100-plus across three countries (Free plan), 1,900-plus across 65-plus countries (Plus plan)
ProtonVPN is a popular choice for Australian users seeking security, privacy and freedom. As an open-source, no-logs VPN based in Switzerland, it benefits from the country’s strong data protection laws. Offering advanced features such as double hop, ad-blocker and Tor over VPN, ProtonVPN provides an enhanced browsing experience. The VPN also supports high-speed streaming, P2P/BitTorrent downloads and unlimited bandwidth on up to 10 devices simultaneously.
ProtonVPN accepts various payment methods, including bitcoin, for users who want to maintain even greater anonymity. With its transparent approach and dedication to privacy, ProtonVPN is an excellent option for users who prioritise security and data protection.
Users who want to pay for their VPN using bitcoin will appreciate greater anonymity with ProtonVPN.
$11.95 per month or $39.95 with annual billing
Undisclosed
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a high number of servers, excellent security features and 24/7 customer support. It takes our number one pick for VPN customisation because of its open-source software, where users can tweak settings to their hearts’ content.
While it doesn’t share the number of servers it has, you can find them in 84 countries. For even more anonymity, pay for your subscription using a third-party gift card or using cryptocurrency. It’s important to note, though, PIA is located in a Five Eyes (FVEY) country.
Private Internet Access is best for users who want a high degree of customisation and the ability to accept payments anonymously via third-party gift cards and cryptocurrency.
$US94.95 ($138 AUD) for 39 months, or $US9.95 ($14 AUD) month to month
2,100-plus in 78 locations
$US94.95 ($138 AUD) for 39 months, or $US9.95 ($14 AUD) month to month
2,100-plus in 78 locations
Based in Malaysia, hide.me VPN provides digital privacy, advanced security and censorship bypass. Not subject to privacy agreements, it ensures your IP remains hidden and your data encrypted. Boasting fast speeds with Bolt technology and WireGuard support, it offers full IPv6 support to prevent leaks.
With a strict no-log policy and advanced privacy features, hide.me connects up to 10 devices simultaneously across various platforms. Its network has over 2,100 servers in 78-plus locations, and it offers three plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Users looking for IPv6 support will appreciate hide.me.
$87.96 AUD for 25 months, or $19.06 AUD monthly
More than 3,200 in 100 countries
Surfshark is one of the best cheap VPNs when paying for years at a time, but it’s also one of the best VPNs for Android. It’s widely regarded as a very user-friendly VPN that helps you stay safe while using public Wi-Fi and online shopping. Plans start at $87.96 AUD for two years, then renew at the same rate, but annually (essentially doubling the cost). This includes the ability to connect to unlimited devices and change your IP address.
Due to its simple interface and easy setup, Surfshark is the best Android VPN for users who are not the most tech-savvy.
$US9.99 ($15 AUD) per month or $US59.99 ($87 AUD) with annual billing
More than 3,000 in over 80 locations
$US9.99 ($15 AUD) per month or $US59.99 ($87 AUD) with annual billing
More than 3,000 in over 80 locations
VPN Unlimited is a well-rounded VPN that offers a wide range of security features to safeguard your devices and privacy while online. It boasts a no-log policy, dedicated IPs and personal servers. It allows torrenting and is one of the few Android VPNs that unblocks streaming networks, such as Netflix, while visiting restricted countries. Plans cost $US59.99 ($87 AUD) per year or $US9.99 ($15 AUD) per month, and include a 30-day money-back guarantee for an additional layer of peace of mind.
VPN Unlimited is best for Android users who need high-quality protection while in-country and abroad.
$18.79 AUD per month or $62.70 AUD every six months
More than 7,900
CyberGhost is our best pick for ease of use. Support is available in four languages and features a one-click connect button. The app is available for both desktop and mobile devices and can be set to automatically connect to the best server.
Servers are located in 91 countries and all come with unlimited bandwidth. You can use up to seven devices simultaneously with one subscription. Based in Romania, it’s not subject to FVEY rules, so your data is safe from privacy laws.
CyberGhost is best for users who want a simple and easy-to-use VPN app.
An Android VPN is a virtual private network you can use on your Android phone or tablet. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel protects your data from being intercepted by anyone else on the network, including your ISP.
Related: What Is A VPN Tunnel?
A VPN also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can access content that’s normally blocked in your area.
VPNs are also useful for protecting your privacy. When you’re connected to a VPN, your traffic is routed through the VPN server, rather than directly to the internet. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities.
Picking the best Android VPN can be a daunting task, given the myriad of 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
On NordVPN’s Secure Website
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
On Surfshark’s Secure Website
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
On Private Internet Access’s Secure Website
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
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 to consider.
The best free VPNs for Android include NordVPN, TunnelBear and ProtonVPN. Each offers privacy protection and attractive pricing.
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:
Kathy Haan, MBA is a former financial advisor-turned-writer and business coach. For over a decade, she’s helped small business owners make money online. When she’s not trying out the latest tech or travel blogging with her family, you can find her curling up with a good novel.
Cassie is a deputy editor, collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. She is passionate about economic development and is on the board of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a Content Operations Manager and Copywriting Manager at Fit Small Business.