Best Mobile VPN Of 2024

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A mobile virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel for data transfers to and from your mobile device to protect your online activity. It also grants you access to content you typically miss because of your location. We’ve selected these best mobile VPNs based on key security features, pricing, support, user ratings and more to help you discover the best for you.

Discover the best mobile VPN options available today. We selected these VPNs based on key security features, pricing, support, user ratings and more.

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The Best Mobile VPNs of 2024

Best for Ease of Use

NordVPN

NordVPN
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Price (annual)

Around INR 414.77 ($4.99) per month

Server Locations

59

Devices (max)

Six

NordVPN
Buy Now

On NordVPN’s Website

Price (annual)

Around INR 414.77 ($4.99) per month

Server Locations

59

Devices (max)

Six

Why We Picked It

Even if you know very little about VPNs, you’ve likely heard of NordVPN. Being recognizable isn’t the only thing going for it. NordVPN offers affordable tiers of service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it’s one of the most intuitive VPNs you can get for your mobile phone.

There are three plans from which you can choose: Standard (Around INR 414.77 per month, paid annually), Plus (Around INR 481.27 per month, paid annually) or Complete (Around INR 581.02 per month, paid annually). You can opt for a month-to-month plan, but you’ll pay around INR 1079.74 per month to INR 1,245.98 per month. Alternatively, you can choose a two-year plan for more savings—around INR 315.03 per month to INR 481.27 per month, paid annually.

All plans offer high-speed VPNs, malware protection and an ad blocker, all for up to six devices. The Plus plan gives you access to a password manager that syncs your passwords across all your devices―from your PC to your mobile phone. You’ll also get a data breach scanner so that you can find out if any of your personal info or passwords were compromised.

The Complete plan gives you everything in the Standard and Plus plans and you’ll get 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage for any of your files. This could be a huge benefit if you want to stop paying for Apple, Google Drive or Dropbox storage, for example.

NordVPN’s setup is easy: download and install the app on your mobile device, log into your account after you subscribe and then click on the country you want to use for your connection. It’s quick and easy to protect your online activity. If you want more protection, you can choose to add on a dedicated IP for around INR 5,745 per year.

You have plenty of server options with NordVPN, too. The company has more than 5,500 servers in 59 different countries. A business VPN is available, as well. It’s around INR 574 to INR 738 per user, per month, which is pricier than some other top business mobile VPN services.

Then there’s the elephant in the room that should be addressed: NordVPN suffered a breach in 2018. The good news is that the company claims no personal data was exposed―thanks to the no-log policy―and it performed an internal audit when it learned of the attack. NordVPN also upped its security on all servers to prevent remote access in the future.

Who should use it:

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs around, and it’s one of the best mobile VPNs for beginners who aren’t familiar with how a VPN works. It’s easy to get started with a few clicks on your phone to protect your internet activity—and you don’t have to be very tech-savvy.

Read more: NordVPN Review

Pros & Cons
  • Discounts for long-term contracts
  • Easy to use
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Password manager for high-tier plans
  • 1 TB encrypted storage on top-tier plan
  • Business plans available
  • Dedicated IP add-on available
  • Credibility lower because of 2018 breach
  • Expensive annual plans
  • Dedicated IP is pricier than most VPNs

BEST MOBILE VPN FOR SPEED

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Price (annual)

Approximately INR 497.89 ($5.99) per month

Server locations

67

Devices (max)

10

ProtonVPN
Buy Now

On ProtonVPN's secure website

Price (annual)

Approximately INR 497.89 ($5.99) per month

Server locations

67

Devices (max)

10

Why We Picked It

ProtonVPN works on Android 6.0 and above and iPhones or iPads using iOS 14.0 or newer versions. This VPN has multiple security measures such as Stealth for bypassing firewalls, Secure Core for secure internet routing and NetShield for blocking ads. ProtonVPN protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard, are fast and lightweight to enhance internet performance. The OpenVPN protocol generates new keys for each session. These security agents protect your identity even when enabling access to your favorite content.

Proton is both easy to set up and use. It offers monthly, yearly and two-year plans, with the two-year plan offering users a 50% discount. You’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all ProtonVPN plans. Proton boasts of a free plan, which does not display annoying ads and offers unlimited data bandwidth and a VPN accelerator that enhances your speed by 400%.

While testing this mobile VPN, we loved its consistent speeds and found that you’ll get more speed when you connect to servers nearby. ProtonVPN operates a strict no-logs policy, and its open-source technology makes it reliable. It has also undergone public auditing. And since it’s Switzerland-based, it’s not part of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes or Fourteen Eyes.

However, ProtonVPN has a few limitations. It lacks a dedicated IP address and needs to be more powerful to bypass internet restrictions in censor-heavy countries. The VPN also lacks a live chat function that allows users to troubleshoot issues immediately. Then, its free plan won’t get you the best speed or advanced security features, limiting device connection to one and offering servers from only three countries.

Read more: ProtonVPN Review

Who should use it:

Proton is suitable for those looking to protect their data over the internet and access restricted content over an extended time.

Pros & Cons
  • The free version is ad-free
  • Unlimited bandwidth on all plans
  • Discounts available for new users
  • Strict no-log policy
  • Consistent speed levels
  • No dedicated IP add-on
  • No 24/7 support
  • Free plan is extremely limited

Best for the Most Server Locations

Surfshark

Surfshark
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Price (annual)

INR 331.28 per month

Server Locations

95

Devices (max)

Unlimited

Surfshark
Buy Now

On SurfShark’s Website

Price (annual)

INR 331.28 per month

Server Locations

95

Devices (max)

Unlimited

Why We Picked It

Surfshark is one of the few best mobile VPN services that offers unlimited devices for all its plans. More importantly for some users is the number of countries in which it hosts servers—Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 95 countries.

What sweetens the deal from Surfshark is its introductory price. You can get the first two years for INR 2.06.74 per month, which shakes out to around INR 4,961 for 24 months. For month-to-month mobile VPN service, you’ll pay INR 1,075.20 per month.

Regardless of which contract length you chose, all plans come with a standard VPN and an ad blocker. Surfshark includes antivirus with malware protection and virus removal with its annual plans. However, it’s missing a dedicated IP add-on. Plus, if you consider the cost for a year of its service after the introductory deal, Surfshark doesn’t offer the savings or value some of its competitors do.

Who should use it:

Surfshark offers a few good reasons to anyone looking for a VPN, but the biggest selling point is that it runs servers in 95 countries, which gives you lots of choices.

Read more: Surfshark Review

Pros & Cons
  • Very affordable introductory price
  • Unlimited devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Servers in 95 countries
  • No offer of dedicated IP service
  • Antivirus only on two-year plan

Best for Security Tool Bundles

TorGuard VPN

TorGuard VPN
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Price (annual)

Starts from INR 830.38 ($9.99) per month

Server Locations

50

Devices (max)

30

TorGuard VPN

Price (annual)

Starts from INR 830.38 ($9.99) per month

Server Locations

50

Devices (max)

30

Why We Picked It

TorGuard is a great pick as a VPN for your mobile devices. It offers the same anonymity and encryption as its competitors, but it’s a bit pricier. Perhaps the best reason to consider TorGuard is if you want a bundle of privacy tools—you can get a dedicated IP, shadow VPN router and malware protection for one price.

You have a handful of options when it comes to TorGuard VPNs and pricing. All of them include unlimited speeds and bandwidth and they all work for most operating systems. TorGuard offers a low-cost, Pro and Premium plan with some significant differences. The standard plan costs around INR 830.38 ($9.99) per month (billed annually) and you can use it on up to eight devices. The Pro plan includes a “free” dedicated IP and allows you to use the VPN on up to 12 devices—which costs around INR 1079.74 ($12.99) per month (billed annually). The Premium plan gives you all of what’s in the Pro plan, plus a shadow VPN router and supports up to 30 devices. There’s also a business tier, which starts at around INR 2742.16 ($32.99) per month for five users and one dedicated IP included.

If you’d prefer a dedicated IP as an add-on, you’ll pay around INR 655 to INR 1,147 per month. It’s much more affordable to opt for a plan that includes the dedicated IP than to choose it as an add-on.

TorGuard experienced a breach in 2017—but the company claims the hackers got nothing of use. Although no user data was exposed, private encryption keys used by TorGuard were allegedly stolen, but TorGuard denies this saying the keys were expired or invalid. To be safe, however, TorGuard reissued all security certificates after the breach.

Who should use it:

TorGuard is a good choice for anyone who’s looking for a suite of security tools. You’ll save money by choosing a bundle but choose carefully—there’s only a seven-day money-back guarantee, so you might get locked into a long-term deal.

Pros & Cons
  • Offers 24/7 support
  • Affordable security bundles
  • Dedicated IP as an add-on
  • Good user reviews
  • Business VPN plans available
  • Expensive plans
  • Only seven-day money-back guarantee
  • Experienced a breach in 2017
  • Servers in only 50 countries

BEST FOR THE MOST SERVERS

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA)
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Price (Yearly)

INR 250.83 per month

Server Locations

80

Devices (max)

Unlimited

Private Internet Access (PIA)
Buy Now

On Privateinternetaccess.com’s Website

Price (Yearly)

INR 250.83 per month

Server Locations

80

Devices (max)

Unlimited

Why We Picked It

Private Internet Access (PIA) is overall the best mobile VPN for numerous reasons. It’s an affordable option with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can connect up to 10 devices on a single subscription. None of its features are locked behind a higher tier of service—simply choose the type of contract you want: month-to-month, six months or two years in advance. You’ll get a deeper discount for the longer-term contracts.

You get your choice of 84 server locations in as many countries on one of the 35,000 servers PIA runs. There’s one add-on option of a dedicated internet protocol (IP) for around INR 409.61 per month extra. It’s also worth noting that Private Internet Access has thousands of user reviews in app stores and review sites that average 4.4 out of 5.

If you’ve done any research on the best mobile VPNs, you may have seen some reviews pointing out that PIA doesn’t have a no-logging policy, but that isn’t strictly true. Private Internet Access has a no-usage logs policy, meaning that the company doesn’t collect or store your online activity or personally identifying information. It does have to store payment info and email addresses, but it secures this data—and it can never be connected to any of your activity with its VPN service.

Private Internet Access isn’t the cheapest mobile VPN. However, it offers an excellent balance of all features at an affordable cost, making it the most valuable option compared to other mobile VPNs.

Who should use it:

Private Internet Access can work well for an individual or a business. Its cost isn’t prohibitive and you get lots of choices when it comes to VPN server location.

Read more: Private Internet Access Review

Pros & Cons
  • Affordable subscriptions
  • Unlimited devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Good user reviews
  • All features available
  • Dedicated IP add-on option
  • Somewhat controversial no-usage logs policy
  • Pricing increases significantly upon renewal

Best for Small Businesses

VPN Unlimited

VPN Unlimited
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Price (annual)

Starts from INR 415.61 ($5) per month

Server Locations

80

Devices (max)

Five

VPN Unlimited

Price (annual)

Starts from INR 415.61 ($5) per month

Server Locations

80

Devices (max)

Five

Why We Picked It

Any VPN service could work for a small business, but VPN Unlimited offers a specific plan for teams in addition to its individual plans. A unique feature offered by VPN Unlimited is its lifetime VPN. You can opt to pay a single payment for a VPN for life—no additional fees for the VPN. Despite the name of the company though, you are limited to five devices on the standard plan.

VPN Unlimited gives you three plan options and three contract length options for business teams. Month-to-month costs around INR 1,639 per month for five users and up to 25 devices, an annual subscription runs around INR 683 per month, and a lifetime VPN costs around INR 41,008 for a one-time payment. There are also plans for 10 users (with 50 devices) and 20 users (with 100 devices).

Individual plans cost around INR 4,919.64 for an annual plan or around INR 819 monthly. You can also choose three years for around INR 8,201 or the lifetime option for around INR 16,404. All you get with these plans are the VPN and a 30-day money-back guarantee. To increase the value, you can opt for the MonoDefense add-on. It costs around INR 136 per month and includes a password manager, Domain Name System (DNS) firewall and data syncing across all your devices.

Although VPN Unlimited offers 80 server locations, it’s only in 56 countries. Also, reviews are decent for the service, but they’re limited compared to other VPN services. You can get a dedicated IP for around INR 1,024 per month, but that comes to around INR 12,308 annually, which is far more expensive than competitors.

Who should use it:

The best reason to use VPN Unlimited is if you have a small business with remote workers. You can opt for a team subscription, which gives users access to the VPN with multiple devices.

Pros & Cons
  • Small business plans available
  • Bundle option for more security tools
  • Multiple plans
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Lifetime VPN subscription available
  • Only five devices allowed per subscription
  • Servers in only 56 countries
  • Dedicated IP is pricey

SMOOTHEST APP INTERFACE

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN
3.9
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting price

INR 554.42 ($6.67) per month for your first year plus three free months under current promotion

Server locations

94

Devices (max)

Five

ExpressVPN
Buy Now

On ExpressVPN's secure website

Starting price

INR 554.42 ($6.67) per month for your first year plus three free months under current promotion

Server locations

94

Devices (max)

Five

Why We Picked It

Express VPN works on Android and iOS systems, and users confirm its interface to be intuitive and easy to navigate. Also, the VPN’s support is around the clock, and the team responds to you quickly. When you open the mobile VPN app, a tap on the ON/OFF switch connects you to the best available server. Still, you can choose from more than 3,000 servers to connect to up to five devices simultaneously. You’ll need to configure ExpressVPN on your router to connect to more devices.

This VPN combines security features, including automatic leak proofing, auto disconnect from untrusted Wi-Fi, internet kill switch, split tunneling and the threat manager to protect your data when using the internet. You can also choose from its protocol encryption collection (UDP, TCP and IKEv2) to enjoy utmost speed and performance while staying protected.

ExpressVPN gives you access to geoblocked websites and streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and Peacock. And since the bandwidth you’ll get even on lower plans is unlimited, you’ll enjoy a smooth streaming experience free from throttling.

ExpressVPN is also offering three additional months free under its current promotion. Also, the VPN service provider is located outside the Five Eyes areas, so it can’t share your data. Plus, the VPN observes an already audited 100% privacy policy, leaving nothing to share.

Learn more: Read our ExpressVPN review.

Who should use it:

ExpressVPN is for those who want to protect their personal data while exploring the internet or want to stream content restricted to their location. However, it is not designed for businesses looking for business VPN tiers or a dedicated IP address.

Pros & Cons
  • Private DNS protection measures
  • Lightway protocol enhances speed
  • 24/7 live support
  • Free seven-day trial for iOS devices
  • Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
  • No dedicated IP option
  • Limited customizations
  • Quite limiting for businesses
  • Somewhat pricey

MOST GENEROUS FREE PLAN

Windscribe VPN

Windscribe VPN
3.9
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting price (annual)

INR 477.95 ($5.75) per month

Server locations

112

Devices (max)

Unlimited

Windscribe VPN

Starting price (annual)

INR 477.95 ($5.75) per month

Server locations

112

Devices (max)

Unlimited

Why We Picked It

With 10 million-plus downloads of its Android app, Windscribe VPN is sure one of the most loved VPNs. The popular VPN offers free and paid plans to help you safely connect to the internet. It secures your mobile device from malware and phishing websites and blocks ads and explicit content that disturb smooth internet use.

Windscribe VPN also grants users access to geo-restricted content. And its static IP address and dedicated kill switch ensure your online impressions stay secret while bypassing intense restrictions. This VPN works on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets.

You can get the Windscribe VPN app for your Android 5.1 and above and iOS 10.0 or later devices and install Chrome , Firefox or Opera browser extensions to enjoy optimum privacy and security. The VPN also allows you to connect to as many mobile devices you want.

Who should use it:

Windscribe VPN is suitable for anyone looking for advanced security features and won’t mind missing only a few, with a generous free plan.

Read more: Windscribe VPN Review

Pros & Cons
  • Unlimited device connections, even on its free version
  • Static IP address add-on available
  • Free version available
  • Up to 10 GB of data on its free version
  • Based in Canada (Five Eyes nation)
  • No dedicated IP address add-on
  • No live customer support
  • Logs data usage

BEST FOR LONG TRIAL PERIOD

CyberGhost

CyberGhost
3.8
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Price (annual)

Billed INR 175 per month for first two years and yearly thereafter

Server Locations

91

Devices (max)

Seven

CyberGhost
Buy Now

On CyberGhost's secure website

Price (annual)

Billed INR 175 per month for first two years and yearly thereafter

Server Locations

91

Devices (max)

Seven

Why We Picked It

CyberGhost is one of the best mobile VPNs because it offers the greatest number of server locations and it’s viable on most operating systems, browsers and TV apps. There’s only one plan available, but you can choose the term length: month-to-month, one year, two years or three years. The cost for an annual subscription to CyberGhost is approximately INR 4,550 (after getting the same deal for the first two years and two months). There’s a 45-day money-back guarantee—one of the longest we’ve seen from a mobile VPN.

Regardless of which term length you choose, you’ll get access to CyberGhost’s thousands of servers (more than 7,800) from 91 different countries—more than most of the VPN services on this list. You’ll also get alerts on email and password leaks and 24/7 support. Plus, you can use a VPN on up to seven devices with one subscription. CyberGhost, as with all the best mobile VPNs, has a no-log policy, so your data isn’t stored anywhere.

CyberGhost also offers a dedicated IP as an add-on. It costs INR 1079.74 ($12.99) per month, but you can pay as low as INR 182.03 ($2.19) per month, if you choose the two-year plan.

Who should use it:

CyberGhost is a good VPN service for anyone who wants to connect to a variety of servers in multiple countries and get up to 45 days to try the service risk-free.

Learn more: CyberGhost VPN review.

Pros & Cons
  • No tiered services
  • Discounts for long-term contracts
  • 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term subscriptions
  • Over 7,800 servers
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Offers dedicated IP add-on
  • Expensive plans
  • Dedicated IP address costs extra

Forbes Advisor Ratings


Policy Name Forbes Advisor India Rating STARTING PRICE (ANNUAL) SERVER LOCATIONS DEVICES (MAX) LEARN MORE
NordVPN 4.5 Around INR 414.77 ($4.99) per month 60 Six Learn More On NordVPN’s Website
ProtonVPN 4.4 Approximately INR 497.89 ($5.99) per month 67 10 View More On NordVPN’s Website
Surfshark 4.3 INR 331.28 per month 100 Unlimited Learn More On SurfShark’s Website
TorGuard VPN 4.3 Starts from INR 830.38 ($9.99) per month 50 30 Learn More On TorGuard’s Website
Private Internet Access 4.2 INR 250.83 per month 84 Unlimited Learn More On Privateinternetaccess.com’s Website
VPN Unlimited 4.0 INR 554.42 ($6.67) per month for your first year plus three free months under current promotion 80 Five View More
ExpressVPN 3.9 INR 477.95 ($5.75) per month 94 5 View More
Windscribe VPN 3.9 Starts from INR 415.61 ($5) per month 112 Unlimited View More
CyberGhost 3.8 Billed INR 175 per month for first two years and yearly thereafter 91 Seven Learn More Via CyberGhost’s Website

What Is a Mobile VPN?

A mobile VPN is simply a network you join to mask your online identity when you’re using your mobile phone or tablet. You can use it to shield the sites you visit, your logins and passwords and change your IP address to protect you from anyone who might be fishing for information.

Essentially, a mobile VPN is no different than a desktop version and it can be used for the same purposes. A VPN can be used to protect you, yes, but it’s also used to unlock media from other countries that may be banned or blocked in yours. A bonus feature of some mobile VPNs is that they can stay active as you switch between using your data and unsecured public Wi-Fi. This feature ensures you’re protected even if your phone reconnects to Wi-Fi.

How To Choose the Best Mobile VPN

Choosing the best mobile VPN for you should come down to basics such as pricing, ease of use, device allowance and server location. You can also look at extras, add-ons and trial periods.

Essential VPN Features

All mobile VPN services offer basic features to keep your information safe while you’re online—whether you’re using your own data or public Wi-Fi. These are the ones to look out for:

  • Encryption: The encryption most mobile VPNs use is standard for the industry: AES-256. This type of encryption is safe from brute force attacks (it would take literal years to break it).
  • Split tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which apps should be encrypted and which should run on an unprotected network. This feature helps you save bandwidth (if you don’t have an unlimited plan) and experience less lag.
  • No-log policy: Most mobile VPN services have a no-log policy, which further protects you. This means a service won’t keep logs of its customers’ online activity, so if a government agency asks for the data, there’s nothing to give. With that said, most VPN services log temporary data, but that’s expected and shouldn’t give you pause.
  • Kill switch: An important feature for anyone using a mobile VPN is a kill switch, which will disconnect you from an open Wi-Fi connection if you lose your connection to your VPN.
  • IP randomizer: Most mobile VPNs should offer this privacy feature that automatically changes your IP after a certain amount of time. Although using a VPN gives you a different IP from your static one to hide your actual IP and location, randomizing it at intervals can further protect you from being tracked.
  • Proxy: Some mobile VPN services include a proxy option, which you can use to block or allow specific websites or anonymously access the internet. Comparing a proxy vs. VPN shows that a proxy isn’t as secure as a VPN, but it is helpful in some situations.

Server Number and Location

Although the number of servers a mobile VPN offers doesn’t speak to quality, it does give you more choice, which is valuable. The more server choice you have, the better the odds you have of connecting to a server close to you for less lag and the better opportunity you have for choosing a server in a country you prefer.

Server location is important if you’re looking to connect in certain regions. For example, if you live in the United States, but you want to watch a TV show or movie that’s only on a streaming service in the United Kingdom, using a VPN that has a server in the U.K. is necessary. Another reason for wanting to choose a specific country for your VPN is if you’re a resident of a country that blocks specific websites or information that you want to access.

Device Compatibility and Multi-Device Support

Device compatibility is important especially if you want to use the same mobile VPN service for different types of devices. For example, if you have a household that doesn’t stick to only Apple or Android devices or you use a mix of them yourself, it’s a good idea to choose a mobile VPN service that supports both operating systems.

Mobile VPN services vary when it comes to how many devices you’re allowed to use with your VPN subscription. You can find some that let you use all the devices you and your family have or they may limit you to five devices. Usually, a business VPN will allow more devices but limit them per user.

Pricing and Plans

The average price of a mobile VPN plan is around $12 per month and usually allows multiple devices. The cost of a mobile VPN usually starts high for month-to-month plans, so compare annual plans, too. You can often get deep discounts for signing up for longer-term plans, so if you know you want a mobile VPN for a long while, consider picking up a three-year or lifetime plan.

A free plan isn’t going to give you bandwidth enough for over one or two data transfers. A mobile VPN free trial can give you enough time to make sure it’s easy to use and has the features you need, though.

Benefits of a Mobile VPN

A mobile VPN is almost a necessity for companies that have remote workers or have adopted a hybrid work policy. Your employees may conduct the majority of their work off your intranet, which means they’re probably using unsecured networks to check email or even connect to your business servers. A mobile VPN can protect their work and your proprietary information. There are multiple benefits of using a mobile VPN for personal or business purposes:

  • Public Wi-Fi security: Working on the go is necessary sometimes and it isn’t always possible to use your phone’s data. It’s tempting to connect to public Wi-Fi, but it may be monitored by cybercriminals. A VPN can protect user IDs, passwords and internet activity when your employees use public internet connections.
  • Protect your data: If you have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, your employees may be exposing your company data by using unsecured networks, including their own at home. A mobile VPN can protect your info on any connection.
  • Enhances trust: In a recent survey by ExpressVPN and Pollfish, 59% of employees reported feeling anxiety about digital surveillance by their employer. Providing workers a mobile VPN to keep their online activity private may increase morale and improve trust between employee and employer.

Keep in mind that a mobile VPN is just one layer of security. A VPN cannot protect against identity theft or malware.

How To Set Up a VPN on Your Phone

For the most part, setting up a mobile VPN on your phone should be the same across all services. After you’ve chosen your preferred mobile VPN service, you should be able to find the app in the appropriate store for your device, such as Apple’s app store or Google Play. Some VPN services include links to their apps on their home page or in an email after you sign up.

Download the app on your devices. Launch the app and go to “Settings” and then “General” or “Network” to find where you can add a VPN. After you add your mobile VPN service’s details, you’ll want to use your account login and password. Instructions may be different based on whether you’re using iOS or Android operating system and which mobile VPN software you choose. Learn how to set up a VPN on different devices so you can safely use the internet.

Methodology

To determine the best mobile VPN, Forbes Advisor compared and ranked more than a dozen different VPN services available. Find out what contributed to our final scores.

Mobile Apps

First, we omitted any VPN provider that won’t support mobile devices and, to follow that up, we narrowed the list to only those that work for both Android and iOS operating systems. This accounted for 3% of our total score.

Features

Since you’re getting a VPN because you want a secure data exchange between your mobile device and the internet, we examined the primary functions and details of selected VPNs. We looked at whether or not they provide general VPN security and privacy features, such as anonymous browsing and DNS protection measures, and nice-to-have features, including split tunneling, kill switch and multifactor authentications. Additional features contributing to our weighted scoring of 35% include VPN stance on no-logs policy, and, of course, whether or not they offer browser extensions.

We also looked at how many devices you can use per subscription—some services limit you to five or six, while others don’t limit you by device. Then, we considered the number of servers and server locations for more options overall.

Pricing

We gave more stars in our 5-star rating system to mobile VPN services with affordable annual plans and cheaper rates for long-term commitment. VPNs providing users with free trials, free versions or longer days to explore their features, with their risk-free money-back guarantees, also got our attention. We weighted pricing at 15% of the total score.

Speed

Since we don’t expect users to sacrifice speed for security, we tested VPNs to determine whether or not they’re the best mobile VPNs. We looked out for the average download speed and upload speed of each VPN. We also connected to different servers to check for consistency. Thanks to their protocols and proprietary speed enhancers, these VPNs turned out well. We weighted speed at 20%.

Service and Support

To ensure you can reach your VPN’s support team whenever necessary, we examined each VPN to determine its performance. We sent queries, asked to speak with support agents, recorded their response time and the quality of their help. We also considered how many support channels they have and the types of support (resources, phone, live chat, email, tickets, etc.) they offer. This one accounts for 7% of the weighted final score.

Customer Reviews

Most mobile VPN users leave reviews in app stores or review sites, so we sifted through these to see the issues users have with mobile VPNs. We also considered the average star rating from users and number of reviews. This aspect accounts for 10% of our total weighted score.

Experts Score

Our panel of experts also looked at additional criteria, including popularity, standout details, ease of use and value for money, to determine the best mobile VPNs for individuals and businesses. Our expert analysis forms 10% of the total score.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

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Which mobile VPN is best?

It all comes down to what you want in a mobile VPN. Our top pick is NordVPN because it offers a robust security package at a reasonable price and rewards users with enhanced features on higher plans. It also offers discounts for long-term commitments. And it is suitable for both individuals and small businesses.

Are mobile VPNs safe?

Do I need a VPN on my phone?

When should I use a VPN on my phone?

Does a VPN affect phone calls?

Can a VPN slow down my phone?

Can I use a VPN on a mobile hotspot?

What can I access with a mobile VPN?

Can I be tracked while using a mobile VPN?

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