What is the best VPN for Android devices?

Android VPNs don't just help you browse the web safely. Especially if you're using public WiFi or cellular networks, but are also known to help you access geo-restricted apps, stream content that's typically blocked (from foreign Netflix catalogs to overseas sporting events), and much more. A VPN is so widespread these days that it's no surprise you'd want to access it on your Android phone or tablet too.

The problem is that a quick search of the Play Store reveals hundreds of Android VPNs vying for your attention. So how do you choose the right one? Luckily, pretty much all of the best providers have dedicated Android VPN apps you can install , like here at the Nord VPN Playstore , that are designed specifically for mobile use. In the following we will explain to you which functions you should pay attention to.

Table of contents Hide

1 What can I do with an Android VPN?

2 How to Choose the Best Android VPN App

3 What are the data retention laws in Germany?

4 Conclusion: Should I Get a Free VPN App for Android?

What can I do with an Android VPN?

First of all, VPNs are an excellent first line of defense alongside Android Antivirus to protect yourself online. Keeping your IP address secret is a wonderful way to keep cyber criminals at bay. You no longer have to worry about online banking and shopping while using unfamiliar networks.

But it's their abilities to remodel and disguise themselves that have seen Android VPNs explode in popularity. The fact that you can log into a server in another country anywhere in the world means you don't have to miss out on the things you would normally stream to your phone/tablet when you're on vacation or a business trip .

How to Choose the Best Android VPN App

Of course, a dedicated Android app helps to make things as easy as possible and that's why the app should be user-friendly. Make sure it supports your version of Android, most going back at least to the Pie version.

You will likely want to use your Android VPN on many other devices as well, so please also make sure that you buy an app that also works with your computer operating system and has enough licenses for all your devices.

Other considerations include tight security - a kill switch is handy so you're not left unprotected if your internet connection goes down - and of course a privacy policy and terms of service that make it clear what logs and details are kept by the provider. And a word of warning, make sure you avoid the shady providers on Google Play, as some free VPN providers promise to offer free privacy but don't mention the terms that come with it.

What are the data retention laws in Germany?

The German government has pushed for enforcement of data retention laws in recent years. The obligations were suspended in 2017, but if enacted, the regulations would oblige all telecoms and internet service providers to retain users' metadata for up to 10 weeks. This includes your IP address when you use a mobile or landline phone, send or receive text messages, download or upload something, send email and surf the Internet.

This does not include the actual content of internet traffic or phone calls, but text messages would be retained in their entirety. In contrast to metadata, content data is protected by the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). In Germany there are no laws that oblige companies to implement “backdoors” or to submit to such orders.

Conclusion: Should I Get a Free VPN App for Android?

Whether to avoid government surveillance, torrent files, or just to unblock Netflix shows that are only available in other countries, VPNs have become very popular in Germany. This article explains why people in Germany should use VPNs, and we recommend the best VPNs in Germany to choose from. Just a quick glance at the Play Store menu reveals that there's a ridiculous amount of free apps you can download. Some will be good, some will be far from good, but none will be truly excellent.

We would suggest that you only go for a free plan if you really don't use your VPN app very often. Otherwise, you'll quickly run into annoying usage restrictions and quickly realize that the free versions only have a handful of servers (as opposed to the 5,000+ servers that providers like NordVPN offer).