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With people being more aware of their internet privacy and security, the demands for VPNs are growing. This applies to Android as well, and many VPN companies have released the apk version of their software.
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What is a VPN App, and How Does it Work?
VPN apps mask the actual IP address of the device and show a false one (proxy address). This means the websites that you are accessing don’t see the real IP address of your phone, rather a fake one, so they won’t be able to track you down.
Here is how VPN apps work. They route your network connection to their own server rather than your Internet Service Provider. Then, they provide your device a proxy address, and only then your data is sent to the ISP. Thus, your ISP will think that the instructions from your computer are coming from the server, and so do the websites that you access.
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What is a VPN App Used for?
VPN apps help set up a secure and anonymous connection on the internet. They can be used for many things, for example, for security and accessing region-restricted websites.
Many companies and websites these days have been storing users’ personal information and using them for their own good. Various data thefts are happening, including banking information and emails. Geographical-based restrictions are everywhere, including specific types of websites, like YouTube videos.
VPN companies claim that they provide people their rights to information and anonymity. And to be honest, they are living up to it.
Is VPN Illegal?
It depends on where you live. Some countries are trying to ban VPN apps, while some territories have already done so. On the other hand, some states have very strict internet censorship laws, and even if it hasn’t officially been announced, VPN is next to illegal.
These are the countries where VPN apps are illegal:
Belarus, China, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Turkey, Russia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela
In these countries, there are stronger internet censorship laws extending more than VPN:
North Korea, Egypt, Cuba, Vietnam, Bahrain, Myanmar, Turkmenistan
If you are from any of these countries, you will need to download and use a VPN at your own risk. Moreover, you can’t commit illegal activities with a VPN connection no matter where you come from. VPN being legal in your country doesn’t mean you can do anything you want with it.
Is VPN Safe?
Yes, VPN is generally safe. It is safer to use the internet with a VPN app than without one. Sometimes, there can be information leakage, so you need to install a good one.
Which VPN App is the Best?
Here is a list of some of the best VPN apps you can download for Android in 2020.
Express VPN
Express VPN has servers across 94 countries and boasts an AES 256-bit encryption, thus, being fast and secure. The app itself is very user-friendly, with a simple, yet attractive UI that is easy to understand. There are features such as location selection, insecure network detection, and kill switch.
Express VPN is available in 12 languages. It is a big VPN company, providing software for PCs, Android, and other devices, and thus, has very dedicated customer support. You need to pay for the VPN, but the client gets a bolting fast and an ultra-secure internet.
There are three price plans; for one month, six months, and twelve months. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied after purchase. For more information, you can check the official link given below.
Supported Platforms
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Router
Torrent Support
Yes
Express VPN Official Link (https://www.expressvpn.com/)
Nord VPN
Nord VPN is another popular and dependable name. It is mostly known for its speed- Nord has more than 5600 servers across the world (66 countries). The security is also high, and there are faster servers exclusively for streaming services.
It is the best choice for those using streaming sites, including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. Furthermore, it also consists of leak protection and similar to Express VPN, 256-bit encryption, and a DNS leak protection. There are more features that can block unsafe sites, ads, and even malware.
You need to pay for the service, but it consists of a 30-day money-back guarantee. Moreover, after purchasing, you can use it on six different devices, including PCs, phones, and tablets.
Supported Platforms
Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox.
Torrent Support
Yes
Nord VPN Official Link (https://nordvpn.com/)
Windscribe
Windscribe has both free and paid options.
The free version gives 10GB of secured data every month and 5 GB more if you tweet about it. The encryption is AES-256 cipher with SHA512 auth and a 4096-bit RSA key- your files will be secure, but you may have a little concern about the speed. Windscribe Free version only allows you to connect to about ten servers. Keep in mind that Windscribe’s free version can’t unblock Netflix.
Upgrading the VPN app to a premium version will give you access to servers in 63 countries. Also, with the ROBERT feature, you can block IPs and ads, and for maximum security, they don’t record any identifying logs.
Available Devices
In addition to your Android phone, you can use Windscribe on macOS, iPhone, Windows, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera Mini web browsers. It is also compatible with Nas devices, and routers.
Torrent Support
Yes
Official Link: https://windscribe.com/
Hide Me
Hide Me is another big name in the world of VPN software. It has 1560 servers across 60 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Furthermore, it has features, including AES-256 encryption, Split Tunneling, IP Leak Protection, etc.
Hide Me abides by something called ‘Strictly No Logs,’ clearly showing that they value the user security to the utmost level. Also, they support various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, allowing you to use the software in 10 devices after downloading simultaneously.
The best thing about the app is that it supports the ‘Double VPN’ feature. This means, your connection will be routed to two servers instead of one, giving you an extra layer of security and anonymity. The android app looks kind of basic, without a kill switch, but the UI is easy to understand.
Hide Me has billing options for a month, year, and even two years- giving you complete control of when you buy and 30-day money-back guarantee. The money you pay is worth it, for they have an excellent customer support team.
Supported Platforms
Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Windows Phone, Linux, Amazon Fire OS, and router.
Torrent Support
Yes
Official Link: https://hide.me/
Private VPN
You can start using Private VPN immediately with a seven-day free trial. Depending on your location, it might not be the fastest, but it still has servers in around 60 countries, so in no way, we can call it slow. Moreover, with its streaming servers, you are going to enjoy using various streaming services with 100% anonymity.
The company boasts about giving service to 44,000 people already, and going through the internet, you will stumble across many favorable reviews. With the 256 bit-encryption and a DNS/ IPv6 leak protection, you will have hardly any complaint about the security, and even if you have confusion regarding other matters, they have a customer support team available 24/7.
The UI consists of a kill switch, making it easier for you to turn on and off the connection. After subscribing once with a 30-Day money-back guarantee, you can use the VPN in six different devices.
Supported Platforms:
Windows, Mac OS, IOS, and Android.
Torrent Support
Yes
Official Link https://privatevpn.com/
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is a budget VPN, with strong military-grade protection and excellent speed. With over 6125 servers in 112 locations around the world, you can sue the VPN even when you are traveling.
Cyberghost has servers in 90 countries. The VPN in itself is cost-effective, and you also have the option to get a three years long subscription for $99, which will give you a free MacAfee subscription.
The UI looks good and has a kill switch. There are features, including DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection, Custom app protection, etc. If you are unsure about the service, you can take a one-day free trial and check the app for yourself. Once purchasing, you can use it in seven devices per account.
Supported Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, Fire TV, and Routers.
Torrent Support
Yes.
Official Link https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/
Proton VPN
Proton VPN might just be your answer if you are looking for the best free VPN app for Android. The free version might not be as fast as when compared to other paid VPN apps, but the protection is worth it.
The VPN itself has 632 servers in 44 countries, but you can only use servers in two countries with the free version. Furthermore, the free version doesn’t support the P2P network as the paid versions do.
The company is based in Switzerland, a country with one of the strongest internet privacy laws. It offers AES-256 encryption and has DNS leak prevention. With a kill switch and no logs, you get the maximum protection. The prices are also very affordable if you wish to upgrade your plan. There indeed is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Supported Platforms
Windows, Android, iOS, Mac OS, and Linux.
Torrent Support
Yes (but only on paid servers).
Official Link https://protonvpn.com/
Conclusion: A VPN app safeguards you from online tracking and data theft. With the number of internet users being more in mobile phones than in desktop computers, VPN companies have been extending their support to Android, and thus, you have a lot of options. All the above VPNs have had excellent reviews, and among them, the one you choose depends on your preference and budget.