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Best Mobile VPN Apps 2023
Bypass regional restrictions and enjoy your favorite content. Don't know how? We'll show you. Any of our top 3 VPN apps will be an excellent solution to all your problems.

"This service is not available in your area." What could be more enraging? What could make your blood boil faster than this simple sentence? If you love to download and explore new apps and games, listen to obscure music, or watch foreign films - you must've run into this warning sign more than a couple of times in your life. It is infuriating - to put it mildly.
Luckily, all is not lost. VPN software can help you bypass this obstacle and browse the web safely. Still, with so many apps out there, the question remains - which is the best one? Any chance it could be had for a bargain? Never fear. We have the answers, with NordVPN as our top pick.
Table of Contents
In a word - brilliant
Few apps that we test can manage to meet all our needs and get things done as quickly and as efficiently as NordVPN does. A stellar digital product through and through.
Why we chose NordVPN?
- A quick and easy way to protect your privacy and browse anonymously
- Literally, no lag whatsoever in all browsers and most apps tested
- Excellent performance throughout
- Pretty neat design and a perfectly functional interface
- A more than reasonable price of $2.99 for not only NordVPN but also NordPass and NordLocker
Spring for the upgrade if:
You want a fast, reliable, safe, secure service for all your browsing needs
Stick to free if:
You only need to use the app for a couple of days or any amount of time that will fit within the 30-day trial period
With this app, you'll definitely be getting the most bang for your buck - achieving great savings and knowing that you're being protected every step of the way.
Read NordVPN's Full ReviewBrowse securely no matter where you are
Advanced users will always wish to gain further insight into the workings of their favorite apps. If you like to push buttons and have full control of the process, definitely give CyberGhost a try.
Why we chose VPN by CyberGhost?
- You can mask your IP address with no more than a few taps and swipes on your touchscreen
- It encrypts your internet connection without creating any lag
- $3.99 per month when you opt for the yearly membership
- In addition to all VPN options, it also has a strong focus on security when connecting to random WiFi networks
- Fully optimizable
Offering a wealth of options, the ability to tweak everything down to the finest detail - this is one of the most comprehensive solutions out there.
Read CyberGhost VPN's Full ReviewTraditionally safe
Bringing together speed, efficiency, and a sense of security traditionally associated with Kaspersky, this is a good all-around option for those who don't want to bother with complicated features.
Why we chose Fast Free VPN by Kaspersky?
- A strong emphasis on safety on the internet
- Guaranteed free daily traffic of 200 MB
- A 7-day free trial followed by $30 per year (which amounts to less than $3 per month!)
- Unlimited secure traffic when you update to premium
- Servers located in almost 50 different countries
- Supports up to 5 different devices - based on Windows, iOS, and Android
Assuming that you are not an advanced user who loves to peek under the hood, you will almost certainly be delighted with what Kaspersky has to offer. We definitely were.
Read Kaspersky Secure Connection's Full ReviewEverything We Recommend
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Our Pick
NordVPN – fast VPN for privacy
4.6 Ratings 1M+ Reviews 50M+ DownloadsGet yourself an ultra-fast VPN connection and never stop for anything.
Download NordVPN and you’ll get a fast and encrypted internet connection wherever you go. It will hide your data from cybercriminals and other people online.
One tap is all it takes to have a private and secure internet in an instant. It’s an easy-to-use VPN app for Android, trusted by millions of users worldwide.
✔ Use a VPN for privacy
When you browse the internet without a VPN, your IP address can reveal where you live. But once you connect to NordVPN, no one knows where you are, what websites you visit or files you download.
✔ Shield yourself from malware
Surf the web in confidence with Threat Protection Lite. It blocks your access to malicious websites and protects your device from accidentally joining a botnet.
✔ Stay safe on public Wi-Fi hotspots
A coffee shop serves the best espresso but its Wi-Fi is unsecured? Use NordVPN to secure your internet connection and get stuff done without worrying about your information being leaked.
✔ Guard your sensitive data
With NordVPN, your online traffic travels through a secure encrypted tunnel. This way, it’s out of reach for cybercriminals eager to snatch your private data. No proxy server or privacy browser will give you this level of security.
✔ Stay one step ahead
Enable the Dark Web Monitor to get an alert if your credentials are exposed online. This way, you can take immediate action and protect your compromised accounts before anyone can get to them.
✔ Enjoy high-speed connection with NordLynx
It’s our fastest VPN protocol built on the backbone of WireGuard to bring you blazing speeds and bulletproof privacy. All you need to do is tap “Quick Connect” – you’ll be connected to one of our 5,400+ servers in seconds. It’s almost like traveling on a virtual express train!
✔ Fail-safe protection
Working with sensitive information? Turn the Kill Switch on – your data will stay safe even if your VPN connection drops.
✔ For everyone and everything
Protect your family, friends, and all their devices with a single NordVPN account. Install it on your Wi-Fi router and enjoy an encrypted connection 24/7.
FEATURES
• Strong VPN encryption for bulletproof security
• VPN protocols: OpenVPN, NordLynx based on WireGuard
• Unlimited data for internet freedom
• 5400+ servers worldwide for turbo speeds
• Protection of 6 devices with a single account
• Double VPN for ultimate privacy
• VPN auto-connect for effortless online protection
• 24/7 customer support by our award-winning team
If you want to go more advanced...
Enjoy these extra features without additional costs or premium subscriptions:
• Split tunneling: select apps you don’t want to run through the encrypted VPN connection
• Custom DNS: set a custom DNS server address
• Switch between TCP and UDP protocols
• Specialty servers optimized for your individual needs
Ready to experience a better internet?
If you’re looking for a single all-around cybersecurity app, VPN is a solid choice.
Wind down, connect to NordVPN, and enjoy safe and private internet access wherever you go. Online security is just a tap away!
WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfeld.
Nord Security General Terms of Service, including the end-user license agreement, which governs a user's rights to the NordVPN app, among other things: https://my.nordaccount.com/legal/terms-of-service/CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$2.99 - $99.99 per item$11.99 - $99.99 per item -
Runner Up
CyberGhost VPN: Secure WiFi
4.3 Ratings 177K+ Reviews 10M+ DownloadsEnjoy absolute freedom & privacy online with the best VPN for Android: CyberGhost VPN! 👻
Let us hide your IP address, encrypt your internet connection with a secure proxy server, and keep you safe online.
Get the best internet security on Android with CyberGhost VPN - a private IP address location changer.
🚫 Leave no trace online
Have a secure internet connection! We have a proven track record of keeping no logs, and our users worldwide trust us to protect their digital privacy. Get instant data protection when using our secure VPN: no logs - no trace.
📱 Get the best mobile VPN
One tap is all you need to get instant internet protection with CyberGhost super secure VPN service! And everything about the Android VPN app is intuitive and user-friendly.
🌎 Worldwide Internet Access
Get secure access from all over the world. Our extensive virtual private network has over 7,000 of the fastest VPN servers located in 90 countries. Have total internet privacy & freedom!
🔒 Secure Connection
We’re always keeping you safe and secure online, even when you use public WiFi networks you can browse anonymously! Our secure fast VPN routes your traffic through our encrypted VPN tunnel that makes any Wi-Fi access into a secure Wifi.
🌐 IP address location changer
Keep your activity private with the best VPN for IP Protection.
💯 Enjoy a premium VPN
Get maximum online privacy with state-of-the-art protocols like WireGuard®, and enjoy all the advanced features in the CyberGhost VPN app!
📆 Start your free VPN trial
Discover CyberGhost’s VPN app with unmatched flexibility and use it for IP protection.
💌 If you need us, we're right here. Cyberghost VPN offers 24/7 customer support services in English, German, French, and Romanian.
Experts ❤️ CyberGhost VPN Service - no logs, no trace & a secure internet connection!
“For a long time I wondered, how do I hide my IP address? With this fast, simple VPN app for android I finally can! Thanks Cyberghost!” - CJ The Tech Guy
"Overall, I can honestly say CyberGhost is the best VPN provider I have used to date. […] Most VPN providers just offer a layer of anonymity and tell you to go along and use the service.
But CyberGhost actually cares. With their amazing server locations, amazing server setup, crypto, and much more, CyberGhost is the best VPN I have ever used." - Brandon Stosh, Freedom Hackers. ️
"Even first-time VPN users will quickly understand how to use CyberGhost and what it can offer its customers. Users can choose to connect to whatever server they like, in any location they want, with unlimited data." - THEVPNLAB.
"A slick fully featured VPN with an interface simple enough for the beginner, yet with options that will also keep the serious privacy enthusiast happy." - TechAdvisor.
Not a Ghostie yet? Try CyberGhost with a 3 Day Trial and Sign up and choose the CyberGhost VPN plan that fits your needs.
Let’s get social 👍
https://www.facebook.com/cyberghostEN
https://twitter.com/cyberghost_EN
http://www.youtube.com/user/cyberghostvpnCostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$2.99 - $64.99 per item$6.99 - $79.99 per item -
Also Groovy
Kaspersky Fast Secure VPN
4.3 Ratings 61K+ Reviews 1M+ DownloadsGet an award-winning VPN app that comes with a host of powerful features built for privacy, security and speed. Praised by reviewers for its “solid speed, and strong transparency towards users,” it works across your Android mobiles and computers to encrypt your online data and enable private Internet access to global content at super-fast speeds!
Gain the power of invisibility
Because our service hides your IP address, you become a private VPN browser any time you use it to connect – creating a VPN shield that makes you invisible to hackers.
Stay safe on public Wi-Fi
Our hotspot VPN app launches when public Wi-Fi networks are detected. Which means it’s simple for you to encrypt all the online data you send and receive in places such as cafes and airports.
Experience blazing fast Internet
Browse via the fastest VPN server you can connect to. Simply select “the fastest server”* in our list of servers to enjoy VPN that’s been optimized for speed since our last release.
Guard against data leaks 24/7
Our Kill Switch* feature cuts your Internet connection if your VPN app connection drops – acting as a Wifi guard to ensure your data is never exposed to unprotected Internet.
Secure sensitive apps only
With our Split Tunnelling* feature, you can choose which data to encrypt with VPN – such as data in your banking and social apps – while allowing other apps to access the Internet directly, so they run at normal speed.
Be certain you’re not recorded
Our No-Logs policy ensures your online actions are never recorded, including browsing, watch history and downloads. Which means a secure web experience – guaranteed!
Auto-activate the way you want
We all use VPN differently! That’s why we’ve added Smart Protection to let you launch our service based on rules such as when your connection is not secured, or when a website is unsafe.
Stream more global content
We allow VPN access* to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and 3 other services – from anywhere! Making it easy for everyone in your house to stream the content they want.
Enhance your gaming experience
Connect to servers in regions beyond your own* to play new games and make gaming friends around the world. Plus, download games 25% faster compared to our last release.
Other things our users love
► One-tap connection – enjoy private Internet access in seconds
► Unlimited* VPN streaming of music, TV shows & movies, even in HD
► Home routers are secured once VPN connects* to home Wi-Fi
► Fast & secure torrenting – part of our private VPN experience
► Expanding network – over 2000 servers in 85+ countries & counting!
► Beta support* for Apple TV+, Spotify, ESPN+, DAZN, Sky Go, Crunchyroll & TVer
► Bold interface which displays your key personal VPN info
► Helpful on-boarding to help you get the most from our service
► Free, expert 24-hour support
*with unlimited Kaspersky VPN
What the review site say
“It’s one of the fastest services for those who need access to the US, something that’s still a challenge for many of its rivals.”
Trustedreviews.com | Feb 6, 2020
“Sold speed ratings and strong transparency towards the user.”
AV-Test | Nov 11, 2021
VPN functionality transfer specifics: https://support.kaspersky.com/KSDE/Android_1.47/en-US/225458.htm
Privacy policy https://www.kaspersky.com/products-and-services-privacy-policy?ignoreredirects=true
Terms of usage: https://products.s.kaspersky-labs.com/homeuser/ksecandroid1.0/1.6.0.927/english-US-20190911_114837/3233303439357c44454c7c4e554c4c/license.html
Limitations apply: https://support.kaspersky.com/15895
This app uses Accessibility & VPN services.
Accessibility is used for the purpose of checking websites and apps in Kaspersky Security Network for Smart protectionCostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $39.99 per item$3.99 - $39.99 per item
The 411 from our Appventurer
How we tested?
Different apps require different criteria and each type will be tested in a way that is unique to its purpose. With VPN software, the process couldn't possibly be more straightforward. The main question to ask is - does it work?
Yes, sometimes, that's all that it will boil down to - the app's functionality. Does it do its job? Are you able to watch a video from the US while in China or access a game aimed at the UK market while located in Russia?
Obviously, we are never superficial, so we decided to throw in a few more variables into the equation. How easy is the app to use? Is the interface intuitive enough? Does the layout make logical sense? We even went so far as to consider the aesthetic component. After all, no one wants to look at an ugly app.
With all this in mind, we have selected a strong top 3 - not forgetting to consider the costs involved!
Why get the app?
The world is said to be a global village. Unfortunately, sometimes we can very much feel the borders of our country or region. Geographic restrictions seem to be more common than not, and many apps simply won't work if you are located on the "wrong" side of the globe.
Bypassing this issue has long been the goal of many developers and casual users alike. When selecting a VPN app, your main goal is to mask your location so that you can access content that you are otherwise prohibited from using. There is nothing particularly illegal about this, especially if you are already paying for a service in your country but find yourself on a trip abroad, unable to access it.
In addition, you can also use VPN software to prevent websites and apps from tracking your location or harvesting your personal data. It is a measure of precaution that is becoming increasingly relevant in our modern day and age.
More About NordVPN: Our Pick
VPN apps are a notoriously tricky territory and finding something fast, reliable, and affordable often seems like an impossible task. This, however, is only a superficial impression that we have held onto for far too long. In reality, a good app can be found.
NordVPN promises a lot and delivers on every front. Once you open it and create an account (which is a process that will not take more than a minute), you will be ready to start rocking. There is no free option per se but, if you sign up for the premium version, you will get a 30-day free trial which you can easily opt out of and get all your money back - no questions asked.
Once you start, you will have an option to quickly connect to a location in your country - or manually chose a spot abroad. Much like is all other apps, this process will only take a couple of seconds. The main difference is that you will also get a chance to pick the city in the case of larger countries such as India or Australia.
Keeping it straightforward and simple, NordVPN lets you connect, pause, and disconnect with just one tap. Equally easily, you can allow for local network discovery - meaning that any portable or Bluetooth device will still be able to find you - if you want it to - and that you will be able to use your printer with ease.
Another option worth mentioning is CyberSec, a part of the settings section that adds another layer of security to your browsing. While trawling the contents of the app, we realized that the overall design is minimalist yet not simplistic - beautiful yet not obtrusive. It strikes a fine line between elegance and functionality, with a harmonious color scheme to boot.
It is also important to note that the so-called Nord Account includes not just one app - but three! NordVPN, NordPass (to take care of all your passwords), and NordLocker (for added security) are all included.
Obviously, an important part of the testing is our consideration of the prices. In the case of NordVPN (or rather, the 3-in-1 bundle it comes in), the initial number of $9.99 per month may appear high. However, you will be pleasantly surprised by the sums you will face once you opt for a longer period of time.
One-year membership will end up costing $4.49 a month while, if you commit to a two-year time, you will be able to get everything as low as $2.89 per calendar month. Impressive, isn't it? This literally turns NordVPN (and the related app) into the most affordable of our top three - and a clear winner.
Snags but not drags:
This section may paint us in a bad light - as a nit-picky and demanding bunch - but the truth is, we have to be perfectly honest with you at all times. There is no point in sugarcoating the information and, no matter how smitten we are with an app, we will still be perfectly frank about any of the flaws we may encounter.
Perhaps the only thing that has left us somewhat upset is the fact that with NordVPN, as with most other apps, you still have to pay for it at all. Yes, we are, in fact, that stringy. Don't hold it against us. AppGrooves is, after all, more focused on bringing you great savings than ever before. Large expenses are simply not an option. Have you checked our coupons section? (Yes, that was a shameless plug.)
We have also detected minor drag on Instagram. It was minimal and, for some reason, it is not an issue that manifests itself on any other browser or app. Other than that, NordVPN performed wonderfully and allowed us to browse without any problems whatsoever.
More About CyberGhost VPN: Runner Up
Embarrassing as it may sound to that in-the-know, we must admit that we weren't fully familiar with CyberGhost. The name did ring a bell, but an actual hands-on experience with it has been something that has eluded us. Judging by the number of users and positive reviews, we may as well have been missing out. Still, let's start at the beginning.
The account creation process is simple enough - as long as you can think of a very good password that will contain upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters, that is. You will also need to give the app permission to access your location and then you'll be ready to rumble. Initially, you will be offered a choice to use the fastest remote connection available, which will be selected at random.
If, on the other hand, you are aiming for a specific country, you will be able to choose among more than 100. Places as diverse and Monaco, Serbia, and Pakistan are all covered. The available choices will practically spoil you. The "app split-tunnel" will let you choose whether you want to cover all your apps with a VPN service or simply focus on one or two individual programs.
We decided to focus on the US as we tried accessing the PBS website from a location in the UK. This went smoothly enough, and a broadcast of a particularly good classical music event streamed without any problems.
CyberGhost's interface is remarkably intuitive and easy to use yet, under a sleek interior, it hides a wealth of features anyone interested in the ins and outs of such software will marvel at. You will be able to monitor traffic, data use, speed, and various other parameters without much trouble.
Still, one thing that sets CyberGhost apart from other VPN apps is its focus on the security of your WiFi connection. Everyone who travels knows the risks associated with connecting to random hotspots. This is where this little platform goes above and beyond to make sure that your personal information never gets stolen. With multiple layers of protection, you simply won't have to worry about this sort of thing.
The financial side of things isn't too bad either. It costs $12.99 per month to subscribe for 30 days or $3.99 per month for an entire year. This, however, is not the lowest it can go. In fact, deals and offers are quite common, and you can make amazing savings if you keep an eye out for promotions.
More Kaspersky Secure Connection: Also Groovy
Certain names in the digital realm immediately summon up certain ideas, certain qualities that, even after more than two decades in the business, still ring true. Kaspersky is one such company. Known across the globe for its security software, it is the bane of all malware and ransomware you can possibly imagine. This sense of safety which the name brings with it rubs off rather easily onto its more recent product - the Fast Free VPN app.
We started off expecting quite a bit from this platform, and we are pleased to say that we weren't disappointed - not one bit. The interface is beyond simple, and there are practically no ways to do anything wrong. No unusual buttons, no odd commands - nothing. Even the most inexperienced user will have to try very hard to create a problem.
You can start on a free plan. This will suffice if you will only use it once a day for quick online visits but won't sate the thirst of a more demanding user expecting to use up more than 200 MBs in one go. That will be your daily limit.
If you wish for a more comprehensive service, the deal is actually pretty good. For a mere $36.99 a year, you will literally get unlimited, round-the-clock access that will serve you no matter how many hours of videos you intend to watch on a daily basis. Full HD content will be at your fingertips. Once you add up the number, the deal is downright amazing.
It is extremely affordable, especially when you consider that, unlike many other apps, Kaspersky does not create any lag whatsoever. While browsing, you will not experience even the slightest slow-down but will instead glide through the pages, apps, and videos as you normally would. The platform will automatically connect you to the fastest server, but you will also have a choice between points in almost 50 different countries.
Your security is further strengthened by a "kill switch" that will serve to disconnect you in case the VPN rate gets too low (which hasn't happened at any point while we were testing this app). Another layer is created by "smart protection" which will come in handy to anyone often connecting to random WiFi networks along their journey. Overall, we cannot possibly recommend Kaspersky's software enough.
Other Apps Considered
We always pay attention to the app description but rarely take it too seriously. The makers of this app claim it to be #1 but would barely rank as #5 on our list. More often than not, we had trouble connecting. The signal would take a while to stabilize, which could become extremely annoying, especially if you're trying to connect to a live broadcast of your favorite band's gig. Troubleshooting the connection was something we had to do more than a couple of times, at which point we decided that this platform simply wouldn't make the cut.
We had pretty high hopes for this one, especially since, in the past, we have heard from people who have used it for some pretty extensive browsing. It did, in fact, work for us too - for a while, at least. At one point, it simply disconnected and refused to reconnect. The problem persisted for two days and no amount of dealing with customer support would resolve it. We are still unsure whether this was a one-off experience or a genuine problem faced by many users at the time. Despite its impressively high ratings, we cannot include it in our top 3. A bit more stability would surely boost its position on the list.
Testing this one was an odd experience, to say the least. In fact, we didn't get much further from the login screen - even if we did immediately subscribe to the paid version. The app kept reporting a problem - not on just one smartphone, but two different devices. This discouraged us from trying any further, so this app will likely remain a mystery to us due to such a major technical glitch that would not go away even after three days.
This app seems to have a strong focus on security. No intrusive marketing machinery or team of hackers should be able to trace your tracks or intrude into your most personal data. This is a noble aim that, as the story usually goes, suffers from pretty shoddy execution. To protect you from attacks, this app simply blocks you from accessing your own social media accounts. Apps such as Facebook and Instagram are rendered useless. Some may agree that this is a good move, but this isn't an option for us who work on the internet. Surprisingly enough, other types of content will load rather quickly.
Hotspot used to be a great choice for just about any system out there. Windows, iOS, and Android would equally benefit from its speed and reliability. The past tense is, of course, deliberate. Today, this app is but a shadow of what it once was. Instead of an all-around solution, it presents itself as a collection of bugs and glitches too numerous to mention. The lag is so pronounced that in 2021 Hotspot isn't worth your time nor your money. A shame, really.
At first glance, TunnelBear seems rather promising. Fast yet simple, it could easily be a fave to anyone looking to protect their privacy or access content from the other side of the globe. All illusions are destroyed once you reach the numbers. The free version only allows for 500 MB per month (yes, five hundred megabytes per thirty days) of browsing before it asks you for a paid upgrade, worth no less than $5.75. Compared to many other platforms, it is extremely expensive and, as such, doesn't fit our money-saving policy - at all.
Stefan Racic
My phone tends to be filled to the brim with apps I am either trying on for size of using on a regular basis. I use them for a variety of tasks, including sketching and creating art, keeping in touch with friends, being up to date with the latest news, learning about diverse spiritual practices and, of course, playing games!
With over 10 years of experience as a translator and writer, I channel my creativity into writing about things I enjoy. My education in business (I hold a bachelor's degree in operations management) is but one part of expertise. I have worked for art magazines, spiritual blogs, news and business sites, and now I explore the fascinating world of apps.
My previous work is as diverse as my interests. Fresh out of college, I was employed as a translator and interpreter at the fringes of the corporate world and the NGO sector. After switching to writing, I first focused on business news, then shifted to working for a series of art magazines (WideWalls perhaps being the most well known), and even wrote content for a couple of spirituality-focused apps for Labyrinthos Academy. Little did I know that I would eventually devote a good chunk of my time to writing about all sorts of interesting new apps out there.
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Adam
Express is better than nord imo. Why isnt expressvpn mentioned? And easily mullvad is much better security wise than any other