A virtual private network (VPN) enables users to send and receive data across a single or shared network as if computer systems are connected to a private network. VPN allows executives, officers, and branch offices to access the head office and corporate resources under a single connection.
The applications running in computer devices like laptops, smartphones, and desktops can utilize VPN functionality, security, and management. Users can connect to proxy servers to protect personal identity and location from staying hidden on the internet and local authorities.
What are VPN Apps?
VPN Apps allow users to access geo-restricted content bypassing the local server and connecting the IP to another server located in other parts of the world. Moreover, it also safeguards your IP identity on multiple sites that tracks your locations and online activities.
10 VPN Apps for Android and iOS
So by keeping in mind the views of the users, ten of the best VPN applications for Android and iOS are selected and presented in this article. These apps’ features, merits, and demerits are discussed to facilitate the users in selecting the most optimum one based on users’ demands.
1. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private internet access, also known as PIA, is a virtual private network provider that offers multiple VPN technologies like PPTP and OpenVPN. It offers connection with multiple devices with no leaks of IP addresses or data packets and an internet kill switch in case of any disruption.
Servers of PIA are located in 54 regions and over 33 countries, and it is a great feature. It is fast and rarely loses any connection because it has unlimited bandwidth. The privacy feature is intuitive and secure, and it also offers authentic Google Chrome and Firefox extensions.
Features
- Secure Data Protection
- Private Identity
- Secure Connection
Pros
- Online Privacy
- Open Source Transparency
- Powerful Encryption
Cons
- Overrides System
- Unstructured Interface
Download: Private Internet Access Android | iOS
2. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a platform that allows users to access virtual private networks over the device. Its security features include strong AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol. Users can surf the browser anonymously without being afraid of losing data-packed or leaking IP addresses.
ProtonVPN has exceptional security features, no-logging policies, and decent customer support. It includes unlimited usage, which is supported by servers in various countries. The free version of the app is easy to interact with and has almost the same features as the paid ones.
Features
- VPN Accelerator
- No Bandwidth Restriction
- Fully Encrypted Servers
Pros
- Strictly No Logs
- Bypass Geo-restriction
- DNS Leak Protection
Cons
- Expensive Advanced Services
- No Live Customer Support
Download: ProtonVpn Android | iOS
3. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a Canadian-based VPN that McAfee acquired in 2018. The trial version provides the user with 500MB of data before disconnecting or purchasing the unlimited subscription plan. If the user does not purchase the plan, 500MB of data will reset every month.
The VPN connection speed is slow, but in security aspect with AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol make this app strong. The privacy policies contain no logging nor collect IP addresses; DSN quires any information about the users’ apps, services, or websites.
The interface is very easy to interact with and provides a whole navigation system. TunnelBear provides five simultaneous connections, a kill switch and keeps the user IP anonymous. It supports the torrents increases the number of devices attached and speeds.
Features
- Private Web Protection
- VPN Server
- Speed Optimization
Pros
- Secure IP
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Costly Subscription Plans
- Extensive Data Consumption
Download: TunnelBear for Android | iOS
4. Surfshark
SurfShark is a virtual private network service that provides great Android devices. Due to the low cost, it has an advantage over other VPN services. It uses a strong VPN protocol, which allows you to have unlimited connections. Beyond that, the application is full of features and has a simple interface.
It also excludes some websites which are not secure for browsing; this feature is called whitelisting. The security feature provides military-grade AES 265-bit encryption and a Multihop double VPN chain, which can encrypt your data across two more servers that enhance your security.
Features
- Multi-Location Server
- Bypass Local Restriction
Pros
- Secure Browsing
- Instant Data Evaluation
Cons
- No Developer Access
- Limited Subscription Plans
Download: Surfshark for Android | iOS
5. Windscribe
Windscribe is a company that provides a virtual private network for secure and anonymous browsing and transaction. VPNs have many uses like bypassing the geo-restriction, watching streaming media, or interacting with corporate offices over secure and private connections.
WindScribe has an amazing protocol that allows the users to take full benefits of the features when it comes to privacy and encryption features. It includes stealth mode, Adblocker, peer-to-peer support, extensions for Google Chrome and Firefox, unlimited bandwidth, and many more.
There are logs registered in this service and the kill switch provides a safe line until it is disrupted, and there is a chance of DSN and IPv6 leak. It holds users subscribed to free trials, so they don’t go over the bandwidth limit. While using the app, it shows the countries that have a reliable connection.
Features
- Single tap ON
- Unblock Geo-Restricted Content
Pros
- Split Tunneling
- Strict No-logging Policy
Cons
- No Live Support
- Limited Bandwidth
Download: Windscribe for Android | iOS
6. IPVanish
IPVanish is an American-based VPN service provider that allows users to appear in more than 60 countries. The user interface is simple and easy to navigate. It has unlimited bandwidth and P2P connections. It is well secured and provides user support with a live chat module for users.
IPVanish uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and supports highly secure protocols. The security feature of this service is very reliable, which means that no data packets are lost, and there are no IP leaks. The user has a wide range of tools and a level of control over their OpenVPN setup.
Features
- High-Speed Access
- Shield against Ads
Pros
- Access Online Media
- Conceal Your IP Address
Cons
- Super Slow Speed
- Limited Servers
Download: IPVanish for Android | iOS
7. NordVPN
NordVPN is an Android application that provides a virtual private network for cross-platforms. It provides services for streaming, geo-blocking content, and peer-to-peer connections. It uses AES 256-bit encryption with double data protection, which is only used by industries.
NordVPN is best for the P2P relationship because it has multiple servers worldwide. It consists of a knowledgeable customer support team offering live chat service. It offers a kill switch feature that cuts your connection if your connectivity is interrupted, so the user doesn’t suffer DNS leaks.
Features
- VPN Encryption
- VPN Protocols
Pros
- Unlimited Data
- Ultimate Privacy
Cons
- No live Support
- Unstructured Interface
Download: NordVPN for Android | iOS
8. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a virtual private network application that runs on Android. It provides a secure connection to users for masked transactions and anonymous browsing over the internet. Performance Vypr is under extensive speed tests, and results came perfectly in long-distance and reliability tests.
It has more than 700 servers active in over 70 countries with more than 200,000 IP addresses. The user interface is intuitive, simple, and optimized. VyprVPN has exceptional speed, security, and reliability, a user-friendly application, and an entirely self-owned and operated server network.
Features
- Zero Logging
- 70+ Global Server Locations
Pros
- Free Trial Version
- Secure Browsing Experience
Cons
- Poor Quality
- Slow Connections
Download: VyprVPN for Android | iOS
9. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a virtual private platform that runs on multiple platforms that encrypt users’ web traffic and hide their IP addresses. It is user-friendly and straightforward and comes with many advanced tools that boast an SSL-secured network with 256-bit encryption and unlimited bandwidth.
The most notable feature is that it offers you the location of servers where the connection will be most secure, and you can also save servers for faster access. This Android app provides access to high-speed servers across 94 countries worldwide and is compatible with all mobile devices.
Features
- VPN Protocols
- Online Security
Pros
- Seven Days Trial Version
- Premium VPN Servers
Cons
- No Location Switching
- Stops Internet Connection
Download: ExpressVPN for Android | iOS
10. HotSpot Shield
HotSpot Shield creates a virtual private network between your device and the internet and it does not reveal your identity. Its customer support is available live and has a feature of live chat. The user interface is straightforward to interact with, creating a good user experience for new users.
HotSpot shield establishes a connection over a public server and encrypts it for the user. The connection provides a security feature and does not allow the user’s IP address to be leaked. It cannot make the user anonymous, but it can greatly increase privacy and security.
.
Features
- Unblock Geo-restricted Contents
- Secure Online Activities
Pros
- No Logs Kept
- Best Customer Support
Cons
- Limited Free Trial
- Slow Connections
- Lacks Advanced Features
Download: HotSpot Shield for Android | iOS
Conclusion
VPN Apps allow users to access geo-restricted content bypassing the local server and connecting the IP to another server located in other parts of the world. Moreover, it also safeguards your IP identity on multiple sites that tracks your locations and online activities.
In this article, 10 VPN applications have been presented that are top-rated by multiple trustworthy platforms. The one that stands out is ProtonVPN because of its extensive advanced features and secure connections. Users can opt for another one based on their needs and requirements.
