Which VPN is the best for mobile devices? – A comprehensive guide
In our modern digital world, we’re constantly online on the go. As a result, many people feel the need to protect their data and privacy on the internet. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) for mobile devices offers a simple and effective solution. But which VPN is best suited for your smartphone or tablet? In this article, we explore the criteria that make a good mobile VPN and introduce you to some of the best options currently available on the market.
Why use a VPN on a mobile device?
Before we look at the best mobile VPNs, it’s useful to understand why a VPN is important on mobile devices. There are primarily three reasons
- Privacy protection
- Security on public networks
- Circumventing regional restrictions
Privacy protection: A VPN protects your IP address and encrypts your internet connection. This makes your online activities more secure as data cannot be easily intercepted and is especially important when you work from home.
Security on public networks: When you use public Wi-Fi hotspots, like those in cafes or airports, hackers might try to capture your data. A VPN makes such attacks more difficult. What else you need to know when you travel a lot can you read in our smartphone travel tips.
Circumventing regional restrictions: You can access content that is regionally blocked, such as streaming services or social media websites.
The key criteria for a mobile VPN
To help you know which criteria you should use to select a mobile VPN, here are the key factors summarized:
- User-friendliness
- Fast servers
- Strong encryption and security standards
- Compatibility with streaming services
- Value for money
User-friendliness: The app should be clear and easy to use. This is especially important on mobile devices, as the screen is smaller and you often use the app on the go.
Fast servers: A fast connection is crucial for a good VPN experience. Make sure that the VPN uses servers worldwide as well as in your region.
Strong encryption and security standards: A good provider uses AES-256 encryption and offers protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard for optimal security.
Compatibility with streaming services: If you want to watch streaming content from other countries, a VPN with special servers to bypass regional locks or restrictions is advantageous.
Value for money: Many VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees. Choose a provider that offers a good balance between cost and performance. And for your smartphone you need a mobile plan with good roaming option. Here you find the best plans for roaming within Europe.
The best VPNs for mobile devices
After thorough research and evaluation of user reviews, here are some of the best VPNs for mobile devices.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for its fast and reliable performance and offers user-friendly apps for Android and iOS. With a large selection of servers in over 90 countries, ExpressVPN is particularly well-suited for streaming. It reliably unlocks popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Advantages: Very fast servers, easy to use, strong security features, 24/7 customer service.
Disadvantages: Higher price compared to some competitors.
NordVPN
NordVPN combines speed, security, and user-friendliness optimally. The “CyberSec” feature for blocking ads and malware is particularly interesting for mobile devices. With over 5,000 servers worldwide, NordVPN offers excellent options for privacy and unlocking streaming services.
Advantages: Plenty of server options, high security standards, good value for money.
Disadvantages: App occasionally loads slower.
Surfshark
Surfshark is perfect for budget-conscious users and offers a powerful and fast VPN experience. It also allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is ideal for families with multiple devices.
Advantages: Affordable price, unlimited device connections, good speed, easy to use.
Disadvantages: Fewer server locations than other providers.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is great for VPN beginners. The user-friendly app offers pre-configured servers for streaming or gaming. Additionally, CyberGhost shines with a transparent privacy policy.
Advantages: Easy to use, special streaming servers, extensive server selection.
Disadvantages: Speed occasionally fluctuates.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is ideal for users who place the highest value on privacy. It offers a free version and is known for top-notch privacy policies. The mobile app is intuitively designed, and ProtonVPN also offers optimized security features for mobile browsing.
Advantages: High privacy standards, free version available, user-friendly app.
Disadvantages: Fewer servers than other providers.
Conclusion: Which VPN suits you best?
The optimal VPN for you depends on your personal requirements. ExpressVPN offers high speed and reliable streaming options. NordVPN scores with a mix of security and speed. Surfshark is perfect for budget-conscious users with many devices. ProtonVPN is excellent for privacy enthusiasts.
Using a VPN on mobile devices protects your privacy and security on the go. Most providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can test without risk and find the VPN that best suits your needs.
