VPN usage is increasingly common in developed economies across the globe, with some 26% of all Internet users now relying on virtual private networks to protect them online.
A growing number of VPNs are being installed on mobile devices too, including iOS and Android handsets. This is largely due to the ability of VPNs to provide an additional layer of network security, which is crucial when accessing public networks out-of-the-home.
But why is a VPN so effective on Android devices, and what should you look for in a particular client?
What is a VPN and Why Should You Install One?
Generally speaking, a virtual private network (VPN) is a service that establishes an encrypted tunnel between two virtual servers.
It’s through this that all data is routed safely and securely, with this appearing as an indecipherable string of code to hackers and other network users.
At the same time, the use of remote server locations ensures that your device’s IP address remains concealed, providing additional protection against malware attacks and potentially negating geographical content restrictions.
It’s the security element of VPNs that’s particularly compelling, especially for mobile users.
For example, Android users will often have to connect to unsecured public networks while they’re out and about. The issue here is that hackers can infiltrate these networks by establishing familiar sounding but rogue connection points, through which your data can be tracked and intercepted once you’re logged in.
A VPN provides direct protection against this risk, however, by encrypting your data as it’s shared from one device to another. At the same time, your chosen client will mask your physical location, as the device’s unique IP address will be replaced with the VPN server that you’re connected to.
This also prevents hackers and others on the public network from monitoring your web traffic, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and network managers.
How to Identify the Best VPN for Android – The Key Considerations
While the case to install a VPN on your handset is compelling, it’s important to note that not all products of this type are created equal.
So, the question that remains is how can you identify the best VPN for your Android device? Here are some criteria to help you make an informed decision:
#1. Free vs. Paid VPNs
When comparing the current market for Android devices, you’ll find both free and paid VPN clients. While you may be tempted to opt for the free option, this often provides only a basic service and one that may not provide the level of security that you require.
Similarly, they’re likely to come with speed limitations and restrictions in terms of the volume of data you can use monthly.
This will impact negatively on your experience over time, while there’s a considerable risk that paid clients will fund their service by collating your personal data and monetising this through sales to third-party advertisers.
Conversely, paid clients tend to offer the best VPN solution for Android devices. Such entities tend to offer a number of crucial advantages over free alternatives, including connection speeds, coverage and the provision of unlimited data.
What’s more, the average cost of a monthly VPN subscription is around £3, while a growing number of VPN clients for Android offer flexible payment options that are even cheaper.
#2. Coverage and Server Locations
If you use your Android handset to regularly stream content (some 50% of Netflix users regularly access content through their mobile devices), you may want to consider how many international server locations are provided by a particular client.
The reason for this is simple; as the best and most reliable VPN clients tend to boast a dense network of international server locations.
This optimises speed and coverage across the globe, while minimising the risk that your connection will fail or buffer while travelling.
Similarly, you’ll have a better chance of locating your favourite content library when streaming content through Netflix, which offers different programs and listing according to international licensing restrictions.
#3. Security and Privacy When Surfing
Given that many of you will use an Android VPN for security purposes, this should be a primary consideration when choosing your preferred client.
The best VPN protocol from a security perspective is OpenVPN, which is compatible with a broad range of encryption ciphers such as AES-256, ChaCha20 and Blowfish. Currently, it has no known or overt vulnerabilities, and is widely supported by virtually every reputable VPN service.
However, market leading VPN clients tend to combine OpenVPN with WireGuard, which is a similarly secure and faster alternative that helps to create a more enriching user experience.
When it comes to privacy, we’ll already touch on how many free VPN services collate and monetise user data. However, some of the less reputable paid alternatives also keep user logs and track web traffic, creating a similar safety risk that may compromise some of your most sensitive data.
So, try to prioritise VPN clients that don’t keep such logs or store personal metadata sets, as this will ensure that you get better value for money through your arrangement.