VPN’s for Mobile Explained
What is a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your mobile phone and the internet. It routes your traffic through a remote server, hiding your IP address and protecting your data from hackers, ISPs, and public Wi-Fi threats. Don’t worry – that’s me done with all the nerdy jargon for this post, but before we go into the best VPN’s for mobile first let’s talk about why you might need one.
The reason you should consider a VPN is for privacy, security, access, and anonymity whilst you are online:
- Privacy: Prevents tracking by websites, apps, and your internet provider.
- Security: Encrypts data on public Wi-Fi (like in cafes or airports).
- Access: Unblocks region-locked content or apps (e.g. streaming or gaming).
- Anonymity: Hides your real IP and location.
Ranking the Best VPN’s for Mobile
Comparing the Best VPN’s for Mobile
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|---|---|---|---|
| Servers | 7,400 | 3,200 | 3,000 |
| Countries | 118 | 100 | 105 |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux | Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux | Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 8 |
| Support | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat |
| Price (from) | From $3.09 / month | From $2.19 / month | From $4.99 / month |
| Coupon | Get Deal | Get Deal | Get Deal |
- Servers: 7,400
- Countries: 118
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Simultaneous Connections: 10
- Support: Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat
- Price: From $3.09 / month
- Coupon: Get Deal
- Servers: 3,200
- Countries: 100
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
- Support: Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support
- Price: From $2.19 / month
- Coupon: Get Deal
- Servers: 3,000
- Countries: 105
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Simultaneous Connections: 8
- Support: Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat
- Price: From $4.99 / month
- Coupon: Get Deal
Pro’s and Con’s of Each VPN
NordVPN:
✅ Best Overall – NordVPN is the most well-rounded VPN available.
✅ Streaming Galore – NordVPN unblocks loads of streaming sites.
❌Expensive – There are cheaper VPN alternatives.
❌Technical – Whilst overall NordVPN is fine to use, if you are not technical there are other VPN’s that you may find easier.
Surfshark:
✅ Best Value for Money – Surfshark comes in at a low cost, protecting you for only $0.07 a day, making this the best value for money.
✅ Multi-Device – Surfshark allows you to have unlimited connections, meaning one subscription can allow all of your household devices to be protected.
❌Simple – If you are a bit more technical minded, Surfshark is a bit basic as it caters towards the every day person.
❌No Live Chat – Surfshark, unlike the others compared, does not offer live chat as part of their support package.
ExpressVPN:
✅ Bonus Features – Besides just being a VPN, ExpressVPN comes with a bundle of bonus features, helping to ensure you stay safe on the internet.
✅ Eye on the Ball – Historically, ExpressVPN are one of the first providers to react to new threats in the privacy space.
❌Simple – If you are a bit more technical minded, ExpressVPN is a bit basic as it caters towards the every day person.
❌Price – It is the most expensive VPN, and if you do not want all the other features, then this would make it a sore point – costing potentially more than twice as much as the likes of Surfshark.
Best Welcome Offers
Overall Ranking
To conclude, my ranking for the best VPN’s for mobile would be:
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- ExpressVPN
I found NordVPN to have the best performance which is crucial if you are like me and love to play games, and stream movies. Not only that but it also offers the widest array of countries. NordVPN and Surfshark are both great for watching streaming services – this is where ExpressVPN is let down a bit. Surfshark does come to a close second, largely because of it is the budget option whilst still competing in terms of features. ExpressVPN does the job, but at a more expensive cost point, and tends to be more limited by streaming platforms. It does have on the surface the best welcome offer – but it is priced just too high for that to really be taken into account.
All three VPN’s will help keep you safe on the internet, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. Stay safe online!
Frequently Asked Questions
What VPN has an app?
All of the VPN’s discussed in this post have an app version – NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
Will using a VPN slow down my internet?
It can slightly reduce your speed depending on the VPN provider, server location, and encryption level. Premium VPNs typically maintain high speeds with minimal impact.
Can I use a free VPN on my mobile?
You can, but proceed with caution. Free VPNs often have:
Data limits
Slower speeds
Weak security
Questionable privacy policies (some may sell your data)
If privacy is a priority, consider a reputable paid VPN.
Why use a VPN for mobile gaming?
Using a VPN for mobile gaming might seem unnecessary at first, but it actually offers several advantages:
1. Access Region-Locked Games
Some mobile games are released in specific countries first or are only available in certain regions. A VPN lets you change your virtual location and access these games early or from anywhere in the world.
2. Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
Some internet service providers (ISPs) throttle gaming traffic, especially during peak hours. A VPN encrypts your data and hides your activity, making it harder for ISPs to detect and slow down your connection.
3. Improve Matchmaking & Server Access
A VPN can help you:
Connect to game servers in different regions
Match with players in specific countries
Avoid high-latency servers that the game auto-selects
This is useful for competitive gaming or playing with friends abroad.
4. Extra Security on Public Wi-Fi
Gaming on public Wi-Fi (like at a café or airport)? A VPN protects your data from hackers, which is especially important for games that involve logins or in-app purchases.
Does a VPN protect me inside apps?
Yes, it encrypts all your device’s internet traffic—including app data—so your ISP and network admins can’t see what you’re doing. However, it doesn’t affect what the app itself collects (e.g., WhatsApp still sees your messages unless you disable backups or change settings).
Will a VPN hide my location in all apps?
A VPN hides your IP-based location, but apps that use GPS data (like maps or ride-sharing apps) can still see your real location unless you spoof it with other tools.
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