What does a VPN do on Android?
When you connect to a virtual private network or VPN, it routes your web traffic through an encrypted connection to a server run by the VPN service. A watcher will see all your web traffic (and the web traffic of other VPN clients) flowing to and from the VPN server, not from your Android device.
When connected to a VPN, your real IP address is hidden. This means that all those advertising spies or other spies will only see the IP address of the VPN server. This protects your privacy and makes it difficult for anyone to locate you as IP addresses are geographically distributed.
A VPN on Android also prevents your Internet Service Provider from seeing what you are doing – which is good because they are also keen to profit from your data. Read on to find out the best VPN services for Android we have tested, followed by everything you need to know about choosing the right app.
Do VPN Services on Android work with Netflix?
Using a VPN daily is location spoofing. When you send your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server, it appears as though the data is coming from the VPN server instead of your actual location. Journalists and activists have used this ability to circumvent internet restrictions imposed by different governments.
But for most people, location spoofing with a VPN is used to stream content restricted in specific geographic areas. However, video streaming services have started to fight back. We’ve noticed that Hulu and Amazon Prime Video frequently block access when a VPN is detected. Note that streaming companies have the right to block VPN users. Just because you pay to watch Netflix in the US doesn’t mean you can watch Netflix in the UK.
Some VPN services work with Netflix, but their effectiveness can change daily as streaming companies and VPN services play a cat-and-mouse game with spoofing and blocking.
What is the best VPN for Android?
Even though Android phones and tablets are quite different in form from desktop and laptop computers, what we’re looking for in a VPN remains the same.
The number and distribution of available VPN servers from the service are important. Having many servers in many locations means finding a server close to your location, and while traveling, it should be easier than a service with only a few server locations. Having many servers also means more options when spoofing your location.
The location of the VPN company is also important. Depending on where the company is based, local laws may require user data retention. This isn’t good if maintaining your privacy is your primary concern.
Another important feature to look for in Android device owners is split tunneling. This allows you to specify which apps send their data through the VPN connection and which travel outside it. This is useful for apps that frequently block VPN access or require a lot of bandwidth but lack security, such as video or music streaming apps and mobile games.
Price and the number of licenses per subscription are important factors to consider. VPN services range from free to very expensive, but it’s common for a service to allow five simultaneous accounts per subscription. Some companies are starting to move away from this restrictive model, which is good for consumers. If you are paying more than $10 a month, ensure that the VPN service offers features that justify the price. Our list of the cheapest VPN services is a good place to start, and our list of free VPN services gets the job done without needing to open your wallet.
Finally,
You should consider the experience provided by a VPN app. You probably won’t use it if it’s ugly, confusing, or difficult to use. A good VPN app doesn’t need to be a work of art, but it should be reliable and easy to use. Look for apps with simple interfaces and those that offer most, if not all, of the features you find in the desktop version of the app.
Best Free VPN Service for Android?
Proton VPN is the only service that has no data restrictions, making it the only true free service on our list. However, the free tier is limited to server locations in the Netherlands, Japan, and the United States, and you can only use the free VPN service on one device at a time.
Proton VPN has built its excellent reputation on the success of its sister product, ProtonMail. ProtonVPN also has good privacy policies and is regularly subjected to audits by third parties.
Conclusion
Regardless of the service you choose, using a VPN on Android can provide you with privacy and security when browsing the internet. A VPN service can encrypt your web traffic, hide your real IP address, and prevent your service provider from seeing your online activities. Choose the service that suits your needs and offers the features that matter to you, and be sure to read the privacy policies and terms of service before signing up for any VPN service.
Source: https://me.pcmag.com/en/vpn/17098/the-best-android-vpns-for-2023
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