Using a Virtual Private Network allows you to access the Internet from other computers. The ability to use a virtual private network is a service that can be provided for a fee or free of charge. In some cases, the site being viewed can see the user's real IP address. On most private networks it is hidden.
Traffic is encrypted. This way, the provider can usually determine that a VPN is being used, but will not be able to find out which sites the user visits using it. VPN use is available both on personal computers and on smartphones or tablets running Android or iOS.
Pros and cons of a VPN connection
Pros and Cons
You can browse sites all over the world, even those that have been blocked.
Overcoming the restrictions set by the site on a geographical basis.
Traffic is encrypted.
The user's IP address is hidden.
The speed of operation slows down.
Some providers block the use of VPNs.
The use of private virtual networks in some cases may be the only available way to visit certain sites. This technology has both pros and cons. Using a VPN has the following advantages:
- By setting up a virtual private network, the client gets the opportunity to visit sites of interest around the world.
- If a page has geographic restrictions, then it is possible to select a server for which they will not apply.
- In cases where visiting the site is blocked by the provider, the user, through the server of the company providing the service, will be able to easily access it.
- Traffic on such connections is encrypted, making it inaccessible to outsiders.
- Many providers offer the opportunity to choose from a large number of servers located in different countries.
The use of this technology is associated with the following disadvantages:
- Because the connection occurs in a more complex manner than usual, it is often slower.
- The services of some VPN networks are paid. Often such companies provide a certain amount of traffic for free, and if it is exceeded, you need to switch to a paid tariff. At the same time, there are free VPN networks that provide quite acceptable speeds.
When choosing suitable VPN networks, you need to study the proposed conditions and read reviews from their clients.
General list (20 pieces)
- PREMIUM SERVICES (RECOMMENDED)
- Safe, fast and functional. High-quality support, its own infrastructure of related services
Our review
- Any number of devices per account, high speeds, filtering of ads and viruses, reasonable prices
Our review
- Everything is the same as the market leaders, only technical support in the native Russian language
Our review
- The most necessary functionality, but at the most reasonable prices, there are no restrictions on the number of devices
Our review
- AVERAGE (WITH NUANCES)
- Turbo VPN
High speeds, strong encryption, but not in the best jurisdiction, weak client for PC, although very functional for Android
Our review
- VPN Master
Convenient application, additional features (for example, phone booster), but high prices for subscription from a smartphone
Our review
- VPN Proxy
Completely free access, although servers are often busy, special privacy policy (different from premium version)
Our review
- Hola VPN
Network based on P2P (peer-to-peer) principles, free access, but you should understand that someone can use your traffic
Our review
- Secure VPN
Convenient phone subscription plans, choice of VPN apps and other benefits, but no PC/Mac apps
Our review
- Browsec VPN
Functional client for Android, reasonable prices, sufficient security, there are applications for different platforms
Our review
- DO NOT RECOMMEND (AND DO NOT TRY)
- VPN 360
Only mobile devices are supported, there are many complaints about the speed and quality of work
Our review
- FreeVPN
Slow performance, users are shown a lot of ads, privacy policy is questionable, no PC support
Our review
- X-VPN
Not the best jurisdiction, many complaints about advertising and connection speed
Our review
- VPNhub
Positions itself as free, collects statistics, shows a lot of advertising, does not have the most transparent privacy policy, does not support all Android devices
Our review
- Touch VPN
Another free VPN without technical support, with low speeds and a weak protocol
Our review
- Master Secure Turbo VPN
Service organized by one developer, no guarantees, provided “as is”
Our review
- SuperVPN Free
With so many installations, the application does not even have its own website, personal data is collected, and advertising is shown.
Our review
- VPN Private
No support for other platforms, the application collects data and shows a lot of advertising, frequent connection dropouts
Our review
- GoingVPN
The privacy policy explicitly states that the owners cooperate with law enforcement agencies upon requests; there are applications only for mobile devices
Our review
- Speed VPN-Fast
The owners reserve the right to share your data with third parties, frequent complaints about the quality of connections and low speed
Our review
How to set up a VPN on Android
You can set up a virtual private network on Android using built-in tools or using system applications. Work in different versions occurs in the same way.
Using built-in Android features
Setting up the use of VPN can be done using standard operating system tools. In order to complete it, you will need the following steps:
- You will need to open the operating system settings. After that, go to the “Wireless Networks” section.
- When the menu opens, you need to click on the “More” line. After this, the part of the menu that previously did not fit on the screen will be shown.
- You need to open the “VPN” item.
- The user will be able to configure a virtual private network.
- The operating system will require you to set a PIN code or password that must be used when exiting standby mode. If it was not previously installed, it will now be applied.
- It is necessary to establish which of these two methods should be used. To do this, you need to tap on the corresponding line. For example, after selecting a password, a window for entering it will open.
- After specifying it, the user returns to the window for entering parameters for the VPN. In the upper right part of the screen, you need to click on the plus icon in the upper right part of the screen.
- Now a window will open on your phone to enter connection parameters. Here you will need to enter the server id, its type and password. In this case, you do not need to specify https or http.
- After entering the parameters, click on “Save”.
Now, if the user wants to organize his access to the network using a VPN, he must open their list, select the desired line, then enter the address and password. After this, the connection will be established. A corresponding message will appear on the screen.
In Android 4.3 or earlier, VPN settings are located in the “Other networks” section. Starting from 4.4 you need to use the “More” or “Advanced” item. Starting from 7.0, the VPN section is available on the main settings page.
Through third party applications
In order to use virtual private networks, it is not necessary to change the smartphone settings yourself. You can use specialized applications from third-party developers, which can be downloaded from Google Play, the Apps Store, or on developer websites. Next we will talk about the most popular of them.
Turbo VPN
This service is one of the most popular among those who use smartphones running Android. The free VPN service is provided free of charge. Traffic for the user is not limited.
Although the client can use Turbo VPN completely free of charge for an unlimited time, those who wish can nevertheless purchase VIP status. In this case, the VPN connection speed will be higher, and it will be possible to work with a significant number of additional servers. The program is possible.
OpenVPN Client
When choosing a suitable VPN, you can pay attention to the product of American developers OpenVPN Client. Both free and paid options are available to clients. The difference between them relates to the connection speed.
This program requires the user to carry out the setup themselves. He must indicate the desired server and mark the port. For those who prefer quick setup, preset options are provided here. After selecting any of them, the necessary parameters will be entered automatically. It is also possible to periodically use several settings options. You can download the application on the page.
Hideman VPN
The server provides the user with the opportunity to select a server to connect to from a large list. It is possible to use the service for free. If you buy the paid version, the user will receive better access and will be able to choose from a larger number of Hideman VPN servers. The program is available for download on the page.
When accessing the site, the user's IP address will be hidden. Data transmitted over the Internet is encrypted. Thus, unauthorized persons will not be able to familiarize themselves with them. When using the service, no restrictions are placed on the client for access. When working on various sites, the user is protected from tracking.
CyberGhost
This program is used on a paid basis. CyberGhost is cross-platform. It is available for smartphones, tablets, desktop computers running various operating systems. An important advantage of the service is the high data transfer speed. Compared to other VPNs, there are relatively few servers available. They are located in the USA and European countries.
A free trial period is offered to clients, during which they will have the opportunity to evaluate the quality of the services provided. The developers ensure that the user's geographic control algorithms used by various companies around the world are bypassed. This private network does not store any data about the user who browses various sites using it.
Thunder VPN
The developer of this application is known for participating in a large number of projects related to virtual networks. Thunder VPN is a completely free program. When using the service, the user receives information about the connection speed at each moment. A large number of servers located in different countries are available to the client.
To get started, just press one button. Immediately after this, the user will be able to enjoy anonymous access using a virtual private network. When used, the program protects the client's privacy. This happens everywhere, including when working on public Wi-Fi networks.
SkyVPN
Services are actually provided free of charge. In this case, the user is offered to view unobtrusive advertising. SkyVPN is a cross-platform program. There are versions not only for smartphones, but also for desktop computers. Premium traffic is available for an additional fee. This opportunity can be used, for example, by those who actively participate in the service’s affiliate program.
The service guarantees the anonymity of clients. When surfing, your browsing history is not saved. The user must select the country where the server should be located. The program will automatically select the one that will provide the maximum speed.
Comparison table of the best VPN apps on Android
To make it easier to understand the capabilities of the applications, we have compiled a summary table with the main characteristics.
| VPN | Free access | Premium cost | Test period | Number of countries | Shutdown for individual applications | ||||||
| Surfshark | There is | $11.95 month | 7 days in the application | 61 | There is | ||||||
| NordVPN | There is | ₽890 month | 7 days | 60 | No | ||||||
| RusVPN | There is | ₽399 month | 7 days | 50 | No | Atlas VPN | There is | $9.99 month | 3 days | 17 | No |
| Turbo VPN | There is | ₽639 month | 7 days | 20 | There is | ||||||
| VPN Master | There is | ₽699 month | 7 days | 12 | There is | ||||||
| VPN Proxy | There is | ₽899 month | 7 days | 7 | No | ||||||
| Hola VPN | There is | ₽990 month | 3 days | about 100 | There is | ||||||
| Secure VPN | There is | ₽479 month | 7 days | 12 | There is | ||||||
| Browsec VPN | There is | ₽299 month | 7 days | over 30 | There is |
The cost of tariffs is indicated for monthly payment. Thunder VPN, VPN Proxy Master and Secure VPN also offer the option to pay for a weekly subscription, but this is rather an exception to the rule.
Problems setting up a VPN
Alexander
Gadget repairman
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Problem and solution
When working with the program, access via VPN is not provided.
In this case, you need to make sure that the settings applied are correct and check whether the terms of service have changed. If this does not help, you need to find a more suitable virtual private network.
What to do if your ISP blocks VPN use?
You can try working with other VPNs, perhaps the use of one of them will not be blocked.
The use of a VPN is easily available and widespread. However, from time to time, users may experience that the service has become worse or stopped altogether. The causes of problems may be the following:
- If access via a virtual private network is enabled, but the user does not take any action for a long time, the service may disconnect spontaneously. In this case, you need to connect again.
- Sometimes a previously working network stops providing access. In this case, it is best to choose another service provider. Providing such access is costly, and in some cases the provider does not have sufficient funds to provide free services and may be forced to close the business.
- Access parameters have changed; the old ones do not provide access. You need to go to the supplier’s website and clarify the new conditions for working with it. This situation is possible in cases where the business has a new owner.
- Sometimes the provider may block the use of such networks. This is usually associated with the implementation of decisions of government regulatory authorities. Perhaps, by working with another virtual private network, you can get anonymous access to the Internet.
Typically, problems with VPNs have little to do with the user. If your previous service provider does not provide the required quality of access, you need to find a more suitable one.
Paid vs. Free – which VPN to choose?
Users of Android smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes and even SMART TVs are the largest audience in the world of mobile operating systems. It is logical that to attract new users, many VPN services offer free plans, and sometimes completely free access to their infrastructure. But you should understand that you will definitely have to pay for free cheese in a mousetrap. And if this is not real money, then it may be your personal data resold to third parties, or additional advertising units. Since all your traffic will potentially pass through the VPN, it is difficult to even imagine what data attackers will be able to collect about you. This could include everything from banking passwords to all your online accounts.
Is it worth free access to blocked sites or streaming services abroad? Of course not. You shouldn’t trust your traffic to the first person you meet; even among paid services you still need to look for those who can provide the required level of confidentiality. We definitely don’t recommend saving on VPN.
