The Ultimate Guide to the Best Mobile VPNs of 2025

A VPN is a type of secure network that prevents unauthorized access to your internet data on your device, and works seamlessly across various platforms such as tablets, smartphones, and computers. Its data is sent in a scrambled format, which makes it hard for anyone to intercept. The attached data pieces contain details that can provide insight into your personal traits, which includes your gadget's unique ID, geographical location, and other such personal information.

When sending and receiving data, encryption uses a scrambled format so that only the intended recipient will be able to access it. Tunneling techniques are then utilized to create secure tunnels within the network, isolating and concealing the information from other users. This type of protection is especially important when using an unsecured or secured network.

A remote server is the destination of your encrypted tunnel that transfers your data to VPN servers located in other countries so that you can anonymize it. Once the data exits, the location of the remote server is taken over by the final destination. These servers act as a sort of middleman, protecting your data from unauthorized access.

What Protections Does a VPN Cover For Your Smartphone?

Most of us rely on our smartphone for most activities, including scouting the internet for all kinds of information. Take a look at the protections a VPN will cover to ensure your privacy and safety.

Safely Use Public Wi-Fi

Most smartphones use public Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. Even though you're using a password-protected connection, you can still be seen by other people using the network. A malicious hacker can access your password and even the network you're using, and a VPN is a good way to protect yourself from unauthorized access and threat to your personal information.

Financial Data Encryption

Although there are numerous banking apps for smartphones, using these may expose your financial data to the internet. Similarly, using online shopping sites such as Amazon may expose your data to thieves. Although these apps may have their own encryption methods, a VPN will still prevent unauthorized access and provide more of a guarantee that no one can get a hold of your data. 

Voice and Video Chat Data Encryption

Chat applications like FaceTime and Skype can attract hackers who are listening in on your conversations. With encryption, you can be sure that only authorized individuals will be able to listen in on your conversations.

What Factors Should I Consider Most When Looking for the Right VPN?

There are a variety of things to consider when choosing the right mobile VPN. Is it compatible with your device? What are the speeds like? Here are the most important factors that go into a high quality VPN. 

Ensure That it Will Work With Your Device(s)

When choosing a mobile VPN, make sure that it supports both iOS and Android, even though most providers do. Before you start using the VPN, make sure that you're able to install the application on other devices that you want to use like Windows. 

Make Sure the Speed Isn’t as Disruptive 

When compared to a raw internet connection, using a VPN can slow down your connection. This is because the data is sent and received through a VPN server instead of a direct connection. On the other hand, the fastest VPNs can only drop your internet speed by around 25%.

Aside from gaming, streaming videos, and downloading large files, most people also need a fast VPN connection to keep their online activities and communications secure. This can be achieved through a combination of factors such as a powerful client, a dedicated communication channel, and an optimized protocol.

Effective Streaming

A good VPN will allow you to access various streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and Disney Plus. It should also be fast enough to handle 4K or 1080p videos.

Price

Most VPN companies offer long-term plans that are cheaper than a monthly subscription. However, they usually require you to pay for the entire term. A two-year subscription is the best deal.

Annual subscriptions are ideal for the lowest risk. Some providers, such as Proton VPN, Surf Shark, and NordVPN, offer a cheaper plan with a future price increase. Most VPN companies also allow you to stack subscriptions so you can get a better deal at any time.

The Best Mobile VPNs of 2025

VPN server-switching will allow you to access region-locked libraries within video streaming services. Spoofing your location will enable these services to believe that you're in another country, which will allow you to watch TV shows and movies that are unavailable locally.

Companies can use your demographic information to improve their services and marketing efforts. Although this isn't malicious, you may not always want this to be exposed. Some companies sell this data to third parties, which are not always as protective of your information. Having multiple places where your data is stored increases your vulnerability to data leaks, and a VPN will hide the necessary demographic information to ensure you don't get tracked. Overall, VPNs make things you do on your mobile phone much simpler and safer.

The best mobile VPNs include apps that are easy to use, secure networks, fast speeds, and a consistent performance overall. With extensive testing done, here are some of the hottest mobile VPNs out on the market today.

NordVPN

Regardless of the type of device you're using, NordVPN is a reliable and fast VPN that has a wide server network. It doesn't require additional knowledge about using other gadgets to work seamlessly. You can start using it by going to its landing page, which will automatically choose a country or a fast local server.

With a single account, you can use it to connect up to 10 devices at the same time. It supports different platforms and has over a hundred countries in its server network. Its kill switch prevents unauthorized access to the internet if your connection suddenly drops or gets interrupted.

Most customers enjoy the fast and minimal buffering that NordVPN provides. If you're looking for additional security perks, the Prime plan comes with cyber extortion and identity theft coverage.

Surfshark

A solid VPN that's ideal for budget-conscious users, Surfshark offers a variety of security features and is often cheaper than other alternatives. Its bypasser feature allows users to add specific applications to a safe list, and it has a strict no-logging policy. The app's server list is impressive, though its interface could use a bit of optimization.

One of Surfshark's most useful features is its ability to spoof your GPS location. If someone attempts to find your location, it displays the coordinates of your VPN server. The company has also recently launched a bypasser app for iOS that enables users to bypass the VPN and access various services.

ExpressVPN

Acting as a premium VPN with all of the important qualities like fast speeds, global server coverage, and reliability, ExpressVPN is often ranked as the very best VPN by sources like CNet, which is ideal for those who want to conduct online activities with ease. Unfortunately, its high pricing makes it more expensive than many of its peers, though it’s still a good choice for those who are looking for top-notch security and performance.

Although it supports a wide variety of devices, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles, the 8 simultaneous connections limit of ExpressVPN is a bit restrictive compared to other plans.

Unlike other providers, such as Surfshark and NordVPN, who offer multiple plans, ExpressVPN only offers one subscription tier. This eliminates the need for customers to decide which features they want to use.

IPVanish VPN

Another popular VPN is known as IPVanish, which comes with an incredibly easy-to-use and modern user interface for iOS and Android. Even though its software doesn't look as good on computers as it does on a mobile device, it has earned high ratings from both the App Store and Google Play.

The app is very fast and can connect to a server almost immediately. It also offers a feature that allows users to connect to multiple devices at the same time. Recently, the server network was upgraded to over a hundred locations, which places it in the same league as NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN has plenty of transparency, including a privacy policy that is friendly to readers. Its features make it a great choice for those who are power users. Its streaming performance also ensures that it works well for casual users.

Proton doesn't show ads or charge you for data, which is the case with most VPNS out there. It also doesn't throttle your internet speed, and its paid plan comes with a generous device policy and a large international network.

Compared to other VPN providers, such as Surfshark and ExpressVPN, Proton VPN has a wider range of international locations. Its servers are ideal for people who are traveling and navigating foreign media libraries.

Proton's apps are compatible with almost every major OS, including Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and iPadOS, which can also be found on Amazon Fire TV boxes, Apple TV, and plenty of other browsers. 

Proton Plus' pricing starts at $10 per month, which may be cheaper than some carriers but not others like Surfshark which costs just $45 for the first year and $60 for the second year. The two-year and one-year plans of Proton are reasonably priced, but they’re more expensive than most VPN services. Image courtesy of PCMag. 

Consider REALLY For All of Your Privacy and Coverage Needs

REALLY is one of the best networks out there to use that protects a user’s privacy and security by minimizing data collection and most user tracking. Because it is a decentralized network, REALLY can have stronger network resilience and stability. The infrastructure of REALLY’s network also promotes better coverage in areas that tend to go unnoticed.