Currently, ExpressVPN is CNET’s top choice for the best mobile VPN. It’s known for its:
✔️ Fast speeds
✔️ Reliability
✔️ User-friendly interface
✔️ Excellent streaming unblocking
For budget-conscious users, Surfshark is a great alternative. It’s affordable, packed with privacy features, and works well for streaming and gaming.
If speed is your priority, NordVPN is the fastest mobile VPN, offering an industry-leading 11% average download speed loss. With its large server network, NordVPN is a top pick for gamers and streaming fans.
🔍 What Is a Mobile VPN?
A mobile VPN enhances online privacy on smartphones and tablets by encrypting internet traffic. This prevents:
🔹 Websites & apps from tracking your real location
🔹 Your ISP or mobile carrier from monitoring your activity
🔹 Government or corporate surveillance
With VPNs in the spotlight due to TikTok bans and other internet restrictions, more people are using them to:
✔️ Access geo-restricted content (like Netflix libraries from other countries)
✔️ Avoid ISP throttling for smoother video streaming
✔️ Stay private while traveling
The best VPNs offer dedicated mobile apps for Android & iOS, making them easy to use anywhere.
📌 Factors to Consider in a Mobile VPN
There are hundreds of VPNs, but not all are worth your time. Here’s what to look for:
🛡️ Privacy
A VPN is useless if it doesn’t properly protect your data. Make sure it offers:
✔️ AES-256 encryption (OpenVPN & IKEv2 protocols) or ChaCha20 encryption (WireGuard)
✔️ No-logs policy (preferably audited by a third party)
✔️ Kill switch (to prevent data leaks if the VPN disconnects)
✔️ DNS leak protection
For extra privacy, some VPNs offer:
🔹 RAM-only servers (so data is never stored)
🔹 Obfuscation (to hide VPN usage from restrictive networks)
🔹 Tor over VPN (for even more anonymity)
🔹 Ad & tracker blocking
⚡ Speed
A slow VPN will ruin your experience. Here’s how various VPNs compare in speed loss:
| Provider | Speed Loss |
|---|---|
| NordVPN | 11% ✅ |
| Mullvad | 13% ✅ |
| Surfshark | 17% ✅ |
| Proton VPN | 21% ✅ |
| ExpressVPN | 25% ✅ |
| CyberGhost | 30% ⚠️ |
| IPVanish | 44% ❌ |
| PrivadoVPN | 48% ❌ |
| PIA | 49% ❌ |
For smooth streaming, gaming, and video calls, stick with a VPN that minimizes speed loss.
📱 Usability
A great mobile VPN should be:
✔️ Easy to set up & use
✔️ Stable across Wi-Fi & mobile data
✔️ Compatible with all your devices
Some VPNs hide their app (e.g., appearing as “Calculator” or “Notes”) for extra privacy. Others offer one-click connections and auto-reconnect if your connection drops.
💰 Cost
VPN pricing varies, but most premium VPNs charge:
- $5–$13 per month (monthly plans)
- $30–$100 per year (annual plans)
⚠️ Avoid free VPNs—many collect & sell your data. The only free VPN CNET recommends is Proton VPN, which doesn’t throttle speeds or limit usage.
Most premium VPNs offer:
✔️ Money-back guarantees (7 to 45 days)
✔️ Free trials (via Apple App Store or Google Play Store)
🔥 Best Mobile VPNs of 2025
🥇 Best Overall: ExpressVPN
✔️ Fast & reliable
✔️ Top-tier encryption
✔️ Unblocks all streaming platforms
✔️ Works in restrictive regions (China, UAE, etc.)
💰 Price: $8.32/month (with an annual plan)
💰 Best Budget Option: Surfshark
✔️ Unlimited device connections
✔️ Good speed & streaming performance
✔️ Privacy features like multi-hop & tracker blocking
💰 Price: $2.49/month (with a 2-year plan)
⚡ Fastest VPN: NordVPN
✔️ Fastest VPN (only 11% speed loss)
✔️ Specialized servers for gaming & streaming
✔️ Advanced privacy tools (Double VPN, Tor over VPN)
💰 Price: $3.79/month (with a 2-year plan)
🔒 Most Secure Free VPN: Proton VPN
✔️ The only CNET-recommended free VPN
✔️ No speed throttling or data limits
✔️ Open-source & privacy-focused
💰 Price: Free (paid plans start at $10/month)
⚠️ Important Note for iOS Users
iOS devices have been leaking data outside of VPN tunnels since iOS 13. This means that all VPNs on iPhones & iPads may have privacy vulnerabilities.
🔹 Temporary Fix: Connect to your VPN, then toggle Airplane Mode on & off. This forces all apps to reconnect inside the VPN tunnel.
🔹 Apple’s Response: None. Despite multiple reports, Apple hasn’t addressed this issue as of iOS 17.
🛠️ How We Tested Mobile VPNs
Our VPN experts tested each service on both Android & iOS, evaluating:
✔️ Speed (using multiple locations & servers)
✔️ Streaming performance (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)
✔️ Privacy & security features
✔️ Usability (app design & ease of use)
✔️ Compatibility (Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs, etc.)
🔮 Final Thoughts: Which VPN Should You Choose?
💡 Best for Most People: ExpressVPN – Fast, reliable, great for streaming
💡 Best Budget Pick: Surfshark – Affordable, unlimited devices
💡 Fastest VPN: NordVPN – Ideal for gaming & high-speed needs
💡 Best Free VPN: Proton VPN – Secure, no speed throttling
A mobile VPN is essential for privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. Choose the one that best fits your needs and budget! 🚀
