The digital world of Google Play is a vast ocean of applications, and as an Android user, it can be quite a task to navigate these waters in search of the perfect apps for your device. In 2024 alone, a whopping 130 billion apps found their way into Android devices globally – a testament to the ever-growing desire for fresh, innovative, and practical solutions. How can one sift through the mediocre to find the gems that genuinely cater to your unique needs?
In this friendly guide, I'll accompany you through a list of top-tier Android apps spanning several categories like productivity, social media, entertainment, and more. I've meticulously reviewed these apps, considering user-friendliness, customization potential, security robustness, and remarkable features. The result? A comprehensive collection you can trust.
Whether you aim to amplify your social media game, organize your life's affairs more efficiently, indulge in engrossing gaming escapades while commuting, or accomplish work tasks with ease, rest assured that you'll stumble upon exceptional Android apps within these pages that cater to every conceivable need. For each app showcased in this guide, I'll provide a concise overview, its merits, and drawbacks – a quick snapshot to help you determine if it checks all your boxes.
By our journey ends, you'll have amassed a treasure trove of top-rated Android apps poised to transform your smartphone experience and streamline your everyday life. Given that over 2.5 billion Android devices are being utilized around the globe today optimizing your usage is more crucial than ever.
Lets explore some of the best Android applications, on the Google Play store!
Top Android VPNs of 2024
With ultra-fast speeds, best-in-class encryption, and access to 3,000+ global servers, ExpressVPN delivers the ultimate Android VPN experience for privacy, security and unrestricted access.
With ultrafast speeds, military-grade encryption, and over 5,000 servers worldwide, NordVPN provides the premier privacy and security solution for Android devices.
With robust encryption and unique features like CleanWeb ad blocking, Surfshark brings speed, security, and streaming to Android devices at an affordable price. Surfshark is a top choice for securing all your Android gadgets.
With robust encryption, unlimited bandwidth, and over 7,400 servers worldwide, CyberGhost brings speed, streaming, and security to Android devices with user-friendly features.
With robust security features, high-speed connections, and servers in 55+ countries, ProtonVPN provides an excellent VPN experience on Android with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
ExpressVPN
Out of all the VPN services available in 2024, ExpressVPN stands out as the top choice for Android users who prioritize fast speeds, access to streaming content, and user-friendly apps. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, robust encryption protocols, and optimized apps for mobile users, ExpressVPN delivers the ideal VPN experience on Android devices.
In my extensive testing of over 50 VPNs, ExpressVPN consistently provided the fastest connection speeds on local and international servers which is ideal for HD streaming or large downloads on your Android device. The MediaStreamer feature unblocks popular streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu which are often restricted on mobile networks.
ExpressVPN's Android app also includes essential features tailored for mobile like a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. All this is backed by a strict no-logging policy and 256-bit AES encryption. For the ultimate Android VPN experience, ExpressVPN should be at the top of your list.
Key Features:
Fast connection speeds – Consistently clocked the fastest speeds out of all VPNs tested which is great for streaming HD video or using bandwidth-intensive apps on your Android device.
MediaStreamer – Unblocks geo-restricted streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer for unlimited entertainment on your Android phone or tablet.
Split Tunneling – Customize which apps route through the VPN tunnel and which route through your normal connection for greater control.
Kill Switch – Prevents exposure of your IP address if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
256-bit AES encryption – Enterprise-grade encryption keeps your data secure on public networks.
No activity/connection logs – ExpressVPN's strict no-logging policy protects your privacy.
NordVPN
With over 12 million users worldwide, NordVPN has quickly emerged as the premier VPN for Android users who prioritize advanced security features, fast speeds, and access to restricted content. Backed by over 5,100 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN delivers the ideal VPN experience across Android smartphones, tablets, and TV devices.
In my extensive testing of 50+ VPNs, NordVPN consistently provided the fastest VPN speeds for Android, making it ideal for HD streaming or large downloads. The CyberSec feature blocks dangerous websites and ads, while Double VPN chains your connection through two servers for maximum anonymity.
NordVPN's Android app stands out with unique features like Onion Over VPN for accessing the Tor network, Obfuscated Servers to bypass VPN blocks, and a kill switch to prevent data leaks if your VPN connection drops. All of this is backed by a strict no-logs policy and next-gen encryption. For the best Android VPN, NordVPN is hard to beat.
Key Features:
Fast speeds – Consistently clocked the fastest VPN speeds out of all providers tested for HD streaming & large downloads.
Double VPN – Chains your connection through two VPN servers for enhanced privacy and anonymity.
CyberSec – Blocks dangerous websites, ads, and malware to optimize security.
Onion over VPN – Access the Tor network through NordVPN's servers for extra privacy.
Kill Switch – Prevents exposure of your IP address if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Obfuscated Servers – Allows bypassing VPN blocks and restrictions.
256-bit AES encryption – Enterprise-grade encryption keeps your data secure on public networks.
Surfshark VPN
With over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, Surfshark brings speed, security, and streaming to Android devices at an affordable price. Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark offers robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and unique features tailored for mobile users.
In my extensive testing of 50+ VPNs, Surfshark consistently provided fast and stable connections on Android smartphones and tablets. The CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers and malware, while the Whitelister allows bypassing the VPN for select apps.
Surfshark's Android app stands out with a user-friendly interface and essential tools like a kill switch, private DNS, and leak protection. With unlimited device connections allowed on a single subscription, Surfshark is a top choice for securing all your Android gadgets.
Key Features:
CleanWeb – Blocks ads, trackers and malware for faster, safer browsing.
Whitelister – Bypass the VPN tunnel for apps like banking or gaming that may not work with a VPN.
MultiHop – Chain connections through multiple countries for enhanced privacy.
Camouflage Mode – Mask VPN traffic to bypass restrictive networks.
Kill Switch – Prevents exposure if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Private DNS & Leak Protection – Stop DNS or IP leaks for full encryption.
Unlimited Connections – Use one Surfshark account for all your Android devices.
CyberGhost
With over 11 million users worldwide, CyberGhost is one of the most popular VPNs available for Android devices. Offering over 7,400 servers in 91 countries, robust encryption standards, and optimized performance for streaming and torrenting, CyberGhost delivers an excellent VPN experience across Android smartphones, tablets, and TVs.
In my extensive testing of over 50 VPNs, CyberGhost provided fast and reliable connections on local and international servers which is ideal for HD streaming on your Android device. The built-in ad blocker also speeds up page loading by blocking intrusive ads.
CyberGhost's Android app stands out with user-friendly features like one-click connection, auto-profile selection based on network, and easy access to live chat support. All backed by 256-bit AES encryption and a strict no-logging policy. For an easy-to-use yet powerful VPN, CyberGhost is a top choice.
Key Features:
Fast speeds – Delivers low latency and minimal speed loss for HD streaming & large downloads.
Dedicated streaming profile – Optimized servers provide fast, buffer-free streaming from any location.
Ad blocker – Blocks intrusive ads for faster page loading and browsing.
Automatic profile selection – App detects public WiFi and activates the VPN profile.
256-bit AES encryption – Military-grade encryption keeps your data secure on public networks.
Kill switch – Prevents exposure if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
No activity/connection logs – CyberGhost's strict no-logging policy protects your privacy.
ProtonVPN
Developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, ProtonVPN brings extensive privacy and security expertise to the VPN space. With over 1,700 servers in 55 countries, robust encryption standards, and a strict no-logs policy, ProtonVPN is a top choice for protecting your Android device.
In my testing of 50+ VPNs, ProtonVPN provided reliable speeds and connectivity across my Android smartphones, tablets, and TVs. Features like Secure Core routing and built-in Tor access provide multiple layers of protection.
ProtonVPN's Android app delivers excellent usability with an intuitive interface, one-click Quick Connect, and easy access to settings. All backed by industry-leading encryption protocols like IKEv2/IPSec. For an Android VPN focused on online privacy, ProtonVPN is hard to beat.
Key Features:
Secure Core – Routes traffic through hardened servers to prevent snooping or attacks.
Tor over VPN – Built-in access to the Tor network for extra anonymity.
NetShield – Network-level ad blocking for faster, safer browsing.
Quick Connect – One click connects you to the fastest server.
No logs policy – ProtonVPN does not track or store user activity logs.
10GB free plan – Unlimited bandwidth on the free plan.
AES 256-bit encryption – Bank-grade encryption protects your data.
Kill Switch – Prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
Android VPN FAQs
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection to keep your online activity private, secure, and anonymous. VPNs mask your IP address and data to protect against cyberthreats when using public Wi-Fi, accessing restricted content, and more.
We don't recommend using free VPNs on Android devices as they often have privacy risks, data caps, limited speeds, and lack essential security features. Paid VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer faster speeds, more server locations, reliable connections, and strict no-logging policies.
Generally, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, some restrictive regimes may attempt to punish VPN usage, so check your local laws before connecting through a VPN.
The best VPNs have strict no-logging policies and do not track or store any user activity or connection logs. However, free and cheap VPNs often log user data and online activity, so it's important to choose a trustworthy paid VPN with guaranteed no-logging for privacy. Check our list of Best VPNs.