Android is one of the go-to platforms for Kodi users looking to set up a fully-fledged TV box with all the bells and whistles Kodi has to offer. Taking streaming experience to a new level, Android is ubiquitous, developer-friendly and versatile. It means Kodi on Android enjoys a lot more addons than on the rest of the supported platforms, with Windows closely following suit.

But Android is not without its flaws, most of which revolve around security vulnerabilities. That, and the fact that lawmakers increasingly target Kodi streaming, means you need a good VPN to watch your back while you stream. Without further ado, here are my top picks of free VPNs for Android.

  • If you’ve never used a VPN before, try TunnelBear
  • The TunnelBear animation makes it a child-friendly app
  • TunnelBear makes its services available for free in places where mass movements protest against government censorship

TunnelBear’s Android app is ideal for noobs – it’s simple and robust. Its free plan may not be overly generous at 500MB per month, but a no-logs policy and a network of 900 servers in 22 countries might tempt you into subscribing. And if you tweet or share the news on Facebook, the provider lets you expand your free data allowance by up to 5GB. Its Windows client is easy to use and comes with OpenVPN and 256-bit encryption.

Pros

  • Amazing app animation
  • Fun bear-based terminology
  • Works in China
  • Public WiFi hotspot protection
  • Free version

Cons

  • Doesn’t install on routers
  • No VPN app for Linux or Chrome OS
  • No longer offers a browser extension for Opera
  • Can’t get into Disney+, ABC, or the ITV Hub
  • The Windscribe browser extension contains more than just a VPN implementation
  • You can get up to 10 GB of data throughput per month with the free version of Windscribe
  • Combine the desktop app and the browser extension to create your own double-hop VPN

Windscribe’s free Android app bundles 10GB/month at no cost, which is a generous offer. With access to servers in the UK, US, Canada, and eight countries more, Windscribe’s free plan is something you can actually try for Kodi streaming. No simultaneous connections are allowed in the free plan, but if you want more, its premium plans are wallet-friendly.

Pros

  • Lots of free cybersecurity tools
  • Extensive privacy controls
  • Split tunneling options
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Easy port forwarding

Cons

  • More expensive than some of its big rivals
  • The autopilot option doesn’t change the IP address
  • Slows connection speeds
  • Proton VPN gives access to the Tor network
  • The Proton VPN package includes a secure email service
  • The free version of Proton VPN provides an excellent secure VPN service

ProtonVPN’s free Android app is a sleek, powerful client that comes with no bandwidth limits, ads, or shady data selling behind the scenes. It works with IKEv2, which allows it to maintain fairly decent speeds, but its free version is limited to VPN servers in three countries only. The app comes with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and the ability to create custom profiles.

Pros

  • The free plan is great
  • Simultaneous connection allowance of ten devices
  • Bundle plans offer secure file storage, email and calendar as well
  • Private mini-Tor
  • Connects to Tor network
  • App for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, and Arch Linux

Cons

  • Connection profiles and threat models are complicated
  • The free version only gets three server locations
  • No browser extensions
  • Has a free service
  • Very cheap
  • Good server coverage

Finch might not boast a large network with only 50 servers in 20 countries, but it has a free plan with a 3GB monthly data allowance (and all it requires is your email to sign up). Its Android app supports PPTP and OpenVPN and encrypts your traffic with Blowfish 160-bit encryption. Its free plan comes with a limited number of servers, and speeds may vary, but you are not going to stream the entirety of the Game of Thrones with 3GB anyway.

Pros

  • Has a free service
  • Very cheap
  • Good server coverage
  • Acceptable speeds
  • Anti-DPI protection
  • Supports OpenVPN
  • Accepts Bitcoin
  • Allows P2P

Cons

  • Stores connection logs
  • Logs user ID and IP address
  • May disclose your data to law enforcement (privacy leaks)
  • Only one device per license
  • Windows client is clumsy
  • No refund
  • No kill switch
  • Does not unblock Netflix US
  • Lifetime free plan available
  • Port forwarding available
  • Certified zero logs

Hide.me runs VPN servers in more than 30 locations, but you only get servers in Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore in its free plan. On the bright side, it comes with a 2GB data cap per month. Its free Android app does not require registration and offers fairly decent download speeds, supporting IKEv2 protocol and auto-reconnect.

Pros

  • Lifetime free plan available
  • Port forwarding available
  • Certified zero logs
  • Independent from any government interference
  • Supports modern security protocols
  • Outstanding speeds
  • Applications for mobile devices available
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Complexity in setting up simultaneous connections
  • Number of servers may not sufficiently handle heavy traffic