Does a VPN Work on Mobile Data? Plus, Tips to Use Less Data

A VPN works on mobile data just as well as it does on a WiFi network. However, while using a VPN on your mobile device improves your security and privacy, it can also increase your data consumption due to the encryption involved.

I tested several VPNs to find the best ones for mobile devices to make sure you can browse, pay bills, and send messages safely without using too much data. Some VPNs reduced my baseline speeds too much to have high-quality video calls, but I found a few very good ones.

I recommend you use ExpressVPN with your mobile device because its Lightway protocol is fast but slower to drain data and battery. Plus, your purchase will be backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so it’s risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, just ask for a refund.  Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

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Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN on Mobile Data in 3 Easy Steps

The Best VPNs for Mobile Data — Updated 2024

1. ExpressVPN — #1 Best VPN for Mobile With Super Fast Speeds for Browsing Anywhere

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN for mobile devices due to its speed and efficiency in handling data. It also has top features to protect your security and privacy whether you’re just browsing the internet on your smartphone or paying bills.

Its proprietary Lightway protocol uses mobile data efficiently to reduce consumption. Plus, it’s lightweight and uses less battery. Since it doesn’t terminate your connection while switching between WiFi and mobile data, you’re always protected. Additionally, Lightway made sure I had the fastest speeds possible whether I selected a nearby or distant server.

I also found that ExpressVPN offers the best features for mobile devices to ensure you don’t worry about your safety and privacy. Here are some of them:

• TrustedServer Technology — uses RAM-based servers to ensure your browsing history is not stored long-term.
• Audited no-logs policy — verifies that ExpressVPN doesn’t store or share any personally identifiable data with others.
• Automatic kill switch — disconnects your internet traffic whenever the VPN connection drops.
• Leak protection — make sure your traffic is always encrypted when your mobile device is connected to an ExpressVPN server.

Although ExpressVPN is pricier than other VPNs I’ve tested, it has the best speeds and security for your mobile device. The 1-year + 3 months plan is $6.67 a month after a 49% discount. If you want a monthly plan, ExpressVPN offers one of the most affordable monthly VPN plans.

All ExpressVPN plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can try ExpressVPN risk-free — if you don’t like it, you can easily ask for a full refund in 30 days. I reached out to customer support via the 24/7 live chat and got a response in less than a few minutes. My money was returned to my account within 4 days.

Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Provide Mobile Devices Easy Access to Top Streaming Sites

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,800+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost has many streaming-optimized servers available for mobile devices. Since it offers more than 50 of them globally, you’ll likely find one in your own location to watch your favorite shows using just your smartphone data. Some of the platforms it has a specialized server for include Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Although not as fast as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s WireGuard protocol optimizes speed and security. I recommend it for making time-sensitive transactions securely. You can also switch to OpenVPN on your Android device. Other features that protect your mobile security include:

• NoSpy servers — managed in-house to prevent interference by third-party server operators.
• WiFi protection — starts a VPN connection automatically when your smartphone or tablet detects public hotspots.
• Automatic kill switch — protects your data by disconnecting the internet if your device loses connection to the VPN.

However, CyberGhost’s regular servers aren’t as fast as other VPNs I tested, especially those far away. But if there’s an optimized server in your location, you can play online games and download torrents without delays.

The pricing for CyberGhost is ideal if you’re looking for a reliable VPN for your mobile data as the 2-year + 2 months plan is only $2.19 a month. You can also try CyberGhost risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. If you no longer want it, just send a request via live chat. I spoke to an agent and got my money back in 5 days.

Editors' Note: CyberGhost VPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Small Packets Improve Connectivity and Minimize Mobile Data Consumption

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PIA allows me to use small packets in the setting to reduce the maximum transmission unit (MTU) or IP packet size on my device. This improved connectivity on my mobile device, especially when I encountered packet-related problems. It also enhances data transmission speed, which reduces data consumption.

It also has MACE to block unwanted and potentially harmful ads and malware at the DNS level. Since it doesn’t load ads and other dangerous elements when you visit a website or browse, MACE helps you save mobile data.

The downside to PIA is that it’s based in the US, which is the heart of the 5-Eyes Alliance. But since it doesn’t keep any connection logs, it has nothing to share with the authorities. PIA’s zero-logs policy is one reason it’s still one of the best VPNs in 2024.

So, you can try PIA risk-free, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can request a refund if it’s not the best mobile VPN for you. I tested the refund process via live chat. A support agent replied to me within 30 minutes, and after 6 days I got my money back.

Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.

Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Mobile

Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

How a VPN Works on Mobile Data

A VPN works on mobile data just like it does on WiFi. Connecting your smartphone or tablet to a VPN server hides your real IP address and assigns you one of its own, depending on the location you’ve selected. It also routes your internet traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel.

Without a VPN, your data is vulnerable to various cyber threats like hacking, spying, and phishing attempts. This is because your location and IP address is exposed to others online. A VPN hides these and makes sure you can’t be targeted for attacks.

Why You Need a VPN for Mobile Data

Using a VPN for mobile data depends on what you’ll be using your device for. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Online security and privacy — your data is exposed to hackers and online spies, especially when you use unsecured public WiFi networks. A VPN encrypts your traffic and ensures you can shop online and send messages without being intercepted.
• Access to content — the geo-blocks on some platforms make them inaccessible when you’re abroad, while some countries like China have strict censorship rules. A VPN helps access your usual content without restrictions on your mobile device.
• Improve speed — all VPNs cause slowdowns, but in some instances, they can help maintain your usual speeds. This is especially true when you use mobile data with a limited quota, which tends to cause speeds to fluctuate at times.

Do VPNs Use More Mobile Data?

Yes, using a VPN can lead to increased mobile data consumption. This is because of:

• Encryption overhead — this refers to the additional data and processing added to the original packets depending on the VPN and the protocol used. The increase is generally between 5% to 15%, and it’s necessary to ensure your data stays safe.
• Handshakes and keep-alive messages — a handshake establishes a secure connection between your device and the site you’re visiting, while keep-alive messages make sure you don’t lose the connection.
• Tunneling protocol — VPNs create a secure tunnel to protect your traffic from eavesdroppers by using an additional packet to wrap the original data packet. This process involves adding extra data headers, which can increase the size of each data packet and subsequently increase data usage.

The table below compares how much data common internet activities require when you use a VPN:

Note that the data consumption may vary depending on your mobile network plan and the VPN you use.

How to Reduce VPN Data Usage on Mobiles

1. Choose a Protocol That Uses Less Data

Selecting the right mobile phone protocol can significantly reduce data usage. Below is a table outlining different protocols and their characteristics:

2. Connect to a VPN Only When Needed

To minimize data consumption on your mobile device, disconnect from the VPN server when you’re not using it. For example, only connect to the VPN when using a banking app or accessing your home streaming account. You can also set some VPNs to automatically disconnect after a specified period of inactivity.

3. Use Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to route only certain traffic from your device through the VPN while others use your regular connection. For example, you can route your web browser traffic through the VPN for additional security and let others use the internet as usual. This helps you control how much data is encrypted and reduces unnecessary usage.

4. Only Use Obfuscation and Double Encryption When Necessary

Obfuscation or stealth features make your VPN traffic seem like regular traffic to anti-VPN firewalls. Double VPN and multi-hop connections allow you to encrypt your traffic twice. Although these advanced features hide your connections even better, they significantly increase data usage and slow down your internet speed.

That’s why it’s better to use them only if you’re in a country that blocks VPNs or if you suspect you’re being monitored. Otherwise, regular encryption is sufficient to keep you safe while keeping your data use under control.

5. Enable Data Compression

Enabling data compression in your VPN is similar to zipping the files on your computer. The VPN compresses the data packets before sending them to your device to reduce the amount of data your mobile device consumes.

Most VPNs have compression enabled by default, but some don’t. With PIA, you can turn on data compression by enabling the “use small packets” option in its settings.

6. Connect to the Nearest Server

You can also save data by connecting to a server that’s geographically close to your physical location. Nearby servers reduce the distance your requests must travel, which lowers how much bandwidth and data your smartphone and tablets use. If you have to connect to a distant server to access certain content, be prepared to sacrifice more data than usual.

7. Avoid Free VPNs

While there are some good free VPNs that keep your data secure and offer unlimited data, some interrupt your sessions to show ads. The ads run by free VPNs cost you your mobile data.

That’s why it’s always better to use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. You’ll get unlimited bandwidth as well as ad-free protection.

FAQs About VPNs and Mobile Data

Get the Best VPN for Mobile Data in 2024

Although a VPN works on mobile data like it does on a WiFi network, it will increase your data consumption. If you’re not careful, you’ll run out of data well before the next bill cycle. Fortunately, there are some tricks to conserve your data while using a VPN. I’ve also tested dozens of VPNs to find the best one for your mobile data.

I recommend ExpressVPN as it has the Lightway protocol to lower data and battery consumption while you’re on the move. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested, and you can try ExpressVPN worry-free on your mobile data since it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, it’s easy to get a refund.

Summary: These Are The Best VPNs for Mobile Data in 2024

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Our score

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Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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