The best privacy apps for Android Central 2021
The terms privacy app (or virtual private network) are often used interchangeably by most people. These programs offer a variety of tools, including secure browsing and data encryption. However, you can also use other programs to protect your Android phone.
These are the top privacy apps for Android Bitdefender Mobile Security has all the privacy tools you need, including safe browsing and remote locking and locating of your device. ExpressVPN is our favorite VPN service. This will allow you to access streaming services libraries from other countries and protect your browsing history. Tor Browser is the best browser for keeping your browsing history private. It blocks third-party trackers and offers multi-layered encryption. 1. Bitdefender Mobile Security
Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central
Bitdefender is our top choice for virus protection on mobile devices and computers. It also includes 200Mbps daily VPN encryption. Although this is not a lot, it will protect your online and offline activities from hackers. Safe browsing protects your internet browser history, prevents malicious downloads and stops phishing scams. Bitdefender also includes a personal firewall that is useful for those who are connected to public hotspots. It does consume more resources than other privacy applications, so it may slow down your device slightly. It won't cause you any major headaches. Remote location is another security feature included in Bitdefender Mobile Security. Remote location allows you to track your phone in case it is lost or stolen. This remote access tool can be used to lock down your phone or wipe out all of your personal information.
Best Overall Bitdefender Mobile Security Bitdefender protects your Android from malware and provides a VPN service to keep you private. $15 at Bitdefender
2. ExpressVPN
Source: Shutterstock
Although VPNs are all the rage these days, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure by using one. ExpressVPN offers more than 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries. It's clear why it is our choice for the best VPN service. ExpressVPN is not only one of the most popular Android apps but also works on many other devices. ExpressVPN works across all devices, so your browsing history is protected regardless of which phone, tablet or computer you use. Those who wish to access streaming services libraries from abroad will be able to do so via Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other platforms. ExpressVPN's encryption features include IP address masking, a private DNS and AES256 encryption. This is widely considered the best-in class. You can also use the VPN with up five devices simultaneously and have 24/7 support.
ExpressVPN VPN App is Best. ExpressVPN VPN App offers everything you need, from protecting your browsing history to streaming content from overseas. Google Play: Free with IAP
3. Tor Browser
The browser tracks your movements online as you search and browse. Although it doesn't protect you as well as a VPN, it keeps ads away and erases cookies whenever you leave a site. It makes it very difficult for adware, such as Adware, to find out your browsing history and create targeted ads based upon what you have searched for online. From the backend, all Tor users appear the same. You can't take screenshots while you are using the Tor Browser app. This adds another layer of security to protect your personal information. Although Tor can be a great tool to protect your privacy, its app has been known for being used illegally, such as to access restricted websites in certain regions. While I don't condone any illegal behavior, Tor Browser is a great choice for safe browsing.
Tor Browser is the best browser app Tor Browser protects your internet browsing history by blocking adware, clearing cookies every time you visit a site, and ensuring that it does not allow any future attacks. Google Play
Other great options 1Password
Source: Andrew Myrick / Android Central
You should use a password manager if you don't already. If you are having trouble choosing the right password manager, 1Password is the best available on Google Play. 1Password is capable of creating unique passwords using as many characters and can also manage your passwords. The true power of 1Password comes when you discover all the information that 1Password can store behind the vault. OnePassword can provide everything you need, from two-factor authentication codes to credit card information to recovery passwords.
The Best Password Manager 1Password1Password is the best password manager you will ever need. It does more than store account information. You can use it for secure notes, 2FA codes and even router information. Google Play offers free IAP
Blokada
Blokada blocks ads on all devices, instead of using a separate browser. Blokada blocks all ads, from annoying pop-ups in games to ads that overtake the whole webpage you are reading, and everything in between. Blokada does this by setting up a DNS server on the device that blocks all ads while you browse the internet. Blokada even includes a built-in VPN to provide additional security while browsing the web. The app is also completely free and your Android phone doesn't need to be root to use it.
Blokada is a great way to block ads. If you don't want your device to be rooted, but still want to remove ads from it, Blokada might be the right choice. Blokada is free, automatically creates a DNS server and offers an optional VPN. Google Play offers the app for free
Folder Lock
Over the years I have tested encryption software and I was always impressed by Folder Lock's speed and security. The program scrambles your files and sends sensitive data through its programs. This prevents hackers from stealing them. Folder Lock uses the AES256-bit key algorithm. This is the most secure code and is used by military and financial institutions to encrypt their data. It is also very fast. Folder Lock was fast enough to encrypt 123MB of data in just six seconds. It also compressed the file down 97% of its original size. You can set up a password to protect encrypted files. You have the option to password-protect individual files or encrypt a vault that contains all encrypted data. Folder Lock is extremely secure and cannot be used to retrieve lost or forgotten passwords. You will need to be able to recall your passwords easily, or keep them safe in a secure location.
Best Encryption app Folder Lock Lock Folder Lock encrypts important files with 256-bit encryption. Passwords can be set. Google Play - Free with IAP
Google Find My Device
Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central
Google's Find My Device tool is useful for finding lost or stolen phones and tablets. It will ping your device to locate it. If the device isn’t turned on, Find Device will show you the last time it was used. This information can still be helpful in tracking down a lost device. To use the app, you'll need to create a Google Account so that Find Device can access Google Map resources. Find Device displays a message on your lost phone while searching for it. It also mentions that you are looking for it. It is not helpful if your device is lost or stolen. However, it can help if someone finds the phone. You can place a help message with your address and phone number on your phone's lock screen once it is located. This way, if your phone is stolen, someone can find it more easily and return it to you. Find Device has no other options than Find Device to secure a stolen device. You can't remotely lock down apps or wipe sensitive data. You can't also change your phone's password or delete personal information.
Best Device Locator Google Find My Device Find My Device uses Google Maps for help in finding a lost device. You can check how much battery is left and when it was used most recently. Google Play offers a free service
Glasswire
Source: Andrew Myrick / Android Central
You may be curious about what apps are using your data. Perhaps you are looking for a rogue application that is eating your monthly data allowance, or trying to determine if an app does something wrong. Glasswire is the ideal app to find out which apps are using your data. You can also set data notifications for when data thresholds are reached. Additionally, you can see which apps are using data no matter if you're using Wi-Fi or your cellular network. Glasswire lets you view your past data usage, in addition to monitoring it in real time. If you don't wish to uninstall certain apps, you can block them from connecting to your network.
