
There was a time in my life when I used to sit with my friends and debate: Apple or Android? However, recently, a new fearsome competitor entered the ring: Xiaomi. Xiaomi devices have taken tech users by storm. Thanks to all of Xiaomi’s incredible features, users enjoy extended battery life, sleek aesthetic design, high performance, excellent camera quality, and more! Perhaps the most appealing feature of all is how accessible and affordable these phones are for a variety of consumers.
With the cost of living rising worldwide, we’re all looking for ways to save. Unsurprisingly, Xiaomi phones are becoming more popular, largely thanks to their affordability.
If you’re VPN-brained like me, then you’re already wondering – what is the best VPN to use with my new Xiaomi phone? Keep reading, and I’ll give you my best recommendations.
In a hurry? Here are the 5 best VPNs for Xiaomi
Here are my top five picks for the best Xiaomi VPNs:
Key takeaways
- These days, Xiaomi devices are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Apple and Android devices.
- In the wake of this growing popularity, it is important to use a VPN to protect your online data when using a Xiaomi device.
- In this guide, I’ll help you find the best VPN to protect your data while using a Xiaomi device.
Why you need a VPN for Xiaomi
I highly recommend using a VPN with Xiaomi for the sake of your security and privacy. A VPN encrypts your web activity and keeps your personal data safe from hackers and web users with bad intentions. It also prevents you from being tracked or monitored by your internet service provider since it changes your IP address. An added bonus is that using a VPN helps you bypass regional blocks on websites and platforms that would otherwise require you to travel out of your country to reach them. It’s so convenient!
Whatever reason you choose to use a VPN, you’re going to need to make sure you choose a reliable one that you’re happy with. So, how do you do that? I’m here to help! Keep reading for advice on how to choose the best VPN for you.
How to choose the best VPN for Xiaomi
I suggest looking for a VPN that offers you all of the following VPN features:
- Features. You want a powerful and secure product that protects you with robust features such as military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
- Speed. Get yourself a VPN that connects to the internet quickly and seamlessly.
- Unblocking. Many streaming services and web applications impose regional restrictions to be selective about who can access their content. The best VPNs offer an extensive server network to help you bypass these blocks and unlock as many sites, apps, shows, and movies as you want.
- Compatibility. I recommend searching for a VPN service with a user-friendly application that is compatible with all of your devices, especially your Xiaomi.
- Pricing. Cost is a major factor for most of us when we invest our money in a product or service. Because of this, I recommend only high-quality VPNs that include free trial periods and money-back guarantees so you can make sure you’re happy with your chosen service before fully subscribing.
5 best VPNs for Xiaomi
1. ExpressVPN
Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Up to 8
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
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+ 3 months FREE!ExpressVPN earns my number-one spot thanks to its high performance, security, and stellar streaming quality.
Features: ExpressVPN keeps your access secure with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, a strict anti-log policy, and more.
Speed: Express offers split tunneling and reaches seriously impressive speeds thanks to its Lightway tunneling protocol and unlimited bandwidth.
Unblocking: With over 3,000 remote host locations in 105 countries, Express can unblock regionally-restricted platforms like Netflix, Disney+, any Apple or Android app, and more.
Compatibility: The Express app runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and more.
Pricing: A one-year Express subscription starts at $6.67 per month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Incredibly speedy VPN
- 3,000+ server sites in 105 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Comparatively pricey
2. NordVPN
Servers/countries: 7,100+ servers in 118 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
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+ 4 months FREE!NordVPN earns my second-place spot due to its extensive remote host list and state-of-the-art security features.
Features: Nord maintains your security viaAES-256 encryption, a Dark Web monitor, DNS leak protection, malware protection, a kill switch, a strict anti-log policy, and more.
Speed: Nord’s NordLynx protocol makes it a smooth and very fast VPN that has split tunneling as well as 10 simultaneous device connections.
Unblocking: Thanks to Nord’s 7,100+ hosting locations in 118 countries, it is a tough geo-block breaker on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple and Android apps, and more.
Compatibility: Nord is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs like Android and Apple TV, gaming consoles, and routers.
Pricing: A 2-year subscription to Nord begins at $3.39 per month and offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Over 7,100 VPN server sites in 118 countries
- Very fast connection speeds
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Occasionally glitchy on desktop apps
3. Surfshark
Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
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+ 4 months FREE!Surfshark is my go-to recommendation for someone who’s looking to save money without sacrificing quality.
Features: Surfshark prioritizes your security with AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, a cookie pop-up blocker, a kill switch, a strict anti-log policy, and more.
Speed: Surfshark offers split tunneling, unlimited bandwidth, and great speeds as per its WireGuard.
Unblocking: Surfshark can bypass regional blocks on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Apple and Android applications thanks to its extensive network of more than 3,200 host sites in 100 countries.
Compatibility: Surfshark operates smoothly on Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.
Pricing: A 2-year Surfshark subscription begins at only $1.99 per month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Over 3,200 server sites in 100 countries
- Connect an unlimited number of devices on one account
- Highly affordable
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Occasionally slower by comparison
4. CyberGhost
Servers/countries: 11,500+ in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 7
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
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+ 4 months FREE!CyberGhost is an extremely reliable service that stands out due to its massive remote host network.
Features: In terms of security, CyberGhost offers you AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, an anti-log policy, and more.
Speed: CyberGhost offers split tunneling, and using WireGuard protocol, CyberGhost can reach high connection speeds.
Streaming: CyberGhost bypasses geo-blocks on platforms such as Netflix, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Apple and Android applications and offers users 7 simultaneous device connections.
Compatibility: CyberGhost runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, some Smart TVs, and routers.
Pricing: 2-year CyberGhost subscriptions start at $2.03 per month and offer a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Massive server network with over 11,500 hosts in 100+ countries
- Great for streaming
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- May run slower
5. Proton VPN
Servers/countries: 8,600+ servers in 112 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Android TV
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
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+ 3 months FREE!Proton VPN is a treasure because it has a free and paid version, both offering premium features.
Features: Both Proton’s free and premium versions maintain your security with AES-256-bit encryption, a built-in kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
Speed: Proton’s premium version maintains high speeds. The free version, which operates on fewer access points, may have slower connections if its servers become overcrowded. Premium users can also take advantage of the split tunneling feature.
Unblocking: Proton is a successful unblocking force on platforms like Netflix, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, and Apple and Android applications thanks to its premium version’s network of 8,600+ hosts in 112 server locations.
Compatibility: Proton runs smoothly on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Fire TV stick, and Android TV.
Pricing: In addition to its unlimited free version, Proton’s premium service begins at $4.99 per month for its 2-year plan and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Over 8,600 servers in 112 countries
- Fast speeds
- Offers a free version
Cons
- Free version has a smaller server network
- Doesn’t work with Apple TV
How I evaluated and tested the best VPNs for Xiaomi
You may be wondering how these five VPNs made my list. When testing VPNs, I always consider all of the following VPN features:
- Features. I exclusively recommend strong and secure products that can offer you security with features such as a kill switch and an anti-log policy.
- Speed. I recommend VPNs with fast and stable connection capabilities for a positive internet experience without buffering, lagging, or dropping connections.
- Unblocking. I pick VPNs that have large server networks and strong unblocking abilities since streaming and social media app access are some of the most popular uses of VPNs.
- Compatibility. I choose providers that are guaranteed to run smoothly and safely on your phone, laptop, and other devices.
- Pricing. Your budget is another extremely important factor that I take into serious consideration when I make my recommendations. The services I’ve suggested also include money-back guarantees for your convenience.
How to use a VPN on Xiaomi
To use a VPN on your Xiaomi device, take the following steps:
- Subscribe to your preferred VPN service. I most strongly recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the VPN app onto your Xiaomi device and adjust the settings to your preference.
- Turn on the VPN and connect to a remote VPN server.
- Congratulations, now you can safely and securely navigate the web on your Xiaomi device!
How to set up a VPN on Xiaomi smartphone
Here’s how to activate your VPN on a new Xiaomi device:
- On your device, go to “Settings” and then “Network and Internet.”
- Select “VPN” and choose “Add Network” or “Add VPN.”
- Fill in the required details and save.
- Go back to the VPN menu and then turn on your new VPN profile in order to create a VPN connection.
How to use a VPN on Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi router
Want to use a VPN on a Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi router? Here’s how:
- Go to the router’s control panel.
- Create a password and document it for yourself in a safe place.
- Go to “Advanced” and choose “VPN.”
- Select “add service” and fill in the following information: VPN connection name, protocol type L2TP, server address (you can copy and paste from the manual configuration of the VPN), username, and password, then save.
- Navigate back to “VPN,” click “connect,” and connect to the VPN server.
- If you want to disconnect, click “disconnect.”
- Congratulations! You’re done installing and setting up a VPN on your Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi router.
VPNs to avoid using on Xiaomi smartphones
As I’ve said, you want a secure VPN that protects your user data and offers security features such as encrypted tunneling, a kill switch, and a policy against logging your data. Not all VPN services are created equal, and some can even be more harmful than helpful. Whether you use the Xiaomi, Apple, or Android version of an app, you want to avoid:
- Hoxx VPN. Hoxx has a very limited server grid, which could cause your VPN server to become overloaded and run extremely slowly. If you don’t want to deal with this, stay away from Hoxx.
- Hola VPN. Hola is known for its faulty connections and lack of security. If you want to keep your data private, avoid Hola.
- HideMyAss. This provider is also known for its connectivity issues. If you want to connect to a stable VPN server, try a different provider.
Can I use a free VPN for Xiaomi?
I know it’s always tempting to cut costs and use a free VPN with Xiaomi, but I must advise against that. Free VPNs come at the price of a drop in quality, functionality, safety, and security.
Free VPNs are known for falling short when it comes to quality. You are highly likely to experience slower speeds, dropped connections, pixelation, and buffering with a free VPN due to overcrowded and limited servers.
Similarly, you may experience great frustration when you fail to overcome geo-blocked content with your free VPN. Free VPNs are not as strong as premium ones and are frequently quickly detected and blacklisted by popular streaming services. This is a shame, considering that many people use a VPN specifically to bypass geo-restrictions.
Next, using a free VPN puts your privacy and personal data at risk of being leaked, exposed, or shared without your consent. This is because free VPN companies still need to make money somehow, and therefore, they will gladly sell your personal information to malicious third-party entities. This makes you more vulnerable to scams and hacking.
For these reasons, I strongly urge you to take a leap of faith and invest in a high-quality VPN to use with your Xiaomi device. You’ll enjoy better streaming quality, successfully unblock more platforms, and be safe and secure when surfing the web.
Other VPN guides on operating systems
- Android. Keep your web traffic safe and secure on all of your Android devices.
- iOS. Enjoy secure access to all of your favorite apps and websites on the go with your iOS devices.
- Mac. Achieve a secure connection and peace of mind knowing your online data is protected when you access the web from your Mac.
FAQ
What is the best VPN for Xiaomi?
In my humble opinion, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, but NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton are also great options.
Do VPNs work on Xiaomi?
Yes, you can connect a VPN to a Xiaomi device very easily.
Does Xiaomi have a built-in VPN?
Xiaomi devices are not made with built-in VPNs. However, you can set one up by installing a secure VPN app.
Conclusion
Xiaomi devices are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to Apple and Android devices in the electronics market. For example, their phones are widely loved due to their battery life, aesthetic design, pricing, camera quality, and durability.
Should you choose to become a part of the Xiaomi family, it’s important that you keep yourself protected online. The best way to do so is by purchasing a reliable VPN and knowing that you can continue to access and browse the web risk-free on your shiny new Xiaomi device.