Best VPN for Android

1. NordVPN: the best overall pick, and the most common first choice in roundups.
2. Surfshark: the best value, with unlimited simultaneous connections and a long feature list.
3. ExpressVPN: a polished app with a wide server footprint and a kill switch that covers IPv4, IPv6 and DNS.
4. Proton VPN: the best free option, with no data cap on its free tier.
5. CyberGhost: a large server network and a beginner friendly app.
6. IPVanish: a good fit for households that connect many devices.
7. Private Internet Access: a customizable app with split tunneling and a long record on mobile.

Best VPN for Android in 2026 reviewed

Our ranking follows what the 2026 roundups agree on, plus each provider’s own page where we could read it. This VPN review relies on public sources. We have not run our own speed tests, so we do not publish measured speeds. Many roundups online are affiliate driven, and so is this one, so we kept the claims to facts you can check on the provider’s site.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the most common top VPN pick among the roundups we reviewed, including those from Cybernews, Security.org and CyberInsider. That consensus is the main reason it leads this list.

• Price: Long plans work out cheapest per month, but promotional prices rise at renewal. Check the current plan page before you buy.
• Speed: We did not measure speed. Reviewers who rank NordVPN first generally cite performance alongside its security features.
• Standout feature: A 30-day money-back guarantee that covers all plan lengths, so you can try the app on your own phone and carriers before committing.
• Drawback: Its own page for the Android app was not available to us when we researched this piece, so confirm the current feature list and server count on nordvpn.com. Third-party sources disagree on the numbers.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best value pick in most roundups, and the only provider here whose app page we could read in full.

• Price: Long plans are the cheapest, and the monthly plan costs far more. Prices change often, so check the live pricing page.
• Speed: No measured results here. The app supports AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20 and AEGIS-256X2 encryption, which gives it options for different devices.
• Standout feature: Unlimited simultaneous connections, so one subscription covers every phone, tablet and laptop you own. It also includes a kill switch, Clean Web for blocking ads and trackers, and Bypasser, its split tunneling tool.
• Drawback: The Google Play version needs Android 7.0 or newer. An older Android device can install the APK, which supports version 6.0 or later, but that means sideloading.

It has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries and a 30-day money-back guarantee on plans bought on its website. It also states a no-activity-logs policy.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a strong choice if you want a simple app that works well without setup.

• Price: The provider page we read mentioned only a Black Friday sale of up to 80% off, and third-party prices conflict. Check the live price.
• Speed: ExpressVPN lists 10Gbps and 40Gbps servers, and it uses its Lightway VPN protocol. We did not test real world speeds, so we cannot say which is the fastest VPN.
• Standout feature: One tap connect, automatic obfuscation, split tunneling and a kill switch that covers IPv4, IPv6 and DNS. It also includes an ad blocker and a Threat Manager. Servers sit in 113 countries across 214 locations.
• Drawback: The 30-day guarantee is for first time users, and subscriptions bought through Google Play do not qualify. Refunds on those go through the store. Buy on the website if you want the guarantee handled directly.

ExpressVPN allows 10 to 14 devices depending on the plan tier.

4. Proton VPN

Proton is the best option if you want a free VPN that does not cap your data.

• Price: The free version costs nothing. A paid plan adds more countries and features, and third-party prices vary, so check Proton’s page for current rates.
• Speed: Proton’s own plan page lists no data cap on the free version. We did not measure speed, and free servers are shared, so expect busier connections at peak times.
• Standout feature: The free tier includes servers in 10 countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Mexico, Canada and the United States. The server you get is randomly selected.
• Drawback: You cannot choose your country on the free version. If you need a specific location, you have to upgrade. Paid plans are refundable within 30 days if you contact Proton.

Older reviews describe a smaller free tier with a monthly data limit. Proton’s current plan page says otherwise, so trust that page over older write ups.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN suits people who want a large network and a straightforward app.

• Price: We could not confirm current CyberGhost pricing from the provider site, so check its plan page.
• Speed: We have no verified speed data for CyberGhost.
• Standout feature: Third-party reviews describe a very large server network across about 100 countries, though the exact VPN server count varies by source. It allows 7 devices at once.
• Drawback: One review notes that it lacks port forwarding, which matters only if you need that for specific apps. Device limits are also lower than unlimited connections.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish makes sense for a family or a shared account because of its device allowance.

• Price: We could not verify IPVanish pricing. Look at the current plan page before you decide.
• Speed: We have no measured results for it.
• Standout feature: Third-party sources report support for 10 devices on one account. That gives a household enough room for phones and tablets without extra subscriptions.
• Drawback: Reported server and country counts conflict across reviews, so confirm the current network size on IPVanish’s site. Of the VPN providers here, it has the least verified detail behind it.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access, often called PIA, is a good fit if you like tweaking settings.

• Price: Third-party sources list different prices, from about $2.19 per month on long plans to about $7.50 per month on a one year plan. Verify before you buy.
• Speed: We did not test it. One review praises its torrenting performance on mobile.
• Standout feature: Split tunneling and support for 10 devices. It requires Android 5.1 or newer, which makes it one of the friendlier options for older phones.
• Drawback: The app exposes more settings than most beginners need, and country counts vary between reviews, at 84, 90 or 91.

What to look for in the best VPN for Android

A virtual private network sends your traffic through a private network of servers, and on a smartphone it has to do that well while you switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data all day. These are the criteria we compared the best VPNs on.

• Platform features: A kill switch stops traffic if the VPN drops, and split tunneling lets you send only some apps through the tunnel. Ad and tracker blocking is a useful extra.
• Privacy and encryption: A secure VPN uses modern encryption and a clear no-logs policy. Read the privacy policy, because marketing pages gloss over details.
• Server network: More servers in more countries gives you more choice and less crowding, which helps if you want to reach streaming services abroad. Treat the exact counts as marketing numbers that change, and verify them on the provider’s site.
• Simultaneous connections: One provider offers unlimited connections. Others cap at 7 to 14 devices.
• Compatibility: Check the minimum version the mobile app supports. Surfshark’s Google Play version needs Android 7.0 or newer, and PIA works on 5.1 or newer.
• Refund window: A 30-day guarantee is not a free trial, because you pay first, but it lets you test the app on your own phone. Check whether buying through Google Play changes the terms.
• Price and renewal: Long plans look cheap, but renewals cost more. Compare the renewal price, not just the headline.
• Free tier quality: If you only want a free VPN, check data limits, location choice and how many countries you get. Proton is the clearest example of a free option with no data cap.

Should you use free VPNs on Android?

A free VPN can be fine for light use, but most free tiers limit speed, data or locations. Proton is the exception we found, because its plan page lists no cap. Be careful with free apps from unknown developers. A VPN service sees your traffic, so for VPN users who care about online privacy, a clear privacy policy matters more than a free price.

How to set up the best VPN for Android

The steps are almost identical for every provider on this list.

1. Pick a plan. Buy on the provider’s website if you want the money-back guarantee handled directly, or choose the free version with Proton.
2. Install the app. Open Google Play on your phone, search for the provider’s name and install the app. Check that the developer is the provider itself.
3. Log in. Open the app and sign in with your account details.
4. Allow the VPN connection. Your phone asks for permission to set up a VPN connection the first time. Approve it.
5. Connect to a server. Tap the quick connect button, or choose a country from the list.
6. Turn on the kill switch. Open the app settings and enable the kill switch so your traffic does not leak if the connection drops.
7. Set split tunneling if you need it. Choose which apps use the VPN and which go straight to the internet. Banking apps are a common exception.

To check that the VPN works, look up your IP address in a browser before and after connecting. It should change to the server’s location.

Best VPN for Android FAQs

What is the best Android VPN?

NordVPN is the top pick for most people, based on how often roundups rank it first. Surfshark is the value alternative, and Proton is the best free option.

Is the best free VPN for Android safe to use?

Proton offers a free version, and its plan page lists unlimited data with servers in 10 countries. You cannot choose the country on the free version. Avoid free apps from unknown developers.

Does a VPN app slow down an Android phone?

A VPN adds some overhead because traffic is encrypted and routed through another server, so some slowdown is normal. Connecting to a nearby server usually helps. We did not run speed tests for this page.

How many devices can I use with one VPN subscription?

It depends on the provider. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN allows 10 to 14 depending on the tier, IPVanish and PIA are reported at 10, and CyberGhost at 7.

Can I get a refund if the VPN does not work for me?

NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN and Proton all advertise a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN excludes subscriptions bought through Google Play, so buy on the website.

Does Surfshark work on older Android phones?

Its Google Play app needs Android 7.0 or newer. The APK supports version 6.0 or later. PIA lists Android 5.1 or newer.

Do I need a VPN on my Android phone?

A VPN helps when you use public Wi-Fi, because it encrypts your traffic on that network. It also hides your IP address from the sites you visit. It does not stop malware, so keep your apps and system updated.

Should I use the kill switch?

Yes. A kill switch blocks your traffic if the VPN connection drops, which stops your real IP address from leaking. Surfshark and ExpressVPN both include one.