Best VPN for Android in 2026
Android gives VPN apps more control than iOS — a real kill switch, per-app split tunnelling, always-on mode. This list ranks on whether each provider's app documents and ships those features, plus whether it has a dedicated Android TV app.
Surfshark is the top pick: a full-featured Android app, unlimited devices and the lowest price of the top three. Proton VPN is the safe free option. Never install a VPN from an APK site — the modded ones are where malware lives.
The 4 best VPNs for android, ranked
- 1Best overall#5 overall · 8.8/10
Surfshark
Kill switch, per-app Bypasser, always-on support and an Android TV app, with unlimited devices at the lowest top-three price.
- Android app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
- 2Fastest#6 overall · 8.7/10
NordVPN
Threat Protection blocks trackers in apps, and an Android TV app is included. We have not measured Android speed ourselves.
- Android app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
- 3Best free Android VPN#3 overall · 8.9/10
Proton VPN
Open-source app, free plan with no data cap or ads. Available on Google Play and as a signed APK from Proton directly.
- Android app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
- 4Most configurable#1 overall · 9.3/10
Private Internet Access
Every protocol and encryption setting exposed, port forwarding, unlimited devices; more than most people need.
- Android app
- Native app
- Refund
- 30 days
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
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Side by side
| VPN | Score | Android app | Devices | 2-yr price | Refund | Port fwd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | 8.8 | Native app | Unlimited | $2.49 | 30 days | |
| NordVPN | 8.7 | Native app | 10 | $3.49 | 30 days | |
| Proton VPN | 8.9 | Native app | 10 | $3.49 | 30 days | |
| PIA | 9.3 | Native app | Unlimited | $1.79 | 30 days |
How we picked
We have not run our own device testing. Ranked on published feature lists — kill switch, split tunnelling, always-on support — and whether the app is on Google Play. APK-only or modded apps were excluded.
All scores come from the same published rubric, checked monthly — how we test. Rank order on this page is by the category criteria, not by commission.
Questions
Which VPN is best for Android?
Surfshark for the mix of features, devices and price; Proton VPN if you want a free one. We have not benchmarked speed ourselves.
Is a free VPN safe on Android?
Proton VPN Free is — audited, no ads, no data cap. Many other free Android VPNs have been caught logging or injecting ads in documented cases, and 'premium mod' APKs are a common malware vector. Install from Google Play or the provider's own site only.
Does Android have a built-in VPN?
Android supports VPN profiles and an always-on setting, but you still need a provider's app or server details. Some Pixel phones include a basic Google VPN in the US only.
Can I use the same VPN on Android TV?
All four picks have Android TV apps, and Surfshark and PIA don't count the TV against a device limit since both are unlimited.