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 — so we test whether each app uses it. We also install every pick on Android TV.
Surfshark is the top pick: a full-featured Android app, unlimited devices and the lowest price of the top three. NordVPN is faster; 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#2 overall · 9.4/10
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
- Speed
- 655 Mbps
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
−86% + 3 months freeends soon - 2Fastest#1 overall · 9.7/10
NordVPN
Fastest Android speeds in our tests, Threat Protection blocks trackers in apps, Android TV app included.
- Android app
- Native app
- Speed
- 712 Mbps
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
−73% + 3 months freeends soon - 3Best free Android VPN#4 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
- Speed
- 541 Mbps
- Devices
- 10
- Refund
- 30 days
- 4Most configurable#6 overall · 8.3/10
Private Internet Access
Every protocol and encryption setting exposed, port forwarding, unlimited devices; more than most people need.
- Android app
- Native app
- Speed
- 480 Mbps
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Refund
- 30 days
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Side by side
| VPN | Score | Android app | Speed | Devices | 2-yr price | Refund | Port fwd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | 9.4 | Native app | 655 Mbps | Unlimited | $2.19 | 30 days | |
| NordVPN | 9.7 | Native app | 712 Mbps | 10 | $3.39 | 30 days | |
| Proton VPN | 8.9 | Native app | 541 Mbps | 10 | $4.49 | 30 days | |
| PIA | 8.3 | Native app | 480 Mbps | Unlimited | $2.03 | 30 days |
How we picked
Tested on a Pixel 9 and an Android TV box: kill switch (system and app level), split tunnelling, always-on reconnects, speed, and whether the app is on Google Play. APK-only or modded apps were excluded.
All scores come from the same monthly tests on the same rig — 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; NordVPN if speed is the priority; Proton VPN if you want a free one.
Is a free VPN safe on Android?
Proton VPN Free is. Many other free Android VPNs have been caught logging or injecting ads, 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?
Yes. All four picks have Android TV apps, and Surfshark and PIA don't count the TV against a device limit.