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Updated 1 November 2026 Tested on current Android Split tunneling tested

Best VPN for Android in 2026: 4 Tested Apps

Android gives VPN apps more control than iOS - and more ways to leak. We tested speed, battery, split tunneling, always-on VPN and streaming on Pixel and Samsung devices.

The short answer

  • Best overall: NordVPN - fastest speeds, reliable kill switch, best streaming at $3.09/month.
  • Best privacy: ProtonVPN - open-source app, Swiss jurisdiction and a real free tier at $2.99/month.
  • Best value: Surfshark - unlimited devices at $2.19/month.
  • Best open-source option: PIA - open-source apps and unlimited devices at $2.03/month.
Transparency notice: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are based on testing, not commission rates. Read the full disclosure.

Best Android VPNs at a glance

VPNBest forRatingPriceServersSplit tunnelingFree tierOpen source
NordVPNOverall4.7/5$3.09/mo7,400+YesNoPartially
ProtonVPNPrivacy4.4/5$2.99/mo20,000+YesYesYes
SurfsharkFamilies4.4/5$2.19/mo4,500+YesNoNo
PIAOpen source4.2/5$2.03/mo35,000+YesNoYes

What makes Android different

Android exposes a proper VPN service API. That lets apps run an always-on tunnel, route selected apps outside the VPN (split tunneling), and set a private DNS resolver. It also means a badly built app can leak traffic through IPv6, a secondary network or an excluded app.

Before you trust an Android VPN, check three things: the app uses the system VPN service (not a local proxy), it supports always-on VPN and a kill switch, and it handles IPv6. Our leak test checks all three from the browser.

The four best Android VPNs

#1

NordVPN

Best overall for Android

4.7/5★★★★★
$3.09/mo2-year plan
Get NordVPN →

NordVPN's Android app supports always-on VPN, a kill switch and split tunneling. It retained 94% of baseline throughput in our test, and it unblocked Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer consistently. The app is easy enough for a first-time user but exposes enough settings for a power user. Battery impact was low.

Pros

  • Fastest tested speeds
  • Always-on VPN and kill switch
  • Split tunneling
  • Excellent streaming

Cons

  • No free tier
  • Renewal price is high

Read the full NordVPN review →

#2

ProtonVPN

Best privacy and free tier

4.4/5★★★★☆
$2.99/mo2-year plan
Get ProtonVPN →

ProtonVPN is fully open source, including the Android app, and its free tier is the best no-card option on Android. The paid Plus plan adds 20,000+ servers, Secure Core and NetShield. Split tunneling and always-on VPN are supported. Streaming is good, not best-in-class, and long-distance speeds trail NordVPN.

Pros

  • Fully open source
  • Real free tier
  • Swiss jurisdiction
  • Cheaper renewal than NordVPN

Cons

  • Long-distance speeds trail NordVPN
  • Streaming less consistent

Read the full ProtonVPN review →

#3

Surfshark

Best value for families

4.4/5★★★★☆
$2.19/mo2-year plan
Get Surfshark →

Surfshark allows unlimited devices, so every Android phone and tablet in the house can connect on one plan. It retained 86% of baseline throughput, supports split tunneling and always-on VPN, and includes CleanWeb for ad blocking. The app is simple, and the price is the lowest of the mainstream picks.

Pros

  • Unlimited devices
  • Low price
  • CleanWeb ad blocking
  • Deloitte-audited no-logs policy

Cons

  • Slower than NordVPN
  • Renewal price is higher

Read the full Surfshark review →

#4

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Best open-source option

4.2/5★★★★☆
$2.03/mo3-year plan
Read review →

PIA's Android app is open source, supports split tunneling, and allows unlimited devices. It has 35,000+ servers in 91 countries and a court-tested no-logs policy. The trade-offs are US jurisdiction, slower speeds than the leaders, and the three-year commitment required for the lowest price.

Pros

  • Open-source app
  • Unlimited devices
  • 35,000+ servers
  • Cheapest long-term price

Cons

  • US jurisdiction
  • Slowest throughput in this group

Read the full PIA review →

How to set up a VPN on Android

  1. Install the app from Google Play. Check the developer name before installing.
  2. Sign in and accept the VPN connection request. Android will show a key icon when the tunnel is active.
  3. Open Settings → Network & internet → VPN and enable Always-on VPN for the app.
  4. In the app, enable the kill switch and choose split tunneling for banking or work apps if needed.
  5. Connect, then run the leak test to check IPv4, IPv6 and DNS.
  6. If streaming fails, switch servers or disable split tunneling for the streaming app.

Frequently asked questions

Is a free VPN safe on Android?

ProtonVPN Free is safe: open source, no ads, unlimited data and one device. Most other free Android VPNs monetise data, inject ads or contain trackers. Check the permissions and the privacy policy before installing.

What is split tunneling on Android?

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which use your normal connection. Use it for banking apps that block VPNs, or for a local streaming app that does not need the tunnel.

Does a VPN drain Android battery?

Modern VPNs add about 2-4% battery drain over a day. The impact depends on the protocol, server distance and app quality. NordVPN and ProtonVPN were the most efficient in our test.

Can I use a VPN on Android TV?

Yes. NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Surfshark have Android TV apps. If your TV does not support the app, install the VPN on your router or use a Fire TV Stick. See our Fire TV guide.

How do I check for Android VPN leaks?

Run our WebRTC and IP leak test in Chrome, then check your public IP and DNS. If your real ISP appears, the VPN is leaking. Also test with IPv6 enabled.

Which Android VPN is fastest?

NordVPN retained 94% of baseline throughput in our October 2026 test, the highest of the group. ProtonVPN retained 88%, Surfshark 86% and PIA 81%.

Keep reading

Our Android pick

NordVPN is the best all-round Android VPN in our tests, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get NordVPN →

Price checked 1 November 2026. Affiliate disclosure.

NordVPN - audited no-logs VPN Get deal →