Best VPN for Android

There are plenty of Android apps out there but choosing the best Android VPN is harder than you might think.

In this guide, we’ve identified the seven best Android VPN apps for your mobile devices to help you stay secure, unblock website content, bypass geo-restrictions and more.

If you’re an Android user, you’re in good company. StatCounter’s global figures for January 2026 put Android at roughly 70% of mobile OS market share [1].

This means there are lots of VPNs in Android’s Play Store and with less regulation than in the Apple App Store, this means there are a lot of dodgy Android VPN apps too. In this guide, we will help you pick the best Android VPN.

If you want better privacy and easier access to geo-blocked sites, start here.

Top 7 Android VPNs

Keeping your Android phones and tablets secure is critical these days and unblocking streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer is important too. A VPN will help you to do both.

Below are our expert round-up of the top seven choices of VPN apps for Android for all purposes.

1. ExpressVPN – #1 recommendation!
2. NordVPN
3. CyberGhost VPN
4. PrivateInternetAccess
5. VyprVPN
6. IPVanish
7. Surfshark

1. ExpressVPN

Simplicity is key when using an Android VPN and ExpressVPN have certainly achieved this with their dedicated app which surpasses their Windows/Mac apps as far as we are concerned.

Settings are minimal on the easy-to-use app and being based in the British Virgin Islands means their no user logging policy is watertight and you can switch IP addresses with confidence.

A high-speed connection can be made right from the main screen of the app by simply tapping the connect button securing you with AES 256 encryption. The no user logs policy brings guarantee and independently verified user privacy too.

There’s also a couple of ‘Recent Location’ options which allow you to connect to some of your favourites quickly. A neat addition is the ability to customise ‘app-launch’ buttons making your five favourite apps accessible straight from within the ExpressVPN app after connection.

The intuitive Android app is simple to use, so much so even my parents managed to grasp it.

You can select from ExpressVPN’s network of VPN server locations in over 105 countries [3] which are split into ‘Recommended’ and “All Locations” with a separate “Recent Locations” feature. A drop-down allows you to select multiple cities where available.

I found that connection speeds are excellent and there is unlimited monthly data and bandwidth which means Android VPN users will be able to stream in full 4K UHD from online streaming services.

It unblocks Netflix (Netflix US, UK Netflix, and Netflix Canada included), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Android TV, and many others. I have struggled with Amazon Prime but that is the case with many VPN providers.

Recently when travelling in mainland Europe I used it to stream Match of the Day on the iPlayer app which worked without issue.

Security features

ExpressVPN have an integrated kill switch feature that cuts your internet access if your VPN connection drops. Having a kill switch helps you remain anonymous while surfing the web.

There is split tunnelling offering and port forwarding support too. I used the split tunnelling to access my online banking using a local IP address, while maintaining a connection to an overseas location through the VPN.

Another useful feature is the protection against DNS leaks.

The service is covered by their 30-day money-back guarantee so you’ve got loads of time to test their service. Device limits depend on the plan you choose, with ExpressVPN currently offering up to 14 simultaneous connections on its top tier package [4].

There is 24/7 customer support with live chat, to help with any questions the user might have too. It has a high satisfaction rating with users.

Recently, ExpressVPN introduced some value added services so you get a password manager, email encryption service and if you’re in the US, access to an identity defender service. These come with some of the mid to top range packages included.

Our #1 Recommended Android VPN

30-day money back guarantee

2. NordVPN

NordVPN’s dedicated Android app is somewhat different to ExpressVPN’s and provides a more feature-rich experience and great speeds. It is very similar to their Windows/Mac apps.

You can use one-click connection or the neat map view to choose your location from one of their large global VPN server network across multiple server locations around the world.

I enjoyed using their user friendly Android app, it was a breath of fresh air and allowed me to connect to overseas IP addresses with ease.

Speciality servers have their own section including P2P, Double VPN servers (which reroute your data through two separate VPN servers), Dedicated IP Address and Obfuscated options. You can also neatly set your Favourites for quick connection.

There’s a dedicated section for their MeshNet service that allows you to use other devices as VPN servers which may come in useful if you have the need.

I used the double VPN to make my connection extremely secure while travelling. While my connection speeds did slow down slightly, it still unblocks Netflix with ease and I suffered no issues streaming K-Pop Demon Hunters for my little ones.

There is a comprehensive no user logging policy to bring top user privacy and their nifty NordLynx tool too which all helps mask your actual IP Address. NordVPN has also continued to commission independent no-logs audits, which is exactly what you want to see from a privacy tool [5].

The VPN software works well for unblocking services such as Netflix (including Netflix US), Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, iFollow and more. Plus there’s a money-back guarantee for 30 days letting you test the app risk-free.

It’s always a good idea to test VPNs with all of the services you’ll be using it for, so it’s handy that NordVPN give you 30 days to do so.

Nord also offers a great user-friendly customer support with live chat, a built-in kill switch, split tunnelling, AES 256 encryption, and great-value long-term plans which make it one of the cheaper premium VPN services on the market too.

The Android app lets you turn on their added services like NordPass, Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor and their Incogni service. So if you’ve got access to them as part of your package it can all be enabled from the app.

3. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN’s Android app is one of the most user-friendly apps available. You can just click the ‘On’ switch to connect, although there are available server locations just a further click away.

These are split into individual countries, favourites and ‘Streaming Friendly‘. If unblocking video streaming websites on your Android handset is a top priority, then you’ll love this feature (great for Netflix users).

I found it unblocks most Netflix libraries including Netflix UK, US, Canada, Japan, and more.

CyberGhost runs a large network and offers server options labelled for streaming, which makes it easier to pick the right location for the platform you want.

The application also has a kill switch, AES 256 encryption, a built-in ad-blocker, online tracking prevention and a data compression option which may allow you to squeeze a little more data out of your mobile internet service.

The Android app only allows you to select either Wireguard or OpenVPN, they’re two of the best so it’s not a huge problem but if you need other protocols, you’ll be out of luck here.

A no user logging policy is their standard policy too meaning great privacy protection.

You can have 7 simultaneous connections which is a little less than others but not a deal-breaker, unlimited network data, and there is a 45-day money-back guarantee available too. Prices vary, but long-term plans tend to offer the best value.

Overall I found CyberGhost to be a quality Android VPN app that lets you use the web anonymously. One worthy note to watch out for is their 1-month package has a 14-day money back guarantee only.

4. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access’s Android app isn’t really one for beginners and would still be classed as more functional than flashy, but it offers strong online security and plenty of control.

It’s a good Android VPN app, although it doesn’t feel as polished as some competitors.

Where it stands out is in the settings. You can choose between WireGuard and OpenVPN, adjust encryption levels, configure DNS options, tweak remote ports and customise how the connection behaves. If you like knowing exactly what’s going on under the hood, you’ll appreciate this.

Private Internet Access also has a built-in kill switch, split tunnelling and DNS leak protection, helping to prevent Android-specific leaks when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

One of the biggest positives is unlimited simultaneous connections. You can connect as many devices as you like under one subscription, which is great for families or anyone with a lot of gadgets.

If you like getting your hands dirty and want more control than most mobile VPN apps offer, Private Internet Access is a solid choice. Pricing varies, but it’s usually one of the better-value paid VPNs, especially if unlimited device connections matter to you.

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN’s Android app is one of the better-balanced options we’ve seen, offering a solid mix of simplicity and useful features. You can access advanced settings and server selection directly from the main screen without digging through menus.

Servers are organised by country with a simple speed indicator to help you choose the fastest option. You still can’t pick specific servers, which may frustrate more technical users, but for most people the country-level choice is enough.

Protocol and DNS options are available, including WireGuard alongside OpenVPN, and VyprVPN’s own Chameleon protocol designed to help bypass restrictive networks. The standout feature for us remains <strong>split tunnelling</strong>, which lets you exclude certain apps from the VPN connection. I found it useful for online banking and betting apps, saving you from constantly connecting and disconnecting.

There’s also a built-in <strong>Kill Switch</strong>, AES 256-bit encryption and automatic Wi-Fi protection.

VyprVPN maintains an independently audited no-logs policy and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with 24/7 live chat support. It’s not the cheapest option on this list, but it delivers a reliable, privacy-focused Android experience.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish has refined the look and feel of its Android app over the past couple of years, and it’s now far cleaner and easier to navigate than older versions. It feels modern, responsive and far more user-friendly, which is exactly what you want on mobile.

I was a big fan of the updated layout. Quick connection can be achieved straight from the home screen, or you can drill down by Country, City or even select a specific Server if you prefer more control.

You can switch between OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) and the fast, lightweight WireGuard protocol, which is now the default for most users thanks to its improved speeds.

Two features we still find useful are the ability to select a specific port and the Scramble option, which helps disguise VPN traffic on restrictive networks. That can be handy if you’re dealing with tougher firewalls or trying to access additional streaming libraries.

IPVanish includes AES 256-bit encryption, a built-in kill switch and split tunnelling on Android. One of its biggest advantages remains unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect as many devices as you like under one subscription.

It still doesn’t offer dedicated IP addresses, though. However, a couple of standout features for me; IPVanish offers a 7 day trial, redeemable via the Android app. They also offer IKEv2 connections on top of OpenVPN and WireGuard.

There are also a couple of extra features for testing URLs to see if they’re safe and QR codes. I thought the QR code checker was a nice addition which also gives a preview of the website being linked to.

There’s also 24/7 live chat support. When I tested it, responses were quick and helpful.

Overall, IPVanish offers a strong Android experience, particularly if you value control and unlimited device connections.

7. Surfshark

Surfshark has a clean, modern Android app that’s genuinely easy to use. I was able to connect in just a few seconds, and the layout feels intuitive without being cluttered. The <strong>Quick Connect</strong> button does exactly what you want it to, automatically connecting you to the fastest available server.

Like the other top providers on this list, Surfshark offers a strong range of security tools. On Android, you get:

• Kill switch
• DNS leak protection
• Camouflage Mode (to help hide VPN use on restrictive networks)
• AES 256-bit encryption
• WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocol support

Surfshark also includes features like CleanWeb to help block ads and trackers, which is a nice bonus on mobile. Overall, it has built a solid reputation for privacy and independent audits have strengthened that position in recent years.

When it comes to streaming, Surfshark continues to perform well. It works with multiple Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more.

I used it to unblock Disney+ while travelling and had no issues streaming in HD. Speeds are more than capable for everyday streaming and browsing.

Surfshark is usually one of the more affordable premium VPNs, particularly on longer plans. It also offers <strong>unlimited simultaneous connections</strong>, which makes it great value if you have a lot of devices.

Overall, Surfshark remains one of the strongest all-round Android VPN options, especially if you want solid streaming performance and unlimited device connections at a competitive price.

How we chose and ranked the VPNs

In order to determine which VPN providers are good and which are not, we assessed several criteria including:

1) Security Features

All the best VPNs for Android should offer 256-bit AES encryption and security protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard as standard to help you establish a secure VPN tunnel for your internet connection.

We also looked for other useful security features such as a built-in kill switch that will help prevent any data leaks to phishing sites and hackers such as your IP address. We also considered split tunnelling options and Tor over VPN servers.

2) Usability

Naturally, Android users need a VPN on an Android smartphone or tablet that does everything that users need it to do. That means offering fast enough speeds to stream content and access websites swiftly.

It also means having a user-friendly and clutter free Android VPN app with a simple design, and ideally a single-click function to connect to the fastest available server. Trust me, the last thing you want is a bloated VPN app that’s difficult to use, like most free Android VPNs.

We also ensured that all the VPNs are available on the Google Play Store for ease of downloading.

3) Accessibility

For a VPN to be considered good, it also needs to be accessible for users. This means being available in countries around the world so that anyone can use it, no matter where they live.

We generally recommend those that have a large number of servers, spread across a wide variety of countries, so you’re not plagued by overcrowding and can get an IP address from many countries as well as secure web traffic.

How to choose the best VPN for Android

VPN apps work across many devices but choosing one for an Android mobile device has specific considerations.

Look for the following features before choosing a particular VPN for your Android device to help you make the best choice.

• Android app: Make sure the VPN service you sign up to has a dedicated app. This is far easier than trying to set your VPN up manually.
• Limited clutter: While desktop clients are about features, apps should be minimal. Using a VPN can drain your battery so making sure the app has a small footprint will improve usability.
• Widgets: If you love controlling your Android apps from your phone’s home screen then a limited number of VPN applications have built-in widgets that allow you to turn the VPN on and off at the flick of a switch.
• Unlimited data: Ensure that your chosen VPN service provider offers unlimited monthly data to be sure that your customer data is safe and not going to run out either.
• Money-back guarantee: Choose a provider that offers a money-back guarantee. VPN applications can vary in price depending on your location and usage. Having a money-back guarantee brings peace of mind allowing you to test the service without risk.

Android settings worth turning on

• Always-on VPN: In Android settings, you can force the VPN to stay connected so you don’t forget to turn it on.
• Block connections without VPN: This stops apps using the internet if the VPN drops (handy on public Wi-Fi).
• Split tunnelling (per app): Useful if your bank blocks VPN traffic but you still want everything else protected.
• Private DNS: If your VPN offers encrypted DNS, use it. If not, consider Android’s Private DNS setting for an extra layer of privacy.

Which Android VPN is best for you?

Above, we’ve listed 7 of the best Android VPNs. You can use a VPN from this list on both phones and tablets.

The standout virtual private network provider for us is ExpressVPN.

It has the best balance of simplicity and features. However, choosing a VPN for Android isn’t an exact science and the ‘best’ VPN for you will depend on your individual requirements

To help you make a decision on which is the best Android VPN app for you we’ve listed some of the most common uses:

If you want excellent privacy protection, choose ExpressVPN.

With servers in 105 countries [3], a tested and audited no-log policy and being registered off-shore there is no better service to keep your usage private while using your Android device.

If you want an app that’s easy to use, get NordVPN.

Their app is one of the best designed Android VPNs that we’ve seen. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to navigate your way around and with one-touch connections, it’s difficult to get it wrong. Plus they have world-class customer support.

If you want a feature-rich Android app, take PrivateInternetAccess.

This is definitely the expert’s option, with features to select everything from encryption to authentication types, a kill switch, and split tunnelling, you’ll be in geek-heaven.

If you want to unblock & stream more TV content, choose CyberGhost VPN.

It has dedicated options to unblock streaming platforms like Netflix (including Netflix US), Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Sky, Hulu, YouTube and more.

It also has a huge range of VPN server location options, CyberGhost VPN will make your Android device the ultimate portable entertainment system and allow you to switch between multiple IP addresses as well as benefit from one of the faster VPN services around.

If you want a risk-free experience, select ExpressVPN, NordVPN or CyberGhost.

All three offer either a 30 or 45-day money-back guarantee respectively giving you plenty of time to try them out. With a free trial not common these days, this is as good as it gets.

How to set up a VPN on Android

Most VPN apps don’t allow you to sign up directly in the app itself although some like NordVPN and VyprVPN do. This is true for both the mobile and desktop version.

The most reliable way to get a VPN service for your Android device is first to visit the VPN service’s website directly using a web browser on your tablet or phone. Just click through one of the links on this page.

Sign up for their service online and then visit the Play Store or your VPN’s official website. Download their app in a couple of clicks and you’re away.

You can quickly open the app and log in with the username and password you created when signing up.

Quick checks after you connect

• Open the VPN app and confirm it shows Connected.
• Check your IP address has changed (most VPN apps show this inside the app).
• If streaming is your goal, test your platform immediately. Some services block specific server locations.

In Summary

Our Final Picks for Android

Choosing the best VPN for Android isn’t easy. There are hundreds of apps on the Play Store and many of them look similar on the surface.

After testing the leading providers, these are the ones that stand out:

• ExpressVPN – Best overall balance of speed, simplicity and security
• NordVPN – Excellent Android app with strong privacy credentials
• CyberGhost – Particularly strong for streaming
• Private Internet Access – Ideal if you want advanced control
• VyprVPN – Reliable with useful bypass features
• IPVanish – Unlimited device connections
• Surfshark – Great value with unlimited devices

All of these providers offer money-back guarantees, so you can test them properly rather than relying on marketing claims.

What to Look for in an Android VPN

If you’re still unsure, focus on these four things:

Connection speeds

Fast speeds matter if you stream in HD or 4K, download large files or game on mobile data.

Server locations

A wide spread of countries gives you more flexibility and helps avoid overcrowded servers.

Android app quality

A good VPN app should be simple, stable and easy to connect. If it feels clunky, you won’t use it.

Security features

Look for a kill switch, strong encryption, modern protocols like WireGuard and split tunnelling if you need per-app control.

Our Top Pick

Out of all the VPNs we tested, ExpressVPN offers the best overall balance of simplicity, performance and privacy.

It’s easy to use, consistently fast and works well for streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it without risk.

Whichever provider you choose, stick with a reputable premium service. Free Android VPNs often come with restrictions, slower speeds or unclear privacy practices.

Pick the one that fits your needs, download it from the Play Store, and you’re good to go.

Sources

1. StatCounter | Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide (January 2026)
2. DigitalTrends | The best VPNs for Android
3. ExpressVPN | How many server locations does ExpressVPN have?
4. ExpressVPN | How many devices can I connect?
5. TechRadar | Independent auditors confirm NordVPN no-logs (sixth time)

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Illustration © Seeni Vasagam & Muhammad Zafar | Dreamstime.com