Best VPN for Android in 2026: Top Picks & Latest Reviews
A VPN is one of the simplest ways to protect your Android phone on public Wi-Fi, keep your browsing away from your internet provider, and reach content that is blocked where you are.
In this guide, you will learn about the best VPNs for your Android smartphone, why you need a VPN on your Android, and the criteria we use to select the VPNs.
October 2026 update: We updated the features and prices of all four VPNs (checked on October 31, 2026) and reordered the list by their total scores in our reviews. We have not repeated our speed and streaming tests for this update.
Here is a quick summary of the best Android VPNs:
- ExpressVPN: The best all-rounder – fast, easy to use, with its own post-quantum Lightway protocol and app-based split tunneling on Android.
- Surfshark: Unlimited devices and the most Android extras, including GPS override and an ad blocker in every plan.
- Private Internet Access: A low-cost, open-source VPN for unlimited devices, with many settings and prices that stay the same at renewal.
- CyberGhost: A simple Android app with streaming servers listed by service and a long money-back guarantee.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the best VPNs for Android.
9.8 total score
Fast, audited VPN with its own post-quantum Lightway protocol and servers in 113 countries.
- Ad, tracker and malware blocking in every plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 10 to 14 devices at the same time, depending on the plan
9.5 total score
Fast, feature-rich VPN from the Netherlands with a no-logs policy verified by Deloitte.
- Unlimited devices
- Ad blocker in every plan
- Low first-term and renewal prices
9.5 total score
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a low-cost, open-source VPN with a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte and tested in court.
- 180 locations in 113 countries
- Unlimited devices
- Prices stay the same at renewal
9.1 total score
Low-cost VPN from Romania with servers in 100 countries and a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte.
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- NoSpy servers in Romania
- Streaming, gaming and torrenting servers
ExpressVPN: The All-Rounder for Android Users
Price from: $8.32/mo
Available on:
pros
Cons
ExpressVPN is our top pick for Android. In our earlier tests, it was the fastest and easiest-to-use VPN on Android, and it unblocked the streaming services we tried, including several Netflix libraries. We have not repeated these tests for this update, and results change often.
Fast Protocols and a Large Network
ExpressVPN has servers in 214 locations in 113 countries, including all 50 US states, so you can usually find a server close to you or in the country you need. Its own Lightway protocol is the default and uses post-quantum encryption; since August 2025, the Android app also offers WireGuard with post-quantum protection.
That makes ExpressVPN a good fit for streaming on the go – it is also one of our best VPNs for Netflix.
A Redesigned Android App
In 2025, ExpressVPN redesigned its Android app, with new themes (including a dark mode) and a “Fastest Location” option. The app is on Google Play, and ExpressVPN also has apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick.
On Android 7 or later, split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN – useful for banking apps that block VPN connections, for example.
The screenshots below show an older version of the ExpressVPN app (2022).
Security and Privacy
ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch (Network Lock), RAM-only servers, and a no-logs policy that has been checked in independent audits. Advanced Protection, included in every plan, blocks ads, trackers, and known malicious sites such as phishing pages.
Plans and Prices
ExpressVPN offers three plans – Basic, Advanced, and Pro – for 10, 12, or 14 devices at the same time. Here are the prices of the Basic plan (as of October 31, 2026):
- 2 years (plus 4 free months): $2.99 per month, $83.72 for the first 28 months
- 12 months (plus 3 free months): $4.99 per month, $74.85 for the first 15 months
After the first term, Basic renews at $99.95 per year. ExpressVPN doesn’t show the 2-year plan to every visitor. New customers who subscribe on ExpressVPN’s website get a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the Android app offers a 3-day free trial.
In Conclusion: ExpressVPN for Android
ExpressVPN is the best choice for Android users who want speed, a polished app, and strong security without having to change any settings. Just keep the higher renewal price in mind.
Surfshark: Unlimited Devices and the Most Android Extras
Price from: $2.03/mo
Available on:
pros
Cons
Surfshark is a low-cost VPN with unlimited simultaneous devices, so one subscription covers your Android phone, tablet, TV, and everyone else’s devices at home. In our earlier tests, it was fast and unblocked popular streaming services. We have not re-tested streaming for this update, and results change often.
A Large, Fast Network
Surfshark has more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries, all with 10 Gbps ports. Some locations are virtual: the server stands in another country, but you get an IP address of the country you chose. On Android, you can use WireGuard or OpenVPN.
The Most Extras on Android
Surfshark’s Android app has features you rarely find elsewhere:
- Bypasser (split tunneling): choose apps and websites that skip the VPN – or, with Reverse Bypasser, only send the apps you pick through the VPN.
- GPS override: sets your phone’s GPS location to match the VPN server, for apps that check GPS as well as your IP address.
- CleanWeb: blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, included in every plan.
- Dynamic MultiHop: a double VPN connection through two servers, plus rotating IP addresses and obfuscation for restrictive networks.
Security and Privacy
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. It keeps no logs – Deloitte verified its no-logs policy in 2023 and 2025 – and all its servers run in RAM only. The apps include a kill switch and leak protection.
Plans and Prices
Surfshark has three plans: Starter (the VPN, the CleanWeb ad blocker, and Alternative ID for masked sign-ups), One (adds antivirus and data-leak alerts), and One+. Here are the prices of Starter (as of October 31, 2026):
- 2 years (plus 3 extra months): $2.49 per month, $67.23 for the first 27 months
- 12 months (plus 3 extra months): $2.99 per month, $44.85 for the first 15 months
- 1 month: $18.95
After the first term, Starter renews at $79 per year. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In Conclusion: Surfshark for Android
Surfshark is the best value if you want to protect many devices with one subscription, and its Android app has the richest set of extras on this list.
Private Internet Access: A Customizable, Low-Cost Android VPN
Price from: $2.29/mo
Available on:
pros
Cons
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the cheapest big VPNs, its prices stay the same at renewal, and one subscription covers an unlimited number of devices. In our earlier tests, it unblocked several Netflix libraries and streamed smoothly. We have not repeated these tests for this update, and results change often.
Servers and Streaming
PIA has servers in 180 locations in 113 countries, including all 50 US states. Many of these locations are virtual – in about 60 of the 113 countries, PIA has only virtual locations – and the app marks them, so you can hide them if you prefer. PIA also has 35 streaming-optimized locations, which it says it monitors and tests against streaming services.
Lots of Settings on Android
PIA’s Android app runs on Android 7.0 or later, including Android TV, and there is also a version on F-Droid for devices without Google services. Beginners can keep the default settings, while advanced users can change the protocol, encryption, port, DNS, split tunneling, automation rules, and multi-hop. Since October 2026, WireGuard is the default protocol in all PIA apps.
MACE, PIA’s blocker for known ad, tracker, and malware domains, is now built into the Android app. P2P traffic is allowed on every server, and port forwarding works on most locations outside the US.
Security and Privacy
PIA backs its no-logs policy with evidence: in two US criminal cases, in 2016 and 2018, it had no logs to hand over, and Deloitte has audited its no-logs setup three times. Its apps are 100% open source, and all servers run in RAM only. Keep in mind that PIA is based in the US, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Plans and Prices
Here are PIA’s subscription plans (as of October 31, 2026):
- 3 years (plus 3 extra months): $2.03 per month, $79 for 39 months, renewing at $79 every 3 years
- 1 year: $3.99 per month, $47.88 per year
- 1 month: $11.95
The 30-day money-back guarantee applies to new users who buy directly from PIA.
In Conclusion: Private Internet Access for Android
PIA is a great choice for Android users who want a cheap VPN for unlimited devices, open-source apps, and plenty of settings to tweak.
CyberGhost: A User-Friendly Android VPN With Streaming Servers
Price from: $2.49/mo
Available on:
pros
Cons
CyberGhost is a good choice if you want a simple app. Its streaming servers are listed by streaming service in the Android app, so you don’t have to guess which server to use. In our earlier tests, they unblocked the services we tried. We have not re-tested streaming for this update, and results change often.
Servers and Speed
CyberGhost has about 9,600 servers in 125 locations in 100 countries, though it marks 56 of those countries as virtual: the server is in another country, but you get an IP address of the country you chose. On Android, you can use WireGuard or OpenVPN. For the best speeds, use WireGuard and a nearby location.
The Android App
The Android app runs on Android 7.0 or later, including Chromebooks, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. It is the only CyberGhost app with app-based split tunneling: you choose which apps bypass the VPN. The Content Blocker blocks known ad, tracker, and malware domains.
Security and Privacy
CyberGhost is based in Romania. Deloitte has audited its no-logs setup three times, all servers run in RAM only, and the apps include a kill switch and DNS leak protection. One subscription covers up to 7 devices – fewer than Surfshark or PIA.
Plans and Prices
Here are CyberGhost’s subscription plans (as of October 31, 2026):
- 2 years (plus 2 extra months): $2.19 per month, $56.94 for the first 26 months, then $56.94 per year
- 6 months: $6.99 per month, $41.94 every 6 months
- 1 month: $12.99
The 45-day money-back guarantee applies to the 6-month and 2-year plans (14 days on the monthly plan) when you buy directly from CyberGhost. On Android, you can also try CyberGhost free for 3 days through Google Play (a payment method is needed).
In Conclusion: CyberGhost for Android
CyberGhost suits Android users who want an easy app, ready-made streaming servers, and a long money-back guarantee. The downsides are the limit of 7 devices and the many virtual locations.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Android
Global Server Coverage
A wide range of server locations lets you connect close to home for speed, or to another country to reach content that is blocked where you are. Check whether a provider marks its virtual locations.
Fast Protocols
A good Android VPN should support a fast modern protocol such as WireGuard or its own equivalent (like ExpressVPN’s Lightway), so streaming and browsing stay smooth and your battery lasts.
Security and Privacy
Look for a no-logs policy that has been checked by an independent audit, strong encryption, and a kill switch. On Android, you can also turn on “Always-on VPN” and “Block connections without VPN” in the system VPN settings for extra protection.
Android Features
The app should be easy to use and available on Google Play. Useful extras on Android are app-based split tunneling, an ad and malware blocker, and apps for Android TV or Fire TV if you stream on a TV.
Customer Support
A VPN provider should offer 24/7 live chat and a good help center for when something doesn’t work.
Price and Money-Back Guarantee
Compare the first-term price with the renewal price, the number of devices, and the refund terms. A money-back guarantee lets you test the VPN on your own phone before you commit.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Android?
Your Android smartphone is a powerful pocket computer that you use for many online tasks: social media, banking, shopping, booking tickets, and working remotely.
That’s why it’s worth protecting your online privacy. Here are the benefits of using a VPN on Android.
Use public Wi-Fi securely
With a VPN, other people on the network and the Wi-Fi provider can’t see or tamper with your traffic.
Avoid ISP throttling
A VPN encrypts your traffic, so your internet provider can’t see which sites and services you use – and can’t slow down specific ones, such as streaming. Obfuscation can also hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
Bypass censorship and restrictions
An Android VPN lets you reach websites and services that are blocked or geo-restricted where you are.
Torrent more privately
Without a VPN, other peers – and anyone monitoring torrents, such as copyright enforcers – can see your IP address. A VPN hides it behind the server’s address.
Make mass surveillance harder
Internet providers in many countries log what their customers do online. A VPN moves that view from your provider to the VPN provider, which is why an audited no-logs policy matters.
Browse more privately
Websites use your IP address to estimate your location and to track you. A VPN hides your real IP address, although cookies and other tracking still work, so combine it with a private browser.
Compare prices
Some online shops and travel sites show different prices in different countries. With a VPN, you can compare prices from other locations.
Wrap Up
Privacy and security matter on your Android smartphone. Our best VPN picks for Android – ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost – protect you from your internet provider, other users on public Wi-Fi, and other prying eyes.
All four have apps for Android phones and tablets and for Android TV, and they also work on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and other devices. Each comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can try them on your own phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some people found answers to these questions helpful
What is the best VPN for Android?
ExpressVPN is our top pick for Android: it is fast, easy to use, and has strong security. Surfshark is the best value for unlimited devices and has the most Android extras, PIA is the cheapest with open-source apps, and CyberGhost has the simplest app with streaming servers.
Which free VPN is best for Android?
We don't recommend free VPNs for Android. Most limit your data, speed, and server choice, and many pay for their service with ads or by collecting data about their users. A better option is a paid VPN with a money-back guarantee or a free trial – for example, ExpressVPN's Android app offers a 3-day free trial, and CyberGhost one through Google Play.
Will a VPN change my location?
A VPN changes your IP address, so websites and apps that use your IP address see the server's location. It doesn't change your phone's GPS location, which some apps also check – except with Surfshark, whose Android app can override your GPS location to match the server.
Which is the fastest VPN for Android?
In our earlier tests, ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN on Android, but speeds depend on your connection, the server, and the protocol. For the best speeds with any VPN, connect to a nearby server and use WireGuard (or ExpressVPN's Lightway).
Does my Android come with a VPN?
Android has a built-in VPN client in its network settings, but you have to set up a VPN profile yourself, with server details from a VPN provider. The apps from the VPN providers on this list are much easier to use and offer more protection.