The Best Android VPN Apps of 2026 (Ranked & Compared)

Isn’t it strange that so many phone users seek the best VPN for Android? It’s not, given that the majority of us browse the web on our phones. While we can argue about Android’s popularity against iOS, we know that at least 3.9 billion people use the former. A lot of living souls need a reputable Android VPN app.

Such a VPN has a wealth of benefits for your privacy and security. It encrypts your traffic, anonymizes your online activities, and makes you fully private. An even more popular advantage is bypassing website blocks. People use some of the best VPN apps for Android to watch Netflix or stream various sports events.

The tricky thing is, very few VPNs for Android are actually good. But we managed to scope out the best options and present them to you. Our experts tested dozens of VPN services and narrowed our selection to just a few top choices for Android in 2026. Let’s see what they offer and the benefits they provide.

Best VPN Apps for Android Phones and Tablets

This guide will heavily lean into the premium VPN market. We have another guide where we present free VPNs for Android. Unfortunately, they’re not as great, so they couldn’t make it to our list. Now that we mentioned it, here’s the list you wanted:

Let’s discuss each top pick to understand what makes them good.

1. NordVPN

Our favorite pick, NordVPN, knows what it means to provide an equally amazing experience on all platforms. Its Android VPN app is filled with features. Let’s start with 8,900+ servers in 130 countries. NordVPN also offers Double VPN servers. They double your encryption to prevent tracking by government agencies and ISPs.

This VPN app comes with special P2P servers, anonymizing torrenting on your Android phone in seconds. We love this VPN for its performance. NordVPN has unlimited bandwidth and offers 10 Gbps servers. Meanwhile, NordLynx protocol ensures smooth connections suitable for heavy downloads and streaming.

Android VPN users can enjoy watching ITV outside the UK or unblocking Netflix US. In addition, NordVPN has handy security features. They include AES-256 encryption, a reliable kill switch, and Threat Protection Pro. The latter blocks malware, trackers, and ads. Interestingly, NordVPN includes Meshnet on Android.

It’s suitable for remote control and access to other devices. A feature unique to this great VPN for Android is Tapjacking Protection, which warns you if a malicious app tries to trick you into an unintended action. NordVPN uses its in-house DNS to handle your DNS requests without involving third parties.

Better yet, it’s protected by an ironclad zero-log policy to keep your online activities concealed. Finally, NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial for Android users, letting you test the VPN thoroughly and gauge your level of satisfaction.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN takes second place as another excellent VPN for Android devices. It offers a simple app that won’t drain your battery but still performs like a champ. It’s based on the Lightway Turbo protocol, designed for outstanding performance. ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs you can use on Android.

The VPN’s 3,000 servers are more than impressive for torrenting, streaming, or gaming on a phone. Its Android app is similar to the Windows app, so you get a premium experience. Its kill switch works reliably. Our team likes its Advanced Protection that blocks ads, malicious sites, trackers, and even adult sites.

The app also includes split tunneling, which routes only specific apps through the VPN. Being one of the most popular VPNs for Android, ExpressVPN includes Keys, a password manager that users with a heap of passwords will appreciate. ExpressVPN’s no-log policy underwent significant audits from third parties.

It’s the most audited VPN in the industry, with successful evaluations from PwC, KPMG, Cure53, and other companies. It’s almost at the top of our ranking of Android VPNs for inclusions like RAM servers, Private DNS, and Forward Secrecy for the highest privacy levels. Sadly, ExpressVPN lacks Double VPN servers.

While it doesn’t offer many advanced features like NordVPN, it’s inexpensive if you pick the Basic plan at 73% off with four free months. You can get it for $3.49 per month and save plenty. Don’t worry, you still get a 3-day free trial as an Android user.

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3. Private Internet Access

This US-based VPN has been with us for well over a decade. It perfected its formula, quickly becoming a go-to Android VPN for millions. Its server fleet counts 30,000 servers. An even better thing is this – unlimited simultaneous connections. Budget users will love that this VPN, compatible with Android, can protect all their devices!

Private Internet Access comes crawling with features, but also works with Netflix and allows you to play online games with almost no latency. It relies on WireGuard, including features like port forwarding, a kill switch, and PIA MACE to kick out all ads and trackers. Our favorite feature of this Android VPN app is Automation.

It lets you assign multiple auto-connection rules at a time. This ensures the VPN connects right away in certain situations to protect your privacy. Obfuscation is also available, so you can mask your VPN traffic and appear as a regular person online. This feature is useful if you travel to China and other censored regions.

Private Internet Access lets you get a dedicated IP address for conveniences like avoiding CAPTCHA puzzles or preventing IP bans. Windows users still get a few more features, like SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxy, but also an optional antivirus. That’s not an issue, as you can equip all your devices with PIA with one subscription.

Private Internet Access has a gigantic discount that drops its price to just around $2.03 per month. To test it out without paying, you can take advantage of its 7-day free trial on Android as well. Also, feel free to read our detailed PIA VPN test.

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4. Proton VPN

Our recent Proton VPN review was favorable, especially when discussing its mobile apps. It’s on the list of the best VPNs for Android for its speed, security, privacy, and streaming/P2P optimization. This VPN has it all and is still priced modestly. How so? We don’t know. We can only discuss what we tested.

Proton VPN’s Android VPN application offers 17,000+ servers in 127 countries. Our favorites were streaming servers that we used to access Max, BBC iPlayer, and numerous Netflix libraries. You can expect more than standard security features. A kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and all that stuff.

Being a Swiss service, the VPN also keeps no logs and has multiple third-party audits to prove that. While its Windows app is confusing, its mobile apps are impeccable. It’s easy to enable WireGuard for blazing-fast speed. Its reliable kill switch also safely disables your internet traffic if the VPN connection breaks.

Proton VPN also offers obfuscation (Alternative Routing). Plus, there are Secure Core servers that function as Multi-hop and amplify encryption. Proton VPN’s NetShield ad-blocker also fights ads, trackers, and malicious sites. Meanwhile, you get the VPN Accelerator, usable for quick speed boosts when needed.

Ten simultaneous connections, on par with NordVPN, are sufficient. Proton VPN, despite its qualities, is one of the most affordable VPNs for Android in 2026. The biennial plan is about $3.59 per month, and you get a free plan with unlimited data, which works perfectly on this and other operating systems.

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5. Surfshark

One of the cheapest premium VPNs for Android on this list is simultaneously one of the best. Surfshark and its beautiful UI serve thousands of mobile users. This VPN skimps on nothing, so you still enjoy zero logging, superb 256-bit encryption, and MultiHop servers. We just scratched the surface with these.

Surfshark’s Android VPN application is streaming-friendly, letting you access around thirty Netflix libraries. It’s also a great iPhone VPN because it allows you to use WireGuard on all platforms to improve your connection speed. Surfshark’s Android app offers CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers.

It also has two kill switches, one standard and the other Android-native, which disable traffic for split-tunneling-bypassed apps. We discovered that its app contains a GPS Override function for geo-spoofing. There’s also the IP Rotator, which periodically rotates your IP to make tracking virtually impossible.

Surfshark’s base version is very cheap, but we recommend paying slightly more for the One plan. This plan packs useful extras, such as an antivirus that works directly on your phone and discovers threats. Its Search browser is also useful for anonymous browsing. Surfshark has upped its game significantly in 2026.

It now offers dependable 10 Gbps servers in 100 countries (with some 40 Gbps servers in Amsterdam), unlimited bandwidth, and 24/7 support. Grab its discount below and enjoy this amazing Android VPN for as little as $1.99 per month.

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How to Install and Use a VPN on Android?

We always say how VPNs are so complex under the hood, yet so simple for the end user. You’ll agree that installing an app on your phone is a no-brainer in 2026. That is, unless you’re a time traveler from centuries ago. We’ll assume you’re not.

If you’re still unsure how to use a VPN on Android or install it, here’s an in-depth guide that covers all Android devices, including phones, tablets, and TVs.

1. Subscribe to a VPN

You’ll need to subscribe to one of the best VPNs for Android. The best pick is NordVPN, so we’ll use it for this guide. Rest assured, all VPNs work the same, with minor differences that shouldn’t confuse you. Click the button below to go to its site. From here, select the plan you want.

Again, we recommend any of the 2-year plans because they’re discounted by more than 70%. Once you select the plan, enter your email address, pay for the subscription, and confirm your account via the email NordVPN sent you.

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2. Install a VPN on Android

You need to install an Android VPN application now. You can download its APK from the VPN’s site. However, we recommend going to Google Play, searching for the VPN you subscribed to, and downloading it.

This is simpler, as Google Play will automatically download and install the app for you. Once it’s done, open the app and sign in with your email and password from Step 1. You’ll be greeted by a dashboard that lets you enjoy the VPN from this moment.

3. Connect to a Server

And how do you enjoy a VPN? You connect to any of its servers! We’ll leave this step to you. Pick any server you want and go online in complete privacy. For this guide, we used a random US VPN server, but you can pick any other.

Android VPN Benefits: Why Use It on Your Phone or Tablet?

Connecting to a server seems simple to yield so many benefits. What’s the deal with the best VPNs for Android? Why are they so popular? Let’s explain everything.

🛜 Public WiFi Security

If you’re young and full of energy, we’ll assume you’re going out in restaurants and cafes. Little did you know that their public WiFi hotspots are insecure and often lack solid encryption, making them easy prey to hackers and snoopers. Think of a tiger vs a penguin duel – that’s how hackers can devour these networks.

When doing so, they’ll see all the IP addresses of connected users and be able to access their devices and steal data. Which data? Perhaps credit card information? Might be. The trick is to conceal your IP address and avoid such discrepancies. The best VPN for Android rears its head.

Connect to one once you’re on public WiFi, encrypt everything you do online, and let hackers smash their heads into the impenetrable 256-bit encryption. You’re fully secured this way, and no one can steal any information or track you.

🔐 Improved Privacy

Privacy is another focal point of our preferred VPN apps for Android. Through encryption and everything else, they prevent other entities from spying on you. This is also done through a no-log policy, proof that a VPN doesn’t store sensitive information. Let’s say someone breaches the VPN and tries to steal its data.

If nothing is stored, nothing can be stolen! All five providers have audited no-logging policies and RAM-only servers that store no information on your online whereabouts. Even if the CIA or NSA seizes their servers, they will come out empty-handed.

If you don’t believe us, read their audits from PwC, KPMG, Cure53, Deloitte, and other auditing firms. These reports will tell you everything you need to know.

📺 Streaming & P2P

Torrenting isn’t usually something you’ll do on your phone. But you can. With a VPN. It’s best to stay anonymous during torrenting to avoid ISPs, copyright trolls, and other snoopers. But what about streaming? Geo-restrictions plague our beautiful world. Some websites won’t work in your country.

Netflix works everywhere, but its catalogs differ based on your location. This calls for a VPN for Android that could alter your online location. It’ll trick any website you visit into believing you’re in another country, allowing access promptly.  This can be done on any website, not just Netflix.

Some people use this to gamble online or unblock adult sites otherwise unavailable in their own or a foreign country.

🎮 Lag-Free Gaming

Our best-rated VPNs for Android offer impeccable performance for playing games. We know Android gamers are plentiful, and lagging or even DDoS attacks scare the living hell out of them. A VPN can aid your cause by preventing ISP throttling and fixing a high ping. As for DDoS attacks, it’s clear how they work.

Instead of attacking your IP address, an attacker will have to attack the VPN’s IP instead because your original IP is hidden. This changes nothing because the VPN server is powerful enough to handle the punch.

🧳 Cheaper Travels

Who doesn’t love some summertime or wintertime travels? When they’re cheaper because you’ve used our best VPN for Android, that’s a feast. Prices of flight tickets and hotel rentals often depend on your location. They’ll be more expensive in Germany than in Bulgaria because the former is a more developed country.

You can use this to prosper by altering your IP to a less-developed country and checking for flight ticket prices. Our experience shows that you can save a lot. Sometimes it’s hundreds of dollars annually. It depends on how travel-happy you are.

Some Famous Android VPN Apps to Avoid

Google Play is more chaotic than the App Store, which is why many prefer a streamlined approach to apps and security on iOS. This brings with it a nasty flow of unfiltered, sketchy apps that often happen to be VPNs.

These free VPNs will happily provide you with unlimited data and lots of servers, with one obscure condition – data collection. Such VPNs should be avoided at all costs. This isn’t the only negative case. Free VPNs usually implement other annoyances.

Some include in-app ads, limited data, and even intentionally slow speeds to force you to go the premium route. Our advice is to avoid all free VPNs for Android that promise you everything on a silver platter. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t use it. Apart from that, we’ll also mention providers like:

• Turbo VPN
• Hola VPN
• Betternet
• Urban VPN
• Ninja VPN

All are free, with fatal flaws like the ones we mentioned. These names surely sound familiar, especially Hola VPN, which offers everything and stores even the tiniest private information, which sounds really scary. Let’s be direct and tell this. You should mostly avoid unverified free VPNs for Android.

Freemium VPNs are another story, and as mentioned at the start, we have a list of them that you can check. But even they aren’t as great as these five, which you’ll realize the moment you start using them.

Summary of the Best VPNs for Android in 2026

So, what is the leading Android VPN service in 2026? Based on our testing and experience, NordVPN takes the #1 spot, closely followed by ExpressVPN. These are the best VPNs for Android with the leading reputation in security, privacy, performance, streaming, torrenting, and all other aspects.

We advise checking more budget solutions too. Private Internet Access and Surfshark are attractive for their unlimited connections. Proton VPN, on the other hand, is a privacy-first VPN, with ample security tools and a free, unlimited VPN plan for fuss-free testing. With this ranking at its end, it’s time to choose.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Android have a built-in VPN?

No, it doesn’t have a built-in VPN. It supports VPNs, but you still must subscribe to one to use it. No operating system has a built-in VPN service.

Do Android VPNs also work on iOS?

Yes, the majority, if not all, VPNs that work on Android also work on iOS. Exceptions exist for desktop platforms, as some providers are mobile-only. However, the five presented in this article work on all major systems, both desktop and mobile.

What is the cheapest VPN for Android?

You’ll find Surfshark to be the least expensive, with the Starter plan at $1.99 per month. Also consider Private Internet Access and NordVPN at about $2.03 and $3.00 per month, respectively. Generally speaking, all are fairly affordable, with the highest price of $3.59 per month for Proton VPN.