Best VPN for Android 2026 - Setup & Top Picks
The best VPNs for Android phones and tablets, plus a two-minute setup guide. NordVPN leads at 9.4/10 with split tunneling and a kill switch.
Updated August 15, 2026 · VPN Daddy Team
Fact-checked
Best VPNs for Android
Android VPN apps are among the most capable - full split tunneling, system-level kill switches, and protocol choice. Every provider we review has a native Google Play app. Here they are by overall score:
| Rank | Provider | Score | Speed | Split Tunneling | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | NordVPN | 9.4/10 | 89% | Yes | $3.09/mo |
| #2 | ExpressVPN | 9.1/10 | 85% | Yes | $6.67/mo |
| #3 | Surfshark | 8.9/10 | 83% | Yes | $2.19/mo |
| #4 | ProtonVPN | 8.6/10 | 82% | Yes | $4.49/mo |
| #5 | CyberGhost | 8.5/10 | 78% | Yes | $2.03/mo |
| #6 | Mullvad | 8.4/10 | 84% | Yes | $5.5/mo |
| #7 | Private Internet Access | 8.3/10 | 81% | Yes | $2.03/mo |
| #8 | IVPN | 8/10 | 80% | Yes | $4/mo |
| #9 | IPVanish | 7.9/10 | 80% | Yes | $2.19/mo |
| #10 | Windscribe | 7.8/10 | 79% | Yes | $5.75/mo |
| #11 | PureVPN | 7.5/10 | 77% | Yes | $2.14/mo |
| #12 | hide.me | 7.4/10 | 77% | Yes | $3.45/mo |
| #13 | Mozilla VPN | 7.4/10 | 83% | Yes | $4.99/mo |
| #14 | VyprVPN | 7.3/10 | 75% | Yes | $5/mo |
| #15 | PrivadoVPN | 7.2/10 | 76% | Yes | $2.5/mo |
| #16 | TunnelBear | 7.1/10 | 74% | Yes | $3.33/mo |
| #17 | Hotspot Shield | 7/10 | 82% | Yes | $2.99/mo |
| #18 | StrongVPN | 7/10 | 78% | Yes | $3.66/mo |
| #19 | FastestVPN | 6.8/10 | 74% | Yes | $1.11/mo |
| #20 | ZoogVPN | 6.6/10 | 72% | Yes | $1.79/mo |
72% Off
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How to Set Up a VPN on Android
- Subscribe to a VPN and note your login details
- Open Google Play and search for the provider (e.g. "NordVPN")
- Install and open the app, then sign in
- Tap Connect and approve the one-time connection request Android displays
- You're protected - a key icon shows in the status bar while connected
Why Use a VPN on Android
- Public Wi-Fi safety: encrypts traffic on untrusted networks
- Privacy from your carrier and apps: hides your browsing from your mobile provider
- Streaming abroad: access home catalogs while traveling
- Split tunneling: keep banking or local apps off the VPN while protecting everything else
Android VPN Features That Matter
- Split tunneling: choose which apps use the VPN - an Android strength
- Always-on VPN: Android's system setting keeps the VPN active at all times
- Kill switch: block traffic if the VPN drops (in-app and via Android's "Block connections without VPN")
- Protocol choice: pick NordLynx/WireGuard for the best speed and battery life
Troubleshooting
- Won't connect: switch server or protocol and restart the app
- Battery drain: switch to a WireGuard-based protocol and a nearby server
- An app misbehaves on VPN: add it to split tunneling to bypass the tunnel
- Reconnect issues: enable Android's Always-on VPN in Settings → Network
See our best VPN 2026 comparison for the full cross-platform ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN for Android in 2026?
NordVPN tops our Android rankings (9.4/10) with fast NordLynx speeds and a feature-rich app including split tunneling and a system-level kill switch. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are also excellent. All six providers we review have native Google Play apps.
How do I set up a VPN on Android?
Download the provider's app from Google Play, sign in, and tap Connect. Android shows a one-time "connection request" prompt - approve it and the VPN is active. A key icon appears in your status bar whenever it's connected.
Does Android support split tunneling?
Yes, and it's a highlight of Android VPN apps. Split tunneling lets you route some apps through the VPN while others use your normal connection - useful for banking apps that dislike VPNs, or to keep local services fast. NordVPN, Surfshark, PIA, and others support it on Android.
Will a VPN slow down my Android phone?
A fast VPN has minimal impact. WireGuard-based protocols (NordLynx, native WireGuard) are efficient on both speed and battery. In our ratings the top providers retain 80-89% of speed - far more than any app needs. Use a nearby server for the best results.