Android gives VPN apps more flexibility than iOS, meaning the best Android VPNs can offer split tunneling, always-on VPN, and per-app controls. We tested the top VPN Android apps on a Samsung Galaxy and Pixel device to find the best option.
Best VPNs for Android at a Glance
| VPN | Play Store Rating | Split Tunneling | Protocol | Price/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 4.5 ⭐ | ✅ App-level | NordLynx | From $2.99 |
| ExpressVPN | 4.3 ⭐ | ✅ App-level | Lightway | From $4.99 |
| Surfshark | 4.4 ⭐ | ✅ App-level | WireGuard | From $2.30 |
| IPVanish | 4.3 ⭐ | ✅ App-level | WireGuard | From $3.33 |
1. NordVPN — Best Android VPN Overall
NordVPN’s Android app is consistently the top-rated VPN on the Play Store. It supports NordLynx (WireGuard-based), which delivers the fastest speeds on Android. Features include split tunneling, always-on VPN via Android’s built-in settings, auto-connect on unsecured WiFi, and the Threat Protection Lite DNS blocker. The app handles switching between WiFi and mobile data seamlessly.
NordVPN — Top Play Store ratings, fast NordLynx protocol, and full Android feature set.
Get NordVPN ›
2. Surfshark — Best Budget Android VPN
Surfshark’s Android app includes split tunneling, WireGuard protocol, CleanWeb ad blocker, and unlimited simultaneous connections — all at an excellent price. It’s our top budget pick for Android users who want to protect multiple devices.
Try Surfshark ›3. ExpressVPN — Best for Streaming on Android
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol excels on mobile connections and is especially good for streaming on Android TV boxes and Fire Sticks. If unblocking Netflix and other streaming services on Android is your priority, ExpressVPN is the most reliable option.
Try ExpressVPN ›Android VPN Features You Need
- Split Tunneling — Android fully supports per-app VPN routing. Use it to exclude banking apps from the VPN.
- Always-On VPN — Android has a native always-on VPN setting in network preferences — all VPNs support this.
- Auto-Connect on WiFi — Automatically connects when you join an untrusted network.
- WireGuard / NordLynx — Use modern protocols for best Android performance and battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Android have a built-in VPN?
Android has a built-in VPN client that supports IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols, but it requires manual server configuration. A dedicated VPN app is much easier to use and includes more security features.
Are VPNs safe on Android?
Reputable VPNs from established providers are safe on Android. Be cautious of unknown free VPN apps on the Play Store — some have been found to contain malware or sell user data.