The Best Free VPNs for Android 2026

Review our best picks for free VPNs for Android and explore the pros and cons of using a free VPN.

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

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2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Privacy VPN

5.0

Editorial Rating

On Proton VPN's website

Proton VPN

PROMOTION: Get 70% Off

Privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland, outside the Eyes alliances, with an independently audited no-logs policy
Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden add an extra hop to your connection, making it much harder to trace back to you
Includes a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks and countries

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Value VPN

5.0

Editorial Rating

On Surfshark's website

Surfshark

PROMOTION: From $2.49/mo + 3 Months Free

Budget-friendly VPN that lets you connect unlimited devices at once, which most VPNs cap at 10 or fewer
4,500+ servers across 100 countries with proven fast speeds, even on distant connections
Includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, so you get cleaner browsing without a separate tool

4.6

Editorial Rating

On PrivadoVPN's website

PrivadoVPN

PROMOTION: Up to 90% Off + 3 Months Free

VPN with a free plan covering 13 global locations, with paid plans starting at Free for unlimited devices
Built-in ad blocker, parental controls, and social media blocker included at no extra cost
Unlocked Netflix in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia in our testing

Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN are two of the best free VPNs for Android. Both come from trusted companies with audited no-logs policies and strong privacy practices.

Proton VPN is the best overall pick thanks to its unlimited data, generous free server count, and fast speeds. PrivadoVPN limits you to 10 GB per month, but gives you access to a wider range of countries, so it's worth considering if location flexibility matters to you.

If you want to try a premium VPN risk-free, Surfshark is worth a look. It's not a free VPN, but it offers a seven-day free trial on Android with no upfront charge, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee after that, giving you 37 days total to test it out.

In this article

The best free VPNs for Android
Methodology
Proton VPN: Best overall
Surfshark: Best premium option to try free
PrivadoVPN: Best server locations
Are free VPNs for Android worth it?
FAQs
Bottom line: The best free VPNs for Android

The best free VPNs for Android

VPN
Best for	Overall	Premium option to try free	Server locations
Star ratings	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.6 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Free plan data limit	Unlimited	Unlimited (with free trial)	10 GB/30 days
Free server count	2,300 servers in 5 server locations	4,500+ servers in 100 countries (with free trial)	13 server locations
Paid plan starting price	$2.99/mo	$2.49/mo	$1.11/mo
Learn more	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

How we test and rate VPNs

Every VPN in this guide is hands-on tested by our team using a consistent process. We evaluate each product across seven areas:

Features (30.5%): We review every VPN for inclusion of a working kill switch, split tunneling, multiple VPN protocols, multi-hop servers, and the option to add a dedicated IP. We also review the size of the server network and number of server countries available.
Test results (20%): We run download and upload speed tests with no VPN as a baseline, then connect to servers in four regions (U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia) to calculate the VPN's impact on our speeds. We also connect to each region's Netflix library to verify streaming access, and run WebRTC and DNS leak tests using BrowserLeaks to confirm our real IP and DNS data remain masked.
Editor's score (15%): We use each VPN ourselves, evaluating interface clarity, feature accessibility, and anything else that affects day-to-day use that isn't captured by our other criteria.
Value (11%): We evaluate each product's value based on starting price, money-back guarantee length, and the number of simultaneous connections allowed under a single subscription.
Privacy and security (9.5%): We verify each VPN's no-logs policy, check whether it has been independently audited, review its encryption standards, and note its headquarters jurisdiction.
Customer service (5%): We evaluate how thorough the customer support is based on how many ways there are to contact human support.
Compatibility (3%): We review each VPN's availability across desktop, mobile, browsers, routers, and smart devices.

We test VPNs at least twice a year. Testing has been carried out across Windows, macOS, and mobile, so our results reflect real-world performance across devices.

To learn more about how we test, read our full VPN methodology here.

Proton VPN: Best overall

Browse Privately With Fast & Secure Connections

5.0

Editorial Rating

On Proton VPN's website

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Privacy VPN

VPN

Proton VPN

PROMOTION: Get 70% Off

Privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland, outside the Eyes alliances, with an independently audited no-logs policy
Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden add an extra hop to your connection, making it much harder to trace back to you
Includes a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks and countries

What we liked

Proton VPN is best for users who want no data limits on their browsing, even on free plans.

Unlimited free plan: Proton's free plan doesn't limit you on data used, time, or speed, so you can stay connected without worrying about arbitrary limits.

Generous server selection: Though you can only choose from certain servers, Proton has increased how many free users can connect to, bringing the total to 2,300 free servers in five countries.

Open-source software: Proton as a whole is a well known and well trusted company in the privacy sphere, making a variety of privacy-first products designed to help you ditch Google and protect yourself online. Their VPN is one of their main products, ranking among the best and backed by a bulletproof no-logs policy.

What we didn’t like

Can't choose your server: When using the free Proton VPN plan, you can only press the "Connect" button — there's no way to choose which server you want to connect to. This is fine for most everyday uses, but could be annoying if you're looking to stream content from certain locations.

Proton VPN specs

Price range	$2.99–$9.99/mo
Free version	Yes
Free plan data limit	None
Free plan speed limit	None
Free trial	No
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30-days
Number of servers	Free plan: 2,300 servers in 5 server locations Paid plans: 20,000+ servers in 145 countries
Number of connected devices	10
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Proton VPN Read Our Proton VPN Review

Surfshark: Best premium option you can try free

Fast & Unlimited Protection for All Your Devices

5.0

Editorial Rating

On Surfshark's website

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Value VPN

VPN

Surfshark

PROMOTION: From $2.49/mo + 3 Months Free

Budget-friendly VPN that lets you connect unlimited devices at once, which most VPNs cap at 10 or fewer
4,500+ servers across 100 countries with proven fast speeds, even on distant connections
Includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, so you get cleaner browsing without a separate tool

What we liked

Surfshark is best for users who want to test a full-featured premium VPN before committing.

Free trial on Android: Download Surfshark from the Google Play Store and try it free for seven days with no upfront charge. You'll need to enter payment details, but you won't be charged until day eight.

Money-back guarantee: The seven-day free trial gives you access to everything, and a 30-day money-back guarantee kicks in after, so you get 37 days total risk-free.

Unlimited device connections: Unlike Proton VPN (10 devices) and PrivadoVPN's free plan (1 device), a Surfshark paid subscription covers unlimited devices simultaneously.

What we didn’t like

Not truly free: Surfshark requires a 12-month or 24-month plan and payment details to start the trial. If you don't cancel within seven days, you'll be charged.

Device limit: During the trial, you're limited to three devices at once. That limit lifts to unlimited once you subscribe.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$2.49–$21.85/mo
Free version	No
Free trial data limit	None
Free trial speed limit	None
Free trial	Yes — 7 days
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30-days
Number of servers	4,500+ servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

PrivadoVPN: Best server locations

4.6

Editorial Rating

On PrivadoVPN's website

VPN

PrivadoVPN

PROMOTION: Up to 90% Off + 3 Months Free

VPN with a free plan covering 13 global locations, with paid plans starting at Free for unlimited devices
Built-in ad blocker, parental controls, and social media blocker included at no extra cost
Unlocked Netflix in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia in our testing

What we liked

PrivadoVPN is best for users who want more control over where they're connecting to, even if it means a data cap.

PrivadoVPN walks you through a tutorial when you first launch the app.

Wide free server location options: PrivadoVPN has 13 free server locations, allowing you to access regional streaming services in multiple countries. Our testing reveals that PrivadoVPN was able to unblock geo-restricted content without affecting internet speeds or causing errors.

Decent data cap: Even with the 10 GB data limit per 30 days, our testing shows that this allows for roughly 6.5 hours of streaming content.

What we didn’t like

One device limit: PrivadoVPN lets you connect to only one device on its free plan. So if you connect it to one Android device, you won't be able to connect any other devices simultaneously.

Data cap: There is also the 10 GB data limit per 30 days, which may be enough if you are a light internet user. If you want to do heavy streaming, then it may not be enough.

PrivadoVPN specs

Price range	$1.11–$10.99/mo
Free version	Yes
Free plan data limit	10 GB data limit per 30 days
Free plan speed limit	No speed limits
Free trial	No
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Number of servers	Free plan: 13 server locations Paid plans: Unlisted in 50 countries
Number of connected devices	Free plan: 1 Paid plans: Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, SOCKS5
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get PrivadoVPN Read Our PrivadoVPN Review

Are free VPNs for Android worth it?

A free VPN for Android can provide a lot of value. Just like a premium VPN, a free VPN service encrypts your network and helps keep your browsing private.

But not all free VPNs are good. Some of them actually track your browsing history and sell your personal data for marketing purposes. Other free VPNs may have weaker digital security, putting your privacy at risk.

Most free VPNs offer limited functionality compared to their paid versions. While this may be enough for some people, you might want to access free servers in different countries or have advanced security features.

Free VPNs are tempting for your wallet, but you might find more value in premium VPNs. Premium services can offer access to thousands of servers across the world and additional advanced security tools to protect your online life.

Many premium VPNs offer money-back guarantees so that you can try out the service risk-free. It’s more common to see premium VPN providers offer a solid money-back guarantee rather than a no-money-down free trial or completely free plan.

However, premium VPNs can be affordable if you opt for a long-term plan. A VPN can cost as little as a couple of dollars per month if you get a two-year plan. Surfshark, for example, offers a seven-day free trial on Android plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Overall, most free VPNs for Android often don't have strong credibility or offer only limited features. You may find it worth it to opt for a premium VPN with advanced security features to ensure you're protected from online criminals.

How to choose the best VPN for Android

There are several VPNs available in the Google Play Store, and it's easy to get overwhelmed with all of your choices. When choosing a free VPN service, you should take extra precautions to ensure its credibility before downloading a VPN. Premium VPNs are easier to vet, but you should also carefully evaluate your options.

Here are a few questions to ask before you set up a VPN:

How much does it cost?
Is there a free trial or money-back guarantee?
Does it keep logs of your data? Is the no-logs policy audited by an independent party?
How many servers does it offer? What countries are available?
How secure is it? Does it use AES-256 encryption?
Will it slow down your internet speed?

FAQs

Are VPNs legal?

VPNs are a legal way (in most countries) to change your IP address and protect your online privacy. It's especially useful since your Android may frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks, which aren't as secure as your home network.

Can I trust a free VPN with my data on Android?

Some free VPNs on Android can be trusted with your data, but you should carefully evaluate a VPN to ensure its validity. Free VPNs may make money by tracking your online browsing history and selling the information. You'll want to make sure the apps you're using have a strong no-logs policy and from a well-trusted company.

Which is the best free VPN for Android?

The best free VPN for Android is Proton VPN thanks to its unlimited data cap, generous free server count, and bulletproof no-logs policy.

What is the highest-rated free VPN app for Android?

According to the Google Play Store, the highest-rated free VPN app for Android is Hotspot Shield. It has over 100 million downloads with a 4.4 rating. However, the free Hotspot Shield runs ads, only accesses United States servers, and has a limit of 500 MB of data per day. You may want to consider other alternatives, like Proton VPN, for better features.

How can I get a free VPN without ads on my Android device?

You can get a free VPN without ads on your Android device by choosing a freemium VPN. Freemium means that VPNs use paid subscriptions to support the free VPN. It often means VPN providers don't show ads on their free VPNs. Proton VPN is the best option according to our tests.

Does Surfshark have a free trial on Android?

Yes. You can start a seven-day free trial by downloading Surfshark from the Google Play Store. There's no upfront charge, but you'll need to enter payment details.

If you don't cancel before day eight, you'll be billed for the plan you selected. Once the trial ends, a 30-day money-back guarantee kicks in, giving you 37 days total to try it risk-free.

Bottom line: The best free VPNs for Android

Proton VPN takes the top spot in our list of the best free VPNs for Android. It offers unlimited data on its free plan and you can connect to more than 2,000 servers around the world.

PrivadoVPN limits you to 10 GB per month on its free plan, but it offers a wider range of server locations, which makes it easier to access regionally-restricted content.

If you're ready to try a premium VPN, Surfshark is the risk-free way to do it. Start with a seven-day free trial on Android, and if you decide to subscribe, a 30-day money-back guarantee kicks in after that. You get 37 days total to try it before you're fully committed.

3 best free VPNs for Android

Starting price	Best for	Learn more
Starts at Free	Best overall	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review
Starts at $2.49/mo	Best premium option to try free	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review
Starts at Free	Best free server locations	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

Browse Privately With Fast & Secure Connections

5.0

Editorial Rating

On Proton VPN's website

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Privacy VPN

VPN

Proton VPN

PROMOTION: Get 70% Off

Privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland, outside the Eyes alliances, with an independently audited no-logs policy
Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden add an extra hop to your connection, making it much harder to trace back to you
Includes a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks and countries

Author Details

Sara J. Nguyen

About the Author

Sara J. Nguyen has spent more than five years covering data privacy, identity theft protection, and online safety. She approaches the beat with a public relations background that gives her a particular eye for the gap between how companies present their products and what those products actually do for users. She has authored more than 140 articles for All About Cookies and has been published in Frontier Communications, Hootsuite, Zapier, and LogRocket.