Android gives VPN apps more flexibility than many mobile platforms, which makes features such as split tunneling especially useful. A good Android VPN should protect your connection without making everyday apps difficult to use, while giving you control over which traffic enters the VPN tunnel. Surfshark, Private Internet Access and Proton VPN all offer Android apps, but they differ in customization, privacy features and free access. The best VPN for Android depends on whether you prioritize granular app controls, open-source software or straightforward everyday protection.
Bypasser split tunneling lets you exclude specific apps from the VPN tunnel.
Open-source Android app with granular per-app split tunneling.
Open-source Android app plus a genuinely free tier for casual use.
A reliable Android VPN should provide more than a large server network. Start with essential privacy features such as a kill switch, modern VPN protocols and a clear privacy policy.
Split tunneling is particularly useful on Android. It lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection and which connect normally. For example, you might route your browser through the VPN while allowing a banking or local service app to use your regular connection.
Also consider usability. A VPN that requires constant manual adjustment can become inconvenient on a phone you use throughout the day. Connection stability and clear settings matter as much as having a long feature list.
Surfshark is a strong Android option for users who want granular control over app traffic. Its Bypasser feature provides split tunneling, allowing selected apps or websites to bypass the VPN connection.
This can be useful when an app does not work correctly with a VPN or when you only want certain activities protected. You can keep the VPN active without routing every connection through it.
Surfshark also includes security and privacy features within its broader service. The Android app is designed to provide access to these features without requiring complicated manual configuration.
It is particularly suitable for users who want flexibility while still keeping the everyday VPN experience relatively straightforward.
Private Internet Access, commonly called PIA, is another strong choice if you value control over how your VPN behaves. Its Android app is open source, providing additional transparency for users who want the client software to be publicly inspectable.
PIA also supports split tunneling on Android, making it possible to control which applications use the VPN connection. This can be valuable if you regularly switch between services that require different network configurations.
The range of settings may appeal to more experienced users who want to customize their VPN connection. Beginners can still use the app without changing every option, but PIA makes more sense when configuration flexibility is one of your priorities.
Proton VPN combines an open-source Android application with a free tier, making it an interesting option if you want to try a reputable VPN without immediately paying for a subscription.
Its open-source approach provides greater transparency around the app itself, while the service also emphasizes privacy and security. The free plan has limitations compared with paid access, but it can still be practical for basic browsing and occasional VPN use.
For users who later need broader server access or additional functionality, paid plans provide a more complete experience. Proton VPN therefore works well for Android users who want a low-commitment starting point.
Split tunneling and a kill switch solve different problems. Split tunneling determines which apps use the VPN. A kill switch is designed to prevent unprotected traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
For stronger privacy, review both the VPN app’s settings and Android’s built-in VPN options. The exact behavior can depend on your device, Android version and VPN configuration.
After installation, check your settings rather than assuming every protection feature is enabled automatically.
Surfshark is a good fit if you want convenient split tunneling and an accessible mobile experience. PIA is better suited to users who value open-source software and more granular configuration. Proton VPN stands out if you want an open-source Android app with a usable free option.
The best VPN for Android should fit how you actually use your phone. Consider privacy, split tunneling, connection controls and app usability instead of choosing solely by server count or promotional price.
Surfshark, PIA and Proton VPN are strong options with different advantages. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize flexibility, customization or free access.
It needs VPN service permission from Android itself; beyond that, an open-source app lets you verify it is not requesting anything unrelated to its VPN function.
A setting that lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which connect directly, useful for apps like banking that sometimes block VPN traffic.
Most providers' Play Store apps are the easiest route, though some also offer a direct APK download for sideloading.
Yes, Android's system VPN settings let you force all traffic through the VPN app, which is effectively the same as a kill switch.