Raven Wu
Updated on: January 5, 2026
Fact-checked by Eric Goldstein
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🥇 ExpressVPN
: While ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a permanent free plan, it’s the best VPN for Android in 2026 thanks to its unmatched security, fast speeds, and ease of use. You can try it risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Free VPNs generally aren’t great. Most have limited data, slower speeds, and fewer security protections, which can leave your connection vulnerable or restrict what you can do online.
This is why I always recommend getting a premium VPN over a free one. Most top providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test them out for yourself and get a full refund if they don’t suit your needs.
But if you’re only looking for a free VPN, the ones on this list are your best options. All of them have some limitations but provide good security, decent speeds, and intuitive Android apps. Plus, many of them even come with extra features like split-tunneling. Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best Free VPNs for Android in 2026
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Android in 2026
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Android in the market thanks to its consistently fast speeds, industry-leading security, and excellent Android app. While it doesn’t have a forever-free plan, it backs every purchase with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try the Android app risk-free and get a full refund if it doesn’t suit your needs, no questions asked. ExpressVPN tops all of our lists for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
- Faster than all other free VPNs
- Excellent streaming compatibility
- Minimal battery drain
- Lacks a real free plan
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN I’ve tested. Whether I was connected to a local or a distant server, web pages and videos loaded instantly, I never experienced any buffering when speed testing videos in HD and 4K quality, and there was no lag in my online games. I was also able to download a 20 GB torrent in just 14 minutes, which is very fast.
I love ExpressVPN for streaming and torrenting. It works with 10+ Netflix libraries and 100+ other streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max, and BBC iPlayer, as well as less popular sites like VRV and Pluto TV. I also like that it supports P2P file sharing on all of its servers (many VPNs only allow torrenting on dedicated servers).
The ExpressVPN Android app comes with advanced security features:
- RAM-only servers. Your data isn’t stored on a hard drive, which means it’s erased whenever the server is turned on/off.
- Perfect forward secrecy. Changes the encryption key for every VPN connection, so if somebody obtained your key, they would only gain access to your data on that key, and your past and future data would remain secure.
- Full leak protection. Protects you against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
- Independently audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and its core server technology have both been verified by independent experts.
- ExpressVPN Keys. A free password manager that secures all of your passwords in a digital vault, auto-fills your login details when you sign into your online accounts, and helps generate strong passwords.
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is a major plus for Android users. It connects almost instantly and is optimized to use less battery power than other VPN protocols, making it ideal for long browsing, gaming, or streaming sessions on Android.
The Android app also has split-tunneling. This lets you exclude certain apps from using the VPN connection, which can be handy for browsing the internet privately without impacting your streaming speeds.
I found ExpressVPN’s Android app to be very user-friendly. The Smart Location tool provides a short list of recommended locations that offer the fastest speeds. The Recent Location feature reconnects to a recently used server with a single tap. And the Shortcuts feature saves you time by letting you launch frequently used apps or websites from ExpressVPN’s home screen.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is my #1 VPN for Android devices. It has blazing-fast speeds for browsing, streaming, torrenting, and gaming, provides top-notch security, and works with 100+ streaming services. It also comes with extra features like split-tunneling and a good password manager.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. hide.me — Secure Free VPN With 8 Global Server Locations
hide.me is a great free VPN for Android. It comes with 8 server locations, including the US, Canada, France, and Germany, which is more than most of the VPNs on this list, and includes unlimited bandwidth.
- No ads or tracking
- Split-tunneling on the free plan
- Kill switch on free plan
- No streaming support
- Restricted speeds on free plan
hide.me limits speeds on its free plan, though it is still fast enough for everyday browsing. Web pages and videos loaded fairly quickly for me on nearby servers, but we noticed slower performance on distant servers and occasional buffering when streaming in HD.
When it comes to security, hide.me is very strong. It uses RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and has full leak protection — I ran 10+ leak tests and experienced no DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC data leaks. Its no-logs policy has also been independently audited.
I like that hide.me’s Android app has split-tunneling and Stealth Guard, which acts like an advanced kill switch — you can configure it to block specific apps or your entire internet connection if you aren’t connected to the VPN to prevent accidental data leaks.
hide.me’s Android app is easy to navigate. I like how it lets you sort server locations by ping and clearly displays each server’s latency. However, I wish it included brief explanations for some of its settings to help new users.
The paid version provides access to more perks, including servers in 58 countries, 10 connections, and streaming and P2P support. If you need a larger server network, check out ExpressVPN, which has servers in 105 countries.
Bottom Line:
hide.me is the best free VPN for Android devices — it offers 8 free server locations, unlimited bandwidth, fast speeds, and great security features. But hide.me’s free plan doesn’t support streaming and only allows 1 connection.
🥉3. Proton VPN — User-Friendly Free VPN With Unlimited Data
Proton VPN is a beginner-friendly VPN for Android with unlimited data. It grants access to free servers in 8 locations (the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Singapore, Japan, the US, Romania, and Poland) and allows you to connect 1 device. However, you can’t manually choose a server on the free plan. Instead, the app automatically connects you to the nearest available one.
- Has a stealth protocol
- Always-on feature
- Discreet app-hiding feature
- Doesn’t allow server selection
- Lacks an ad blocker
Privacy is Proton VPN’s strongest point. It uses perfect forward secrecy, has full leak protection, is completely open-source (this means anyone can check its code for security issues), and both its no-logs policy and its apps have been independently audited.
It’s impressive that Proton VPN supports multiple connection protocols on its free plan, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and its obfuscated Stealth protocol. This gives you the flexibility to balance speed and security. I found the Stealth option especially useful for bypassing network restrictions.
I like that the Android app offers a unique Discreet Icon feature that allows you to conceal the VPN app on your screen as a standard notes, weather, or calculator app. This can be useful in case authorities in restrictive countries seize the device. The Android app also includes an Always-on option and a Kill Switch, ensuring the VPN automatically reconnects and your data stays protected even if the connection drops.
The free plan is fast. During my tests, web pages loaded quickly, and I was able to watch YouTube videos in HD without buffering. But the free plan doesn’t support torrenting and streaming, and you don’t get other additional security features, like NetShield — a really good ad blocker, which is only part of the premium plan.
Proton VPN’s Android app is super easy to use. Some of my favorite features include the color-coded load percentage next to each server, which makes it easy to avoid overcrowded servers and locations. I also like that every feature in the settings menu comes with a short explanation.
The paid version adds more perks, including 17,270+ servers in 127 countries, 10 connections NetShield, and streaming and P2P support.
Bottom Line:
Proton VPN offers an intuitive Android app and unlimited data on its free plan. It also provides pretty fast speeds, excellent security, a unique feature that hides the VPN app, and a kill switch. However, the free plan limits you to 8 server locations, doesn’t support streaming or torrenting, and only allows 1 connection.
Read the full Proton VPN review
4. Hotspot Shield — Great Free Android VPN for Web Surfing (With Unlimited Data)
Hotspot Shield has a good free Android VPN app for surfing the web. It comes with unlimited data, so you can browse as many sites as you want. Plus, it also provides good speeds (despite limiting your connections to 2 Mbps) — in my speed tests, all sites loaded in around 2 seconds. However, the free version is ad-supported, meaning you may occasionally see in-app ads while connected.
- Allows P2P traffic
- Easy to use
- Decent speeds for casual browsing
- Only 3 free server countries
- Logs some personal data
The Hotspot Shield free plan also allows P2P file sharing, but you won’t get the same speeds or security features available on the paid version. This means it’s only suitable for light, occasional use. While I could watch SD videos on YouTube, trying to open streaming platforms was met with a pop-up saying this is a premium feature.
I think the provider’s Android app is very user-friendly — it’s easy to find servers and connect to them, and there are also helpful explanations for most settings and features (so you never feel lost using the app).
That said, the free plan has some limitations. The main one is that it only lets you use servers in 3 countries (the US, the UK, and Singapore). If you need additional server locations, I’d instead purchase a low-cost plan from ExpressVPN, as it has servers in 105 countries. Other drawbacks include the lack of streaming support and that you can only connect 1 device. I also noted that Hotspot Shield logs some personal data, such as device identifiers and approximate location, which may concern privacy-focused users.
Hotspot Shield’s paid version adds access to all servers in 80 countries, very limited streaming support, and 10 connections.
Bottom Line:
Hotspot Shield’s free Android app allows unlimited data. Also, it provides pretty fast speeds and comes with a really easy-to-use Android app. However, there’s very limited streaming support, it limits you to 1 device, and you only get servers in 3 countries.
Read the full Hotspot Shield review
5. Windscribe — Good Free Android VPN for Streaming
Windscribe is the best free Android VPN for streaming. It offers servers in 10+ countries and provides up to 10 GB of data per month (2 GB by default and 8 GB if you verify your email address). You can also get an extra 5 GB of monthly data by tweeting about Windscribe. The VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections and works with major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Works with major streaming sites
- Includes ad & malware blocker
- Decoy traffic hides real activity
- 15 GB monthly data cap
- 13 GB isn’t offered automatically
In my speed tests, Windscribe maintained fast speeds on local and distant servers. On local servers, websites and videos load instantly, and when connected to a distant server, it only takes 2–3 seconds longer.
I’m a big fan of Windscribe’s Android app. Its design is clean, its menus are well organized, and its settings have short explanations attached to them. I also like its location load display, which shows as a green bar (the longer the bar, the higher the load).
Windscribe also includes a feature called Decoy Traffic, which generates fake data patterns to disguise your real online activity. This makes it harder for trackers or ISPs to identify when and how you’re using the VPN.
Windscribe is the only free VPN on this list that comes with an ad blocker called R.O.B.E.R.T., which blocks ads and malicious websites in addition to clickbait and site categories like gambling and porn.
The provider’s paid version comes with more features — unlimited data, servers in 69 countries, and more advanced features.
Bottom Line:
Windscribe is the only free VPN here that reliably supports streaming. With decent speeds, 10+ server locations, unlimited connections, and an ad blocker, it’s a great free choice — but the 15 GB monthly limit makes it best for light streaming.
Read the full Windscribe review
Quick Comparison Table
Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Android in 2026
- Pick a VPN with a high data usage limit. Free VPNs often cap how much data you can use. Choose one with unlimited data or a generous allowance so you can stream, browse, or game without constant interruptions.
- Find a VPN with an easy-to-use Android app. All of the VPNs on this list take less than 5 minutes to download and install, let you connect to a server with just a single tap, and have very user-friendly interfaces.
- Look for strong security features. All VPNs on my list include industry-standard security features like 256-bit AES encryption and a strict no-logs policy (the VPN doesn’t store your personal information or log your online activity). They also include a kill switch, which blocks your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.
- Ensure that it has fast speeds. All VPNs slow you down slightly, but the best ones minimize the difference. Avoid VPNs that throttle free users too much.
- Get a VPN that provides good value. The best free VPNs come with extra features like split-tunneling or have streaming or P2P support. They also have affordable plans and some even back all purchases with a money-back guarantee.
Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free VPN
- Slow speeds. Many VPNs restrict the number of servers free users can access, which leads to overcrowded servers and slow connection speeds. On top of that, some VPNs additionally throttle speeds for free users. In contrast, premium VPNs like ExpressVPN offer thousands of servers with no speed caps, giving you consistently fast performance.
- Weak security. Free VPNs are generally less secure compared to paid VPNs. Using free VPNs can increase the risk of data leaks and compromise your online anonymity. However, the VPNs on this list prioritize user protection by offering industry-standard and advanced security features.
- Data caps. Most free VPNs place a limit on the amount of data you can use per month or per day. Proton VPN, hide.me, and Hotspot Shield are among the few free VPNs that offer unlimited data.
- Very little privacy. Some free VPNs log your online activity, including the websites you visit, and sell that data to third parties. These third parties then use your information to target you with annoying ads. Good VPNs (including all VPNs on my list) have strict no-logs policies that have been independently audited and confirmed.
- Poor streaming support. Many free VPNs don’t work with major streaming platforms. Even those that do will typically have restrictive data caps that limit the amount of time you can stream content to a few hours at most. A better option would be a premium VPN such as ExpressVPN, which supports streaming on over 100 platforms.
Free vs. Paid VPNs for Android
The free VPNs I detailed here have industry-standard VPN security features to maintain your privacy and anonymity. These features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Some of these free VPNs also have advanced security features, such as IP leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and RAM-only servers — features that used to be limited to premium VPNs.
That said, premium VPNs typically offer more than free VPNs. The most common differences are the limited speeds and data caps that many free VPNs have. What’s more, many free VPNs only allow you to access a limited number of server locations. Hotspot Shield’s Android app has good functionality, but it places a hard limit on free users’ speeds, just like Proton VPN’s free plan, which also lacks streaming and torrenting support.
That’s why I recommend upgrading to a premium VPN for your Android device. The top paid VPNs are typically faster and let you connect to many more locations. They’re also overall much better for security and privacy, and many even have a trustworthy money-back guarantee, so you can try them out and find the best one without risking your money.
Free VPNs for Android to Avoid
- Phone Guardian. Phone Guardian isn’t a VPN in the traditional sense. It encrypts some of your data, but it doesn’t change your IP address or offer any security features that VPNs typically have.
- Hola VPN. Hola VPN assigns you the IP addresses of other users, and vice versa, assigning your IP address to someone else. Bad actors could put you in a lot of trouble by engaging in illegal activities using your IP address.
- TouchVPN. TouchVPN logs your IP address and all your online activities, which is not good for your privacy. What’s more, there are several apps in the Google Play Store calling themselves TouchVPN, so it’s better to steer clear entirely just in case.
- FinchVPN. FinchVPN has a small amount of downloads, no comments or ratings, and its site lacks any information about the VPN or its features.
- SuperVPN. SuperVPN also logs your IP address and a lot of other sensitive information. It also had a massive data breach that compromised 133 GB worth of user data.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear has a really intuitive Android app that’s actually also very fun to use. Plus, its free plan lets you use all of its servers, which are located in 47 countries. That said, it only allows 2 GB per month, which is pretty restrictive.
- PrivadoVPN. PrivadoVPN offers a generous 10 GB of data per month on its free Android plan, but it doesn’t support streaming, takes a long time to connect to a server, and doesn’t include any extra features like split-tunneling or an ad blocker.
- Hola VPN. Hola VPN is free, but I don’t recommend it, as it’s not a secure option. It’s a P2P VPN, which means someone else can use your IP address to engage in shady or illegal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best free VPN for Android?
hide.me is my favorite, 100% free Android VPN in 2026. It has fast speeds, provides unlimited data ad-free, and includes great security features. Its free plan comes with 1 connection and allows you to access servers in 8 countries, including the US, the UK, and Singapore.
That said, ExpressVPN still provides the best overall value on the market. It doesn’t offer a free plan, but it’s affordable — plus, it provides excellent security and privacy features, works with over 100 streaming apps, and has the fastest speeds on the market.
Are free VPNs safe?
Generally speaking, no. This is why I don’t really recommend using them. Free VPNs often lack critical security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, full leak protection, or a kill switch. Some of them even record your online activities and sell that data to advertisers, defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place!
Fortunately, there are a handful of decent free VPNs available that come with industry-standard and advanced security features, helping to keep you safe and anonymous online.
Do free VPNs work with Netflix or other streaming services?
Most free VPNs are pretty bad for streaming. Many of them don’t support streaming at all, and even fewer work with major streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Additionally, free VPNs are often too slow to provide a smooth streaming experience or heavily restrict how much you can stream due to low data allowances.
While Windscribe is one of the best free VPNs for streaming, I prefer ExpressVPN — it works with 100+ streaming sites, has super-fast speeds, and an easy-to-use Android app.
Is there a completely free VPN for Android?
Yes, and here are some of the best ones. hide.me is a really good example since it provides access to a decent number of server locations, good speeds, strong security features, and allows unlimited data.
