Proton VPN is the best free VPN and it's the only no-cost VPN we recommend. Most free VPNs impose heavy restrictions on things like data allowances, connection speeds and use, making them practically useless for anything beyond browsing the web and checking your email. Some free VPNs may even sell your data or plaster your screen with ads. Proton VPN, however, imposes no such limitations on its free users. Still, Proton VPN's free tier isn't without its restrictions. It only offers access to 10 server locations and doesn't let you manually select a server -- you're stuck using the country's se
Best Free VPN for 2026: Privacy Without PayingExpressVPN is currently CNET's top pick as the best Android VPN, thanks to the outstanding performance of its Android app and its strong commitment to privacy and transparency. The Android app is intuitive and doesn't compromise on privacy features. Also, ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol was recoded last year to improve its speeds, security and overall performance -- so you can stay private and stream content smoothly, even on the go. However, ExpressVPN’s price tag is on the high end of the spectrum. Surfshark offers some of the most wallet-friendly introductory prices on our list.
Best VPN for Android for 2026: Protect Your Privacy on the Go… Show more See at ExpressVPN Add to compare Pros Lots of unique privacy features Unlimited simultaneous connections Excellent for streaming Netflix, Disney Plus and others on the go User-friendly app experience on Android Cons Major increase to renewal prices Surfshark is a solid option for anyone l… …
… We carefully consider the look and feel of the app and the overall usability of the software, including how easy it is to establish a connection, bearing in mind the generally smooth user experience iPhone users are accustomed to. …
… Why we like it With ExpressVPN, you’ll get a simple interface and consistent user experience across platforms, making ExpressVPN an ideal choice for beginners. …
… Overall, Bitdefender has high-quality cybersecurity tools that are accessible to most users, even those with minimal tech experience. …
… Our Picks Best for most users Microsoft Defender and MacOS XProtect See at Microsoft If you’re a casual user -- or a heavy user who follows basic guidelines for internet security -- you’ll get plenty of protection from the antivirus built into your computer. …
… While it’s reasonably intuitive on most platforms, including Mac and iPhone, on some devices like Android, we found the experience a little rough around the edges. PIA’s advanced settings are a double-edged sword for casual users, as they may be overwhelming. …
… Usability Surfshark’s apps are slick, simple to use and deliver a consistent user experience across platforms. …
… The scan only took a few minutes, making it a minor problem for most users, but it’s the highest CPU usage I’ve experienced with any antivirus I’ve tested and could cause issues for folks who want to continue using their computers while running scans. …
… AVG Antivirus Buy at AVG Score Breakdown Performance 8 /10 Security 8 /10 Customer Support 8 /10 Usability 9 /10 Value 7 /10 Features 7 /10 Pros Excellent device optimization tools for desktop users Robust safe browsing tools Cons Antivirus resource usage is high compared to top-ranking antivirus s… …
… Why we like it With ExpressVPN, you’ll get an incredibly user-friendly app design and consistent user experience across platforms, making ExpressVPN a solid choice for beginners as well as privacy pros. …