Google I/O completely forgot Pixel VPN — here's the Android alternative I'd recommend to secure your personal data

Google I/O 2026 has arrived, and while Android, Gemini, and YouTube share the headlines, Google has yet again forgotten its VPN service along the way.

Pixel VPN by Google (formerly Google One VPN) has been included in Google Pixel phones for several years now. However, aside from a name change and a small improvement to its integration in Android menus in recent months, it hasn't garnered much attention from its Alphabet owners, leaving it far from being among the best VPNs right now.

Thankfully, some of the best Android VPNs continue to push improvements to their services, and one example that's doing this for less right now is Proton VPN.

The provider is $2.99 per month ($71.76 total) for two years of protection. Even better, its Unlimited plan is only $7.99/month ($191.76 total) and gives you a secure way to ditch Google entirely without losing functionalities such as Docs, Drive, and Calendar.

Proton ranks third in our overall VPN rankings. Its Android app is easy to use and comes packed with explanations if you're new to VPNs and unsure what to do. It's faster than most VPNs out there, and it also has some of the most secure VPN servers available, perfect if privacy is your primary focus.

Proton isn't the only great Android VPN out there, though. Surfshark ranks as my top Android VPN overall. It packs a ton of features into plans that are often only a little over $2 per month. It also has 'Alternative ID' a feature, which takes Android 17's new 'Spoofing Protection' feature to another level by giving you an entirely new, secure identity to use on websites to avoid data breaches.

For the best VPN performance overall, look to NordVPN. It's more expensive than both Proton VPN and Surfshark, but by far the most effective. It's among the fastest and most secure VPNs, is post-quantum encrypted, and includes features such as the best password manager out there, NordPass.