Analysis: What is the best VPN for the mobile operating system /e/OS

Which VPN is best for /e/OS? A practical, geeky review

/e/OS is a privacy-first, de‑googled fork of Android that many of us install to escape Big Tech telemetry and reclaim our phones. But removing Google doesn’t magically decrypt the internet — you still need a VPN for: avoiding ISP snooping on untrusted networks, geo-unlocking, and adding a tidy layer of metadata protection for apps that still phone home. The challenge on /e/OS is choosing a VPN that respects privacy, works without Google Play Services, plays nicely with Android’s VPN APIs (or with WireGuard/OpenVPN clients), and ideally lets you pay anonymously. This article compares the practical options and explains which one I recommend and why.

Criteria I used (short, nerdy, and sensible)

• Privacy pedigree: no‑logs policy, audits, jurisdiction and history of resistance to data requests.
• App independence: can the VPN be installed/used without Google Play Services (APK or open‑source client, or via standard WireGuard/OpenVPN clients available from F‑Droid)?
• Protocols: WireGuard support (fast, simple), OpenVPN/IPsec fallback.
• Payment signup flexibility: anonymous payment options (cash, crypto) and minimal account metadata.
• Transparency: open‑source clients, public audits, clear privacy policy.
• Practical usability: speed, server coverage, and customer support.

Short verdict (quick answer)

If you want the closest thing to set it and forget it privacy on /e/OS, pick Mullvad. If you want a balance of usability, a free option, and strong transparency, pick Proton VPN. If you’re more price‑conscious and want lots of servers, consider PIA or Nord/Surfshark, but be aware these are less ideal for privacy purists.

Top contenders (what I tested and researched)

Why Mullvad is the best fit for /e/OS

Mullvad is the favorite among privacy nerds for reasons that map well to /e/OS values:

• Minimal account friction: Mullvad issues an account number — no email required. That’s a brilliant match for people who run /e/OS to reduce linkability.
• Payment flexibility: accept cash, crypto, and other anonymous forms good for users who prefer not to tie payment instruments to identity.
• Protocol support: full WireGuard and OpenVPN support. You can import configuration files directly into the official WireGuard app (available on F‑Droid) or use Mullvads APK. WireGuard tends to be the simplest path on /e/OS.
• Transparency: audited infrastructure and open tooling — Mullvad publishes client code. See their site for details and downloads (Mullvad downloads).

Practically, Mullvads workflow on /e/OS looks like this: install the WireGuard app from F‑Droid (or the official Mullvad APK if you prefer), generate a WireGuard config on Mullvad’s web UI, import via QR or config file, and go. No Google Play needed, no microG weirdness required.

Why Proton VPN is a close second

Proton VPN brings pros that many /e/OS users will appreciate:

• Based in Switzerland, strong privacy laws and a known non‑adversarial stance.
• Open source Android client is available on Proton’s GitLab (ProtonVPN Android repo), which helps when you want to audit or compile without Play Store dependencies.
• Has a free tier that works well for light usage and testing before committing to a paid plan.

Proton also supports WireGuard, and you can use its APK on /e/OS. For many users, Proton is easier to set up while still offering solid privacy guarantees.

Other options — tradeoffs to know

• IVPN: Excellent privacy focus, supports WireGuard and direct configuration. Smaller server network but highly privacy-centric. (ivpn.net)
• PIA: Big network, competitive price, WireGuard support. Historically respected, but based in the U.S., which some privacy purists avoid. (privateinternetaccess.com)
• NordVPN/Surfshark: Great speeds and large server fleets. They are commercial and less anarcho‑privacy than Mullvad/IVPN, but fully usable on /e/OS via their APKs and WireGuard variants (NordLynx). (nordvpn.com)

Technical tips for /e/OS users (because configuration matters)

• Prefer WireGuard for speed and simplicity. Install the official WireGuard app from F‑Droid (WireGuard install) or use the vendor APK if they provide one.
• If you need OpenVPN, use the open‑source client OpenVPN for Android (Arne Schwabe) available via F‑Droid or GitHub (OpenVPN for Android).
• Download vendor APKs from the official site when possible rather than relying on the Play Store Mullvad and Proton publish APKs and/or open source code.
• Double‑check that the VPN doesn’t silently require Google Play Services for notifications or geo features. Most privacy‑focused VPNs avoid this, but some consumer VPN apps lean on Google services for push notifications.
• Test for DNS leaks and IP leaks after setup using a browser on your phone and third‑party checkers (I like the classic DNS Leak Test and IPLeak.net).

Sources further reading

• /e/OS official site and docs: e.foundation
• Mullvad — official site and downloads: mullvad.net and Mullvad downloads
• Proton VPN — official site and Android repo: protonvpn.com and GitHub
• WireGuard official docs and installs: wireguard.com
• OpenVPN for Android (Arne Schwabe): GitHub
• IVPN official site: ivpn.net

Final recommendation (practical, not dogma)

If you run /e/OS and privacy is your core goal, start with Mullvad. Its minimal account model, audit history, and WireGuard friendliness make it the easiest privacy-preserving choice on a de‑googled phone. If you want a free tier to test, or you value a slightly more consumer-friendly UI with open‑source code available, try Proton VPN. For the rest — Nord, PIA, IVPN, Surfshark — they’ll work fine on /e/OS, but evaluate them against your privacy appetite (and check payment options if anonymity is important).

In short: on /e/OS, prefer providers that give you configuration files, support WireGuard, and let you avoid the Play Store. Your phone will thank you — in encrypted silence.