Analysis: What is the best VPN for the mobile operating system OxygenOS

Best VPNs for OxygenOS: A geeky, practical guide for OnePlus users

OxygenOS is Android at its most sprightly — fast, feature-rich and beloved by power users. But even the sleekest OnePlus phone needs a reliable VPN when you want privacy on public Wi‑Fi, access geo‑locked content, or hide your streaming habits from nosy ISPs. The trick is picking a VPN that plays nicely with Android’s VPN framework (and OxygenOS quirks such as aggressive app-killing and battery optimizations).

Below I’ve analyzed the leading contenders with a focus on what matters on OxygenOS: compatibility with Androids VPN APIs, WireGuard support for speed, a robust kill switch (or Android equivalent), split tunneling, minimal background-kill interference, and—because streaming is life—ability to unblock major services. Links point to vendor pages and background sources so you can verify claims and dive deeper.

Quick verdict

• Best overall: ExpressVPN — stellar speed, consistent unblocking, and a rock-solid Android app.
• Best for privacy: Mullvad — minimal data retention, strong WireGuard implementation.
• Best value: Surfshark — unlimited devices, good streaming support, low price.
• Best for advanced users: ProtonVPN — open protocols, Secure Core routing for privacy nerds.
• Best balance of features: NordVPN — fast WireGuard (NordLynx), solid privacy features, widespread server network.

Why OxygenOS is special (and what to watch for)

OxygenOS is essentially Android with elegant extras. That means VPN apps designed for Android generally work out of the box, but there are practical gotchas:

• Battery optimization: OxygenOS kills background apps aggressively to save battery. Make sure your VPN is excluded from battery optimizations or use the app’s “Always‑on VPN” option.
• Always‑on and per‑app VPN: Android (and thus OxygenOS) supports Always‑on VPN and per‑app VPNing depending on the client — important for split tunneling.
• Network permission model: Android’s VPN service uses the OS VPN framework, so install from Play Store or sideload with correct permissions.

For Android VPN internals, see Google’s VPN guide: Android VPN documentation.

Comparison table

Deep dive — what made the winners

ExpressVPN — best overall

ExpressVPN’s Android app features Lightway (their proprietary protocol) which behaves like WireGuard-level fast but with some niceties such as quicker reconnection times. On OxygenOS that means fewer reconnect hiccups when you switch from Wi‑Fi to mobile data. Express also invests in obfuscation and consistent unblocking for streaming sites. The app supports split tunneling and Android’s Always‑on VPN its Network Lock functions as a kill switch when switching networks.

Check their Android app page: ExpressVPN Android.

Mullvad — for the privacy purist

Mullvad is the “privacy maximalist” choice: no account emails, numbered accounts, minimal logging and excellent WireGuard support. It’s less about flashy streaming dashboards and more about cryptography and plausible deniability. If you want your OnePlus to be a privacy fortress (and you don’t mind a slightly more technical setup), Mullvad is wonderful.

Mullvad details: Why Mullvad is so private and download.

Surfshark — the budget multitasker

Surfshark’s USP is unlimited device connections and very wallet‑friendly plans. Their Android app supports WireGuard and split tunneling, and they’ve improved unblocking capabilities. For families with multiple OnePlus phones (or someone who insists on using a tablet and a router VPN simultaneously), Surfshark is excellent value.

Surfshark Android: Surfshark app.

Practical setup tips for OxygenOS

1. Install from Play Store unless you have a special apk. Play Store apps get automatic updates and proper permissions.
2. Disable battery optimization for your VPN (Settings → Battery → App battery saver → select your VPN → Don’t optimize). OxygenOS can otherwise kill the VPN when the device is idle.
3. Enable Always‑on VPN in Android network settings (VPN → gear icon → Always‑on). That prevents apps from bypassing the VPN and can enable the system kill switch.
4. Use WireGuard or Lightway for best battery and speed tradeoff. If you need streaming, test different protocols — some Netflix regions work better with OpenVPN on certain endpoints.
5. Test DNS leaks using an independent site to ensure your VPN sets DNS correctly. A good general test resource: DNS Leak Test.

Sources and further reading

• Android VPN developer guide: https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/vpn
• ExpressVPN Android app: https://www.expressvpn.com/vpn-apps/android
• NordVPN Android: https://nordvpn.com/download/android/
• Surfshark Android: https://surfshark.com/download/android
• ProtonVPN download: https://protonvpn.com/download
• Mullvad privacy download: https://mullvad.net/en/help/why-mullvad-is-so-private/, https://mullvad.net/en/download/
• WireGuard project: https://www.wireguard.com/
• General VPN testing and reviews (context): Android Authority — Best VPNs for Android, TechRadar — Best VPNs

Final geeky take

If you want a set it and forget it experience on OxygenOS with top streaming reliability and fast reconnections when switching networks, go with ExpressVPN. If your OnePlus is the mobile equivalent of a Faraday cage for personal data, pick Mullvad. For the practical nerd who wants privacy without breaking the bank, Surfshark hits the sweet spot.

Whichever you pick, do two things before making it permanent: 1) exclude the VPN app from OxygenOS battery optimizations, and 2) run a DNS/leak test while switching networks. Do that and your OnePlus will be both speedy and stealthy — like a ninja in a very fast hoodie.