Analysis: What is the best VPN for the mobile operating system Project Elixir

Which VPN is best for Project Elixir? A geeky, pragmatic review

Project Elixir is a lean, tweaky Android ROM built for performance and privacy-minded users who like to mess with settings, kernels and system tweaks. If you’re running a custom ROM you probably care about control, auditability, and not handing your metadata over to some opaque corporation. That makes the VPN choice a little different from “which brand has the prettiest app?” — its about protocols, open tooling, audit history, and how nicely the VPN plays with an AOSP-derived ROM.

Short answer

For most Project Elixir users: Mullvad (WireGuard config files) is the sweet spot. If you want a more consumer-friendly alternative with wide server coverage, NordVPN or ProtonVPN are close seconds. For budget-first setups, Surfshark is compelling. If you prize auditability and simple, open tooling, Mullvad combined with the WireGuard app wins.

Why choosing a VPN for a custom ROM is slightly different

• Custom ROMs often strip vendor bloat and Google services you may prefer a VPN that works well without Play services, supports easy APK sideloading or config-based setup (WireGuard config files).
• Rooted devices or Magisk users can run additional routing/firewall rules — look for providers that publish WireGuard/OpenVPN configs so you can manage things outside the app.
• Privacy-first users want minimal logging, anonymous signup/payment options, and preferably open-source client code or at least audited infrastructure.
• Performance: modern protocols (WireGuard, WireGuard-derived implementations like NordLynx) matter for low CPU cost and battery life.

Selection criteria

• Protocol support: WireGuard OpenVPN at minimum proprietary protocols are okay if audited.
• Open configuration: ability to download WireGuard configs or use the generic WireGuard app.
• No-logs policy jurisdiction: provider privacy stance and where they are headquartered.
• Audits/transparency: third-party code and infrastructure audits are a plus.
• App behaviour on Android: split-tunneling, kill switch, per-app VPN, low battery impact.
• Server network speed: big networks for streaming/unblocking and low-latency gaming.

Top picks — short reviews

Mullvad — privacy-first, config-friendly

Mullvad is the favorite among power users for a reason: anonymous account creation, clear no-logs policy, downloadable WireGuard and OpenVPN configs, and an open, minimal ethos. You can create an account number without email, pay in cash/crypto, and import WireGuard configs into the stock WireGuard app on Project Elixir. That means you can avoid vendor Play services entirely and manage your tunnel with the well-audited WireGuard client.

Why it fits Project Elixir: works great with sideloaded apps, perfect for root users who want to manage routes or iptables outside a closed-source app.

Site: https://mullvad.net WireGuard info: Mullvad WireGuard setup

ProtonVPN — privacy company, Swiss jurisdiction

ProtonVPN combines a solid privacy-first stance with an easy-to-use app and strong platform features (kill switch, split tunneling, Secure Core). They offer WireGuard support and a decent free tier (with limitations). Their transparency and background as the ProtonMail team make them a solid choice for users who want a balance between usability and stronger privacy guarantees.

Site: https://protonvpn.com

NordVPN — speed at scale (NordLynx)

NordVPN is often chosen for performance and a huge server network. Their NordLynx implementation (WireGuard-based) gives strong speeds while solving some WireGuard privacy details. Good if you want fast streaming and gaming on your modded device.

Site: https://nordvpn.com

ExpressVPN — polished, proprietary but battle-tested

ExpressVPN offers high speed and polished apps, and has invested in public-facing security measures (RAM-only servers, audits). Their Lightway protocol is fast and mobile-friendly. The tradeoff: less configurability for purists and a closed-source stack in places.

Site: https://expressvpn.com

Surfshark — budget features

Surfshark brings a modern feature set (multihop, WireGuard, per-app routing) at lower price points. Good for multi-device households or anyone wanting value while still getting strong protocol support.

Site: https://surfshark.com

IVPN Windscribe — niche privacy and flexible setups

IVPN is small, privacy-respecting and developer-friendly Windscribe is flexible and developer-friendly with easy config files. Both are reasonable if you value a smaller provider with dev-friendly tooling.

IVPN: https://ivpn.net Windscribe: https://windscribe.com

Comparison table (quick glance)

Practical tips for Project Elixir users

• Prefer WireGuard configs the official WireGuard app (https://www.wireguard.com/) when you want minimal app footprint and full control. WireGuard is open-source, small, and battery-friendly.
• If you sideload, use APKs from the vendor or F-Droid (when available) and verify signatures when possible.
• For per-app VPNs: some providers include per-app routing in their apps Android also supports per-app VPN selection in system settings on newer versions — advantage for Project Elixir users who want precise control.
• Test for leaks: check DNS and IPv6 leaks after setup. Good resources: Android VPN dev docs (https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/vpn) and provider transparency pages.
• If you’re rooted and routing traffic system-wide via iptables, remember some VPN apps use the VpnService API and can conflict with low-level routing rules — using config-based WireGuard often avoids this tension.

Sources and further reading

• WireGuard official site: https://www.wireguard.com/
• Mullvad WireGuard help: https://mullvad.net/en/help/wireguard/
• Android VPN developer guide: https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/vpn
• Provider sites: Mullvad, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, IVPN, Windscribe

Final verdict (no fluff)

If you run Project Elixir and you want a VPN that respects the ethos of custom ROMs — configurability, auditability, anonymous sign-up options, and low app footprint — go with Mullvad and use the WireGuard app configs. It gives you the most control with minimal vendor lock-in.

If you value polished apps, large server networks and streaming reliability while still keeping up strong privacy, ProtonVPN or NordVPN are excellent second-place choices. For budget-conscious users who still want modern features, Surfshark is the practical pick.

Peel off the vendor cruft, keep your kernel happy, and let your VPN be the quiet, efficient guardian of your packets — like a tiny, benevolent firewall gremlin. Happy flashing and safer browsing!