Should I uninstall Samsung Max before installing another VPN?

Install and test the replacement first, then remove Samsung Max from Android's always-on VPN setting before uninstalling or disabling it. Android can normally maintain only one active VPN service at a time.

Which Samsung Max alternative supports the most devices?

Surfshark and IPVanish both advertise unlimited simultaneous VPN connections. They are the strongest choices in this ranking for households with many phones, tablets, computers and streaming devices.

Will a VPN reduce mobile-data use like Samsung Max?

Usually not. VPN encryption adds a small amount of protocol overhead. Tracker and ad blocking may prevent some unwanted content from loading, but that is not the same as Samsung Max's server-side compression.

Galaxy and Android VPN replacement guide

Published 18 June 2026

Best Samsung Max VPN Alternatives in 2026

Q: What is the best alternative to Samsung Max VPN?

Surfshark is our best overall Samsung Max replacement because its Android app combines a kill switch, split tunnelling, tracker blocking and unlimited simultaneous connections. PrivadoVPN is the better starting point for users who need a permanent free plan.

Q: What is the best free Samsung Max VPN alternative?

PrivadoVPN is our first free recommendation. Its free account provides 10GB of high-speed data every 30 days and one active connection at a time. Hide.me and ZoogVPN are additional free options, but their limits and feature sets differ.

Q: Can another VPN replace Samsung Max Data Saver?

Not completely. A normal VPN replaces Samsung Max's encrypted tunnel and public Wi-Fi protection, but it does not necessarily reproduce its server-side data compression. Use Android or One UI Data Saver and per-app background-data controls separately.

Surfshark is our best overall replacement for Samsung Max VPN. Its Android app combines a kill switch, split tunnelling, tracker blocking and unlimited device connections. PrivadoVPN is the better first choice for users who want a permanent free plan, while NordVPN is the premium security option.

Written and technically reviewed by Martin Needs Cybersecurity assessor, penetration tester and hands-on VPN reviewer

How this ranking differs

This is not a generic fastest-VPN list. The order prioritises the needs of former Samsung Max users: Android reliability, automatic protection, split tunnelling, device allowance, free or low-cost access and ease of moving away from the discontinued app.

The direct answer

Choose Surfshark for the strongest all-round paid replacement, PrivadoVPN for a usable free starting point, or NordVPN when premium Android security matters more than the lowest price. None of these services fully replaces Samsung Max’s old server-side data compression.

Affiliate disclosure: FindCheapVPNs may earn a commission when you buy through marked provider links. This does not increase the price you pay. Ranking decisions are based on replacement fit and technical features, not commission size. Offers and app features can change, so verify the final plan at checkout.

Samsung Max VPN alternatives for Galaxy and Android phones — Samsung Max reached its stated service end date on 15 June 2026. These alternatives replace its VPN function, but mobile-data controls may need to be configured separately in Android or One UI.

Samsung Max mixed several jobs inside one app: VPN routing, public-Wi-Fi protection, app-level network controls and data saving. The service has now ended, as explained in our Samsung Max VPN shutdown guide. A replacement VPN can restore the encrypted tunnel and public-IP change, but it will not automatically reproduce every old data-management feature.

Rank

Provider

Why it fits

Connections

Action

1Rank

Surfshark

Best overall Samsung Max replacement

The best balance of Android controls, household coverage and ease of migration.Kill switch, Bypasser split tunnelling, CleanWeb and automatic connection

Unlimitedsimultaneous connections

View the Surfshark deal Why it ranks #1

2Rank

PrivadoVPN

Best free and low-cost starting point

A practical first stop for Samsung Max users who do not want to pay immediately.Native Android app, WireGuard/OpenVPN options and a permanent free tier

1 active free connection; up to 10 paidsimultaneous connections

Compare PrivadoVPN plans Why it ranks #2

3Rank

NordVPN

Best premium Android security package

A polished option for users who want stronger security extras and mainstream apps.Split tunnelling, Threat Protection, specialty servers and automatic connection

Up to 10simultaneous connections

View the NordVPN deal Why it ranks #3

Samsung Max VPN alternatives compared

The table focuses on Android replacement value rather than headline server counts. Connection limits show how many devices may normally use each paid service at the same time; free-plan details are covered in the individual verdicts where relevant.

VPN	Best for	Connections	Android strengths	Action
1 SurfsharkBest overall Samsung Max replacement	Galaxy households and users who want one paid account across every device.	Unlimited	Kill switch, Bypasser split tunnelling, CleanWeb and automatic connection	View current offer Read verdict
2 PrivadoVPNBest free and low-cost starting point	Light mobile use, budget buyers and people testing a VPN before subscribing.	1 active free connection; up to 10 paid	Native Android app, WireGuard/OpenVPN options and a permanent free tier	View current offer Read verdict
3 NordVPNBest premium Android security package	People prioritising Android security tools, a large network and a familiar interface.	Up to 10	Split tunnelling, Threat Protection, specialty servers and automatic connection	View current offer Read verdict
4 IPVanishBest unlimited-device alternative for manual control	Users with many phones, tablets, TVs and computers who want unlimited connections.	Unlimited	Automatic connection, Android app controls, encrypted hotspot use and threat blocking	View current offer Read verdict
5 Hide.meBest free option for advanced Android controls	Advanced Android users who want more control over which apps enter the tunnel.	1 free; up to 10 paid	Split tunnelling, kill switch/always-on support and configurable local-network behaviour	View current offer Read verdict
6 ExpressVPNBest for a simple travel-first experience	Travellers and beginners who value clear apps and quick reconnection.	10 or 14, depending on plan	Lightway protocol, mobile apps, tracker/ad blocking and straightforward server selection	View current offer Read verdict
7 CyberGhostBest for guided Android setup	Beginners who want automatic public-Wi-Fi behaviour and guided server choices.	Up to 7	Wi-Fi rules, split tunnelling, automatic kill switch and Android/Android TV apps	View current offer Read verdict
8 PureVPNBest for users comparing privacy documentation	People who compare audit claims, optional extras and manual Android controls.	Up to 10 by default	Split tunnelling, kill switch, WireGuard support and broad device compatibility	View current offer Read verdict
9 ZoogVPNBest small-provider budget option	Occasional users who want a limited free allowance and a straightforward app.	1 free; paid policy varies by plan	Android app, leak protection and access to a small free-location set	View current offer Read verdict
10 iTop VPNBest only for testing a basic free Android tunnel	Beginners who want to test a simple no-login Android VPN before choosing a stronger service.	Plan dependent	No-login free access and basic full-device tunnelling	View current offer Read verdict

Pricing warning: VPN discounts, taxes, free months and renewal charges change frequently and may vary by country. This page deliberately sends you to the current tracked offer rather than freezing a promotional price that may become inaccurate.

For a broader comparison that is not specific to Samsung Max, see our guide to the best VPNs for Android.

What are you actually replacing after Samsung Max?

The right alternative depends on which part of Samsung Max you used. Separating those jobs prevents you from buying a VPN and then discovering that the feature you cared about was actually Data Saver.

VPN and public-Wi-Fi protection

Every ranked service can create an encrypted Android tunnel and replace the public IP address. Prioritise a kill switch, automatic connection and reliable DNS handling.

App-level routing

Choose a service with Android split tunnelling when banking, local delivery or work apps need to stay outside the VPN. Surfshark, NordVPN, Hide.me, CyberGhost and PureVPN document this capability.

Mobile-data management

Use One UI or Android Data Saver, background-data restrictions and in-app video-quality controls. A conventional VPN is not a direct replacement for Samsung Max compression.

Do not leave Samsung Max selected as Android’s always-on VPN. A discontinued VPN profile can block the new app from connecting or leave “block connections without VPN” tied to a service that no longer works.

The 10 best Samsung Max VPN alternatives

Surfshark leads because it is the most complete paid migration for a Galaxy household. PrivadoVPN moves ahead of larger brands for users who depended on Samsung Max as a free or low-cost utility. Lower-ranked services remain useful for narrower needs, but they involve a clearer compromise.

BEST OVERALL

Surfshark: Best overall Samsung Max replacement

The best balance of Android controls, household coverage and ease of migration. Surfshark ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Galaxy households and users who want one paid account across every device.

Connections: Unlimited.

Free availability: No permanent free plan.

ANDROIDKill switch, Bypasser split tunnelling, CleanWeb and automatic connection

STANDOUTIts unlimited-device policy makes it easier to replace Samsung Max on a phone, tablet, Android TV and the rest of a household without counting slots.

LIMITIt is a subscription service and does not reproduce Samsung Max’s server-side mobile-data compression.

View the Surfshark deal Read the full Surfshark review

BEST FREE START

PrivadoVPN: Best free and low-cost starting point

A practical first stop for Samsung Max users who do not want to pay immediately. PrivadoVPN ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Light mobile use, budget buyers and people testing a VPN before subscribing.

Connections: 1 active free connection; up to 10 paid.

Free availability: 10GB high-speed data every 30 days.

ANDROIDNative Android app, WireGuard/OpenVPN options and a permanent free tier

STANDOUTThe free plan provides a genuine migration route for occasional public-Wi-Fi protection without requiring an immediate payment.

LIMITThe free allowance is not enough for heavy streaming, backups or always-on use, and only one free connection can be active at a time.

Free-plan note: Free limits, available locations and Android features can change. Check the provider’s current app and account page before relying on it for always-on protection.

Compare PrivadoVPN plans Read the full PrivadoVPN review

PREMIUM PICK

NordVPN: Best premium Android security package

A polished option for users who want stronger security extras and mainstream apps. NordVPN ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: People prioritising Android security tools, a large network and a familiar interface.

Connections: Up to 10.

Free availability: No permanent free plan.

ANDROIDSplit tunnelling, Threat Protection, specialty servers and automatic connection

STANDOUTNordVPN combines the core tunnel with Android split tunnelling and DNS-based blocking of malicious domains, ads and trackers.

LIMITIt normally costs more than the value-led choices and still does not replace Samsung Max’s data-compression feature.

View the NordVPN deal Read the full NordVPN review

UNLIMITED DEVICES

IPVanish: Best unlimited-device alternative for manual control

A practical household choice with broad Android and streaming-device support. IPVanish ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Users with many phones, tablets, TVs and computers who want unlimited connections.

Connections: Unlimited.

Free availability: No permanent free plan.

ANDROIDAutomatic connection, Android app controls, encrypted hotspot use and threat blocking

STANDOUTUnlimited simultaneous connections are a strong fit for families replacing a Galaxy-focused service across several device types.

LIMITIts interface and settings can feel more technical than the simplest one-button alternatives.

See IPVanish plans Read the full IPVanish review

ADVANCED FREE

Hide.me: Best free option for advanced Android controls

A stronger fit for technical users who want split tunnelling and a free route in. Hide.me ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Advanced Android users who want more control over which apps enter the tunnel.

Connections: 1 free; up to 10 paid.

Free availability: Permanent free plan.

ANDROIDSplit tunnelling, kill switch/always-on support and configurable local-network behaviour

STANDOUTHide.me exposes more connection controls than many beginner services and makes split tunnelling available in its Android client.

LIMITThe extra settings may be unnecessary for someone who only wants Samsung Max’s old one-tap privacy mode.

Free-plan note: Free limits, available locations and Android features can change. Check the provider’s current app and account page before relying on it for always-on protection.

Explore Hide.me plans Read the full Hide.me review

EASIEST TRAVEL APP

ExpressVPN: Best for a simple travel-first experience

A polished mobile app for users moving frequently between Wi-Fi and mobile networks. ExpressVPN ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Travellers and beginners who value clear apps and quick reconnection.

Connections: 10 or 14, depending on plan.

Free availability: No permanent free plan.

ANDROIDLightway protocol, mobile apps, tracker/ad blocking and straightforward server selection

STANDOUTIts mobile-first design and simple controls reduce friction when connecting on hotels, airports and unfamiliar hotspots.

LIMITIt is usually a premium-priced option and may offer less value than Surfshark for large households.

Explore ExpressVPN plans Read the full ExpressVPN review

BEGINNER FRIENDLY

CyberGhost: Best for guided Android setup

An approachable service with Wi-Fi automation and clear app-based controls. CyberGhost ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Beginners who want automatic public-Wi-Fi behaviour and guided server choices.

Connections: Up to 7.

Free availability: Trial availability varies.

ANDROIDWi-Fi rules, split tunnelling, automatic kill switch and Android/Android TV apps

STANDOUTIts Android Wi-Fi rules can automatically decide what to do when the phone joins a known or unsecured hotspot.

LIMITThe seven-device limit is less generous than Surfshark or IPVanish for large households.

Check CyberGhost plans Read the full CyberGhost review

AUDIT-FOCUSED

PureVPN: Best for users comparing privacy documentation

A broad platform option with Android split tunnelling and ten standard connections. PureVPN ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: People who compare audit claims, optional extras and manual Android controls.

Connections: Up to 10 by default.

Free availability: No permanent free plan.

ANDROIDSplit tunnelling, kill switch, WireGuard support and broad device compatibility

STANDOUTThe Android client includes the core controls needed to migrate from Samsung Max, including app-level split tunnelling.

LIMITOptional add-ons can complicate checkout and raise the final cost above the base VPN plan.

Compare PureVPN plans Read the full PureVPN review

LIGHT USE

ZoogVPN: Best small-provider budget option

A simple free or low-cost route for light Android use. ZoogVPN ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Occasional users who want a limited free allowance and a straightforward app.

Connections: 1 free; paid policy varies by plan.

Free availability: 10GB per month.

ANDROIDAndroid app, leak protection and access to a small free-location set

STANDOUTIts free plan can cover occasional browsing or public-Wi-Fi sessions without an upfront subscription.

LIMITThe network, support resources and Android feature set are narrower than those of the higher-ranked services.

Free-plan note: Free limits, available locations and Android features can change. Check the provider’s current app and account page before relying on it for always-on protection.

Check ZoogVPN plans Read the full ZoogVPN review

BASIC FREE TEST

iTop VPN: Best only for testing a basic free Android tunnel

An easy free entry point, ranked lower because feature availability differs by platform. iTop VPN ranks here because its Android proposition is a better or worse match for the specific functions Samsung Max users have lost—not simply because it is a well-known VPN.

Best match: Beginners who want to test a simple no-login Android VPN before choosing a stronger service.

Connections: Plan dependent.

Free availability: Free Android tier.

ANDROIDNo-login free access and basic full-device tunnelling

STANDOUTThe Android free tier can be installed and tried quickly without committing to a subscription.

LIMITSeveral advertised security extras are platform-specific, so Android users must check the exact in-app feature set rather than assuming desktop features are included.

Free-plan note: Free limits, available locations and Android features can change. Check the provider’s current app and account page before relying on it for always-on protection.

See iTop VPN options Read the full iTop VPN review

How we ranked Samsung Max replacements

The ranking is based on replacement fit, not a single speed result or provider popularity. Current feature claims were checked against provider Android pages, support documentation and live service pages where available.

Android tunnel reliabilityDoes the service offer a maintained Android app, automatic connection and a workable way to prevent traffic leaks if the tunnel drops?

App-level controlCan users exclude selected apps through split tunnelling when a bank, local service or work app rejects VPN traffic?

Household coverageWe favour generous simultaneous-connection policies because Samsung Max users may also need protection on tablets, Android TV, laptops and family phones.

Free or low-cost migrationSamsung Max was used as a utility app, so a realistic free tier or affordable entry point matters more here than in a premium-only ranking.

Public-Wi-Fi automationAutomatic protection is valuable for users who previously relied on Samsung Max in hotels, cafés, airports and other untrusted networks.

Transparency of limitationsServices lose places when Android features differ from desktop advertising, free limits are unclear or the app does not replace the function readers are likely to expect.

No normal VPN fully replaces Samsung Max Data Saver

Samsung Max could process supported traffic through remote infrastructure to reduce the amount of data delivered to the phone. A modern VPN primarily encrypts and reroutes traffic. Encryption normally adds a small amount of protocol overhead rather than compressing every app’s data.

Ad and tracker blocking can still prevent some unwanted requests from loading, which may save a modest amount of bandwidth. That is an indirect saving, not a guaranteed replacement for Samsung Max compression.

Enable Galaxy Data Saver. On many Samsung phones, open Settings, Connections, Data usage and Data saver. Menu names vary by One UI version.
Restrict heavy background apps. Review cloud storage, social media, video, games and shopping apps individually.
Lower streaming quality on mobile data. Video resolution and autoplay controls often save more data than a generic system restriction.
Limit automatic backups. Configure photo, video and file backups to run on Wi-Fi where practical.
Use the VPN for privacy, not compression. Keep the two jobs separate so you can test whether each is working correctly.

How to move from Samsung Max to a new Android VPN

Install and test the replacement before removing every old setting. The objective is to avoid a period where the phone appears protected but is using neither service correctly.

Choose the replacement. Surfshark is the all-round choice, PrivadoVPN is the free starting point and NordVPN is the premium security option.
Install it from Google Play or the provider’s official site. Avoid unverified APK mirrors and “modded” versions.
Connect to a nearby server. Confirm that the app reports a successful connection and Android displays the VPN key indicator.
Check the public IP and DNS route. Verify that the IP changes and DNS requests are not still going directly to the mobile carrier or Wi-Fi provider.
Enable the kill switch or Android always-on VPN. Test a deliberate network change from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
Recreate app exclusions. Add banking or local apps to split tunnelling only when they genuinely need to bypass the VPN.
Remove Samsung Max from VPN settings. Check Settings, Connections, More connection settings and VPN on many Galaxy models.
Uninstall or disable Samsung Max. If it was preinstalled and cannot be removed, disable it after the new VPN is working.

Samsung Max VPN alternatives FAQs

What is the best alternative to Samsung Max VPN?

Surfshark is our best overall replacement because its Android app combines a kill switch, Bypasser split tunnelling, CleanWeb and unlimited simultaneous connections. PrivadoVPN is the better starting point when a permanent free plan is essential.

What is the best free Samsung Max VPN alternative?

PrivadoVPN ranks first among the free choices. It provides 10GB of high-speed data every 30 days and one active free connection at a time. Hide.me and ZoogVPN also offer permanent free access with different limits.

Can another VPN replace Samsung Max Data Saver?

Not completely. A VPN can replace encrypted network protection and public-IP changing, but it does not necessarily reproduce Samsung Max’s server-side data compression. Use Android or One UI Data Saver and per-app controls separately.

Should I uninstall Samsung Max before installing a replacement?

Install and test the replacement first. Then remove Samsung Max from Android’s always-on VPN setting and uninstall or disable the old app. This reduces the chance of leaving the phone without working protection.

Which alternative supports the most devices?

Surfshark and IPVanish advertise unlimited simultaneous VPN connections. They are the strongest options here for households with many Galaxy phones, tablets, computers and streaming devices.

Does a VPN save mobile data?

Usually not in the way Samsung Max did. Encryption adds some overhead. Blocking ads and trackers may prevent unwanted content from loading, but that is not equivalent to compressing supported traffic through Samsung Max servers.

Can two Android VPN apps run at the same time?

Android normally maintains one active VPN service at a time. Installing several apps is possible, but only one should control the active VPN tunnel. Check always-on VPN and “block connections without VPN” when switching.

Accuracy and source note: Samsung’s Google Play notice identified 15 June 2026 as the service end date. Feature and connection-limit statements were checked against current official pages for the relevant providers. VPN plans, app features and promotional offers can change after publication. Review the current Android app listing, plan terms, renewal price and refund conditions before paying.

View our #1 Samsung Max alternative