By If you’re on a budget but still want to protect your online privacy, a free VPN can be a great solution. While they may come with some limitations compared to premium services, many of the best free VPNs still offer strong encryption, decent speeds, and the ability to browse securely. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the top free VPNs, including what they do well and where they fall short.
Full range of features
While premium VPNs offer the full range of features and performance, there are still some solid free options available for those who prioritize privacy without the cost. After over 10 years of testing VPNs, we’ve carefully curated a list of the best free VPNs. Our top pick is Proton VPN, which stands out for both its free and paid versions, providing robust security and reliable performance.
However, there are other great free VPN services that might better suit your needs, depending on your specific requirements. Keep reading to discover our top recommendations and tips for selecting the right free VPN.
While some VPNs advertise free services, few are truly 100% free without limitations. Most of the time, free VPNs come with restrictions like limited bandwidth, fewer server options, or slower speeds. Some services may also offer a free trial for a limited period, such as 3-7 days, allowing users to test premium features before committing to a paid plan.
However, it’s important to consider the trade-offs: many free VPNs rely on ads or collect data to support their business model, which can undermine the privacy benefits VPNs are supposed to offer. Always check the terms of service carefully when choosing a free VPN.
The VPNs listed in the table above offer fully free subscription options, and while they aren’t the only free VPN services available, they are among the best we’ve reviewed so far.
However, it’s important to note that all of these free versions come with certain limitations. Some services impose bandwidth restrictions, limiting how much data you can use within a specific timeframe. Others may allow only one simultaneous connection, meaning you can’t protect multiple devices at once. Additionally, free plans may limit your access to a select number of servers, preventing you from easily switching locations to optimize performance or hide your true location.
Upgrading to a paid VPN plan typically removes these restrictions, granting you access to all available servers and more simultaneous connections. Premium subscriptions often come with additional benefits, such as enhanced security features and faster speeds.
Do Free VPNs Work with Netflix?
While VPNs are widely used to bypass regional restrictions and censorship, getting around Netflix’s geographic blocks with a free VPN can be challenging. Netflix, like many other streaming platforms, uses strict methods to detect and block VPN traffic, primarily to enforce regional licensing agreements.
Many free VPNs face limitations that make bypassing these blocks difficult. Free services often restrict access to a limited number of servers, which means fewer options for changing your virtual location to access different regional libraries.
Additionally, free VPNs may lack the advanced features and server rotation capabilities that help paid VPNs stay one step ahead of Netflix’s VPN detection mechanisms.
For those looking to consistently stream Netflix content from other countries, a premium VPN is usually a better option. These services often have dedicated servers optimized for streaming and can provide better access to various global content libraries.
Some premium VPNs also offer the option of purchasing a static IP address, which can help avoid detection and ensure uninterrupted access to services like Netflix.
Are Free VPNs Safe?
Free VPNs have sometimes earned a questionable reputation due to the lack of transparency in how some services operate. Not all VPN providers adhere to the best practices when it comes to protecting user privacy, and some may even engage in dubious, or outright malicious, activities. Determining whether a free VPN is safe can be tricky, as much of their operation is hidden from the user.
To assess a VPN’s trustworthiness, we carefully review each service’s privacy policy. The best VPN providers clearly state that they do not log or track user activity, which is an important feature to look for.
It’s crucial to read through the reviews for any VPN service before committing, as these documents often contain vital information about data collection practices. Sometimes, these policies are written in complex legal language, making it hard to discern their actual practices.
During our testing, we also send questionnaires to VPN providers to gain insights into their privacy and security policies. We rely on companies to answer our questions honestly, and we encourage third-party audits to verify their claims.
Some of the best free VPNs have passed comprehensive audits by independent firms. For example, TunnelBear VPN is known for its annual third-party audits, which help validate its commitment to user privacy.
While an audit doesn’t guarantee complete trustworthiness, it’s a positive sign. Ideally, look for free VPNs with a track record of transparency and independent verification to ensure your data is safe and secure.
Are Free VPNs Any Good?
Free VPNs can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget, but they often come with limitations that can affect your overall experience. One of the main drawbacks is performance.
Free VPN providers often have fewer servers available, and these can become overcrowded, leading to slower speeds. Since free users are typically restricted to specific servers, you might not be able to connect to servers in regions where you need access, or you may find your options are limited.
Another limitation is data caps. Many free VPNs impose strict data limits, which can quickly become a problem if you plan to stream, download, or browse heavily. These restrictions can make the service less practical for day-to-day use, especially if you’re expecting the same level of service as a paid VPN.
However, some free VPNs offer decent performance for basic tasks like browsing or accessing region-locked content in limited quantities. The key is to understand what you’re getting. Free VPNs often serve as an introduction to VPN services, with the goal of tempting users to upgrade to paid plans for better speed, security, and features.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve privacy for light usage, free VPNs can work, but they may not be ideal for more intensive needs.
Some free VPNs are definitely worth considering! Proton VPN stands out by offering unlimited bandwidth, making it a great long-term option. TunnelBear provides 500MB per month (plus an extra 1GB) for free, with access to all its servers and unlimited device connections, ideal for occasional use. Windscribe is another strong option, offering 10GB of data per month with email signup or 2GB without, along with the full feature set of the paid version.
These services are trustworthy, as they’ve all undergone third-party audits, adding an extra layer of transparency and reliability to their privacy practices.
The best free VPN depends on your specific needs, but Proton VPN stands out for offering the most flexibility without imposing data limits. It’s a solid option for long-term use. Other great free VPNs include TunnelBear, which is excellent for occasional use, and Windscribe, which provides a generous 10GB data limit per month.
When choosing a free VPN, it’s important to look for ease of use, transparency in privacy policies, and reliable performance. Testing a few different options will help you find the best fit for your needs, whether it’s for browsing, streaming, or light data use.
