By If you’re short on cash, you can still use a VPN to improve online privacy. Here’s everything you get (and don’t get) with the best free VPN services we’ve tested. If you’re short on cash, you can still use a VPN to improve online privacy. Here’s everything you get (and don’t get) with the best free VPN services we’ve tested.
If you’re looking for a reliable VPN but don’t want to break the bank, there’s good news—several free VPN options offer solid online privacy and essential features. While premium VPN services provide a broader range of benefits, free VPNs are great for basic needs like secure browsing and bypassing some geo-restrictions.
Best free VPN options
Instead of sifting through overwhelming ads, confusing plans, or hidden limitations, we’ve done the work for you. After over a decade of testing and evaluating VPNs, we’ve compiled a list of the best free VPN options available.
Proton VPN stands out as our top recommendation, offering exceptional security and unlimited data, even in its free version. It’s a great choice whether you decide to upgrade to the premium plan or stick to the free tier. However, Proton VPN isn’t the only excellent option.
Below, we highlight other top-performing free VPNs, followed by key factors to consider when selecting the best VPN for your needs. Secure your online presence without spending a dime!
Free subscription
The VPN apps mentioned above provide free subscription tiers that stand out for their quality and reliability. While they aren’t the only free VPNs available, they’ve consistently ranked as the best in our evaluations.
That said, free VPN plans often come with limitations. For instance, some restrict the amount of data you can use each month, while others limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously—often to just one. Many free plans also confine you to a select number of servers, making it harder to optimize performance or choose a specific location to bypass geo-restrictions.
Paid VPN subscription
Upgrading to a paid VPN subscription removes these constraints and unlocks a full range of features. With premium plans, you gain access to a broader selection of servers worldwide, more simultaneous connections, and additional perks like enhanced speeds, priority customer support, and advanced security options.
Can Free VPNs Unblock Netflix?
VPNs are powerful tools for bypassing censorship and accessing restricted content. By routing your connection through servers outside your region, they can allow you to view streaming content that might otherwise be unavailable due to regional licensing agreements.
For example, Netflix offers unique shows and movies in different countries, depending on its distribution deals.
Can Free VPNs Help You Access Netflix and Other Streaming Services?
However, streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and MLB actively work to detect and block VPNs to enforce these regional restrictions. This makes it challenging for VPN users to access certain content, especially when using free services.
Free VPNs often limit server access, giving you fewer options to spoof your location effectively. Additionally, these limited servers are more likely to be flagged and blocked by streaming platforms. Switching servers to find better speeds or unblocked content can also be more challenging with free VPN plans.
If accessing streaming content is a priority, a paid VPN service offers better tools, such as a wider range of servers and the option to purchase a static IP address, which can help avoid detection and provide a smoother streaming experience.
While free VPNs are a good starting point, they may not consistently work for streaming services like Netflix due to their inherent limitations.
How Safe Are Free VPNs?
The safety of free VPNs has often been questioned due to some providers engaging in questionable or even harmful practices. Unlike paid services that rely on subscription revenue, some free VPNs may fund their operations by collecting and selling user data or displaying intrusive ads. This can undermine the very privacy and security users seek by using a VPN.
Are Free VPNs Truly Safe to Use?
Evaluating the trustworthiness of a VPN can be challenging because much of its activity occurs behind the scenes. That’s why it’s essential to look into the service’s privacy policy. A reliable VPN should have a clear, transparent policy stating that it does not log user activity or share data with third parties.
When considering a free VPN, take the time to read reviews from trusted sources. These reviews often analyze the privacy policy, test for security vulnerabilities, and assess how well the VPN protects user data.
While some free VPNs offer a secure and private experience, many come with trade-offs that users should be aware of before committing.
How VPN Providers Prove Their Trustworthiness
Understanding a VPN’s commitment to privacy can be challenging, especially when privacy policies are dense or deliberately vague. To address this, part of our VPN evaluation involves sending detailed questionnaires to providers, asking about their privacy practices and policies.
While we rely on providers to answer honestly, independent researchers play a crucial role in exposing companies that fail to uphold these standards.
A growing trend among reputable VPN services is undergoing third-party audits to validate their privacy and security claims. While audits alone don’t guarantee ethical practices—since companies often define the scope of the audit—they are a positive indicator of transparency and accountability.
For example, Tunnel Bear VPN stands out for its commitment to annual third-party audits, ensuring that its operations are independently reviewed regularly. This dedication helps build trust with users by demonstrating a willingness to be scrutinized and improve.
When considering a VPN, look for services that prioritize transparency through audits and open communication about their practices.
Are Free VPNs Worth It?
Free VPNs can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, they offer a cost-free way to secure your internet connection, enhance your privacy, and bypass some geo-restrictions. On the other hand, they often come with limitations that can affect their usefulness.
The primary drawback of free VPNs is the trade-offs in performance and features. Many free services impose data caps, restrict server access, or limit connection speeds. These constraints can make free VPNs less suitable for high-bandwidth activities like streaming or gaming.
Additionally, some free VPNs fund their operations through ads or data collection, potentially compromising your privacy—the very thing a VPN is supposed to protect. That’s why it’s crucial to research any free VPN before using it, focusing on reviews and transparency around privacy policies.
That said, there are trustworthy free VPNs that prioritize user security and privacy, such as Proton VPN, which offers unlimited data without intrusive practices. If your needs are basic—such as occasional secure browsing or access to restricted content—a free VPN can be a great starting point.
For more advanced features and performance, however, a paid VPN is often the better option.
The Limitations of Free VPNs: What to Expect
Free VPNs can be appealing, but they often come with performance and usability challenges that might impact your experience. Due to limited resources and the popularity of free plans, servers can become overcrowded, leading to slower speeds and longer loading times.
Another common issue is restricted server access. Many free VPN providers limit free users to a small number of servers, which might not include locations you need. This restriction makes it harder to bypass geo-blocks or enjoy smooth connectivity.
Data limits are another major drawback. Some free VPNs cap the amount of data you can use each day or month, which might be insufficient for streaming, gaming, or extended browsing sessions.
While free VPNs are a good starting point for basic needs, these limitations highlight why paid VPNs are often a better choice for consistent performance, broader server options, and unrestricted data usage.
Top Free VPNs Worth Trying
While free VPNs often come with limitations, a few stand out for their reliability and user-friendly features. These services balance accessibility and functionality, making them excellent choices for specific use cases.
- Proton VPN: A standout in the free VPN space, Proton VPN offers unlimited bandwidth for its free users. This makes it an excellent long-term choice for secure browsing and consistent performance.
- TunnelBear VPN: With a monthly data cap of 500MB (plus an additional 1GB if you tweet about the service), TunnelBear allows free users to access all of its servers and connect unlimited devices. It’s ideal for occasional location spoofing or light use while traveling.
- Windscribe VPN: Known for its robust features, Windscribe’s free plan offers the same tools as its premium version but with a data limit of 10GB per month if you sign up with an email address (or 2GB without one).
Notably, all three VPNs have undergone third-party audits, reinforcing their commitment to transparency and user trust. While an audit doesn’t guarantee perfection, it demonstrates that the company is willing to put its reputation on the line by publicly validating its claims.
If a VPN hasn’t undergone a public audit, it’s not necessarily a red flag, but it’s worth reviewing its privacy policy. The services mentioned above have been carefully reviewed and found to meet acceptable privacy standards, making them reliable choices for users seeking free VPN solutions.
Which Free VPN is the Best Choice?
Every free VPN comes with its limitations, but some, like Proton VPN, offer greater flexibility than others. Free VPNs vary significantly in features and performance, so experimenting with a few options can help you find the one that suits your needs best.
Finding the Best Free VPN for Your Needs
The ideal VPN should be user-friendly, straightforward to navigate, and not overly restrictive, even on a free plan. A seamless experience—paired with reliable privacy and performance—makes a free VPN not just functional but genuinely worthwhile for everyday use.
Take the time to explore different providers to discover the one that works best for you.
VPNs Alone Aren’t Enough for Complete Online Security
While a VPN is a valuable tool for protecting your privacy online, it can’t safeguard you from all cyber threats. To enhance your security, we recommend using a password manager to generate strong, unique passwords for every site and service.
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible adds an extra layer of protection, and reliable antivirus software is crucial to detect and block malware.
While not all of these tools offer free versions, combining affordable options can provide comprehensive protection without breaking the bank. It’s important to use a combination of these security measures alongside a VPN for the best defense against online risks.
