Can the best free VPNs compete with paid providers?
Free VPNs offer a cost-effective means of enhancing your online privacy, but their quality can vary significantly. Only a select few are worth considering, while many should be actively avoided.
If you are seeking a reliable free VPN, we can assist. Our team has rigorously tested and reviewed the leading services to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best free VPNs currently available. Here, we highlight the only free services that are deemed safe to use, with our top two choices standing out by a considerable margin.
Free VPNs cannot match the performance of paid services, so do not expect a seamless experience. However, if you intend to use a VPN occasionally, read on to find the best option for your needs.
How to Choose a Free VPN?
Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what is best for you.
When selecting a free VPN, various factors should be considered, and the best choice will depend on your specific requirements. If you plan to keep your VPN connected at all times, a provider offering unlimited data, such as Proton VPN, may be your best option. However, if you prefer to choose specific servers, our top pick, PrivadoVPN, might be more suitable.
The most crucial aspect is selecting a free VPN that genuinely safeguards your privacy, and all the providers we recommend are reliable in this regard. Avoid signing up for the first VPN you find in an app store, as even popular services can be dangerous.
You may notice laggy connection speeds when using a free VPN, so if speed is a critical factor for you, ensure that the provider you choose offers adequate performance. Our in-house speed testing data is included here, though your experience may vary depending on your location.
Lastly, do not expect extensive capabilities in unblocking streaming sites. While PrivadoVPN excels in this area, it still falls short compared to paid VPNs regarding the amount of content it can unblock.
The Best Free VPNs of 2024
PrivadoVPN: The Premier Free VPN
1. PrivadoVPN Free
PrivadoVPN stands out for its exceptional streaming capabilities and impressive speeds. While its straightforward apps may lack some advanced features, it remains the top choice for occasional use.
- Countries: 10
- Server locations: 12
- Maximum devices supported: 1
- Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Data limit: 10GB per month (+ unlimited slower data)
- 24/7 live chat: No, FAQ and email support available
Pros:
- 10GB of full-speed data
- Ability to unblock Netflix and other streaming services
- Impressive connection speeds
- Simple, intuitive apps
Cons:
- Mobile apps lack advanced features
- Only one device allowed per plan
Although founded in 2019, PrivadoVPN has quickly surpassed its competitors by offering a superior free package. With more available servers than Proton VPN and more user-friendly apps than Windscribe, it has set a new standard in the industry.
In my review of PrivadoVPN Free, I was able to unblock some streaming services, though not as many as with NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Connection speeds are comparable to some of the fastest VPNs. Privacy-focused users might prefer Proton VPN, which has undergone an independent audit, whereas PrivadoVPN has yet to do so. However, there is no indication that PrivadoVPN fails to deliver on its promises.
Detailed Features
PrivadoVPN Free covers all the basic features necessary for a reliable VPN. Importantly, it does not withhold any core privacy features from free users. While most users will simply select a server and connect, there is a significant amount of functionality available under the hood.
Kill Switch: This critical feature ensures protection if your VPN connection drops. Although the auto-connect feature is less powerful than NordVPN’s—connecting only when the app is launched rather than upon detecting an untrusted network—it remains a valuable addition.
Unlike Proton VPN, which limits server location selection for free users, PrivadoVPN allows free users to choose from 12 locations in 10 countries and switch servers freely. This flexibility is superior to many rivals.
Apps
PrivadoVPN’s apps are designed with simplicity in mind, drawing inspiration from ExpressVPN. Available on various platforms including Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Fire TV, the apps feature a straightforward home screen and a “connect” button.
Users can connect to the default server or select from other options. On desktops, the settings open in a pop-up window, while mobile users navigate to a separate screen. Notably, the iOS app lacks a kill switch, a feature available in Proton VPN and IPVanish, though not universally offered by major players like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Overall, PrivadoVPN’s apps are user-friendly and efficient, despite lacking advanced features.
Privacy and Security
PrivadoVPN employs AES-256 encryption, the industry standard ensuring unreadable intercepted traffic. It supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, with the latter being the preferred option for most users. Advanced users can customize OpenVPN settings, including TCP and UDP options and port selection. Additionally, obfuscation features allow users to hide their VPN usage, useful in restrictive networks and heavily censored regions.
While PrivadoVPN maintains a robust zero-logging policy, it has not yet undergone an independent audit. The team cites potential disruption as the reason but plans to conduct an audit as the service matures. Based on my testing, PrivadoVPN appears safe to use, and an audit would further validate their claims.
Speed and Streaming
PrivadoVPN Free boasts impressive speeds, reaching up to 900 Mbps. For context, only 50 Mbps is required to stream 4K video, so users are unlikely to experience slowdowns. Compared to Proton VPN Free (520 Mbps) and ExpressVPN (410 Mbps), PrivadoVPN is remarkably fast. Only top-tier providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Mullvad, which maxed out a 1 Gbps connection, are faster.
Remarkably, PrivadoVPN can unblock several streaming sites, a rarity for free VPNs. It successfully accessed US and Japanese Netflix but could not unblock UK, Canadian, and Australian libraries. Disney+ and BBC iPlayer were accessible, though it struggled with Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, and 10 Play.
While it does not match the capabilities of the best streaming VPNs, PrivadoVPN Free is a valuable option for users seeking a free VPN for Netflix.
2. Proton VPN Free
Proton VPN is widely recognized for its paid plan, but its free version maintains a solid baseline with the significant advantage of unlimited data. However, the inability to switch servers at will prevents it from being the top choice.
- Countries: 6
- Server locations: 6
- Maximum devices supported: 1
- Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Data limit: Unlimited
- Support: Website, email
Pros
- Unlimited data allowance
- Good range of privacy features
- Powerful desktop apps
- Fast connections up to 520 Mbps
Cons
- Torrenting not supported
- Poor for streaming
- Recent update limits server selection
Proton is a well-established privacy company, known for its excellent Proton VPN, as well as Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and Proton Drive products. The paid version of Proton VPN competes with industry leaders such as NordVPN and Private Internet Access and surpasses PrivadoVPN’s premium plan.
In my review of Proton VPN Free, I found the apps to be highly usable, offering similar functionality to PrivadoVPN Free. Users have access to over 100 servers in six locations, but cannot choose which server to connect to. This restriction, while manageable for some, may be too limiting for others.
Features
Proton VPN Free shares several features with its premium version, which is beneficial. However, advanced features such as Secure Core servers, NetShield ad and tracker blocker, VPN Accelerator, Profiles, and other technical configurations are reserved for paid plans.
Free users still benefit from an effective kill switch, auto-connect, and DNS leak protection, alongside basic VPN services. Notably, Proton VPN Free provides unlimited data, allowing continuous protection.
A significant limitation is the inability to choose specific servers. The app automatically assigns the fastest server based on your geographic location. To change servers, users must disconnect and reconnect, which assigns a new server randomly, with a mandatory 90-second wait before another change can be made. This measure protects Proton’s network from overloading and encourages upgrades to paid plans.
Despite this restriction, Proton VPN Free remains a robust choice for quick protection from a trusted privacy brand, though it may not appeal to those requiring specific server selections.
Apps
Proton’s recently overhauled apps feature an attractive purple theme. On desktop, users can extend or collapse the map interface, which is better implemented than NordVPN’s similar design. The interface includes quick access buttons for the kill switch and profiles.
Mobile apps offer a similar experience, with server lists and tabs for the map, profiles, and settings, making protection easy to manage.
Privacy and Security
Proton VPN Free excels in privacy and security. It provides essential features such as a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and access to OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. While free users miss out on NAT moderation, this is a niche feature unlikely to be missed by most.
Proton’s commitment to independent audits and its confirmed no-logs policy are commendable, although other providers like ExpressVPN have conducted more frequent audits.
Speed and Streaming
Proton’s paid plan ranks among the fastest, with the free version also performing well at 520 Mbps. This speed exceeds that of many paid plans from other providers, making it suitable for most uses.
However, Proton VPN Free struggles with streaming, failing to unblock any streaming sites in my tests. It is worth noting that Proton has partnered with German news broadcaster Deutsche Welle, providing dedicated servers for unrestricted access to unbiased news coverage on both free and paid plans.
3. Windscribe Free VPN Review
Windscribe stands out in the VPN market with its extensive feature set, particularly notable in its free version and Chrome extension. While its paid plans may not match some competitors like ProtonVPN, Windscribe Free offers a robust package for privacy-conscious users.
Key Features:
- Countries: 11
- Server Locations: 14
- Maximum Devices: Unlimited
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
- Data Limit: 10 GB
- Support: Website, email
Pros:
- Strong emphasis on user privacy
- Comprehensive free plan usable on unlimited devices
- Effective in accessing UK Netflix and iPlayer
- Excellent free browser extension
Cons:
- Desktop apps can be cumbersome for beginners
Windscribe is renowned for its creative marketing and strong commitment to user privacy. The free version boasts a generous server network spanning 14 locations across 11 countries, surpassing many competitors in diversity. Its monthly data limit of 10 GB competes closely with top providers.
Features: Windscribe Free offers a wealth of features uncommon in free VPNs, including a firewall (kill switch), split tunneling, auto-connect, packet size adjustment, MAC spoofing, and obfuscation. Notably, its R.O.B.E.R.T. feature blocks trackers, ads, and malware, enhancing browsing security.
Apps: While feature-rich, Windscribe’s desktop app interface may pose challenges due to its compact design. However, the Chrome VPN extension offers a streamlined experience with easy usability.
Privacy and Security: Windscribe employs AES-256 encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy, ensuring robust security standards. The service logs minimal data, focusing on total bandwidth usage and connection timestamps, with plans for an upcoming independent audit.
Speed and Streaming: Windscribe delivers impressive speeds, clocking at 910 Mbps in testing, making it one of the fastest free VPNs available. It effectively unblocks several streaming platforms including Netflix and Disney+, though it may encounter limitations with some regional libraries.
In conclusion, Windscribe Free provides substantial value with its comprehensive feature set and strong emphasis on user privacy, despite minor drawbacks in app usability. For users seeking a reliable free VPN option, Windscribe stands out as a compelling choice.
Additional Free VPNs to Consider
For most users, PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, or Windscribe are likely the best choices. However, there are other free VPN options that may also be worth considering. Below are two more that merit attention.
Hide.me
Hide.me is a well-established Malaysian VPN provider. While its paid plan is quite popular, the free version is also notable, offering 10 GB of data and servers located in the US, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Key advantages of Hide.me include its exceptional torrenting performance and numerous customizable features. It is ideal for users with advanced technical knowledge, though it may be daunting for casual users.
A significant drawback of Hide.me’s free VPN is the absence of WireGuard support, limiting users to OpenVPN. This results in reduced connection speeds, averaging around 25 Mbps, which is insufficient for many modern needs. While the paid version of Hide.me offers impressive speeds, the free plan’s limitations make it less appealing unless it provides a unique feature unavailable elsewhere.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield was once a leading free VPN choice but has struggled to stay competitive over time.
Like Proton VPN, Hotspot Shield offers an unlimited data policy and boasts impressive speeds of approximately 590 Mbps, allowing users to maximize their internet experience. It is also user-friendly, with a particularly well-designed Chrome extension.
However, Hotspot Shield’s mobile app displays ads upon connection, and on desktops, it automatically opens its own website in the default browser upon connection. Additionally, it offers only a single US server for free users, engages in some session logging, and lacks a kill switch. These limitations make it challenging to recommend Hotspot Shield over options like PrivadoVPN or Proton VPN.
How to Choose the Best Free VPN?
Selecting the best free VPN can be a challenging task, but this guide aims to simplify your decision-making process. My top recommendation is a VPN that I believe will meet the needs of most users. However, it is crucial to consider your specific requirements before making a final choice.
Privacy and Security
For everyday privacy, it is essential to choose a VPN with reliable and proven privacy features, along with a user-friendly interface that facilitates seamless protection. While I assure you that all the VPN providers listed here are safe, you might prefer one that has undergone privacy audits, such as Proton VPN.
Streaming Capabilities
If you enjoy streaming TV shows and movies, you should look for a free VPN that can unblock Netflix libraries and other streaming sites from around the world. Both PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN are excellent options, with PrivadoVPN standing out as the most reliable choice for streaming.
Device Compatibility
Consider the number of devices you intend to use with your VPN plan. Although it is possible to set up multiple accounts to bypass device limits, a plan that offers a higher number of simultaneous connections can simplify your experience if you need to cover multiple devices.
Server Locations
If you need access to specific locations, ensure that the VPN provider you choose has servers in or near those countries.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is beneficial to download and test a few VPNs to determine which one works best for you. Since they are free, you can explore multiple options without any cost.
How I Test the Best Free VPN Services?
When evaluating free VPN services, my approach differs slightly from testing paid products. My primary focus is on ensuring user safety and security online, rather than on additional features.
Key considerations include:
- Robust and user-friendly apps for all platforms, including iPhone, Mac, and Android.
- Verification of all features to ensure they are functional and effective.
- Assessment of streaming performance, which is typically a weak point for free VPNs.
- Evaluation of support options available.
Understanding Free VPNs
Free VPN services work by encrypting your data during transit, creating a virtual tunnel through the internet. This process isolates your data packets from others, maintaining their integrity until they reach the VPN’s exit nodes, which are often located far from your actual location.
The encryption process not only secures the data, as in a standard secure web session, but also conceals routing information about both the sender and the recipient.
The most popular VPN protocols today are OpenVPN and WireGuard. Although Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) implementations, such as standalone IPsec or combined with Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) or Internet Key Exchange (IKEv1 and IKEv2), are still in use, they are becoming outdated.
One common drawback of VPNs is the potential to slow down internet traffic due to the encryption and decryption processes. The best free VPNs mitigate this by utilizing fast servers with substantial bandwidth and maintaining thousands of servers across numerous countries, from Albania to Zimbabwe, to ensure minimal performance decline.
Is there a free VPN without limitations?
While it is possible to find a free VPN without limitations, I strongly advise against downloading such a service. The adage “you never get something for nothing” holds particularly true in this context. If a free VPN offers unrestricted use without a paid upgrade option, you should question how the company sustains itself financially.
In such cases, it is highly likely that the company profits by either selling your data or inserting additional advertisements into the websites you visit—or possibly both.
A limited “freemium” VPN, on the other hand, has a clear revenue model: users are encouraged to upgrade to a paid plan. While some products masquerade as legitimate providers, the options recommended here are reputable, offering high-quality paid plans alongside reliable freemium versions that are safe to use.
When might a free VPN not be a good choice?
A free VPN may not meet the needs of individuals looking to stream or torrent content, or those seeking a gaming VPN. These activities consume significant amounts of data. If your VPN only offers a limited data allowance, such as 500 MB, this would be insufficient for even a single standard definition episode on Netflix, assuming the service can be accessed at all.
Additionally, free VPNs often suffer from reduced connection speeds, which can be detrimental for gamers and torrent users who require high-speed connections. Only the best paid services can consistently provide the necessary speeds for these activities.
Furthermore, some free VPNs have privacy issues and may inundate you with ads, detracting from the user experience. To ensure maximum security and transparency, it is advisable to invest in a paid VPN service, where you can be certain of how the company is generating revenue, rather than risking your data being monetized.
Are free VPNs legal?
In short, yes. VPN software itself is legal, akin to any other mainstream software.
However, using a VPN to torrent copyrighted files or access other illicit content remains illegal. While a free VPN can legally be used, it does not legalize any illegal activities just because it makes them harder to detect.
Free VPN FAQs
Free VPN vs Paid: Which Should You Choose?
When deciding between free and paid VPN services, the choice largely depends on your usage needs. Free VPNs are suitable for occasional use, such as checking prices in different regions. For regular and reliable usage, however, paid VPNs offer superior performance, even at affordable rates.
Are Free VPNs Safe?
The safety of free VPNs varies widely. It is crucial to select a reputable provider to ensure your online security. While the VPNs recommended here are considered safe, caution is advised when choosing from popular but potentially unreliable options available in app stores. Always prioritize security when entrusting your traffic to a VPN.
Is There a Completely Free VPN?
The concept of “free” VPNs often involves trade-offs. While some VPNs do not charge monetary fees, they may compensate through advertisements or by leveraging user data. Leading providers often offer free versions as introductory offers, enticing users to upgrade with enhanced features like data limits and server restrictions.
Is a Free VPN Better Than No VPN?
For sporadic usage, reputable free VPN services, such as Proton VPN Free, provide essential encryption, server options, and sufficient data allowances. However, continuous and robust VPN use typically requires a paid subscription. In situations where security is paramount, any VPN is preferable to browsing without protection.
Disclaimer
We evaluate and review VPN services strictly for legal recreational purposes, including but not limited to:
- Accessing services available in other countries, in accordance with the terms and conditions of those services.
- Enhancing online security and privacy while abroad.
We do not endorse or support the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not approve of or condone the consumption of pirated content.