Jump to: my top picks at a glance ↴
1. Best VPN free trial: NordVPN
2. Best beginner VPN: ExpressVPN
3. Best cheap VPN: Surfshark
A VPN free trial lets you try out VPN services (and vet their security-boosting and content-unblocking tools) without committing to a lengthy subscription plan.
The TechRadar team is constantly putting the best VPN services to the test, with more than 3,000 hours of device testing, 28,000 speed tests, and over 2,200 streaming tests on more than 100 reviews. Armed with this info, I've rounded up the best VPN free trials, and NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark claim top spots, with generous trial periods and seamless user experiences.
So, let's dive into my top five picks, and see how their apps, money-back guarantees, and features stack up, so you can find your perfect match.
Top three VPN free trials at a glance
Recent updates
The latest round of VPN testing is complete—and the results have shaken things up, big time. NordVPN sits at the top of the mountain, now, with unparalleled server coverage and speeds that maxed out my connection line. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it ideal for folks looking for a short-term VPN solution, too.
The best VPN free trials in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Keep reading, and I'll walk you through all of my top VPN free trial picks.
The best VPN with a free trial
✔️ You want the fastest VPN around: NordVPN soared to the top of our speed charts during our last round of testing.
✔️ You're looking for a built-in security suite: Check out ad blocking and malware protection tools as part of your NordVPN subscription.
✔️ You want real value for money: NordVPN comes with a full toolkit of features and customizable pricing, so only pay for what you'll use.
❌ A simple UI is a must: Exploring the NordVPN map interface is fun, but it's not as intuitive as ExpressVPN's streamlined apps.
❌ Command line isn't for you: While NordVPN can be used on Linux machines, the command line interface does lack navigability.
🔒 NordVPN ticks all the right boxes; it's incredibly fast, has proven its commitment to user privacy with numerous audits, and unblocks a ton of streaming platforms. Take a look for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our in-depth NordVPN review dives into the details of the service and its roster of privacy features.
NordVPN proves that you don't have to break the bank to get your hands on a quality VPN service. You get a lot of functionality in return for a very modest price—but, as you'd expect from our number one pick, you can try before you buy with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I'm consistently impressed by its all-in-one approach to security. This means you're getting more than just a VPN when you subscribe to NordVPN. Built-in ad blocking and antivirus protection keep your day-to-day browsing secure (and your personal details out of the hands of cybercriminals), and users on the Complete plan get access to a password manager, data breach scanner, and secure cloud storage.
One of NordVPN's standout features is its Meshnet, which allows users to create their very own secure private network that covers up to 60 devices simultaneously. That's great news if you plan on doing some file sharing, gaming, or virtual routing—and best of all, the Meshnet feature is now free for everyone.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
There are more than 6,100 NordVPN servers to choose from—which is more than you'll get from the likes of ExpressVPN. Plus, this expansive network means you'll have no trouble hopping digital borders to evade geo-blocks preventing you from checking out international content, or even government-imposed bans on social media platforms.
When it comes to customer support, NordVPN has never let me down. I've thrown even the most techy questions at its 24/7 live chat team and received timely, thorough answers. If you'd rather do your own troubleshooting, you'll be glad to learn that the NordVPN knowledge hub has plenty of tutorials on hand (and in multiple languages.)
The 30-day money-back guarantee isn't a traditional free trial, seeing as you'll need to pay for a plan first, but if you decide NordVPN isn't for you, claiming your money back is fuss-free and straightforward. It's well worth taking the month to trial the service on your favorite devices, and seeing for yourself exactly why it tops our ranking.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | The map is a fun UI element, but can be a little busy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not as much attention to detail as ExpressVPN, but otherwise easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN in our latest tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Easily unblocks Netflix and other in-demand platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Packed with privacy features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support can handle any inquiry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Customizable plans, and great value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN free trial for beginners
✔️ You want a VPN that you can set and forget: auto-connect functionality and a kill switch mean you connect once, and you're always protected.
✔️ You want lots of locations: with over 160 locations around the world to choose from, you can unblock content no matter where you are.
✔️ You need a VPN you can trust with your life: ExpressVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy shows its commitment to keeping you safe from oppressive regimes.
❌ You're on a strict budget: ExpressVPN is an expensive choice. If you can't afford its prices, I'd recommend looking towards NordVPN or Surfshark.
❌ You want a Linux app: ExpressVPN only offers a command-line interface. If you need a graphical user interface (GUI), you should consider Surfshark, Proton VPN, or PIA.
🔒 ExpressVPN is a show-stopper, constantly excelling in our rigorous testing. Try for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's a worthy runner-up.
ExpressVPN is a feature-rich service that focuses on high-quality, intuitive apps that are as easy to use as they are reliable. With a 30-day no-quibbles refund, you can take it for a spin and see for yourself why it's my favorite VPN in 2024.
It offers industry-leading encryption, DNS content unblocking, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, P2P torrenting support, and leak protection. Together, this means you can trust ExpressVPN with your life, just like the thousands of journalists, activists, and political dissidents around the world who put their faith in the service.
▶ Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN's well-maintained server and IP list mean that you'll always be able to unblock content from anywhere in the world. I love that its customization options mean I can choose the encryption that'll work best for whatever I need, whenever I need it.
The 24/7 customer support service we witnessed is a huge bonus, with helpful and knowledgeable agents that are always on hand to ensure you stay protected at all times. The only negative we have is that you can only use ExpressVPN on five devices at any one time. It's still not bad (just fewer than the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark) and since you can set this up on the router, that helps bypass that issue at home.
While its 30-day money-back guarantee doesn't offer a "true" free trial experience, it does give you ample time to see if it is the right VPN for you before claiming your money back. Plus, with the money-back guarantees offered throughout the industry, you can see how each compares before committing to anyone in particular.
However, even when taking payment—which will be required upon signing up in the case of the ExpressVPN free trial—it favors anonymity and security. There are plenty of payment options available, including Bitcoin for increased privacy.
If you want to save money, you can get the best ExpressVPN prices by signing up for a longer plan. If you subscribe to the 12-month plan, you get an extra 3 months of protection for free.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap VPN free trial
✔️ You want the best budget VPN: Surfshark is the perfect blend of cheap and cheerful, with lots of features, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network—all at a low price.
✔️ You need the fastest VPN around: currently topping our charts with over 950 Mbps average speeds, Surfshark isn't just fast, it's faster than all of our top picks.
✔️ You want a cheap security suite: much like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with an array of internet security tools to keep you safe.
❌ You need a bulletproof kill switch: our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch. If an accidental IP leak could put you in danger, we'd recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
❌ You only want to torrent: while Surfshark supports torrenting on its service, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Private Internet Access or ExpressVPN.
🔒 Surfshark offers a budget-friendly security suite. With unparalleled speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, see why it's my favorite cheap VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark VPN review and see why it's also my #1 budget pick.
Surfshark is a VPN that proves you can have an affordable version of a product that still delivers powerful features, with innovations being introduced all the time, including Surfshark Nexus and its IP Rotator.
This little gem offers a seven-day free trial, though it does require credit card details linked to your Google Play Store or App Store accounts. The trial is available on Android, iOS, and macOS devices (no luck for those after a Windows VPN).
▶ Get the best Surfshark price with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
It's worth noting however, that while this will allow you to benefit from the Surfshark free trial, it will mean potentially missing out on the better rates when signing up directly through Surfshark's website.
Still, you'll also benefit from its 30-day money-back guarantee, whether you sign up through the dedicated app store or on its website. On top of that, Surfshark offers a price that undercuts much of the competition, yet still crams in loads of security and geo-restriction unblocking powers. It's way cheaper than ExpressVPN, significantly beats NordVPN and the only services that come in much cheaper are inferior in quality (take Ivacy VPN for example).
Get access to over 3,200 servers across more than 100 locations and, unblock Netflix libraries around the world, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Speeds are faster than any other provider (WireGuard speeds maxed out my latest tests with over 950 Mbps).
Surfshark's security is fierce with AES-256 encryption, plenty of encryption protocol customization, and a kill switch to prevent data leaking if your connection drops. Despite the complex sounding systems, the app is clear and easy to use, even for beginners.
With built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, data breach scanning, and even a new partnership with Incogni to automatically remove your data from databases, Surfshark offers a full online security suite. All of this together makes it one of the best cheap VPN options out there according to our in-depth reviews.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Elegant, simple, and intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for beginners, and seamless connections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster than all of our top picks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Good content unblocking, but not amazing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues, and the built-in ad blocker and antivirus wasn't as good as we were expecting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate to when you need help on the fly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | The best cheap VPN on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other free trial VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You need a reliable free VPN: PrivadoVPN doesn't hide its most important features behind a paywall like ProtonVPN, so you get a reliable service without spending a penny.
✔️ You want to stream Netflix: a dedicated geo-unblocking team means that even free users benefit from reliable Netflix unblocking.
❌ You want lots of server options: the free service has 13 locations, but it's still incredibly limited, and the same can be said for the premium service compared to the likes of PIA and Surfshark.
❌ You need more than 10 GB of data per month: PrivadoVPN's free service has a data limit on its uncapped server speeds, but after that's used up, you go into "over quota mode" where you're limited to 1 Mbps. If you need unlimited data on a free VPN, I recommend Proton VPN.
🔒 PrivadoVPN offers a decent mid-tier premium service, but it's hands-down the best free VPN on the market right now.
Check out our in-depth PrivadoVPN review and see why this free service is so good at unblocking Netflix.
PrivadoVPN currently tops our list as the best free VPN thanks to its great speeds, reliable Netflix unblocking, and forever-free app. On a premium subscription, you get 10 simultaneous connections, a SOCKS5 Proxy to help unblock content in the most restricted countries, a zero-Log policy, an ad-blocker, parental controls, and even a built-in antivirus to keep your device secure.
When it comes to the free version, most of these features are locked behind the premium paywall. But you still get plenty of functionality and customization on the free platform.
▶ Get the best free VPN and try before you buy.
PrivadoVPN's premium servers showed an impressive 350 Mbps download speed in our last round of tests, which is more than 10 times what you'll need for streaming in 4K, gaming online, and seamless torrenting. It's one of the few VPN providers that has full control over its own bandwidth and transit routes, so you get fantastic speeds and almost no server congestion—even on free servers.
Its easy-to-use and reliable apps allow for plenty of customization. You can utilize one-click connections and a kill switch to make sure you're always protected, even if your VPN connection drops.
PrivadoVPN has a dedicated geo-unblocking team, that constantly looks to bypass censorship and regional content restrictions. This isn't restricted to just the premium servers, either. It's one of the only free services that can reliably unblock Netflix, iPlayer, and Disney+.
While the service has yet to verify its privacy credentials with an independent audit. Privado told us that it plans to pursue an audit as soon as possible, but it needs to make sure it's offering the best service it can at all times—as an audit would mean shutting down all development until the audit was completed.
All in all, I love that PrivadoVPN doesn't hide its WireGuard encryption behind a paywall. It shows a genuine commitment to giving every user the best possible service, whether they're paying or not.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple yet colorful design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easy to use and clearly laid out | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The low end of average for a leading service, but generally fast enough for anything you could throw at it | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Its dedicated unblocking team does a great job | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Good scores on paper, but currently lacking an independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent email support, but not a lot of of on-site help | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Nothing beats free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You need a budget VPN: under three dollars per month makes it an excellent cheap pick.
✔️ You want more than a month to test it: CyberGhost VPN offers the longest money-back guarantee on the market at a spectacular 45 days.
❌ You need a Disney Plus VPN: in our latest round of testing, CyberGhost VPN struggled to unblock the popular streaming service.
❌ You need in-depth support: while the customer support agents are friendly and helpful, CyberGhost's support site lacks the depth on offer with PIA, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.
🔒 CyberGhost VPN is a popular choice for beginners with easy-to-use apps and a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth CyberGhost VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.
CyberGhost VPN is one of our favorite VPN services for unblocking video content thanks to its server selection. Just pick the service you want, be it US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, or another big player, then the VPN will select the best server to get you the ultimate performance.
Better still, when it comes to a CyberGhost free trial, you can put it to the test for 24 hours before you begin paying for it with the trial now available on desktop and mobile.
▶ Try CyberGhost VPN with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Explore a whopping 9,000+ servers spanning more than 91 countries, all the usual clients, and an impressive live chat support service. You also get automated HTTPS redirection and optional data compression to keep you secure and save you money, respectively.
The device limitation is a bit of an annoyance, and at times it feels like the general user experience could do with some polishing up. For example, it's strange that it doesn't notify you when you connect or disconnect, and the mobile VPN apps are somewhat underpowered compared to the full desktop versions. But overall, this is still a provider we rate highly.
Much like Surfshark, by signing up through the Google Play Store or App Store on your Android or iOS device, you can also benefit from a free trial. For Apple users, it's a whole 7-days, while Android has been relegated to a 3-day trial.
The money-back guarantee lasts a fantastic 45 days, which is significantly more than the industry standard. But that doesn't apply to its one-month sub, where the guarantee is reduced to 14 days.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, intuitive, and easily customizable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting a simple experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds that are great for torrenting, streaming and gaming online | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers, but struggled to unblock Disney Plus and Netflix UK | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust and reliable with a third-party audit from Deloitte | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Agents are helpful, but the on-site content could be better | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value and competitive pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You need a free Linux VPN: Few VPNs offer serious Linux support, and Proton VPN is the only service to offer a GUI for freemium Linux users.
✔️ You want a totally unlimited free VPN: if you need lots of data every month, ProtonVPN doesn't limit your monthly usage.
❌ You need a fast VPN: Windows connection speeds were a bit slow in our testing, so we'd recommend ExpressVPN or Surfhark if speed is a deal-breaker for you.
❌ You want lots of locations to choose from: while Proton VPN has improved greatly, it still offers a limited range of locations and countries to choose from—especially on its free plan.
🔒 Proton VPN is a well-known brand and a popular free Linux VPN that even offers protection for hackers on Kali.
Check out our in-depth Proton VPN review and find out how it keeps up the fight for internet freedom.
As well as offering a 30-day money-back guarantee, Proton VPN offers a real trial run with its free version that allows you to try out many of its features without spending a penny.
Of its 1,700+ servers, you can utilize 127 servers in three countries, with middling speeds. It also offers an unlimited data allowance alongside unlimited bandwidth support—practically unheard of for a free VPN.
▶ Get Proton's totally unlimited free VPN trial.
It's worth noting, though, while Proton VPN can bypass restrictions on blocked content, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and more, you won't be able to utilize its streaming unblocking prowess without paying for it.
That said, Proton VPN is capable of some remarkable speeds, with average peak download speed results at 510 Mbps in our last round of testing. That's more than most providers, including PrivadoVPN, but still not as much as ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
While there are only three locations to choose from on the free version, it does come with a boatload of features to use, like auto-connect, split Tunneling, and alternative routing. So only some features are blocked behind its paywall.
VPNs aren't the only thing on offer, though. On June 28, Proton Pass launched to give users another tool to add to their free kit. Make the most of Proton's VPN, email, and password manager features to shore up your privacy without spending a penny.
While upgrading to one of its paid-for plans gets you P2P support and use of its ad blocker, as well as access to over a thousand more servers around the world, with unlimited data for an unlimited time, this is a great stepping stone into the world of VPN and trying before you buy, of which you'll want to reap the full rewards of Proton VPN.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | If you like dark mode, you'll love this interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Fairly easy on mobile, but a bit more complex on desktop | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Quite a lot of variation, but overall decent | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Limits unblocking to premium services but otherwise good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Strong encryption and plenty of security add-ons available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Agents can be hard to get ahold of, but there's a lot of very technical support available | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Moderately expensive premium plans, but a great free plan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
TechRadar's VPN rankings
I'm sure there are plenty of VPNs you've heard of that aren't on this list, and it's fair to wonder whether I've considered them. I consider any and all VPNs for my lists, but only the best of the best make it onto the page in full. Check out my industry ratings below:
| Provider | Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The best VPN overall and our top pick for most use cases. |
| 2. NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | The fastest VPN, plus a full security suite with ad-blocking and malware protection. |
| 3. Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | The best cheap VPN, and also the fastest in our tests. |
| 4. Private Internet Access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | The best Linux VPN. A dedicated GUI for Linux, and a no-logs policy that was proven in court twice. |
| 5. IPVanish | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The best of the rest. An up-and-coming provider that supports Linux. |
| 6. PrivadoVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The best free VPN. It even unblocks Netflix. |
| 7. ProtonVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A popular free VPN service with a history of advocating for the freedom of the internet. |
| 8. Windscribe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A fast service with a popular browser proxy. |
| 9. CyberGhost VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A popular and easy-to-use platform that's great for beginners. |
| 10. Mullvad | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good for Linux, and you can even pay in cash. |
| 11. PureVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of the cheapest premium VPNs on the market. |
| 12. Hide.Me | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A speedy service with plenty of customization. |
| 13. Atlas VPN | ⭐⭐⭐½ | A new player in the VPN industry that's already making waves. |
| 14. TunnelBear | ⭐⭐⭐½ | A reliable free VPN but no support for content unblocking. |
| 15. Mozilla VPN | ⭐⭐⭐½ | A well known brand with a VPN that currently underperforms. |
| 16. Hotspot Shield | ⭐⭐⭐½ | A fast VPN service with lots of great features. |
| 17. VyprVPN | ⭐⭐⭐ | A reliable VPN with a dedicated protocol for bypassing even the most severe censorship. |
| 18. Norton VPN | ⭐⭐⭐ | Known for its popular security suite with a lacklustre VPN. |
| 19. PrivateVPN | ⭐⭐½ | An excellent cheap service that offers plenty of support for streaming and torrenting. |
| 20. AstrillVPN | ⭐⭐½ | A mid-range VPN that's popular for bypassing Chinese censorship. |
| 21. FastestVPN | ⭐⭐½ | Making its way up the list, but not yet living up to its name. |
| 22. StrongVPN | ⭐⭐ | Another mid-range VPN that continues to improve. |
| 23. AirVPN | ⭐⭐ | Built by hacktivists, for hacktivists. |
| 24. Goose VPN | ⭐⭐ | An incredibly cheap mid-range VPN. |
| 25. TorGuard | ⭐⭐ | A torrent-friendly VPN that's good for accessing foreign content. |
| 26. UltraVPN | ⭐⭐ | Fast and secure with plenty of server locations. |
| 27. Le VPN | ⭐⭐ | Lots of locations to choose from and integrated SmartDNS technology. |
| 28. VPNArea | ⭐⭐ | A mid-range VPN that struggles to hold up against the industry leaders. |
| 29. ZoogVPN | ⭐⭐ | A fairly underwhelming VPN from Greece. |
| 30. Google One | ⭐⭐ | Google's history with data doesn't give us much faith in the service. |
What is the fastest VPN?
Want to know which provider gives the fastest speeds? Check out the results of my latest speed tests for the top VPN services:
| Header Cell - Column 0 | WireGuard or proprietary | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 140 Mbps |
| 2. Surfshark | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 130 Mbps |
| 3. IPVanish | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 225 Mbps |
| 4. Windscribe | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 330 Mbps |
| 5. Hide.me | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 260 Mbps |
| 6. Norton VPN | over 950 Mbps (maxed out our testing) | 240 Mbps |
| 7. Mullvad | 900 Mbps | 530 Mbps |
| 8. PrivadoVPN | 880 Mbps | 130 Mbps |
| 9. Atlas VPN | 860 Mbps | N/A |
| 10. ExpressVPN | 750 Mbps | 230 Mbps |
| 11. FastestVPN | 730 Mbps | 170 Mbps |
| 12. PureVPN | 650 Mbps | 140 Mbps |
| 13. CyberGhost | 630 Mbps | 360 Mbps |
| 14. Private VPN | 610 Mbps | 110 Mbps |
| 15. Hotspot Shield | 570 Mbps | N/A |
| 16. TunnelBear | 500 Mbps | 310 Mbps |
| 17. Proton VPN | 460 Mbps | 350 Mbps |
| 18. Private Internet Access | 360 Mbps | 310 Mbps |
| 19. Mozilla VPN | 360 Mbps | N/A |
| 20. Google One | 345 Mbps | N/A |
| 21. VyprVPN | 325 Mbps | 105 Mbps |
| 22. Astrill VPN | 390 Mbps (inconsistent testing results) | N/A |
VPN free trial FAQs
What is the difference between a VPN free trial and a money-back guarantee?
It's commonplace for a VPN provider to offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which many market as a free trial, including the best of the best like NordVPN. We want to be transparent, though, and point out this is not strictly a "true" free trial.
While a free trial means you won't pay for that period of use, a money-back guarantee simply gives you the security that if you decide not to proceed with the VPN within that time frame, you'll be fully refunded. The money therefore will leave your bank account and, if you do continue your VPN subscription, that first month will be paid for.
Are free trial VPNs safe?
It's good to be cautious when it comes to anything free where VPN is concerned. Completely free services certainly can have their drawbacks in terms of the degree of security they can offer.
However, if you opt for any of the free VPN providers above, including PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, Hotspot Shield, and Hide.me, you can rest assured that they are safe with TechRadar's endorsement. Aside from the fact they have paid-for counterparts that ensure the funding of secure, strong infrastructure, we've also tried and tested them ourselves to ensure they're the real deal.
Which VPN offers a free trial without entering card details?
There are a few options for those who don't want to enter their card details to make the most of a VPN with a free trial. Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN, and Hotspot Shield all offer totally free plans that install straight onto your desktop, so you can protect your device without having to put your payment information on the line.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a cybersecurity tool used to encrypt your internet traffic and route your data through a secure server elsewhere in the world. In doing so, it protects your information from cybercriminals, hides your online activity from prying eyes, and lets you pretend to be anywhere you can think of.
With a VPN, you can unblock content in almost any country, access your favorite streaming services abroad, and even speed up your internet connection by preventing bandwidth throttling.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
