Every year, each of our VPN experts spends around 3,000 hours testing VPN apps and services. That includes over 28,000 speed tests, 2,200 streaming tests, and hundreds of VPN reviews.
The best free VPNs offer protection for your devices comparable to even some paid VPN services, without the need to sign up for a paid subscription. This, however, doesn't make a free VPN the automatic solution, many offer services much below what you could expect from VPNs you'd expect to pay for, and can leave your security at risk.
Hundreds of free VPNs exist, with more arriving by the day, reliable or otherwise. These free VPNs can offer frustrating limitations to the service offered when compared to paid alternatives from some of the best VPNs. Alternatively, others can have you pay in other ways, including your privacy.
Therefore, the TechRadar VPN team and I have thoroughly reviewed every free VPN you'll find in this list. This includes outlining exactly what you can expect to receive, alongside what you'll likely miss out on. Read on to see why free VPNs such as Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN and Windscribe are some of a select few you can rely on.
Why I don't always recommend a free VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal, and this is especially true when it comes to free services. Even the best free VPNs come with restrictions, after all, and they're ultimately designed to give you a glimpse of the full service so you'll consider upgrading to benefit from its full functionality.
Because of this, these services often lock features behind paywalls and massively reduce the number of locations you can access with a free plan. On top of that, most services won't invest in rotating IP addresses for free servers, making them (usually) useless if you want to unblock content online.
In short, most free VPNs just can't do what a premium VPN can – but they're not supposed to. Premium VPNs give you far more than most free services (despite their claims), while a free VPN is designed to provide the most basic level of protection – everything else is a bonus.
The three best premium VPNs in 2024
Paid VPNs offer so much more than their free counterparts. If you want the best experience but don't want to risk your cash, take advantage of money-back guarantees and see how they compare with the top free options. If you use the guarantees on my top three premium picks, you can get a month of coverage from each without losing a penny.
Recent updates
The leading free VPN services are currently undergoing another round of our testing, but in the meantime, we've made some changes to ensure this guide is as concise and digestible as possible. Our latest VPN testing data will soon be updated, so make sure to give it a read to see where the big changes are in a matter of weeks.
Free VPN reviews
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Let's deep-dive into my top free VPN picks for today.
The best free VPN overall
PrivadoVPN Free has been nipping at Proton VPN's heels for a long time, and with recent updates, it's finally de-throned the long-standing Swiss champion. With a dedicated geoblocking team, it's one of few VPNs that can reliably unblock popular streaming services – which is something that some of today's premium providers struggle with.
Features
Most services, free or otherwise, lock features behind a paywall – meaning you'll need to part with some cash to enjoy the biggest and best benefits. PrivadoVPN bucks this trend. Its free option includes an always-on tool that ensures your identifiable details are protected at all times, and the kill switch will cut your internet connection to prevent leaks if the VPN drops out.
The free platform even offers split-tunneling, so you can access local services while streaming your favorite shows abroad, and the ability to switch up your VPN protocol depending on whether you're prioritizing speed or security.
Click to read more about PrivadoVPN ↓
App support
PrivadoVPN's free plan works like a charm on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices – although Linux loyalists may be disappointed to learn that there's only a command-line interface CLI). If that's a deal breaker, and you'd prefer a graphical user interface (GUI), you'll want to check out Proton VPN. The good news is that all PrivadoVPN apps are easy to install and use. The big "Connect" button makes joining a server a piece of cake, and there's a clear indication of how much data you have remaining for the month.
Despite this reliability, PrivadoVPN's free package has its limits. It only supports a single connection, for example, so if you install it on your laptop and your phone, you can only use one device at a time.
Privacy and security
Any VPN worth its salt needs to boost your digital privacy – and PrivadoVPN doesn't disappoint on this front. We tested the service to identify potential leaks and, I'm happy to report, it passed with flying colors.
However, I would like to see PrivadoVPN undertake an independent audit of its no-logs policy and apps. Without an audit, you have to take the provider at its word and trust that it's not hanging on to your personal data, which is less than ideal. Considering that some of today's most secure VPNs have multiple audits under their belts, PrivadoVPN should take a leaf from its book to understate its commitment to user privacy.
Streaming and unblocking
When we're talking about accessing Netflix (and other streaming platforms), most free services struggle, requiring you to pay for a premium plan. PrivadoVPN gives its free users the same unblocking power as its paying crowd – which is a huge part of why the service sits at the #1 spot in our free rankings.
During testing, I could unblock US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, which is a huge spread of content, making PrivadoVPN a reliable streaming VPN. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that PrivadoVPN offers up to 13 server locations in 10 countries – more than most free providers.
Speed
We recorded blistering speeds of 900 Mbps when we put PrivadoVPN's free speeds to the test – which is just as fast as its paid performance. This knocks Proton VPN's free speeds out of the water. Plus, because PrivadoVPN free has more servers, they're less likely to become congested and slow your browsing to a crawl.
However, if you exceed your monthly data cap of 10 GB per month, you'll be put on its "over-quota" mode. The good news is that you'll have unlimited data, but the bad news is that you'll be stuck on a speed-restricted server offering a measly 1 Mbps. This will be enough for your general day-to-day browsing, but it won't get you far if you're looking for a snappy gaming VPN for online matches and MMOs.
However, in a recent discussion with Privado's engineers, they revealed the majority of its free subscribers only use around 4 GB of data per month – and if you really need more, the paid plan is still a budget-friendly option.
PrivadoVPN's free service is fantastic. You get a generous data allowance, a larger-than-usual server network, customizable protocols, and access to streaming platforms. So, while you may need to budget your bandwidth if you're an avid streamer, the free plan has everything you need to shore up your digital security without parting with a penny – though I'll be even more impressed if PrivadoVPN undergoes an independent audit. ★★★★★
Read more: PrivadoVPN Free review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Modern and uncluttered, with a tasteful color scheme | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive app with simple implementation means it's perfect for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest free VPN service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A dedicated geo-unblocking team that doesn't just work for the paying customers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust security on paper, but no independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support staff are friendly, but the site could do with more content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best secure free VPN
Proton VPN Free used to top my free VPN charts, thanks to its mix of features, power, and app quality. While it may have been pipped to the post by PrivadoVPN, it's still a remarkable service that doesn't enforce limits and restrictions to push you into upgrading. This is a free service you could use long-term.
Features
Proton VPN impresses right off the bat with a truly unlimited free plan. This means that you can use the service for as long as you want without worrying about data limits and monthly caps – and it's a big plus in a market where almost all other free plans might allow you 500 MB to 10 GB a month at most.
This translates into better privacy, too, as you won't have to choose when and where you use the VPN if your data starts running low. It's also worth noting that Proton VPN's free plan won't clutter your sessions with ads.
Click to read more about Proton VPN ↓
App support
You'll be able to install Proton VPN on any device – including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS gadgets, and there's a variety of browser extensions, too. However, while you can pop the app on as many devices as you want, you can only connect to the VPN on one platform at a time.
This isn't ideal, naturally, and means that you'll need to log out of the VPN on your PC and re-log on your phone if you're heading out and about and want to secure your mobile data. Upgrading to a premium plan gives you 10 simultaneous connections to play with, which is more in line with the industry standard.
Privacy and security
Proton VPN is a staunch advocate for digital privacy. Its apps are all proudly open-source, too, meaning anyone can take a peek at the source code to verify its logging claims or check it for vulnerabilities. Plus, to combat censorship around the world, Proton launched the VPN Observatory to monitor spikes in VPN usage. The Observatory will act like a canary in the coal mine, signaling to the world when sudden acts of censorship have taken place.
I'm also glad the service hasn't punished free users by omitting key features. Some free providers drop the kill switch, WireGuard support, and maybe even live chat customer service, but Proton VPN Free has all the core privacy features you need to stay safe online. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that Proton VPN lands a top spot in our secure VPN rankings.
Streaming and unblocking
Unfortunately, Proton VPN's free plan falls short when it comes to streaming, seeing as free users don't have access to the paid-only specialist streaming servers. I was unable to access US Netflix and Amazon Prime during my tests – which is going to be a deal-breaker for some avid streamers.
Free users can't pick and choose which server they connect to, either, which makes unblocking streaming platforms and other geo-restricted content a lot more difficult. On the other hand, PrivadoVPN and Windscribe let users take their pick from servers in more than 10 countries – which is especially valuable if you're after a reliable Netflix VPN.
Speed
Proton VPN previously topped the charts for free services – but PrivadoVPN and Windscribe have since outpaced it. Still, we recorded speeds of 520 Mbps, which is a solid result. There are paid providers in today's market that aren't as quick.
However, the limited server count can cause congestion, meaning these speeds may not always be available during peak times.
Proton VPN is a privacy-first service – and so is its free plan. Its unblocking power is lacking and there's no chance to choose your server, but none of this prevents Proton VPN Free from protecting your personal data. In fact, it does it better than most of the competition. Its well-engineered, open-source, and audited apps are easy to use, but also stuffed with useful features, tools, and technologies. ★★★★½
Read more: Proton VPN Free review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Dark and edgy with plenty of flair | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not the simplest design, but still fairly intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A super-fast service, but with a small risk of congestion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated Deutsche Welle servers but few locations to choose from otherwise | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Open-source, audited, and reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of on-site support and excellent agents | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best multi-device free VPN
Windscribe is a handy, lightweight service with an impressive mix of features, based in Canada. Plus, with support for all devices, easy-to-use apps, and encryption you can count on, it's more than earned its spot in the top three.
Features
I like that Windscribe offers the same buffet of features for both its free and paid users – so you're not missing out if you're not signed up to a premium plan. There's a handy ad-blocker that'll get rid of those annoying pop-ups and banners, a double hop tool that routes your traffic through two servers for an extra boost of security, and servers right where you need them (to unblock content and get around geo-restrictions).
Windscribe's data allowance is a comfortable 10 GB a month. That's slightly less than PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN, but enough to cover a lot of browsing. You can nab an extra 5 GB of monthly data by posting on X, too, which is a nice bonus. Plus, while most free plans restrict you to one connection, Windscribe has no limits. This means you can install and use the software on as many devices simultaneously as you need.
Click to read more about Windscribe ↓
App support
There are nifty Windscribe ads for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, and Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, too. The overall design of the app interface is solid. Recent revamps have improved the UI, modernizing things, but I'm still not a fan of how cluttered they feel. Still, it's a step in the right direction, and the new server location search function is incredibly helpful.
Privacy and security
Windscribe keeps you (and your identifiable data) covered with battle-tested encryption and today's top VPN protocols. We also didn't record any data leaks during our testing, including IP and DNS leaks, which is great news.
I really like Windscribe's ROBERT DNS filter – which claims to block trackers to enhance your overall privacy. Naturally, we had to put these claims to the test, and ROBERT delivered. It blocked 157 common trackers out of 156 – and helped us steer clear of dodgy ads and sites, too. This, plus the clear-cut no-logs policy, is great stuff, though I would like to see Windscribe undergo a third-party audit to hammer home its commitment to security.
Streaming and unblocking
Windscribe lets its users choose from 14 server locations in 11 countries. This is seriously impressive for a free service – and beats out the 10-country spread offered by PrivadoVPN Free.
I was also pleasantly surprised by Windscribe's streaming capabilities. The service doesn't make a big fuss about unblocking Netflix, and other services, so I didn't have the greatest of expectations. Still, I found that the service successfully unblocked UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer, even without dedicated streaming servers.
Speed
Windscribe's premium plan is one of a handful of providers that managed to max out our testing line during our research – and the free plan doesn't pull punches, either. Using WireGuard, I recorded speeds of a whopping 910 Mbps, which will keep your HD streams and day-to-day browsing smooth, secure, and free from interruptions.
Put it all together, and while Windscribe Free VPN can't quite match Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN, it gets very close, and the service could be exactly what you need from a free plan. However, when you consider that all of these services are free, why would you pick anything other than the best? ★★★★½
Read more: Windscribe review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and intuitive, albeit a little cluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Pretty easy to use for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster than Privado | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Not bad, but not guaranteed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Open-source and reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Email tickets are quickly resolved, but no live chat makes it somewhat inconvenient | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best free torrenting VPN
Hide.me Free VPN is a solid mid-range service that excels as a torrenting VPN. Plus, you'll get access to an impressive selection of security tools without parting with a wad of cash – which is a great start for any free service.
Features
Hide.me's apps boast more features and customizability than you might expect from a free service – and more than some of its closest competition. I like the auto-connect feature, which ensures that your data is always covered by the VPN's encryption, and split tunneling is another handy tool for folks who want to unblock international streaming content in one window and go about their usual browsing in another.
When you install Hide.me, you'll get 10 GB of data per month, which matches Windscribe's offering. You'll also get access to 5 P2P-friendly locations: east and west coast USA, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. As a result, you'll be able to connect to a server near your home country (or as close as possible, anyway), to maximize your torrenting performance.
Click to read more about Hide.me Free VPN ↓
App support
Hide.me Free VPN is compatible with all gadgets, think Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, and offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Like Proton VPN Free, you can install Hide.me on as many gadgets as you want, but you can only use the VPN on one at a time, which is rather limiting.
Plus, I find the Hide.me apps quite complex. The interface is slightly intimidating when compared to the likes of PrivadoVPN, and while VPN veterans will enjoy the granular customization options in the settings menu, newbies might want to opt for something a little more beginner-friendly.
Privacy and security
If privacy is your main priority, you'll be glad to learn that Hide.me doesn't demand your personal details when signing up. In fact, you don't have to sign up at all to use the free service. Hide.me has invited independent security analysts to comb through its logging policy – and ordinarily, that'd be a huge plus, but the audit took place way back in 2015. I'd like to see Hide.me repeat the audit now that we're fast approaching 2025.
On the security front, Hide.me employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption to keep bad actors and other cyber-nasties away from your personal data as it passes from your device, through the VPN server, and onto the internet.
Streaming and unblocking
If you're looking for a free VPN for torrenting that won't let you down, Hide.me Free VPN could be your match made in heaven. It's one of a handful of free services that support P2P torrenting. In our tests, we were able to download files without any issues via its US and Canada server locations.
Sadly, Hide.me Free VPN couldn't unblock today's top streaming platforms. We couldn't access Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+, but this is par for the course when it comes to free services – especially when they don't have dedicated streaming servers.
Speed
Hide.me Free VPN makes some bold claims about its performance. It promises not to throttle your connection, for instance, so we had high hopes when we put its speeds to the test. Speeds of 25 Mbps (using WireGuard) were disappointing – especially when you consider that this is much slower than PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN. If you want to kick things up a gear, you'll want to upgrade to Hide.me's super speedy premium plan, or check out one of my top-rated free recommendations.
Hide.me ticks all the basic boxes when it comes to a free service; solid encryption, apps for all devices, and a decent monthly data cap. However, a lackluster performance and no streaming support mean that you can get more (for nothing) elsewhere. ★★★★
Read more: Hide.me Free review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple design that's clutter-free, but somewhat boring | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Quite complex for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The premium version maxed out my testing lines, but the free version is pretty lacklustre | ⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Pretty average unblocking capabilities | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Decent security and plenty of features to pick from | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Good customer support and an in-depth knowledge hub | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
Hotspot Shield Basic is a popular free VPN plan with one major plus – the unlimited data available across all platforms. Add user-friendly apps and solid speeds into the mix, and you have a decent free service that could be handy in a pinch.
Features
Right away, Hotspot Shield Basic has a leg up on the competition with a truly unlimited free plan – and that's great news for folks who need more than the usual 10 GB monthly allowance offered by other providers. So, with this generosity in mind, you might wonder why Hotspot Shield Basic didn't land a higher position in my rankings.
Ultimately, it boils down to a lack of key features. The lack of live chat and email support is particularly egregious. New users struggling to get set up will be left to troubleshoot for themselves – and more experienced users won't be able to reach out to report bugs or vulnerabilities as easily as they should.
Click to read more about Hotspot Shield Basic ↓
App support
Hotspot Shield Basic is available for all devices; Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, and smart TVs included. The big catch here is the in-app ads that you'll need to deal with if you're using the mobile app. I found these video ads quite frustrating when trying to navigate around the app – and while the Mac alternative doesn't have ads of its own, I found that it kept opening pages on the Hotspot Shield site every time I connected and disconnected from the VPN.
If you want real ease-of-use, and no interruptions from ads, you'll want to check out PrivadoVPN Free or Proton VPN Free.
Privacy and security
In terms of security, I was disappointed to find during my testing that Hotspot Shield Basic doesn't include a kill switch. This meant that, ultimately, if my VPN connection dropped, my traffic would become vulnerable and I'd be more susceptible to data leaks. This isn't what you want to hear from your VPN – and it's why kill switches have become must-have tools in the VPN world.
Streaming and unblocking
Currently, Hotspot Shield Basic only allows users to connect to one server location in the United States. It's pretty stingy. After all, if you're halfway around the world and need a server closer to home, you're just out of luck. The good news is that Windscribe has a better spread of servers.
The Hotspot Shield Basic site claims that the service can unblock the likes of Netflix and Hulu, which makes sense given its single US server. If you're looking to catch up on smaller regional services, or the UK's BBC iPlayer and Australia's 9Now, Hotspot Shield Basic won't slice it.
Speed
Like Hide.me Free VPN, Hotspot Shield Basic makes a lot of big promises about its performance – but, this time, the service actually lives up to them. I was pleasantly surprised by its overall speed but it is worth noting that I experienced some consistency issues. Results in the 60 Mbps to 70 Mbps range are solid, however, and will be more than enough to keep your browsing sessions running smoothly.
Hotspot Shield Basic is a speedy free service with an unlimited plan, but the downsides are pretty major. The lack of features and customer support makes it hard to recommend - but it'll still be useful for basic tasks or as an emergency service to have in your back pocket. ★★★
Read more: Hotspot Shield Basic review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps that are easy to use but contain ads | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds, but nothing spectacular considering Hotspot Shield's claims | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Mediocre unblocking capabilities | ⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Lacking a kill switch is a serious problem | ⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | No live chat or email support is disappointing | ⭐⭐ |
Free VPNs you should avoid
Look, there are hundreds of free VPN apps out there, and most of them simply aren't worth using. For the most part, this is because the majority of them sell your personal information, and offer sub-standard security, both worrying considerations given when you're putting your trust in a VPN, you want to know that it's well-placed.
Without further ado, here are some of the most popular free VPNs that I don't think are worth using:
When you're picking a free VPN, why would you settle for anything less than the best, anyway? Don't play around when it comes to a free VPN. Stick to a service that's proven it's worthwhile and check out PrivadoVPN or ProtonVPN – they're the two that have proven to be the best time and again.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a cybersecurity tool that protects your device from hackers, cybercriminals, and snoopers. It encrypts your data and routes it through a secure server elsewhere in the world. This lets you pretend to be in another part of the world by changing your IP address (a number that identifies your device and location).
When you put all of this together, you get a service that shields your digital privacy, and lets you unblock censored or restricted content – no matter where you are.
How I test free VPNs - VPN review methodology
The first step of my review process begins with a visit to the VPN provider's site. I'll check out what claims it makes about its features, comb through the privacy policy (and make note of any independent audits – and their results), and check out the support page and forums, if available. This establishes a baseline for the review and helps me figure out what the VPN is promising.
VPNs differ massively depending on what platform you're using them on. So, I make sure to test services on a variety of different devices – Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS included. It's a great chance for me to compare offerings, evaluate the UI, and ensure that all of a VPN's tools are working as they should.
Then, I get into the technical nitty-gritty by digging into the Windows app. I'll take a closer look at the files the VPN uses, how its settings are configured, and whether it has been optimized, right out of the box, to shore up a user's digital security.
Speed is a big deal in the world of VPNs – nobody wants to sacrifice performance for privacy, after all. All of our tests are performed via a UK cloud PC with a 1 Gbps connection. It's reliable, quick, and gives every VPN service a fair shot when it comes to recording results. We'll then run more than 120 speed tests, per testing round, per provider, and check out the data after it's evaluated by our automated speed testing tools. This includes all results and a combined average – and you can see our most recent PrivadoVPN results below.
Next up, I investigate the VPN's kill switch. A lot of providers offer them, which is great, but some simply don't work correctly. I'll use a variety of techniques to force the VPN connection to close – then, I monitor each provider to ensure that it's handling the situation correctly.
The limited data on most free VPN plans means they're not ideal for unblocking streaming sites. However, it's still worth noting which providers actually deliver on the unblocking front and which just can't. To find out, I check whether each provider can access exclusive regional content on (depending on the available locations) US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer.
To find out more, check out our VPN testing methodology.
Tested by
Meet the experts behind our free VPN guide:
A privacy purist at heart, Andreas is a VPN expert who believes the best VPN doesn't have to be the most expensive—it's about what's right for you.
Mike regularly reviews our top picks, and loves looking behind the curtains to see how a VPN works in the background. If there's a skeleton in the closet, he'll find it.
Our free VPN testing ethics
With so many free VPNs to choose from, and with all of them claiming to be the best and most "unlimited" of them all, I take a very strict approach to choosing which ones make it on the list. I test VPNs every single day, and I've lived and breathed them for the past three years (nearly four).
A VPN is only included in one of my pages if it meets all of the following criteria:
- It's a VPN I have actually tested: I wouldn't recommend something I've never had my hands on. How can I verify it works if I've never used it? I'm always testing VPNs, and always happy to consider new entries for the list, but I won't recommend a service that doesn't deserve to be here.
- It's a reliable service: you can trust it to keep you and your loved ones safe online. This means no invasive privacy policies, no stealing your IP address, and a genuine no-logs policy is vital. Many services claim they have a no-logs policy, but their third-party partners do the tracking instead.
- It's actually worth using: what's the point of a free VPN if you can't really use it? If it doesn't work, it's not going on the list. Likewise, if the privacy policy isn't up to scratch, or the encryption isn't good enough, or the servers are too slow, then what's the point when there are some excellent services out there offering free plans?
- It's genuinely free: if you have to pay up-front for the service, then it's not a free VPN. VPN free trials are a whole other kettle of fish, and worth taking advantage of, but it's not right for this list.
- It doesn't have a shady privacy policy: so many free services make their money by harvesting your data and selling it. To make this list, a VPN service must have a robust no-logs policy. That means no one will be tracking what you do online, not the VPN, nor any third party they associate with – yes I've turned providers down in the past for this.
Countless services have reached out to me in the past looking to get on this page, and they have been thoroughly ticked off when I've explained why they don't meet my standards.
In short, it comes down to this: if I wouldn't feel comfortable with my friends and family using it, how could I ask you to use it?
Should you use a free VPN?
Honestly, there isn't one easy answer to this question. It depends on what you want to use your free VPN for. If it's just about having a bit more security on your laptop or mobile when using public Wi-Fi, they can be just the ticket. Jump on the service, turn on an encrypted server connection, and crack on with your online activities safe in the knowledge that no prying eyes will be able to see your private information.
But if your main purpose is to have a streaming VPN say, or want to use it while downloading terabytes of torrent files, a free VPN just isn't going to do the trick. For starters, most of them limit you to a daily or monthly data allowance that you'll rinse through in no time at all. Most don't have the kind of easy access support or server range required to make those activities easy with a virtual private network.
Note: price doesn't always equal quality, and some of the best services cost as little as $2/£2 per month. The best cheap VPNs will give you much better performance and protection—without breaking the bank.
How to choose a free VPN
The last couple of years have witnessed the rise of global threats to individual privacy, with long-maintained rights to anonymity and net neutrality being undermined with a cloak of legitimacy.
While virtual private networks are not the panacea to being safe, secure and private on the internet, it is an essential component of the arsenal for individuals inclined to seek these liberties.
If you don’t have one yet, you can grab one for free, without having to pay a single penny for one. Just be careful though as not all free VPN providers are created equal and some might even compromise your security.
Here are five questions you need to ask yourself before you download and install one.
- What is its business model? Providers are in for the money and running such a business does cost a lot, especially if it is a popular one. Some will use their free version, just like Dropbox, as a marketing tool to entice potential customers to move to a paid version once they are happy with the free one. Most, however, will sell user data or provide logging and usage information to a third party that will, again, compromise your privacy.
- How does it protect my device? Most providers usually use a desktop application that runs in the background, encrypting your data while you surf the web. However, that only solves part of the problem. Your laptop can still be fingerprinted because of the permissiveness of tracking solutions found on almost all websites online. A few, including Windscribe, have a more holistic approach by integrating the equivalent of a super ad-blocker
- What do I lose by going free? Usually, one can expect a free product to have some corners cut, and that is indeed the case for all providers – this even holds true when it comes to things like free antivirus. Some offer more free bandwidth than others, major locations, and even ad blocking, P2P, and firewall with an easy paid-for upgrade path that unlocks unlimited bandwidth with more locations and OpenVPN Configs.
- Does the VPN provider log anything? Make sure that your provider doesn’t store users’ internet activity. You can usually check that on the terms and conditions page or the end-user license agreement, commonly known as EULA. Sadly, plenty of providers prefer to frustrate end users with long T&Cs or privacy statements that often hide significant details about how they operate. On the other end of the spectrum are providers that will erase everything after your session closes and don’t keep logs.
- Can I sign up anonymously? Having a provider that you can subscribe to without an email address and one that accepts Bitcoin payments, for maximum privacy, is mostly the best you can expect online. Some providers also offer double hopping, where you can obfuscate your traffic further by essentially doubling down on privacy.
Are free VPNs safe?
Unfortunately, most free VPNs are more akin to a scam than a genuine privacy and security tool. They're more likely to give you a false sense of security and a generally underwhelming experience. What's worse, some free VPNs have even been found to sell your data for marketing purposes. Ultimately, this defeats the point of having a VPN in the first place: privacy.
As the adage goes: if the product is free, then you are the product.
The core purpose of a VPN is to secure your internet traffic and ensure your digital privacy remains intact. This is totally undermined if the VPN provider is the one doing the snooping instead.
In the most extreme instances, some VPN services are a front for malware, injecting viruses and spyware onto your device the second you download them from the app store/website. That's why it's so important to use the right VPN, especially if it's a free one.
How to get a premium VPN for free
If you're debating choosing a free or paid VPN provider, there could be a much simpler compromise than you think. Most of the best providers now offer ways to try their services absolutely free, whether that be with one of the best VPN free trials, or by methods such as a money-back guarantee.
These trials and guarantees aren't limited to smaller providers either. In our lists, you'll find the likes of NordVPN, our top VPN provider, as well as numerous other top providers.
While you normally will still have to pay a small fee upfront to access some of these services, VPN providers ensure an easy process is in place for you to claim your money back quickly should you choose not to stick to your plan.
Free VPN FAQs
What is the best free VPN?
Our latest round of testing saw PrivadoVPN continue to be the best free VPN currently available. Despite this, if you need unlimited data, we would recommend instead opting for Proton VPN, however, Proton comes with server location restrictions which could limit its value depending on how you want to use your VPN.
Is there a 100% free VPN?
While many VPNs claim that they're 100% free and unlimited, no VPN ever truly is. More often than not, these supposedly free services are just mining you for your data, meaning you're still paying a cost, even if it isn't financial. Even the best free VPNs have limitations to tempt you into upgrading to their premium service. A more dire scenario could also be that the VPN could be a fake app designed to infect your device with a virus.
Are there any fake VPNs?
VPN scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. The idea of a secure online connection for a reduced cost, or no cost at all, can leave many vulnerable to scams on even the most reputable app stores. Any VPN services we recommend, both free and premium, are all extensively tested by the TechRadar VPN team and other leaders in the industry, so you can try and buy with confidence that what you're downloading does exactly what it says on the tin.
Why is a free VPN good?
Free VPNs are the perfect way for people who can't afford a premium service to protect themselves online and access foreign content in the face of oppressive censorship. But with the vast array of questionable services that exist, it's hard to know what VPN you can trust. That's why we've highlighted the best free VPNs in this article – to show you the reality of free VPNs, and how they differ from their premium counterparts.
Paid VPN vs free VPN - which should you choose?
That depends on what you need. If you want just a basic level of protection and you don't have any budget to spare, a reliable and proven free VPN (like the ones above) are a great way to keep you safe without costing a penny. However, if you want to unblock foreign content reliably, get the best speeds, and don't want to have to deal with data caps or server restrictions, then a premium VPN can't be beat. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned VPN veteran, only you know which will suit your needs best. Just remember that not all free VPNs are safe, even fewer are actually worth using, and if you're going to use a free one, you may as well use the best.
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.
