In an era where digital threats and privacy concerns are on the rise, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become essential for safeguarding your online activities. While there are numerous VPN services available, not everyone is willing to invest in a premium subscription. Fortunately, there are reputable free VPN options that provide a reasonable level of security without breaking the bank. Free services offer a glimpse of the complete product but often restrict speed and data usage to entice users. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best free VPNs that can help you browse the web anonymously and securely.
Dive into Today’s Best Free VPNs
Explore today’s top free VPNs to secure your online activities. Discover reliable virtual private network services that prioritize privacy, offer fast connections, and protect your data without costing a dime. Find the best free VPN for your needs and enjoy a safer, more secure internet experience.
1. PrivadoVPN Free
PrivadoVPN Free has recently surpassed ProtonVPN in performance, particularly with its dedicated geoblocking team. It’s a rarity among free VPNs, reliably unblocking streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer that many paid services struggle with. Noteworthy security features in Privado’s free version include a kill switch and an always-on VPN for continuous data protection, even during connection drops. The platform also offers split-tunneling, allowing access to local services while streaming content from abroad.
Users have the flexibility to control their encryption protocol, with the option to switch to WireGuard for a faster and more secure VPN experience. Overall, PrivadoVPN Free provides an impressive array of customization and security features. PrivadoVPN’s free servers match the speed of its paid ones at 865 Mbps, surpassing Proton VPN’s 740 Mbps for the fastest free VPN. With a higher server count, PrivadoVPN’s servers are less likely to get congested, ensuring consistent performance.
In case of data exhaustion, PrivadoVPN offers unlimited data on a speed-restricted server at 1 Mbps, still suitable for regular internet use. Most users won’t need more than 10 GB monthly, and PrivadoVPN’s engineers note that the majority of free subscribers use around 4 GB. PrivadoVPN stands out by managing its own bandwidth and transit routes, resulting in premium speeds and minimal server congestion for a free service.
PrivadoVPN Evaluation Summary
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Modern and uncluttered, tasteful color scheme | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive app, perfect for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest free VPN service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated geo-unblocking team for all users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust on paper, lacking independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly staff, site could use more content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Key Features
- Platform Compatibility – Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Data Limit – 10 GB at full speed, then unlimited via a single 1 Mbps location
- Connections Allowed – 1
- Server Locations – 13
- Countries Covered – 10
- 24/7 Live Chat Support – Available on Website and via Email
Best PrivadoVPN Offers for Today
- PrivadoVPN Free: Explore the free version
- PrivadoVPN: Available at $1.11
| SUBSCRIBE IF: |
|---|
| Free Netflix VPN: PrivadoVPN reliably unblocks Netflix. |
| Fast Free VPN: Enjoy consistent speeds with WireGuard encryption. |
| Premium Features: Get split tunneling, auto-connect, and kill switch functionality for free. |
| DON’T SUBSCRIBE IF: |
|---|
| Limited Data: PrivadoVPN offers 10 GB at top speeds. |
| No Linux GUI: Command-line interface only; for GUI, consider ProtonVPN. |
2. Proton VPN Free
Proton VPN Free used to lead the pack in my rankings for free VPNs due to its combination of features, performance, and app quality. While it may have slipped in the rankings, it remains an exceptional service that doesn’t burden users with excessive limitations or pressure them to upgrade. It’s a free VPN that you can rely on for the long term.
Unlike many other free VPNs that impose monthly data caps ranging from 500 MB to 10 GB, Proton VPN Free offers unlimited data. This not only adds convenience but also enhances privacy, as you’re not forced to ration your VPN usage when nearing your data limit. With Proton VPN Free, you can connect anytime without worrying about restrictions.
Proton has not compromised the experience for free users by excluding essential features. While some free VPN providers may omit features like the kill switch, WireGuard, or customer support, Proton VPN Free includes all the crucial privacy features necessary to keep you secure while browsing online.
PrivadoVPN Evaluation Summary
| 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 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Key Features
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux
- Data limit: No restrictions (Unlimited)
- Number of connections: 1
- Available in 3 countries
- Support channels: Website, email
CURRENT PROTON VPN OFFERS
- Free: Free access available
- 24 months: $3.99 per month
- VPN 12 months: $5.99 per month
| Subscribe If |
|---|
| Unlimited free VPN: Proton VPN does not cap data usage on its free plan. |
| Free open-source VPN: Proton VPN is proudly open-source, allowing anyone to audit and verify its claims. |
| Free Linux VPN: Proton VPN offers free installation on Linux, complete with a graphical user interface (GUI). |
| DON’T SUBSCRIBE IF |
|---|
| You require a server in the UK: ProtonVPN offers free servers only in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. For broader options, consider PrivadoVPN or Windscribe. |
| You seek a free torrenting VPN: Access to Proton VPN’s P2P servers is exclusive to the premium version. For this feature, consider PrivadoVPN as an alternative. |
3. Windscribe Free
Windscribe Free VPN, a reputable Canadian service, earns its spot among the top three due to its attractive blend of features. While its data allowance is slightly more constrained compared to my top two VPN picks, capped at a firm 10 GB per month, it proves sufficient for securing a considerable amount of online activity. Notably, Windscribe Free VPN stands out by allowing users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, a feature not commonly found in other free plans that typically limit you to just one connection.
One of Windscribe’s strengths lies in its expansive network, offering users a choice of 14 locations spread across 11 countries. This surpasses the offerings of PrivadoVPN Free (10 countries), Proton VPN (3 countries), and various other competitors.
Windscribe’s premium offering demonstrated exceptional speed during my recent round of tests, consistently reaching the maximum speed limit. Previous evaluations have also highlighted its above-average performance as a free VPN service, marking it as a commendable choice in terms of speed and overall functionality.
PrivadoVPN Evaluation Summary
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and intuitive, albeit a little cluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Pretty easy to use for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not as fast as PrivadoVPN or Proton VPN | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 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 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Key Features
- Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
- Data limit: 10 GB
- Connections: Unlimited
- Server locations: 14
- Countries: 11
- Support: Website, email
| Subscribe If: |
|---|
| You want unlimited simultaneous connections: Windscribe has no device limit, but enforces a 10 GB cap. |
| You want plenty of server locations: 14 server locations is more than any other free VPN service I recommend. |
| Reasons Not to Subscribe |
|---|
| Speed Expectations: Windscribe’s speeds are acceptable but not the fastest. Consider alternatives if speed is a top priority. |
| Data Limit Concerns: With a 10 GB data limit, it may not be sufficient for extensive streaming or torrenting. For unlimited data, Proton VPN is a recommended alternative. |
Latest Windscribe deals and offerings.
- Windscribe Free
- Monthly subscription available at $9 per month.
4. Atlas VPN Free
Atlas VPN Free stands out initially due to its impressive data allowance, particularly noteworthy for Mac VPN users who can enjoy an outstanding daily limit of 2 GB. While not as diverse in server locations with only three options (the Netherlands, Los Angeles, and New York), it compensates by allowing simultaneous connections on a couple of devices—a feature surpassing some of the top free VPNs which permit only one device connection.
In speed tests, Atlas VPN Free demonstrated above-average performance, reaching speeds of 320 Mbps. Additionally, the inclusion of P2P support makes Atlas a compelling option for those considering torrenting.
Atlas VPN Evaluation Summary
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Basic and generally underwhelming | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Some usability problems and an awkward design | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds on offer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Pretty good considering it’s a free plan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | About industry standard, but not many features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent website content but no live chat | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Key Features
- Available on: Windows, Mac , Android , iOS
- Data Limit: 10 GB per month , 2 GB per day for Mac
- Connections: 2 simultaneous connections
- Server Locations: 3 locations
- Countries: Available in 2 countries
- Support: Website & Email
| Reasons to Subscribe |
|---|
| Free Disney+ VPN Access: Atlas VPN effortlessly unblocks Disney+, providing users with free access to the popular streaming service. |
| Ideal for Mac Users: With a generous daily allowance of 2 GB, Atlas VPN is an excellent choice for Mac users seeking a reliable free VPN. |
| Reasons Not to Subscribe |
|---|
| Limited Data Allowance: If you require unlimited bandwidth, consider opting for Proton VPN. |
| Reliability Concerns: During testing, usability errors were identified, raising questions about the service’s reliability. |
Check out the options for Atlas VPN, including both free and premium plans.
- Explore the free version of Atlas VPN.
- Monthly subscription priced at $4.08 per month.
- Monthly subscription available at $10.99 per month.
5. Hide.me Free VPN
The free version of Hide.me VPN is a reliable service that falls in the middle range, lacking perfection in some aspects but offering noteworthy features that make it deserving of a closer examination.
Upon installation, users are granted a respectable monthly data limit of 10 GB and access to five P2P-friendly locations: the east and west coasts of the USA, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. While it may not be the absolute best, it provides sufficient capabilities for most users and proves to be a valuable option for those seeking a VPN suitable for torrenting.
The applications offer extensive features and customization, surpassing many free competitors. With capabilities such as auto-connect for untrusted Wi-Fi, custom DNS, split tunneling, a robust kill switch, advanced protocol adjustments, and effective browser extensions, they cater to experts. However, some users may find the interface more intricate and daunting compared to services like Privado and Proton.
Hide.me Free VPN includes support for the efficient WireGuard protocol, offering cutting-edge encryption. However, the free plan’s performance is lacking, with average download speeds of approximately 25 Mbps. In contrast, the paid service is among the fastest VPN options, though not as speedy as PrivadoVPN and other leading providers.
Hide.me Free VPN Evaluation Summary
| 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 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Key Features
- Available Platforms: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- Data Limit: Limited to 10 GB of data per month.
- Connections: Supports a single connection at a time.
- Server Locations: Access to servers in 5 locations.
- Countries Covered: Service available in 4 countries.
- Support Channels: Assistance provided through the website, email, and live chat
| Reasons to Subscribe |
|---|
| Free Torrenting Support: Opt for Hide.me if you seek a free VPN that facilitates P2P torrenting. |
| Anonymous Sign-Up: With straightforward registration, Hide.me allows you to obtain a free VPN without disclosing your identity. |
| Reasons Not to Subscribe |
|---|
| Speed Preference: If seeking a fast free VPN, Hide.me falls short compared to competitors. |
| Beginner-Friendly UI: Not recommended for VPN beginners due to a relatively complex user interface. |
Hide.me Pricing Options
- Hide.me Free:
- View the free version of Hide.me.
- Hide.me – 24 Months:
- Subscription for 24 months at $2.59 per month.
- Includes an offer of +3 months free.
- Hide.me – 6 Months:
- 6-month subscription priced at $5.83 per month.
6. Hotspot Shield Basic VPN
Hotspot Shield Basic, a widely used free VPN plan, stands out for providing unlimited data across all platforms, including Mac, Android, and iOS, with Windows support coming later. Despite this significant advantage in a landscape of limited data offerings, its ranking may raise questions.
Hotspot Shield has a notable limitation: it only allows connecting to a single US location, unlike competitors such as PrivadoVPN and Windscribe that support a broader range of countries, or TunnelBear with nearly 50. The mobile apps can be irksome, displaying video ads during connections. The Mac app, while ad-free, opens pages on the Hotspot Shield website upon connecting and disconnecting.
Another significant concern is the absence of a kill switch in Hotspot Shield Basic, leaving your traffic vulnerable if the VPN connection drops. Moreover, customer support is lacking, with no live chat or email assistance. Despite unlimited data, these drawbacks make it challenging to recommend Hotspot Shield Basic over competitors, but it may serve for basic tasks or as a backup. Explore the service cautiously to assess its suitability for your needs.
Hotspot Shield Evaluation Summary
| 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 | ⭐⭐ |
Key features
- Available Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux compatibility.
- Data Limit: Unlimited data usage for uninterrupted browsing.
- Connections: Supports one simultaneous connection.
- Server Locations: Limited to a single server location.
- Supported Countries: Available in one country.
- Support: Customer support is accessible through the website.
| Reasons to Subscribe |
|---|
| High Data Needs: Hotspot Shield provides a truly unlimited plan for users requiring more than 10 GB of data. |
| Fast Free VPN: Renowned for its speed, Hotspot Shield offers impressive performance on its free servers. |
| Reasons Not to Subscribe |
|---|
| Limited Server Locations: Windscribe lacks multiple server options. Choose another service if you require a different or closer server. |
| Lack of Kill Switch: Unlike many competitors, Windscribe does not include a standard kill switch feature. Consider alternatives if this is a crucial aspect for you. |
Hotspot Shield Deals:
- Free version available.
- Exclusive 3-year plan at $2.49/mth.
- 1-year plan at $7.99/mth.
7. TunnelBear Free
While many VPNs market themselves based on extensive lists of advanced technical features, TunnelBear Free VPN stands out by prioritizing simplicity. The service aims to be user-friendly, making it accessible to everyone. Unlike other VPNs that emphasize the variety of protocols they support and inundate users with numerous app settings, TunnelBear takes a different approach.
Instead of overwhelming users with technical details, TunnelBear simplifies the VPN experience, removing the complexities associated with VPN protocols. The focus is on providing an easy-to-use service that doesn’t require users to navigate through intricate settings.
TunnelBear Free VPN takes a straightforward approach by omitting any mention of protocols in its website features, support pages, or the majority of its applications. Despite this, it doesn’t lack capability—on Windows, it still supports top-tier protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Instead of burdening users with technical jargon, TunnelBear manages these protocols behind the scenes, maintaining a user-friendly experience.
The applications include other advanced functionalities, albeit presented in less technical terms by TunnelBear. For example, it features a kill switch known as VigilantBear and a split tunneling option referred to as SplitBear.
TunnelBear Free Evaluation Summary
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clean, simple, and who doesn’t like bears? | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easy to use and intuitive for beginners, but not much customization for technical users | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Average at best | ⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocked US Netflix in my tests, but openly admits it doesn’t support content unblocking | ⭐⭐ |
| Security & privacy | Regular audits give me faith, but a lack of control over encryption protocols is a double-edged sword | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | No live chat from such a large brand is quite surprising | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Key Features
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
- Monthly Data Limit: 500 MB
- Connections: 1Server
- Locations: 40+Countries: 40+
- Support: Website, email
| Subscribe If You Want… |
|---|
| A VPN without overwhelming jargon – TunnelBear excels for tech novices with its user-friendly design and straightforward language. |
| Do Not Subscribe If: |
|---|
| You want more than Reddit scrolling: The 500 MB limit may feel inadequate. |
| Your goal is to unblock foreign shows: TunnelBear discourages using its VPN for streaming abroad. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the landscape of free VPNs is dynamic and continually evolving. Users should conduct thorough research, read user reviews, and stay informed about the terms and conditions of each service to make an informed decision. For those seeking more advanced features and enhanced performance, premium VPN options may be worth the investment.
If you found this information helpful or have any insights to share, please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
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