Best Free VPN: Is a free VPN safe? A free VPN is tempting, especially if you only need it for a short time or aren’t ready to pay for a service. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a great way to stay safe online, browse anonymously, and watch TV and movies from other countries.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Hundreds of free Virtual Private Networks are available, but most aren’t very good. Some free private network apps flood you with ads and may sell your data. If you wanted a free VPN to stream or torrent, you’re out of luck.
We discuss the risks of free Virtual Private Networks and how to prevent them in this tutorial. If you want more security on your computer or mobile device when using public Wi-Fi, the best free private networks will do. Our favourite premium VPN provider is ExpressVPN, but the best private network is Proton VPN. We’ll explain why below.
The drawbacks of free VPNs
Free VPN providers frequently make money by showing obtrusive ads or selling your browsing data to other parties (rather defeating the whole drive for privacy in the first place).
Free services restrict the amount of data you can use and its speed, making them worthless for streaming video, torrenting, or as an additional layer of online protection. Don’t anticipate easy-access support or server range with free services.
Before we discuss the top free VPN downloads, realise that a premium version may cost as low as $2/£2 per month and provide superior performance and safety.
Best VPN services for 2024
1. Proton VPN Free
Our Best Free VPN is Proton VPN Free. Its features, power, and app quality are well-balanced. But it’s also because the service doesn’t impose boundaries to make you upgrade. This is a long-term free Virtual Private Network.
Proton doesn’t restrict data. Proton VPN Free provides limitless bandwidth, whereas other free VPNs restrict you to 500MB-10GB per month. It’s handy and a privacy benefit since you don’t have to select where to utilise the VPN when data is low. Proton Virtual Private Network Free is always accessible if you feel insecure.
For free users, Proton hasn’t overlooked any essential features. Proton VPN Free includes the kill switch, WireGuard, and support you need to be secure online.
Limits remain. USA, Netherlands, and Japan are your only options. Proton VPN may be installed on several devices, but only one can be connected at once. Proton VPN’s streaming servers, P2P functionality, and features like ad and malware-blocking are premium-only (opens in new tab).
None of this precludes Proton Virtual Private Network Free from executing its main purpose well. Its well-engineered, open-source, audited applications are simple to use and packed with features and technology. The free VPN topped our speed ratings at 380Mbps, beating several expensive providers.
Not everyone needs Proton Virtual Private Network Free. PrivadoVPN and Windscribe offer roughly 10 countries to pick from, unlike Proton’s small list.
Proton VPN Free is fast, secure, and easy to use for most users. Try this free Virtual Private Network.
2. PrivadoVPN Free
PrivadoVPN Free didn’t earn our top rank, but its features may make it your favourite.
The firm can’t match Proton VPN’s limitless bandwidth, but 10GB is adequate for many. If the data tap runs dry, a ’emergency server’ provides infinite data. This is minimal – we had a single site in the Netherlands with 1Mbps speeds – but it’s wonderful to have as a backup, and you won’t see it with other limited-data competitors.
10GB of data is better than many. Proton VPN Free’s 12 locations in 9 countries (including the UK) outperforms most. PrivadoVPN’s 350Mbps speeds make it second in our free Virtual Private Network rankings.
PrivadoVPN Free’s unblocking is surprising. In our previous review, PrivadoVPN unlocked US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer for both free and paid clients. Paid VPNs can’t claim the same.
The service has limitations. If you install PrivadoVPN Free on your PC and phone, you can only use one. Solid, trustworthy programmes can’t match Proton’s functionality. The firm hasn’t been audited for privacy.
PrivadoVPN Free is an exceptional service that excels in many categories. Even if you’re using a premium VPN for unblocking, you may want to install PrivadoVPN Free as a backup.
3. Windscribe Free
Windscribe Free VPN’s characteristics justify its top-three ranking.
10GB per month is less than our top two VPNs. That’s adequate to secure most internet activities, and Windscribe Free Virtual Private Network includes a bonus. Most free programmes only allow one connection, whereas Windscribe lets you use it on as many devices as you need.
Windscribe Free Virtual Private Network offers 14 locations in 11 countries. That beats PrivadoVPN Free (9 countries) and Proton VPN (3 countries) Recent testing averaged 240Mbps. That’s two-thirds what we saw with Proton VPN Free, but that should be adequate.
If you’re new to VPNs, the programmes’ capabilities may be bewildering. But they’re easy to use on a basic level, provide advanced tools and capabilities, and are trustworthy, according to our testing. Surprising positives exist. Despite not having Windflix servers, Windscribe Free Virtual Private Network unlocked UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Windscribe Free Virtual Private Network doesn’t quite equal Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN, but it’s close and may be the ideal solution for some.
4. Atlas VPN Free
Atlas VPN Free’s data allotment attracted our interest. Mac VPN customers receive 2GB a day, compared to 10GB for Windows, Android, and iOS.
Locations are limited. Netherlands, LA, and NY. You may connect two devices concurrently (our top two free Virtual Private Networks only allow one), and speed testing yielded 320Mbps. Atlas’ P2P functionality makes it a good torrenting option. Apps don’t impress us. They’re simple and function well (the kill switch passed all our tests, for instance). They’re low on functionality, have some usability issues, and can’t compete with Proton VPN.
The service has an independent audit, unlike many rivals. Only iOS apps are included. TunnelBear Free VPN offers yearly assessments of its applications, servers, and infrastructure.
Atlas Virtual Private Network Free overachieved in other areas. It doesn’t unblock streaming sites, but we were able to access Disney Plus. Atlas VPN Free has some flaws, but it typically protected us online, and Mac users will welcome the 2GB a day data allotment.
5. Hide.me Free VPN
Hide.me Free VPN is a respectable mid-range service with enough notable features to warrant a look. Installing the service gives you 10GB of monthly bandwidth and access to five P2P-friendly locations: east and west coast USA, Canada, Germany, and Netherlands. Not the finest, but good for most people and torrenting.
Hide.me Free VPN lacks the speedy WireGuard protocol (it’s for paying customers only). We anticipate free VPNs to lack complex features, but not this one. Hide.me Free Virtual Private Networks apps have more settings, options, tweaks, and tools than anyone else. Auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi, custom DNS, split tunneling, kill switch, advanced protocol tweaks, browser extensions: all here. Great news for experts, but others may find it intimidating.
Performance is key. Hide.me Free Virtual Private Network averaged 25Mbps downloads, but its paid service is one of the fastest. That’s 10% of Proton VPN’s and other top providers’ speeds.
If you’ll use Hide.me Free VPN’s advanced app features, it may be the right service for you.
Is a free VPN service worthwhile?
This question has no simple solution. It depends on your VPN needs. If you want extra protection on your laptop or phone while utilising public Wi-Fi, they can help. Turn on an encrypted server connection to ensure no one may view your confidential information online.
A free VPN won’t work if you want to watch or download gigabytes of torrents. Most restrict your daily or monthly data use, which you’ll exhaust quickly. Most don’t have the server range or quick access support needed for a VPN.
Free VPNs: Are they harmful?
Free VPNs aren’t as helpful as expensive ones, but some proponents warn of concerns (thankfully not with the services pinpointed above).
In 2020, study indicated that 40% of the free VPNs on Google Play do not adequately secure user privacy. Your additional internet protection isn’t there.
How to obtain a premium VPN for nothing?
Can’t decide between a free VPN and a commercial one? All of the world’s leading providers let you sample them risk-free. Our guide to VPN free trials can help you start.
You’ll recognise some names. ExpressVPN, our preferred provider, lets you sample it for 30 days. Hotspot Shield’s 45-day money-back guarantee is even better.
These services need upfront payment. They make it easy to get your money back, allowing you to do so online.
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