Right here’s the reality: I don’t suppose most individuals want a VPN on a regular basis. Certain, digital non-public networks are sometimes pitched as the final word on-line safety instrument, they usually do have their moments. However truthfully, I’ve realized I don’t want one working 24/7. For my on a regular basis actions like checking emails or scrolling by way of Instagram, my dwelling Wi-Fi and safe web sites (good day, HTTPS) are sufficient.
That stated, there are occasions when VPN software program is non-negotiable for me, like once I’m on public Wi-Fi at a café, when I’m travelling or making an attempt to stream one thing that’s ‘not out there in my area.’ And for these occasional moments, I positively want a superb VPN.
The issue? The great VPNs often value cash, and I’m not thrilled about paying for one thing I’ll solely use sometimes. I figured there needed to be first rate free choices on the market, however a fast search within the app retailer felt extra like wading by way of a minefield of sketchy companies. Free doesn’t at all times imply secure–lesson realized.
So, I made a decision to dig deeper and take a look at some free VPNs myself. Some had been horrible, however just a few really stunned me. These are the free VPNs I discovered that you need to use everytime you want, for so long as you need, with out placing your information or your sanity in danger.
5 Finest free VPNs in 2025
- KeepSolid VPN Limitless for torrenting and informal shopping on funds ($5/month)
- ProtonVPN without spending a dime and limitless bandwidth ($4.69/month)
- Surfshark for big server community and superior privateness options ($1.99/month)
- TunnelBear for easy, and safe shopping for newbies and lightweight customers. ($3.33/month)
- Windscribe for blocking adverts, streaming geo-restricted content material, and light-to-moderate shopping ($5.75/month)
These free VPNs are listed alphabetically and include free model or free trials. I’ve additionally included the minimal beginning value of paid plans for straightforward comparability.
On this information, I will stroll you thru my high picks without spending a dime VPNs, sharing the great, the dangerous, and the ‘why it’s best to strive it is moments from my expertise.
What makes one of the best free VPN: My take
After I began testing free VPNs, I knew I wasn’t searching for perfection. In any case, they’re free for a motive. However there are just a few must-haves I wasn’t prepared to compromise on, and these grew to become my standards for separating the winners from the ‘nope, delete instantly’ choices.
- Privateness and safety: That is non-negotiable. If a VPN isn’t defending my information or, worse, accumulating and promoting it, it’s out. I seemed for options like encryption (AES-256 is the gold normal) and a no-logs coverage. Bonus factors in the event that they got here with helpful options like a kill change, which disconnects your web if the VPN connection drops.
- Usability: All I needed was VPNs which are straightforward to put in and use, with a simple interface, and fast server connections with out hiccups.
- Knowledge limits: Right here’s the catch with most free VPNs: they like to slap on information caps. I made certain to incorporate a mixture of choices: some with beneficiant limits and others that supply limitless information (sure, these exist!).
- Server choices: An honest free VPN ought to have sufficient servers in a number of nations to deal with visitors and let me connect with the areas I care about. I didn’t anticipate servers in a whole lot of nations, however I positively needed greater than two or three.
- No annoying extras: Limitless pop-ups, spammy adverts, or sneaky makes an attempt to put in different software program? Laborious cross. I solely thought of VPNs that saved the expertise clear {and professional}, even of their free variations.
These had been the primary issues I seemed for, however I’ll admit, I needed to make peace with just a few trade-offs. Free VPNs often include limitations, so it’s all about discovering those that strike the best steadiness between usability and options.
How did I discover and take a look at these free VPNs?
I began by narrowing down my choices utilizing G2’s enterprise VPN class web page. Whereas it primarily contains paid options for companies, it proved to be an excellent start line for figuring out respected VPN suppliers. A lot of them supply free variations or free trials for particular person customers, too.
I put in and examined all of the apps on my Macbook Professional, and my Android telephone. I checked if the service presents the apps for different platforms like Home windows, iOS and for browsers. I then examined the instruments for the next:
- Connection pace: I in contrast web speeds with and with out the VPN with a easy Google Velocity take a look at. Here is my baseline pace with out VPN averaging close to 100 MB per second (Mbps).
- Safety checks: I used ipleak.internet to make sure my IP information had been hidden when utilizing the VPN.
- Streaming entry: I examined their skill to unblock Netflix, and different streaming companies. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that Netflix and lots of different web sites like YouTube, and Reddit are actively works to dam VPN entry, so even one of the best free VPNs might wrestle at instances.
These hands-on checks helped me establish VPNs that ship actual worth with out compromising on information or endurance.
Disclaimer: These checks mirror my private expertise and aren’t exhaustive or scientifically exact. They’re meant to supply a snapshot of how these VPNs may carry out in related circumstances, however outcomes might fluctuate relying on elements like location, gadget, and server load.
1. KeepSolid VPN Limitless
Now, KeepSolid is not as well-known among the premium VPN companies like Nord VPN or Specific VPN. However once I noticed some good opinions about it one G2 and different boards, I made a decision to provide it a strive.
Setting it up was easy, and the interface is useful, although nothing too flashy. On my Android, it was a easy begin and cease button with possibility to pick the situation. I might join as much as 5 units by way of the one trial account.
The consumer interface of VPN Limitless on my cell
On the privateness facet, KeepSolid VPN makes use of AES-256 encryption, they usually have a no-log coverage, so your information is safe. I didn’t discover any IP leak throughout my checks too. Apparently, I observed many customers mentioning that they use the VPN Limitless for torrenting.
Whereas they provide 500+ servers in 80+ areas, the pace throughout my checks was actually sluggish, particularly on distant servers. So, the shopping was okay for primary duties, however streaming or giant downloads rapidly grew to become irritating although I might entry geoblocked content material in several areas again and again.
KeepSolid presents month-to-month and yearly subscriptions in addition to lifetime deal for $199, which might be interesting to some.
What I favored about KeepSolid VPN Limitless:
- Giant variety of areas and server community.
- Connection for as much as 5 units.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Probably the greatest options of keepSolid VPN Limitless is its complete server community. This in depth server community ensures dependable and quick connections, permitting customers to bypass geographical restrictions and entry content material from completely different areas.
It additionally has very consumer pleasant interface that makes it straightforward to attach vpn servers and customise settings. Furthermore , it will probably additionally defend a number of units concurrently underneath a single subscription. Because of this whether or not you are utilizing laptop computer , pill or smartphone, you possibly can safe all of them with the vpn service. General it provdies a robust safety features and consumer pleasant interface which makes it a compelling selection for customers”
– KeepSolid VPN Limitless Assessment, Parampreet S.
What I did not like about KeepSolid VPN Limitless:
- Slowed down my web pace significantly.
- Inconsistent streaming efficiency.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Their VPN servers are positioned in lots of areas across the internet, however nonetheless, the community pace is low on connecting to the closest server. A compromise on pace over reliability.”
– KeepSolid VPN Limitless Assessment, Ansh G.
2. Proton VPN
I’ve heard loads about Proton VPN being the final word greatest free VPN from many, so I needed to test it out for myself. Actually, I can see why it’s such a well-liked selection for privateness fans. It’s open-source, sticks to a strict no-logs coverage, and being based mostly in Switzerland means it’s backed by among the world’s strongest privateness legal guidelines. These guys are severe about safety, and it reveals.
Proton VPN presents a free ceaselessly plan. Putting in the app on my Mac was tremendous straightforward, and their UI is smooth and trendy. I might simply determine easy methods to use it. I clicked on Fast Join and was instantly related to a server in Japan. 
The consumer interface of Proton VPN
I might simply change my server by clicking on the Change Server possibility. Proton VPN additionally offered a Kill Change that I might activate and off to disable the web if the VPN connection dropped.
After I examined the pace of its free Tokyo server, my obtain pace went right down to 50.4 Mbps, which was nonetheless ok for shopping and streaming in HD. However the add pace dropped to 16.8 Mbps. This isn’t excellent in the event you’re into importing giant information or gaming.
My web pace with Proton VPN
On the intense facet, Proton VPN handed the IP leak take a look at flawlessly. My actual IP was hidden, there have been no DNS or IP leaks, and I felt assured utilizing it. I additionally liked how Proton shares transparency data on authorized requests for data and in addition shares safety audit particulars confirming its no-logs coverage.
IP leak take a look at of Proton VPN
What actually stood out to me was the limitless bandwidth on the free plan—no annoying information caps!
However there are tradeoffs. We will entry servers in solely 5 nations, particularly the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US.
Additionally, I couldn’t choose particular servers myself. The app routinely connects you to a server inside the free tier, and server choice is locked behind their paid Plus plan. Whereas that is comprehensible for a free service, it may be irritating in the event you’re making an attempt to connect with a selected area or searching for a much less congested server.
On the streaming entrance, Proton VPN labored surprisingly nicely for Amazon Prime and even Netflix once I related to the Japan server. Nevertheless, as quickly as I switched to a unique server, Netflix rapidly detected the VPN and blocked entry. It’s a little bit of a hit-or-miss scenario, so whereas it will probably work sometimes, I wouldn’t depend on it for constant streaming.
However that stated, I’d say Proton VPN is a standout selection particularly for its limitless bandwidth. If you happen to’re planning to stay with a free VPN for the lengthy haul, Proton VPN is unquestionably price contemplating.
What I favored about Proton VPN:
- Free ceaselessly with no information limits
- Straightforward to vary servers
What are G2 customers saying:
“(I like Proton VPN’s) Sturdy privateness options, safe encryption, no-log coverage, international server entry, good buyer help, ease of utilization.”
– Proton VPN Assessment, verified consumer in small enterprise.
What I did not like about Proton VPN:
- Restricted server choices.
- Can not choose the server I would like
What are G2 customers saying:
“Its server community, whereas safe, is smaller in comparison with some opponents, limiting international protection for some areas.”
– Proton VPN Assessment, Samar A.
3. Surfshark
I gave Surfshark a strive because it presents a 7-day free trial for all its plans. I attempted that primary Starter pack. Signing up was easy sufficient, although organising my account wasn’t fully clean. The app on my Mac didn’t refresh routinely to point out my free trial standing, so I needed to spend a little bit of time troubleshooting. As soon as that was sorted, I started testing.
Surfshark allowed me to arrange the VPN manually on units like my desktop, cell, router, or sensible TV. I attempted setting it up on my router but it surely was a bit troublesome for me. So, I gave up and downloaded their app for my Mac. The app was user-friendly, and the Fast-Join characteristic labored seamlessly. The starter pack allowed me to entry 3,200+ servers in 100 nations, which is spectacular and, I believe, the most important community I’ve seen amongst all of the VPNs.
The consumer interface of the Surfshark MacOS app
Surfshark advisable servers in Malaysia and the UAE for the quickest connection, so I examined each.
I ran an IP take a look at whereas related to the Malaysia server, and Surfshark handed with none leaks–my actual IP tackle was absolutely masked. As for pace, I clocked 88.8 Mbps obtain and 21.0 Mbps add, which was clean for shopping and primary duties. Like different VPNs, Surfshark additionally presents a kill change.
IP leak take a look at of Surfshark
One other characteristic I favored was organising a Multihop connection, which helps you to route your visitors by way of two servers as an alternative of 1 for added privateness. It’s an excellent possibility in the event you’re searching for further safety, although it will probably decelerate your connection additional.
Multihop connections on Surfshark
Whereas making an attempt to stream Netflix, I did get entry to Malaysia’s full library, however the expertise wasn’t excellent. Streaming was painfully sluggish, with fixed buffering, so I wouldn’t advocate it for binge-watching.
General, Surfshark’s free trial is an efficient possibility if you wish to discover its options. But when streaming is your precedence, you may must look elsewhere.
What I favored about Surfshark:
- Straightforward to make use of
- Good web pace and a big server community.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Its consumer interface may be very simplistic – present the connection is safe or not”
– Surfshark Assessment, Sachin S.
What I did not like about Surfshark:
- Paid plans might be dear.
- Not for streaming.
What are G2 customers saying:
“It’s a bit dear and allocates few server areas, primarily for Asia and Africa continents.”
– Surfshark Assessment, Alex P.
4. TunnelBear
No, I didn’t take a look at TunnelBear due to its cute bear-themed advertising and marketing. Okay, I’m kidding. I positively loved the bear branding. However past the lovable visuals, I needed to see the way it performs as a free VPN.
Now, to be clear, TunnelBear is not out there in India, so I needed to get one among my US colleagues to assist me take a look at it by way of video. One factor I liked is that TunnelBear didn’t restrict the variety of units that we might join with the identical account.
Now, organising an account and putting in was fairly straightforward with a great deal of humorous bears all alongside. As soon as put in, I might see a pleasant map-like interface displaying completely different server areas. I needed to simply choose the nation or the quickest choice to get related. There have been servers from 40+ nations out there within the free model.
The consumer interface of TunnelBear
On the privateness entrance, TunnelBear is spectacular. They carry out annual unbiased safety audits and publish the outcomes, which speaks volumes about their transparency. Additionally they use AES-256 encryption and have a strict no-logs coverage. After I examined it, there was no IP leak.
Their pace was first rate. General, TunnelBear is a incredible possibility for anybody searching for a easy, safe VPN for mild use. Its limitless gadget help, dedication to privateness by way of audits, and enjoyable branding make it stand out. Nevertheless, the 2GB information cap means it’s greatest suited to occasional shopping or securing your connection on public Wi-Fi.
What I like about TunnelBear:
- It’s good for privateness with encryption and a no-log coverage.
- Helps a number of units with single account.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I put in this on my cell (Huawei) whereas abroad, and it labored like a dream; it’s so straightforward to make use of a pleasant map interface; simply choose your required location, and the Bear units up the connection inside seconds and even makes a bit roar noise!”
– TunnelBear Assessment, Liz S.
What I did not like about TunnelBear:
- 2 GB information cap and restricted server choices
- Not suited to streaming companies.
What are G2 customers saying:
“For many who intend to make use of it for private use as streaming apps and obtain torrents, TunnelBear shouldn’t be advisable! TunnelBear’s most important perform is to maintain your connection safe and nameless.”
– TunnelBear Assessment, Andre L.
5. Windscribe
Windscribe caught my consideration for its beneficiant free plan, they usually delivered on their promise of 10GB of month-to-month information—all I needed to do was verify my electronic mail. Bonus factors for his or her meme sport; the affirmation electronic mail that includes Ron Swanson genuinely made me smile.
E mail affirmation mail from Windscribe for 10 GB free month-to-month information
Windscribe supplies help for all units, from desktops to cell phones, on all platforms like Mac, iOS, Home windows, and Android. Like TunnelBear, Windscribe would not have a restrict on the variety of units you need to use the instrument on.
I went with the app for my Macbook. Establishing the app was simple, and its interface was very graphical, with a change on and off button for activating the VPN. I might entry servers from 10 nations, together with the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, and Switzerland. It handed my IP leak take a look at with no points.
The consumer interface of the Windscribe MacOS app.
I used to be pleasantly stunned by how nicely it dealt with streaming. Regardless of some slowdowns, I might entry geo-restricted content material libraries, and Netflix labored surprisingly nicely on this server.
My web pace with Windscribe VPN
The standout characteristic for me was its “R.O.B.E.R.T.” instrument, which helps you to block adverts, trackers, and even particular varieties of content material, like social media or playing websites. It’s uncommon to see one thing this superior in a free VPN. I might additionally simply use break up tunneling characteristic on Windscribe.
R.O.B.E.R.T characteristic on Windscribe
Nevertheless, Windscribe was a bit sluggish when in comparison with the pace of different VPNs in my pace take a look at, with a 56.9 Mbps obtain and 21.9 Mbps add pace, solely subsequent to KeepSolid, but it surely’s nonetheless manageable. Additionally, the information cap might be irritating at instances. Certain, you may get an extra 5 GB in the event you tweet about them or get limitless information for $3/month. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless limiting in the event you’re a heavy consumer.
What I favored about Windscribe:
- Works nicely for streaming regardless of sluggish web pace
- Blocks adverts and trackers on browser
What are G2 customers saying:
“One of the best a part of utilizing Windscribe is that I can apply it to the browser in addition to the desktop utility. It supplies one of the best privateness amongst different opponents who’ve plenty of adverts. It’s very easy to put in and create your account. I have been utilizing this for lengthy and even in my earlier firms as nicely.”
– Windscribe Assessment, Mark H.
What I did not like about Windscribe:
- Web pace slows down a bit.
- Knowledge cap without spending a dime customers.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The one factor I’ve observed is its connection pace can fluctuate, which is a problem.”
– Windscribe Assessment, Shweta M.
Comparability of one of the best free VPNs
Nonetheless confused? Check out our comparability desk with all the small print on one of the best free VPNs for straightforward decision-making.
|
VPN |
Free plan |
Server areas |
Knowledge cap |
Finest for |
|
KeepSolid VPN |
7-day free trial |
500+ servers in 80+ areas |
Limitless (trial) |
Torrenting, informal shopping |
|
Proton VPN |
Free ceaselessly |
Servers in 5 nations |
Limitless |
Privateness-conscious customers, mild shopping |
|
Surfshark |
7-day free trial |
3,200+ servers in 100 nations |
Limitless (trial) |
Giant server community, basic use |
|
TunnelBear |
Free plan |
Servers in 47 nations |
2GB/month |
Securing public Wi-Fi, informal shopping |
|
Windscribe |
Free plan with 10GB |
Servers in 10 nations |
10GB/month (with electronic mail verification) 2 GB /month (with electronic mail verification) |
Advert-blocking, accessing geo-restricted content material |
Regularly requested questions on free VPNs
1. Are free VPNs secure to make use of?
Free VPNs are secure to make use of however also can put consumer privateness in danger. Some free VPN companies work proper off the bat, whereas others frustrate customers. Free VPNs additionally typically restrict pace, information utilization, and the variety of servers and gadget connections and may hardly unblock streaming websites.
Preserve these dangers and elements in thoughts whereas utilizing predatory-free VPNs.
- Exercise monitoring: Some free VPN suppliers observe and retailer your on-line actions to promote the information to 3rd events and advertising and marketing companies.
- Malware: Free VPNs supply sturdy safety measures, whereas others can include dangerous malware, together with adware and adware.
- Knowledge restriction: Free variations typically restrict your shopping expertise with a hard and fast megabyte (MB) quantity.
- Restricted connection pace: Even one of the best free VPN instruments restrict connection speeds without spending a dime customers, stopping you from having fun with a quick shopping expertise. Think about working a pace take a look at earlier than you get a subscription.
- Much less freedom to decide on servers: You’re much less prone to have entry to greater than 5 server areas on most free VPN companies.
- Lack of options: Free VPN software program choices like break up tunneling or advert blocking might not supply options.
2. What are one of the best free VPNs of 2024?
Proton,VPN, TunnelBear, Windscribe are among the greatest free VPNs.
3. Is a free VPN app price getting?
The reply varies relying on how you intend to make use of a free VPN. It might do the trick in the event you merely wish to encrypt server connection whereas accessing public WiFi. Nevertheless, a free answer limits the information you need to use, so it gained’t show you how to a lot in the event you’re seeking to obtain terabytes of torrent information.
4. How do you select a free VPN?
Relating to VPNs, pace and safety are probably the most crucial concerns. Study the VPN supplier’s protocols and the variety of servers it has. The larger the variety of servers, the sooner your connections might be. Think about asking the next earlier than selecting a free VPN:
- Does it promote your information to a 3rd occasion?
- Can it keep away from fingerprinting and block adverts?
- Does the VPN supplier have a no-log coverage?
- Are you able to join anonymously?
These questions will show you how to perceive whether or not or not a free VPN protects your privateness.
5. What are the challenges of utilizing VPNs?
With VPN makes use of, the advantages typically outweigh the drawbacks.
Nevertheless, probably the most vital drawback of a VPN is that your web connection can change into slower. In any case, your gadget should first connect with a VPN server earlier than accessing the goal web site. This minor diversion inevitably takes a while. That’s the reason it’s best to search a VPN supplier with the quickest speeds.
6. Who’re free VPNs greatest for?
Free VPNs are greatest for unblocking geo-restricted content material and defending your privateness whereas shopping public WiFi. Nevertheless, it’s best to take into consideration a paid VPN subscription for limitless information utilization and 24/7 connections.
8. Is there a 100% free VPN?
Actually, only a few VPNs are 100% free. Most of them supply restricted trials, money-back ensures, or a free plan with a restricted variety of servers or information cap limitations. The VPNs listed above are one of the best free ones on the market.
9. What’s the greatest free VPN for PC?
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN.
10. What’s the greatest free VPN for Android?
NordVPN, ClearVPN, and Surfshark.
Browse freely
Free VPNs aren’t excellent, however from my expertise, they’ll get the job performed if what to search for. Limitless bandwidth with ProtonVPN, ad-blocking superpowers from Windscribe, or TunnelBear’s enjoyable, no-nonsense privateness options–every of them stunned me in its personal method. Certain, I needed to cope with trade-offs like information caps or slower speeds, however for infrequent use, they had been greater than sufficient to maintain my information secure and my shopping non-public.
That stated, I’ve realized to handle my expectations. Free VPNs aren’t designed for infinite streaming marathons, huge torrenting periods, or lag-free gaming. For me, they’re greatest for securing public Wi-Fi, unlocking the occasional geo-blocked content material, or including that further layer of privateness to my on a regular basis shopping.
On the finish of the day, discovering the best VPN is all about determining what works for you. Whether or not you’re sticking with a free choice to dip your toes in or exploring a trial which may result in a premium improve, there’s positively one thing on the market for you. So take your choose, defend your information, and browse with confidence!
Exploring how VPNs show you how to browse the web? Take a look at how a VPN works to guard your on-line id.