Right here’s the reality: I don’t assume most individuals want a VPN on a regular basis. Positive, digital non-public networks are sometimes pitched as the last word on-line safety software, they usually do have their moments. However actually, I’ve realized I don’t want one operating 24/7. For my on a regular basis actions like checking emails or scrolling by Instagram, my house Wi-Fi and safe web sites (good day, HTTPS) are sufficient.
That mentioned, 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 obtainable in my area.’ And for these occasional moments, I undoubtedly want a very good VPN.
The issue? The nice VPNs often value cash, and I’m not thrilled about paying for one thing I’ll solely use often. 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 a minefield of sketchy providers. Free doesn’t all the time imply secure–lesson realized.
So, I made a decision to dig deeper and take a look at some free VPNs myself. Some have been horrible, however a couple of really shocked 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 Greatest free VPNs in 2025
- KeepSolid VPN Limitless for torrenting and informal looking on price range ($5/month)
- ProtonVPN at no cost and limitless bandwidth ($4.69/month)
- Surfshark for big server community and superior privateness options ($1.99/month)
- TunnelBear for easy, and safe looking for novices and lightweight customers. ($3.33/month)
- Windscribe for blocking advertisements, streaming geo-restricted content material, and light-to-moderate looking ($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 am going to stroll you thru my prime picks at no cost VPNs, sharing the great, the unhealthy, and the ‘why you must strive it is moments from my expertise.
What makes the very best free VPN: My take
Once I began testing free VPNs, I knew I wasn’t searching for perfection. In spite of everything, they’re free for a motive. However there are a couple of must-haves I wasn’t prepared to compromise on, and these turned 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 appeared for options like encryption (AES-256 is the gold commonplace) and a no-logs coverage. Bonus factors in the event that they got here with helpful options like a kill swap, which disconnects your web if the VPN connection drops.
- Usability: All I needed was VPNs which can be simple 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 positive to incorporate a mixture of choices: some with beneficiant limits and others that provide limitless information (sure, these exist!).
- Server choices: An honest free VPN ought to have sufficient servers in a number of international locations to deal with visitors and let me connect with the areas I care about. I didn’t count on servers in lots of of nations, however I undoubtedly needed greater than two or three.
- No annoying extras: Countless pop-ups, spammy advertisements, or sneaky makes an attempt to put in different software program? Onerous go. I solely thought of VPNs that stored the expertise clear {and professional}, even of their free variations.
These have been the primary issues I appeared for, however I’ll admit, I needed to make peace with a couple of trade-offs. Free VPNs often include limitations, so it’s all about discovering those that strike the proper 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 consists of paid options for companies, it proved to be an amazing place to begin for figuring out respected VPN suppliers. Lots of them provide 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 cellphone. I checked if the service affords 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. This is my baseline pace with out VPN averaging close to 100 MB per second (Mbps).
- Safety checks: I used ipleak.web to make sure my IP information have been hidden when utilizing the VPN.
- Streaming entry: I examined their skill to unblock Netflix, and different streaming providers. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that Netflix and lots of different web sites like YouTube, and Reddit are actively works to dam VPN entry, so even the very best free VPNs could battle at occasions.
These hands-on exams helped me determine VPNs that ship actual worth with out compromising on information or endurance.
Disclaimer: These exams mirror my private expertise and aren’t exhaustive or scientifically exact. They’re supposed to supply a snapshot of how these VPNs would possibly carry out in comparable situations, however outcomes could fluctuate relying on components like location, system, and server load.
1. KeepSolid VPN Limitless
Now, KeepSolid is not as well-known among the premium VPN providers like Nord VPN or Categorical VPN. However once I noticed some good evaluations 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 practical, although nothing too flashy. On my Android, it was a easy begin and cease button with choice to pick out the situation. I might join as much as 5 units by the one trial account.
The person 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 exams too. Curiously, I seen many customers mentioning that they use the VPN Limitless for torrenting.
Whereas they provide 500+ servers in 80+ places, the pace throughout my exams was actually gradual, particularly on distant servers. So, the looking was okay for primary duties, however streaming or giant downloads shortly turned irritating despite the fact that I might entry geoblocked content material in several areas again and again.
KeepSolid affords month-to-month and yearly subscriptions in addition to lifetime deal for $199, which will be interesting to some.
What I appreciated about KeepSolid VPN Limitless:
- Giant variety of places and server community.
- Connection for as much as 5 units.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Among the best options of keepSolid VPN Limitless is its complete server community. This intensive server community ensures dependable and quick connections, permitting customers to bypass geographical restrictions and entry content material from totally different areas.
It additionally has very person pleasant interface that makes it simple to attach vpn servers and customise settings. Furthermore , it might additionally shield a number of units concurrently beneath a single subscription. Which means whether or not you are utilizing laptop computer , pill or smartphone, you may safe all of them with the vpn service. General it provdies a powerful safety features and person pleasant interface which makes it a compelling alternative for customers”
– KeepSolid VPN Limitless Evaluation, 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 places 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 Evaluation, Ansh G.
2. Proton VPN
I’ve heard quite a bit about Proton VPN being the last word greatest free VPN from many, so I needed to test it out for myself. Actually, I can see why it’s such a preferred alternative for privateness fans. It’s open-source, sticks to a strict no-logs coverage, and being primarily based in Switzerland means it’s backed by among the world’s strongest privateness legal guidelines. These guys are critical about safety, and it exhibits.
Proton VPN affords a free endlessly plan. Putting in the app on my Mac was tremendous simple, and their UI is glossy and trendy. I might simply determine methods to use it. I clicked on Fast Join and was instantly related to a server in Japan. 
The person interface of Proton VPN
I might simply change my server by clicking on the Change Server choice. Proton VPN additionally supplied a Kill Change that I might activate and off to disable the web if the VPN connection dropped.
Once I examined the pace of its free Tokyo server, my obtain pace went all the way down to 50.4 Mbps, which was nonetheless adequate for looking and streaming in HD. However the add pace dropped to 16.8 Mbps. This isn’t very best 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 cherished how Proton shares transparency information on authorized requests for data and likewise 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 international locations, particularly the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the USA.
Additionally, I couldn’t choose particular servers myself. The app robotically 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 properly for Amazon Prime and even Netflix once I related to the Japan server. Nonetheless, as quickly as I switched to a special server, Netflix shortly detected the VPN and blocked entry. It’s a little bit of a hit-or-miss scenario, so whereas it might work often, I wouldn’t rely on it for constant streaming.
However that mentioned, I’d say Proton VPN is a standout alternative particularly for its limitless bandwidth. In case you’re planning to stay with a free VPN for the lengthy haul, Proton VPN is unquestionably value contemplating.
What I appreciated about Proton VPN:
- Free endlessly with no information limits
- Simple to alter servers
What are G2 customers saying:
“(I like Proton VPN’s) Sturdy privateness options, safe encryption, no-log coverage, world server entry, good buyer help, ease of utilization.”
– Proton VPN Evaluation, verified person 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 world protection for some areas.”
– Proton VPN Evaluation, Samar A.
3. Surfshark
I gave Surfshark a strive because it affords a 7-day free trial for all its plans. I attempted that primary Starter pack. Signing up was easy sufficient, although establishing my account wasn’t totally easy. The app on my Mac didn’t refresh robotically to indicate 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 good TV. I attempted setting it up on my router however it was a bit of troublesome for me. So, I gave up and downloaded their app for my Mac. The app was user-friendly, and the Fast-Join function labored seamlessly. The starter pack allowed me to entry 3,200+ servers in 100 international locations, which is spectacular and, I feel, the biggest community I’ve seen amongst all of the VPNs.
The person interface of the Surfshark MacOS app
Surfshark beneficial 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 totally masked. As for pace, I clocked 88.8 Mbps obtain and 21.0 Mbps add, which was easy for looking and primary duties. Like different VPNs, Surfshark additionally affords a kill swap.
IP leak take a look at of Surfshark
One other function I appreciated was establishing a Multihop connection, which helps you to route your visitors by two servers as a substitute of 1 for added privateness. It’s an amazing choice in the event you’re searching for further safety, although it might 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 good. Streaming was painfully gradual, with fixed buffering, so I wouldn’t advocate it for binge-watching.
General, Surfshark’s free trial is an efficient choice if you wish to discover its options. But when streaming is your precedence, you would possibly have to look elsewhere.
What I appreciated about Surfshark:
- Simple to make use of
- Good web pace and a big server community.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Its person interface may be very simplistic – present the connection is safe or not”
– Surfshark Evaluation, Sachin S.
What I did not like about Surfshark:
- Paid plans will be dear.
- Not for streaming.
What are G2 customers saying:
“It’s a bit dear and allocates few server places, primarily for Asia and Africa continents.”
– Surfshark Evaluation, Alex P.
4. TunnelBear
No, I didn’t take a look at TunnelBear due to its cute bear-themed advertising. Okay, I’m kidding. I undoubtedly loved the bear branding. However past the cute visuals, I needed to see the way it performs as a free VPN.
Now, to be clear, TunnelBear is not obtainable in India, so I needed to get one in every of my US colleagues to assist me take a look at it by way of video. One factor I cherished is that TunnelBear didn’t restrict the variety of units that we might join with the identical account.
Now, establishing an account and putting in was fairly simple with a great deal of humorous bears all alongside. As soon as put in, I might see a pleasant map-like interface displaying totally different server places. I needed to simply choose the nation or the quickest choice to get related. There have been servers from 40+ international locations obtainable within the free model.
The person interface of TunnelBear
On the privateness entrance, TunnelBear is spectacular. They carry out annual impartial 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. Once I examined it, there was no IP leak.
Their pace was first rate. General, TunnelBear is a improbable choice for anybody searching for a easy, safe VPN for gentle use. Its limitless system help, dedication to privateness by audits, and enjoyable branding make it stand out. Nonetheless, the 2GB information cap means it’s greatest fitted to occasional looking 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 simple 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 of roar noise!”
– TunnelBear Evaluation, Liz S.
What I did not like about TunnelBear:
- 2 GB information cap and restricted server choices
- Not fitted to streaming providers.
What are G2 customers saying:
“For individuals who intend to make use of it for private use as streaming apps and obtain torrents, TunnelBear isn’t beneficial! TunnelBear’s foremost perform is to maintain your connection safe and nameless.”
– TunnelBear Evaluation, 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 affirm my electronic mail. Bonus factors for his or her meme recreation; the affirmation electronic mail that includes Ron Swanson genuinely made me smile.
Electronic mail affirmation mail from Windscribe for 10 GB free month-to-month information
Windscribe offers help for all units, from desktops to cellphones, 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 software on.
I went with the app for my Macbook. Establishing the app was easy, and its interface was very graphical, with a swap on and off button for activating the VPN. I might entry servers from 10 international locations, together with the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, and Switzerland. It handed my IP leak take a look at with no points.
The person interface of the Windscribe MacOS app.
I used to be pleasantly shocked by how properly it dealt with streaming. Regardless of some slowdowns, I might entry geo-restricted content material libraries, and Netflix labored surprisingly properly on this server.
My web pace with Windscribe VPN
The standout function for me was its “R.O.B.E.R.T.” software, which helps you to block advertisements, trackers, and even particular sorts 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 function on Windscribe.
R.O.B.E.R.T function on Windscribe
Nonetheless, Windscribe was a bit of gradual 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, however it’s nonetheless manageable. Additionally, the info cap will be irritating at occasions. Positive, 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 person.
What I appreciated about Windscribe:
- Works properly for streaming regardless of gradual web pace
- Blocks advertisements and trackers on browser
What are G2 customers saying:
“The perfect a part of utilizing Windscribe is that I can apply it to the browser in addition to the desktop software. It offers the very best privateness amongst different opponents who’ve a lot of advertisements. It’s very easy to put in and create your account. I have been utilizing this for lengthy and even in my earlier corporations as properly.”
– Windscribe Evaluation, Mark H.
What I did not like about Windscribe:
- Web pace slows down a bit.
- Knowledge cap at no cost customers.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The one factor I’ve seen is its connection pace can fluctuate, which is a problem.”
– Windscribe Evaluation, Shweta M.
Comparability of the very best free VPNs
Nonetheless confused? Check out our comparability desk with all the main points on the very best free VPNs for straightforward decision-making.
|
VPN |
Free plan |
Server places |
Knowledge cap |
Greatest for |
|
KeepSolid VPN |
7-day free trial |
500+ servers in 80+ places |
Limitless (trial) |
Torrenting, informal looking |
|
Proton VPN |
Free endlessly |
Servers in 5 international locations |
Limitless |
Privateness-conscious customers, gentle looking |
|
Surfshark |
7-day free trial |
3,200+ servers in 100 international locations |
Limitless (trial) |
Giant server community, basic use |
|
TunnelBear |
Free plan |
Servers in 47 international locations |
2GB/month |
Securing public Wi-Fi, informal looking |
|
Windscribe |
Free plan with 10GB |
Servers in 10 international locations |
10GB/month (with electronic mail verification) 2 GB /month (with electronic mail verification) |
Advert-blocking, accessing geo-restricted content material |
Often 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 person privateness in danger. Some free VPN providers work proper off the bat, whereas others frustrate customers. Free VPNs additionally usually restrict pace, information utilization, and the variety of servers and system connections and would possibly hardly unblock streaming websites.
Hold these dangers and components in thoughts whereas utilizing predatory-free VPNs.
- Exercise monitoring: Some free VPN suppliers monitor and retailer your on-line actions to promote the info to 3rd events and advertising businesses.
- Malware: Free VPNs provide sturdy safety measures, whereas others can include dangerous malware, together with adware and adware.
- Knowledge restriction: Free variations usually restrict your looking expertise with a set megabyte (MB) quantity.
- Restricted connection pace: Even the very best free VPN instruments restrict connection speeds at no cost customers, stopping you from having fun with a quick looking expertise. Contemplate operating 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 places on most free VPN providers.
- Lack of options: Free VPN software program choices like break up tunneling or advert blocking could not provide options.
2. What are the very best free VPNs of 2024?
Proton,VPN, TunnelBear, Windscribe are among the greatest free VPNs.
3. Is a free VPN app value getting?
The reply varies relying on how you intend to make use of a free VPN. It could do the trick in the event you merely need to encrypt server connection whereas accessing public WiFi. Nonetheless, a free answer limits the info you need to use, so it received’t enable you a lot in the event you’re trying to obtain terabytes of torrent information.
4. How do you select a free VPN?
Concerning VPNs, pace and safety are probably the most crucial concerns. Look at the VPN supplier’s protocols and the variety of servers it has. The higher the variety of servers, the sooner your connections will probably be. Contemplate asking the next earlier than selecting a free VPN:
- Does it promote your information to a 3rd social gathering?
- Can it keep away from fingerprinting and block advertisements?
- Does the VPN supplier have a no-log coverage?
- Are you able to join anonymously?
These questions will enable you 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 usually outweigh the drawbacks.
Nonetheless, probably the most vital drawback of a VPN is that your web connection can develop into slower. In spite of everything, your system 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 you must 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 looking public WiFi. Nonetheless, you must 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 provide restricted trials, money-back ensures, or a free plan with a restricted variety of servers or information cap limitations. The VPNs listed above are the very 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 good, however from my expertise, they’ll get the job executed if you recognize what to search for. Limitless bandwidth with ProtonVPN, ad-blocking superpowers from Windscribe, or TunnelBear’s enjoyable, no-nonsense privateness options–every of them shocked me in its personal means. Positive, I needed to take care of trade-offs like information caps or slower speeds, however for infrequent use, they have been greater than sufficient to maintain my information secure and my looking non-public.
That mentioned, I’ve realized to handle my expectations. Free VPNs aren’t designed for infinite streaming marathons, large torrenting classes, 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 looking.
On the finish of the day, discovering the proper 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 undoubtedly one thing on the market for you. So take your decide, shield your information, and browse with confidence!
Exploring how VPNs enable you browse the web? Take a look at how a VPN works to guard your on-line identification.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v3.0”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));