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 final word on-line safety device, they usually do have their moments. However truthfully, I’ve realized I don’t want one operating 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 (hiya, HTTPS) are sufficient.
That mentioned, there are occasions when VPN software program is non-negotiable for me, like after I’m on public Wi-Fi at a café, when I’m travelling or attempting to stream one thing that’s ‘not obtainable in my area.’ And for these occasional moments, I positively want a very good VPN.
The issue? The nice VPNs normally value cash, and I’m not thrilled about paying for one thing I’ll solely use sometimes. I figured there needed to be respectable 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 protected–lesson discovered.
So, I made a decision to dig deeper and check some free VPNs myself. Some have been horrible, however a number of really shocked me. These are the free VPNs I discovered that you should 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 searching on finances ($5/month)
- ProtonVPN without cost and limitless bandwidth ($4.69/month)
- Surfshark for giant server community and superior privateness options ($1.99/month)
- TunnelBear for easy, and safe searching for newbies and lightweight customers. ($3.33/month)
- Windscribe for blocking advertisements, streaming geo-restricted content material, and light-to-moderate searching ($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 simple comparability.
On this information, I am going to stroll you thru my prime picks without cost VPNs, sharing the great, the unhealthy, and the ‘why you must attempt it is moments from my expertise.
What makes the most effective free VPN: My take
Once I began testing free VPNs, I knew I wasn’t in search of perfection. In any case, they’re free for a purpose. However there are a number 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, gathering and promoting it, it’s out. I seemed 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 change, which disconnects your web if the VPN connection drops.
- Usability: All I wished was VPNs which can be straightforward to put in and use, with an easy 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 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 a whole lot of nations, however I positively wished greater than two or three.
- No annoying extras: Limitless 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 seemed for, however I’ll admit, I needed to make peace with a number of trade-offs. Free VPNs normally include limitations, so it’s all about discovering those that strike the precise stability between usability and options.
How did I discover and check 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 awesome 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 cellphone. I checked if the service gives the apps for different platforms like Home windows, iOS and for browsers. I then examined the instruments for the next:
- Connection velocity: I in contrast web speeds with and with out the VPN with a easy Google Velocity check. This is my baseline velocity with out VPN averaging close to 100 MB per second (Mbps).
- Safety checks: I used ipleak.internet 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 companies. Nevertheless, 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 most effective free VPNs might battle at instances.
These hands-on assessments helped me determine VPNs that ship actual worth with out compromising on information or endurance.
Disclaimer: These assessments replicate my private expertise and aren’t exhaustive or scientifically exact. They’re supposed to offer a snapshot of how these VPNs would possibly carry out in related situations, however outcomes might differ relying on elements like location, system, and server load.
1. KeepSolid VPN Limitless
Now, KeepSolid is not as well-known a few of the premium VPN companies like Nord VPN or Specific VPN. However after I noticed some good evaluations about it one G2 and different boards, I made a decision to provide it a attempt.
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 choice to pick out the situation. I may join as much as 5 units by way of the one trial account.
The consumer interface of VPN Limitless on my cellular
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 assessments too. Apparently, I seen many customers mentioning that they use the VPN Limitless for torrenting.
Whereas they provide 500+ servers in 80+ places, the velocity throughout my assessments was actually gradual, particularly on distant servers. So, the searching was okay for primary duties, however streaming or giant downloads rapidly turned irritating despite the fact that I may entry geoblocked content material in numerous areas repeatedly.
KeepSolid gives month-to-month and yearly subscriptions in addition to lifetime deal for $199, which might be interesting to some.
What I preferred about KeepSolid VPN Limitless:
- Giant variety of places and server community.
- Connection for as much as 5 units.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Top-of-the-line 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 could actually additionally shield a number of units concurrently underneath 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 robust security measures and consumer pleasant interface which makes it a compelling alternative for customers”
– KeepSolid VPN Limitless Evaluate, Parampreet S.
What I did not like about KeepSolid VPN Limitless:
- Slowed down my web velocity significantly.
- Inconsistent streaming efficiency.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Their VPN servers are positioned in lots of places across the net, however nonetheless, the community velocity is low on connecting to the closest server. A compromise on velocity over reliability.”
– KeepSolid VPN Limitless Evaluate, Ansh G.
2. Proton VPN
I’ve heard rather a lot about Proton VPN being the final word finest free VPN from many, so I needed to test it out for myself. Truthfully, I can see why it’s such a well-liked alternative for privateness fanatics. It’s open-source, sticks to a strict no-logs coverage, and being based mostly in Switzerland means it’s backed by a few of the world’s strongest privateness legal guidelines. These guys are critical about safety, and it reveals.
Proton VPN gives a free eternally plan. Putting in the app on my Mac was tremendous straightforward, and their UI is modern and trendy. I may simply determine use it. I clicked on Fast Join and was instantly related to a server in Japan. 
The consumer interface of Proton VPN
I may simply change my server by clicking on the Change Server choice. Proton VPN additionally offered a Kill Change that I may activate and off to disable the web if the VPN connection dropped.
Once I examined the velocity of its free Tokyo server, my obtain velocity went right down to 50.4 Mbps, which was nonetheless adequate for searching and streaming in HD. However the add velocity dropped to 16.8 Mbps. This isn’t perfect in case you’re into importing giant recordsdata or gaming.
My web velocity with Proton VPN
On the brilliant facet, Proton VPN handed the IP leak check 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 info and likewise shares safety audit particulars confirming its no-logs coverage.
IP leak check 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, specifically the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US.
Additionally, I couldn’t choose particular servers myself. The app mechanically connects you to a server throughout 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 case you’re attempting to hook up with a particular area or in search of a much less congested server.
On the streaming entrance, Proton VPN labored surprisingly effectively for Amazon Prime and even Netflix after I related to the Japan server. Nevertheless, as quickly as I switched to a special server, Netflix rapidly detected the VPN and blocked entry. It’s a little bit of a hit-or-miss scenario, so whereas it could actually work sometimes, I wouldn’t depend 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 certainly value contemplating.
What I preferred about Proton VPN:
- Free eternally with no information limits
- Simple 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 Evaluate, verified consumer in small enterprise.
What I did not like about Proton VPN:
- Restricted server choices.
- Can not choose the server I need
What are G2 customers saying:
“Its server community, whereas safe, is smaller in comparison with some rivals, limiting international protection for some areas.”
– Proton VPN Evaluate, Samar A.
3. Surfshark
I gave Surfshark a attempt because it gives 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 completely easy. The app on my Mac didn’t refresh mechanically 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, cellular, router, or good TV. I attempted setting it up on my router however it was just a little tough 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 international locations, 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 beneficial servers in Malaysia and the UAE for the quickest connection, so I examined each.
I ran an IP check whereas related to the Malaysia server, and Surfshark handed with none leaks–my actual IP tackle was totally masked. As for velocity, I clocked 88.8 Mbps obtain and 21.0 Mbps add, which was easy for searching and primary duties. Like different VPNs, Surfshark additionally gives a kill change.
IP leak check of Surfshark
One other characteristic I preferred was establishing a Multihop connection, which helps you to route your visitors by way of two servers as a substitute of 1 for added privateness. It’s an awesome choice in case you’re in search of additional safety, although it could actually decelerate your connection additional.
Multihop connections on Surfshark
Whereas attempting 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 suggest 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 preferred about Surfshark:
- Simple to make use of
- Good web velocity 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 Evaluate, 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 places, primarily for Asia and Africa continents.”
– Surfshark Evaluate, Alex P.
4. TunnelBear
No, I didn’t check TunnelBear due to its cute bear-themed advertising and marketing. Okay, I’m kidding. I positively loved the bear branding. However past the lovely visuals, I wished 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 among my US colleagues to assist me check it through video. One factor I cherished is that TunnelBear didn’t restrict the variety of units that we may join with the identical account.
Now, establishing an account and putting in was fairly straightforward with a great deal of humorous bears all alongside. As soon as put in, I may see a pleasant map-like interface exhibiting completely 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 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. In addition they use AES-256 encryption and have a strict no-logs coverage. Once I examined it, there was no IP leak.
Their velocity was respectable. General, TunnelBear is a unbelievable choice for anybody in search of a easy, safe VPN for mild use. Its limitless system help, dedication to privateness by way of audits, and enjoyable branding make it stand out. Nevertheless, the 2GB information cap means it’s finest suited to occasional searching 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 cellular (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 just a little roar noise!”
– TunnelBear Evaluate, 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 individuals who intend to make use of it for private use as streaming apps and obtain torrents, TunnelBear is just not beneficial! TunnelBear’s fundamental perform is to maintain your connection safe and nameless.”
– TunnelBear Evaluate, 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 e mail. Bonus factors for his or her meme recreation; the affirmation e mail that includes Ron Swanson genuinely made me smile.
E 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 does not have a restrict on the variety of units you should use the device on.
I went with the app for my Macbook. Organising the app was easy, and its interface was very graphical, with a change on and off button for activating the VPN. I may entry servers from 10 international locations, together with the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, and Switzerland. It handed my IP leak check with no points.
The consumer interface of the Windscribe MacOS app.
I used to be pleasantly shocked by how effectively it dealt with streaming. Regardless of some slowdowns, I may entry geo-restricted content material libraries, and Netflix labored surprisingly effectively on this server.
My web velocity with Windscribe VPN
The standout characteristic for me was its “R.O.B.E.R.T.” device, which helps you to block advertisements, trackers, and even particular kinds of content material, like social media or playing websites. It’s uncommon to see one thing this superior in a free VPN. I may additionally simply use break up tunneling characteristic on Windscribe.
R.O.B.E.R.T characteristic on Windscribe
Nevertheless, Windscribe was just a little gradual when in comparison with the velocity of different VPNs in my velocity check, with a 56.9 Mbps obtain and 21.9 Mbps add velocity, solely subsequent to KeepSolid, however it’s nonetheless manageable. Additionally, the information cap might be irritating at instances. Positive, you may get a further 5 GB in case you tweet about them or get limitless information for $3/month. However it’s nonetheless limiting in case you’re a heavy consumer.
What I preferred about Windscribe:
- Works effectively for streaming regardless of gradual web velocity
- 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 utility. It offers the most effective privateness amongst different rivals who’ve plenty 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 firms as effectively.”
– Windscribe Evaluate, Mark H.
What I did not like about Windscribe:
- Web velocity slows down a bit.
- Knowledge cap without cost customers.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The one factor I’ve seen is its connection velocity can fluctuate, which is a problem.”
– Windscribe Evaluate, Shweta M.
Comparability of the most effective free VPNs
Nonetheless confused? Check out our comparability desk with all the small print on the most effective free VPNs for simple decision-making.
|
VPN |
Free plan |
Server places |
Knowledge cap |
Finest for |
|
KeepSolid VPN |
7-day free trial |
500+ servers in 80+ places |
Limitless (trial) |
Torrenting, informal searching |
|
Proton VPN |
Free eternally |
Servers in 5 international locations |
Limitless |
Privateness-conscious customers, mild searching |
|
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 searching |
|
Windscribe |
Free plan with 10GB |
Servers in 10 international locations |
10GB/month (with e mail verification) 2 GB /month (with e mail verification) |
Advert-blocking, accessing geo-restricted content material |
Steadily requested questions on free VPNs
1. Are free VPNs protected to make use of?
Free VPNs are protected to make use of however may also put consumer privateness in danger. Some free VPN companies work proper off the bat, whereas others frustrate customers. Free VPNs additionally typically restrict velocity, information utilization, and the variety of servers and system connections and would possibly hardly unblock streaming websites.
Hold 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 searching expertise with a hard and fast megabyte (MB) quantity.
- Restricted connection velocity: Even the most effective free VPN instruments restrict connection speeds without cost customers, stopping you from having fun with a quick searching expertise. Take into account operating a velocity check 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 companies.
- Lack of options: Free VPN software program choices like break up tunneling or advert blocking might not supply options.
2. What are the most effective free VPNs of 2024?
Proton,VPN, TunnelBear, Windscribe are a few of the finest 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 might do the trick in case you merely need to encrypt server connection whereas accessing public WiFi. Nevertheless, a free resolution limits the information you should use, so it received’t show you how to a lot in case you’re trying to obtain terabytes of torrent recordsdata.
4. How do you select a free VPN?
Relating to VPNs, velocity and safety are essentially the most vital concerns. Look at the VPN supplier’s protocols and the variety of servers it has. The higher the variety of servers, the quicker your connections will probably be. Take into account 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 advertisements?
- Does the VPN supplier have a no-log coverage?
- Are you able to enroll 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, essentially the most vital drawback of a VPN is that your web connection can develop into slower. In any case, 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 finest for?
Free VPNs are finest for unblocking geo-restricted content material and defending your privateness whereas searching public WiFi. Nevertheless, you must take into consideration a paid VPN subscription for limitless information utilization and 24/7 connections.
8. Is there a 100% free VPN?
Truthfully, 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 the most effective free ones on the market.
9. What’s the finest free VPN for PC?
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN.
10. What’s the finest free VPN for Android?
NordVPN, ClearVPN, and Surfshark.
Browse freely
Free VPNs aren’t good, however from my expertise, they’ll get the job achieved if you realize 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 protected and my searching non-public.
That mentioned, I’ve discovered to handle my expectations. Free VPNs aren’t designed for countless streaming marathons, huge torrenting periods, or lag-free gaming. For me, they’re finest for securing public Wi-Fi, unlocking the occasional geo-blocked content material, or including that additional layer of privateness to my on a regular basis searching.
On the finish of the day, discovering the precise 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 that may result in a premium improve, there’s positively one thing on the market for you. So take your choose, shield 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.
