When looking for the best free VPNs, it's important to consider factors like security, privacy, speed, and data limits. While free VPNs generally come with some limitations compared to their paid counterparts, several options stand out for their reliability and features.
Here are some of the best free VPNs available:
1. ProtonVPN
- Features: Unlimited data, strong security features, no ads.
- Pros: Offers unlimited data, which is rare for a free VPN. ProtonVPN has a strong focus on privacy and does not log user activity. It also supports strong encryption and provides a selection of servers across three countries (U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands).
- Cons: Speeds can be slower due to server congestion on the free plan. Limited server locations compared to paid plans.
2. NordVPN
- Features:
- 5,800+ servers in 60 countries
- AES-256 encryption with Double VPN and Onion over VPN options
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch, split tunneling, and CyberSec (ad and malware blocker)
- Supports up to 6 simultaneous devices
- Pros:
- Excellent security features, including Double VPN for added protection
- Fast connection speeds with NordLynx protocol
- Effective at bypassing geo-restrictions
- Strong privacy protections with a strict no-logs policy
- Cons:
- The desktop app can be slightly slower to connect
- Fewer server locations compared to ExpressVPN
- Best for: Users who prioritize security and privacy, as well as those who need reliable access to streaming services and fast connections.
3. ExpressVPN
- Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- Strong encryption (AES-256)
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch and split tunneling
- Supports up to 8 simultaneous devices
- Pros:
- Excellent speed and performance
- Broad server coverage across many countries
- User-friendly apps for various platforms
- Great for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions (e.g., Netflix, BBC iPlayer)
- Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other options
- No built-in ad blocker
- Best for: Users who need fast and reliable connections with a wide choice of server locations, particularly for streaming and secure browsing.
4. Windscribe
- Features: 10GB of free data per month, access to servers in 10 countries, built-in ad blocker, and firewall.
- Pros: Windscribe offers a generous 10GB of data per month and has a user-friendly interface. The built-in ad blocker and firewall provide additional security features. It also supports split tunneling and secure hotspot.
- Cons: The 10GB data limit may not be sufficient for heavy users. Some servers may be slower during peak times.
5. Surfshark
- Features:
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- AES-256 encryption
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch, split tunnelling, and CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker)
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Pros:
- Excellent value for money, especially with long-term plans
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Strong security features and fast speeds
- User-friendly apps with a clean interface
- Cons:
- Smaller server network compared to some competitors
- Some servers may have inconsistent performance
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who want a high-quality VPN with strong security features, fast speeds, and unlimited device connections.
6. TunnelBear
- Features: 2GB of free monthly data, user-friendly interface, strong encryption.
- Pros: TunnelBear is known for its simple and friendly interface, making it ideal for VPN beginners. It uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy.
- Cons: The 2GB monthly data limit is quite restrictive, making it more suitable for occasional use rather than continuous browsing or streaming.
7. Hide.me
- Features: 10GB of free monthly data, five server locations, no ads, strong privacy policies.
- Pros: Hide.me offers a good balance of privacy, security, and speed. The free plan includes 10GB of data per month and access to five server locations. It also features a no-logs policy and does not show ads.
- Cons: Like other free VPNs, the data limit may be restrictive for some users. The server selection is limited compared to the paid version.
8. Hotspot Shield
- Features: 500MB of data daily, military-grade encryption, fast connection speeds.
- Pros: Hotspot Shield offers 500MB of free data per day, which totals about 15GB per month. It is known for its fast speeds, even on the free plan, and uses strong encryption to secure user data.
- Cons: The free version is ad-supported and only allows access to U.S.-based servers, which may limit its usefulness for users needing servers in other regions.
9. PrivadoVPN
- Features: 10GB of data per month, access to servers in 12 locations, strong security features.
- Pros: PrivadoVPN offers a generous 10GB of data per month with access to servers in multiple locations. It has a strict no-logs policy and uses strong encryption to protect user data.
- Cons: Some users may find the server locations limited compared to other VPN services.
10. CyberGhost
- Features:
- 9,000+ servers in 91 countries
- AES-256 encryption
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch and split tunnelling
- Supports up to 7 simultaneous devices
- Dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting
- Pros:
- Huge server network with specialized servers
- Affordable long-term plans
- User-friendly apps with an intuitive interface
- Strong privacy protections and no-logs policy
- Cons:
- Some servers can be slower compared to competitors
- Apps can feel a bit cluttered for beginners
- Best for: Users looking for an affordable VPN with a vast server network and specialized servers for streaming and torrenting.
Conclusion
Each of these free VPNs has its strengths, but the right choice will depend on your specific needs. If you prioritize unlimited data, ProtonVPN is a solid option. For a balance of data allowance and server selection, Windscribe or Hide.me may be more suitable. For occasional use with a focus on user-friendliness, TunnelBear is a great pick. Always keep in mind that while free VPNs offer good basic protection, they might not be suitable for all use cases, particularly those requiring high bandwidth or access to a wide range of server locations.
