Kaida Rylan Updated on Apr 10, 2025
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TOP VPN
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Try NowFinding a reliable free VPN can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many claim they’ll keep your online activities private, but some secretly log and sell your data to advertisers. Others impose frustrating restrictions like slow speeds or tight data caps, making tasks like streaming or even simple browsing agonizingly slow. Free options also commonly fail on restrictive networks or in regions with strict internet controls.
My team and I tested 100+ free VPNs on devices like Android, Windows, Mac, and iPhone. The best free VPNs we’ve found are often "freemium" plans offered by paid services. Though limited in functionality, these freemium services excel in specific areas. However, if you’re after a VPN without restrictions, a premium service is the better option.
Top Recommendation: ExpressVPN
While ExpressVPN isn’t fully free, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try it risk-free. It offers blazing-fast speeds, unlimited data, and top-tier security. These features make it the perfect choice for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, plus it performs exceptionally well on restrictive networks.
Best Feature: No caps or slowdowns; perfect for any online activity
Monthly Data Allowance: Unlimited
Works With: Netflix (20+ libraries), Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
Free Trial: 7-day free trial + 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for 2025, outperforming both free and premium alternatives. Nearby servers only resulted in a 6% speed drop during our tests, compared to at least 15% for other free VPNs. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN is unmatched for streaming in HD or 4K on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video.
Its advanced obfuscation technology makes it one of the few VPNs that bypass restrictive networks in countries like China, the UAE, and Iran. You can use its 7-day trial or 30-day refund policy to experience these premium features risk-free.
Advanced Privacy: No-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and encryption standards trusted by banks.
Security Tools: Built-in ad blocker, DNS/IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.
Speed-Boosting Tech: The innovative Lightway protocol minimizes delays for smooth browsing and gaming.
Ease of Use: Quick setup across all major platforms (Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and even Apple TV).
Try ExpressVPN risk-free today and enjoy seamless online privacy.
Best Feature: No data caps, meaning you can browse all day
Monthly Data Allowance: Unlimited (Free Plan)
Works With: Netflix (US), YouTube, and Crunchyroll
Free Plan: Fully free option available
Proton VPN’s completely free plan stands out for providing unlimited monthly data without annoying ads or slowdowns. It’s ideal for daily activities like video streaming and web browsing. However, its free tier has limited features, such as a smaller pool of servers and no support for torrenting.
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly territory, and operates with a strict no-logs policy. While it lacks premium features like Secure Core servers or ad-blocking, its sturdy encryption and solid privacy practices still make it one of the top free VPNs.
No Ads or hidden fees in the free plan.
Open-Source apps add to its trustworthiness.
Great for basic streaming, but limited to US Netflix.
Upgrade to Proton VPN Plus for access to faster servers and more features, or stick to their free plan for light browsing.
Best Feature: Comprehensive adjustable settings for a personalized VPN experience
Monthly Data Allowance: Unlimited, with 10GB on servers of your choice
Works With: Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram
Free Trial: Free plan available
hide.me provides a feature-packed free VPN service that goes beyond the basics. With robust security features like strong encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, you can securely browse without added complexity. The platform supports five advanced protocols, including favorites like WireGuard and OpenVPN. A standout feature is StealthGuard, which allows users to bind the VPN to specific networks or apps for additional security.
Unlike many free VPNs, hide.me includes support for SoftEtherVPN and SSTP protocols, which mimic regular HTTPS traffic, making it ideal for navigating restrictive networks or locations like China and Iran. Its free servers are spread across 8 locations, including the US, UK, Germany, and France, making it easy to stream content like Netflix US or Disney+ in HD. However, it struggles with platforms like Hulu and Max.
24/7 Customer Support: Even free plan users can access live chat with quick and helpful responses.
Browser Extensions: Free Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions provide easy access with minor location limitations (3 server options instead of 8).
Torrenting Support: Includes split tunneling and custom port selection for secure downloads, though speed reductions could slow this experience.
Extensive security customization options
Free unlimited monthly data
Access to servers in 8 global locations
Speed limitations on free plans
No server selection after the initial 10GB
Best Feature: Proprietary Hydra protocol enhances speed and performance
Monthly Data Allowance: Unlimited for worry-free browsing
Works With: YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram
Free Trial: Free plan available
Hotspot Shield’s Basic VPN plan shines with its speed-focused Hydra protocol. By maximizing data transmission speed across multiple channels, Hydra enables smooth and fast connections on restrictive networks, such as schools or public WiFi networks. During testing, this technology delivered speeds adequate for HD streaming and browsing.
Hydra also includes stealth features, making the VPN harder to detect on networks where VPN usage is often blocked. However, the privacy policy might concern some users, as certain anonymized data is logged (e.g., bandwidth usage and device type). Additionally, a kill switch is only available on Windows devices, and free users are bombarded with upgrade ads, which can be distracting. Streaming capabilities under the free plan are limited, though general browsing and torrenting work well.
Unlimited Torrenting: Streamlined for speedy torrenting across supported platforms.
Server Variety: 5 server options spread across the US, UK, and Singapore expand connection possibilities.
Base Security Functions: Start-on-launch and selective local network accessibility features enhance overall connection security.
Hydra protocol ensures fast, stable speeds
Unlimited data perfect for torrenting
Supports connections on restrictive networks
Ad interruptions on the free plan
Limited functionality for streaming services
Privacy concerns around data logging
Best Feature: Expansive global server network for ultimate connection options
Monthly Data Allowance: 2GB, supporting approximately 2.5 hours of SD streaming
Works With: Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram
Free Trial: Free plan available
TunnelBear’s free plan takes the spotlight with its fun, bear-themed UI design and extensive server network, spanning 47 countries. A simple interface makes connecting easy for even the most novice VPN users. Select a country on the map, and the animated bear tunnels to your chosen server, ensuring a quick and secure connection.
The VPN supports bypassing censorship in restrictive areas and accessing multiple Netflix libraries (US, UK, Canada, Japan), enabling global content consumption. TunnelBear has impressive privacy measures, including regular transparency reports and a no-logs policy. However, the 2GB monthly data cap is a significant limitation, ideal for short sessions but unsuitable for heavy use like streaming or torrenting.
GhostBear Functionality: Obfuscates VPN traffic to bypass network restrictions.
Anti-Censorship Program: Grants 10GB monthly free data in nations with restricted internet access, such as Iran and Venezuela.
User-Friendly Setup: Clear and straightforward installation on desktop and mobile devices.
Servers in 47 countries ensure diverse access
Secure connection for streaming and browsing
Unique, fun design enhances user engagement
Limited 2GB monthly data cap
No support for routers
Restricted compatibility with select devices
Speedify is a free VPN that distinguishes itself with its unique Bonding Mode, which combines multiple internet connections to enhance speed and reliability. This feature is especially beneficial for users facing slow or unstable internet connections. During tests, Speedify increased connection speeds by 6% when the Bonding Mode was enabled. Additionally, an "Enhance Streaming" option allows the VPN to prioritize video streams and calls over other traffic, providing a seamless experience.
With servers in 35 countries, Speedify offers decent flexibility in optimizing connection speeds, a standout feature compared to many free VPNs. However, it does have its limitations, particularly with streaming platforms like Netflix, which it was unable to unblock during tests. The free plan comes with 2GB of monthly data, ideal for light browsing but restrictive for streaming or torrenting. While no signup is required, the free tier allows connection on only one device at a time.
Speedify ensures your data is protected using AES-256-GCM encryption, although its kill switch feature is only available to premium users. While the service temporarily logs some data, such as IP addresses and timestamps, it does not track your online activities or tie them to your IP or device.
Bonding Mode for improved speeds.
Free servers across 35 countries.
No signup needed for free usage.
Only 2GB of data per month.
Doesn’t work with major streaming platforms like Netflix.
Limited to just one device for free users.
PrivadoVPN features OpenVPN's Scramble Mode, which disguises VPN traffic, allowing users to bypass restrictions in countries like Russia or Iran. This feature opens up a world of internet possibilities for users located in restrictive regions. The free plan offers solid coverage with servers in 13 countries, including lesser-served locations such as Argentina and India. During tests, its best server selection options, based on latency and geolocation, consistently connected users to low-ping servers (under 100ms).
Streaming is where PrivadoVPN shines for a free VPN. Unlike many competitors, it successfully unblocks popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Crunchyroll. Its 10GB monthly data allowance is more generous than many free VPNs, making it suitable for occasional streaming and browsing.
However, connecting to some servers may take up to 10–15 seconds, and the limited server distribution poses challenges for users in regions like Asia, where only one free server (India) is available.
PrivadoVPN utilizes AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by the US government, ensuring your data remains secure. Furthermore, it adheres to a zero-log policy to protect user privacy.
Scramble Mode for restrictive networks.
Servers in 13 countries (including Argentina).
Unblocks streaming sites like Netflix.
10GB monthly data limit.
Some server connection delays.
Limited Asian server options.
To ensure we recommend only the best free VPNs, we follow a thorough methodology:
Server Availability and Speeds: We test how well each VPN handles streaming, browsing, and downloading to guarantee optimal performance.
Security Features: Strong encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and a kill switch are crucial for safeguarding online activities.
Privacy Policies: A strict no-logs policy ensures that no personal data is stored or shared.
Our team conducts hands-on testing by simulating typical user behavior on multiple devices and operating systems. We ensure each VPN delivers the right balance of performance, security, and usability. For more detailed insights, check out our VPN testing methodology page.
While the free VPNs we recommend are safe, not all free VPNs are created equal. Many can jeopardize your privacy by engaging in practices like data selling and using weak security protocols. To ensure your safety, opt for "freemium" VPNs—those that offer limited features for free and are backed by premium-tier services.
Data Selling: Free VPNs often monetize by sharing user data with third parties. For example, Hola VPN is notorious for selling users' bandwidth and browsing data.
Security Gaps: Many free VPNs lack critical features like leak protection and kill switches. Testing has shown that many free VPNs have IP address leaks, compromising user privacy.
Hidden Malware: Some free VPNs contain malware or intrusive ads. SuperVPN is an example, with reports of malware that steals users’ data.
Shady Ownership: Free VPN services are often owned by anonymous companies in regions with weak privacy laws, raising concerns about the safety of your data.
Weak Encryption: To reduce costs, many free VPNs use outdated encryption protocols, leaving your connection vulnerable to hackers.
While some free VPNs may seem appealing, they carry significant security risks. Avoid these services:
Hola VPN: Not a true VPN, it reroutes traffic through other users' devices, exposing your IP address. It logs browsing history and has turned users' devices into part of a botnet.
Psiphon: Known for collecting excessive user data, including location and visited sites, and bombarding users with intrusive ads.
Touch VPN: Tracks and shares detailed logs of browsing activity, turning your data into a commodity.
VPN Gate: Uses volunteer-run servers, exposing user traffic to random individuals. It also logs data and shares it with authorities when requested.
LinkVPN: Associated with malware-ridden SuperVPN, it shares user data with third parties while operating under Chinese jurisdiction.
Choosing between a free and paid VPN can be challenging. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Free VPNs | Paid VPNs |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, but often limited in features. | Premium services with money-back guarantees, risk-free trials. |
| Speed | Slower, especially on faraway servers. | Faster speeds with minimal drop-offs. |
| Data Limits | Often capped at 1–2GB/month. | Unlimited data, ideal for streaming and torrenting. |
| Server Availability | Limited, often overcrowded. | Extensive networks with servers in 100+ countries. |
| Security & Privacy | Weak encryption, potential data selling. | Military-grade encryption, no-logs policies. |
| P2P Support | Limited or absent. | Fully supports torrenting with faster speeds. |
| Customer Support | Minimal or absent. | 24/7 live chat support. |
Looking for free internet VPN access? Follow these simple steps:
Sign Up for a VPN: While not entirely free, services like ExpressVPN offer a 30-day, risk-free trial.
Connect to a Server: Download the app, install it on your device, and choose a server for optimal performance.
Start Browsing: Enjoy secure browsing, streaming, or torrenting without worrying about trackers or hackers.
Yes, many VPN services offer 100% free plans without requiring payment details. These VPNs give you quick access to secure browsing but usually come with limitations such as data usage caps, slower speeds, or fewer server options. However, some services may require payment details for free trials, not a fully free service.
While some free VPNs offer strong encryption, others may expose users to hacks or data leakage due to weak protocols or poor data handling practices. The VPNs listed in this guide are safe to use, as we've vetted them for privacy and security. Always review a VPN's privacy policy and ensure it has proper encryption and no-logs practices.
The fastest VPN Google Chrome extension from our list provides excellent speeds, even on remote servers. For streaming in HD or Ultra HD without buffering, this VPN is ideal. Keep in mind, free VPNs typically have slower speeds, especially on faraway servers.
While unlimited premium features aren't free, many VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees that allow you to test premium features temporarily. Be wary of websites offering hacks or shared accounts, as these can compromise your security.
The best free VPN for iPhone and Android depends on your needs:
Unlimited Data: Look for VPNs without data caps.
Wide Server Access: Choose VPNs with a large server network.
Streaming: Use VPNs that support services like Netflix or Hulu.
For the best experience on mobile devices, premium VPNs offer faster speeds and more features, with a free trial or money-back guarantee for testing.
Few free VPNs reliably support Netflix. Free VPNs tend to have small data caps and slow speeds, which can affect your streaming experience. For uninterrupted streaming, consider premium VPNs tailored for Netflix with fast speeds and extensive server coverage.
The fastest VPN Google Chrome extension offers basic functionality to secure browser traffic. However, for full protection and access to a wider range of servers, use the full app, which provides more advanced features and encryption.
If you're looking for a free VPN for torrenting, the #4 ranked VPN is a solid choice. It offers strong encryption and unlimited data but is limited to 5 servers, which may cause slower speeds during peak usage. For more reliable torrenting, consider a premium VPN that offers a broader server network.
Free VPNs struggle to bypass stringent censorship in countries like Iran and China. Their basic protocols are often detected and blocked. For reliable access in such regions, opt for a premium VPN with obfuscation technologies and stealth modes that can bypass network restrictions.
While free internet VPNs offer privacy and security, they often come with trade-offs in speed, server access, and features. By focusing on your specific needs—whether it's streaming, torrenting, or enhanced privacy—you can find the best free VPN for your requirements.
If you need comprehensive features, consider premium VPNs like ExpressVPN, which offer superior speeds, security, and server coverage. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test premium VPNs risk-free and experience the benefits of full protection.
Kaida Rylan is a Junior Writer specializing in VPN reviews and online security. Passionate about technology and digital privacy, Kaida has been researching and testing VPNs to provide readers with honest, in-depth insights. Kaida holds a Master’s Degree in Communications and a Bachelor’s in Media Studies. Additionally, they completed a cybersecurity certification program and gained experience working at a tech startup. Before joining the VPN industry, Kaida worked as a content creator, tech writer, and digital marketing specialist. In their free time, they enjoy exploring new cybersecurity tools and staying up to date with the latest tech trends.