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 device, and so they do have their moments. However actually, I’ve realized I don’t want one working 24/7. For my on a regular basis actions like checking emails or scrolling via Instagram, my residence 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 out there in my area.’ And for these occasional moments, I positively want a superb VPN.
The issue? The great VPNs often price 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 via a minefield of sketchy providers. 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 have been horrible, however just a few really shocked me. These are the free VPNs I discovered that you should utilize 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 funds ($5/month)
- ProtonVPN free of charge and limitless bandwidth ($4.69/month)
- Surfshark for big 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 adverts, 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 price of paid plans for straightforward comparability.
On this information, I am going to stroll you thru my prime picks free of charge VPNs, sharing the nice, the unhealthy, and the ‘why you must attempt 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 in search of perfection. In spite of everything, they’re free for a cause. However there are just a few 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 regarded 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 swap, which disconnects your web if the VPN connection drops.
- Usability: All I needed was VPNs which can be 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 positive to incorporate a mixture of choices: some with beneficiant limits and others that supply limitless information (sure, these exist!).
- Server choices: A good 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 anticipate servers in a whole lot of nations, however I positively needed greater than two or three.
- No annoying extras: Infinite pop-ups, spammy adverts, or sneaky makes an attempt to put in different software program? Arduous move. I solely thought of VPNs that saved the expertise clear {and professional}, even of their free variations.
These have been the primary issues I regarded 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 fitting 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 important place to begin for figuring out respected VPN suppliers. Lots 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 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 Pace take a look at. Here 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 capacity to unblock Netflix, and different streaming providers. 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 one of the best free VPNs might battle at occasions.
These hands-on checks helped me determine VPNs that ship actual worth with out compromising on information or endurance.
Disclaimer: These checks replicate 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 situations, however outcomes might range 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 after I noticed some good opinions about it one G2 and different boards, I made a decision to present it a attempt.
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 via 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, and so they have a no-log coverage, so your information is safe. I didn’t discover any IP leak throughout my checks too. Curiously, 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 checks was actually sluggish, particularly on distant servers. So, the searching was okay for primary duties, however streaming or massive downloads shortly turned irritating although I might entry geoblocked content material in several 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 appreciated about KeepSolid VPN Limitless:
- Massive 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 in depth 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 consumer pleasant interface that makes it straightforward to attach vpn servers and customise settings. Furthermore , it might additionally defend a number of units concurrently beneath a single subscription. Which means that 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 velocity 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 velocity is low on connecting to the closest server. A compromise on velocity over reliability.”
– KeepSolid VPN Limitless Assessment, Ansh G.
2. Proton VPN
I’ve heard so much 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 well-liked selection for privateness lovers. 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 critical about safety, and it exhibits.
Proton VPN gives a free eternally plan. Putting in the app on my Mac was tremendous straightforward, and their UI is smooth and fashionable. I might simply work out how one can 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 choice. Proton VPN additionally supplied a Kill Swap that I might activate and off to disable the web if the VPN connection dropped.
After I examined the velocity of its free Tokyo server, my obtain velocity went all the way 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 when you’re into importing massive information or gaming.
My web velocity with Proton VPN
On the brilliant 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 beloved how Proton shares transparency information on authorized requests for info 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 are able to 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 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 when you’re attempting to connect with a particular area or in search of a much less congested server.
On the streaming entrance, Proton VPN labored surprisingly nicely for Amazon Prime and even Netflix after I related to the Japan server. Nevertheless, as quickly as I switched to a distinct server, Netflix shortly detected the VPN and blocked entry. It’s a little bit of a hit-or-miss state of affairs, so whereas it might work often, I wouldn’t depend on it for constant streaming.
However that mentioned, I’d say Proton VPN is a standout selection particularly for its limitless bandwidth. In the event you’re planning to stay with a free VPN for the lengthy haul, Proton VPN is certainly value contemplating.
What I appreciated about Proton VPN:
- Free eternally 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 assist, ease of utilization.”
– Proton VPN Assessment, verified consumer in small enterprise.
What I did not like about Proton VPN:
- Restricted server choices.
- Can’t choose the server I need
What are G2 customers saying:
“Its server community, whereas safe, is smaller in comparison with some rivals, limiting world protection for some areas.”
– Proton VPN Assessment, 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 organising my account wasn’t solely easy. The app on my Mac didn’t refresh robotically 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 slightly tough 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 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 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 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 swap.
IP leak take a look at of Surfshark
One other function I appreciated was organising a Multihop connection, which helps you to route your visitors via two servers as a substitute of 1 for added privateness. It’s an important choice when you’re in search of additional safety, although it might 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 sluggish, with fixed buffering, so I wouldn’t suggest it for binge-watching.
General, Surfshark’s free trial is an effective choice if you wish to discover its options. But when streaming is your precedence, you may must look elsewhere.
What I appreciated 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 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 places, 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. Okay, I’m kidding. I positively 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 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 beloved 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 exhibiting 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 out there within the free model.
The consumer 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. After I examined it, there was no IP leak.
Their velocity was first rate. General, TunnelBear is a implausible choice for anybody in search of a easy, safe VPN for gentle use. Its limitless system assist, dedication to privateness via audits, and enjoyable branding make it stand out. Nevertheless, the 2GB information cap means it’s greatest fitted 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 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 slightly roar noise!”
– TunnelBear Assessment, 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 many who intend to make use of it for private use as streaming apps and obtain torrents, TunnelBear will not be beneficial! TunnelBear’s predominant operate is to maintain your connection safe and nameless.”
– TunnelBear Assessment, Andre L.
5. Windscribe
Windscribe caught my consideration for its beneficiant free plan, and so they 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 sport; the affirmation e-mail that includes Ron Swanson genuinely made me smile.
Electronic mail affirmation mail from Windscribe for 10 GB free month-to-month information
Windscribe supplies assist 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 should utilize the device on.
I went with the app for my Macbook. Establishing the app was simple, 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 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 shocked 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 velocity with Windscribe VPN
The standout function for me was its “R.O.B.E.R.T.” device, which helps you to block adverts, 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
Nevertheless, Windscribe was slightly sluggish when in comparison with the velocity of different VPNs in my velocity take a look at, with a 56.9 Mbps obtain and 21.9 Mbps add velocity, solely subsequent to KeepSolid, but it surely’s nonetheless manageable. Additionally, the info cap might be irritating at occasions. Positive, you will get an extra 5 GB when you tweet about them or get limitless information for $3/month. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless limiting when you’re a heavy consumer.
What I appreciated about Windscribe:
- Works nicely for streaming regardless of sluggish web velocity
- Blocks adverts and trackers on browser
What are G2 customers saying:
“The very best a part of utilizing Windscribe is that I can apply it to the browser in addition to the desktop software. It supplies one of the best privateness amongst different rivals who’ve a number 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 corporations as nicely.”
– Windscribe Assessment, Mark H.
What I did not like about Windscribe:
- Web velocity slows down a bit.
- Knowledge cap free of charge customers.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The one factor I’ve seen is its connection velocity 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 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, gentle searching |
|
Surfshark |
7-day free trial |
3,200+ servers in 100 international locations |
Limitless (trial) |
Massive server community, common 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 |
Often requested questions on free VPNs
1. Are free VPNs secure to make use of?
Free VPNs are secure to make use of however can even put consumer privateness in danger. Some free VPN providers 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 may hardly unblock streaming websites.
Maintain these dangers and components in thoughts whereas utilizing predatory-free VPNs.
- Exercise monitoring: Some free VPN suppliers observe and retailer your on-line actions to promote the info to 3rd events and advertising businesses.
- Malware: Free VPNs supply strong safety measures, whereas others can comprise dangerous malware, together with adware and adware.
- Knowledge restriction: Free variations typically restrict your searching expertise with a set megabyte (MB) quantity.
- Restricted connection velocity: Even one of the best free VPN instruments restrict connection speeds free of charge customers, stopping you from having fun with a quick searching expertise. Contemplate working a velocity take a look at earlier than you get a subscription.
- Much less freedom to decide on servers: You’re much less more likely 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 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 value getting?
The reply varies relying on how you intend to make use of a free VPN. It could do the trick when you merely need to encrypt server connection whereas accessing public WiFi. Nevertheless, a free resolution limits the info you should utilize, so it gained’t assist you a lot when you’re trying to obtain terabytes of torrent information.
4. How do you select a free VPN?
Concerning VPNs, velocity and safety are probably the most crucial concerns. Study the VPN supplier’s protocols and the variety of servers it has. The better the variety of servers, the quicker your connections shall be. Contemplate asking the next earlier than selecting a free VPN:
- Does it promote your information to a 3rd get together?
- Can it keep away from fingerprinting and block adverts?
- Does the VPN supplier have a no-log coverage?
- Are you able to enroll anonymously?
These questions will assist 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 typically outweigh the drawbacks.
Nevertheless, probably the most vital drawback of a VPN is that your web connection can turn 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 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?
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 good, however from my expertise, they will get the job accomplished 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 manner. 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 searching non-public.
That mentioned, I’ve realized to handle my expectations. Free VPNs aren’t designed for infinite streaming marathons, large 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 additional layer of privateness to my on a regular basis searching.
On the finish of the day, discovering the fitting 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 decide, defend your information, and browse with confidence!
Exploring how VPNs assist you browse the web? Try how a VPN works to guard your on-line id.