When I started freelancing I just started it with my laptop and me in my room for which I had to cut expenses to get through my daily life because I wasn’t on any job and I know I wanted security while talking to my client or sharing any data.
I wasn’t able to pay for VPNs at that time, and in my opinion, free VPNs were always a waste of source or your network speed, but then I researched about free VPNs, and I was wrong, so I started using free VPNs as my source for security and privacy, while it’s true that paid VPNs do offer more features and better performance but some free VPNs can provide you with decent level security and privacy.
However, It’s important to be cautious when choosing a free VPN as it may not be trustworthy and put your online presence at risk. In this article, I tend to explain and show my preferences for free VPNs that I have tested by myself.
If you don’t know what’s a VPN, or how VPN works? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you to understand. Read: What is VPN? How does it work? Types of VPN
Top 10 FREE VPNs that you can take advantage of in 2024
We all love getting something for nothing, but there is always a price for everything. The same goes for VPNs, so it’s very important to research about your VPN provider before accessing their services.
The best one for those is the “freemium” ones that provide a restricted version of the paid product. I have rounded up free VPNs for you to consider before using any free VPN, so let’s dive into the list of the best free VPNs.
In this list:
1. Privado VPN
| Supported countries | 9 countries |
| Server locations | 12 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 1 supported |
| Data limit | 10GB per month (+ slow unlimited data) |
Privado VPN was founded in 2019, which makes it a newcomer in the world of VPNs but despite having so little time in this industry Privado VPN was able to be well-liked despite its time in the industry. WireGuard protocol makes it faster which let it be a well-known VPN out there.
Right off the bat, you’ll get 10 GB of full-speed data every month which is enough for local browsing. While you use that 10 GB of full speed data you get a wide range of servers around the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Brazil, and more.
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, AndroidTV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick
2. Proton VPN Free
| Supported countries | 100+ server locations |
| Server locations | 3 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 1 supported |
| Data limit | Unlimited |
| Support | Website, email |
Proton VPN Free is the nearest challenger to Privado, the only drawback it provides is its streaming overseas content because I have tested it for streaming US Netflix which it could not. Although it does provides different sets of features like robust applications which are open source and super secure.
The biggest advantage that you can get from proton VPN free is that you get unlimited full-speed data with speed peaking at 380 Mbps. WireGuard protocol makes it more secure and lets you use features like a kill switch and leak protection.
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Android TV and iOS/iPadOS.
3. Windscribe
| Supported countries | 11 countries |
| Server locations | 14 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | Unlimited |
| Data limit | 10GB per month |
| Support | Website, email |
Aside from its premium features windscribe also provides a freemium version that gives you unlimited simultaneous connections and is a great choice for those who want flexibility in their free VPN the data limit is restricted to 10 GB with leeway but still it’s more than enough for most users.
With 14 locations across 11 countries, it provides a fair speed of 240 Mpbs from my last test which is not as good as our top two providers. Although its streaming ability makes it a great choice for streaming content from UK Netflix, BBC, and Iplayer which is quite a surprise for the free version.
Available on: iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows PC, or as a browser add-on for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
4. Atlas VPN
| Supported countries | 2 countries |
| Server locations | 3 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 2 supported |
| Data limit | 10GB per month |
| Support | Website, email |
Newly acquired by NordVPN, Atlas VPN is a useful little tool for privacy or changing location to geo-restricted content. However, the range of 3 servers isn’t much but you won’t be globetrotting too much around the servers. A fun fact is that you don’t have to enter any personal detail while downloading or connecting it.
Although Atlas VPN is a great choice for users who don’t get bothered by the limited range of servers or data limit.
Available on: Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS
5. Hide.me
| Supported countries | 4 countries |
| Server locations | 5 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 1 supported |
| Data limit | 10GB per month |
| Support | Website, email, and live chat |
Hide.me is perfect for users who like to have control over their traffic usage or like to dig around the features of their application because hide.me provides many customizable features which are available to all free users. That includes a kill switch, a favorites list for servers that can be reordered, split tunneling, Stealth Guard, a whole host of protocols, and more.
There is always a price for everything. However, the free version removes the support for the WireGuard protocol which decreases the performance and on testing it shows a speed of 25Mpbs.
Available on: Windows
6. Hotspot Shield Basic
| Supported countries | 1 countries |
| Server locations | 1 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 5 supported |
| Data limit | Unlimited |
| Support | Website |
One of the earliest VPN providers I got to know about and still a worthy VPN for users who just want speed and trying to get restricted USA content or want to stream USA Netflix, Disney Plus, and BBC. Although Hotspot shield basic is not close to its competitors because its freemium version only provides 1 server location across the USA and is fallen behind in the last few years.
Its free version is not a class-leading product but still, it does provide you a speed of 230 Mpbs the app is quite instructive as it shows ads while connecting the VPN.
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
7. TunnelBear
| Supported countries | 40 countries |
| Server locations | 42 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 5 supported |
| Data limit | 1.5GB per month |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit |
A great option if you are looking for a free VPN. The interface is very clean and easy to use and provides a boatload of features like kill switch, ghost mode, and letting you choose across a list of servers including US and UK.
Although it doesn’t provide streaming overseas content but still provides a great speed of 220 Mpbs which as a free version is quite good. It’s a great choice for users looking for a free VPN with a list of servers and privacy for their online presence.
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
8. ZoogVPN
| Supported countries | 3 countries |
| Server locations | 10 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 1 supported |
| Data limit | 10 to 50GB per month |
| Encryption | 128-bit |
Offering multiple encryption protocols and letting you choose which one you want to use while connecting makes it great for the users who want limited access to the traffic their visiting. Although you can only 5 servers on the free version but it still provides great speed while connected.
However, ZoogVPN servers are quite fast but when the traffic gets out of hand the free users are the first ones to notice the lag or poor network performance which leads to no streaming overseas content.
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
9. VPNhub free
| Supported countries | 1 country |
| Server locations | 45 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | 1 supported |
| Data limit | Unlimited |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit |
Vpnhub is a good free VPN for all mobile users as it only has the free version on android and IOS, while it provides unlimited data for 2 simultaneous connections. Although the app is not very attentive or fast still it doesn’t affect any network performance or anything.
VPNhub downside to VPNhub is that you only have access to one server, which will always be a random location within the US.
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
10. Avira Free VPN
| Supported countries | 34 countries |
| Server locations | 150 locations |
| Simultaneous connection | Unlimited |
| Data limit | Unlimited |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit |
Avira free VPN offers a great bundle of servers with unlimited simultaneous connections. Although it does provide a basic level of privacy and security surprisingly the VPN unblocks overseas streaming content like US Netflix.
However, it lacks features like a kill switch and ghostmode, and speed on free servers performs poorly when the traffic gets heavy but does provide a speed of 52 Mpbs when connected.
Available on: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
I as an internet geek want online security and privacy rather it slows my network performance or not so people who want their online presence to be a secret but don’t really want to pay for a VPN subscription can consider these VPNs as their choice. These VPNs are secure to use and their providers are trustworthy because you don’t want to use a VPN if it really leaks your data into a cyber threat.
Note: Remember, the specifics of each free VPN provider may vary, so it's important to research and choose a reputable provider that aligns with your needs and priorities.
FAQs: Best FREE VPNs for any device
What is the difference between a free VPN and a paid VPN?
The main difference between free VPNs and paid VPNs lies in their features and limitations. Free VPNs often have restrictions on server locations, data caps, and slower speeds, while paid VPNs typically offer a wider range of server options, unlimited bandwidth, and faster connections. Paid VPNs also tend to provide stronger security measures and dedicated customer support.
How do free VPN providers make money if their service is free?
Free VPN providers may generate revenue through various means, such as displaying ads within the VPN app or selling user data to third-party advertisers. Some providers offer a freemium model where they offer a basic free version and encourage users to upgrade to a paid subscription for additional features and better performance.
Are there any data limitations with free VPNs?
Yes, many free VPNs impose data limitations on their users. They may provide a certain amount of data per month or a daily limit. Once you reach the data cap, the VPN may either stop working or prompt you to upgrade to a paid plan.
Can I trust free VPN providers with my personal information?
Trustworthiness varies among free VPN providers. While some reputable providers prioritize user privacy and have strict no-logs policies, others may collect and sell user data. It’s crucial to research and choose a free VPN provider with a strong track record of protecting user privacy.
Do free VPNs offer the same level of security as paid VPNs?
Free VPNs may offer a basic level of security, but they generally don’t provide the same level of security features and encryption protocols as paid VPNs. Paid VPNs often invest in more advanced security measures, such as secure VPN protocols, stronger encryption algorithms, and additional security features like a kill switch or malware protection.
Are there any risks of using free VPNs in terms of privacy and data security?
Using free VPNs can pose privacy and security risks. Some free VPNs may collect and sell user data, while others may have weak security measures that could leave your information vulnerable to hackers or surveillance. It’s important to choose a reputable free VPN provider that prioritizes user privacy and employs robust security protocols.
Can I use a free VPN to access blocked websites or bypass censorship?
Free VPNs can sometimes help you access blocked websites or bypass censorship by routing your internet traffic through servers in different locations. However, it’s worth noting that some websites and services have advanced blocking mechanisms that can detect and block VPN traffic, even from free VPN providers.
Do free VPNs support P2P file sharing or torrenting?
While some free VPNs allow P2P file sharing or torrenting, many impose restrictions such as limited bandwidth or specific server locations for these activities. If you engage in torrenting or P2P file sharing frequently, it’s generally recommended to use a paid VPN that offers dedicated servers for these purposes.
What are the common drawbacks or limitations of free VPNs?
Common drawbacks of free VPNs include limited server options, data caps, slower connection speeds, potential privacy concerns, and less reliable customer support. Additionally, free VPNs may have a higher likelihood of displaying ads or interrupting your browsing experience with pop-ups.
Are there any free VPNs that offer reliable customer support?
Free VPNs generally provide limited customer support compared to paid VPNs. However, some free VPN providers offer basic customer support through email, live chat, or support forums. It’s important to check the available support options before choosing a free VPN.