5 Best VPNs With Free Trials You Can Try Before Buying

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Editorial
NordVPN is our top choice for best VPNs with free trials. It comes with a 7 day-free trial on Android and iOS, all with complete security and privacy features. You can also extend the risk-free usage with a 30-day money-back guarantee. |
Trying a VPN without paying upfront sounds like a good deal, right? That’s where VPNs with free trials come in. They let you test the service before committing to a plan. But not all of them are worth your time.
Some trials come with restrictions or sneaky terms, while others allow you to explore all features without any hidden catches. Knowing which ones are legit can save you stress later.
That’s why this guide breaks down the best options that let you try them risk-free.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting a VPN, this list will help you choose smartly. I’ve sorted through the noise and picked five services that give you real access before asking for payment.
Our Top VPNs With Free Trials
I tested multiple VPNs using criteria like the existence of upfront payments and access to premium features. Here are the 5 best VPNs with free trials that impressed me the most.
1. PrivadoVPN: The Best Free VPN

PROS |
---|
No upfront payment required |
Premium-level features on the free plan |
No cancellation hassle |
Reliable encryption |
Responsive email support |
CONS |
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No live chat support on the free plan |
10GB monthly data limit |
Limited server access |
PrivadoVPN often leads the lists of VPNs with free trials, even though it technically doesn’t offer a trial at all. That’s because its free plan gives you more than what many trial-based VPNs provide.
For starters, PrivadoVPN’s free plan doesn’t ask for any credit card details. You can sign up and start using it right away. That’s a major win compared to VPNs with trials that need full payment info first.
This no-risk setup makes PrivadoVPN a smart pick for people testing the waters. There’s no surprise charge waiting if you forget to cancel later.
Furthermore, even on the free version, PrivadoVPN gives you access to premium-level features like high-speed servers and 10 GB of monthly data. You also get access to multiple locations, which is rare for free VPN trials.
This is more than enough for your daily VPN needs like streaming, torrenting, and safe browsing.
You don’t have to worry about cancellations with the free version of PrivadoVPN since there’s nothing to cancel. You can stop using it anytime with no hoops to jump through.
There’s also the added advantage of using top-tier encryption protocols that protect your data every time you go online. PrivadoVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t track your activity.
This makes it one of the safest options out there, even compared to paid VPNs with trials that claim to be private but don’t stick to it.
PrivadoVPN offers email support on the free plan. While live chat is reserved for paid users, the support team still responds quickly to questions. This kind of access is rare with free VPN trials, and PrivadoVPN still manages to show up when you need help.
Finally, the premium version of PrivadoVPN is one of the cheapest in the game. You can get full access for as little as $1.11 per month, and you can grab amazing discounts by clicking the cute red button below.
2. NordVPN – Most Secure VPN With Free Trial

PROS |
---|
7-day mobile trial |
30-day money-back guarantee |
Full access to premium features |
Multiple privacy audits |
Live chat and email support |
CONS |
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Desktop trial requires upfront payment |
Refund request must be made within 30 days |
Mobile trial is only available on iOS and Android |
NordVPN stands out as one of the most secure VPNs with free trials. It offers a 7-day trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back option for all premium plans. That means you can test it fully and walk away if it doesn’t fit your needs.
The mobile trial on iOS and Android doesn’t require payment. You can start using the VPN right away. If you’re testing the desktop version, you’ll need to pay upfront but can cancel for a full refund. That gives you a true premium experience for 30 days with no pressure to stay.
Whether you choose the free trial NordVPN or the premium option, you get full access to all premium features. This includes fast servers through the NordLynx protocol, streaming support, and malware protection.
NordVPN also uses AES encryption that keeps your internet use private and secure. It also follows a strict no-logs policy that’s been confirmed by third-party audits. We discuss this and more in our NordVPN review.
The cancellation process is straightforward. You just contact support and request your money back. There’s no long process or hard-to-find links. Most users report getting their refund in just a few days.
Regarding dedicated support, NordVPN provides access to both live chat and email support during your trial. Whether you’re testing it on mobile or desktop, help is available 24/7.
NordVPN may not have a completely free version, but it offers affordable plans with unbeatable discounts that start from $3.39 per month for 24 months. You can grab the discounts below.
3. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN with Free Trial

PROS |
---|
No upfront payment |
Full access to premium features |
Works on both Android and iOS |
Simple cancellation |
Cheapest long-term plans |
CONS |
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Expensive monthly plans |
Wrapping up our list of the best VPNs with free trials is Surfshark. On top of having one of the cheapest long-term plans around, Surfshark offers a free seven-day trial through the App Store and Google Play Store. You get access to full features on both Android and iOS.
Plus, you won’t need to pay anything upfront if you start the trial from a mobile device. Once you download it from the App Store or Google Play, you can activate the trial without being charged.
The free trial Surfshark option allows you to connect to any of its over 3,200 servers, including MultiHop options. You can also use special features like Camouflage Mode, Cleanweb, NoBorders Mode, and WiFi security.
Like the other alternatives, cancellation of the free trial can be done through the respective mobile app stores. There’s never any need to get in touch with customer support; just ensure you cancel it on time.
Speaking of customer support, Surfshark’s free VPN trial offers fast live chat and email options in case you run into issues. We cover this and more in our Surfshark review.
The cheapest plans start from $1.99 per month for 27 months, which is a very fair deal. However, Surfshark has one of the most expensive monthly plans, which costs $15.45. That’s costlier than ExpressVPN.
4. PureVPN – Best Privacy VPN With Free Trial

PROS |
---|
7-day trial without upfront payment |
Full access to premium features |
Low-cost trial option on desktop |
Simple cancellation process |
Live chat support |
CONS |
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The free VPN trial is only available on mobile |
Desktop trial isn’t fully free |
Like most of the other free trial alternatives, PureVPN offers a 7-day free trial for mobile devices. However, there’s a paid trial if you go through the website. Both options offer full access, giving you a clear sense of what you’re getting.
PureVPN’s mobile trial doesn’t require an upfront payment. You can activate it straight from the App Store. If you’re on a desktop, you’ll find a $0.99 seven-day paid trial on the site.
So, whether you’re after a no-payment trial or a very low-cost option, it fits well among VPNs with trials. Plus, you get access to AES encryption, which protects your devices on any network, including unsecured public WiFi.
Both free VPN trial versions give full access to PureVPN’s paid features. This means you’re testing the actual product, not a limited version. You won’t run into annoying restrictions like server limits or slow speeds.
As for cancellations, PureVPN doesn’t make you jump through hoops. On mobile phones, cancellation goes through your app store settings. For the paid version, just log in and request it.
Support is also available 24/7 through live chat or email. That’s helpful if something doesn’t work or you just want to cancel before the trial ends. If you’re looking for a VPN with trials that won’t leave you stranded, this is a plus.
5. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN With Free Trial

PROS |
---|
No upfront payment on mobile trials |
Fast connection speeds |
Free trial for Android and iOS |
Smooth cancellation process |
CONS |
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Free trial limited to mobile devices |
Expensive premium plans |
Out of all the virtual private networks I’ve ever used, ExpressVPN has always impressed with speeds. That doesn’t change even when you use the free trial versions.
You get a seven-day trial on mobile devices. However, you must submit it through the App Store and Google Play.
Fortunately, ExpressVPN’s mobile trial doesn’t need an upfront payment. You can start the trial right after downloading the app. This is helpful if you’re looking for VPNs with trials when you’re on a tight budget.
More good news is that you’ll get full access to all ExpressVPN’s paid features. This includes over 3,000 servers, fast VPN protocols such as Lightway, and security features like a kill switch.
Cancelling the free trial is also easy, and you can do it directly through the App Store or Google Play. You won’t be subjected to endless messages; you just tap on a button and it’s done.
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat and email support. That means if you hit a problem during your trial, help is available fast. This kind of support matters when comparing the best free VPN trials, especially if you’re new to the service.
However, if you choose to go with the premium version, be warned that ExpressVPN isn’t cheap. The cheapest plan starts from $4.99 per month for 28 months and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How We Choose the Best VPNs With Free Trials
Multiple VPNs offer free trials, but they’re not built the same. If you’re undecided on what to go with, here’s how you can choose the right one.
- Upfront payments: Some VPNs offer trials that don’t ask for credit card info up front. That means you can test the service without worrying about surprise charges later. Others require payment details even if they promise not to bill right away. Stick with VPNs that let you start without paying anything.
- Transparent terms and trial limits: Always check how long the trial lasts and what happens when it ends. Some VPNs auto-renew into annual plans without clear warnings. Others may cancel your trial early if you miss a step in the setup. Look for VPNs with trials that state the rules clearly upfront.
- Access to premium features: A trial only helps if it shows you the real product. Some VPNs limit their trials by blocking high-speed servers, disabling streaming, or hiding features like split tunneling or malware blocking. That makes it hard to judge how well the service performs.
- Cancellation process: You shouldn’t have to chase down support just to cancel a trial. Some VPNs bury the option deep in your account settings. Others make you email support and wait for a reply. Good VPNs with free trials keep things simple. If you signed up through the App Store or Google Play, canceling should take a few taps.
- Good speeds: Speed matters, especially if you stream or work online. Some VPNs throttle speeds during trials or limit you to overcrowded servers. That makes the test feel nothing like the real product. Look for VPNs with free trials that give you access to fast servers in multiple locations.
- Customer support: Good support can save you a lot of frustration, especially if you run into issues during the trial. VPNs with trials should give you access to live chat or email, even if you haven’t paid yet. If the support team is slow to respond or sends vague answers, that’s a red flag.
Wrapping Up
Testing VPNs with free trials is one of the smartest ways to find a service that works for you. Whether you’re looking for speed, privacy, or streaming access, a trial lets you test-drive the real thing before spending a cent.
PrivadoVPN tops our list for having one of the best free VPNs, which makes it a budget-friendly option. Other alternatives include NordVPN, PureVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
If you’ve been unsure where to start, any of these picks will give you a real sense of what to expect from a paid plan. Try one, run your tests, and see which VPN fits your habits best.
FAQ
Are VPNs with free trials really free?
Some VPNs offer full trials without payment, while others ask for card details but delay charging. Always check if the provider bills after the trial ends. The best ones let you cancel easily before any charges happen.
Which VPN has the best no-fee trial?
PrivadoVPN stands out for offering a free plan that feels like a full trial. You don’t need to enter any billing info. It gives you premium-level features and strong privacy without asking for money upfront.
Can I use a VPN trial on desktop and mobile?
It depends on the provider. Some VPNs, like NordVPN, offer trials on both platforms. Others limit the trial to mobile devices through app stores. Always confirm where the trial works before signing up.
Do VPN trials give full access to features?
The best VPNs with trials let you use all features just like a paying user. That includes server switching, streaming support, and privacy tools. Avoid trials that hide core features or limit locations.
What happens if I forget to cancel the trial?
If you signed up through an app store, it will usually renew into a subscription. The same applies to desktop trials that require card details. Set a reminder so you don’t get charged by mistake.
Can I get a refund if I forget to cancel?
Some VPNs, like NordVPN, offer a 30-day money-back guarantee even after the trial. Others are stricter, especially through app stores. Always read the refund terms before you start using a paid trial.
Do VPN trials affect speed or performance?
They shouldn’t. A proper VPN with trials gives you access to the same servers and speed as paying users. If you notice throttling or lag, it’s a sign the service might not be worth using long-term.