5 Best Free VPNs You Can Trust for Safety and Fast Speeds

Last Updated on August 27, 2025 by Editorial

Key Takeways
1. PrivadoVPN – Best free VPN with 12 free server locations
2. ProtonVPN – Best free VPN with unlimited data
3. Windscribe VPN – Best free VPN with unlimited device connections
4. Hotspot Shield – Best free VPN with split tunneling
5. Hideme VPN – Free VPN that offers customer support to users

Premium VPNs will always give you more: better speeds, stronger privacy features, and reliable support. But if your budget’s tight, you’ll probably be searching for the best free VPNs you can trust. 

Now, I’ve used free VPN services before, and while they can’t match everything a paid service offers, they can still be surprisingly useful in the right situations.

Free VPNs are great if you just need quick protection on public Wi-Fi, want to hide your IP for basic browsing, or even access restricted content in a pinch. While they usually come with limits like smaller server networks or capped data, that doesn’t make them useless. 

The trick is knowing which ones are safe to use and won’t sell your data.

I’ve tested quite a few free options over the years, and some stand out for actually being fast and reliable while keeping your privacy intact. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best free VPNs. 

Keep reading to find out more.

The Best Free VPNs You Should Try Out

There are many considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best free VPNs, and I’ll cover that later on. In the meantime, here are the best free VPNs you can use right now.

1. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN Overall

PrivadoVPN tops my list of the best free VPNs for a number of reasons. 

First, I’ve looked into PrivadoVPN’s privacy policy, and so far, there’s no evidence it’s ever suffered leaks or sold user data. It’s based in Switzerland, a non-surveillance alliance country, known for its strong privacy laws.

PrivadoVPN also adheres to a zero-logs policy that applies equally to free and paid users.

However, PrivadoVPN hasn’t had a third-party audit yet, which would’ve been reassuring. An independent audit is usually the most reliable way of telling if a VPN strictly follows its privacy policy or not. 

We discuss the implications of the lack of this in our PrivadoVPN review.

That said, no news could be good news. In my experience using VPNs over the years, you usually hear about issues pretty fast, and so far, PrivadoVPN hasn’t triggered any red flags.

When it comes to security, PrivadoVPN Free gives you the same core protocols the premium version does. You get access to OpenVPN (UDP, TCP, Scramble, DCO), WireGuard, and IKEv2. 

Additionally, you get reliable AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling (Smart Route). The paid plan adds extras like SOCKS5 proxy, ad-block, parental controls, threat prevention, and manual OpenVPN configs. All these give you more control of the VPN.

Unfortunately, PrivadoVPN comes with a monthly 10GB data cap. While that’s generous enough for regular browsing, casual streaming, or downloading small files, it’s not enough for sustained heavy streaming or gaming.

So there’s a high chance you’ll blow through the 10GBs before the 30 days are up. Once that happens, PrivadoVPN slides you into Lite Mode, where you’re still connected, but with much slower speeds.

On server access, the free plan gives you servers in roughly 10 countries (around 12 or 13 cities). The paid tier dramatically widens that to over 67 server locations across 50 countries.

Device compatibility is also solid across the board: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and even smart TVs. The free version supports just one simultaneous connection, while the premium options allow you to simultaneously link up to 10 devices.

The good news is that PrivadoVPN doesn’t bombard you with in-app pop-up ads. It’s not one of those free VPNs that rely on ad revenue or data mining; the VPN makes money from its paying subscribers.

The premium version is also one of the cheapest VPNs around, starting from as low as $1.11 per month. Grab your discount through the nice red button below.

2. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Unlimited Data

ProtonVPN stands out for being one of the few VPNs with a free version that doesn’t have data caps. That’s a flex. 

I’ve also read ProtonVPN’s privacy policy, and I’m yet to find any report showing if it has ever leaked or sold user data. In fact, their no-logs claims have been independently verified for three years in a row by Securitum.

ProtonVPN has also passed a SOC 2 Type II audit in July 2025, which really shows they stick to what they promise on privacy.

Security-wise, the free plan gives you the same strong protection as the paid version. You get AES-256 encryption, VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, plus features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. 

That said, the paid plan throws in extras like Secure Core servers, Tor over VPN, P2P support, streaming access, and an ad-blocker. You even get a VPN Accelerator that can boost your speeds up to 400% (We haven’t tested that yet, so don’t take our word for it)

When it comes to data limits, ProtonVPN Free gives you truly unlimited bandwidth with no speed throttling and no ads. The premium version also comes with unlimited bandwidth plus even higher speeds capable of handling heavy lifting like gaming and streaming.

Free users get access to servers in five countries. These include Japan, the US, the Netherlands, Poland, and Romania. Unfortunately, these free servers are auto-assigned, so you can’t choose the locations you want. Plus, the speeds can take a hit if the servers are too busy. 

The paid plan expands that server range to over 12,000 servers in 122 countries with much faster performance.

Additionally, ProtonVPN apps work on all major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and even routers. The free tier limits you to just one device connection at a time, while the paid plan lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

You won’t see any ads while using the free plan either. Proton funds it through its paid users, so you’re not the product, and you get to securely access the internet without interruptions.

3. Windscribe VPN – Best Free VPN for Unlimited Connections

Knowing that Windscribe Free offers unlimited simultaneous device connections feels like a cheat code when you’re on a tight budget. With this, you can put it on your phone, laptop, tablet, whatever you’ve got, and it won’t cost you anything. 

The same applies to the premium version.

As for privacy and logging, there haven’t been major leaks or user-data sales as far as public records show. Their logging policy says they don’t store logs that could deanonymize users, and they even publish a transparency report showing zero fulfilled legal demands.

On top of that, Windscribe VPN has undergone several independent audits: their desktop app in 2021, mobile apps in 2022, and their refreshed server stack (“FreshScribe”) got audited in June 2024. All audits reportedly came back clean. 

However, regular users online have pointed out areas where transparency could be better, like making blocklists fully open. The fact remains that the audits exist and prove that this free VPN service is serious about privacy.

When it comes to security features, the free version already packs a punch. You get a kill-switch, split tunneling, ad/malware blocking via R.O.B.E.R.T., strong encryption like ChaCha20, and multiple VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth, and WStunnel.

The free and paid apps are also pretty much identical. So you’re not missing a lot of core tools just for opting out of paying. However, the premium option unlocks extras like advanced R.O.B.E.R.T. control (more blocklists and custom rules), port forwarding, static IPs, and Windflix servers designed for streaming.

For data limits, Windscribe Free starts with 2 GB/month if you don’t sign up with an email, and jumps to 10 GB/month once you confirm one. Unfortunately, unlike PrivadoVPN, once you hit your monthly data limit, Windscribe VPN stops working unless you upgrade.

As for server access, free users get around 10–11 country server locations. This includes the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Hong Kong, Romania, and more. The premium version gives you access to roughly 134 server locations across 69 countries and 112 cities. 

Technically, the servers themselves are the same quality; it’s just that free servers tend to get more crowded, so they might lag a bit during peak hours.

Device compatibility is also solid. Windscribe VPN works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browser extensions, routers, Fire TV, and more. 

And again, the unlimited connections support makes it easy to spread protection across all your devices without juggling slots.

Good news on the ads front: Windscribe Free doesn’t bombard you with ads. The R.O.B.E.R.T. tool can block ads, trackers, and malware, so no forceful ads themselves come through the VPN.

4. Hotspot Shield VPN – Free VPN with Reliable Split Tunneling

Hotspot Shield VPN appears on our list of the best free VPNs because it’s capable of handling basic functions like protection and bypassing geo-restrictions. However, I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t touch on its past controversies.

Back in 2017, the Center for Democracy and Technology, working with Carnegie Mellon researchers, accused Hotspot Shield of intercepting and tracking user traffic. The report claimed that the VPN service even redirected private user data through ad partners and shared device info and IPs.

That was a serious trust issue. Hotspot Shield eventually addressed the 2017 controversy by improving its privacy policies and undergoing management changes. Still, there was a lot that was left hanging in the air.

On the audit front, Hotspot Shield eventually ran an independent audit of its logging policy in 2023. While nothing suspicious was ever found, some industry experts point out that there has been no transparency report since 2019.

All that said, the VPN now adheres to a strict no-logs policy and that should offer users a bit of confidence knowing their data is safe.

As for security tools, the free version gives you split tunneling (also called Smart VPN), a kill switch, leak protection, military-grade AES-256 encryption, and Hydra plus other protocol support.

However, these features aren’t consistent across platforms. For instance, the kill switch and split tunneling only work if you’re using the Hydra protocol, and switching to WireGuard silently disables these vital tools.

Data-wise, the free plan gives unlimited bandwidth without strict caps. But there have been some reports from users that Hotspot Shield VPN silently caps daily usage to 500 MB.

When it comes to server locations, free users are limited to around four locations in the US (Los Angeles and New York), the UK, and Singapore. Premium subscribers get 1,800+ server locations in over 70 countries.

Hotspot Shield’s free plan lets you connect one device at a time, and you can use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.  The premium plan expands that to up to ten simultaneous connections.

Unfortunately for those who fancy the free Hotspot Shield VPN, it has ads, especially on mobile. You’ll frequently have to deal with full-screen popups, banners, and ads. The only solution is subscribing to the premium version.

5. Hideme VPN – Free VPN with Customer Support Access

The first bit of good news about Hideme VPN is that it hasn’t been involved in any data scandals like leaking user info or selling data. 

It’s based in Malaysia, where data-sharing laws aren’t a concern, and the company keeps a true no-logs policy, confirmed by independent audits (Securitum in 2024 and earlier Defense Code, plus annual transparency reports).

When it comes to security, the free plan gives you pretty much everything a pro user gets. There’s a kill switch, split tunneling (on Windows, Mac, Android), IPv6 support, strong AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, and support for WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and SoftEther.

Some extras like port forwarding, multi-hop, SOCKS5, router setup, and Bolt (fast proxy) are premium-only.

You also get unlimited data, with no monthly caps, but don’t expect blazing speeds. Tests report throttled speeds (1 Mbps), making streaming or downloads tough on the free version.

Server access on the free tier includes eight locations in Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, the US, and sometimes Singapore. The premium option opens up dozens more worldwide, with over 89 server locations across 57 countries.

Hide.me plays nice with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, plus routers, smart TVs, and browsers. Free users can only connect one device at a time, while the premium version lets you run up to 10 devices simultaneously.

The standout feature that makes Hide.me unique from other alternatives on this list is the free 24/7 customer support. This includes live chat, ticket system, and a help site. That’s rare and handy, especially if you’re new to virtual private networks.

How We Chose the Best Free VPNs

Picking the best free VPNs isn’t guesswork, it’s about knowing what actually matters if you’re on a budget. Here’s how we narrowed down our list to the best 5.

• Privacy policy and data logging: I checked if the best free VPNs have a no-logs policy that’s backed by audits or a clear track record. Some free apps sell user data, so I only considered VPNs that don’t profit from logging what you do.

• Security features: The best free VPNs had to include basics like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. I paid attention to whether free users still got those tools, or if they were stripped away and hidden behind the paid version.

• Data limits: Free plans almost always cap usage, so I compared how much data the best free VPNs actually give before cutting you off. A few offer unlimited data, while others only allow a few gigabytes, knowing that difference matters if you plan to use it daily.

• Server locations: The best free VPNs give you more than one or two servers to work with. I looked at how many countries were open to free users and if those servers actually performed well instead of being overcrowded.

• Device compatibility: I tested how well the best free VPNs worked across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even browsers. I also looked at how many devices you could connect at once, since being stuck with just one slot can be limiting.

• Ads and restrictions: Some free VPNs throw ads in your face, which slows everything down. The best free VPNs avoid that, or at least keep it minimal, while still offering decent speeds without constant nags to upgrade.

Worst Free VPNs You Should Avoid at All Costs

Some free VPNs are worth trying, but others are flat-out dangerous. I’ve come across services that leak data, sell information, or operate in shady ways that put users at risk. 

These are the worst free VPNs I’d stay far away from.

Hola VPN

Hola VPN is probably the most infamous free VPN out there. Instead of running its own servers, Hola uses a peer-to-peer system. That means your internet connection can be hijacked and used as an exit node for strangers. 

You might think you’re just browsing safely, but in reality, someone could be using your IP address for shady activities.

The problems don’t stop there. Hola has been caught selling user bandwidth through its sister company, Luminati (now Bright Data). In plain terms, you’re the product. 

Your connection could be rented out without your knowledge, leaving you exposed and legally responsible for what someone else does online.

Psiphon VPN

Psiphon markets itself as a tool to bypass censorship, and while it can get past some restrictions, it’s a terrible choice for privacy. 

The app collects way too much information, including usage logs and even details about your device. That’s the opposite of what a VPN should do.

Another issue is speed. Psiphon routes your traffic through a mix of SSH, HTTP proxy, and VPN tunnels, but the performance is painfully slow. Streaming or torrenting is basically off the table, and even regular browsing feels laggy.

Betternet

Betternet looks slick and easy to use, but it’s hiding a nasty secret: ads and tracking. Independent research found that the Betternet app contains an unusually high number of tracking libraries. 

That means while you think you’re staying private, your data is being collected and likely sold to advertisers.

I also found the speeds on Betternet frustrating. On paper, it gives unlimited data, but in practice, the connection is unstable and can drop out without warning. It feels like a service made to gather data, not to protect users.

VPNBook

VPNBook offers free VPN servers without even requiring you to download an app, which sounds nice at first. But the catch is that it logs connection data and keeps it for a week. 

That’s enough time for authorities or anyone else to request those logs and trace activity back to you.

There’s also the issue of reliability. Servers are often overloaded, making them slow and inconsistent. On top of that, there have been rumors for years about VPNBook having ties to law enforcement surveillance. Whether that’s true or not, the lack of transparency is reason enough for me to steer clear.

Wrapping Up

Free VPNs can be a lifesaver if you just need quick protection or a way around light restrictions, but they’re not all created equal. The best free VPNs give you solid security, fair data allowances, and don’t make money by spying on you. 

Services like PrivadoVPN, ProtonVPN, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield, and Hide.me show that free options can still be safe and practical for everyday use.

On the flip side, there are plenty of free VPNs that should be avoided at all costs. Hola, Psiphon, Betternet, and VPNBook are good examples of services that either log data, inject ads, or put users at risk with shady practices. 

If you’re on a budget, the key is choosing carefully. Stick with providers that are transparent, audited, and committed to privacy.

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