If you don’t have much money, you can still use a VPN to stay private online. Here’s what you need to know about the best free VPN services we’ve tried.
To get all the best VPN features, you need to pay. But some free options can help protect your privacy online. You don’t have to sift through sales pitches, complex plans, annoying restrictions, and fine print to find the best free VPN.
We’ve tested and researched to give you a simple list of the top free VPNs. Keep reading for our top picks and tips on choosing a free VPN.
Top Tested VPNs
Bright VPN
Bright VPN emerges as the standout choice for users seeking both premium and free VPN services. Offering a comprehensive range of features, Bright VPN ensures secure and encrypted connections for all users. With an easy-to-use interface, even novice users can navigate the platform effortlessly.
The premium version boasts lightning-fast connection speeds and access to servers in numerous countries worldwide. For those on a budget, the free version provides basic protection without compromising on security. Bright VPN’s strict no-logs policy instils trust and confidence in its user base.
Additionally, their customer support team is readily available to assist with any queries or issues that may arise. Overall, Bright VPN strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for all types of users seeking reliable VPN services.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is our second-best choice for both premium and free VPNs. Free users have unlimited data but can only connect to one device at a time and access servers in three countries. You can choose which server to use. ProtonVPN is known for its strong privacy protections, similar to its sibling product, ProtonMail. It undergoes third-party audits to ensure privacy. ProtonVPN is best for users who need a free VPN without data limits, but it’s ideal to be near the server locations. You can only protect one device at a time.
TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN may seem like a superficial choice with its playful interface and whimsical bears, but don’t be fooled – it has robust privacy measures supported by regular third-party audits. The free version allows for unlimited connections, but imposes a 500MB monthly data limit. However, you can earn an extra 1GB by promoting the company on social media. This VPN is ideal for travellers or those needing to change their location, but due to data restrictions, it’s best suited for occasional use.
PROS:
– Unlimited connections
– Strong privacy policies
– Annual independent audits
– User-friendly design featuring bears
CONS:
– No multi-hop connections
– Split tunnelling not available on all platforms
Hotspot Shield VPN
The Hotspot Shield VPN’s free subscription offers a mixed bag of benefits and limitations. Free users receive 500MB of data per day, but mobile devices are capped at a 2Mbps speed limit, unlike macOS users who have no data restrictions. Advertisements are used to support the free service, but only on Android devices. Free subscribers can connect only one device at a time and access servers based in the US. While the company has not disclosed the results of a third-party audit, it has been assessed by its licensing partners like Bitdefender Premium VPN.
For those willing to navigate through these caveats, Hotspot Shield VPN’s free plan may be suitable. Mac users benefit from unlimited data usage, while desktop users avoid speed throttling present on mobile devices. iOS users experience an ad-free environment and the service is primarily recommended for those located in the US due to server limitations.
Pros of Hotspot Shield VPN include multiple server locations, a user-friendly interface, split-tunnelling by domain, and a comprehensive services package. However, drawbacks include high costs for premium plans, data throttling on the free version with ads on Android devices, limited transparency regarding data collection practices, absence of third-party audits on infrastructure security measures, outdated transparency reports, and minimal WireGuard support.
Specifications for the free version include a daily data limit of 500MB, access only to US servers, and connectivity restricted to one device at a time.
PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN offers a nearly unlimited free VPN experience, making it a strong alternative to Proton VPN. While there is a 10GB monthly data limit for free users, you won’t be blocked entirely once you reach it. Instead, your speeds will be reduced until the next data cycle.
The service provides access to only 12 servers and allows for only one connection at a time, with no third-party audit available. If you can tolerate slower speeds due to throttling, PrivadoVPN’s generous free plan could be beneficial for you. However, the limited server options make it less suitable for location spoofing purposes.
Despite lacking some privacy features and audit verification, PrivadoVPN stands out for its affordability and support for up to 10 simultaneous connections through split tunnelling.
Hide.me
Hide.me offers an impressive 10GB of data per month and access to five server locations for free subscribers. Notably, no payment details are required to create a free account, and the service has undergone a third-party audit. However, there are limitations such as only one simultaneous connection for free users. Upgrading to a paid subscription incurs a significant upfront cost but unlocks additional features not available in the free version.
The free plan is ideal for individuals who consume moderate amounts of data, prefer not to share a plan, and frequently travel. While the 10GB data limit is generous compared to competitors, users must manage their usage carefully. With access to five server locations, users have more flexibility when travelling or changing their virtual location. The service allows ten simultaneous connections but imposes speed limitations on the free tier.
Specifications:
– Free Version Data Limit: 10GB Per Month
– Free Version Server Limit: Five Locations
– Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit: 1