5 Best Free VPNs for Canada in 2024: Safe and Easy to Use

Finding a safe and reliable free VPN for Canada can be difficult. Most have congested servers, data restrictions, and lack robust security features to keep you safe online. It's still possible to find a good free VPN in Canada, although they are rare.

After testing 50+ free VPNs, my team and I found a few good free options for Canada. These have decent speeds for various online activities and robust security to keep you safe. While they do have some limits, they won't disrupt your gaming and streaming as much as other free VPNs might. If you want no limits at all, it’s best to use a low-cost premium VPN instead.

My #1 recommendation for Canada is ExpressVPN. It’s not 100% free, but it also offers way more than the free VPNs in this list. You get fast speeds, industry-leading security, and tons of global servers (including in Canada). Plus, you can try out ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Canada in 2024

Best Free VPNs for Canada — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest, Most Reliable VPN We Found for Canada

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Tested November 2024

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

With ExpressVPN, you don’t have to worry about data caps, slow speeds, or unreliable security with your Canada VPN. This is partly thanks to its Lightway protocol, which is designed to be fast without compromising on security. Our dedicated speed tester and I tested its servers in Canada from London, and we had an average speed drop of 5%. Most free VPNs drop your speed by 30–60% on long-distance servers, so I was really impressed.

We lost 1% on nearby UK servers from London, so ExpressVPN provides great local speeds

Unlike the free VPNs I tested for Canada, ExpressVPN offers 3 locations in the country (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver). This means you’ll be able to find plenty of fast connections for streaming football or hockey on Fubo or binge-watching Love is Blind on Netflix Canada. ExpressVPN makes it possible to access Canadian content from anywhere.

ExpressVPN also offers a built-in kill switch, Network Lock, which stops your data from leaking even when your connection drops unexpectedly. It's a handy tool, especially if you're concerned about your data security in Canada. It worked flawlessly for me — when I changed from a Toronto server to Montreal, it paused my internet until I had fully reconnected.

ExpressVPN isn’t completely free, but it's more feature-packed than all the free VPNs I have tested. You will have to pay upfront to try it risk-free, but it’s covered by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, it regularly runs promotions, so you can get some money off each month by signing up for a long-term plan.

Useful Features

• Threat Manager. ExpressVPN blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites to prevent third parties from accessing your data. This ensures your online activities remain private in and outside Canada.
• Browser extensions. ExpressVPN provides extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, and Opera. These don’t just protect your browser, though — when you connect through the extension, your whole device is protected. So, you can securely browse the web in Canada without needing to manage settings in the main app.
• Privacy friendly. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and outside of the 14 Eyes jurisdiction. I found this really reassuring as Canada is part of the original 5 Eyes Alliance, so it can easily share and request user data within the wider 14 Eyes. So, I can rest assured that my data is safe with ExpressVPN.
• Shortcuts. ExpressVPN lets you add shortcuts to your favorite apps and websites so you can access them with one click. For instance, you can add a shortcut to your Canadian online banking portal for quick, secure access.

2. Proton VPN — Free Forever VPN With Unlimited Data for Uninterrupted Streaming in Canada

Available on:

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN is one of the few free Canada VPNs that offer unlimited data, so you can stream, game, and browse the internet without worrying about getting cut off. While there are no Canadian servers, its free US servers give you fast and stable connections. I tested ProtonVPN’s free Netherlands server from London and could play Roblox for hours without slowdowns.

Even though the server had a 51% load, my game was responsive

Proton VPN is super easy to use, too, even if you’ve never tried a VPN for Canada before. The interface is clean and intuitive, and all apps come pre-configured, so you don’t have to change any settings. I particularly liked that I could see the server load before I connected, which helped me to find the best available connection.

The main thing I didn’t like about Proton VPN’s free version is that none of the free servers support P2P connections. Not only does this mean you can’t use the servers for torrenting, but you won’t be able to play P2P games like GTA: Online with your international friends. But you can still play games that use dedicated servers.

Proton VPN is compatible with all major platforms and even offers a full GUI for Linux, which is not very common among free VPNs. Plus, the free app works with Fire TV and Firestick devices, and there’s a step-by-step guide on its site that makes installation a breeze.

Useful Features

• Ad blocker (NetShield). Proton VPN includes an ad blocker that protects against malware and blocks unwanted ads. This is particularly advantageous in Canada, where online ads can sometimes serve as vectors for malware and other online threats. However, unlike ExpressVPN, Proton VPN isn’t transparent about the blocklists it uses.
• WireGuard support. I like that Proton VPN offers WireGuard. This is one of the commonly used protocols that offer a good mix of speeds and security. Our UK-based speed tester found that, on all free servers, WireGuard gave them better speeds than OpenVPN and Stealth (its obfuscation protocol).

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Large Selection of Free Servers to Choose From on Mobile

Available on:

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Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN is a great free choice for Canada if you primarily use your smartphone or tablet to go online. The Android and iOS apps let you connect to any server in the network, allowing you to access desired content from anywhere. It also has Canadian servers, which is a big plus — a lot of free VPNs don’t have servers in the country.

I still recommend connecting to your nearest location for the best speeds

I like that it allows unlimited device connections, which is rare for free VPNs. You can browse on any device without interrupting an existing active connection. While testing Avira VPN from London, I connected multiple devices to the free UK servers and never experienced any issues — I used my Android phone, iPad, and my partner’s iPhone.

You can use the VPN without signing up, but in that case, you’ll only get 500 MB of traffic monthly, which is quite limiting. You can increase that to 1 GB per month if you register with an email address, though.

My main issue with Avira Phantom is that its desktop apps are quite limited. For example, you can only connect to the nearest server. Additionally, the free plan does not include a kill switch feature, so your real IP address could be exposed if the VPN connection drops.

Useful Features

• Auto-connect feature. It automatically connects to the VPN when internet access is detected, which is particularly beneficial if you regularly use unsecured public WiFi networks while you’re out and about in Canada.
• Works with Netflix. The reliable server network in the free plan makes it possible to change Netflix regions, so you can securely access most libraries without issues.

4. hide.me — Secure, Customizable Free VPN for Safe Browsing in Canada

Available on:

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

Unlike many free Canada VPNs, hide.me prioritizes security and privacy by offering you a suite of customizable advanced features like a kill switch, which are often missing in free VPNs. Additionally, it stands out by offering five protocol options, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and SoftEther, whereas most free VPNs offer fewer than three.

I like that the kill switch has an option to bypass it on trusted networks

hide.me also offers a live chat support option with its free plan, which is pretty rare among free VPNs. The live chat is available 24/7, so you can always get assistance if you have a question or an issue to resolve while using the VPN in Canada. Every time I used hide.me’s live chat while testing, I got prompt and informative responses.

Unfortunately, I found hide.me’s speeds were inconsistent. When I tested its free Montreal location from London, my speed dropped by an average of 38%. However, this was still faster than some of the free VPNs I tried, and I could still watch YouTube videos with only minor buffering.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data. hide.me doesn’t cap your monthly data, so you can freely use it to browse, stream, and download content from anywhere.
• Ad-free. Unlike some other free Canada VPNs, hide.me’s free plan is supported by premium users, not by selling ad space in its app. So you can use it without annoying pop-ups or banner ads.

5. Hotspot Shield — Catapult Hydra Protocol to Optimize Your Streaming Speeds on Free Servers

Available on:

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds for streaming, thanks to its proprietary Hydra protocol. When I tested several of the free US servers from London, all of them gave me consistent speeds — my speeds never dropped by more than 27%.

It also supports the industry standard WireGuard, which is also great for speed

Like Proton VPN, Hotspot Shield’s free plan also offers unlimited data. It also supports torrenting with its free servers, which, combined with its fast speeds, makes it a great choice for torrenting from Canada. This means that you can enjoy secure downloading without slowdowns.

My only complaint is that I found the free VPN app a bit annoying to use. It’s ad-supported, so I was faced with constant pop-ups asking me to upgrade to the paid plan. However, once you connect to a server, you won’t see any ads — they only appear whenever you open the app.

Useful Features

• Built-in speed test. Hotspot Shield has a built-in speed test tool, which I found useful when I wanted to check which free servers offered me the fastest streaming speeds from my location.
• Auto-Protect. The VPN turns on automatically when you connect to a WiFi network. This will allow you to stay safe on public WiFi in Canada.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Canada VPN Features

All the VPNs on this list are safe and reliable. However, they do have some differences that could influence your decision. Here are some of those features:

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Canada

After conducting extensive tests, my team and I only picked reliable and trustworthy free VPNs for Canada. Every option on this list will protect your privacy while you browse, offers decent speeds to prevent interruptions, and none of them log your browsing data.

If you still wish to do your own VPN assessments, here are the criteria you can follow:

• Server network. I only selected free VPNs with a wide global server network to avoid overcrowding issues in Canada, which can lead to slow performance and service interruptions. In particular, I prioritized those that had at least 1 free location in Canada.
• Strong security and privacy. I selected VPNs that include essential security features like military-grade encryption and leak protection. These features help protect your device and personal information in Canada. I also reviewed their privacy policies to ensure they don’t keep any identifiable user data.
• Fast speeds. Most free VPNs struggle to offer consistent, fast speeds. I listed only the VPNs that provide fast speeds, allowing you to stream, game, and torrent seamlessly in Canada and elsewhere without experiencing slowdowns.
• Easy to use. I chose free VPNs for Canada that are simple to set up and offer native apps for the most popular devices and OSs. This way, you can easily connect to a server and protect your data or access desired content securely.
• Reliable support. I selected VPNs with strong customer support to ensure you get help quickly when using a free VPN in Canada through chat, email, or ticketing. Live chat is best for immediate responses but is rare in free VPNs.

Expert Tip: Not All Free VPNs Are Safe for Canada

While the free VPNs for Canada listed here have limitations like slower speeds and data caps, I have thoroughly tested each to ensure they are reliable and safe. However, this high level of trustworthiness does not extend to all free VPNs.

Here are the dangers that many free VPNs pose:

• They may log and sell your data. Some free VPNs may log your data and sell this information to third parties in exchange for the free service. This can compromise your privacy and potentially expose you to targeted advertising.
• Your data may not be properly encrypted. Free VPNs might not actually offer the level of encryption they advertise, which puts your data at risk of being intercepted on unsecured WiFi networks.
• Free VPNs may leak your personal info. Many free VPNs for Canada lack features like leak protection and a kill switch. This can expose your personal information to third parties, including your IP address, location, and browsing history.
• Free VPNs can contain malware. Some free VPNs inject ads into your browser or download software, which can compromise your device's security and user experience in Canada. In worse cases, these ads can be a vector for malware, putting your device at risk of infection.
• They might hijack your browser. Shady free VPNs might send you to websites without your permission, which is both a huge invasion of privacy and a security risk.
• Sketchy ownership. Some free VPNs for Canada are owned by shady companies (usually in countries with intrusive privacy laws) whose sole intent is to spy on your online behavior.

FAQs on Using a Free VPN for Canada

Is it legal to use a VPN in Canada?

Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in Canada. There are no laws preventing the use of VPNs within the country, and many Canadians use VPNs to protect their data and privacy online.

However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities, like torrenting copyrighted content, remains against the law in Canada. The team at vpnMentor doesn't condone illegal activities. You should always check the most recent local laws and regulations in Canada or any other country before using a VPN there.

What's the best free VPN to watch Netflix from Canada?

Most free VPNs have difficulty working with Netflix and other streaming platforms. They typically offer limited servers and bandwidth, resulting in slower speeds and reduced video quality. It's best to use an affordable premium VPN to watch Netflix from Canada.

Premium VPNs offer a global server network and are ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming. However, if your main priority is to protect your online privacy, then the free VPNs on this list are excellent choices.

What's the best free Canada VPN for Firestick?

A few of the VPNs on our list offer dedicated apps for Firestick. That said, they vary in terms of server networks and speeds, which can greatly impact their streaming capabilities on this device.

Plus, most free VPNs restrict you to using just one device at a time. This means if you find a free VPN that works with Firestick, you likely won't be able to use it on any other device while you're streaming. In contrast, premium VPNs allow multiple device connections, letting you simultaneously stream in HD quality on all your devices from anywhere. All without the risk of being disconnected from the VPN.

Which free Canada VPN is best for iPhone and Android?

All of the free VPNs on this list are great options for iOS and Android in Canada. However, it depends on what you need to use it for. Free VPNs are a good option for occasional secure browsing because they often have restrictive data caps. However, premium VPNs are often much more reliable at accessing and streaming content.

What's the best free Canada VPN for Chrome and Firefox?

It depends on the online activities you need to perform with it. A few free VPNs in this list offer browser extensions, but they all have their limitations. It’s better to use a premium VPN with a reliable money-back guarantee. Unlike most free VPNs, they offer multiple locations to connect to directly from your browser and come with multiple security protocols and features to choose from.

Can I get a Canadian IP address with a free VPN?

Yes, I found a few free VPNs that offer Canadian IP addresses. However, the reliability and speed may vary. Most free VPNs often have fewer servers and higher user loads, which can lead to slower speeds and connection issues. Consider using a premium VPN with a reliable money-back guarantee for more consistent performance and better security.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Canada

While all the free VPNs on our list are safe to use, the activities they work best within and outside of Canada vary greatly. Many of the free VPNs we tested come with speed restrictions and monthly data caps, and many don’t work with regional streaming services and libraries.

While not 100% free, my top recommendation for Canada is ExpressVPN. It has reliable servers and excellent speeds, so you can enjoy your online activities without slowdowns. Unlike most free VPNs, it doesn’t put a limit on your data usage, so you can browse, stream, game, download, and more to your heart’s content. It’s backed by a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can request a refund if you’re not satisfied.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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