5 Best Free VPNs for Canada in 2025: Safe and Easy to Use

Most free VPNs for Canada are too slow for streaming, have strict data limits, or lack the necessary security features to safeguard your online privacy. They are also very inconsistent in working with Canadian banking or streaming websites.

My teammates and I tested 40+ free VPNs and found the best ones for Canada. While they have some restrictions, they can protect your online privacy with robust security features and are easy to use on mobile and desktop devices. The best free Canada VPNs can also reliably access platforms like CTV and Hulu from anywhere. However, if you want a VPN with no limits, it’s best to use a low-cost, premium one.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for Canada. Although it's not completely free, it offers a 7-day free trial on mobile. You can also use its 30-day money-back guarantee to try all its features risk-free. You get fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming, military-grade security, intuitive apps, and thousands of global servers (including Canada). 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 2025

Best Free VPNs for Canada — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds for Streaming Canadian and International Content in HD

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested March 2025

Available on:

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's innovative Lightway protocol maintains fast streaming, gaming, and torrenting speeds while securing your connection. It also uses less battery — making it a great option for accessing popular streaming platforms without interruptions on phones, laptops, or tablets. We averaged 255.31Mbps (just a 6% drop) testing servers in Canada — we watched Netflix, CTV, and F1TV without issues.

There were zero disconnects on all servers we tested

Your online privacy is protected with military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit), an automatic kill switch (Network Lock), and DNS/IPWebRTC leak protection. You don't have to worry about your online activities and identity being exposed. Plus, its RAM-only servers and verified no-logs policy mean none of your data will be collected and shared.

Intuitive apps for all major devices (including Apple and Android TV) make connecting to a Canadian server easy. The interface is nearly identical across all platforms. ExpressVPN also offers custom router firmware so you can get a Canadian IP address on any device connected to your network — even those that don’t support VPN apps, like Roku and game consoles.

Although ExpressVPN isn’t completely free, it's more feature-packed than all the free VPNs on this list. You’ll have to pay upfront to try it risk-free (plans start at $4.99/month, but it offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS, plus a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. You can simultaneously use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices.

Useful Features

• Threat Manager. This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It also offers parental controls to block adult content.
• VPN traffic camouflage. ExpressVPN's automatic obfuscation hides your VPN traffic, making it difficult for third parties, like ISPs, to detect VPN usage. This helps access the internet on restricted networks, like work or school.
• Browser extensions. Unlike browser proxies, ExpressVPN’s Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, and Opera extensions are linked to its VPN app. So, you can securely browse the web in Canada without managing settings in the main app.
• Split tunneling. Route specific apps and websites through the VPN while continuing to use regular internet data for office management software or banking apps.
• Privacy friendly. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction. I found this reassuring since Canada is part of this alliance, which shares citizens' online data. This gives me confidence that my data stays private with the VPN.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for Uninterrupted Browsing in Canada

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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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 being cut off. Also, unlike most free VPNs, the apps are ad-free. While there are no Canadian servers, the free ones in the US, Japan, Romania, the Netherlands, and Poland provide stable connections. We tested ProtonVPN’s free US server and could watch Netflix and Max for hours without slowdowns.

I found the apps easy to use with a clean and intuitive interface. All apps come pre-configured, so you don’t have to change any settings. I particularly liked seeing the server load after connecting, as it gave me a good picture of the connection’s performance.

There's a cooldown period between changes

On the downside, none of Proton VPN's free servers support P2P connections or perform well online gaming, as they aren’t built for high-bandwidth activities. When we tried downloading torrents, we were disconnected. However, the VPN auto-connects to the fastest available server, helping find a low-latency one for smooth streaming from anywhere.

Although you can only use one device at a time on the free plan, creating an account only requires an email and password. Proton VPN is also compatible with all major platforms and even offers a full GUI for Linux, which isn’t very common among free VPNs.

Useful Features

• Advance encryption and protocols. AES 256-bit encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Stealth keep you safe online. WireGuard gave us the best speeds, while Stealth helped mask our VPN usage on restrictive networks.
• Permanent Kill Switch. Proton VPN offers a permanent mode and a regular one. The permanent mode disables your internet unless you’re connected to the VPN first.
• Alternative routing. If websites are blocked, this feature automatically finds the fastest path to bypass network restrictions to access these sites safely.
• Open-source apps. Proton VPN prioritizes transparency by allowing users to examine its security practices through open-source software. It also uses a strict no-logs policy and is based in a privacy-friendly country, Switzerland.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Many Free Servers on Mobile to Securely Access Websites From Anywhere

Available on:

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Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN’s large mobile network provides reliable access to Canadian and global content from anywhere. All connections were stable during tests, but you can only use the nearest location server on desktop, which is limiting. So, I recommend using the VPN's Android or iOS apps. Its network also supports P2P traffic if you want to download or upload files safely.

Connecting to a server close to your location provides 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, we connected 10 devices simultaneously to a free Canadian server and never experienced any issues — we used several smartphones and 2 PCs.

Its free apps are easy to use and have a simple interface but lack customizable security options. My main issue with Avira is that the free plan only provides 500MB of data per month. However, you can get an extra 500MB of data free by registering with your email address.

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.
• Secure encryption. While its free plan doesn’t offer a kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption (the same used by ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN) keeps your data safe from snoops while browsing or checking emails.

4. hide.me — Advanced Security Features Keep Your Online Activities Private in and Outside Canada

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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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 provides five protocol options, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and SoftEther, whereas most free VPNs offer fewer than three. We didn't detect any DNS/IP leaks during our tests.

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

hide.me also offers 24/7 live chat support with its free plan, a feature many VPNs reserve for paid users. I received quick and helpful responses every time I contacted them.

Unfortunately, the free servers can sometimes be slow. During our tests, we saw speed drops of up to 70% on some servers, even with a fast baseline connection. However, switching to a different server usually improved our performance, and we could stream Netflix and Canal+ in Standard Definition.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data. Hide.me doesn’t cap monthly data, making it ideal for secure streaming or browsing 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 (HSS) — Hydra Protocol to Balance Speed With Security

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Thanks to its proprietary Hydra protocol, Hotspot Shield (HSS) maintains fast speeds while masking VPN usage to avoid detection. Like ExpressVPN’s Lightway, Hydra consumes less battery due to its lower resource usage. We recorded an average download speed of 110.67Mbps while testing nearby servers.

You can turn on WiFi protection under "Advanced" settings

Unlike Proton VPN and hide.me, which don’t support torrenting, HSS allows P2P activities on its free servers and offers unlimited data. This means you can enjoy secure downloads without significant slowdowns. Unfortunately, the free plan is ad-supported, but the ads appear briefly and don’t interrupt browsing once you're online.

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.

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.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs For Canada

We tested each VPN's ability to provide secure connections to and from Canada. We evaluated the performance of these VPNs in terms of speed, security features, ease of setup, and monthly data allocation. Plus, we assessed their streaming, gaming, and torrenting capabilities.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Canada Aren’t Safe

Some free VPNs may jeopardize your online privacy and expose your devices to serious vulnerabilities. So, thoroughly researching any free VPN before using it is always a good idea.

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.

The free VPNs on our list stand out because they don't compromise on security to give you access to their features. They either offer a "freemium" service (a premium VPN with a free option) or provide limited, yet secure, free plans.

Free VPNs to Avoid

The high level of trustworthiness doesn’t extend to all free VPNs. Some offer unreliable performance and compromise privacy and security in exchange for providing a free service, so it’s essential to be cautious. Here are just a few examples.

• Hola VPN. This is essentially a P2P network, meaning you share your network with other users. So, if someone using your network were to do something illegal, you may be held liable due to a shared IP address.
• TurboVPN. It logs all your browsing data and shows too many ads that can be embedded with malware or trackers.
• Betternet VPN. The VPN lacks essential security features like leak protection and has a questionable privacy policy.

Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs: Which Should You Choose for Canada?

Free VPNs often have significant limitations, such as fewer server locations, slower speeds, and data caps, which make them less reliable—especially for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming or torrenting. They also lack the necessary security features to keep users safe from snoops and hackers in Canada and abroad. Many have also been caught selling user data for a profit and installing harmful software on customer devices.

A low-cost, premium VPN is a better alternative for secure and reliable access to content from anywhere. They use strict no-log policies, offer robust security features, and often include extras like built-in ad blockers and parental controls. Plus, they don’t cap data and support UHD streaming. Most premium VPNs offer money-back guarantees and free trials so that you can test all their capabilities risk-free.

FAQs on Using a Free VPN for Canada

What's the best free VPN to watch Netflix and other streaming services from Canada?

Most free VPNs don't reliably work with Netflix and other streaming platforms from Canada or anywhere else. Their server networks and/or bandwidth are usually limited, resulting in slower speeds and reduced video quality. 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, mobile, and browsers?

All VPNs on this list are compatible with 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. 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.

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

Yes, some free VPNs, like Avira Phantom VPN and hide.me have servers in Canada. To get a Canadian IP address, simply open the app and connect to a server in Canada. However, the reliability and speed may vary. Most free VPNs often have fewer servers and higher user loads, leading to slower speeds and connection issues.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Canada?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in Canada. There are currently no laws preventing the use of VPNs within the country, and many Canadians use VPNs to protect their data and privacy online. Still, you should always check your country's laws and regulations before using a VPN.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Canada

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

While not 100% free, ExpressVPN is my top choice for Canada. It provides fast servers in and outside the country for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and torrenting from anywhere. It also offers unlimited data and 24/7 live support. You can try it risk-free as ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on mobile.

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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