7 Best Free VPNs in 2025: Fast, Private & Safe to Download
- Best Free VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)
- Quick Comparison Table: Free VPN Features
- Our Methodology for Choosing the Best Free VPNs
- Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs Aren’t Safe
- Free vs. Paid VPNs: Which Is Best for You?
- Quick Guide: How to Get a Free VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- FAQs About Free VPNs
- Get the Best FREE VPN
Finding a reliable and safe free VPN can feel impossible. Many free VPNs claim to offer complete privacy, but some secretly log your data and sell it to advertisers. Others come with limitations like slow speeds and tiny data caps that make streaming Netflix or even basic browsing painfully slow. Most also fail to work on restrictive networks or in regions with strict internet controls.
My team and I tested over 100 free VPNs on various devices, including Android, Windows, Mac, and iPhone. We found that the best options are almost always free versions of a paid service (known as “freemium” VPNs). While even freemium VPNs have limitations, the ones we recommend excel in specific areas. if you’re looking for a VPN without any restrictions, a premium service is the better choice.
My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. While it's not 100% free, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Unlike most free options, ExpressVPN provides unlimited data and fast speeds, perfect for streaming, torrenting, and gaming without interruptions. Its strong security and advanced obfuscation also make it a solid choice for use on restrictive networks. 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.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs in 2025
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
Paid VPN that’s fast, secure, and versatile. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.Checked out by 7000+ users last month - Proton VPN
Completely free with unlimited data, though it doesn’t support torrenting. - hide.me
Customizable security settings for tailored VPN use, but speeds can be very slow. - Hotspot Shield
100% free with a speed-optimized protocol for uninterrupted browsing, but it is ad-supported. - TunnelBear
Large server network for reliable connections, but it only offers 2GB of monthly data.
Best Free VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds to Stream, Torrent, and Game Lag-Free From Anywhere
![Small assortment of technological devices compatible with ExpressVPN.](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/expressvpn-autoresized86X.png)
Tested February 2025 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | No limitations — fast, safe, and reliable VPN for any online activity |
Monthly Data Allowance | Unlimited data to let you stream, browse, game, and torrent with no interruptions |
Works With | Netflix (20+ libraries), Disney+, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, and more |
Free Trial | 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee |
ExpressVPN is unmatched when it comes to speeds — it outperformed every VPN we tested, free or paid. On nearby US servers, we saw a minimal speed drop of only 6%, while the fastest free VPN dropped by 15% on similar connections. Even on long-distance UK servers, the speed loss was only 14%. This means you can browse, stream, and torrent without any slowdowns.
![Screenshot of ExpressVPN's speed test results](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-free-vpn-expressvpn-fast-speeds-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738916366)
With its reliable network of 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you can stream your favorite content in HD or 4K from anywhere. During our tests, ExpressVPN worked seamlessly with all the streaming platforms we tried it with. This includes Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Max, Hulu, and 20+ Netflix libraries. It even works with Indian platforms since it offers virtual Indian servers. Each site loaded on the first server we connected to. This wasn’t the case with any of the free VPNs we tested.
The VPN uses advanced obfuscation to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. This allows it to connect even on restrictive networks where most VPNs (especially free ones) fail entirely. It’s one of the select few VPNs that can work more reliably in countries like China, UAE, and Iran, letting you securely access the internet from anywhere.
The thing is, completely free VPNs don’t come nearly as feature-packed as this. Fortunately, you have options for trying it without financial risk. It offers a 7-day free trial, which is followed by a 30-day money-back guarantee when you sign up. I made sure the refund policy was dependable and used the 24/7 live chat to test it out. The agent only asked why I wanted to cancel and then immediately issued the refund. I received it in just a few days.
Useful Features
- Privacy-focused. ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This means it's not legally obligated to store or hand over your data. Even if it were, there would be nothing to provide — ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers that wipe all data with every reboot and has an audited no-logs policy.
- Robust security. You get the same military-grade encryption used by banks, plus DNS/IP leak protection and an automatic kill switch. Its Advanced Protection also blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites — features usually unavailable with free VPNs.
- Speed-optimizing features. Its own Lightway protocol keeps connections fast without sacrificing security. With split tunneling, you can choose which apps use the VPN — perfect for keeping your speeds high while protecting specific traffic.
- User-friendly and highly compatible. Installation is quick and straightforward across all major operating systems and devices. It even has a native app for Apple TV and Firestick that you can install from their respective app stores.
- Torrenting support. Unlike free VPNs that either block torrenting or limit you to a few crowded servers, ExpressVPN supports P2P traffic across its entire network. We downloaded a 700MB file in under a minute.
- Fastest speeds and unlimited data
- 3,000 reliable servers in 105 countries
- Trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee
- Not actually free
- Limited customization
2. Proton VPN — Completely Free VPN Without Data Caps for Unlimited Safe Browsing
Best Feature | Zero limits on monthly data usage for endless safe browsing |
Monthly Data Allowance | Unlimited data lets you leave the VPN on all the time without annoying disconnections |
Works With | Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, Kodi |
Free Trial | Free plan |
Proton VPN's free plan gives you unlimited monthly data, so you can browse the web and stream videos without worrying about hitting a data cap. We were pleased that we could keep the VPN connected and secure our connection all day without any slowdowns or annoying ads. This made it convenient for daily activities like web surfing, watching videos, and staying active on social media.
![Screenshot of Proton VPN's free app](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-free-vpn-proton-vpn-unlimited-data-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738917390)
This freemium VPN takes your privacy seriously. Proton VPN’s apps are open-source and independently audited, plus it's based in privacy-focused Switzerland. Combine this with its strict no-logs policy, and you've got one of the safest free VPNs out there. Just keep in mind that the free version misses out on features like Secure Core servers or NetShield ad blocking.
The free plan has servers in 6 locations, including the US and Japan. There's a catch, though — you can't pick specific servers. The app connects you automatically to what it thinks is the best server for you. You can click the Change Server button to try another one, but there's no guarantee you’ll get a different connection. Plus, there’s a timer that limits how often you can switch.
Unfortunately, the free version doesn’t support torrenting, making it unsuitable for those who need a VPN for activities like downloading large files or sharing content. However, you can upgrade to its paid plan to get rid of these restrictions.
Useful Features
- Decent streaming capabilities. During our tests, the free plan worked seamlessly with Netflix US, Disney+, and Crunchyroll. No luck with other Netflix libraries, Prime Video, or Hulu, though — you'll need to upgrade for those. The speeds are fast enough for HD streaming.
- Strong security. It offers AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch that blocks internet traffic if your free VPN loses connection. Even the iOS and Android apps come with a kill switch. That said, it struggles on restrictive networks, so keep that in mind if you're in a country with strict internet controls.
- Router support. Unlike most free VPNs, Proton VPN can be set up on your router. This helps you overcome the free plan’s limitation of 1 device connection.
- Unlimited monthly data
- Reputable privacy practices and features
- Fast speeds near and far
- Only nearby server connection
- No P2P support
3. hide.me — Entirely Free With Customizable Security to Fine-Tune Your VPN Use
Best Feature | Plenty of adjustable settings to tailor your VPN connection to your needs |
Monthly Data Allowance | Unlimited, with a 10GB allowance on the servers of your choice |
Works With | Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram |
Free Trial | Free plan |
hide.me's freemium plan comes with everything you'd expect from a top free VPN and much more. This includes strong encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. You get access to 5 different protocols, including popular ones like WireGuard and OpenVPN. StealthGuard allows you to bind the VPN to your network (or just certain apps) for top security.
![Screenshot of hide.me free VPN app's setting showing customizable settings](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-free-vpn-hide.me-customizable-security-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738917828)
What sets hide.me apart is its support of SoftEtherVPN and SSTP protocols, which most free VPNs don't offer. These protocols are built to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making connections more stable on restrictive networks. Just like ExpressVPN, it’s also known to work in China and Iran.
The VPN has free servers in 8 locations, covering the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Finland, and Switzerland — and most work with Netflix. For instance, we could use it to access Netflix US and UK as well as Disney+ in HD. However, it didn’t work with Max, Hulu, and other Netflix libraries.
Unfortunately, hide.me’s free plan significantly limits your speeds. During our tests, we experienced speed reductions of up to 80%, even with a fast baseline connection. While streaming was still possible, there were occasional slowdowns. If your baseline connection is slower, these limitations could pose a bigger issue.
Useful Features
- 24/7 customer support. Most free VPNs limit live chat to paying users, but hide.me provides it on the free plan. The support team responds within minutes and is super helpful.
- Browser extensions included. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions are available for free, but you only get 3 server locations (compared to 8 with the free VPN app).
- Torrenting support. With split tunneling, custom port selection, and unlimited data, it’s not a bad option for safe torrenting. It’s just too bad that it restricts your speeds, so you may experience sluggish downloads.
- Tons of customizable security features
- Unlimited monthly data
- Free servers in 8 locations
- Capped speeds
- No server selection after 10GB of data
4. Hotspot Shield — Free Plan With a Proprietary Hydra Protocol for High-Speed Security
Best Feature | Hydra protocol delivers fast speeds for optimal performance |
Monthly Data Allowance | Unlimited data lets you secure your connection without caps |
Works With | YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram |
Free Trial | Free plan |
Hotspot Shield's free VPN plan stands out with its proprietary Hydra protocol, which optimizes speed, security, and performance compared to the other protocols that it offers (WireGuard and IKEv2). Hydra achieves this by using multiple parallel channels for data transmission, reducing latency, and improving connection speeds. We found Hydra effective when we tested Hotspot Shield Basic’s speeds.
![Screenshot of Hotspot Shield's speed test results](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/best-free-vpn-hotspot-shield-fast-free-vpn-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1739311452)
Hydra does more than just improve speeds — it has built-in obfuscation that helps it work on restrictive networks (like schools and workplaces). We tested this on a public WiFi that blocks both VPNs and streaming sites, and Hotspot Shield connected without any issues.
The privacy policy could be better, though. As a free user, you should know that Hotspot Shield logs some basic info like bandwidth usage and device type. This data is anonymized and can't track you, but it's still more logging than I’d prefer. Plus, only Windows users get a kill switch — other devices are left without this security feature.
Hotspot Shield’s freemium app has some annoying quirks. You'll see lots of pop-up ads trying to get you to upgrade, which gets old fast. Even though streaming servers show up on the home screen, you can’t use them. So, it doesn’t support streaming with the Basic plan.
Useful Features
- Unlimited data for torrenting. Hotspot Shield’s Basic plan also offers unlimited data. And since it’s faster than hide.me, it’s a much better option for torrenting.
- Multiple server locations. You get 5 server locations across the US, the UK, and Singapore.
- Standard security features. It has a few customization options — for instance, Start on launch connects the VPN when you launch your device’s software, and Local network lets you access your regular internet connection via the VPN.
- Speed-optimized Hydra protocol
- Unlimited monthly data
- Supports torrenting traffic
- Ad-supported
- Logs anonymized data
- Doesn't support streaming
5. TunnelBear — Free VPN Global Server Network Offers Worldwide Connection Options
Best Feature | A huge server network covering 47 countries to change your online location |
Monthly Data Allowance | 2GB of data allows around 2 hours and 30 minutes of SD streaming |
Works With | Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram |
Free Trial | Free plan |
TunnelBear's free plan includes servers in 47 countries, which is more than what most free VPNs offer. You can access these locations on both mobile and desktop. The servers work reliably — TunnelBear gave us secure access to multiple Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Japan. Connection quality stayed stable during our streaming tests.
![Screenshot of TunnelBear's free Windows VPN app showing server map and drop-down list](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-free-vpn-tunnelbear-fastest-server-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738921792)
The apps are simple but get the job done, wrapped in a fun bear-themed design. Just pick a country on the map and watch the bear dig its way to your server location. There's no complicated setup or confusing options menu. Even if you’re a VPN beginner, you’ll have no problem navigating the app.
TunnelBear publishes transparency reports sharing details about government data requests. Its latest report showed it received some requests but couldn't provide any user data thanks to its no-logs policy. This is important since it operates from Canada, where privacy laws require companies to comply with data requests.
You only get 2GB of data per month, which covers about 2.5 hours of SD streaming. The apps work smoothly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, but there's no router support. Our speed tests were promising — only a 19% drop on nearby servers.
Useful Features
- GhostBear obfuscation. This feature helps get around network restrictions at schools, offices, and other places that block VPNs. It works with OpenVPN protocol on Windows and Android devices.
- Anti-censorship program. TunnelBear offers 10GB bonus data each month to users in countries with limited internet access. The program covers Iran, Venezuela, Belarus, Bangladesh, and several other regions — a big help for those who need it most.
- Free servers in 47 countries
- Works with some streaming platforms
- Fun, quirky app design
- Only 2GB of monthly data
- Doesn't offer apps for some devices
- Not router compatible
6. Speedify — 100% Free With Bonding Mode to Boost Connection Speeds
Best Feature | Bonding Mode prioritizes connections for optimal speeds and performance |
Monthly Data Allowance | 2GB of data allows several hours of securing your online activities |
Works With | YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram |
Free Trial | Free plan |
Speedify's free VPN offers a unique feature called Bonding Mode, which you can use to enhance your connection speeds. During our tests, enabling this feature resulted in a slight speed increase of 6% compared to when it was disabled. This enhancement can make a significant difference if you’re dealing with slow or unstable internet connections.
![Screenshot of Speedify's free Windows app showing the Bonding feature](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/best-free-vpn-speedify-bonding-mode-boosts-speeds-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738922101)
This is another free VPN that offers good server coverage — you get server locations in 35 countries. This gives you greater flexibility for optimizing connection speeds compared to other free VPNs with limited server options. However, it’s not a reliable choice for streaming — it didn’t work with any of the Netflix libraries we tested it with.
Speedify states that it does temporarily store some of your data (including your IP address, a unique device identifier, and timestamps). But it never logs your online activities or associates them with your IP address or device.
You don’t have to sign up to use the free VPN plan, which provides a 2GB monthly data allowance. That’s decent for light browsing but pretty limiting for streaming or torrenting. You can access a 7-day free trial once you download the free app, which gives you unlimited speeds and data. Keep in mind that the free plan allows usage on only one device at a time.
Useful Features
- Strong encryption. With AES-256-GCM encryption, so your data is secure. You have to upgrade to use the kill switch since the free VPN doesn’t offer this.
- Bonding mode for fast speeds
- Free servers in 35 countries
- No signup required
- Temporarily logs some data
- Only 2GB of monthly data
- Doesn't support streaming
7. PrivadoVPN — OpenVPN Traffic Scrambling to Use the VPN on Restrictive Networks
Best Feature | Scramble feature to disguise VPN traffic |
Monthly Data Allowance | 10GB of monthly data; decent for streaming and browsing |
Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Crunchyroll, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and more |
Free Trial | Free plan |
PrivadoVPN includes a scrambling option that lets you use the VPN on restrictive networks. When using the OpenVPN protocol, you can enable the Scramble checkbox to disguise your VPN traffic. This allows PrivadoVPN to work in countries like Russia and Iran. The support team recommends using OpenVPN with TCP for more reliable connections.
![Screenshot showing how to enable PrivadoVPN's Scramble feature](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/best-free-vpn-privado-vpn-en-autoresized86X.png?timestamp=1738922540)
I’m a fan of PrivadoVPN’s Best Location feature. You get three options to find the best server: geo-location for quick connects based on physical distance, latency-based selection that runs ping tests (taking 1–3 seconds), or manual selection for full control. In our PrivadoVPN tests, the latency-based option consistently found us low-ping servers (under 100ms).
The free plan offers servers in 13 countries, including locations like Argentina and India. Plus, the network is reliable — it worked seamlessly with popular Netflix libraries like the US, UK, and Canada.
Connecting to some of its servers can take up to 10–15 seconds. Server distribution could also be better, as there's only one free Asian server location (India). This limited coverage means users in Asian countries might experience higher latency when connecting to other regions.
Useful Features
- Decent speeds. PrivadoVPN offers decent speeds for data-heavy tasks. During our tests on its nearby servers, we only recorded a speed loss of 19%. This let us stream Netflix in HD without lag.
- Free servers in 13 locations
- Full suite of security features
- Simple one-click activation
- Restricted to 10GB per month
- No browser extensions
- Only one device connection
Quick Comparison Table: Free VPN Features
All the recommended free VPNs are safe, but they're better suited for different tasks. Here's a detailed comparison to help you pick the right one for your needs. I've included ExpressVPN (our premium recommendation) to show what you get with a paid option.
Remember that data limits and server locations are important for streaming and torrenting. Also, check device limits if you're planning to share the VPN with family and whether signup is required if you prefer more privacy.
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 Choosing the Best Free VPNs
When evaluating free VPNs, we prioritize key factors to ensure a secure and reliable online experience. We assess server availability, speeds, and the VPN’s ability to handle activities like streaming, browsing, and downloading. We check for essential security features such as strong encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and a kill switch. Plus, we review each VPN’s privacy policy to confirm a strict no-logs stance, ensuring your online activities remain private.
Our team conducts real-world usage scenarios to simulate typical user behavior. We test the VPNs on various devices and operating systems to verify compatibility and ease of use. By combining technical evaluations with practical testing, we ensure the free VPNs we recommend offer a balanced mix of performance, security, and usability. For more details on our testing process, visit our VPN testing methodology page.
Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs Aren’t Safe
While we've carefully tested and recommended the VPNs above, most free options out there can seriously harm your privacy and security. Usually, the safest, most reliable options are “freemium” VPNs. Since freemium VPNs also offer a paid service, they tend not to use shady means (like data selling) to make a profit on their free versions.
Still, it’s advisable to meticulously investigate any free VPN before use. Here's what makes many free VPNs risky:
- Data selling. Many free VPNs stay free by collecting and selling your data to advertisers. Hola VPN got caught doing exactly this — selling users' bandwidth and browsing data to third parties.
- Security gaps. Bad free VPNs often skip essential features like leak protection and kill switches. When we tested some popular free VPNs, they leaked our real IP address and DNS requests, exposing our entire browsing history.
- Hidden malware. Some free VPNs bundle malware with their apps or show aggressive ads that can infect your device. SuperVPN, for example, was found installing malware that stole users' personal data.
- Shady companies. Many free VPNs are run by unknown companies that hide their ownership details. Some are even based in countries with no privacy laws, giving them free rein to misuse your data however they want.
- Weak security. Free VPNs often cut corners on encryption to save money. Many use outdated protocols that hackers can easily crack, leaving your data exposed to anyone monitoring your connection.
Free VPNs You Should Avoid
These popular free VPNs pose serious security risks. Here's why you should avoid them:
- Hola VPN. It's not even a real VPN — it turns your device into a server for other users' traffic. Anyone using Hola can route their activity through your IP address, potentially involving you in illegal activities. The service also logs everything from your real IP to your browsing history. In 2015, Hola VPN was also exposed for turning its users’ devices into a botnet.
- Psiphon. This VPN stores your location, visited sites, and connection times for 90 days. It bombards users with ads and freely shares user data with commercial partners. Its privacy policy admits it collects far more data than necessary for operating a VPN.
- Touch VPN. This service records detailed logs of browsing activity, device info, and location. Its privacy policy reveals that "Business Partners" can track everything you do while connected. Despite its popularity, it seems like spyware masquerading as a VPN.
- VPN Gate. While volunteer-run servers sound nice, this means random people can monitor your traffic. Its anti-abuse policy clearly states it logs your IP and browsing history, sharing it with government agencies whenever asked.
- LinkVPN. Created by the same developer behind the malware-ridden SuperVPN, this service openly shares user data with third parties. Being based in China means it must hand over user data to authorities.
Free vs. Paid VPNs: Which Is Best for You?
Here's a brief summary of the key distinctions between free and paid VPNs, designed to help you make a well-informed choice between the two options:
- Cost. Of course, the main benefit of a VPN that’s really free is that it doesn’t cost anything. Alternatively, reputable paid VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, which allows you to claim a full refund if you’re not satisfied. You do need to pay upfront to try the service, though.
- Speed. While most VPNs can give you fast nearby connections, long-distance connections are the real test. ExpressVPN never lost more than 35% of our speeds — even while connected across the world. However, the entirely free options averaged between a 40–80% speed loss on faraway servers. Depending on your baseline connection, this could cause severe lag.
- Data allowance. It’s common for free VPNs to limit your data usage. Some VPNs only offer 1–2GB of data, which is only good for only a few hours of streaming. Paid VPNs generally offer unlimited data, allowing you to torrent and stream as much as you like.
- Server network. Most VPNs limit the servers you can use for free. This can also lead to user overload, which leads to slower connections. For reference, ExpressVPN offers servers in 105 countries, whereas most free VPNs offer less than 5 locations.
- Security and privacy. Premium VPNs offer military-grade encryption, robust DNS/IP protection, and proven no-logs policies to protect your data. While the free VPNs listed here are safe to use, many free VPNs struggle to offer the same level of security and privacy. Some even log your data and sell it to third-party advertisers.
- Torrenting support. Not all VPNs that are really free support P2P connections, but there are a few that do. It’s much easier to torrent with a paid VPN, as you’ll have unlimited data and much better speeds.
- Customer support. VPN support teams tend to prioritize paying customers rather than those on a free plan. This means you’re likely to get more responsive customer support with a paid VPN — usually via a 24/7 live chat feature.
Quick Guide: How to Get a Free VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Sign up for a VPN.
I recommend ExpressVPN as it’s the fastest and most reliable VPN we tested. It’s not free, but you can try it risk-free for 30 days. - Connect to a server.
Head to the VPN’s website, install the relevant VPN app on your device and connect to your chosen server. Nearby ones give you the best speeds. - Start browsing.
Start browsing, streaming, or torrenting securely.
FAQs About Free VPNs
Is there a 100% free VPN?
Yes, most VPNs on this list are completely free — no credit card or payment is needed. Just download the app and start using it. These free VPNs keep their services running by limiting features like data, speeds, or server locations, hoping you'll upgrade to a paid plan.
Free trials are different from free VPNs. If a service asks for your payment details during signup, it's probably a free trial that will charge you once it ends. Top premium VPNs need payment upfront but come with money-back guarantees, letting you test all their features and get a refund if you're not satisfied.
Are free VPNs safe, and can they be hacked?
Free VPNs aren’t always 100% safe, and yes, some can be hacked easier than others. I ensured that the VPNs in this list are safe to use by reading their privacy policies — none of them store any identifiable information. I also performed IP/DNS leak tests to make sure my data was properly hidden, and they all passed the test.
Many free VPNs can be dangerous for several reasons. Some don’t offer strong encryption, which can make it all too easy for a hacker to intercept your connection. Others keep logs and share that data with third parties, like advertisers, to make money. Unfortunately, that’s not all — I encountered free VPNs that even contain malware embedded in the apps.
What’s the fastest free VPN?
Our speed tests show that our #2 ranked VPN is the fastest free option available. When connected to nearby servers, it had the lowest speed drop out of all other free VPNs we tested. This let us stream in HD and UHD without any slowdowns.
Most other free VPNs on our list perform well, too, giving you enough speed for everyday browsing and streaming. The only exception is our #4 ranked VPN, which slowed our connection significantly during testing.
Can I get a premium or unlimited VPN for free?
No, there's no way to get unlimited premium VPN features for free. Free VPNs are limited by design — they need to make money somehow. That's why they restrict data, speeds, servers, or features to encourage upgrades to paid plans. Some VPNs offer free trials of their premium service (usually 7 days). You'll get full access during the trial, but you'll need to provide payment details and remember to cancel before it ends.
Be careful of sites claiming to share premium VPN accounts or offering "hacks" for unlimited access. These are usually scams that can infect your device with malware or steal your data. Cracked VPN apps are especially dangerous since they can expose all your online activity to hackers.
What is the best free VPN for iPhone and Android?
It depends on your needs — all VPNs on our list work well with Android and iPhone, but each excels at different things.
If you want a large server network, our #3 and #6 ranked VPNs are your best options. If you need unlimited data, there are some VPNs on this list that won’t cut you off. For streaming enthusiasts, you should prioritize VPNs that work with your favorite platforms.
Just remember that free mobile VPNs have their limits. For the best experience on iPhone or Android, consider a premium service like our #1 pick. It offers a 7-day free trial plus a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test all premium features risk-free.
Which free VPN is best for streaming Netflix?
A few free VPNs on this list work with Netflix, but they all have limitations. Some restrict your streaming with tiny data caps, while others have speeds so slow you'll spend more time buffering than watching. Even when they work, free VPNs often have small server networks or can't maintain reliable connections to Netflix servers.
What’s the best free VPN Chrome extension?
Most free VPNs on our list offer Chrome extensions, letting you easily secure your browser traffic with just a few clicks. However, these extensions are usually basic, with limited server options and lacking essential security features. In contrast, the #1 VPN on this list not only includes a convenient Chrome extension but also offers full-device protection without any restrictions.
For complete protection, I recommend using the #1 VPN’s Chrome extension or a comprehensive VPN app. The VPN app encrypts all your internet traffic, offers advanced security settings, and provides access to the entire server network, ensuring maximum privacy and performance that browser extensions alone can’t achieve.
What is the best free VPN for torrenting?
The best completely free VPN for torrenting is the fourth VPN on my list since it has military-grade encryption and unlimited data. However, it only offers free servers in 5 locations, which can cause slowdowns due to congestion. So, you might not have the fastest download speeds if a server is not available near your location.
A better option is using a premium VPN — even better if its entire network supports torrenting. This will save you the hassle of finding a suitable server. Premium VPNs usually offer a 30-day refund period, so you can get your money back if you decide it’s not for you.
Do free VPNs work in Iran, India, the UAE, or China?
Free VPNs rarely work in countries with strict internet controls since they lack advanced security features. Basic VPN protocols are easily detected and blocked. However, free VPNs that include obfuscation or stealth features can work well on restrictive networks, though they're not easy to find.
Most free users face constant connection issues in these regions. The servers get overcrowded quickly, leading to slow speeds and frequent disconnects. Essential security features like leak protection are often missing too, which could expose your real location if the connection drops.
Get the Best FREE VPN
While all of the free VPNs I listed won’t jeopardize your safety, every free VPN has its limits. If you know what features to look for, you can find the right free VPN for you — whether you need it for streaming, torrenting, or online privacy.
My recommendation for a “one-stop shop” is ExpressVPN. I know it’s not free, but it doesn’t limit you like the 100% free options. It’s fast and gives you unlimited data, with an extensive server network that works reliably for streaming and torrenting. You can try it risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Claiming a refund is quick and easy.
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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Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
3.149.245.123
Your Location:
US, Ohio, Columbus
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 61% off.
Leave a comment
unlike what have said in this article hide.me is likely to require signups.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on our review of free VPNs. Our team investigated the accuracy of the review based on your feedback regarding hide.me’s signup requirements. After careful evaluation, we confirmed that hide.me’s free plan does allow use without signup, though certain features or premium plans may require an account. We did not find it necessary to make changes at this time but will continue monitoring user feedback to ensure accuracy. Valuable feedback like yours helps us improve. We thank you again for taking the time to comment!
Brilliant very useful
Your explanation of the difference between the free VPN
Was excellent and I thankyou
Thank you for your kind feedback! We're glad you found the explanation on VPNs helpful—your appreciation truly means a lot.
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