5 Best Free VPNs for Laptop: Windows, Mac, & Linux (2025)

Most free VPNs for laptops are either too resource-intensive, heavily ad-supported, or pose significant privacy risks. Some lack strong encryption, record your internet activity, or cause delays when trying to stream or download.

We tested 40+ free VPNs on Windows, Mac, and Linux laptops to find those that offer a good balance of security and performance. The ones I recommend deliver decent speeds, protect your data, and support tasks like streaming, browsing, and file sharing. VPNs that showed IP leaks, had shady privacy policies, or were overloaded with ads didn’t make the cut.

That said, even the top free VPNs come with limitations such as smaller server networks, slower speeds, or data caps. For the best experience with no interruptions or risks, a premium VPN is a better choice, and we included one worth trying. If you want to keep things 100% free, my shortlisted free VPNs are the best for everyday laptop use.

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

1. ExpressVPN — Fast and Battery-Efficient for Uninterrupted Streaming and Gaming on Laptops

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

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is optimized for laptops as it drains less battery and won't slow down performance. The protocol's lightweight code means your laptop's CPU doesn't have to work as hard, keeping it cooler during extended use. It connects almost instantly, and our speeds dropped by only 11% testing nearby servers. My Windows 11 laptop lasts about 2 hours longer with Lightway compared to using OpenVPN.

We didn't experiernce any added buffering streaming on Netflix US

Your privacy is protected with a built-in Threat Manager feature that blocks trackers and malicious domains before they can load. This safeguards your laptop from background apps and websites that attempt to collect data or install unwanted code. It works at the DNS level, so it doesn’t interfere with your browsing or system performance. I found it especially useful when using my laptop on unsecured networks like airports, cafes, or hotels.

I found ExpressVPN's apps user-friendly, working seamlessly across all laptop operating systems. My colleague installed ExpressVPN on his MacBook Air M3 in under 3 minutes, and the interface was clean and intuitive. The app automatically selects the optimal security settings for your device, though you can easily customize them through the preferences menu. When I tested it on an Ubuntu laptop, I appreciated that the Linux GUI offered the same smooth experience as the Windows version.

While ExpressVPN isn't free, you can try it risk-free on your laptop with a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee*. I tested this policy myself by requesting a refund through the 24/7 live chat. The agent processed my request immediately, only asking my reason for canceling, and I got my money back in 3 days.

Useful Features

• Split tunneling. Choose which apps on your computer use the VPN and which use your regular internet connection. This is useful when you need secure access to international content while keeping local services like food or banking apps on your normal network. This feature is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux laptops.
• Robust security. ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, RAM-only servers, and Perfect Forward Secrecy to protect your laptop’s data from hackers, trackers, and surveillance. It also includes a kill switch (Network Lock) that immediately cuts internet access if the VPN connection drops, so your data stays private at all times.
• Browser extensions. You can control the VPN directly from Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, or Vivaldi browsers without opening the desktop app. This is a fast way to switch locations or disconnect while browsing on your laptop.
• Smart Location. Automatically selects the fastest VPN server based on your laptop’s location and current network conditions. This improves performance for streaming, downloading, and video calls.

2. Proton VPN — Completely Free VPN for Laptops With No Data Caps

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Unlike many free VPNs, Proton VPN's free plan doesn't limit data usage, so you can game or stream without worrying about hitting a cap. Your workflow or video calls won't get interrupted. During tests, we played Fortnite on our laptops for hours without getting cut off. This makes it ideal for remote work, online classes, or safely accessing Netflix from anywhere.

There was no buffering or drop in video quality

Along with AES 256-bit encryption, Proton VPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy to secure your connection — it regularly changes your encryption keys. So even if someone got hold of an old key, they wouldn’t be able to see what you did before — or after. A kill switch for Mac, Windows, and Linux devices, plus IP/DNS leak protection, prevents accidental exposure of your online activities and actual IP address, which is needed when using public WiFi.

On the free plan, you get access to servers in 6 countries, including the Netherlands, Japan, and the US. While testing on my Windows laptop, I found that the Quick Connect feature automatically chose the fastest available server based on my location. The speeds were reliable enough for HD streaming on YouTube and browsing without noticeable delays.

On the downside, Proton VPN requires an email address to set up a free account and limits use to one device at a time. However, you can install the VPN on your router, even with the free plan, which lets you protect all WiFi-connected devices, including multiple laptops, through a single connection.

Useful Features

• Hardware Acceleration. Optimizes how the VPN handles data to reduce CPU usage on your laptop. This led to noticeably lower fan activity and extended battery life by over two hours during testing.
• Alternative Routing. Helps bypass network blocks by finding new paths to the VPN server. This was especially useful on restrictive WiFi networks, such as university or office hotspots, where access to VPNs is often limited.
• Custom DNS. You can choose your own DNS servers to boost speed and privacy. I switched to Cloudflare’s DNS on my laptop, and websites loaded a bit faster and more reliably, especially on sketchy WiFi.
• Auto-Connect. This turns the VPN on automatically when you start your laptop or join a public network. It saved me from accidentally going online without protection at my local cafe.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Easy-to-Use Interface Works Well on All Laptop Operating Systems

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN offers a straightforward native app that works seamlessly with Windows and Mac. The interface is clean and uncluttered, making it effortless to use even as a beginner. When I tested it on my Windows 11 laptop, the installation took just 2 minutes. Unlike ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, no Linux app is available, and Avira doesn't support manual configuration. Still, with one free plan, you can use Avira on as many laptops (or other devices) as you want.

You can get the best speed and performance by clicking on "Nearest Location"

It also uses AES 256-bit encryption, the same standard used by military and financial institutions. That means your laptop traffic stays protected even when you're connected to public or unsecured WiFi networks. It also offers IP/DNS leak protection, which helps stop your browsing activity from being exposed to your internet provider or other third parties.

It's disappointing that Avira’s free plan only offers 500MB of data per month, which is suitable for basic tasks like checking email or quick web browsing. If you create a free account, you’ll get an extra 500MB of monthly data, but that still isn’t enough for streaming or downloading big files.

Useful Features

• No registration required. You can use Avira Phantom VPN without signing up or giving your email. That means you can try it out completely anonymously, which isn’t something most free VPNs offer.
• Lightweight apps. Avira Phantom VPN runs quietly in the background and has a minimal impact on system performance. It’s a good fit for older or lower-spec laptops that can’t handle resource-heavy apps.
• URL Tracker Blocking. Blocks tracking URLs that attempt to monitor your browsing activity on your laptop. This helps reduce personalized ads and protects your data from being collected by third-party sites.

4. hide.me — Strong Protection To Secure Laptops Without Needing To Upgrade

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me's free version lets you customize security settings to balance protection with laptop performance. You can choose between 5 VPN protocols, including WireGuard for speed and OpenVPN for maximum security. When testing servers far away in Australia, the WireGuard protocol reduced our speeds by only 16% without sacrificing privacy. It’s also easier on your laptop’s battery, since WireGuard uses less processing power than other protocols.

You can also toggle the kills witch on and off

Your IP address, browsing activity, and connection timestamps won't be recorded or shared, thanks to hide.me's no-logs policy. This policy has also been independently audited, so you don’t have to take the company’s word for it. You can use the VPN knowing that your data stays private, even when connected to unsecured WiFi.

The biggest drawback is that you can only use 1 device at a time with hide.me’s free plan. But you don’t need to create an account to use hide.me, and you get access to more locations than most free VPNs offer. What’s great is that even free users get 24/7 live chat support — my colleague used it to fix a connection issue on his Linux laptop.

Useful Features

• Stealth Guard. This feature lets you block specific apps or even your entire internet connection on your laptop unless the VPN is turned on. This way, nothing gets sent outside the encrypted tunnel unless the VPN is active.
• IP Leak Prevention. It protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks, so your real IP address and laptop location stay hidden. It helps keep your privacy intact, even on networks that might try to send traffic outside the VPN connection.

5. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol for Quick Connections and Secure Browsing on Laptops

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield’s free plan uses its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is designed to deliver faster speeds while maintaining solid encryption. It’s especially effective on laptops, where performance and battery usage matter. In our tests on both Windows and Mac, the connection was stable and fast.

WireGuard protocol also gave us decent speeds, but Hydra was the fastest overall

It also comes with advanced security features that help protect your laptop's data. I tested the kill switch by simulating a network drop, and Hotspot Shield immediately blocked all internet traffic until the VPN reconnected, preventing any leaks. It also includes automatic WiFi protection, which activates the VPN whenever you join a new network.

Free users get limited customer support (only the knowledge base and community forums are available). However, the app is straightforward and worked smoothly during our testing, so you likely won’t need much support anyway.

Useful Features

• Keyboard shortcuts. This allows you to quickly perform everyday VPN actions without navigating through the app. For instance, pressing Ctrl+Shift+C on your Windows laptop will instantly connect or disconnect the VPN, saving time and improving efficiency.

Quick Comparison Table: Free VPN Features for Laptop

The table below compares essential features of the best free VPNs for laptop users. I've included key details about speeds, data allowances, and laptop-specific features to help you choose the right VPN for your needs.

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 a Laptop

We tested each free VPN on Windows, Mac, and Linux laptops to evaluate how well they perform for everyday use. We focused on privacy and security by checking for strong encryption, running leak tests, and verifying whether the VPNs keep logs. We also tested laptop-specific features like auto-connect on public WiFi, split tunneling, and kill switches. These tools help protect you when switching networks or using multiple apps at once.

We also paid close attention to how each VPN affects laptop performance. That includes battery life and whether the app maintains fast speeds during tasks like streaming, video calls, or working with several tabs open. We also looked at how easy each app is to use on a laptop, whether it opens automatically at startup, and how it handles sleep mode. Every VPN was tested on public WiFi, school networks, and home setups to make sure it works smoothly wherever you take your laptop.

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

We tested over 40 free VPNs for laptops, and most posed serious security risks. While the VPNs recommended in this list are safe to use, many free options available for Windows, Mac, and Linux can compromise your privacy and device security. Before installing any free VPN on your laptop, you should understand the potential dangers.

The most significant risks of using unreliable free VPNs include:

• Hidden malware. Free VPNs often contain embedded malware that can infect your laptop. In recent tests, I found that TurboVPN's Windows app triggered multiple antivirus warnings and attempted to install unwanted programs.
• Data harvesting. Since free VPNs need to make money somehow, many track and sell your data. For example, SuperVPN's privacy policy reveals it collects everything from your browsing history to your device information and location data.
• Resource exploitation. Services like Hola VPN turn your laptop into a proxy server for other users, using your bandwidth and processing power without proper disclosure. This can significantly impact your device's performance and battery life.
• Battery drain. Poorly optimized free VPN apps can drain your laptop's battery up to 25% faster than premium options due to inefficient protocols and background processes.

Free Laptop VPNs to Avoid

We tested several free VPNs, and many didn’t meet our security or usability standards. Here are a few we recommend avoiding:

• Hola VPN. This service does not encrypt traffic and might turn your device into part of a peer-to-peer network, putting your laptop at risk.
• Turbo VPN. Displays aggressive ads and has unclear logging policies. It also showed poor performance on Windows laptops during testing.
• Betternet. Lacks essential security features and might track usage data, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
• FlashVPN. No clear privacy policy and uses outdated protocols. Our tests showed repeated DNS leaks on both Windows and Mac.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Laptops

How much data do I get with a free laptop VPN?

It depends on the provider. Some free VPNs offer unlimited data (like Proton VPN and hide.me), while others set monthly caps. Typical limits range from 500MB to 10GB per month, which is only enough for light browsing or checking email. If you stream or download files on your laptop, you'll likely hit the limit quickly. Always check the data policy before installing a free VPN.

Is there a free Laptop VPN that doesn't require registration?

Some free VPNs for laptops let you connect without creating an account or sharing personal information. This can improve your privacy during setup, especially if you’re using a shared or public device. However, the lack of registration doesn’t remove typical free VPN limitations like restricted server access, slower speeds, or low data caps. Consider how you use your laptop to determine whether a no-signup VPN meets your needs or if a paid option might offer more flexibility.

How do I set up a free VPN on my MacBook?

Setting up a free VPN on your MacBook is simple. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose a free VPN that supports Mac and has strong privacy features. Options like Proton VPN and hide.me work well on MacBooks.
2. Download and install the app from the provider’s official website.
3. Open the app and connect to a free server. Some services may ask you to create an account, while others don’t.
4. Confirm your connection by checking your IP address or status in the app.

Will a 100% free VPN slow down my laptop?

Many free VPNs have smaller server networks that cause overcrowding, leading to reduced speeds. This can cause delays when browsing, streaming, or downloading on your laptop. If you want faster speeds or want more consistent security, a paid VPN like ExpressVPN is a better option. It’s more reliable for everyday use on your laptop.

That said, a few lightweight free VPNs are designed to work well on laptops and have minimal impact on performance. The VPNs in this guide were tested for speed and system resource usage, and during testing, they didn’t cause any noticeable slowdown.

Are free VPN browser extensions safe?

Some are, but many are not. While a few free VPN extensions offer basic encryption and no-logs policies, others may track your activity, inject ads, or leak your real IP address. Most extensions only protect traffic within your browser and leave the rest of your laptop’s apps unprotected. If you use a VPN extension, make sure it comes from a trusted provider and has been independently tested for privacy and security. For complete protection, a desktop VPN app is a safer option.

How do I know if my free VPN is working properly?

The easiest way to check if your VPN is working is by verifying your IP address. Before connecting to the VPN, visit a site like vpnMentor’s IP checker page to see your current IP. Then connect to the VPN and refresh the page. If the IP address changes and shows the location of the VPN server instead of your real location, the VPN is active. If your original IP still shows after connecting, the VPN may not be working correctly or may have disconnected without notice.

Get the Best Free VPN for Laptop

Free VPNs can be a helpful solution for improving privacy on your laptop, especially if you only need light protection while browsing or using public WiFi. However, many come with trade-offs like slower speeds, limited data, and fewer server choices, which may affect usability for streaming, gaming, or large downloads.

If you need more consistent performance, stronger privacy tools, and unlimited access, consider trying a premium VPN. ExpressVPN offers dedicated Windows, Mac, and Linux apps, better speed, and advanced security features. This makes it more suitable for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and torrenting from anywhere.