5 Best VPN Free Trials in 2025: Some Require No Credit Card

With the cost of everything going up exponentially, the last thing I want is to spend money on a VPN that's slow, unreliable, or unsafe. This is why I thoroughly test a VPN before committing to a subscription. But finding a genuinely useful VPN trial can be frustrating — most either limit essential features or are too short to test important capabilities properly.

My team and I tested 60+ VPN free trials to find the best ones that let you truly test everything. We looked at both traditional free trials (including some no-credit-card options) and money-back guarantees. We evaluated everything from security and connection speeds to performance with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

Best VPN Free Trials — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall Premium VPN With 7-Day Free Trial

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

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial that you can get via the iOS or Android app. Once activated, you can use the same account on desktop, tablet, and more. Its apps are really intuitive with a consistent design across devices, so there’s no learning curve involved. Plus, you get access to everything from its fast, worldwide servers to advanced security immediately. We started the trial on iOS and had no issues using it to stream on Fire TV or torrent on desktop.

Its free trial delivered an impressive average speed of 186.90 Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPNs we tested. Its automated servers are optimized for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities, providing top performance out of the box. During the trial, ExpressVPN worked flawlessly with major platforms like Netflix (20+ libraries), Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, with streams loading in HD on the first attempt with no buffering.

You can add an app shortcut to the site you want to binge during your trial

I appreciate that ExpressVPN doesn't restrict trial features to push upgrades. All users benefit from its robust privacy policies. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy that's been verified through multiple audits (by KPMG and others). Its RAM-only servers wipe all data on reboot, adding an extra layer of protection. So, you don’t have to compromise your data in any way just for a free trial.

Although you don't specifically need a credit card, you'll still need a Google Play or App Store-linked payment method to start your free trial. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee — you get a refund directly from ExpressVPN plus more time to properly test the service. When I tried it myself, I received my money back in just a few days. Note that with iOS devices, getting a refund depends entirely on Apple's policies.

Useful Features

• P2P-friendly servers. Every ExpressVPN server supports P2P traffic, so you’ll have many options to choose from. During our trial, we connected to a nearby server and downloaded a 2GB copyright-free torrent file in under 1.5 minutes.
• Lightweight protocol. The Lightway protocol maintains fast speeds over long distances while keeping your connection secure. It also uses minimal system resources, which means longer battery life during streaming or gaming sessions on your mobile device during your free trial tests.
• Automatic obfuscation. All servers automatically disguise VPN traffic as regular internet activity, making it work reliably on restrictive networks. It’s a practical option for individual projects on school or work WiFi where VPNs or content are typically blocked.
• Works in China. ExpressVPN's advanced obfuscation helps it work in China, making it one of the few more reliable VPNs for the region. Downtime is expected, though, as no VPN service is 100% reliable in China due to the Great Firewall restrictions.

2. CyberGhost — Reliable Specialty Servers With a No-Credit-Card Free Trial

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers multiple free trial options depending on your device. You get a 24-hour trial for Windows and macOS that doesn't require any payment information — just download and start using it. Mobile users get longer trials (3 days on Android and 7 days on iOS), though these require a payment method due to store policies. Each trial gives you unlimited access to all features without restrictions.

The VPN makes it easy to find the right server for your needs with its specialized servers. After trial activation, we launched CyberGhost and connected to a streaming-optimized server within seconds — no guesswork. With over 100+ specialty streaming locations, it’s easy to find ones for various Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Max, and more. Its gaming servers provided a noticeable reduction in latency when playing competitive online matches in other regions.

Click the star to "Favorite" your most-used servers for later

The trial gives you complete access to CyberGhost's user-friendly interface and automated features. I particularly liked the Smart Rules settings, which automatically connect the VPN when joining untrusted WiFi networks. This helps you streamline your experience and stay safe throughout your free trial, even if you’re not used to using a VPN on a daily basis.

It’s unfortunate that the only option that requires no payment info (desktop trial) only lasts 24 hours. This isn't enough time to properly test everything CyberGhost offers. But it also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee with its long-term offer — which is the longest on this list, providing enough time to thoroughly test all its features.

Useful Features

• Content Blocker. Blocks malicious websites, trackers, and ads during browsing. The trial includes full access to this feature, so you can evaluate how well it improves your browsing experience.
• Strong security features. You get all essential security tools with CyberGhost, including AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. It’s also based in privacy-friendly Romania, which has no data retention laws, so your free trial activity will stay private.
• Cross-platform support. CyberGhost offers native apps for nearly every platform, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart TVs. Its dedicated Fire TV app is especially user-friendly, letting us stream securely on big screens during the trial.
• Smart DNS. Allows streaming on devices that don't support VPN apps. Trial users can configure and test this feature on smart TVs and gaming consoles.

3. Surfshark — Test VPN Features on Unlimited Devices Simultaneously

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark's 7-day free trial is available across multiple platforms. Mobile users can get it through Android and iOS stores, while Mac users can download it directly from Surfshark's website. The trial gives you full access to all features, including its unlimited connections and its advanced security tools, like the CleanWeb ad-blocker. If you're a Windows user, you can still test the VPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Its unlimited device policy makes it perfect for testing VPN performance across your entire digital ecosystem. You get the full experience during your trial, including simultaneous connections and a kill switch if your VPN connection drops. During our Surfshark testing, we connected laptops, smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices without performance degradation.

Surfshark's speeds were 178.404Mbps - just behind NordVPN and ExpressVPN

It handled streaming tasks impressively in our tests. Surfshark could securely access content from major platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and Disney+. The connection was reliable as we streamed Chainsaw Man on Crunchyroll Japan — there were no drops or connectivity issues. Plus, it has a handy in-app speed test to help you find the fastest servers. Filterable by region, it lets you make sure you get the best speeds possible from anywhere.

The only minor inconvenience we faced during the free trial was that some servers took longer to connect. For instance, connecting to the Melbourne server took around 12 seconds, while competitors like ExpressVPN connected in under 3 seconds. However, once the connection was established, we experienced no issues at all.

Useful Features

• GPS spoofing on Android. Beyond changing your IP address, Surfshark can also override your GPS location on Android devices. We tested this feature with various location-based apps, and they all showed our chosen VPN location instead of our actual position.
• Lightweight browser extensions. You can test its Chrome and Firefox extensions alongside your trial account. They're faster than the full app when you just need to change your location.
• NoBorders mode. This feature automatically activates when detecting restrictive networks, like on some school, airport, or hotel WiFis. It will suggest a list of servers to help bypass any VPN blocks and automatically connect you to the fastest one.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customize Your Connection Risk-Free for 7 Days

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access includes a no-strings-attached 7-day mobile trial alongside its 30-day money-back guarantee. The trial, available through the Google Play and App Store, lets you explore its extensive customization options and massive server network without any limitations. Simply download the app and start your trial — you can even use your account on other devices to test PIA's multi-device capabilities.

PIA is one of the most customizable free VPN trials we’ve tested. You can switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN, tweak encryption to reduce lag, and enable port forwarding for faster P2P transfers. Advanced users can adjust OpenVPN settings like MTU size, protocol (UDP/TCP), and port selection to fine-tune stability or bypass throttling.

During our tests, WireGuard provided better speeds than OpenVPN

It also has the largest server network of all the trials we tested. This extensive coverage means you'll always find fast, uncongested connections nearby. Plus, the servers deliver on performance too. During our tests, we could securely access major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Max without issues.

On the downside, PIA is based in the US (a 14-Eyes country). However, its no-logs policy has been verified through multiple court cases where the company couldn't provide any user data even when legally required. The VPN also publishes regular transparency reports to maintain accountability.

Useful Features

• Strong security features. Beyond standard security tools like data leak protection and a kill switch, PIA offers Multi-Hop for obfuscation. This routes your traffic through a VPN server and then a proxy server, adding an extra layer of privacy.
• US servers in every state. PIA is the only VPN we tested with servers in all 50 US states. This means it’s possible to get a US IP from any US state, which is helpful for streaming local sports during high-stakes events, like the NFL Playoffs or Finals.
• Multi-hop connections. Routes your traffic through multiple VPN servers for enhanced privacy. The trial gives you full access to test this advanced privacy feature.

5. NordVPN — 3-Day Android Trial With Advanced Security Features

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN's free trial is only available through Android devices. You'll need to download the app from Google Play and sign up to start your 3-day trial. Once activated, though, you can use your trial account on any device — including computers and tablets. If you don't have an Android device, you can still test NordVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

I’m a big fan of NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro. This feature blocks trackers, malicious websites, and intrusive ads before they load. During our NordVPN tests, it cleaned up an ad-heavy news site completely and blocked several known tracking domains. It even scans downloads for malware to keep your devices safe. The desktop version even scans downloaded files for potential viruses.

You can enable Threat Protection Pro without being connected to a VPN server

NordVPN's speeds are some of the fastest we've tested, the closest to ExpressVPN. It’s also one of the most consistent across nearby and far-away servers. NordVPN also had low latency, so it's great for streaming or gaming. These impressive speeds come from its NordLynx protocol, which maintains fast connections while keeping your data secure.

Its free trial is a bit restrictive, with no iOS signup option and a shorter period than other VPNs here. However, its ease of use makes up for it, with modern apps that even beginners can get to grips with quickly. I particularly like its visual world map, which lets you connect to servers simply by clicking a pin on their geographic location.

Useful Features

• P2P-optimized servers. NordVPN’s free trial offers specialized servers for torrenting, clearly marked in the app. These servers maintain fast download speeds while protecting your privacy. Also, NordVPN is based in privacy-friendly Panama and has a strict no-logs policy, making it a safe option for torrenting.
• Meshnet. You can connect up to 60 devices directly over encrypted tunnels, even without a VPN connection. During NordVPN’s trial period, I used it to access my home computer while on a short work trip and to share files securely between team devices.

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPN Free Trials

The table below compares essential features of each VPN trial, including duration, money-back guarantee period, speed performance, and whether a credit card or other payment details are needed. While free trials are often limited to certain OSs, you can usually download and use the VPN for the entire period on any other compatible device with very few exceptions.

When starting a trial through mobile app stores, you can use your existing store payment method (like credit card, PayPal, or other linked payment options) — no need to enter new payment information. However, you'll need to add a payment method if you haven't already set one up in your store account.

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.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs With Free Trials

Firstly, we verified that you get a genuine premium experience during the trial period, comparing trial versions against paid options. This includes access to all features, global server locations, and testing speeds to ensure there's no hidden throttling. We also examine the trial activation process on different devices to verify how payment requirements work, not to mention going further by testing their money-back guarantee refund process.

When choosing a VPN with a free trial, look for one with transparent privacy practices, including strict no-logs policies. What’s more, check that they have servers in the locations you need and support the devices and payment methods you prefer. Lastly, confirm the trial length based on the device you signed up with to prevent losing access prematurely. For more details on our full testing procedures, check out our VPN testing methodology page.

Free Trial VPNs That Didn’t Make the Cut

These VPNs offer decent features and reliable trials, but certain limitations kept them from making our top 5. Here's why:

• PrivateVPN. Works reliably on restrictive networks with a 7-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. While it's easy to use, its smaller server network means you might have trouble finding fast nearby servers.
• Hotspot Shield. Uses Hydra protocol for fast speeds even on long-distance connections, offering a 7-day trial and 45-day refund period. However, being based in the US raises some privacy concerns, and its apps lack customization options.
• IPVanish. A user-friendly VPN with unlimited connections and a 7-day mobile trial, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, its long-distance connections can sometimes be slow.

VPN Free Trial vs Money-Back Guarantee: What’s the Difference?

Free trials and money-back guarantees each offer different ways to test a VPN risk-free, but there are key differences to consider. Traditional free trials usually last 1–7 days and don't require new payment information for mobile trials since they're already linked to your app store account. Desktop trials sometimes need no payment details, but some providers might limit features.

VPN money-back guarantees typically provide a better and longer testing experience. You get access to all premium features and can test the VPN thoroughly (usually for 30 days). While you do need to pay upfront, leading VPNs honor their refund policies without hassle. I've tested these personally and always got my money back within a week. However, if you signed up through an app store, your refund process and approval are in the app store’s hands, so it’s better to sign up directly through the VPN's website.

FAQs on the Best VPNs With Free Trials

What's the best VPN free trial I can get without a credit card?

The #2 VPN on this list offers a 24-hour desktop trial that requires no credit card or payment information. However, this trial is quite short and limits you to one device connection.

That said, you can test any VPN on this list through mobile app stores without entering new payment information — you'll just need a payment method already linked to your store account. This is different from needing to provide new credit card details directly to the VPN.

Free trial activations made through app stores are managed by the app store itself. The VPN provider won’t have your payment info on file, so you don’t have to worry about it charging you directly as long as you cancel on time.

Which VPNs offer a 30-day free trial?

None of the VPNs on this list (or other reputable options we tested) offer a true 30-day free trial. However, our entire list offers reliable 30-day (or more) money-back guarantees instead. This gives you more time to test all features compared to standard 7-day trials. The refund process is straightforward — I tested it personally with every VPN on this list and received my money back within a few business days.

Can I use a VPN free trial on a Firestick or Apple TV?

Yes, all the VPNs on this list have native Fire TV apps, and you can use your trial account on your Firestick after activating it. Just download the VPN app from the Amazon Appstore, sign in with your trial account credentials, and you're ready to go. Remember, you can’t start your trial directly on Firestick, though.

Most newer Apple TV models (HD and 4K running tvOS) also support dedicated VPN apps in the tvOS App Store. While you still must activate the trial via mobile or desktop, you can then download the VPN app on Apple TV, log in with your trial account, and stream securely from there.

How do I cancel my VPN free trial or get a refund?

How you cancel depends on where you started your trial. If you signed up through an app store (Google Play or Apple App Store), you'll need to cancel through your store's subscription settings. If you're using a money-back guarantee, just contact the VPN's support team before the guarantee period ends — all the VPNs on our list process refunds quickly, usually within a week.

For desktop trials, you can usually cancel directly through the VPN app or your account on the VPN's website.

Can I reset my VPN free trial?

It’s unlikely. Some VPNs let you use their money-back guarantee multiple times (with limits), but this is rare. You may also be able to get a new free trial by using a different email. But you could end up getting banned from the VPN service if they catch you trying to sign up for a free trial multiple times. It’s better to test different VPN services using their free trials to see which one works best for you.

In addition, several VPN services ask for credit card information, so you would need to have numerous credit cards to sign up multiple times. Besides, many VPNs have stopped their free trials because of people abusing the system in this way. If a provider’s free trial isn’t long enough, then consider using its money-back guarantee instead. Or, you may be able to email customer support and ask for an extension.

Which VPN has the longest free trial?

All VPNs on this list offer free trials ranging from 1 to 7 days, with every option providing 7-day trials on mobile devices. Our #2-ranked VPN stands out by offering different trial lengths across platforms — 7 days on iOS, 3 days on Android, and a 24-hour desktop trial that doesn't require any payment information.

However, money-back guarantees give you more testing time than standard trials. While most VPNs offer 30-day refund periods, our #2 pick goes further with a 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term purchases. This gives you plenty of time to thoroughly test everything the VPN offers, and getting a refund is simple if you're not satisfied.

By combining the free trial and money-back guarantee, you can effectively get up to around 33 to 60 days to test premium VPNs without risk. Some, like Surfshark or ExpressVPN, even offer an additional refund window if you unintentionally renewed. However, this is subject to approval on a case-by-case basis.

Is it risky to use a free trial VPN?

Premium VPN trials from reputable companies are safe and provide the same security as paid subscriptions. Free trials don't have usage restrictions like permanently free VPN plans — they're designed to let you see how the premium VPN performs with full features. Avoid free VPNs, which often compromise security and sell user data.

Can I find a free trial VPN for the US, Canada, or India?

In these countries, yes, but not everywhere in the world. The VPNs on our list let you activate trials from these countries, especially through the Google Play or Apple App Store. However, some trials (like NordVPN’s) are only visible in select regions. If the trial doesn’t appear, you can still access the full VPN risk-free by purchasing it and using the money-back guarantee.

Why shouldn’t I just use a forever-free VPN?

Forever-free VPNs compromise your security and privacy to cover operational costs. Free VPNs have limitations such as slower speeds, fewer server locations, and most lack key security features or sell your data to third parties. Premium VPN trials give you genuine security without hidden costs or privacy compromises.

Get the Best VPN Free Trial

Every free trial is different, and some of them come with device-specific restrictions. You’ll have to read the fine print and remember to cancel in time to avoid being charged. While the VPN free trials in this list are good options, testing a VPN using its money-back guarantee is the best way to get the full experience without paying anything. You can use it for much longer than a free trial.

Out of all the VPNs my team and I tested, I recommend ExpressVPN. While all the VPNs here have trustworthy free trials that let you test all their features risk-free, ExpressVPN’s out-of-the-box optimization and easy-to-use apps give you the best opportunity to take full advantage of its capabilities. While there are some options that don’t even require any payment details, they typically have restrictions that make them less useful for testing.