5 Best VPN FREE Trials in 2024: Some Need 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, and unsafe. That’s why I always prefer to test it for free before committing to a subscription. Unfortunately, you can’t always trust a VPN’s free trial marketing, though — I’ve been burned by fine print and bad customer support too many times in the past.

A lengthy free trial without major limitations can be hard to come by, too. To help you find the best option, I tested 60+ VPN trials and shortlisted only the best. I also looked at VPNs with trustworthy money-back guarantees, as these allow you to test without risk for longer periods (I personally prefer a money-back guarantee to a free trial).

Of the VPNs tested, ExpressVPN has the best free trial options. You can try its mobile app for 7 days free of charge, and each plan is backed by a money-back guarantee. So when the trial ends, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. This gives you 30 days to claim a refund if you’re not satisfied. I tested the policy myself after using it for 28 days, and I got my money back 3 days later. 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 5 Best VPN Free Trials in 2024

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.

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

Let’s quickly clear something up — VPNs offer different ways you can try their services for free, and some are better than others. You don’t want to mix these up (and it is easy to do so), so let’s break down the most common forms of free trial a VPN offers.

• Money-back guarantee. Most VPNs offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee that gives you full access to their services. I recommend this method to get a full overview of the VPN’s capabilities. You need to pay for the service upfront, but you can get a full refund if you cancel within the guarantee period. I personally tested the money-back guarantees of my recommended VPNs to ensure they’re trustworthy.
• Classic free trial. Classic free trials let you use the VPN without paying upfront. Some VPNs don’t even require signup. But, most free trials only last about 1 to 7 days and may restrict you to fewer features and be limited to a single device. Usually, if you forget to cancel 24 hours before the end of the trial, you’ll be automatically charged.
• Forever-free plan. Some VPNs offer 100% always-free plans. Often, these are free versions of premium VPNs, or “freemium” VPNs, which are generally safer to use than 100% free options. However, many are incredibly limiting — you usually experience very slow speeds, tight data caps (as low as 500MB or 1GB per month), and a lack of advanced security features. But beware — some shady, free VPNs actively log and sell your data or have malware embedded in their apps.

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.

Best VPN Free Trials in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest VPN With Trustworthy Free Trial Options

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

While its trial options are pretty standard, ExpressVPN’s speed, performance, and reliability make it stand out. It’s consistently the fastest VPN we’ve tested, making it suitable for seamless UHD streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is designed for fast speeds while maintaining robust online security. ExpressVPN’s extensive global server network also makes it the best VPN for streaming popular platforms in HD from anywhere.

It has a couple of trial options, but I always opt for a solid money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN guarantees a full refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied with the service when you sign up directly through its website. The guarantee comes with all plans, so you don’t have to pay for a full year’s subscription to use it, either.

I tested the refund guarantee, and the process was hassle-free. Using 24/7 live chat, the agent approved my refund in less than 5 minutes after asking a couple of questions about my satisfaction.

The 7-day free trial for mobile is good, too. I appreciate that you can use it on desktop, as some VPNs restrict you to a certain device only. However, since you need to subscribe through an app store, you must provide payment info, and you will be automatically charged if you forget to cancel in time. You’re also subject to your app store’s refund policies, which could cause issues if you want to use the money-back guarantee after the trial period.

Useful Features

• All servers support P2P file sharing. This means you’ll be able to connect to a nearby server to download files with fast speeds. I used a server in the Netherlands to download a public domain movie, and the 700 MB file was downloaded in under 2 minutes.
• Works in China. ExpressVPN's entire server network uses obfuscation, which makes it one of the few reliable choices for users in China. It also means you can use the VPN on restrictive networks, like public WiFi networks, at school, or at work.
• Great compatibility. ExpressVPN has native apps for all popular devices. What’s most unique is its native app and firmware for routers, making it one of the easiest VPNs to set up network-wide. Plus, MediaStreamer lets you stream US and UK content in HD on smart TVs and gaming consoles with a quick configuration (not available with the 7-day trial).
• Solid security and privacy. In addition to leak protection and a kill switch, ExpressVPN offers AES 256-bit encryption enhanced with perfect forward secrecy. This regularly changes your encryption keys, making it virtually impossible for anyone to decipher your data. Plus, its no-logs policy has been audited and proven.

2. CyberGhost — Specialty Servers to Test for 45 Days With the Longest VPN Free Trial

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

What really sets this VPN apart is that you can try CyberGhost free for 45 days with its generous money-back guarantee. Most VPNs only give you 30 days. I recommend this trial for anyone new to VPNs because CyberGhost’s app and interface are set up in a very intuitive, easy-to-use way.

CyberGhost offers optimized servers for gaming, torrenting, and streaming. The gaming and torrenting servers are streamlined for safety and speed. Its streaming servers are specifically designed to provide HD access to popular global platforms from anywhere, including Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and more. Each one of CyberGhost’s streaming servers worked with their respective platforms in our tests.

CyberGhost’s refund guarantee is also legit. I simply used the 24/7 live chat feature on its website. The agent only asked me why I wanted to cancel. They approved my refund without pressuring me to stay, and it took about 5 days to get my money back. However, you only get a 14-day money-back guarantee with the monthly plan.

While CyberGhost has a few free trial options, they’re only good on 1 device for a few days. It offers 1 day for desktop, 3 days for Android, or 7 days for iOS. Since I have a few different devices I use regularly, testing it with the money-back guarantee was my best option. Plus, it allows for 7 simultaneous device connections.

Useful Features

• Fast speeds. We averaged download speeds of 194 Mbps on its nearby UK servers — a drop of only 11%. Unfortunately, its long-distance connections aren’t as fast as ExpressVPN, as there was a 31% drop on US servers. However, if your baseline connection is decent, you should have no problem streaming in HD from anywhere.
• Privacy-focused VPN. CyberGhost offers NoSpy servers managed by its staff in its privacy-friendly Romanian headquarters. These reduce the risk of third-party interference. It also has a no-logs policy that’s been audited by Deloitte.
• Robust security. CyberGhost provides security essentials like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. You also get automatic WiFi protection and Block Content, which prevents ads, malware, and trackers.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Trustworthy With Advanced Features to Try Risk-Free for 30 or 7 Days

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access is packed with features, so it’s nice that you can test it for almost a month with its money-back guarantee. The 7-day mobile trial just wasn’t enough time for me to get to know this VPN. To ensure PIA's refund policy is trustworthy, I personally tested its money-back guarantee, and I got my money back in just 5 days.

One of its stand-out features is that it allows unlimited simultaneous devices, so it’s ideal for large households and families. During testing, we connected PIA on 5 devices simultaneously, including 2 phones and 2 laptops, while connected to its London server. The connection remained stable, with videos loading in under 5 seconds.

One downside is that PIA is based in the US, which is a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance — a group of data-sharing countries. However, its no-logs policy can be trusted. In fact, it’s been proven in court, survived server seizures, and it also offers regular transparency reports.

Useful Features

• Customizable settings. PIA’s ad, tracker, and malware blocker (MACE) prevents annoying and malicious ads from infecting your device. Plus, it offers AES 128-bit encryption for faster speeds as well as 256-bit encryption for optimized security. It also offers IP/DNS leak protection and an adjustable kill switch.
• Works with popular platforms. Its vast server network makes it possible to securely access most streaming services from anywhere. Its UK servers let us watch BBC iPlayer and Netflix UK securely and totally lag-free.
• Fast speeds on nearby servers. During our tests, we used its France server to download the copyright-free Sita Sings the Blues on BitTorrent. We only lost 8% of the base speeds and got 216 Mbps. This let us download the 780MB file in less than 3 minutes. Plus, its entire server network is P2P-enabled.

4. NordVPN — Easy-to-Use VPN for Beginners With Standard Trial Options

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

Like most reputable VPNs, NordVPN lets you test it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its guarantee, and the refund process is straightforward. Using the 24/7 live chat, I made my request. Similar to PIA, after 5 days, I got my money back.

NordVPN is also a great choice if you’re new to VPNs, thanks to its easy setup and intuitive apps. During my tests, its Quick Connect feature instantly connected me to the fastest server available. I was also quickly able to connect to other locations by using the search bar or clicking on one of the dots on the world map.

NordVPN also has 24/7 customer support and a comprehensive knowledge base if you ever run into issues

NordVPN's 7-day free trial is only available on Android, and it’s only available in select locations. What stood out is that it doesn’t require payment details to use the trial, and it grants unrestricted access to all servers and features.

Useful Features

• Impressive speeds. On its Los Angeles and New York servers, we recorded an average download speed of 194 Mbps — a 25% drop. This is impressive since these servers are thousands of kilometers away from our testing location. We got the fastest speeds with its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is NordVPN’s WireGuard equivalent.
• Reliable for streaming. NordVPN integrates SmartPlay technology (combining Smart DNS with the VPN), which makes it one of the most dependable streaming VPNs for safely accessing content from anywhere. We tested it with 15+ Netflix libraries, and it worked seamlessly.
• Strong security and privacy. Its Double VPN (also known as MultiHop) sends your data through 2 servers for extra encryption. Plus, it offers AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. NordVPN also operates under a strict, independently-audited no-logs policy.

5. Surfshark — Generous Unlimited Device Connections on a 30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices, making it a great choice for large households or people with lots of tech. Plus, it’s already one of the more affordable VPNs out there, so this makes it even better value. We tested it on multiple devices simultaneously while streaming on a laptop, iPad, Android phone, and desktop computer. We hardly noticed a difference in the streaming quality on 1 versus multiple devices.

There was only a 14% drop from our base speeds

Its 30-day money-back guarantee is one you can trust. When I tested it, I contacted live support and asked for a refund. The agent asked why I wanted to cancel but approved my request within 5 minutes. It’s also great that you can use Surfshark’s money-back guarantee twice, as long as you wait 6 months between refunds.

Surfshark also offers a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS. You can install it on Windows devices after signing up for the trial, though. I actually installed it directly on my Windows laptop through its main site since I signed up with a money-back guarantee.

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is not a privacy-friendly country. However, it adheres to a strict no-logs policy that passed an independent audit by Deloitte in 2022.

Useful Features

• Ideal for streaming global content. Just like ExpressVPN, Surfshark offers fast speeds and reliable servers, so it’s a great option for accessing HD content from anywhere. It worked with every major streaming platform my team and I tested.
• CleanWeb. This is Surfshark's ad and malware blocker. When I tested it, it effectively removed ads from Forbes.

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPN Free Trials

The table below provides an overview of VPN free trials, including duration and restrictions. Remember that the money-back guarantees have no limitations and give you a longer testing period. I’ve personally tested all of these money-back guarantees and can assure you they’re trustworthy.

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

When testing the best VPNs with free trials, we ensured that you get full access to the VPN’s features and capabilities during the trial period. This allows you to experience their speeds and performance with various online activities. We also tested them with popular streaming platforms to make sure you can access content in HD from anywhere. Plus, we read through their privacy policies and checked for essential security features to make sure your connections are secure.

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.

What About Free VPNs?

Completely free VPNs let you use their service indefinitely without any payments. They might seem like a good option, but I advise against the majority of them. Not only are most of their features limited, but they often bombard you with ads and collect your data with cookies.

Also, free VPNs can infect your device with malware and viruses. For instance, Hola VPN and BetternetVPN are known to have previously embedded malware in their apps. In short, most free VPNs put your privacy at serious risk and significantly limit your internet capabilities.

That said, there are some free VPNs that are at least safe — usually those that are offered alongside a premium service. These are often called “freemium” VPNs, and they make money from paid users, so they don’t need to resort to nefarious activities for money. Some good examples are Proton VPN, Avira Phantom VPN, hide.me, Hotspot Shield, and TunnelBear.

You can use these VPN services completely free, but they come with restrictions, like limited bandwidth and smaller server networks. I’d recommend testing their premium service with their money-back guarantees, so you won’t have to deal with the restrictions and limitations.

FAQs on the Best VPNs With Free Trials

Can I use a VPN free trial without a credit card?

Yes, it’s possible in some cases. Some VPNs let you use a free trial without a credit card, while some do not. The best free trials will only ask for an email address and no credit card information. However, most VPNs require credit card information for you to test it. You should always read the fine print before starting a free trial. If credit card details are required, then it’s likely you’ll be charged immediately when your trial period expires.

Which VPNs offer a 30-day free trial?

I haven’t come across a VPN that offers a 30-day free trial. Most VPN free trials only last from 1–7 days. However, premium VPNs that have faith in their services offer trustworthy money-back guarantees, usually lasting 30 days. I much prefer using this option over a free trial as VPN performance can vary day-on-day, so 1 week is nowhere near long enough to fully test a VPN before signing up for a paid plan.

Are free VPN trials safe?

Yes, for the most part, free trial VPNs are safe. All the VPNs on this list have been tried and tested to ensure their free trials and money-back guarantees are 100% legit and trustworthy. Plus, they offer top-notch security, like military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure third parties can’t access your data. Moreover, the VPN free trials included here are still covered by the VPNs’ strict no-logs policies, so your data won’t be tracked or shared.

However, you should keep in mind that free trials from premium, trustworthy VPNs are much safer than free VPNs in general. Completely free VPNs often use other means to make money, like bombarding you with annoying ads or even selling your data. For these reasons, I highly recommend using a reputable VPN’s free trial or money-back guarantee instead.

Are there VPN free trials for India and China?

There are some, but not many VPNs work in China, and many VPNs pulled their services from India due to political reasons. If you choose a VPN that works in these locations, you’ll have access to the trials and money-back guarantees like anywhere else. Check out our list of the best VPNs that actually work in China and our top VPNs for India.

However, keep in mind that VPNs are banned in China if the government does not approve them, so you need to be careful and read the laws and regulations in your region before downloading and using one there. There aren’t any public reports of a tourist getting fined in China for this, but you should still proceed with caution.

India doesn’t ban any VPNs, but the government has implemented data-sharing laws that have made it impossible for many VPNs to abide by their no-logs promises. As a result, many have removed their services from the country.

Can I use a VPN free trial on a FireStick?

You can use a VPN free trial on a FireStick if your VPN is compatible with one. Most of the VPNs in this list have native apps for FireStick. Since free trials are usually restricted to a certain device, you may need to use the money-back guarantee for this to work. However, you can always try to download the VPN app to your FireStick and sign in with your free trial credentials if you’re given them.

How do I cancel my VPN free trial?

There are a few ways. If you haven’t provided any payment details, your free trial will be canceled automatically. But, if the free trial you’ve chosen requires payment information, then there are a couple of ways you may need to cancel.

Some VPNs let you cancel without contacting customer support. You’ll usually find a link to cancel when logged in to your VPN account in your browser. Most of the time, you just fill in a form and receive an email confirming the refund.

You might also need to contact customer support. If your VPN has a 24/7 live chat service, it is usually easier to do it that way. Simply tell them that you want to cancel your free trial, and they’ll proceed with your request. Some VPNs may ask your reason for canceling for feedback purposes.

Also, keep in mind that the cancellation process for mobile devices can be different. If you subscribed to a VPN service through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you’ll have to cancel your subscription through them. You’ll also have to abide by their refund policy rather than the VPN’s guarantee. Sign up for a free trial through the provider’s website to avoid any difficulties.

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.

Can I stream using a free VPN trial?

It depends on the VPN. As long as your VPN has reliable servers for streaming, you should be able to access your favorite content securely from anywhere with the free trial. However, free trials often come with limitations that don’t allow you to use the complete service. For example, some don’t give you full access to its complete server network, so there may not be a suitable server for streaming.

All of the VPN free trials in this list are good options for streaming, but you might have to use the money-back guarantee to avoid limitations like data caps, limited servers, or speed limits.

Which VPN has the longest free trial?

A few of my listed VPNs offer free trials for up to 7 days — it’s uncommon to find a VPN trial for longer. If you’re looking for an extended trial, then the best option is to opt for a money-back guarantee instead. Many VPNs offer refund guarantees of at least 30 days. While you have to put money down, you won’t face the limitations that some free trials come with. Plus, I’ve personally tested each of these VPNs’ refund policies and can confirm they’re legit.

Another tip is to combine a free trial with a money-back guarantee to extend the amount of time you have to test the VPN. In most cases, you still qualify for a money-back guarantee if you continue with the service after your free trial.

Is there an unlimited VPN free trial?

I haven’t found a VPN free trial with no limitations. For an unlimited VPN trial, I recommend using a money-back guarantee instead. While you have to pay upfront, you can test the full service for a longer period, which allows you to really get to know the VPN. I tested the refund policies of each VPN in this list and it was easy to get my money back every time.

Get the Best VPN Free Trial

Every free trial is different, and some of them come with a lot of 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 and aren’t restricted in any way.

Out of the 50 VPNs my team and I tested, I recommend ExpressVPN. It offers world-class security features and has a huge server network with fast speeds for every kind of online activity. And most importantly, it has a 7-day free trial and a trustworthy money-back guarantee. You can test it completely risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

To summarize, the best VPN free trials in 2024 are…

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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