8 Best Free VPNs in 2024 — Fast & Safe App Downloads

While there are plenty of options, finding a free VPN that’s safe and reliable can prove tricky. I’ve seen tons of horror stories about free VPNs not protecting user data as they claim or even selling it to advertisers for a profit. Free VPNs with decent security can also have limitations, like severe data caps and slow speeds that render them virtually useless.

My team and I tested 100+ free VPNs and listed the best ones that are actually safe to use. While every completely free VPN has its limitations, some are better suited for certain online activities than others. For versatility and reliability, I always recommend a low-cost premium VPN instead.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. Admittedly, it’s not 100% free, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. I included it in this list because it doesn’t limit you like the free options. You get unlimited data and fast speeds. Plus, it can easily access the most popular streaming services from across the globe. Its refund policy is dependable and straightforward, too; I got my money back 3 days after making my claim. Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs in 2024

Best Free VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds to Stream, Torrent, and Game Lag-Free Anywhere

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

Available on:

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is equipped with everything you need for a wide range of activities. Not only does it protect you with industry-leading security and privacy features, but it’s also the fastest, most dependable VPN, even compared to other paid VPNs.

While 100% free options limit you, you get uncapped data and speeds with ExpressVPN. Not only that, but ExpressVPN is consistently the fastest VPN we tested. With a base of 245.30 Mbps, I got an average of 239.86 Mbps on nearby servers (a mere drop of 2%). I was pretty impressed that it only dipped to 219.31 Mbps when I connected to New York, which is over 5,000km from me.

These speeds are more than enough for HD or UHD streaming and lag-free gaming

Its fast speeds and vast global server network make ExpressVPN ideal for streaming. You can access your favorite streaming platforms in crystal-clear quality from anywhere. My global team and I tested it with popular platforms, and it worked without hesitation. For instance, my US colleague could easily stream Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Disney+.

ExpressVPN’s entire network of 3,000 servers in 105 countries supports torrenting. Many free VPNs don’t allow P2P traffic. Or, you can only use a couple of servers for free, leading to congestion and slow downloads. With ExpressVPN, I was able to download a 700MB file in under 2 minutes.

The thing is, completely free VPNs don’t come nearly as feature-packed as this; you will have to pay upfront to try ExpressVPN risk-free, but its 30-day money-back guarantee is one you can count on. I made sure this was the case and used the 24/7 live chat to test it out. The agent just asked why I wanted to cancel. My refund was then issued within 3 days.

Useful Features

• Steadfast dedication to privacy. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and outside of the 14 Eyes data-sharing alliance. That means it’s not legally obligated to store, record, or hand over user data. Even if it were, there would be nothing to show since it uses RAM-based servers and has an audited no-logs policy.
• Strong security. It comes with leak protection, a kill switch, and military-grade encryption. It also has automatic obfuscation on every server. This allows ExpressVPN to work in countries with strict censorship, like China.
• Speed-optimizing features. ExpressVPN’s own protocol (Lightway) is optimized to achieve top speeds without compromising security. You get split tunneling, too — I use this to encrypt traffic coming from select apps (like Netflix), so my speeds aren’t affected in other ones.
• User-friendly and highly compatible. It takes just a few minutes to install on the most popular operating systems and devices. Also, its Smart DNS feature (MediaStreamer) lets you stream on devices not usually compatible with VPNs, like game consoles and smart TVs.

ExpressVPN is Best for…

• Users looking for an unlimited VPN. ExpressVPN is the best VPN we’ve tested overall. Its fast speeds, dedication to online safety, strong security, and general reliability make ExpressVPN the best option for a range of online activities, including streaming, gaming, torrenting, and secure browsing.

ExpressVPN May Not Be Best for…

• Users on a budget. Unlike the other VPNs on this list, ExpressVPN isn’t 100% free, but its performance makes it worth every penny. It’s backed by a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free for 30 days.

2. Proton VPN — Completely Free VPN Without Data Caps for Unlimited and Safe Browsing

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

While most free VPNs impose caps, Proton VPN is a 100% free VPN that offers unlimited monthly data. This is very beneficial if you require extensive online data usage for activities like browsing, streaming, and downloading. Many free VPNs that offer unlimited data hit you with a lot of ads, but Proton VPN lets you have the VPN connected all the time without interruptions.

I never had to worry about getting interrupted or cut off in the middle of my online sessions

Unlimited data may make this free VPN stand out as a top option for safe torrenting, but unfortunately, none of the free servers support P2P traffic. You need to upgrade your account in order to access these servers.

Proton VPN’s commitment to privacy makes it one of the safest free VPNs we’ve tested. Its free apps have been independently audited by third parties. They’re also open-source, so anyone can check them for security issues. Additionally, it protects your data by following a strict no-logs policy and is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.

When I tested Proton VPN, it gave me fast speeds for streaming Netflix Originals. Unfortunately, its free plan doesn’t work with specific Netflix libraries like ExpressVPN does. Our testers in the US confirmed that it doesn't work with Hulu, Max, or Disney+, either.

You don’t need to provide payment information to use Proton VPN, but you do need to give an email. This also grants you access to a 7-day trial of its premium plan, which worked great for watching content and torrent downloads.

Useful Features

• Dependable 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 called Always-on VPN, which is rare for a free VPN.
• Uncapped speeds. Proton VPN advertises that it only gives you access to "medium" speeds with the free plan. But, I only lost about 7% of my baseline connection on nearby servers in the Netherlands. While testing its US servers, I averaged a 15% speed reduction (leaving me with 199.64 Mbps), which is really impressive.
• 6 free server locations. Proton VPN’s free plan offers servers in the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland. However, you can’t select a specific location with the free plan. You’ll first be connected to the fastest server, and you’ll be randomly connected to another server when you hit Change server.
• 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.

Proton VPN is Best for…

• Fast and unlimited browsing. Proton VPN’s uncapped speeds and data make it a great option for those looking for a free VPN they can connect to all the time.

Proton VPN May Not Be Best for…

• Users looking for a streaming or torrenting VPN. Proton VPN’s free plan doesn’t support streaming or torrenting. Those looking for a VPN for these activities would benefit more from a premium VPN.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — 100% Free With Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

You can protect any amount of devices with Avira Phantom VPN, but I was especially impressed with its free mobile apps for Android and iOS. They offer tons of servers and work with some popular streaming platforms — this is rare for a free VPN. And since there is no connection limit, your entire household can benefit from this.

Unlike Avira’s desktop client, which only lets you connect to a server using the Nearest Location feature, Avira’s free mobile apps offer servers in 37 countries. This also includes a US streaming-optimized one, so it can access popular US shows in HD from anywhere. My US colleague tested it on their iPhone and reported that it worked with Netflix US, Hulu, and Disney+ without hassle.

Its "Nearest Location” feature automatically connects you to the fastest server nearby

Avira Phantom VPN’s desktop and mobile apps have good speeds and support torrenting. When I tested out its torrenting capabilities, I had a speed of 197.20 Mbps on a UK server, which is a 12% loss from my base speed. This let me download a 120MB file from BitTorrent in 5 seconds. Just be aware that it lacks a kill switch, so your online activity risks exposure once you run out of data.

That said, you only get 500MB of monthly data with this free VPN (1GB if you sign up with your email), which isn’t sufficient for large downloads or extensive streaming. However, there is a 7-day trial of the premium version (only on mobile), which includes unlimited data.

Useful Features

• Robust security and privacy features. All of its apps protect you with a zero-logs policy, leak protection, and 256-bit encryption. It also offers an "auto-connect” feature that automatically connects the VPN if it detects an untrusted WiFi network.
• Malware protection. With 1 click, you can enable a feature on desktop to block malicious sites and content.
• OpenVPN protocol. Avira Phantom VPN's Windows, macOS, and Android apps use this trusted protocol. On iOS, it only offers IPsec, though.

Avira Phantom VPN is Best for…

• Users looking for a free mobile VPN. The extensive mobile server network makes this a great choice for mobile users. You’ll be able to connect to a nearby server to ensure fast and lag-free browsing.

Avira Phantom VPN May Not Be Best for…

• Heavy streamers or torrenters. While Avira Phantom VPN’s free plan supports these activities, its data cap is too limiting. It only allows around 1 hour of SD streaming or less than 1GB of downloads.

4. hide.me — Entirely Free With Customizable Security to Fine-Tune Your VPN Use

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

Along with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, hide.me's free plan has a ton of advanced security settings. Stealth Guard allows you to bind the VPN to your network (or just certain apps) for top security. It also comes with an impressive 5 protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and SoftEther.

To help guide you, hide.me provides descriptions of its features

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. From London, I streamed Netflix UK in HD with no issues. It can also access Netflix US, Switzerland, and Germany, as reported by my colleagues in these regions. However, in France and the Netherlands, it can only access Netflix Originals.

Its no-logs policy is solid but not flawless. It logs anonymized data like your total amount of data traffic, randomly generated usernames, and assigned IP addresses. However, this data is erased every few hours and can’t be used to identify you.

Unfortunately, hide.me’s free plan restricts your speeds. I never exceeded 26 Mbps, no matter which protocol I used. WireGuard gave me the best speeds, with an average of 25.16 Mbps on nearby servers (an 89% loss from my base speed). It was still fast enough to let me stream in UHD, but you may have a more noticeable drop if you have lower base speeds.

Useful Features

• Free 24/7 live chat. I used this a few times, and the support agents were helpful and friendly, even though I wasn’t a paying customer.
• 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.

hide.me is Best for…

• Users looking for advanced features. hide.me’s customizable security features make it a great choice for those who appreciate the ability to tailor their VPN connection.

hide.me May Not Be Best for…

• Those who prioritize speeds. hide.me is among the slowest free VPNs I’ve tested, which will lead to slow downloads and more lagging while streaming.

5. Hotspot Shield — Free Plan With a Proprietary Hydra Protocol for High-Speed Security

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield's free VPN plan stands out with its proprietary Hydra protocol, which optimizes speed, security, and performance compared to the other protocols I tested (WireGuard and IKEv2). Hydra achieves this by using multiple parallel channels for data transmission, reducing latency, and improving connection speeds. I found Hydra effective when I tested Hotspot Shield Basic’s plan speeds.

I barely noticed a difference between the US server speeds and the nearby UK server

Hotspot Shield's no-logs policy is decent. However, as a free user, anonymized data like bandwidth usage, device type, and OS version are collected. This information is aggregated and cannot be used to identify you, though. It only has a kill switch on its Windows app, as well.

I also found the free VPN app a bit annoying to use — it’s ad-supported, so I was faced with annoying pop-ups asking me to upgrade to the paid plan while connected to its free servers. 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 offers unlimited data, which is a rarity. It supports P2P traffic, too, so this is a solid choice if you’re looking to protect yourself while 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. Plus, split tunneling, military-grade encryption, automatic WiFi protection, and leak protection.

Hotspot Shield is Best for…

• Reliable torrenting. Hotspot Shield’s fast speeds and unlimited data make it a great free choice for downloading large files quickly.

Hotspot Shield May Not Be Best for…

• Accessing global streaming content. Hotspot Shield’s free plan doesn’t support streaming. I was faced with a pop-up telling me to upgrade when I went to any streaming site or opened a streaming app.

6. TunnelBear — Free VPN Global Server Network Offers Worldwide Connection Options

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear’s free plan covers a wide range of countries, allowing it to safely access tons of global content from anywhere. This means it works with some Netflix libraries. Our global team of testers confirmed it works with Netflix UK, US, Canada, and Japan.

You can also select “Fastest Server” to be automatically assigned the best connection

Its apps feature an engaging, bear-themed design and a user-friendly interface, making this free VPN an attractive choice if you value simplicity and ease of use. The use of bear puns and cute animations made testing this free VPN (actually) fun. With its world map feature, you can tap a tunnel and the bear will dig its way to emerge in that location.

The free package offers 2GB of monthly data that you can use on unlimited devices. However, apps are limited to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and TunnelBear doesn’t support routers.

Useful Features

• Solid for privacy. While it’s located in Canada, a not-so-privacy-friendly country, TunnelBear undergoes annual security audits of its infrastructure and apps and adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

TunnelBear is Best for…

• Accessing streaming platforms. TunnelBear’s large server network makes it possible to securely access content from anywhere.

TunnelBear May Not Be Best for…

• Users looking for a generous data allowance. TunnelBear’s 2GB data limit is really restrictive. While it’s successful at accessing streaming platforms, you’ll only be able to stream for around 2 hours and 30 minutes in SD.

7. Speedify — 100% Free With Bonding Mode to Boost Connection Speeds

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router More

Try Speedify >

www.speedify.com

Speedify's free VPN offers a unique feature called Bonding Mode, which I used to enhance my speeds. While testing with this feature enabled, I experienced fast speeds and reliability. This can be a game-changer if you're dealing with slow or unstable connections.

You can also choose the "Enhance Streaming" option, which prioritizes streams or video calls over other traffic

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.

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.

Speedify is Best for…

• Stable connections. Its Bonding Mode lets you optimize your connection to ensure stable speeds.

Speedify May Not Be Best for…

• Reliable streaming. Like many free VPNs, Speedify doesn’t support streaming, so I wouldn’t recommend it if streaming is your priority.

8. Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN — User-Friendly Free VPN That's Great for Beginners

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Try Kaspersky Secure Connection >

www.kaspersky.com

Kaspersky VPN's free plan offers a basic and easy-to-use VPN experience, ideal if you’re new to VPNs or just want minimal protection for casual browsing. Its straightforward interface and automatic server selection make using it hassle-free, and you don’t need any advanced technical knowledge at all.

It took me less than a minute to download the free app and get connected to a server

Because it was developed by the well-established cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab, you can be sure the VPN was developed with your internet safety in mind. Kaspersky is well-trusted for its robust security software that helps you protect your online data. That said, I was disappointed that the free version of this VPN doesn't come with a kill switch.

That being said, this free VPN is Russian-owned, and its privacy policy is questionable. Kaspersky has even been forced to shut down its US operations by the American government over concerns regarding its ties to Russia. This means you may be unable to use this VPN in the US.  I had to give permission to share my data with third parties when I tried it in Europe, too. If privacy is a concern, then you should look for another free VPN.

Useful Features

• Offers WireGuard. You can choose between the Hydra and WireGuard protocols with the free VPN app.

Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN is Best for…

• Users looking for an easy-to-use VPN. Kaspersky’s no-frills free VPN makes it easy for anyone to get a secure VPN connection in no time.

Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN May Not Be Best for…

• Those who prioritize privacy. Its privacy policy differs between regions, and the European iteration raised some concerns for me, so I don’t recommend it for privacy-conscious VPN users.

Editors' 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.

Quick Comparison Table: Free VPN Features

All of the recommended free VPNs are safe to use — but they vary quite a bit as far as which online activities they’re most compatible with. Use the following table to compare and contrast each free VPN in this list.

When engaging in data-intensive activities like streaming and torrenting, it is advisable to seek a free VPN that offers a generous data allowance or, ideally, unlimited data. The availability of server locations can influence the accessibility of certain websites and applications, and having torrenting support is essential for sharing peer-to-peer files.

You may also want to consider how many household members or devices you’ll need to share the free VPN with. Also, if you’d rather not provide an email while signing up, there are a few free VPNs that don’t require you to do so.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN

Free VPNs vary quite significantly in terms of what they offer — so which VPN is best for you really depends on your intended use for it. Still, there are some essential qualifications that are worth checking into to ensure you’re at least choosing a VPN that’s safe and provides basic capabilities. Here are the general criteria I used while ranking my top free VPN choices:

• Entirely risk-free — Each VPN on this list is either entirely free or offers a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.
• Military-grade security — All of the listed VPNs protect you with military-grade 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection at the very least. Without this, there’s no point in using a VPN in the first place.
• Strict no-logs policy — Some free VPNs will happily log and share your data with advertisers, government agencies, and anyone else who asks. None of the VPNs in this list log or share any of your identifiable information.
• Good speeds with enough data — Free VPNs should provide enough speed and monthly data to actually be useful. The absolute best free VPNs have sufficient speed for streaming HD content with no data caps.
• Large server network — If your free VPN doesn’t have enough servers, you’ll run into constant performance and connection issues due to server overcrowding. Pick a free VPN that offers servers in at least 5 locations to ensure better reliability.
• Supports torrenting — Not all free VPNs support P2P file sharing. Choose a VPN that is torrent-friendly if you’re planning on using it mostly for downloading.
• User-friendly and responsive app — Many free VPNs bombard you with ads and have an unclear UI, which can be highly frustrating. Choose a VPN that abides by a no-ads policy and offers a simple interface, making it quick and easy to connect to the ideal server.
• Device compatibility — A lot of free VPNs are limited to just a few devices. If you wish to use them with less popular OS, such as Linux, or devices, such as smart TVs, you’re usually out of luck. However, there are a few free VPNs that are more versatile, such as the ones I’ve picked above.
• Helpful customer support — In most cases, only premium VPNs offer 24/7 live chat, which can save you a lot of hassle if a question comes up. If live chat isn’t available, check for other means of getting support, such as email, a contact form, or, at the very least, a comprehensive FAQs page on its website.

Choose a Free VPN Based on Needs and Purposes

Choosing the best free VPN involves considering your specific needs and the capabilities of the VPN service. Most free VPNs support laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones, with apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Some even work with Linux and Fire devices and have Firefox and Chrome extensions.

Smart DNS features, like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, are rare in free VPNs. These features allow use on devices like smart TVs and game consoles, which don’t usually support VPNs. Free VPNs typically can't be installed on routers.

In contrast, premium VPNs often support router installation and provide setup guides. For example, ExpressVPN works with many routers, covering all devices on your network, and offers dedicated router firmware and apps.

Additionally, most free VPNs allow only one device connection at a time, limiting simultaneous use across multiple devices.

Here’s a quick guide to help you find the right free VPN based on your device or purpose:

1. Identify your priorities

• Security vs. entertainment. Determine whether you need a VPN primarily for security or for accessing entertainment content. Some free VPNs excel in providing robust security features, while others might be better at accessing global streaming services.

2. Define your purpose

• Privacy and security. Look for VPNs with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and features like an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection. These are crucial for maintaining your privacy and security online.
• Streaming. If you want a free VPN that reliably works with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Ensure it offers fast speeds to avoid buffering and supports multiple server locations.
• Torrenting. The best free VPN for torrenting should support P2P file sharing and offer fast download speeds. Features like IP masking and traffic encryption are essential to keep your activity private.
• General browsing. For everyday browsing, a VPN should offer sufficient data allowance, stable connections, and user-friendly apps.
• Works in your desired region. Make sure the free VPN you choose is suitable for your location. If you are in a country with restrictive networks or privacy concerns, like India, China, the UAE, or Russia, you’ll need a VPN that obfuscates your traffic. If you need a VPN for the US, Canada, or the UK, you’ll need a VPN that offers a server in the country.

3. Consider your device compatibility needs

• Windows and Mac. Ensure the VPN has dedicated applications for Windows or Mac. Look for services that are easy to install and configure.
• Mobile devices. Choose a VPN that offers reliable mobile apps for iOS and Android with essential features like secure protocols and good performance on mobile networks.
• Linux. Linux support is less common among free VPNs. Look for those that provide dedicated Linux apps or detailed setup guides.
• Router compatibility. If you need to cover multiple devices in your home, consider a VPN that supports router installation. This allows all devices connected to your network to benefit from the VPN.

4. Evaluate limitations

• Data caps. Free VPNs often come with data limitations. Consider your usage patterns to ensure the data cap is sufficient for your needs.
• Server locations. The number of available server locations can impact its ability to access streaming platforms in HD from anywhere. More server locations generally mean better performance and flexibility.
• Simultaneous connections. Some free VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. Choose a VPN that matches the number of devices you plan to use.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs Aren’t Safe

All of the free VPNs on this list have been tried and tested, and I've read through their privacy policies to ensure they're trustworthy and safe to use. Although they do have some limitations, there are a lot of other free VPNs that come with real dangers that could cost you in other ways.

Some dangers of using free VPNs are:

• They may collect and sell your data. You should always read any VPN’s privacy policy carefully (especially free ones) to make sure you’re actually being protected. There have been cases of free VPNs selling user data despite their privacy policies promising otherwise. That completely defeats the purpose of using a VPN since you’re using it to protect your privacy and data.
• Free VPNs can leak your info. Many free VPNs lack key security features (like leak protection and a kill switch), so they can’t be trusted to protect your data. IP and DNS leaks are common, which can reveal your location, browsing history, and other personal information.
• Some free VPNs contain viruses and malware. A lot of free VPNs are created as ways to infect your device (not protect it) with viruses and malware packaged into the software. In addition, free VPNs often rely on advertising for revenue. This means that the chance of your device becoming infected by malicious ads is higher with free VPNs.
• Some free VPNs come from shady sources. A decent amount of free VPNs (especially mobile apps) are tied to sketchy VPN parent companies. For instance, Innovative Connecting owns a collection of free VPNs, including Turbo VPN, Hot VPN, Snap VPN, and more. The problem is that this company’s product development team is based in China, which is a massive privacy concern.

For people who don’t want to pay for a VPN and don’t trust free VPNs, alternatives like TOR, private browsers, or making your own VPN might seem appealing. However, these options come with their own challenges.

TOR can be slow and isn’t suitable for streaming or torrenting. Private browsers offer limited protection compared to a full VPN. Setting up your own VPN can be technically complex and may still not provide the same level of security and reliability as a professional service.

Generally speaking, your best bet is to use a trusted, low-cost premium VPN (ExpressVPN is our top pick). Premium VPNs offer strong security features and strict no-logging policies to keep your personal data safe. Plus, plenty of them come with money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free for a period of time. If you’re not impressed, you can claim a full refund.

Free VPNs You Should Avoid

You always have to be careful when considering free services — I found some really untrustworthy free VPNs with major security flaws. Unlike the free services on my list, these free VPNs are dangerous to use and should be avoided:

• Hola Free VPN — This isn't a real VPN; it's an unsafe P2P network that uses your IP address. Your traffic isn't encrypted, so you may even face legal issues if others use your IP for illegal activities. Hola logs your personal data, including your real IP, name, email, payment information, and visited sites.
• Psiphon — This free VPN logs region codes, domain names you’ve visited, connection time stamps, and more. Even more alarming — it keeps these logs for up to 90 days. Psiphon is also full of ads and shares statistics and user data with its commercial partners.
• Touch VPN — While popular, this free VPN logs a worrying amount of your data, including timestamped browsing activity, device information, and approximate location. To make things worse, it allows its "Business Partners" to track and collect information on you while you're connected.
• VPN Gate — This uses volunteer-run servers, which opens the door for potential data collection and monitoring by various individuals. Its "Anti-Abuse Policy" states that it logs your IP, browsing, and shares data with government agencies.
• LinkVPN — LinkVPN’s privacy policy states that it stores your data and that affiliates of the app and government agencies also have full access. It’s also not immediately clear who created the free VPN — after some digging, it seems to be a solo developer based in China who has been responsible for other privacy-violating VPNs, like SuperVPN.

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 my 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. As an example, Avira Phantom VPN’s free version caps you to 500MB of data per month, or 1GB if you sign up with your email address. That’s 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.
• Servers 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 Avira Phantom VPN offers free servers in 37 countries. Although this is way more than any free VPN I tested, you can only use them via mobile apps.
• 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. 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.

Editors' 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.

FAQs About Free VPNs

Is there a 100% free VPN?

Yes, there is. Most of the VPNs in this list don’t require you to pay anything to use them. Which one is best for you depends on your intended use. Although each has its own set of limitations, they’re all safe to use and provide you with some basic capabilities. These limitations are usually intended to encourage you to sign up for the premium version.

A completely free VPN won’t require any upfront payment. If payment credentials are required to sign up, it usually means it’s a free trial, and you’ll be charged at the end of a certain period. On the other hand, paid VPNs require payment upfront, but most reputable services give you a money-back guarantee period to test out their full-featured services.

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.

Can I get a premium or unlimited VPN for free?

No, but you can test many premium VPNs risk-free. In the VPN sphere, "premium" essentially equates to "paid." Free VPNs don’t fall into the premium category. They deliberately impose limitations to encourage users to upgrade to a paid plan. However, a few entirely free VPNs I’ve tested offer a bit more than most, like unlimited data, access to their full server network, and decent speeds.

Most premium VPNs require upfront payment and are backed by a money-back guarantee. This lets you test it without restrictions on data, speeds, servers, security features, and more. If it’s not for you, you can request a refund within the specified VPN refund period.

What's the fastest free VPN?

The first entirely free VPN on my list had the fastest speeds in my tests. When testing its nearby connections, it only slowed down my speeds by about 7%. That said, I lost a bit more speed while connected abroad. US connections gave me around 16% speed loss, but when I tested servers in Japan, I lost 38% of my speed.

How much this will impact your online activities depends on your baseline speed. If you plan to connect to servers at long distances or don’t have the fastest base speed, it’s usually best to opt for a speed-optimized premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

What is the best free VPN for iPhone and Android?

The best completely free VPN for iPhone and Android is the third VPN on my list. The free version of this VPN allows access to servers in 37 countries on mobile devices. Unfortunately, it limits you to only 500MB of data/month (1GB if you sign up with your email address). However, it doesn’t limit the number of devices you can use it on, and you can use the full data limit on each device.

Which free VPN is best for streaming Netflix?

Although most free VPNs don't reliably work with Netflix, I found a couple that do. There are 3 completely free VPNs on my list that worked with Netflix — but they all have their limitations. Speed restrictions, data limitations, and server limitations are just some of the restrictions that make it frustrating to stream with a free VPN.

You'll usually only find the entire package (reliable streaming, fast speeds, and unlimited data) in a premium VPN. Most premium VPNs offer money-back guarantees, too, so you can try them risk-free.

What is the best free VPN for torrenting?

The best completely free VPN for torrenting is the fifth 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?

A few might work in restrictive countries like Iran, India, the UAE, or China, but they often lack the necessary security features. For a VPN to operate effectively in these countries, it requires advanced features such as obfuscation. This helps it safeguard your privacy. Even those that do provide a certain level of security often impose severe limitations and data caps, making them useful only for a short period of time.

A more reliable approach is to invest in a reputable paid VPN with a money-back guarantee. Premium VPNs have the means to offer unlimited data and speeds, plus top-notch security features like automatic obfuscation. It’s also important that the VPN follows a strict no-logs policy to ensure your personal data is never recorded or stored. Many free VPNs sell user data to third parties for profit.

Is using a free VPN legal?

Yes, using a free VPN is generally legal in most countries. VPNs are widely accepted for legitimate purposes such as enhancing online privacy, securing data, gaming with international friends, and more.

However, there are important exceptions and limitations. In countries like China, Russia, and Iran, VPN use is heavily regulated or restricted. Using a VPN in such regions without adhering to local regulations can result in fines or other legal consequences.

Also, accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms can be seen as a copyright violation, or at the very least, it might break the platforms’ T&Cs.

It’s crucial to understand that while VPNs protect your privacy, they do not make illegal activities legal. To avoid legal issues, always research the VPN laws specific to your country or any country you plan to visit. The team and I don’t condone using a VPN for any illicit activity.

What is the best free VPN for school?

The best free VPN for school is the sixth one on my list. This free VPN stands out since it offers obfuscated servers. This feature is crucial since school networks often block VPN connections. However, like most completely free VPNs, it does come with restrictions. It imposes a monthly data limit, so you may not be able to browse, stream, or download as much as you would like.

For the most reliable VPN connection at school, I recommend using a premium VPN. The first option on my list offers unlimited data, and its entire server network is obfuscated. While it’s not completely free, it offers a trustworthy money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

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…

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Provider

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 83%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 82%!

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4

9.6 /10

9.6 Our Score

Save 72%!

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5

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 86%!

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