So, you need a VPN but don’t want to pay for one. Well there are many VPN services that claim to be free. Be careful though: when you use a VPN, you’re routing all your internet traffic through its servers, which is why it’s important to trust that service.
If all you want to do is surf the web, a free VPN is great. But you will quickly realize that even if you don’t pay for it, you are not guaranteed to choose which VPN to use. This means that you cannot pretend to be in a country or region where the blocked content exists.
The speed is not always the best, but the most important limit is the amount of data that the free VPN service allows you to transfer through its servers. This bandwidth and streaming video requires a lot of it. If you are trying to use a VPN to access Netflix and stream hundreds of shows, you will be disappointed.
But, the options we have chosen here are certainly usable. Sometimes, there are few people.
It is not suitable for all users, but for occasional use to increase your privacy when shopping online or using free WiFi in an airport, cafe or hotel, a VPN can be useful. Several VPNs can even unblock Netflix and other streaming services, but their monthly (or daily) data caps mean you can’t watch loads.
In any case, trying a VPN is a good opportunity to try out this useful technology for the first time. Paid-for VPN services rarely offer free trials, but choose to make you sign up for a month of service and get a refund if you’re not satisfied with it. It’s annoying.
We’ve reviewed the limitations of each free VPN service below. However, the free tier limits your country options and will stop working when you reach your monthly data allowance. It also slows down the connection speed.
All of this ends logically. Paying customers should get the best servers, space, and speed. VPN providers certainly don’t want the service to be limited by free users and spoil the fun of paying people. And since it only costs a few dollars or pounds a month, there’s an argument for paying for a VPN.
Is there a completely free VPN?
Yes, there are many of them. But most of them you don’t have to deal with a barge pole.
There are few services that offer the same level of privacy as the paid-for ones, although they may not offer the same speed, number or quality of support. These are the services we have shown here, of course.
As previously mentioned free VPNs do not provide unlimited data, and limit your server locations to only a few instead of hundreds or thousands). Free services often have speed restrictions, which can mean slower internet connections, but the degree to which you affect your internet speed depends on how fast your internet is.
What’s the best free VPN to use in 2022?
1. Privado
Privado is a new name in VPN however the company behind it has extensive experience. It owns and runs most of its servers, not renting them like many of its competitors. It is very secure, and its Swiss-based headquarters make it a good choice for customers who value privacy.
Privado, one of the few free VPNs that allows you to unblock Netflix, is the best option for those who want to do it. It can do this in countries where it has servers that you can use for free, however this includes the US, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. In total, you can choose between 13 servers in 9 countries, which offers amazing.
Privado supports P2P downloading. The only limitation to Privado’s free services is a limit of 10GB of data per month. You can play videos, download files, and browse the web. If the approval is over it is important to wait until the next month for renewal. Privado’s free Tier can only be used on one device.
There are apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV and Fire TV. These applications can be used for streaming and also have a kill button. It’s not activated by default, so you’ll need to turn it on if you’re concerned about privacy.
Privado’s apps now support WireGuard, and the company has been working to make it faster and smarter to choose the best protocol, commonly called WireGuard in the West.
You can also access other streaming services such as Privado’s YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub if you use the links below or above to sign up.
All you need to sign up for an account is a valid email address where your login information will be sent. Get Privado for free.
Read our full Privado VPN review
2. Atlas VPN
RRP: Start free (PS1 per month for Premium subscription)
Atlas VPN is owned by Nord Security, which runs NordVPN. The most paid-for VPNs however, offer the option of free options. When it first launched, it had no bandwidth restrictions but now it limits you to 2GB of data per day on the iPhone app and 10GB per month in the Windows app. A lot, but not unlimited.
Atlas VPN offers three free servers: one on each coast in the USA and one in Europe (in Amsterdam).
This does not provide the “highest connection speed” claimed by paying users and there is no guarantee of video streaming performance. However they support P2P downloads.
We experienced problems with US Netflix and the UK’s BBC iPlayer. None of these allowed us to see outside the United States. Atlas VPN claims that early adopters have the highest success rate.
We loved that Atlas VPN was free to download and install. You will now need to enter your email address to receive an account signup URL. This gives you less privacy, however you can use it on all your devices. You will need to swipe several times on the phone to unlock the Premium version. It appears that there is no other option than to sign up for a free trial, however, you can press X to turn this off and use the app for free.
Atlas VPN is based in the US which is not the right place for a VPN service due to unfriendly privacy laws. Atlas uses a ‘no-logs’ policy, which should reduce this a bit. However its privacy policy states that it ‘collects’ information (such as your hard location, derived from your IP address) in order to ‘ensure the best service for all our customers’. Most of the paid services offer the same thing, but this is more difficult if the country is not the most secure for privacy.
The majority of people who use a free VPN don’t care about privacy. They’re just looking to open videos, websites, and other content so it’s not a big deal.
Atlas offers apps for Windows and macOS, iOS, Android and iOS. There is also a kill switch available in all four applications. Atlas also publishes Fire TV and Android TV apps, which are available to paying customers – you have to sign up to use these apps.
For free users there are two options: IKEv2 and WireGuard. The connection speed was fast and the speed was amazing. We were able to get download speeds of over 70Mbps from the UK during our tests (probably because of our broadband connection). It supports both IPv4 as well as IPv6 which means it is very secure in terms of IP address output.
When we first tested Atlas VPN we found some DNS drops in the Windows application. However, these issues are fixed and the kill switch is fixed by default and it’s something we wish more VPN services would do.
This is a good and free VPN service if you can live with a 2GB per day-limit on data (and a total 10GB per month limit) but you don’t need to open video streaming services.
3. ProtonVPN
RRP: Free ($5 per month for Basic)
ProtonVPN is the only VPN service that has a true free tier, is not supported by advertising and offers unlimited data.
Proton uses a zero-logs policy including the free version – and in all cases, it has data protection according to Swiss laws.
There are limitations compared to the paid version. One of these is that you are limited to only three servers: US, Netherlands and Japan, and you can only use the account on one product.
Proton says you’ll get ‘medium’ speeds when using the free plan, but you’ll only get faster speeds if you shell out for its paid-for service.
The free tier cannot open Netflix or other streaming services as well as allow BitTorrent or P2P downloads. Another limitation is that Secure Core VPN, which routes your connection through multiple servers, cannot be used.
It’s still widely used, as long as you don’t plan to open videos or download stream files.
There are apps available for Android, iOS, and Windows. They are all audited and open-source. This gives you assurance that they are safe.
You can also sign up for a free email account with ProtonMail, although it’s not part of the VPN.
Check out our full ProtonVPN review
4. Windscribe
While most free VPN offers are limited, Windscript is pretty generous in terms of bandwidth and server space, offering 10GB of data per month, and a choice of 10 servers, with no speed restrictions.
These servers can be found in the United States and the UK in addition to Canada, France, Germany. Switzerland and Hong Kong.
You cannot use the Windflix servers configured to stream video, however you can do it with other servers.
Although they cannot guarantee that they will open Netflix or other streaming sites The 10GB of storage will allow you to watch more videos every day. You can also download the Amazon Fire TV app.
All you have to do is give Windscript an email address, and you’ll be able to rest assured that Windscript won’t sell your information to third-party companies because it’s a free VPN service. If you want to use it on multiple devices at the same time, you will need to use another email address and sign in again.
5. Hide.me
RRP: Start free (Premium subscription from PS4.99 per month)
Hide.me used to offer 2GB of data per month on its free tier, however it has raised the cap to 10GB, with no speed limits.
In addition, you can use the service even if you have reached the limit. However, you will not have the option to choose which server to connect to. Although not guaranteed to run at this time however, it will give you the best hide.me has to offer.
No credit card is required and you don’t need to create an account. Download the app on your phone and select the free tier. Then click the activate button.
It is useful to know that although only five servers are available They include the USA which means that you can check the websites that are blocked in Europe by GDPR rules.
Unfortunately, the service does not support US Netflix. This means that you can’t find signs that you can’t find anywhere else.
Hide.me is available for free on Android, iOS and Windows. There is also an application for Amazon Fire TV.
The good news is that Hide.me offers the same features on all plans, including the free ones. This means that it does not record any user activities and also does not sell user data for revenue.
For more information you can read the full Hide.me review.
Read our full hide.me VPN review
6. Tunnel Bear
RRP: From free ($4.19 or PS3.33 per month for annual plan)
Tunnel Bear is a popular VPN service that offers the option to download a trial version.
It has servers in 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Canada. There are apps for iOS, Android, macOS and Windows.
The difference between free and paid-for services is the inability to use bandwidth. The free version gives you 500MB per month, but you can request an increase of up to 1GB via Twitter. Obviously, using bear-related words can increase your chances of success.
Beyond that, you can pay annually or monthly for unlimited data.
Check out our full Tunnel Bear review.
7. Hotspot Shield Basic
RRP: Starting at PS3.49 per month
Hotspot Shield is another big name in VPN and is known for offering a free level.
It is limited in many ways, making it less attractive than other free services.
First of all, it is true that the service offers 15GB of data per month. However, 500MB per day is the second limit. This means that any dreams you had of binge-watching US Netflix on the weekend are out the window. Video streaming is also limited to standard definition, which means you can’t watch in HD.
Hotspot Shield also shows you different types of ads. This is because the service is free.
There is only one server available (which is a real US location), and you can only connect one device with a free account.
The most difficult thing is that the speed is limited to only 2Mbps, and that free users do not have the opportunity to support the technology.
If you just want privacy while browsing the web, you can be happy using Hotspot Shield if 500MB per day is enough for you. You also don’t care about the ads that appear on top of your web browser. But since there are better free VPN services, it’s hard to recommend Hotspot Shield.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review
Is it safe to use a free VPN?
Yes, it can. There are no significant differences in terms of the technology used, so you will have the same level of security and privacy. In rare cases, you may have to agree that the company has the right to collect your information and sell it to third parties.
This is not the case with the VPNs recommended here. However, if you decide to use another service, be sure to read the Ts & Cs before signing up.
Are free VPNs worth it?
It is possible that you are willing to compromise on bandwidth and / or servers, especially if what you want to do is to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi security, but the limited data contributions in many free packages mean you. it will not play videos. Most of them don’t allow a backup service, and that’s a given.
If you exceed the data limit you will have to wait until your data allowance is renewed in the next month. Alternatively, you can choose a free service or upgrade to a paid version of the free service.
There are exceptions. ProtonVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and hide.me recently changed its free plan to allow after you have spent a monthly fee, you can continue using the service, but you cannot choose which server to use. This is a generous gift, especially considering you are not paying.
In our extensive tests of VPNs we have tested – both paid and free services – it is clear that you will be more satisfied if you spend a few dollars or more per month on an option such as Surfshark, NordVPN, CyberGhost and others.
As we said, if you have not used a VPN service before, try these options to see if they are right for you. Three of them – ProtonVPN, Privado and AtlasVPN are unique. They all limit your choices of servers and don’t guarantee performance, they offer the benefits usually found in paid services.
Related articles for further reading
Jim has been researching and testing products for over 20 years. His main interests include antivirus and VPN services. He also covers smart home technology, mesh Wi-Fi, and electric bikes.
Which is the best free VPN?
Get the best free VPN services available today
- Proton VPN Free. Completely secure with unlimited data the best free VPN. …
- Private VPN. A free VPN that lets you unblock Netflix (now)…
- Windscript. It’s a great data logger and it’s safe too. …
- Atlas VPN. Best speed, and data economy for Mac users. …
- Hide.me. …
- Hotspot Shield Free.
Is there a free VPN? ProtonVPN is my top choice for the best 100% free VPN in 2022. ProtonVPN Free comes with unlimited data, has an above-average speed for a free VPN and allows you to connect to three locations (Japan and the US and the Netherlands).
Which VPN is fastest free?
| VPN Service | Full Android Rating | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 9.6 | 9.2 |
| Surfshark | 9.4 | 9.5 |
| NordVPN | 9.3 | 9.5 |
| PIA | 9.2 | 9.2 |
Which VPN gives fastest speed?
Hotspot Shield is the fastest VPN in the world. To win this award, Hotspot Shield beat competitors in both international and local tests conducted by Ookla(r). For more information about our testing method, see our article on fast VPNs.
Which is fastest free vpn?
| Speeds | Living together | |
|---|---|---|
| hide.me | Fast | Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, Linux, AppleTV Routers, Windows, Mac and more |
| Hotspot Shield | Average | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| TunnelBear | Fast | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Kaspersky Secure Connection | Fast | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Is Proton VPN trusted? Is ProtonVPN legit? ProtonVPN is an official VPN service based out of Switzerland with over 1,700 servers in over 60 countries. It adheres to strict no-data-logging policies, and is also protected by Switzerland’s strict consumer privacy laws.
Why is Proton VPN free?
Proton VPN offers a free plan because it is run by the same team of scientists who developed Proton Mail. Proton Mail offers a free VPN service.
Is Proton VPN completely free?
Proton VPN offers one of the most affordable free options we’ve seen. At absolutely no cost you can enjoy an ad-free VPN with no data consumption and no bandwidth limitations. Proton VPN free version is free with no limit on data usage, and it wins Editor’s Choice and one of the best VPNs.
Which is better NordVPN or Proton VPN?
NordVPN is faster than ProtonVPN. Both are secure, but NordVPN offers the most up-to-date VPN encryption technology using the WireGuard protocol. Both VPNs protect your privacy, however NordVPN offers more privacy features, including a diskless server and two authentications to back up its no-logs claim.
Is there a better VPN than Nord?
NordVPN is the best choice for those who value price as their first issue. However, ExpressVPN offers faster speeds than NordVPN and more than 100 server locations. Depending on the location and country you want to connect to with your VPN, ExpressVPN may be a better choice.
Is ProtonVPN Premium good?
ProtonVPN is an amazing choice if you are looking for a secure VPN that works with all devices. Being based in Switzerland and using strong encryption technology that powers ProtonMail makes this a very secure option. However, it will have to make some improvements to compete with the top VPNs.
Is Proton VPN still free?
Servers. Proton VPN offers free access to VPN servers in the United States, the Netherlands and Japan. Proton VPN’s free plans include an unlimited logging policy backed by Swiss privacy laws. In addition, Proton VPN does not use any time, bandwidth, or speed limit for users using the free plan.
Is Proton VPN 100% free?
Proton VPN has one of the most interesting free alternatives we’ve seen on any VPN. You can use an ad-free VPN without paying anything. There is no data cap, or bandwidth limit.
How long is Proton VPN free?
ProtonVPN is also unique from other VPNs in that it does not limit features during its free trial. When you sign up for a free account you get 7 days of unlimited Plus plan usage.
Is Proton VPN still free?
Servers. Proton VPN offers free access to VPN servers in the United States, the Netherlands and Japan. Proton VPN’s free plan includes a no-logs policy backed by Swiss data privacy laws. Proton VPN does not impose bandwidth, time or speed restrictions on users on free plans.
How much is Proton VPN free? ProtonVPN is also different from other VPNs in that it does not limit the features it offers during its trial period. Signing up for a free account will get you 7 days of unlimited Plus plan usage.
Is Proton VPN 100% free?
Proton VPN has one of the most interesting free options we’ve seen from any VPN. Without paying anything, you can get an ad-free VPN with no data usage and no bandwidth restrictions.
Why is Proton VPN free?
Proton VPN offers a free plan as it is operated by the developers who developed Proton Mail. Proton Mail is the company that pays for free VPN service.
Which is better NordVPN or Proton VPN?
NordVPN is more reliable than ProtonVPN. Both are secure, however NordVPN offers the latest VPN encryption technology using the WireGuard protocol. Both protect your privacy, but NordVPN has more privacy features, a diskless server and two audits to back up its log-free claims.
What are the dangers of using a VPN?
Why VPN is not secure. VPNs are not secure because they expose the entire network to threats such as malware, DDoS attacks, and spoofing attacks. The entire network can be disabled if an attacker tries to hack it with an untrusted device.
Are there any downsides to using a VPN service? A VPN service also has its disadvantages. Speed, performance, and cost. Good encryption always introduces some level of latency. Due to the processing power required to encode data VPNs, the VPN service may slow down your Internet connection.
Why you shouldn’t use a free VPN?
Free VPNs are not the best option if you are looking to increase your security online. While you may save a few dollars each month, the risks to your security and privacy are not worth it. A free VPN can cost you more than the price of a premium service.
What happens if you use a free VPN?
Free VPNs are more likely than paid VPNs to monitor your data. A CSIRO study reported that 65% of paid VPN providers did not monitor users’ online activities, while only 28% of free VPNs did the same.
Can free VPNs be trusted?
Free VPNs are dangerous because they compromise your privacy rather than protecting it. In particular, some free VPN service providers do not have the resources to protect your data and prevent others from engaging in the shady practice of selling it.
Which of the security risks can be avoided by using a VPN?
VPNs are a great way to protect your Internet traffic from government surveillance, ISP spying, and malicious hackers.
Which of these security risk can be avoided by using a VPN?
While a VPN doesn’t stop your computer from downloading spyware, it hides your location, which prevents hackers from tracking your online activities. The most reliable VPN will allow you to access anti-malware software and ads blocking software to keep your computer safe online.
Does VPN minimize security risk?
Making a virtual private network (or VPN) is the most effective option. This allows your computer to establish a secure connection with authenticated computers on the network. It can be set up so that you can securely access resources from your home or work network.
When should you not use a VPN?
When should you not use a VPN? Another reason not to use a VPN is for gaming or downloading, as using a VPN can slow down your connection speed. Another time to pause your VPN is when you wish to access content that is only available in your area.
Is it okay to always use VPN?
The answer to the question “Should I keep my VPN on?” yes. VPNs provide the best security for online use, so you should always leave your VPN on to protect yourself from cyberattacks and data leaks even when you use public Wi-Fi and also from intrusive snoopers, such as ISPs or advertisers. So always secure your VPN.
Is VPN really necessary?
The most important thing. In the end it is that a VPN is a necessary and important thing for 2022. It is completely safe for your private and personal information and it prevents your data from getting into the hands of third parties who can use this information about you.
Do I really need a VPN? VPN is highly recommended, especially for sensitive data. It should be used all the time to protect yourself from data breaches, hackers and leaks, as well as snoopers like ISPs and advertisers. VPNs protect your privacy and encrypt your data from hackers and other criminals.
Is it worth having a VPN?
The quick answer to this question is yes, investing in a VPN is important, especially when it comes to privacy and encryption when browsing the internet. VPNs, also known as virtual private networks allow a person to create a private network on a computer using a public internet connection.
Why you shouldn’t use a VPN?
Another reason you might not use a VPN is when you’re gaming or downloading, as a VPN can slow down your connection. Another time to pause your VPN, is when you want to access content that is only available in your area.
Is it worth using a free VPN?
Free VPNs are not the best option for those who want to be more protected online. While you may save a few dollars each month, the risk to privacy and data is very high. A free VPN can cost you more than the price of a premium subscription.
Is ExpressVPN free?
ExpressVPN is the fastest, most secure and high-quality VPN available. The first paid VPN provider like ExpressVPN offers an optimized connection for the best combination of speed security, stability and speed without bandwidth limitations.
What is the cost of ExpressVPN? ExpressVPN Price: What Does It Cost? ExpressVPN offers three subscription options. You can choose to pay $12.95 per month, $59.95 every six months or $99.95 per year. The only difference between ExpressVPN and other VPN service plans is the length of the commitment.