Best Free VPN Services in 2024
A VPN is a great tool that keeps you private and secure on the web. Moreover, a reliable service can unlock extensive libraries on various streaming platforms and websites. However, not everyone can spend a pretty penny on a virtual private network. Thus, a lot of people turn to free VPN services.
Nevertheless, before getting one, you should know about the limitations of costless services. Most free VPNs have e-snail speeds, overcrowded servers, and ridiculous data caps. Plus, the majority of charge-free virtual private networks can’t bypass geo-blocks on streaming platforms, sell your precious data, or inject malware onto your device.
A better option to stay secure and enjoy free internet is by getting a premium VPN with a free trial and a money-back guarantee. Below you’ll find the best VPNs that you can try for free in 2024:
| NordVPN | The best and fastest VPN that you can use for free for 35+ days. |
| Surfshark VPN | Super effective and cheap VPN with infinite connections. |
| PrivateVPN | Versatile and streaming-friendly VPN. |
Also, you’ll get loads of nifty features that you can use while venturing the world wide web. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with data caps and shoddy connectivity. Not to mention, these VPNs won’t compromise your digital safety and privacy.
Top 4 Free VPNs in 2024: shortlist
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Safe free virtual private network
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The best free VPN for torrenting
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Free VPN with a proprietary tunneling protocol
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Versatile free VPN
What can you do with a free and safe VPN?
Just like a paid counterpart, free VPN services can keep you secure online. While costless providers lack some features, they can still encrypt your data and protect you from digital threats. Additionally, some free VPNs offer trackers & ad blockers for your convenience.
Furthermore, a top-tier free-of-charge VPN can ensure your confidentiality online. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider), the government, and sneaky snoopers know what you do online. Luckily, a free VPN can change your IP address and hide you from prying eyes.
Lastly, some VPNs can protect your torrenting efforts. Some countries are against P2P file sharing and prohibit it. You might get fined or imprisoned if anyone catches you downloading content this way. Nevertheless, a free VPN for torrenting can protect you from calamities.
How to get the best free VPN
- Choose a free VPN service. Or, pick an industry-leading provider, like NordVPN, available with a 68% discount
- Install the VPN on a device of your choice
- Pick an available server nearby for better connectivity
- Browse the internet completely risk-free!
The best free VPN providers: review
Here you’ll find the Top free VPNs with excellent security and privacy practices. Additionally, most VPNs on the list offer a generous amount of data and numerous servers to choose from. Plus, some of them can protect your torrenting efforts and even change Netflix region.
1. Proton VPN – free unlimited VPN service
Switzerland
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, Stealth
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Great security
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User-friendly apps
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Unlimited bandwidth
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Torrenting not allowed
Proton VPN is the most secure VPN that you don’t have to pay for. It uses AES-256 encryption, IP leak protection, and a powerful kill switch. Additionally, it’s based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and has a strict zero-logs policy.
Unlike most counterparts, Proton VPN has no data caps, so you can keep it on at all times. Moreover, you’ll find 140+ free servers in Japan, the US, and the Netherlands. Also, you’ll enjoy excellent speeds, thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol.
However, there are some drawbacks, such as P2P file sharing. Proton VPN prohibits torrenting on free servers. Additionally, circumventing geo-blocks on Netflix and other streaming platforms is impossible. Lastly, you can only use freemium on 1 device at a time.
Luckily, you can avoid any limitations by getting a premium version of Proton VPN for $3.59/month. You can also snatch a discount coupon and save some cash. Lastly, a month-long money-back warranty will protect your subscription.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
2. Ivacy VPN – truly anonymous free VPN
Singapore
OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP
24/7
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No data caps
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Torrenting allowed
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No registration required
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Less functionality for iOS & Mac
If you want to be absolutely private with a free VPN, grab Ivacy VPN. It’s one of the best anonymous VPNs, as you don’t even have to register to use it.
With a no-pay version of Ivacy VPN, you can utilize free servers in the Netherlands. Moreover, there are no data caps, so you can use this service as much as you want. Combine that with P2P-friendly servers, and you have an ultimate free torrenting VPN.
Nevertheless, the free version of Ivacy has some disadvantages. For starters, the service lacks the WireGuard tunneling protocol, so the connectivity might be shoddy. Additionally, it can’t unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms.
However, not grabbing a subscription would be a crime. Plan prices start from $1.00/month. Also, you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, you can use an Ivacy VPN discount code.
For a deeper investigation of Ivacy VPN, read our Ivacy VPN review.
3. Hotspot Shield – free VPN service with solid encryption
United States
Catapult Hydra
24/7
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Proprietary Hydra tunneling protocol
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Allows torrenting
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No need to register
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Slow speeds
Hotspot Shield is another great free VPN service. It offers all essential security features, such as bank-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP leak protection. Additionally, it utilizes the proprietary Hydra tunneling protocol.
Furthermore, the free version gives you 1 free location in the US. Plus, you can use the VPN on 1 device only. Like most freemium services, it comes with a data cap which is 500 MB/day. You can use this VPN for torrenting, but the speeds won’t exceed 2MB/s.
Luckily, you can fix all of that by grabbing a premium version. Hotspot Shield offers 1800+ servers in 80+ countries. Also, you’ll get 5 simultaneous connections, so you can use it on multiple devices. More so, You’ll be able to watch shows and movies on Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming platforms.
So, grab a Hotspot Shield coupon and snatch a subscription for $7.99/month. Additionally, you’ll have plenty of time to test out the service, thanks to a very long 45-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Hotspot Shield, read our Hotspot Shield review.
4. Hide.Me VPN – good speeds and 10 GB/month
Malaysia
WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, SoftEther
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Strong security features
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No-logs policy
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Torrenting allowed
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No WireGuard
Hide Me VPN is a versatile free service and one of the top browser extension VPNs. You can use it on Chrome, Brave, Edge, and Firefox.
Furthermore, this provider gives you 10 GB/month of data, which is quite generous for a free VPN. Additionally, you’ll find Hide.Me VPN servers in 8 countries: Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and the US. Also, all pieces of hardware are torrenting-friendly.
Security-wise, you can rely on Hide.Me as it has a strong kill switch, NASA-grade encryption, and IP leak protection. Unfortunately, just like most free VPNs, Hide.Me can’t bypass restrictions on Netflix or other platforms. Not to mention, the costless version lacks a fast and reliable WireGuard tunneling protocol.
If you want to enjoy the internet to the max, grab a Hide.Me VPN subscription for $2.39/month. Also, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Hide Me VPN, read our Hide Me VPN review.
Top 4 free VPN comparison
Now, let’s compare our best charge-free providers using the key criteria:
| Free countries | Data limit | P2P-friendly | Unblocks streaming platforms | Premium Price | |
| Proton VPN | 3 | Unlimited | No | No | $3.59/month |
| Ivacy VPN | 1 | Unlimited | Yes | No | $1.00/month |
| Hotspot Shield | 1 | 500 MB/day | Yes | No | $7.99/month |
| Hide Me VPN | 8 | 10 GB/month | Yes | No | $2.39/month |
Contrary to some outdated VPN articles, almost no free VPN can unblock Netflix or other streaming platforms. Therefore, your best option is to use a free trial or a money-back guarantee version of the best VPN for Netflix.
How we picked the best free VPNs
Don’t have a clue where to start when picking a charge-free service? Don’t worry, we got you covered. We’ve created a list of must-have features for the best free VPN:
- Spotless privacy practices. A free VPN should ensure your confidentiality online, no matter what. Therefore, avoid services with ambiguous privacy policies and shady history. Plus, check if they are based outside the Fourteen Eyes Alliance.
- Robust security. At the very least, a charge-free service should offer reliable encryption, a kill switch, and IP leak protection.
- Generous amount of data. In most cases, data limitations are unavoidable with costless VPNs. Most providers from the list offer 10 GB/month, except for Ivacy VPN and Proton VPN, which have no data caps.
- Great speeds. Even if it is a free service, it shouldn’t slow you down too much. We suggest grabbing a VPN with the WireGuard tunneling protocol.
- Number of servers. The more pieces of hardware a free VPN offers, the better. That way, you’ll avoid overcrowded and slow servers. Plus, make sure there is hardware nearby for better connectivity.
- Ability to bypass geo-blocks. If you want to stream, you’ll need a VPN that can bypass geographical restrictions. Although, most free services are not capable of doing that. Thus, an easier way to circumvent blocks is by getting a premium service, such as NordVPN.
- Compatibility. There is no point in getting a free VPN if it doesn’t work on your device. A VPN such as Proton VPN is compatible with all major OS and smart devices.
Best free VPN for each task
Don’t leave yourself out in the open! If you can’t spare any money, at least use a free, safe VPN that will ensure your safety and privacy online. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS devices, there’s a costless VPN that can lend you a hand.
Moreover, sometimes you might need a free VPN service for special tasks, like gaming, torrenting, or streaming. Below, you’ll find links to our task-specific lists:
- Best free VPN for Windows. Here you’ll find the best free services that work with the latest Microsoft Windows version.
- Best free VPN for Mac. No matter what other people say, Macs need extra help when dealing with security and privacy matters. Thus, you’ll find the best free VPNs to do that.
- Best free VPN for Android. Not every provider is up for the task of protecting your phone. However, VPNs in this article sure are.
- Best free VPN for iOS. Your iPhone and iPad need protection too. Find the best free solutions here.
- Best free VPN services for torrenting. Avoid malware, privacy breaches, and enormous fines with our fine selection of costless P2P VPNs.
- Best free VPN for gaming. Looking to protect yourself or deal some damage? Find the best free virtual private networks to elevate your gameplay.
- Best free VPN services for Netflix. If you’re sick of the same few shows and movies on your local Netflix, explore other libraries with costless providers from the list.
- Best free VPN for Disney+. Want to see Baby Yoda’s cute face or enjoy the classics like Lion King? These free VPNs will lend you a hand.
- Best free VPN services for the USA. Your privacy is just an illusion in America. Make it a reality with a free VPN.
- Best free VPN for Japan. Want to be more private when enjoying your favorite anime? You’ll get it with a free service from the list.
Best free VPNs video review
Below is our in-depth review of the Top free VPN services.
Free VPNs to avoid at all costs
While you can reliably use all free VPNs listed above, we strongly recommend you stay well away from the rest. Here are the worst free VPNs that you should avoid at all costs in 2024:
| Worst free VPNs | Why avoid it? |
| Hola VPN | Volunteer-powered P2P network where you share your IP and bandwidth. Collects data. |
| VPN Gate | Extensive logging. Volunteer-powered network. |
| Betternet VPN | Extensive logging. May leak your IP or DNS. |
| Psiphon | Unknown encryption type. Outdated protocols. Poor speeds. Logging and sharing your data. |
| Hoxx VPN | Based in the US. Logs extensively. Cooperates with the government and other third parties. |
| Tuxler VPN | Based in the US. Unknown encryption type. No kill switch. Logs and shares your data. Ads. Slow speeds. |
Luckily, you can avoid data caps, curbs, and other problems with a paid premium service, such as NordVPN. Thanks to a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can use this VPN without paying.
Grab the safest VPN on the market
Risk-free VPN trials: try paid VPN for free
When using free VPNs, it won’t be long till you start to really notice their drawbacks. These inevitable handicaps will probably make you want to try a premium VPN service sooner or later.
Luckily, most providers offer a chance to try their products risk-free. Usually, that comes in the form of a money-back guarantee though some VPNs still offer free trials. This way, you get access to the full server list, unlimited bandwidth, safe torrenting, and streaming options.
Here are some of the best VPNs with free trials:
- NordVPN – 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee
- Surfshark – 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee
- PrivateVPN – 7-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee
As you can see, you’ll have plenty of time to reconsider and get a quick refund if you change your mind. You can find more risk-free offers on our best VPN with a free trial page.
Scoop the ultimate free trial VPN
Paid vs free VPN: which one to pick?
If you’re wondering whether to pick paid or free VPNs, Reddit has the answer. Most internauts seem to agree that the majority of free VPNs won’t ensure your safety and privacy online. Industry-leading services will always have the upper hand, as they won't sell your information to third parties or bombard you with obnoxious ads. Additionally, a provider like NordVPN offers better security features to guard you against cyberthreats.
Furthermore, you won’t have to deal with data caps or other curbs when using a reliable paid VPN. For example, some costless counterparts won’t let you bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, or Hulu. Additionally, not all free VPNs allow torrenting, which is a bummer.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy secure and free internet, pick a top-tier premium VPN. Moreover, for more options and opinions, you can check our best VPN according to Reddit article.
Grab the ultimate VPN according to Reddit
Bottom line: which free VPN is the best?
While they are not as good as their premium counterparts, free VPN services are great if you can’t spend a pretty penny. They will ensure your security and privacy while surfing the web. Additionally, some free services allow torrenting and can even bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms.
However, we recommend choosing wisely, as most free VPNs will do more harm than good. Therefore, pick a reliable, fast, and versatile provider, like Proton VPN. Otherwise, if you want more features and no limitations, pick a service with a free trial, such as NordVPN.
What do you think about our list of best free VPNs? Is there any service that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments section below!
You may also like to read:
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FAQ
Which free VPN is the best?
The best free VPN is Proton VPN. It has excellent security and privacy features, amazing speeds, and supports torrenting on all free servers.
Is there a completely free VPN?
Yes, all VPNs from the list offer absolutely free subscriptions. Nevertheless, most of them will limit your data and show ads. Therefore, if you want all the best features, no data caps or ads, try one of the best free trial VPNs.
Is a free VPN safe?
Unfortunately, most free VPNs are not safe. Most of them offer outdated security features and shady privacy policies. Additionally, some free VPNs can inject malware into your device. Thus, we recommend picking a tried and tested service, such as Proton VPN.
Which VPN has a free trial?
NordVPN, Surfshark, and PrivateVPN are VPNs that offer excellent free trials. You can use them without paying for 7 days. Additionally, these providers have 30-day money-back guarantees, which lets you enjoy security and privacy charge-free for over a month.
Do free VPNs unblock Netflix?
Sadly, most free VPNs can’t bypass Netflix geo-restrictions. Windscribe VPN is one of the exceptions. It can unblock Netflix in some countries. However, it only offers 10 GB/month of data and abysmal speeds. Hence, if you want more shows and movies on Netflix, pick the ultimate VPN for streaming.
