Best Free VPNs: Protect Your Privacy Without Braking the Bank

With security breaches occurring more often than ever, practicing good cyber hygiene has become a crucial step to safely navigating the internet. Although many online security tools can keep you safe from falling victim to a cyber-attack, VPNs seem to be one of the most popular choices, and for good reason.
Using a VPN could help you mitigate the risk of a cyber-attack, but its contribution to the user experience doesn’t end there. A VPN will help you hide your online activity from noisy advertisers, access geo-restricted content, or overall hide your online identity. But let’s be real for a second, the number one reason VPNs got so popular is that they allow us to stream content from Netflix libraries in other countries. So, if you want to take your online safety to another level ad, at the same time, expand your movie-watching horizons, let’s discuss your options. Here’s our list of the best free VPNs on the market.

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Free VPN services

Illustration: Milica M.

Proton VPN

Born and raised in Switzerland, Proton VPN offers you the security of the world’s most robust privacy regulations. It isn’t the cheapest VPN on the market, but it provides a free version for those who want to test the waters before diving in or benefit from a moderate, yet free, VPN service.

Proton Free VPN ProsProton Free VPN Cons
Connects you to the fastest serverA limited number of server locations
Includes a kill switchDoesn’t offer chat support for a faster service
Doesn’t require payment details 

One of the main reasons Proton VPN made it to our list of best free VPNs is that it offers immaculate security and unlimited bandwidth allocation, which are also extended to its free users. Free VPNs usually lack the same level of protection as their paid counterparts, leaving users with no choice but to eventually upgrade to a paid subscription. In addition, its approach to data allowance underscores Proton’s commitment to attending to all its users, allowing everyone to reap the benefits of their VPN service. 

Still, it’s no secret that the free VPN service differs greatly from paid subscriptions. For example, Proton Free VPN offers over 100 servers across Japan, the Netherlands, and the US. The number of servers available with the free version is low compared to Proton’s paid VPN subscriptions, which include connections to over 1,900 servers across 65+ countries. Other differences in feature selection include:

Proton Free VPN FeaturesProton VPN Plus FeaturesProton Unlimited Features
No payment detailsHighest VPN speedAll features from Proton VPN Plus subscriptions
Unlimited bandwidthHigh-speed streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, and other relevant streaming servicesMail Plus features, including three custom domains and 15 email addresses
Customer supportLive chat and priority supportEncrypted calendars
Features from Proton Mail, Calendar, and DriveAd blocker and malware protectionUp to 500 GB Proton Drive Storage
 Protection on up to 10 devices 
 Double hop and tor over VPN features 

Now, a VPN connection slows down internet speed regardless of the device, primarily because your internet traffic passes through a VPN server. But you’d be surprised to learn that Proton Free VPN has minimal impact on the connection speed, making it an excellent choice for streaming.

Here are the latest speed test results on my PC before I established a VPN connection with Proton servers.

Speed test

Source: speedtest.net

And this is the connection speed with the Proton VPN running in the background:

Speed test with Proton

Source: speedtest.net

Although Proton Free VPN does, in fact, affect connection speed on all my devices, it’s worth noting that this is a common flaw of VPNs. Luckily, changes in connection speed results were minimal. After multiple tests at different times of the day, it’s safe to assume that Proton Free VPN doesn’t affect the user’s ability to stream content or browse the internet while using a VPN.

Still, you should be aware of one minor drawback. If you’re a huge Netflix fan, Proton Free VPN isn’t the right fit for you, as it doesn’t work with this streaming service provider. But, if you, like myself, are more of an HBOMax enthusiast, Proton Free VPN will suffice. That is if you want to access streaming libraries in the US, the Netherlands, or Japan, of course.

Windscribe

Windsribe is another popular VPN and proxy service provider that could elevate your online safety and hide your real IP address in a matter of seconds. Although you can install an app and find a plan that suits you best, the Windscribe browser extension is free, doesn’t require card information, and comes with a 10GB worth of monthly data allowance.

Windscribe ProsWindscribe Cons
Secure, with no DNS leaksA narrow selection of servers
Good for streamingOperates in Canada (Five-eyes country)
No limit to simultaneous connections 

I love Windscribe because, above all, it offers convenience. The installation process is simple, and you can easily switch servers from the drop-down Windscribe menu on your browser. Besides, your data becomes almost impossible to read with AES 256-bit encryption, which is included in the Windscribe free VPN service.

Now, Windscribe does have flaws, primarily related to connection speeds. When connected to Windscribe servers in Frankfurt, connection speed drops significantly. From roughly 145 Mbps, the download speed on my device plummeted to 108.26 Mbps, while the upload speed went down from 14.73 Mbps to 6.76 Mbps.

Speed test with Windscribe

Source: speedtest.net

Keep in mind that despite affecting the upload speeds, my download speed remained higher than average. So, yes, Windscribe does put some strain on the network, but you could still use it for daily mundane tasks or leisure activities. Speaking of leisure, Windscribe doesn’t have any issues with Netflix compatibility. And with access to free servers in over 10 countries, this VPN is a versatile and decent option for streaming.

Here’s how Windscribe free VPN differs from Windscribe paid subscriptions:

Windscribe FreeWindscribe Build a PlanWindscribe ProSrcibeForce (team accounts)
10GB of dataData allowance variesUnlimited dataUnlimited data
Connection to roughly 10 server locationsServer location vary, $1 per locationAccess to all server locationsAccess to all server locations
No payment details neededAccess to R.O.B.E.R.T. – a filtering toolFull access to R.O.B.E.R.T.Shared static IPs
Could be used as a browser extension only IP blocking toolTeam management tools

As you can see from the table above, Windscribe Free VPN doesn’t include a bunch of extra goodies you can expect to get with paid subscriptions. Still, if you’re scouting for a decent and relatively fast VPN, look no further. Designed with the user in mind, Windscribe VPN proxy is an excellent choice for those looking for a quick solution to their needs.

If you install the free version, you won’t have to provide payment details. However, you should note that keeping the VPN service active at all times will deplete your data allowance before the month ends. In my experience of using Windscribe’s free VPN service for months, I’ve usually run out of data fast. Of course, if you become mindful of your data usage and rely on this VPN only when you really need it, 10GB of data allowance should be sufficient.  

TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear may not be a free VPN you can use on a daily, but on those rare occasions when you decide to give it a shot, you’ll know you can rely on its fast connection speeds and overall good service. TunnelBear free VPN is not for everyday use primarily because the free service comes with a limited data allowance. However, its fast connection speeds and ease of use secured its spot on our list of best free VPNs in 2023.

TunnelBear ProsTunnelBear Cons
Intuitive user experience2GB of data allowance
Available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and AndroidNot suitable for Netflix
20+ server connections 

TunnelBear could be your VPN of choice because it offers multi-platform support, but you could also use it as an extension for either Firefox or Chrome. The app is convenient and easy to use, making this VPN a no-brainer for newbies diving into the VPN waters for the first time.

Speed test with TunnelBear

Source: speedtest.net

Now, the excellent connection speed is another reason to give this VPN a try. It barely affected the upload speed on my device, and the download speed results show that this VPN is good for gaming or even streaming. Speaking of streaming, TunnelBear occasionally works with Netflix, so it’s not the most reliable choice for when you want to lay back and relax watching your favorite TV show.

Like any other VPN service provider, TunnelBear is much more generous to clients subscribing to a paid service. With that in mind, the table below illustrates what you will be missing with the free service:

TunnelBear Free VPNTunnelBear UnlimitedTunnelBear Teams
No-logging policyUnlimited dataAll features included in the Unlimited plan
Doesn’t collect IPs or personal dataPremium serversCentralized team billing
2GB data allowanceCity-level server selectionAdmin and account manager tools
20+ server locationsPriority customer support 

Are you ready for a not-so-pleasant truth?

Well, after all, you are here because of the free VPNs, so you should know what you’re getting yourself into. Well, some VPN providers offer free service, but at a hidden cost: they collect your personal data and sell it to third parties to “recoup their losses” for offering a free service.

Thankfully, TunnelBear is not one of those providers. They not only have a strict no-logging policy, but they don’t track users’ IPs or other personal data either. So, while they might limit data usage, your personal data will always be safe with this service provider.  

PrivadoVPN

Last but not least, PrivadoVPN is another Swiss VPN service provider guaranteeing immaculate security. After recognizing that internet users have very few tools to fend for themselves online, they’ve decided to offer free service and allow anyone to implement state-of-the-art security solutions. Kudos to them, really.

PrivadoVPN ProsPrivadoVPN Cons
Works with Netflix and other streaming servicesNo live chat customer support
Uses 256-bit encryptionOnly 12 available servers for free users
Good for streaming and gaming 

Of all the VPNs listed in the article, I’ve saved the best for last. In terms of connection speeds, PrivadoVPN had the best performance. The difference between no VPN and using a VPN was so minor I barely even felt the strain.

Speed test with ProvadoVPN

Source: speedtest.net

More importantly, ProvadoVPN is the only VPN offering the same security and speed to its paid and free users. Yes, you’ve read that right – PrivadoVPN free users share the most important benefits with paid users. However, this service provider offers 10GB of transfer for free each month, so you might still want to watch over your limits.

Of course, you should still consider a paid version, if possible, as it comes with extra features such as an ad blocker or even parental controls. At the time of writing, they have pretty good discounts, too, meaning you can save up to 82% and get a reliable VPN for less than $2 per month. If that sounds too good of an offer, let’s see how the free service differs from a paid one.

ProvadoVPN – Free VersionProvadoVPN Monthly PlanProvadoVPN – Yearly PlanProvadoVPN – 24-Month Plan
10 GB of transferUnlimited data and devicesUnlimited data and devicesUnlimited data and devices
Same infrastructure as paid versionsServers in 63 citiesServers in 63 citiesServers in 63 cities
Access to 12 global serversAd-blockerAd-blockerAd-blocker
 Multi-platform supportMulti-platform supportMulti-platform support

Is Free VPN a Good Decision?

Like any other free service, free VPNs have several limitations, ranging from weaker security to fewer options regarding server connections. Paid VPNs, on the other hand, offer better security, advanced features, and usually priority customer support.

Yes, using a free VPN is undoubtedly better than no VPN at all, especially if you’ve been neglecting your cyber hygiene practices. It can elevate your browsing experience and hide your IP address when you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, minimizing the risk of a data breach. However, if you want to drastically elevate your online safety, it’s essential to recognize that opting for a paid service is a superior choice for online safety and shouldn’t be debatable.

Of course, even a paid VPN alone can’t guarantee ultimate protection from online harm, let alone a free version. Still, it’s a good starting point towards better security.

VPN usage

Photo illustration: Freepik

Apart from better security, paid VPN subscriptions offer faster connections speeds and support for multiple devices. Some even include additional goodies such as malware protection, adblockers or unlimited bandwidth.

Note that these additional features are not essential, but they could make a significant difference in your browsing experience. So, all things considered, choosing a paid VPN service instead of a free version is a wiser decision. Besides, most VPN services will cost you less than a standard Netflix monthly subscription, making them a cost-effective approach to online safety.

Jelena is a content writer dedicated to learning about all things crypto. Her hobbies are playing chess, drawing, baking, and going on long walks. During winter, she usually spends her leisure time reading books.

[the_ad_placement id="end-body"]