Best Free VPNs

Whenever a new VPN service enters the market, it’s always hard to predict its success. Will it bring something fresh and be a threat to the bigger names? Or will it fall through the cracks along with so many others? Switzerland-based PrivadoVPN may not be the most recognizable name in the VPN industry just yet, but it’s definitely worth attention and praise. Not only is it headquartered in one of the safest places for online privacy, but it also provides fast and reliable worldwide connections with end-to-end encryption, user-friendly multiplatform apps, P2P support, and much more. Even better, it comes at an attractive price and offers a very interesting free version.

For all the privacy enthusiasts out there working on a tight budget, Bright VPN can cater to your needs. This service by web data platform Bright Data is ideal for those who want to explore the internet safely and anonymously without paying a costly subscription.

With an astoundingly broad network located in around 40 countries, this fresh alternative to premium VPNs almost looks too good to be true. But, right off the bat, Bright VPN explains clearly how it’s able to be free. Bright Data periodically accesses users’ internet connection to collect publicly available data, which is then sold to universities, major bank institutions, social networks, and ecommerce platforms. Ultimately, this public data collection pays for the VPN.

Nonetheless, Bright VPN is committed to its top-level privacy protocols, guaranteeing that no private information is ever collected. Likewise, it offers different data control mechanisms that allow control over the timing and type of data gathered.

Proton VPN was originally created to protect journalists and activists from repressive governments and allow them to communicate safely, but it quickly rose in popularity among a broader audience. Launched by the Swiss company Proton AG in 2017, Proton VPN has everything required to let you browse the internet anonymously without worrying about privacy issues.

This multi-platform and open source VPN boasts above-average speeds, stable connections, no DNS leaks, P2P and streaming support, custom connection profiles, and best-in-class protocols like WireGuard. In addition, Proton VPN offers an unlimited free version and discounts of up to 64% on its paid plans.

ZoogVPN features the best encryption protocols on the market, multi-device support, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and decent performance. The company provides a limited free plan and paid plans with plenty of features to browse anonymously and bypass worldwide geo restrictions.

On top of all this, considering it’s based in Greece – a country outside the 14 eyes surveillance alliance – your data is much more safe and secure. Paid plans start at $2.49 per month, including a 75% discount, three months for free, and a -day money-back guarantee.

VPNs are often approached as a serious topic and treated as an important tool in the struggle for global internet freedom. But then there’s TunnelBear, a Canadian company founded in 2011 that treats the topic in a much more playful and humorous manner. The company’s apps feature cartoon bears traveling through tunnels as the software connects to other parts of the world, but there are many other funny bear references, too, not only on the company’s website, blog and social media channels but even in the software updates and install process, too.

This makes for a very positive experience and does well for the company since it makes users more curious to try it, even if just to see how it all works. For that purpose TunnelBear offers an unlimited time free version of the service that can easily be upgraded to eliminate any bandwidth restrictions enforced in the demo program, though everything else – such as the entire server network, support for computers and mobile, and the rest of the program’s features – are available with the free version, which is very generous.

A surfing shark might not conjure up an image of security, but it does represent an effective way of defending yourself from the threats of the deep ocean that is the internet.

Established in 2018, Surfshark offers aesthetically-pleasing apps for multiple platforms. The Netherlands-based company continues to enhance its cybersecurity, merging with Nord Security in 2022. The VPN service doesn’t miss out on any critical security features, such as a static IP address and kill switch, and provides servers in more than 100 countries.

Additionally, Surfshark offers encryption protocols (including WireGuard) and P2P support, alternative IDs, and a no-logs policy. It is one of the cheapest services on the market and offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk free.

Part of the London Trust Media group, Private Internet Access (PIA) has long been a benchmark VPN solution. The service has undergone diverse changes to keep up with competitors since its launch in 2010, ensuring its high quality hasn’t changed.

The Private Internet Access VPN allows users to browse the internet anonymously using several encryption and privacy tools to guarantee total security on unlimited devices. Suitable for users of any ability, PIA offers an abundance of servers in over 90 countries and even reserves special servers for streaming. Plus, the service’s platform has a unique and simplified design, making its extensive customization as easy as pie.

The VPN service rewards committed clients who opt for longer plans while also letting newcomers get a risk-free taster of the product with its 7-day free trial (on the mobile app) and 30-day money-back guarantee.

With an extensive server network spanning 105 countries, apps for all major platforms, and even extra security tools like an ad blocker, ExpressVPN delivers all you need for a private and secure online experience.

The software is easy to use across all devices, and the speed trumps many of its competitors, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Android and iOS customers can make the most of a 7-day free trial with unlimited bandwidth and everyone can enjoy three months for free when opting for annual billing.

is a Romanian VPN service founded in 2011 and owned by Kape Technologies – known for other privacy-focused solutions like ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access. It features unlimited bandwidth, multiple-device compatibility, and above average speeds in over 11,500 servers across more than 100 countries.

It excels in hiding torrent practices and unblocking geo-restricted websites while still being an excellent option for those simply looking to surf anonymously. Plus, its apps are incredibly intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. Anyone can subscribe to CyberGhost VPN for as low as $2.03 per month with the option to try it first for 1 day on Windows and macOS or 3 days on Android and iOS.