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 70% on its paid plans.

Ever heard the saying “If you don’t risk it, you won’t get the biscuit”? Although it’s useful life advice, when using a VPN, “risking it” is something you don’t want to do. Founded in 2013, ZoogVPN knows that, and that’s why it advises you to “stay safe and secure online, use a VPN. Don’t risk it!”. Something ZoogVPN takes to heart with various types of tunneling protocols you can pick from. On top of that, it’s based in Greece, a country outside the 14 eyes surveillance alliance which won’t spy on its citizens. Security is good and all, but if you don’t get decent speed and are not able to browse the internet, what good does high security do? Well, no need to worry! ZoogVPN not only claims that it will unblock any website from any country, but it will also do it with “blazing fast speed”.

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 several 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.

VPN services are a lot like the spirits of the dead. When done properly, they’re hard to detect, aren’t restricted by physical boundaries and – as is the case with friendly ghosts – can even protect you from danger. CyberGhost is a German company now residing in Romania, offering a great VPN service for all types of user profiles. It has paid careful attention to safety concerns since it debuted in 2010, hiding torrent practices in untraceable servers and special security settings, while still being suitable for those that simply want to surf anonymously on public Wi-Fi or unblock geo-restricted websites comfortably at home. As a package that shouldn’t stay invisible to anyone considering a VPN service, CyberGhost’s short and long-term subscriptions will tempt anyone to discover the service’s simple and very attractive apps that have customizable features to ensure everyone has the best experience on computers, mobile, and other devices.