Important Notice: Free VPNs often have limitations compared to paid services. They may include data caps, slower speeds, fewer server options, and sometimes questionable privacy practices. Never use a free VPN for highly sensitive activities.
Proton VPN
The gold standard for free VPNs with unlimited data and strong privacy focus from the makers of Proton Mail. Trusted by millions for its transparent policies and reliable service.
Pros
- Truly unlimited data usage
- Strong no-logs policy
- No ads or malware
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
Cons
- Limited server locations
- Medium connection speeds
- No streaming service support on free plan
Windscribe
Generous free plan with good server network and a very usable 10GB/month data cap. Offers strong security features and customizable connection options.
Pros
- Generous 10GB monthly data
- Wide server selection
- Built-in ad blocker
- Good connection speeds
Cons
- Requires email for full quota
- Some advanced features disabled
- Limited P2P support
Hide.me
Transparent and trustworthy provider with a solid free plan and verified no-logs policy. Known for strong encryption and reliable connections.
Pros
- Verified no-log policy
- Strong encryption
- Good speeds
- Allows P2P on free servers
Cons
- Limited server locations
- Data reset requires manual action
- No Netflix or streaming support
Atlas VPN
A modern and user-friendly free tier with a decent data allowance and access to a few key locations. It includes a basic malware blocker.
Pros
- Clean, simple interface
- Malware blocker included
- Can be used for some streaming
Cons
- Lower data cap
- Limited server choice
- Owned by Nord Security, which may be a concern for some
TunnelBear
Known for its quirky and user-friendly interface. Owned by McAfee and undergoes independent security audits, which adds to its credibility.
Pros
- Fun, intuitive design
- Publicly audited no-logs policy
- Access to a large network of servers
Cons
- Very low data cap
- Not suitable for heavy usage
- Owned by McAfee
PrivadoVPN
Offers a free plan that is a trial of its premium service, providing access to high-speed servers in 12 cities. It is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
Pros
- Good data allowance
- Unblocks some streaming services
- Good speeds and large server selection
Cons
- Requires an account to use
- Support is limited on the free plan
- Some features are locked to premium
Hotspot Shield
Famous for its fast proprietary "Hydra" protocol, making it one of the faster free VPNs available. It offers a daily data limit of 500 MB.
Pros
- Excellent connection speeds
- Easy to use interface
Cons
- Daily data limit can be restrictive
- Single server location
- Aggressive ad-supported model
Speedify
Uses a unique "channel bonding" technology to combine multiple internet connections (e.g., Wi-Fi + mobile data) for increased speed and stability.
Pros
- Unique channel bonding feature
- Good for unstable connections
Cons
- Low data limit
- Automatically assigned servers for free users
ZoogVPN
A lesser-known but decent option that offers a free plan with access to a few servers and support for basic streaming.
Pros
- Moderate data allowance
- Supports basic streaming
- Allows P2P
Cons
- Limited server locations
- Lesser-known provider
Opera Browser Built-in VPN
The easiest to use as it's built directly into the Opera web browser. It's convenient but limited to protecting only your browser traffic.
Pros
- Completely free and unlimited
- No setup required
- Easy to toggle on/off
Cons
- Only protects browser traffic
- Limited server regions
- Not a true, full-system VPN
Warning: Avoid free VPNs with no clear privacy policy, those that have been caught selling user data (e.g., Hola VPN, Betternet), or that promise "unlimited" everything without clear business models.
Feature Comparison Table
| VPN Service | Data Limit | Server Locations | Speed | Logging Policy | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Unlimited | 3 countries | Medium | No logs | |
| Windscribe | 10GB/month | 10+ countries | Fast | No logs | |
| Hide.me | 10GB/month | 5 locations | Good | No logs | |
| Atlas VPN | 5 GB/month | 3 locations | Good | No logs | |
| TunnelBear | 2 GB/month | ~48 countries | Medium | No logs | |
| PrivadoVPN | 10 GB/month | 12 cities | Good | No logs | |
| Hotspot Shield | 500 MB/day | 1 location (US) | Very high | Limited logs | |
| Speedify | 2 GB/month | 50+ locations | Fast | No logs | |
| ZoogVPN | 10 GB/month | 3 locations | Decent | No logs | |
| Opera Browser Built-in VPN | Unlimited | 3 regions | Varies | No logs |