We’ve compiled a list of some of the best options available. While many VPN providers charge for their services, there are also several excellent free choices out there. In this guide, we’ll focus on those free options and highlight what they have to offer.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a useful tool that allows you to browse the internet securely and anonymously. Whether you’re streaming on Netflix and other services, watching live sports, or just surfing the web, a VPN can help protect your privacy and keep your online activity safe.
In the UK, the Online Safety Act could lead to tighter restrictions on certain content and platforms, so a VPN can be a useful way to maintain access and privacy.
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
Quick list: what’s the best free VPN?
The best free VPN services you can sign up for today
1. Proton VPN Free
| Proton VPN Free specs | |
|---|---|
| Data limit | Unlimited |
| Countries | 3 |
| Connections | 1 |
We think Proton’s free VPN service is one of the best around. One of its biggest selling points is the fact that it has no data limits, which means you never have to worry about hitting any pesky caps. Despite being free, it also offers key features like a kill switch (your connection drops if the VPN service goes down so you’re not left unprotected), and the superior WireGuard VPN protocol.
Obviously, you’re going to have some limitations. In this instance, you only have access to three locations — the USA, Netherlands and Japan. And while you can install Proton VPN on as many devices as you like, you can only connect to one at a time if you’re using the free package. Still, considering it’s one of the fastest VPN services around (even on the free tier), there’s very little to complain about here, as long as the limited country choice doesn’t affect your specific use case.
2. PrivadoVPN Free
| PrivadoVPN Free specs | |
|---|---|
| Data limit | 10GB (then unlimited at 1Mbps) |
| Countries | 9 |
| Connections | 1 |
While PrivadoVPN can’t match Proton VPN’s unlimited data allowance, it still offers a respectable 10GB monthly limit. We find this should be enough for more casual use on, say, a smartphone, but even if you do reach the maximum amount, you can still use an emergency server to get online. Sure, the latter is limited solely to the Netherlands with a crawling speed of just 1Mbps, but it’s better than nothing.
When you’re within the data limit, you have a generous choice of thirteen locations to choose from, with speedy 350Mbps connectivity to boot. The best part, though, is the fact that you can use the free version to unblock streaming services, including Netflix USA, Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
3. Windscribe Free
| Windscribe Free specs | |
|---|---|
| Data limit | 10GB |
| Countries | 11 |
| Connections | Unlimited |
Windscribe stands out from the crowd in a few key areas. While it has the common 10GB monthly cap, you can install and use it on more than one device, which is a feature that many other free alternatives lack. We appreciate that you have the choice of 11 different countries as well, which is more generous than most.
Overall, it’s definitely worth considering — especially if you’re after light use across different devices like phones and tablets. Just be wary of that strict 10GB cap, and you’ll be good to go.
4. Atlas VPN Free
| Atlas VPN Free specs | |
|---|---|
| Data limit | 10GB (2GB/day on Mac) |
| Countries | 2 |
| Connections | 2 |
While its 10GB monthly data allowance is decent enough, its Atlas VPNs Mac-specific allowance that really shines. If you’re a Mac user, like us, you can take advantage of a whopping 2GB per day, making Atlas VPN one of the most competitive free VPNs around.
There are, of course, some catches — namely the limit to just two countries (the Netherlands and the USA). Still, you can connect two devices simultaneously, and the speeds are far from shabby. While streaming site unblocking isn’t officially supported, some people have tried their luck and found success, so it could be worth a shot. Not that we condone that, mind.
5. Hotspot Shield Basic VPN
| Hotspot Shield Basic VPN specs | |
|---|---|
| Data limit | Unlimited |
| Countries | 1 |
| Connections | 1 |
Hotspot Shield’s free VPN service offers an unmatched unlimited data limit, letting you stream and surf to your heart’s content. There’s one major catch though — you can only connect via one USA-based location, which might be a dealbreaker for some users, depending on their needs.
If that’s not an issue for you though, then it’s hard to beat that glorious unlimited data allowance. If you can also live without a kill switch, then we think this is one of the best free VPN services.
Best VPN FAQs:
What is a free VPN?
A virtual private network (commonly referred to as VPN), is a powerful tool that enables you to cloak your whereabouts on the web. VPNs work by directing your online traffic through the servers of the VPN provider, which are often located in various parts of the world.
You could, for example, use a VPN service to simulate your presence in the USA, letting you access Netflix content that may not be available in the United Kingdom. While we don’t officially endorse such usage, this is just one example of a common VPN use case.
Additionally, for individuals travelling to certain regions such as China (where access to popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google are restricted), VPNs become indispensable tools, letting you use your preferred apps while helping you stay in touch with people back home.
Are free VPNs safe?
The safety of free VPNs is a significant concern, and the answer isn’t straightforward because it varies based on the provider.
Many free VPN services log user data and may sell this information to third parties. This practice can compromise your privacy, which is the opposite of what a VPN should do.
Free VPNs might not have strong encryption protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to interception.
To generate revenue, many free VPNs display intrusive ads and pop-ups. These ads can be annoying and, in some cases, may lead to malicious websites.
You may also find that free VPN providers may not have the resources or motivation to maintain robust security measures or provide customer support. This lack of accountability can result in a poor and potentially unsafe user experience.
To avoid these potential free VPN pitfalls, read the section below on how to choose the best free VPN, as well as our reviews above.
How to choose the best free VPN
If you’re worried about choosing a free VPN, then follow these steps:
First, you’ll want to look for reviews (like ours above) from reputable sources and user feedback. Investigate whether the VPN provider has a history of privacy violations or security issues.
You will probably also want to read the privacy policy carefully to understand what data the VPN logs and how it is used. A trustworthy VPN should have a clear and transparent privacy policy.
Some well-known, trusted VPN providers (like the ones included Stuff’s best VPN guide) offer limited free versions of their paid services. These options might be safer as they often use the same infrastructure and security protocols as their premium counterparts.
Finally, consider why you actually need a VPN. For basic tasks like bypassing geo-restrictions or casual browsing, some free VPNs might suffice, but for more critical activities, such as handling sensitive information, investing in a reputable paid VPN service is advisable.
Are VPNs illegal?
VPNs are absolutely not illegal (although there are some exceptions in certain countries so it’s always worth checking), and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to anonymise your personal data and internet activity. Still, this doesn’t give you a blanket excuse to then carry out illegal activity, such as the downloading of copyrighted material. This also means that you shouldn’t use a VPN to bypass per-country streaming rights for services such as Netflix.
Can VPNs protect you from viruses and malware?
Short answer? No. Using a VPN to browse anonymously is one thing, but you’re still susceptible to malware and viruses. Stay away from dodgy sites, and practice your usual (hopefully alert) levels of internet safety. In other words, don’t go downloading .exe files willy-nilly.
Will using a VPN make your internet slower?
Any VPN will have the unfortunate effect of slowing down your internet connection, which makes total sense when you think about the extra steps your traffic is taking when passing through various server locations. Still, if you’ve got a reasonably fast internet connection already, then you shouldn’t notice too much of a difference.
Are paid VPNs better than free VPNs?
Paid VPNs will offer more services in exchange for your cash. In most cases, this means that you have a larger selection of countries and locations to choose from, with more supported devices to boot. If you’re planning on light usage though, then one of the best free VPNs should be enough for your needs.
What to watch with a VPN
Want to watch the NBA from outside your own country? You can, with the help of a VPN and our series of ‘how to’ guides. We’ve covered how you can watch NBA, MBL, the Bundesliga and more, wherever you are in the world. Want to know more? Take a look on the links below:
Read the full article here
