he best free VPNs offer protection for your devices comparable to even some paid VPN services, without the need to sign up for a paid subscription. This, however, doesn’t make a free VPN the automatic solution, many offer services much below what you could expect from VPNs you’d expect to pay for, and can leave your security at risk.
Hundreds of free VPNs exist, with more arriving by the day, reliable or otherwise. These free VPNs can offer frustrating limitations to the service offered when compared to paid alternatives from some of the best VPNs. Alternatively, others can have you pay in other ways, including your privacy.
Therefore, the TechRadar VPN team and I have thoroughly reviewed every free VPN you’ll find in this list. This includes outlining exactly what you can expect to receive, alongside what you’ll likely miss out on. Read on to see why free VPNs such as Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN and Windscribe are some of a select few you can rely on.
Why I don’t always recommend a free VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal, and this is especially true when it comes to free services. Even the best free VPNs come with restrictions, after all, and they’re ultimately designed to give you a glimpse of the full service so you’ll consider upgrading to benefit from its full functionality.
Because of this, these services often lock features behind paywalls and massively reduce the number of locations you can access with a free plan. On top of that, most services won’t invest in rotating IP addresses for free servers, making them (usually) useless if you want to unblock content online.
In short, most free VPNs just can’t do what a premium VPN can – but they’re not supposed to. Premium VPNs give you far more than most free services (despite their claims), while a free VPN is designed to provide the most basic level of protection – everything else is a bonus.
The three best premium VPNs in 2024
Paid VPNs offer so much more than their free counterparts. If you want the best experience but don’t want to risk your cash, take advantage of money-back guarantees and see how they compare with the top free options. If you use the guarantees on my top three premium picks, you can get a month of coverage from each without losing a penny.
1. The best VPN overall: NordVPN
NordVPN continues to lead the charge with its full array of security-boosting features and easy-to-use apps for all devices. Plus, it can unblock virtually any streaming service you can think of. See why NordVPN claims the #1 spot in our overall rankings with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
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2. The best cheap VPN: Surfshark
Surfshark is the best cheap VPN but does not skimp on security features. Plus, you get unlimited simultaneous connections to protect all of your gadgets. Surfshark continually tops our speed tests, making it a great pick for streaming fans. Compare it to NordVPN and ExpressVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. The best VPN for beginners: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN makes installation and setup a breeze by handling complicated configurations for you. Its apps look great, work on all devices, and it continues to be the most secure VPN around. See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee and try ExpressVPN at its lowest price ever.
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Recent updates
The leading free VPN services are currently undergoing another round of our testing, but in the meantime, we’ve made some changes to ensure this guide is as concise and digestible as possible. Our latest VPN testing data will soon be updated, so make sure to give it a read to see where the big changes are in a matter of weeks.
Free VPN reviews
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Let’s deep-dive into my top free VPN picks for today.
The best free VPN overall
1. PrivadoVPN Free
The best free VPN – it even unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: 10 GB at full speed, then unlimited via a single 1 Mbps location | Connections: 1 | Server locations: 13 | Countries: 10 | 24/7 live chat support: Website and email
PrivadoVPN Free
PrivadoVPN Free
Visit Siteat PrivadoVPN
Unblocks US Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, iPlayer
10GB of data every 30 days
Above average performance
User-friendly apps
Can only connect one device at a time
Mobile apps are short on features
Hasn’t had a no-logging or full security audit
PrivadoVPN Free has been nipping at Proton VPN’s heels for a long time, and with recent updates, it’s finally de-throned the long-standing Swiss champion. With a dedicated geoblocking team, it’s one of few VPNs that can reliably unblock popular streaming services – which is something that some of today’s premium providers struggle with.
Features
Most services, free or otherwise, lock features behind a paywall – meaning you’ll need to part with some cash to enjoy the biggest and best benefits. PrivadoVPN bucks this trend. Its free option includes an always-on tool that ensures your identifiable details are protected at all times, and the kill switch will cut your internet connection to prevent leaks if the VPN drops out.
The free platform even offers split-tunneling, so you can access local services while streaming your favorite shows abroad, and the ability to switch up your VPN protocol depending on whether you’re prioritizing speed or security.
Click to read more about PrivadoVPN ↓
App support
PrivadoVPN’s free plan works like a charm on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices – although Linux loyalists may be disappointed to learn that there’s only a command-line interface CLI). If that’s a deal breaker, and you’d prefer a graphical user interface (GUI), you’ll want to check out Proton VPN. The good news is that all PrivadoVPN apps are easy to install and use. The big “Connect” button makes joining a server a piece of cake, and there’s a clear indication of how much data you have remaining for the month.
Despite this reliability, PrivadoVPN’s free package has its limits. It only supports a single connection, for example, so if you install it on your laptop and your phone, you can only use one device at a time.
Privacy and security
Any VPN worth its salt needs to boost your digital privacy – and PrivadoVPN doesn’t disappoint on this front. We tested the service to identify potential leaks and, I’m happy to report, it passed with flying colors.
However, I would like to see PrivadoVPN undertake an independent audit of its no-logs policy and apps. Without an audit, you have to take the provider at its word and trust that it’s not hanging on to your personal data, which is less than ideal. Considering that some of today’s most secure VPNs have multiple audits under their belts, PrivadoVPN should take a leaf from its book to understate its commitment to user privacy.
Streaming and unblocking
When we’re talking about accessing Netflix (and other streaming platforms), most free services struggle, requiring you to pay for a premium plan. PrivadoVPN gives its free users the same unblocking power as its paying crowd – which is a huge part of why the service sits at the #1 spot in our free rankings.
During testing, I could unblock US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, which is a huge spread of content, making PrivadoVPN a reliable streaming VPN. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that PrivadoVPN offers up to 13 server locations in 10 countries – more than most free providers.
Speed
We recorded blistering speeds of 900 Mbps when we put PrivadoVPN’s free speeds to the test – which is just as fast as its paid performance. This knocks Proton VPN’s free speeds out of the water. Plus, because PrivadoVPN free has more servers, they’re less likely to become congested and slow your browsing to a crawl.
However, if you exceed your monthly data cap of 10 GB per month, you’ll be put on its “over-quota” mode. The good news is that you’ll have unlimited data, but the bad news is that you’ll be stuck on a speed-restricted server offering a measly 1 Mbps. This will be enough for your general day-to-day browsing, but it won’t get you far if you’re looking for a snappy gaming VPN for online matches and MMOs.
However, in a recent discussion with Privado’s engineers, they revealed the majority of its free subscribers only use around 4 GB of data per month – and if you really need more, the paid plan is still a budget-friendly option.
Expert Verdict: PrivadoVPN Free
Andreas TheodorouEditor-in-Chief, TechRadar VPN
PrivadoVPN’s free service is fantastic. You get a generous data allowance, a larger-than-usual server network, customizable protocols, and access to streaming platforms. So, while you may need to budget your bandwidth if you’re an avid streamer, the free plan has everything you need to shore up your digital security without parting with a penny – though I’ll be even more impressed if PrivadoVPN undergoes an independent audit. ★★★★★
Read more: PrivadoVPN Free review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Modern and uncluttered, with a tasteful color scheme | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive app with simple implementation means it’s perfect for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest free VPN service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A dedicated geo-unblocking team that doesn’t just work for the paying customers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust security on paper, but no independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support staff are friendly, but the site could do with more content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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The best secure free VPN
2. Proton VPN Free
Unlimited data allowance from a digital privacy advocate
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: Unlimited | Connections: 1 | Countries: 1 | Support: Website, email
Unlimited data
Excellent speeds
Highly configurable, audited, open source apps
Reliable kill switch
Three locations only
Just supports a single connection
Proton VPN Free used to top my free VPN charts, thanks to its mix of features, power, and app quality. While it may have been pipped to the post by PrivadoVPN, it’s still a remarkable service that doesn’t enforce limits and restrictions to push you into upgrading. This is a free service you could use long-term.
Features
Proton VPN impresses right off the bat with a truly unlimited free plan. This means that you can use the service for as long as you want without worrying about data limits and monthly caps – and it’s a big plus in a market where almost all other free plans might allow you 500 MB to 10 GB a month at most.
This translates into better privacy, too, as you won’t have to choose when and where you use the VPN if your data starts running low. It’s also worth noting that Proton VPN’s free plan won’t clutter your sessions with ads.
Click to read more about Proton VPN ↓
App support
You’ll be able to install Proton VPN on any device – including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS gadgets, and there’s a variety of browser extensions, too. However, while you can pop the app on as many devices as you want, you can only connect to the VPN on one platform at a time.
This isn’t ideal, naturally, and means that you’ll need to log out of the VPN on your PC and re-log on your phone if you’re heading out and about and want to secure your mobile data. Upgrading to a premium plan gives you 10 simultaneous connections to play with, which is more in line with the industry standard.
Privacy and security
Proton VPN is a staunch advocate for digital privacy. Its apps are all proudly open-source, too, meaning anyone can take a peek at the source code to verify its logging claims or check it for vulnerabilities. Plus, to combat censorship around the world, Proton launched the VPN Observatory to monitor spikes in VPN usage. The Observatory will act like a canary in the coal mine, signaling to the world when sudden acts of censorship have taken place.
I’m also glad the service hasn’t punished free users by omitting key features. Some free providers drop the kill switch, WireGuard support, and maybe even live chat customer service, but Proton VPN Free has all the core privacy features you need to stay safe online. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that Proton VPN lands a top spot in our secure VPN rankings.
Streaming and unblocking
Unfortunately, Proton VPN’s free plan falls short when it comes to streaming, seeing as free users don’t have access to the paid-only specialist streaming servers. I was unable to access US Netflix and Amazon Prime during my tests – which is going to be a deal-breaker for some avid streamers.
Free users can’t pick and choose which server they connect to, either, which makes unblocking streaming platforms and other geo-restricted content a lot more difficult. On the other hand, PrivadoVPN and Windscribe let users take their pick from servers in more than 10 countries – which is especially valuable if you’re after a reliable Netflix VPN.
Speed
Proton VPN previously topped the charts for free services – but PrivadoVPN and Windscribe have since outpaced it. Still, we recorded speeds of 520 Mbps, which is a solid result. There are paid providers in today’s market that aren’t as quick.
However, the limited server count can cause congestion, meaning these speeds may not always be available during peak times.
Expert Verdict: Proton VPN Free
Andreas TheodorouEditor-in-Chief, TechRadar VPN
Proton VPN is a privacy-first service – and so is its free plan. Its unblocking power is lacking and there’s no chance to choose your server, but none of this prevents Proton VPN Free from protecting your personal data. In fact, it does it better than most of the competition. Its well-engineered, open-source, and audited apps are easy to use, but also stuffed with useful features, tools, and technologies. ★★★★½
Read more: Proton VPN Free review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Dark and edgy with plenty of flair | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not the simplest design, but still fairly intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A super-fast service, but with a small risk of congestion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated Deutsche Welle servers but few locations to choose from otherwise | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Open-source, audited, and reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of on-site support and excellent agents | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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The best multi-device free VPN
3. Windscribe Free
Powerful and secure with a generous data cap
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS | Data limit: 10 GB | Connections: Unlimited | Server locations: 14 | Countries: 11 | Support: Website, email
10GB a month data allowance
14 locations across 11 countries
Supports unlimited simultaneous connections
Many advanced features
Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer
Apps may look complex to inexperienced users
Speeds can’t quite match the top competition
Windscribe is a handy, lightweight service with an impressive mix of features, based in Canada. Plus, with support for all devices, easy-to-use apps, and encryption you can count on, it’s more than earned its spot in the top three.
Features
I like that Windscribe offers the same buffet of features for both its free and paid users – so you’re not missing out if you’re not signed up to a premium plan. There’s a handy ad-blocker that’ll get rid of those annoying pop-ups and banners, a double hop tool that routes your traffic through two servers for an extra boost of security, and servers right where you need them (to unblock content and get around geo-restrictions).
Windscribe’s data allowance is a comfortable 10 GB a month. That’s slightly less than PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN, but enough to cover a lot of browsing. You can nab an extra 5 GB of monthly data by posting on X, too, which is a nice bonus. Plus, while most free plans restrict you to one connection, Windscribe has no limits. This means you can install and use the software on as many devices simultaneously as you need.
Click to read more about Windscribe ↓
App support
There are nifty Windscribe ads for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, and Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, too. The overall design of the app interface is solid. Recent revamps have improved the UI, modernizing things, but I’m still not a fan of how cluttered they feel. Still, it’s a step in the right direction, and the new server location search function is incredibly helpful.
Privacy and security
Windscribe keeps you (and your identifiable data) covered with battle-tested encryption and today’s top VPN protocols. We also didn’t record any data leaks during our testing, including IP and DNS leaks, which is great news.
I really like Windscribe’s ROBERT DNS filter – which claims to block trackers to enhance your overall privacy. Naturally, we had to put these claims to the test, and ROBERT delivered. It blocked 157 common trackers out of 156 – and helped us steer clear of dodgy ads and sites, too. This, plus the clear-cut no-logs policy, is great stuff, though I would like to see Windscribe undergo a third-party audit to hammer home its commitment to security.
Streaming and unblocking
Windscribe lets its users choose from 14 server locations in 11 countries. This is seriously impressive for a free service – and beats out the 10-country spread offered by PrivadoVPN Free.
I was also pleasantly surprised by Windscribe’s streaming capabilities. The service doesn’t make a big fuss about unblocking Netflix, and other services, so I didn’t have the greatest of expectations. Still, I found that the service successfully unblocked UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer, even without dedicated streaming servers.
Speed
Windscribe’s premium plan is one of a handful of providers that managed to max out our testing line during our research – and the free plan doesn’t pull punches, either. Using WireGuard, I recorded speeds of a whopping 910 Mbps, which will keep your HD streams and day-to-day browsing smooth, secure, and free from interruptions.
Expert Verdict: Windscribe Free VPN
Andreas TheodorouEditor-in-Chief, TechRadar VPN
Put it all together, and while Windscribe Free VPN can’t quite match Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN, it gets very close, and the service could be exactly what you need from a free plan. However, when you consider that all of these services are free, why would you pick anything other than the best? ★★★★½
Read more: Windscribe review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and intuitive, albeit a little cluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Pretty easy to use for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster than Privado | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Not bad, but not guaranteed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Open-source and reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Email tickets are quickly resolved, but no live chat makes it somewhat inconvenient | ⭐⭐⭐ |
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The best free torrenting VPN
4. Hide.me Free VPN
Expert-level privacy protection for free
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS | Data limit: 10 GB | Connections: 1 | Server locations: 5 | Countries: 4 | Support: Website, email, live chat
Hide.me Free
Visit Siteat Hide.me
10GB data allowance
P2P support
Highly configurable
Powerful mobile apps
Below average speeds
No WireGuard
Apps can seem complex
No recent security audit
Hide.me Free VPN is a solid mid-range service that excels as a torrenting VPN. Plus, you’ll get access to an impressive selection of security tools without parting with a wad of cash – which is a great start for any free service.
Features
Hide.me’s apps boast more features and customizability than you might expect from a free service – and more than some of its closest competition. I like the auto-connect feature, which ensures that your data is always covered by the VPN’s encryption, and split tunneling is another handy tool for folks who want to unblock international streaming content in one window and go about their usual browsing in another.
When you install Hide.me, you’ll get 10 GB of data per month, which matches Windscribe’s offering. You’ll also get access to 5 P2P-friendly locations: east and west coast USA, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. As a result, you’ll be able to connect to a server near your home country (or as close as possible, anyway), to maximize your torrenting performance.
Click to read more about Hide.me Free VPN ↓
App support
Hide.me Free VPN is compatible with all gadgets, think Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, and offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Like Proton VPN Free, you can install Hide.me on as many gadgets as you want, but you can only use the VPN on one at a time, which is rather limiting.
Plus, I find the Hide.me apps quite complex. The interface is slightly intimidating when compared to the likes of PrivadoVPN, and while VPN veterans will enjoy the granular customization options in the settings menu, newbies might want to opt for something a little more beginner-friendly.
Privacy and security
If privacy is your main priority, you’ll be glad to learn that Hide.me doesn’t demand your personal details when signing up. In fact, you don’t have to sign up at all to use the free service. Hide.me has invited independent security analysts to comb through its logging policy – and ordinarily, that’d be a huge plus, but the audit took place way back in 2015. I’d like to see Hide.me repeat the audit now that we’re fast approaching 2025.
On the security front, Hide.me employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption to keep bad actors and other cyber-nasties away from your personal data as it passes from your device, through the VPN server, and onto the internet.
Streaming and unblocking
If you’re looking for a free VPN for torrenting that won’t let you down, Hide.me Free VPN could be your match made in heaven. It’s one of a handful of free services that support P2P torrenting. In our tests, we were able to download files without any issues via its US and Canada server locations.
Sadly, Hide.me Free VPN couldn’t unblock today’s top streaming platforms. We couldn’t access Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+, but this is par for the course when it comes to free services – especially when they don’t have dedicated streaming servers.
Speed
Hide.me Free VPN makes some bold claims about its performance. It promises not to throttle your connection, for instance, so we had high hopes when we put its speeds to the test. Speeds of 25 Mbps (using WireGuard) were disappointing – especially when you consider that this is much slower than PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN. If you want to kick things up a gear, you’ll want to upgrade to Hide.me’s super speedy premium plan, or check out one of my top-rated free recommendations.
Expert Verdict: Hide.me Free
Andreas TheodorouEditor-in-Chief, TechRadar VPN
Hide.me ticks all the basic boxes when it comes to a free service; solid encryption, apps for all devices, and a decent monthly data cap. However, a lackluster performance and no streaming support mean that you can get more (for nothing) elsewhere. ★★★★
Read more: Hide.me Free review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple design that’s clutter-free, but somewhat boring | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Quite complex for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The premium version maxed out my testing lines, but the free version is pretty lacklustre | ⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Pretty average unblocking capabilities | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Decent security and plenty of features to pick from | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Good customer support and an in-depth knowledge hub | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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The best of the rest
5. Hotspot Shield Basic VPN
Absolutely no data limits, but look out for ads
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: Unlimited | Connections: 1 | Server locations: 1 | Countries: 1 | Support: Website
Visit Siteat Hotspot Shield
Unlimited bandwidth
Easy to use
Decent speeds for a free plan
Can only connect to one US location
No kill switch
Barely any features
No live chat or email support
Video ads on the mobile apps
Hotspot Shield Basic is a popular free VPN plan with one major plus – the unlimited data available across all platforms. Add user-friendly apps and solid speeds into the mix, and you have a decent free service that could be handy in a pinch.
Features
Right away, Hotspot Shield Basic has a leg up on the competition with a truly unlimited free plan – and that’s great news for folks who need more than the usual 10 GB monthly allowance offered by other providers. So, with this generosity in mind, you might wonder why Hotspot Shield Basic didn’t land a higher position in my rankings.
Ultimately, it boils down to a lack of key features. The lack of live chat and email support is particularly egregious. New users struggling to get set up will be left to troubleshoot for themselves – and more experienced users won’t be able to reach out to report bugs or vulnerabilities as easily as they should.
Click to read more about Hotspot Shield Basic ↓
App support
Hotspot Shield Basic is available for all devices; Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, and smart TVs included. The big catch here is the in-app ads that you’ll need to deal with if you’re using the mobile app. I found these video ads quite frustrating when trying to navigate around the app – and while the Mac alternative doesn’t have ads of its own, I found that it kept opening pages on the Hotspot Shield site every time I connected and disconnected from the VPN.
If you want real ease-of-use, and no interruptions from ads, you’ll want to check out PrivadoVPN Free or Proton VPN Free.
Privacy and security
In terms of security, I was disappointed to find during my testing that Hotspot Shield Basic doesn’t include a kill switch. This meant that, ultimately, if my VPN connection dropped, my traffic would become vulnerable and I’d be more susceptible to data leaks. This isn’t what you want to hear from your VPN – and it’s why kill switches have become must-have tools in the VPN world.
Streaming and unblocking
Currently, Hotspot Shield Basic only allows users to connect to one server location in the United States. It’s pretty stingy. After all, if you’re halfway around the world and need a server closer to home, you’re just out of luck. The good news is that Windscribe has a better spread of servers.
The Hotspot Shield Basic site claims that the service can unblock the likes of Netflix and Hulu, which makes sense given its single US server. If you’re looking to catch up on smaller regional services, or the UK’s BBC iPlayer and Australia’s 9Now, Hotspot Shield Basic won’t slice it.
Speed
Like Hide.me Free VPN, Hotspot Shield Basic makes a lot of big promises about its performance – but, this time, the service actually lives up to them. I was pleasantly surprised by its overall speed but it is worth noting that I experienced some consistency issues. Results in the 60 Mbps to 70 Mbps range are solid, however, and will be more than enough to keep your browsing sessions running smoothly.
Expert Verdict: Hotspot Shield Basic
Andreas TheodorouEditor-in-Chief, TechRadar VPN
Hotspot Shield Basic is a speedy free service with an unlimited plan, but the downsides are pretty major. The lack of features and customer support makes it hard to recommend – but it’ll still be useful for basic tasks or as an emergency service to have in your back pocket. ★★★
