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Best-free-vpns

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best free VPN services of 2024. In today’s digital age, protecting your online privacy and security is paramount, and a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be your first line of defense.

While it’s really tempting to use a free VPN service, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Knowing the pros and cons helps you make a better choice.

Our expert team has carefully tried and reviewed many different free VPNs to find the most trustworthy and the best free VPNs of 2024. We understand that the idea of a ‘free VPN’ sounds great, but it usually has some downsides and risks.

In this guide, we will explore various aspects of the best VPN free service, from their safety and privacy implications to their impact on your internet speed and overall user experience. We’ll give you straightforward, fair information to help you choose the right VPN for you, without giving up safety or how well it works.

Our goal is to offer you a transparent view of what you can realistically expect from these services and how they compare to their paid counterparts. However, if your intention is to use a VPN for streaming or constant privacy protection, it is advisable to choose one of the top paid providers.


Worth Considering: 30-Day Free Trial of a Premium VPN which is better than the best free VPN

Choosing a 30-day free trial of a premium VPN instead of a completely free service can be a smart financial decision, especially if you’re looking for long-term value. You can enjoy faster internet speeds, so streaming or gaming becomes smoother, without the annoying lags you might get with a free VPN. Plus, premium VPNs are generally more reliable; they don’t crash as often and provide consistent service.

Due to all the risks and disadvantages of using free VPNs, we strongly advise you to opt for a premium VPN service. Amongst all the ones present in the industry, the one we highly recommend is ExpressVPNWhile it offers a paid subscription, it also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee for users to test out all the premium features of this VPN for 30 days. You can also try this best VPN for free through its week-long free trial on mobile devices.

During this period, you can access geo-restricted content, torrent, and play geo-blocked games from anywhere in the world using its fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. You can read our ExpressVPN Review to learn more about this VPN service.

  • Ultra-fast servers in 105 Countries
  • Excellent unblocking capability for Netflix, Hulu & more
  • Best-in-class encryption trusted security, and advanced protection features that block ads, trackers, and harmful sites.
  • Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously
  • 24/7 customer support through live chat
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
Excellent - 4.6
Based on 100 reviews


7 Best Free VPN Services of 2024 – Quick Overview

Here is our brief description of the 7 top best free VPN services in 2024, focusing on their user experience and performance. This overview will help you quickly identify which free VPN services meet your needs in terms of ease of use, speed, and overall reliability.

  1. Windscribe — Best Free VPN for Security: Offers 10 GB/month with robust security, a generous data cap, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Offers 10 server locations.
  2. Proton VPNFree VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth: Offers unlimited bandwidth without paying a penny. Supports 1 device per account. Comes with only 3 servers present in the US, Netherlands, and Japan.
  3. Hotspot ShieldDecent free VPN with Unlimited Data: Offers 500 MB/ day of free data with access to only 1 server location (i.e., US).
  4. PrivadoVPN FreeThe Best Free VPN available: Comes with 10 GB/ month of free data and support for 13 simultaneous connections. Offers access to 10 server locations.
  5. Hide.meFlexible and Powerful free VPN: Offers 10 GB/ month of free data and 5 server locations. Allows a single connection on one account.
  6. Atlas VPNGreat speeds and Tons of Data for Mac Users: Offers unlimited data per month along with servers in 3 locations. Offers unlimited simultaneous connections per account.
  7. Betternet — Reliable Free VPN for Users: Provides users with a daily limit of 500 MB and 1 US server on the free plan. Allows users to connect just one device per plan.

How We Tested These Free VPNs | FAQs 


Are Free VPNs Safe?

When considering free VPNs, it’s crucial to be aware of the safety concerns. These services often come with privacy risks. Since they’re free, the providers might log your data and there’s a chance your information could be shared or even sold. This is a hidden cost of using free services. Always remember, when a product is free, often you and your data become the product.

It’s important to read the privacy policy of any VPN you’re considering to understand how your data might be used. For maintaining your privacy and security, sometimes opting for a paid VPN service can be a safer bet. Or you can choose the services we have mentioned in this blog.

Following are a few factors that explain why free VPNs can be a risk to your security:

  1. Free VPNs are NOT safe: According to a study by CSIRO, more than 75% of free VPNs have at least one third-party tracker in their software. These trackers collect a lot of information that is shared with third-party advertisers. Moreover, thousands of free VPNs on iOS and Android stores have unacceptable privacy policies and are known to share data with authorities.
  2. Aggressive advertising: This is another tactic used by free VPN services to make money. However, free services go beyond annoying pop-ups and banner ads, as most free providers sneak trackers in ads. These trackers can stay on your browser and track your every move.
  3. High chance of catching malware: According to another research, 38% of free Android VPNs contain malware – despite the security and privacy features they claim to offer. What’s more concerning is that these VPNs account for millions of downloads on Google Play Store.
  4. Lack of advanced features: If you’re opting for a free VPN, then just know that it won’t offer a variety of features. Even with the best VPN for free, you won’t get split tunneling or obfuscated servers, and the DNS leak protection feature may not be as efficient as a paid VPN.
  5. Data collection: Collecting users’ browsing data and selling it to third parties is common when it comes to free VPNs. There are also various privacy breaches associated with free VPNs.

This is why paid secure VPNs are always the best option. Paid VPNs don’t collect user logs and offer top-notch security features that won’t compromise your privacy. You’ll also get access to unlimited bandwidth, which is perfect for endless streaming and torrenting. If you ask us, then we’d recommend ExpressVPN without any hesitation.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-free Today! 30-day Money-back Guarantee

The Best Free VPN Services [In-Depth Analysis]

After testing 150+ free VPNs on various factors, here is our in-depth analysis of each free VPN service, focusing on their security features and impact on internet speed. We bring you the top 7 free VPNs in 2024 that are safe to use.

1. Windscribe – Best Free VPN for Security

Windscribe

Key Features:

  • Servers in 10 locations
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 10 GB data per month
  • AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
  • 24/7 live chat support

Windscribe is the best free VPN for security and the overall absolute best free VPN service with no hidden charges or shady schemes. That’s because of multiple servers, powerful features, and user-friendly apps.

Windscribe Key Metrics:

Metric Our Thoughts Rating
App design The app is fairly easy to use and navigate, but it lacks the level of refinement seen in its competitors. 3/5
Privacy and security The use of open-source apps provides a high level of confidence and trust. 4/5
Ease of use Setting up and using the app is relatively simple and straightforward. 4/5
Performance The app’s performance is slightly behind the competition, but it is still reasonably fast. 3/5
Unblocking The app impressively allows access to UK Netflix and iPlayer. 4/5
Support The lack of live chat support makes resolving issues quickly challenging, but email support is comprehensive. 3/5

To start, its free version offers 10 GB of data per month. To receive the 10 GB of data, you must register with an email address. Otherwise, you will only receive 2 GB of monthly bandwidth. Additionally, you can also receive 5 GB extra bandwidth on this best VPN for free by just tweeting about Windscribe. Now that’s cool, right?

As for servers, Windscribe offers servers in 10 locations on its free version. With servers strategically located across various countries, Windscribe ensures that users can easily bypass geo-restrictions, making it an ideal choice for browsing, torrenting, and streaming enthusiasts looking to access content from different regions.

According to our tests, almost all the major streaming services are accessible with this provider, including ITV, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. That means you can watch your favorite shows using the best VPN for free with ease.

In fact, Windscribe is also among the best free VPNs for Netflix. Moreover, it supports torrenting on its free servers and keeps no logs of user activities, making the Windscribe torrenting combo absolutely great!

Woh Killed Sara Windscribe

We could enjoy US Netflix for 2-3 hours with Windscribe’s Atlanta–Mountain server.

Windscribe’s optimized servers offer high-speed connections, ensuring that users can enjoy their favorite shows and movies without buffering or lag issues. When we tested Windscribe’s speeds on our 100 Mbps connection, we got a download speed of 65.21 Mbps and an upload speed of 34.75 Mbps. Windscribe is faster than all the VPNs on our list.

windscribe-speed-test

With these speeds, we faced no buffering throughout streaming.

The provider offers many security features on its free version, including the Internet Kill Switch, Ad-blocker, and even MultiHop, allowing you to connect through more than one VPN server. Windscribe also offers protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks.

Even though its headquarters is based in Canada, the provider offers military-grade AES-256-bit encryption and a zero-log policy for utmost security and privacy. It also features a “Stealth protocol” that obfuscates your VPN traffic and makes it look like normal HTTPS traffic.

This cool feature allows the VPN to work in countries with high internet restrictions, like China. So if you want to use your social media in China safely, you can use this Facebook VPN proxy online for free. To test it, we Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider was successful in hiding our real IP address.

Even on a free plan, the VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections to users. Its compatibility with mobile devices makes it the best free VPN for Android and iOS. Moreover, Windscribe works great with FireStick, which means Windscribe also turns out to be the best free VPN for Firestick, Moreover, it is also compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux as well and is a good option to use as a free VPN for Smart TV.

While Windscribe offers a robust free version, users seeking additional features can opt for its affordable paid plans. The pricing is competitive, with plans starting at a reasonable rate of $5.75/month, offering great value for the level of security and features provided.

In case you face any difficulties, you can always talk to Windscribe’s live chatbot ‘Garry‘ or submit a request. For more information, check out our Windscribe VPN review.

Pros
  • High-quality browser VPN extension for Chrome.
  • Browser extension with adware and malware-blocking
  • One Windscribe account can be used on unlimited devices for free.
  • 10 free server locations
  • 10 GB free data per month
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • Unblocks US Netflix
  • Offers a Stealth protocol

Cons
  • Not the fastest VPN
  • Based in Canada (member of the 5 Eyes)
  • No unlimited bandwidth (10 GB monthly limit)
  • Doesn’t offer WireGuard on the free plan


2. Proton VPN – Free VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth

protonvpn-banner

Key Features:

  • Servers in 3 locations
  • Single device connection
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
  • Support tab available for guides

Proton VPN is the most popular free VPN with unlimited bandwidth. This is amazing as most free VPNs offer 500 MB to 10 GB of data at max. With the benefit of unlimited data, you can download and stream as much as you want.

ProtonVPN Key Metrics

Metric Our Thoughts Rating
App design The recent facelift of the app has transformed its aesthetic from The Matrix to Cyberpunk 2077. 4/5
Privacy and security The app is built on open-source technology and boasts powerful encryption. 5/5
Ease of use The app’s functionality is robust, but it might be slightly challenging for newcomers. 3/5
Performance This is the fastest free VPN we have tested. 4/5
Unblocking While it provides access to Deutsche Welle exceeding most free VPNs, it doesn’t match PrivadoVPN. 4/5
Support The app offers abundant detailed guides, and the support agents are helpful. 5/5

Is Proton VPN legit? Yes,  When it comes to streaming, Proton VPN doesn’t disappoint. All Proton VPN free users can connect to servers in three countries (Japan, the US, and the Netherlands).

Its servers are optimized for speed, allowing users to access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others with minimal buffering. This makes Proton VPN a solid option for those looking to enjoy a seamless streaming experience, even with geo-restricted content. But please note that these servers are not P2P-friendly, so you cannot download torrents on Proton VPN’s free version.

proton-vpn-servers-and-interface

It only took us a minute to connect to Proton VPN’s server.

In our Proton VPN speed test, the VPN was quite speedy. On our connection of 100 Mbps, the VPN delivered a download speed of 65.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 59.32 Mbps.

protonvpn-speed-test

These speeds allowed us to browse and stream without buffering.

ProtonVPN’s power lies in complete security, offering you military-grade 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, and OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Use this best VPN for free and get an automatic kill switch that keeps you protected at all times. If you want to use social media in a place with high censorship, you can use this Facebook VPN proxy online for free. Therefore you can count it as a good free VPN for Facebook.

A great thing about Proton VPN is that it’s based in Switzerland, which does not belong to the 14-Eyes Alliance. This means that the VPN doesn’t collect any logs. We Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider was successful in hiding our real IP address.

Is Proton VPN legit? Yes, it is but unfortunately, most of ProtonVPN’s features are saved for paid users. Only those who subscribe to premium subscriptions can enjoy P2P file sharing, NetShield, Secure Core VPN, Tor over VPN, and the possibility to access geo-blocked streaming services.

If you create a free ProtonVPN service free account, you can only use it on one device simultaneously. However, its service is great for all. It is a Free VPN for PC and offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Thanks to its user-friendly iOS app, you can call it the best free VPN for iPhone/iPad. It is also a good option to use as a free VPN for Smart TV.

Proton VPN’s free version is quite comprehensive, but for those seeking enhanced features, its paid plans start at $4.99/mo. These plans offer additional benefits like increased speed and access to a wider range of servers, providing excellent value for the investment.

If you run into any obstacles while using the app, you can fill in the support form or explore the self-help section of ProtonVPN. Unfortunately, there’s no live chat support, even for paid users.

You can learn more about this service in our Proton VPN review.

Pros
  • Provides truly unlimited data for free
  • Linux compatible
  • Fully Open source
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • OpenVPN protocol offered
  • Free VPN for PC with Powerful Desktop apps
  • Fast speeds

Cons
  • Does not allow torrenting on free servers
  • Unblocking ability is erratic on free servers
  • One simultaneous connection supported
  • ProtonVPN Free trial only offers servers in 3 locations


3. Hotspot Shield –  Decent free VPN with Unlimited Data 

hotspot-shield

Key Features:

  • 1 US server only
  • Single device connection
  • 500 MB data per day
  • AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
  • Email support available

Hotspot Shield is a decent free VPN with unlimited data. It is at the same time, one of the best free VPNs for torrenting because it offers a distinct feature called Catapult Hydra protocol that is designed to offer fast-speed connections on P2P networks and perform various other activities.

Hotspot Shield Key Metrics

Metric Our Thoughts Rating
App design The design is simple and moderately attractive. 4/5
Privacy and security The lack of a kill switch makes it unreliable for enhanced security. 2/5
Ease of use Getting started is relatively easy, but dealing with ads can be bothersome. 3/5
Performance Connection speeds are average, falling in the middle range. 3/5
Unblocking It doesn’t offer anything noteworthy in terms of unblocking capabilities. 2/5
Support Lack of live chat or email support means no direct contact with support staff for advice. 2/5

Moreover, it only allows 500 MB of data per day which is more than what a regular free VPN offers. How? Well, if you multiply 500 MB of data per day by an entire month, you’re getting 15 GB of data per month. That’s more than what even Windscribe offers to you.

The only drawback of this VPN service is that its free version only allows you to connect to US servers. In addition, it is not a good option for streaming as it does not work with popular services like Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and more. However, as per our tests, it did unblock Netflix US after multiple tries.

Still, it is a good option to use for unblocking social media. If you want to stay connected without government surveillance, use this Facebook VPN proxy online for free

hotspot-shield-unblocked-netflix-us

While it did unblock Netflix, the VPN took multiple tries to do so.

When it comes to speeds, Hotspot Shield can be called average. During testing, it delivered a download speed of 45.63 Mbps and an upload speed of 39.56 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. It was more than enough to download torrent files. However, we did run out of daily data very quickly.

hotspot-shield-speed-test-on-us-server

These speeds were reliable for slow torrenting.

Hotspot Shield is safe to use as it offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and multiple security protocols. With its DNS leak protection, it makes sure no one can see your online activities, including your ISP. We Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider was successful in hiding our real IP address.

Moreover, although Hotspot Shield’s headquarters are located in the US, it still supports a zero-log policy for its users. But, upon further investigation, we found out the Hotspot Shield does log some user data like timestamps, the device you are using, and bandwidth consumed. However, none of this data can be used to identify you online.

The VPN service’s app is compatible with most operating systems and devices. The sleek and easy-to-use app interface makes it easy to get started on macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It is also a good free VPN for Smart TV. Moreover, you only get 1 device connection, so you can connect just a single device simultaneously to the VPN.

Another downside is that the free version of Hotspot Shield is supported by ads. Even during testing, we encountered a lot of ads while browsing. If you want to use Hotspot Shield, we recommend getting an ad-blocker so you don’t experience constant pop-up ads.

Hotspot Shield premium plans cost $7.99/month and bring extra perks. With these plans, you get faster speeds and access to a larger network of servers, making it a great deal for users who want to enhance their VPN experience.

For more information, check out the Hotspot Shield review.

Pros
  • Fast Connections
  • Daily Free Data
  • Catapult Hydra protocol offered
  • Supports P2P connections
  •  DNS leak protection

Cons
  • Only US servers on the free plan
  • Unreliable for streaming
  • Low amount of data
  • Ads and Popups


4. PrivadoVPN – The best free VPN available

Key Features:

  • Servers in 10 countries
  • 13 simultaneous connections
  • 10 GB free data per month (+ slow unlimited data)
  • Compatible platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
  • Email support available

PrivadoVPN is one of the best free VPN services available that caters well to beginners. It offers easy-to-use apps with a simple yet intuitive design. The app allows unlimited device connections simultaneously, enabling users to stream content securely and anonymously on public Wi-Fi.

PrivadoVPN Key Metrics

Metric Our Thoughts Rating
App design The app design is smart and simple, with an appealing layout on both desktop and mobile. 5/5
Privacy and security The service offers industry-standard encryption and essential features like a kill switch. However, the absence of an audit is a minor drawback. 4/5
Ease of use The apps are well-organized, making it perfect for VPN newcomers, yet easily accessible for experienced users to customize settings. 5/5
Performance It performs faster than many free VPNs, although slightly behind paid providers. 4/5
Unblocking The unblocking power of this service is simply unrivaled among free VPNs. 5/5
Support The support agents are capable, but the website lacks detailed articles. 4/5

Similar to other free VPN services, PrivadoVPN has a data limit. It provides 10GB of data per month at full speed, after which the speed is restricted to a slower ‘emergency server.’

Although PrivadoVPN Free falls slightly short when compared to paid providers, it outperforms other free VPNs. It excels at unblocking streaming sites, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer, while maintaining essential privacy features. It works well in unblocking services from other services an interactive free VPN for Italy

privadovpn-unblocks-peacock-tv

We were able to unblock Peacock TV with PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN offers server locations in 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and France. In terms of speeds, PrivadoVPN performs impressively. It appeared to be faster than many other free VPNs. During our PrivadoVPN speed test, we got a decent download speed of 86.50 Mbps and an upload speed of 57.87 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

privadovpn-speed-tests-us

PrivadoVPN’s US servers provided faster speeds than distant servers.

PrivadoVPN is the best free safe VPN option, it prioritizes privacy and security, offering AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols. It ensures no data logging and includes features like Internet Kill Switch. We Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider was successful in hiding our real IP address.

PrivadoVPN allows 5 simultaneous connections and supports various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. It is also a good option to use as a free VPN for Smart TV. You can call it one of the best free VPN for Mac.

One area where PrivadoVPN has limitations is the number of servers and data limit. It offers 10GB of data per month, which might be restricted to a slower speed if exceeded. However, for general tasks and browsing, it serves well.

PrivadoVPN’s free version comes with a good set of features, but its premium plans, priced reasonably at $1.99 provide even more. With these plans, you’ll enjoy faster speeds and access to a wider array of servers, making it a great option for users thinking about stepping up their VPN game.

Overall, PrivadoVPN Free is a powerful and reliable option, especially for those seeking free access to Netflix and other streaming sites. It is definitely worth trying out for day-to-day privacy usage and seamless performance.

You can learn more about this service in our PrivadoVPN review.

Pros
  • Unlimited data with 10GB at full speed
  • Easily Unblocks Netflix
  • Boasts impressive connection speeds.
  • Many privacy features

Cons
  • Unlimited data but with only 10 GB at fast speeds
  • Mobile apps need significant improvement


5. Hide.Me – Flexible and powerful free VPN

hide.me

Key Features:

  • Servers in 5 locations
  • Single device connection
  • 10 GB data per month
  • AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
  • 24/7 live chat support

Hide.Me is one of the most secure free VPN services that offer 256-bit encryption along with additional features for privacy and security.

Hide Me Key Metrics

Metric Our Thoughts Rating
App design The app design is useful and user-friendly, but it lacks any kind of flair. 3/5
Privacy and security It offers numerous extras, and there are no concerns found regarding privacy and security. 5/5
Ease of use The app’s added complexity might be daunting for new users. 3/5
Performance The performance is poor when compared to the speed of the competition. 2/5
Unblocking It performs at a pretty average level with no surprises in unblocking capabilities. 3/5
Support The support service has great agents and a comprehensive support site. 5/5

It offers 10 GB of free monthly data, which is enough to perform multiple data-intensive activities for about 4-5 hours straight. As for servers, Hide.Me provide access to 5 server locations. These servers are located in Canada, the US (East and West), Germany, and the Netherlands.

While these servers don’t work with popular streaming platforms, Hide.Me does support torrenting on its free servers. With its P2P support, you can connect to any server location and enjoy file-sharing for a limited time. When we tried unblocking streaming platforms with this VPN, we could only access Netflix Netherlands. However, we get blocked by the streaming platform within seconds.

hide-me-unblocked-netflix-netherlands

Even though we accessed it, we could not stream anything on Netflix.

When tested for speeds, Hide.Me turned out to be fast. On our connection of 100 Mbps, the VPN delivered a download speed of 57.16 Mbps and an upload speed of 48.91 Mbps.

Using these speeds, we could enjoy accessing our favorite sites easily.

This VPN has advanced features such as a Stealth Guard that offers an additional security layer, an Internet Kill Switch for keeping your online activities secure and split tunneling for using your local IP and VPN IP together. We Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider was successful in hiding our real IP address.

Its headquarters is in Malaysia, and the service fully supports a zero-log policy for complete anonymity and privacy. Moreover, Hide.Me offers advanced protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP for free.

It can be easily configured on Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, or Linux. Moreover, Hide.Me also offers free router configuration files so you can even connect devices that don’t have native support for VPNs, which makes it a great free VPN for Smart TV, gaming consoles, and more.

To try extra features you can buy Hide.me premium plans at just $2.22 per month. These plans enhance the VPN experience with additional features like unlimited data and full access to all servers, providing great value for those looking to upgrade.

There are easy-to-follow setup guides available on Hide.Me’s official website, along with 24/7 live chat support. It is fast, as we got a response in less than 20 seconds.

You can learn more about this service in our Hide.Me review.

Pros
  • Great for torrenting
  • Many personal configuration options available
  • 10 GB data per month
  • OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther protocols offered
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons
  • Not very user friendly
  • Speeds can fluctuate
  • Doesn’t work with American Netflix
  • Offers one multi-login
  • No Wireguard


6. Atlas VPN – Free VPN with Fast Speeds

AtlasVPN-main-image

Key Features:

  • Servers in 3 locations
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
  • Support tab available

Atlas VPN is one of the top free VPNs with fast speeds. When tested, these speeds were enough for fast browsing, streaming Netflix, and downloading torrent files.

AtlasVPN Key Metrics

Metric Our Thoughts Rating
App design The app design is serviceable, but it is not the best. 3/5
Privacy and security It offers good encryption and a kill switch, but there are no other notable features. 3/5
Ease of use Getting started is pretty simple, although the apps may feel slightly clunky. 3/5
Performance The connection speeds are impressive. 4/5
Unblocking The unblocking capability for Disney+ is excellent, especially considering it’s free. 4/5
Support Although live chat is missing, the website support is good. 3/5

In addition, this VPN offers unlimited bandwidth to its users, as most premium VPNs do. This no-data limit benefit makes it the perfect choice for web surfing and accessing social media sites, as well as streaming or torrenting.

However, there’s a catch – you only get servers in 3 locations with this VPN, available in the Netherlands and the United States (Los Angeles and New York). Due to this, overcrowded servers may be a challenge. Unfortunately, it does not work with Netflix and other popular sites like Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.

atlas-vpn-servers

Just connect to any one of its 3 US server locations and enjoy.

When it comes to speeds, the VPN is super-fast. In our speed test of Atlas VPN on our 100 Mbps connection, we got a download speed of 59.17 Mbps and an upload speed of 46.82 Mbps.

atlas-vpn-speed-test-results

These speeds were impressive, considering a free VPN.

The VPN is known to keep you absolutely secure on the internet. With it, you get a DNS leak protection feature and a kill switch. It even offers robust protocols, like the latest WireGuard and IKEv2, on its free plan. We Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider was successful in hiding our real IP address.

It is based in the US, which might concern some users considering America’s data retention policies. But note that Atlas VPN follows a strict no-log VPN policy. This is great for your security because it means that Atlas VPN doesn’t have to share any of your information with third-party advertisers.

Since Atlas VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections, it is currently compatible with all the major platforms, is a good free VPN for Smart TV, and works with macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more.

Atlas VPN’s free version offers impressive speed and security features. For those seeking enhanced capabilities, its premium plans are competitively priced at $11.99/month, offering additional benefits like increased server options and advanced security features, making it a valuable investment for users looking for an upgrade.

Pros
  • Easily unblocks Disney+
  • Mac Compatible Free VPN
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Super-fast speeds

Cons
  • Lacks advanced features
  • Limited available server network for free


7. BetternetReliable Free VPN for Users

betternet-banner

Key Features:

  • 1 server location only
  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • 500 MB of free data per day
  • AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
  • Help tab available for guides

Betternet is one of the most anonymous free VPN services that requires no registration. It offers 500 MB/day of data which is not enough to stream HD content or download large torrent files. With this much data, you can only stream for about 1-2 hours.

Betternet Key Metrics

Metric Our Thoughts Rating
App design The app design is definitely not the best and could use improvement 2/5
Privacy and security Offers AES 256-bit security and OpenVPN, so not bad 4/5
Ease of use Apps are not the best to look and feel slightly out of date. 3/5
Performance The connection speeds are quite average 3/5
Unblocking The unblocking capability for nearly all websites is quite poor. 2/5
Support No live customer support on free version 1/5

Betternet’s server network, though not as extensive as some of its competitors, is robust and strategically located. With a single available location on the free account (the US), you can’t access geo-restricted websites of other regions or countries. Moreover, it does not work with popular American streaming sites as well, such as Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, etc.

betternet-not-working-with-hulu

Betternet did not work with Hulu due to traffic overload on its only US server.

When it comes to speeds, Betternet was quite average. In our speed test of Betternet, the VPN delivered a download speed of 42.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 30.15 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

betternet-speed-test

Betternet’s speeds turned out to be quite slow.

But if we talk about security features, Betternet offers split tunneling so you can enjoy your actual IP and a VPN-enabled connection together. It also offers IPSec and OpenVPN protocol with both AES 256-bit encryption and AES 128-bit AES-CBC encryption.

Betternet is a safe VPN and keeps your IP address secure through its DNS leak protection feature and offers a Catapult Hydra, just like Hotspot Shield, for faster connections. However, please note that it lacks an Internet Kill Switch feature, which is quite a common feature in VPNs nowadays.

Betternet also keeps some logs. Its headquarters are located in Canada, which is not ideal for online security and privacy as it is a member of the 14 Eyes alliance. Moreover, it also displays quite a bit of advertisement, which we found quite annoying.

It is pretty decent in performance across popular operating systems such as macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. But with its free subscription, you can only connect to a single device at any given moment, which is very annoying.

For users who find the free version meets their requirements, Betternet provides a reliable solution without the need for a subscription. However, for those looking for more advanced features, Betternet offers premium plans at competitive prices of $7.00/month. These plans provide additional benefits, such as higher speeds and access to more servers, making it a good value proposition for those considering an upgrade from the basic, free version.

Also, on its free version, you cannot access customer support either. While Betternet Reddit reviews present a mixed picture, it is still a viable free VPN.

You can learn more about this service in our Betternet review.

Pros
  • 500 MB of data each day
  • AES 256-bit encryption

Cons
  • Keeps logs
  • Doesn’t unblock Netflix, Hulu, etc.
  • Offers 1 server only
  • No kill switch feature


Side-by-Side Comparison of the Best Free VPN in 2024

Here is our detailed comparison chart highlighting the performance metrics and reliability of the selected top free VPNs in 2024:

VPNs ProtonVPN Windscribe PrivadoVPN Hotspot Shield Hide.Me AtlasVPN Betternet
Ranking 1 2 4 3 5 6 7
Review Summary fast, reliable, safe, unlimited free data fast, safe with 10GB free data and 10 locations Excellent speeds and great unblocking ability average VPN but easy to use many features but slow at times fast connections with good security Aside from offering good security, very forgettable
Overall free rating 4.5/5 4/5 3.7/5 3/5 3/5 2.9/5 2/5
Data Usage Limit Unlimited 10GB/month 10GB/month 500MB/day 10GB/month 2GB/day on mobile but 10GB/month on desktop 500MB/day
Local Download Speed 65.12 Mbps 65.21 Mbps 86.5 Mbps 45.63 Mbps 57.16 Mbps 59.17 Mbps 42.12 Mbps
Logging Policy Does not log user activity Does not log user activity Does not log user activity Does not log user activity Does not log user activity Does not log user activity Logs some user activity
Torrenting No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire Stick, Kodi, etc. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, iOS, Android Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Testing Methodology: How We Tested the Best Free VPN Services in 2024

We jotted the best free VPNs above after analyzing each one of them thoroughly based on their features, privacy policy, speed test, and customer support. After testing, we bring you the top 7 free VPNs in 2024 that were selected on the following performance criteria:

Privacy & Logging Policy:

When choosing a free VPN, it’s essential to consider the privacy and logging policy it follows. A trustworthy VPN should prioritize user privacy by refraining from tracking or storing any personally identifiable information, such as real IP addresses or browsing habits. The credibility of this policy can be further reinforced through expert audits or real events, like server seizures or court cases. Additionally, opting for a VPN company registered in a privacy-focused country with no data retention laws ensures an extra layer of protection. The combination of a secure jurisdiction and a verified no-logs policy offers peace of mind for users seeking maximum privacy and anonymity online.

Speed:

The free VPN service should offer reasonably fast and consistent speeds across its servers, ensuring smooth connections to both nearby and faraway locations. With a reasonably-sized server network, users can enjoy acceptable speeds regardless of their location, as the servers are spread across a diverse range of countries worldwide. This ensures a seamless browsing experience and efficient performance for users connecting from various regions.

Security & Technical Features:

Under this category, when considering ‘safe free VPNs’, the VPN service should demonstrate robust security measures. This includes strong encryption utilizing the AES-256 cipher and the adoption of secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. A vital feature, especially for safe free VPNs, is the VPN kill switch, which ensures your IP address remains concealed in case of unexpected connection interruptions.

Moreover, users of these safe free VPNs can rest assured of no IP or DNS leaks across all applications, providing an additional layer of protection to safeguard sensitive information and maintain online anonymity.

Streaming:

Many of the VPNs discussed in this guide, including Windscribe, are compatible with popular streaming sites such as YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, and others. This leads to a common query among users: ‘is there a free VPN that can also offer this level of compatibility?’ While these VPNs, including some free options, can provide access to various streaming platforms, it’s essential to manage expectations.

Ease of Use:

A user-friendly VPN service should be compatible with various devices and operating systems, offering straightforward installation and usage. Native applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices should be available, and connecting to a VPN server should be quick and effortless. While some top-tier VPNs provide additional features like apps for Fire TV, Linux interface, and .apk installation files for Android, most free VPNs lack these advanced options.

Server Locations:

We assess each VPN’s server network, considering the total number of servers, their global distribution, and specialized options like P2P, streaming, or Tor-optimized servers. The best free vpn downloads offer larger networks,  faster speeds and better unblocking capabilities. Free VPNs usually have limited server options, but some offer 10 or more global locations.

Torrenting:

Torrenting safely and anonymously requires a reliable VPN. Our assessment begins by examining each VPN’s P2P file sharing policy, as some may restrict torrenting for free users. We verify the presence of P2P-optimized servers, AES-256 encryption, and the functionality of the VPN kill switch.

To ensure your true torrent IP address remains secure within the torrent swarm, we conduct IP and DNS leak tests. Additionally, we conduct a series of P2P performance tests, specifically recording the VPN’s average torrenting bitrate. It’s important to note that a VPN’s streaming speed doesn’t necessarily guarantee fast P2P file-sharing speeds.

Bypassing Censorship:

Overcoming internet blocks in high-censorship countries poses a significant challenge for VPNs, regardless of their price. Not all VPNs have the capability to navigate strict web filters effectively. Developing robust obfuscation technology and tools requires a considerable level of dedication and investment.

To accurately assess a VPN’s performance in highly-censored regions, we conduct tests by renting a remote-access server in China. This enables us to replicate the experience of an internet user in China attempting to bypass internet blocks. We install a VPN on the server and regularly check its ability to unblock popular websites known to be blocked, such as YouTube, Instagram, or Wikipedia.

Customer Support:

The quality of a VPN service’s customer support can significantly impact the overall experience. Those with 24/7 live chat support and comprehensive online guides tend to excel in serving their users.

While many free VPNs may not offer 24/7 live chat due to financial constraints, we consider email support and helpful online troubleshooting guides and FAQs as essential minimums for a free VPN.


Free VPNs Without Data Limits

When you’re looking for a free VPN, opting for one that offers unlimited data usage can significantly enhance your overall experience and prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Proton VPN and Hide.me stand out as the top free VPN services offering unlimited data. If you consider a premium service, ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee is the best free VPN download worth trying.

The best free VPNs with unlimited data are distinguished by Proton VPN’s user-friendly interface and hide.me’s access to most features on the paid plan. Additionally, ExpressVPN boasts excellent speed and security along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

These are top-tier services known for their unlimited data offerings. With these VPNs, you don’t have to worry about hitting a data cap.

This feature is particularly crucial if you’re an avid video streamer or someone who frequently downloads large files. With unlimited data usage, you can stream, download, and browse as much as you want without the concern of hitting a data cap. For heavy internet users, this unlimited access is a game-changer, allowing for an unrestricted online experience.

However, the speeds of these free VPNs can be slow as they offer very limited free server locations. Even though no data limit may be extremely attractive, traffic overload on these servers would slow down your speeds and ruin your experience.

A major disadvantage of data limits is that they keep you from enjoying a complete movie and TV show, as you might hit the monthly limit in a few hours. So, even if speed isn’t the problem, your experience is very short-lived.


Free VPNs Without Speed Caps

When looking for a free VPN service, it’s essential to choose one that doesn’t throttle your internet speeds. This is especially important if you’re into activities that demand high-speed internet, like streaming, gaming, or even just general browsing.

ProtonVPN is a free VPN without speed caps that provides unrestricted access to VPN servers in the United States, Netherlands, and Japan. Their free plan adheres to a strict no-logs policy, abiding by Swiss data privacy laws. Moreover, Proton VPN doesn’t impose any bandwidth, duration, or speed limits on its free users.

Since most free VPNs use data limits, they don’t require speed caps. This way, the speeds of these VPNs are great. A few free VPNs do not set speed caps because their speeds are already slow due to traffic overload. However, the best free VPN downloads like Windscribe offer a decent number of servers, thereby delivering reliable speeds.


Free VPN Apps for Your Devices

When you’re choosing a free VPN, it’s crucial to consider its availability and compatibility across different devices. This ensures that the VPN you select aligns well with your specific hardware and operating systems, making for a hassle-free user experience.

Most free VPNs offer apps for various devices and operating systems. The best free VPN downloads work on your computer, smartphone, laptop, tablet, and even Smart TV. Some VPNs also offer configuration files for systems like Linux, where you have to manually configure the VPN as there are no apps.

Best Free VPN for Mobile

VPNs on smartphones are becoming widely popular because they not only help secure devices but also allow users to safely access public Wi-Fi during traveling and more. With the best free VPN for iPhone and Android devices, you can have peace of mind while using unsecured Wi-Fi.

However, not all free VPNs have apps for Android and iOS devices, and most contain trackers. But, the free VPNs mentioned above offer dedicated apps for iOS and Android smartphones available both on App Stores and their official websites.

Best Free VPN for PC and Mac Users

Most free VPNs offer dedicated apps for Windows and Mac devices. If you are using a Windows PC or MacBook, there are three ways to use a VPN:

  • Download a dedicated Free VPN for PC app on your system.
  • Manually configure the VPN on Windows and Mac devices.
  • Use a VPN through browser extensions.

Some VPNs don’t offer apps and are only available as browser extensions. While such best PC VPNs are great for browsing, they only encrypt internet traffic running through your browser. Therefore, anything you do outside remains unencrypted.

We suggest using the best VPN for Windows PC and Mac that offers dedicated apps for your systems. You can either download the app from the App Store or the official website of the provider.

Best Free VPN for Tablets (iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, & more)

Apart from smartphones, VPNs also have apps for tablets running on iOS and Android software. It is just as easy to install a VPN on your tablet as on your phone. Most people use a VPN on their tablet to access restricted content like Netflix, HBO, and more.

As with smartphones, all free VPNs mentioned above have iOS and Android apps for different brands of tablets that you can easily download from App Stores.


How to Install a Free VPN in 2024

Follow the steps below to get the best free VPN download and installation:

  1. Choose a free VPN service. Our top recommendation is Windscribe.
  2. Install the VPN from the provider’s official website.
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server location of your choice.
  4. Browse the internet freely! 
If you don’t wish to deal with limited server locations, you can go with ExpressVPN free trial which offers 3000+ servers in 105 countries.

FAQs – Best Free VPN Services

Now that you know which free VPNs you can use securely, let’s check out some frequently asked questions regarding the best free VPN services.

The best free reliable VPNs of 2024 are:

  1. Hotspot Shield – Decent free VPN with Unlimited Data.
  2. PrivadoVPN – The Best Free VPN available.
  3. Atlas VPN – Best Free VPN for Privacy.
  4. Betternet – Reliable free VPN.
  5. Windscribe VPN – Best Free VPN for Security.

Yes, there is a completely free VPN called Proton VPN. It provides unlimited and safe browsing without any data caps, making it a 100% free VPN option. You also get some reliable security features and servers in 3 countries with this VPN.

However, please note that you won’t be able to unblock any geo-restricted streaming service or download torrent files.

You can get a premium VPN for free by signing up for a week-long ExpressVPN free trial on your mobile device. Many top providers offer risk-free trials, allowing you to test their services without any cost. Our guide to the best VPN free trials will help you find the perfect option for your needs. ExpressVPN, our top recommendation, is the best VPN with a money-back guarantee that offers a 30-day trial period.

While you do have to pay upfront for these trials, you can claim a full refund online hassle-free if you decide it’s not the right fit for you.

Yes, you can watch Netflix with a free VPN like ProtonVPN. It is one of the few 100% free VPNs that is compatible with Netflix. However, we advise against using it for regular streaming or general purposes.

While it is better than many other free VPNs, it still may not provide the best overall experience. Use free VPNs that consistently works With Netflix: Privado, Windscribe and Hotspot shield.

So, We suggest you opt for ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee and enjoy accessing 11+ Netflix libraries with unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds free for 30 days straight!

Yes, free VPNs can technically bypass geographic restrictions. However, due to their limited server networks, your options for bypassing restrictions are significantly restricted. That being said, most free VPNs cannot unblock popular streaming services like Netflix and others.

The limitations of free VPNs include restricted bandwidth, slower speeds, and fewer server locations. Some free VPNs may also log your activity and sell your data to third parties, posing a risk to your privacy and security.

A free VPN might not be a good choice if you prioritize speed, security, and unlimited bandwidth. Despite their cost-effectiveness, free VPNs often impose limitations on speed, data usage, server access, and device connections, making them less suitable for unblocking streaming sites.

Windscribe is the best free VPN for torrenting. This is one of the only VPNs supporting P2P connections and offering optimized servers for it.

Windscribe is the fastest free VPN service as it offers 10 server locations to choose from. This way, the possibility of server overload is low, and you get reliable speeds on the connection.

Yes, using a free VPN with Tor is a good way to enhance your security. The VPN adds an extra layer of protection in case the Tor network faces any compromise and conceals your use of Tor.

This prevents nodes from potentially exposing your data and reconstructing your browsing history. While a VPN is not necessary to use Tor, it significantly improves your privacy by encrypting your entire traffic and hiding it from your ISP.

It is safer to use Tor with a VPN, but not all free VPNs offer specific Tor features in their services. This is why it’s highly recommended to get a premium VPN like ExpressVPN for Tor.

Yes, some free VPNs can work in China to access restricted content and apps on various devices like Android, iPhone, and Windows. However, not all VPNs are compatible, so you’ll need to find a reliable free VPN that specifically works in China and supports multiple devices for the best experience.

This is why we highly recommend the best VPN for China, like ExpressVPN, for staying secure and unblocking Netflix easily.


Wrapping Up!

We have discussed the 7 best free VPN services in 2024, with Windscribe taking the lead as it offers 10 GB/month bandwidth, works with Netflix, and is compatible with major platforms.

However, all of the totally free VPNs we’ve discussed in this blog lack some features or the other. Most of them have bandwidth limitations, display loads of ads, or sell your data to third parties.

So, if the risks associated with the free VPNs are too much for you to tolerate, you can always go for a premium option like ExpressVPN which also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the VPN risk-free for a whole month.

We hope you liked our best free VPN 2024 guide. Cheers!