Are you worried about your online privacy and security, but don’t want to pay for a VPN service? We’ve compiled a list of the best free VPNs that are reliable, secure, and won’t cost you a penny. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi, accessing restricted content, or just want to keep your browsing history private, these top free VPNs have got you covered.
What is a VPN and How Does it Work?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an online service that allows you to connect to the internet securely and privately. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server. This makes your online activities anonymous and your IP address untraceable, giving you complete privacy and anonymity while browsing the web.
Here’s how a VPN works:
- You connect to the internet through your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
- You launch the VPN software and connect to a remote VPN server.
- Your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN server.
- The VPN server decrypts your traffic and sends it to the internet.
- Your online activities are anonymous and your IP address is hidden from websites and online services.
The Top Free VPNs of 2021
Here are the top free VPNs that offer reliable and secure services:
VPN Service |
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
ProtonVPN |
High-speed servers, no data limits, strong encryption, no logs policy |
Reliable, user-friendly, no ads, no hidden fees |
Limited server locations, free service is slower than paid plans |
TunnelBear |
User-friendly, fast speeds, no data limits, strong encryption, no logs policy |
Adorable design, easy to use, offers a free Chrome extension, reliable |
Limited server locations, free plan offers only 500MB per month |
Windscribe |
No data limits, strong encryption, ad and tracker blocker, no logs policy |
Easy to use, reliable, offers a free Chrome extension, fast speeds |
Limited server locations, free plan offers only 10GB per month |
Hide.me |
No logs policy, strong encryption, fast speeds, free plan offers 10GB per month |
Reliable, user-friendly, offers a free Chrome extension, no ads |
Limited server locations, free plan offers only 10GB per month |
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service that offers a free plan with no data limits or ads. It has high-speed servers and strong encryption to ensure your online activities are secure and anonymous. ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy, so your browsing history is not tracked or recorded.
Pros:
- Reliable and fast servers
- No data limits or ads
- Strong encryption and no-logs policy
- User-friendly and easy to use
- No hidden fees or charges
- Offers a free Chrome extension
- Allows P2P file sharing on free plan
Cons:
- Limited server locations on free plan
- Free plan is slower than paid plans
- May not work in countries with strict internet censorship
- No live chat support on free plan
- May need to wait in a queue to connect to servers
- Unblocks only a limited number of streaming services
- Does not offer free trials for paid plans
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a Canadian-based VPN service that offers a free plan with no data limits or ads. It has a user-friendly interface and fast speeds for a smooth browsing experience. TunnelBear has strong encryption and a no-logs policy to protect your online privacy.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with adorable design
- No data limits or ads
- Strong encryption and no-logs policy
- Offers a free Chrome extension
- Reliable and fast speeds
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- Allows P2P file sharing on free plan
Cons:
- Limited server locations on free plan
- Free plan offers only 500MB per month
- May not work in countries with strict internet censorship
- May experience connection issues with some servers
- No live chat support on free plan
- Does not support split tunneling
- Does not offer free trials for paid plans
Windscribe
Windscribe is a Canadian-based VPN service that offers a free plan with no data limits and a strong ad and tracker blocker. It has fast speeds and strong encryption to ensure your online privacy and security. Windscribe has a no-logs policy to protect your browsing history.
Pros:
- No data limits and strong ad and tracker blocker
- Fast speeds and strong encryption
- Reliable and easy to use
- Offers a free Chrome extension
- Allows P2P file sharing on free plan
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- No-logs policy to protect your online privacy
Cons:
- Limited server locations on free plan
- Free plan offers only 10GB per month
- May not work in countries with strict internet censorship
- No live chat support on free plan
- May experience connection issues with some servers
- Does not support split tunneling
- Does not offer free trials for paid plans
Hide.me
Hide.me is a Malaysian-based VPN service that offers a free plan with strong encryption and fast speeds. It has a no-logs policy and no ads to protect your online privacy. Hide.me offers a Chrome extension and allows P2P file sharing on its free plan.
Pros:
- No logs policy and no ads
- Fast speeds and strong encryption
- Reliable and easy to use
- Offers a free Chrome extension
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- Allows P2P file sharing on free plan
- Free plan offers 10GB per month
Cons:
- Limited server locations on free plan
- Free plan offers only 10GB per month
- May not work in countries with strict internet censorship
- No live chat support on free plan
- May experience connection issues with some servers
- Does not support split tunneling
- Does not offer free trials for paid plans
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Free VPN
While using a free VPN may seem like a no-brainer, there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Advantages
1. No Cost: The most obvious advantage of using a free VPN is that it doesn’t cost you anything. You can get the benefits of anonymous and secure browsing without having to pay for a VPN service.
2. Easy to Use: Most free VPNs have a user-friendly interface and are easy to set up and use. You don’t need any technical knowledge to get started with a free VPN.
3. No Commitment: Since you’re not paying for a VPN service, you’re not tied to a long-term commitment. You can try out different free VPNs until you find one that meets your needs.
Disadvantages
1. Limited Features: Free VPNs often have limited features compared to paid services. You may not get access to all server locations, or you may have data caps or slower speeds.
2. Security Risks: Some free VPNs may not be secure or trustworthy. They may sell your data to third-party advertisers or have weak encryption that can be easily hacked.
3. Limited Customer Support: Free VPNs usually have limited customer support, if any at all. You may have to rely on online forums or FAQs to troubleshoot any issues you encounter.
FAQs About Top Free VPNs
1. Can I use a free VPN for Netflix?
Yes, some free VPNs can unblock Netflix, but not all of them. We recommend checking each VPN’s website to see which streaming services they support.
2. Are free VPNs safe?
Not all free VPNs are safe. Some may collect your data and sell it to third-party advertisers, while others may have weak encryption that can be easily hacked. We recommend using a reputable free VPN like the ones on our list.
3. Can free VPNs be used for torrenting?
Yes, some free VPNs allow P2P file sharing, but not all of them. We recommend checking each VPN’s website to see if they allow torrenting.
4. Can I use a free VPN on my phone?
Yes, most free VPNs have apps for both Android and iOS devices.
5. Can I use a free VPN for gaming?
We do not recommend using a free VPN for gaming as they may have slower speeds and latency issues that can affect your gameplay.
6. Can I upgrade to a paid plan on a free VPN?
Yes, most free VPNs offer paid plans with more features and server locations. You can upgrade to a paid plan if you want to access more features or faster speeds.
7. Can I use a VPN to bypass geoblocks?
Yes, a VPN can help you bypass geoblocks and access content that is restricted in your region.
8. How do I choose the best free VPN?
You should look for a free VPN that has strong encryption, no data limits or ads, and a no-logs policy. It should also have a user-friendly interface and fast speeds. We recommend checking out our list of the top free VPNs.
9. Do free VPNs slow down my internet speed?
Some free VPNs may slow down your internet speed due to server congestion or data limits. We recommend testing each VPN’s speed before choosing one.
10. Can free VPNs be used for business purposes?
We do not recommend using a free VPN for business purposes as they may not have the security features and reliability needed for business use.
11. Are free VPNs legal?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, some countries like China and Russia have banned the use of VPNs.
12. Can I use a free VPN on multiple devices?
Most free VPNs allow you to use their service on multiple devices, but some may have a limit on the number of devices you can connect at once. We recommend checking each VPN’s website for their device policy.
13. Do free VPNs have data caps?
Some free VPNs have data caps, while others offer unlimited data. We recommend checking each VPN’s website to see if they have a data cap.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a free VPN to secure your online activities and protect your privacy, these top free VPNs are a great place to start. While there are some disadvantages to using a free VPN, the benefits of anonymous and secure browsing without paying a cent make them worth considering. We recommend trying out different free VPNs until you find one that meets your needs.
Remember to choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN with strong encryption, no data limits or ads, and a no-logs policy. Stay safe online with a free VPN that won’t compromise your online privacy and security.
Closing Disclaimer
While the information in this article is intended to be accurate and reliable, it is provided for informational purposes only. The author and publisher do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to, medical, legal, or financial advice. The reader should consult his or her own professional advisor for such advice.