The Best Free VPNs for 2026

Free VPNs offer basic protections, but even the best ones pale in comparison to paid VPN services . Free VPNs can protect your privacy, but there are notable risks, as some have been known to collect user data . Don't worry; you don't have to dig through all the fine print to find the best no-cost VPN. We have conducted extensive research to bring you this list of the best free VPNs that don’t compromise your data or security. Proton is our top choice for free and paid VPNs, so you really can't go wrong with it. Still, it isn't your only option. Read on for all of our top picks, followed by what to look for when choosing a free VPN.

Best Overall

Proton VPN

Score: 5.0

Pros & Cons

• + Best free plan we've seen

• + Industry-leading privacy standards

• + Global server network

• + Slick, accessible client

• + Numerous additional privacy tools

• + Ample customer support options

• - Best free plan we've seen

• - Industry-leading privacy standards

• - Global server network

• - Slick, accessible client

• - Numerous additional privacy tools

• - Ample customer support options

Why We Picked It

ProtonVPN is our top choice for premium and free VPNs. Its free service is the best on the market, with no bandwidth limit and a generous selection of five regional servers. Proton’s entire suite of tools, including ProtonMail and ProtonPass, can be used for free. We appreciate Proton’s stance that price should never be a hurdle to privacy.  Features and capabilities:  The free version of Proton provides access to servers in five countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the United States. You get just a single simultaneous connection, but Proton doesn’t restrict the amount of data you can use on the free plan. Upgrading will unlock a wide range of features, including split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and the entire server list.  Privacy and security: Proton’s robust privacy standards are consistent across both the premium and free versions of the app. The company takes privacy seriously, with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability that is rare in the VPN space. All apps are open-source, so you never have to question if there’s a hidden vulnerability that could compromise your data. Annual audits and frequent transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year. Speed and performance:  Your experience with the free version of Proton will vary depending on how close you are to one of the five free servers. You’ll likely experience some user congestion. Additionally, Proton’s premium servers place the service in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency.  Streaming: The free version has its limits when it comes to streaming. We were unable to unblock Netflix using any of the free servers in testing. However, Proton’s premium servers worked flawlessly, granting us access to every regional catalog we tested.  User experience and ease of use: All of Proton’s apps are streamlined and easy to use, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s easy to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks. Newbies : Proton is an excellent entry into privacy tools. The VPN is easy to set up, and Proton's detailed support articles make troubleshooting any issues straightforward. Proton's alternative security tools, such as ProtonMail and ProtonPass, are equally well-designed and make great additions to any privacy toolkit. Privacy-conscious users : Proton’s unwavering commitment to transparency and privacy makes it one of the best options for users who prioritize protecting their online privacy. With open-source apps and regular audits, you can keep track of exactly how the company responds to threats to user data.

Who It's For

Specs & Configurations

Blocks Ads : True Simultaneous VPN Connections : 10 500+ Servers : True Server Locations : 129 countries Geographically Diverse Servers : True Free Version : True Free Version Data Limit : Unlimited Free Version Server Limit : US, Netherlands, Japan Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit : 1 Can Manually Select Server In Free Version : True Are All Features Available In Free Version? : False Free Connection Speeds Limited : No No Ads In Free Version? : Yes Public Third-Party Audit : True Supported Protocols on Android : WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS : WireGuard, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS : WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

Best for Free Location Spoofing

TunnelBear VPN

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Unlimited simultaneous connections

• + Excellent privacy policy

• + Annual independent audits

• + Friendly, approachable design

• - Unlimited simultaneous connections

• - Excellent privacy policy

• - Annual independent audits

• - Friendly, approachable design

Why We Picked It

With its playful interface and deadpan bears, it's easy to dismiss TunnelBear VPN as all show and no substance. But it would be a mistake, as TunnelBear has strong privacy policies that are backed by a string of annual third-party audits. The free version of TunnelBear VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, but it imposes a 2GB per-month data limit on free subscribers. Features and capabilities:  TunnelBear’s free version lets you try out all the app's features. You aren’t limited to a slim selection of servers or barred from using advanced features or protocols. However, you are limited to 2GB of data per month. It may be enough for occasional browsing, but you will soon run out if you plan to stream or download videos.  Privacy and security: TunnelBear’s privacy policy is thoughtfully designed and easy to read. It isn’t full of unnecessary jargon or vague statements. Every point is illustrated with a real-world example of how TunnelBear handles that specific instance, inquiry, or data point. TunnelBear has undergone seven separate independent audits that have verified the company’s stalwart stance on privacy. Regularly updated transparency reports reinforce this point, revealing that the service has never disclosed user information in response to an inquiry or lawful order.  Speed and performance: TunnelBear performed below average in our most recent speed tests. It decreased our download speeds by 83% and our upload speeds by 72%. Latency also increased significantly by 109%. Keep in mind that speed tests are variable, so we don’t recommend selecting a VPN solely based on them.  Streaming: Using TunnelBear for streaming was reliable and fast in testing. It unblocked Netflix in all tested regions without fail. TunnelBear has servers in 47 countries, which is a relatively average number. While it may not have the most comprehensive server network, it services the most popular countries that offer regional streaming catalogs.  User experience and ease of use: One of TunnelBear’s standout features is its intuitive, fun design. The fun, brightly colored interface is easy to use, with bears at every turn. It’s not too cluttered. It’s not too sparse. This interface is just right. A map makes it easy to tell where you’re connecting to, and you’ll get a cute animation of a bear tunneling to the region that you choose to connect to. Advanced features and additional configuration options are just a couple of clicks away.  Newbies: TunnelBear tops our list as the most beginner-friendly VPN app. It has a fun theme, easy-to-use features, and a clutter-free interface. You can try it out for free without entering any payment information or personal details.  Design fans : TunnelBear is one of the few services out there that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its design philosophy is a breath of fresh air compared with the many dark-themed VPN apps on the market. It’s fun and whimsical, yet a seriously good VPN. 

Who It's For

Specs & Configurations

Blocks Ads : True Simultaneous VPN Connections : Unlimited 500+ Servers : True Server Locations : 45 Countries Geographically Diverse Servers : True Free Version : True Free Version Data Limit : 2GB per month Free Version Server Limit : All Servers Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit : Unlimited Can Manually Select Server In Free Version : True Are All Features Available In Free Version? : True Free Connection Speeds Limited : No No Ads In Free Version? : Yes Public Third-Party Audit : True Supported Protocols on Android : OpenVPN Supported Protocols on macOS : WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS : WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

Best for Free (Almost) Unlimited Browsing

PrivadoVPN

Score: 3.5

Pros & Cons

• + Very affordable

• + Generous free subscription

• + 10 simultaneous connections

• + Split tunneling

• - Very affordable

• - Generous free subscription

• - 10 simultaneous connections

• - Split tunneling

Why We Picked It

Aside from Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN is as close as you can get to an unlimited free VPN experience. Although PrivadoVPN limits free users to 10GB of data per month, it won't cut off your connection once you exhaust that limit. Instead, your speeds will be throttled until the data usage clock resets. Other restrictions include access to only 13 servers and a limit of one connection at a time. The company has not released a third-party audit, which is not ideal. Features and capabilities: The free tier is where Privado really shines. Otherwise, it provides an average experience compared with other premium options. 10GB per month goes a bit further than competing services like TunnelBear, but it's still not as generous as Proton’s unlimited data. After you reach the 10GB threshold, your speeds will slow to approximately 1Mbps until the data cap is reset. So, you’ll never be completely without a VPN connection. If you upgrade to the full version, then you can expect some premium features such as a kill switch and split tunneling.  Privacy and security: It’s challenging to determine exactly how secure Privado is, as it hasn’t undergone any third-party audits. The service has a simple but clear privacy policy that states it does not retain any user logs. However, the complete lack of audits, a transparency report, and a warrant canary results in very limited transparency compared with most of its competitors. While the data allowance is generous, you’re putting your data more at risk compared with VPNs that disclose more information regarding their privacy practices.  Speed and performance: Privado performed average across all speed metrics we tested. It reduced download speeds by 58.6%, upload speeds by 71.6%, and latency by 83%. Free servers will likely be slower due to increased user congestion.  Streaming: As with any free service, reliable Netflix access will be difficult, if not impossible, due to server blacklisting. Privado is scheduled for a full set of tests to further assess its ability to unblock regional Netflix catalogs. Our previous test focused only on US Netflix access, which Privado provided on its paid plan.  User experience and ease of use: Privado’s apps are basic and easy enough to use. There aren’t any standout features that put it ahead of the pack, but there are also no glaring issues. A large lock icon clearly indicates whether you are connected, and a full server list is available on the home screen. The app's advanced features are clearly labeled and tucked away in the settings menu.  Proxy fans: Privado's premium VPN plan includes access to a configurable SOCKS5 proxy, enabling lightweight location spoofing without impacting your performance. European users : Privado has a high concentration of servers across Europe, making it a solid choice for anyone in the region looking for a no-frills VPN. It may lack advanced features, but it remains a competent service if you simply want an encrypted connection without all the extras.

Who It's For

Specs & Configurations

Blocks Ads : True Simultaneous VPN Connections : 10 500+ Servers : False Server Locations : 46 Countries Geographically Diverse Servers : False Free Version : True Free Version Data Limit : 10GB Per Month Free Version Server Limit : 12 Servers Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit : 1 Can Manually Select Server In Free Version : True Are All Features Available In Free Version? : True Free Connection Speeds Limited : Yes, After Data is Exhausted No Ads In Free Version? : Yes Public Third-Party Audit : False Supported Protocols on Android : WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS : IKEv2, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS : IKEv2, OpenVPN

Best for Free US-Based Browsing

Hotspot Shield VPN

Score: 3.0

Pros & Cons

• + Numerous server locations

• + Slick, approachable client

• + Open Netflix access in all tested regions

• + Hefty services bundle

• - Numerous server locations

• - Slick, approachable client

• - Open Netflix access in all tested regions

• - Hefty services bundle

Why We Picked It

Hotspot Shield VPN's free subscription is different from the others on this list. It offers unlimited data and bandwidth, but only if you're willing to support it with ads. It’s a bit counterintuitive since VPNs are meant to protect you from advertisers, so you’re certainly giving up privacy for access to a VPN network.  Features and capabilities: Unrestricted data is a major plus for any free VPN; just make sure you’re comfortable with the plan's ad-supported nature. Servers are limited to four (five if you include automatic selection) for free users and are available in Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, and the UK. You’ll also be limited to a single device connection. Most advanced features are available on the free plan, such as Tor over VPN and Hotspot’s proprietary Hydra protocol. The main drawback is that you’ll be limited to just a handful of servers.  Privacy and security: Hotspot’s free plan is a mixed bag due to ads. Additionally, the premium service has only undergone a single audit in 2023. The company no longer publishes its AnchorFree privacy report either. Given the service's jurisdiction in the United States, this lack of transparency is worrying. While simply being based in the US isn’t cause for concern, not providing audits or reports to users is questionable.  Speed and performance: Hotspot Shield performed below average across all speed metrics we tested. It reduced download speeds by 74.89%, upload speeds by 76.33%, and latency increased by 94.10%. Those tests were conducted using premium servers nearest to our testing location in New York. Speeds on free servers will be much more variable. Your experience will assuredly differ depending on your base internet speed and proximity to the nearest server.  Streaming: Hotspot Shield had no issues accessing regional Netflix catalogs in the US, Canada, UK, Japan, and Australia in testing. It provided a reliable streaming experience with no blocks or limited catalogs. Its global server presence in over 80 countries makes it a solid choice for users whose main use for a VPN is streaming. User experience and ease of use: Hotspot’s apps are sleek and easy to use across platforms. Both the mobile and desktop interfaces feature stylish designs with clearly labeled features, making navigation a breeze. The app has a modern feel and is designed similarly to NordVPN with a dark theme and blue accents. The dashboard contains a lot of information, which may be overwhelming for users new to VPNs. That said, the large map makes it easy to tell where you’re connected at all times.  Netflix fans : Hotspot Shield reliably unblocked Netflix in our tests. With an extensive global server network, it’s easy to get connected and stream your favorite show without issues.  Frequent travelers: Hotspot Shield's extensive server network also makes it an excellent choice. Users can enjoy access to over 1,800 servers spread across 80 countries.

Who It's For

Specs & Configurations

Blocks Ads : False Simultaneous VPN Connections : 5 500+ Servers : True Server Locations : 80 Countries Geographically Diverse Servers : True Free Version : True Free Version Data Limit : 500MB Per Day Free Version Server Limit : Only US Servers Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit : 1 Can Manually Select Server In Free Version : False Are All Features Available In Free Version? : True Free Connection Speeds Limited : Yes, 2Mbps No Ads In Free Version? : Ads For Free Android Users Only Public Third-Party Audit : False Supported Protocols on macOS : Hydra Supported Protocols on iOS : Hydra, IKEv2/IPSec

None

Windscribe VPN

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Industry-leading company transparency and communication

• + Large number of payment options

• + Best free plan of any VPN we've tested

• + Anonymous signup allowed

• + Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices

• + Helpful AI support bot

• - Industry-leading company transparency and communication

• - Large number of payment options

• - Best free plan of any VPN we've tested

• - Anonymous signup allowed

• - Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices

• - Helpful AI support bot

Why We Picked It

Windscribe VPN offers its full-featured client to anyone who wants to use the service, with only the small caveat of a bandwidth limit of up to 10GB with an email address at signup or 2GB if you choose to remain anonymous without an email account. This is one of the most generous deals in the VPN industry right now, and a must-have for anyone who prioritizes their online privacy above all else. Features and capabilities: 10GB is a generous limit for a free plan, especially since you get access to Windscribe’s entire network. The only information you need to provide to gain access is your email address; however, you can download and use Windscribe without an email address if you don’t mind the lower 2GB data allowance. Upgrading will remove the data cap and allow unlimited simultaneous device connections. It’s affordable to upgrade when you’re ready, with configurable plans starting at $3 per month.  Privacy and security: Windscribe’s often flippant marketing and brand identity may lead one to believe it doesn’t take security seriously. That is not the case. Windscribe is one of the leading VPNs for privacy, transparency, and user data protection. It doesn’t keep logs. You can pay anonymously and sign up without disclosing your personal information. Beyond airtight privacy measures, the VPN has undergone multiple audits by PacketLabs and has faced real-world challenges that have validated its privacy claims.  Speed and performance: A VPN will almost always impact your base internet speeds to some extent. We found that Windscribe had a minimal impact, resulting in a 10.66% decrease in download speeds, a 13.20% decrease in upload speeds, and a 67.01% increase in latency. These results place it among the fastest VPNs that we have tested.  Streaming: Windscribe provided open access to Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia in testing. We didn’t encounter any issues when testing, and all streams were smooth with no noticeable buffering or stuttering. Windscribe has a vast network of physical servers, covering 69 countries and 134 cities worldwide.  User experience and ease of use: Desktop users receive a compact, streamlined window with all key features easily accessible. The mobile app is just as good, featuring a clean design that clearly indicates when you’re connected to the VPN’s network. All apps feature a comprehensive server list and advanced features, accessible through a handy drop-down menu. Both free users and premium users have access to the full application and all of its features.  Transparency seekers: Windscribe is the clear choice if you want a service that doesn’t compromise on privacy and security. Monthly transparency reports keep you informed about every inquiry the VPN has received.  Configuration enthusiasts: Not only is the base subscription affordable at just $9 per month, but you can also configure plans with select locations for as low as $3 per month. You won’t see that level of configuration offered anywhere else. As one of our highest-rated VPNs, you’re getting an excellent service at a price that undercuts the vast majority of the competition.

Who It's For

Specs & Configurations

Blocks Ads : True Simultaneous VPN Connections : Unlimited 500+ Servers : True Server Locations : 69 Countries Geographically Diverse Servers : True Free Version : True Free Version Data Limit : 10GB Per Month

Best for Multiple Server Locations

Hide.me VPN

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Ten simultaneous connections

• + Reliable Netflix access

• + Privacy-first policies

• + Affordable

• + Full-featured free plan

• - Ten simultaneous connections

• - Reliable Netflix access

• - Privacy-first policies

• - Affordable

• - Full-featured free plan

Why We Picked It

Hide.me does not require your payment details when creating a free account, and the service has undergone a third-party audit. That said, there are some restrictions, including limited server access and simultaneous device limitations. You'll also be barred from advanced features, such as split tunneling, port forwarding, and the service's proxy. Features and capabilities: Hide.me’s free version gives you access to seven server locations (Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the US), a single device connection, and no bandwidth cap. However, you will experience slower speeds and won’t be able to access torrenting servers. It’s a solid free plan, although it falls behind competing options with fewer restrictions, such as Proton VPN.  Privacy and security:  Hide.me’s privacy policy is detailed and comprehensive. The VPN doesn’t keep any identifying data and has had its policy independently verified multiple times by Securitum. It provides an annual transparency report that goes over every request the service has received, none of which have resulted in the handover of user data. The same standards protect both free and premium users.  Speed and performance: The free version of Hide.me may be slower than our tests of the premium service indicate, due to server congestion and distance from the nearest connection point. On the full version, we experienced excellent performance with a 5.93% decrease in download speeds, a 22.72% decrease in upload speeds, and a 92.11% increase in latency. Note that any speed test is merely a snapshot of performance at a specific moment and location. Your experience will likely vary depending on several factors, including your baseline internet speed, local server congestion, and proximity to the nearest VPN server.  Streaming: With 2,600 servers spread across 57 countries, Hide.me provides ample global coverage for streaming. We tested if the VPN could reliably access Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It passed with flying colors, granting unrestricted access to every regional catalog.  User experience and ease of use: The app's experience is somewhat overwhelming. You get a cluttered dashboard with a lot of useful tools, but it’s simply a lot to take in. Beginner users may find it especially challenging to determine which tools are essential and which ones can be overlooked. The mobile interface is significantly cleaner, featuring a simplified dashboard.  Solo travelers: Hide.me's free plan is ideal for solo travelers, as it covers just a single device. Having access to seven server locations gives you more freedom when traveling or spoofing your location. Mobile users: Hide.me’s mobile apps are a step ahead of its desktop versions. The simple, clean interface makes it a good option for those on the go who don’t want to deal with numerous toggles and configurations to get connected.

Who It's For

Specs & Configurations

Blocks Ads : True Simultaneous VPN Connections : 10 500+ Servers : True Server Locations : 89 Geographically Diverse Servers : True Free Version : True Free Version Data Limit : 10GB Per Month Free Version Server Limit : Five Locations Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit : 1 Can Manually Select Server In Free Version : True Are All Features Available In Free Version? : False Free Connection Speeds Limited : No No Ads In Free Version? : Yes Public Third-Party Audit : True

Is There a 100% Free VPN?

Yes, but all free VPNs will come with restrictions compared with their full-priced counterparts. The services that claim to offer completely free, unrestricted versions are often unscrupulous . Running a VPN requires a financial investment, so it should raise a red flag when a company offers a product for free. The reality is that these lesser-known free services often log and sell users' data when they connect to the network. Spyware, malware, and other forms of malicious software are sometimes packaged with freeware.

It’s better to try a trusted service’s free version or trial. The most common iterations I've seen are three-, five-, or seven-day free trials, after which a subscription automatically kicks in or your access becomes restricted. However, some VPNs offer a free entry-level tier that doesn’t require a premium subscription.

We have cataloged the completely free VPN apps and tested them to see which offer the most premium experience without a price tag. These aren’t the only free services out there, but they are the best we have reviewed so far.

That said, every VPN listed does put some restrictions on its free version. Some services limit the bandwidth you can use in a given period. Some keep the number of simultaneous connections low, generally limiting them to one. Some restrict you to certain servers, meaning you can't jump to a different server to try and increase performance or easily spoof your location —more on this below.

Paying for a VPN subscription typically unlocks all these features and often adds additional sweeteners unavailable at the free level. You gain access to the entire server network, unlock advanced features and settings, remove bandwidth restrictions, and connect to the service with multiple devices.

Do Free VPNs Work With Netflix?

Rarely. VPNs can bypass oppressive censorship by tunneling out to a VPN server beyond the control of despots. This practice is called location spoofing. That same feature can also be used to access streaming content unavailable in your country. Overseas, Netflix subscribers have access to shows and films that are not available in the US, as Netflix has specific deals to distribute this content in different regions.

Connecting to a specific region will allow you to access that country’s content catalog on any streaming service or site. Spoofing works on a wide variety of services, including MLB, BBC, NHK, and even social media sites. The looming TikTok ban in the US and mounting age verification initiatives have prompted people to seek VPNs in nearby countries to circumvent the ban. There are numerous other examples, and many of them—especially Netflix—try to block VPN use to enforce those regional streaming deals.

Paid VPNs have become adept at accessing regional content. Thanks to vast server networks, these services can ensure access to Netflix. It’s not feasible for a streaming service to blocklist or block every single IP address, especially since a VPN can change configurations on the fly and replace the compromised address.

With a free VPN, you’re often restricted to a handful of servers. It’s easier for a streaming company to block those, so you’ll often find that you can’t use a free VPN to reliably access regional content. Even if you manage to get access, you may find your bandwidth too limited to stream content without stutters and frequent buffering. The connection will also likely be unreliable. Access may be granted temporarily, only to be blocked again the next time you try to connect. One option to circumvent a Netflix blockade is to purchase a static IP address, which typically requires a paid subscription in addition to the cost of the static IP address.

In short, watching a streaming service like Netflix with a VPN is challenging, and doing it with a free VPN is even more difficult.

Are Free VPNs Safe?

The services we have tested are safe, but free VPNs have some historical baggage since not all providers have always been the best actors. Some VPNs may have unseemly, if not outright malicious, practices. It's best to be careful when searching for a free VPN , as there are often malicious services amongst them. Some free VPNs have also been subject to scrutiny after mishandling user data . Figuring out who is and is not on the level is especially difficult with VPNs, as much of their operation isn't visible to the outside world.

When reviewing VPNs, we examine each service's privacy policy. This is a good way to find out what information the service collects , if any. Ideally, a company should state that it does not collect any logs of user activity. We highly recommend reading the privacy policy and terms of service for every VPN, particularly free ones, before making a commitment. Also, be mindful of any permissions a free VPN asks for on mobile. You shouldn't continue with a service if it asks for access to your call history, messages, or geolocation.

These documents can sometimes be challenging to read, perhaps intentionally so. As part of our testing process , we send questionnaires to each VPN to put companies on record about specific privacy issues. We rely on companies to act in good faith when we ask them questions and for third-party researchers to investigate those that don't.

The best free VPNs have undergone extensive third-party audits to prove their trustworthiness. Having an audit isn't a guarantee that a company is doing good work, since they often set the audit's parameters. A meaningful audit is a good sign, though. TunnelBear VPN, for instance, has committed to releasing third-party audits annually and has fulfilled that promise.

Are Free VPNs Any Good?

Yes, if you can accept the limitations. Regardless of which free VPN you choose, it likely won't be as streamlined or easy to use as the premium version. For one, you'll likely experience performance issues. Servers can be too crowded to provide reasonable speeds, the VPN provider may not allow free users to access servers in your location, or the data limit may be too low for the service to be usable. Free VPNs also lack the security features we expect from the best VPNs. You won't find advanced features like multi-hop connections, and you likely won’t have access to the full breadth of security protocols.

If you understand the caveats, then there are some free VPNs worth trying. Proton VPN is notable as the only VPN we have yet reviewed that does not place a limit on user bandwidth. It's a good long-term choice, as it has continuously expanded its free service. One of the most recent updates expanded the free user server country list to include eight countries, though keep in mind that each one is randomly assigned to you when you connect. You'll need to upgrade to choose your exact server.

Another excellent option is TunnelBear VPN, which limits free users to just 2GB per month but allows them to access all its servers and connect an unlimited number of devices. Windscribe VPN is a strong choice for free plans because it offers all the same features as the regular client, except for a 10GB per month data limit if you sign up with an email address, or 2GB without one.

Importantly, all three of these services have released the results of third-party audits. Audits show that a company is publicly staking its money and reputation. For all VPN products we reviewed, we spoke with their representatives and found their privacy policies to be at least acceptable upon examination.

What Is the Best Free VPN?

Every free VPN service has some catch, though Proton VPN gives you the most flexibility. There is considerable variation among free VPN services, so it's a good idea to try a few and see which one you prefer. A great VPN service should be easy to use and understand, and shouldn't present too many barriers, even when using a free subscription.

However, VPNs alone won't protect you against every danger prowling the web. We also strongly recommend using a password manager to create unique and complex passwords for each site and service you use, enabling multi-factor authentication wherever it's available, and using antivirus software . Not all these options have free versions, but you can mix and match to find the most affordable combination.

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