Top Best Free VPN Services in 2024

Virtual Private Network (VPN) services are essential for enhancing online privacy, but not all free VPNs provide the security they promise. Often, free VPNs are supported by their premium subscribers or by monetizing user data, which fundamentally contradicts the purpose of a privacy-focused service.

Nevertheless, there are still trustworthy companies that offer free VPNs without compromising your privacy. However, it’s important to remember that these free services come with certain restrictions. You might experience limited server options, slower speeds, or restricted access to advanced features. These constraints make free VPNs less suitable for data-intensive tasks like streaming or torrenting.

The Best Free VPN Services of 2024: Expert-Tested

What is the best free VPN right now?

After thorough testing, we recommend ProtonVPN as the best free VPN available. This service, from the creators of ProtonMail, offers a free version funded by premium subscribers. It’s limited in terms of device connections and available services but remains a top-tier option for secure online activity.

Pros and Cons of the Best Free VPNs in 2024

ProtonVPN

• Pros: No ads, no logs, completely free, supports multiple platforms.
• Cons: Supports only one device connection, limited server options, not suitable for streaming.

ProtonVPN allows connections to servers in five countries, an upgrade from its previous offerings. It provides medium speed compared to its full capability of 10Gbps. ProtonVPN is ideal for users who prioritize privacy over performance, as it is developed by a team known for their commitment to security.

For those considering a full upgrade, ProtonVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its paid plans, which include up to 10 simultaneous connections and servers in over 90 countries.

Additional Free VPN Options in 2024

Windscribe

• Pros: Customizable plans, extensive server network, suitable for streaming, supports WireGuard.
• Cons: Has a data limit.

Windscribe stands out for its generous server access and lack of connection limits. Users can access the same network available to paid subscribers, making it one of the better free options for speed and accessibility.

Hotspot Shield

• Pros: Fast, strong encryption, supports multiple platforms.
• Cons: Ad-supported, daily data caps, no around-the-clock support.

Despite its speed, Hotspot Shield’s free version is hampered by a daily data cap of 500MB, which limits its usefulness for continuous or heavy internet use. It’s only viable for quick, casual online tasks due to these restrictions.

Hide.me

• Pros: High Trustpilot rating, 10GB data cap, no logs.
• Cons: Restricted features, simplistic user interface.

Hide.me offers a straightforward interface that’s easy for beginners to navigate, providing 10GB of data per month. However, its free version is limited in server selection and streaming capabilities.

These free VPNs are viable for basic internet use, but they come with significant limitations compared to paid services. If your needs extend beyond casual browsing or if you require reliable streaming capabilities, a paid Virtual Network is a more suitable choice. Each of these services offers a basic introduction to what VPNs can offer, with the option to upgrade for more comprehensive features and fewer restrictions.

TunnelBear

If you’re on the hunt for a free Virtual Network that facilitates access to a variety of streaming platforms, TunnelBear is a notable option. With servers spread across 47 countries, primarily in the United States and Europe, TunnelBear has demonstrated reliable performance in our tests, allowing access to many streaming services without significant loss in speed. However, it’s important to note the 2GB monthly data limit, though you can use this VPN on multiple devices.

Expert Analysis of TunnelBear Free VPN

• Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
• Logging: None
• Customer Service: Online form, online FAQ
• Data Limit: 2GB per month
• Countries: 47

Comparison of Top Free VPNs

ProtonVPN, Windscribe VPN, Hotspot Shield VPN, Hide.me, and TunnelBear each offer unique benefits depending on what you need from a VPN:

• ProtonVPN is ideal for those seeking a secure, top-tier free Virtual Network service. It offers servers in 5 countries and is known for its strong focus on security.
• Windscribe VPN provides a broad server network with a monthly data allowance of 2GB, making it suitable for users needing more geographic flexibility.
• Hotspot Shield VPN is recognized for its fast speeds, making it suitable for quick, casual online tasks.
• Hide.me offers an easy-to-use interface and 10GB of monthly data, great for those new to Virtual Networks.
• TunnelBear stands out for its streaming capabilities, though it also comes with a monthly data cap of 2GB.

Choosing the Right Free VPN Service

Each free VPN service caters to different needs. Here’s a brief guide to help you choose:

• For uncompromised data security, ProtonVPN‘s free service is superior.
• Windscribe VPN is excellent for users requiring a vast network without needing more than 2GB of data.
• Hotspot Shield VPN is optimal for fast, occasional usage.
• Hide.me is beneficial for beginners looking to learn the basics of VPNs.
• TunnelBear is great for accessing streaming services, although limited by a data cap.

Considerations When Choosing a Free VPN

When opting for a free VPN over a paid service, consider these factors:

• Transparency: Be wary of the terms of service, as some free VPNs might compromise your data or subject you to ads.
• Connection Limits: Most free VPNs restrict the number of simultaneous connections.
• Usage: Determine the primary use of the VPN—whether for casual browsing, streaming, or gaming—as this will influence your choice.
• Speed and Data Caps: Assess whether the VPN imposes any speed or data limitations.
• Reputation: Always choose a VPN from a reputable provider to ensure your data remains secure.

Our VPN Testing Methodology

Our selections for the best free VPNs are based on in-depth testing and reviews. Factors we consider include:

• Performance: We evaluate each VPN’s performance to ensure it maintains a reliable connection without significant speed drops.
• Security Features: We verify that each VPN upholds strong security protocols and offers features like a kill switch.
• Customer Support: While typically limited for free services, we assess the quality of customer support provided.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a free VPN can meet basic needs and offer a glimpse of what paid services provide, they come with limitations. Those requiring extensive use, especially for tasks like streaming, might find these free services restrictive. If your needs extend beyond casual internet use, considering a paid VPN might prove more beneficial.

FAQs

1. What is a VPN?
   A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and changes your IP address to enhance privacy and security online. It helps protect your data from hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi networks, and can bypass geographical restrictions and censorship.
2. Are free VPNs safe to use?
   While some free VPNs are safe, many may compromise your security. Free VPNs often have fewer security features and could potentially log your data or expose you to ads. It’s important to choose a free VPN from a reputable provider and understand their privacy policy before using the service.
3. Can I stream movies and TV shows with a free VPN?
   Yes, some free VPNs like TunnelBear can allow you to stream, but they often have data limits that make streaming challenging. For regular streaming, a paid VPN with unlimited bandwidth might be more suitable.
4. Do free VPNs have data limits?
   Many free VPNs impose data limits to encourage users to upgrade to paid plans. These limits vary by provider but can range from 500MB per day to 10GB per month.
5. Why do free VPNs have fewer server options?
   Free VPNs typically offer fewer servers to manage costs. This limitation can lead to overcrowded servers, slower speeds, and less flexibility in bypassing geo-restrictions compared to paid VPNs.
6. How do free VPN providers make money?
   Free VPN providers often make money through ads, selling anonymized user data, or offering premium plans. It’s essential to read the service’s privacy policy to understand how your data is handled.
7. Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
   Free VPNs are generally not recommended for torrenting due to slow speeds, data limits, and lack of support for P2P protocols. Some might not allow torrenting on their servers. If torrenting is a priority, consider a paid VPN that supports P2P connections and offers better security features.