The internet is a vast expanse that offers unlimited opportunities to everyone, but it also poses potential risks. Privacy breaches, cyber attacks, and monitoring by government and other entities are common issues that threaten our online security. To stay protected, people use virtual private networks or VPNs, which encrypt all the internet traffic and allow them to browse the web anonymously. However, finding a reliable and free VPN can be difficult, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve compiled the 10 best free VPNs that offer excellent security, privacy, and usability.
Greetings from the VPN World
Welcome to our ultimate guide for the best free VPNs available in today’s market. Our goal is to provide you with accurate and unbiased information that will help you to select the most appropriate VPN that meets your specific requirements. We understand that privacy and security are the most critical factors while choosing a VPN, but other aspects, such as speed, server locations, bandwidth, and ease of use, are also important. Therefore, we’ve analyzed and evaluated various free VPNs based on these parameters and listed the top 10 VPNs that excel in all aspects.
10 Best Free VPNs
Here is the list of the top 10 free VPNs that offer superior features and uncompromising security:
VPN Provider |
Server Locations |
Bandwidth |
Speed |
User Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ProtonVPN |
3 |
Unlimited |
Fast |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Windscribe |
10+ |
10GB/Month |
Average |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
TunnelBear |
20+ |
500MB/Month |
Slow |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Hide.me |
5 |
2GB/Month |
Fast |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Hotspot Shield |
1 |
500MB/Day |
Fast |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Opera VPN |
3 |
Unlimited |
Slow |
⭐⭐ |
Speedify |
30+ |
5GB/Month |
Fast |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Betternet |
10+ |
500MB/Day |
Slow |
⭐⭐ |
Atlas VPN |
3 |
500MB/Day |
Fast |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Thunder VPN |
8 |
Unlimited |
Average |
⭐⭐ |
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service that offers excellent privacy and security features. It uses AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN/IKEv2 protocols, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure the highest level of anonymity. The free plan allows users to access servers in 3 countries, and it offers unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds. ProtonVPN also has a user-friendly interface and a 24/7 customer support system. However, the free version has limited features and slower servers than the paid ones.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a Canadian VPN provider that offers both free and paid plans. The free plan allows users to access servers in 10+ countries and provides 10 GB of data per month. Windscribe uses AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN/IKEv2 protocols, and has a no-logs policy to ensure privacy and security. It also has a built-in ad blocker and a firewall feature that adds an extra layer of protection. However, the connection speed can be slow, and some servers may not work correctly.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a VPN provider based in Canada that offers a free plan with 500 MB of data per month. It has an intuitive user interface and uses AES-256 encryption and OpenVPN/IKEv2 protocols to ensure privacy and security. TunnelBear has servers in 20+ countries and provides a reliable connection. However, the connection speed can be slow, and the free version lacks some advanced features such as split tunneling and ad blocking.
Hide.me
Hide.me is a VPN provider based in Malaysia that offers a free plan with 2 GB of data per month. It uses AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN/IKEv2 protocols, and has a no-logs policy to ensure privacy and security. Hide.me has servers in 5 countries, and it provides fast speeds and reliable connections. It also has a user-friendly interface and a 24/7 customer support system. However, the free version has limited features, and the data limit can be quickly consumed.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a US-based VPN provider that offers a free plan with 500 MB of data per day. It uses AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN/IKEv2 protocols, and has a no-logs policy to ensure privacy and security. Hotspot Shield has servers in 1 country, and it provides fast speeds and reliable connections. The free version also has an ad-supported model that displays ads while browsing. However, the data limit is low, and the free version lacks some advanced features such as split tunneling and ad blocking.
Opera VPN
Opera VPN is a browser extension that offers a free VPN service to its users. It uses AES-256 encryption, and it has servers in 3 countries. Opera VPN also provides a built-in ad blocker and a tracker blocker that enhance online privacy. However, the connection speed can be slow, and it lacks advanced features such as split tunneling and kill switch. Opera VPN also collects some user data, which can be a potential privacy concern.
Speedify
Speedify is a US-based VPN provider that offers a free plan with 5 GB of data per month. It uses ChaCha-256 encryption, and it has servers in 30+ countries. Speedify provides fast speeds and reliable connections by combining multiple internet connections such as Wi-Fi, cellular, and ethernet. It also has a user-friendly interface and an ad blocker feature. However, the free version has a limited data cap, and the advanced features are only available in the paid version.
Betternet
Betternet is a US-based VPN provider that offers a free plan with 500 MB of data per day. It uses AES-256 encryption, and it has servers in 10+ countries. Betternet provides a reliable connection and fast speeds. It also has a user-friendly interface and a 24/7 customer support system. However, the free version has limited features, and the data limit is low. Betternet also displays ads while browsing, which can be annoying.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a US-based VPN provider that offers a free plan with 500 MB of data per day. It uses AES-256 encryption, and it has servers in 3 countries. Atlas VPN provides fast speeds and reliable connections. It also has a user-friendly interface and a strict no-logs policy. However, the free version lacks some advanced features and has a low data limit. Atlas VPN also displays ads while browsing.
Thunder VPN
Thunder VPN is a VPN provider that offers a free plan with unlimited data. It uses AES-256 encryption, and it has servers in 8 countries. Thunder VPN provides fast speeds and reliable connections. It also has a user-friendly interface and doesn’t log any user data. However, the connection speed can be slow, and the free version lacks advanced features such as split tunneling and ad blocking.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Free VPNs
Free VPNs may seem like an excellent option for those who can’t afford to pay for a premium VPN. However, they have their advantages and disadvantages that one should consider before using them. Here are some of the pros and cons of using free VPNs:
Advantages
1. Cost-effective: Free VPNs are cost-effective as they don’t require any subscription or payment.
2. Anonymity: Free VPNs offer anonymity by encrypting internet traffic and hiding the user’s IP address.
3. User-friendly: Most free VPNs have a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
4. Access blocked content: Free VPNs can access blocked websites and services that are banned in certain regions.
5. Experimentation: Free VPNs can be used to test a VPN service before committing to a paid plan.
Disadvantages
1. Limited features: Free VPNs lack many advanced features that are available in premium VPNs.
2. Slow speeds: Free VPNs have slower connection speeds than premium VPNs, resulting in buffering and lag.
3. Data caps: Free VPNs have a limited amount of data that can be consumed, which can be quickly used up.
4. Security risks: Free VPNs may pose security risks as some of them may collect user data or contain malware.
5. Advertisements: Free VPNs may display advertisements while browsing, which can be intrusive and annoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I trust free VPNs?
A: Not all free VPNs are trustworthy. It’s essential to do thorough research about the VPN provider before using it. Choose a VPN that has a strong reputation, no-logs policy, and secure encryption protocols.
Q2: Can I use a free VPN for streaming?
A: Free VPNs are not suitable for streaming as they have slower connection speeds and limited bandwidth. However, some VPNs on our list offer fast speeds and unlimited data that can be used for streaming.
Q3: Is a free VPN better than no VPN?
A: Yes, using a free VPN is better than not using a VPN at all. It offers some degree of protection and anonymity. However, free VPNs have limited features and may pose security risks.
Q4: Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?
A: Free VPNs are not suitable for torrenting as they may expose your IP address and bandwidth usage. Moreover, free VPNs have data caps that can be quickly consumed while torrenting.
Q5: Can I use a free VPN on multiple devices?
A: It depends on the VPN provider. Some free VPNs allow multi-device connections, while others restrict it to a single device. Check the VPN provider’s terms and conditions before using it on multiple devices.
Q6: Can I use a free VPN for online gambling?
A: Free VPNs are not suitable for online gambling as they may have slower connection speeds and may not offer reliable connections. However, some VPNs on our list offer fast speeds and reliable connections that can be used for online gambling.
Q7: Is it legal to use a free VPN?
A: Yes, it’s legal to use a free VPN in most countries. However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities is not legal, and it may result in criminal charges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a VPN is crucial to protect our online privacy and security. While premium VPNs offer more comprehensive features and benefits, free VPNs can be a good alternative for those who can’t afford them. The 10 VPNs listed above are the best free VPNs that offer superior security, speed, and usability. However, before using any free VPN, it’s essential to do thorough research and choose the one that suits your needs. Don’t compromise on your online safety; use a VPN today!
Closing
We hope that our article has been informative and helpful in selecting the best free VPN for your online activities. Remember to use a VPN responsibly and avoid engaging in illegal activities. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Stay safe and protected!