Introduction
Greetings to all our readers, and welcome to our 2016 Best Free VPN article. With the rise of cybercrime and data breaches, it has become essential to safeguard your online presence. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a great way to protect your privacy and security while browsing the web. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best free VPN services.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best free VPN services available in 2016. We have also highlighted the pros and cons of each VPN software, along with a detailed explanation of how they work. So, if you are looking to protect your online privacy and security without spending a dime, this article is for you. Let’s dive in!
2016 Best Free VPN Services
Here’s a list of the top free VPN services available in 2016:
VPN Service |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
VirtualShield |
– Unlimited data – Fast speed – User-friendly interface |
– Limited server locations – No live chat support |
Windscribe |
– Generous free plan – Strong encryption protocols – No-logs policy |
– Limited server locations – Slow speed on free plan |
ProtonVPN |
– No data cap – Strong encryption protocols – User-friendly interface |
– Limited server locations – Slow speed on free plan |
TunnelBear |
– Easy to use – No-logs policy – Generous free plan |
– Limited server locations – Slow speed on free plan |
VirtualShield
VirtualShield is a free VPN service that offers unlimited data usage for its users. It has a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners. The software also has a fast speed that ensures smooth browsing. However, VirtualShield has limited server locations, and there is no live chat support available.
Nonetheless, VirtualShield is an excellent choice for those who want to protect their privacy without spending a dime.
Windscribe
Windscribe is another popular free VPN service among users. It has a generous free plan that offers up to 10GB of data per month. Windscribe also has strong encryption protocols and a no-logs policy, ensuring your online privacy and security. However, the free plan has limited server locations, and the speed can be slow.
Regardless, Windscribe is a great option for those who want a reliable VPN service without breaking the bank.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a free VPN service that boasts a no data cap policy. It also has strong encryption protocols and a user-friendly interface. However, ProtonVPN has limited server locations, and the speed can be slow on the free plan.
Nevertheless, ProtonVPN is a good choice for those who prioritize privacy and security over speed.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN service that is easy to set up and use. It has a no-logs policy and a generous free plan that offers 500MB of data per month. However, like other free VPN services, TunnelBear has limited server locations, and the speed can be slow.
Despite its limitations, TunnelBear is an excellent choice for those who want a VPN service that is easy to use and offers a decent free plan.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Free VPN Services
While free VPN services are a great way to protect your privacy and security while browsing the web, they also have their pros and cons. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using a free VPN:
Advantages
1. No Cost: As the name suggests, free VPN services come at no cost. This is a great advantage for those who want to protect their online privacy and security without spending a dime.
2. Easy to Use: Most free VPN services are user-friendly and easy to use. They often have a simple interface that can be set up quickly, even by beginners.
3. No-Logs Policy: Many free VPN services have a no-logs policy that ensures your online activity is not tracked or monitored. This means that your internet service provider (ISP) or other third parties cannot see what you are doing online.
Disadvantages
1. Limited Features: Free VPN services often have limited server locations, speed, and data usage. This means that you may experience slow browsing speeds or cannot access certain websites.
2. Security Risks: While free VPN services are designed to protect your online privacy and security, they can also pose a security risk. Some free VPN services may sell your data to third-party advertisers, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
3. No Customer Support: Unlike paid VPN services, most free VPN services do not offer customer support. If you encounter any issues while using the software, you may not get the help you need to fix the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are free VPN services safe?
While free VPN services are designed to protect your online privacy and security, some may pose a security risk. Some free VPNs may sell your data to third-party advertisers, or they may not have robust encryption protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to attacks. It’s essential to do your research before choosing a free VPN service.
2. How do I choose the right free VPN service?
Before choosing a free VPN service, you should consider factors such as server locations, speed, and data usage. You should also research the VPN company’s background, privacy policy, and encryption protocols to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy.
3. How do free VPN services make money?
While free VPN services are free for users, they still need to make money to cover their expenses. Some free VPNs make money by displaying ads to their users, while others may sell user data to third-party advertisers.
4. Can free VPN services unblock Netflix?
Some free VPN services can unblock Netflix, while others cannot. If you want to use a free VPN service to unblock Netflix, you should research which VPNs work with Netflix and choose a reliable one.
5. How do free VPN services differ from paid VPN services?
Free VPN services often have limited features, such as server locations, speed, and data usage. They also may lack customer support and may pose a security risk. Paid VPN services, on the other hand, offer more robust features and are generally more reliable and secure.
6. Can I use a free VPN service on my mobile device?
Yes, most free VPN services offer mobile apps that are compatible with iOS and Android devices. Before downloading a free VPN app, you should research its compatibility and reliability to ensure it meets your needs.
7. Should I use a free VPN service or a paid one?
The answer to this question depends on your needs and budget. If you want a VPN service that offers more features, better customer support, and stronger encryption protocols, you may want to opt for a paid VPN. However, if you are on a tight budget and need to protect your online privacy and security, a free VPN service may be a good choice.
Conclusion
Overall, free VPN services are a great way to protect your online privacy and security without spending any money. However, they do have their limitations and may pose a security risk. When choosing a free VPN service, it’s essential to do your research and choose a reliable and trustworthy provider.
We hope our list of the best free VPN services of 2016 and our in-depth guide on their advantages and disadvantages have been helpful. Go ahead and try out the VPNs on our list, and don’t forget to share your feedback with us.
Closing
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The author and publisher of this article do not promote the use of illegal or unethical online activities. It is the responsibility of the reader to use the information provided in this article for legal and ethical purposes only.