Are you tired of restrictions on surfing the Internet? Are you looking for a way to protect your privacy and security online?
Do you want to access content blocked in your country?
If your answer is yes, then free VPNs may be the perfect solution for you. Free VPNs offer many benefits, such as hiding your identity online, encrypting your data, bypassing censorship, and accessing blocked content. But, are all free VPNs created equal?
Of course not! In this guide, we will review the 8 best free VPNs of 2024, which were carefully selected based on strict criteria, such as security, speed, ease of use, and consumption capacity. We'll also show you how VPNs work, what factors you should consider when choosing a free VPN, and what potential risks you should be aware of.
Plus, we'll give you some tips on how to use VPNs safely and effectively. Whether you are looking for a free VPN program for computers running Windows, or for your smartphones running Android or iOS, or a VPN that works as a VPN add-on for the browser, in this guide you will find the right option for you.
How do VPN programs work?
Simply put, VPN software acts as a secure intermediary between your device and the Internet. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity or determine your location. When you connect to a VPN, a secure “tunnel” is created between your device and a remote VPN server.
All your data is routed through this encrypted tunnel, protecting it from prying eyes and hackers. With a VPN, you can: Hide your identity online: It hides your real IP address and replaces it with the server IP address, making it difficult for others to track your online activity.
Protect your data: It encrypts your data, making it unreadable to anyone who tries to intercept it.
Access blocked content:
You can bypass geo-restrictions and access websites and apps that may be blocked in your country. Protect yourself on public Wi-Fi networks: Provides an extra layer of security when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, as it encrypts your data and prevents others from accessing it.
In short, a VPN acts as a protective shield for your online privacy and security, allowing you to surf the Internet freely and securely. Disadvantages of using a free VPN: Is it safe? Although free VPNs may seem tempting, they come with a set of drawbacks and risks that you should be aware of before using them.
Here are the most prominent disadvantages: Less security and privacy: Free VPNs may not provide the same level of security and privacy as paid services. Some of them may use weaker encryption protocols, and may not have strict data protection policies, which sometimes puts your data at risk.
Limited speeds and low capacity: Free VPNs are often slower than paid services, and may impose capacity limitations, limiting your ability to browse the Internet or watch videos smoothly. You can use internet speed testing tools to check if the service is suitable.
Annoying ads and data collection: Some free VPNs may display annoying ads while you're using the Internet, and may collect your personal data and sell it to third parties.
Limited number of servers and locations:
Free VPNs may have a limited number of servers and locations, which may affect connection speed and quality. Limitations on the number of devices: Some free VPNs may impose restrictions on the number of devices that can be used at the same time.
Should you use a free VPN? If you're looking for basic privacy protection on public Wi-Fi networks or accessing some blocked websites, a free VPN may be an acceptable option. However, if you are looking for maximum security and privacy, or if you need fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, it is better to invest in a paid VPN.
The best free VPN programs: In the following paragraphs, we review a group of free VPN programs that the editorial team tested. We also show you in the following table a comparison between the free services and what they offer you. VPN Software Free Data Number of Servers Number of Sites Proton VPN Unlimited 3 3 Hotspot Shield 500 MB/day 1 (Free) 1 (Free) Total VPN 2 GB/month 1 (Free) 1 (Free) TunnelBear 500 MB/month 27 49 Windscribe VPN 10 GB/month 10 11 Hide.me 10 GB/month 5 5 Atlas VPN Unlimited Limited 3 3 PrivadoVPN 10 GB/month 12 12 1.
Proton VPN Proton VPN stands out as a solid choice in the world of free VPNs, offering advanced security and privacy features without any restrictions on consumption capacity or speed. If you're looking for a free VPN that puts your privacy first, Proton VPN might be the perfect choice for you.
Proton VPN features: Although the program is...
The VPN is free, but there are no annoying ads. It does not use logs, meaning it does not retain users' sensitive information while using the web. It does not record or track their activities.
Unlimited use and free forever. There are no speed restrictions. That is, it will not slow down your web activity while browsing or doing any activity on the Internet.
Cons of Proton VPN Limited number of servers and locations: The free version of Proton VPN provides access to only three server locations (Japan, US, Netherlands), which may limit your options in choosing the optimal location to connect.
Only one device:
The free version only allows connection to one device at a time, which can be inconvenient for users with multiple devices. Doesn't support WireGuard protocol: Although it supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, it does not support the newer, faster WireGuard protocol.
Links to download Proton VPN for all available devices Download Proton VPN for Android: Click here Download Proton VPN for iPhone and iPad: Click here Download Proton VPN for Windows: Click here Download Proton VPN for Mac: Click here Download Proton VPN for Chrome: Click here Download Proton VPN for Firefox: Click here Download Proton VPN for Linux: Click here If you are looking for a free VPN that offers unlimited data, high speeds, and respects your privacy, Proton VPN is definitely worth a try. However, if you need to access servers in more locations or use a VPN on multiple devices, you may want to consider upgrading to the paid version or looking for other alternatives2.
Hotspot Shield Hotspot Shield is a virtual private network (VPN) service provided by AnchorFree. This service provides users with a secure and private way to connect to the Internet by creating an encrypted tunnel between their device and the VPN server. Hotspot Shield offers a generous free VPN experience thanks to its fast speeds and large daily data capacity.
If you're looking for a free VPN that lets you surf the internet and watch videos quickly and easily, Hotspot Shield might be a good choice. Generous data: Gives you 500MB of data per day to 10GB per month, which is generous compared to many other free VPNs.
High Speeds: Provides high connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps, ensuring a smooth browsing experience and uninterrupted HD video watching.
Extensive server network:
Hotspot Shield features over 800 VPN servers worldwide, providing multiple connection options and improved speed. Ease of Use: Hotspot Shield has a simple and easy-to-use user interface, making it suitable for beginners.
Disadvantages: One server in the free version: The free version of Hotspot Shield is limited to only one server in the US, which may limit your options in choosing the optimal location for connection. Only one device:
The free version only allows connection to one device at a time, which can be inconvenient for users with multiple devices. Speed slowdown on some servers: You may experience some speed slowdown when using some virtual servers in the paid versions, especially in locations like India.
Links to download Hotspotshield for all available devices Download Hotspotshield for Android: Click here Download Hotspotshield VPN for iPhone and iPad: Click here Download Hotspotshield for Windows and Mac: Click here Is Hotspot Shield suitable for you? If you're looking for a free VPN that offers plenty of data and fast speeds, Hotspot Shield is definitely worth a try.
However, if you need to access servers in more locations or use a VPN on multiple devices, you may want to consider upgrading to the paid version or looking for other alternatives. 3. Total VPN Total VPN is an attractive option for users looking for a free VPN that offers a good monthly data amount, as well as an easy-to-use interface.
However, you should be aware of some limitations that come with the free version. Features: Generous data: Total VPN offers up to 2GB of data per month in its free plan, which is enough for many basic online activities, like browsing the web, checking email, and using social media.
Ease of Use: Total VPN features a simple and intuitive user interface, making it easy to set up and use even for beginners. Good security:
Total VPN uses strong encryption to protect your data, and offers additional features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Disadvantages: Only one server in the free plan: The free version is limited to only one server, which may affect connection speed and quality, especially if the server is far from your geographical location.
Ads: The free version of Total VPN may display ads, which may be annoying for some users. Limited speeds:
You may experience some speed slowdown, especially when using the free plan or when connecting to remote servers. Limited Customer Support: Customer support may not be available 24/7 on the free plan.
Links to download Total VPN for all available devices Download Total VPN for Android: Click here Download Total VPN for iPhone and iPad: Click here Download Total VPN for Windows and Mac: Click here (requires account registration) Is Total VPN suitable for you?
If you're looking for a free VPN that offers a good amount of monthly data and is easy to use, Total VPN is worth a try. However, if you need access to servers in different locations, faster speeds, or better customer support, you may want to consider upgrading to the paid version or looking for other alternatives. 4.
TunnelBear TunnelBear is an attractive option for VPN beginners, thanks to its simple and fun interface featuring a friendly bear character. TunnelBear provides basic protection for your online privacy, but comes with limits on consumption capacity and some advanced features. Features: Ease of use:
TunnelBear has a very simple and intuitive user interface, even beginners can easily use it without any complications. Attractive Design: The fun and innovative app design makes your VPN experience more enjoyable.
Servers in 5 Countries: TunnelBear offers servers in 5 different countries (US, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Sweden), giving you some flexibility in choosing your server location. Good security:
TunnelBear uses strong encryption to protect your data, and offers security features like a kill switch. Disadvantages: Limited data: The free version of TunnelBear only provides 500MB of data per month, which is a very limited amount and may not be enough for most users.
Does not support advanced VPN protocols: The free version does not support advanced VPN protocols such as WireGuard, which may affect connection speed and quality. There is no option to split tunnels:
The free version doesn't let you select which apps use a VPN, which means all your apps will use a VPN even if they don't need to. No free trial: Unlike some other VPNs, TunnelBear does not offer a free trial for the paid version.
Links to download TunnelBear VPN for all available devices Download TunnelBear for Android: Click here Download TunnelBear for iPhone and iPad: Click here Download TunnelBear for Windows and Mac: Click here Download TunnelBear for Chrome: Click here Download TunnelBear for Firefox: Click here Download TunnelBear for Edge: Click here 5. Windscribe VPN Windscribe VPN is an excellent option for users looking for a free VPN that offers advanced security features Good monthly data capacity with VPN map
Reliable. However, beginners may find its user interface a bit complicated. Features: Generous data:
Windscribe VPN offers 10GB of data per month in its free plan, which is enough for many online activities, such as browsing the web and watching videos in standard definition. Servers in multiple countries: Windscribe VPN provides servers in over 69 countries and 110 cities, giving you broad options for connecting and bypassing geo-restrictions.
Advanced Security Features: Windscribe VPN offers a range of advanced security features, such as ad blocker, malware blocking, and DNS leak protection, providing you with an extra layer of online protection. Support multiple protocols:
Windscribe VPN supports a variety of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Disadvantages: Complex user interface: Beginners may find Windscribe VPN's user interface a bit complicated, and they may need some time to get used to it.
Limited customer support: Windscribe VPN does not offer live customer support on the free plan, and you may have to rely on the knowledge base or forums for help. Variable speeds:
Although Windscribe VPN offers good speeds overall, speed may vary based on server location and traffic. Links to download Windscribe VPN for all available devices Download Windscribe for Android and Android TV: Click here Download Windscribe for iPhone and iPad: Click here Download Windscribe for Windows, Mac and Linux: Click here Download Windscribe for Chrome: Click here Download Windscribe for Firefox: Click here Download Windscribe for Edge: Click here Download PWindscribe for Fire TV: Click here 6.
Hide.me Hide.me offers a premium free VPN experience that focuses on security and privacy, making it an ideal choice for users looking for comprehensive protection for their online data. Features: Generous data: Provides
10GB of data per month in its free plan, allowing you to browse the internet and watch videos in standard definition with ease. Strong Encryption: Hide.me uses strong AES-256 encryption to protect your data from prying eyes and hackers, ensuring safe and anonymous browsing.
No Logs: Hide.me respects your privacy and keeps no logs of your online activity, which means your data stays private and secure. Support multiple protocols:
Hide.me supports a variety of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SoftEther, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Servers in 5 Countries: Hide.me provides servers in 5 different countries, giving you some flexibility in choosing the server location.
Disadvantages: Limited number of servers: The free version is limited to a limited number of servers, which may affect the connection speed at times. Limited customer support:
Customer support may not be available 24/7 on the free plan. Links to download Hide.me VPN for all available devices Download Hide.me VPN for Android: Click here Download Hide.me VPN for iPhone and iPad: Click here Download Hide.me VPN for Windows Click here Download Hide.me VPN for Mac Click here Download Hide.me VPN for Chrome: Click here Download Hide.me VPN for Firefox: Click here Download Hide.me VPN for Edge: Click here Is Hide.me suitable for you?
If you're looking for a free VPN that offers unparalleled security and privacy, as well as a good monthly data amount, Hide.me is the perfect choice for you. 7. Atlas VPN Atlas VPN offers a unique feature in the world of free virtual private networks, which is unlimited data.
If you are looking for a free VPN that allows you to surf the Internet, watch videos, and download files without any capacity restrictions, then Atlas VPN is the perfect choice for you. Features: Unlimited data: Enjoy the freedom of browsing the Internet without any restrictions on consumption capacity, allowing you to do everything you want on the Internet without worry.
Good security: Atlas VPN uses strong encryption to protect your data, and offers security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Ease of use:
Atlas VPN has a simple and easy-to-use user interface, making it suitable for beginners. Disadvantages: Limited number of servers: The free version is limited to only three server locations, which may limit your options in choosing the optimal location for your connection.
May display ads: Atlas VPN may display some ads in the free version. Is Atlas VPN right for you?
If you're looking for a free VPN that offers unlimited data and ease of use, Atlas VPN is the perfect choice for you. However, if you need access to servers in more locations or an ad-free experience, you may want to consider upgrading to the paid version. 8.
PrivadoVPN PrivadoVPN offers a powerful combination of privacy protection and generous data, making it an attractive option for users looking for a free VPN that offers security and privacy without sacrificing data. Features: Generous data: PrivadoVPN offers 10GB of data per month in its free plan, which is enough for many online activities.
Strict no-logs policy: PrivadoVPN respects your privacy and keeps no logs of your online activity, ensuring safe and anonymous browsing. Servers in 12 countries:
PrivadoVPN provides servers in 12 different countries, giving you good connectivity options and bypassing geo-restrictions. Strong Security: PrivadoVPN uses strong encryption to protect your data, and offers security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Disadvantages: Limited speeds: You may experience some slowdown in speed, especially when connecting to remote servers. Limited customer support:
Customer support may not be available 24/7 on the free plan. Links to download PrivadoVPN for all available devices Download the PrivadoVPN program for Android: Click here Download the PrivadoVPN program for iPhone and iPad: Click here Download the PrivadoVPN program for Windows and Mac: Click here Is PrivadoVPN suitable for you? If you're looking for a free VPN that offers strong privacy protection and generous data, PrivadoVPN is the perfect choice for you.
However, if you need faster speeds or better customer support, you may want to consider upgrading to the paid version. Best Paid Alternatives to VPNs Although free VPNs may be enough for some users, they often come with restrictions on consumption capacity, speed, and number of servers. If you're looking for more robust protection and additional features, such as faster speeds, servers in more countries, better customer support, and no ads, you may be better off investing in a paid VPN.
VPN Monthly Price Annual Price Number of Devices Number of Servers Number of Locations Additional Features NordVPN $11.99 $4.99 (on average) 6 5500+ 60 Military-grade encryption, strict no-logging policy, advanced security features, ease of use, excellent customer support CyberGhost VPN $12.99 $2.19 (on average) 7 9700+ 91 Huge server network, strong security features, easy-to-use interface, good support For customers ExpressVPN $12.95 $6.67 (on average) 5 3,000+ 94 Fast speeds, strong security, ease of use, excellent customer support Surfshark $12.95 $2.49 (on average) Unlimited 3,200+ 100 Unlimited devices, extensive server network, advanced security features, affordable price IPVanish VPN $10.99 $3.33 (on average) Unlimited 2,000+ 75+ Unlimited devices, fast speeds, strong security features PrivateVPN $9.90 $2 (on average) 10 200+ 63 High speeds, strong security, good customer support Private Internet Access $11.95 $2.03 (on average) Unlimited 35,000+ 84 Huge server network, advanced security features, high customizability Here are some of the best paid VPN alternatives we recommend: 1. Nord VPN Nord VPN allows you to connect up to 6 devices per subscription.
It also provides strong security features such as anonymization (TOR) and static IP addresses. It also supports split tunneling feature to choose which apps use VPN. In addition, its servers use only RAM to ensure the safety of users' data.
It is also a program supported by all operating systems. As for the cost, Nord VPN is available for $14.99 per month, and its prices vary depending on the features supported in the plan and the subscription duration. Subscribe to NordVPN NordVPN Review Powerful, Professional VPN Service 2.
CyberGoast VPN CyberGoast is a solid choice in the world of VPN software. Although its cost may seem high to some, it offers good discounts if you subscribe for a long term (such as an annual subscription).
It also provides malware protection along with protecting your connection from spying in the web world. Although it does not provide a multi-hop connection feature, its other features, which include purchasing static IP addresses and private security servers (NoSpy), are worthy of praise for this option. CyberGoast VPN provides a large number of servers, approximately 9,200 servers, ideally distributed in 91 countries around the world.
Its servers also use Random Access Memory (RAM) to protect users' data. As for pricing, CyberGhost can be subscribed for $12.99 per month with a 14-day money-back guarantee. There is also a 2-year and 3-month plan for $2.11 per month with a 45-day money-back guarantee, and a semi-annual plan for $6.99 per month with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
3. Express VPN Express VPN is a good choice for an ordinary user who needs a VPN with medium capabilities and high security.
It allows a large number of devices to be connected in one subscription, up to 8 devices. Although it lacks multi-hop connectivity, it uses RAM to ensure users' privacy and data preservation. It provides a large number, claiming to be present on 160 sites, distributed in 94 countries.
According to statistics provided by Finances Online, Express has the largest server reach worldwide, with more than 3,000 servers. This confirms the extent of users’ confidence in the service. Its software is easy to use, in addition to the feature of disconnecting from the Internet if the VPN service stops working to avoid being banned and detected.
In addition, Express VPN is available on all platforms and features an easy-to-use interface for all systems. Although it is not available as a free VPN, it has high capabilities that are worth the money.
In terms of cost, the Express VPN service is available for $12.95 per month. There is also an annual plan at $8.32 per month, and a semi-annual plan at $9.99 per month.
All plans also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 4. Surfshark Paid Plan Surfshark offers a unique combination of value for money and advanced features, making it an attractive option for users looking for an affordable paid VPN without sacrificing performance or security.
Features: Affordable price: Surfshark is one of the cheapest paid VPNs available, starting at $2.49 per month when you sign up for a two-year plan. Unlimited number of devices:
Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices at once, making it ideal for families or individuals with multiple devices. Extensive Server Network: Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, ensuring you can find a fast server close to your location.
Advanced Security Features: Surfshark offers a range of advanced security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an ad and malware blocker. Strict no-logging policy:
Surfshark respects your privacy and keeps no logs of your online activity. Excellent Customer Support: Surfshark provides fast and efficient 24/7 customer support via live chat and email.
Disadvantages: Some servers may be slow: Although Surfshark generally offers good speeds, some servers may be slower than others. Doesn't support split tunneling on iOS:
Surfshark does not allow you to specify which apps use a VPN on iOS devices. SUBSCRIBE TO SURFSHARK 5. IPVanish VPN IPVanish is a VPN service
An excellent service to protect your Internet connection. It supports advanced features to improve speed, performance, and connection protection. Key features include anonymization (TOR), split tunneling to identify which apps are using the VPN, and 25+ SOCKS5 proxy servers for extreme speed boosting.
In addition, it provides more than 1,900 servers distributed globally. This service is considered average in terms of security, due to its lack of DNS leak protection and WebRTC protection. It is also unable to bypass streaming services.
In terms of cost, you can subscribe to IPVanish for $11.99 per month for the monthly plan, $3.49 per month for the annual plan, or $2.99 per month for the two-year plan, providing a discount of up to 75%. 6. Private VPN It is one of the best VPN programs for accessing blocked and geographically restricted sites. The program supports the anonymization tool (TOR), and protects against IPV6 and DNS leaks.
With the feature of changing the encryption key at each session, and the feature of split tunneling, protection from DDoS attacks, with a secure and fast connection over time. It also includes more than 200 servers in about 60 countries. As for prices, Private VPN service is available
For $9.90 per month for the monthly plan, $6 per month for the three-month plan, or $2 per month for the 36-month plan. 7. Private Internet Access Private Internet Access VPN
The service is allowed to be accessed by an unlimited number of users through only one subscription. It also supports anonymity and split tunneling that allows you to identify which applications use a VPN and which ones connect directly to the Internet. In addition to the multi-hop connection feature to enhance security.
The program also allows for proxy and second location settings, in addition to the MACE tool that helps block ads and tracking to improve browsing security. As well as providing dedicated IP addresses, with a wide network of servers. According to statistics provided by Finances Online
Private Internet Access has the highest number of servers among VPN programs, exceeding more than 32,600 servers distributed in the world (in about 94 countries). As for subscription plans, you can get the service for $11.95 per month for the monthly plan, $3.33 per month for the annual plan, or $1.98 per month for the three-year and four-month plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In conclusion: We hope this guide has helped you find the free VPN that's right for you, or at least given you a clear idea of what features you should look for in a VPN. Always remember to choose a reliable VPN that respects your privacy and offers the level of security you need. Frequently Asked Questions FAQ What is a VPN?
vpn is a virtual private network. This network builds an encrypted tunnel to transfer data between your device and the Internet.
It aims to protect your security and data online. Through VPN programs, you can access this service on any device you use to connect to the Internet. How to choose a service
The right VPN for you Set your priorities: Are you looking for a VPN to access blocked content? Or to protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi networks?
Once you define your goal, you can narrow down your options. Check capacity: Most free VPNs offer limited capacity, so make sure it's enough to meet your needs.
Check for security features: Look for a VPN that offers basic security features like strong data encryption, a kill switch that disconnects from the Internet if the VPN connection drops, and DNS leak protection. Encryption protocols used: Some service providers use strong and modern encryption protocols such as
OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2/IPsec. Encryption protocols play a major role in keeping your data secure and protecting it from hacking. Look for ease of use:
Choose a VPN that's easy to set up and use, even if you have no previous experience using VPNs. Read Reviews: Before making your final decision, read user and expert reviews on different VPN software to learn about their advantages and disadvantages.
Bonus tip: If you're looking for maximum security and privacy, you may want to consider using a paid VPN. Paid VPN services usually offer more advanced features, such as faster speeds, servers in more countries, and better customer support.
Do free VPNs offer the same level of protection as paid VPNs? In most cases, reliable free VPNs use the same strong encryption standards (like AES-256) and advanced security protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard) as paid VPNs. However, some free VPNs may lack additional security features, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which are often available in paid versions.
If your priority is absolute security, it's best to choose a paid VPN that offers a full package of security features. But, if you're looking for basic protection for your browsing on public Wi-Fi networks or accessing some blocked websites, a free VPN might be enough for your needs. What is the benefit of a free or paid VPN program?
Since a VPN encrypts your connection to the public Internet, it ensures that you: Hide your IP address: by using the server's IP address instead of your own. This makes it difficult for attackers to track your location and activities across the web. Traffic encryption: The VPN server encrypts the traffic that makes up the data exchanged between your device and the Internet.
Which protects your data from illegal access or theft. Bypassing geographical restrictions: Since VPN programs enable you to connect from any location you want in the world by specifying the location of the server, which leads to changing your IP address. Thus, you can access services and websites blocked in your country and bypass geographical boundaries.
What are the best free VPN services? Through our team’s experience with free VPN services, we found that the following programs are worth trying, the best free VPN program: Proton VPN, Hotspotshield VPN, hide.me, Windscribe VPN
But the experience of one user may differ from another depending on the country and the type of device used. Therefore, you can try the other programs in our article. You may also be interested in: 8 ways to browse blocked sites, alternative to VPN. Article updated in May 2024: The article was rewritten and the content was reviewed according to the latest experiences of the site’s editorial team, Waqt for more comprehensiveness.
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