VPN services with a test period. The best VPN programs for your computer. Cons of the free version

Updated 01/20/2020

Finding free VPNs is easy, but choosing reliable services without hidden fees and charges is more difficult. We have taken on this work and are pleased to present you with a cool list of 10 best free VPNs.

Most free VPNs are a classic cheese in a mousetrap. Limited amount of traffic, limited speed and no choice of server locations.

Sometimes it's even more serious and free VPN directly threatens your online privacy. Therefore, we always recommend working with full versions of services.

VPNs from the selected list of free ones will not give you a premium level of service, but guarantee privacy, security and anonymity on the Internet without hidden fees.

Best Free VPNs: Quick Picks

Online privacy is your birthright and you don't have to pay for it. Our top seven free VPN services guarantees protection and anonymous web surfing, completely free for you. There are no tricks here: just download your free VPN app of choice and get online.

At first glance, the choice between a free and a paid application is obvious. Why pay for what you can get for free? But with VPN apps it's not that simple. In the end it doesn't happen free cheese: You will pay one way or another. When it comes about free VPN services, such a fee could be low speed connections, need to watch annoying advertising, dangerous viruses or even leak of your confidential data!

An obvious ploy of free VPN services

VPN providers use a very simple trick: they limit the free version of your application so much that you will not be able to properly use the necessary services until you switch to paid. Ultimately, when you get tired of the constant buffering, the inability to select a server in the desired country, and the unavailability of services like Netflix, you will most likely choose to pay.

The best free VPN services offer services that are almost as good as paid ones. With this VPN, you don't have to switch to a paid version. We recommend that you choose a free VPN service that allows you to:

• access geo-blocked content (that is, content that is not available in your region);
• enjoy lightning-fast connection speeds;
• be sure that your data is not stored in the service logs.

Best Free VPN Services

What's the catch with free VPN services?

Most free VPN services have limitations: limited server selection, low speeds connections or limited traffic. More than 65% of the free VPN services we tested do not allow users to watch TV shows and movies online or work with torrent networks, and some also deliberately slow down connections. Yes, you don’t pay anything, but you are unlikely to be satisfied with such services.

VPN providers make it appear that you get their services for free. At this time, you yourself risk becoming a commodity. Many users have reported to us that free VPN providers were stealing their sensitive data and then sold to third parties.

This raises another thorny question. Even a free VPN service should primarily help users maintain anonymity online, but not all services can actually do this. Unfortunately, many free VPN services themselves pose a serious threat to your security.

Your data can only be sold if it is stored somewhere before. Many free VPN services do not have a no-log security policy, meaning they can track your data, store it and put you at risk. Free services are also notorious sources spam, advertising and viruses.

What we learned about free VPN services

We've tested hundreds of free VPN apps, and some of them were too good to be real. This caused us some suspicion, so we took a closer look at the most tempting offers from providers.

The revealed facts shocked us: it turns out that many free VPN services are registered in China, in a country whose government has passed the strictest internet censorship laws! The privacy policies of some of these providers explicitly state that User data will be stored and transmitted to third parties. This is simply unthinkable! If you want to protect your right to privacy, Stay away from any VPN services registered in China.

There's another important reason to stay away from free VPN services. Businessmen and marketers know that users want to make their life as simple as possible. They assume that since you like the free version, you will sooner or later upgrade to the paid version tariff plan.

What is the problem? The best free VPN service is not always the same as the best paid one. And it's definitely not best ratio prices and quality. Many free services offer expensive paid plans, in which you will have access to average in quality and functionality. While other services, without having free version, offer much better services at a more attractive price. If you stay with your “familiar” provider until the end, it may turn out that you overpay for worse services and get second-rate VPN connections instead of enjoying one of best services On the market.

1. NordVPN: One of the best premium VPN services for free

Try our #1 VPN free for 30 days with unlimited servers, streaming and torrent access

NordVPN apps are available for following devices, OS and web browsers:

• Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome and Firefox

NordVPN benefits:

• Stable Netflix access so you never miss an important episode
• More than 5,100 servers in 60 countries
• Guaranteed lightning-fast connection speeds
• Advanced security protocols, military-grade data encryption, and a kill switch feature
• Guarantee of complete confidentiality, since the service is registered in a country not included in the “5/9/14 Eyes” intelligence alliances

2. Hotspot Shield

Not needed for payment bank card, fast connection speeds, traffic limit 500 MB per day

3. Windscribe

Generous 10GB data limit, supports torrent networks, always free

Windscribe makes our list of the best free VPNs thanks to generous traffic limit of 10 GB. Every month subscribers receive free 10 GB traffic and can get an additional 5GB by tweeting about the company. You can also get an additional 1 GB of free traffic every month by referring your friends.

Most Windscribe servers support torrent networks.

Both paid and free subscribers have access to all Windscribe features and functionality, including R.O.B.E.R.T mode (ad blocker and malware) . The company has detailed privacy policy, which clearly describes what data they store, as well as their no-logs policy. Windscribe also boasts masterful data protection and encryption.

Windscribe offers users desktop application and web browser extension. The program interface is friendly and understandable, there are several technical support methods to choose from, including online chat and setup guides.

Windscribe is available on the following platforms:

• macOS, iPhone, Windows, Linux, Chrome and Firefox

Pros of the free version

• Supports torrent networks for unlimited access to your favorite entertainment

Cons of the free version

• Data is limited to 10GB per month (but this is a more generous offer than most other free services)
• Access to the server network is limited compared to the paid version
• While the VPN app is connected, some data is collected

4. ProtonVPN

Limited number of servers, unlimited traffic

Although the ProtonVPN service offers quality premium services, the free VPN version seems rather... shabby. Yes you will unlimited traffic for one device, but you will have problems with intentionally slower connection speed.

5. hide.me

Traffic limit 2 GB, support for torrent networks

hide.me offers simplified but reliable free application . You'll get 2 GB of free traffic every month, all the benefits of hide.me's security protocols, as well as a choice of five countries in which you can connect to servers. Only one of them is in Europe.

Unfortunately, you have will not have access to Netflix from hide.me. At the same time, the service.

The hide.me team truly believes in free services , so they don't limit free subscribers. You will have 24/7 access to technical support and the ability to browse websites without advertising. The hide.me service adheres to no-log policy, securely encrypts data, supports various security protocols, protecting you and your privacy.

hide.me apps are available for the following platforms:

• Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Windows Phone, Amazon Fire OS, and can also be installed on the router

Pros of the free version

• Good speeds connections for fast loading of files and sites
• No-logs policy ensures your privacy is protected
• Unlimited free services, meaning you don’t have to upgrade to a paid version over time

Cons of the free version

• Limiting traffic to a modest 2 GB per month
• Access only to a limited number of servers
• Limited traffic = limited number of sites and videos viewed

6. TunnelBear

Reliable protection, free forever, limited traffic - only 500 MB per month

If you have recently learned about VPN services, then the free version of TunnelBear is great option, where you can start. friendly interface this application that has animated bears. You will be able to connect to servers in 22+ countries and enjoy excellent connection speeds.

TunnelBear takes the anonymity and security of its users very seriously. This VPN service verified by independent companies, uses 256-bit AES encryption and guarantees that none of your the data does not appear in the logs. It means that your identity will be securely hidden.

Free TunnelBear account calculated only 500 MB traffic every month (but you can earn an additional 1 GB by tweeting about the service). This VPN service does not have access to Netflix and other streaming sites, so you won't be able to view geo-blocked content using it.

TunnelBear apps are available for:

• Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome, Firefox and Opera

Cons of the free version

• No access to streaming services, so no series or music
• Traffic is limited to only 500 MB per month
• Small server network compared to other VPN providers

7. Opera

Unlimited website browsing, free forever

8.Speedify

• 2GB free traffic per month
• 200+ servers in more than 50 countries around the world
• Fast and reliable connection with Channel Bonding technology
• ChaCha encryption provides a combination of speed and strength
• The service is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux

Speedify uses VPN protocols with maximum speed. Channel Bonding technology distributes traffic across two channels at once virtual connections. This increases the speed of operation, but doubles the Wi-Fi load or mobile traffic consumption.

Speedify passed all DNS leak tests. This means that your real IP is securely hidden, and blocked or geographically restricted resources are accessible to visit. Strict no-logs policy protects your activity history.

Speedify's servers in Amsterdam are optimized for torrenting.

2GB free traffic per month quite enough to check your email or go to social media. If you are forced to use unsafe public networks, the service will be your salvation.

Like many free VPN services, Speedify pushes you to buy the premium version. However, the owners did not include advertising in the free version. This is good because it prevents your data from being transferred to advertising networks like Google.

Conclusion:

As a result, we can say that we can find Some good free VPN services. At the same time, needless to say, even the safest free services cannot be called absolutely reliable. The best free services simply cannot compare with the best paid ones.

A premium VPN service will give you access to more reliable protection , and streaming sites and torrent trackers. Also, unlike most free VPNs, premium services offer unlimited traffic. You will be able to access servers in more countries and enjoy faster connections.

The best thing with such premium services is that you can always try them for free. Most of them have a free trial period and also money back guarantee, if you don't like something. You can make sure that the service suits you 100%.

If you want to receive complete safety, anonymity on the Internet, open access to blocked resources, we recommend purchasing immediately ZenMate VPN. Analogues, especially non-commercial ones, cannot be compared with this program, since they cannot boast of the stability and high data transfer speeds of ZenMate. In addition, ZenMate is free to use, but with restrictions on the number of servers.

RusVPN- a good solution with a good price/quality ratio. As a Chrome plugin, this VPN is completely free. It will give you access to both Amazon and native torrents. The speed can reach up to hundreds of Mbits, and technical support will promptly resolve any issues that arise. In addition to the fact that the VPN is cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, Chrome), the developer suggests setting up a VPN directly on the router or connecting via the OpenVPN protocol on Windows so as not to install any additional programs. This is quite convenient and is an additional safety benefit.

hide.me VPN It will appeal to both specialists and amateurs. The client is easy to use, but very finely customized to suit any requirements and tasks. VPN costs from $5 per month (there is a free mode with a limited number of countries and traffic, so it’s difficult to fully use hide.me for free), supports all current VPN protocols, allows port forwarding and protects against DNS leaks. It is curious that with such an extensive list of features, its interface is user-friendly. Beginners will only use the “connect” button and enjoy browsing blocked sites, while pros will find any options they need in the settings, including Kill Switch technology.

CyberGhost– the choice of those who cannot live without torrents. When you connect to a VPN server in a certain country, you immediately see whether it supports p2p (most of these servers can be found in the United States of America). Also, the utility is not “heavy” for the system - it cannot slow down, which is good news. As a bonus, you will have 24/7 support and other nice little things. For example, a built-in ad blocker and multi-account - for one login you can connect up to 5 VPN programs per different devices. It's only lighter and more stable NordVPN And PureVPN- large and well-known Western VPN providers. They are focused not only on banal bypass of blocking, but also on high-quality protection of personal data. The NordVPN client does not write logs, and the company itself is registered in Panama, which allows it to ignore any requests from the authorities to release users’ personal data.

PureVPN implements double tunneling technology, eliminating the possibility of interception of information and provides users with 700,000 IP addresses with the ability to configure different IPs for different programs and services. For example, a separate address for the browser, a separate one for the torrent, etc. You get a reliable connection firewall, and the web service allows you to access any website via VPN.

Surfshark VPN boasts MultiHop technology, which allows you to connect to 2 VPN servers simultaneously to ensure the highest connection stability. Powerful computer network allows developers to guarantee a good connection, and together with a VPN you get a firewall that is much more reliable than the standard one Microsoft Windows.

VPN Unlimited- on the contrary, it does not impose any special requirements on hardware, is cheaper and offers a choice of several servers with torrents. This means that you get consistently high speed, and if you notice a slowdown, you simply switch to a free server (there are more than 50 of them in 35 countries around the world). VPN Unlimited also allows you to remove from your computer Internet Security and ad blockers. The program contains Anti-Malware and Adblock. You just need to activate them in the settings. For $39 a year, it's hard to imagine anything better!

Hideman VPN And OpenVPN- products for professionals. They don't need advertising and detailed description. Let us only note that Hideman has a port forwarding function, which is not available in similar utilities.

Completely free projects Betternet And Psiphon Suitable for inexperienced users, especially for bypassing blocking. The developers do not guarantee the security of your data and do not position the programs as secure surfing tools, although Betternet Free VPN is developing more actively in this direction.

Hotspot Shield, on the contrary, was created to protect connections on free networks, but also helps to bypass restrictions on visiting certain resources. Available as a subscription or free with limited speed. Is optimal choice for those who always forget to pay for their subscription in advance. Firstly, it provides a significant discount on a six-month to annual license. Secondly, it does not stop working, but simply limits speeds after the subscription expires. However, the network was suspected of leaking user data, so this VPN is now less popular.

TunnelBear for Microsoft Windows - a completely new look at the VPN interface. The utility is unusual, made with humor and style. We recommend downloading it trial version just for fun, if you have a free minute. The developers offer to try TunnelBear for free; 500 MB of traffic is provided for a month. This is very little, but on the ball, as they say...

Russian HideGuard VPN It attracts with its lack of a paid subscription and good characteristics, but it raises questions regarding security, to which the developers do not provide answers. The same can be said about Hola VPN– free software not recommended by security experts, although popular among users. There are also many browser extensions - speedify, frigate and others. We haven't mentioned them because there are no full versions for PC. But you can find separate reviews of these services on the pages of our website. In addition, a new free program ProtonVPN free. It is available on Windows, Android and other popular OS. Like other free VPN services, Proton has limitations. If it continues to successfully conquer the VPN market, we will definitely include the free version of vpn proxy in this review.

The service protects and improves your Internet connection so you can have peace of mind when surfing the Internet. Spotflux encrypts and compresses mobile traffic Internet, reducing data transfer costs, allows you to browse safely, even over public Wi-Fi.

Psiphon

This service uses VPN, SSH and HTTP proxy technologies to solve the problem of access to blocked resources. Psiphon allows you to bypass censorship, gain access to the information you are interested in, and protects your accounts and passwords from hacking.

Betternet

With Betternet you don't have to worry about your passwords being hacked. This service allows you to access any website in any country, anonymously surf the Internet under a changed IP address, and protects your data from potential attackers.

Supports platforms: Firefox, Chrome, IOS, Android, Windows

CyberGhost VPN

This service is easy to install and provides secure and unlimited access to any resource on the Internet, regardless of where you are. CyberGhost VPN offers anonymity without compromising your online privacy.

SurfEasy

SurfEasy VPN allows you to use any device, anywhere, on any network, and securely browse any website without censorship or ISP restrictions. The service allows you to anonymously conduct activities, even if you connect to public Wi-Fi points or use unsecured networks.

Supports platforms: Windows, Mac OS, IOS, Android

Hide.me

Hide.me makes you truly anonymous online by hiding your personal information and location. It encrypts your activities, protecting you from hackers and malicious activity. This VPN service bypasses censorship and provides access to any information on the Internet.

Supports platforms: Windows, Android

FinchVPN

FinchVPN presents an easy to use control panel with a variety of VPN servers in various parts of the world. The developers claim that the service does not monitor your activities.

Supports platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android

proXPN

proXPN hides your information from strangers and masks your identity and location. The service protects against hacking and other malicious activities. It also allows you to get rid of censorship and see pages as they are.

Supports platforms: Windows, Mac OS

ZenMate

ZenMate encrypts and secures your internet connection to protect your information while you browse the web. This service allows you to anonymously view content on the World Wide Web.

Supports platforms: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, IOS, Android

ZPN

Reliable and fast VPN service. He provides 10 GB of free traffic per month and acts as a virtual firewall. With it you can connect to public Wi-Fi points without risk.

Supports platforms: Windows, iOS, Android

SecurityKISS

The service protects your private information, ensures anonymity and bypasses Internet restrictions set by Internet providers or the country. Provides free use 300 MB per day. Uses data compression technology, thereby guaranteeing high speed.

Supports platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, IOS, Android

Hideman VPN

Hideman VPN provides data encryption and anonymity for Internet sessions. It offers free use with a time limit and traffic (No more than 2GB per month). Uses different server addresses from many countries around the world, thereby increasing your security.

Supports platforms: Windows, Mac OS, IOS, Android

ZenVPN

The service offers fast and reliable access to the Internet. It protects your information from unauthorized persons, thereby providing complete confidentiality to your data. Free ZenVPN package includes 250 MB of traffic per day.

Supports platforms: Windows, Mac OS, IOS, Android

GetPrivate

GetPrivate guarantees the security of your Internet connection around the world. The service provides unlimited throughput for all visited resources and opens access to closed sites.

Supports platforms: Windows