VPNs are some of the most useful technology we have when it comes to protecting your privacy, encrypting your data, and changing your geolocation

But, unfortunately, these premium services cost money.

Lucky for us, there are some VPN providers out there that are FREE to use.

What’s the catch?

As with any free service, you have to pay for it in some way. Usually, this means limited data or a slow connection (so no Netflix), but – in serious cases – it can include bad encryption, targeted ads, and a breach of privacy.

If you need to use a VPN for a day trip to Russia in order to access censored content, there are plenty of free VPNs that can do this.

Free VPNs are also great for sporadic times you want to encrypt your data, like when you’re on an unsecured network. Sure, they might not have a server in every country, but chances are you don’t need a server in Nicaragua.

So it’s not all bad news! We’ve done the hard work for you and reviewed the free VPN options on the market right now in order to bring you a curated list of the best free VPN services to suit your needs. 

The list below contains the best features of our favorite free VPN services. It goes without saying that each free service has compromised on something, whether it’s speed or data allowance. But for free services, you can’t do much better than these:

*Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN

While not entirely free, Express’s 30-day money back guarantee is a great deal for those who are just getting started with VPN technology and want to ease themselves in with a great service!

• Fastest VPN, compatible with all devices
• Fast access to Netflix
• Super user friendly and easy to download
• Great option for travellers
• Connect to 90+ countries
• Fully refundable if you‘re not satisfied!

Downsides:

• No option for an entirely free service

Try ExpressVPN for 30 days FREE>>>

TunnelBear

The ultimate in ‘VPN services for beginners’, TunnelBear is arguably the most user friendly of the lot, although its free subscribers are limited to only 500 MB of traffic each month.

• No IP or data logging
• Works on all devices
• Offers an extra 500MB per month when you tweet about the company
• Simple to use
• Suitable for light downloaders and video streamers

Downsides:

• The monthly data limit is very annoying
• Very few advanced settings

Get Tunnelbear for free>>>

Hide Me

This Malaysian based VPN provider has 28 servers spread across 22 countries and is highly popular.

• Guaranteed security with OpenVPN encryption
• Decent connection speed
• 2GB limit on data usage each month
• Ideal for privacy in public hotspots or unlocking some websites

Downsides:

• Data Limitation

Betternet

It’s simplicity makes BetterNet one of the more popular free VPN services for first-timers. The “free-forever” promise means you can use its VPN for as long as you want with no data limit.

• No logging policy
• “Free-forever” promise – you can use its VPN for as long as you want
• No data limit
• Available for Mac, Windows, Android, Chrome, and Firefox

Downsides:

• One of the 10 worst services for intercepting malware which poses a huge problem.
• Can’t choose which server you connect to.

Windscribe

Windscribe it one of the best free VPNs out there. While it’s adblocker and firewall can be a little aggressive, Windscribe’s generous data allowance and proper privacy commitment easily take it to the top of the list.

• 10 GB of data a month
• Great speeds for available free server locations
• Doesn’t store connection logs, IPs or visited sites
• Offers an extra 5GB if you tweet about the service
• Earn an extra 1GB each time you refer a friend
• Built-in adblocker and firewall
• Access to Netflix

Downsides:

• Free users don’t have access to all the servers

GooseVPN

While not an entirely free service, GooseVPN has a 30-day free trial. It boasts excellent customer service with 24/7 support and promises to solve all issues within 3 hours!

• 30-day free trial (will automatically start charging you if you don’t cancel your subscription after the trial is up)
• A great network of 50+ servers worldwide
• Consistent speeds
• User-friendly platform

Downsides:

• Expensive billing after 30-day free-trial.
• Technical issues

ProtonVPN

One of the newest free VPN services to hit the market, Proton is operated by experts who are dedicated to cyber security. This makes their privacy features some of the best on the market.

• No bandwidth caps on data
• Access to servers in the Netherlands, Japan, USA, and Switzerland
• No logging

Downsides:

• The speed is made deliberately slow for free users to encourage them to upgrade to the paid package

Conclusion:

Now that you have had a taste of the positive features a VPN service has to offer and you’ve tried one or a few of the above free options, you may be ready to upgrade to internet protection without compromise.