Best Free VPNs 2025

Free VPNs can be risky, but some are safe and useful. We tested dozens of free options to find the ones that actually protect your privacy without selling your data.

Last updated: January 2025

A Warning About Free VPNs

If a VPN is free, you're often the product. Many free VPNs log and sell your browsing data, inject ads, or worse. The VPNs below are from reputable companies with transparent business models - they offer free tiers to attract users to their paid plans, not to exploit your data.

1

ProtonVPN Free

Best Overall Free VPN
Data Limit Unlimited
Servers 100+ (3 countries)
Speed Medium
Devices 1

Pros

  • No data limits - use as much as you want
  • No ads or tracking
  • Strong no-logs policy
  • From the makers of ProtonMail
  • Open-source apps

Cons

  • Only 3 server locations (US, NL, JP)
  • Slower speeds during peak times
  • No streaming support
  • Single device only

ProtonVPN's free tier is the only free VPN we recommend without reservations. Unlimited data, no ads, and a genuine commitment to privacy make it the clear winner.

2

Windscribe Free

Best for Occasional Use
Data Limit 10GB/month
Servers 10 countries
Speed Good
Devices Unlimited

Pros

  • Generous 10GB monthly allowance
  • 10 server locations
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker included
  • Browser extension available

Cons

  • 10GB may not last heavy users
  • Some servers reserved for paid users
  • Need to confirm email for full 10GB

Windscribe offers the best balance of data allowance and server variety. Perfect for occasional VPN use like travel or public WiFi protection.

3

Hide.me Free

Best for Privacy
Data Limit 10GB/month
Servers 5 locations
Speed Good
Devices 1

Pros

  • No registration required
  • Independently audited no-logs policy
  • Based in Malaysia (no data retention laws)
  • Good speeds on free servers

Cons

  • Only 5 server locations
  • Single device connection
  • No streaming support

Hide.me doesn't require any personal information to use, making it great for privacy-conscious users who want to stay anonymous.

4

TunnelBear Free

Easiest to Use
Data Limit 2GB/month
Servers 47 countries
Speed Good
Devices 5

Pros

  • Access to all 47 server locations
  • Beautiful, beginner-friendly apps
  • Annual security audits
  • Connect up to 5 devices

Cons

  • Only 2GB per month (very limited)
  • Owned by McAfee (US company)
  • Not suitable for regular use

TunnelBear's 2GB limit is tight, but it's perfect for testing VPNs or occasional emergency use. The apps are exceptionally user-friendly.

5

Atlas VPN Free

Best for Mobile
Data Limit 5GB/month
Servers 3 locations
Speed Good
Devices Unlimited

Pros

  • No account required on mobile
  • WireGuard protocol for fast speeds
  • Unlimited devices
  • Backed by Nord Security

Cons

  • Limited server selection
  • Desktop requires account
  • 5GB goes quickly

Atlas VPN (now owned by Nord Security) offers a solid free mobile VPN with no registration needed. Good for quick protection on the go.

Free VPNs to Avoid

These free VPNs have documented privacy issues or security concerns:

Hola VPN

Uses your bandwidth as an exit node for other users. Your IP could be used for malicious activity.

SuperVPN

Multiple data breaches exposing millions of user records. Contains malware according to security researchers.

Betternet

Contains tracking libraries and has been caught logging user data despite claiming otherwise.

Hotspot Shield Free

FTC complaint for deceptive practices, including injecting ads and tracking users.

Free vs Paid VPNs

Free VPNs

  • Limited data (usually 500MB-10GB/month)
  • Fewer server locations
  • Slower speeds during peak times
  • Usually no streaming support
  • Limited customer support
  • Good for: Occasional use, testing VPNs