Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security online. With a quality free VPN, you can browse the web anonymously, access blocked content, and encrypt your internet connection to keep hackers at bay.
But with so many free VPNs on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this comprehensive guide, we evaluate the top 10 best free VPN services for 2023 based on essential criteria like privacy, security, speed, and ease of use. Read on for our detailed analysis of each VPN along with pros, cons and recommendations to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
An Overview of Free VPN Services
A VPN allows you to route your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server located in another country. This hides your IP address, location and online activities from your internet service provider (ISP) and the websites you visit.
Free VPNs provide the same core benefits as premium services, but with limitations on data usage, connection speeds and server locations. They monetize by showing ads or selling your data. Paid VPNs generally offer better security, faster speeds and more server options.
Here are the key factors we assessed when reviewing the top free VPN options:
Privacy & Security – Does the VPN have a strict no-logs policy? Does it provide encryption to shield your traffic? Are there any known security flaws?
Speed & Performance – How fast are the connection speeds? Does it cause latency or buffering?
Server Locations – How many server locations are offered? Do they provide broad global coverage?
Data Limits – Are there any caps on bandwidth or monthly data usage?
Ease of Use – Is the app user-friendly and easy to set up? Are there convenient customization options?
Extra Features – Does it provide useful extras like ad-blocking, split-tunneling or obfuscation?
Now let’s dive into the detailed reviews of the 10 best free VPNs for privacy and security in 2023.
1. ProtonVPN – Best Overall Free VPN
Overview
ProtonVPN tops our list as the best overall free VPN option. Developed by researchers who met at CERN, it is backed by a team with deep privacy expertise. The service boasts top-notch security, good speeds and a basic free plan with unlimited data usage.
Privacy & Security
ProtonVPN operates under Swiss privacy laws and has a strict no logging policy. User traffic is routed through secure VPN protocols and encrypted with AES-256 or ChaCha20. The network has undergone third-party security audits. There are no known vulnerabilities.
Speed & Performance
Connection speeds are consistently fast, with little impact on latency. Servers are optimized for P2P traffic. The free plan may experience slower speeds than paid tiers during peak hours.
Server Locations
The free plan provides access to VPN servers in 3 countries – United States, Netherlands and Japan. Paid plans unlock servers in 55+ countries.
Data Limits
There are no data caps on the free ProtonVPN plan, providing unlimited bandwidth.
Ease of Use
Simple apps for all major platforms make ProtonVPN easy to set up and use. Convenient customizable features include an internet kill switch and Secure Core servers.
Extra Features
On mobile apps, the NetShield ad-blocker removes ads and trackers. P2P support enables torrenting. There is no free VPN client for routers.
Pros
- Leading security and privacy reputation
- Unlimited data usage
- Good speeds with low latency
- No ad injection or data mining
Cons
- Free plan has just 3 server locations
- No free VPN router app
- Slow speeds during peak times
Bottom Line
With its strong security foundation and unlimited data policy, ProtonVPN is the best overall free VPN option for most users. But geographic restrictions may be an issue for some.
2. TunnelBear – Most User-Friendly Free VPN
Overview
TunnelBear presents a fun, approachable option focused on usability. The free plan is very limited but the easy-to-use apps make TunnelBear a great starting point for VPN newbies.
Privacy & Security
TunnelBear operates a strict no-logging policy and uses industry-standard VPN protocols. Independent audits have found no major security flaws. Privacy protections are suitable for basic usage.
Speed & Performance
Connection speeds are sufficiently fast for browsing and streaming. Ping times are generally low but may rise during peak congestion on the free network.
Server Locations
The free plan is restricted to just 1 server location in the United States. To access servers in 20+ countries, you’ll need a paid subscription.
Data Limits
The free VPN data limit is restrictive at only 500MB per month. Heavy users will hit this cap quickly.
Ease of Use
The standout highlight of TunnelBear is its incredibly intuitive apps. Fun graphics make setup simple on all devices. There are limited configuration options.
Extra Features
Free users miss out on advanced features like split-tunneling which are reserved for paid members. The VigilantBear ad-blocker is available on mobile apps.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Charming, appealing interface
- Suitable for basic tasks
Cons
- Heavily limited free plan
- Only US server location
- Less advanced features
Bottom Line
TunnelBear is the most beginner-friendly free VPN available, though the tiny data cap makes it unsuitable for anything beyond lightweight browsing.
3. Hide.me – Best Free VPN with Large Server Network
Overview
Hide.me stands out among free VPN options for providing access to a large server network spanning over 60 countries. Privacy is also a priority with Hide.me VPN.
Privacy & Security
The company has a clear and transparent no-logging policy for the free VPN service. There are no known major security issues. Standard encryption protocols are used.
Speed & Performance
Connection speeds are fast enough for everyday browsing and streaming. Latency remains low across most servers. Speeds may dip during peak times when servers are busy.
Server Locations
One of the biggest advantages of Hide.me’s free plan is connectivity to servers in 64 countries. This allows circumventing many geographic content restrictions.
Data Limits
The free VPN data allowance is 10GB per month. While not huge, this is ample bandwidth for general purpose use.
Ease of Use
Apps have a straightforward design. Server selection and connect/disconnect functions are convenient but configurations like protocol changes require visiting the website.
Extra Features
P2P file-sharing is allowed on specified servers. The Ghost ad-blocker is available as a browser extension. There are no router installation files.
Pros
- Large free server network
- No bandwidth caps
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Limited configuration options
- Slight dips in peak speeds
- No router support
Bottom Line
Hide.me presents an appealing free VPN option with its generous server network spanning over 60 countries. But speeds may suffer at peak times.
4. Windscribe – Best Free VPN for Firewall Circumvention
Overview
Windscribe’s free VPN plan focuses on unblocking geo-restricted content. The desktop apps include convenient firewall circumvention tools. Privacy protections are also solid.
Privacy & Security
The company follows clearly defined no logging practices. Robust encryption protocols shield traffic. Independent audits have uncovered no major vulnerabilities.
Speed & Performance
Connection speeds are sufficiently fast for streaming and torrenting on less congested servers. Peak-time slowdowns can occur on busy free servers.
Server Locations
The free plan includes server access in 11 countries including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Romania, Hong Kong and India.
Data Limits
There is a generous 10GB monthly data limit on the free Windscribe plan, adequate for most users.
Ease of Use
The desktop apps stand out by providing firewall circumvention tools to defeat geo-blocks and unblock streaming content. Mobile apps have limited options.
Extra Features
Windscribe wins points for allowing P2P filesharing. The built-in ad-blocker is handy. Obfuscated servers help bypass VPN blocking. No router app is provided.
Pros
- Handy firewall bypass tools
- 10GB monthly data limit
- Allows P2P traffic
Cons
- Mobile apps lack configurations
- Peak-time slowdowns occur
- No router installation available
Bottom Line
Windscribe is a top free VPN choice for circumventing firewalls and accessing geo-restricted content thanks to its desktop apps. But speeds can fluctuate.
5. AtlasVPN – Best Unlimited Free VPN
Overview
AtlasVPN provides an unlimited free VPN plan making it well-suited for bandwidth-intensive uses like streaming and torrenting. Usability lags competitors, however.
Privacy & Security
AtlasVPN operates under a clear no-logging policy. Standard VPN protocols provide sufficient security for most users and hide traffic from your ISP.
Speed & Performance
Connection speeds are fast enough for streaming and torrenting on less congested servers. Changing protocols can improve speeds if needed. Latency is average.
Server Locations
The free VPN plan includes unlimited access to servers in just the United States. Other countries require a paid subscription.
Data Limits
One advantage of AtlasVPN is no data cap on the free plan. You get unlimited bandwidth for streaming, torrenting and other data-heavy tasks.
Ease of Use
The apps have limited options compared to competitors. Server selection is easy but switching protocols involves navigating to the website.
Extra Features
P2P is allowed on all servers. There is an ad-blocker browser extension. Obfuscated servers can bypass VPN blocking. Router installation requires payment.
Pros
- Unlimited data usage
- Allows P2P traffic
- Good speeds with light loads
Cons
- Only US server location
- Clunky apps with few options
- Lower security than top rivals
Bottom Line
For torrenting and heavy streaming, AtlasVPN provides unlimited free data. But the app experience lags competitors, with access limited to US servers only.
6. Hotspot Shield – Best Free VPN for Streaming
Overview
Hotspot Shield offers optimized US streaming servers on its free plan. Downsides include a restrictive data cap and fewer privacy protections versus rivals.
Privacy & Security
Hotspot Shield does log some user data including IP addresses according to its privacy policy. VPN protocols are standard but audits have uncovered security issues in the past.
Speed & Performance
The network specialized in streaming with US servers optimized for sites like Netflix and Hulu. Connection speeds are fast and latency is low for smooth video.
Server Locations
Only United States VPN servers are available on the free plan. Paid subscriptions enable access to 70+ countries.
Data Limits
The free data allowance is just 500MB per day, quickly used up by streaming video. Paid plans have higher limits or unlimited data.
Ease of Use
Hotspot Shield has easy-to-use apps for streaming devices like Firestick along with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Few configuration options are presented.
Extra Features
There is no ad-blocker on the free version. P2P is allowed on US servers only. No router installation files are provided free.
Pros
-Optimized US streaming servers
-Fast speeds with low latency
-Easy-to-use apps
Cons
-Logs IP addresses
-Very limited free data
-Only US server location
Bottom Line
Hotspot Shield offers a capable free VPN expressly designed for streaming US video content. But privacy protections and data limits lag competitors.
7. VPNHub – Best Free VPN from Major Provider
Overview
VPNHub comes from trusted paid provider CyberGhost. The free version provides a limited but quality VPN experience with helpful streaming features.
Privacy & Security
VPNHub has a clear no-logging policy. Encryption is provided by OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. Dedicated streaming servers help keep connections secure.
Speed & Performance
With servers optimized for streaming, speeds are fast enough for smooth video with minimal buffering. But congestion causes slow peak-time speeds.
Server Locations
Only a US streaming server is available on the VPNHub free plan. A paid subscription unlocks servers in 90 countries.
Data Limits
The monthly data limit on the free plan is 500MB, consumed quickly by streaming video. Paid plans have higher or unlimited allowance.
Ease of Use
Easy-to-use iOS and Android apps are geared for streaming with convenient server selection. The desktop app is more limited and configurations are restricted.
Extra Features
There are no router installation files or ad-blocking features on the free version. P2P traffic is allowed on the US streaming server.
Pros
- Streaming-optimized US server
- Fast speeds for video
- Trusted major provider
Cons
- Very limited monthly bandwidth
- Few features or settings
- Slow peak-time speeds
Bottom Line
VPNHub provides an easy streaming-focused free VPN in a trusted package. But data and servers are too limited for extensive use.
8. Speedify – Best Free VPN for Speed & Reliability
Overview
Speedify leverages channel bonding technology to provide fast, reliable connections even when one network fails. But the free plan is very limited.
Privacy & Security
Speedify uses standard VPN encryption between your device and its servers. The service does log some connection data. There are no major known vulnerabilities.
Speed & Performance
By combining your WiFi and cellular connections, Speedify provides excellent speeds and uptime. But on just one network, speed boosts are minimal.
Server Locations
Only one US server is available on the Speedify free plan. A paid subscription unlocks over 80 worldwide server options.
Data Limits
The free plan has a restrictive daily data limit of 200MB. You’ll burn through this quickly doing bandwidth-heavy tasks like streaming video.
Ease of Use
The desktop and mobile apps clearly display your bonded connections and let you easily tap into the speed boost. But server selection is limited.
Extra Features
P2P filesharing traffic is allowed on the US server. There is no ad-blocking. Router installation requires a paid account.
Pros
- Channel bonding increases speeds
- Reliable connections with failover
- Easy to visualize bonded links
Cons
- Tiny 200MB daily data limit
- Only one US server location
- Logs some connection data
Bottom Line
Speedify provides a unique free VPN experience by bonding WiFi and cellular for maximum speeds and uptime. But data and servers are very limited.
9. Avira Phantom VPN – Good Free VPN for Mobile
Overview
Avira Phantom VPN offers free mobile apps providing 500MB per month of data. But desktop clients, speeds and privacy fall short of top competitors.
Privacy & Security
Avira Phantom VPN claims a zero-logging policy but is owned by Pulse Secure who have cooperated with law enforcement requests for data in the past. The VPN uses standard encryption.
Speed & Performance
Speeds are generally slower compared to top free VPN competitors when connecting from North America or Europe. This makes HD streaming and large downloads frustrating.
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Server Locations
The free plan provides access to servers in 8 countries: US, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong and India.
Data Limits
Mobile users get 500MB of data per month for free. Desktop users unfortunately cannot access the free plan.
Ease of Use
The mobile apps are easy to use for basic functions like server switching. But there are few configurable options even when unlocked through in-app purchases.
Extra Features
P2P traffic is allowed on most servers. There is no ad-blocking. Router installation is not supported on the free tier.
Pros
- Free monthly data for mobile
- Allows P2P traffic
- Easy app interface
Cons
- No free desktop version
- Slow speeds in key countries
- Limited configurations
Bottom Line
Avira Phantom VPN provides a basic free mobile VPN with 500MB of monthly data. But desktop access, speed and privacy fall short of competitors.
10. RiseupVPN – Best Free VPN for Enhanced Privacy
Overview
RiseupVPN comes from Riseup Networks, a provider focused on security and privacy for activists. The VPN has strict policies but very limited usability.
Privacy & Security
RiseupVPN has a clear no-logging mandate and servers hosted with trusted partners. All traffic is routed over Tor network for added anonymity but speeds suffer as a result.
Speed & Performance
Using the Tor network, speeds are very slow. Latency is high making activities like video streaming and large downloads impractical in most cases.
Server Locations
No server selection is available. Users are assigned entry and exit nodes on the Tor network randomly for maximum anonymity.
Data Limits
There are no set data limits on RiseupVPN usage. But
the slow speeds impose practical limits on bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Ease of Use
The website provides .onion links and instructions for manually configuring connections on different devices and operating systems. This requires technical expertise.
Extra Features
There are no additional features like ad-blocking or P2P support as the focus is strictly on privacy. Router installation is complex due to Tor configuration.
Pros
- Strict no-logging policy
- Traffic routed through Tor for anonymity
- No set data limits
Cons
- Very slow connection speeds
- No server selection control
- Challenging manual setup
Bottom Line
RiseupVPN provides enhanced privacy by tunneling traffic through Tor but usability is poor for casual users due to slow speeds and manual setup complexity.
Key Factors in Choosing a Free VPN
When selecting a free VPN service, keep the following key factors in mind depending on your priorities:
- Privacy & Security – ProtonVPN has the best reputation with a strict no-logging policy and top-notch encryption. RiseupVPN routes traffic via Tor for added anonymity.
- Server Locations – Hide.me offers the most country options with 60+ on its free plan. Windscribe also provides good global diversity.
- Speed & Performance – ProtonVPN and TunnelBear generally offer the fastest and most reliable connections on free plans.
- Data Limits – AtlasVPN and ProtonVPN have unlimited data, best for heavy streaming and torrenting.
- Ease of Use – TunnelBear has the most beginner-friendly apps. VPNHub is easy for streaming.
- Extra Features – Windscribe specializes in firewall bypassing. Hotspot Shield focuses on streaming optimization.
FAQs About Free VPN Services
Are free VPNs safe to use?
The best free VPNs like ProtonVPN and TunnelBear have solid security and privacy protections suitable for basic usage. But heavy users should upgrade to paid plans for full features. Avoid shady free VPNs with lax logging policies.
Do free VPNs sell user data?
Some free VPNs make money by collecting and selling your data or showing injected ads. To avoid this, choose established providers with a no-logging policy like ProtonVPN. Read terms carefully before using any free VPN.
Can I torrent safely with a free VPN?
Most of the top free VPNs allow P2P traffic on select servers. ProtonVPN provides unlimited data for torrenting. Others like Windscribe offer 10GB monthly – enough for light use. Avoid free VPNs banning torrents.
Are free VPNs too slow for streaming?
With the right provider, a free VPN can stream video reliably. ProtonVPN and TunnelBear have good speeds. Hotspot Shield’s US servers are optimized for streaming. But all may suffer slowdowns at peak congestion times.
Can I trust free VPN browser extensions?
Exercise caution with free VPN browser extensions as some sell data or have security flaws. Established providers like Hide.me offer extensions paired with the main VPN service. Read privacy policies closely before installing any browser extension.
Is a free VPN plan forever?
Most major providers don’t limit free VPN access duration when used according to policy. But minor players could revoke free plans anytime or make drastic data/server cuts. Paid plans provide guaranteed continued access to full features.
The Bottom Line – Is a Free VPN Worth It?
The top free VPN services reviewed in this guide are secure and suitable for basic privacy and encryption needs. ProtonVPN and TunnelBear in particular stand out with quality offerings. Limitations like slow speeds, small data caps and few locations exist, but these trade-offs are understandable at no cost.
For heavy streaming, torrenting or complete global access, the restrictions of free VPN plans become problematic. Upgrading to affordable premium options like ProtonVPN and NordVPN removes limits for unrestricted usage – an investment worth considering for frequent VPN users.
But for light, casual privacy protection, the best free VPNs are robust enough to get the job done. They provide a great way to test the VPN experience and determine if you need full unlimited access going forward.
