The Best Free VPNs We’ve Tested for 2025

ProtonVPN is our top choice for premium and free VPNs. Its free service is the best on the market, with no bandwidth limit and a generous selection of five regional servers. Proton’s entire suite of tools, including ProtonMail and ProtonPass, can be used for free. We appreciate Proton’s stance that price should never be a hurdle to privacy. 

Features and capabilities: The free version of Proton provides access to servers in five countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the United States. You get just a single simultaneous connection, but Proton doesn’t restrict the amount of data you can use on the free plan. Upgrading will unlock a wide range of features, such as split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and the full server list. 

Privacy and security: Proton’s robust privacy standards are consistent across both the premium and free versions of the app. The company takes privacy seriously, with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability that is rare in the VPN space. All apps are open-source, so you never have to question if there’s a hidden vulnerability that could compromise your data. Annual audits and frequent transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year.

Speed and performance: Your experience with the free version of Proton will vary, depending on how close you are to one of the five free servers available. You’ll also likely experience some level of user congestion. Additionally, Proton’s premium servers place the service in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency. 

Streaming: The free version has its limits when it comes to streaming. We were unable to unblock Netflix using any of the free servers in testing. However, Proton’s premium servers worked flawlessly, granting us access to every regional catalog we tested. 

User experience and ease of use: All of Proton’s apps are streamlined and easy to use, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s easy to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks.

Newbies: Proton is an excellent entry into privacy tools. The VPN is easy to set up, and Proton’s detailed support articles make troubleshooting any issues straightforward. Proton’s alternative security tools, such as ProtonMail and ProtonPass, are equally well-designed and make great additions to any privacy toolkit.

Privacy-conscious users: Proton’s unwavering commitment to transparency and privacy makes it one of the best options for users who prioritize protecting their online privacy. With open-source apps and regular audits, you can keep track of exactly how the company responds to threats to user data.

With its playful interface and deadpan bears, it’s easy to dismiss TunnelBear VPN as all show and no substance. But it would be a mistake, as TunnelBear has strong privacy policies that it backs up with a string of annual third-party audits. The free version of TunnelBear VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, but it places a 2GB per month data limit on free subscribers.

Features and capabilities: TunnelBear’s free version allows you to try out all aspects of the app. You aren’t limited to a slim selection of servers or barred from using advanced features or protocols. However, you are limited to 2GB of data per month. It may be enough for occasional browsing, but you will soon run out if you plan to do any video streaming or downloading. 

Privacy and security: TunnelBear’s privacy policy is thoughtfully designed and easy to read. It isn’t full of unnecessary jargon or vague statements. Every point is illustrated with a real-world example of how TunnelBear handles that specific instance, inquiry, or data point. TunnelBear has undergone seven separate independent audits that have verified the company’s stalwart stance on privacy. Regularly updated transparency reports reinforce this point, revealing that the service has never disclosed user information in response to an inquiry or lawful order. 

Speed and performance: TunnelBear performed below average in our most recent speed tests. It decreased our download speeds by 83% and our upload speeds by 72%. Latency also increased significantly by 109%. Keep in mind that speed tests are variable, which is why we don’t recommend selecting a VPN based solely on speed tests. 

Streaming: Using TunnelBear for streaming was reliable and fast in testing. It unblocked Netflix in all tested regions without fail. TunnelBear has servers in 46 countries, which is a relatively average number. While it may not have the most comprehensive server network, it services the most popular countries that offer regional streaming catalogs. 

User experience and ease of use: One of TunnelBear’s most standout features is its intuitive and fun design. The fun and brightly colored interface is easy to use, featuring bears at every turn. It’s not too cluttered. It’s not too sparse. This interface is just right. A map makes it easy to tell where you’re connecting to, and you’ll get a cute animation of a bear tunneling to the region that you choose to connect to. Advanced features and additional configuration options are just a couple of clicks away. 

Newbies: TunnelBear tops our list as the most beginner-friendly VPN app. It has a fun theme, easy-to-use features, and a clutter-free interface. You can try it out for free without having to input any payment information or personal details. 

Design fans: TunnelBear is one of the few services out there that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its design philosophy is a breath of fresh air compared with the many dark-themed VPN apps on the market. It’s fun and whimsical while also being a seriously good VPN. 

Aside from Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN is as close as you can get to an unlimited free VPN experience. Although PrivadoVPN limits free users to 10GB of data per month, it won’t cut you off once you exhaust that limit. Instead, your speeds will be throttled until the data usage clock resets. Other restrictions include access to only 13 servers and a limit of one connection at a time. The company has not released a third-party audit, which is not ideal.

Features and capabilities: The free tier is where Privado really shines. Otherwise, it provides an average experience compared with other premium options. 10GB per month goes a bit further than competing services like TunnelBear, but it’s still not as generous as Proton’s unlimited data. After you reach the 10GB threshold, your speeds will slow to approximately 1Mbps until the data cap is reset. So, you’ll never be completely without a VPN connection. If you upgrade to the full version, then you can expect some premium features such as a kill switch and split tunneling. 

Privacy and security: It’s challenging to determine exactly how secure Privado is, as it hasn’t undergone any third-party audits. The service has a simple but clear privacy policy that states it does not retain any user logs. However, the complete lack of audits, a transparency report, and a warrant canary results in very limited transparency compared with most of its competitors. While the data allowance is generous, you’re putting your data more at risk compared with VPNs that disclose more information regarding their privacy practices. 

Speed and performance: Privado performed average in every speed metric that we tested. It reduced download speeds by 58.6%, upload speeds by 71.6%, and latency by 83%. Free servers will likely be slower due to increased user congestion. 

Streaming: As with any free service, reliable Netflix access will be difficult, if not impossible, due to server blacklisting. Privado is scheduled for a full bout of tests that will further assess its ability to unblock regional Netflix catalogs. Our previous test only focused on US Netflix access, which Privado was able to provide on its paid plan. 

User experience and ease of use: Privado’s apps are basic and easy enough to use. There aren’t any standout features that put it ahead of the pack, but there are also no glaring issues. A large lock icon clearly indicates whether you are connected or not, and a full server list is available on the home screen. The app’s advanced features are clearly labeled and tucked away in the settings menu. 

Proxy fans: Privado’s premium VPN plan includes access to a configurable SOCKS5 proxy, enabling lightweight location spoofing without impacting your performance.

European users: Privado has a high concentration of servers spread across Europe, making it a solid choice for anyone in the region who wants a no-frills VPN. It may lack advanced features, but it remains a competent service if you simply want an encrypted connection without all the extras.

Hotspot Shield VPN’s free subscription is different from the others on this list. It offers unlimited data and bandwidth at the cost of being supported by ads. It’s a bit counterintuitive since VPNs are meant to protect you from advertisers, so you’re certainly giving up privacy for access to a VPN network. 

Features and capabilities: Unrestricted data is a huge plus for any free VPN; just make sure you’re comfortable with the ad-supported nature of the plan. Servers are limited to four (five if you include automatic selection) for free users and are available in Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, and the UK. You’ll also be limited to a single device connection. Most advanced features are available on the free plan, such as Tor over VPN and Hotspot’s proprietary Hydra protocol. The main drawback is that you’ll be limited to just a handful of servers. 

Privacy and security: Privacy is a mixed bag with Hotspot’s free plan due to the presence of ads. Additionally, the premium service has only undergone a single audit in 2023. The company no longer publishes its AnchorFree privacy report either. Given the service’s jurisdiction in the United States, this lack of transparency is worrying. While simply being based in the US isn’t cause for concern, not assuring users with audits or reports is questionable. 

Speed and performance: Hotspot Shield performed below average in each speed metric we tested. It reduced download speeds by 74.89%, upload speeds by 76.33%, and latency increased by 94.10%. Those tests were conducted using premium servers nearest to our testing location in New York. Speeds on free servers will be much more variable. Your experience will assuredly differ depending on your base internet speed and proximity to the nearest server. 

Streaming: Hotspot Shield had no issues accessing regional Netflix catalogs in the US, Canada, UK, Japan, and Australia in testing. It provided a reliable streaming experience with no blocks or limited catalogs. Its global server presence in over 80 countries makes it a solid choice for users whose main use for a VPN is streaming.

User experience and ease of use: Each of Hotspot’s apps is sleek and easy to use, regardless of platform. Both the mobile and desktop interfaces feature stylish designs with clearly labeled features, making navigation a breeze. The app has a modern feel and is designed similarly to NordVPN with a dark theme and blue accents. The dashboard has a lot of information, which may be overwhelming for users who are new to VPNs. That said, the large map makes it easy to tell where you’re connected at all times. 

Netflix fans: Hotspot Shield reliably unblocked Netflix in our tests. With a large global server network, it’s easy to get connected and stream your favorite show without issues. 

Frequent travelers: Hotspot Shield’s large network of servers also makes it a great pick for travelers. Users can enjoy access to over 1,800 servers spread across 80 countries.

Windscribe VPN offers its full-featured client to anyone who wants to use the service, with only the small caveat of a bandwidth restriction of up to 10GB with an email address at signup or 2GB if you choose to remain anonymous with no email account. This is one of the most generous deals in the VPN industry right now, and a must-have for anyone who prioritizes their online privacy above all else.

Features and capabilities: 10GB is a generous limit for a free plan, especially since you get access to Windscribe’s entire network. The only information you need to provide to gain access is your email address; however, you can download and use Windscribe without an email address if you don’t mind the lower 2GB data allowance. Upgrading will remove the data cap and provide you with unlimited simultaneous device connections. It’s affordable to upgrade when you’re ready, with configurable plans starting as low as $3 per month. 

Privacy and security: Windscribe’s often flippant marketing and brand identity may lead one to believe it doesn’t take security seriously. That is not the case. Windscribe is one of the leading VPNs in terms of privacy, transparency, and user data protection. It doesn’t keep logs. You can pay anonymously and sign up without disclosing your personal information. Beyond airtight privacy measures, the VPN has undergone multiple audits by PacketLabs and has faced real-world challenges that have validated its privacy claims. 

Speed and performance: A VPN will almost always impact your base internet speeds to some extent. We found that Windscribe had a minimal impact, resulting in a 10.66% decrease in download speeds, a 13.20% decrease in upload speeds, and a 67.01% increase in latency. These results place it among the fastest VPNs that we have tested. 

Streaming: Windscribe provided open access to Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia in testing. We didn’t encounter any issues when testing, and all streams were smooth with no noticeable buffering or stuttering. Windscribe has a vast network of physical servers, covering 69 countries and 134 cities worldwide. 

User experience and ease of use: Desktop users receive a compact, streamlined window with all key features easily accessible. The mobile app is just as good, featuring a clean design that clearly indicates when you’re connected to the VPN’s network. All apps feature a comprehensive server list and advanced features, accessible through a handy drop-down menu. Both free users and premium users have access to the full application and all of its features. 

Transparency seekers: Windscribe is the clear choice if you want a service that doesn’t compromise on privacy and security. Monthly transparency reports keep you informed about every inquiry the VPN has received. 

Configuration enthusiasts: Not only is the base subscription affordable at just $9 per month, but you can also configure plans with select locations starting at a mere $3 per month. You won’t see that level of configuration offered anywhere else. As one of our highest-rated VPNs, you’re getting an excellent service at a price that undercuts the vast majority of the competition.

Hide.me does not require your payment details when creating a free account, and the service has undergone a third-party audit. That said, there are some restrictions, including limited server access and simultaneous device limitations. You’ll also be barred from advanced features, such as split tunneling, port forwarding, and the service’s proxy.

Features and capabilities: Hide.me’s free version gives you access to seven server locations (Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the US), a single device connection, and doesn’t have a bandwidth cap. However, you will experience slower speeds and won’t be able to access torrenting servers. It’s a solid free plan, although it falls behind competing options with fewer restrictions, such as Proton VPN. 

Privacy and security: Hide.me’s privacy policy is detailed and comprehensive. The VPN doesn’t keep any identifying data and has had its policy independently verified multiple times by Securitum. It provides an annual transparency report that goes over every request the service has received, none of which have resulted in the handover of user data. The same standards protect both free and premium users. 

Speed and performance: The free version of Hide.me may be slower than our tests of the premium service indicate, due to server congestion and distance from the nearest connection point. On the full version, we experienced excellent performance with a 5.93% decrease in download speeds, a 22.72% decrease in upload speeds, and a 92.11% increase in latency. Note that any speed test is merely a snapshot of performance at a specific moment and location. Your experience will likely vary depending on several factors, including your baseline internet speed, local server congestion, and proximity to the nearest VPN server. 

Streaming: With 2,600 servers spread across 57 countries, Hide.me provides ample global coverage for streaming. We tested if the VPN could reliably access Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It passed with flying colors, granting unrestricted access to every regional catalog. 

User experience and ease of use: The app’s experience is somewhat overwhelming. You get a cluttered dashboard with a lot of useful tools, but it’s simply a lot to take in. Beginner users may find it especially challenging to determine which tools are essential and which ones can be overlooked. The mobile interface is significantly cleaner, featuring a simplified dashboard. 

Solo travelers: Hide.me’s free plan is ideal for solo travelers, as it covers just a single device. Having access to seven server locations gives you more freedom when traveling or looking to spoof your location.

Mobile users: Hide.me’s mobile apps are a step ahead of its desktop versions. The simple, clean interface makes it a good option for those on the go who don’t want to deal with numerous toggles and configurations to get connected.