It goes without saying that owning a VPN subscription is a highly valuable investment. We could even list dozens of reasons for this. However, not everyone can access a paid VPN. For this reason, we have recommendations for the best free VPN softwares that will take your digital security to the next level, keep your personal data private, and protect your computer and phone from hackers.
First of all, if you want to benefit from a free VPN service, you will generally encounter limitations such as the following:
- Number of servers you can connect to
- Your daily data usage
- Number of devices you can connect
- The duration you can use the VPN
In a world where costs like VPN infrastructure and advertising are high, it is impossible to find a VPN service that offers everything for free without getting something in return. You will inevitably face a limitation. Moreover, since you are using it for free, they will likely want to access all the personal data they can. Your personal information, web traffic, and even private IP addresses will be sold by VPN services to third-party companies. Because they have to find a way to generate revenue.
However, just in case you change your mind, we will recommend two paid VPN services: NordVPN and Surfshark. The names of these two VPNs have always come to the forefront in the cybersecurity world. Both their prices, which are relatively affordable compared to competitors, and the services they offer take these two VPN services a step ahead of their rivals. But, of course, the free VPN services we mention below will also do the trick.
What is a VPN Software?
A VPN software is software that allows users to create a secure and private connection over the internet. By using a VPN software, you can create a virtual network that encrypts and tunnels all data traffic between a device and a VPN server. This makes it difficult for third parties to interfere with or access the user’s internet traffic.
When a user connects to a VPN server using a VPN software, their IP address is replaced by the VPN server’s IP address, masking the user’s true identity and location. This can help users protect their online privacy, access geo-restricted content, and secure their internet connections when using public WiFi networks.
What is a VPN, How Does It Work?
VPN is a technology that allows users to create a secure and private connection over the internet. VPNs work by encrypting all data traffic between the user’s device and the VPN server. This makes it difficult for third parties to block or access the user’s internet traffic.
When a user connects to a VPN server using a VPN software, internet traffic is first encrypted and then sent to the VPN server. The VPN server decrypts the data and forwards it to its intended destination on the internet. This makes it appear as if the user’s internet traffic is coming from the VPN server rather than their own device. This can help users protect their online privacy, access banned content, and secure their internet connections when using public WiFi networks.
VPNs work using different protocol types such as OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP, and SSTP to create secure tunnels through which data traffic can be sent. The encryption algorithms used in VPNs are generally very strong. They are designed to provide protection against various types of cyber attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping.
Overall, a VPN is a powerful tool that can help users protect their online privacy and security. By encrypting their internet traffic and hiding their IP addresses, users can browse the web and access online resources with a higher level of privacy and security.
Benefits of Using a VPN Software
There are many advantages that using a VPN software provides to users. We can explain them as follows:
- Enhanced security and privacy: A VPN software encrypts all data traffic between the user’s device and the VPN server, making it difficult for hackers, ISPs, and other third parties to interfere with or access the user’s online activities. This allows users to browse the internet, use public Wi-Fi networks, and access online resources with a higher level of security and privacy.
- Access to banned content: VPN softwares allow users to access banned content by masking their IP addresses and making them appear as if they are in a different country.
- Protection against censorship: A VPN software can help users bypass government censorship and access restricted websites and online resources.
- Improved online privacy: A VPN software allows users to browse the web anonymously by masking their IP addresses and other identifying information.
- Remote work and access to company resources: VPN softwares allow users to securely access company resources and work remotely from anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, using a VPN software provides a range of benefits, including enhanced security and privacy, access to banned content, and protection against online censorship and surveillance.
How to Install a VPN Software?
The steps for downloading and installing a VPN software may vary depending on the VPN provider and software you choose. However, generally, the steps to follow are:
- Research the VPN software that suits you best and choose the one that best meets your needs. Consider factors such as price, server locations, security features, and customer support.
- Once you have chosen a VPN provider, sign up for a subscription plan that suits your needs. Most VPN providers offer a range of plans with different features and pricing options.
- After signing up for a subscription, download and install the VPN software on your device. Most VPN providers offer software for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and other operating systems.
- After installing the VPN software, launch it and log in with your VPN account credentials.
- Once logged into the VPN software, select a VPN server location and connect to the server. Most VPN softwares allow you to choose from various server locations around the world.
- Once connected to a VPN server, verify that your internet traffic is being routed through the VPN. You can do this by checking your IP address and location using a website like whatismyip.com.
- Most VPN softwares allow you to adjust settings such as VPN protocol, encryption level, and kill switch settings. Adjust these settings as needed to optimize your VPN connection.
Best Free VPN Softwares
NordVPN
NordVPN is among the best VPN softwares on our list. This software is one of the most effective VPNs for streaming and offers a free trial period. On the other hand, NordVPN does not compromise on security with fast and strong encryption, virus and ad protection, and a built-in kill switch. These are made possible thanks to the NordLynx protocol.
The feature where NordVPN stands out the most is its additional tools. These include the Dark Web Monitor. This means you will be alerted immediately if one of the accounts associated with your email address is breached. Those who choose a more comprehensive subscription plan will get access to a password manager and a vulnerability scanner thanks to NordPass. They will also have 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage on NordLocker. All of this can be used on 6 devices simultaneously.
You can test NordVPN, which has a 30-day money-back guarantee, for free for 30 days. Especially if you want a basic data protection shield, NordVPN offers a very affordable option with its annual payment subscription plan.
Key features of NordVPN include:
- A huge number of servers
- Innovative NordLynx solution
- Co-located and managed RAM servers
- Fast customer support service
PrivadoVPN
VPNs are quite successful when it comes to security. However, many free VPNs are not that good when it comes to speed. In fact, many of them impose speed limits when you connect to their servers. When speed limits are applied, your browsing speed can drop to as low as two Mbps even with a one Gbps internet connection. That’s why we chose PrivadoVPN as the best choice you can make.
This VPN service provides highly successful security and privacy features. At the same time, its free version offers unlimited speed. According to a study, PrivadoVPN offered a speed of 34 Mbps on a 50 Mbps internet connection. We can say that this is a quite normal speed drop when connected to a VPN.
PrivadoVPN is also very easy to use on laptops and mobile devices. Without getting into complicated methods to connect, you will see the most important features neatly under a single tab. It even has the option to switch VPN protocols between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, which we usually don’t see in free VPNs. Finally, the software’s main screen shows how much data is left in your monthly data allowance.
PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland, a country famous for its privacy laws. There are no strict data retention policies there, meaning PrivadoVPN is not required to store usage data. In fact, Privado does not store any usage data as part of its no-logs policy. On top of that, Privado uses top-notch encryption in 256-bit AES. It also has a kill switch to protect user privacy in case of sudden network loss. PrivadoVPN has many appetizing features like these. For this reason, it can be evaluated as one of the first VPN services to be preferred.
Hotspot Shield
Although Hotspot Shield limits data usage, it is more generous in this sense than many other free VPNs. The service, which renews your data allowance every 24 hours, provides 500 MB of bandwidth that you can consume every day. When you make the most of it daily, the bandwidth you use is approximately 15 GB per month. However, let us state that unused data does not roll over to the next day. So even if you use only 400 MB in one day, you can still only use 500 MB the next day.
You can use your Hotspot Shield account by connecting up to five different devices. For example, according to tests, it was possible to log in with the same account on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Therefore, you can access Hotspot Shield whether you are working with your MacBook in the office, browsing with your smartphones in a cafe, or at home with your Windows PC. The VPN also typically takes less than five seconds to establish a connection, which is quite an impressive performance for a free VPN.
Most free VPNs generate revenue by integrating ads into the websites you visit. While Hotspot Shield used to do this in the past, it has recently changed its policy and started placing ads only in its mobile apps. Also, instead of integrating ads into websites, it only shows short ads after you connect and disconnect your VPN via mobile phone. Although seeing ads isn’t very fun, the wide free broadband usage it offers its users will make you overlook this flaw.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a big name in the VPN industry. Based in Switzerland, this provider is found to be quite successful by most users. Proton VPN, whose applications are open source and secure, offers an excellent privacy and security-focused experience.
Proton VPN’s biggest advantage over its competitors is its unlimited data policy. This means no matter how much you use the free VPN, you will never face limitations. In speed tests performed, it reached an impressive 380 Mbps speed, surpassing even PrivadoVPN.
Like PrivadoVPN, all privacy features are available for every type of user, whether paid or free. However, as can be expected, the Secure Core feature is not offered to free users.
But there is a reason why PrivadoVPN has recently surpassed Proton. This is because, apart from the basic features, the Proton VPN free version is a bit more limited. You will only get access to 3 servers (USA, Netherlands, Japan) compared to Privado’s 13. This means that many people around the world may not find a server near them, with the lack of a UK VPN server being the most notable.
If you are looking for a free VPN to help keep you private in daily life without unlimited data caps, we can say that Proton VPN is a good option.
Hide.me
Hide.me is a VPN software with free proxy extensions and over 10 million users across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. This VPN serves as both free and paid.
According to tests, it has been concluded that both versions of Hide.me are quite fast. The paid version of the VPN software has a wide range of servers in 66 countries and 2,000 cities. However, the free version of the VPN only has five VPN servers. Along with this, it offers a usage opportunity limited to 10 GB per month. This shows that you can get approximately 10 hours of streaming service with the VPN.
Although Hide.me is not a leading VPN among P2P file sharing or streaming platforms, it is still above average. It has basic security features like IP address hiding and protecting data transfers over WiFi.
Although highly configurable, Hide.me also has some issues that may affect your user experience. For example, you may encounter problems such as slow connection times and app crashes. In conclusion, although Hide.me’s free and paid VPN applications are not perfect, they still have virtues that can do the job.
ZoogVPN
ZoogVPN is a good free VPN service for those living in countries with VPN blocks. You can stay safe online with this VPN software that offers a free obfuscation feature that hides the VPN connection.
Signing up for ZoogVPN is free and requires no payment or credit card information. Providing 10GB of data, ZoogVPN is quite sufficient for a secure internet experience.
Free ZoogVPN uses AES-128 encryption for data protection and keeps no logs. The software, which has a functional kill switch, has the Shadow protocol which helps you use the VPN without showing any signs of usage. Additionally, the Netherlands server works suitably for torrent usage with the free version.
Speaking of shortcomings to consider, while free users are protected by AES-128 encryption, the paid plan has AES-256 encryption. This generally provides better protection. Also, the leading tunneling protocol in the market is not found in this VPN.
Overall, while ZoogVPN is a secure free VPN, a series of restrictions can make the browsing experience quite challenging. For a better experience, we recommend choosing the premium version for a low fee of just $1.99 per month.
Atlas VPN
Using a VPN increases your privacy, but Atlas VPN takes it a step further by offering tools that can help you track your digital health. The free version of the service includes Tracker Blocker, a tool that automatically blocks trackers that websites you visit integrate into your computer. It also includes a breach monitor where you can enter your email address and find out if it is part of a data breach. It was actually these little things that ensured Atlas made it onto our list of best free VPNs.
Although most free VPNs do not provide access to streaming websites, we must set Atlas apart in this regard. You can watch movies or series from Netflix and Prime Video while connected to Atlas. However, remember that there is a data usage limit of 10 GB per month. So, when you watch a few episodes of La Casa De Papel, the data you can use will evaporate.
Atlas VPN does not require you to create an account if you are on the free plan. This means you can install Atlas on all your devices and connect them all to the VPN at the same time. Unless you are doing bandwidth-intensive work, you don’t need to pay a monthly fee to protect all your computers and mobile phones.
Surfshark
We can say that Surfshark‘s free version lasting only one month is not very attractive. However, this trial period also has advantages. First, you will not experience any limitations on how you use the VPN in terms of servers, data, or speed limits. Those looking for a free VPN for short-term use should definitely put Surfshark first in their preferences. Because you will have all the features of a premium VPN without spending a single penny.
I guess it’s no secret that we spend a lot of time on the internet. We often find ourselves checking Instagram on our phone while watching Netflix on our laptop. Therefore, if you need a VPN that won’t limit you on the number of devices you can connect simultaneously, enter Surfshark. You can run Surfshark on many devices at the same time, including the following:
- iOS
- Android
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
- Xbox
Let’s mention one more small detail. Although there are VPNs that work well with Netflix, we can say that the company is not a fan of VPNs. In fact, Netflix has blocked a ton of VPN IP addresses following pressure from the television world. Fortunately, you won’t have any problems watching things on Netflix while connected to Surfshark.
TunnelBear
Most VPN services have a serious impact on the user interface. TunnelBear has taken a different approach with a user interface that is as fun as it is intuitive and easy to use. With TunnelBear, you will be able to connect to encrypted tunnels with a single click. Once connected, the application shows us our server location via a virtual map. Whenever you feel a slowdown, you can choose one of the TunnelBear servers closest to you to establish a better connection.
Although TunnelBear is a free VPN, it allows a maximum of five connections simultaneously. Another advantage of TunnelBear is that it works on all major operating systems for desktop and mobile, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also has browser extensions where they only encrypt your browsing data instead of encrypting all your online activity via the browser with your computer or smartphone. Looking at this from an ergonomic perspective, it shows that TunnelBear is quite user-friendly.
While other VPNs limit the number of virtual locations accessible to free users, TunnelBear allows you to connect to more than 20 different server locations. It also allows you to choose the server closest to you for higher speeds and switch to different servers if your current connection is not good. TunnelBear’s interface offers a nice detail to users by visualizing the location of servers. Apart from this, TunnelBear also makes it easy to find other nearby servers if the nearest server does not provide good speed or if you want to change your iPhone’s location to a specific country.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a VPN service that works on almost every device you would use at home. There are desktop clients for Windows, Mac, and Linux, apps for iOS and Android, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, and even an app for Amazon Fire TV.
Returning to the basics after this impressive information, Windscribe’s desktop client connects all your applications to the VPN tunnel. The Windscribe extension you install on your Chrome browser only encrypts your browser activity. another advantage of using the browser extension is that it blocks ads, trackers, and social network widgets. You know the Like, Tweet, and Share widget buttons that appear on various websites. Apparently, these can track our browsing data even if we don’t click on any of them. Windscribe blocks these widgets so you can browse the web, Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks, and moreover, it does not track you. This shows how serious the company is about keeping its customers’ online activities private.
Windscribe does not track your real IP address and identifying data such as the websites you visit while connected to the VPN. However, it records a bit too much information, including the amount of data you use and the duration of your connections. We can say that this is a bit worrying. Apart from information logging, the only record Windscribe keeps is the data you used within a 30-day period.
Is There a Completely Free VPN?
Eh, it depends on what you mean by ‘free’. There are many free VPNs you can use without having to pay, but you might be paying by watching ads or unknowingly allowing them to sell your data.
The best free VPN services tend to be ‘free versions’ that actually aim to give you a taste of a paid product before encouraging you to give them your money. Top providers like Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN do this by using data limits and server restrictions to create an incentive to upgrade. Many people do this, and it generally covers the company’s costs.