A free VPN is a great way to protect your devices if you can’t afford a premium service. But don’t think that just because a VPN is free that it’s safe. Most apps on the market offer sub-par protection and harvest your data to sell on to marketing agencies.
With hundreds of apps to pick from and almost all of them claiming to be totally unlimited even the best free VPN services come with limitations and are designed to be a taste of the real thing to convince you to upgrade.
Before we take a deeper look into the best free VPNs in 2024, it’s important to understand why only a handful of services like Privado VPN, Proton VPN, and Windscribe offer free VPNs that you can trust.
The best free VPN: PrivadoVPN
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: 10 GB at full speed, then unlimited via a single 1 Mbps location | Connections: 1 | Server locations: 13 | Countries: 10 | 24/7 live chat support: Website and email
Unblocks US Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer 10 GB full-speed data a month, plus unlimited low-speed traffic Super-fast speedsPlenty of customizationEasy-to-use appsSome features are locked behind the premium service.
The best free VPN: Proton VPN
Unlimited data allowance and advocates for digital privacy
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: Unlimited | Connections: 1 | Countries: 1 | Support: Website, email.
Unlimited data, Fast servers, Feature-packed open-sourced and audited apps, Reliable kill switch, No choice over server locations.
The best free VPN: Windscribe
Powerful and secure with a generous data cap
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS | Data limit: 10 GB | Connections: Unlimited | Server locations: 14 | Countries: 11 | Support: Website, email.
Plenty of advanced features, Unlimited simultaneous connections, Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Fast speeds, Only 10 GB of data.
The Five Best Premium VPNS In 2024
Here, we present the top VPN services of 2024, evaluated based on security features, speed, user experience, and customer support:
1. The best VPN for beginners: ExpressVPN
Why Choose ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN automates every process that most other apps would make you do manually, ensuring the fastest, safest connection possible every time. Get a second month of protection for free and see how it compares to NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Superior Speed: Consistently ranks as the fastest VPN in our tests.
- Robust Security: Offers AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and split tunneling.
- Global Coverage: 3,000+ servers in 94 countries.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive apps for all major platforms.
- Excellent Support: 24/7 live chat and a comprehensive knowledge base.
Best For: Users seeking the best overall performance and reliability.
2. The best VPN overall: NordVPN
Why Choose NordVPN?
- Advanced Security Features: Double VPN, CyberSec, and Onion Over VPN.
- Extensive Server Network: 5,400+ servers in 60 countries.
- Great for Streaming: Easily bypasses geo-restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- Strong Privacy Policy: Strict no-logs policy audited by third parties.
- Value for Money: Competitive pricing with frequent discounts.
NordVPN has finally taken the crown as my top-ranked VPN thanks to its amazing array of features, excellent streaming site unblocking, and super-fast speeds. See for yourself why this is my number one VPN and take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. CyberGhost
Why Choose CyberGhost?
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple setup and user interface.
- Optimized Servers: Servers dedicated to streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
- Wide Server Distribution: 7,000+ servers in 90 countries.
- Privacy Protection: No-logs policy and robust encryption standards.
- Generous Trial Period: 45-day money-back guarantee.
Best For: Beginners and casual users seeking a straightforward VPN solution.
4. The best budget VPN: Surfshark
Why Choose Surfshark?
- Unlimited Devices: Connect as many devices as you like with a single account.
- Budget-Friendly: One of the most affordable VPNs with premium features.
- Impressive Features: CleanWeb, MultiHop, and Whitelister.
- Fast and Reliable: Consistently good performance across various server locations.
- Strong Privacy Measures: Based in the British Virgin Islands with a strict no-logs policy.
Surfshark offers some of the most advanced privacy tools for some of the lowest prices in the industry. Coming in at just $2.29 per month, you get a service that genuinely rivals NordVPN and ExpressVPN, for just a fraction of the price. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can get a third month of free premium VPN protection, all without risking a penny.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Why Choose PIA?
- Highly Customizable: Advanced settings for tech-savvy users.
- Large Server Network: 35,000+ servers in 77 countries.
- Great for Torrenting: P2P-friendly with excellent download speeds.
- Transparent Privacy Policy: No-logs policy backed by court cases.
- Open Source: OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols available.
Best For: Users looking for customization and torrenting support.
Why I Don’t Always Recommend a Free VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal, and that is even more so when it comes to a free service. Even the best free VPNs come with restrictions and are designed to give you a glimpse of the full service, so you’ll consider upgrading to get the full functionality.
There are several reasons why free VPNs might not be the best choice for most users, despite their appeal as a cost-free solution for online privacy and security:
There are several reasons why free VPNs might not be the best choice for most users, despite their appeal as a cost-free solution for online privacy and security:
1. Security and Privacy Concerns
- Data Logging and Selling: Many free VPN providers log user data and sell it to third parties to generate revenue. This practice contradicts the primary purpose of a VPN, which is to protect your privacy.
- Weak Encryption: Free VPNs often use weaker encryption standards, making your data more vulnerable to hacking and surveillance.
- Malware Risks: Some free VPNs have been found to contain malware, which can compromise your devices and personal information.
2. Limited Features and Performance
- Bandwidth and Data Caps: Free VPNs typically impose strict limits on bandwidth and data usage, which can severely restrict your internet activities.
- Slow Speeds: Due to overcrowded servers and limited resources, free VPNs often provide slow connection speeds, resulting in a frustrating browsing experience.
- Limited Server Options: Free VPNs usually offer a limited number of servers and locations, reducing your ability to bypass geo-restrictions effectively.
3. Customer Support
- Lack of Support: Free VPNs often provide little to no customer support, leaving users without assistance if they encounter problems.
4. Reliability and Trustworthiness
- Service Disruptions: Free VPNs may suffer from frequent service interruptions, making them unreliable for consistent use.
- Provider Transparency: Many free VPN providers lack transparency regarding their ownership and operational practices, making it hard to trust them with your data.
5. Potential for Abuse
- Misuse by Others: Some free VPNs operate on a peer-to-peer model, where your connection may be used to route other users’ traffic, potentially leading to legal and security issues for you.
Alternatives to Free VPNs
While free VPNs might seem attractive, their limitations and potential risks often outweigh the benefits. Instead, consider these alternatives:
- Paid VPN Services: Investing in a reputable paid VPN service can provide robust security, reliable performance, and excellent customer support. Many paid VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test the service before committing.
- Freemium VPNs: Some VPN providers offer a freemium model, where you get a basic version of the service for free, with the option to upgrade to a premium plan for better features and performance.
- Open-Source VPNs: Open-source VPN solutions, like OpenVPN, allow you to set up your own VPN server. While this requires more technical knowledge, it offers complete control over your data and privacy.
By understanding the limitations and risks associated with free VPNs, you can make a more informed decision about how to protect your online privacy and security effectively.
How to Choose the Right VPN for You
When selecting a VPN, consider the following factors:
- Security and Privacy: Look for robust encryption, a no-logs policy, and advanced security features.
- Speed: Ensure the VPN offers high-speed connections to avoid slowdowns during browsing, streaming, or downloading.
- Server Locations: A wider server network allows better access to global content.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly apps and customer support can significantly enhance your experience.
- Price: Compare the cost of subscriptions and available discounts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right VPN can make a significant difference in your online security and privacy. Whether you prioritize speed, security, or affordability, the VPNs listed above offer excellent options to meet your needs in 2024. Stay safe, stay private, and enjoy unrestricted internet access with these top-rated VPN services.
