DISCLAIMER: The “free VPN” options are recommendations designed to get you off the ground. While these programs are indeed “free” on the most basic levels or for limited times, it’s important to note that once the free trial period concludes, you will be required to pay for continued use. Additionally, if you use a “Freemium” VPN service, you must pay for more advanced features and functionality.
What is a Virtual Private Network? (How a VPN Works)
A virtual private network (VPN) enables anonymity and privacy while online via a secured and encrypted connection from your device (i.e., Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, MAC, Linux, etc.) to an internet network.
A VPN connection can hide your online activity from cybercriminals, some government agencies, companies, and others. It accomplished this feat by hiding the following data:
- Browser history on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and others
- IP address and location
- The location you’re streaming videos, music, etc., on services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Apple Music, and more.
- Your personal information
Additionally, the best VPNs offer data leak protection, fast connection speeds, identity theft protections, simultaneous connections, unlimited data limits, and more. Generally, VPNs are best for public wi-fi usage and torrenting.
However, in some cases, they can be an excellent at-home tool for privacy. That’s especially true if you live with roommates.
Is it Risky to Use a Free VPN Provider?
The answer to this question depends on the type of free VPN service you’re using. For example, suppose you’re using a free trial of a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and others.
In that case, you can be confident that they include advanced features, including ad blockers, split tunneling, hotspot shields, internet kill switches, and multiple server locations. Further, premium VPN providers that offer free trials are typically committed to protecting your online privacy with constant updates to security features.
However, using a completely free VPN server may be unsafe for many reasons. A few of the most commonly cited reasons to steer clear of 100% free VPN providers include:
- Many 100% free VPN apps collect and sell your data to third-party marketing companies
- Due to a lack of budget, many totally free VPN providers are vulnerable to malware, DNS leaks, and other cyberattacks
- In many cases, a completely free VPN can slow your internet connection
- Many free VPNs result in CAPTCHA requests on streaming sites, search engines, and others
- Some free VPN companies show free and instructive ads that include trackers
Generally, if you’re using a totally free VPN service, you should be aware that it’s far from risk-free. In most cases, the premium versions of paid VPN free trials offer much more security and safety.
Pros and Cons of The Best VPN Services
There are countless top-rated VPN services. Each has its pros and cons. In general, the benefits and drawbacks of the best VPN providers like OpenVPN, NordVPN, WindScribe, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and others depend on your needs, location, devices, and more.
Further, you can expect a vastly different experience depending on whether you’re using the free version of a VPN app or a premium version of a paid plan.
Whether in the U.S., Germany, Japan, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Canada, France, or anywhere else, there are many advantages to using the best VPN services. The general benefits of VPN use include but are not limited to:
- User-friendly set-up and instructions
- Secured network
- Hidden private information
- Workaround for monthly data allowances and bandwidth data caps
- Access to Geo-blocked content (especially helpful for streaming services)
- Workplace network security
- Reduced IT costs
While there are many benefits of using a VPN, there are also a few drawbacks. Common disadvantages of the best VPN providers include but are not limited to:
- Depending on the VPN protocol, it can result in lower internet speeds. In many cases, it’s best to use an internet speed test while using a free trial.
- Complicated configurations (i.e., Router set-up, AES-256 configuration, IKEv2 setup, and more.
- Monthly or yearly costs associated with the paid plans
Advantages of Using The Best Free VPN Services
Generally, the best free VPN services offer most of the same benefits as paid VPN options. A few benefits of using a free virtual privacy network include but are not limited to the following:
- Private browsing history
- Online identity protection
- The ability to change your IP address to unblock Geo-blocked content
- You can enjoy a VPN for free
Free VPN use has its advantages. However, there are also a few disadvantages you should be aware of before downloading free VPN software on your iPhone, Android, laptop, computer, or router. Learn more below.
Disadvantages of Using The Best Free VPN Services
Suppose you need to protect your data, network, and personal information (most of us do). In that case, it’s typically better to use any reputable VPN provider compared to no VPN at all. However, you should be aware of the following potential negatives of using the best free VPN providers online:
- Potentially intrusive advertisements
- Collection and sale of your personal data
- The VPN might not be free forever
- Inability to add additional free users to your account
- You may have more connectivity problems compared to paid plans
- Limited advanced features
- Lack of customer support
- Slow internet speeds (use a speed test site to ensure good speeds)
If you want to test out a VPN service for free, we’d recommend trying a free trial before paying for premium features OR using a highly-trusted 100% VPN service. Check out our list of the best free VPNs (with free trials) at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Best Free VPN Apps
There are many free VPN apps on the market, including services like PrivadoVPN, Hide.Me, AtlasVON, VeePN, VPN Proxy Master, and so many others. To alleviate some confusion, we’ve answered a few of the most frequently asked questions about free virtual private network services below.
Which is the Best Free VPN?
VPNs offer similar features but are slightly different. With that in mind, the best VPN for Chrome, the best VPN for an iPhone, and the best VPN for TOR aren’t always the same. Generally, the best top-rated virtual private network apps include but are not limited to:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- VPN Proxy Master
- AtlasVON
- Hotspot Shield
- Surfshark,
- And many others
Check out our picks for the top VPNs offering free trials and free plans at the top of this page.
Are There 100% Free VPNs?
There are plenty of 100% free VPNs. However, you should research to fully understand the pros and cons of each before installing new software on your device. The most notable completely free VPN services include:
- Me
- PrivadoVPN
- TunnelBear
- Windscribe
- ZoogVPN
- ProtonVPN,
- And more
Why Shouldn’t You Use a VPN?
You’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to use a VPN. However, there are a few reasons why using a VPN may not always be in your best interest. They include but are not limited to:
- VPN use is illegal in some countries
- Some content providers and websites may block you
- It’s not always easy to know how secure your information is
- Connection breaks
Can a VPN Steal Your Data?
If you’re using an unproven or low-quality VPN provider, you risk malware infections, installation of hidden tracking libraries, and the theft (and re-sale) of your personal information. It’s best to conduct thorough research on the VPN provider of your choice before installation.
