Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are the way to keep your internet privacy and secure online data. They encrypt your internet traffic so nobody can snoop on your online activities. But with so many options out there, finding the right VPN can be a challenge.
One important thing to consider is the VPN's performance rating. This includes its speed, encryption strength, and server distribution. A higher rating means better performance you can rely on.
To make your life easier, our team has searched high and low to bring you a list of the top contenders. We've evaluated them based on their performance rating, ease of use, and overall features. So you can find the best option for you.
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
When it comes to the best overall free VPN, ProtonVPN truly distinguishes itself from the rest of the pack. ProtonVPN's free version ensures complete privacy and security for every user, offering unlimited bandwidth and a strict no-logs policy.
It's easy to use, and the US, Netherlands, and Japan servers provide reliable service without data caps. With its Swiss base, ProtonVPN has a solid reputation for adhering to the country's strong privacy laws.
Although the free version does not support streaming or P2P, and the server speed is slower than the premium Plus servers, these are minor trade-offs considering the privacy features it offers. For those who desire more, upgrading to a paid account for advanced features is always an option.
Windrscirbe
Best free VPN for Netflix
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Unblocks up to six libraries
AES-256 encryption
Cons
Some may find the access too limited
Not for heavy watchers
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
Windscribe is an excellent free VPN for Netflix, giving users access to diverse content across various libraries. The free version unblocks Netflix libraries - up to six, including the UK. This feature makes it particularly appealing for Netflix enthusiasts who desire a wide range of viewing options. With a monthly allotment of 10GB of data and servers in 11 countries, you can easily watch your favourite shows.
The AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy ensure you can stream content securely and with peace of mind. It's also noteworthy that Windscribe's free plan allows unlimited connections, and its fast, reliable connection speeds ensure uninterrupted, quality streaming.
However, the free version of Windscribe does have a data cap, which may not suit heavy Netflix users. Also, while it can unblock a handful of libraries, it pales compared to the extensive access offered by Windscribe Pro, Windscribe's premium version.
Despite these drawbacks, this free plan is an excellent option for those wanting to access Netflix content securely without breaking the bank.
We recommend PrivadoVPN as the best free VPN for Android. This service prioritises privacy, offering a no-log policy, and includes a handy kill switch feature for enhanced security.
It provides the freedom to choose from three VPN protocols. With 10GB of data every month, 12 global servers, and unlimited speeds, PrivadoVPN boasts a pretty decent free account. It also has a user-friendly interface specifically optimised for Android devices. Unlike many free VPN services, PrivadoVPN is also devoid of pesky ads. It also provides extra layers of security, shielding users from potential scammers and hackers. Supporting connection of up to 10 devices with a single account ensures all your devices are protected.
However, heavy users might find the 10GB monthly limit slightly restrictive despite the generous data allowance. Also, with just 12 global servers available in the free version, some users may face limitations in server choices.
Deal
64% off 24-month plan
Enjoy 64% off on 24-month VPN plans with unlimited data on unlimited devices. Exclusions, T&Cs apply
For iPhone users, we picked Hide.Me , as the best straightforward and practical free VPN solution. The free plan delivers a decent monthly data allotment, bandwidth without annoying caps, and access to servers in five different locations.
It's easy to set up and navigate, even for those new to VPNs. Plus, it offers a 10GB monthly data limit, ensuring smooth streaming without fear of speed throttling or buffering issues. And it's an ad-free service, which is a significant plus.
Privacy is another area where Hide.Me shines. With a firm no-logging policy, it does not store any customer data, allowing users to browse with confidence and assurance that their privacy is safeguarded.
However, it's worth noting that the free plan only allows for a single connection. Upgrading to a paid subscription is necessary for those who need to connect multiple devices. The upgrade offers various plans, including monthly, 6-month, and yearly options, allowing for up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Proton VPN
Best free VPN for Windows
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Unlimited data
Easy account set-up
Cons
Not as many servers as some other options
Only supports 1 device
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
ProtonVPN is an awesome option for Windows users seeking a free VPN service. Coming from privacy-focused Switzerland, ProtonVPN takes user confidentiality seriously with its strict no-logs policy.
It has an unlimited data offering, which is quite rare for free VPNs. Unlike other providers that limit your monthly data to just a few hundred megabytes, ProtonVPN doesn't hold you back. It's perfect for heavy-duty users or those new to VPNs who aren't yet ready to commit to a paid plan.
Setting up an account is a breeze, and you don't even need to provide credit card details. The user-friendly interface makes it a top-notch choice, too. While the server network isn't as extensive as some others, the 23 servers in 3 countries still deliver reliable and satisfactory performance.
Keep in mind that with ProtonVPN, you might have limited access to region-specific content due to the restriction to 3 countries. Also, the speed on the free plan isn't as high as the paid ones. But overall, ProtonVPN rocks!
Tunnel Bear is a fantastic free VPN option for Mac users. It not only offers 500MB of data per month but also maintains the same performance as its paid counterpart. Plus, it's got top-notch security features like AES-256-bit encryption and a strict no-logging policy so that you can browse with confidence.
The user experience is super user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface perfect for VPN newbies. You can connect to servers in 8 different locations and even enjoy a 'Kill Switch' function. Keep in mind that if you're a heavy data user, the 500MB limit might feel a bit restrictive.
If you need more flexibility, you can always upgrade to a paid account for unlimited data and extra features like more server locations and faster speeds. But it's worth noting that Tunnel Bear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes international surveillance alliance. So, if privacy is a big concern for you, take that into consideration.
UrbanVPN
Best free VPN extension for Chrome
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Unlimited data
Also suitable for Firefox and Edge
Cons
Can slow down your internet speed
Some users said the VPN occasionally disconnects
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
UrbanVPN is our pick for the best free VPN extension for Chrome. It also works for Edge and Firefox.
The activation process is super quick, and you get unlimited bandwidth, so you never have to worry about slow internet speeds. Plus, you can choose from a bunch of different international locations to access geo-blocked content. That means you can binge-watch Netflix and get on all your favourite social media sites without restrictions. Plus, UrbanVPN blocks ads and protects you from malware so that you can browse the web with peace of mind.
But note that UrbanVPN's encryption process might slow your internet speed. And if there are a lot of users, you might experience some slower connection speeds. Additionally, some users said they experienced occasional drops in connection, but these were quickly fixed by reconnecting.
NordVPN is one of the best paid VPNs out there, offering a remarkable 30-day free trial. You can try it risk-free and get a full refund if it doesn't meet your needs.
With over 6,000 super-fast servers worldwide, you'll always have the best speed. And its speed doesn't mean compromising security, thanks to its NordLynx protocol. Plus, there are no bandwidth limits, so you can browse, stream, and download to your heart's content.
NordVPN goes the extra mile with its Threat Protection feature, protecting you from malware and trackers. You can also connect up to six devices at once and get 24/7 customer support. It works on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and routers, so it's super versatile.
One downside is that the free trial is only for the 1-month plan, and it switches to that plan if you don't cancel. Also, the starter paid plan is a bit pricier than others. Nevertheless, the 30-day free trial is a great chance to try NordVPN and see if it's right for you.
Deal
Up to 69% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra
Discounts applied at checkout. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
5-year plan: $0.99 for 7-days trial then $5.75/month for 1-year
Experience the fastest VPN service ever. Whether it’s high-speed streaming, browsing, security, file sharing or privacy, you get everything with PureVPN. T&Cs apply.
Buy the most trusted & secured VPN at an affordable price of 54% off for 2-year plan at Ivacy. Cancel Anytime + 30 days money back guarantee. T&Cs apply.
We started our search for the best free VPN services by compiling a list of popular no-cost VPNs. The next step was to find out which of those services were the highest rated by users and tech reviewers from around the world. We also considered factors such as number of servers, data limits, supported devices/platforms and price to help narrow the contenders down to our top picks.
We considered the following VPN services for this guide:
Betternet
CyberGhost
Daily VPN
DotVPN
Flash VPN
Hide.me
Hola VPN
Hotspot Shield
Kaspersky
Opera VPN
PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN
SetupVPN
Touch VPN
Trust.Zone
TunnelBear
VeePN
VPN in Touch
Windscribe
ZenMate VPN
ZoogVPN
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of VPNs can vary depending on the provider, the subscription plan, and the features offered. Some VPNs are available for free, while others require a monthly or annual subscription fee.
Setting up a VPN is generally a straightforward process. Most VPN providers offer user-friendly apps for various devices, making the setup process simple and easy to follow.
A VPN can help protect your data and online activities from potential hackers by encrypting your internet connection. However, practising good security habits and using a reputable VPN service to maximise protection is important.
Using a VPN can sometimes result in a slower internet connection due to the encryption process and the distance to the VPN server. However, the difference in speed is usually minimal, and most users don't notice a significant decrease in performance.
Legit VPN services offering free trials provide robust security methods to safeguard your information and privacy.
A VPN can help cover your IP address and web traffic. However, using a poor quality VPN can still mean your data may be tracked.
A proxy passes your web traffic to a different server, but it doesn't offer better protection. A VPN provides better security by routing your traffic to a secured VPN server. It also helps encrypt your data to prevent tracking.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
These are the 10 best VPNs to help you protect your online privacy and access geoblocked content.
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Planet VPN
PrivadoVPN
NordVPN
PureVPN
TunnelBear
AtlasVPN
SurfsharkVPN
Avast Software
AVG
PandaPow
IvacyVPN
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