Picture this. You’re traveling abroad and want to watch your favorite show, but it's blocked. Or you're using public Wi-Fi, unaware that hackers could steal your data.
A free VPN can help you stay private, secure, and unrestricted online. But not all free VPNs are equal. Some have strict data limits. Others are slow or have weak privacy policies. Choosing the right one is essential.
Why You Need a Free VPN
Without a VPN, your internet activity is visible to websites, advertisers, and cybercriminals.
Many free options offer basic encryption and anonymous browsing. Some let you bypass geo-blocks. But they come with trade-offs.
You need a reliable free VPN that balances security, speed, and usability.
Best Free VPN in 2025: Ranked from Best to Worst
We tested and ranked the best free VPN based on security, speed, data limits, and ease of use. Here are the top picks.
Proton VPN Free – Best for Unlimited Data & Privacy
PrivadoVPN Free – Best for Unlimited Streaming
Windscribe Free – Best for Customization & Server Choices
Hide.me Free – Best for Security & Privacy Features
Hotspot Shield Basic – Best for Fast Speeds
TunnelBear Free – Best for Simplicity & Ease of Use
Selection Criteria for Best Free VPN in 2025
Why These VPNs?
Not all free VPNs are safe or reliable. Some collect user data. Others have poor security or slow speeds. We selected these VPNs based on essential factors like security, performance, and user experience.
Security & Privacy
A VPN should protect your data, not expose it. We analyzed encryption standards, logging policies, and VPN jurisdictions. Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy were top priorities.
Speed & Performance
Free VPN often struggle with speed. Many have overloaded servers or restrict bandwidth. We focused on those that deliver decent speeds for browsing, streaming, and everyday use.
Server Availability
The number of available servers affects connection speed and accessibility. More servers mean better chances of bypassing geo-blocks and avoiding overcrowded networks.
Data Limits & Restrictions
Most free VPNs come with data caps. Some offer only a few hundred megabytes per day, while others provide unlimited data. We highlighted options with generous or no data limits.
User Experience
A VPN should be easy to install and use. Complicated setups and limited device compatibility can make some services frustrating. We prioritized VPNs with simple interfaces and cross-platform support.
Why It Matters
A good free VPN balances security, speed, and usability. It should protect your privacy without slowing you down or imposing harsh limitations.
Best Free VPNs for 2025
Finding a reliable free VPN can be challenging. Many come with slow speeds, data limits, or weak privacy policies. The right free VPN should offer strong security, decent speed, and enough data for browsing or streaming.
We tested and ranked the best free VPNs for 2025 based on privacy, performance, server availability, and ease of use. Below are the top picks, helping you stay protected online without spending a dime.
Proton VPN Free – Best for Unlimited Data & Privacy
Key Features
Unlimited data with no bandwidth restrictions
No-logs policy and strong encryption
Based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction
Free servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan
Pros and Cons
Pros:
No data caps, which is rare for a free VPN
Strong privacy protections with a strict no-logs policy
Reliable for browsing and everyday use
Cons:
Limited to three free server locations
Slower speeds during peak hours
Best For
Users who need unlimited data and strong privacy protection.
Why It’s on the List
Proton VPN Free is one of the few free VPNs that offer unlimited bandwidth without collecting user data. It is a top choice for privacy-conscious users who want unrestricted browsing.
PrivadoVPN Free – Best for Unlimited Streaming
Key Features
10GB of free data per month (unlimited on desktop)
No-logs policy and strong encryption
Servers available in 12+ countries
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Faster speeds compared to most free VPNs
Works well for streaming and general browsing
Strong security with a strict no-logs policy
Cons:
Limited to one device at a time
Fewer server locations than premium VPNs
Best For
Users who need a privacy-focused VPN with a generous data limit and decent streaming capabilities.
Why It’s on the List
PrivadoVPN Free is one of the rare free VPNs that offer unlimited data on desktops. Its combination of good speeds, security, and no-logs policy makes it a solid choice for those who need reliable streaming and browsing.
3. Windscribe Free – Best for Customization & Server Choices
Key Features
10GB of free data per month
Access to 10+ free servers
Built-in ad and tracker blocker
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Good selection of free servers
Decent speeds for browsing and streaming
Includes an ad and tracker blocker for extra privacy
Cons:
10GB data limit may not be enough for heavy users
Free servers can become congested, slowing down speeds
Best For
Users who want a flexible and customizable VPN experience with additional privacy features.
Why It’s on the List
Windscribe Free stands out for its variety of free servers, built-in ad blocker, and solid speeds. It’s a great option for users looking for more control over their VPN settings.
Key Features
10GB of free data per month
No-logs policy and strong encryption
Free servers available in 5+ locations
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Strong security and encryption for safe browsing
No registration required to use the free version
Decent speed compared to other free VPNs
Cons:
10GB data limit may not be enough for heavy users
Fewer free servers than some competitors
Best For
Users who prioritize security and want a no-logs policy without needing to sign up.
Why It’s on the List
Hide.me Free is a privacy-focused VPN with strong encryption and no registration requirements. It’s a great choice for users who value security and anonymity.
Hotspot Shield Basic – Best for Fast Speeds
Key Features
500MB of free data per day (~15GB per month)
Uses proprietary Hydra protocol for faster speeds
Free server available in the US
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Faster speeds than most free VPN
Simple and easy-to-use app
500MB per day can be more flexible than some monthly caps
Cons:
Free version is supported by ads
Limited to a single US server
Best For
Users who need a fast and reliable VPN for casual browsing and occasional streaming.
Why It’s on the List
Hotspot Shield Basic stands out for its speed and ease of use. While its data limit and single server location can be restrictive, it remains a solid choice for light internet use.
TunnelBear Free – Best for Simplicity & Ease of Use
Key Features
2GB of free data per month
Servers available in 20+ locations
No logging policy for better privacy
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Simple and fun user interface, great for beginners
Strong security despite being free
Good selection of server locations
Cons:
2GB data limit is very restrictive
Slower speeds compared to other free VPNs
Best For
Casual users who want an easy-to-use VPN for occasional browsing.
Why It’s on the List
TunnelBear Free is a beginner-friendly VPN with strong security and a simple interface. While the low data limit makes it impractical for heavy use, it’s a great choice for those who just need a basic and secure free VPN.
Comparison Table
This table compares the top free VPNs based on their best use case, key features, data limits, server availability, and overall rating.
VPN | Best For | Key Feature | Free Data | Server Locations | Rating |
Proton VPN Free | Unlimited Data & Privacy | No data caps, strong no-logs policy | Unlimited | 3 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
PrivadoVPN Free | Unlimited Streaming | No-logs policy, unlimited desktop data | 10GB/month (unlimited on desktop) | 12+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Windscribe Free | Customization & Server Choices | 10+ free servers, ad blocker | 10GB/month | 10+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Hide.me Free | Security & Privacy Features | No registration, strong encryption | 10GB/month | 5+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Hotspot Shield Basic | Fast Speeds | Hydra protocol for better speed | 500MB/day (~15GB/month) | 1 (US) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
TunnelBear Free | Simplicity & Ease of Use | User-friendly, 20+ locations | 2GB/month | 20+ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
How to Choose the Right Free VPN for You
With so many free VPN available, finding the right one depends on your specific needs. Consider these key factors when making your choice.
Comparison Criteria
Security & Privacy – Look for strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Speed & Performance – Some free VPNs offer better speeds, but many can be slow during peak times.
Server Availability – More server locations mean better access to geo-restricted content.
Data Limits – If you need unlimited data, your options are limited.
Ease of Use – A user-friendly interface is important, especially for beginners.
Top Options & Best Use Cases
Best for Unlimited Data → Proton VPN Free (No data caps, strong privacy)
Best for Streaming → PrivadoVPN Free (Unlimited data on desktop, great speeds)
Best for Customization → Windscribe Free (More free servers, built-in ad blocker)
Best for Security & Privacy → Hide.me Free (Strong encryption, no registration required)
Best for Speed → Hotspot Shield Basic (Fastest among free VPNs, but limited to one US server)
Best for Beginners → TunnelBear Free (Simple interface, easy to use)
Final Tip
If you're unsure, try Proton VPN Free for unlimited data or PrivadoVPN Free for better streaming. Consider upgrading to a paid VPN if you need faster speeds, more servers, or unlimited bandwidth.
Which free VPN do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!