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Is it worth the trade-offs to save money with a free VPN?
Last Updated: March 8, 2025
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Why pay extra for a VPN when free options are available? Do free VPNs work the same way as paid ones? In theory, yes. But in reality, the difference between free and paid VPNs is significant.
While free VPNs may seem like an attractive option, they often come with serious limitations, and sometimes, they are dangerous. That said, choosing the right VPN depends on your needs. Just as you wouldn’t always buy the most expensive model when choosing a laptop but rather one that’s good enough for your purposes.
In this article, we’ll discuss free VPNs, explain how to find a VPN that’s right for you, and list the best free and paid VPNs of 2025 that you can pick from.
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Running a VPN service comes withsignificant operational costs, including: developing user-friendly applications, providing customer support, managing a server network, paying wages, and covering massive electricity bills.
Paid VPN providers cover these expenses through subscriptions, ensuring higher quality service and stronger privacy protection, while free VPNs have to cover their expenses in other ways. Often, free VPN services serve as trials of paid versions. They offer limited functionality with the intent to convince users to subscribe to a premium plan. This model is often called “freemium.” A freemium VPN offered by a reputable company is perfectly legit, and it may be the best option if you only use the service occasionally for privacy.
However, be cautious with completely free VPNs with unlimited features, especially those from unknown or unverified company. Many such services present many risks. They may generate income by selling your data to advertisers and data brokers. Apart from your personal information, like your name and email, some free VPNs collect your browsing history, IP address, and banking details.
Additionally, Free VPNs may infect your device with malware, which can cause data leaks or give hackers control over your system to mine cryptocurrency. In 2015, the VPN service Hola used malware to turn the devices of free users into servers.
Ultimately, the choice between free VPNs and paid VPNs isn’t evident for many. Free VPNs pose certain risks but are a valid choice for some users.
Learning the drawbacks of free VPN services will help you make an informed decision. Let’s talk about them now.
Free VPNs typically have fewer servers, which can lead to network congestion and slower speeds. Some VPN providers save money on server updates by running their service on outdated hardware or software.
Unlike premium VPNs with global server networks, free VPNs often have fewer server locations. It means specific locations are more likely to get overloaded. You’ll experience a noticeable lag using a distant server because data must travel a greater distance, so limited server locations could mean slow speeds. Plus, you may be unable to unblock the geo-restricted content of your choice if there’s no server in specific locations.
Sophisticated encryption, regular hardware updates, and software development are expensive. Free VPN providers may cut corners, limit the choice of VPN tunnels, use outdated encryption techniques, or ignore the weakest links in their systems.
Not every VPN provider help you access geo-blocked content, even if it has servers in the region. Many streaming platforms, like Netflix, regularly block VPN server IP addresses to prevent users from accessing content libraries intended for other countries. Top-rated VPNs use obfuscation technology to bypass the strictest VPN blocks. Free VPNs can’t afford these functions or don’t come with them.
Premium VPNs offer 24/7 customer support to assist with technical issues. Free VPNs on the other hand often have no support team. Users have to depend on FAQs or chatbots, which fails to resolve complex issues.
Ad banners in the interfaces of free VPNs affect the user experience poorly. Plus, some advertisers sell the user data they collect to other parties. So, if you click an ad in your free VPN, even by accident, you may as well not be using a VPN.
In the worst-case scenario, using a free VPN can become inconvenient and dangerous. If you download malware due to a free VPN’s vulnerabilities or negligence, your device may become unusable, and your sensitive information may be compromised.
A VPN should enhance your privacy, not undermine it. Some free VPNs fail to provide adequate leak protection, and others sell user data intentionally to generate income.
Note that not all free VPNs have all these drawbacks. For instance, a free VPN service may offer dozens of server locations and decent speeds but have weak data leak protection or limited tunneling protocol selection.
Although free VPNs have many drawbacks and might pose security risks, some are decent. Given the inherent limitations, using a free VPN isn’t an option if you’re a power user. However, a free VPN might suffice if your internet is primarily for casual browsing.
Here’s when using a free VPN works fine:
Given how people use VPNs, the drawbacks of free VPNs usually outweigh the benefits. Some free VPNs are legitimate and function decently; we’ll talk about those briefly. But you’re probably better off with no VPN than with other free VPNs.
Before discussing the downside of free VPNs, let’s first examine the risks of browsing the internet without a VPN:
A paid VPN resolves all of these issues. It’s as simple as that.
Legitimate freemium VPNs are not as effective as paid ones, but they can work. Some legitimate free VPNs provide adequate protection against surveillance and bad actors. But even for a safe and functional free VPN, slow connection speeds can still be a problem.
Using no VPN at all leaves you vulnerable to privacy breaches. However, choosing a low-quality free VPN can be even worse and may compromise your security, collect your data, or significantly slow down your connection.
While a trustworthy freemium VPN is better than no VPN at all, it can’t match the security, performance, and reliability of a paid service. Here are the key advantages of paid VPN services:
Premium VPNs implement high-end encryption to prevent cyber threats and data leaks. They offer features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and IPv6 leak protection to ensure your connection remains private and secure at all times.
Top-tier VPN providers follow a strict zero-logs policy, meaning they don’t store your browsing history, device details, or personal data other than those necessary for operating and improving their services. Paid VPNs also don’t share your data with third parties. Many VPN providers even order independent security audits to prove their claims.
Most paid VPNs impose no data limits, allowing you to stream videos, play online games, or browse social media without restrictions. However, keep in mind that your ISP will still process your encrypted traffic and will know how much data you’re using, so data restrictions set by your ISP can’t be avoided with any VPN.
Premium VPNs deliver higher speeds and smoother performance for several reasons. First, they offer more server locations. That means each server is less likely to get overloaded, and you can find an area close to home to improve performance. Second, they use advanced encryption protocols optimized for speed. Third, they invest in advanced technology and hardware upgrades. For example, ExpressVPN comes with a blazing-fast proprietary protocol called Lightway, and the company recently replaced all its 1 Gbps servers with 10 Gbps servers.
Paid VPN services have more server locations so that you can watch content worldwide. However, some content providers invest more in VPN detection and constantly block VPN server IP addresses. Top-rated VPNs implement obfuscation technology and regularly switch server IPs to bypass these blocks.
The best VPNs have servers on every continent. More server locations mean better speeds and greater access to geo-restricted websites and services.
Paid VPN services support users via email, phone, and live chat. Most are available 24/7. Additionally, all the best VPNs have excellent step-by-step tutorials for beginners and advanced users.
The user experience is composed chiefly of functionality, ease of use, and customer service. Free VPN apps often display annoying ads, work slowly, or are difficult to navigate. Premium VPN services invest in flawless functionality, intuitive app design, and strong customer relationships to provide the best experience.
Some paid VPN services offer handy add-ons (free or at a small additional cost), such as gaming-optimized servers, encrypted cloud password storage, or antivirus.
A paid VPN is always better than a free VPN, but not all paid apps are equally good. We’ve tested dozens of VPNs and shared our top picks below. Our ranking criteria are largely based on the benefits listed in the previous section.
ExpressVPN is the most popular and best all-around VPN app on the market. It implements AES 256-bit encryption and offers multiple sophisticated tunneling protocols. The proprietary Lightway protocol was developed to consume less battery power and give incredible speeds.
The provider doesn’t collect logs and is headquartered in the privacy-favoring British Virgin Islands. KPMG and Cure53 have independently audited ExpressVPN’s policies.
Speed and unblocking capabilities truly make ExpressVPN stand out from the rest. Our tests have shown only a 5%–10% decrease in connection speeds compared to 20%, 50%, or even 90% with some free VPNs. ExpressVPN quickly unblocks Netflix and even works in China.
The app is compatible with all popular operating systems. With one subscription, you can protect up to five devices. If you have questions, live chat agents are accessible around the clock. ExpressVPN has no free trial, but you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s worth trying.
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers AES 128-bit (trades protection for speed) or AES 256-bit encryption and several tunneling protocols for reliable leak protection. The app has built-in malware protection.
PIA is headquartered in the US and is a member of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes Alliances, whose member countries share data on their citizens across borders. However, its privacy policy has passed an independent audit.
As a premium VPN should, PIA provides decent connection speeds and unblocks most streaming platforms. However, PIA isn’t reliable in bypassing strict Chinese censorship.
PIA is compatible with all popular operating systems and allows up to ten simultaneous connections. Customer support is available 24/7. No free version is available, but you can try the app without risk via its 30-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost has an impressive server fleet, including P2P-, gaming-, and streaming-optimized locations. The app bypasses most geo-restrictions, so it’s an excellent choice for unblocking Netflix, HBO Max, or Hulu. CyberGhost is generally fast, so it’s suitable for streaming and gaming.
CyberGhost uses AES 256-bit encryption and multiple advanced tunneling protocols like all top-rated VPNs. The app has a built-in ad blocker, malware protection, and a kill switch. CyberGhost’s privacy policy passed an audit by Deloitte.
The app runs on most devices and allows seven simultaneous connections. No live chat is available, but customer support agents are always quick to help via email. CyberGhost offers a 14-day money-back guarantee on the monthly plan and a 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans.
IPVanish has security features, including AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and multiple VPN protocols. IPVanish is in the US but has a strict, independently audited no-logs policy.
IPVanish unblocks most streaming platforms and delivers adequate connection speeds. The app supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so it’s a cost-effective option for large families.
Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. IPVanish offers low prices on long-term subscriptions and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
NordVPN can’t boast as many server locations as ExpressVPN or PIA. However, it has other appealing features, like its ad blocker and the ability to access .onion websites without the Tor browser.
NordVPN doesn’t collect logs and has passed an audit by a Big Four firm. The app keeps your data safe with AES 256-bit encryption and advanced tunneling protocols, including the proprietary NordLynx protocol optimized for speed.
NordVPN’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. The app runs on most devices and supports up to six simultaneous connections. There’s no free trial, but you can claim a refund within 30 days.
Maybe you don’t need the advanced features of premium apps, or you don’t want to pay upfront without trying the service first (even though you can always get your money back after trying it). Whatever the reason, we’ve compiled a list of trustworthy free VPN companies below.
Windscribe is an established VPN provider offering free and paid app versions. The free plan has the same security features as the premium plan, including AES 256-bit encryption, a firewall, and multiple tunneling protocols.
Windscribe Free even provides a decent connection speed. The best part? Unlike most free VPN providers, Windscribe has no device limits. You can protect your entire home network with a single account. The caveat is that Windscribe Free only offers 10 GB of monthly data.
The free plan might not be your best bet to access geo-restricted streaming services because it only has ten server locations. Conversely, you can contact customer support just like premium plan users.
TunnelBear’s free plan is great if you rarely need a VPN. It has a 2 GB monthly data cap and offers around 20 server locations. Security-wise, the free plan is just as good as the paid version, featuring AES 256-bit encryption and state-of-the-art tunneling protocols.
TunnelBear is headquartered in Canada. Although the provider regularly audits security, the privacy policy has yet to undergo an independent check.
The free plan allows you to protect five devices simultaneously. The VPN works across all popular operating systems and has an intuitive interface. Unfortunately, no live chat or phone support is available.
Proton VPN’s free plan focuses on privacy. The provider is headquartered in Switzerland and regularly passes an independent audit by Securitum.
Additionally, Proton VPN doesn’t show intrusive ads or limit your bandwidth. You get the same smooth experience as paid plan users. However, the available server locations are only in Japan, the Netherlands, and the US.
The free Proton VPN plan allows one device per account. Consider a premium subscription for faster speeds, more connections, or better unblocking capabilities.
Hotspot Shield is a trusted VPN provider offering free and premium app versions. With the free Basic plan, you can only connect to US servers. If you try to access any streaming content, a payment wall will appear.
The app runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other major operating systems. However, you can only use the app on one device unless you subscribe to a paid plan. The app also has sponsor ads.
The good part? Hotspot Shield gives free users 500 MB of data per day. The privacy policy hasn’t yet been audited, but Hotspot Shield claims to collect no logs.
A paid VPN offers more benefits, but you may not need them—the choice comes down to your needs. If you’re unsure if a free VPN will work for you, consider the following points.
Most free VPNs have a data cap due to cost and network management. It could be 2 GB per day or 10 GB monthly. If you’re a light user, a free plan might suffice. But if you play online, stream video content, or scroll your Instagram feed for hours (no judgment), consider paid options.
Many paid VPNs have servers optimized for specific purposes, such as torrenting, gaming, or streaming. A paid app is worth it if you frequently engage in these activities.
Free apps usually have limited server locations. This may not be an issue if you’re only concerned about privacy. But if you travel to countries with strict censorship or want to unblock geo-restricted content in certain countries, consider a paid VPN. You should also make sure your VPN has servers close to your actual location for when you need the best speeds.
Free apps may display ads or have poor interface designs. Some people can tolerate this, but if they can’t, a paid app is your best bet.
Most free VPN plans have a one-device limit. If you’d like to protect your entire home network, opt for a paid version.
Some paid VPNs offer great deals on security add-ons, such as encrypted password storage, dark web monitoring, and antivirus software.
Free VPNs may seem appealing, but in many cases, the true cost is your privacy. While following the right tips can help you find a legitimate free VPN app, it is important to understand that free services come with limitations.
A reliable paid VPN offers complete internet freedom. It allows you to access geo-restricted services blocked in your country while ensuring your online security and privacy.
The best VPN services offer money-back guarantees so you can test their premium features risk-free before committing to a subscription. Consider taking advantage of such offers to get the most out of your VPN. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them in the comments below.
Some free VPNs make money by tracking users and selling their data to third parties. Others earn revenue by displaying advertising on their apps.
Legitimate free VPNs act as trials for users to test paid features, aiming to convince them to get premium VPN subscriptions.
Few free VPN services are safe unless they're legitimate "trials" of paid VPNs. Most other free VPNs collect and sell user data. Other free VPNs may contain malware that can make your device unusable or compromise your sensitive information.
Yes, a paid VPN is always better than a free VPN. Free apps have restrictions, such as data caps, slow speeds, or a one-device limit. Some free services are straight-up dangerous, as they might infect your device with malware or track your activity.
A DIY VPN is great if you don't trust any provider or are a technology geek. However, it restricts you to one location and might undermine your digital security. Generally, a paid VPN service is a more convenient and safer solution.
Yes, ExpressVPN is better than any free VPN. It's also the best-paid VPN for most people. It offers unlimited bandwidth, great internet connection speeds, excellent unblocking abilities (including the ability to unblock Netflix US), and lots of other high-end features. Most paid apps, let alone free ones, don't offer so much value.
No, most free providers either impose limitations or engage in illegal or uninviting business practices. A trustworthy free VPN is a good choice if you're only concerned about privacy. However, even the best free VPN will have a data cap, slow speeds, or low server count.
The answer depends on your internet usage habits. If you only need a VPN occasionally, a free service might suffice. But if you use the internet constantly, frequently stream geo-restricted content, or are concerned about your online privacy, opt for a paid app.
Not necessarily. There are many free VPN options, but you must be careful. Most free VPNs have limited features, and some even pose security risks. Avoid free VPNs that seem too good to be true. The safest and most reliable free VPNs will be limited versions of legitimate paid VPNs.
Yes, you can use a VPN completely for free. Some VPN companies offer decent free plans for users to test their apps, incentivizing them to get subscriptions. However, be mindful of malware disguised as VPNs, as well as the many free VPNs that sell user data. Stick to the free VPNs in this article for the best experience. Or upgrade to a good premium VPN for an even better experience.
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