Free VPN services let you encrypt your internet traffic and hide your location without paying a dime. PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, Windscribe, and hide.me consistently rank among the top free VPNs. They offer no-cost plans with some limits: typically a monthly data cap (e.g. 10 GB) or reduced server choice, but they maintain strong privacy and security.
For example, PrivadoVPN Free provides fast speeds and streaming-capable servers (10 GB/month), while Proton VPN’s free plan gives unlimited data and privacy-focused features. Windscribe’s free tier includes 10 GB/month (with email confirmation) and unlimited device connections, and hide.me’s free plan grants unlimited data (though speeds may be restricted) with servers in 8 countries. These services come from reputable providers and are safe for global users.
- PrivadoVPN (Free) – 10 GB/month of fast data, a simple app, and the ability to unblock some streaming sites. Servers in 10+ countries let you access sites worldwide.
- Proton VPN (Free) – Unlimited data and top-notch privacy (no logs), but limited to 1 device and 5 country servers. Great for all-day protection, though streaming support is minimal.
- Windscribe (Free) – Up to 10 GB/month (with confirmed email) and unlimited devices. Offers servers in 10+ countries and many VPN features. Its free plan includes the same features as the paid app, making it a full-featured choice.
- hide.me (Free) – Unlimited data, 1 connection, and servers in 8 locations. No account is needed, and the no-logs policy is audited. Speeds are capped, but it’s a hassle-free, privacy-friendly option.
Comparison table of Paid & Free VPN
Here’s a detailed comparison table summarizing Free vs Paid tiers for each VPN, with up-to-date data as of July 2025:
| VPN Provider | Free Plan Summary | Paid Plan Summary |
|---|---|---|
| PrivadoVPN | • 10 GB/month data • 10+ server locations • Full encryption & protocols (same as paid). | • Unlimited data • Up to 10 simultaneous devices • Starts at $7.99/month ($4.99/mo annual) |
| Proton VPN | • Unlimited bandwidth• 5 country servers • 1 device max, medium speed • No logs, basic privacy | • Up to 10 devices • High-speed servers in 110+ countries • Extra features: malware/ad blocker, Secure Core, streaming/P2P support • Plus plan €9.99/mo (or €4.49/mo for 2-yr) |
| Windscribe | • 10 GB/month (with email), or 2 GB without • Servers in 10–11 countries • Unlimited devices • Kill switch, ad/tracker blocker, split tunneling | • Unlimited data • 69+ country servers • Same privacy/tools (firewall, blocker) • $9/month or $69/year plan. |
| hide.me | • Unlimited data• 1 device• Servers in 7–8 countries• Full protocol support (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2)• Kill switch, split tunneling. | • Up to 10 devices • 2,600+ servers in 91+ countries • Featured tools: port forwarding, streaming • Premium $2.69–$9.99/month |
- All free plans include strong encryption and reputable privacy policies.
- Paid plans remove data caps, boost server access, and introduce premium features like Secure Core, streaming, port forwarding, or malware blocking.
- Pricing ranges from $4.99 to $9.99/month with significant added value over free tiers.
Free VPNs for Android
Android users have several high-quality free VPN apps. Proton VPN’s Android app offers no data limits and servers in 5 countries, making it our top pick for privacy on the go. PrivadoVPN’s Android app gives 10 GB free per month, up to 10 simultaneous devices, and even unblocks some streaming. Windscribe’s Android app also provides 10 GB/month and unlimited device connections. Hide.me’s Android app requires no sign-up and grants 10 GB free data with 8 locations. (For very light use, TunnelBear’s app is simple to use but only has a 500 MB/month cap.
- Proton VPN (Android) – Free unlimited data and strong privacy. The free plan includes the same encryption and no-logs promise as its paid version. (Supports Android 7.1+.)
- PrivadoVPN (Android) – Free plan with 10 GB/month, 13 server locations, and up to 10 device connections. Can unblock sites while traveling.
- Windscribe (Android) – Free 10 GB/month (with email), unlimited devices, and servers in 10 countries. Includes many privacy features (ad-blocker, kill switch, etc.).
- hide.me (Android) – Free 10 GB/month, easy no-login setup, 1 connection, and 8 locations (US, Canada, NL, DE, etc.). Great for one-off private browsing.
Free vs Paid VPN Comparison for Android
Here’s a refined and fully referenced comparison table for Android free VPNs, along with key details based on current info from official sources and reviews:
| VPN Provider | Free Plan (Android) | Paid Plan Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | • Unlimited data & no speed limits • No ads, no logs • Supports Android 6.0+ • Swiss privacy law protection (Proton VPN) | • Adds faster servers, streaming/P2P support, NetShield ad blocker, multi-device • “Plus” tier >120 servers, ~€4.49/m (Proton VPN) |
| PrivadoVPN | • 10 GB/month free • 13 server locations (UK, India, US & more) • Supports Android & multiple devices (privadovpn.com) | • Unlimited data, full global servers (67+), streaming tools, ad blocker • Paid: ~$4.99/m (Tom’s Guide) |
| Windscribe | • 10 GB/month (with email confirmation) • Unlimited devices • Servers in 10 countries • Includes kill switch & ad/tracker blocker (Google Play, Windscribe) | • Unlimited data • Full server access (69+ countries, 112 cities) • $9/mo or $69/yr plan (Windscribe) |
| hide.me | • 10 GB/month free • No sign-up needed • 1 device connection • 8 server locations • Supports WireGuard/OpenVPN/IKEv2, audited no-logs (hide.me VPN, Google Play) | • Unlimited data, up to 10 devices, 2600+ servers • Paid starts at £2.59/mo (~US $3.50) (hide.me VPN) |
You can download these apps from the Google Play Store or the official websites:
Download ProtonDownload PrividoDownload windscribeDownload HideMeFree VPNs for Windows
Many of the best free VPNs also have Windows apps. Proton VPN Free stands out with unlimited bandwidth and strong security. PrivadoVPN Free offers a generous 10 GB/month and multiple devices. Windscribe Free provides 10 GB/month and unlimited simultaneous connections, which is rare among free VPNs. For quick use, TunnelBear Free (500 MB/month) is very user-friendly, letting you try all features for small tasks. And hide.me Free on Windows gives unlimited data and 8 server locations (speeds limited), plus a strict no-logs policy. All of these work globally on any Windows (7/8/10/11) machine.
- Proton VPN (Windows) – Completely free with no data cap. Windows GUI app; great for all-day secure browsing.
- PrivadoVPN (Windows) – Free 10 GB/month, fast speeds, and up to 10 devices. You can even stream some content on the free plan.
- Windscribe (Windows) – 10 GB/month free (with email), no device limit, and servers in 10+ countries. Good speed and strong privacy.
- TunnelBear (Windows) – Free 500 MB/month. Access to its entire server network but very limited data. Ideal for email or quick browsing.
- hide.me (Windows) – Free unlimited data, 1 device, and 8 server choices. No registration needed and audited no-logs policy.
Top Free vs Paid VPN Comparison for Windows
Here’s a detailed, comprehensive table comparing free and paid plans for top VPNs on Windows, including features, limits, and relevant data based on current July 2025 info:
| VPN Provider | Free Plan (Windows) | Paid Plan Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | • Unlimited data, no ads, no speed limits • Windows GUI app with OpenVPN/WireGuard • Kill switch, DNS & IPv6 leak protection • Swiss-based, audited no-logs policy ( Proton VPN) | • Up to 10 devices • 13,656 servers in 122 countries • Adds Secure Core, NetShield ad/malware blocker, P2P & streaming servers • Plus plan ~$9.99/mo or $3.59/mo (2‑yr). |
| PrivadoVPN | • 10 GB/month data • Fast speeds & streaming-capable • One connection on free plan; up to 10 on paid • Windows client supports SOCKS5 proxy & split tunneling (PrivadoVPN) | • Unlimited data • Servers in 60+ cities across 47 countries • 10 simultaneous device connections • Includes ad blocker, threat prevention • Monthly: ~$4.99/mo |
| Windscribe | • 10 GB/month (with confirmed email), else 2 GB • Unlimited devices • Servers in 10–11 countries • Features include kill switch, ad/tracker blocker, split tunneling, R.O.B.E.R.T filtering • Free apps are same as paid (Windscribe) | • Unlimited data • Full access to 69+ countries & 112 cities • Config generator, advanced features (R.O.B.E.R.T, port forwarding) • $9/mo or $69/yr; build-a-plan option (~$3/mo) |
| TunnelBear | • 500 MB/month free • Access to full 47-country network • One-click simplicity • AES-256 encryption, audited security (TunnelBear: Secure VPN Service) | • Unlimited data & bandwidth • Same full country list • Paid from ~$3.33/mo • Additional perks (e.g., streaming) |
| hide.me | • Unlimited data • 1 device connection • Servers in 7–8 countries • Support for WireGuard/OpenVPN/IKEv2 • Kill switch & split tunneling • Audited zero-logs policy (hide.me VPN) | • Unlimited devices & data • 2,600+ servers in 91+ countries • Bolt acceleration, multihop, port forwarding • Premium pricing £2.59–$9.99/mo (~US$4.57/mo) |
Download links for Windows VPNs:
Download ProtonDownload PrividonDownload WindScribeDownload TunnelBearDownload HideMeFree VPNs for macOS
The same top VPNs above also have macOS versions. Proton VPN Free works on Mac with unlimited data. PrivadoVPN Free and Windscribe Free offer the same 10 GB allowances on Mac as on Windows. hide.me Free (macOS app) likewise has unlimited data with 8 locations. In short, if a VPN is free on Windows or Android, it usually also supports Mac. We recommend:
- Proton VPN (macOS) – Unlimited free data and strong no-logs privacy.
- PrivadoVPN (macOS) – 10 GB/month free, fast servers worldwide.
- Windscribe (macOS) – 10 GB/month free, unlimited devices.
- hide.me (macOS) – Unlimited free data, 1 device, servers in 8 countries.
Free vs Paid VPN Plans on macOS
Here’s a detailed comparison table for macOS users, covering key features, limits, and pricing data as of July 2025:
| VPN Provider | Free Plan (macOS) | Paid Plan Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | • Unlimited data, no ads, no speed limits • Mac GUI with OpenVPN/WireGuard, kill-switch, leak protection • Open-source & audited no-logs policy • Supports macOS 10.12+ | • 10 devices • 13,656 servers in 122 countries • Premium features: Secure Core, NetShield, P2P, streaming, up to €4.49/mo for 2-year plan |
| PrivadoVPN | • 10 GB/month free • Fast servers in 12–13 global locations • Works on macOS • One device (free), supports streaming & split-tunneling | • Unlimited data • Servers in 60+ cities across 47 countries • Up to 10 simultaneous devices • Includes ad blocker & threat protection at ~$1.11–$4.99/mo depending on plan length |
| Windscribe | • 10 GB/month free (with email) • Unlimited device connections • Mac app with ad/tracker blocker, kill-switch, split-tunneling • Servers in ~10 countries | • Unlimited data • Full access to 69+ countries / 112 cities • Advanced features: R.O.B.E.R.T, port forwarding • Priced at $9/mo or $69/yr; custom plans from ~$1/mo/location |
| hide.me | • Unlimited data, no registration needed • Mac client for macOS 10.12+ • 1 device connection • Servers in 7–8 countries • Supports WireGuard/OpenVPN/IKEv2, kill-switch, split-tunneling • Fast speeds (~415 Mbps) and audited no-logs policy | • Unlimited devices & data • 2,600+ servers across 91 countries • Additional features: port forwarding, Bolt proxy, multi-hop • Premium plans range from ~£2.59–$9.99/mo (10 device connections) |
Download links for Mac apps:
Download ProtonDownload PrividonDownload WindScribeDownload HideMeFree VPNs for Linux
Linux support is more limited, but some top free VPNs have Linux versions. Proton VPN provides a native Linux client (GUI and command-line) with unlimited free bandwidth, making it ideal for any distro (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.). hide.me offers a Linux-friendly service (lightweight CLI setup) with unlimited free data. Both are open-source and audited, giving high trust. Other options include PrivadoVPN Free (10 GB/month, servers in 10 countries) and Windscribe Free (10 GB/month with confirmed email) – both have Linux instructions or clients. TunnelBear Free also works on some Linux distros but only gives 2 GB/month. In summary:
- Proton VPN (Linux) – Unlimited data, strong encryption. Easy install on Ubuntu (even has a GUI app).
- hide.me (Linux) – Free unlimited data, 5–8 server locations. Lightweight command-line setup; no logs.
- PrivadoVPN (Linux) – 10 GB/month, 10 server locations, good speeds. Can unblock streaming on Linux.
- Windscribe (Linux) – 10 GB/month (with email) and servers in 10 places. CLI available.
- TunnelBear (Linux) – 2 GB/month with many global servers (good for bypassing blocks, but very low data).
Free vs Paid VPN Plans on Linux
The table below compares the top free and paid VPN options for Linux users as of July 2025:
| VPN Provider | Free Plan (Linux) | Paid Plan Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | • Unlimited data & speed, no ads/logs • Open-source GUI app (DEB/RPM) + CLI option • Swiss no-logs & kill-switch, DNS leak protection • Supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora (official), works on others with community support (Proton VPN) | • Access to 13,600+ servers in 122 countries • Adds Secure Core, NetShield ad-blocker, P2P, large connections (10 devices) • Paid from €3.59‑€9.99/mo (Proton VPN) |
| hide.me | • Unlimited data, headless WireGuard® CLI client • Servers in 5–8 countries • No registration needed, audited, zero-logs policy (hide.me VPN) | • Unlimited devices & data • 2,600+ servers in 91+ countries • Port forwarding, multi-hop, Bolt proxy • Paid from £2.59–$9.99/mo ( hide.me VPN) |
| PrivadoVPN | • 10 GB/month free • 10 server locations, good speeds, can unblock streaming • CLI support on Linux | • Unlimited data & server access (60+ cities, 47 countries) • Up to 10 devices, ad-blocker, threat protection • Paid from ~$4.99/m |
| Windscribe | • 10 GB/month (with email) or 2 GB without • Servers in 10 countries • CLI client available, ad/blocker features | • Unlimited data, access to 69+ countries and 112 cities • Advanced features (R.O.B.E.R.T, port forwarding) • Paid from $9/mo or $69/yr |
| TunnelBear | • 2 GB/month, many global servers • GUI/CLI support for Linux (community setup) | • Unlimited data, full 47‑country network • Paid from ~$3.33/mo with features like Vigilant Bear (kill switch), GhostBear (obfuscation) |
Links for Linux downloads:
Download ProtonDownload PrividonDownload WindScribeDownload TunnelBearDownload HideMeFree Browser VPN Extensions
Many browsers allow VPN extensions that act like limited VPNs or proxies. These are easy to install on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, but often have tight data limits or only one region. For example, Hotspot Shield’s free Chrome extension is ad-supported and U.S.-only with 250 MB/day (500 MB if you sign up). hide.me offers a Chrome extension with unlimited free data and no signup required. TunnelBear’s extension is highly rated, gives 2 GB/month, and has servers in many countries. Proton VPN even has a free Chrome/Firefox add-on with unlimited data (five countries, no throttle). In short, browser VPN extensions can secure just your browser traffic; they are convenient but usually lighter than full VPN apps.
- Proton VPN Extension – Free no-logs Chrome/Firefox extension with unlimited bandwidth. Only 5 locations and no manual server choice, but no data cap.
- hide.me Extension – Free Chrome VPN with unlimited data, easy one-click use, and 8 server locations. Audited no-logs policy for strong privacy.
- TunnelBear Extension – Chrome/Firefox extension with 2 GB/month free and an extensive global server network. Very simple interface, good for basic use.
- Hotspot Shield Extension – Free Chrome VPN (ads included) with 250 MB/day (500 MB if signed in). Only U.S. servers, but very fast for free use.
Free vs Paid Browser VPN Extensions
| VPN Extension | Free Plan (Browser) | Paid Plan Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Extension | • Unlimited bandwidth, no ads, no logs • 5 server locations with automatic choice • WebRTC leak protection across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave (Proton VPN) | • Access to 6,000+ servers in 100+ countries • Features like split-tunneling, dedicated streaming/P2P servers, ad-blocking via NetShield (desktop app) • Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections & full desktop app functionality upon upgrading (Proton VPN) |
| hide.me Extension | • Unlimited data and speed, no registration required • 8 server locations • One-click use with audited no-logs privacy (hide.me VPN) | • Premium unlocks 91+ server locations, Bolt proxy, multi-hop VPN, port forwarding • Up to 10 simultaneous devices • No speed throttling on paid tier (hide.me VPN) |
| TunnelBear Extension | • 2 GB/month free data • Access to full 47-country server lineup • Simple, user-friendly interface for Chrome/Firefox | • Unlimited bandwidth • Same global server network • Extra features on desktop like VigilantBear (kill switch) and GhostBear (obfuscation) • Pricing starts ~$3.33/month |
| Hotspot Shield Extension | • 250 MB/day free (≈7.5 GB/month), or 500 MB/day when signed in • Ad-supported with U.S.-only servers • Fast speeds for everyday browsing | • Full streaming-capable U.S. & global server access • Removes ads & unlocks premium bandwidth • Includes malware protection • Premium plans around $7.99–$12.99/month |
Extension download links:
Download ProtonDownload HideMeDownload TunnelBearDownload HotspotShieldEach of the above VPNs has an official website or app store page where you can download the free version. They work globally, but keep in mind free plans often have limits. We’ve focused on reliable services with a good privacy record, so you can use them with confidence.
Sources: Respected VPN reviews and official sites were used to gather data on these free services. Each recommendation cites its data limits and features from current 2025 reports and test results.
FAQ’s about Free VPN 2025
What exactly is a free VPN?
A “free VPN” is a virtual private network service that allows you to encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address without paying. Free VPN plans usually come with limits—like monthly data caps (e.g., 10 GB), fewer server locations, or slower speeds—but they still offer encryption and a measure of privacy. Trusted examples include Proton VPN Free, Windscribe Free, and PrivadoVPN Free.
Is it safe to use a free VPN?
Yes—if you stick with reputable providers. Services like Proton VPN and hide.me have open-source apps and audited no-logs policies, making them safe for everyday use. However, avoid questionable VPNs that may log your activity or inject ads—free products sometimes sell user data to generate revenue.
What are the main differences between free and paid VPNs?
- Data & Speed: Paid plans offer unlimited speeds and bandwidth. Free plans often impose data limits (e.g., Windscribe’s 10 GB/month) or speed throttling (PrivadoVPN slows after 10 GB).
- Servers & Streaming: Paid VPNs include more server options and streaming-friendly IPs. Free plans offer fewer countries and limited streaming support.
- Advanced Features: Paid tiers include extras like ad/malware blockers, multi-hop servers, and threat protection, which are often restricted on free accounts.
Which free VPN is best for everyday use?
For general browsing, privacy, and global use, top picks currently include:
- Proton VPN Free (unlimited data, 5 server countries, strict no-logs)
- Windscribe Free (10 GB/month, unlimited devices, ad-block features)
- PrivadoVPN Free (10 GB, fast speeds for light streaming)
- hide.me Free (unlimited data, 8 server locations)
- These are robust, well-reviewed options from reputable providers.
Can I use a free VPN on all my devices?
Absolutely! Free VPN providers like Proton VPN, Windscribe, PrivadoVPN, and hide.me offer apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and browser extensions. Some like Windscribe allow unlimited device connections, while others limit you to a single device at a time.
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