In an increasingly digital world, protecting your online privacy is more crucial than ever. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best tools for the job, encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. But with premium services costing a monthly fee, many people search for a reliable free option.
The problem? The world of "free" VPNs is a minefield of data logging, slow speeds, and even malware.
That's why we've done the hard work for you. This guide cuts through the noise to bring you the best safe and reputable free VPNs for 2025. These services are "freemium" offerings from established companies, meaning they provide a limited free version as a gateway to their paid plans, ensuring they have a sustainable business model that doesn't rely on selling your data.
Warning: The Hidden Cost of Most "Free" VPNs
Before we dive in, a quick but vital warning. If a VPN service is completely free with no paid option, you should be highly suspicious. Running a secure VPN network costs a lot of money. These services often make money by:
- Logging and selling your data to advertisers and data brokers.
- Injecting intrusive ads into your browser.
- Hosting malware or using your device as part of a botnet.
- Providing weak encryption that offers a false sense of security.
Our Top 5 Free VPNs for 2025
Here are the best free VPNs we've tested for security, speed, and generosity of their free plans.
1. Proton VPN Free
Best for Unlimited Data & Privacy
Description
The free version of Proton VPN is designed as a pure privacy tool. Coming from the same team who created the encrypted email service ProtonMail, their commitment to privacy is unparalleled. Based in Switzerland, they are protected by some of the world's strongest privacy laws. While it doesn't support streaming and limits you to servers in 3 countries (USA, Netherlands, Japan), it provides a secure, unthrottled connection with no data caps. This makes it the perfect choice for securing your connection on public Wi-Fi, private browsing, and bypassing basic censorship without worrying about running out of data.
Pros:
- ✅ Truly unlimited data: The only reputable free VPN to offer this.
- ✅ Excellent security: Features AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and open-source apps.
- ✅ Swiss jurisdiction: Not subject to EU or US data retention laws.
- ✅ No ads: A clean and privacy-focused experience.
Cons:
- ❌ Limited server locations: Only 3 countries available for free users.
- ❌ No streaming support: Free servers are blocked by services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
- ❌ Slower speeds: During peak times, free servers can be congested as paying customers are prioritized.
2. PrivadoVPN Free
Best for Free Streaming & Server Choice
Description
PrivadoVPN is a fantastic newcomer that has quickly made a name for itself, especially for users who want to stream content for free. Like Proton VPN, it's also based in privacy-friendly Switzerland. Its standout feature is its support for streaming services, which is incredibly rare for a free VPN. Its free plan offers 10 GB of high-speed data per month. Once you hit that limit, you aren't cut off completely; instead, you're throttled to a single server at a speed of 1 Mbps, which is enough for basic browsing and email. This makes it a versatile choice for both security and entertainment.
Pros:
- ✅ Generous 10 GB monthly data cap at full speed.
- ✅ Reliably unblocks streaming services: Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- ✅ Good server selection: Free servers in 12 cities across the globe.
- ✅ Strong no-logs policy and Swiss privacy protection.
Cons:
- ❌ Data cap can be used up quickly when streaming.
- ❌ Throttled to 1 Mbps after the first 10 GB is used.
- ❌ Only one device connection at a time on the free plan.
3. Windscribe Free
Best for Generous Data & Advanced Features
Description
Windscribe is a feature-packed VPN that offers one of the most generous free plans available. It combines a solid data allowance with robust security features and a commitment to user control, making it a favorite among tech-savvy users. Out of the box, Windscribe gives you 2 GB of data per month. However, by simply confirming your email address, you can permanently upgrade your plan to 10 GB per month. Windscribe's free users also get access to servers in 11 countries and its powerful firewall and ad-blocking feature, R.O.B.E.R.T., which helps block trackers and malware.
Pros:
- ✅ 10 GB of data per month (after email confirmation).
- ✅ Servers in 11 countries, more than most free competitors.
- ✅ Unlimited simultaneous connections, even on the free plan.
- ✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. provides customizable ad, tracker, and malware blocking.
Cons:
- ❌ Inconsistent speeds at times on free servers.
- ❌ User interface can be a bit complex for absolute beginners.
- ❌ Streaming support is hit-or-miss on free servers.
4. TunnelBear Free
Best for Simplicity & Ease of Use
Description
TunnelBear is the most user-friendly and approachable VPN on the market. With its charming bear-themed design and dead-simple apps, it's the perfect choice for VPN beginners who just need occasional protection. Its main limitation is its restrictive data cap of just 2 GB per month. This isn't enough for streaming or large downloads, but it's perfect for securing your connection while travelling or for short bursts of private browsing. A huge plus is that free users get access to TunnelBear's entire network of servers in 47+ countries and the service undergoes regular independent security audits.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely easy to use: Perfect for non-technical users.
- ✅ Access to all 47+ server countries.
- ✅ Independently audited for security, which builds trust.
- ✅ Fun, intuitive interface on all platforms.
Cons:
- ❌ Very low data cap: Only 2 GB per month.
- ❌ Not suitable for streaming or any data-intensive tasks.
- ❌ No advanced features or customization options.
5. Hotspot Shield Basic
Best for Consistent Speeds on a US Connection
Description
Hotspot Shield is one of the most well-known names in the VPN space, largely thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which is optimized for speed. Its free "Basic" plan offers a unique approach to data limits, giving you 500 MB of data per day. While this sounds small, it resets every 24 hours and adds up to about 15 GB per month. However, there are significant trade-offs: you are limited to a single US server location, and the service is supported by ads.
Pros:
- ✅ Fast connection speeds thanks to the Catapult Hydra protocol.
- ✅ Generous data allowance of ~15 GB per month (if you use the 500 MB daily cap).
- ✅ Military-grade encryption to keep you secure.
Cons:
- ❌ Ad-supported: The app will serve you advertisements.
- ❌ Limited to one US server location.
- ❌ Logs some anonymous data for advertising purposes, which is a privacy concern for many.
- ❌ Daily data cap can be inconvenient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are free VPNs truly safe in 2025?
Some free VPNs, known as "freemium" services, are safe because their revenue comes from converting free users to paid subscribers, not by selling user data. However, be cautious of completely free VPNs found in app stores, as they often have poor security and may sell your data or contain malware. To ensure your safety, stick with reputable providers.
Q2: Can I use a free VPN for Netflix?
Yes, but your options are limited. PrivadoVPN is the most reliable choice for unblocking Netflix and other streaming platforms on a free plan. Most other free VPNs have their servers blacklisted by streaming services.
Q3: What's the catch with Proton VPN's unlimited data?
The catch is that the free version is purely a privacy tool. Speeds can be slower than paid plans, you only get access to three countries, and features like P2P/torrenting and streaming support are disabled to encourage you to upgrade.
Q4: Will a free VPN slow down my internet?
Yes, all VPNs (free and paid) will introduce some speed loss due to the encryption process and distance to the server. The free VPNs on this list perform well, but their servers can be more crowded than paid ones, potentially leading to slower speeds during peak hours.
The Final Verdict
For the vast majority of users, Proton VPN is the best free VPN in 2025. Its commitment to privacy combined with unlimited data is an unbeatable offer for securing your day-to-day browsing.
However, if your goal is to unblock and watch a movie on a streaming service, PrivadoVPN is your best bet with its 10 GB of streaming-friendly data.
Ultimately, while these free services are excellent for occasional use, they all have limitations designed to make you consider a paid plan. If you need a VPN for daily streaming, gaming, or heavy downloading, investing in a low-cost premium VPN will always provide a superior experience.