Looking for the best free VPN in 2025 that won’t sell your data or waste your time? In this article, we’ll break down which truly free VPNs protect privacy, what limits to expect, and which no-cost options work best for Android, iPhone, streaming, torrenting, and everyday browsing, so you can pick a safe VPN and know when to upgrade.
Things to Consider When Using a Free VPN
Why are VPNs important, and why do people use VPNs in the first place? Whether you set up a VPN to hide browsing on public Wi-Fi or get past geo-blocking, the appeal of a free service is clear: it removes the cost barrier and gives you a fast way to add a privacy layer. Is a free VPN safe? Not always—the problem isn’t the free model itself but depends on the provider.
So why are free VPNs bad sometimes? First—not all free VPNs are bad. But some are unsafe: dishonest providers can collect and sell telemetry or even cram malware into their apps, which is more common than you may think, so always choose well-reviewed and audited names to stay on the safe side. Even with trusted providers, data caps, limited servers, ads, no P2P support, and weaker unblocking for streaming are the classic free VPN vs. paid VPN trade-offs.
That said, the reputable freemiums we cover in this article have clear no-logs policies and are considered safe for casual use.
Why Free VPNs Still Matter in 2025
Free VPNs are not just a budget option—they’re often the first and only choice for many users. Here’s why they still matter:
- Cost matters. Not everyone wants or can afford a subscription. Free tiers can give essential privacy protection without a monthly bill.
- Occasional needs. Many people only need a VPN occasionally—on public Wi-Fi, while traveling, or to test a service before committing. A freemium plan fits that use case perfectly.
- Privacy awareness. Growing concerns about tracking and surveillance make low-barrier privacy tools important for civil society and everyday users.
- Censorship and access. In some regions, free tools are critical to bypassing local restrictions and staying informed.
But as mentioned, not all free VPNs are safe. So how do you choose the right one?
How to Choose a Safe and Reliable Free VPN
Before we get to the top free VPN face-off, let’s talk about what matters most when you pick a free provider.
Privacy and logging policy
Look for a clear, simple privacy policy that says the provider does not log browsing activity. Bonus points if the company has undergone an independent audit or publishes transparency reports. If the privacy policy is murky or full of marketing language instead of specifics, move on.
Data limits and server access
Free plans typically limit data or server locations. Decide what you’ll use the VPN for: light browsing needs little data, streaming needs a lot. If a provider offers unlimited free data, that’s rare and valuable—but double-check speed and server restrictions.
Speed and VPN performance
Free servers are often congested. If performance matters (streaming, gaming, remote work), a paid plan or free trial of a premium VPN is usually the better option. For casual browsing, a freemium tier with decent infrastructure will do.
Device compatibility
Make sure the VPN runs on the devices you use: Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS, smart TVs, and offers browser extensions. Keep in mind that browser extensions protect browser traffic only and don’t secure system apps.
Transparency and reputation
Prefer providers with clear ownership, good reviews, and public audits. Avoid new or obscure apps requesting unnecessary permissions. Check app reviews and any reports on data leaks or other issues before installing.
Our Top Picks You Can Trust—Top Free VPNs in 2025
Now let’s compare our handpicked best free VPN services in 2025 side by side to assess each provider’s privacy, data limits, device support, and real-world usefulness.
Proton VPN
Pros & Cons
Unlimited data
Strong privacy posture and an audited no-logs policy
No ads
Streaming-optimized servers available only on paid plans
Protects only 1 device at a time
Why pick it
Proton VPN’s free tier is rare: it offers unlimited data with no ads, backed by an audited no-logs policy and Swiss jurisdiction. This approach makes Proton the safest freemium pick when you want protection without worrying about monthly caps.
Best for
People who want a long-term, privacy-first free VPN for daily browsing and public Wi-Fi protection. Proton may not be the best choice for streaming (it’s just not guaranteed on the free tier), but it’s perfect as an always-on privacy layer.
Free plan highlights
Unlimited
10 countries
No ads
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browser extensions, routers, smart TVs, streaming devices
1 device
No
No
Summary
Unlimited data plus a strict no-logs policy and no ads is a rare and valuable combination in a free plan. Proton loses a point mainly because device connections are limited and dedicated streaming and P2P servers are paywalled—but it’s still the best free VPN for privacy on our list.
Windscribe
Pros & Cons
Unlimited simultaneous device connections
All premium features available
Data cap runs out quickly with streaming
Why pick it
Windscribe’s free tier has a data cap (10 GB/month with email confirmation) but includes all premium features and sets no device limits. It’s a flexible, feature-rich freemium that feels like a scaled-down paid product rather than a bait-and-switch.
Best for
Users who want a reliable VPN for casual use on multiple devices (browsing and light streaming/downloads) and who value configurability—great as a multi-purpose freemium.
Free plan highlights
10 GB/month (with confirmed email)
10 countries
No ads
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browser extensions, routers, smart TVs, streaming devices
Unlimited
Yes
Yes
Summary
Windscribe offers strong features for a freemium but is held back by its data limit, and that’s why it loses half a point relative to Proton. Still, 10 GB and unlimited device connections are an excellent trade-off for many users.
Tunnel Bear
Pros & Cons
Unlimited simultaneous device connections
Servers in 47 countries available
Very small 2 GB/month free allowance
Not suitable for streaming or heavy use
Why pick it
TunnelBear’s free plan gives access to 47 countries and unlimited devices. It also has a clear privacy policy and publishes transparency reports. The free tier is quite small (2 GB/month) for daily use and is designed more as an onboarding/test plan to get acquainted with the app and its features.
Best for
Absolute beginners who want a safe, no-nonsense free VPN to learn how a VPN works or to protect occasional sessions on public Wi-Fi. TunnelBear can also be useful as a lightweight backup privacy layer, but don’t count on it for streaming or heavy use—the data cap is tiny.
Free plan highlights
2 GB/month
47 countries
No ads
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, browser extensions
Unlimited
Yes
Yes
Summary
TunnelBear scores for location count, unlimited devices, and trustworthiness, but the 2 GB free cap makes it a tester-only product—perfect for novices, but not for anyone who needs regular protection or streaming.
Hotspot Shield
Pros & Cons
Wide platform support
Data allowance limited to 500 MB/day and speeds capped at 2 Mbps
Protects only 1 device at a time
Modest location selection
Why pick it
One of the favorites among Android users (10+ million downloads on Google Play), Hotspot Shield Basic is suitable only for short sessions since its daily allowance is limited to 500 MB (which can be extended by watching ads). Don’t expect blazing speeds either—the free plan caps them at 2 Mbps. This makes Hotspot Shield Basic a short-term utility rather than a privacy-first solution.
Best for
Users who need a quick connection for short tasks—checking email on public Wi-Fi or performing a geo test. It’s not ideal if you prioritize continued protection or streaming.
Free plan highlights
500 MB/day; 2 Mbps
3 countries
Yes (to extend the daily data limit)
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, browser extensions, Android TVs
1 device
No
Yes
Summary
Hotspot Shield’s daily data and speed caps, along with limited locations and simultaneous device support, reduce its usefulness as an all-day privacy tool. It’s better as an emergency or quick-use option than a daily replacement for a paid VPN.
PrivadoVPN
Pros & Cons
Decent free server selection and multi-platform support
No ads
Data cap runs out quickly with streaming
Protects only 1 device at a time
Browser extension available only on the premium plan
Why pick it
PrivadoVPN’s free tier is capped but generous: 10 GB/month, a solid server selection, and claims of good speeds. The vendor also emphasizes its no-logs policy and broad platform support, which makes it a strong freemium option for multimedia use.
Best for
Privacy-conscious users who also want some streaming capability. With a decent monthly allowance and multi-platform coverage, you can enjoy a few hours of streaming on your preferred device without committing to a subscription.
Free plan highlights
10 GB/month
10 countries
No ads
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs, streaming devices
1 device
Yes
Yes
Summary
PrivadoVPN gets high marks because streaming support and decent server choices make it a very usable freemium for most people. It trails Proton slightly on privacy and data allowance but remains a balanced choice for streaming and downloads within limits.
hide.me
Pros & Cons
Strong privacy-focused features and regular transparency reports
No ads
Solid platform coverage
Streaming-optimized servers available only on paid plans
Modest location selection
Protects only 1 device at a time
Why pick it
hide.me’s free plan offers a rare unlimited data allowance and supports most platforms, backed up by strong privacy features and annual transparency reports.
Best for
Users who want a free VPN with a solid balance of privacy and features for everyday use.
Free plan highlights
Unlimited
7 countries
No ads
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browser extensions, routers, smart TVs, streaming devices
1 device
No
Yes
Summary
hide.me’s unlimited data and transparency reports are strong positives, but its small server selection, single-device limit, and lack of streaming support leave room for improvement.
| VPN | Our score |
|---|---|
| Proton VPN | 9 |
| Windscribe | 8.5 |
| TunnelBear | 8 |
| Hotspot Shield | 7 |
| PrivadoVPN | 8.5 |
| hide.me | 8.5 |
Best Free VPNs by Device and Use Case
Now that we know the scores, it’s time to figure out which free VPN is best for your device and your use case. Here are our top picks:
Best free VPN for Windows—Proton VPN
Proton’s unlimited free tier makes it the standout for Windows users who want protection without worrying about data limits. The Windows client supports the security basics and is ideal for everyday browsing, public Wi-Fi, and any situation where you prefer privacy over streaming.
Best free VPN for Mac—Proton VPN
macOS users get the same uncapped data advantage as Windows with Proton—perfect for those who prioritize long-running protection and avoiding surprise data limits while they work or travel.
Best free VPN for Android—Proton VPN
For Android, Proton’s unlimited free access is especially compelling: install, enable on public Wi-Fi, and forget about monthly quotas. The Android app follows Proton’s privacy-first approach and gives reliable protection for browsing and messaging apps.
Best free VPN for iOS—Proton VPN
We believe Proton is the best free VPN for iPhone because it aligns with the privacy values many Apple fans prioritize and offers unlimited data so you can message and browse without worries.
Best free VPN Chrome extension—Windscribe
Windscribe leads the pack here with its highly configurable and feature-rich browser extensions (Chrome included). They offer built-in ad and tracker blocking, the anti-fingerprinting tool, and more on the free plan and pair well with Windscribe’s desktop client.
Best free VPN for Netflix—PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN excels at unblocking region-locked content, which makes it the best free VPN for streaming in 2025. With the 10 GB/month data cap, it won’t replace a paid VPN long term, but you can still enjoy a few hours of your favorite shows.
Best free VPN for torrenting—Windscribe
Windscribe is the strongest freemium for torrenting because it explicitly allows P2P on selected servers and supports unlimited device connections. The 10 GB cap still limits heavy file sharing, but for small transfers, it’s the best free P2P VPN choice on our top free VPN list—just pick the right server and keep an eye on usage.
Best free VPN for Firestick—PrivadoVPN
Privado’s unblocking power, app coverage, and server selection make it one of the best free VPN services for smart TVs and streaming devices. However, the 10 GB monthly allotment limits long-term streaming, so monitor traffic.
When to Upgrade to a Paid VPN
Upgrade when your usage hits the hard limits of freemiums. If you need reliable geo-unblocking, consistent low-latency gaming, heavy torrenting, or coverage across many simultaneous devices, a paid plan solves those pain points—you’ll get more and faster servers, prioritized bandwidth, better unblocking for streaming, and P2P support. For business, remote work, or other non-personal VPN use (especially when your threat model includes targeted surveillance), a paid plan with enterprise features is a must.
But that doesn’t mean you must leap blindly: try first. Using a free tier is the best VPN free trial option—you can check the app’s stability and behavior for as long as needed before paying. Some paid providers, like CyberGhost, offer a rare VPN free trial with no credit card required so you can test speeds and unblocking before committing. Trials make the transition to a paid plan less risky and let you compare real performance rather than marketing claims.
Which Free VPN Is Best for You?
Choosing the best free VPN depends on what you expect from the app and how you plan to use it:
- If privacy and unlimited browsing are your priority, Proton VPN is the standout best free VPN in 2025—its transparency, safe jurisdiction, no-logs commitment, and unlimited data make it unique among freemiums.
- If you need broad device coverage and browser protection, Windscribe is the best free VPN for multiple platforms.
- PrivadoVPN is a good pick for modest free streaming.
- TunnelBear is one of the best free VPN services for beginners.
- Hotspot Shield can be useful for short sessions.
- Finally, hide.me sits well as an all-around balanced freemium.
Download the VPN that best suits your use case and test-drive it to see if it ticks all your boxes. Try a few tools until you find the one that’s right for you.
FAQs
Is a free VPN safe to use?
Sometimes. Reputable freemium providers offer safe options, but random free apps may collect and sell data or contain malware. Always check privacy policies and audits before downloading.
What is the best free VPN for iPhone and Android in 2025?
Proton VPN is the top pick for both platforms for privacy and unlimited use. Windscribe and PrivadoVPN are solid alternates but impose monthly data caps.
Do free VPNs work for streaming platforms like Netflix?
Sometimes, but they can be inconsistent. Free tiers usually lack the server resources needed, and streaming platforms often detect and block traffic from known VPN servers.
Can I use a free VPN for torrenting or P2P downloads?
Some free plans technically allow P2P, but data caps and slower speeds can make them impractical. For safe and unrestricted torrenting, a paid plan is recommended.
Why does my VPN slow down my internet connection?
Encryption and routing add overhead, and free servers can be congested. If you’re wondering how to improve VPN performance, choose a closer server, use modern protocols (e.g., WireGuard if available), and avoid peak times.
Do I need a credit card for free VPN trials?
Some providers offer short trials with no card, but most require payment details and offer money-back guarantees instead. Check the trial terms before signing up.
What’s the difference between free and paid VPNs?
Paid VPNs typically deliver more servers, faster speeds, reliable streaming and P2P support, and advanced features. Free plans trade those benefits for no cost.
How do I choose a safe free VPN?
Check the privacy policy for a no-logs commitment backed by independent audits, and pay attention to company reputation. Prefer well-known freemium providers over obscure or poorly reviewed apps.
