The Best Free VPNs to Use in 2023
No free VPN can match the services of a commercial VPN in terms of complete online anonymity, open access to geo-restricted websites, and the ability to browse whatever you want without fear of being tracked. For casual users, a free VPN, on the other hand, can be incredibly useful. When deciding whether to utilise a free VPN or a premium VPN, a user’s daily usage and personal requirements are also crucial factors to consider.
While there are hundreds of free VPNs available, you must know which ones are the best to use, as some of the less trustworthy free applications may spam you with adverts or sell your data to third-party clients.
Paid VPN vs Free VPN
Only a handful VPN services offer a completely free service. Many businesses, on the other hand, provide limited-time trials or money-back guarantees. However, the free versions of each VPN listed have some limits.
While some services limit the amount of bandwidth you can use in a given period, others limit the number of simultaneous connections you can make, and some lock you into specific servers, preventing you from easily switching to a faster server or hiding your location.
How to Pick the Best Free VPN?
When it comes to selecting a free VPN, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you are getting a quality service. Here are some tips to help you pick the best free VPN:
- Check for Logging Policy: Make sure the VPN provider has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store any of your data or online activity.
- Look for Strong Encryption: A good VPN should use strong encryption protocols to protect your data and ensure your online privacy.
- Server Locations: Check how many server locations the VPN provider offers, and where they are located. Make sure the VPN has servers in the locations you need to access.
- Bandwidth Limitations: Some free VPNs have limitations on the amount of bandwidth you can use per month. Make sure the VPN you choose has enough bandwidth for your needs.
- Speed: Make sure the VPN provides fast and reliable connection speeds. A slow connection can make it difficult to stream content or browse the web.
- User Interface: A good VPN should have a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
- Reputation: Do your research and read reviews to see what other users are saying about the VPN provider you are considering.
Some popular free VPNs that meet the above criteria include ProtonVPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear. Remember, while free VPNs can be a good option for occasional use, they may not provide the same level of security and features as paid VPNs.
1. Proton VPN
ProtonVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that offers both free and paid plans. It is based in Switzerland and is known for its strong focus on privacy and security.
ProtonVPN offers a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not log any user data, including online activity, IP addresses, or connection timestamps. It also uses advanced encryption protocols to protect user data and has a feature called Secure Core, which routes your traffic through multiple servers to provide an additional layer of security.
In terms of server locations, ProtonVPN has servers in over 50 countries, including popular locations such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The free version of ProtonVPN has some limitations, such as lower speeds, fewer server locations, and a data limit of 500MB per day. However, it still provides strong security and privacy features.
Overall, ProtonVPN is a reliable VPN service that offers a good balance of security, privacy, and usability. While the free version may have some limitations, it is still a good option for occasional use or for those who want to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
2. Privado VPN
PrivadoVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that offers both free and paid plans. It is based in Switzerland and is known for its focus on privacy and security.
PrivadoVPN offers a no-logs policy, meaning it does not keep any logs of user activity or connection data. It also uses strong encryption protocols to protect user data and has a feature called “Multi-Hop,” which routes your traffic through multiple servers for an extra layer of security.
In terms of server locations, PrivadoVPN has servers in over 60 countries, including popular locations such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The free version of PrivadoVPN has some limitations, such as lower speeds, fewer server locations, and a data limit of 10GB per month. However, it still provides strong security and privacy features.
Overall, PrivadoVPN is a reliable VPN service that offers a good balance of security, privacy, and usability. While the free version may have some limitations, it is still a good option for occasional use or for those who want to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
3. Hotspot Shield VPN
Hotspot Shield VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that offers both free and paid plans. It is based in the United States and is known for its fast speeds and user-friendly interface.
Hotspot Shield VPN uses strong encryption protocols to protect user data and has a feature called “Catapult Hydra,” which is designed to optimize speeds and performance. It also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any user data or online activity.
In terms of server locations, Hotspot Shield VPN has servers in over 80 countries, including popular locations such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The free version of Hotspot Shield VPN has some limitations, such as lower speeds, fewer server locations, and a data limit of 500MB per day. However, it still provides good security and privacy features.
Overall, Hotspot Shield VPN is a reliable VPN service that offers fast speeds and a user-friendly interface. While the free version may have some limitations, it is still a good option for occasional use or for those who want to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
4. TunelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that offers both free and paid plans. It is based in Canada and is known for its user-friendly interface and fun branding.
TunnelBear VPN uses strong encryption protocols to protect user data and has a feature called “GhostBear,” which is designed to bypass VPN blocks and censorship. It also has a no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any user data or online activity.
In terms of server locations, TunnelBear VPN has servers in over 20 countries, including popular locations such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The free version of TunnelBear VPN has some limitations, such as lower speeds and a data limit of 500MB per month. However, it still provides good security and privacy features.
Overall, TunnelBear VPN is a reliable VPN service that offers a user-friendly interface and good security features. While the free version may have some limitations, it is still a good option for occasional use or for those who want to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
5. Windscribe VPN
Windscribe VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that offers both free and paid plans. It is based in Canada and is known for its strong focus on privacy and security.
Windscribe VPN uses strong encryption protocols to protect user data and has a feature called “R.O.B.E.R.T.” which is designed to block ads, trackers, and malware. It also has a no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any user data or online activity.
In terms of server locations, Windscribe VPN has servers in over 60 countries, including popular locations such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The free version of Windscribe VPN has some limitations, such as lower speeds, fewer server locations, and a data limit of 10GB per month. However, it still provides strong security and privacy features.
Overall, Windscribe VPN is a reliable VPN service that offers good security and privacy features. While the free version may have some limitations, it is still a good option for occasional use or for those who want to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
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