Top 10 the best free VPN service 2021 for PC, Android, Ios
A VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the smartest ways to protect your online privacy and maintain your data security. We've reviewed scores of them, and these are the best VPN services we've tested.VPN stands for 'virtual private network' and is a piece of software that helps to make you more anonymous online, encrypts your internet use, and lets you effectively trick your laptop or mobile device into thinking it's in another location
The best free VPN for 2021
1. Free VPN - Hotspot Shield is our recommendation to download
- 500 MB of free data every 24 hours, that is, 15 GB per month
- The simple, user-friendly interface makes it easy to get started
- Military-level encryption protects your internet activity
- The stable connection ensures lag-free browsing
- Works with: YouTube and Spotify
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome
Hotspot Shield provides reliable connections and military-class encryption in US. My tests don't show any DNS leaks, which means that the service effectively masks your local IP address to protect your privacy online. Hotspot Shield is compatible with all major operating systems, has a no-logs policy to protect your anonymity, and offers dedicated technical support. It also provides peer-to-peer (P2P) support for both free and premium users.
The dedicated, user-friendly applications of this service offer a one-click connection so you can get started without any problems. However, the free version comes with limitations. For example, it is supported by ads and only gives you 500 MB of data per day. While this number is too little to download large files, you won't have a problem checking emails or browsing social media.
Sorry, you can't use the free version for streaming.
Although Hotspot Shield has 3,200 servers in 80 countries, the free version only gives you access to the US virtual location. Premium Payment Wall will block you if you try to access streaming content with a VPN turned on. Even if there is only one virtual location, Hotspot Shield can still help you get rid of government censorship and bypass content filters at school or work so you can access your favorite websites and social media apps from anywhere.
If you like Hotspot Shield Free and want to try the premium version, you can try it out with a 7-day free trial.
Want to learn more? Explore our Hotspot Shield review to see the full results of our research and testing.
2. Windscribe
Generous on data and secure too
Number of servers: 10+ | Server locations: 10+ | Maximum devices supported: 1 | Data limit: 10GB per month | 24/7 live chat: No
- 10 GB of free data per month
- Access blocked content in 10 countries
- Powerful encryption, malware protection, and ad blocking
- Torrenting support
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Firefox, Chrome, Linux
Windscribe's rich data availability makes it one of my top free VPNs in US. Just over three hours is enough to go live in high definition. You can get an extra 5 GB by tweeting about the company. You can also "win" an additional 1 GB of free data per month by referring friends. Windscribe boasts state-of-the-art security with the best AES encryption and supports a variety of VPN protocols.
Both paid and free users can access all windscribe features, including ad blockers and malware. It's pretty rare to find a free VPN with this feature, so this is a big plus. Windscribe also comes with a firewall that blocks all traffic outside of a VPN's secure tunnel to prevent unwanted leaks.
Other valuable features include port forwarding and tunnel division. The company has a detailed privacy policy that clearly explains the data they store and a no-logs policy to protect your privacy. Windscribe offers a desktop app and browser extension. The program has a user-friendly interface with many customer support options, including live chat and setup instructions. One-click connectivity makes getting started incredibly easy.
Along with data limitations, the free Windscribe account is limited to servers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and Switzerland. In addition, some local selected servers mean you can't use Windscribe to unblock content from outside these regions.
3. TunnelBear
Excellent identity protection for free
Number of servers: 1,000 | Server locations: 20+ | Maximum devices supported: 5 | Data limit: 500MB per month | 24/7 live chat: Yes
TunnelBear Free
VISIT SITE
at TunnelBear
User-friendly
Excellent security guarantees
Available on desktop and mobile
Minuscule data limit
TunnelBear is owned by none other than giant McAfee, and with that comes some serious infrastructure and investment – this is no cottage-industry free VPN.
The first thing you'll notice is the clean, simple app, which makes it easy for wiz kids and Luddites alike to get going in seconds. However, with that comes a noticeable lack of function, although TunnelBear's target audience probably isn't too interested in adjusting DNS settings or the difference between OpenVPN UDP and TCP.
You don't have to fork over too much personal info to sign up – just an email – and this certainly inspires confidence in the VPN's security. It's great for checking your emails or online banking in privacy.
However, TunnelBear is crippled by its measly 500MB-a-month limit, meaning after a few Facebook videos and emails with attachments, you could be nearing your monthly cap. Plus, for all but the most inexperienced users, the lack of functionality will hinder more than a help.
But, if you're OK with that and want an audited, secure free VPN for very occasional use, TunnelBear is a great option.
Sign up now on TunnelBear's website
4. ProtonVPN – Unlimited Data and Servers in Three Countries
- Unlimited free data
- Switzerland's no-logs policy and privacy laws to protect your anonymity
- Strong encryption and automatic kill switch
- Works with: YouTube, Spotify, Kodi
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
ProtonVPN offers a limited free version of its powerful premium service. One of the most significant advantages of this service over most free VPNs is that it comes with unlimited data. It also has no ads, which is a big plus. With the free plan, you get access to servers only in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.
With all of ProtonVPN's free users connected to one of the three locations, its servers are often overloaded, and your connection speed may be slow. You'll need to upgrade to a paid plan for streaming or torrenting with ProtonVPN. However, you can still use accessible virtual locations to bypass censorship and access blocked social media platforms and messaging apps by geography.
ProtonVPN has an intuitive, easy-to-use interface and multi-platform compatibility. Quick Connect connects you to your neighbor's server as quickly as possible. VPNs also offer robust security, including powerful AES encryption and auto-interrupting. Other features include DNS leak protection and support for tunneling separation.
One thing I like about ProtonVPN is the simplicity of its privacy policy. This VPN has a clear no-logs policy that is strictly enforced. In addition, the company is based in Switzerland, which is outside the scope of the powers of the 5/9/14 EyesAlliance, which is very good for privacy.
Want to learn more? Explore the ProtonVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing.
Get started FOR FREE with ProtonVPN!
5. Speedify
Super secure speed
Number of servers: 1000+ | Server locations: 50+ | Maximum devices supported: 1 | Data limit: 10GB per month | 24/7 live chat: No
Speedify Free
VISIT SITE
at Speedify
Performance boosters
Superb privacy
Needs multiple connections to use
US company
Speedify, as the name suggests, is a VPN that offers excellent connection performance across more than 1,000 servers in over 50 countries – and it does so without scrimping on security. You can enjoy a fully encrypted security system while the software's turbo-boosting technology can make sure speeds stay at their maximum possible performance throughout your connection time.
This smart software lets you use multiple connections to enhance speed – for example, both Wi-Fi and 4G data connections when on a mobile device – ensuring top performance speeds. The catch with this is that the mobile-data use might eat up your carrier's allocation if it's capped monthly.
Every month, Speedify allows you 10GB of free data, which refreshes every 30 days, which is excellent if you'll be using it for an extended period, but you'll have to remember that one it’s gone, it's gone. Also, Speedify is a US-based company, meaning it's subject to federal search warrants. Do with that information what you will.
Sign up now on Speedify's website
- Brits need the UK VPN; across the pond, you'll need a US VPN
- Get your phone protected with the best Android VPN apps
- Unblock the internet when traveling with the best working VPN for China
6. ExpressVPN – Unlimited Data and a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited bandwidth and data
- 3,000 servers in 90 countries
- 256-bit AES encryption and a no-logs policy
- Up to five simultaneous connections
- Works with: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, ITV Hub, Netflix, and more.
- Compatible with: Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Amazon Fire Stick, AppleTV, and many routers
ExpressVPN's latest June 2021 offer: Get 3 months entirely free for your annual subscription with this current offer! It's unlikely when this offer will end, so it's best to check the offers page to see if it's still available.
ExpressVPN is a paid service, but it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that while it's not free upfront, you can get your money back if it doesn't suit your needs.
With ExpressVPN, you'll experience unlimited bandwidth and data, so you can browse the web and download for hours without being disconnected. In addition, if you want to stream Hulu, Netflix, or any other website that this VPN can unblock, you'll find that unlimited data is a feature that you can't lack.
ExpressVPN can unblock a lot of websites because it has over 3,000 high-speed servers in over 90 countries. However, access to various IP addresses allows the service to go under-detected by even the strictest anti-VPN measures.
To ensure your personal information is always safe, ExpressVPN uses military-level 256-bit AES encryption, which shuffles your data so well that it can take billions of years to crack. It also maintains a no-logs policy, ensuring that it will never save your browsing history, identity, or other personal data.
Other essential security privileges that come with your subscription include an automatic kill switch to prevent leaks from accidentally disconnecting and creating a split tunnel that lets you choose which traffic passes through the VPN.
With ExpressVPN, you can connect up to 5 devices at once. This gives you the freedom to stream on your phone while working on your computer, while others in your home do other things on their own devices.
Want to know more? Explore our ExpressVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing.
7. hide. me — Fast speeds and 10GB of accessible monthly data
- 10 GB of free data per month
- Free servers in four countries
- Strong encryption and multiple protocols available
- Good connection speed for fast loading and browsing
- Works with: Hulu, iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, HBO GO
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, routers
hide. Me to provide a reliable, secure free service for US. You'll get 10 GB of free data per month and all the benefits of hiding. It’s user-friendly dedicated apps and robust protection. Advanced security features include powerful AES encryption, automatic kill switches, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
Hide. I support multiple VPN protocols so you can optimize your connection and choose the best way for your device. Thanks to these secure connection protocols, you can connect to unsafe public WiFi networks without worrying about curious eyes.
Users are not required to enter an email address or any personal details when signing up, which further protects their online anonymity.
Five free servers – located in Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, the US East, and the Western United States – can currently access geographically blocked content, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
However, you can use free servers to access your workplace or school content filters and bypass strict government censorship. Plus, hide. Me-friendly (P2P) and supports torrenting for both free and paid users. However, you are limited to the number of file shares you can make with a 10GB data limit.
The free account also limits you to a device connection at a time. So, if you are browsing on your laptop, it will not actively protect your phone or tablet.
Additional features in the free hide. I include 24/7 access to technical support, tunnel separation, and ad-free browsing.
Want to learn more? Explore our hide. I review to see the full results of our research and testing.
Get started for a FREE hide. Me!
8. OperaVPN – Built-in VPN for Anonymous Web Surfing
- Unlimited data and bandwidth
- Built-in adblocker and malware protection
- No registration required
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Opera free web browser comes with a built-in VPN that hides your local IP address as you browse the web. You will need to enable the VPN in the browser settings. However, since it's just a browser extension, OperaVPN won't protect any traffic sent from other browsers or apps. So, while your browsing activity is safe, your email and banking apps are not covered.
In addition to the free VPN service, the browser also has a built-in ad blocker and malware protection. When you use a browser, the VPN function hides your identity for anonymous browsing – which is especially useful on public WiFi networks. You can choose from only three virtual locations: Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Since you can't choose specific servers in those regions, OperaVPN isn't the right choice for streaming. I can't unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, or any other streaming service I've tried. The browser is available for all leading platforms.
Want to learn more? Explore our OperaVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing.
Get started FOR FREE with Opera VPN!
9 . Betternet VPN – Better Protection for Insecure WiFi Networks
- 500 MB of free data per day
- No registration required – just download and get started
- Powerful encryption and malware protection
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome
While 500 MB may be enough for 30 minutes of low-quality streaming, Betternet doesn't allow you to stream with a free account. In addition, from US, you can only connect to the US server location of this service, so you can't access geographically blocked websites from anywhere else in the world. However, Betternet does an excellent job of including the basics when it comes to security.
It offers powerful encryption, good speeds, and perfect forwarding secrets – but no kill switch. If your connection to the VPN server is unsuccessful, it will not protect your traffic. This free VPN is an excellent option to protect you from spying when you're connected to an unsafe public WiFi network, but you should look for another service for complete anonymity.
Betternet collects more user information than is ideal for privacy, some of which may be shared with third-party service providers. You may also see multiple ads with your free account.
Want to know more? Explore the Betternet review to see the full results of our research and testing.
Get started FOR FREE with Betternet!
10. VPNBook – Unlimited Data on OpenVPN
- Unlimited data
- Virtual locations in 11 countries
- Built from secure OpenVPN technology
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
VPNBook offers unlimited free data, secure AES encryption, and a choice of OpenVPN and PPTP connections. You can get online access from US without worrying about tracking eyes, but VPNBook only has servers in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Poland.
The company operates outside of privacy-friendly Romania and does not collect any activity logs, but it keeps several connection logs for up to a week. Unlike the other VPNs on this list, VPNBook doesn't offer apps specific to your device. Instead, it provides manual configuration files for OpenVPN. It's not as complicated as you imagine, especially with VPNBook's step-by-step installation guide.
VPNBook supports torrenting on some servers, and you can use it to bypass censorship. In addition, ads keep this VPN, so you may see some ads while using the service.
Want to know more? Explore our VPNBook review to see the full results of our research and testing.
Get started FOR FREE with VPNBook!
Research method: How I tested these VPNs
My research is based on monthly tests for each VPN, using performance analysis tools, real-life use cases, and additional tests. Our field workers perform them in 10 countries worldwide, including countries with surveillance networks such as China and Russia.
Each of my proposals is ranked based on aggregate results for security, speed, usage limits, and reliability. I've also looked at streaming and torrenting support, log policies, server availability, compatibility, and additional features like malware blocking.
- I tested the speed speedtest.net, comparing my connection speed both before and after connecting to each VPN. You might expect that most VPNs slow down your connection to some extent. However, due to network restrictions or intentional restrictions, free VPNs can be so slow that browsing or streaming is complicated. Only the best VPNs can offer speeds comparable to your regular connection.
- I ranked each of my proposals according to the compromise they offered between free data and other features. So, for example, if a free VPN offers unlimited data but is too slow to use, it won't rank high.
- The results received from the VPN may vary depending on the server you use. The more extensive: the the VPN's network, the more reliable servers and services you can choose. If possible, I tested a series of servers on each VPN's network to give you the most accurate picture of what you can expect from each service.
Free VPN FAQs
Who are free VPNs best for?
Even the best free VPN services are only suitable for occasional use, such as traveling or in a café. They simply don't provide enough data usage or speed for 24/7 home VPN connections. If you want to encrypt all your home internet traffic, all the time, you should pay for one of the best VPN services.
If a VPN service is based in the United States, it will be subject to search warrants presented by US law-enforcement agencies. Also, all free VPN services log user connections, no matter what the service claims.
Many of the services we review here are based in Canada, Switzerland, or Germany, which have stronger privacy laws. One of the Canadian services, TunnelBear, was recently bought by a US company and will honor the US warrants and subpoenas under a new US law.
How does a free VPN work?
Free VPN services encrypt your data while it's in transit, creating a virtual tunnel through the internet. This separates your data packets from the countless others around them until they reach the service’s exit nodes many miles away from where you are.
Not only is the data encrypted, as it would be during a regular secure web session, but the routing information about the sender and intended recipient is hidden as well.
Today, the most popular VPN protocols are OpenVPN and various implementations of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), which include IPsec by itself or in combination with Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) or Internet Key Exchange versions 1 and 2 (IKEv1 and IKEv2).
A VPN's scrambling and unscrambling of your data can sometimes slow internet traffic to a crawl. The best free VPN will have fast servers connected to huge data pipes to minimize this performance decline. They also have thousands of servers located in scores of countries, ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe.
When might a free VPN not be the right choice?
A free VPN is likely to come up short for those looking to stream or torrent or people looking for a gaming VPN. That's because these activities use up tons of data. If you've got unlimited data with your VPN, that's not an issue, but if you've only got 500MB to play with, that's only about one episode in standard def on Netflix – and that's only if you can access the service.
You might also find that your connection speeds drop, and for gamers and torrents, that's a killer. Those activities rely on having high rates, and only the best paid-for fast VPNs can provide that.
Finally, some free VPNs struggle with privacy issues, and the addition of ads can be a real pain for users. If you want the most secure service, you'll have to pay for one – at least then you'll know precisely how your VPN is making money, rather than hoping it's not using your info to cash in.
Are free VPNs legal?
In short, yes. VPN software itself is no less legal than any other mainstream software.
However, using it as a torrenting VPN to download copyrighted files is still illegal, as is accessing any other illicit content.
Essentially, while a free VPN is perfectly legal to own and use, it doesn't make illegal acts legal just because it makes the crime harder to detect
Is a free VPN safe to use in US?
Of all the VPNs I tested, I found that only a few are safe to use. Most free VPNs are dangerous because they don't offer proper encryption, they keep logs, and their apps don't work correctly. Some free VPNs have even been reported to download malware to a user's device.
Can I install a free VPN on all my devices?
Most free VPNs are only compatible with laptops, desktops, and phones.
I've included a compatibility guide for each free VPN review on this list to help you find a free VPN with apps for your device. I've listed free VPNs with apps for Windows, macOS, iOS/iPhone, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers, Amazon Fire TV Stick, etc.
Can a free VPN unblock streaming platforms like Netflix?
The free VPNs on this list can access popular streaming sites like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. However, some of them will have difficulty accessing platforms with more stringent detection technology, such as Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
Of all the tests, the only VPNs I discovered that could reliably access I paid streaming sites VPNs. However, if you don't want to pay for a subscription, you can benefit from their money-back guarantee to use them for a short time.
How do I try a free PAID VPN?
You can try paid VPNs for free for a short time using their money-back guarantee – you only need to request a refund before the warranty ends.
Does a free VPN protect me when I'm torrenting?
Very few services have this ability. Some excellent VPNs will keep you safe while torrenting – but many don't. Many of the free services I found don't encrypt your traffic or prevent data leaks (so they're not safe to use for P2P connections).
Most free VPNs are too slow and don't give you enough data to download large files. You will need to find free options that do not reduce speed and safety when using.
Can I use a free VPN in China?
Some free VPNs work in China – but they're not safe enough to use. You need powerful security features to keep you safe in places with strict censorship laws (like China, Dubai, India, and Russia).
The main problem is that free VPNs don't offer obfuscation code creation, which means the Chinese government can see that you're using a VPN and block your connection (and you can be punished for violating their laws if your free VPN doesn't encrypt your data correctly). The scrambled code creation changes the interface of internet traffic so that no one can know that you are using a VPN. In addition, free VPNs work very limitedly – you'll run out of data after a few days and be left without any protection.
ExpressVPN is your most reliable choice in China because it hides your VPN's location, activity, and usage.
Is a free VPN legal?
Yes – it's legal to use a free VPN in most countries. VPNs are generally banned in some countries (such as Russia and China, where only government-operated VPNs are allowed). But if you're a tourist, you don't need to worry: You won't have trouble using a VPN while on vacation in these places.
Should I use a free VPN with Tor?
Free VPNs can be used on this list with Tor – but I can prolong them.
Since Tor has spent more time sending your traffic through its relays, you need a high-speed VPN to be fast enough to use. Free VPNs that limit bandwidth and speed won't work.
For best speed, you should connect to the server near your actual location. This can sometimes be difficult with free VPNs because they have fewer servers, so there may not be one nearby.
How do free VPNs make money?
Free VPNs make money in three ways: showing you ads, selling your data, or being sponsored by a paid VPN service (i.e., a "freemium" VPN).
Showing ads is the most popular way for free VPNs to make money. These ads are a bit annoying, but you should worry about something else. If your free VPN shows you targeted ads, it means it's selling your browsing activity to third parties.
Selling your information is another way to make money on a free VPN. It's usually for advertisers (to create those targeted ads). Still, some services have been caught selling data to more dangerous companies (like Hexatech and Psiphon, allowing third parties to know who you are and what you're doing online). Free VPNs are not transparent about this and violate your privacy because you rarely know to who your information is being sold.
VPN "Freemium" is the accessible version of a paid VPN. You don't have to pay, but your speed, data, and server access are often limited. In this case, a portion of the VPN user's paid subscription fee is transferred to pay for your free service.
Most of the VPNs I recommend are free VPNs (they don't show ads). None of them sell your data.