A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that protects your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding it from prying eyes. When you use a VPN, you connect to a remote server that acts as a middleman between your device and the websites you visit. This way, your internet service provider (ISP), advertisers, and other third parties cannot see or track your online activities.
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Many people use VPNs for various reasons, such as bypassing geo-restrictions to access streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, downloading torrents anonymously, or preventing their ISPs from selling their browsing data to advertisers. However, not all VPNs are created equal, and some may compromise your privacy and security more than they protect it.
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If you still want to try a free VPN, here are some of the best free VPNs that you can check out.
ProtonVPN is one of the rare free VPNs that does not impose any restrictions on bandwidth, data, or speed, as long as you use it on one device at a time. You can also create multiple accounts to use it on different devices, if you wish. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws, and it does not log or share your data with anyone. It also uses strong encryption and protocols, and has a kill switch feature that prevents your data from leaking if the VPN connection drops. The only downside of ProtonVPN’s free tier is that it offers only three servers to choose from: U.S., Netherlands, and Japan. This means that you may not be able to access some geo-restricted content or get the best performance.
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If you want to use a VPN, you should know that the best VPN services are paid. Paid VPNs offer faster speeds, more servers, better encryption, and more features than free VPNs. They also have a clear privacy policy and do not log or sell your data to anyone. Free VPNs, on the other hand, often have some drawbacks that may outweigh their benefits. For example, some free VPNs may:
- Limit your bandwidth, data, or speed, which can affect your online experience and performance
- Offer only a few servers to choose from, which can reduce your options and increase the risk of congestion and connection drops
- Use weak encryption or protocols, which can expose your data to hackers, malware, or government surveillance
- Inject ads, trackers, or malware into your browser, which can compromise your privacy and security
- Log or sell your data to third parties, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place
If you still want to try a free VPN, here are some of the best free VPNs that you can check out.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is one of the rare free VPNs that does not impose any restrictions on bandwidth, data, or speed, as long as you use it on one device at a time. You can also create multiple accounts to use it on different devices, if you wish. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws, and it does not log or share your data with anyone. It also uses strong encryption and protocols, and has a kill switch feature that prevents your data from leaking if the VPN connection drops. The only downside of ProtonVPN’s free tier is that it offers only three servers to choose from: U.S., Netherlands, and Japan. This means that you may not be able to access some geo-restricted content or get the best performance.
Tunnelbear
Tunnelbear Tunnelbear is another free VPN that does not limit the number of devices you can use on your account, which is a rare feature among free VPNs. Tunnelbear is also known for its user-friendly interface and cute bear-themed design. Tunnelbear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance, but it claims that it does not log or share your data with anyone. It also uses strong encryption and protocols, and has a kill switch feature. The main drawback of Tunnelbear’s free plan is that it only allows you to use 2GB of free data per month, which is not enough for streaming or downloading large files. You can access all of Tunnelbear’s servers on the free tier, which include 23 countries.
Hide.me
Hide.me is a free VPN that offers unlimited data and access to eight servers in four countries: U.S., Canada, Netherlands, and Singapore. Hide.me is based in Malaysia, which is not part of any major surveillance alliance, and it does not log or share your data with anyone. It also uses strong encryption and protocols, and has a kill switch feature. The main limitations of Hide.me’s free plan are that it does not support ad blocking, port forwarding, or simultaneous connections on more than one device. Hide.me’s free plan is a good alternative to ProtonVPN, especially if you need more server options.
Hotspot Shield is based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance, and it has a history of privacy scandals and controversies. It also does not support simultaneous connections on more than one device. Hotspot Shield’s free tier is not recommended for anyone who values their privacy and security, and it should be used with caution and at your own risk.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot shield promo image with Apple Magic Mouse Credit: Hotspot Shield Hotspot Shield is a free VPN that offers a feature called virtual locations, which lets you view streaming content from various regions in the world. On its free tier, you get to access US-based IP addresses and a virtual location from the same country. This makes it good for people who want to access US content while being abroad, such as Netflix, Hulu, or HBO. However, Hotspot Shield’s free plan has some significant drawbacks.
Hotspot Shield is based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance, and it has a history of privacy scandals and controversies. It also does not support simultaneous connections on more than one device. Hotspot Shield’s free tier is not recommended for anyone who values their privacy and security, and it should be used with caution and at your own risk.
Atlas VPN Atlas VPN is a free VPN that lets you use up to 5GB of data per month and connect to three servers in two countries: U.S. and Netherlands. Atlas VPN does not limit the number of devices you can use on your account, and it does not log or share your data with anyone. It also uses strong encryption and protocols, and has a kill switch feature. The main disadvantages of Atlas VPN’s free tier are that it does not support ad blocking, port forwarding, or streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Atlas VPN’s website and app are also quite aggressive in promoting its premium plan, and you may receive a lot of emails from them if you sign up.
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