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Virtual private network (VPN) services cost money to run, so you should always approach supposedly "free" services with caution. In the VPN world, free usually means that providers will give you a connection but make money from you in other ways, such as through selling your data or by displaying adverts.
You can test the best VPNs with a free trial or a money-back guarantee, usually granting you up to 30 days of free service. If you want a free VPN for the long term, we can recommend some secure options, typically backed by paying subscribers.
I've extensively tested every major VPN on the market, including free offerings. My pick for the best free VPN is Proton VPN. The service, developed by the team behind the encrypted ProtonMail service, is supported by paying subscribers. The number of device and server connections is limited, but it's still a top-tier VPN that can help you maintain a high level of online privacy. If you're interested in a paid upgrade, Proton's paid plans start at $3.59/month.
There are other trustworthy options I recommend, as listed below. Alternatively, if you're interested in trying out a paid VPN, consider one of my picks for the best VPNs with free trials.
My top pick for free VPNs available in 2025 is Proton VPN, which, despite its limits, will suit many users who do not want to subscribe.
Why we like it: The free version of Proton VPN offers many useful features that are paid for through other services and VPN subscribers.
It doesn't cap bandwidth, so you can use it year-round without worrying about exceeding monthly data limits. Proton VPN's free tier also doesn't restrict your speed, but server selections are limited, so you might not experience the true speed of the network due to heavy loads.
During my frequent tests, I've found that Proton VPN's connection and server speeds are always reasonable. While it doesn't often match top-tier competitors, it's still a great option.
Review: Proton VPN
Robust online protection features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy help hide your identity and digital footprint, regardless of whether you pay for this service. Also, Proton VPN doesn't sell your information or monetize its free apps with ads, allowing you to browse without distractions.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a free VPN and won't mind server and device restrictions.
Free servers are available in five locations: the United States, Romania, Poland, the Netherlands, and Japan. However, you can't manually choose and connect to a server. The VPN automatically selects one for you, but you can click "Change Server" to be assigned a different server location.
Who should look elsewhere: A drawback is that you can only use one device with your free account. So, if you need a VPN for your PC, smartphone, and TV, for example, you should look elsewhere.
Alternatively, premium plans unlock 10 simultaneous connections and start at $3.59 per month on a two-year subscription. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Proton Free VPN features: Open-source | Simultaneous connections: One free, up to 10, depending on the plan | Countries: Five (117 paid) | Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits | Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Free option | Trustpilot rating: 2.1 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.6 | Customer service: Only with a paid subscription | Data limit: None | Speed limit: None
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The most popular VPN services barely have freemiums, but some offer free trials and money-back guarantees. These allow you to test all premium VPN features risk-free for a limited time. Here are our best picks with free trial opportunities.
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