Working remotely has become the new norm for millions of people — which makes remote VPN access more important than ever for maximizing your privacy and security online.

But as the market for commercial VPNs continues to grow, it can be difficult to sort through the options to find the best VPN to meet your specific needs.  

That’s where this VPN guide comes in. After researching and testing a multitude of VPN services, we’ve rounded up the fastest and most reliable options.

In our current testing and ranking system, we assessed more than 20 factors, including price, security, ease of remote access, number of server locations, bandwidth caps, logging, dedicated and dynamic IP, client software and customer support.

Below, we’ve listed your best VPN options, including such popular names as ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, IPVanish and more. 

• What is VPN Service?
• Do VPNs Work?
• Which Free VPN is best?
• Cheapest VPN Service
• What is the No 1 VPN?
• How to Test your VPN
• Is the VPN Legal?
• Best VPN for Netflix
• Best VPN for Android
• Best VPN for PC

What is VPN Service?

When you switch it on, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between you and a remote server operated by a VPN service. All your internet traffic is routed through this tunnel, so your data is secure from prying eyes along the way. Besides this, webkor would be a great option to find the best vpn provider.

Because your traffic is exiting the VPN server, your computer appears to have the IP address of said server, masking your identity and location.

Read Also: How do Internet Browsers Actually Make Money

To understand the value of a VPN, it helps to think of some specific scenarios in which a VPN might be used. Consider the public Wi-Fi network, perhaps at a coffee shop or airport. Normally, you might connect without a second thought.

But do you know who might be watching the traffic on that network? Can you even be sure the Wi-Fi network is legit, or might it operated by a thief who’s after your personal data? Think about the passwords, banking data, credit card numbers, and just plain private information that you transmit every time you go online.

If you connect to that same public Wi-Fi network using a VPN you can rest assured that no one on that network will be able to intercept your data—not other users snooping around for would-be victims, nor even the operators of the network itself.

This last point is particularly important, and everyone should keep in mind that it’s very difficult to tell whether or not a Wi-Fi network is what it appears to be. Just because it’s called Starbucks_WiFi doesn’t mean it’s really owned by a well-known coffee purveyor.

Do VPNs Work?

Here’s another example: Let’s say you’re traveling abroad, and you fire up your browser only to discover that you can only visit localized versions of familiar websites.

Maybe this just means a different Google doodle, but it can also mean that the language of the websites you visit is now unfamiliar, certain sites are inaccessible, and some streaming content is out of reach.

With a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country and “spoof” your location. If you’re outside the US, you can VPN back to a familiar location and access the internet (mostly) as usual.

You can also do it in reverse: from the comfort of your home, you can pop over to a far-away VPN server, perhaps to access streaming video unavailable in the US.

VPNs can also grant access to blocked websites. Some governments have decided that it is in their best interest to block certain websites from access by all members of the population. With a VPN, it’s possible to tunnel to a different country with more progressive policies, and access sites that would otherwise be blocked.

And again, because VPNs encrypt web traffic, they help protect the identity of people who connect to the open internet in this way. That said, governments are wise to this, which is why we’re seeing VPN use being blocked in Russia and China.

Which Free VPN is best?

It’s hard to find a free VPN that’s safe and fast enough to actually use. Many free VPNs were tested — and found there are only a few services you can trust. Most of the services were too slow to load websites and some even caused my computer to crash.

If you don’t want to waste time or ruin your device by downloading risky apps, the 5 we have listed below are working, reliable, and safe.

Out of all the VPNs, NordVPN wins because of the high-end features you have access to. You get unlimited bandwidth, fast speeds, and a secure connection — the only thing is you can only use it for free for 30 days.

This makes NordVPN great for short-term use, while the other free VPNs on my list are suitable for longer-term use (with other limitations).

1. NordVPN

NordVPN isn’t usually free. It’s actually a premium VPN packed with some of the most advanced features. So why are we listing it here with our top-rated free VPNs? With NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee, you can use its premium VPN service for an entire month risk-free. I tested the guarantee myself – there’s no catch.

This is a great option if you only need a VPN for a short period while traveling, or to stream. NordVPN’s security is tough to beat. Unlike most free VPNs that will limit your streaming, NordVPN lets you stream your favorite shows from anywhere. This VPN can access geoblocked content from 400+ compatible streaming platforms. NordVPN actively finds ways to get around ever-developing geoblocks and even works in China.

Other useful features include torrenting support with high-speed dedicated P2P servers, ad blocking, Onion Over VPN, dedicated IP addresses, Double VPN, and more.

Of course, NordVPN isn’t free forever, but there’s a lot you can do with it in 30 days. Plus, if you decide you don’t want to give it up after a month, NordVPN offers some of the cheapest long-term VPN plans out there.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers a limited free version of its strong premium service. One of its biggest advantages over most free VPNs is that it comes with unlimited data. It is also ad-free, which is a big plus. With the free plan, you get access to servers in only Japan, Netherlands, and the US.

With all of ProtonVPN’s free users connected to one of just three locations, its servers are often overloaded and your connection speed could be slow.

You will need to upgrade to a paid plan to stream or torrent with ProtonVPN, but you can still use the free virtual locations to bypass censorship and access geoblocked social media platforms and messaging apps.

ProtonVPN features an easy-to-use, intuitive interface and multi-platform compatibility. The Quick Connect feature connects you to the fastest nearby server. The VPN also offers strong security, including powerful AES encryption and an automatic kill switch. Other features include DNS leak protection and split tunneling support.

One thing we like about ProtonVPN was how straightforward its privacy policy is. This VPN has a clear zero-logging policy that is strictly enforced. The company is based in Switzerland, outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance, which is great for privacy.

3. Windscribe

Windscribe’s generous data allowance makes it one of my top free VPNs. It’s enough to stream in high definition for just over three hours. You can get an extra 5 GB by tweeting the company.

You can also “win” an extra 1 GB of free data every month by referring friends. Windscribe boasts state-of-the-art security, with robust AES encryption and support for multiple VPN protocols.

Both paid and free users can access all Windscribe features, including its ad and malware blocker. It’s pretty rare to find a free VPN with this feature, so this is a big bonus. Windscribe also comes with a firewall that blocks all traffic outside the VPN’s secure tunnel in order to prevent unexpected leaks.

Other useful features include port forwarding and split tunneling. The company has a detailed privacy policy that clearly explains what data they store, as well as a no-logs policy to protect your privacy. 

Windscribe offers a desktop app and browser extension. The program has a user-friendly interface, with a choice of customer support options including live chat and setup guides. Single-click connect makes it super easy to get started.

As well as limiting your data, a free Windscribe account restricts you to servers in only the US, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and Switzerland. A limited selection of servers means you can’t use Windscribe to unblock content from outside these regions.

4. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield offers reliable connections and military-grade encryption. My tests didn’t reveal any DNS leaks, which means it effectively masks your 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 tech support. It also offers P2P support for both free and premium users.

Its user-friendly, dedicated apps offer one-click connect, so you can get started without a hassle. The free version comes with limitations. It is supported by ads and gives you only 500 MB of data per day. While this is far too little for downloading large files, you will have no problem checking your email or browsing social media.

Unfortunately, you can’t use the free version for streaming.

Although Hotspot Shield has 1,800 servers in 80 countries, the free version only gives you access to the US virtual location. You will be blocked by a Premium Payment Wall if you try to access streaming content with the VPN enabled.

Even with only one virtual location, Hotspot Shield can still help you escape 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 test it out with a 7-day free trial.

5. hide.me

hide.me offers a stripped back, reliable free service. You’ll get 10 GB of free data every month and all the benefits of hide.me’s user-friendly dedicated apps and robust protection. Advanced security features include strong AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, leak-protection, and strict no-log policy.

hide.me supports multiple VPN protocols so you can optimize your connection and choose the best fit for your device. Thanks to these secure connection protocols, you can connect to unsecured public WiFi networks without worrying about prying eyes.

Users are not required to enter an email address or any personal details when signing up, further protecting your online anonymity.

The five free servers – located in Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, US East, and US West – aren’t currently able to access geoblocked content, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

However, you can use the free servers to get around content filters at your workplace or school and bypass tough government censorship. Plus, hide.me is P2P-friendly and supports torrenting for both free and paid users. However, you are limited to the amount of file-sharing you can do with the 10GB data cap.

A free account also limits you to one device connection at a time. So, if you’re browsing on your laptop, your phone or tablet won’t be actively protected.

Additional features the free hide.me trial includes 24/7 access to technical support, split-tunneling, and ad-free browsing.

Cheapest VPN Service

Although there are some decent free options out there, a strong VPN comes with a price. This price can vary quite a bit across the industry, which is why we took our time to investigate and create a list of those on the lower end of the price scale.

Other than the price, the important things you should look at when choosing among cheaper VPNs is the level of privacy and security they offer, as well as the range of platforms on which you can install and use them. Additionally, the ease of use is always a good trait for any VPN to have.

Let’s take a look at the services that fit the description.

1. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has been a long-running favorite because it combines technical excellence with bargain-basement pricing. A $6.95 subscription gets you access to well over 3,000 servers. We’re impressed, too, that those servers are well distributed across the planet.

You shouldn’t have trouble finding a nearby server when traveling. Like most VPN services, Private Internet Access allows five simultaneous connections, so you you can protect a wide array of devices, especially since the company offers clients for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

There’s also a Chrome plug-in available, if you only want to secure your browser’s traffic.

Despite its impressive track record, Private Internet Access has always suffered in the ease of use category. The client software is stripped down to the point of being a little difficult to use. Other VPN services, TunnelBear in particular, do a better job of being friendly and approachable.

To its credit, Private Internet Access has been working to address its interface design problems, and a beta client shows a much sleeker future for the service. At just $6.95 per month, it’s already an unbeatable deal, easily besting services that cost nearly twice as much.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers clients for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows that are surprisingly slick. Under the hood, it uses excellent technology and places enormous emphasis on customer privacy. Its only major drawback is that it has comparatively few servers (300) in comparatively few locations (30 countries).

The company also has an unusual tiered pricing structure. Normally, we don’t like it when a company puts features behind tiered paywalls. It’s a little different with ProtonVPN, because the product is excellent at every tier.

The higher cost just unlocks even more elaborate security tools. For $5 a month, you get access to most of ProtonVPN’s server locations, including P2P servers, and can use two devices simultaneously. The price goes up from there, topping out at $30 dollars per month, with a slew of unique features. Below all of those is ProtonVPN’s free plan.

This story is the best cheap, not best free VPNs, but it’s still worth noting that ProtonVPN is a real standout in the free category. While it limits you to only three server locations and just one simultaneous connection, it places no restrictions on the amount of data you can use. That’s unheard of in the world of free VPNs.

3. Norton Secure VPN

The big names in antivirus have struggled a bit with the VPN market, but Norton Secure VPN is one of the better of the big names. For one thing, it boasts 1,500 servers across 29 countries.

For another, it sports an unusual but flexible pricing system. You can opt to pay monthly or yearly, and can choose one, five, or 10 simultaneous connections.

That translates into one device for $4.99 per month, five devices for $7.99 per month, or 10 devices for $9.99. Norton smartly bundles the VPN with its Norton Security product, so you can shave a bit more off the price tag.

4. Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN costs only $8.95 per month and gets credit for not skimping on the servers. While it has only 500 in total, those are spread across 100 locations, making it a good choice for someone who spends a lot of time traveling.

After all, the closer you are to your VPN server, the better performance you’re likely to experience. The company offers five simultaneous connections, which is average for the industry and should cover just about every device in your home.

Ivacy VPN also has client apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, as well as plug-ins for Firefox and Chrome. While Ivacy VPN is cheap, you may sometimes encounter unusable servers and ineffective browser plug-ins while using it.

5. Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN

Kaspersky Lab is a big name in the antivirus world, despite the negative rumors surrounding it. Rumors aside, Kaspersky Secure Connection costs only $4.99 per month. That’s the lowest out-of-the-box price on this list, and includes many of the features we’ve come to expect with a VPN.

But while it might excel in antivirus, its VPN offering is a little ho-hum. You won’t get very many servers, nor many server locations, which can be tricky if you travel or want to spoof your location.

That said, it does offer a free version that won’t limit the number of simultaneous connections—a bit odd, considering there is a limit on the paid subscription. The catch is that you can only use 200-300MB of data per day, and the free VPN selects which server you’ll use; you don’t get a choice.

What is the No 1 VPN?

1. ExpressVPN is the best VPN service in the world

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | 24/7 support: Yes | Trial period: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160 | Countries: 94 | Maximum devices supported: 5

TechRadar has tested and reviewed over 200 of the best VPN providers and the outright number one right now is ExpressVPN. It ticks all of the boxes – its server connections are fast, it has some serious security smarts, and is ridiculously easy to install and use. Simply put, it’s the very best you can get.

2. NordVPN – the biggest name in the business

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | 24/7 support: Yes | Trial period: 30 days | Number of servers: 5,500+ | Server locations: 80+ | Countries: 59 | Maximum devices supported: 6

NordVPN is jam-packed with features, unblocks loads of streaming services and boasts extra privacy perks like its ‘Double VPN’ security and an independently audited no-log policy.

3. Surfshark – simple to use VPN that’s great value

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | 24/7 support: Yes | Trial period: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,200 | Server locations: 100+ | Countries: 65 | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited

If you’re more concerned about grabbing a bargain than going for the all out best above, then Surfshark should be on your shortlist – from just $2.50 USD/£2/$AU3.50 per month.

How to Test your VPN

How to do a VPN test check for IP and/or DNS leaks

1. You need to find out your original IP address given by your ISP. If you are currently using a VPN, turn it off and head to this page.
2. Make a note of your real IP address.
3. Turn on your VPN and go back to the test website.
4. It should now show a different IP address and the country you connected your VPN to. If the results show your original IP address, then, unfortunately, your VPN is leaking.
5. Sometimes IPLeak tests fail to detect DNS leaks, which can also reveal your identity. So it’s advisable to check it on DNSLeakTest.
6. If your VPN is on, DNSLeakTest should show the location you’ve chosen and your new IP.
7. Select Extended Test to dig even deeper. This test might take a few minutes.
8. If the results now show your new IP address and your chosen country, you are safe. Your VPN isn’t leaking.

How to check for WebRTC leaks

1. If you haven’t already, find out your original IP address on the IPLeak website. Make a note of it.
2. Connect to your VPN and refresh the webpage (or go to its alternative dedicated to WebRTC Testing). It should now show your new IP address and new location based on the country you’ve chosen.
3. Under ‘Your IP addresses – WebRTC detection’ you should see a private IP that should be different from your original public IP address. Note that the website showing your private IP (usually begins with 10.xxx or 192.xxx or sometimes an alpha-numeric IPv6) doesn’t mean that your WebRTC is leaking.

Is the VPN Legal?

In the U.S., and in many countries, it is legal to use a VPN, but they can be associated with illegal online activity. We explain what’s legal and illegal about using Virtual Private Networks, plus your rights to use a VPN in different countries.

The good news is, for the most part, yes – VPNs are legal to use.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your connection to the internet and stop you being tracked or hacked while you’re online – and there are plenty of perfectly legal reasons for wanting to use a VPN.

VPNs are great for protecting your online privacy. With a VPN enabled, you can disguise your IP address and prevent the government, your internet provider, or third parties from monitoring what you’re up to online.

While there are plenty of perfectly legal reasons you might want this degree of privacy, VPNs understandably appeal to those looking to hide less savory activities, including illegal downloads and use of the darknet.

Remember, even though VPNs may be legal to use, not all VPNs are built alike. We’ve independently tested the best, and only recommend VPNs that are safe and legal. Our top choice is PureVPN – a secure, fast and simple tool that’s also great value thanks to regular deals and discounts.

Using a VPN is perfectly legal in most countries, including the U.S, but not all countries. Also, using a VPN to carry out illegal activity remains illegal, and you will likely still be caught and prosecuted. A VPN protects your privacy, but does not excuse or hide you from being reprimanded by the law for theft, unlawful purchases, or any other crime as dictated by the country you are in.

Here’s the lowdown:

• You can use VPNs in the U.S. – Running a VPN in the U.S. is legal, but anything that’s illegal without a VPN remains illegal when using one (eg torrenting copyrighted material)
• VPNs are banned by a few countries – Some countries, including China, Russia, Iraq and North Korea, restrict or ban the use of VPNs
• VPNs use can breach terms of service – It isn’t illegal to access services such as Netflix over a VPN, though it does breach their terms of use
• Law enforcement can demand information – Though most VPNs promise to keep no logs, there is precedent for VPN providers sharing user information with the authorities when requested

Best VPN for Netflix

Because Netflix is actively rolling out new blocks, most of the smaller VPN services simply cannot stay ahead of this cat-and-mouse game. Therefore we are recommending only three VPNs for Netflix. These three VPNs work the best at consistently (every day) unblocking the largest selection of Netflix libraries around the world

NordVPN

NordVPN is currently the best VPN for Netflix simply because it always works with the service and offers the fastest speeds with consistent reliability. With a huge network of global servers, NordVPN unblocks numerous Netflix regions with ease. While most VPNs struggle to provide consistently fast speeds for HD streaming, NordVPN delivers. 

For Netflix streaming, NordVPN is the top-performer. It supports all major Netflix libraries around the world and have dedicated apps for all types of streaming devices, from computers, phones, and tablets to Android TV boxes, Smart TVs and more. They even offer a dedicated app for using a VPN with FireStick.

Surfshark

Surfshark is probably the cheapest VPN for Netflix you will find that still works really well. Officially launched in 2018, Surfshark offers a secure, high-performance VPN that delivers access to all major Netflix regions.

And aside from the low price, Surfshark also stands out by giving you an unlimited number of connections. This allows you to stream Netflix on every device (the whole family!) without having to worry about exceeding your connection limit.

Surfshark is a great option for all types of streaming. In addition to Netflix support, you can also use this VPN for Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many other services. It’s a great VPN for Amazon Prime with a dedicated Firestick app in the Amazon Store.

ExpressVPN

Third up on our list of the best Netflix VPNs is ExpressVPN. While it may be more expensive than NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN is a very reliable service that has always performed well with Netflix. And like our other top Netflix VPNs, ExpressVPN offers consistent and reliable access to a huge selection of Netflix regions.

Fast speeds – Like our other recommendations, ExpressVPN also delivers fast speeds. They have developed their own protocol called Lightway, which outperforms OpenVPN and other legacy protocols.

In our tests we could get up to 235 Mbps. And while this is certainly fast enough for HD streaming, it’s not quite on par with WireGuard, as we found in the ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison.

ExpressVPN also does very well in the areas of security and online anonymity, with maximum encryption and excellent privacy features. ExpressVPN’s apps are user-friendly, simple, and come with built-in leak protection via the Network Lock (kill switch) feature.

And similar to NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN provides a large selection of VPN apps for all types of devices and operating systems. This includes Smart TVs through the MediaStreamer feature, as well as computers, phones, tablets, routers, and more. They even offer a dedicated VPN router app.

Best VPN for Android

A trustworthy VPN is the only way to protect your phone. But with 200+ VPNs available on the Play Store, how do you know which service is safe to use? And are the free VPNs listed in the Play Store safe?

Having a VPN has become so mainstream these days that it’s no surprise that you’d want to be able to access it on your Android phone or tablet, too. Fortunately, pretty much all of the best providers out there have dedicated Android VPN apps you can install, specially designed with mobile use in mind.

As well as helping use the web securely – particularly if you’re using public Wi-Fi or cellular – Android VPNs are celebrated software for their ability to help you access geographically restricted apps, stream content that might normally be blocked (from foreign Netflix catalogues to overseas sports action) and much more.

The problem you’ll face is that one quick search of the Play Store reveals hundreds upon hundreds of Android VPNs vying for your attention. So how do you choose the right one? We’ll explain what features to look out for below, and then go on to tell you the three very best Android VPN apps that we’ve found from our thorough testing and reviews.

How to choose the best Android VPN app

Obviously, a dedicated Android app helps to make things as hassle-free as possible and so the app should be user-friendly. Ensure it supports your version of Android, with most going back at least to Pie

You’re probably going to want to use your Android VPN on loads of other devices, too – so make sure you get one that also works with your computer’s operating system and has enough licences to cover all your gadgets.

Other considerations are tight security – a kill switch is handy, so that you’re not left exposed if your internet connection drops – and of course a privacy policy and terms of service that make it clear what logs and details are kept by the provider.

And a word of warning: make sure you avoid the dodgy ones on Google Play as quite a few free VPN players promise to provide free privacy but don’t mention the strings attached. Instead, go for one of the brilliant Android VPN apps that we’ve listed below.

Today’s top 3 Android VPNs:

1. ExpressVPN – #1 best Android VPN app ExpressVPN has the speed, security and simplicity of use that really makes it stand out from the crowd. That’s no different on Android, which makes using a VPN on your smartphone an absolute doddle – plus, it comes with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee and 3 months extra free.

2. NordVPN – VPN’s biggest name is ace on Android Nord’s popularity (counting over 10 million Android users) is not unfounded. It may be a tad clunkier to use than Express’s, but it really brings the goods when it comes to security and speed. Plus, in December, it’s throwing in an extra 3 months free when you sign up.

3. Surfshark – simple to use and affordable Android app
This could well be your VPN of choice if you’re after something a bit more affordable. Go for its multiyear plan and get the price down to less than $2.50 USD per month. That doesn’t prevent it from being a really strong and simple-to-operate Android VPN though, with a very friendly interface.

Even a quick dip into the Play Store menu will show that there are ridiculous amounts of available free apps that you can download. Some will be fine, some will be far from fine, but none will really be excellent.

We’d suggest only going for a freebie if you really don’t tend to use your VPN app very much at all. Otherwise, you’ll soon bump in to annoying usage restrictions and realise pretty sharpish that free versions only tend to have a handful of servers each (unlike the 5,000+ odd like providers such as NordVPN offer).

And when you consider that downloading Surfshark costs less than $2.50 USD per month, you may as well put your hand in your pocket for one of the very best Android VPNs around.

Best VPN for PC

Windows remains overwhelmingly the most used computer operating system in the world. And an underrated perk of operating with Windows 10 on your PC is the sheer range of options when choosing a VPN – you’re spoilt for choice.

The most important things to pay attention to when choosing the right free VPN, are the level of security it offers, whether its limitations are a deal-breaker for you, the level of privacy and the existence of the no-logging policy, as well as what kind of information do you have to give up to get access to it.

To make the task of deciding easier for you, we have assembled a list of the best free PC VPN options on the market, along with their advantages and limitations:

1. Hotspot Shield Free VPN

Hotspot Shield Free tops our free VPN list thanks to everything you get, no charge: 500MB of daily data traffic (that’s about 15GB per month), military-grade encryption, and beginner-friendly apps, regardless of the platform.

You will have to suffer through an ad here and there, and you can only use the one server location that the platform assigns to you, but it’s worth it if privacy is your topmost concern. 

This means you won’t really be able to stream Netflix but your sensitive information will be perfectly safe from prying eyes, especially important if you’re worried about shopping or conducting financial operations online.

Having said that, getting started isn’t terribly convenient. After the installation, you’ll have the option to take the 7-day free trial for the premium version, but you can ignore that and just connect to the service to use the free version. If you decide to try the free trial, just remember that you will have to give your credit card details.

2. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a VPN platform that stands out with its original design and a good sense of humor, as well as the free plan that comes with a choice of more than 20 servers.

That said, it’s quite restrictive in its monthly traffic which gives free users only 500MB to use for the entire month. This means you’ll have to be very prudent with how you use it or you’ll run out before you know it. So no streaming, torrenting, or other downloads except for some really light browsing. However, you can increase this limit to 1GB by tweeting about TunnelBear.

Even as restrictive as it is in the monthly data traffic, TunnelBear is an ideal free VPN for those who want a little privacy for some of their online habits, like online banking, shopping, or other security-sensitive operations.

If you’d like to experience what TunnelBear has in store for those who pay for a full version, you won’t end up disappointed. The company doesn’t even require you to provide your first name when signing up, which isn’t the case with many other platforms.

3. ProtonVPN Free

ProtonVPN has one of the best free plans, mainly due to its lack of limitation on monthly VPN traffic which is a rare thing for a free VPN to have. This doesn’t come without its price though, as speeds and user support leave much to be desired, mostly because free users are considered as low priority. Also, if you thought unlimited data traffic meant you could share as many large files as you like via P2P, you’re wrong – this provider doesn’t support P2P.

That said, users can download ProtonVPN apps for Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and even GNU/Linux, albeit use them only on one device at the time. Also, there are only three server locations you can connect to.

The privacy offered by ProtonVPN, even in its free version, is impressive, and the strict no-logs policy guarantees no sensitive information is kept on its servers. The best part? You only need your email address to sign up. You won’t see any pesky ads often present in other free VPNs, either.

4. Windscribe

Windscribe is a strong free VPN that has apps for all the major platforms, an excellent choice of 25 servers in 11 countries, as well as a generous 10GB monthly cap on its free data traffic. You’ll even receive notifications via email every time your monthly traffic allowance is renewed.

The available locations are well spread and include the UK, Germany, Canada, Hong Kong, and the US, which should be enough for most (free) users. 

To get your hands on this handy VPN service, you don’t even need to leave your email address – just create a username and password and you’re all set! Regardless, we recommend putting in an email address, just in case you forget your password. Additionally, it’s useful to know when your spent bandwidth is renewed.

As usual, the privacy levels are high, accompanied by a serious no-logging policy. The platform also includes a built-in ad blocker and firewall, for added protection.

5. Speedify

Speedify does exactly what its name says – provides a fast VPN connection, thanks to a few handy performance boosting tools that include making use of all available internet connections. For example, it can combine your Ethernet with a tethered mobile connection. 

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In case there’s only one kind of internet connection available, then the provider’s turbocharging technology will step in. We tested the high speeds claim and were delighted with the results.

Users get quite a lot of servers at their disposal – over 50, but not a lot in terms of monthly bandwidth. Specifically, you only get 2GB per month for all your VPN needs, which is still four times more than TunnelBear’s 500MB, but way less than Windscribe’s 10GB or ProtonVPN’s unlimited monthly traffic.

Conclusion

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have grown in popularity during the past decade because they offer privacy and anonymity online in a time when it is needed the most. This is due to various reasons – governments spying on you or censoring content you can access, streaming platforms geographically restricting their own content, ISPs throttling your connection, hackers trying to steal your private data, you name it.

Considering all these issues, it’s no wonder many people are looking at VPNs. However, once you start searching, you realize that many such platforms offer their services for a fee. Or worse yet, they offer their services for free, but provide very poor service. But the various options provided above will give you the best service.