Generally speaking, all online security experts will tell you “not to go for a FREE VPN,” however, not everyone is looking for a long-term commitment by getting a paid VPN subscription. So, suppose you are one of those people. In that case, there’s nothing wrong with this pathway of enhancing or upgrading your online internet security to hide from hackers, trackers, spying eyes of the government, and your local ISP (internet service provider).
Here’s a list of some of the Best Free VPNs you can download in 2022 for your online privacy & protection needs.
Best Free VPNs in 2022
SurfsharkVPN
Its apps are easy to use, and it will block almost everything with its Shadowsocks technology.
Get Surfshark Read The Review
ProtonVPN
Proton VPN has a very strict no-data logging policy as it comes from a country with very strict privacy laws.
Get ProtonVPN Read The Review
Windscribe
Windscribe delivers outstanding performance when it comes to privacy & security. However, it has limited bandwidth.
Get Windscribe Read The Review
HotSpot Shield
HotSpot Shield is one of the best VPNs to help you defeat ISP throttling.
Get HotSpot Shield Read The Review
Speedify
As the name suggests, Speedify is one of those VPNs which help you connect various devices simultaneously and deliver incredible speeds in action.
Get Speedify Read The ReviewNo one wants to pay their way out of everything; we all want freebies all the time. Our instinct is to get our problems solved for free. However, sometimes “freedom comes at a cost.”
With so many VPNs available in the market for free, a question might arise in people’s minds: Why should we pay for a VPN when we can get it for free on our app store and play store? If you are looking for a free VPN for the sole purpose of adding a tiny bit of online security for your everyday use device, then even a free VPN can fulfill your needs.
The purpose of getting a free VPN is simple, “anonymous online browsing.” It’s no secret that in this day and age, we are getting tracked all the time by governments, agencies, and several individual hackers who exercise activities like data breaches & phishing.
However, as stated earlier that “freedom comes at a cost,” which means that using a free VPN might defeat the purpose for what a VPN was meant to be used for, i.e., you might not get anonymity “wholly.” That’s why our team here at TechNinjaPRO has always taken the subject of Online Security thoughtfully and has devised various lists for you depending upon which platform you usually use:
- The Best VPN Services
- Best Disney Plus VPNs
- Best Free VPN for Netflix
- Best VPN for iPhone (iOS)
- Best VPN for Mac
- Best VPN for Windows
- Best VPN for Linux
- Best VPN for Android
- Best Cheap VPN
So, before you go on to download a free VPN and integrate it with your device, you need to educate yourself regarding how does a free VPN works, how do these free VPNs earn money, and what are the self-sacrifices you’ll have to make when it comes to the general functionality of a free VPN.
A free VPN might only provide you security while using public WiFi, securely access your Emails, etc. Other than that, they are not as efficient as other VPNs (even in the Cheap VPN category).
User's Guide to Getting a Free VPN
Remember one thing always that a Free VPN service provider also has to earn money. No one is delivering their services for free; everything comes at a cost that might be hidden from your sight. The free VPN providers profit from their free online security products primarily by advertising and selling your browsing information to third parties, which is a security breach.
Moreover, the majority of the free VPNs do not let you browse or stream videos with unlimited bandwidth of data, i.e., they only provide limited data usage. Again, this entirely defeats the purpose of using a free VPN since we do not use the internet nowadays by keeping the limit of data usage in our minds. Most of all, if you are a streaming head, then you can forget about binge-watching your favorite series on your favorite streaming platform like Netflix, as the daily data usage limit will most probably end after watching a single episode.
To make profits and keep on delivering their VPN services for free, free VPNs will:
- Sell your information to third parties.
- Your web traffic data will also be sold.
- Your private IP address might also get leaked.
- Your logs of internet surfing will be collected.
- They will sell your online browsing habits to advertisers to sell products.
- Many more ways…
All of these practices defeat the purpose of using a VPN for your online personal security as you’ll not receive any type of anonymity along with getting your data leaked (which you didn’t want to happen in the first place). That’s why we always recommend that you go for at least a paid VPN that is cheap and budget-friendly if you don’t want to pay that much for a VPN service.
If you are not still not convinced about not getting a free VPN service, then here are some of the Best Free VPN Services you can go for which will not keep or collect your data, and the risk of having your data leaked is the least if you use their free VPN products.
1. Surfshark VPN
Overview
Surfshark VPN is undoubtedly one of the best in the market for online internet privacy, and even though it’s not a free service, the cost levels are pretty low altogether (starting from $2.49/month). You can take a free trial for 30-days and see if you can make a long-term commitment.
Specifications
- 30-Day Free Trial.
- The overall experience is user-friendly.
- The Privacy Policy is understable and easy-to-read.
- Cheap
Free Trail?
Benefits
- Smooth user’s experience.
- The best thing is the allowance of unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Privacy Policy is simple, clear, and direct.
- Unblocks Geo-Restricted content with ease.
Drawbacks
- Customer support needs improvement
Even though you came here for a free VPN, we want to pitch you a paid VPN that offers a free trial of 30-days, so you can get a taste of what a top-of-the-line VPN holds for you in the market of the virtual private network.
You can take advantage of their free trial and see what an ‘actual’ VPN offers in reality—the number of servers, unlimited data usage, and the speed factors.
A virtual private network or VPN for short, is nothing of use when it doesn’t give you simultaneous connections, i.e., you can connect all your devices to the VPN service of your choice at once and protect all your devices under the umbrella of a VPN. You can connect your Surfshark VPN with an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, including your iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, and even integrate the application directly to your router.
You will not get this service with a free VPN and not protect your entire home simultaneously. Also, Surfshark VPN offers extensions to its users on both Chrome and Firefox.
In addition to this, Surfshark VPN gives you access to the most used streaming sites righ now globally, i.e., Netflix. Websites like Netflix detect the use of a VPN and ultimately block the account user by blacklisting their IP address, so one should be very careful in accessing the Netflix streaming site via a free VPN. Even paid VPNs like Avast Secureline VPN cannot unblock Netflix on their own and have been blacklisted by Netflix.
Surfshark VPN unblocks Netflix and helps you access various Netflix libraries at one given time. With their unlimited bandwidth of data for its users, you can binge-watch your favorite seasons and shows for as long as you want to. You can easily switch regions by selecting various servers on Surfshark VPN.
Moreover, Surfshark VPN provides:
- The best Kill Switch feature in the VPN industry (based on functionality).
- DNS and IP leak protection.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content on BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, etc.
- Strict No-Logs policy where not even a single bit of your data is stored by the VPN company to be sold to interested third parties.
2. ProtonVPN
Overview
ProtonVPN offers a free version to its users where it will deliver a full-fledged no-logs policy, cache your website traffic, unlimited bandwidth, and does not blacklist any of the IP addresses.
Specifications
- All apps of ProtonVPN are open source.
- Strict No-Logging policy (Switzerland Jurisdiction).
- Adblocker (NetShield).
- AES-256 bit encryption.
- Forward secrecy.
- OpenVPN Protocol
- IKEv2 Protocol
- L2TP Protocol
- PPTP Protocol
- DNS Leak prevention.
- Tor over VPN.
- Kill Switch is Always-On
Free Trail?
No! But Free Version is available
Benefits
- The interface is easy-to-use.
- No-Logs policy is great for a free VPN.
- Huge server network
- Unlimited bandwidth.
Drawbacks
- No P2P features
When our team tested the best free VPN services we can compile for our audience, we came across ProtonVPN. We found that this Switzerland-based VPN has a magnificent set of security features lists and works excellent in the performance sector.
You will be amazed to know that this is the only free VPN in the market that offers unlimited bandwidth of data for users to browse or stream videos online without worrying about their VPN data.
With the help of ProtonVPN’s free application, you cannot access Netflix libraries. However, you’ll still be able to watch various Netflix shows available in your region with this VPN service. If you want to access other Netflix regions, you’ll have to upgrade to fulfill this purpose.
In the accessible version of ProtonVPN, there are some limitations that you’ll face like:
- Speed drops, as paid clients will get more priority for the bandwidth usage.
- Access to one device at one given time.
- No P2P support.
- No Secure Core Support.
- Only three server locations.
If we come and talk about what you’ll get in the accessible version of the ProtonVPN application is the benefit of a zero-logging policy. Since this VPN is based in Switzerland, the internet security laws are stringent there, and even the government is not allowed to spy on their citizens without permission from a court. This means that it follows strict rules when it comes to collecting data from its clients.
Moreover, the feature of unlimited data also comes with the free version. It offers applications for various devices from iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux. You can also integrate ProtonVPN directly into your router for added protection of your home (personal devices) or business devices. Features like Split Tunneling and DNS servers are also available in the free version. These features are included, but they also perform well when it comes to the functioning of this VPN.
The three server locations available in the application are the US, Netherlands, and Japan. The top server locations are given in the free app as ProtonVPN wants to show off its greatness regarding the quality of its VPN product. When you connect the VPN, it automatically connects you to the best and fastest server available based on your geographical location.
So, if you still want a free VPN that provides excellent security features when it comes to online internet protection and hides your browsing activity from all types of third parties, then ProtonVPN is the VPN service for you to go for.
3. Windscribe
Overview
Windscribe is a famous VPN among the free VPNs as it efficiently unblocks geo-restricted content and protects your personal information from hackers, governments, and other organizations.
Specifications
- AES-256 bit Encryption
- Firewall
- Kill Switch
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- OpenVPN & IKEv2 Security Protocol
- Private DNS & Leak Protection
Benefits
- Strong No-Logs Policy.
- You can connect multiple devices at once.
- Leak protection functions well
- Readable privacy policy
Drawbacks
- Offers limited bandwidth
Windscribe is an old player in the VPN industry and works excellently in both free and premium versions. Generally, it provides a bandwidth data limit of 2GB, but if you provide them with your Email ID, they’ll give you a limit of 10GB for the day (which is enough if you are looking for browsing instead of streaming websites).
In the free version Windscribe, the server selection is somewhat unique because we haven’t seen these set servers together in a free VPN before like Turkey, Europe, Hong Kong, North America, and other 20+ server locations. If you upgrade to their premium version, you’ll get access to a much more extensive server network.
More importantly, one factor that Windscribe is unable to comprehend. It is excellent at unblocking Netflix but applies the data limit over it. You cannot watch even a single episode before your VPN data ends, so what’s the use of unblocking Netflix? However, when it comes to Windscribe unblocking Netflix, it does provide features like:
- Ad-Blocker
- No-Logging Policy
- Firewall
Coming to the user interface of Windscribe VPN, it’s not as gloomy or even user-friendly for the sake of even a free VPN. It’s a bit tricky to use. However, a person gets used to it once you keep on using it daily. If you are not a user interface kind of a person and don’t worry too much about the general UI of the application, then you can use the application to just turn it On & Off.
Other than this, Windscribe is nothing less than a powerful VPN whose primary purpose is to deliver online security & protection to its users and clients by using their AES-256 bit encryption along with their no-logging policy where no type of data of the user is collected, stored, or even kept by the company.
Furthermore, Windscribe is offering a desktop client for Windows, Linux, and Mac users in addition to the Chrome extension, which you can securely integrate into your browser and travel all over the world using the internet under the protection of a VPN. Also, you can download their free application from your play store or app store depending on what type of device you use, i.e., iOS or Android.
Windscribe’s privacy policy concerning the no-logging policy is pretty interesting as it keeps its customers’ connection logs or IP stamps. However, it does collect the following data:
- Your username.
- The server name with which you logged over the internet.
- The transferred data amount (as per its 2GB to 10GB limit).
All of this collected data is removed within the next three minutes when your session ends. In addition to this, Windscribe offers:
- Malware Protection.
- Ad-Blocker.
4. Hotspot Shield
Overview
The free application of Hotspot Shield will protect your IP address and hide your P2P activity from your local ISP (internet service provider). Not only this, but they also provide great downloading and uploading speed for their users while maintaining strong encryption.
Specifications
- Military-Grade Encryption (AES-256 & AES-128).
- Hydra VPN Protocol.
- Unlimited Bandwidth.
- Premium VPN Servers.
- Ad-Free.
- Malware Protection.
- Privacy Browsing.
- No-Logs.
- Kill Switch.
Benefits
- Fast
- User-friendly applications.
- Great application functionality.
- Swift connections.
Drawbacks
- It offers limited bandwidth per day.
- Does not have a long list of features.
We have placed Hotspot Shield in almost all of our Best VPNs Lists as it is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to paid VPNs or free VPNs (the free version of Hotspot Shield).
It delivers excellent speeds for downloading or uploading; however, the data usage is limited by the Hotspot Shield VPN to 500MB of data/day. So, one should know that the free version of Hotspot Shield is only meant for browsing purposes and not for streaming content.
The application’s interface is straightforward, has a lustrous design, and works efficiently (without lags or defects). You’ll only be given access to the servers placed in the US instead of all of the server inventory held by Hotspot Shield as those particular servers are for the premium subscribers only.
In the free version of Hotspot Shield, you will not get access to Netflix as there is no use even if you get access to Netflix. As per the limited data policy of Hotspot Shield, you cannot even watch a single complete episode of your favorite season or TV show on Netflix or any streaming site per se.
The Hotspot Shield free client is not as well optimized compared to its premium version when it comes to the no-logging policy. It has been claimed by several users over the internet that Hotspot Shield shows advertisements to its free users to keep up with the costs of running a free VPN service. Also, it does collect data that most of the paid VPNs do not collect. This can be a dangerous game, especially when a brand like Hotspot Shield claims complete no-logging service.
The paid version of Hotspot Shield is excellent in unlocking geo-restricted content and providing the fastest speeds for any VPN around. Also, the VPN provider covers all major platforms like Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac.
It is integrated with the military-grade encryption of AES-256 bit encryption, which is encryption used by several militaries of the world, sensitive organizations, giant banks, and several other agencies that hold their users’ sensitive data.
5. Speedify
Overview
Speedify provides strong encryption and incredible speeds during browsing. Its encryption is also powerful and protects you from any type of tracking activity.
Specifications
- Simultaneous connections
- Secure encryption
- Channel bonding
- Streaming mode
- Automatic failover
- Packet loss & error correction
- Worldwide servers
Benefits
- Apps are user-friendly.
- Good in security performance.
- Fast connections.
Drawbacks
- Data limit is too small
Speedify holds a list of more than 1,000+ servers spread across 50+ countries globally, and as its name suggests, it provides excellent connection speeds. It comes integrated with a firm encryption policy where all of your internet traffic gets encrypted while browsing over the internet.
The turbo-boosting technology ensures that your browsing experience is the best when using their product, and the speed ratio can go as high as 350MBps.
You can use both WiFi technology and 4G, 3G, and 5G data connections to use their VPN service with incredible speeds. However, remember that any VPN whatsoever uses a lot of data, so it will end up eating all of your cell phone’s data.
Speedify only allows limited browsing data of 2GB per month (free users) to 10GB per month (paid users). So, you can forget about using Speedify for streaming purposes; you can only surf the internet to access restricted sites and protect your online browsing data.
Overall it’s a great free VPN in the speed sector. If you are looking for online privacy for Emailing, transferring small-sized files, or private R&D purposes, then Speedify is an ideal free VPN for you.
Final Say
You can go over the list repeatedly to pinpoint the best VPN service that will suit your requirements. Even though there is a massive difference in the set of features provided by all of the VPNs mentioned above, one cannot say that they do not work or deliver the privacy and security they are looking for. They all work great and return what their names stand for, i.e., “Virtual Private Network.”
So, get yourself protected Today!
The Best VPN Services - Comparison Chart
|
Servers | Location of Servers (Countries) | No-logs | Kill Switch | Unlimited Bandwidth | Jurisdiction | Simultaneous Connections | Encryption | Free Trial | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 5,400 | 62 | Panama | 6 | AES-256-GCM | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ | 94 | The British Virgin Islands | 5 | AES-256 | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
| SurfSharkVPN | 3200 | 65+ | The British Virgin Islands | Unlimited | AES-256 | $2.49/month (1-year) | ||||
| PureVPN | 6,500 | 140 | Hong Kong | 10 | AES-256 | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | ||||
| AtlasVPN | 700+ | 27+ | Delaware, USA | Unlimited | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.99/month(1-Year) | |||
| ProtonVPN | 1,246 | 55 | Switzerland | 4-10 | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | |||
| VPNUnlimited | 500+ | 80 | NewYork, USA | 5-10 | AES-256 | $4.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
| CyberGhost | 6,000 | 88 | Romania | 1-7 | AES-256 | $3.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
| HotspotShield | 1,800 | 80 | United States | 5 | AES-256 | $7.99/month to $11.99/month(1-Year) |
