Introduction
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address — useful on public Wi-Fi, for privacy, and for accessing content that is blocked where you are. But free VPNs are a minefield: running VPN servers costs real money, so a free VPN has to pay for itself somehow. Some do it honestly, with data limits and paid upgrades. Others do it by selling your data — the exact opposite of privacy.
This guide compares the best free VPN apps from companies you can actually trust. We look at data limits, speed, privacy policies, and what you give up on the free plan, so you can stay private without paying — and without becoming the product.
How to Choose a Free VPN
Check four things. First, the data limit: some free VPNs give you unlimited data, most give you a monthly allowance. Second, the privacy policy: the company should have a no-logs policy, ideally verified by an independent audit. Third, speed: free servers are usually slower and more crowded. Fourth, the company behind it: a VPN from a known privacy company is far safer than a random free VPN with a generic name.
Rule of thumb: if a free VPN has no clear company, no website, and no privacy policy, do not install it.
1. Proton VPN — Best Free VPN Overall
Proton VPN has the best free plan of any VPN: unlimited data, no speed throttling, no ads, and a strict no-logs policy from Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. There is no time limit and no trial that expires.
The free version limits you to servers in five countries and one device at a time, and it does not include streaming or P2P support. But for privacy on public Wi-Fi and everyday browsing, it is the only free VPN with no data cap — and that makes it the clear winner.
Proton's privacy record is independently audited, and the company is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. If you only install one free VPN, install this one.
Best for: unlimited free data with real privacy. Free limits: 5 countries, 1 device, no streaming. Price: free; paid plans add countries and speed.
2. Windscribe — Best Free Data Allowance
Windscribe gives you 10 GB of free data per month (2 GB without confirming your email), which is the most generous capped allowance on this list. It includes servers in 10 countries on the free plan, a built-in ad blocker, and a strict no-logs policy.
Speed is good for a free tier, and the app is friendly and easy to use. Windscribe is based in Canada and publishes regular transparency reports.
Ten gigabytes covers browsing, email and light video, but not heavy streaming or large downloads. If you need more, the paid plan is one of the cheapest good VPNs available.
Best for: the largest free monthly data allowance. Free limits: 10 GB/month, 10 countries. Price: free; paid plans available.
3. TunnelBear — Best for Beginners
TunnelBear is the easiest VPN to use: open the app, tap the big button, and you are connected. The bear-themed interface is charming, and the app explains every feature in plain language.
The free plan gives you 2 GB of data per month, which is enough for occasional use on public Wi-Fi but not for daily browsing. It includes servers in many countries and has been independently audited every year since 2017 — a strong trust signal.
TunnelBear is owned by McAfee, a large security company. The 2 GB limit is the main drawback; for heavier use, Windscribe or Proton VPN is a better free choice.
Best for: first-time VPN users. Free limits: 2 GB/month. Price: free; paid plans available.
4. Hide.me — Best for Customisation
Hide.me offers 10 GB of free data per month with no speed limits and servers in 8 locations. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, and it is based in Malaysia, outside the major intelligence-sharing alliances.
The app offers more settings than most free VPNs — kill switch, split tunnelling, protocol choice — which advanced users will appreciate. Beginners may find it slightly more complex than TunnelBear.
The free plan allows one device at a time and no streaming support. For a configurable, trustworthy free VPN, Hide.me is a strong pick.
Best for: advanced users who want control. Free limits: 10 GB/month, 8 locations, 1 device. Price: free; paid plans available.
5. PrivadoVPN — Best for Streaming on Free
PrivadoVPN gives you 10 GB of free data per month and, unusually for a free VPN, supports streaming on its free servers. It has a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and servers in 12 countries on the free plan.
Speed is decent, and the app is simple to use. PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland and is a smaller company than Proton, but its privacy policy is clear and it has been independently audited.
The 10 GB cap still limits heavy streaming, but for occasional streaming on a free plan, PrivadoVPN is the best option.
Best for: free streaming with a VPN. Free limits: 10 GB/month, 12 countries. Price: free; paid plans available.
Free VPN Apps to Avoid
Most free VPN apps in the app stores are not safe. Avoid any VPN that:
- Has no company website, no named company, and no privacy policy.
- Promises "100% free unlimited" with no paid plan at all — the money has to come from somewhere, and it is usually your data.
- Is owned by a company known for data collection or ad tech.
- Asks for permissions a VPN does not need, like access to your contacts or photos.
- Has a generic name like "Super VPN" or "Free VPN Master" with millions of downloads and no audit or review history.
Several popular free VPNs have been caught logging and selling user data, or containing malware. Stick to the audited names on this list.
When You Should Pay for a VPN
Free VPNs are fine for occasional privacy on public Wi-Fi. But pay for a VPN if you:
- Use a VPN every day or for streaming — free data caps will frustrate you.
- Need servers in specific countries or the fastest speeds.
- Want P2P support, dedicated IPs, or multiple devices at once.
- Want the strongest privacy guarantees, with more audited servers.
Paid VPNs from the same companies above (Proton VPN, Windscribe, Hide.me) cost a few dollars a month and remove every limit on this list.
Comparison Table
| VPN | Free data | Free countries | No-logs audit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Unlimited | 5 | Yes | Best overall free |
| Windscribe | 10 GB/month | 10 | Yes | Biggest allowance |
| TunnelBear | 2 GB/month | Many | Yes | Beginners |
| Hide.me | 10 GB/month | 8 | Yes | Customisation |
| PrivadoVPN | 10 GB/month | 12 | Yes | Free streaming |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free VPN app? Proton VPN, because it is the only trustworthy free VPN with unlimited data — no monthly cap, no speed throttling, and a verified no-logs policy.
Are free VPN apps safe? The audited ones on this list are safe. Random free VPNs from unknown developers are often not — many log and sell your browsing data, which defeats the purpose of a VPN.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming? PrivadoVPN supports streaming on its free plan, within its 10 GB monthly limit. Proton VPN's free plan does not support streaming; you need a paid plan for that.
Does a VPN slow down my internet? Yes, a little — encryption and routing add overhead. Good free VPNs like Proton VPN and Windscribe slow you down only slightly; poor ones can cut your speed in half.
Download
Get these VPN apps free from the official stores:
- Proton VPN — Google Play · App Store
- Windscribe — Google Play · App Store
- TunnelBear — Google Play · App Store
- Hide.me — Google Play · App Store
- PrivadoVPN — Google Play · App Store
Download only from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store, never from APK sites — a fake VPN app is worse than no VPN at all.
Conclusion
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for most people because its free plan has no data cap and comes from a trusted, audited company. If you need more countries or streaming, Windscribe and PrivadoVPN are the best capped alternatives. Whatever you choose, never trust a free VPN with no name, no audit and no paid plan — if you are not paying, your data is the product.