Best free VPN in 2025: No-cost safety & speed top picks

Finding a genuinely secure and reliable free VPN in today’s marketplace is challenging. Many free VPN apps promise strong privacy, but many still leak data, show ads, or even contain malware.

As a cybersecurity analyst at Safelyo, I test VPN services with the same criteria used in professional security audits: encryption quality, privacy policy transparency, data handling practices, and resistance to IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks. After evaluating dozens of free VPNs, only a small group demonstrated the level of safety and performance required for everyday use.

This report details the best free VPN in 2025, explains their strengths and limitations, and highlights the security risks associated with the broader free VPN market. My testing is hands-on, independent, and based on criteria aligned with real-world internet privacy needs.

In this comprehensive guide, I will break down everything you need to know to stay protected online without spending a dime.

1. Quick summary – The 5 best free VPNs

I get it – you’ve heard the warnings, but you just need a quick, reliable answer. If you don’t have time to read through all our detailed testing, this table is for you.

After weeks of hands-on testing where my team and I pushed these services to their limits, we’ve narrowed it down to the top contenders. Think of this as the “cheat sheet” I’d give a friend. Each VPN here has passed our non-negotiable safety and privacy checks, but they all serve very different needs.

Here’s the bottom line on the best free VPN choices for 2025.

2. In-depth reviews of the 5 safest free VPNs we tested

After filtering out the dangerous and deceptive services, I put the top contenders through a rigorous testing process. These are the five services that truly deliver on their promises, each with its own unique strengths.

2.1. #1 – Proton VPN

Overall Rating:
9.5 / 10

Provider:
Proton AG

Headquarters/Jurisdiction: 
Geneva, Switzerland

Servers and Countries:
100+ servers in 3 countries

It sacrifices entertainment features for rock-solid security, a trade-off I believe is well worth it. The user interface is refreshingly simple – no confusing settings, just a big “Quick Connect” button that gets the job done.

PROS

CONS

This is for the privacy purist. If you’re a journalist, an activist, or simply someone who believes online privacy is a fundamental right, Proton VPN is your best choice. It’s also perfect for students or anyone who needs to use a VPN daily without worrying about hitting a data limit.

What I like:

• Truly unlimited data. This is its superpower. You can leave it on all day, every day. I used it for a full week of browsing, emailing, and research without a single issue.
• Ironclad privacy policy and transparency. Proton has a strict, audited no-logs policy. They simply don’t track what you do online.
• Based in Switzerland. This is a huge plus, as the country has some of the world’s strongest data protection laws.
• Completely ad-free. The app is clean and focused on your security, using powerful encryption.

What I don't like:

• Slower speeds at peak times. As free users are on more crowded servers, I noticed some slowdown during busy hours. It’s fine for browsing, but not for heavy-duty tasks.
• Only one device at a time. You’ll have to log out on your laptop to use it on your phone.
• Limited server locations. You get access to servers in three countries: the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan.
• No streaming or P2P support. Don’t expect to unblock Netflix or download torrents with the free version.

2.2. #2 – PrivadoVPN

Overall Rating:
8.5 / 10

Provider:
PrivadoVPN

Headquarters/Jurisdiction: 
Zug, Switzerland

Servers and Countries:
12 servers in 10 countries

This is for the entertainment seeker on a budget. If you want to watch a movie on US Netflix or securely download a large file once in a while without paying for a subscription, this is your go-to.

PROS

CONS

What I like:

• Unblocks streaming sites. This is a huge win for a free service. In my tests, I was genuinely surprised when PrivadoVPN successfully unblocked Netflix US and Hulu on its free servers. I could stream an entire episode of a US-exclusive show with only minimal buffering at the start.
• Allows P2P on all free servers. If you use torrents, you know how important this is. PrivadoVPN doesn’t restrict P2P traffic, which is rare for free plans.
• Good connection speeds. I found that because they manage their server loads well, the speeds were fast enough for streaming in HD.

What I don't like:

• A 10GB monthly bandwidth limit. This is the biggest catch. That 10GB is enough for maybe 3-4 movies in HD on Netflix. If you use it for daily browsing, it will run out fast.
• Only one device at a time. Like Proton, I could only protect one device at once.

2.3. #3 – Windscribe

Overall Rating:
8.0 / 10

Provider:
Windscribe Limited

Headquarters/Jurisdiction: 
Ontario, Canada

Servers and Countries:
Servers in 11 countries

This is the flexible all-rounder. It’s great for people who browse a lot and want more choice in where their connection appears to be coming from, without the ultra-strict limits of other services.

PROS

CONS

What I like:

• Generous data cap. You start with 10GB a month, which is already good. But I tested their offer to get 15GB by simply tweeting about them, and it worked instantly. That’s a clever bonus.
• Servers in over 10 countries. This is a major step up from Proton’s three locations, giving you more options to find a fast server or bypass local restrictions.
• Useful R.O.B.E.R.T. feature. This is their custom tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malware sites. I found it worked quite well, making ad-heavy news websites much cleaner to read.

• Inconsistent speeds. While testing, some days my connection felt snappy, but on other days, especially on the UK server, it felt sluggish.
• The interface can be busy. For a brand-new user, the app has a lot of options and stats, which can be a bit overwhelming compared to TunnelBear or Proton.
• Unreliable for streaming. I wouldn’t count on it for unblocking Netflix; it’s very hit-or-miss.

2.4. #4 – Hide.me

Overall Rating:
7.5 / 10

Provider:
eVenture Ltd.

Headquarters/Jurisdiction: 
Labuan, Malaysia

Servers and Countries:
Servers in 8 locations

This one is for the tech-savvy user or the person who values good customer service. If you like to tinker with settings and want the peace of mind of knowing help is available 24/7, Hide.me is a strong contender.

PROS

CONS

What I like:

• Unlimited data (with a catch). You get 10GB of high-speed data per month. After that, you can still use it with unlimited data, but your speed is throttled. It’s like going from a highway down to a quiet neighborhood street – I was still moving, but much slower.
• 24/7 live chat support. This is its most impressive feature. To test this, I started a live chat at 2 AM with a technical question and got a helpful response from a real person in under a minute. This level of support for free users is almost unheard of.
• Highly configurable. It allows you to choose between different VPN protocols and customize your connection, which I, as a power user, appreciate.

What I don't like:

• Almost no streaming support. It was blocked by every major streaming platform I tested.
• Only 8 server locations. The choice of server locations is quite limited compared to Windscribe.
• The app isn’t the most intuitive. It feels a bit clunky and less user-friendly than its competitors.

2.5. #5 – TunnelBear

Overall Rating:
7.0 / 10

Provider:
TunnelBear (McAfee)

Headquarters/Jurisdiction: 
Toronto, Canada

Servers and Countries:
Servers in 47+ countries

This is the perfect “my first VPN.” If you’re new to VPNs and want to learn how they work, or just need quick protection at a coffee shop, TunnelBear is the perfect choice.

PROS

CONS

What I like:

• Incredibly user-friendly. The first time I opened the app, I smiled. An animated bear literally “tunnels” across a world map to your chosen server location. It turns a complex technical process into something fun and intuitive.
• Regular independent audits. TunnelBear takes its security seriously and proves it through these yearly independent audits.
• Access to the full server network. Unlike others, you can connect to any of TunnelBear’s servers in 47+ countries, even on the free plan.

What I don't like:

A cripplingly low 2GB data cap. This is the fatal flaw. 2GB per month is barely enough to check email and read a few news articles. When I tested it, it was completely gone after watching about one hour of standard-definition YouTube. It resets monthly, but it’s just not enough for any regular use.

3. What is the safest free VPN right now?

Based on policy audits, logging transparency, encryption strength, and leak-proof performance, Proton VPN is the safest free VPN of 2025. It is operated by Proton AG (the team behind Proton Mail), headquartered in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws worldwide.

Unlike many free VPNs, Proton VPN:

• Has an independently audited logging policy that guarantees no logs.
• Offers unlimited data
• Uses strong encryption (AES-256 + Perfect Forward Secrecy)
• Contains no ads, trackers, or bundled installers

Its limitations, no streaming and limited server options, are intentional, not deceptive. Proton’s free tier is designed for essential privacy, not entertainment, making it the most trustworthy option available.

4. Best free VPN for different devices

Choosing the best free VPN isn’t one-size-fits-all: Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS handle VPN features (kill switch, split tunneling, auto-connect, battery/network management) differently. Below are our platform-specific picks that prioritize security and everyday reliability, with transparent trade-offs around data caps, speed, and streaming. Skim each device’s quick chooser to match your exact use case in seconds.

4.1. Best Free VPN for Android

For a privacy-first Android setup, Proton VPN is the default choice. The app is clean, ad-free, and offers unlimited data, letting you stay connected all day for everyday tasks. Proton’s audited no-logs policy and strong encryption make it a safe daily driver. The trade-offs are straightforward: only three free regions (US, NL, JP) and speeds that can dip at busy times. If streaming is your goal, the free tier is not designed for it.

Set it up once, then forget it

1. In Android Settings → Network & internet → VPN, enable Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN to stop accidental leaks.
2. In the Proton app, turn on the Kill Switch.
3. Use Split Tunneling for bandwidth-heavy apps you do not need to route through the VPN, which preserves speed and battery.

If you travel often or need more free locations, Windscribe is a smarter fit. You get 10–15 GB each month and the R.O.B.E.R.T. filter that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains. The broader country list makes it easier to find a nearby server when you are roaming. Expect speed to vary by time and location, and treat streaming as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

If you want a “set-and-forget” privacy setup on iOS, Proton VPN is the safest default. The app is light, stable, ad-free, and backed by an audited no-logs policy. It’s perfect for public Wi-Fi at cafés, airports, and hotels, where you need a dependable tunnel for mail, banking, and maps. The trade-offs are intentional: limited free locations (US/NL/JP) and no streaming on the free tier.

Make it resilient on iOS (1 minute):

• In Settings → VPN, tap the profile and enable Connect On Demand so iOS auto-reconnects the tunnel.
• In the app, enable the Kill Switch (or “Permanent” protection) so traffic stops if the tunnel drops.
• Keep Private Relay off while using a VPN (they conflict), and leave Safari → Prevent Cross-Site Tracking on.

If you’re brand-new to VPNs and only need quick protection on hotspots, TunnelBear is the friendliest. The interface is as simple as it gets, and you can pick from the full list of server locations, even on free. Its 2GB/month cap makes it a “travel day” tool, not an everyday solution.

If you want a free VPN for iPhone without subscription, VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy is a popular option. It offers a free mode you can use without creating an account, plus an optional premium plan with more locations and higher performance. For sensitive tasks or stronger privacy guarantees, consider providers with independent audits and stricter data practices, then keep Super Unlimited Proxy for light, on-the-go use.

4.3. Best Free VPN for Windows

For everyday Windows use, Proton VPN is the “leave it on” choice: unlimited data, strong encryption, and a reliable kill switch. It’s ideal for working across browsers, mail, and productivity apps without worrying about hitting a quota. Remember that the free plan blocks streaming and P2P by design.

Hardening checklist for Windows:

• In the Proton app, enable Kill Switch and pick the closest free location for lower latency.
• Run a quick IP/DNS/WebRTC leak test after connecting (before sensitive tasks).
• Use the app’s split tunneling to keep heavy apps (like game launchers) outside the tunnel if you need the best browsing speed.

Need more free locations or deeper controls? Windscribe is the most flexible alternative on Windows (10–15GB/mo, ad/tracker blocking via R.O.B.E.R.T., and more countries). For power users who like protocol/port tuning and firewall-style rules, Hide.me is the most configurable free app; speeds drop after your first 10GB, but it keeps working.

5. Best free VPN for streaming (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube)

Most free plans intentionally restrict streaming to conserve network capacity. If you only need the occasional movie or region-locked clip, here’s what our testing showed (free tiers only).

Tips for smoother playback on free tiers

• Connect before opening the streaming app; if blocked, switch servers and relaunch.
• Prefer WireGuard/OpenVPN-UDP for better throughput.
• Drop quality to 1080p/720p to stretch data caps.
• Clear app/browser cache if you see the wrong catalog.

6. The dangers of most free VPNs: What’s the real cost?

There’s a classic saying in the tech world that holds especially true for VPNs: if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product. Getting top-tier protection from a free VPN sounds great, but most free VPNs make money by exploiting your data.

Here’s the real price you often pay for “free”:

Logging and selling your data. 

This is the most common and dangerous catch. The big question is, do free VPNs sell your data? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. They track your browsing habits, the websites you visit, and your connection times, then package this information and sell it to data brokers, advertisers, and other third parties. Your private data becomes their primary source of revenue.

Weak security and data leaks. 

To cut costs, many free providers use outdated encryption protocols. Even worse, many free VPNs lack key features like a kill switch, which cuts your internet if the VPN drops to keep your real IP safe.

Malware and intrusive ads.

Some of the most popular free VPNs have been found to be riddled with malware in independent studies. Many are ad-supported and don’t just show ads within their app; they actively inject intrusive pop-ups, creating a frustrating and potentially unsafe browsing experience.

Severe limitations.

Even the safer free VPNs have to impose strict limits to encourage you to upgrade. This usually means tiny monthly data caps (sometimes as low as 500MB), painfully slow speeds due to overcrowded servers, and a choice of only two or three server locations.

A few years ago, I was testing a free VPN that had millions of downloads and glowing app store reviews. On the surface, it worked fine. But a background check revealed its parent company had a documented history of privacy violations and was based in a country known for data surveillance. This is the kind of risk that doesn’t show up in a simple speed test, and it’s exactly why our vetting process at Safelyo goes so deep.

7. How we test and rank the best free VPNs at Safelyo

Not all “best of” lists are created equal. Here at Safelyo, we don’t just rely on marketing claims or app store ratings. Our recommendations are built on a foundation of independent, hands-on testing. My team and I have a simple rule: we will never recommend a product we haven’t used and vetted ourselves.

Our methodology is designed to answer one question: Is this VPN truly safe and usable for a regular person? Here’s a look under the hood at our core testing criteria.

7.1. Privacy policy and logging

This is the first and most important hurdle. Before I even install a VPN, I read its privacy policy from top to bottom. I’m looking for a clear and unambiguous no-logs policy. Think of it this way: a good VPN is like a conversation that nobody writes down. A bad one keeps a detailed diary of your user activity and sells it. We give top marks to services like Proton VPN that have their no-logs claims verified by independent, third-party audits.

7.2. Security and leak tests

A privacy policy is a promise; strong encryption is the lock that backs it up. We dig into the technical details to ensure the service is secure.

• Encryption: We only approve VPNs that use AES-256 encryption, the same standard trusted by banks and militaries worldwide. Anything less is a non-starter.
• Kill Switch: I consider this a non-negotiable feature. A kill switch is your digital bodyguard; if your VPN connection accidentally drops, it instantly blocks your internet access to prevent your real location (IP address) from being exposed.
• Leak Tests: We use specialized tools to actively check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. In simple terms, we’re trying to poke holes in the VPN’s armor to see if any of your real data leaks out. A VPN that leaks is worse than no VPN at all.

7.3. Speed and performance

A VPN that makes your internet unusable is a VPN you won’t use. I measure connection metrics, especially the download speed, across various servers at different times of the day. A VPN might be fast on a Tuesday morning but crawl to a halt on a Friday night when free servers are packed. We test repeatedly to get a realistic picture of the average performance you can expect.

7.4. Data limitations and features

This is where we evaluate the “catch.” Free services have to have limits, but some are fair while others are dealbreakers. We analyze:

• Data Caps: How much data do you actually get? Is it a generous 10GB, or a barely usable 2GB?
• Server Network: How many countries can you connect to? More options mean a better chance of finding a fast, uncongested server.
• Feature Restrictions: We check if they block P2P traffic for torrenting or if they are able to unblock any streaming services. We assess if the free plan is genuinely useful or just a frustrating advertisement for the paid version.

8. Free VPNs to avoid at all costs

While the VPNs we’ve recommended have passed our safety checks, the app store is a minefield of dangerous options. Some of the most popular free VPNs are not just ineffective; they are actively harmful to your privacy. This isn’t just a warning – it’s a plea to protect your personal information.

Based on my research and findings from cybersecurity reports, here are a few well-known services you should never install:

• Hola VPN: This is arguably the most dangerous service disguised as a VPN. Hola VPN operates as a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. This means when you use it, you’re not connecting to a secure server; you’re using another person’s internet connection. In return, someone else – a total stranger – could be using your internet connection to do who-knows-what. Combined with a poor logging policy, it essentially turns your computer into an exit point for others.
• Betternet: Despite its friendly name, Betternet’s history is troubling. A landmark study by Australia’s CSIRO found its Android app to contain a high number of tracking libraries and even malware. Its parent company, Aura, has also been associated with privacy-unfriendly practices. Their business model has historically relied on collecting user data for advertising.
• Turbo VPN, SuperVPN, Thunder VPN: I’m grouping these together because they share similar red flags. They are all wildly popular, have millions of downloads, and are often owned by or have ties to companies based in China, a jurisdiction with no privacy protection for users. Many of these services have vague privacy policies, have been caught leaking user data, and are filled with invasive ad trackers. Their main purpose seems to be data collection, not data protection.

Think of it this way: Using a good VPN is like hiring a professional bodyguard. Using one of these is like asking a known pickpocket to watch your wallet. The risk is simply not worth it.

9. The almost free alternative: Why a $2 VPN beats any free option

We’ve shown you the best of what “free” has to offer. But what if I told you that for a small price, you could get features like a kill switch and eliminate every limitation?

After years of testing, I can confidently say that the gap between the best free VPN and a top-tier cheap VPN isn’t a small step – it’s a giant leap. For around $2 – $3, you move from a world of restrictions to a world of complete online freedom.

Let’s put it in black and white. Here’s a direct comparison between our top free pick, Proton VPN, and a typical top-rated cheap VPN like Surfshark or CyberGhost.

The choice becomes clear. While a trustworthy free VPN is excellent for basic protection, it’s like trying to travel the world on a scooter. It works, but it’s slow, limited, and not very comfortable. A cheap paid VPN is like buying a plane ticket – it gets you anywhere you want to go, quickly and securely.

If you often face data caps, slow speeds, or blocked shows, investing in a premium VPN is the best upgrade for your digital experience.

10. FAQ about the best free VPN

I get a lot of questions about free VPNs, and many of them revolve around the same core concerns about safety and limitations. Here are the direct answers to the most common queries I receive.

11. Conclusion

Choosing the best free VPN requires a careful balance between cost-saving and digital safety. While the landscape is filled with potential risks, our in-depth testing shows that a few trustworthy services can provide essential protection for basic needs without costing you a cent. The key is to pick a provider with a transparent business model that values user transparency.

Ultimately, your online security is one of the most important investments you can make. A reliable VPN is your first and most critical line of defense on the internet. If you want more power, speed, and global access, Safelyo recommends checking our guide to the best VPN to find your ideal premium option.