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In the realm of cybersecurity, “best VPN” and “paid VPN” are effectively synonyms. Yes, free VPNs (aka virtual private networks) do exist, but most of them are extremely sketchy. That means your data could be logged, sold, or leaked — or even downloading an app intentionally bundled with malware. They need to keep the lights on somehow.
So, here’s my general rule of thumb: Paid, premium VPN services are always the safest and most reliable. But there’s a small loophole for cash-strapped users, which is that some premium providers do offer free tiers and trials. They’re typically more limited than their paid counterparts, with usage restrictions and fewer server options, but they’re at least protected by the same privacy practices — including vetted no-logs policies.
For users searching for the best free VPNs, or those who need a VPN for occasional short-term use, these free tiers are handy tools.
What is the best free VPN?
After testing some of the most popular free VPN services, I think TunnelBear is the best free VPN for most people. Its cute, basic, and ad-free app is super easy to use, it offers some form of split tunneling on all platforms, and its free users get 2GB of browsing data on one simultaneous connection per month. (You can’t have it running constantly in the background across all your devices, but life is full of tradeoffs.) TunnelBear abides by sound transparency and privacy practices, and it doesn’t make any money off its free users — nor does it require they enter any credit card information.
CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN also offer decent trials. CyberGhost is free on desktop or mobile for up to a week, and ExpressVPN is free for a week on mobile. Both apps have large and globally diverse server networks that make them good for traveling or unblocking regional content, like streaming services, and free users get full access to these networks. (They both allowed me to watch Love Island UK from my home in Chicago.) However, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN both restrict split tunneling on certain platforms, have a shared parent company with an iffy past, and require credit card info from trial users.
What I’m testing next
In mid-2024, I tried the free version of Proton VPN on Windows for another one of Mashable’s VPN guides. I was extremely impressed by its commitment to user privacy and transparency, and liked the fact that it didn’t place data limits on its free users (or ask them for credit card deets). I’m still in the process of fully vetting Proton VPN, but so far it’s a really strong contender for the No. 1 spot. Watch your back, TunnelBear.
For now, read on for Mashable’s guide to the best free VPNs.
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Mashable’s guide to the best free VPNs has a clear winner. See our reviews of the free tiers from TunnelBear, CyberGhost VPN, and ExpressVPN.
