It’s a well-known fact that free VPNs can be dangerous. In fact, experts estimate that more than 70% of free services track your data, with many selling it and profiting off your lack of privacy. Others have malware bundled inside the software. It’s a vicious trick: you think you’re downloading something that will protect you, but instead end up with adware, viruses, or even ransomware on your device.
Even if you find a “clean” free VPN, you’re still likely to be disappointed. Over 90% of free services come with service limitations like data or speed caps, and even more will struggle to unblock geo-restricted sites, preventing you from accessing entertainment, news, banking apps, and more.
All this may leave you wondering if free VPNs are even worth your time. We’ve run some tests, and while the majority of our results were as disappointing as we expected, we did find two free VPNs that will keep you safe and let you access the sites you need.
1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN We Found
ExpressVPN is leagues ahead of the other VPNs we’ve come across. Its massive server network includes more than 160 locations in 90+ countries. It’s also great at bypassing geoblocks, so you’re basically guaranteed to be able to access sites from almost anywhere.
It’s also the fastest VPN we’ve tested. It uses proprietary technology to ensure your data travels as quickly as possible, resulting in virtually no detectable speed loss. This is ideal for streaming, gaming, and downloading.
ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data, ensuring excellent security. Its no-logs policy and TrustedServer technology mean that no record of what you do online can ever be collected or stored. It also comes with private DNS servers and built-in obfuscation for unbeatable protection.
There is a catch: ExpressVPN isn’t technically free. Instead, it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its subscriptions, including the one-month plan. Getting your money back is really easy – all you need to do is message customer support asking for a refund, and they’ll close your account and send your money back within a couple of days.
2. ZenMate – Free Browser Extension Offers Great Functionality
ZenMate’s free browser extension doesn’t have any data caps, so it’s an easy way to protect your privacy on the go, especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi to browse. Once you add it to your browser, you can choose from four different server locations. Once you connect, you’ll be given a different IP address, and this will help protect your identity and keep you anonymous.
It also protects your data with military-grade encryption, so no-one will be able to see what you’re doing online. This protects you from ISPs, hackers, and anyone else who may be watching what you do. It also has a strict no-logs policy.
It’s worth noting that browser extensions don’t secure all the data from your device; they only protect the data sent from your browser. This means your apps won’t be protected, but you can get around this by using the site version instead.
What If I Want to Upgrade?
Free VPNs are a good starting point, but most people ultimately upgrade to a paid plan instead. It’s easy to see why: even good free plans have limitations that you just don’t face with premium VPNs. Here’s what to look out for if you make the switch:
- Most VPNs will slow you down to some extent, but the best ones use cutting-edge tech to ensure you won’t be stuck dealing with buffering or lag.
- Unblocking capabilities. Whether you’re looking for something new on Netflix or trying to watch the World Cup finals, it’s important to choose a VPN that’s great at unblocking geo-restricted sites.
- Simultaneous device connections. If you use a lot of devices, or want to share your VPN plan, you’ll need one that allows multiple connections. This way, you and your family can watch your own shows on your own devices at the same time. ExpressVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections.
- Money-back guarantee. If you decide that a paid VPN isn’t right for you, money-back guarantees mean you’ll be able to get a full refund. Most VPNs give you 30 days to change your mind, but make sure to check.
The Bottom Line
More than 30% of people use a VPN, and that number is rapidly increasing. Free VPNs are the best way to protect yourself online and access the sites you need without paying out for an expensive plan. It’s important to choose a safe one, though.
