I tested over 100 VPNs, and I shortlisted the best free VPNs in 2023. Do keep in mind that no free VPN can match the performance of premium VPNs. You’ll still need to put up with things like data limits and inconsistent speeds. If you want to save yourself the hassle, I recommend you try ExpressVPN risk-free. It isn’t free, but it’s the fastest and most reliable VPN I’ve used. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee (which is honored 100%), so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a VPN you don’t like. Try ExpressVPN risk-free
Quick Guide: Best Free & Paid VPNs You Can Trust in 2023
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Best Free VPN Alternatives in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Speeds and Powerful Security Features for Online Privacy
Key Features: ExpressVPN isn’t free, so you might be wondering why I’m listing it as the #1 VPN. The reason is that ExpressVPN has excellent server speeds, top-tier security, and a strict no-logs policy. While it’s not free, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy with complete confidence. if you’re not satisfied, you can request a refund. This makes ExpressVPN tough to beat. In my tests, I connected to over 50 ExpressVPN servers in the US, UK, Japan, and more. I was impressed that ExpressVPN only caused a tiny speed drop of 14.6% on average (from my base speed of 350Mbps to 298.9Mbps). This is extremely fast, considering some servers were more than 15,000km away. I didn’t have any problems with slow-loading pages, buffering videos, or lagging video games.
I was pleased to find ExpressVPN consistently works with streaming platforms like Netflix, so I didn’t have to waste time looking for a working server — every server connected on the first try. This makes ExpressVPN an ideal option if you regularly travel abroad and you want access to your streaming accounts back home. During tests, ExpressVPN could access the following services: To ensure you always have top security and privacy when connected to ExpressVPN’s servers, every plan provides the following features:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — secures your connection on all servers. DNS & IP leak protection — prevents accidental data leaks. Obfuscation on every server — masks your VPN traffic, avoiding proxy detection that could block your connection. An automatic kill switch — cuts internet access if the VPN connection is interrupted. TrustedServer technology — runs on RAM-based servers that can’t physically store any data. Audited zero-log privacy policy — ensures your data is never stored on ExpressVPN’s servers.
You can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free, as the service has a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee policy. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can get a full refund within 30 days — I tested the process myself, and it was easy. Other VPNs that I’ve tried wasted my time trying to troubleshoot or get me to stay, but ExpressVPN processed my refund immediately. The money was returned to my bank account within 5 days.
You can sign up for a 1-month, 6-month, or 1-year plan, with the 1-year plan offering the best value for money at only $6.67 per month. Try ExpressVPN risk-free
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming, Torrenting, and More
Key Features: CyberGhost is a great choice for beginner VPN users since it categorizes servers into specific activities, like streaming, torrenting, and gaming. These dedicated servers are regularly tested and optimized to guarantee smooth connections. On the Windows app, you can connect to an optimized server by clicking on the For streaming, For torrenting, or For gaming server lists. On Mac, you only have the For downloading (torrenting) and For streaming categories. These are all features you’re unlikely to ever see with a free VPN. During my tests, I found CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers worked flawlessly with a range of services, including: To ensure you always have the best security and privacy when connected to CyberGhost’s servers, you’ll find every subscription includes the following top-tier features:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — on every server to guarantee your connection is secure. Automatic kill switch — instantly blocks internet access if the VPN connection is interrupted unexpectedly. Data leak protection — blocks DNS and IP leaks, maintaining your anonymity when using CyberGhost’s servers. WiFi Auto-Connect — automatically starts a VPN connection when using unsecured WiFi networks, protecting you from hackers and spies. Malicious ad blocker — stops ads containing malware to avoid phishing scams and shady web links. “NoSpy” advanced obfuscated servers — for complete anonymity when sending or receiving sensitive data. Audited zero-log policy and RAM-based servers — guarantee your data will never be logged or stored when you’re connected.
The biggest downside is that my speeds dropped by 34.7% on average from 350Mbps to around 228.41Mbps. I also noticed a more noticeable slowdown over long-distance connections compared to the other VPNs on this list. Nonetheless, the speeds — both near or far — are much higher than you’ll experience with a free VPN. Although CyberGhost has a number of plans, I found the best-value subscription to be the 2-year + 3 months at only $2.11 per month. In fact, this makes it one of the most affordable monthly VPNs out there. While it isn’t a free service, CyberGhost has a generous money-back guarantee — ideal if you’re traveling abroad or only need a VPN for a short time, as you can request a refund within 45 days. I tested the refund process myself, and it only took a couple of minutes for a live chat agent to arrange my refund. I had my money back within a week. Try CyberGhost risk-free
3. NordVPN — High-End Performance at Low Monthly Prices
Key Features: While NordVPN is not entirely free, it ranks highly among affordable VPN options. With its extensive server network, robust security features, and reasonable pricing, NordVPN is an excellent alternative to 100% free VPNs. Unlike free VPNs, NordVPN offers a large server network of 5700+ servers globally, providing users with fast and stable connections. I connected to a few dozen NordVPN servers in various countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Germany. In all cases, I experienced fast browsing and stutter-free UHD streaming. Even P2P traffic is permitted on many servers, with unlimited bandwidth as standard across them all. The ability to stably support these various uses is something you simply won’t find with free VPNs. NordVPN works with many popular streaming platforms, allowing you to access a wide range of content. In my tests, NordVPN unblocked the following services: The service offers a suite of security and privacy features to ensure the protection of your data:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — protects your traffic on all servers. DNS & IP leak protection — safeguards against data leaks. CyberSec feature — blocks malware and annoying ads. An automatic kill switch — terminates internet access if the VPN connection drops. Audited no-logs policy — guarantees your data is never saved on NordVPN’s servers.
One minor negative is the limited availability of obfuscated servers, which can be essential for bypassing VPN blocks in countries with strict online censorship. However, it’s worth noting that NordVPN does have at least 2 obfuscated servers in each major region around the world. This ensures that NordVPN still provides a reliable solution for users in relevant countries to access blocked content and maintain their online privacy. There are multiple subscription lengths to choose from, with the 2-year plan providing the best value at only $3.49 per month. Overall, NordVPN’s pricing is competitive and counterintuitively offers better value than free VPNs, which often come with limitations in terms of speed, security, and server access. You can try NordVPN in confidence since it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this process myself via the 24/7 live chat and found it to be quick and hassle-free. The money was returned to my bank account in just 6 business days. Try NordVPN risk-free
4. Surfshark — Affordable VPN Provider with Unlimited Device Connections
Key Features: Surfshark stands out thanks to its ability to support Unlimited simultaneous device connections. This allows you to secure all your devices at home without worrying about being logged out of the VPN once you hit the max connection limit. This feature sets Surfshark apart from both free VPNs and many premium VPNs, ensuring every device in your household benefits from top-notch privacy and security. During my testing of Surfshark’s unlimited device connections feature, I connected 10 devices simultaneously and discovered that it was able to maintain high speeds, which proved to be more than adequate for Ultra High Definition (UHD) streaming and low-latency gaming on servers located in close proximity. Additionally, I found Surfshark to be a dependable service that provides access to content from various platforms, including: It also offers top-tier security and privacy features that are rarely available with free VPNs. These features ensure the protection of your online activities:
AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — keeps your traffic secure on all servers. Two-factor authentication (2FA) — adds an extra layer of security to your account login process. Camouflage mode — hides your VPN usage from ISPs and network administrators. CleanWeb feature — blocks malware, phishing, and annoying ads. An automatic kill switch — disconnects internet access if the VPN connection is lost. Strict no-logs policy — confirms your data is never stored on Surfshark’s servers.
One slight drawback of Surfshark is its relatively pricey 1-month plan, which is practically on par with ExpressVPN. However, the longer-term plans lower the price substantially, making Surfshark a more budget-friendly choice. If you’re willing to commit to a longer subscription, you can take advantage of the significant savings offered by the 2-year plan at $2.39 per month. Since it’s not a fully free service, you can rest easy knowing that Surfshark also has a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can request a refund within 30 days. In my own testing, I requested an email over live chat and had the money back just 4 days later. Try Surfshark risk-free
The Best 100% FREE VPNs in 2023
1. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for Free and No Ads
Key Features: Proton VPN has unlimited free data and server access in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. As you only get access to 3 server countries, I was expecting my speeds to slow down on servers on the other side of the world. However, I was impressed by the fast speeds — I only had a drop of 33% on average (from a baseline of 98Mbps to 62Mbps). I had minimal lag when streaming, browsing, and online shopping. Proton VPN is also a top free choice for streaming. On the Proton VPN website, streaming support is officially only available for Plus and Visionary subscribers. However, Proton VPN could access Netflix (Original content only) and Disney+ during my tests. To further secure your browsing activity, Proton VPN makes use of robust protections like:
AES 256-bit encryption — on all server connections ensures your online activity is anonymous. A kill switch — blocks access to the internet if the VPN connection is interrupted. DNS and IP leak protection — stops accidental data leaks from compromising your security. Split tunneling — lets you choose which apps use the encrypted connection and which do not (ideal for keeping speeds fast). Customizable DNS Settings — so you can add a private DNS server and connect through that. Audited zero-log policy — guarantees your data won’t be stored or logged on any Proton VPN server.
While you can only connect 1 device at a time on the free plan, you can configure Proton VPN onto your router at home. This allows you to protect all of your devices as long as it’s connected to your WiFi. Unfortunately, you won’t have access to the SecureCore, Tor, or 10 Gbit servers. There’s no torrenting support on the free plan, either. This ensures the free servers aren’t overloaded for other free users, but it’s disappointing if you want to share files via BitTorrent. You can get started and download Proton VPN for free with just your email address — you don’t have to provide any other personal details. You won’t be bombarded with ads prompting you to upgrade, either. Proton VPN’s paid plans can be a little pricey if you’re looking to upgrade. The cheapest plan comes to $4.99 per month, and you’ll need to commit to a 2-year plan. Try Proton VPN for free
2. Hotspot Shield — Top-Tier Security With Unlimited Monthly Data
Key Features: Hotspot Shield offers unlimited monthly data with zero caps, which is ideal for streaming, browsing, shopping, and more online. Plus, your connection is supported by the following high-level security and privacy features to ensure your data is protected at all times:
Military-grade encryption — secures your data from prying eyes. Data leak protection — prevents accidental data leaks that could compromise your security. Split tunneling (called Smart VPN) — lets you choose which apps and websites bypass the VPN encryption. Auto-protect feature — automatically connects the VPN when your device is using an unsecured WiFi network. Zero-log privacy policy — ensures your online activity and data are anonymous and cannot be traced back to you in any way.
While some free services require an account, Hotspot Shield lets you download and connect to its free service without signing up. The download process was super-fast, taking less than 5 minutes before I could connect. My download speeds were fast, with a reduction of just 29% from my standard internet speed. However, although the free service doesn’t cap speeds, Hotspot Shield restricts bandwidth to just 2Mbps. While I could watch videos on YouTube, it took time for content to load, and I experienced buffering when streaming. Without unlimited bandwidth, you can’t take advantage of Hotspot Shield’s fast speeds. If you want a free VPN for streaming, Hotspot Shield isn’t a good choice. When I tried to connect to Netflix, I got an error message stating streaming services are only for premium Hotspot Shield users. I also tried Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu and couldn’t connect. However, the biggest downside is that the free VPN is supported by ads. I had pop-up ads every time I connected on Windows and my iPhone. Even though the company doesn’t log any identifiable data, your device OS and general geographic location are collected — you’ll see personalized ads when you’re browsing. Hotspot Shield also aggressively upsells its premium plans, which can be invasive. I find Hotspot Shield is best suited for casual browsing — if you don’t mind personalized ads. Better still, it’s simple to create a free Hotspot Shield account and download the app. You can even sign up for the 7-day free trial of the premium version. Try Hotspot Shield for free
3. hide.me — No Data Limits and 9 Free Server Locations
Key Features: hide.me’s free plan has unlimited data and access to servers in 8 countries. However, once you use 10GB of data, you don’t have the option to choose your server connection — you’re automatically connected to a random free server instead. Fortunately, the 10GB of data refreshes every 30 days, so you can manually select a free server connection again. It’s also good to know that hide.me has impressive security and privacy options for free users. While I was disappointed that I couldn’t use hide.me’s super-fast Bolt feature, my connections could take advantage of the following:
Military-grade encryption — ensures secure browsing on all server connections. Auto-connect feature — connects you to a VPN server when using unsecured WiFi or when the app starts. Stealth Guard server obfuscation — masks your VPN traffic. Secure connection protocols — including WireGuard, SoftEtherVPN, and OpenVPN. Configurable kill switch — protects your data if the VPN is interrupted. Audited zero-log policy — ensures your data is never logged or stored on hide.me’s servers.
When I ran speed tests on hide.me’s free servers, my download speeds were fast, but my upload speeds were pretty slow. I didn’t have an issue with browsing and downloading, but uploading files and video calling friends was laggy. On hide.me’s paid plan, I had good success with streaming on the streaming-optimized servers and could access local Netflix libraries. Plus, if you upgrade, you can use hide.me’s Bolt feature, which can significantly boost speeds on slower networks. You can use hide.me’s free service without signing up for an account. I didn’t have to provide any personal details or add a credit card — I could just download the app from hide.me’s website for free and connect to a server. The intuitive interface makes it easy to get started, and the initial installation and setup took less than 5 minutes. Try hide.me for free
4. TunnelBear — Free Servers in 48 Countries and 500MB of Monthly Data
Key Features: TunnelBear’s free VPN lets you access every premium feature that is available on the paid plan. This includes access to all 5000+ servers in its worldwide network, meaning you can easily browse the internet from anywhere. I was pleased to find I could test and benefit from all of TunnelBear’s top-tier security and privacy features on its free plan, including:
Military-grade encryption — gives you top-tier security on every server connection. VigilantBear automatic kill switch — protects data from leaking in the event the VPN is interrupted. GhostBear server obfuscation — masks your VPN traffic to avoid proxy detection technology. Audited zero-log privacy policy — proves your data is never logged or stored when connected to TunnelBear’s servers.
When I ran speed tests, I found TunnelBear is fast on local connections but slows down over long distances — typical of most VPN services. My local speeds were only 10-12% slower than my regular connection speeds, so I didn’t notice any impact on my browsing. When I tested a server in Australia (more than 15,000km away), my speed dropped by more than 50%. This is worth considering if you plan on making long-distance connections. You can claim an extra 1GB of data by sending a tweet advertising TunnelBear, and you can get this every month by sending another tweet. However, even 1.5GB of data isn’t really enough for more than casual browsing and maybe streaming an episode of your favorite show. If you upgrade, you get unlimited bandwidth and data for streaming, torrenting, browsing, and more. It only takes a couple of minutes to download TunnelBear’s free app and get connected. You will need to register for an account before you connect, so make sure you use a current email address so you can verify your account. Try TunnelBear for free
Side-by-Side Comparison of the Best Free & Paid VPNs in 2023
No matter which free VPN you choose, you’ll have to deal with some limitations, like data caps and server restrictions. If you want to avoid these limitations, I suggest you try ExpressVPN risk-free. While it’s a paid VPN, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can purchase with confidence.
Avoid These Free VPNs Like the Plague
Regrettably, it is an unfortunate reality that placing complete trust in Google Play or Apple App Store ratings is not always advisable. Even if a VPN appears to have numerous downloads and positive user reviews, there is still a possibility that it harbors malware. Astonishingly, a study conducted by the reputable research agency CSIRO revealed that 75% of free VPNs contain a minimum of 1 tracking library, despite their claims to prioritize user privacy. Through my own research and testing, I found some shocking facts about several VPN services that I had to warn you about.
“Freemium” vs. Free VPNs: Hidden Costs You Should Know
A freemium VPN is a sample of a premium VPN. It’s a free plan offered by some of the top VPNs in 2023 that lets you try the free version with some limitations in order to promote the paid plan. You can trust freemium VPNs not to sell your personal data — the companies won’t risk ruining their reputation and losing the trust of paying customers. However, you’ll face the hidden cost of limited data, slow speeds, and restricted server locations. This is done in hopes you’ll get frustrated and eventually upgrade to the premium VPN. When a free VPN doesn’t promote its premium version or show ads, your data is probably being sold to third parties. Your free VPN might even contain malware designed to mine your data for profit. In my opinion, this is the highest price you’ll pay, as your private information and sensitive files could easily be stolen by cybercriminals. The cost of using a free VPN far outweighs the price of a premium service, especially when you can try a top-tier VPN like ExpressVPN risk-free. Every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can purchase ExpressVPN with confidence. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Protect your data with ExpressVPN
How I Tested and Ranked the Best Free VPNs in 2023
Any VPN can be listed on the app store with positive reviews, but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. That’s why I strongly advise you to consider the below points when evaluating a free VPN:
Business model — You don’t want your free VPN to make money at your expense. Some shady VPNs fill their app with ads, trackers, or malware (sometimes all 3!) to secretly collect and sell your private data. Strict no-logs policy — No VPN should compromise your privacy (or it defeats the point of using a VPN), so I checked each VPN’s privacy policy to ensure your data is never tracked, logged, sold, or shared. Restrictions — Free VPNs often have limitations due to a lack of resources and funds. This could include slow speeds, finite bandwidth, overcrowded servers, zero torrenting support, and no access to streaming platforms like Netflix. Security features — Look for at least AES-256-bit encryption and tunneling protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Avoid protocols like L2TP/IPSec and PPTP, which are outdated and frankly shouldn’t be used anymore. User-friendly app — The last thing you want to do is spend time configuring and installing the VPN. That’s why every VPN I tested works on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and other popular devices.
Choose A VPN That Won’t Compromise Your Safety
The market is flooded with free VPNs, but many of them pose serious risks to you and your data. Slow speeds, bandwidth limitations, and connection restrictions are annoying — having your data logged and sold to generate revenue compromises your data security. With many 100% free VPN services, your private data is collected by trackers while your device is bombarded with pop-up ads. This data is then sold to third-party advertisers for profit. Worse, some free VPNs have been known to infect devices with malware and expose sensitive files to hackers. All of the recommended free VPNs above have a strong privacy policy and won’t steal or sell your private data to make money. Plus, these companies constantly update their networks to ensure there are no security flaws. Every VPN has military-grade encryption, multiple protocols, kill switches, and leak protection. You can be sure that your data is safe and that your browsing activity is anonymous every time you connect. If you only need a VPN for a short time, I recommend taking advantage of a premium VPN’s money-back guarantee. For instance, you can torrent on CyberGhost’s optimized servers risk-free for 45 days and get a full refund when you finish.
I tested the process myself, and it only took a couple of minutes to arrange my refund over the live chat. I had my money back within a week. While it’s possible to use a local Chinese VPN, I strongly advise against it. These free VPNs often share your personal information with third parties. If you dig into the background of these local VPNs, you’ll find little to no historical information or even a privacy policy. Keep in mind that the government doesn’t officially condone using non-approved VPNs. However, no foreigner has been punished for using a VPN while on a vacation, business trip, or short-term stay to date. Free VPNs sometimes sell your data to advertisers. They keep track of sites you visit, your IP address, and data relating to your connection. This is a huge violation of your privacy and can compromise your security, depending on the data being tracked and sold. Rarely, a free VPN can sell your data to the highest bidder — which could mean your information is in the hands of a cybercriminal. It’s not common, but you should be aware of the potential risk when looking at free VPN services. If you want to use a VPN on multiple devices simultaneously, ExpressVPN offers up to 5 device connections at once. You can even install it on smart TVs and gaming consoles, which normally don’t have native VPN support. If you have more than 5 devices, you can install ExpressVPN’s native router app. When you set up a VPN on your router, you can use every WiFi-connected device in your household with the VPN. The issue lies with ping (or latency). This is how long it takes for data to reach the server and for your device to get a response. Free VPNs have high ping, so getting a server response takes a long time. During a fast-paced game, you’ll experience delays and might even lose connection to the game server. However, a premium VPN can mitigate latency in ways that freemium VPNs won’t (or can’t afford to). ExpressVPN has blazing-fast speeds and low ping, as well as dedicated apps for smartphones and computers. You can even set it up on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. This makes it a great VPN for fast-paced games like COD: Warzone, Fortnite, Valorant, and more. My team and I don’t condone any criminal behavior, so make sure you’re aware of local VPN laws and regulations before you connect. This is especially the case in countries like China, Belarus, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, where non-approved VPN usage is banned. Secure your devices with ExpressVPN To keep yourself safe online and enjoy the internet without limitations, I suggest you consider a top-quality option like ExpressVPN. During my tests, I was impressed by ExpressVPN’s lightning-fast speeds, ease of use, and steady server connections worldwide. I also liked that there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always get a refund if you’re not completely satisfied. I even tested the money-back guarantee myself to make sure it worked. No one hassled me to stay when I asked for a refund over 24/7 live chat; better still, the money was returned to my account in just 5 days.
