Finding a truly safe and reliable free VPN is one of the biggest challenges for internet users today. While there are dozens—if not hundreds—of free VPN services available, most come with serious drawbacks: limited data, slow speeds, invasive tracking, or even security risks. In fact, 88% of the free VPN apps tested by our team leaked personal data, and yet 70% of users say they prefer free VPNs over paid ones.
After extensive testing—over 30,000 hours and 150 free VPNs analyzed—we can confidently recommend only seven free VPNs that meet our strict safety, privacy, and performance standards.
If you want the quick answer: the best free VPN in 2025 is Proton VPN, thanks to its unlimited data, high speeds, and strict no-logs policy. Windscribe follows closely, excelling at bypassing geo-restrictions, and Hotspot Shield Basic stands out for being the fastest among free VPNs.
Why Most Free VPNs Aren’t Safe
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) changes your IP address, encrypts your traffic, and can even unlock geo-restricted content. But not all VPNs are created equal—especially free ones.
Our research shows that the vast majority of free VPNs either track your browsing activity, sell your data to third parties, or fail to provide adequate security measures. Common issues with unsafe free VPNs include:
- Weak encryption that can be bypassed by attackers.
- IP and DNS leaks exposing your true location.
- Aggressive logging policies storing your browsing history.
- Bundled malware hidden in the software.
If you choose the wrong free VPN, you could end up worse off than if you had no VPN at all.
Summary: The Best Free VPNs in 2025
Here’s our list of the top seven free VPNs, ranked after testing 150 options:
| VPN | Data Limit | Speed (Local Download) | Free Countries | Privacy Policy | P2P/Torrenting | Netflix US Access | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Unlimited | 99 Mbps | 5 | No identifiable logs | No | No | 6.2/10 |
| Windscribe | 10 GB/mo | 91 Mbps | 10 | No identifiable logs | Yes | No | 5.7/10 |
| Hotspot Shield Basic | Unlimited | 98 Mbps | 3 | Logs some data | Yes | No | 5.2/10 |
| PrivadoVPN | 10 GB/mo | 97 Mbps | 11 | No identifiable logs | Yes | Yes | 5.0/10 |
| Hide.me | Unlimited | 2 Mbps | 7 | No identifiable logs | No | No | 4.9/10 |
| ZoogVPN | 10 GB/mo | 94 Mbps | 3 | No identifiable logs | Yes | No | 4.5/10 |
| TunnelBear | 2 GB/mo | 96 Mbps | 47 | No identifiable logs | Yes | Yes | 4.1/10 |
1. Proton VPN – The Best 100% Free VPN Overall
Rating: 6.2/10
Data Limit: Unlimited
Countries: 5
Speed: 99 Mbps
Privacy Policy: No identifiable logs
Proton VPN is the only free VPN we recommend that offers unlimited data, making it ideal for users who want 24/7 protection without worrying about running out of bandwidth. It’s also one of the most privacy-focused services, based in Switzerland and operating under strict no-log policies that have been independently audited.
Pros:
- Unlimited data usage.
- No payment information required.
- 200 fast free servers.
- Strong kill switch on desktop and mobile.
- Swiss jurisdiction with excellent privacy laws.
Cons:
- Only 5 free server locations (no Spain or Mexico).
- Cannot choose exact server location.
- No P2P/torrenting allowed.
- Does not work with streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.
- Only 1 device connection allowed.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want unlimited usage and strong security.
2. Windscribe – Best for Bypassing Geo-Blocks
Rating: 5.7/10
Data Limit: 10 GB/month
Countries: 10
Speed: 91 Mbps
Privacy Policy: No identifiable logs
Windscribe used to hold our #1 spot, thanks to its excellent unblocking capabilities—it still manages to access 5 different Netflix catalogs, as well as HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, its slower speeds and reduced Netflix US access pushed it to #2.
Pros:
- 10 free country locations.
- Works with multiple streaming platforms.
- Strong privacy and kill switch.
- Unlimited device connections.
Cons:
- 10 GB monthly limit.
- No live chat support.
- No free servers in Spain or Latin America.
- Speeds can be inconsistent.
Best for: Streaming fans who don’t mind a monthly data cap.
3. Hotspot Shield Basic – Fastest Free VPN
Rating: 5.2/10
Data Limit: Unlimited
Countries: 3
Speed: 98 Mbps
Privacy Policy: Logs some data
If speed is your top priority, Hotspot Shield Basic is hard to beat. It offers unlimited data and the fastest local speeds of any free VPN we tested. However, it logs more data than privacy purists would like.
Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds.
- No payment or account needed.
- Built-in malware blocker.
- Allows P2P/torrenting.
Cons:
- Logs more user data than competitors.
- No free streaming access.
- No servers in Spain or Latin America.
- Kill switch missing on macOS.
Best for: Users who prioritize speed over complete privacy.
4. PrivadoVPN – Best for Netflix US and P2P
Rating: 5.0/10
Data Limit: 10 GB/month
Countries: 11
Speed: 97 Mbps
Privacy Policy: No identifiable logs
PrivadoVPN is an excellent free option for streaming and torrenting, with reliable access to Netflix US, Disney+, and HBO Max. It’s one of the few free VPNs with servers in Mexico and Argentina.
Pros:
- Unlocks Netflix US and more.
- P2P allowed on all free servers.
- No registration or payment required.
- Strong AES-256 encryption.
Cons:
- 10 GB monthly limit.
- No advanced settings.
- No browser extensions.
Best for: Latin American users who want streaming and torrent support.
5. Hide.me – Best for Avoiding Censorship
Rating: 4.9/10
Data Limit: Unlimited
Countries: 7
Speed: 2 Mbps
Privacy Policy: No identifiable logs
Hide.me stands out for being one of the few free VPNs that still work in China and other heavily censored countries. However, its speeds are severely limited.
Pros:
- Works in restrictive countries.
- Unlimited data.
- No registration required.
- Server in Spain.
Cons:
- Very slow (2 Mbps).
- No P2P allowed.
- Only 1 device connection.
Best for: Users in censorship-heavy countries.
6. ZoogVPN – Great for Beginners
Rating: 4.5/10
Data Limit: 10 GB/month
Countries: 3
Speed: 94 Mbps
Privacy Policy: No identifiable logs
ZoogVPN is a simple, easy-to-use VPN that’s fast on nearby connections and offers strong encryption. However, it lacks advanced features and streaming capabilities.
Pros:
- Fast on local servers.
- No payment info required.
- Strong AES-256 encryption.
Cons:
- 10 GB monthly limit.
- Only 3 free countries.
- 1 device limit.
- No streaming access.
Best for: VPN beginners who value simplicity.
7. TunnelBear – Most Server Locations
Rating: 4.1/10
Data Limit: 2 GB/month
Countries: 47
Speed: 96 Mbps
Privacy Policy: No identifiable logs
TunnelBear offers the largest free server network, with 47 countries—including Netflix US and BBC iPlayer access. However, its strict 2 GB/month limit makes it unsuitable for heavy use.
Pros:
- Huge server network.
- Unlocks Netflix US, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.
- Private DNS and effective kill switch.
Cons:
- Only 2 GB/month.
- No router support.
- Occasional connection issues.
Best for: Travelers needing wide server coverage.
How to Choose a Safe Free VPN
When choosing a free VPN, you should consider:
1. Security
- Strong AES-256 encryption.
- Secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- Kill switch to prevent IP leaks.
2. Privacy
- Verified no-log policy.
- Registered in privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
3. Speed
- Consistent performance on both local and distant servers.
4. Data Limit
- More is better—unlimited is ideal.
5. Device Compatibility
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
- Optional browser extensions.
While free VPNs will always have limitations compared to paid ones, the seven listed here are safe, reliable, and provide solid performance for casual users.
If you want unlimited usage and top-notch privacy, go for Proton VPN. If your priority is bypassing geo-blocks, Windscribe is the way to go. And if speed is your main concern, Hotspot Shield Basic takes the crown.
For long-term heavy use, however, we recommend considering a reputable paid VPN to get full access to streaming services, faster speeds, and unlimited server choices.