Free VPNs That Don't Sell Your Data: Our Top Picks

Time Business News

2 days ago

Looking for a way to browse the internet more privately without spending any money? You're in luck! There are some decent Free VPN options out there that won't sell your personal information. We've checked out a bunch of them to find the ones that are actually safe and work well. It's important to pick the right one, though, because not all free services are created equal. Some can be pretty risky, leaking your data or even infecting your device. So, let's get into the best Free VPN choices you can trust
When you're looking for a free VPN that actually respects your privacy, free VPN best Reddit threads often mention Proton VPN — and honestly, it's for good reason. They've built a solid reputation for being secure and transparent, which is pretty rare in the free VPN space. Their commitment to user privacy is clear from the get-go. They don't mess around with logging your activity, and they're upfront about how they handle data requests from authorities. It feels like they're actually on the user's side, which is refreshing.
Proton VPN uses strong encryption, which is what you want. They use OpenVPN on Windows and Linux, and IKEv2 on pretty much everything else like Mac, iOS, and Android. Both are really good protocols. Plus, they have a kill switch. This is super important because if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, it cuts off your internet. This stops your real IP address from showing up, which is exactly what you need for privacy.
The free version is pretty decent, but there are some limitations compared to their paid plans. You can only connect one device at a time, which might be a bit of a bummer if you have a lot of gadgets. Also, the free tier doesn't include things like an ad blocker, support for P2P file sharing, or the TOR over VPN option. Still, for basic browsing and avoiding censorship, it's a solid choice. It's also great that you can use the free Proton VPN on Android without even needing to create an account. That's a big win for privacy.
I found the Proton VPN apps really easy to use. Even if you're new to VPNs, you won't have any trouble figuring out the settings or connecting to a server. It's a good way to get started with VPNs. The free plan is also surprisingly fast and can even work with some streaming services, which is a nice bonus. If you decide you want more, like access to a bigger server network for geo-unblocking, upgrading to a paid plan is a pretty straightforward path.
Proton VPN's free tier offers the same strong encryption and core privacy features as their paid versions. It's a reliable option for basic online security and accessing content that might otherwise be blocked.
Here's a quick look at what the free plan offers: Strong encryption standards.
A kill switch to prevent data leaks.
Servers in a limited number of countries.
One simultaneous connection.
Overall, Proton VPN is a trustworthy option if you're looking for a free service that prioritizes your privacy. It's a good starting point for anyone new to using VPNs, and it doesn't sell your data. You can check out Proton VPN's privacy policy for more details on how they protect your information.
Windscribe is a pretty solid choice if you're looking for a free VPN that doesn't mess with your privacy. They've been around for a while and have a good reputation. The free plan gives you a decent 10 GB of data each month, which is more than enough for casual browsing and staying secure online. Plus, you can connect an unlimited number of devices, which is a huge plus if you have a lot of gadgets or want to share with family. They also have this neat feature called ROBERT that blocks ads, malware, and trackers, which can actually speed up your browsing a bit. It's nice to see that kind of protection on a free service.
With the free tier, you get 10 GB of data per month if you sign up with an email address. If you want to stay completely anonymous and skip the email, you'll get 2 GB. It's a generous amount, honestly, especially when you compare it to other free options out there. You can connect to servers in 11 different locations, which is pretty good for getting around basic geo-restrictions.
Windscribe uses strong encryption, like AES-256, and supports secure protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. They also have something called the 'Windscribe Firewall' which acts like a kill switch, stopping your data from leaking if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Our tests showed no IP or DNS leaks, and they stick to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't keep records of what you do online. This is a big deal for privacy, especially since Canada, where they're based, is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
This VPN is a great option for people who want a full VPN experience without paying. If you don't mind a monthly data cap and want to test out a VPN before committing to a paid plan, Windscribe is a good way to go. It's also good for general browsing and accessing news sites that might be blocked in your region. However, if you're a heavy streamer or do a lot of data-intensive tasks, the free plan might not be enough, and you might need to consider their paid version.
Windscribe has apps for pretty much everything – Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. They're generally easy to use, even if you're not super tech-savvy. The interface is clean and straightforward.
Customer support isn't 24/7, which is a bit of a bummer. You'll have to rely on their chatbot or submit an email ticket if you run into problems. It's not ideal, but it's common for free services.
Here's a quick look at what they offer: Data Limit: 10 GB per month (with email signup)
Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
Key Feature: ROBERT (ad, malware, tracker blocker)
Privacy Policy: Strict no-logs policy
Overall, Windscribe is a strong contender in the free VPN space, especially if privacy and a decent data allowance are your main concerns. Just be aware of the data limits and the customer support situation.
Hotspot Shield Basic is often mentioned as the fastest free VPN out there. When I tested it, the speed loss was pretty small, like 2% on local downloads, which is really good. Even when connecting to servers far away, the speed drop was only about 3% on average. That's quite impressive for a free service.
The apps for Hotspot Shield's free version are designed to be super simple to use. You just hit the big 'On' button, and it connects you to a server. The main screen shows your new IP address, how busy the server is, how much data you've used, and your speed. It's pretty straightforward, even if you're new to VPNs. Unlimited data: Unlike many free VPNs that cap your data, Hotspot Shield Basic offers unlimited data, which is a big plus.
Strong encryption: Your online activity is protected with good encryption.
Limited server locations: Free users don't get access to the full range of server locations available in the paid version.
Ads: The free app does show ads, which can be a bit annoying.
Speed caps on mobile: While desktop users get good speeds, mobile users might experience speed limits.
Hotspot Shield Basic is a solid choice if speed is your main concern with a free VPN. It's easy to get started with and offers decent protection for everyday browsing. Just be prepared for ads and potential speed differences if you're using it on a phone or tablet.
If you're looking for a fast and reliable way to protect your online activity, consider trying out Hotspot Shield Basic.
PrivadoVPN is a pretty solid choice if you're looking for a free VPN that doesn't mess with your personal information. It's a decent option for everyday use, and unlike some others, it actually lets you pick which server you want to connect to from a list of locations. That's a nice touch, especially if you're browsing affordable VPN Reddit threads looking for budget-friendly options that still give you control and privacy.
One of the main things to know is that the free version caps your data usage at 10GB per month. It's not a ton, but it's usually enough for basic browsing and maybe a bit of streaming. If you need more, they do have paid plans, which are generally quite affordable. Data Limit: 10GB per month on the free plan.
Server Choice: You can select servers from 13 different cities.
Jurisdiction: Based in Switzerland, which is known for strong privacy laws.
Privacy Policy: They have a policy that's easy to read and understand.
Streaming: It's pretty good at unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus, even on the free tier.
PrivadoVPN's commitment to user privacy is clear from its Swiss base and straightforward privacy policy. It's a good example of a free service that respects your data.
They also offer a paid upgrade path if you find yourself needing more data or faster speeds. It's a good way to try out a VPN without a big commitment and then scale up if it works for you.
Hide.me offers a pretty solid free VPN service, and it's one of the few that doesn't really skimp on security. You get AES 256-bit encryption, which is top-tier stuff, and they support several secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. That's good to know if you're worried about keeping your online activity private. Plus, they've had independent audits of their no-logs policy, so you can feel more confident about your data not being collected.
One of the cool things about Hide.me is that its apps work on a lot of different devices. We're talking Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. They also mention it works on things like Fire TV Stick and game consoles, which is a nice bonus. However, the free plan does have some limits. You only get one simultaneous connection, so you can't use it on multiple devices at the same time. Also, free users miss out on features like a fixed IP address and dynamic port forwarding.
Hide.me's free tier gives you access to servers in seven locations: Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA. While this covers a good chunk of popular spots, it's a bit limiting if you need a server in, say, South America or Australia. Speeds might also be slower if you're far from these locations. They do offer unlimited data, which is great, but there's a monthly data cap of 10 GB. Connection speeds can go up to 80 Mbps, which is actually pretty decent for a free service and should be fine for streaming or video calls.
The apps themselves are pretty user-friendly, even if you're new to VPNs. They've even got a message center where you can check for updates on new features or servers. What's really nice is that you don't even need to sign up or create an account to use the free version, so your personal information stays private. They also don't bombard you with ads, which is a big plus.
Customer support is available 24/7, even for free users. That's not something you see every day with free VPNs, and it really adds to the overall value.
Here's a quick look at how Hide.me stacks up: Feature Free Plan Rating Privacy 8.9/10 Streaming 1.3/10 Speed 1.0/10 Security 8.5/10
Overall, Hide.me is a strong contender if you need a free VPN that prioritizes your privacy and security. Just be aware of the limited server locations and the single connection limit. You can learn more about Hide.me VPN on their website.
ZoogVPN is a pretty straightforward option if you're just starting out with VPNs. It runs simple apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and they've got a policy that says they don't keep logs of what you do online. That's good, right? They only really collect your email address, which is pretty standard for most VPN services. Plus, they seem to have their act together when it comes to preventing leaks, which is always a plus.
ZoogVPN offers free servers in just three places: the Netherlands, the UK, and the US. I found the connection speeds to be pretty decent, especially when connecting to servers that are closer to me. You can expect a small drop in download speed, maybe around 4%, which isn't too bad. They give you 10GB of free data each month. That's enough for some casual web browsing or downloading a file now and then. For those who like to download files, you can use specific servers in Amsterdam for that.
Now, there are a couple of things to keep in mind with ZoogVPN's free plan. First off, it doesn't really work for getting around streaming service blocks. I tried accessing Netflix and a few others, and it just didn't happen. Even their paid version seemed to have trouble with streaming sites. The other big thing is that you can only connect one device at a time with a free account. If you want to use it on more than one device, you'll need to sign up for a new account for each one, unless you upgrade to their paid service. This can be a bit of a hassle if you have a lot of gadgets.
ZoogVPN is a good starting point for beginners due to its simple interface and no-logs policy. However, its limited server locations and single-device connection limit might not suit everyone. Feature ZoogVPN Free Privacy Rating 7.5/10 Speed Rating 8.0/10 Streaming Rating 1.0/10 Data Limit 10GB/month Max Connections 1
TunnelBear is a VPN that's pretty easy to use, and it has a fun, bear-themed design. It's known for its annual independent security audits, which is a good sign for privacy. The free version lets you connect as many devices as you want at the same time, which is nice. However, there's a pretty strict data limit of 2GB per month on the free plan. This really only works for light browsing, not for streaming or downloading much.
TunnelBear's commitment to regular third-party audits is a big plus for anyone worried about their online privacy. It shows they're serious about keeping things secure.
TunnelBear stands out because it's one of the few free VPNs that actually gets audited every year by outside companies. This helps confirm they're sticking to their privacy promises. While the 2GB monthly data cap is a bummer, the ability to use it on unlimited devices simultaneously is a good perk for the free tier. It's a solid option if you just need a VPN for occasional use or to test out their service before committing to a paid plan.
If you need to change your virtual location sometimes, like for accessing content that's only available in certain regions, TunnelBear's free version can do that. It gives you access to all their server locations. Just remember that 2GB data limit means it's best for people who don't use a VPN all the time. It's more for short bursts of activity than constant protection. Free Version Data Limit: 2GB per month
Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Audits: Annual third-party audits
Device Compatibility: Lacks apps for Fire TV Stick and router support.
Customer Support: Can be unimpressive.
Connection Features: No multi-hop connections available.
Speedify VPN is a bit of a different animal in the VPN world. Instead of focusing on just one connection, it uses a technology called Channel Bonding. Basically, it can combine multiple internet connections you have – like your Wi-Fi, cellular data, and even a wired Ethernet connection – all at once. This can really boost your speed and make your connection more stable, which is pretty neat if you're often on the go or in places with spotty Wi-Fi.
For a free VPN, the speeds are generally decent. It's not going to blow you away like some paid services, but it's usually fast enough for everyday browsing and maybe some light streaming. The real benefit here is the stability that comes from bonding multiple connections, rather than raw speed alone. You won't get unlimited data, though; the free tier usually caps you at a certain amount per month, which is something to keep in mind if you use a lot of data.
Speedify is pretty upfront about its privacy. They mention that they don't log your original IP address or the websites you visit. However, like many VPNs, they do collect some connection logs, like the amount of data you use and the times you connect. This is fairly standard for managing a service, but it's always good to be aware of what information is being kept. They also use encryption, which is a must for any VPN. Data Cap: The free version comes with a monthly data limit, which can be restrictive for heavy users.
Server Network: While they have servers in many locations, the free tier might not give you access to all of them, or the fastest ones.
Features: Some advanced features or faster protocols might be reserved for paying customers.
Speedify's approach to combining internet connections is its standout feature. It's designed for users who need a reliable and often faster connection, especially when moving between different networks. While the free version has limits, the core technology offers a unique advantage.
iTop VPN, based in Hong Kong, emphasizes a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record user browsing activities or IP addresses. This commitment aims to ensure user privacy and security. While it offers a free tier, it's important to note that free VPNs often come with limitations. For iTop VPN, these might include data caps or slower speeds compared to their premium plans.
When looking at free VPNs, we check a few key things. For iTop VPN, we found: Privacy: The company states a no-logs policy, which is good for privacy. However, being based in Hong Kong means it's subject to different data retention laws than some other regions. It's always a good idea to check their latest privacy policy.
Speed: Users have reported decent speeds with iTop VPN, which is a plus for a free service. Faster speeds mean less buffering when you're streaming or quicker downloads.
Servers: Free VPNs usually have fewer servers than paid ones. iTop VPN offers a selection of servers, but the exact number and locations can change. Having servers closer to your location generally means better performance.
Security: The VPN uses standard encryption methods to protect your data. We look for strong encryption and features like a kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Setting up and using a VPN should be straightforward. iTop VPN generally provides apps for major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The interface is usually designed to be easy to understand, even for people who aren't tech experts.
A good free VPN should offer a simple setup process and reliable apps. It shouldn't be overly complicated to connect to a server or change settings. We also check if the connections are stable across different devices.
It's common for free VPNs to have restrictions. With iTop VPN's free plan, you might encounter: Data limits per day or month.
Access to fewer server locations.
Potentially slower connection speeds compared to paid plans.
Limited simultaneous connections.
These limitations are typical for free services, as they need to encourage users to upgrade to paid subscriptions to cover their operating costs. If you need unlimited data or access to all server locations, a paid plan might be necessary. For basic browsing and occasional use, the free version could be sufficient. We found that iTop VPN does a reasonable job of balancing features for its free users.
Whoer VPN is another option in the free VPN space, but it comes with some significant caveats that potential users should be aware of. While they claim to have a no-logs policy, this assertion hasn't been independently verified by any third-party audits. This lack of external validation makes it hard to fully trust their privacy claims.
When it comes to privacy, Whoer VPN's commitment is a bit murky. The absence of independent audits for their no-logs policy is a big red flag for anyone prioritizing online anonymity. Without proof, their claims are just words.
Whoer VPN offers a decent number of server locations for a free service, which is a plus. Having more servers means you're more likely to find one close to your actual location, potentially leading to better speeds. However, free VPNs generally have smaller server networks compared to their paid counterparts.
Setting up and using Whoer VPN is generally straightforward. The apps are designed to be user-friendly, which is good for those new to VPNs. However, the free version does come with ads, which can be a bit intrusive. Limited Free Features: The free version of Whoer VPN has limitations on bandwidth and speed.
Ad-Supported: Expect to see advertisements within the application.
Basic Security: Offers standard encryption, but lacks advanced features found in premium services.
It's important to weigh the convenience of a free service against the potential compromises in privacy and features. Whoer VPN falls into a category where the 'free' aspect might come at a higher cost to your data security than you're comfortable with.
Speed can be inconsistent with Whoer VPN, especially on the free tier. While some users might experience acceptable speeds for basic browsing, more demanding activities like streaming or large downloads can be frustratingly slow. The limited server options in the free plan can also contribute to congestion and slower performance.
So, finding a good free VPN isn't easy, but it's definitely possible. We looked at a bunch, and honestly, most of them aren't worth your time, or worse, they could be risky. But the ones we've highlighted? They're the real deal, offering decent privacy and security without trying to sell your information. Remember, even the best free options have limits, so if you need more power or features, checking out the paid versions with their money-back guarantees is a smart move. Stay safe out there online!
Some free VPNs are safe and can protect your online activity. However, many free VPNs can be risky. They might sell your information or even put bad software on your device. It's important to pick a VPN that has a good reputation and doesn't keep records of what you do online.
The best free VPNs offer strong security, like military-grade scrambling (encryption) for your data and safe connection methods. They also promise not to track your online actions or sell your personal details. Some even have a 'kill switch' that stops your internet if the VPN connection drops, keeping your information private.
While many free VPNs have limits, like less data or slower speeds, the top ones can still help you stay private online. They can even help you watch shows or use websites that are normally blocked in your area. But remember, free versions usually don't offer all the features of paid VPNs.
Free VPNs make money in a few ways. Some are supported by a paid version of the same service, which is a good sign. Others might show you ads, or worse, sell your personal information to advertisers. It's best to choose free VPNs from companies that are upfront about how they operate.
Yes, the best free VPNs can protect your information just as well as paid ones. They use strong encryption and secure ways to connect. The main difference is that paid VPNs usually offer more features, like faster speeds, more server choices, and unlimited data.
When choosing a free VPN, look for one that has a clear policy about not keeping logs of your online activity. Also, check if it offers strong encryption and secure connection types. Reading reviews and picking services from well-known companies that also offer paid plans is a smart move.
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