What Are the Best Free VPNs? (According to Reddit) (Updated for 2025)

When typing away at the local cafe using public Wi-Fi, your connection and data aren’t as secure as you think. Even at home, you might not have the best security possible. Right now, virtual private networks (VPNs) are some of the best tools you can use to keep your identity and data safe on the internet. You need the best free VPNs in 2025 and beyond to protect yourself on a budget.

Paid VPNs often offer more features and better benefits for their customers, but many services protect and serve with no fees. However, there are a few rotten eggs out there, with invasive advertising or data monetization. 

Who better to trust than those who have tried the best free VPNs out for themselves? This list comprises the most reliable free VPNs for most users based on real Redditors’ experiences. We carefully curated it to avoid bot accounts — they’re swarming in most threads on free VPNs.

1. ProtonVPN

The free subscription tier available from ProtonVPN provides connectivity for a single device and you can choose from three different server locations. Better yet, their apps are audited by third parties and include various advanced features. Though many VPNs omit essential elements for free users, Proton offers secure privacy to all.

ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy and will never show you ads. The unlimited free plan has no data or time limits. The kill switch feature lets you immediately block all network traffic if your VPN connection accidentally drops, protecting your IP address and DNS queries.

In one thread, the OP asked why people use ProtonVPN specifically. User jaam01 said they use it because it is open-source, independent and has passed third-party privacy tests. They also praised its user-friendly interface and robust ecosystem.

Like the others on this list, ProtonVPN supports various operating systems across both mobile and desktop.  However, access is limited to the U.S., Poland, Romania, the Netherlands and Japan, so it’s not the best free VPN for everyone across the board. Additionally, only one device can connect to it at a time.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most widely known VPN providers, if only because its marketing budget seems to top most of its peers. Still, they back up their ubiquity with a stable, frequently updated, well-liked VPN service. You can use NordVPN to hide your browsing history from your ISP and even get through geography-based content restrictions.

One of the only things reviewers mention negatively is the need for more transparency regarding some of its third-party partners.

Another con is that NordVPN replaced its free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can get a refund, but risk losing money. “A lot of the time people encountering issues are the ones asking for refunds after this period,” says u/dizzygrammarian. The emergency VPN service for people experiencing censorship is free for up to six months, but it is harder to get.

3. Windscribe

Windscribe is a feature-rich VPN provider that raises the bar for free subscription tiers. This VPN service reaches multiple locations across 10 countries, making it ideal for many streamers and international users. You can also enjoy many simultaneous connections. Like the previous entries, Windscribe offers 10 GB per month.

One Redditor rated Windscribe 10 out of 10, calling its free tier “generous.” Multiple people agreed, claiming you won’t find much better than this VPN at this price point.

Some reviewers disagree with the company’s “more than the bare minimum” stance on user data collection, but Windscribe stands firm that it only does so to limit account sharing. Years ago, u/WindscribeSupport responded to users’ concerns by stating they receive data requests from legal entities, but those requests don’t go anywhere because of the no-logging policy. “They request data, we tell them we don’t have any and that’s that.”

4. Privado VPN

Privado also has a data limit, but its heftier amount of 10 GB per month is fair for many internet users. The VPN also has a backup emergency server for low-speed traffic if you run out of data. On r/vpns, users recommended Privado VPN for its high monthly traffic limit.

Privado offers connections in nine countries, including the U.K. People looking to watch international versions of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ can find Privado as their best free VPN option.

Like Proton, Privado only supports one connection at a time. The app interface is also sparse, making it confusing to navigate at times. However, it supports Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, FireTV, tvOS and AndroidTV, making it more versatile than other services.

5. Hide.me VPN

Hide.me matches Privado with its impressive 10GB per month data limit. It’s also accessible for eight server locations and is properly audited. You don’t have to sign up or register to begin using it. You get unlimited data. Better yet, there are no ads, logs or trackers.

The Hide.me VPN is smaller than other options on this list. However, one user said its servers and locations are good despite its size. Another defended it from criticism, stating every IT support ticket response they received was courteous and helpful.

6. TunnelBear

You might dismiss TunnelBear initially due to its cutesy mascot and iconography, but this provider doesn’t skimp when it comes to VPN non-negotiables. TunnelBear apps feature user-friendly designs and support almost any modern device.

Third-party audits continue to confirm claims about the company’s security bona fides. As another plus, their service offers multiple connection points.

Whereas you could realistically use ProtonVPN indefinitely as a daily driver without paying, you’ll run up against TunnelBear’s relatively unimpressive 2-gigabyte (GB) data limit fairly quickly, leaving you reaching for your wallet. Although Redditors say it lacks advanced features and is relatively slow, they agree it runs well. There are worse options.

7. VPN by Google

Google’s built-in VPN is one of the best free VPNs. The catch is that you can only use it if you have a Pixel phone released after 2022. Also, it doesn’t let you change your server location or access region-locked content. Redditor Ayrr said it hides your IP address, but only tunnels your traffic to servers in your country, so any local laws still apply. Despite this, they said it was vastly cheaper and more trustworthy than other services.

8. iCloud Private Relay 

Technically, Apple’s iCloud Private Relay isn’t a VPN. However, it does something similar. It hides your DNS records and IP address so no one — not your internet service provider (ISP) nor Apple — can see who you are or which websites you visit. Your requests go through two secure internet relays in your country. 

u/wish_you_a_nice_day explained its purpose is to enhance privacy, not block all trackers. It hides your traffic and prevents your ISP from blocking websites, but that’s it. Sites could technically still use a spy pixel — a single hidden tracking pixel — to keep tabs on you. 

Unfortunately, Private Relay only works with Safari and doesn’t let you choose your server location. That said, it’s a great free tool. Normally, you’d have to pay $0.99 monthly for iCloud+ to access it. However, you can get it for free for one month with the Apple One free trial. The plan automatically renews, so remember to cancel via your iPhone’s account settings.

The Obligatory Warning Against Free VPNs

There are lots of free and paid VPN providers out there — lots and lots, actually. Unfortunately, many of them aren’t worth your time or trust. One study found almost 40% of Android-based VPNs contain malware or another harmful software element. Fly-by-night companies without third-party audits, a respected history of ethical software development and a clear commitment to conscientious data stewardship aren’t worth your time.

When Even the Best Free VPNs Might Not Be Worth It

Here’s a distinction worth making — a company that offers only free VPN services is highly suspect. How would they make any money except by capturing and selling user data? This defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

On the other hand, those offering a free tier along with paid subscriptions are more likely to be on the up-and-up. ProtonVPN, NordVPN, TunnelBear and the other providers here maintain their revenue stream — and their ability to provide a solid product — with paid subscriptions. However, they still allow free-tier users to see what the service is all about and test its compatibility with their devices.

Use Your Discretion When Finding the Best Free VPNs

Above all else, use your discretion. Plenty of people are itching to capitalize on the popularity of VPNs without doing the proper work to ensure they’re safe. Additionally, criminals could trick you into downloading their product and installing malware on your devices. The best free VPNs are often paid ones that offer a free tier of access rather than one that’s free from the get-go.

Start with our roundup here and then read reviews from technology experts whose judgment you respect. Back away if anything looks suspicious or sounds too good to be true. You’ll find the service you need quickly and the best free VPN for your computing needs.

Original Publish Date 03/26/2023 — Updated 9/2/2025