Noah Johnson
Nov 27, 2023
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that provides you with a safe and encrypted link between your device and a server on the internet. It can keep you secure online, circumvent censorship and unlock region-locked content.
However, not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs may have limitations on bandwidth, speed, or features. Some VPNs may also collect and sell your data, expose you to malware, or compromise your security.
That is the reason one must be careful when choosing a free VPN. Here, we will explain what to look for in a free VPN, and try to recommend some of the best free VPNs available on the internet.
What to look for in a free VPN
There are many factors you should consider when choosing a free VPN, such as:
- Privacy and security: A good free VPN should have a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record or share your online activity. It should also use strong encryption and protocols, such as AES-256 and OpenVPN, to protect your data from hackers and snoopers.
- Additionally, it should have features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, to prevent your IP address and traffic from being exposed.
- Performance and reliability: A good free VPN should offer fast and consistent speeds, without throttling or buffering. It should also have a large and diverse network of servers, covering multiple countries and regions. This way, you can access the content you want, without facing congestion or geo-blocks.
- Features and compatibility: A good free VPN should have user-friendly apps for all major platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. It should also support multiple devices simultaneously, so you can protect all your gadgets with one account.
- Moreover, it should have advanced features, such as P2P support, secure streaming, Tor over VPN, and more to enhance your browsing experience.
- Customer support: A good free VPN should have responsive and helpful customer support, available via email or live chat. It should also have a comprehensive website, with FAQs, guides, blogs, and forums, to assist you with any issues or questions.
Best free VPNs in 2023
Based on the criteria mentioned above, we have selected the following five free VPNs as the best ones in 2023:
- PrivadoVPN: This is a fast, free, and reliable unblocking service that offers unlimited bandwidth and data on its free plan. You can connect to servers in three countries (the US, the Netherlands, and Japan), and enjoy complete privacy and security with its no-logs policy and advanced anti-censorship features. You can also upgrade to its paid plan for more servers and features.
- ProtonVPN: This is a popular and unlimited free VPN that has plenty of security features. You can access servers in three countries (the US, the Netherlands, and Japan), and benefit from its no-logs policy, Swiss privacy laws, and secure core servers. You can also upgrade to its paid plan for more servers and features.
- Avira Phantom VPN: This is a simple and easy-to-use free VPN that offers 500 MB of data per month on its free plan. You can connect to servers in 38 countries, and surf anonymously with its no-logs policy and encryption. You can also upgrade to its paid plan for unlimited data and features.
- Windscribe: This is a generous and feature-rich free VPN that offers 10 GB of data per month on its free plan. You can connect to servers in 10 countries, and access geo-restricted content with its R.O.B.E.R.T. feature, a malware and ad blocker. You can also upgrade to its paid plan for unlimited data and features.
- TunnelBear: This is a cute and user-friendly free VPN that offers 500 MB of data per month on its free plan. You can connect to servers in 23 countries, and protect your privacy with its no-logs policy and encryption. You can also upgrade to its paid plan for unlimited data and features.
A free VPN can be a great way to enhance your online security and freedom. However, you need to be careful when choosing one, as some may have hidden costs or risks. By following our guide and recommendations above, you can find the best free VPN as per your needs.
