With online privacy and security becoming increasingly important, more and more people are turning to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to protect their browsing activities and personal data. VPNs encrypt your internet connection and mask your IP address, making it harder for third parties, including hackers and government agencies, to track your online behavior. While many VPN services charge a subscription fee for their premium features, there are also free options available that provide a good level of protection.
In this article, we will explore the best free VPNs of 2025, each offering its unique benefits and features.
1. NordVPN – Best Full-Featured VPN with Free Offers
NordVPN is often regarded as one of the Best Free VPN providers in the market, and for good reason. While primarily a paid service, NordVPN offers a limited free trial version for users who want to test its top-tier features without committing upfront. Known for its exceptional security, NordVPN provides encryption that meets industry standards, ensuring complete privacy for your online activities.
The service boasts a vast network of over 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries, ensuring fast speeds and reliable access no matter where you are. NordVPN’s strong security features, including a strict no-logs policy, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN, make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy. Even within the free trial period, you get a taste of these features, making it a solid choice for privacy-conscious individuals.
For those looking for a Best Free VPN with strong security and additional privacy-enhancing features, NordVPN’s free trial provides a great opportunity to experience its full capabilities.
Best Features:
- High security and encryption standards
- Large server network
- No-logs policy
- Free trial available
2. Surfshark – Best VPN Free Trial
Surfshark is another strong contender in the VPN market. While Surfshark does not offer a permanent free version, it does provide a 7-day free trial for mobile devices, allowing users to test its features before committing to a paid plan. Surfshark is known for its performance and affordability, making it one of the best options for users on a budget.
Surfshark has over 3,200 servers spread across more than 65 countries, ensuring that users have reliable access and fast connection speeds. The VPN supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and provides strong security with AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy.
Best Features:
- 7-day free trial for mobile devices
- No-logs policy
- AES-256 encryption
- Multi-device support
3. Hotspot Shield – Fastest Free VPN
If speed is a top priority for you, Hotspot Shield may be the Best Free VPN option. It offers a free plan that allows users to connect to a limited number of servers, but it provides exceptional speeds compared to other free VPNs. Despite being ad-supported, Hotspot Shield delivers fast and secure browsing without any additional costs.
One of the standout features of Hotspot Shield is its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol. This technology enables it to offer faster speeds than many other free VPNs, making it perfect for activities that require quick internet access, such as streaming videos, browsing websites, and even light gaming. While the free plan does come with certain limitations, like a daily data cap of 500MB, it remains a reliable choice for those seeking a fast and effective VPN service.
If your main concern is speed, Hotspot Shield stands out among Best Free VPN services, providing quick and secure connections without the need for a paid subscription.
Best Features:
- Fast connection speeds
- Proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol
- Reliable for streaming and browsing
- 500MB daily data limit
4. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN for Unlimited Devices
PrivadoVPN is an excellent choice for users who want the flexibility to use a VPN on multiple devices. PrivadoVPN offers a free plan that supports up to 10GB of monthly data and allows users to connect to servers in the United States and the Netherlands. It’s a good option for anyone looking to secure their internet connection across various platforms without worrying about data usage.
PrivadoVPN has a strong emphasis on privacy, with a strict no-logs policy. Its free plan offers the same high security as its premium plans, including 256-bit AES encryption and DNS leak protection, ensuring that your internet traffic is always secure.
Best Features:
- 10GB of free monthly data
- Supports unlimited devices
- Strict no-logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
5. Atlas VPN – Best Free VPN for Privacy
Atlas VPN is an excellent choice for those who prioritize privacy and anonymity when using a free VPN. Known for its strong security features, Atlas VPN’s free version provides AES-256 encryption, which is one of the strongest encryption standards available, ensuring your data is securely transmitted. It also maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any data regarding your online activity, providing further privacy.
While the Best Free VPN version of Atlas VPN is limited to a smaller selection of servers, it still offers access to reliable protection with a user-friendly interface. Atlas VPN ensures that your browsing remains safe, even if you’re connecting from a public Wi-Fi network or accessing content from locations with high surveillance. Additionally, Atlas VPN includes a feature that blocks malicious websites and ads, which not only keeps you secure but also makes your browsing experience smoother and faster.
For anyone looking for a simple, effective, and privacy-focused VPN, Atlas VPN is an excellent option. Its focus on privacy, coupled with easy-to-use features, makes it stand out among other free VPNs, offering strong security without compromising user experience.
Best Features:
- Strong encryption and no-logs policy
- Malicious website and ad blocking
- Easy-to-use interface
- Reliable privacy features
6. TunnelBear – Best Server Network
TunnelBear is a popular choice for users who are new to VPNs, as it provides a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate. The free version of TunnelBear allows users to access up to 500MB of data each month, which may be enough for light browsing and basic tasks.
TunnelBear has a wide server network with servers in over 20 countries. While the free data cap is low, the VPN’s security features are top-notch, including strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock popular websites and services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Best Features:
- 500MB of free data per month
- User-friendly interface
- Large server network in 20+ countries
- Strong security features
Which is the Best VPN for Free?
While there are many options available, NordVPN stands out as the best overall free VPN, offering a well-rounded mix of security, features, and speed. If you’re specifically looking for a free VPN with robust privacy and security features, Atlas VPN and PrivadoVPN also stand out as solid choices.
Ultimately, the best free VPN for you will depend on your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for the fastest speeds, the best privacy features, or a simple solution for casual use, there’s a free VPN out there that can meet your requirements.
Conclusion
The growing need for online privacy and security has made VPNs more important than ever. While many VPN providers charge a subscription fee for access to their premium features, there are several best free VPN options available in 2025. Whether you need strong encryption, fast speeds, or the ability to access the dark web, these free VPN services provide the essentials for protecting your data and maintaining your privacy online. By choosing one of these top providers, you can enjoy a safer, more secure browsing experience without paying a penny.
