As cybersecurity experts with years of testing VPN services, we've evaluated options to help you access blocked websites securely—without spending a dime. Free VPNs provide essential data protection for casual users, guaranteeing privacy during your online sessions.
Free VPN Trial Periods
Many free VPNs offer trial periods to let you test features before committing. Some have limitations, while others provide unlimited access. For instance:
- Hotspot Shield VPN offers an unlimited trial with no time limit, ensuring seamless access to any site.
- Surfshark provides a 40-day trial for unrestricted browsing of blocked content.
- TunnelBear and Windscribe allow indefinite use, with options to reset trials without restrictions.
Our Recommendations on Free VPNs
While we've reviewed numerous free VPNs, they often fall short compared to premium versions due to key limitations:
- Restricted server connections and numbers.
- Capped daily data usage.
- Limits on simultaneous device connections.
- Overall usage quotas.
Free VPNs can seem like a 'free lunch,' but many monetize by selling user data to advertisers. For true personal information security, we strongly advise upgrading to a paid VPN.
Top Free VPNs for 2021
Based on our hands-on evaluations, here are the standout free VPNs recommended for 2021:
- DewVPN: The top free hotspot VPN for Windows and Mac users.
- Surfshark: An overall superior free VPN option.
- Proton VPN: Best for unlimited data usage.
- TunnelBear: Ideal for beginners.
- Windscribe: Excellent for security-focused users.
Hotspot Shield VPN Features
- Easy and simple to use.
- Limited to one server.
- Occasional stability issues.
Proton VPN Free
- No monthly data limit.
- Limited customer support.
- Strong performance.
- Fully free setup.
Windscribe VPN
- Generous secure data cap (2GB per month).
- Easy to start and operate.
- Works with Netflix.
- Speeds can be inconsistent.
- Robust privacy policy.
TunnelBear VPN
- Provides strong personal data security.
- Works on mobile and desktop.
- Decent speeds.
