Cost: The most obvious advantage is that it’s free. This can be appealing for users on a tight budget or those who only need a VPN for occasional, non-critical tasks.
Accessibility: Free VPNs are readily available for download and use on various platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
Basic Anonymity (Potentially): A free VPN might offer a basic level of anonymity by masking your IP address, making it more difficult for websites to track your location.
Circumventing Basic Geoblocks (Potentially): Some free VPNs might allow you to access content that is blocked in your region, but this is often limited and unreliable.
Data Logging and Privacy Risks:This is the most serious concern. Many free VPNs log user data, including browsing history, IP addresses, and other personal information. This data can then be sold to advertisers or other third parties, undermining your privacy.
Security Vulnerabilities: Free VPNs often have weak security protocols and encryption, making your data vulnerable to hackers and surveillance.
Malware and Adware: Some free VPN apps are bundled with malware, adware, or other unwanted software that can harm your device and compromise your security.
Limited Bandwidth and Data Caps: Free VPNs typically impose strict bandwidth and data caps, limiting your usage and making them unsuitable for streaming, downloading, or other data-intensive activities.
Slow Speeds: Free VPNs often have overcrowded servers, resulting in slow and unreliable connection speeds.
Limited Server Locations: Free VPNs usually offer a limited number of server locations, restricting your ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from other countries.
Intrusive Ads: Many free VPNs display intrusive ads, which can be annoying and disruptive. Some may even inject ads into your browsing sessions.
Lack of Customer Support: Free VPNs typically offer little or no customer support, leaving you on your own if you encounter problems.
Misleading Claims: Some free VPNs make false or exaggerated claims about their security and privacy practices.
Potential for Abuse: Your connection might be used for malicious purposes, as some providers may not properly secure their networks.
Ethical Concerns: The provider needs to make money somehow. If it’s not from you, how are they doing it?
Why Some Free VPNs Are Dangerous
Be carefull with free VPNs
Using a free VPN can be a gamble with your online security. Many popular options are far from safe, exposing you to dangers like:
Annoying ads and malware: Free services often bombard you with aggressive ads, or worse, install malicious software on your device.
Data harvesting: Many free VPNs track your activity and sell your data to third parties for profit.
Security flaws: Weak encryption and data leaks are common, leaving your information vulnerable. The Hola VPN scandal, where user bandwidth was sold to botnets, is a stark warning.
In short, the promise of free security can come at a significant cost to your actual security and privacy.
Since 2019, we’ve rigorously evaluated the security, privacy, and trustworthiness of 144 free VPN services. Our comprehensive testing reveals that:
82% of free VPNs leak data, including IP and DNS leaks.
11% suffered encryption failures
68% provides nonstable service
52% had unstable VPN tunnels
FREE VPN Features
No registration or personal data required to connect
OpenVPN, PlanetX, StarGuard and IKEv2 protocols
Strict no logs policy, user data not shared with 3rd parties
No traffic, time or bandwidth limit
UNLOCK ALL SERVICES
Virtual Private Networks
Virtual Private Networks
Virtual Private Networks
Virtual Private Networks
Virtual Private Networks
Virtual Private Networks
✓ 412 servers in 96 countries ✓ Speed 47 ms ✓ No logs policy ✓ 3 gb free vpn traffic