Daniel Schwartz Finding a reliable free VPN service can be a challenge given the many options available. Free VPNs often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server locations. However, there are still some excellent options that provide robust security and privacy features without costing a dime. Here’s a detailed review of 15 free VPN services you can trust in 2024, covering their unique features, user base, and why they are considered reliable.
Top 15 VPNs that Offer Free Usage
While using absolutely free VPN services is not recommended, but if you’re a casual user and you need to use VPNs for limited purposes, you can try these 15 popular and reliable free VPNs. If you’ve to use it professionally for longer durations, which means your data requirements are higher, you can also consider subscribing to their premium plans. For each of these services, we have also created in-depth guides that are fully updated. If you want to learn more about any of these free and reliable VPNs in our list, make sure you visit the VPNs section on ArticlesBase.com here: VPNs.
1. Proton VPN
Proton VPN stands out for its commitment to privacy and security. It offers unlimited data on its free plan, which is rare among free VPN services. Proton VPN doesn’t impose any bandwidth limits, making it ideal for daily browsing and streaming.
Unique Features
- Unlimited Data: No caps on the amount of data you can use.
- Security: Uses AES-256 encryption and supports IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN protocols.
- Transparency: Open-source apps that have been independently audited.
User Base and Location
Proton VPN has millions of users worldwide and is based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws.
ProtonVPN is amongst the most popular. Read more about their pricing plans and features in this detailed review: Proton VPN Review 2024 | Pricing, Features and More
2. Windscribe
Windscribe offers a generous 10GB of free data per month, and you can earn more by referring friends. It has a solid no-logs policy, ensuring your browsing history remains private.
Unique Features
- Data Allowance: 10GB per month with the ability to earn more.
- Ad Blocker: Built-in ad and tracker blocker.
- Server Locations: Free users can access servers in 11 countries.
User Base and Location
Windscribe has a large user base globally and is based in Canada.
3. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN provides strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It manages its own bandwidth and transit routes, offering excellent speeds and reliability.
Unique Features
- Server Locations: Access to servers in 13 locations across 10 countries.
- Streaming: Capable of unblocking major streaming services.
- Security: AES-256 encryption and a kill switch feature.
User Base and Location
PrivadoVPN is popular among users for its free tier and is based in Switzerland.
4. Hide.me
Why It’s Reliable
Hide.me offers robust security features and a no-logs policy. It provides 10GB of free data per month, which is sufficient for regular browsing and occasional streaming.
Unique Features
- Data Allowance: 10GB per month.
- Server Options: Free users have access to five locations.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly apps across multiple platforms.
User Base and Location
Hide.me is based in Malaysia and has a loyal user base for its free and paid services.
Find a detailed review of Hide.me here: What is Hide.me? Is it Safe to Use
5. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is known for its transparent privacy policy and user-friendly design. It offers 2GB of free data per month, which is enough for light browsing.
Unique Features
- User Interface: Fun and engaging design, easy for beginners.
- Security: Strong encryption and a clear no-logs policy.
- Server Network: Access to servers in 20+ countries.
User Base and Location
TunnelBear is headquartered in Canada and has a substantial user base, particularly among casual VPN users.
6. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield provides 500MB of free data per day, which totals about 15GB per month. It uses its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is known for its speed and security.
Unique Features
- Data Allowance: 500MB per day.
- Performance: Proprietary Hydra protocol for fast speeds.
- Security: Military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy.
User Base and Location
Hotspot Shield is based in the United States and has millions of users worldwide.
Learn more about Hotspot Shield here: What is Hotspot Shield? Is this VPN Legit?
7. ZoogVPN
ZoogVPN offers 10GB of free data per month with access to five server locations. It includes essential security features like AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy.
Unique Features
- Data Allowance: 10GB per month.
- Server Locations: Free users can access servers in five countries.
- Security: Strong encryption and a clear no-logs policy.
User Base and Location
ZoogVPN is based in Greece and has a growing user base.
8. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN provides strong security features and doesn’t impose data limits on its free plan. It is known for its reliable performance and user-friendly interface.
Unique Features
- Unlimited Data: No caps on data usage.
- Security: AES-256 encryption and support for IKEv2/IPsec and WireGuard protocols.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive apps for various platforms.
User Base and Location
Atlas VPN is based in the United States and has quickly grown in popularity since its launch.
Get to know more about Atlas VPN here: Atlas VPN Review – All You Need to Know
9. Betternet
Betternet offers a straightforward free VPN service with no registration required. It provides 500MB of free data per day, making it suitable for occasional use.
Unique Features
- Data Allowance: 500MB per day.
- Ease of Use: No registration or signup required.
- Ad-Supported: Free version is supported by ads, which can be a trade-off for some users.
User Base and Location
Betternet is based in the United States and has a large user base due to its ease of use.
10. Urban VPN
Urban VPN is entirely free with no data limits. It relies on a peer-to-peer network model, which can provide good speeds but may raise privacy concerns for some users.
Unique Features
- Unlimited Data: No caps on data usage.
- Peer-to-Peer: Uses a P2P network for connectivity.
- Global Servers: Access to servers in 80+ countries.
User Base and Location
Urban VPN is based in Israel and is widely used globally.
11. Speedify
Speedify combines VPN protection with channel bonding technology, enhancing speed and reliability. It offers 2GB of free data per month.
Unique Features
- Channel Bonding: Uses multiple internet connections simultaneously.
- Data Allowance: 2GB per month.
- Speed: Known for improving internet speed and reliability.
User Base and Location
Speedify is based in the United States and is popular among users who prioritize speed.
12. VPNBook
VPNBook is entirely free and doesn’t require registration. It offers unlimited data and access to servers in several locations.
Unique Features
- Unlimited Data: No caps on data usage.
- No Registration: Completely free with no signup required.
- Server Locations: Servers in the US, UK, and Europe.
User Base and Location
VPNBook is based in Switzerland and has a loyal user base due to its simplicity.
13. Opera VPN
Opera VPN is integrated into the Opera browser, providing a free and easy-to-use VPN solution with unlimited data.
Unique Features
- Integrated: Built into the Opera browser.
- Unlimited Data: No caps on data usage.
- Ease of Use: No additional software required.
User Base and Location
Opera VPN is developed by Opera Software, based in Norway, and is popular among Opera browser users.
14. Touch VPN
Touch VPN offers unlimited free VPN service with a straightforward interface. It’s ad-supported, which can be a drawback for some users.
Unique Features
- Unlimited Data: No caps on data usage.
- Ease of Use: Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Ad-Supported: Free version is supported by ads.
User Base and Location
Touch VPN is based in the United States and has millions of users worldwide.
15. VPNGate
VPNGate is a volunteer-run VPN project that offers free VPN servers worldwide. It’s known for its academic origins and transparency.
Unique Features
- Volunteer-Run: Operated by volunteers and researchers.
- Unlimited Data: No caps on data usage.
- Global Servers: Access to a wide range of servers around the world.
User Base and Location
VPNGate is based in Japan and has a global user base, particularly among those who value academic transparency.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right free VPN service involves balancing the need for security, data allowance, and ease of use. The 15 VPNs listed above offer reliable options with varying features to suit different needs. Whether you’re looking for unlimited data, robust security, or ease of use, there’s a free VPN service on this list that can meet your requirements. Always remember that while free VPNs can be useful for casual use, they often come with limitations compared to their paid counterparts. For more demanding needs, consider investing in a premium VPN service.
