Before You Start
This year’s lineup includes Proton VPN, which offers unlimited data with no ads on its free tier. Meanwhile, Windscribe gives you 10GB per month for free. For users who want simplicity, TunnelBear provides 2GB monthly with a clean interface. In addition, Hide.me offers 10GB per month with strong privacy policies. However, most other free VPNs either sell your data or limit you heavily.
Introduction
There is a free VPN that does not sell your data. There is also one that gives you unlimited bandwidth without ads. However, this year the market for free VPNs is more dangerous than ever.
The problem is, most free VPN apps make money by collecting and selling user data. Meanwhile, legitimate free VPNs exist but they are rare and hard to find.
For that reason, here are 10 of the best free VPN apps this year. I have ranked them from the safest to the ones you should avoid. In addition, each tool is covered with its strengths and weaknesses, so you can pick what fits your needs.
1. Proton VPN Offers Unlimited Data for Free
First of all, Proton VPN is widely considered the safest free VPN available. It offers unlimited data with no ads and no logs. The company is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. That matters a lot if privacy is your priority.
Key Features: Unlimited data on free tier, no ads, no logs policy, Swiss-based company, and strong encryption.
Pros: Truly unlimited data, no ads, strong privacy policy, and reliable connection speed.
Cons: Only 5 server locations on the free tier, no streaming support, and slower speeds during peak hours.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: protonvpn.com
2. Windscribe Provides 10GB Free Monthly
Meanwhile, Windscribe offers 10GB of free data per month, which is one of the most generous free tiers. It also includes a built-in ad blocker and supports multiple devices, which makes it a solid daily option.
Key Features: 10GB free per month, built-in ad blocker, multi-device support, and servers in 10 countries.
Pros: Generous free data, includes ad blocker, supports multiple devices, and works on all major platforms.
Cons: Requires email confirmation for full 10GB, limited server locations, and speeds can vary.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: windscribe.com
3. TunnelBear Delivers Simple and Safe VPN
On the other hand, TunnelBear is known for its simplicity and transparency. It offers 2GB of free data per month, which is enough for light browsing. The company undergoes annual security audits, so you can trust it more than most free options.
Key Features: 2GB free per month, annual security audits, simple interface, and support for all major platforms.
Pros: Very easy to use, transparent security audits, clean interface, and trusted brand.
Cons: Only 2GB free per month, limited server locations, and no streaming support on free tier.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: tunnelbear.com
4. Hide.me Offers 10GB Free with Strong Privacy
Interestingly, Hide.me provides 10GB of free data per month with a strict no-logs policy. It is based in Malaysia and offers good speeds for a free VPN. However, streaming is not supported on the free tier.
Key Features: 10GB free per month, strict no-logs policy, no ads, and support for multiple devices.
Pros: Generous free data, strong privacy policy, no ads, and good connection speeds.
Cons: Only 5 server locations, no streaming on free tier, and requires account setup.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: hide.me
5. Hotspot Shield Provides Fast but Limited Free VPN
In contrast, Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds on its free tier, but with a 500MB daily limit. It is owned by Aura, a security company, which adds some trust. Still, the daily cap makes it less useful for heavy browsing.
Key Features: 500MB daily limit, fast speeds, simple interface, and available on all platforms.
Pros: Fast connection, simple to use, available everywhere, and backed by a security company.
Cons: Only 500MB per day, shows ads, and logs some user data.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: hotspotshield.com
6. Atlas VPN Is Now Part of Nord Security
What is more, Atlas VPN was recently acquired by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. It offers 10GB per month free, but the future of the free tier is uncertain after the acquisition. For now, it remains a decent option.
Key Features: 10GB free per month, no ads, simple interface, and available on major platforms.
Pros: Generous free data, no ads, and backed by a major security company.
Cons: Future of free tier uncertain, limited server locations, and no streaming support.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: atlasvpn.com
7. Opera VPN Comes Built Into the Browser
Still, Opera VPN is not a standalone app. It is built directly into the Opera browser and offers unlimited free data with no setup required. That makes it one of the easiest options for casual users.
Key Features: Built into Opera browser, unlimited free data, no sign-up required, and simple toggle.
Pros: Completely free, unlimited data, no setup needed, and easy to use.
Cons: Only works inside Opera browser, not a full VPN, and limited server locations.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: opera.com
8. Psiphon Focuses on Censorship Circumvention
Additionally, Psiphon is designed for users in regions with internet censorship. It offers unlimited free data but is not intended for streaming or heavy use. In short, it serves a very specific purpose.
Key Features: Unlimited free data, designed for censorship circumvention, and available on all platforms.
Pros: Unlimited free data, works in restricted regions, and easy to set up.
Cons: Not for streaming, slower speeds, and limited privacy features.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: psiphon.ca
9. Betternet Is Popular but Questionable
Furthermore, Betternet is one of the most downloaded free VPNs. However, its privacy policy has been questioned by security researchers. It offers unlimited free data but shows ads, which is a red flag.
Key Features: Unlimited free data, available on all platforms, and simple interface.
Pros: Unlimited free data, easy to use, and available everywhere.
Cons: Questionable privacy policy, shows ads, and logs user data.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: betternet.co
10. Thunder VPN Is Free but Risky
Finally, Thunder VPN offers unlimited free data, but its privacy practices are unclear. It is best avoided if you care about your data. There are simply better free options available.
Key Features: Unlimited free data, simple interface, and available on Android and iOS.
Pros: Unlimited free data, simple to use, and available on mobile.
Cons: Unclear privacy policy, potential data logging, and unreliable connection.
Link and Check Subscription Plans: thunder-vpn.com
Conclusion
The ten free VPN apps above range from truly safe to genuinely risky. Proton VPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear are the safest options this year. Meanwhile, Hide.me and Hotspot Shield offer good speeds but with limits. In addition, Atlas VPN, Opera VPN, and Psiphon serve specific use cases. However, Betternet and Thunder VPN should be avoided if privacy matters to you.
Each has its strengths and weaknesses. No single free VPN is perfect for every need. What matters most is choosing according to your privacy needs, avoiding apps that log data, and upgrading to a paid plan only when you truly need more.
Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments.
Read also: 7 Best AI Note-Taking Apps This Year, One Is Completely Free
