The Best Free VPNs of 2024: Unleash Digital Freedom!
“The Best free VPN” sounds like a lie, especially in 2024… but hear us out! We’ve dug through the trash heap of sneaky free services to find a few gems that surprisingly won’t ruin your online life or sell your data. Get our honest rundown of the Best Free VPN 2024 for Privacy, Netflix, and everything in between. so what is the best free VPN in 2024? Let’s find out!
Best Free VPN 2024
1. Surfshark – Best Free VPN – Free Trial
Product Specifications
- ⛔ Multi-hop: No
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ✅ Split Tunneling: Yes
- ✅ Netflix: Yes
- ✅ Torrenting: Yes
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: Unlimited data in the free trial – perfect for data-intensive activities.
- Server Limit: 40+ countries covered, providing a versatile online experience.
- Speed Limit: Competitive speed for a free VPN.
- Device Limit: Connect unlimited devices simultaneously – a rare feature among free VPNs.
Considerations
Pros:
- Unlimited data in the free trial.
- Wide server coverage in 40+ countries.
- Competitive speeds.
- No device limit.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to premium versions.
Conclusion:
Surfshark’s free trial stands out with unlimited data usage and an expansive server network, ideal for users seeking premium VPN features without immediate financial commitment.
2. TunnelBear – Best Server Network VPN
Product Specifications
- ⛔ Multi-hop: No
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ✅ Split Tunneling: Yes (Android app only)
- ⛔ Netflix: No
- ✅ Torrenting: Yes
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: 500 MB monthly limit caters to light users.
- Server Limit: 20+ locations worldwide, appealing to specific location preferences.
- Speed Limit: Suitable for general browsing but less optimal for data-intensive activities.
- Device Limit: One-device limit for free accounts.
Considerations
Pros:
- Extensive server network with 20+ locations.
- Intuitive interface with a strong focus on user privacy.
Cons:
- Limited data usage (500 MB per month).
- No Netflix access in the free version.
- One-device limit for free accounts.
Conclusion:
TunnelBear excels in user-friendly design and privacy features, coupled with an extensive server network, making it an excellent choice for secure, occasional browsing.
3. Hotspot Shield – Fastest Free VPN For PC
Product Specifications
- ✅ Multi-hop: Yes
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ⛔ Split Tunneling: No
- ✅ Netflix: Yes, but not in all regions
- ✅ Torrenting: Yes
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: Unique time-based model with no explicit data limit.
- Server Limit: Four locations – Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, and London.
- Speed Limit: Remarkable speed – challenging premium VPNs.
- Device Limit: Five devices without mandatory account creation.
Considerations
Pros:
- Comparable speed to premium VPNs.
- Extendable free access with ads.
- Multi-device connectivity without mandatory account creation.
Cons:
- Limited server locations.
- Occasional Netflix detection issues.
- In-app pop-up ads.
Conclusion:
Hotspot Shield emerges as a powerhouse for downloading large files with remarkable speed, though limited in server options, making it ideal for specific user needs.
4. Windscribe – Best Free VPN with Data Allowance
Product Specifications
- ✅ Multi-hop: Yes
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ✅ Split Tunneling: Yes
- ✅ Netflix: Yes
- ✅ Torrenting: Yes
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: Generous 10 GB monthly data allowance.
- Server Limit: 60+ countries with an extensive server network.
- Speed Limit: Competitive speeds for diverse online activities.
- Device Limit: Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Considerations
Pros:
- Generous monthly data allowance (10 GB).
- Extensive server network in 60+ countries.
- Competitive speeds for a free VPN.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to premium versions.
Conclusion:
Windscribe’s combination of substantial monthly data allowance, broad server network, and unlimited device connections positions it as a top choice for versatile free VPN experiences.
Chrome Extension: Best Free VPN for Chrome?
Windscribe Chrome extension is free and user-friendly. Give it a try!
5. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN for iPhone
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: Generous 10 GB free data per month.
- Server Limit: 14 free locations worldwide for diverse coverage.
- Speed Limit: Competitive download and upload speeds.
- Device Limit: Unlimited device sign-ins, but shared 10 GB limit.
Considerations
Pros:
- Generous 10 GB data limit.
- Unlimited device sign-ins.
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
- Diverse server locations.
Cons:
- No simultaneous connections allowed.
- Shared data limit among all devices.
- No data limit carry-over.
Conclusion:
PrivadoVPN caters to users with multiple devices seeking free VPN protection, offering substantial monthly data limits, with some limitations.
6. Atlas VPN – Best Free VPN for Privacy
Product Specifications
- ✅ Multi-hop: Yes
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ✅ Split Tunneling: Yes
- ✅ Netflix: Yes
- ✅ Torrenting: Yes
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: 5 GB monthly data limit with a referral program.
- Server Limit: Three free locations – Amsterdam, Las Vegas, and New York.
- Speed Limit: Competitive speeds for a free VPN.
- Device Limit: Multiple devices sign-ins with one device connection at a time.
Considerations
Pros:
- Enhanced privacy features and geo-restriction bypass capabilities.
- Unlimited device sign-ins.
- Decent speeds for a free VPN.
Cons:
- 5 GB monthly data limit.
- No simultaneous connections allowed.
- Limited server options.
- Requires email during sign-up.
Conclusion:
Atlas VPN, focusing on privacy features, is a compelling choice for users prioritizing security in their free VPN experience.
7. ProtonVPN – Best VPN for Downloads
Product Specifications
- ⛔ Multi-hop: No
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ✅ Split Tunneling: Yes
- ✅ Netflix: Yes (Plus servers only)
- ✅ Torrenting: Yes
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: Unlimited data on free servers.
- Server Limit: Three countries with no explicit server count.
- Speed Limit: Suitable speeds for general online activities.
- Device Limit: One device connection at a time.
Considerations
Pros:
- Unlimited data on free servers.
- Decent speeds for a free VPN.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Limited server locations.
- One device connection at a time.
Conclusion:
ProtonVPN offers unlimited data on free servers, making it an attractive option for users focused on downloading large files without committing to a premium plan.
8. TunnelBear – Best Free VPN for Beginners
Product Specifications
- ✅ Multi-hop: No
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ⛔ Split Tunneling: No
- ⛔ Netflix: No
- ⛔ Torrenting: No
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: 500 MB of free data per month (expandable through promotions).
- Server Limit: Servers in 41 countries (limited availability for free users).
- Speed Limit: Average speeds suitable for general browsing.
- Device Limit: One device connection at a time.
Considerations
Pros:
- User-friendly interface ideal for beginners.
- Option to earn extra data through promotions.
- Servers in 41 countries.
Cons:
- Limited data allowance (500 MB per month).
- No support for Netflix or torrenting.
- One device connection at a time.
Conclusion:
TunnelBear is a charming choice for beginners seeking simplicity, but its limitations in data allowance and restricted activities may not suit everyone.
9. Speedify – Fastest Free VPN
Product Specifications
- ✅ Multi-hop: Yes
- ⛔ Camouflage Mode: No
- ✅ Kill switch: Yes
- ⛔ Split Tunneling: No
- ⛔ Netflix: No
- ⛔ Torrenting: No
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: 2 GB free data per month.
- Server Limit: Servers in over 50 locations (limited availability for free users).
- Speed Limit: Unmatched speed capabilities for a free VPN.
- Device Limit: One device connection at a time.
Considerations
Pros:
- Unparalleled speed for a free VPN.
- Multi-hop functionality for enhanced privacy.
- Servers in over 50 locations.
Cons:
- Limited data allowance (2 GB per month).
- No support for Netflix or torrenting.
- One device connection at a time.
Conclusion:
Speedify excels in speed, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize quick and reliable connections for their online activities. However, its limitations in data allowance and supported activities should be noted.
10. Hola VPN – Best Free VPN for Netflix (But Say Goodbye to Your Privacy!)
Product Specifications
- ⛔Multi-hop: No
- ⛔Camouflage Mode: No
- ⛔Kill switch: No
- ⛔Split Tunneling: No
- ✅Netflix: Yes
- ⛔Torrenting: No
In-Depth Analysis
- Data Usage Limit: Hola VPN adopts a unique approach by introducing a peer-to-peer network, enabling users to contribute their idle resources in exchange for access. This results in a fluid and unlimited data usage experience.
- Server Limit: Hola VPN leverages a peer-to-peer network, offering a vast array of virtual locations worldwide. This unconventional approach allows users to virtually access content from different geographic locations.
- Speed Limit: The speed of Hola VPN is contingent on the peer-to-peer network, varying based on the number of available peers. While generally fast, it may exhibit fluctuations.
- Device Limit: Hola VPN imposes no explicit device limit, allowing users to connect multiple devices simultaneously. This flexibility caters to users with diverse device ecosystems.
Considerations:
Pros:
- Innovative peer-to-peer network for unlimited data usage.
- Access to virtual locations worldwide.
- No explicit device limit.
- Allows geo-unblocking for streaming services.
The Dark Side of Hola VPN
- Your Bandwidth Is Sold: Hola VPN isn’t truly “free.”
- Hola’s peer-to-peer model may be popular, but you put yourself at risk. If you use it, you become part of a network where your internet bandwidth can be used by others, potentially for malicious purposes.
- Serious Privacy Risks:
- Security Holes:
- The lack of traditional VPN features like a kill switch makes you vulnerable if something goes wrong.
- Unreliable Performance:
- Because you’re relying on other users, speeds and access can be wildly inconsistent.
Is Hola VPN Ever an Okay Choice?
- Truly Last Resort:
- If you ABSOLUTELY need to unblock a website TEMPORARILY and have NO other options, Hola might be the lesser evil. But proceed with extreme caution and uninstall immediately after.
Conclusion:
Hola VPN provides an innovative solution for users seeking unlimited data usage and geo-unblocking capabilities, making it suitable for content enthusiasts with varied online needs.
Savvy’s Choice: Best Free VPN 2024 Winner! HIDE.me 🥇
Hide.me is our Best free VPN 2024
Why: Hide.me stands out for its simplicity, competitive speed, and a generous 10 GB monthly data limit, offering an uncomplicated yet robust VPN experience.
Runner-Up: ProtonVPN 🥈
ProtonVPN is our 2nd-best free VPN 2024
Why: ProtonVPN secures the runner-up position with its privacy-centric design, absence of a data limit, and strong security features.
FAQs:
What is the best free VPN for 2024 overall?
There’s no single “best” for everyone, but here are strong contenders in 2024:
- ProtonVPN: Unlimited data, strong privacy focus, but slower speeds might be a deal-breaker.
- Windscribe: Generous 10GB data, decent server selection, but speeds can be inconsistent.
- Hide.me: Good mix of speed and data (10GB), easy to use, but lacks some advanced features.
Is ProtonVPN free worth using?
Absolutely, if you prioritize privacy and don’t mind slower speeds. Its unlimited data makes it stand out, especially for casual browsing, secure file sharing, etc.
Can I use a free VPN to watch USA Netflix?
Sometimes, but it’s a cat-and-mouse game. Netflix actively blocks VPNs, so even services that work today might be useless tomorrow. Windscribe or Hide.me are your best bets but don’t expect miracles.
How many GB of data do I get with most free VPNs?
It varies wildly! ProtonVPN is unique with unlimited data. Others usually offer between 2GB (very restrictive) and 10GB (more generous).
Are there free VPNs that don’t require an email for signup?
Yes, but they’re often less reputable. Hotspot Shield lets you start off without an account, though creating one gives you more devices. Proceed cautiously with any “no email” VPN.
What’s the fastest free VPN for downloading large files?
Hotspot Shield often takes the crown, but it comes with trade-offs like ads and limited server choice. Consider it if speed is your absolute top priority.
Are free VPNs safe or will they sell my data?
Sadly, many free VPNs have shady practices. Read the privacy policy carefully. Reputable ones like ProtonVPN are safer, but even they may have speed limitations.
Do free VPNs really stop targeted ads?
Most don’t. Free VPNs often make money BY serving you ads. They might block some trackers but don’t expect an ad-free experience.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of the best free VPN 2024 has been quite the adventure, hasn’t it? Your digital safety is our top priority, and we trust that our list has armed you with valuable online tools. If you’re eager for more cybersecurity insights, stay tuned. Savvy is always ready to share expert knowledge and tech treasures. Here’s to smoother, safer online adventures. Stay Savvy, secure, and seamless in your digital journey. Until next time
TL;DR: what is the best free VPN in 2024?
- ProtonVPN: Privacy champions with no data limit.
- Hide.me: Simplicity, speed, and a generous 10 GB monthly data limit.
- Speedify: Emphasis on seamless connectivity and competitive speeds.
- Hola VPN: Innovative peer-to-peer network for unlimited data and geo-unblocking.
- Surfshark: Unlimited data in the free trial and an extensive server network.
- TunnelBear: Diverse server network and strong privacy features.
- Windscribe: Substantial monthly data allowance, a broad server network, and unlimited device connections.
- PrivadoVPN: Multiple devices with a 10 GB data limit and reliable performance.
- Atlas VPN: Privacy-focused with a 5 GB monthly data limit and extra security features.
- Hotspot Shield: Impressive speed with time-based usage limits and limited server options
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Additional Resources:
Privacy Organizations:
Speed/IP Test :
- Speedtest.net (The most common tool for Speed Tests)
- ShowMyIP.com (The most reliable website for IP checking)
VPN Review Sites:
- Restore Privacy (Strong privacy focus in their reviews)
- Comparitech (Occasionally have free VPN articles)