Since 2019, I have been producing content about virtual private networks (VPNs) for Mashable, and I’ve discovered that “best VPN” and “paid VPN” are fundamentally synonymous. To obtain a VPN that emphasizes privacy, with a range of features and server options, you will likely need to allocate around the price of an upscale matcha latte each month.
Nevertheless, while “free” usually raises red flags, there are two notable exceptions for those on the hunt for the top free VPNs.
Among the reputable VPN services I have evaluated, both Proton VPN and TunnelBear provide free subscription tiers. These options are ideal for individuals with basic browsing requirements who are on a tight budget. They permit only a single connection at a time and come with many restrictions, so it’s important to manage your expectations, but they can be valuable for certain circumstances. Crucially, they follow the same privacy protocols as their paid counterparts, including no-logs policies. They are also backed by their paid plans, indicating that Proton VPN and TunnelBear do not benefit financially from their free users.
I recommend steering clear of completely free VPNs that lack funding from paid subscriptions or impose usage limitations. At best, they may inundate you with advertisements; at worst, some free VPNs have been found to track, leak, or sell user data and even bundle malware within their applications. While not all are harmful, it is prudent to exercise extreme caution when selecting a VPN, as online privacy is the primary justification for utilizing one. If something appears too good to be true, it usually is.
Below, I examine the capabilities and restrictions of the two top free VPNs I have tested.
Proton VPN: The top free VPN for everyday use
What it can do
This is the free VPN I utilize for additional security while working from a café. The free tier of Proton VPN has no limits on data or speed, allowing for usage around the clock, within reason. Proton may enforce speed caps “in cases of excessive consumption to guarantee service quality for all [free] users,” according to its privacy policy.
Free users can take advantage of Proton VPN’s kill switch and its custom Stealth protocol, which is designed to bypass VPN blocks. This may attract journalists and activists in regions that are not friendly to the technology. The company backs online freedom initiatives, including the expansion of additional free servers in countries notorious for government censorship and misinformation campaigns prior to elections.
What it can’t do
Free Proton VPN users do not have access to live chat support or advanced features such as split tunneling, Secure Core servers, or the VPN Accelerator tool. Free users are restricted to approximately 2,300 servers in five countries—Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the United States—and cannot select their server location. There is a waiting time between server changes that increases with each switch. Finding a fast, available server can take some time. Proton VPN Plus subscribers have access to over 13,600 servers across 122 countries.
Due to limited server options, Proton VPN Free is not ideal for general location spoofing or bypassing popular streaming services unless your needs pertain to one of those five countries. Even then, there’s no guarantee you’ll quickly reach your desired server location.
Read my comprehensive review of Proton VPN.
TunnelBear: The best free VPN for occasional location spoofing
What it can do
TunnelBear Free users can pick servers at the country level throughout its full network, making it perfect for quick, one-time location spoofing. TunnelBear had locations in 47 countries at the time of this writing; while it lacks extensive global diversity, it provides more choices and flexibility compared to its competitors.
In terms of features, TunnelBear’s free users can activate its kill switch (VigilantBear) and its split tunneling tool (SplitBear), which allows for different types of traffic to be exempted based on the platform. Users can also personalize the look of their TunnelBear application.
What it can’t do
TunnelBear Free users are restricted to 2GB of data each month, so it cannot be continuously active. I reached that cap in a single afternoon while leaving the VPN running during work. Even if you could stay connected 24/7, streaming hours of content would not be feasible. Although TunnelBear Free is effective for location spoofing, I have never succeeded in unblocking geo-restricted content on international streaming services due to VPN detection. This was also the case when I examined TunnelBear Unlimited, its paid tier.
TunnelBear Free users don’t miss out on many features compared to paying users because TunnelBear is not an exceptionally feature-rich VPN service. It does not offer multi-hop, on-demand customer support, and operates on fewer platforms than other premium VPNs.
Read my full review of TunnelBear.