6 Best Free VPNs for PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, and More

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool in the digital era, providing the utmost importance for your online safety. The best free VPN enhances your browsing experience by granting anonymity, safeguarding your identity, and enabling you to stream content from different countries, all without any cost involved.

Nevertheless, the reality is that there exists an extensive array of free VPNs, and the majority of them fall short in terms of quality. It's surprising how numerous free VPN apps bombard you with unwanted ads and compromise your data privacy.

After carefully reviewing over 100 VPN services, iMoFone tests and reassesses its top selections to ensure their continued excellence. In this comprehensive guide, we conduct a comparative analysis of free and premium VPNs, considering factors such as speed, server locations, unblocking capabilities, privacy, and security. By examining these aspects, we assist you in selecting the most suitable VPN free service for your needs.

Worries When Selecting and Downloading a Free VPN

While free VPN services may appear enticing due to their lack of monetary cost, you have to meet some inevitable compromises. Typically, these completely free VPN providers generate revenue through invasive advertisements or by selling your browsing data to third parties, which undermines the very essence of privacy.

Consequently, most free VPN services, no matter a PC free VPN, a free VPN for Mac, or some free VPNs for iOS and Android, all prove ineffective when it comes to unblocking content and often create a false sense of security. The best free services are primarily designed to enable you to experience the complete product for some limits,  like restricting your speed, time, servers, data usage, and something like that.

However, it is essential to remember that price does not always equal quality, and some of the top VPN services can be obtained for as little as $2 or £2 per month. Opting for VPN providers that offer both paid and free VPN services, even if a VPN free with certain limitations, can be a wise choice. These top-notch free VPNs deliver superior performance and protection without burdening your finances.

The Best Free VPN in 2023

1. PrivadoVPN Free ★★★★★

The best free VPN - Supports unblocking Netflix and iPlayer

PrivadoVPN Free has emerged as a leading VPN provider, surpassing Proton and gaining the top spot. With a dedicated team focused on overcoming geoblocks, it stands out for its reliable ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, a feat that most paid services struggle to achieve. 

Basic Info:

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux 

Data limit: 10 GB at full speed, then unlimited via a single 1 Mbps location 

Connections: 1 

Server locations: 13 

Countries: 10

24/7 live chat support: Website, email

Choose If:

You need a free Netflix VPN: PrivadoVPN is one of the only free VPN providers that can truly unblock Netflix.

You want a fast free VPN: WireGuard encryption is accessible on PrivadoVPN's free plan, enabling you to get fantastic speeds no matter what.

You may need premium features: most VPN services block features behind a paywall, but not PrivadoVPN. Split tunneling, auto-connect, and kill switch features are included as standard.

Do not Choose If: 

You expect totally unlimited data: PrivadoVPN offers unparalleled performance, but only for 10 GB. After that, your speeds are seriously restricted.

You want a Linux app: Linux installations only operate a command-line interface. It is not a VPN free first choice for Linux.

Pros and Cons:

✔️ Unblocks US Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer 

✔️ 10GB full-speed data a month, plus unlimited low-speed traffic 

✔️ Super-fast speeds

✔️ Plenty of customization

✔️ Easy-to-use apps

❌ Some features are locked behind the premium service

PrivadoVPN Free offers an impressive range of customization and security features, including a kill switch, always-on VPN, and split-tunneling capabilities. Users have control over their encryption protocol and can opt for the faster and more secure WireGuard option. With a maximum speed of 350 Mbps, it ranks second among free VPN services, and its generous 10 GB monthly allowance is sufficient for most users. In the event of exceeding the data limit, PrivadoVPN switches to an "over-quota" mode, providing unlimited data with reduced speed on a dedicated server. Although an independent privacy audit has not been conducted yet, PrivadoVPN has expressed its intention to pursue it in the future.

Overall, PrivadoVPN Free stands out as a premium VPN service that surpasses the competition. Its exceptional streaming capabilities make it a standout choice, and its availability at no cost adds to its appeal. While PrivadoVPN Free supports a single connection at a time, its reliability, performance, and extensive server network make it a top choice for users seeking a high-quality VPN without the need for a paid subscription.

2. Proton VPN Free ★★★★☆

Unlimited data allowance and advocates for digital privacy

Proton VPN Free, while not topping the #1 in our Best Free VPN charts, remains an exceptional service that offers a remarkable experience without burdening users with excessive limits or restrictions. It stands out as a free VPN option that can be used over the long term, thanks to its impressive mix of features, power, and app quality.

Basic Info:

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux 

Data limit: Unlimited 

Connections: 1 

Countries: 3 

Support: Website, email

Choose If:

You want an unlimited free VPN: unlike most free providers, Proton VPN free doesn't cap data usage on its free plan.

You need a free open-source VPN: Proton VPN is proudly open-source, meaning anyone can audit and verify its claims.

You also want a free Linux VPN: Proton VPN offers free installation on Linux and even comes with a graphical user interface (GUI).

Do not Choose If: 

You need a specific server in the UK: ProtonVPN only offers free servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. If you need servers elsewhere, you can choose PrivadoVPN or Windscribe.

You expect a torrenting free VPN: if you want access to Proton VPN's P2P servers, you'll need to upgrade to the premium version. So you can select PrivadoVPN free instead.

Pros and Cons: 

✔️ Unlimted data useage

✔️ Fast servers

✔️ Feature-packed open-sourced and audited apps

✔️ Reliable kill switch

❌ Only three locations

Proton VPN Free stands apart by offering unlimited data, eliminating the need to worry about data caps or restrictions. With essential privacy features like a kill switch and support for WireGuard, Proton VPN Free ensures a secure online experience. While it has limitations such as access to only three locations and a single simultaneous connection, its well-engineered, audited apps deliver exceptional speeds and a user-friendly interface.

While Proton VPN Free may not cater to everyone's specific needs, it excels at VPN core needs and surpasses much of the competition, providing reliable and fast VPN functionality. Its unlimited data offering, coupled with essential privacy features, makes it a desirable choice for most users. Although it has restrictions on locations and simultaneous connections, Proton VPN Free maintains its appeal with robust security measures and top-notch performance.

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3. Windscribe Free  ★★★★☆

Powerful and secure with a generous data cap

Windscribe Free VPN is a top-ranking Canadian service that stands out with its impressive mix of features, securing its place among the top three VPN providers. With its generous simultaneous connection allowance, wide network coverage, and the ability to unblock popular streaming services, Windscribe Free VPN offers an appealing option for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich VPN experience.

Basic Info: 

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS 

Data limit: 10 GB 

Connections: Unlimited 

Server locations: 14 

Countries: 11 

Support: Website, email

Choose If:

You need unlimited simultaneous connections: Windscribe doesn't care how many devices you use, but it does give you a 10 GB data limit.

You want lots of server locations: 14 server locations is more than any other free VPN service this guide recommends.

Do not Choose If: 

You want a fast free VPN: Windscribe's speeds are decent, and more than enough for most tasks, but you will enjoy much better speeds from the competition.

You want more than 10 GB of data: 10 GB doesn't go as far as it used to, and if you use it to stream or torrent, it'll run out quickly. If you need a truly unlimited service, select Proton VPN instead.

Pros and Cons: 

✔️ Plenty of advanced features

✔️ Unlimited simultaneous connections

✔️ Unblocks UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer

❌ Speeds can't match the best

While Windscribe Free VPN's monthly data allowance is limited to 10 GB, it still offers ample protection for online activities. A notable advantage of Windscribe Free VPN is its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to install and use the VPN on multiple devices concurrently. With a network spanning 14 locations across 11 countries, Windscribe Free VPN surpasses many competitors in terms of network coverage. Although its average speeds of 240 Mbps are slightly lower than Proton VPN Free, they are still satisfactory for most users' needs.

The recent app revamps have made Windscribe Free VPN's interface more user-friendly, although some users may find it slightly cluttered. However, the addition of a server location search function enhances usability. Despite not having specialized streaming servers like Windflix, Windscribe Free VPN successfully unblocks UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer, showcasing its commitment to content accessibility even for non-paying users. While it may not match the offerings of Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN, Windscribe Free VPN comes remarkably close, making it a viable choice for many individuals.

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4. Atlas VPN Free ★★★☆☆

Speedy and secure with a big bonus for Macs

Atlas VPN Free stands out initially with its impressive data allowance, particularly for Mac VPN users who can enjoy a generous 2 GB per day. While the number of available locations is limited to just three, including the Netherlands, Los Angeles, and New York, the service allows simultaneous connections on multiple devices, surpassing other free VPN providers. Speed tests reveal above-average performance, reaching 320 Mbps, and the inclusion of P2P support makes Atlas VPN Free a potential choice for torrenting.

Basic Info:

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Data limit: 10 GB per month (2 GB per day for Mac) 

Connections: 2 

Server locations: 3 

Countries: 2 

Support: Website, email

Choose If:

You want a VPN free for Disney+ 

You need a free Mac VPN

Do not Choose If: 

You need an unlimited free VPN

You need a reliable free VPN

Pros and Cons: 

✔️ Relatively generous with data

✔️ Fast for a free VPN

✔️ Unblocks Disney Plus

❌ Few features

❌ Some usability issues

The apps provided by Atlas VPN Free cover the essential features and perform reliably, with the kill switch passing all tests. However, they lack advanced functionalities and present minor usability issues, falling short in comparison to competitors like PrivadoVPN. Despite this, Atlas VPN Free deserves recognition for undergoing an independent audit, although it is limited to the iOS app, while TunnelBear Free VPN conducts comprehensive annual audits covering all aspects of its service.

While Atlas VPN Free does not extensively support unblocking streaming sites, it was successful in accessing Disney Plus during tests, suggesting that it may have some success with other platforms. Although Atlas VPN Free has certain limitations, its impressive data allowance, solid performance, and P2P support make it a noteworthy choice for Mac users seeking a reliable and generous free VPN option.

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5. Hide.me Free VPN  ★★★☆☆

Expert-level privacy protection for free

Hide.me Free VPN is a solid choice with standout features that make it worth considering. It offers a monthly data allowance of 10 GB and access to P2P-friendly locations in the USA, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. Additionally, it supports the fast WireGuard protocol for reliable encryption.

Basic Info:

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Data limit: 10 GB

Connections: 1 

Server locations: 5 

Countries: 4 

Support: Website, email, live chat

Choose If:

You want a torrenting free VPN

You need an anonymous free VPN

Do not Choose If: 

You want a free VPN that's fast

You are a VPN beginner

Pros and Cons: 

✔️ 10 GB of data per month

✔️ P2P support

✔️ Highly configurable

❌ Poor connection speeds

❌ Apps can seem complex

Compared to other free VPNs, Hide.me stands out with its extensive features and customization options. These include auto-connect for untrusted Wi-Fi, custom DNS, split tunneling, a robust kill switch, advanced protocol tweaks, and capable browser extensions. While these features are beneficial for advanced users, they may make the interface appear more complex compared to services like Privado and Proton.

Performance is a concern, as Hide.me Free VPN's download speeds average around 25 Mbps, which is considerably slower than other top providers. However, it is still sufficient for general browsing, streaming, and most online tasks. If you require the advanced features offered by Hide.me's app, it could be a suitable choice. However, considering the competition and the absence of a price, it may not be the most compelling option overall.

6. Hotspot Shield Basic VPN ★★★☆☆

Absolutely no data limits, but look out for the ads

Hotspot Shield Basic is a popular free VPN plan that now offers unlimited data across all platforms. This sets it apart from other free VPNs that often impose monthly data limits. 

Basic Info:

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux 

Data limit: Unlimited 

Connections: 1 

Server locations: 1 

Countries: 1 

Support: Website

Choose If:

You need lots of data

You want a fast free VPN

Do not Choose If: 

You want more than one server location

You need a kill switch

Pros and Cons: 

✔️ Unlimited bandwidth

✔️ Easy to use

✔️ Decent speeds

✔️ Single US location only

❌  No kill switch

❌ No email or live chat support

There are limitations to consider. One major drawback is that Hotspot Shield Basic only allows users to connect to a single location in the US, whereas other providers offer support for multiple countries. Another concern is the lack of a kill switch feature, which means that if the VPN connection drops, your traffic may be exposed. Additionally, Hotspot Shield Basic does not provide live chat or email support, leaving users to troubleshoot issues themselves by browsing the Hotspot Shield website.

Considering these limitations, Hotspot Shield Basic may not be the top recommendation compared to other providers, even with its unlimited data offering. However, it can still serve as a useful option for simple tasks or as a backup VPN solution. Exploring the service firsthand will help determine if it meets your specific requirements.

What Is a VPN? What Is a Free VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a cybersecurity tool designed to safeguard your device against hackers, cybercriminals, and prying eyes. It achieves this by encrypting your data and redirecting it through a secure server located in a different part of the world. By doing so, it enables you to mask your actual location by changing your IP address, which is a unique identifier for your device and location. A free VPN, as the name suggests, is a service that provides VPN functionalities at no cost to the user.

By utilizing a VPN, you benefit from enhanced digital privacy and the ability to access censored or restricted content from any location. This comprehensive solution ensures the protection of your personal information while offering the freedom to bypass geographical limitations.

Should You Use a Free VPN?

The answer to whether a free VPN is suitable for you depends on your specific needs and intended usage. If you're looking for enhanced security while using public Wi-Fi on your laptop or mobile device, a free VPN can offer that extra layer of protection. By connecting to an encrypted server, you can confidently carry out your online activities, knowing that your private information is shielded from prying eyes.

However, if your primary goal is to stream content or engage in extensive torrenting, a free VPN may not be the best solution. Most free VPNs impose limitations on data usage, which can be quickly exhausted, disrupting your streaming or downloading experience. Additionally, free VPNs often lack the necessary support and server coverage to facilitate seamless access to streaming platforms or support efficient torrenting.

In a word, while a free VPN can provide basic security benefits, its limitations make it less suitable for data-intensive activities like streaming or torrenting. Evaluating your specific requirements will help determine whether a free VPN meets your needs or if opting for a paid VPN service would be a more suitable choice.

Is a Free VPN Safe?

Although free VPNs are often criticized for being less effective than paid alternatives, there are additional risks associated with some providers (fortunately not with the free VPN services mentioned above).

A 2020 research study revealed that approximately 40% of the free VPNs found on the Google Play Store fail to adequately safeguard their users' privacy. This means that the promised online protection may be lacking or non-existent.

It's essential to be cautious and selective when choosing a free VPN service, as not all providers prioritize user privacy and security. Conducting thorough research and opting for reputable and trusted VPNs can help ensure that you receive the level of online protection you expect.

The Bottom Line

Free VPNs offer an affordable solution for individuals who are unable to purchase a premium service, allowing them to safeguard their online activities and bypass restrictive censorship by accessing foreign content. However, the abundance of unreliable services makes it challenging to determine which VPNs can be trusted. That's precisely why we have curated a list of the top free VPNs in this article, providing insight into the world of free VPNs and highlighting their distinctions from premium counterparts.