The argument for free VPNs is simple: why pay for privacy when you can get it for nothing? This may sound like good logic. In fact, some experts argue that your free VPN is safe, but I’ve used some of the most popular free VPNs—Opera VPN, Windscribe, Hide.me, and ProtonVPN—and there is only one I’d really recommend using full-time.

Criteria	What it means
Privacy policy	Whether the VPN logs your activity, collects identifiable data, or has been independently audited.
Speed	How fast it performs in real-world use during browsing, streaming, and downloads.
Data limit	How much weekly or monthly data you have before the VPN stops or slows down.
Device support	How many devices and platforms the VPN’s free plan supports.
Reputation	Overall trustworthiness of the VPN, based on history, transparency, and user feedback.

Opera VPN

Built-in convenience doesn’t cover all my data

Opera’s VPN is very convenient, requiring no sign-ups or downloads. This Opera feature is an easy-to-use solution if your goal is merely to mask your IP address.

However, rather than being a full VPN, its scope doesn’t go beyond encrypting traffic within the browser window. This leaves background data and other non-browser applications exposed and unencrypted. It also lacks a kill switch, leaving your IP and data exposed when the connection suddenly drops.

It provides an extra layer of masking for everyday browsing, but it isn’t the most effective at bypassing geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms, such as Netflix. It’s a tool for convenience, just like the Vivaldi built-in VPN, but not for robust digital privacy. Still, Opera’s VPN doesn’t keep logs, which is more than can be said for other free VPNs.

Hide.me

The privacy-first option with real technical depth

On the surface, Hide.me appears to be built with genuine privacy in mind, but it is only partially open-source. It offers several protocols, a kill switch, and a Network Protection feature that works well; you can even use it without signing up.

However, some of the servers I use are quite slow to connect, and I occasionally receive CAPTCHA requests that disrupt the workflow. This may be a side effect of shared free IPs. It has several technical options that would be overwhelming for a casual user.

Still, Hide.me’s No Logs policy is great, and it has undergone a few transparent audits. It’s not the easiest option to use as a daily driver.

It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), and I still rate it miles above Opera VPN and Hotspot Shield.

Windscribe

Generous data and solid control, but not flawless

Windscribe is an open-source option that gives a lot for a free VPN. It offers up to 10GB of monthly data, servers in 10 countries, and no limit on connected devices. That already beats most free VPNs that I’ve tried.

Its R.O.B.E.R.T. feature is its built-in malware and ad blocker, and it’s quite effective at filtering junk. Its Firewall (kill switch) is reliable. You get fine-tuned settings like split tunneling, and you can switch between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.

I also like the speed, but the app design feels dated. And I feel uneasy knowing it’s based in Canada, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Although it appears to have a robust privacy policy, under certain laws, it may be legally compelled to share data with intelligence partners ifrequested.

It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). If I were to choose a second-best option, it would be Windscribe.

Proton VPN

The rare free VPN that actually delivers

Of all the free VPNs that I tested, Proton VPN is the most complete. It is based in Switzerland, where privacy laws are among the strictest, and it has undergone several independent audits. There are no ads or hidden trackers, and it offers access to the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, as well as Proton’s own Stealth mode that obfuscates VPN traffic so that it mimics normal traffic.

It performs well, and I do not notice any sudden drops or data caps. It maintains smooth speeds while browsing and HD streaming. It is a rare free VPN that offers an unlimited data plan. However, it does not allow you to pick specific servers, but the basics are handled very well.

It’s open source, and its free model only exists because of paying subscribers. It’s available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (Play Store / F-Droid / APK), iOS, and has browser extensions. When I consider its reputation, transparency, and reliability, for a free VPN, it feels less like a compromise.

Proton VPN

Logging policy No logs

Encryption AES-256 or ChaCha20

Mobile app Yes

Proton VPN is a virtual private network service that provides a secure and private way to use the internet by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. It has a strict no-logs policy and privacy policy.

Proton VPN: the only free VPN I use

After trying these free VPNs, Proton is the only one I will trust. It’s based in Switzerland with solid privacy laws, has undergone independent audits, and its apps are open source, so I don’t have to trust the service blindly. It offers an unlimited data plan without ads and offers the best speeds of the lot. And because the free plan is funded by paying users, you don’t have to trade privacy for convenience.

A VPN is a crucial part of a comprehensive privacy solution; however, several VPN scandals have occurred, so it is essential to choose your VPN carefully.