Best Free VPN (July 2023)

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According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2022 Internet Crime Report, almost $30 billion was lost to internet crimes in the past five years. That’s why it’s no surprise that seven out of 10 Americans use a VPN for increased security. Yet, only 54% of such VPN users feel safe.

And true, six out of 10 users experience cyberattacks while using a VPN. That’s because they turn to free VPNs that seem cost-efficient, but harbor malware or engage in underhanded practices that expose them to such attacks. So, to help you, we’ve compiled the best free VPNs. While they may not be completely free, we recommend taking advantage of the opportunities they offer for free.

Are Free VPNs Safe?

While using a completely free VPN appears cost-efficient, there are a few reasons to avoid them. Free VPNs often limit speed, data usage, the number of servers and device connections and hardly unblock streaming sites. But that’s not all—no VPN can operate without money, so they tend to make their money in other ways, which often turns out bad for users. Here’s what most of them do:

  • They sell user data to advertising agencies and analytics companies.
  • They rely on weak security features, leaving you vulnerable to cybercriminals and government spies.
  • They display ads that link you to malicious sites or redirect your traffic to partner sites, earning them commissions and causing you frustration.

So, to save you some money, we recommend choosing a free version of some of the best VPNs. While some offer free plans without compromising your data or identity, we recommend optimizing the opportunities they provide to explore their features and functions for free through trial periods and money-back guarantees.

8 Free VPNs of 2023

How To Choose the Best Free VPN

When considering which free VPN to choose, you’ll generally want to ensure the VPN you choose offers specific features for your needs, advanced security and unblocking features, optimum speed and performance, and a privacy policy you can trust. And since you’re trying to see if it’s worth your money, choose one with a trial opportunity period fair enough to let you access its premium features.

Essential Features of a Free VPN

Even though you’re not paying for it, here are a few details to look out for when choosing a free VPN.

  • Privacy and security: Look for solid encryption protocols and privacy features such as a kill switch and dedicated IP, which can protect you from malicious threats.
  • Streaming capability: Consider VPNs that provide content-unblocking features even during trials.
  • Privacy policy: Look out for a VPN with a strict no-logs policy that is also transparent and audited.

Speed and Performance

Because VPNs pass your data through specific servers, they tend to slow down your internet speed. Still, consider the average download and upload speed a free VPN offers. After all, you need speed for video streaming, online gaming and the like. You can use speed tools such as Ookla to see how these VPNs fare in terms of speed and performance.

Trial Plan and Money-back Guarantee

You need to consider a few things when jumping on VPN free trials or their money-back guarantee to explore their paid versions. You’ll need to determine if the trial period offers enough time to test the VPN. Also, pay attention to the money-back guarantee. Ask these questions:

  • Is the refund open to everyone, or is it a case-by-case policy?
  • Can I get a refund if I subscribed through a third party or paid with, say, cryptocurrency?
  • Will I get a full refund?
  • How long does the refund process take?


Christiana Jolaoso

Christiana Jolaoso-Oloyede creates compelling content for B2B tech companies. She also empowers business leaders with unbiased data-driven information needed to run their SMBs. She has worked with web publications and tech brands such as U.S News & World Report, Elevato, LeadDyno and OMTech.

Reviewed By Kelly Main

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