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8 Best (REALLY FREE) VPNs in 2021 — Safe, Fast, and …
After using a premium VPN for years, I was curious if any free services could save me money and offer the same benefits (without risking my online safety). The short answer is no — most free VPNs can’t unblock streaming platforms like Netflix, come with slow speeds, and offer limitations that make them almost unusable. They can even be dangerous — some have harmful malware embedded in the app, while others have even been caught selling private data to third parties.
However, after testing 100+ free VPNs, my team and I discovered a handful that have strong security features to keep you safe. Some have added benefits and can unblock popular streaming platforms. Unfortunately, all of them come with limitations.
Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN was the best — It’s really safe to use and reliably unblocks all major streaming sites. On top of that, it doesn’t limit you in any way, so you can surf the web and stream as much as you want. Even though it’s not 100% free, you can test it out risk-free, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not impressed, then just ask for a full refund.
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today!
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs — Tested in October 2021
ExpressVPN — Top-tier security features to keep you safe, plus lightning-fast speeds for streaming and torrenting (and you can try it risk-free because it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee).
CyberGhost — Robust security features and dedicated servers for streaming and P2P transfers.
Avira Phantom VPN — User-friendly apps to protect all your devices since you get unlimited simultaneous connections, but it doesn’t come with a kill switch.
ProtonVPN — Unlimited data and a no-logs policy to keep you protected, but you can only connect to 3 server locations.
— Fast speeds to browse the web, but you only get 500MB of data per day (that’s only enough to watch YouTube for 30 minutes).
And 3 more reliable free VPNs
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Now!
Best Free VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated October 2021)
1. ExpressVPN — Military-Grade Security Features to Protect Your Online Anonymity
Unlimited data and superfast speeds to stream and browse the web without interruptions
Strict zero-logs policy, military-grade 256-bit encryption, and an automatic kill switch to safeguard your privacy
3, 000 servers in 90 countries that give you access to geo-blocked sites around the globe
5 simultaneous device connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more
ExpressVPN is a highly trusted VPN provider that offers top-tier security features to keep you safe online. It has military-grade 256-bit encryption, which scrambles your data so well that it would take billions of years to crack. It also comes with an automatic kill switch (called Network Lock) that protects you even if the VPN unexpectedly disconnects. At one point, my Macbook went into sleep mode while ExpressVPN was connected. When I turned it back on, Network Lock immediately warned me that my internet was disabled until the VPN reconnected (it only took about 3 seconds).
You can use ExpressVPN’s built-in kill switch to keep you protected if the VPN suddenly disconnects
It operates under a strict no-logs policy, too. While reading through it, I also found out that ExpressVPN regularly hires security companies to perform audits of its policies. The results have always been good — its no-logs claims are true. On top of that, ExpressVPN’s entire network runs on RAM-based servers that automatically erase your browsing history when you disconnect. You’ll never have to worry about your personal data being shared because it can’t possibly be recorded.
ExpressVPN has unlimited bandwidth and superfast speeds. During my tests, I connected to more than 20 servers (including the US, UK, and Australia) and had an average speed of 52 Mbps. Since you only need 5 Mbps to stream in HD, this was more than enough to watch my favorite series in high quality. I could access so much streaming content, too — I was able to access my US Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu accounts (and dozens of other popular streaming sites) and load shows in a few seconds. You won’t endure annoying lag if you need to access your favorite movies and shows while abroad.
I was also able to access UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Hulu.
In contrast to most free VPNs, I never experienced any issues finding a reliable server with ExpressVPN. It has an extensive server network with 3, 000 servers in 90 countries (and they’re all P2P-friendly). It also works in countries with strict censorship (like Turkey, the UAE, and Iran) and can bypass the Great Firewall of China. (If you plan to use a VPN in one of these countries, we encourage you to be careful and check the local laws first).
ExpressVPN also allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. This gives you the freedom to stream on your phone as you work on your computer while your other family members surf the web safely on their own devices.
It even includes split tunneling that allows you to choose what traffic passes through the VPN. Simply select which apps will use the VPN and which you’ll access with your regular IP. I tested this by setting my US online banking app not to use the VPN connection. After connecting to a server in the UK, I could still easily access my banking app without CAPTCHA checks or being blocked. This means you’ll never have to worry about losing access to your online banking and domestic streaming sites when you connect to the VPN.
The only downside is that ExpressVPN isn’t technically free. However, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can test all its premium features risk-free and claim a full refund if you’re not satisfied. I tried this policy myself using its 24/7 live chat support. After answering a few questions, my refund was approved, and I had my money back in 4 working days.
Start Risk-Free with ExpressVPN!
2. CyberGhost — Superior Security Features to Keep Your Identity Safe
Impressive speeds and unlimited bandwidth to stream and browse as much as you want
No-logs policy, top-of-the-line encryption, and an effective kill switch to protect your anonymity
7, 260 servers in 90 countries to access content from all over the world
7 simultaneous device connections
45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost comes with impressive security features, so you’re sure to be anonymous online. It offers AES-256 encryption, which makes it impossible for anyone to intercept your personal information. To make it even better, it has an automatic kill switch. In case the VPN disconnects, your internet connection will be shut down. I tested it when I switched from a US to a UK server — in the 10 seconds it took to connect, my WiFi was down. This prevents security breaches, so your data is always protected.
It has a solid no-logs policy, meaning that it doesn’t keep any information about you. Your browsing history, IP address, and real location and never exposed, not even to the VPN. Besides, the No-Spy servers instantly erase any trace of you ever being connected. This way, you’re sure to be protected and anonymous while you browse the internet.
Thanks to its superfast speeds, you’ll never have to wait for a stream or website to load. During my tests, I had an average of 130 Mbps, which is more than enough for any online activity. It didn’t even make a difference that I was thousands of miles away from the server. The best part is that you also get unlimited bandwidth — this means that you can browse, stream, and play video games as much as you want.
With these speeds, you won’t have to worry about lag, buffering, or random interruptions
CyberGhost has an extensive server network spanning all over the world. I tested locations in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and France, and I was impressed with all of them. What I liked the most are its specialized streaming profiles — you can easily unblock over 50 streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, SlingTV, BBC iPlayer, and many more. It also has P2P-optimized servers, which means that you’ll be protected during file transfers.
You’ll have no problem accessing geo-restricted content with CyberGhost’s specialized streaming profiles
You can connect up to 7 devices under a single subscription. This means that you can keep all your devices protected at the same time. I tested its effectiveness by connecting my 2 laptops, tablet and smartphone to one of its US servers. Then, I played different movies and shows on all of them. I was impressied to see that all the streams were flawless, without interruptions. This means that you can take full advantage of CyberGhost and use it on all your devices.
If you want to test it out, you can use CyberGhost’s 24-hour free-trial, followed by its 45-day money back guarantee. During the trial period, you can try out all its features and see if you like it. I simply activated it by following the guide on its website, and I was ready to go. However, I also tested its money-back guarantee. The agent I contacted through the live chat support didn’t try to stop me from canceling, and approved my request after a quick chat — I had my money back within 5 days.
Start FREE With CyberGhost!
3. Avira Phantom VPN — Protect All Your Devices with User-Friendly Apps
1GB data per month and fast speeds to browse the web without annoying lag
Minimal logging policy and AES 256-bit encryption to protect your privacy
1 server location
Unlimited simultaneous device connections
Can unblock: Only local sites (the free plan only connects to local servers)
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
You can protect as many devices as you want with Avira Phantom VPN. Most free services only let you connect 1 device, and even paid options don’t often let you connect more than 6 or 7. It’s available on all major operating systems as well — I installed it on my Macbook, iPhone, and Windows laptop, and it was easy to use on all of them. It only took 2 minutes to set up, and I was connected with 1 click, so it’s a good option if you’re new to VPNs.
It’s also a safe and secure VPN (although it doesn’t work in countries that restrict VPN use, like China). It supports IKEv2 and OpenVPN (which is the most secure protocol available). And with 256-bit encryption, your online data is well hidden. When I performed leak tests on my Macbook, no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks were detected.
Keep your online anonymity protected with Avira Phantom VPN
After reading its logging policy, I found that Avira Phantom VPN takes your privacy seriously. It doesn’t store any of your browsing history, data, or personal information, either.
These strong security and privacy features are also useful because it supports torrenting, so you can download files safely. When I tested out its torrenting capabilities, I had a speed of 29 Mbps, which is pretty impressive. I was able to download a 50MB (copyright-free! ) file in 25 seconds. However, I was disappointed that there’s no automatic kill switch and ran out of my data allowance of 1GB per month pretty quickly.
With Avira Phantom VPN, you don’t need to worry about slow speeds while torrenting
Even though you can only connect to a server using the “Nearest Location” feature, this free VPN is still a great option if you just want to protect your online privacy. I’d recommend it for casual safe browsing or to protect yourself when using public WiFi networks.
Even better, it offers a 7-day free trial of the premium version when you download it on your smartphone. With the trial, I could choose from 1, 400 server locations, and could access my US Netflix account. However, I was disappointed that it’s only available for Android and iOS and I still only had 1GB of data — I could only watch Netflix in HD for 20 minutes before the VPN cut me off.
With the free plan, you cannot make use of Avira Phantom VPN’s customer support. However, Avira Phantom VPN has a massive database on its website where most questions are answered. While looking for a setup guide for the VPN on my Macbook, I found that it has more than 25 video tutorials with easy installation guides. This means you shouldn’t have trouble finding an answer to your Avira Phantom VPN-related questions.
Start FREE with Avira Phantom VPN!
4. ProtonVPN — No Data Caps for Unlimited Safe Browsing
Unlimited data and consistent speeds to browse the internet without any interruptions
Strict no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch to protect your online activity
3 free server locations
1 simultaneous device connection
Can unblock: Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, Kodi
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers
ProtonVPN’s free service offers unlimited data, so you can surf the web and download as much as you want. I was impressed by this since most free VPNs only offer between 500MB – 10GB per month. This means you can leave it running all the time and won’t run out of data.
Its strong security features ensure you can browse the internet safely. The VPN offers powerful AES 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch. It uses OpenVPN, which is the safest protocol in the industry. ProtonVPN also offers IP/DNS leak protection. I tested all 3 server locations and didn’t encounter any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.
ProtonVPN has a clear zero-logging policy that is strictly enforced. I was impressed with how straightforward it is. While reading through it, I found that all the apps are open-source and have undergone security audits. This way, ProtonVPN adds an extra layer of safety and transparency to its VPN.
Since ProtonVPN keeps no logs, you’re kept fully anonymous online.
Additionally, ProtonVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which is outside of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance. This means that even if it did store personal data, it could never be forced to hand it over even if a government agency asked for it.
The VPN is easy to use and doesn’t have annoying ads, which helps it run smoothly — it only took 5 seconds to load and connect on my Macbook. However, my speeds were inconsistent. During my tests, I had fast rates of around 26 Mbps on local servers, but long-distance servers made my speeds drop.
You only get 1 device connection, but there is a way to connect all your devices — ProtonVPN offers router support with the free plan, which is very rare with free VPNs. And while you don’t have access to Secure Core (Double VPN) or Tor servers, you get other extra features like custom DNS settings and split tunneling.
Since you only get access to 17 servers in Japan, Netherlands, and the US, if you’re not located close to one of these regions, you’ll probably have slow speeds. These servers were also overcrowded when I used them, which slowed my connection, too.
In addition, I couldn’t access any popular streaming sites like Netflix or Disney+ with the free servers and was disappointed that none of them support torrenting, either. While ProtonVPN is a super safe VPN, it’s not a good option if you want to watch streaming apps or download torrents.
If you ever run into any issues using ProtonVPN, don’t count on a speedy response from customer support. ProtonVPN doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat. However, even though it took 3 days to receive a response, they were informative and helpful with my questions about router setup.
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5. — Fast Speeds to Browse Without Slowdowns
10GB data per month and fast speeds for streaming and browsing
AES-256 encryption, automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection to secure your data traffic
5 free server locations
Can unblock: Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram
I got great speeds with I tested my speeds on all 5 free servers and never experienced a rate slower than 25 Mbps. On top of that, you get a generous 10 GB of free data every month. That gives you about 3. 5 hours of HD streaming. And since ’s speeds are much faster than the 5 Mbps you need for that, you won’t have to worry about any annoying buffering.
It has advanced security features and a no-logs policy too, including strong AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. While reading through its logging policy, I found that doesn’t log any personal browsing data. However, it temporarily tracks your total amount of data traffic, your randomly generated VPN username, and assigned IP addresses. This data is erased every few hours and is completely anonymous. Although not flawless, ’s privacy policy and excellent security features protect your online identity.
It also supports multiple VPN protocols like IKEv2 and OpenVPN (WireGuard is only available for paid users). I found the app easy to navigate and liked that I could choose automatic selection so the VPN would select the best protocol for me. However, I manually selected IKEv2 during my tests because it was much faster than OpenVPN.
The app is easy to navigate and use and doesn’t support ads, which helps it run smoothly
The VPN has 5 free servers – located in Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, US East, and US West. Even though none of them could unblock popular sites like Netflix or Disney+, I was happy to see they support P2P traffic. So, while I wouldn’t recommend for streaming, it could be a good option if you want to stay safe while P2P file-sharing (or on public WiFi, for example).
You can only use ’s free VPN on 1 device at a time. However, it is possible to configure to your router and connect all your devices that way (it offers free IKEv2 router config files). This way, you can even connect devices that don’t normally work with VPNs like gaming consoles or smart TVs.
It has easy-to-follow setup guides for these devices and other operating systems on its website as well. But if you ever need assistance you can also take advantage of its 24/7 live chat support (even as a free user! ). I used this service a few times during this review and the support agents were helpful and friendly. I got a response in less than 10 seconds every time.
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6. Hotspot Shield — P2P Support for Fast and Safe Torrenting
15GB of data per month and fast speeds for downloading and browsing the web.
Military-grade encryption, automatic kill switch, and leak protection to protect your privacy online
1 free server
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Hotspot Shield has fast speeds for P2P file sharing. I thought that only having 1 server located in the US would affect my download speeds since I’m located 8, 000 km away in Western Europe. But when I used Hotspot Shield’s Catapult Hydra protocol (which was designed to speed up long-distance connections), I had an average speed of 23 Mbps and was able to download a 100MB file in only 1 minute.
It’s safe to use and comes with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. My tests didn’t reveal any DNS or IP leaks, so you’re well protected and no third party, including your ISP, can see your online activity. Although it offers strong security features, Hotspot Shield does keep anonymous logs of the bandwidth you consume, the duration of VPN sessions, and the device you’re using. However, since none of this data can be used to identify you, your privacy is still well protected.
With Hotspot Shield, you can keep your online operations secure.
Its user-friendly, dedicated apps offer a one-click connection so that you can get started without a hassle. However, the free version is supported by ads, so actually using it was a bit annoying because the VPN opened web pages full of ads during my tests. I would recommend using this VPN alongside a trusted ad blocker so you don’t have to click out of pop ups constantly.
Hotspot Shield is also not a good option for streaming. I was blocked by a premium payment wall when I tried to access my Netflix and HBO Max accounts with the VPN enabled. However, it still works to bypass content filters and firewalls, so you can access sites that your school or workplace might block on its network. It’s also a good option if you just want to protect yourself on public WiFi.
I also found that even though it offers a generous 15GB of data per month, it limits you to only 500MB per day. While this is far too little for downloading large files, it’s enough to download some music files, check your email, and browse the web safely and anonymously.
Start FREE with Hotspot Shield!
7. TunnelBear — Large Server Network for Reliable Connections
500MB of data per month, but slow speeds.
AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and leak protection to browse online safely
2, 600 free servers in 40 locations
Unlike most free VPNs that limit you to a handful of servers, TunnelBear allows free users to use its entire network. It has 2, 600 servers in 40 locations, including the US, UK, India, and Australia. When I tested it on servers close to my location, I got a decent speed of 15 Mbps and could browse the web without any noticeable slowdowns. But on long-distance servers, it sometimes took 15 seconds to load pages (my speeds were 9 Mbps). Since TunnelBear has a large server network, you can get decent speeds because there will most likely be a server nearby.
TunnelBear’s free version is a great way to get started if you’re new to VPNs. It has a user-friendly interface that allows you to connect to the best server based on your network and location with one click. It also comes complete with cute, animated grizzly bears, which I loved. It made using it a fun experience.
In addition, it’s a super safe choice. TunnelBear is one of the rare free VPNs that’s undergone independent audits of all of its apps. It also uses AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection, supports OpenVPN on all major platforms, and has an automatic kill switch. I performed leak tests on its US, UK, and France servers and never encountered any IP or DNS leaks. This means you’re well protected while using this VPN.
GhostBear Mode allows you to unblock content in countries with restrictive networks. However, it doesn’t work in China. If you are looking for a VPN for this reason, please take care that you familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations about VPN use first.
TunnelBear’s 500MB data cap is extremely limiting. Even though all of its servers support torrenting, you can’t download much with only 500MB of data. This limit makes it pretty useless for streaming as well, but it doesn’t unblock Netflix, Disney+, or any popular streaming sites anyway. However, I was able to take advantage of a Twitter promo when I signed up and got an extra 1GB of data added on to my allowance by tweeting the company.
Start FREE with TunnelBear!
8. Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN — Beginner-Friendly Apps that Can Easily Access Netflix
6GB data per month and good speeds
AES-256 encryption
Can unblock: Netflix, Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram
Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN has a user-friendly app for all your devices. After the app was installed on my iPhone and Macbook, it only took 1 click to protect them and easily keep track of my (minuscule) daily data allowance of 200MB. While this data allowance makes it a poor choice for torrenting and streaming, it’s a good option for VPN beginners who want to stay safe online.
This free VPN has fast speeds. During my tests, the rates remained consistently fast (about 19 Mbps) on both its local and long-distance servers. This means you can browse the web without experiencing any slowdowns. However, I did find it a bit annoying that I couldn’t choose a server myself. Your server is assigned automatically, so you don’t know which location you’re connected to until after you connect. While using Kaspersky Secure Connection, I was given servers in the US and the Netherlands.
It uses AES-256 bit encryption, which is of the highest standard, but the kill switch isn’t available to free users. Its logging policy and Russian background are also questionable. Its privacy policy is for all Kaspersky software, so it’s hard to know which parts of it are related to the VPN itself.
In addition, the policy states that it does keep logs of hardware information, user session ID, and traffic information. However, Kaspersky is currently moving many of its data centers from the US and Canada to the more privacy-friendly Switzerland. This move shows that it’s working towards providing a VPN that can better protect your online privacy.
It only has 500 servers in 30 countries, which is pretty small. But, I did manage to access Netflix using the both automatically selected servers assigned to me.
Start FREE with Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN!
Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs
Compatibility
Data Limit Per Month
Logging Policy
Torrenting Allowed?
Speeds
ExpressVPN
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, AppleTV, routers and more
Unlimited
Strict No-Logs
Yes
Fast
CyberGhost
Avira
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
1GB
Keeps Anonymized Logs
ProtonVPN
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
No
Average
10GB
Hotspot Shield
Windows, Mac, Android, iOs
15GB
TunnelBear
500MB
Kaspersky Secure Connection
6GB
Keeps Identifiable Logs
Risks to Using Free VPNs: What Providers May Not Tell You
All of the free VPNs on this list have been tried and tested and I’ve read through their privacy policies to ensure they’re trustworthy and safe to use. Although they do have some limitations, there are a lot of other free VPNs that come with real dangers that could cost you in other ways.
Some dangers of using free VPNs are:
Free VPNs can collect and sell your data: You should always read any VPN’s privacy policy very carefully (especially free ones) to make sure you’re actually being protected. There have been cases of free VPNs selling user data despite their privacy policies promising otherwise. Using a free VPN that sells your data completely defeats the purpose since you’re using a VPN to protect your privacy and data.
Free VPNs can have weak security features and leak your info: Many free VPNs have security features that are not held to industry standards. IP and DNS leaks are common, which means that your privacy isn’t protected at all. Without strong leak protection and a kill switch, anyone can still track your browsing history.
Free VPNs can come with viruses and harmful malware: A lot of free VPNs are created as ways to infect your device (not protect it), and have viruses and malware packaged into the software. In addition, free VPNs often don’t provide built-in ad blockers since they rely on advertising for revenue. This means that the chance of your device becoming infected with malware is higher with free VPNs.
It’s definitely safer to use a trusted, low-cost premium VPN because they’re held to high industry standards: they have the strongest security features, strict no-logging policies, and won’t limit your usage. They even come with money-back guarantees, encouraging you to test them risk-free for a limited period of time. If you are not impressed by the service, you can just request a full refund.
Free vs. Paid VPNs — Pros and Cons
Paid VPNs — Pros
Unlimited data and speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting as much as you want
Big, reliable server networks to bypass geoblocks for dozens of streaming sites worldwide (like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu)
Top security features with multiple security protocols, leak protection, and extra features (like Double VPN) for even stronger protection
Strict no-logs policies so you know your data won’t ever be stored or shared
Support torrenting and often have optimized servers, a SOCKS5 proxy, and port forwarding to improve speeds
Ad and malware blockers are often built into the apps to protect your device even more
Offer 24/7 customer support to troubleshoot any issues you might have
Try them free for a limited time because most offer money-back guarantees
Paid VPNs — Cons
Charge a small monthly fee so payment info is required
Only free for a limited time when you use a money-back guarantee or free trial
Free VPNs — Pros
Completely free and don’t require payment info
Secure apps with military-grade encryption and (usually) an automatic kill switch
Decent privacy features like IP masking to protect your online privacy for casual browsing
Free VPNs — Cons
Limited data and/or speeds so streaming and torrenting aren’t usually possible
Only a few servers to choose from so you get unreliable (slow) connections that won’t bypass geoblocks for streaming sites
Sometimes keep logs of your personal browsing data, IP address, or connection times (for example), so your privacy isn’t well protected
Ad-supported apps are common with many free VPNs and can be really annoying
Lacking customer support: free users are usually seen as an afterthought
Free VPNs You Should Avoid
When it comes to considering free VPNs, you always have to be careful. I found some really untrustworthy free VPNs with frightening security issues that you should avoid. Unlike the free services on my list, these VPNs are dangerous to use since they can share your data with third parties and advertisers without your knowledge. I also came across some free VPNs that included malware and viruses during my tests. The following VPNs are not safe and should be avoided:
Hola: Hola isn’t a real VPN; It’s a P2P network where other people use your computer’s IP address. This means that if someone uses your IP address and does something illegal, you could be the one who gets in trouble since it can be traced back to you.
CrossVPN: CrossVPN was infected with a trojan virus that installed itself alongside the VPN app. Installing it risks your security, and could damage your device.
sFly Network Booster: It isn’t a VPN — and it can access and send messages from your device.
OKVPN: During my tests, OKVPN made ads appear in other apps on my device.
EasyVPN: Also can display unwanted ads in other apps.
Psiphon: Allows its partner companies to track your data and use it to send targeted ads to you.
Hoxx VPN: It’s a proxy, not a VPN. It keeps logs of your activity to sell to third parties.
Archie VPN: Infested with malware.
Hat VPN: It shares its free users’ city locations and is full of malware.
SuperVPN: Stores logs and downloads malware to your device.
Private Pipe VPN: Shows you targeted ads and logs your activity.
Tuxler VPN: Logs your browsing activity and shares it with advertisers to create targeted ads.
GO VPN: Not a VPN — it’s just a proxy. Its apps display targeted ads, which suggests it shares your logs with advertisers.
Hexatech: A proxy that gives advertisers access to your user data and browsing history.
Doesn’t work — when I visited the site, McAfee flagged it as malicious.
FinchVPN: Downloads Malware to your device.
VPN One Click: Installs malware onto your device.
Fast Secure Payment: Riddled with Malware
BetternetVPN: Uses your data to create targeted advertisements, leaks your IP and DNS, and has embedded malware in its app.
Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPN
There are a few main things you need to look out for when choosing a free VPN. During my tests, I used the following criteria to rank these top free VPNs:
Really free — If a VPN is really free, you don’t have to commit to a subscription. Plus, a really free VPN shouldn’t require you to give your payment details.
Strong security and privacy — The VPN should have industry standard encryption, as well as a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. I made sure to check all the log policies of the free VPNs so the ones on this list don’t store logs that can identify you and keep you safe.
Good speeds with enough data — The VPN should have good speeds with enough data to browse the internet without slowdowns. Also look for free VPNs that offer a number of free servers because your speeds will generally be faster (since the servers won’t be as crowded).
Support torrenting — If you want a free VPN for torrenting, make sure that it has servers that support this activity. Not all free VPNs support P2P file sharing.
Can unblock some streaming sites — Most free VPNs won’t unblock streaming sites. That’s because of small server networks that aren’t frequently updated to keep up with VPN blocks. They can also have slow speeds and limit your data too much to stream in good quality. The only 2 on this list that could manage this were ExpressVPN and Kaspersky Secure Connection.
FAQs About Free VPNs
What is the best free VPN?
Trying out a premium VPN using its money-back guarante
Best Free Proxy in the World | Anonymous Browsing | HMA VPN
The simple way to hide your IP and browse anonymously
A free proxy service is good, but a VPN is even better…
A VPN not only gives you internet freedom but it also helps keep you secure and private online. So, proxy and VPN. What’s the difference? Check out our handy table for all you need to know.
Free proxy
HMA VPN
Free Trial
Browse privately in 1 tab
Surf the web with the freedom that what you’re browsing and viewing online can’t be tracked.
1 tab only
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Hide your IP in 1 tab
Once you connect you’ll be given a new IP. Your own IP address? Hidden. Meaning you can hide both your identity and your location.
dash
Access any restricted websites
Access specific government and geo-blocked sites by choosing to appear virtually anywhere in the world.
Stop all ISP tracking
Protect your entire browsing history from being tracked and stored by your ISP.
Stream US TV
Connect to specifically located streaming servers so you can access US TV shows using your paid subscription services.
Safe online banking on any network
With an encrypted connection you can surf safely even on unsecured public Wi-Fi
Works on any device
Works across all your devices; smartphones, tablets and laptops. You can also protect 5 devices at once!
Works on Games and Apps
Works on any device, which means online games and apps are more secure too!
Pay $0 at checkout
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an anonymous web proxy?
An anonymous web proxy enables you to access blocked websites and appear anonymous at the same time. It does this by hiding your IP address (which is essentially your online identity) and providing you with a different one by routing your web activity through different servers and IP addresses.
When should I use a free web proxy service
Using a web Proxy server allows you to access content that may be blocked or restricted by local governments. You can use one to gain access to these websites and content. It also allows you to surf the web more privately meaning what your browsing (in that tab only) cannot be tracked. However, your connection is not encrypted unless you use a VPN.
What does ‘hide my IP address’ mean?
Your IP address is a unique set of numbers that identifies your computer online. Think of it as a home address for your computer. Using a free web proxy or a VPN service allows you to hide your IP address by giving you one of theirs. This means your IP cannot be identified and tracked.
How do I use the HMA! online proxy?
Simply enter the URL of the website you want to visit and in the connection setup menu choose whether you would like to allow cookies, remove scripts and encrypt the URL. However, please remember that encrypting the URL will only hide the address itself. If you want an encrypted connection you’ll need a VPN.
What sites can I access with a free web proxy?
Web proxies can be used to access sites that may be blocked due to your geographical location or censorship blocks at work. Many internet surfers use a web proxy to access sites such as Facebook or YouTube if they are unable to access them in their home country. However, there are no guarantees that any particular website will work with a proxy.
Can I use a web proxy to stream my favorite TV shows?
Nope, you’ll need a VPN for that. While a proxy can allow you to appear as if you’re located elsewhere, it only allows you to choose from a small number of servers. In order to stream global content from your paid subscription services you’ll need to be connected to specific VPN streaming servers. Have a read of our streaming guide to find out more about how you can do this.
Check out the other free tools you can play with
DNS leak test
A DNS leak happens when you’re using a bad VPN. So see if yours is up to snuff.
CHECK MY VPN
WebRTC test
Check your WebRTC isn’t revealing your actual IP address.
CHECK MY BROWSER
Get more online privacy tips on our blog
Browse privately
Find out how HMA! makes you anonymous online so you can browse with true online freedom and privacy.
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Secure public Wi‑Fi
Safely complete tasks such as online banking even if you’re connected to Public Wi‑Fi.
Encrypt your internet connection
With military‑grade encryption levels we ensure all your data and communications are kept secure giving you peace in your online security.
Stream your favourite TV shows
Stream your favourite TV shows from wherever you are in the world using one of our dedicated streaming servers.
Unblock websites
Discover all you need to know about unblocking websites and experiencing true internet freedom
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4 Best Proxy Services (Tested + Updated in October 2021)
If you’ve been looking into ways to protect your privacy online or bypass firewalls and censorship, you may have been presented with two different options: a proxy or a VPN.
While both proxies and VPNs work in very similar ways, they have a few crucial differences that you should take into account before choosing between them.
This guide will tell you what a proxy is, how it works, and how it differs from a VPN, as well as taking a look at some of the best proxy options available.
What is a Proxy?
A proxy service works as a middleman between your browser and a website by redirecting your traffic through a proxy server.
By acting as an intermediary between you and the site you’re accessing, the proxy effectively hides your IP address and presents its own. This is incredibly useful when it comes to geo-spoofing, or tricking websites into thinking you’re based in a different location.
Sometimes, content online can be geoblocked. This can apply to everything from TV shows that are affected by licensing restrictions to websites that have been censored by government firewalls.
If you want to access this content from a country or location where it has been blocked, you will need to spoof your IP address. By rerouting your traffic through a proxy server in a different location, you appear to be accessing the internet from that location instead of your own — thereby bypassing any geo-restrictions that apply to your location.
There are two different types of proxy:
HTTP – The original and most common form of proxy, HTTP works with web-based traffic using the HTTP protocol. The HTTP proxy is capable of understanding the data it is filtering, giving it plenty of functionality.
SOCKS -The SOCKS proxy is a more simple protocol that only exchanges data rather than accessing it. SOCKS does not have the ability to understand data and is therefore compatible with any form of traffic. While this makes it useful for activities like torrenting, SOCKS can sometimes be slower than HTTP.
Proxy vs VPN
VPNs work in a very similar way to a proxy. A VPN will also mask your IP address by rerouting your data through a private server in a different location.
However, there is one vital difference. As well as hiding your IP address, a VPN will encrypt all of your traffic as you use the service. A proxy cannot encrypt your data, making it far less secure than a VPN.
Without encryption, a proxy cannot protect your privacy — it can only spoof your location.
This is especially relevant when it comes to free proxies. Free proxies are not secure and often rely on heavy advertising to make revenue. Unchecked ads can be vulnerable to malware insertion, leaving you and your data exposed.
Free proxies can also be subject to heavy traffic, making them slow and unwieldy.
Another difference between VPNs and proxies is that VPNs will protect all of the traffic on your internet connection, regardless of the application. When using a VPN you can surf the internet on your browser or use a torrent client and all of this activity will be automatically safeguarded.
Proxies only work with one application at a time and need to be configured on each separate application you want to protect.
So why do people opt to use a proxy instead of a VPN?
Since a proxy only covers one application at a time rather than your whole connection, it can be faster than a VPN. If you’re only carrying out a low-risk activity such as geo-spoofing to watch a show that’s not available in your country, a proxy can be a viable option.
However, if you’re looking to get around government censorship or carry out any other activity that you don’t want to be tracked, logged, or spied on, a VPN is a much more secure option.
Bear in mind that many streaming sites are also proficient in detecting proxy services. Most proxies are not powerful enough to bypass strict geo-restrictions so you may find you need to use a VPN anyway.
The Best Proxy Services
The safest option is to subscribe to a VPN that also offers a proxy service as part of your subscription. That way, you can protect yourself with the VPN, and switch to using the proxy when you want to quickly and easily carry out low-risk activities.
Here are some of our top recommendations for VPN services that offer a proxy:
PrivateVPN
In 2015, PrivateVPN announced that it would now support HTTP proxy. All you need to do is configure your chosen application using the PrivateVPN server list.
As well as offering a proxy, PrivateVPN is simple, affordable, and user-friendly, with intuitive apps across all major platforms and devices.
The VPN service is also extremely focused on security with AES 256-bit encryption that will keep your data private when you need something a little more robust than a proxy. See what real users have to say about PrivateVPN or try it for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get the PrivateVPN Proxy Now
IPVanish
While PrivateVPN offers HTTP proxy, IPVanish is one of the only VPNs that offer a dedicated SOCKS5 proxy server. You can find a complete guide to configuring the IPVanish SOCKS5 proxy here.
Alongside the proxy, IPVanish boasts a decent network of 1, 900 servers in 70 locations, great speeds, and anonymous torrenting with a strict no logs policy despite its US HQ.
Our users have reported issues with IPVanish’s unblocking capabilities but applaud the VPN for its fast speeds and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get the IPVanish Proxy Now
If you’d really rather not pay and you’re not concerned about the risks of using a free service, these are some trusted free proxy providers:
CyberGhost – CyberGhost offers a free proxy browser extension for Firefox and Chrome.
Hotspot Shield – Hotspot Shield’s free proxy is compatible with all iOS and Android devices.
Summary and Further Reading
If you’re just looking for a quick and easy way to spoof your IP address, a proxy can be a good solution.
However, with so many of the best VPNs now offering lightning-fast speeds, we doubt you’ll be able to tell the difference between using a proxy and one of our recommended fastest VPNs.
When you consider the additional protection and privacy that comes with using a VPN, it really does seem like the preferable option.
If you’ve changed your mind and would rather stream your favorite shows with a VPN, here’s our rundown of the best VPNs for Netflix.
Looking for advice on torrenting? Check out our guide to torrenting anonymously and safely.
To summarize, the best VPNs with proxy services in October 2021 are …
Privacy Alert!
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we’ve tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it’s currently offering 49% off.
Visit ExpressVPN