TOP 10 Free VPN Services in 2025

Alex B

Author

The Internet world in 2025 is still balancing convenience and threats. On the one hand, we want fast access to websites, services, and streaming platforms. On the other hand, advertising trackers, government censorship, and data leaks are becoming the norm. That’s why VPNs remain one of the most sought-after digital hygiene tools.

Previously, a VPN was associated with something “complicated” or “expensive,” but now even the free versions are able to cover basic needs.: hide IP, bypass lockdowns, and protect data on public Wi-Fi. Yes, free VPNs have limitations — traffic limits, fewer servers, and sometimes more modest speeds. But at the same time, they become an excellent entry point for beginners and a convenient help for experienced users who need to quickly hide their digital footprint “here and now”.

In this review, we have compiled the top 10 free VPN services in 2025, which combine time-tested quality and new approaches. This is a mix of services that everyone knows, and those that are gaining popularity. Let’s look at their capabilities, limitations, and for whom each of them is best suited.

Best Free VPN List

Proton VPN is the leader among free VPNs

Proton VPN is probably the only free VPN that you can really use every day without fear of “going over the limit.” Its main advantage is the lack of traffic restrictions in the free version.

• Free users get access to servers in the USA, the Netherlands and Japan. This is enough to watch content, bypass blockages, and surf anonymously.
• The project was created by the same team that made ProtonMail, a service with an impeccable reputation in the field of privacy.
• The interface is simple, all major platforms are supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

The disadvantage is that the load on free servers can be too high — during peak hours the speed drops. But if you need a reliable and proven option, Proton VPN remains the benchmark for free service in 2025. It is loved by those who work with sensitive data or just want to be sure of its security.

Windscribe — balance of speed and functionality

Windscribe is a VPN that has been able to find a balance between functionality and convenience. Even the free version looks richer than many of its competitors.

• Users receive 10 GB of traffic per month. You can increase the limit by confirming your e-mail or completing simple tasks.
• More than ten countries are available in the free package, which means real flexibility in choosing.
• A separate plus is the built—in protection against ads and trackers, which turns Windscribe into a hybrid VPN and blocker.

Windscribe is suitable for SEO specialists, marketers and SMM developers who need to check results from different regions. It is often chosen for its user-friendly interface and competent balance: not too strict restrictions, but also not completely “unlimited”.

PrivadoVPN is a newcomer that is rapidly gaining popularity

PrivadoVPN is one of the “newcomers”, which in a short time took a place among the top free services.

• The free version provides 10 GB per month, which is enough for most tasks: social networks, instant messengers, even sometimes watching videos.
• Unlike many free VPNs, PrivadoVPN supports working with torrents. This makes it especially attractive for users who need P2P traffic.
• The application is simple and modern: there are clients for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

The disadvantage is that there are fewer servers than giants like Proton or Windscribe. But for those who want to try a fresh product without congestion and ads, PrivadoVPN looks like one of the best options in 2025.

Atlas VPN — Mobile focus and modern design

Atlas VPN is a service that relies on mobile users and a no—frills interface.

• The free version provides 5 GB of traffic per month. It’s not enough for permanent use, but it’s enough for traveling, working with documents, and chatting.
• The free package includes several servers in the USA and Europe.
• A distinctive feature is the minimalistic application design and high connection speed.

Atlas VPN is actively promoted as a “modern VPN for everyday use.” It is often downloaded by beginners who need a VPN “on the phone”, without complicated settings. For short sessions, protection in a cafe or hotel is one of the best solutions of 2025.

Hotspot Shield is a veteran who is still holding out

Hotspot Shield is a real “long—lived” in the VPN market. His story began back in the 2010s, and during that time he experienced both fame and criticism.

• The free version provides 500 MB of traffic per day, which is about 15 GB per month if used every day.
• Connection is as simple as possible: I downloaded the app, pressed the button, and that’s it.
• It is often used as a “backup VPN”: when you urgently need to open a website, download a file, or connect to a public network.

Yes, Hotspot Shield has ads and restrictions, but it still remains one of the most downloaded free VPNs in the world. In 2025, it’s more of a “just in case” tool than a basic service, but it also has its place in the top 5.

TunnelBear is a VPN with a character and a “bearish” soul

TunnelBear remains one of the most recognizable VPNs due to its signature style: cartoon bears, an easy interface and a friendly approach to beginners.

• The free version provides 2 GB of traffic per month. Not much, but enough for those who use VPN point-to-point.
• Operates in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Germany and Japan.
• The main advantage is simplicity. The app looks like a map: you select a country, and “the bear digs a tunnel” there.

TunnelBear is popular among young users, bloggers, and those who appreciate style and humor. This VPN is not about “maximum protection”, but about convenience and a positive experience. Millions are still downloading it in 2025.

ZoogVPN — flexibility for a free tariff

ZoogVPN is a service that often remains “in the shadows”, but gradually comes to the forefront.

• The free plan provides 10 GB of traffic per month, as well as access to servers in five countries.
• A unique feature is P2P support even in the free version. This is a rarity among competitors.
• The application is lightweight, not overloaded with unnecessary functions. It works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

ZoogVPN is chosen by those who are looking for a balance between speed, simplicity and the absence of strict restrictions. For those who are just trying a VPN, this is a great option.

Hide.me — Safety comes first

Hide.me it positions itself as a “free VPN with an emphasis on privacy.” And in 2025, this statement remains true.

• The free version provides 10 GB of traffic per month and access to five servers.
• It has a strict “no-logs” policy, which is important for those who care about privacy.
• There is support for IKEv2, OpenVPN and even WireGuard protocols in the free version.

Hide.me IT specialists, journalists, and those who want to be sure that their traffic is not being written “somewhere on servers” choose IT. In 2025, it competes with Proton VPN precisely in the privacy segment.

Speedify — A VPN that speeds up the Internet

Speedify is an unusual VPN that relies on the speed and stability of the connection. Its main difference from competitors is the combination of different communication channels (for example, Wi—Fi + 4G).

• The free plan provides 2 GB of traffic per month.
• Great for video calls, streams, and games.
• A unique feature is “channel bonding”, which allows you to use two connections at the same time, reducing lags.

In 2025, Speedify is especially popular among streamers and those who work remotely and cannot afford Internet outages. This is a VPN with a specific task — to make the connection stable.

Betternet — simplicity without registration

Betternet is a service that has gained popularity thanks to the motto: “VPN without registration and difficulties.”

• The free version works with limitations, but allows you to connect in just one click.
• The traffic is limited, the speed is average, but the entrance is as simple as possible: the application is downloaded → launched → connected.
• Suitable for users who do not want to “bother” with settings or registration.

Betternet is often chosen on mobile devices: students, travelers, people who need a VPN “here and now”. In 2025, it’s still at the top of downloads on Google Play and the App Store.

How to choose a free VPN without pain and risk

• Safety criteria:
  • No-logs policy, independent audits, code transparency (open-source clients are a plus), modern cryptography (WireGuard, current ciphers).
  • Kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, proprietary DNS or DoH/DoT.
  • Brand reputation, market life, active updates.
  • Jurisdiction and privacy: where the company is registered, whether it participates in data exchange agreements; how requests from the authorities are handled.
  • Restrictions and fair conditions: clearly defined traffic limits, speed, list of available locations, streaming and P2P policies. Avoid vague formulations and “unlimited” small print.
  • Cross-platform and convenient: availability of clients for Windows/macOS/iOS/Android/Linux, intuitive interface, stable applications.
• Red flags: intrusive advertising and trackers in the application, the requirement of unnecessary permissions (access to contacts/SMS), “turbo accelerators”, APK downloads from third-party sites, lack of a website / support.
• Quick test plan before use:
  • Check the speed/ping with the VPN enabled.
  • Check for leaks (IP/DNS/WebRTC) on relevant sites.
  • Run through a couple of your typical scenarios (mail, messenger, necessary sites).
  • Evaluate the traffic consumption — whether there is enough limit for a month.

Practice and scenarios: how to live with a free VPN and not suffer

• For different tasks — different settings:
  • For cafes/ hotels: enable VPN + kill switch, check DNS leaks; any reliable freemium is enough.
  • For countries with soft locks: choose locations closer to you for better speed; do not expect miracles from “unblocking Netflix” on free-rates.
  • For work/study: split profiles — “work without VPN” and “personal with VPN”, so as not to break corporate portals.
• Traffic limit optimization: enable VPN point-by-point (browser/tab with the desired task), disable autorun, disable background updates, use ad blockers (less junk traffic).
• Combo approach: keep 2-3 free VPNs on your device: one is unlimited for everyday use, the second is fast for “jerks”, the third is a backup. Change according to the situation.
• When is it time to upgrade: you’re hitting a limit every week; you need stable speed/streaming/P2P; consistency of IP/location is important; SLA guarantees and support are required.
• Mini-checklist “safe start” (5 minutes):
  • Installed the application from the official store → updated to the latest version.
  • We turned on the kill switch and checked for leaks.
  • We tested 2-3 nearby servers and chose the fastest one.
  • We have configured autorun “on demand”, not “always”.
  • We noticed the limitations → we described which tasks this VPN is suitable for and which are not.

Frequently Asked Questions