In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become major concerns for internet users. One popular solution to protect personal information and browse the web anonymously is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN services encrypt your internet connection and route it through a remote server, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. While there are numerous VPN services available, not all of them offer the same level of security and features. In this blog post, we will compare the top free VPN services and evaluate their pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Top Free VPNs Quick Overview
Based on our research and analysis, we recommend the following free VPNs: Atlas VPN, Proton VPN, Privado VPN, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield, and Hide.me. We have thoroughly tested and compared the security and features of each VPN.
For a more detailed review, click on the name of any free VPN listed.
It is important to note that each VPN has its strengths and weaknesses regarding features, performance and user experience. Therefore, it is essential to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing a free VPN service. Whether you value security, speed, or ease of use, there is a VPN on this list that will meet your needs. Always remember to prioritise your online privacy and security by utilising a reliable VPN service.
Fire TVSticks Overall Ratings
| Free VPN | Servers | Countries | Data Limit/Month | Torrenting | Unblocks Streaming |
| Hotspot Shield | 160+ | 1 | 15GB (can be increased by watching ads) | Yes | No |
| Proton VPN | 152 | 3 | Unlimited | No | Some |
| Privado VPN | 12 | 10 | 10GB | No | Yes |
| Windscribe VPN | 11 | 11 | 2GB-15GB | Yes | Yes |
| Hide/me VPN | 7 | 7 | 10GB | Yes | No |
| Atlas VPN | 3 | 3 | 5GB | Yes | No |
Features and Performance of Top Free VPNs
Server Locations
Factors to consider:
- Number of server locations offered by each VPN service
- Geographical coverage of the servers
- Impact of server locations on connection speed and performance
When it comes to choosing a VPN provider, one important consideration is the number and location of their servers. In this regard, Windscribe stands out with access to a total of 11 locations spread across the globe.
PrivadoVPN comes in as a close second with 10 locations. Proton VPN, on the other hand, may have only 3 locations, but they make up for it by offering over 150 servers. This ensures that the load is balanced and fast speeds are maintained.
It is important to note, however, that connecting to a server that is far away can lead to slower speeds. In our testing, we found that Windscribe offered the fastest speeds when connected to a US server from the UK.
Encryption and Security
Factors to consider:
- Types of encryption protocols used by each VPN service
- Level of security provided by the encryption protocols
- Additional security features offered, such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection
The free VPN services we recommend have a no-logs policy and provide 256-bit encryption, the industry standard for data encryption. Hide.me and Windscribe conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with their no-logs policies. At the same time, Proton VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and undergoes regular security and privacy audits.
However, it’s important to note that Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango Inc., which Aura acquired in July 2020, a US-based company. Because the US is part of the Five Eyes Alliance and has a history of issuing warrants demanding sensitive user information, there may be better choices for a VPN service.
While PrivadoVPN does not offer a VPN audit, its security procedures are comparable to many other providers. Additionally, it is based in Switzerland, a country known for its stringent privacy rules, which may make some customers feel more secure. Atlas VPN also has a no-logging policy, but it is based in Delaware and part of the Five Eyes alliance, so verifying their policy is advisable.
Connection Speed
Factors to consider:
- Results of a speed test
- Factors that can affect connection speed, such as server load and distance
After conducting tests, it was found that Hide.me‘s free VPN servers did not perform well. On US servers, there was a significant decrease in speeds of up to 93.79%, which resulted in buffering and lag. Therefore, it is not recommended to use Hide.me for streaming videos on distant servers with a streaming device. However, it can still be used to access blocked websites and ensure internet freedom without any issues.
When it comes to PrivadoVPN‘s free servers, the results were disappointing as they reduced speeds by 86.20% on the closest UK server. However, uninterrupted browsing and HD content were experienced when connected to a US server. Overall, the speeds of PrivadoVPN were satisfactory.
On the other hand, Atlas VPN‘s free servers provide fast speeds. There was only a minor reduction in the Netherlands, and the speeds in New York were still satisfactory.
Windscribe VPN‘s free servers make for seamless and uninterrupted streaming of 4K content at high speeds. However, the Hong Kong server only supports HD streaming and experiences buffering and lag.
Hotspot Shield‘s fast connection was a pleasant surprise, especially considering that it is a free VPN. Even with all three servers, streaming videos and browsing were possible without much lag.
Lastly, Proton VPN has a fast connection for a free VPN. Streaming and browsing were smooth, but speed fluctuated with the number of users, especially in the US. The app’s color-coded wheel shows server usage, so picking a less busy server can boost performance.
Limitations and Restrictions of Top Free VPNs
Bandwidth Limitations
Factors to consider:
- Amount of data allowed per month/day
When it comes to choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider the data allowance offered by each provider. Hide.me and PrivadoVPN are both great options, as they offer the highest data allowance of up to 10GB per month. Atlas VPN, on the other hand, only provides 5GB of data. Windscribe is another popular choice, but users should note that it only offers 2GB of data. However, users can increase this limit by verifying their email or sharing on social media.
For those who don’t mind ads, Hotspot Shield is a viable option as it offers 500MB of daily data for mobile devices. On the other hand, if you prefer an ad-free experience, Proton VPN is a great choice that provides unlimited data access with no ads or limits on three server locations.
Server Restrictions
Factors to consider:
- Number of simultaneous connections allowed
- Limitations on streaming and torrenting activities
When it comes to server restrictions, Hide.me and Hotspot Shield both allow for P2P/torrenting, but only permit one device to be connected at a time. However, they are not effective in unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.
PivadoVPN also allows for only one simultaneous connection, but has strong unblocking capabilities and supports P2P/torrenting.
Atlas VPN offers a more generous number of simultaneous connections, allowing for an unlimited amount of devices. It also supports P2P/torrenting, but unfortunately cannot unblock popular streaming services.
The least restrictive option is Windscribe, providing an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and supporting P2P/torrenting. It also has the ability to unblock popular streaming services.
Proton VPN is disappointing in comparison, as it only allows for one simultaneous connection and does not support P2P/torrenting. It is also not compatible with major streaming services.
Wrapping Up
If you’re seeking unlimited data, Proton VPN is a great choice for the best VPN. However, if you value speed, Windscribe is the top performer. For a user-friendly free option with the best server network, Windscribe is also ideal.
With so much variation among free VPN services, it’s smart to try a few to determine which one you prefer. A great VPN service should be simple to use and easy to understand, even with a free subscription. We suggest trying multiple services to find the perfect one for you.
Currently, Proton VPN is the best all-around free VPN available. With its strict no-logs policy and features such as torrenting, it’s the top choice for security.
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