Whether you want to watch Netflix or BBC iPlayer while you’re abroad, or just want to get on Facebook while you’re visiting China, a free VPN is the perfect solution. Paid-for VPNs such as Nord VPN provide extra features and water-tight security for those who regularly need a safe, reliable connection to access region-locked services while travelling, but don’t think that you have to shell out – a free VPN is more than good enough for most people.
Best free VPN: Finding the best VPN for you
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a way to open a secure “tunnel” between your device and a VPN provider. All data travelling down this tunnel is encrypted and therefore unreadable to anyone who may try to snoop on what you’re up to.
This means your internet service provider (ISP), the Government, and hackers who might want to steal your data or credit card information can’t do so. VPNs aren’t completely secure though, if someone is determined (and skilful) enough to crack into your network they still can, it’s just an awful lot harder to do so than if you weren’t using one at all.
Should you be using a free VPN?
Deciding between using a paid-for VPN over a free VPN really boils down to how much you value your privacy. VPNs cost money to run and, if the service you’re using isn’t charging you, you have to wonder where they’re making their money from.
Paid-for VPN services like Buffered always tend to be the better option for those seriously considering regular VPN use. Free VPNs could sell your browsing information to third-party advertisers and could insert malicious ad partners onto the websites you’re browsing. Many free VPNs also block HTTPS browsing and use your own IP and bandwidth to serve other users. Not only does this slow your connection, it means that if someone else using a VPN goes via your borrowed IP address to perform something nefarious online, it’s tracked to your machine, not theirs.
Why should you use a free VPN?
If you really don’t want to shell out for a monthly VPN subscription, free VPNs do have their benefits. If all you fancy doing is watching something while traveling abroad, or you want a secure connection to send a file or need a one-off connection to circumvent certain national firewalls, a free VPN is suitable. You just have to weigh up the risks.
The Best Free VPNs of 2017
1. TunnelBear: The best VPN for occasional use
TunnelBear may look like a bear-themed joke, but this is one serious VPN with decent performance to boot. For those looking for access to Netflix and BitTorrent, TunnelBear isn’t for you as it blocks them both completely. However, if all you need to do is securely transfer a file or anonymously post something online, TunnelBear has your back. You can also subscribe for free or help promote TunnelBear over social media to enable transfers of up to 1GB of data per month.
2. Total VPN: The VPN that covers (almost) everything
Available on pretty much every format under the sun – Linux is an exception, but Chromebook support is on the way – Total VPN lives up to its name of offering VPN coverage wherever you are. Total VPN doesn’t monitor your traffic or cut your connection speed, and it allows you to circumvent regional blocks on streaming services meaning you can watch that HBO YouTube video or access iPlayer without any issues. Like with many VPNs, there is a paid tier if you want access to more features, but even at the free level it’s great for quick and occasional use.
3. CyberGhost: An easy-to-use and reliable free VPN
CyberGhost is not only one of the easiest VPNs out there right now – with just one click you can start a VPN-enabled browser session – it doesn’t store details of your connection activity. Because it’s so straightforward to use on both mobile and desktop, it’s the perfect travelling companion for when you want to stream some iPlayer or just get past the Great Firewall of China for some Facebook browsing.
Paying customers get first dibs on secure servers, but if you only need to use it occasionally, CyberGhost works wonders on the free tier.
4. Hotspot Shield: A speedy BitTorrent-enabled VPN
Hotspot Shield may run better via its paid subscription, but it’s a fully-featured VPN made for creating secure connections over hotspots. It’s also pretty speedy for those who want to have untracked BitTorrent connections. The basic free service is supported by somewhat irritating adverts – but it’s fine if you’re only using it to protect yourself when connecting to free Wi-Fi hotspots in potentially dodgy areas.
Those of you wanting to use it as a means to access US Netflix will be sorely disappointed, though, as the service isn’t supported.
5. VPNSecure: The most secure VPN for nothing
VPNSecure’s big selling point is that it’s incredibly secure – you’d certainly hope that was the case seeing as it’s in its name. Not only do they promise to never log your online activity when using their VPN, but they offer to cover all platforms and even work as a router-level VPN. As a free service VPN Secure offers up a limited list of features – although, they don’t make it all that obvious how to download it for free. Hint, check the bottom right hand side of the homepage for a “Download” link.