Free VPN Accounts: 5 Best to Get in 2025 [No Subscription]
Looking for a free VPN account? Whether you need online privacy, access to geo-blocked content, or secure browsing, a VPN is your best bet. But with so many options, which one should you choose?
In this guide, we’ll review the best free VPNs based on security, speed, features, and usability. We’ll also explore free vs. paid plans, potential limitations, and whether these VPNs are right for you.
Best VPNs that support free account
1. CactusVPN – Best for Encryption & Protocols
CactusVPN is a privacy-focused VPN that prioritizes security over everything else. It supports multiple VPN protocols, allowing you to choose the best one for your needs. Unlike many free VPNs, CactusVPN doesn’t log your browsing activity, which means your online actions remain private.
If you’re tech-savvy, you’ll appreciate the variety of protocols available, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and SoftEther. This flexibility makes it a great choice for users who want to fine-tune their VPN settings.
Key Features:
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption ensures your data stays safe from hackers.
- Supports multiple VPN protocols, allowing you to choose between security and speed.
- No-log policy guarantees your activity isn’t tracked or stored.
- Smart DNS feature helps bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services.
Free Plan Limitations:
- Limited server locations mean you won’t have as many choices.
- Speeds may be slower compared to the paid version.
Supported Platforms:
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
2. HideIPVPN – Best for Streaming & Torrenting
If you’re looking for a VPN that works well with streaming services, HideIPVPN is a solid choice. Its Smart DNS feature allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, meaning you can access region-locked content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Another big advantage of HideIPVPN is its support for torrenting and P2P file sharing. Not all free VPNs allow this, so if you need a free VPN for torrenting, this is one of the better options.
Key Features:
- Smart DNS support helps you unblock streaming services.
- P2P and torrenting allowed, making it ideal for file-sharing users.
- No-log policy means your data isn’t being collected or sold.
- Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SSTP protocols for secure connections.
Free Plan Limitations:
- Fewer available servers compared to the paid plan.
- Speeds may slow down during peak hours.
Supported Platforms:
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
3. Hotspot Shield – Best for Speed
Hotspot Shield is one of the fastest free VPNs, thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol. If slow VPN speeds frustrate you, this is a great option.
It provides 500MB of free data per day, which adds up to about 15GB per month. This is enough for light browsing and occasional video streaming but won’t be sufficient for binge-watching Netflix.
Hotspot Shield also comes with military-grade encryption, so your connection stays secure even on public Wi-Fi.
Limitations of the Free Plan
- Only one server location (US)
- Ads in the free version
- No streaming support for Netflix or Hulu
Supported Devices
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Having trouble with Hotspot Shield? Here’s a guide to fixing common issues.
4. TunnelBear – Best for Beginners
TunnelBear is the most beginner-friendly VPN on this list. The app’s interface is colorful, playful, and simple, making it a great option if you’ve never used a VPN before.
While it’s a solid VPN, its 500MB monthly data cap is extremely limiting. If you just need a VPN for quick privacy boosts, it’s fine, but for streaming or browsing extensively, you’ll need something with a higher data allowance.
Key Features:
- AES-256 encryption keeps your data private.
- No-log policy ensures your activity isn’t stored.
- GhostBear mode helps bypass VPN restrictions in countries like China.
- Extremely easy to use, perfect for beginners.
Free Plan Limitations:
- Only 500MB of free data per month—which runs out quickly.
- Limited number of servers compared to the paid version.
Supported Platforms:
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
5. Proton VPN – Best for Unlimited Data
Most free VPNs impose strict data limits, but Proton VPN is the only one that offers unlimited data. That means you can browse, stream, and download as much as you want without worrying about running out of bandwidth.
However, the free version limits you to only three server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan), so you won’t get as many options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Key Features:
- Unlimited free data—no caps or throttling.
- No logs policy, ensuring your browsing stays private.
- AES-256 encryption and Secure Core servers for enhanced security.
- Works on multiple platforms, including Linux.
Free Plan Limitations:
- Only three server locations are available.
- Slower speeds during peak hours.
Supported Platforms:
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Security Concerns with Free VPNs: What You Should Know
While free VPNs provide privacy, they aren’t always 100% secure. Here are a few risks to be aware of:
- Some free VPNs sell user data – Always read the privacy policy before signing up.
- Weak encryption – Not all free VPNs offer the same level of security. Stick with those that use AES-256 encryption.
- Limited kill switch support – A kill switch prevents data leaks if the VPN disconnects suddenly. Learn more about why you need a kill switch.
Final Thoughts: Which Free VPN Should You Pick?
While free VPNs are useful, they often come with limitations. If you need unlimited data, more server locations, and faster speeds, consider upgrading to a paid VPN.
Looking for more VPN guides? Check out our articles on importing VPN settings or bypassing ISP throttling.
JewelVPN is another free VPN service you might look into adding. There are no accounts or signups.
I tried most of them and they were too slow :((None were fast
Well, I actually bought a VPN-Surfshark, worked great on my PC, Tablet and Firestick. Then the Firestick died after an update and it won’t connect anymore, contacting them in the Virgin isles was a waste of time.
Windscribe offers 10 GB cap per month on free version, best overall VPN is probably Nordvpn as it is based in Panama.
oOps guys I have a surprise….,free vpn account with OPENVPN , PPTP, L2TP, SSTP and SoftEther Protocol,I’m using ,work fine ;)
Thanks Do not forget.
nicvpn.com/free-vpn-account/
gold-vpn.com this site provide free sstp l2tp pptp openvpn….
work fine… ;)
I’m currently using Astrill and I recommend it highly. But I’m having a little problem with my budget, hence I have to cut some costs. I should bookmark this page in case I really need VPN for a while. Thanks!
Nice list. It comes with good information such as VPNs with free trials and for how long. Free trials is a way for us subs to figure out if a certain provider is worth paying for or not. I had the 7-day trial from Astrill and it was great.
Sadly, inCloak actually doesn’t have servers in New Zealand.
If you are serious about using a VPN there is one thing most of them omit, that you should NEVER USE A VPN REGISTERED |IN THE UK OR US the draconian laws of both of those countries simply make using a VPN situated in their territory as useless since no amount of ‘no logging’ policy or anything else for that matter will stop these countries from gaining access to your account…So you have been warned.
If you are looking for just the the very best VPN, for streaming or such then I have tried 32 VPN’s so far and by far the very best and most reliable of them was Anonymizer, its speed was superb, never crashed once during my 2 week day free trial, yes it is based in the US but it was simply superb compared to any of the others. I tried Torguard invisible VPN, and every top name in the VPN world but Anonymizer beat them all hands down…..
so you pay your money and make your choice. My one gripe about Anonymizer was they only have a full year plan…Which i did not like. I prefered Torguards VPN for payment since you just paid for one month and if you did not pay it was cancelled…..
Funny you gave specific information to never use a VPN in the USA or UK because no matter what you do they can access your account ! But then you say you used a VPN called Anonymizer that is based in the USA ! So what was your point ? If you took the time to share Info , then try and make some sense ! Really what do you think ? anyone that reads your comment would be confused !
As a TRIAL i try VPN’s and use them for many things many people just want good streaming and such and for that Anonymizer is excellent
Thanks …. I found really best VPN … Thanks again
Thanks this is a very use full information for me, but i didn’t experience most of these vpn can any one tel me about uk vpn specifically.
Have a look at betternet.co for an (as they advertise) unlimited free vpn.
Great thanks for a great service to humanity by enhancing our right to privacy.
Keep up the good work.Informations you provided are tremendously useful.
im just in china and tried using some of these providers but it seems they are now blocked like ibvpn, another one I found is monkeyvpn.com , trial is just 1 day though, luckily i didnt need any longer!
Thank you for sharing this, I am using zenvpn so far I am loving the connection and I am sure that the service is dnsleak proof. You can check zenvpn and have a review of the service. thanks.
Very useful! Thank you very much!
Thanks Raymond! Very useful information, I really need a VPN now that I’m an expat. I noticed that you missed adding SaferVPN ( safervpn.com ) to your list, I just tried their free trial and it was great, works hassle-free and I had zero downtime!
Another really good one is OK Freedom.. you can choose to be visible as USA, UK, Japan, France Germany and a few others, 500mb free per month per country.. so just cycle where you want your ISP. No ads and good connect speed. not sure about port blocking..but I use it for ads on Craigslist and Backpage.. works ok.
I found Cactus VPN through your list. I have been looking for a country specific VPN to connect to some servers I use. I didn’t want to go through the hassle of giving away all of my personal info just to try out a service. The setup was pretty easy and was really fast. I have been using the service for a few hours and it works great. It is nice to see a company that allows you to use a free VPN without trying to spam you or upsell you. They didn’t ask for much information to sign up. Just your name and email address. They email you all of the account info and then you download a client and you are set up and ready to go. I am probably going to sign up for their monthly service. I’ll update my review once I get some more time using the service.
What’s wrong with using TeamViewer VPN service? Or are you mentioning only online sites?
Teamviewer VPN only creates a connection between 2 connected computers. These services are mainly for online use such as to bypass geo restricted websites or to hide your location online etc.
Thanks a lot for this list, very helpful! :)
Thanks for all the hard work testing and reporting on these VPNs
Thank you very much, Raymond…
Hi Raymond! I am devoted follower of your blog and not a day passes without my reading your blog.
The list of VPN’s are great and very useful.
Thanks Ray, useful as usual. :-)
i tried spotflux, it works. it also seems to be easiest to use and the most hassle-free. no signup, no expiration. what else can i ask for?
hey ray
thanks a lot lot lot lot ….
wow, just what i was looking for. i am sick and tired of paying for vpn. thanks ray.
yeh nice list ray thanks
I have been researching and testing VPNs (5 or 6 so far) and this article is just what I was looking for. It really meets a need in this community.
Thank you
thanks
thanks very useful article.
Thanks alot for sharing this list
Thanks