Well-known free options
Proton VPN Free
A well-known free tier designed as an entry point to the provider's privacy ecosystem. Server choice and features are more limited than paid plans.
Official website →Windscribe Free
A free tier with a monthly data allowance and a limited set of locations. Exact limits can change over time.
Official website →TunnelBear Free
A limited free plan suitable for learning how a VPN works or occasional use. Check the current data allowance before relying on it.
Official website →Common paid providers
Well-known paid services include Proton VPN, Mullvad, NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. They differ in ownership, logging policy, server locations, device limits, applications, protocols and extra features.
| Service | What to examine |
|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Privacy-focused ecosystem, free tier and broader paid features. |
| Mullvad | Simple pricing model and an account design focused on reducing personal data. |
| NordVPN | Large mainstream service with multiple plans and additional security features. |
| Surfshark | Consumer plans, broad device support and bundled features depending on plan. |
| ExpressVPN | Multi-platform consumer service with several subscription options. |
Why be careful with unknown free VPNs?
VPN infrastructure costs money: servers, bandwidth, development and support. Before installing an unknown free app, find out who operates it, how it is funded, what it collects and whether its privacy policy is understandable.
Quick checklist
- Identifiable company and jurisdiction.
- Clear logging policy.
- Modern protocols and a kill switch.
- Actively maintained apps distributed through official channels.
- Transparent renewal terms.
- Features that match your use case rather than a long marketing checklist.