Best Free VPN for 2023
Last updated 8th December 2023
There are plenty of benefits to downloading and using a VPN, and while a free one can be a very viable choice, it’s, of course, not as protective as a professional, paid option.
Still, if you simply want some security while you’re browsing the web or using public Wi-Fi, a free VPN can serve you very well. If that’s all you’re looking for, then you should check out one of the best free VPN for 2023 that we’ve gathered on this list to stay safe and anonymous online.
Naturally, with a free VPN, you’ll be limited in some way, either with a constraint on data or speed. So, if you’re willing to compromise on those for some extra security online, then a free VPN would suit you just fine.
VPN | Data Limit | Works With | Servers |
Hotspot Shield VPN | 500 MB per day | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | 1 |
ProtonVPN | Unlimited | Linux, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | 3 |
Windscribe | 10 GB per month | Linux, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | 10 |
Speedify | 2 GB per month | Linux, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | More than 50 |
The 4 Best Free VPN Services for 2023
1. Hotspot Shield VPN
Hotspot Shield VPN is truly a top-notch option, and it’s ideal for anyone whose data usage doesn’t exceed 500 MBs on a daily basis, which adds up to 15 GB each month, trumping every other option on the list.
With “military-grade encryption,” you’ll get excellent security, which makes you feel secure while you’re shopping and entering your card numbers if you use online banking services.
Not to mention, Hotspot Shield VPN is very easy to use, so you wouldn’t have trouble figuring out how to navigate it whether you’re on a desktop or a mobile.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the free version is limited to a single US location that is automatically picked by the service, includes plenty of ads, and limits you to a speed of 2 Mbps.
Pros
- High speed for both download and upload
- Works with Netflix and other streaming services
- The free option is convenient and reliable
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- 500 MBs data usage limit
- Speed is limited to 2 Mbps
- Servers limited to the US
2. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN has great paid plans, but its free plan is just as incredible. Firstly, it comes with no limit on your monthly data usage, and it’s the only service that offers this.
Naturally, there are some restrictions on the usage in the free plan, and these include a limitation to use on a single device only, three locations, and lower priority compared to users who are subscribed to the paid plans. This is intensified due to the fact that it lacks P2P support, so speeds are liable to drop when paid users get the priority, especially at peak times.
However, it still seems like a pretty great deal, especially with the no-logging policy and the fact that there aren’t any ads, be it on the client or website. Moreover, you can sign up for the service using only your email.
Pros
- Doesn’t log any data and has annual reports for transparency
- Unlimited data
- Excellent choice for torrenting
- Suits streaming services, including Netflix
Cons
- Customer support relies only on email support tickets
- Only 3 server locations
3. Windscribe
With more than 10 server locations, a data usage limit of 10 GB per month, and guaranteed privacy, Windscribe is easily among the best free VPN options.
The server locations include the UK, Germany, Canada, Hong Kong, and of course, the US and Canada. It’s worth mentioning that Netflix is only available for the UK and US.
And while Windscribe doesn’t keep a log of connection, stamps for IPs, or the sites you visit, it does store your username, data transfer amounts, and the servers you connect to. There’s also a built-in firewall and adblocker.
What’s more, you only need a username and password to start using the service, though we advise using an email to be able to retrieve your password in case you forget it.
Pros
- Double encryption with two servers
- Plenty of positive feedback
- Available for free in the US, UK, Hong Kong, and Canada
Cons
- Netflix is available only in the US and UK
- Speed deteriorates when using Mac
- Imposes timestamps on your activity
4. Speedify
As its name suggests, Speedify focuses on maintaining your internet connection’s speed while giving you reliable encryption. A huge advantage it offers is that it uses all the available connections and combines fixed broadband and tethered ones or Wi-Fi and 4G data to enhance performance. What’s more, it comes with a turbocharging technology that further enhances the speed of the connection.
You get full access to the servers with the free plan, just as you would with the paid ones, only with a data usage limit of 2 GB per month. It’s on the lower end of the allowances, but then again, the service focuses on and prioritizes speed.
However, if you’re looking for a VPN that would allow you to use streaming services, Speedify is definitely not the one.
It’s also worth mentioning that Speedify is based in the US, which means that it’s not excluded from search warrants.
Pros
- Packed with tech to boost performance
- Very reliable in terms of privacy
- Combines multiple connections for the fastest speed
Cons
- Software doesn’t give you much control
- No support for streaming services
Final Thoughts
Now that we’re done with the reviews on the best free VPN services for 2023, we hope you’ve managed to pick the one that best suits your use. If your consumption isn’t that high and you want solid features, opt for Hotspot Shield VPN, and if you want to consume plenty of data each month, go for ProtonVPN.
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