5 Best Free VPNs you can use in 2025 to protect your privacy, unblock content, and hide your IP address — without spending a dime. As the digital world becomes more privacy-invasive, VPNs are no longer just tools for tech experts. Whether you’re trying to stream blocked content, protect personal data, or stay anonymous online, using a VPN is now a smart everyday decision.
But not everyone is ready to pay for one. Luckily, the options covered in this list offer solid security and functionality — if you’re willing to accept a few trade-offs like data limits or slower speeds.
5 Best free VPNs — 100% Working
free VPN that actually works? These 5 options are tested and trusted in 2025
1. Proton VPN (Free Plan)
Best for: Unlimited browsing and strong privacy
Proton VPN stands out for offering unlimited data, even in its free version — a rare benefit in the world of free VPNs.
Key Features:
- No data cap
- Strong encryption (AES-256, OpenVPN, WireGuard)
- No-logs policy
- Swiss-based privacy laws
- Kill switch and DNS leak protection
- Limitations:
- Limited server access (usually 3 countries)
- Slower speeds during peak times
- Doesn’t consistently unblock streaming services like Netflix, JioHotstar, or BBC iPlayer
- Good for: Browsing, hiding IP address, bypassing light geo blocks, securing public Wi-Fi
Not ideal for: Streaming Bigg Boss 19, UEFA League, or bypassing strict content restrictions on platforms like Paramount+ or Roku Firestick.
2. Windscribe VPN (Free Plan)
Best for: Flexible data usage and decent speeds
Windscribe offers a generous monthly data limit (up to 10–15 GB), making it a great pick for users who want slightly more freedom online.
Key Features:
- Data allowance up to 15 GB/month
- Multiple server locations
- Built-in ad and tracker blocker
- Firewall and split tunneling support
- Limitations:
- Data cap still limits heavy streaming
- May experience slower speeds during peak hours
- Occasional compatibility issues with streaming services
Good for: Light streaming, daily browsing, blocking ads, low-cost VPN alternative
3. PrivadoVPN (Free Plan)
Best for: Speed and occasional streaming
PrivadoVPN is one of the fastest free VPNs in 2025, offering decent performance even with its 10 GB/month data cap.
Key Features:
- 10 GB data per month
- Good connection speeds
- Torrent support (even on the free plan)
- Apps for all major platforms
- Limitations:
- Only one device connection
- Limited server locations
- May not always bypass geo blocks for Platforms like Netflix or Paramount+
Good for: Secure downloads, occasional streaming, hiding IP address while browsing.
4. Hide.me VPN (Free Plan)
Best for: Advanced users needing security tools
Hide.me gives privacy-conscious users some advanced features — even in its free version. You get around 10 GB of monthly data and access to multiple security settings.
Key Features:
- AES-256 encryption
- DNS leak protection, kill switch
- Split tunneling
- Multiple protocols supported
- Limitations:
- Limited server access
- No consistent access to streaming platforms
- Not ideal for HD video or frequent downloads
Good for: Securing data on public Wi-Fi, avoiding tracking, testing VPN features before going paid.
5. TunnelBear VPN (Free Plan)
Best for: Beginners and casual users
TunnelBear offers a clean and simple interface — perfect for beginners. It’s not powerful, but it gets the job done for lightweight use.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong security (AES-256 encryption)
- Decent speeds for casual browsing
- Limitations:
- 2 GB monthly data limit
- Limited server selection
- No consistent support for streaming Ryder Cup or Bigg Boss 19
Good for: Occasional users, light browsing, learning how VPNs work.
Free vs Paid VPNs: Which One Should You Choose?
Free VPNs are a great starting point, especially for protecting your data while browsing or using public Wi-Fi. However, they do come with data limits, slower speeds, limited server access, and usually don’t work reliably with streaming services like Netflix, JioHotstar, or Paramount+.
If you’re a frequent streamer, gamer, or traveler needing access to content like the India vs Pakistan asia cup, UEFA League, Bigg Boss 19, or Ryder Cup, investing in one of the best VPNs—a cheap or low-cost option with unlimited bandwidth and faster speeds—is usually worth it. Check out our Free vs Paid VPNs review for more details.
FAQs – Free VPNs in 2025
Are free VPNs safe to use?
Yes, some free VPNs are safe — especially those from reputable developers. However, always avoid unknown or suspicious free VPNs that may track your data, inject ads, or sell your browsing activity.
Can I stream Netflix or Hotstar using a free VPN?
Most free VPNs struggle to bypass streaming platforms like Netflix, JioHotstar, Paramount+, or BBC iPlayer. Some may work occasionally, but reliability is limited due to fewer servers and IP restrictions.
What are the downsides of using a free VPN?
Free VPNs usually come with:
- Data limits (except a few like Proton VPN)
- Slower speeds, especially during peak hours
- Limited server locations
- Inconsistent access to geo-restricted content
- Restrictions on device usage (often one device only)
Do free VPNs hide my IP address?
Yes, most free VPNs hide your IP address and encrypt your traffic. This helps you bypass basic geo blocks and adds a layer of privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Is it better to use a paid VPN?
If you’re a regular user, need faster speeds, or want access to streaming and torrenting, a paid VPN is generally a better investment. Free vs paid VPNs is a trade-off between cost and performance — and paid options usually win in speed, features, and reliability.
Conclusion
Free VPNs in 2025 are surprisingly capable, especially if your needs are basic — browsing, occasional private use, or lightweight streaming. Services like Proton VPN, Windscribe, and Hide.me offer strong encryption and enough functionality to protect your privacy online.
However, they come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and restricted access to streaming platforms like Netflix, JioHotstar, or Paramount+. If you’re looking to stream global events like the India vs Pak asia cup, UEFA League, Ryder Cup, or shows like Bigg Boss 19, you may run into frustration with a free plan.
For everyday users who just need to hide their IP address, browse securely, or bypass moderate geo blocks, free VPNs do the job well. But if you’re after a more seamless experience — especially across multiple devices — upgrading to a low-cost VPN with unlimited features is often worth it.