Last updated: September 2025
Your internet provider can see every website you visit. Hackers on public Wi-Fi can, too. And don’t even get me started on all the data streaming services, social media platforms, and advertisers collect about your browsing habits.
I’ve personally used Windscribe Free, and it’s been my go-to when I want privacy on public Wi-Fi or just don’t feel like paying for a VPN subscription. Over time, I’ve realized that for casual browsing, free VPNs can actually do a pretty solid job—if you choose carefully.
Not all free VPNs are trustworthy. Some actually make your privacy worse by selling your data or bombarding you with ads. Others barely work at all. Here’s what makes a free VPN legit:
Proton VPN comes from the makers of ProtonMail, used by journalists and activists worldwide. Their free tier really prioritizes privacy.
What you get:
Limitations:
Best for: Daily browsing and public Wi-Fi safety.
I’ve been using Windscribe Free for casual browsing and on public Wi-Fi, and it’s been surprisingly reliable. It gives 10GB per month, which is enough for most of my internet needs. I even tried earning an extra 5GB just by tweeting about it—easy bonus!
Free plan includes:
Limitations:
Why I like it: It’s simple, stable, and fast enough for casual use. I often use it when traveling, checking email on public Wi-Fi, or accessing sites that might be blocked on my network. Honestly, for my day-to-day browsing, it’s all I need.
Why it works: Hide.me provides a solid free tier without compromising on security. Their Malaysian base means they’re outside surveillance alliances.
Free features:
What’s restricted:
Best for: Small households needing multiple device protection with decent customer support
Why beginners love it: TunnelBear makes VPN usage as simple as flipping a switch. The app is intuitive, and setup takes under a minute.
Free plan offers:
The downsides:
Best for: VPN newcomers who want simplicity and occasional use
Why it’s growing: Atlas VPN offers unlimited data and decent speeds, making it attractive for heavier users.
Free tier includes:
The catches:
Best for: Single-device users who need unlimited data but can live with limited server choice
Some “free” VPNs aren’t worth it:
We all know that nothing is truly free. Legitimate free VPNs usually make money via:
Avoid VPNs that don’t clearly explain their business model.
As a general guideline, you should use free VPNs if the following applies to you
Consider premium VPNs if you:
Popular paid options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
For casual browsing, checking email, and basic privacy, a free VPN like Windscribe works surprisingly well. I use it on public Wi-Fi or whenever I want a little extra security without opening my wallet.
The key is picking a reputable free VPN. Even if it’s not perfect, using a free VPN is infinitely better than using none. Your internet provider and hackers see everything when you browse unprotected. Taking this small step toward privacy goes a long way.