Top 5 Best Free VPNs for Windows

Free VPNs can't compare to paid VPNs, especially when you're looking for one for everyday use. They almost always come with limited performance and functionality. Many VPNs are dangerous, but there are still some good free VPNs.

Below are 5 of the best free VPNs currently available. All are safe to use and are recommended. If you want a more feature-rich VPN, check out our article on the best VPNs currently available.

1. PrivadoVPN Free

The best free VPN – watch Netflix and BBC iPlayer and enjoy secure P2P streaming with up to 10GB of data per month.

• Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux
• Data limit: 10GB/month
• Connection: 1
• Countries: 10
• Support: 24/7 live chat, email, and website

Advantage

• Stream & torrent
• Fast performance
• Never let you down.

Disadvantages

• Connect a device
• 10GB fast data limit
• No security check.

According to lab results and real-world user testing, PrivadoVPN Free is the best free VPN currently available. It boasts the fastest speeds among all free VPNs measured, with a good balance of server locations and streaming and torrenting functionality. The only drawback is the 10GB/month data limit – but even then, PrivadoVPN won't completely disappoint.

2. Proton VPN Free

Unlimited data and top-notch privacy protection.

• Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux
• Data limit: Unlimited
• Connection: 1
• Country: 10, but no server selection available.
• Support: Website, email

Advantage

• Unlimited data
• Top security features
• Kill switch is safe.

Disadvantages

• No server selection
• Connecting individual devices
• No P2P

Proton VPN Free is a premium VPN that's free but offers comparable value for money. It boasts unlimited data, reliable speeds, and Swiss data security guarantees.

The company has long operated an observatory to monitor the demand for free VPNs worldwide. It also launched the Data Breach Observatory in October 2025, which anyone can use to track compromised customer data from retailers and other companies, and whether that data has been exposed on the dark web.

If privacy is your top priority when using a VPN, then Proton VPN is a perfect choice. If you're looking for streaming and torrenting services, try PrivadoVPN, Windscribe, or even better, a paid VPN.

3. Windscribe Free

A great option for global web browsing.

• Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux
• Data limit: 15GB
• Connectivity: Unlimited
• Countries: 10
• Support: Website, email

Advantage

• Servers in 10 countries
• Includes a security toolkit.
• Stream & P2P

Disadvantages

• Data limit 15 GB
• Strict data limits
• The application is confusing.

Windscribe is a popular, convenient, and lightweight free VPN service, offering a more similar experience to PrivadoVPN Free than Proton VPN. It remains independent, with no politically motivated corporation or shady investors behind it. In the world of security software, there's a lot to be said.

Windscribe has consistently been one of the fastest free VPNs we've tested. It also successfully unblocked every streaming service tested, although it's worth noting that Windscribe Free VPN is limited to only 10 VPN countries and a monthly data limit of 15GB. Therefore, there aren't many streaming services you can actually access, nor is there much content you can watch before reaching your data limit.

However, with its extensive app collection, including apps for the Apple TV box, some excellent browser extensions, a powerful feature set, and some tested, albeit slightly different, security software, there's almost nothing to complain about.

4. Hide.me Free VPN

A great torrent option with expert-level privacy protection.

• Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
• Data limit: Unlimited
• Connection: 1
• Countries: 7
• Support: Website, email, live chat

Advantage

• P2P support
• High configurability
• Powerful mobile application

Disadvantages

• Below average speed
• The application seems complicated.
• No streaming

Hide.me Free may not be at the top of the rankings, but its core VPN product is very stable and particularly well-suited for torrenting. Advanced users will appreciate the high level of customization.

Unlimited monthly data means you can use it without worrying about exceeding your limit, but PrivadoVPN and Windscribe are better options for streaming.

5. Hotspot Shield Basic VPN

Absolutely no data limits, but be careful with ads.

• Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Chrome
• Data limit: Unlimited
• Connection: 1
• Countries: 3
• Support: Website

Advantage

• Unlimited bandwidth
• Easy to use
• Stable speed

Disadvantages

• Only 3 countries
• No streaming
• Video ads on mobile apps

Hotspot Shield Basic is a free, no-frills VPN with decent speeds, but mobile users will also face ads. Compared to Windscribe, Proton VPN, and Hide.me, it lacks features, and while unlimited bandwidth is useful for browsing social media and torrenting, Hotspot Shield Basic is not a viable VPN for streaming.

FAQ

What is the main point of top 5 best free vpns for windows?

Below are 5 of the best free VPNs currently available. All are safe to use and are recommended VPNs. Read the key facts, context, and practical takeaways.

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Key takeaway: Below are 5 of the best free VPNs currently available.

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Free VPNs can't compare to paid VPNs, especially when you're looking for one for everyday use.