Is free VPN is a suitable alternative in 2021
So you’ve read about the advantages of installing a VPN and are curious if having a free one is a brilliant idea. We can’t say we blame you! Is a free VPN the best option? And, if so, which choice do you choose?
If all you want from a VPN is a little more protection on your laptop or smartphone when you use public Wi-Fi now and then, a freebie will suffice. It’s no wonder that free VPN usage increases in popularity as more people need to work comfortably and stay entertained at home.
On this page, we’ve compiled a list of the best options available for download right now. We’ve been testing (and retesting) free VPNs to see how well they can keep your online activity private without costing you anything. While ExpressVPN is our favorite premium VPN provider globally, ProtonVPN is currently the best free VPN, as we discuss below.
But (isn’t there always one? ), is it possible to find a capable and entirely free VPN that does the job you require? The response is, in a sense, yes. Finally, if you’re searching for anything for occasional use, you should be able to find something that suits your needs, as long as you’re willing to accept the limitations that come with free choices.
The drawbacks of free VPNs
While free VPN services are tempting, there is generally a justification for this: the provider is making money in some other way, usually by intrusive advertisements or the sale of your browsing data to third parties (somewhat defeating the whole drive for privacy in the first place).
Free services often restrict the amount of data you can use and the speed at which you can use it, making them virtually worthless for streaming content, torrenting, or providing an extra layer of reliable protection in your everyday online life. Also, don’t expect the same amount of easy access support or server range as the paid services.
It’s worth noting that a paid-for version can be had for as little as $2.50/£2 per month and offers substantially better performance and security.
NordVPN is the most popular VPN service in the world. Even if you don’t know anything about virtual private networks, chances are you’ve heard of NordVPN. It runs television advertisements, sponsors sports teams, and has been a market leader for more than seven years. Nord may not be the best option right now, but it’s still an excellent service for $3.71 per month.
Surfshark is a world-class VPN that costs less than $2.50 per month.
Is it still too costly? Then Surfshark is the place to go. It’s a great, premium choice that’s unbelievably easy to use and has quickly become a TechRadar favorite, starting at just USD 2.49 per month. It has the majority of the same features as the other top providers but at a lower price.
ExpressVPN: Get a free trial of TechRadar’s #1 VPN.
We’ve checked over 200 VPN services, both free and charged, and our current top recommendation is ExpressVPN. Given the risks of using free VPNs, we believe the price is well worth it, particularly since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
