5 Best Free VPNs for Streaming Tested in 2024: Fast & Safe

Finding a good free VPN for streaming can be a challenge. While there are plenty of free services out there, they usually come with limitations. Most aren’t equipped with reliable servers, fast speeds, security features, and enough data for streaming safely in HD. Luckily, our testing revealed a select few that work with the most popular platforms.

The best streaming VPNs provide reliable global servers, so they can access services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in good quality. At the same time, they secure your online connections and prevent ISP throttling to give you smooth streaming.

From all the VPNs we tested, I recommend ExpressVPN for HD and UHD streaming. It is works works reliably popular streaming platforms offers fast speeds unlimited data ( free VPNs provide ) . 100 % free , it is offers offers 30 – day money – guarantee 7 – day free trial ( iOS Android ) , try risk – free .Editor Note : Transparency core values vpnMentor , you is know know ownership group ExpressVPN . , this is affect affect review process .

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Short Time ? Best Free VPNs is Are Streaming 2024

• Editor’s Choice

  ExpressVPN

  Fastest VPN for HD and UHD streaming with unlimited data and reliable connections.

  70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN

• Proton VPN

  Free plan with no data caps for endless streaming but connects only to the nearest server.

• Avira Phantom VPN

  Several global servers to safely stream from anywhere, but has a 1GB/month data cap.

• hide.me

  Has a lot of customization options but its free servers sometimes produce slow speeds.

• Hotspot Shield

  Fast speeds on nearby servers, but can be slow if you don’t have a server close by.

Editor’s note: We only recommend VPNs with reliable no-logs policies so no one will see what you’re doing online. That means you are responsible for respecting copyright laws and any terms of use you agree to when signing up for streaming services, including free ones. The vpnMentor team and I object to copyright infringement.

Best Free VPNs for Streaming — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

Editor’s Choice
Editor’s Choice

Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Works :

Netflix

Disney+

APV

HBO Max

Hulu

BBC iPlayer

Sky

More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Best Feature	Lightway protocol for fast speeds, so you can stream with no lag
Local Speeds	Really fast, the speed drop is almost unnoticeable
Server Network	3,000 servers in 105 countries to access popular streaming sites from anywhere in HD
Free Trial	7-day free trial on mobile and 30-day money-back guarantee

Editor Note : Transparency core values vpnMentor , you is know know ownership group ExpressVPN . , this is affect affect review process .

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we tested for streaming. Its Lightway protocol offers swift and secure connections while saving the device’s battery at the same time. From the UK, I connected to the nearby Docklands server and experienced only a 1% speed drop, which is as good as it gets. I could stream my local Netflix in 4K with no interruptions.

picture quality is remained remained excellent episode

Its ability to safely access a broad spectrum of global platforms makes ExpressVPN stand out. Unlike free VPNs , it is works reliably works major services like Netflix , Hulu , Max , Amazon Prime Video , BBC iPlayer , . free VPN services is lack lack servers resources access platforms good quality .

It is has dedicated Fire Stick app extensive router support , giving versatility stream . Plus, its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) offers easy setup for streaming on devices that don’t support VPNs, like Apple TV, Roku, and game consoles. No free VPN offers this functionality.

100 % free , it is comes comes 30 – day money – guarantee ,you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free for streaming. test , I is requested requested refund 24/7 live chat . support agent is approved approved request , got refund 2 days later .

Useful Features

• Automatic obfuscation. Thanks to the automatic obfuscation on all its servers, you can securely stream even on restricted networks (like at schools or libraries) that block streaming platforms and VPN connections.
• Shortcuts. You can safely access content on your favorite streaming apps by adding shortcuts to them in ExpressVPN’s main interface. This setting is in the Options menu.
• Unique browser extensions. ExpressVPN’s browser extensions work as a remote control for the app. Most VPN browser extensions are very limited or are free versions of the full app. But ExpressVPN’s extension is fully equipped to accommodate streaming binges on your laptop.
• Threat Manager. This feature offers ad-blocking and tracking protection. It can protect you from accidentally clicking on some fake Max on Netflix scams.
• 8 connections. With its multiple simultaneous device connections allowance, you can install it on your go-to streaming gadgets.

ExpressVPN Pros , Cons , Needed Improvements

• Fastest speeds and unlimited data
• 3,000 reliable servers in 105 countries
• Trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee

• Not actually free
• Limited customization

Works :

Netflix

Disney+

APV

HBO Max

Hulu

BBC iPlayer

Sky

More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Best Feature	Unlimited data for endless streaming
Local Speeds	Fast, you can stream with no delays
Server Network	Free servers in 6 locations to avoid overcrowded connections
Free Trial	Free – forever plan

While many free VPNs have strict monthly data limits, Proton VPN is one of the few VPNs with no data caps. This is means means stream worrying monthly allowance cutting short .

Proton VPN offers great speeds for a free service. During our tests with Proton VPN, streaming platforms loaded quickly, and the picture quality remained consistent. My colleague from Amsterdam recorded only an 8% speed drop on its local server. That allowed them to stream The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window lag-free.

Seeing the server load in the Proton VPN app helps you find an uncrowded connection

The free plan offers servers in the US, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands, which can safely access a decent array of global content. Although the free Proton VPN version only works with Netflix Originals, it can access a few region-restricted platforms, like Max and Peacock in the US.

The downside is that even though Proton VPN provides a decent number of server locations for a free VPN, you only get access to the one nearest you. It’s still a good option for securing your connection and preventing ISP throttling while enjoying local content, though.

Useful Features

• Great compatibility. Proton VPN supports a wide range of devices and platforms, so you can easily stream on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
• No ads. Many free VPNs make money by showing you a lot of ads. Fortunately, Proton VPN doesn’t do this, so you can start streaming right away after starting the Proton VPN app — without annoying ad breaks.

Proton VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Unlimited monthly data
• Reputable privacy practices and features
• Fast speeds near and far

• Only nearby server connection
• No P2P support

Works :

Netflix

Disney+

APV

HBO Max

Hulu

BBC iPlayer

More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Best Feature	Large server network on mobile to enjoy secure streaming from anywhere
Local Speeds	Good — 12% speed loss on local servers, which didn’t cause buffering
Server Network	Free servers 37 countries mobile , 1 ( closest ) location desktop
Free Trial	Free – forever plan

Avira Phantom VPN’s free mobile app offers many free servers, including one in the US that’s streaming-optimized. While it doesn’t work with many popular platforms, it can access at least some US content, like Disney+, Crackle, Peacock, and Netflix Originals shows in decent quality. Multiple connections also help prevent user overload. While testing its servers, Avira Phantom VPN gave us stable connections.

All the free US servers are good for streaming, but the one optimized for streaming works best

ability safely access international content ,Avira’s global coverage helps prevent overcrowding that can lead to slow speeds. With most free VPNs, you don’t get more than 5 free server locations, and very few have servers in countries like Brazil, Hong Kong, Norway, or even Spain. This makes it easier to find a speedy streaming connection near you.

My main problem with Avira Phantom VPN is that your viewing time will be quite limited, as you is get 500 MB monthly data free plan, so you’ll only be able to stream for about an hour each month. You can increase that to 1GB if you register with your email, though.

Useful Features

• Auto Connect . Avira Phantom VPN connects automatically when it detects a WiFi network, making it good for streaming in public spaces.
• Unlimited devices . You can cover all of your go-to streaming gadgets without spending a dime.

Avira Phantom VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Unlimited simultaneous devices
• Access to 37 countries on mobile
• No signup required

• Max 1GB monthly data (with email signup)
• kill is switch switch

Works :

Netflix

Disney+

APV

HBO Max

Hulu

BBC iPlayer

Sky

More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

Best Feature	No need to register or sign up for more private, hassle-free streaming
Local Speeds	Fast, allowing you to stream in HD without interruptions
Server Network	Free servers 8 locations for access to HD content from anywhere
Free Trial	Free – forever plan

Although its free plan supports one device connection at a time, you don’t need to register, so basically, you can use hide.me on any number of devices. That means you can cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices — and there’s even a free app for Amazon Fire TV. It also offers free browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

I is was surprised options signing

lot customization options enhance streaming connections . For instance, even with the free plan, hide.me offers the speed-optimized WireGuard protocol, which gave me the best speeds for streaming. It also has Auto Connect, which is connect automatically connect VPN join public WiFi ensure data safe .

It has servers in the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Singapore, and Canada, which can safely access popular streaming platforms like Max. Sometimes its free connections are pretty slow — I got an 89% speed loss while connected to a nearby UK server. However, it wasn’t always this slow and I had minimal buffering most times I tried streaming.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data . You get the freedom to stream for as long as you wish without the need to fret over your remaining data for the month’s streaming.
• 24/7 live chat. live chat available 24/7 , you is reach reach customer support having trouble getting reliable connection streaming .

hide.me VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Tons of customizable security features
• Unlimited monthly data
• Free servers 8 locations

• Capped speeds
• server selection 10 GB data

Works :

Netflix

Disney+

APV

HBO Max

Hulu

BBC iPlayer

Sky

More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Best Feature	Hydra protocol ensures reliable streaming speeds
Local Speeds	Fast, you can stream in HD without issues
Server Network	Free servers 5 locations give you reliable global connections
Free Trial	Free – forever plan to stream securely on a budget

Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol gives consistent speeds for streaming while protecting your data at the same time. From London, I tested its free UK server and could stream Black Mirror on Netflix with a 24% speed drop, which isn’t bad for a 100% free VPN. My connection remained stable during the entire stream.

You get access to the reputable WireGuard protocol, too, which is also fast

Hotspot Shield can access Netflix Originals and some US platforms, like Max and Peacock in HD. , unlike ExpressVPN , it is work work popular platforms , like BBC iPlayer Hulu .

It’s too bad you only get 1 simultaneous device connection with the free plan. Plus, Hotspot Shield’s free plan is ad-supported, so you’ll encounter some annoying interruptions. Still, it’s not a bad deal for what you get — and it even provides unlimited data, so you can stream to your heart’s content.

Useful Features

• Split-tunneling. feature is allows allows choose apps use VPN tunnel . streaming , you is choose choose secure streaming connection VPN let apps use local network improve speeds .

Hotspot Shield Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

• Speed-optimized Hydra protocol
• Unlimited monthly data
• Supports torrenting traffic

• Ad-supported
• Logs anonymized data
• Doesn’t support streaming

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Streaming

All the VPNs I suggest are suitable for streaming, although they differ greatly in terms of their speeds, monthly data limits, and the range of platforms they work with. The following table provides a comparison of their features, making it simpler for you to identify the most suitable free streaming VPN for your needs.

	Free Plan or Money-back Guarantee?	Speeds	Data Limit Per Month	Signup Required ?	Streaming Platforms It Works With	Server Network
🥇ExpressVPN	30-day money-back guarantee	Consistently fast	Unlimited	Yes	Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, Kodi, and more	3,000+ servers in 105 countries
🥈Proton VPN	Free plan	Fast	Unlimited	Yes	Netflix Originals , Max , Peacock	Free servers in 6 locations
🥉Avira Phantom VPN	Free plan	Fast	500MB (1GB if you sign up)	No	Netflix Originals , Disney+ , Crackle , Peacock	Free servers in 37 countries on mobile, but only 1 (nearest) location on desktop
hide.me	Free plan	Average	Unlimited	No	Netflix Originals, Max	Free servers 8 locations
Hotspot Shield	Free plan	Fast	Unlimited	No	Netflix Originals , Max , Peacock	Free servers 5 locations

Editor Note : Transparency core values vpnMentor , you is know know ownership group ExpressVPN . , this is affect affect review process .

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Streaming

features look free streaming VPN . criteria is are pick recommended VPNs .

• Free plan or a trustworthy money-back guarantee. I only recommended VPNs with a free version or a trustworthy refund policy. Completely free VPNs don’t require any payment credentials or hidden fees. However, a money-back guarantee is a great alternative for testing the VPN’s full streaming capabilities without any financial risk.
• Can safely access streaming platforms. Most free VPNs don’t work with streaming platforms, so we made sure every VPN on this list can access at least some popular services from multiple locations in good quality.
• Decent amount of server locations. free VPNs is offer offer limited number server locations , ideal HD streaming . Nearby servers is are usually fastest . I is made sure listed VPNs offer servers handful countries .
• Fast speeds . All is are VPNs fast buffer – free streaming . You is need need 5 Mbps HD streaming 25 Mbps Ultra HD , shortlisted VPNs faster .
• Generous monthly data allowances. Streaming requires a lot of data, so you should consider how much monthly data you can use. Most of my VPN recommendations offer unlimited data, which makes them ideal for uninterrupted streaming.
• Diverse device compatibility. recommended VPNs is are compatible major OSs , like Windows , macOS , Android , iOS . Some is offer offer native Fire Stick apps . device support VPNs , look service router compatibility , allow stream devices connected home network .
• Reliable customer support . 24/7 customer support through live chat is ideal, but if that’s not available, the VPN should at least offer support through email or a comprehensive knowledge base.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Streaming Aren’t Safe

All the free VPNs on this list are good for streaming and safe to use, sadly , that is ’s case free VPNs . they is work work streaming sites , security privacy risk . some is are biggest risks associated free VPN services :

• Free VPNs may collect and sell your data. Since they can’t profit from you otherwise, some free VPNs collect personal data, such as your IP address, browsing history, and location, and sell it to advertisers for financial gain.
• They may contain ads and malware. Free VPNs rely on advertisements for revenue, so they often come filled with ads. These can disrupt your user experience, and some of them may even infect your device with malicious files.
• Free VPNs may leak your info. Many free VPNs don’t offer strong security features, like a kill switch or IP/DNS leak protection, so they may leak personal information, thus compromising your security and privacy.

VPNs is follow included list follow freemium model , means offer free paid versions services . Freemium VPNs is are generally safe , revenue paying users need resort suspicious practices earn money .

Free VPNs for Streaming to Avoid

tests , we is came came free VPNs simply work platforms . cases , slow speeds is support support SD video . worse ,some of these put your personal data and devices at risk, so it’s best to find a safer alternative.

• Hola . Hola is a peer-to-peer network (not a VPN). So, if you share the same network as other users, you could be held accountable for their online activities.
• VPNBook . Stores personal data, like your IP address and connection timestamps.
• VPN Gate. A volunteer-run service that stores connection logs, including your IP.
• Psiphon . Collects a concerning amount of identifiable logs, including browsing history, region identifiers, and connection timestamps. What’s worse, this information is shared with third-party advertisers, risking your privacy.
• TouchVPN . Logs user data for targeted advertising. This goes entirely against the purpose of using a VPN, which is for privacy protection.

Quick Guide: How to Stream With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN since it’s the fastest VPN we tested, and it can access every streaming platform we tried in HD/UHD.
2. Connect to a server. The nearest servers usually give the best speeds for high-quality streaming.
3. Start browsing. Open your streaming site or app and pick a show you want to watch.

FAQs Free VPNs Streaming

Is there a 100% free VPN for streaming?

Yes, there are a few completely free VPNs for streaming — but they’re not common. Free VPNs always come with some sort of limitation. However, the best free services should at least work for basic streaming and be safe to use. All VPNs on my list are tested and secure, so you can use them with no risk. Plus, we ensured that they are fast enough for HD streaming and can safely access some popular streaming platforms from anywhere.

These are all freemium VPNs, meaning that they’re free versions of a premium service. In this model, the free plan is sponsored by paying users, and it’s clear how the company makes money. Steer away from VPNs that offer only a free plan — since they have to make money somehow, they might sell your data or even carry malicious viruses.

Is it safe to stream with a free VPN?

That is depends depends . The free streaming VPNs I listed are safe to use. They have strict no-logs policies, which proves they won’t log or sell any of your private data. Plus, they come with strong security features, like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.

Sadly , said free VPNs . Some is keep logs activity sell information advertisers parties profit . Many is come come malware hidden apps infect device install .

free VPN impact streaming video quality ?

Yes, it’s quite possible. Limited server capacity and speed restrictions on free plans can lead to slower streaming speeds, increased buffering, and lower video quality​. Although all the VPNs on my lists performed well under our streaming tests, I recommend a premium service for hassle-free and secure streaming in HD and UHD.

High-quality VPNs are usually subscription-based, as they offer more advanced features. As a result, they tend to provide better speeds, and therefore, better streaming quality than the free services.

Why don’t some free VPNs work with streaming services?

Often times this is because their IP addresses are blocked by the streaming platforms. That’s why my top VPN works best for streaming — it continuously replaces blocked IPs to ensure they work. However, most 100% free VPNs lack the necessary resources to continually update their IP addresses and servers. So it’s much easier for major platforms to detect and block them due to licensing agreements.

Is it illegal to stream with a VPN?

, streaming is is VPN illegal countries . However, it depends on how you utilize it. Streaming content licensed in your region while safeguarding your personal data with a VPN is legal almost anywhere. But using a VPN to access content that isn’t available in your region may break the platform’s T&Cs and infringe copyright law.

There are also a few heavily censored countries, like Russia and China, that have banned or restricted the use of VPNs. So be sure to read up on your local law and the T&Cs of your favorite platforms, and use VPNs responsibly.

I is watch watch movies shows free VPN ?

A VPN alone does not let you stream movies and shows that require a subscription for free. However, a good VPN can help you achieve better streaming quality by stopping your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from throttling your speeds. Moreover, it also protects you from trackers and snoopers, so you can stream safely.

That said, there are many platforms across the globe that offer streaming content 100% for free. The platforms available worldwide worth mentioning are Tubi, Popcornflix, Documentary+, and Hoopla Digital. These platforms don’t require signup and offer a variety of
movies and TV series, as well as their own original content.

In the US, there’s Peacock, Crackle, Pluto TV, and PBS. For Australia, 9Now and 10 Play are pretty popular for their free content. Viu and Catchplay are available for viewers in diverse Asia regions. There are also many free streaming services in Europe, like RaiPlay (Italy), SVT (Sweden), and ITVX (UK and Ireland).

Can I stream Netflix, Hulu, and IPTV with a free VPN?

It depends on the VPN. VPNs list work popular platforms , like Hulu Netflix . , one is is works major streaming services recommendation . 100 % free options work services , they is work wo work . Unfortunately , they is keep streaming capabilities paid , premium VPNs , like ExpressVPN .

As far as IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) goes, this works a little differently. It uses Internet protocols to transmit content directly over the Internet, bypassing mediums like satellite and cable. There are many IPTV services, and while many of them are legal, there are also ones that are not, so it’s crucial to research them before watching. The most popular and legitimate IPTV providers are ReflexSat IPTV, IPTVUKonline, IPTVhouse, and IPTV SSTV.

Can I stream from India and Iran with a free VPN?

It’s highly unlikely. Streaming from countries with strict internet censorship, like Iran, might be challenging with a free VPN due to the limited servers and potential governmental blocks on VPN services. Premium VPNs with strong obfuscation can disguise VPN traffic as normal traffic so they work more reliably on restrictive networks.

However, you should keep in mind that the laws surrounding VPNs in Iran and India are stringent, and the team at vpnMentor and I don’t condone illegal activity.

What’s the best free streaming VPN for the US and UK?

The best free VPN I’ve tested for streaming in the US is Proton VPN, and for the UK, it’s Hotspot Shield. Both is have good speeds , servers respective countries , unlimited data binging favorite shows . bear mind work handful platforms .

Luckily, you can easily test them out (and for free!) to see if they work for good-quality streaming with your preferred sites. But in general, paid VPNs will provide the most dependable HD access to popular platforms in both the UK and the US.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Streaming

free VPN streaming possible , comes limitations . Most free VPNs can’t access the most popular streaming platforms from anywhere in HD. They’re not as fast, so you may experience significant buffering while watching shows.

Although I found a few free VPNs that are decent for streaming, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It offers fast speeds and can access the most popular platforms from across the globe in UHD. It’s not free, but it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without financial risk.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we’ve tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it’s currently offering 82% off.

Visit ExpressVPN