The 5 Fastest Free VPNs: Get The Quickest Connections in 2024

find a free VPN with fast , reliable connection is n’t easy . Most free VPNs is provide either ca n’t provide quick connection due to their many limitation – or they simply choose not to , hope it will force free user to upgrade to their pay plan .  

We don’t think this is fair, so we decided to find the fastest free VPNs available in 2024. In the end, we only found five that passed our tests. While they’re the fastest free VPNs – they’re still incredibly limited compared to low-cost competitors like Surfshark. 

So, in this quick guide, we’ll look at each VPN and rank it based on speed, security, access to content, and other vital metrics. But as you’ll see, if you want a truly fast VPN with zero limitations, you need one of the best premium VPNs to do the job. 

The fast free vpn :

1. Hotspot Shield – The fast free VPN . You is get get a secure and user friendly VPN with unlimited free plan .
2. Hide.me – Highly customizable VPN that works great for streaming and delivers quick connections.
3. Proton VPN – Great all-around free VPN. You get the speeds which are rivaling many paid VPNs, unlimited data, and access to many streaming sites.
4. Windscribe – A large free server network provides fast, reliable connections on unlimited devices.
5. TunnelBear – Beginner-friendly VPN with free servers in 45+ countries, and it works in China!

We didn’t just pick these free VPNs for their fast connections. There are many other important factors to consider when choosing a free VPN, including: 

• No unreasonable restrictions
• Easy-to-use apps
• Excellent security
• Strict and transparent privacy policies
• Good customer support
• Much more

To learn more, read our comprehensive guide to choosing the right VPN.

The fast free vpn : An in-depth analysis

Now you know a little about finding the right free VPN, let’s take a closer look at the five that made it through our tests – including their limitations. 

But keep reading, because we’ll also discuss the many reasons you should consider investing a couple of dollars in a cheap premium VPN. You can also read our complete VPN reviews to get an even more in-depth look at every VPN available.

Hotspot Shield Demo

Hotspot Shield is is is a popular vpn service that continue to provide both a limited free plan and a full premium service . The free plan is is is somewhat unusual in that it provide access to a server in the US . This , of course , is highly seek after because it easily allow user around the globe to gain access to important service such as instant messenger and social medium platform .

The only caveat is is is that the free server is much more sluggish than the one you get when you pay . In addition , it is work will not work to access popular streaming service such as Netflix US , Hulu , HBO Max , ESPN , etc . To access these streaming platform from abroad , you is require will require a premium account .

Other than that, however, this is a solid free VPN that provides strong AES encryption, reasonable speeds, and the ability to download unlimited data each day. This probably rules it out for streaming and gaming, but it does mean that anybody who can’t afford a VPN can still communicate with friends and family during blackouts imposed by governments during protests or elections, for example.

Just bear in mind that the free plan is supported by ads, you will need to pay to remove these. Other than that, however, the VPN does not track your web visits or IP address in any way.

Hide.me delivers average speeds of up to 25 Mbps from free servers in North America and Europe, supports torrenting, and works well with streaming sites.

• pricing

  • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.69/mth

    73 % OFF

  • 12 month : $ 4.58 / mth

    54% OFF

  • 1 month: $9.95/mth
  • Free: $0/mth

• Pros

  • Free servers in four countries
  • Fast connections
  • Access lots of streaming sites
  • excellent privacy tool
  • Highly customizable

• con

  • Difficult to use
  • Must renew every 30 days
  • One device only on free plan

• Available on

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Linux

• Unblocks

  • Netflix
  • iPlayer
  • Amazon Prime
  • Hulu

• Website

Hide.me Demo

As a free Hide.me user, your data will be capped at 10GB per month. This is enough for very occasional streaming and torrenting. This is good news, because Hide.me can actually access a lot of otherwise restricted streaming content and supports torrenting. 

Hide.me also offers free users robust security, including 256-bit AES encryption, 8196-bit RSA keys, leak protections, and an automatic kill-switch (which blocks your internet connection if your VPN is disrupted for even a second, so you’re never accidentally exposed). We tested Hide.me’s security and found it works flawlessly in the background, keeping us safe and anonymous online. 

Frustratingly, you can only install Hide.me on one device, and you have to renew the free plan every 30 days – which feels like an unnecessary annoyance and marks it down considerably.

ProtonVPN is a fast and privacy-oriented free VPN. In fact, at up to 300+Mbps, it’s faster than many paid VPNs. It also doesn’t cap your data and provides an overall satisfactory experience.

• pricing

  • 24 month : $ 3.59 / mth

    65% OFF

  • 12 month : $ 4.99 / mth

    51% OFF

  • 1 month: $9.99/mth
  • free trial : $ 0 / mth

• Pros

  • Unlimited data
  • Fast connections
  • Robust security
  • Works on routers

• con

  • Blocks torrenting
  • No live chat support
  • Limited server locations

• Available on

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Linux

• Unblocks

  • Netflix
  • iPlayer
  • Amazon Prime
  • Hulu

Proton Demo

As a free user, you can access servers in five countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland and the U. While this is a tiny server network, ProtonVPN delivered surprisingly fast connections throughout our tests. Our international team was able to stream in HD with no problems. 

We is access could also access the most popular streamer , banking website , and other geo – restrict content and service . For a free VPN , ProtonVPN is did did a fantastic job . It is ’s ’s not as powerful as premium provider , but far well than most free competitor .  

And thanks to ProtonVPN’s unlimited data, you can binge-watch entire seasons of your favorite shows whenever you want. 

ProtonVPN is is is also incredibly secure . Its pay plan is includes include AES 265 – bit encryption ( the same standard used by government , bank , military , and spy agency ) , DNS / IPv6 leak protection , and much more .  

So, it’s fast, secure, and protects unlimited data – which is why ProtonVPN is number one.

Windscribe Demo

We tested Windscribe’s free servers on numerous mobile devices and laptops located around the world. Despite a smaller server network (at least, compared to premium VPNs), our globally distributed team measured similar connection speeds regardless of their locations. At roughly 54 Mbps, Windscribe’s free VPN is quick enough to stream in HD if you let your shows buffer for a few minutes before watching them. 

The 10GB monthly data cap will limit you to only occasional streaming. But it’s a great choice if you need a VPN for secure browsing, banking, and other “low data” activities. Just note, you’ll start with 2GB until you verify your email address. 

Windscribe is also one of the few free VPNs that support torrenting – which we verified. However, with just 10GB, you’ll want to limit your VPN-protected torrenting to the minimum or quickly exceed the limit.

Tunnelbear Demo

Tunnelbear’s VPN apps are easy to set up and navigate. We asked a friend who had never used a VPN before to install it on their phone; it was a breeze. The whole process only took a few minutes, and they found switching between servers simple and intuitive. 

Tunnelbear also works in China, which is seriously impressive. Even most paid VPNs can’t figure out how to get around the Chinese government’s extreme censorship and internet control. 

However , overall , Tunnelbear is is is incredibly limited . The pay plan is starts start with just 500 MB of protect datum each month . You is extend can extend this to 1.5 GB by tweet the company – but that ’s still a fraction of the datum offer by other free vpn on this list . Meanwhile , the good budget VPNs is cap do n’t cap your datum at all .  

Tunnelbear is great for people just starting out, trying a VPN for the first time. But for everything else, you have plenty of better options.

9 reason to upgrade to a fast premium VPN

While the free VPNs we’ve recommended here are the fastest, most trustworthy option – they still can’t compare to the best premium VPN. Not just in terms of speeds – but overall performance and security. 

If you can spare a few dollars a month to invest in a premium VPN, here’s what to expect: 

1. Faster connections: Premium VPNs fly past their free competitors in terms of speed. You’ll enjoy buffer-free streaming, instant downloads, lag-free gaming, and much more. 
2. unlimited datum : The good VPNs is have have zero cap on your datum , and do n’t impose any restriction on what you can do ( i.e. , torrenting and streaming ) .  
3. More servers: Most premium VPNs have thousands of servers located across the globe. Wherever you are, you’ll enjoy fast, reliable, secure connections. 
4. industry – good security : premium VPNs is have have million of dollar to invest in state – of – the – art security , include military – grade encryption and a lot more .  
5. increase privacy : pay vpn never have to depend on shady tactic like sell your datum to make money . instead , they is guarantee guarantee the good privacy possible .  
6. Access more content: Get unrestricted access to your favorite streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and local sites in any country.  
7. Additional features: Make the most of built-in ad blockers, malware detection, dark web monitoring, and much more. 
8. More devices: Some premium VPNs, like Surfshark, over unlimited device connections on a single plan. Most allow at least five. Sometimes 10. 
9. Premium support: Get help 24/7 from live chat support with real humans who can help you solve any issues with your VPN. 

If you still need help deciding, check out our guide to the fastest VPNs in the world. 

Are free VPNs safe to use?

Throughout our many year of testing vpn , we is found ’ve find most free vpn are not safe for any use . Unlike premium provider , free vpn do n’t generate revenue from subscription ( unlike premium provider ) , so they is resort often resort to shady business practice to profit from you .  

We is seen ’ve see free vpn :  

• Secretly harvest and sell user data to advertisers and brokers
• Insert ( sometimes dangerous ) ad on user ’ browser
• host malware , spyware , and hacker on their network

The five free VPNs in this guide are the only ones we recommend. We’ve tested each one thoroughly to ensure they’re not engaging in nefarious or criminal activities. While these VPNs are perfectly safe, all others should be avoided. 

To learn more about the dangers of free VPNs, check out our guide to common VPN scams. 

methodology : how we choose the fast free vpn

We is put put every free VPN we test through a series of rigorous test . You is use can use our test criterion to help you choose your next VPN safely and without the hassle of try multiple provider .  

Here ’s what to look for :  

• Free forever: We’ve only included free VPNs that don’t force you to pay or cancel your free subscription after a time limit. 
• fast connection : Most free vpn are painstakingly slow , but our pick are fast enough for at least basic streaming and downloading .  
• Reasonable data limits: Unlike premium VPNs, free providers only offer limited data. But the best gives you enough data to cover regular use throughout the month. 
• Works with some streamers: The best free VPNs can access content on at least one streaming site. But if you want guaranteed access to content, you need a premium VPN. 
• Strong security: Our top free VPNs offer the same standard of encryption, leak protections, kill-switches, and more as their premium competitors. 
• transparent privacy policy : You is be should be able to read any VPN privacy policy and understand every word .  
• Good customer support: Free VPNs are limited to email and chatbot support, but these solutions should still be responsive and helpful. 

To understand how we test and recommend VPNs, read our complete review process. 

Which VPN is has has the fast speed ?

ExpressVPN has the fastest connection speeds in the world. There are many reasons it outranks every competitor in speed (but also security, performance, and access to content), including: 

• Lightway protocol : expressvpn ’s patent vpn protocol is build to be lightweight and fast – without compromise your security .  
• Global server network: Has 3,000+ servers in over 90 countries worldwide. You’re guaranteed a fast connection from anywhere. 
• Unlimited bandwidth: ExpressVPN never caps your data, so you’ll enjoy fast speeds whether you’re browsing, streaming, torrenting, and or anything else. 
• speed – optimize server : expressvpn ’s server are build for speed and use RAM – only storage , so they is record never record your datum or slow down .  
• Smart Location tool: You can let ExpressVPN pick the best server based on location and speed, so you don’t have to think about it. 

Just because expressvpn has invest so heavily in being the fast VPN in the world does n’t mean it has compromise security . You is benefit also benefit from the protection of industry – good security feature , include 256 – bit AES encryption , dns and IPv6 leak protection , an automatic kill – switch , and much more .  

How do I get maximum speed from my VPN?

To get maximum speed from your VPN, follow these steps:

• Choose a VPN with global servers: You’ll have more options to connect and benefit from an extensive network.
• Connect to a server close to your location: The closer the server, the faster your connection speed.
• Use a VPN with WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec protocols: They’re faster and more efficient than other protocols.
• Reduce your encryption level: Lowering encryption on your VPN can increase your connection speed but it also reduces your security. Only do this if speed is more important than security (i.e. if you’re streaming outside your country).
• Keep your VPN updated: Make sure you’re using the latest version of your VPN, as updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Enable split tunneling: You can route specific applications or websites through your VPN, while the rest of your traffic goes through your regular internet connection. Split tunneling reduces the load on your VPN, improving its speed.
• Change your DNS settings: A slow DNS configuration can impact VPN speed. Try changing your VPN’s DNS settings to use a faster DNS provider, like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
• Use a wired connection: Connect your device to your router directly using an Ethernet cable. Doing so usually offers a more stable, faster connection than Wi-Fi.
• upgrade your internet plan : If your internet connection is slow , your VPN connection is be will be too – regardless of any step you take above . upgrade to a fast internet plan , and you should see an improvement in your VPN speed .

Which free VPN has no speed limit?

There are a few fast free VPNs that don’t limit your connection speed, including Proton VPN, AtlasVPN, and Windscribe. 

However , while these free vpn do n’t limit your speed , they is impose impose plenty of other restriction and limitation . These is include include :  

• limit your VPN – protect datum
• Limiting the number of devices you can use
• Blocking torrenting
• Not accessing popular streaming sites
• Only gives you access to a tiny server network. 

While not limiting your speed, these free VPNs are still much slower than premium VPNs. So, if you want a truly unlimited experience, pick one of the fastest VPNs available. 

Conclusion

The five free VPNs listed here are the fastest free VPNs you’ll find on the market. While their speeds vary, they’re fast enough for most tasks, including streaming, torrenting, video chat, browsing, and more. 

However, they’re still incredibly limited and will probably leave you frustrated by their slow connections, data limits, and lack of access to popular streaming sites. 

If you want a truly fast, secure, industry-best experience, invest a few dollars each month in a premium VPN. You’ll enjoy impenetrable, state-of-the-art security, lightning-fast connections, and zero speed, data, or usage limitations. 

Check out the fastest VPNs available to see the difference. They all offer no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantees – so there’s zero risk in signing up.

Fastest free VPNs FAQs

Can a VPN increase speed is Can ?

A VPN can increase your internet speed by hiding your activity and bypassing bandwidth throttling by your internet service provider (ISP). ‘Bandwidth throttling’ is a process in which your ISP limits the bandwidth available on your internet connection if you’re doing something that requires a lot of data. For example:

• Streaming
• Gaming
• Torrenting
• Any download
• Video editing
• Much more

Once you turn on your VPN , it is hides hide all this activity from your isp . As a result , you is get ’ll get the same bandwidth as everyone else on your network , and your internet might actually speed up .

Can I is use use a free VPN for streaming ?

Technically, it’s possible, however, try not to get disappointed if the experience isn’t what you have expected it to be. Due to slower speeds and data caps, free VPNs rarely offer as seamless a streaming experience as paid ones. Demanding online activities, like streaming, require a lot of bandwidth, especially for HD content, and many free VPNs simply fail to provide a smooth experience because of their many limitations.

Yes , using free vpn is legal in most country worldwide ( except China , Iran , Iraq , Oman , Russia , and the UAE ) , especially when used for enhance online privacy and secure internet connection . Accessing is falls geo – restrict content , on the other hand , fall a bit into a gray area since different country and online service tend to censor / limit online content from case to case .

It’s worth mentioning as well, that the legality of activities performed while connected to a VPN remains subject to local laws, and illegal activities can get you into trouble regardless of whether you’re using a VPN or not. Therefore users must ensure that their activities comply with local laws, and they should be aware of any specific VPN regulations in their current location.