Best VPNs for iPhone / Android

Using a VPN is one of the easiest ways to boost your online privacy, unblock restricted content, and protect your data on public Wi-Fi. But let’s face it — premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN come with a price tag. So, is there a reliable free VPN out there?

Yes, but with honest limitations.

In this in-depth guide from VPN AdWiser, we’ll uncover the best free VPNs available in 2025, what they offer, and what you need to be cautious about. No fluff — just a clear breakdown of what’s good, what’s not, and who these free VPNs are best for.

Table of Contents

1. Are Free VPNs Safe?
2. What You Should Expect from a Free VPN
3. 7 Best Free VPNs in 2025 (Reviewed)
   • Proton VPN Free
   • Windscribe
   • PrivadoVPN
   • TunnelBear
   • Hide.me
   • Atlas VPN Free
   • Hotspot Shield Basic
4. Pros & Cons of Using a Free VPN
5. When Should You Upgrade to a Paid VPN?
6. Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs – Key Differences
7. FAQs
8. Final Verdict + Recommended Alternatives

Are Free VPNs Safe?

Yes, some free VPNs are safe — but not all. You should avoid any VPN that:

• Sells your data to advertisers
• Displays ads or pop-ups
• Has no clear privacy policy or logging details

Reputable providers like Proton VPN or Windscribe offer limited free plans that are still private and secure.

Red flags to avoid:

• Unlimited free data with no monetization method
• Vague ownership (e.g., based in China or Russia with no transparency)
• Apps with tons of ads or strange permissions

What You Should Expect from a Free VPN

Free VPNs often limit access to encourage you to upgrade. Expect:

• Monthly data caps (500MB–10GB per month)
• Limited server locations (often 1–3 countries)
• Slower speeds due to overcrowded free servers
• No streaming or torrenting support
• Limited device support

However, if you’re just looking for basic web browsing privacy, these limitations may be totally acceptable.

7 Best Free VPNs in 2025 (With Honest Reviews)

1. Proton VPN Free

Best For: Unlimited data and privacy-first users
Based in: Switzerland
Data Limit: Unlimited
Servers: 3 Countries (Netherlands, Japan, US)

Key Features:

• Strict no-logs policy
• Built by CERN scientists and privacy activists
• Good speeds for a free plan
• Open-source apps

Limitations:

• No streaming or torrenting on free plan
• Only one device allowed

2. Windscribe

Best For: Customizable plans and generous monthly data
Based in: Canada
Data Limit: 10GB/month (with email verification)
Servers: 10 Countries

Key Features:

• Built-in ad blocker
• Good speeds for streaming (on select servers)
• P2P supported on some free servers
• Works on all major platforms

Limitations:

• Setup is tricky for beginners
• Limited support for Netflix

3. PrivadoVPN

Best For: Torrenting on a free plan
Based in: Switzerland
Data Limit: 10GB/month
Servers: 12 Locations

Key Features:

• Works with torrent clients like uTorrent
• No-logs and privacy-respecting
• Simple, clean interface

Limitations:

• Slower speeds during peak hours
• No SmartDNS or streaming unlocks

4. TunnelBear

Best For: VPN beginners and easy UI
Based in: Canada
Data Limit: 500MB/month (can be increased via tweeting)
Servers: 47 Countries

Key Features:

• Fun and friendly design
• One of the easiest apps to use
• Transparent privacy policy
• Annual security audits

Limitations:

• Extremely low data cap
• No streaming or P2P allowed on free plan

5. Hide.me

Best For: Customization and advanced settings
Based in: Malaysia
Data Limit: 10GB/month
Servers: 5 Free Locations

Key Features:

• Works without registration
• Offers OpenVPN, WireGuard protocols
• Kill switch and DNS leak protection even on free plan

Limitations:

• Limited server locations
• No streaming or Netflix support

6. Atlas VPN Free

Best For: Android users and general browsing
Based in: United States
Data Limit: 5GB/month
Servers: 3 Locations

Key Features:

• SafeSwap servers (rotates IPs)
• Decent speeds on mobile
• Clean UI

Limitations:

• Based in the US (5 Eyes alliance)
• Ads occasionally shown

7. Hotspot Shield Basic

Best For: Occasional use and speed
Based in: USA
Data Limit: 500MB/day (approx. 15GB/month)
Servers: 1 US Server

Key Features:

• Catapult Hydra protocol for fast speeds
• Good for basic browsing
• Quick setup

Limitations:

• Shows ads in the free version
• No streaming or torrenting

Pros and Cons of Using Free VPNs

✅ Pros:

• No cost involved
• Decent privacy for general web usage
• Good for public Wi-Fi protection
• Easy way to test before upgrading

❌ Cons:

• Data and server limitations
• Often block streaming services
• Slower speeds on free servers
• Not suitable for heavy use (P2P, Netflix, etc.)

When Should You Upgrade to a Paid VPN?

If you:

• Stream content (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
• Torrent regularly
• Need global server access
• Want advanced features (Double VPN, Kill Switch, etc.)

…then a premium VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark is worth it.

Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs – Key Differences

Feature	Free VPNs	Paid VPNs
Data Limit	Yes (usually 500MB–10GB)	No Limit
Server Locations	Limited	50+ countries typically
Streaming Support	Rare	Full support
Torrenting	Not always allowed	Usually allowed
Privacy Guarantees	Varies	Strict no-logs policies
Speed	Slower	Faster
Customer Support	Limited	24/7 Support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are free VPNs legal to use?

Yes, VPNs — free or paid — are legal in most countries. However, using them for illegal activities (like piracy) is not.

2. Can I stream Netflix with a free VPN?

Most free VPNs block access to Netflix. If streaming is important, consider a paid VPN with dedicated streaming servers.

3. Which free VPN is best for torrenting?

PrivadoVPN and Windscribe allow P2P on select servers — great choices for light torrent users.

4. Do free VPNs work on mobile?

Yes. Most free VPNs like Proton VPN, Windscribe, and Atlas VPN have Android and iOS apps with decent performance.

5. Can I trust free VPNs with my data?

Only use free VPNs from reputable companies with clear privacy policies. Avoid shady or unknown apps.

Final Verdict: Are Free VPNs Worth It?

Free VPNs are a great starting point for casual users who want to test the waters. If your needs are light (like occasional browsing or public Wi-Fi protection), tools like Proton VPN and Windscribe offer solid protection at no cost.

However, if you need consistent speed, access to streaming, and total online freedom, a paid VPN is the better investment.