The best free VPN for PC
Millions of people have the Windows operating system on their computers for all kinds of activities. However, the security of the system remains a major concern, leaving users vulnerable to government surveillance. Not to mention geo-restrictions and cyber attacks that can put your personal data at risk. This is one of the most important things that comes to mind when thinking about why you should use a VPN.
Those looking for the best free VPN for Windows PC often turn to such VPNs to secure their online activities. While there are VPNs that you can use for free, they may not offer the same level of security and performance as their paid counterparts. However, there are some good free VPN options on the market.
In this article, we will discuss our best free VPN providers for Windows PC, highlight their features, and recommend some of our favorites. So, if you are looking for a secure VPN for your Windows device, read on to discover the best options available.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a popular free VPN for Windows that has a lot to offer. The Windows application has a great interface and thanks to its minimalist design, users will have no problem using it.
Offers 20+ servers in 500+ countries; It is impressive compared to other free VPNs in this category. It is known for its strong security, which includes encryption and a reliable kill switch that prevents possible IP leaks. Additionally, it supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, giving users options to customize their VPN experience.
It must be said that it offers good speeds for Windows users; This is surprising considering it is a VPN that costs nothing. However, it limits browsing to 10GB of data per month; This may not be enough for torrenting or streaming. Although the provider supports P2P, limited bandwidth can be a big hurdle.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is one of the best free VPNs for Windows thanks to its unlimited bandwidth. Moreover, it is almost the only free VPN provider that offers unlimited bandwidth; That’s why it deserves second place in this top.
But in addition, Windows users can also benefit from security features such as 256-bit encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN, kill switch, and split tunneling. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and has a no-logging policy enforced by SEC Consult.
It lacks features like Secure Core and NetShield that it offers in its paid plan, and the speed is much slower. Additionally, they only have servers in three locations: the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands. Additionally, its free plan lacks P2P servers and is not an option for streaming services like Netflix.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a free VPN for Windows with some positive qualities. The Windows app is modern and easy to use, but it has its limitations and logging practices. On the good side, it offers some security features like 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and its own protocol, Hydra. While Hotspot Shield’s performance isn’t slow, it only offers 500MB of data per day, which isn’t enough for most users.
Another downside is that it only has servers in the United States; so it won’t be useful if you want to change your IP. The free version does not include 24/7 support and the mobile app displays ads. This may be annoying for some users.
Hotspot Shield can be a good option if you’re looking for a free VPN for a short time. However, the data cap and logging practices make it unsuitable for most users.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN has a good reputation as a premium VPN service, but it is also one of the best free VPNs for Windows. One of the best free VPNs for PC, Atlas VPN offers an easy-to-use and navigate app for Windows. In its free plan, it offers some typical security features like kill switch, WireGuard support, and 256-bit encryption.
In terms of limitations, we should mention that it offers only 5 GB bandwidth per month, along with poor performance and slow speeds. Additionally, it does not offer dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, so it is not suitable for these activities. It doesn’t support P2P and doesn’t work with popular streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.
Its free plan lacks many premium features. This limitation can make it difficult to unblock foreign TV channels. Atlas VPN’s free plan is a good option for users who need a basic VPN to browse securely. However, its limitations make it unsuitable for streaming, torrenting, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is an excellent alternative in this list. It has around 500 servers worldwide, which is impressive for a VPN that costs nothing. But in addition to this, it offers around 30 server locations. The Windows app is unique, with a world map and a grizzly bear indicating the VPN is connected and disconnected.
TunnelBear is secure, offers strong encryption, and offers features like VigilantBear and GhostBear to bypass censorship. However, its free plan has some limitations. It only offers 500MB of bandwidth per month, which is far from enough for most users. TunnelBear’s bandwidth-intensive activities are also limited, as users won’t be able to torrent at all, and streaming on popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+ will be impossible.
Another drawback is that TunnelBear only allows one connection per account. Overall, TunnelBear is a good choice for users who prioritize security and want a unique user interface.