Top 5 Free Online VPNs: 2025 Newest List

It can be really frustrating when you’re looking for a free online VPN to secure your browsing and access restricted content, only to encounter products that are slow and unsafe.

Worry no more! We’ve found the top 5 best free online VPNs in 2025. The top choice on the list offers unlimited speed, no login required, and access to 1000+ free servers!

Why Use a VPN Online?

When engaging in online activities, a good VPN can help you in the following ways:

・Data Protection: VPN encryption applies to your online traffic, effectively preventing ISPs from tracking your browsing history and significantly reducing the risk of DDoS attacks and phishing.

・Anonymous Browsing: A VPN routes your data through servers around the globe, masking your IP address and making you truly “nobody” online, thereby protecting your true identity.

・Secure Connection on Public Wi-Fi: VPNs ensure public Wi-Fi security, providing robust protection to prevent malicious third parties from reading, recording, or selling your online data.

・Access to Global Content: You can easily solve geo-restrictions by connecting to VPN servers in other countries. This is particularly useful for accessing global streaming, purchasing the cheapest services, or unlocking restricted online content.

・Avoiding Data Throttling: Some ISPs might throttle bandwidth for certain services, but a VPN can hide your online activity to prevent this from happening.

・Reduced Targeted Advertising: By using a virtual online identity and encrypting your traffic, a VPN can significantly minimize the analysis of your browsing habits by advertisers and trackers.

・Enhanced Gaming Experience: A VPN can provide you with faster, low-latency server connections, not only lowering the ping in online games but also resolving issues like Steam won’t open by fixing server connection.

Best 5 Free Online VPNs in 2025

To ensure the professionalism and rigor of the list, we conducted strict VPN tests on 35 online VPNs in the market. Some details are shown in the chart below:

📝How Many We Tested	35 Online VPNs
📱Devices We Used	Dell Windows PC, MacBook, iPhone 16pm, Galaxy Z Flip5, iPad 2024
⏱Time Duration	15 Days
🔥What We Value	Security, Functionality, Usability, VPN Servers, Speed, Price, Compatibility
🥇Top Choice	X-VPN

Now let’s check our 2025 newest list of 5 best free VPNs online:

X-VPN

X-VPN tops the list of free online VPNs, excelling remarkably in terms of security, functionality, speed, and availability of the free version.

The generosity of X-VPN’s free version is truly impressive: there’s no usage time limit, no extra charges, and you don’t even need to log in. It provides free users with top-notch AES-256 encryption and strictly adheres to a No-log Policy, ensuring that all users enjoy rock-solid online privacy and anonymity.

Unlike other free services, X-VPN’s free version does not limit speed. With its special Everest protocol, free users can enjoy lightning-fast browsing speeds and effortlessly bypass geo-restrictions to access any global online content. Even if you want to watch 4K streaming videos, X-VPN ensures smooth playback.

X-VPN offers free users access to 1000+ servers in 17 major countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. However, manual server selection is not supported for free users yet. But there’s no need to worry—this best free VPN’s smart routing system automatically connects you to the fastest, best-performing free server, ensuring a secure and smooth online journey.

If you want more control, the ability to choose specific servers, or stronger online protection, X-VPN’s premium plan is an excellent choice. Upgrading unlocks access to over 8000 global servers and a full suite of premium VPN features and additional security tools, making your online experience impeccable.

💡You can hit this link to learn more about 30 Top VPN Features: How They Work?.

📝Basic Info

Free Servers	1000+ servers in 17 countries
Global Servers	8000+ servers in 225 locations
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook, TVs, Game Consoles, etc.
Security	AES-256 encryption with a Strict No-log Policy
Speed	Fast and Stable
Connections	5 Simultaneous Connections
Free Version	Provide. No speed and usage time limitation, no login.

😆Pros

・Free unlimited VPN with top-notch online security and privacy protection.

・No need to provide an email/phone number or link a credit card, just install and use for free.

・Supports diverse application needs via rich VPN protocols like OpenVPN, Everest, and WireGuard.

・One of the best VPNs for gaming, providing stable and high-speed connections for an enhanced gaming experience.

・Built-in VPN obfuscation feature to bypass VPN detection and unlock major streaming services in seconds.

・Highly cost-effective premium version, meeting all common VPN requirements.

👿Cons

・Lack more advanced VPN features.

・Can’t select server location on your own.

💰Price

・Free Plan: Offered. 

・Monthly Plan: $11.99/mo

・Half-Year Plan: $9.99/mo

・One-Year Plan: $5.99/mo

Now just press the left button to download X-VPN and use it for free, or subscribe to its premium service with a no-risk 30-day refund guarantee.

Windscribe

Windscribe is a strong contender in the free online VPN market, thanks to its support for unlimited device connections, good usability, and access to 10 free server locations. 

A notable highlight is that Windscribe claims both free and paid users access the same app. This means free users can enjoy all its VPN features like Kill Switch, Port Forwarding, and Static IP, along with robust security powered by AES-256-GCM encryption.

Additionally, Windscribe offers an extra DNS-driven security tool called R.O.B.E.R.T., which personalizes protection against ads, trackers, and malicious domains. However, in the free version, R.O.B.E.R.T. only blocks malware and ads, lacking more complex customization.

Users registering with an email get 10GB of free data/mo, sufficient for most online activities. However, if you wish to stream HD content or games online, a $3 monthly upgrade for unlimited data might be necessary.

But you can’t ignore Windscribe’s downsides. The premium version offers little more than the free one, with the primary upgrade being an increase from 10 to 500 servers, but across-region ability is still limited. Also, Windscribe’s customer support is weak, as free users can only access help through the Help Center and Email.

📝Basic Info

Free Servers	10 servers in 10 countries
Global Servers	500+ servers in 69 countries
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Edge, etc.
Security	AES-256 encryption with a Strict No-log Policy
Speed	Decent and Stable
Connections	Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Free Version	Provide. 2GB or 10GB free data/mo

😆Pros

・Offers a free version that is functionally similar to the paid version.

・Provides standard security protection and reliable privacy.

・Comes with basic features and an additional R.O.B.E.R.T. security suite.

・Allows torrenting.

・ Unlimited simultaneous connections.

👿Cons

・Limited servers and advanced VPN features.

・Weak unlocking capabilities.

・Limited customer support.

・Requires email registration for 10GB of free data per month; otherwise, only 2GB is available.

💰Price

・Free Plan: Offered. 

・Monthly Plan: $9/mo

・One-Year Plan: $5.75/mo

Proton VPN

If your main purpose is to protect your online data and hide your browsing activity, then Proton VPN is now on the table.

It provides a secure online sanctuary with AES-256 encryption, various VPN protocols, and powerful security features. Based in privacy-strict Switzerland, its commitment to not logging user data is particularly convincing.

Proton VPN free version is noteworthy for the unlimited and ad-free. However, user feedback suggests that its speed can be somewhat lacking. Hence, while data is unlimited, we recommend using it for lighter online activities, such as browsing social media and watching short videos, rather than activities requiring stable speed like online gaming or streaming.

The app is known for its clean and intuitive design, making it ideal for first-time VPN users. Free users can only connect to 200+ servers located in the U.S., Poland, the Netherlands, Japan, and Romania, with the system automatically selecting the nearest location, thus manual adjustments are not possible.

Currently, Proton VPN allows free users to use only one device at a time and offers limited customer support. However, for $9.99 per month, you can upgrade to Proton VPN premium, unlocking access to over 8,600 servers globally, connecting up to 10 devices, and enjoying one-on-one live chat support.

📝Basic Info

Free Servers	200+ servers in 5 countries
Global Servers	8600+ servers in 110+ countries
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, etc.
Security	AES-256 encryption with a Strict No-log Policy
Speed	Limited
Connections	Only 1 Simultaneous Connections
Free Version	Provide. Unlimited data

😆Pros

・Unlimited traffic for free users.

・Simple and easy to use, even beginners can complete a VPN connection in a few seconds.

・Very important for user’s privacy protection, strictly enforcing the No-log Policy.

・Provides high-quality online data protection with secure core architecture, Tor Server, Skill Switch, etc.

👿Cons

・Limited speed and advanced features.

・Does not support manual server connection.

・Only 1 device can connect at the same time.

・Must register an account to use.

💰Price

・Free Plan: Offered. 

・Monthly Plan: $9.99/mo

・One-Year Plan: $4.99/mo

・Two-Year Plan: $4.49/mo

TunnelBear

If you just need basic VPN encryption, then TunnelBear is the easiest no-cost solution.

Known for its ease of use and cute cartoon bear image, this free VPN offers users a relaxing online experience. Unlike the serious style of its competitors, TunnelBear has a more dynamic user interface that is perfect for newbies. With just one click on the button, your online traffic is securely transmitted through the VPN tunnel.

TunnelBear specializes in providing users with a free VPN service that supports selecting server connections from 47 countries. While users can’t choose a specific city or region, its extensive coverage still allows you the flexibility to browse across limitations. However, it has more limited unlocking capabilities, so it may not be able to help you view geo-restricted streaming content such as Netflix, Disney+, etc.

It’s important to note that TunnelBear only offers 2 GB of free data/mo, your only choice is to upgrade to the premium version for $3.33/mo to unlock unlimited data. Meanwhile, while the provider doesn’t limit users’ speeds, its speed performance remains quite average and fluctuates when users connect to servers that are far away.

Overall, TunnelBear doesn’t fulfill advanced VPN needs, but as a lightweight tool for online browsing, it’s certainly a lovely, convenient option.

📝Basic Info

Free Servers	Unknown servers in 47 countries
Global Servers	8000+ servers in 47 countries
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, etc.
Security	AES-256 encryption with a Strict No-log Policy
Speed	Decent but not stable
Connections	Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Free Version	Provide. 2GB free data/mo

😆Pros

・Bear-themed design with easy-to-use interface.

・Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

・Provides additional security tools to block ads, emails, tracking, and more.

・Built with AES-256 encryption and proprietary GhostBear technology for a high level of security.

👿Cons

・Provides only 2GB of free data per month.

・Help Center and email contact only, no other customer support channels.

・No advanced VPN features.

💰Price

・Free Plan: Offered. 

・Monthly Plan: $3.33/mo

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a VPN service that strikes a proper blend of security and functionality, particularly excelling at helping users access U.S. online content, which is why it earns a spot on our list.

This provider features the unique Catapult Hydra protocol, which encrypts user data using the Open SSL library and offers multiple data transmission channels to create a secure online environment. Its superior functionality makes it excellent at bypassing geo-restrictions and firewalls, adding to its reputation as an ideal choice for streaming VPNs.

However, there are significant limitations for free users. Hotspot Shield allows use on only one device and connects solely to a single server located in the U.S., with speeds not exceeding 1 Gbps and a daily data limit of 500MB. So, while its unblocking capabilities are strong, usage is restricted to accessing U.S. online content and is not suitable for high-bandwidth activities.

If your main needs are secure browsing, watching short videos like TikTok, or unlocking content from US-only services, Hotspot Shield is certainly a good option. But it’s important to note that Hotspot Shield has been questioned over data logging and selling issues, and has sparked an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. 

Although Hotspot Shield has denied some of these allegations, the issue of privacy protection is still a factor that users need to consider carefully before making a choice.

📝Basic Info

Free Servers	1 US-based Server Only
Global Servers	1800+ servers in 75 countries
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, TVs, Chrome, etc.
Security	AES-256 encryption
Speed	Limited
Connections	Only 1 Simultaneous Connections
Free Version	Provide. 500 free data/day

😆Pros

・One-click connection, easy to use.

・Secure and stable VPN connection.

・Strong cross-regional unlocking capabilities, able to bypass VPN detection on most platforms.

・Premium plan offers a 45-day refund guarantee.

👿Cons

・Only one free server located in the U.S. is available.

・Controversies over privacy data logging.

・Too many limitations for free users.

・Contains ads.

💰Price

・Free Plan: Offered. 

・Monthly Plan: $9.99/mo

・One-Year Plan: $6.66/mo

Quick Comparison of the Best VPN Free Online

Let’s check the quick comparison table of the 5 best VPNs free online.

	X-VPN	Windscribe	Proton VPN	TunnelBear	Hotspot Shield
Free Server	1000+	10	200+	Unknown	1
Server Locations	17	10	5	47	1
Free Data	Unlimited	2 or 10GB/mo	Unlimited	2GB/mo	500MB/day
Security	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed	Fast	Decent	Limited	Decent	Limited
No-log Policy	✔︎	✔︎	✔︎	✔︎	✔︎
Connections	5	Unlimited	1	Unlimited	1
Login	No Need	No Need	Need	Need	Need
Premium Price	$11.99/mo	$9.00/mo	$9.99/mo	$3.33/mo	$9.99/mo

Through the above comparative analysis, we can see why X-VPN is rated as the best free online VPN. This VPN offers genuine commitments to free users with no hidden costs and no restrictions, making it truly ready to use right after download. Additionally, it excels in compatibility, functionality, security, and speed.

Of course, if you need some more advanced VPN features such as Double VPN, DNS leak protection, dedicated servers, static IP, and split tunneling, just upgrade to the X-VPN Premium Plan and start a worry-free 30-day trial.

How to Choose a Suitable Free Online VPN?

If you find that the five options we provided seem rather average, don’t worry. You can always find a free VPN in the market that best meets your unique online needs.

However, because free VPNs come with many controversies and risks, be sure to consider the following important factors when choosing one:

1. Security: Ensure that the free VPN offers at least standard encryption protection. Clear the encryption algorithm it uses and the VPN protocols it supports.

2. Privacy: Choose a VPN provider with a No-logs policy and check if there have been any past privacy breach controversies.

3. Compatibility: Confirm that the free online VPN can protect all your commonly used devices.

4. Free Servers: Though free VPNs have limited servers, ensure that its free network can meet your specific needs.

5. Performance: Prioritize VPNs capable of handling cross-regional streaming, which often indicates sufficient speed, stable connections, and strong unblocking ability.

6. Required Info: Opt for providers that don’t require too much personal information from free users. For example, X-VPN allows usage without logging in.

7. Data Limitations: Most free services restrict your available data. Choose an online VPN based on your anticipated usage.

8. Premium Services: Free products always have limited features. If you might later want to experience better VPN functionalities, choosing a provider that offers both free services and premium subscriptions initially will save you a lot of hassle.

💡If you want to get more recommendations about free VPN, do not miss these lists:

・6 Best Free VPNs for PC – 2025 Top List

・6 Best 100% Free VPNs for iPhone

・Best 5 Free VPNs for Android in 2025

・6 Best Free VPN Chrome Extensions

・7 Best 100% Free VPNs for Mac in 2025

・Best Free VPN for Windows 2025: TOP 5!

How to Use the Best Free VPN for Surfing Online?

If you have no idea about how to use a free VPN for surfing online, this detailed tutorial can help you out.

We will use a MacBook as the demo tool, but no worries, all steps are the same on different devices.

Step 1. Get a free online VPN download on your device. Here we choose X-VPN.

Step 2. Launch the X-VPN. No need to sign in, just hit the big button to connect to a free server. 

・If you need a specific online identity for a special purpose, just upgrade to the X-VPN premium plan, and head to Select Location, and choose any city-level server from 225+ locations.

Step 3. Now enjoy your surfing, X-VPN will ensure a safer and cleaner online environment.

Conclusion

These are our recommendations for the 5 best free online VPNs in 2025. Leading the list is X-VPN, which excels in all areas. Let’s click the button below and let X-VPN show you a smoother, safer, and broader online world.

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