If something is free, it usually comes with a cost. This is especially true for VPNs, which usually restrict data usage and speed to entice users into upgrading to paid plans. Some of these providers are known for stealing bandwidth and sell it to anyone who needs it.
A reliable VPN will offer high-quality encryption, fast speed and a wealth of advanced features not available in the free level. It should be easy to use and have no significant limitations which could impede your internet-related activities, such as streaming, downloading and videoconferencing.
The top VPN providers should have a good track record, excellent privacy practices, and be located outside of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance. In addition, they should be backed up by a generous guarantee of refund.
The most well-reviewed and widely used free VPN services include Proton VPN, Windscribe and TunnelBear. Proton VPN offers a free plan that has no restrictions or limitations. It offers decent speeds, three locations, and a powerful ad- and malware blocking. P2P and streaming are also supported.
Windscribe is a great free VPN service that gives you an impressive 10GB of data per month, exceptional performance and numerous advanced features. Its apps have been designed with a wide range of helpful tools, tweaks, and technologies. They also came out on top of my free VPN tests, beating a number of cost-based competitors.