Beat Censorship: 8 free VPNs to bypass Internet Restrictions in 2024

Using a reliable VPN can help mitigate downtime and ISP restrictions on certain apps, providing a stable connection and continuous access to your favourite services. 

VPNs also help to provide basic online security by encrypting your activities and masking your IP address. However, free VPNs come with risks, so choosing a trusted provider is crucial.

In this article, we outline 8 top-quality free VPNs. Our selection criteria focused on finding free VPNs with minimal limitations and security risks, ensuring privacy and transparency. 

Keep reading to find the best provider that suits your needs.

Here's a quick list of our top 8 picks:

1. X-VPN
2. Tunnel Bear
3. Proton
4. Turbo VPN
5. HotSpot Shield
6. Speedify
7. Opera VPN
8. Avira Phantom
   

X-VPN

X-VPN is a tempting choice for a free VPN with a large server network and a user-friendly interface. Despite reassuring claims in its privacy policy about not logging usage or storing IP addresses, a closer look reveals inconsistencies.

Available for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Chrome, X-VPN boasts over 10 million installs on Google Play with a 4.2 rating. It allows easy connection to the fastest server with a single tap and includes a free tier.

However, it comes with limitations like data caps and potentially slower speeds. X-VPN offers a free 500MB Premium plan trial without needing an email address, extendable with a 7-day mobile trial. 

Overall, X-VPN is effective for basic tasks and unblocking services, but its lack of transparency and extensive logging makes it less suitable for privacy-focused users.

Standout Features

• 8000+ servers in 50+ locations and supports up to 5 devices simultaneously
• Limited free plan
• Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer
• Split tunneling

TUNNELBEAR

TunnelBear’s free plan offers access to global content, including Netflix libraries in the UK, US, Canada, and Japan. Its bear-themed design and user-friendly interface make it appealing for beginners, with fun animations and a world map feature.

The free package includes 2GB of monthly data for unlimited devices, but it’s limited to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and doesn’t support routers. While it lacks advanced tools and has limited streaming and torrenting support, its simplicity makes it easy to use.

TunnelBear has around 1,000 servers in 47 countries. The free version provides 500MB of bandwidth per month, with an option to upgrade to unlimited data. 

Standout Features

• A huge server network covering 47 countries to change your online location
• TunnelBear undergoes annual security audits of its infrastructure and apps and adheres to a strict no-logs policy.
• TunnelBear is best for accessing streaming platforms and restricted platforms.

PROTON

Proton VPN’s commitment to privacy makes it one of the safest free VPNs we recommend. Its free apps have been independently audited by third parties, and the results are o pen-source, allowing anyone to check for security issues. Additionally, it protects your data by following a strict no-logs policy and is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.

You don’t need to provide payment information to use Proton VPN, but you do need to give an email, which grants you access to a 7-day trial of its premium plan. This trial is known to work great for watching content and torrent downloads.

Proton VPN is best for fast and unlimited browsing. Its uncapped speeds and data make it a great option for those looking for a free VPN they can connect to all the time. 

Standout Features

• It offers AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch that blocks internet traffic if your free VPN loses connection. Even the iOS and Android apps come with a kill switch called Always-on VPN, which is rare for a free VPN.
• Uncapped speeds.
• Router support. This helps you overcome the free plan’s limitation of 1 device connection.
• Powerful desktop apps
• Fast connections of up to 520 Mbps
  

TURBO VPN

Boasting over 300 million downloads and 6 million positive reviews on Google Play, Turbo VPN is a popular choice for free VPN services during downtime. 

It offers an unlimited free plan with no speed or bandwidth limits, though it is ad-supported and provides fewer server locations for free users. 

Despite having privacy concerns, such as collecting anonymous data and allowing third-party advertisers to access data, it remains a widely used option for basic VPN needs. 

Turbo VPN's paid plans offer expanded features, including access to over 21,000 servers.

Standout Features

• AES-128 encryption and hides your IP address for the free plan
• OpenVPN protocol for connections
• Generous free plan
• Large server network
  

HOTSPOT SHIELD

Hotspot Shield’s free VPN plan is distinguished by its proprietary Hydra protocol, which optimises speed, security, and performance. Unlike other protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2, Hydra uses multiple parallel channels for data transmission, reducing latency and improving connection speeds. 

The no-logs policy is decent for a free service, although it does collect anonymised data like bandwidth usage, device type, and OS version. This information is aggregated and cannot identify you personally. However, the kill switch feature is only available on its Windows app.

Additionally, despite having streaming servers listed on the home screen, they are inaccessible with the Basic plan, meaning streaming support is not included.

Hotspot Shield’s fast speeds and unlimited data make it a solid choice for ensuring a stable connection during downtimes. 

Standout Features

• Hydra protocol delivers fast speeds for optimal performance
• Unlimited data for torrenting.
• Multiple server locations across the US, the UK, and Singapore.
• Customisation options like access to your regular internet connection plus split tunnelling, military-grade encryption, automatic WiFi protection, and leak protection.

SPEEDIFY

Speedify’s free VPN is notable for its unique Bonding Mode feature, which significantly boosts speeds by combining multiple internet connections

With server locations in 36 countries, Speedify offers good coverage, providing more options to optimise connection speeds compared to other free VPNs with fewer servers. 

While Speedify does temporarily store some data, including your IP address, a unique device identifier, and timestamps, it ensures that your online activities are never logged or associated with your IP address or device.

You don’t need to sign up to use the free plan, which includes a 2GB monthly data allowance—sufficient for light browsing but limiting for streaming or torrenting. 

Speedify also offers a 7-day free trial with unlimited speeds and data once you download the app. However, the free plan is restricted to one device at a time.

Standout Features

• Bonding Mode prioritises connections for optimal speeds and performance
• With AES-256-GCM encryption, so your data is secure.
• The app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop devices
• Speedify VPN Free utilises the DTLS 1.2 security protocol. 

OPERA VPN

One popular option for free VPN on your Android or iOS device is Opera VPN. Unlike many VPNs, Opera doesn't offer dedicated IPs, which provide a consistent and unique internet identity useful for activities like running a website. 

Most top VPNs do offer dedicated IPs, albeit for an additional fee. While Opera's browser includes an adequate ad blocker, it's limited to the browser itself and doesn't work on other sites or apps, making it less robust compared to ad blockers offered by other VPNs. 

However, Opera VPN does have a notable privacy advantage: you don't need to sign up to use it. There's no need to provide your email, payment information, or any personally identifiable information, which is better than the vast majority of VPNs that require account creation or payment details.

It's important to note that Opera VPN only routes traffic from within the Opera browser through its VPN servers. While it does encrypt your data, it doesn't offer the comprehensive privacy and protection that a full VPN provides.

Standout Features

• Works With: Netflix, geo-restricted content, TikTok as well as PUBG mobile.
• Opera VPN uses the ultra-secure AES-256 encryption cypher
• Kill Switch
• Website Unblocking
  

AVIRA PHANTOM

Avira Phantom VPN is a standout option, particularly for Android and iOS users, offering unlimited device protection. 

With servers in 37 countries, including a US streaming-optimised one, Avira allows you to enjoy popular US shows in HD from anywhere, which is rare for a free VPN. The lack of a connection limit means your entire household can benefit from its protection.

Unlike the desktop version that only connects using the Nearest Location feature, Avira’s mobile apps provide more flexibility. Both versions deliver good speeds and support torrenting. 

However, it lacks a kill switch, so your activity might be exposed once your data runs out.

The main limitation is the 500MB monthly data cap (1GB if you sign up with your email), which isn’t ideal for large downloads or extensive streaming. 

There’s a 7-day trial of the premium version on mobile, offering unlimited data. It can be a great way to test its full capabilities.

Standout Features

• No cap on device connections so you can secure all your household gadgets
• Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, Spotify, and more
• All of its apps protect you with a zero-logs policy, leak protection, and 256-bit encryption. It also offers an "auto-connect” feature that automatically connects the VPN if it detects an untrusted WiFi network.
• Malware protection on desktop to block malicious sites.
• OpenVPN protocol.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN

Choosing a free VPN can be tricky due to varying features and security levels. Here’s how to pick a safe and effective one:

• Risk-Free: Ensure the VPN is genuinely free or offers a money-back guarantee.
• Security: Look for military-grade 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak protection.
• No-Logs Policy: Choose VPNs that don’t log or share your data.
• Speed and Data: Opt for VPNs with enough speed for HD streaming and sufficient monthly data.
• Server Network: A large server network improves performance and reliability.
• P2P Support: If you torrent, ensure the VPN supports P2P file sharing.
• User-Friendly App: Avoid VPNs with ads and confusing interfaces.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports your devices, including less common ones like Linux or smart TVs.
• Support: Look for VPNs with some form of support, like email or a detailed FAQ page.

Balancing security, usability, and device compatibility will help you find the best free VPN for your needs.

FAQs on free VPNs

Is there a 100% free VPN?

Yes, there are free VPNs, but they come with limitations to encourage upgrading to premium versions. Completely free VPNs don’t require payment, but some may ask for payment details for a free trial. Reliable freemium providers like Proton VPN offer free tiers with limitations. 

Are free VPNs safe, and can they be hacked? 

Not all free VPNs are safe, and some can be hacked more easily. The VPNs listed here are safe, with no identifiable information stored and no IP/DNS leaks. However, many free VPNs lack strong encryption or keep logs, which can be risky. Some even contain malware.

What’s the fastest free VPN? 

The fastest free VPN is Speedify. Although the impact depends on your baseline speed. For long-distance connections or slower base speeds, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is recommended.

What is the best free VPN for iPhone and Android? 

Proton and Avira Phantom come up as the best free VPNs for iPhone and Android. Proton take user privacy and security very seriously while offering great services. While Avira doesn’t limit the number of devices, it offers access to servers in 37 countries and limits data to 500MB/month (1GB with email sign-up).

Do free VPNs work in Nigeria? 

Some free VPNs might work in Nigeria, but they often lack advanced security features and have data caps. For reliable and secure use, it’s better to invest in a reputable paid VPN with a money-back guarantee. Free VPNs may sell user data to third parties.

Is using a free VPN legal? 

Yes, using a free VPN is generally legal in most countries for legitimate purposes like enhancing privacy and securing data. However, in countries like China, Russia, and Iran, VPN use is regulated or restricted. Always research local VPN laws to avoid legal issues. Most importantly, VPNs do not make illegal activities legal.