Best Free VPNs for PC: Top Picks for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook

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December 31, 2024
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9 min read
Best Free VPNs for PC

Top10VPN's most recent report states that 31% of the world's internet users used a VPN, and with 5.52 billion internet users globally, this translates to over 1.7 billion VPN users worldwide.

Many internet users have encountered various online threats, including hacking, personal data leaks, and geographical restrictions. As the internet becomes a major part of daily life, ensuring online privacy and security and overcoming location-based restrictions have become even more important. This is where VPNs come into play!

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are tools for protecting personal data and online activities and bypassing geographical content restrictions. A VPN conceals your online activities from third parties such as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government agencies, and cybercriminals. 

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While paid VPN services exist, free options are also available for various operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, and Chromebook. If you're wondering where to start, this article will walk you through the best free VPNs for PC and highlight their compatibility with different operating systems.

Key Takeaways

  • A VPN masks your real IP address and location, making your online activities private,. It alsoallows you to access ccontentfrom several regions by connecting to servers in those locations.
  • A VPN is software that creates a secure connection between your computer and the internet by running your online traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in a remote location
  • The limitations of free VPNs include limited server options, speed reduction, data caps, and limited features.
  • When choosing a VPN, take your time to analyse your specific needs. Consider factors like data limits, server locations, streaming capabilities, and privacy policies. 
  • Some free VPNs may compromise safety by collecting and selling user data, so always research the provider's reputation before use. 

Understanding free VPNs

A VPN is software that creates a secure connection between your computer and the internet by running your online traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in a remote location. It works by encrypting the data transmitted over your network connection, making it unreadable to intercept. This encrypted traffic is then routed through a secure server before reaching the website you want to access.

Benefits of using a VPN

  • A VPN masks your real IP address and location, making your online activities private.
  • Allows you to access contents from several regions by connecting to servers in those locations. 
  • It protects sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and sensitive data from hackers.

Limitations of free VPNs

  • Limited server locations: Free VPNs typically offer a limited number of servers, which can affect your ability to access content in specific regions.
  • Speed reduction: Free VPNs may have slower connection speeds because many users share limited bandwidth.
  • Data caps: Many free VPNs impose data caps, limiting the amount of data you can use each month. This can be a problem for streaming or heavy browsing.
  • Limited features: Free VPNs typically offer a basic set of features that may not be sufficient to meet your privacy and security needs. They often lack advanced features like dedicated IP addresses.
  • Free VPNs may experience connection instability or frequent disconnections because of limited resources and server overload.
  • Some free VPNs may only support specific platforms or devices, reducing compatibility with your preferred system.
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Top free VPNs for PC

Proton VPN 

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Proton-free VPN is a good option for users who value privacy and seek a VPN for basic browsing and security. It has unlimited data usage, but with limited server locations and moderate speeds. The speed may not be good enough for those looking to bypass geo-restrictions or need faster connections for streaming and downloading.

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Features Description
Compatibility Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, Chromebook
Servers location Limited servers include the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and United States
Bandwith limitUnlimited 
SpeedMedium
Encryption protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec
Device connections1 device 
DNS leak protectionYes
Ads No Advertisements
Data privacyBased in Switzerland with strict privacy laws
Kill switchYes (disables the internet if VPN disconnects unexpectedly)

Pros 

  • No data caps.
  • Strong privacy protections.
  • Secure encryption.
  • Offers essential VPN features without any cost.
  • Robust privacy policies.
  • User-friendly interface.

Cons

  • Limited server locations.
  • Connection speeds are moderate, which may impact streaming or downloading
  • Supports only one connected device at a time.

Windscribe

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Windscribe Free VPN provides strong security, useful features, and ease of use. While the data cap is a significant limitation, it offers valuable features like access to servers in 10 countries, unlimited device connections, and a tracker blocker for added protection.

Features Description
CompatibilityWindows 10, Windows 11, Mac, Chromebook
Servers location Servers in 10 countries.
Bandwidth limit10GB monthly data allowance
SpeedGood
Encryption protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec
Device connectionsUnlimited
DNS leak protectionYes
Ads No
Data privacyStrict No-logs Policy

Pros

  • Provides access to servers in many countries.
  • Additional privacy features, including tracker blocker.
  • User-Friendly Interface.

Cons

  • Inconsistent speed on free servers
  • 10GB data cap, which may not be enough for heavy internet users.
  • Performance may reduce in the case of multiple simultaneous connections.

PrivadoVPN

image 109

Privado VPN free version is good for users that value privacy and moderate usage. It may not be suitable for heavy users or those that prefer multiple server options and reliable streaming.

Features Description
CompatibilityWindows 10, Windows 11, Mac
Servers location Access to 12 server locations
Bandwidth limit10GB monthly data
SpeedGood
Encryption protocols AES-256, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Device connections1
DNS leak protectionYes
Ads No
Data privacyNo-logs policy
Kill switchYes

Pros

  • Users can connect to servers in 12 locations.
  • It has a strict no-logs policy to ensure user privacy.
  • Strong encryption.
  • Supports streaming.
  • Located in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws.
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Cons

  • The 10GB monthly data cap may limit heavy users or streamers, with bandwidth reduced to 1 Mbps afterward.
  • Limited server access.
  • Inconsistent streaming access.
  • Free users may experience slower speeds.
  • Single device connection on free plan

Hide.me 

image 110

Hide.me is another VPN with a free version, providing users with unlimited data and strong security. However, its drawbacks include limited server options and unreliable streaming.

Features Description
CompatibilityWindows 10, Windows 11, Mac, Chromebook
Servers location 8 server locations
Bandwidth limitUnlimited 
SpeedModerate speed (only for basic tasks)
Encryption protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec
Device ConnectionsOne device at a time. 
DNS leak protectionYes
Ads No ads or tracker
Data privacyNo-logs policy
Kill switch Yes

Pros

  • No Data caps
  • Strong privacy policy 
  • Secure encryption
  • Works with some streaming platforms like Netflix and amazon 
  • Users-friendly Interface
  • It does not display ads.

Cons

  • Free users have access to only eight server locations
  • Allows only one device connection.
  • Speeds may vary depending on server load and location.

Hotspot Shield 

image 111

Hotspot Shield Free is another free VPN suitable for users seeking decent speed for basic browsing. However, it has a data limit, limited server access, and controversial privacy concerns, including allegations in 2017 of monitoring user activity and selling data to advertisers. 

Features Description
CompatibilityWindows 10, Windows 11, Mac
Servers location Access to one U.S. server
Bandwidth limit500 MB daily
SpeedDecent speed
Encryption protocols Hydra (proprietary), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
Device connectionsOne device
DNS leak protectionYes
Ads Ads-supported
Kill switch No

Pros

  • Decent speed, which is suitable for browsing and light streaming.
  • Strong Security.
  • User-friendly interface.

Cons 

  • Limited server access
  • Data cap may be restrictive for streaming
  • Displays ads.
  • Privacy concerns.

Best free VPNs for specific operating systems

Best free VPN for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Recommendation: Proton VPN

Justification: Proton VPN is recommended for Windows 10 and 11 users because of major features, like unlimited data and strong security features. 

Features Benefits for Window 10 and 11 users
Strong Security (AES-256, ChaCha20, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2)It provides privacy protection by securing user data and online activity.
Unlimited dataProvides unlimited data and consistent browsing for everyday use.
Kill switchIt prevents your IP address from getting exposed.

Best free VPN for Mac

Recommendation: Windscribe VPN

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Justification: Generous data allowance and compatibility with macOS.

Features Benefits for macOS users
Device connectionsAllows you to connect all your devices at the same time.
Dedicated macOS AppOffers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with macOS.
Kill switch(firewall) It prevents your IP address from getting exposed.
Tracker blocker For added protection.

Best free VPN for Chromebook

Recommendation: Hide.me 

Justification: Easy setup on Chrome OS and reliable performance.

Features Benefits for Chromebook users
Reliable performanceHide.me offers reliable connections and adequate speeds for everyday web browsing on Chromebooks
Easy setup on Chrome OSThe Android app (for Chromebooks) is user-friendly and easy to set up.
Kill switchIt prevents your IP address from getting exposed.

How to choose the right free VPN for your PC

Security and privacy

Since one of your reasons for using a free VPN is to ensure privacy and online safety, choose a free VPN with strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy to protect your data and keep your activities private.

Data limits

Consider your internet usage when choosing a VPN. Select one with a higher data allowance or unlimited bandwidth for streaming or heavy use.

Server locations

A VPN with many server locations helps you access geo-restricted content, bypassing regional blocks on websites, streaming platforms, and apps.

Compatibility

Ensure that the VPN supports your operating system, whether it’s Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, or Chromebook, and is easy to install.

FAQs

Are free VPNs safe to use?

Free VPNs can be safe if you choose reputable providers like Proton VPN or Windscribe with user privacy, strict no-logs policies, and strong encryption. However, some free VPNs may compromise safety by collecting and selling user data, so always research the provider's reputation before use. For instance, Hotshield has a history of privacy concerns.

Can free VPNs be used for streaming?

You can use free VPNs for streaming, but they often have limitations. They may struggle to bypass streaming platform restrictions, and data caps can make extended streaming almost impossible. You can try Windscribe light streaming.

Do free VPNs work on all PCs?

Most free VPNs work with major operating systems like Windows and macOS. However, some may not support specific devices, such as Chromebooks. Always review the VPN's compatibility list to ensure it works for your PC.

Can I use a free VPN on multiple devices?

Some free VPNs, like Windscribe, allow unlimited device connections.

How do free VPNs make money?

Free VPNs make money through various strategies, such as displaying ads or selling anonymized usage data. Try to choose transparent providers and value data protection.

Conclusion

Summary of top free VPNs for PC

As the internet becomes a major part of daily life, ensuring online privacy and security and overcoming location-based restrictions have become even more important, necessitating the need for VPN. Meanwhile, choosing the right VPN requires proper and careful research. Let’s concisely recap the recommended VPNs and their key features.

Proton VPN offers unlimited data and strong security but has limited servers/locations and moderate speeds.

Windscribe has a user-friendly interface with a built-in firewall and unlimited simultaneous connections. The cons include a data cap, inconsistent speeds, and limited free server locations.

Privado VPN has strong encryption and supports streaming on some servers. However, it has a 10GB data cap, limited server access, and a single device connection.

Hide.me has unlimited data, a strong privacy policy, and secure encryption, but with limited server options and one device connection at a time.

Hotspot Shield has a decent speed for basic browsing but is very restrictive with a 500MB daily data cap, limited to one US server, and displays ads. It also has a history of privacy concerns.

Final recommendations

When choosing a VPN, take your time to analyse your specific needs. Consider factors like data limits, server locations, streaming capabilities, and privacy policies. Understanding these aspects will help you select a VPN that suits your requirements and meets your needs. Also, you need to understand that not all free VPNs are safe, but you can choose reputable providers like Proton VPN or Windscribe with user privacy, strict no-logs policies, and strong encryption. 

Disclaimer!

This publication, review, or article ("Content") is based on our independent evaluation and is subjective, reflecting our opinions, which may differ from others' perspectives or experiences. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the Content and disclaim responsibility for any errors or omissions it may contain.

The information provided is not investment advice and should not be treated as such, as products or services may change after publication. By engaging with our content, you acknowledge its subjective nature and agree not to hold us liable for any losses or damages arising from your reliance on the information provided.

Always conduct your own research and consult professionals where necessary.

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