6 Best Free VPNs for Windows PCs and Laptops in 2024 (2024)

As a Windows user, you're probably well aware that your system is a prime target for cybercriminals. Hackers are always finding new ways to exploit security holes and steal your data. If that wasn't enough, Microsoft is known for collecting a ton of info about what you do online. A VPN can certainly help, but finding a reliable free option for Windows isn’t easy.

Most free VPNs offer slow speeds, weak security, and limited data. Some are riddled with malware or have questionable privacy policies that let them profit off your data. My team and I tested 70+ free VPNs to find the best ones for Windows. While all free VPNs have limitations, those on this list offer strong security and decent speeds. But if you want a VPN without restrictions, it’s better to use a premium VPN.

My top pick is ExpressVPN because it doesn’t have any of the limitations of a free VPN. You get strong security features, fast speeds, and a large server network for a smooth online experience on Windows. While it’s not 100% free, it offers a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it risk-free and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied. Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Windows in 2024

Editor's note: The VPNs we recommend offer no-log policies, meaning they don't monitor your online activities. It's your sole responsibility how you use the VPN. We advise you to follow all applicable laws and regulations. The team and I don't condone copyright infringement.

Best Free VPNs for Windows — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds for Smooth Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting on Windows

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

ExpressVPN consistently tops the charts in speed tests, making it an excellent choice for data-intensive tasks on Windows. During my tests from London, I connected to a nearby UK server and experienced only a 4% drop in speed — that's practically unnoticeable. This let me watch Fool Me Once on Netflix UK in HD without any buffering.

The connections are reliable too — I never experienced connection drops

It’s a solid option for streaming on your Windows device. Aside from my Netflix UK library, I could easily stream BBC iPlayer and DAZN on my Windows laptop without issues. Our US colleagues confirmed it also works seamlessly with Disney+, Max, Hulu, and Netflix US. Its reliable streaming capabilities, combined with fast speeds, make it ideal for UHD streaming from anywhere.

When it comes to your online privacy, ExpressVPN doesn't cut any corners. It uses TrustedServer Technology (RAM-only servers), which ensures that your data is completely wiped with every server reboot. Plus, ExpressVPN's no-logs policy has been proven in a real-world scenario. When Turkish authorities seized one of its servers, they couldn't find any user data to collect.

Although ExpressVPN isn’t 100% free, it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it risk-free and get a refund if you’re not happy with the service. I put this policy to the test using ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat support and had my money back in 3 days.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol is a key factor behind its fast speeds on Windows. It's engineered to provide fast, stable connections without sacrificing security.
• P2P-friendly. ExpressVPN offers a fully P2P-friendly server network, making it an excellent choice for torrenting on Windows. You can connect to any server and enjoy fast, secure file-sharing without issues.
• Strong security. In addition to IP/DNS leak protection and a kill switch, ExpressVPN offers AES 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy to protect your data on Windows. This advanced security feature ensures that even if one of your sessions is compromised, your past and future sessions remain secure.
• Threat Manager. This feature blocks trackers, ads, and other malicious third-party content before they can load on your Windows device.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data for an Uninterrupted Online Experience

Proton VPN is a great choice if you’re looking for a free Windows VPN with unlimited data. You can safely browse and stream as much as you want without worrying about hitting a data cap. I tested it out by streaming several videos of my favorite YouTuber in HD, and there were no connection drops or slowdowns.

The speeds were stable too; I was never throttled

Free users get access to servers in 6 locations, including the Netherlands, Japan, and the US. While you can't handpick your server location, the Windows app does the heavy lifting by automatically connecting you to the fastest available server. In my tests on a Windows 11 PC, I was consistently connected to its server in the Netherlands, which delivered fast speeds for all my online activities.

Proton VPN takes your privacy seriously. It’s based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and has a strict no-logs policy, which has been verified by Securitum. This means your online activities on your Windows device remain private and are not stored by the VPN. Plus, since Switzerland isn’t a 14-Eyes country, Proton VPN can’t be forced to share your personal information with member countries of this agreement.

On the downside, Proton VPN’s free plan isn’t P2P-friendly. So, if you're planning to use the VPN for torrenting on your Windows device, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan. This will also give you access to its entire server network, built-in ad blocker, and a few other extra features.

Useful Features

• Split tunneling. Proton VPN's split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps on your Windows device use the VPN and which ones don't. This comes in handy if you want to maintain fast streaming speeds while keeping your more sensitive apps (like banking) protected.
• Router support. Proton VPN is one of the rare free VPNs that supports router installation. By setting it up on your router, you can protect all your Windows devices without installing the VPN on each device separately.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — User-Friendly VPN to Keep Your Windows Device Safe

Avira Phantom VPN offers an easy-to-use native app for Windows 7 and higher, and it’s forever free. I installed it on my Windows 10 laptop, and it took 3 minutes to set up (I didn’t even have to give my email address). It was super easy, and I connected with just 1 click by pressing the Secure My Connection button.

I was connected to Avira's Ireland server

In terms of speeds, Avira Phantom VPN performs pretty well for a free service. During my tests from London, I experienced an 18% drop in speed, which is better than most free VPNs I've tried. I was able to stream HD content on my Windows laptop without any buffering or lag.

Avira’s Windows app only gives you 1 server location, and it automatically selects an optimal server based on your location. This takes the guesswork out of finding the best server, but it also means you can't manually pick a server in a specific country for your Windows needs. For instance, if you’re a gamer, you might not be able to play on a different server with friends.

With Avira Phantom’s free plan, you get unlimited device connections but only 500MB of data per month, which isn't a lot. However, if you register an account, you can bump that up to 1GB per month. While this is enough for some light browsing on your Windows device, it's not ideal for data-heavy tasks like streaming or downloading large files.

Useful Features

• Blocks malicious sites. Avira Phantom VPN comes with a built-in feature that blocks malicious websites from loading on your Windows device. This protects you from potential threats that Windows users face, like phishing scams and malware.
• Decent security. It offers leak protection and AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data, which is the same level of encryption used by many premium VPNs. But the free version lacks a kill switch, which could expose your data if the VPN disconnects for some reason.

4. hide.me — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection for Windows Devices

With hide.me's free Windows app, you can adjust your VPN settings for the best possible performance. For instance, you can pick from 5 different VPN protocols, including ultra-secure OpenVPN and speedy WireGuard. It also allows you to switch between IPv4 and IPv6 connections. This can be beneficial for PC gamers as it eliminates the need for port forwarding and can improve ping times.

These customizations are ideal for advanced VPN users

The free plan comes with servers in 8 locations, including the Netherlands, Canada, and the US. Unlike many free VPNs, its Windows app lets you choose which server to connect to. This meant I could easily change my game server and play Warzone with my international friends.

I really appreciate that hide.me offers the SoftEther VPN protocol on Windows. This protocol is great for getting around tough firewalls, like the ones you might find at school or work. Even if your network admin has blocked VPN traffic, SoftEther can often slip past those restrictions and let you use your sites safely.

The main drawback is that the free servers can get a bit crowded at times. When there are a lot of users connected to the same server, you might notice some slowdowns or long connection times. However, connecting to a different server resolved this issue for me.

Useful Features

• No signup required. You don’t need to create a hide.me account to start using the service — simply download the Windows app and start using the service. That also means you can use hide.me on any number of (Windows or non-Windows) devices for free.
• Ad-free. You won't be bombarded with annoying ads or pop-ups while using the VPN. This keeps your browsing experience clean and uncluttered, and it also means that hide.me isn't selling your data to advertisers.

5. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol for Fast and Stable Connections on Windows

Hotspot Shield offers fast and stable connections on Windows, thanks to its proprietary Hydra protocol. During my tests, I connected to its nearby UK servers from London and experienced only a 22% drop in speed. This let me stream in HD and download torrents at the same time without any slowdowns.

IKEv2 protocol is only available with the paid plan

Hotspot Shield’s Windows app is easy to use and comes with a built-in speed test tool. That way, you can check the download and upload speeds of the server you're connected to without having to leave the app. Plus, the app also displays the server load and latency, so you can quickly gauge the performance of your connection.

Surprisingly, its Windows app is completely ad-free, which is a welcomed change from its mobile counterpart. On Android and iOS devices, you have to watch short video ads to earn free connection time. However, that's not the case on Windows — you don’t have to sit through ads to secure your connection.

The main downside of Hotspot Shield is that it keeps logs, including sensitive information like your real IP address. While the company claims that this data is only stored for the duration of your VPN session, it's still not ideal from a privacy standpoint.

Useful Features

• Strong security features. The app includes a kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, and IP/DNS leak protection. This means your data is safe from third parties, and you can limit the amount of data Microsoft can gather about your online activity.

6. TunnelBear — Large Server Network for Reliable Connections on Windows

TunnelBear's free plan offers access to servers in 47 locations. This makes it easy to find a fast and reliable connection, no matter where you are. I tested several different locations and never experienced issues with overcrowded servers or dropped connections. The connection remained stable throughout, and I had a seamless online experience on my Windows PC.

Connecting to a server never took more than 3 seconds

In addition to reliable connections, TunnelBear also delivers fast speeds. When I connected to a nearby UK server, I only experienced a 17% drop in speed compared to my base connection. This is largely thanks to TunnelBear's support for the WireGuard protocol, which delivers excellent performance without compromising security.

It’s also a solid choice for streaming on Windows. During my tests from London, I was able to watch shows on Netflix UK without any issues. Our US team reported that it works well with US streaming platforms, including Netflix US, Max, and Disney+.

The only real drawback of TunnelBear's free plan is the 2GB monthly data cap. This means you can only watch Netflix in standard definition for about 2 hours before hitting the limit. If you're planning on using the VPN for streaming on your Windows device, you might want to consider upgrading to a paid plan with more data.

Useful Features

• Ease of use. TunnelBear is super easy to set up and use on Windows. I appreciate its World Map feature — instead of scrolling through a long list of server locations, you can just click on the country you want to connect to right there on the map.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Windows PCs

The table below compares the essential features of the best free VPNs for Windows. I've included information on whether each VPN offers a free plan or a money-back guarantee, as well as details on speeds, the number of free server locations, and monthly data allowances.

These factors are crucial to consider when choosing a free VPN that meets your needs, whether that's streaming, torrenting, or general browsing. I've also noted whether you need to sign up for an account to use the free VPN on your Windows PC, which is important if you value privacy and ease of setup.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPNs for Windows PC

When it comes to protecting your privacy and security on your Windows PC, not all free VPNs are created equal. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best free VPN for your needs:

• No hidden costs. Your free Windows VPN shouldn’t require you to commit to a subscription. Stick with VPNs that are either 100% free or offer a legitimate money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free on your Windows device.
• Strong security features. Make sure the free VPN you choose offers robust security features that are tailored for Windows, such as strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. These features are essential to keep your data secure and your online activities private while using your Windows computer.
• Reasonable speeds and data limits. Free VPNs are known for sluggish speeds and stingy data allowances, which can make for a frustrating experience on your Windows PC. The VPNs on this list won't slow down your connection by more than 40% on nearby servers and offer enough data to actually use the service for browsing, streaming, or other tasks.
• Works with streaming apps. If you want to use your free VPN to stream content on Windows, check that it works with your preferred streaming platforms. While most free VPNs struggle with this, the VPNs on this do work with at least a few popular services.
• Torrenting support. If you plan to use your free VPN for torrenting on your Windows PC, make sure the provider explicitly allows P2P file sharing on its servers. Some free VPNs block or throttle torrenting traffic, which can put a damper on your file-sharing activities.
• Reliable customer support. Even with a free VPN, you should be able to get help when you need it. Look for a provider that offers support through channels that are easy to access on your Windows device, such as email, live chat, or a detailed knowledge base on their website.

Pro Tip: Always use the latest version of Windows to ensure the best security. Microsoft regularly releases updates that patch vulnerabilities and improve system stability. All the VPNs on this list work seamlessly with the most recent versions of Windows, so you can enjoy maximum protection and performance.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for PCs Aren't Safe

When it comes to free VPNs for your Windows PC, it's important to be cautious. Many of these so-called free VPNs are actually more interested in profiting from your data than protecting your privacy. They may claim to be secure, but in reality, they could be putting your sensitive information at risk.

That's why I've rigorously tested each VPN on this list to ensure they won't jeopardize your privacy or security. While all free VPNs come with certain limitations, the ones I've recommended are safe to use, unlike many other questionable options available.

Here are some of the main risks associated with using free VPNs on your Windows PC:

• Data logging and selling. Free VPNs often need to find alternative ways to make money, and one common tactic is to log and sell user data to third parties. This means that your browsing history, IP address, and other sensitive information could be up for grabs. Always check for a reliable no-logs policy before entrusting a free VPN with your data.
• Weak security measures. Some free VPNs skimp on essential security features like strong encryption and IP/DNS leak protection. Without these safeguards in place, your data and online activities could be exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, leaving you vulnerable to hackers and other online threats.
• Malware and adware. Free VPNs are more likely to bundle malware or adware with their apps, which can infect your Windows computer and compromise your security. Some of these apps may also bombard you with intrusive ads, making for a frustrating user experience and potentially exposing you to malicious websites.

Free VPNs to Avoid

The following free VPNs are considered unsafe and should be avoided at all costs. These services may sell your data to third parties, come bundled with malware, or expose you to viruses and other online threats. Steer clear of these VPNs to protect your privacy and secure your Windows device.

• Hola Free. Hola’s free VPN is pretty popular, but it’s not a VPN. It’s actually a peer-to-peer network. This means that you share your personal IP with strangers, who could potentially use it to perform illegal activities, which could be traced back to you.
• UFO VPN. This VPN has been found to keep logs of user data, including the websites you visit, your name, IP address, and more. Its privacy policy also states that it might share this information with third parties for a variety of reasons.
• TurboVPN. Full of targeted advertisem*nts and trackers. This VPN logs and shares your data with third parties.
• Betternet VPN. It was caught with a high level of malware embedded in the app. Moreover, it keeps logs of your personal information (such as domains you’ve visited, your location, and what device you’re using).

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Windows

Are free Windows VPNs safe?

A few of them are, but you’ll still be using a severely limited service. This list includes only the safest free VPNs for Windows. These are freemium versions of trustworthy VPNs that I have tried and tested, rather than completely free VPNs. Freemium VPNs try to persuade you to upgrade to their paid plan as they make money from other paid users. However, the free versions of their apps are totally safe.

On the other hand, completely free VPNs often make their money by sharing user data or using their apps for ads. They may also come with the surprise of malware, so you should be very careful when downloading and using these services.

But even with safe, freemium VPNs, there’s a catch. While some free VPNs come with robust security features and proven no-logs policies, you’ll usually find other limitations. These include small server networks, slow speeds, and only 1 device connection at a time.

Are there free VPNs for Windows with P2P/torrenting support?

Yes, but I don't recommend them. Most free VPNs prohibit torrenting on their servers, and those that do allow it may not be safe or reliable. It's better to opt for a low-cost premium VPN that offers a money-back guarantee, so you can torrent securely and without restrictions.

If you're set on using a free VPN, the #4 and #5 VPNs on this list are decent options for torrenting on Windows. However, keep in mind that their server networks are limited compared to paid VPNs. If you can't connect to a server near your location, you may experience slower speeds, which can impact your torrenting performance.

Are there free VPNs for Windows without registration?

Yes, some free VPNs let you use them without signing up for anything. There are 3 free VPNs on this list that don’t require any sign-up information (including no email address). This is great if you’re concerned with privacy and just want to download a free app and go. Plus, it also means that you can use the VPN on as many compatible devices as you like — all without spending a cent.

Is there a free unlimited VPN for Windows?

Yes, there are a few free VPNs that offer unlimited data on Windows. There are several unlimited VPNs in this list to choose from. The #2 VPN is the best 100% free VPN I found without a data cap. However, like all free VPNs, it has other limitations. In this case, a smaller server network and slow speeds. That said, it’s ideal for securing your connections for browsing and other basic activities.

Does Windows 10 have a built-in VPN?

Not really, but Windows 10 lets you manually set up VPN connections. I don’t recommend this because manual connections lack advanced features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and multiple security protocols. Plus, you’ll still have to find your own (third-party) VPN service to make it work. Moreover, I found the process inconvenient as you have to set it up every time you want to connect. You’re better off just using a VPN app since you have to sign up for a service anyway (and they don’t require any manual configuration).

Can I use a free Windows VPN for Netflix and other streaming platforms?

You can, but I don’t recommend them. It's much better to use a low-cost premium VPN because they're far more reliable for safely accessing Netflix and other streaming content from anywhere in HD. The #1 VPN on this list consistently worked with over 20 Netflix libraries during our tests.

Free VPNs often struggle with Netflix and other streaming services. Even if you're just trying to safely stream your licensed content, you may be limited to Netflix Originals and unable to see your entire library. This is because free VPNs have a large number of users connected to the same servers, making it easier for Netflix and other platforms to detect and block VPN traffic.

Are free Windows VPNs legal to use?

It depends on local laws. The use of VPNs to protect your online data is legal in most countries around the world. Only a few countries (such as China and Iran) have banned them or regulate their use, so it’s best to read up on the rules in countries like that before using a VPN there.

In addition, using a VPN to perform illegal activities does not make those activities legal. The team at vpnMentor doesn’t condone the use of VPNs to break any laws.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Windows

Free VPNs for Windows can be unsafe, and many sell your data to make a profit. While I was able to make a list of several safe and trustworthy free VPNs, they all come with limitations — data restrictions, slow speeds, and ads get in the way of your browsing and streaming in most cases.

That’s why I recommend a low-cost premium VPN like ExpressVPN, even though it’s not completely free. It offers military-grade security features, a robust privacy policy, unlimited data, and impressive speeds that you simply can’t find in a free VPN. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN out risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can always claim a refund.

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