6 Best Free VPNs for Windows in 2025 — My 100% Top Picks

I always prefer using a paid premium VPN on my Windows device (like ExpressVPN, for example). That way, I know for a fact that my web traffic is 100% protected, and I also get to enjoy other great perks, such as good streaming and P2P support, unlimited bandwidth, and fast speeds. 

Free VPNs are convenient, but I generally like to avoid them — especially on Windows. That’s because a lot of free VPNs for Windows have really buggy apps, and also lack essential VPN security features. In addition, many free Windows VPNs have slow speeds, don’t allow torrenting, and don’t work with top streaming sites (plus, they have restrictive data caps). 

Still, if you insist on using a free VPN, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been using VPNs regularly over the past 10+ years (especially while traveling), and have also tried many free providers on multiple occasions. I added all the free VPNs that have provided me with a safe and convenient online experience to this list (Proton VPN is my favorite, as it allows unlimited data, it’s fast, and it’s very secure). 

🥇 1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN Service for Windows in 2025 ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN lacks a free plan, but it’s still the best VPN for Windows on the market. It has a Windows app that’s very simple to use, and is also packed with tons of features. Plus, ExpressVPN has industry-leading security and privacy features, provides the fastest speeds on the market, and is excellent for streaming and torrenting. 

Plus, the provider backs all plans with a no-questions-asked 30-day refund. This essentially means you don’t need to meet any requirements to get your money back — if you’re not happy with the service, simply ask for a refund. 

And I really like how intuitive the provider’s Windows app is. It has a quick-connect feature that automatically connects you to the fastest server for your location. Plus, the interface is very easy to navigate, so it doesn’t take more than 5 seconds to find and connect to a server. And you also get access to Shortcuts, which lets you set up 1-click shortcuts for apps and sites that show up on your connection screen, which I find very convenient.

Plus, its Windows app is feature-rich too. It comes with split-tunneling, which lets you pick which apps use the VPN connection, and which apps use your local internet connection. Also, you get Advanced Protection, which blocks ads, ad trackers, shady websites, and even adult websites (so you get some level of parental controls). 

Also, ExpressVPN is by far the fastest VPN in 2025 — it has servers in 100+ countries, so it’s very easy to find and connect to nearby servers to get the fastest speeds. Whenever I use this provider, I always maintain blazing-fast speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting.

Plus, this provider is very good for streaming and torrenting. It works with 100+ streaming platforms, including top ones like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. And it supports P2P downloads across all of its servers. 

Finally, you get high-end security with this provider. It secures your web traffic with an audited no-logs policy and advanced security features, including full leak protection, RAM-only servers (every server reset wipes all data), and perfect forward secrecy, which changes the encryption key for each VPN connection. 

ExpressVPN’s prices start at $5.49/month. While this is a bit pricey, it’s 100% worth it since this provider offers the best value on the market. Plus, its longest plans often come with extra months of service for free — and like I mentioned above, the VPN has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full ExpressVPN review

🥈 2. Proton VPN — Best Free VPN Service for Windows Proton VPN

Proton VPN is by far the best free VPN service for Windows. Its free VPN plan allows unlimited data, which means you can use the VPN to access the web as much as you like (many free VPNs limit you to up to only 10 GB per month).

Plus, its free plan provides very good speeds. When I tested the provider’s free version, most of the sites I accessed usually loaded in less than 2 seconds, and HD videos took just 3 seconds to load (plus, they didn’t buffer).

Also, the provider’s free version is very secure. It protects your data with advanced tools, such as full leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and full-disk encryption (keeps all data on a server safe even if the server is compromised). Also, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, and its Windows app is open-source (and audited), which means anyone can inspect the code for security issues. 

And the Windows app is also very easy to use. I like how there’s a quick-connect feature that automatically connects you to the fastest server for your location. That, and it’s great that all features and settings come with quick, helpful explanations (so you never feel lost while using the provider’s Windows app).

But Proton VPN’s free version still has some limitations — you can only use servers in 5 countries, you can only connect 1 device, and you don’t get streaming or P2P support. 

Getting the provider’s paid version is definitely worth it — you get access to 6000+ servers in 110+ countries, compatibility with 40+ streaming services, P2P servers in 20+ countries, and NetShield (which is a very good ad blocker). 

Proton VPN’s paid plans begin at $3.59/month. This is pretty affordable, plus all of your purchases are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Just keep in mind the refund policy is prorated.

Read my full Proton VPN review

🥉 3. hide.me — Secure Free VPN for Windows With Unlimited Data hide.me

hide.me is one of the most secure free VPNs for PC users. Its free plan provides access to advanced security features, including RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and full leak protection (I ran 10+ leak tests on one of its servers, and I never experienced any leaks). In addition, the provider has an audited no-logs policy, and it provides access to secure protocols on Windows, including WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, SoftEther, and SSTP. 

Its free plan is really good, as it allows unlimited data and it provides access to servers in 5+ countries (including locations in the US, the UK, and Singapore). This allows it to provide really good speeds, which I can confirm to be accurate on my end — websites always load in around 3 seconds, and HD videos take less than 5 seconds to fully load. That said, if your main focus is speed, I suggest getting Proton VPN instead, as its free version is faster than hide.me’s free VPN plan.

The provider’s Windows app is also user-friendly, as the interface is pretty intuitive, so it’s simple to find all of the settings and features you want. You also get access to a quick-connect tool, and it doesn’t take more than 4–5 seconds to find a VPN server. 

But the provider’s free version has some limits. You’re limited to installing and using hide.me on just 1 device, you can’t access streaming sites, and you can’t download any torrents. 

Getting the paid version is worth it, as it adds good streaming and P2P support, it lets you access servers in 50+ countries, it adds support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, and it provides access to a great ad blocker (called SmartGuard). Still, if you’re considering getting a paid VPN, you’re better off with ExpressVPN since it provides significantly better value than hide.me.

hide.me has prices that start at $2.59/month, so it’s pretty affordable. Plus, it also backs each purchase with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Hotspot Shield — Easy-to-Use Free VPN for Windows With Fast Speeds Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield’ free version comes with a really intuitive Windows app. The interface is simple to navigate, and the free servers are separated from the premium servers, so it’s very easy to find them. Plus, I like how there are quick, helpful explanations for all settings and features, so you never feel lost while using the VPN. 

And this free VPN also allows unlimited data and has fast speeds on Windows. Even though it limits your speeds to around 2 Mbps, I still maintained smooth browsing speeds in my tests (most sites I visited loaded in less than 3 seconds). This is mostly thanks to its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is designed to provide very fast connection speeds.

But the VPN only lets you use servers in 3 countries, namely the US, the UK, and Singapore. If this isn’t enough for you, consider trying hide.me instead, as its free VPN plan provides access to free servers in 5+ countries (plus, its free version also supports unlimited data and has fast speeds). 

Getting the paid version adds access to more perks, including 1,800+ servers in 90+ countries, support for up to 10 connections, great streaming and P2P support, and unlimited VPN connection speeds. While the VPN provides good value, I still need to highlight how ExpressVPN is a much better pick if you’re looking for a paid VPN.

Hotspot Shield’s paid version starts at $6.66/month, which is a little pricier than most VPNs on the market. On the plus side, the provider backs each purchase with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. Windscribe — Good Free Windows VPN for Streaming Windscribe

Windscribe is one of the very few free VPN services that supports streaming. The provider’s free version is compatible with lots of popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. 

What’s more, the free version comes with a user-friendly Windows app. It’s easy to navigate the interface and connect to free servers. And the provider also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which is really great since most free VPNs limit free users to just 1 connection. 

Also, Windscribe’s free VPN plan lets you use servers in 10+ countries, including server locations in the UK, the US, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Germany. Plus, it also maintains really good browsing and streaming speeds on both nearby and distant servers.

However, the free version limits you to up to 15 GB per month. You get 2 GB per month when you sign up, and can upgrade to 10 GB per month if you confirm your email. And you can finally get 15 GB per month if you tweet at the company. If this is a deal-breaker, try Proton VPN or hide.me instead, as they both allow unlimited data.

Windscribe has paid plans that begin at $5.75/month, and they add unlimited data and access to servers in 60+ countries. The VPN has a refund policy, but it only covers 3 days.

6. TunnelBear — Decent Free VPN for Beginners TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a great pick for Windows users who are new to VPNs. That’s because its free version provides access to a super-intuitive Windows app that’s also really fun to use — I say that because the app is full of cute, digitally-animated bears and bear puns (for example, the kill switch is called VigilantBear). And there’s also a digital map you can use to connect to different server locations. 

Plus, the free version provides access to all features. You can use 5,000+ servers in 45+ countries, and you also get unlimited simultaneous connections. Plus, you also get access to obfuscation — TunnelBear is one of the few free VPNs that works in restrictive countries, such as China for example.

However, the VPN’s free plan only lets you use up to 2 GB per month. Unfortunately, this is only enough for a few hours of basic web browsing. If this is an issue, I recommend trying Proton VPN or hide.me instead since they both allow unlimited data.

TunnelBear’s paid version starts at $3.33/month, and upgrading to it adds unlimited data. Unfortunately, the provider doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee.

Read my full TunnelBear review

Bonus. CyberGhost VPN — Good Streaming VPN With Free 24-Hour Trial CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN isn’t free, but it has a free 24-hour trial on Windows. You don’t need to provide any payment information to use the free trial, and you also get access to all of the provider’s features. Plus, if you decide to buy a long-term subscription, it will be covered by a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. 

The VPN is great for streaming since it works with 50+ streaming platforms, thanks to 100+ streaming-optimized servers that are located in 20+ countries. The servers work with popular streaming services, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Still, if 50+ streaming sites is not enough for you, check out ExpressVPN since it’s compatible with 100+ streaming services.

CyberGhost VPN’s Windows app also provides convenient automation. It does this via the Smart Rules feature, which lets you set up personalized VPN connections — for example, you can make the VPN automatically connect to a specific VPN server and open your desired app on launch.

And the VPN has other perks — a huge server network (10,000+ servers in 95+ countries), fast speeds, 10,000+ P2P servers in 70+ countries, strong security and privacy features, and a good ad blocker.

CyberGhost VPN’s plans begin at $2.19/month, which is very affordable. As mentioned before, it has a 45-day money-back guarantee for all long-term purchases (and the shortest plan comes with a 14-day refund). 

Read my full CyberGhost VPN review

Quick Comparison of My Top Picks

	Starting Price	Data Limit	Server  Network	Streaming Support	Split-Tunneling	Money-Back Guarantee
🥇 1. ExpressVPN	$5.49/month	Unlimited	Servers in 100+ countries			30 days
🥈 2. Proton VPN	$3.59/month	Unlimited	Servers in 5 countries (free version) 6000+ servers in 110+ countries (paid version)		(only via paid version)	30 days (prorated)
🥉 3. hide.me	$2.59/month	Unlimited	Servers in 5+ countries (free version) Servers in 50+ countries (paid version)			30 days
4. Hotspot Shield	$6.66/month	Unlimited	Servers in 3 countries (free version)   1,800+ servers in 90+ countries (paid version)			45 days
5. Windscribe	$5.75/month	Up to 15 GB per month	Servers in 10+ countries (free version) Servers in 60+ countries (paid version)			3 days
6. TunnelBear	$3.33/month	Up to 2 GB per month	5,000+ servers in 45+ countries (free and paid version)
Bonus. CyberGhost VPN	$2.19/month	Unlimited	10,000+ servers in 95+ countries			45 days (long-term plans) 14 days (shortest plan)

How I Chose the VPNs on This List

• Pick a free VPN with a good Windows app — The provider’s Windows app needs to be user-friendly, meaning it shouldn’t take you more than a few seconds to find and connect to different server locations. All of the VPNs I recommend in this article provide access to beginner-friendly Windows apps.
• Get a VPN with a free plan that’s not very limited — Most free VPNs have annoying data caps that barely allow you to surf the web for a few minutes. I recommend getting a free VPN that allows you to use at least 2 GB of data per month (Proton VPN has unlimited data).  
• Go for a free VPN that provides strong security — Free VPN services often endanger free users’ data by offering subpar security and privacy. You should only get a free VPN that comes with industry-standard security features, such as military-grade encryption, a kill switch (to prevent traffic leaks if the VPN connection drops), DNS leak protection, or a no-logs policy.
• Opt for a free VPN that has fast speeds — Most free VPNs have very slow speeds, to the point where they’re pretty much unusable. But all of the free VPNs on my list maintain really smooth connection speeds (even on distant server locations). 
• Pick a free VPN whose paid version offers good value — The provider’s paid version should add access to a large server network (ideally, with server locations in at least 40+ countries), very good streaming and P2P support, and at least 5 simultaneous connections. Also, bonus points if the VPN comes with a money-back guarantee.

Risks and Drawbacks of Using Free Windows VPNs

• Free VPNs put your data at risk — Many free VPNs log user data and share it with third parties for a profit (like advertisers, for example). Also, free VPNs often lack essential security features or expose you to malware.
• Free VPNs have buggy Windows apps — When you use a free VPN’s Windows app, you’ll likely have to deal with a difficult-to-use interface or buggy design. Plus, the app might not have convenient tools, such as a quick-connect feature.
• Free services lack streaming — Free VPNs usually don’t work with top streaming sites, as they can’t afford to refresh their server IPs very often (so that streaming platforms don’t detect and block them). Windscribe is one of the only free VPNs that actually works with streaming platforms.
• Free VPNs don’t allow torrenting — Most free services don’t allow their free users to use their servers to download P2P files. If you need a VPN to torrent, it’s much better to just get a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN for instance (it supports torrenting on servers in 100+ countries). 
• Free VPNs have data caps — Free providers usually limit how much data free users can use, either each day or each month. Usually, a free VPN will limit you to anywhere between 2 and 10 GB per month. Proton VPN is one of the only good free VPNs on the market that allows unlimited bandwidth.
• Free VPNs are slow — Because free VPNs can’t afford to allow free users to access all of their servers, they often have slow connection speeds. 
• Free providers spam you with ads — To financially support their free business model, free VPNs often require free users to watch ads in order to use their VPN services.
• Free VPNs lack customer support — A free VPN simply can’t afford to provide good, helpful, and round-the-clock email and live chat support like a premium VPN can. You’ll usually be stuck relying on support libraries that have outdated and inaccurate support articles.

Best Free VPNs for Windows in 2025 — Final Thoughts: