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Discover the key differences between a free VPN and a paid VPN and determine which one is right for your online privacy and security needs.
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, allow you to browse websites anonymously and mask your location so you can access region-restricted content. While there are some VPNs that are entirely free, these typically make money by selling your data to third parties, and they provide weaker encryption that could leave you exposed. However, some paid VPNs also offer free plans, providing many of the same features and protections as the premium version but with slower speeds and fewer server options.
Is it good enough to have a free VPN? Are paid VPNs worth it? The answer, of course, depends on the VPN itself and what you plan to use it for. This article compares free VPNs vs. paid VPNs in general before describing some of the best options and features available in each category.
For more information about what VPNs are and how they’re used, read What Is a VPN? Definition, How It Works and More.
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Free VPNs vs. Paid VPNs: Comparison
| Common features | Free VPNs | Paid VPNs |
|---|
| Monthly bandwidth cap | Often limited | Unlimited |
| Supported devices | 1 per account | 5 or more |
| Server options | Limited | Worldwide servers |
| Speed | Subject to throttling and latency | Faster and more reliable |
Free VPNs: Standout features
The three providers below offer legitimate VPN services with both free and paid plans. These standout features are available to free users.
- TunnelBear: If your VPN connection gets disrupted for any reason, TunnelBear blocks all unsecured traffic until it’s safely reconnected.
- ProtonVPN: Connect to the Tor anonymity network over VPN and visit .onion sites from your regular browser.
- Hide.me VPN: Free users get unlimited data with restricted speeds.
While many free VPNs, including TunnelBear, cap your monthly bandwidth, both ProtonVPN and Hide.me VPN offer unlimited bandwidth. TunnelBear and ProtonVPN offer more freebie security features than Hide.me VPN, but all three protect your privacy by not collecting (or selling) any logs from your connection sessions.
Paid VPNs: Standout Features
These paid VPN apps offer additional features especially for premium users.
- NordVPN: Dark Web Monitoring alerts you if your personal information is found for sale on the dark web.
- Surfshark: Dynamic multi-hop allows you to connect via two VPN servers for an additional layer of security.
- ExpressVPN: Includes a password manager that securely stores and autofills credentials for safe and convenient access.
These premium VPN services offer unlimited bandwidth without speed caps on multiple devices. They provide a larger pool of servers to connect to in more locations, distributing the load for improved performance. Plus, these VPNs all come with additional threat protection to block malware, trackers, and ads.
Need help getting started with your new VPN? Read our guide How to Use a VPN: 4 Easy Steps to Get Started.
Free VPN pros and cons
Pros of Free VPNs
- Anyone can download and use them without a credit card.
- You can try out different providers and features risk-free.
- Enhanced Internet security and privacy.
Cons of Free VPNs
- Often come with bandwidth or speed caps.
- Limited server options which may increase latency.
- Some features are locked behind a paywall.
Paid VPN pros and cons
Pros of Paid VPNs
- Unlimited bandwidth and greater speeds.
- More server choices to access regional content and avoid latency.
- Includes additional security and privacy features.
Cons of Paid VPNs
- Requires a monthly or yearly fee.
- Not all paid plans offer the same features.
Learn more about different kinds of VPNs by reading .
Should your organization use a Free or Paid VPN?
As an organization, you should avoid any VPN service that’s entirely free because they will likely sell your data. However, free versions of premium VPNs are typically safe to use. When looking at both free and paid VPNs, it’s important to choose one that does not collect or save any logs from your connection session, because these logs could be sold to third-parties or—in extreme cases—turned over to authorities.
Some free VPNs have bandwidth caps—often around 2 GB per month—which limit your activity. However, the free versions of both ProtonVPN and Hide.me VPN offer unlimited monthly bandwidth, but with restricted speeds. You’ll have fewer server options with a free VPN, which means the load on each server will be higher and might cause latency. Plus, you may not be able to access content in the specific region you’re looking for.
Paid VPNs typically offer unlimited bandwidth with higher speed caps. You’ll also have access to a greater server selection so you can access all the streaming content you want with less latency. Many paid VPNs also have extra features for premium users, such as threat protection services, dedicated IP addresses and ad blockers.
Free versions of premium VPNs are typically safe to use and often provide enough bandwidth and functionality for home users. Paid VPNs provide better speed and performance, as well as additional security features that make them worthwhile for privacy-minded individuals and organizations alike.
For more help choosing the right VPN for your organization, read about the best VPNs for SMBs or the best VPNs for enterprise.
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Also Read
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- New Ivanti Secure VPN Zero-Day Vulnerabilities and Patches
- What is a Passkey? Definition, How It Works and More
FAQs
Paid VPNs protect data with strong encryption
Is a free VPN better than no VPN? ›
A free VPN may be better than no VPN for basic web browsing, offering a layer of privacy and security. However, there are some dangerous free VPNs out there that could expose you to malware or sell your data to third parties, so make sure to do some research before downloading one.
Is it better to pay for a VPN? ›
free VPN will only changes your IP and encrypts your data while taking your browsing data and selling it for third parties. So yes, paid VPN is more secure.
Is it good enough to have a free VPN? ›
Paid VPNs offer faster and more reliable speeds, as they typically have more servers and less crowded networks. Free VPNs have weaker security features and may not use the strongest encryption or the safest VPN protocols. They are generally easier to hack.
What is the difference between free and subscription VPN? ›
Paid VPNs offer a range of benefits, including unlimited bandwidth, access to multiple servers, and advanced security protocols that free services just can't match. They also tend to have better customer service, so if something goes wrong you should be able to get help quickly.
Is it better to get a free VPN or paid? ›
Paid VPNs have advanced security features
Advanced security alone makes it worth paying for a VPN. For one, it's harder to detect such VPN use because they can invest more into online security than any free VPN. A good paid VPN will, by default, be immune to IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
What is the most recommended free VPN? ›
8 Free VPNs of 2024
- TunnelBear: Best for user-friendliness.
- Proton VPN: Best for enhanced anonymity.
- hide.me: Best for leak protection.
- Windscribe: Best for unlimited device connection.
- VPN Unlimited: Best for lifetime protection.
- CyberGhost: Best for ease of use.
- Hotspot Shield: Best for streaming.
One of the primary concerns when using VPNs is the potential decrease in internet speed. Encrypting data and routing it through remote servers can introduce latency, resulting in slower connections. The additional steps involved in VPN tunneling can cause a noticeable impact on upload and download speeds.
Why would someone want to pay for a VPN? ›
Not even your ISP can see your web traffic when you use a VPN. VPNs also make it harder for advertisers and others to track you online. Normally, data is transmitted from the internet to your device using its IP address.
Should you use a VPN all the time? ›
Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.
Quality modern VPNs use the OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols, or protocols based on these. Psiphon, on the other hand, only offers two protocols: SSH, and L2TP over IPSec. Both of these are considered outdated, and vulnerable to decryption.
Are paid VPNs safe? ›
A VPN connection is made through highly secure protocols at a level of encryption that has never been cracked. This, coupled with the anonymity of IP masking and location spoofing, renders your online presence nearly untraceable. If you or your organization handle sensitive information, then a VPN is a must.
Is there a 100% free VPN? ›
Proton VPN is our top-rated free VPN. It's the only free and safe VPN you can leave on all the time on all of your devices. This is because the VPN doesn't impose any data limits whatsoever on its free servers. You can use Proton VPN Free as much as you want, completely free, and without adverts.
Is it worth paying for VPN? ›
If you want to access geographically restricted content online, then a VPN is worth it. If you want to keep your browsing activity hidden from your internet service provider or other data snoops, a VPN is worth it.
Is there a free VPN without subscription? ›
For those who want the full VPN experience but don't want to pay out of pocket, Windscribe VPN's free account policies are second-to-none. We recommend Windscribe to anyone who doesn't mind a monthly data cap and those who may want to try the product before taking the plunge on a monthly subscription.
What is the best VPN to subscribe to? ›
The Best VPN Services of 2024
- NordVPN - Best VPN for Privacy.
- Surfshark - Best VPN for Security.
- Private Internet Access VPN - Best VPN for Windows.
- Hotspot Shield - Best VPN for Netflix.
- Norton Secure VPN - Best VPN With Dynamic IP Addresses.
- IPVanish - Best Customer Support.
- ExpressVPN - Best Encryption.
A VPN connection is made through highly secure protocols at a level of encryption that has never been cracked. This, coupled with the anonymity of IP masking and location spoofing, renders your online presence nearly untraceable. If you or your organization handle sensitive information, then a VPN is a must.
Do we really need VPN? ›
Is a VPN worth it? Nowadays, everyone needs a VPN. It's the best way to protect yourself online. While most people aren't suffering in oppressive regimes that heavily censor the internet and restrict what you can see and do online, that doesn't mean they don't need a VPN.
Are you safe without a VPN? ›
Without a VPN, your ISP can access your internet activity and even turn it into a browsing log sold to advertisers. Installing and enabling a VPN creates a barrier that prevents your ISP from collecting your data.
Is not VPN safe? ›
VPNs are entirely safe, legal, and accessible—so long as you choose a reputable provider with strong encryption, IP masking, and transparency around logging and pricing.
