The best free VPN for PC right now is Proton VPN Free, because it has no data cap, shows no ads and follows a strict no-logs policy. TunnelBear and Windscribe are good backups with small monthly allowances, while Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 with WARP and Opera’s built-in browser VPN are useful for basic privacy but are not full VPNs. Avoid unknown “unlimited free VPN” apps: if you are not paying, many of them make money from your data.
Here is how the safe free options compare, what you give up by not paying, and how to set one up on Windows or Mac in a few minutes.
Free VPNs for PC Compared
| VPN | Data limit | Ads | Works on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Free | None | No | Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile (1 device) | Everyday private browsing |
| TunnelBear Free | 2 GB | No | Windows, Mac, mobile | Occasional use, beginners |
| Windscribe Free | Limited monthly allowance | No | Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile, browsers | Choosing from a few free locations |
| Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 + WARP | None on the free tier | No | Windows, Mac, mobile | Encrypting traffic on public Wi-Fi (no location choice) |
| Opera browser VPN | None | No | Inside the Opera browser only | Quick browser-only privacy |
1. Proton VPN Free: Best Overall Free VPN for PC
Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, offers a free plan that its official free VPN page says has no data or speed limits, no ads and does not log your activity. Free users also get a kill switch and Proton’s Stealth protocol, which helps on restrictive networks.
Limits: one device at a time, and you cannot hand-pick every country; free users connect to a smaller set of servers, and streaming support is reserved for paid plans.
2. TunnelBear Free: Easiest for Beginners
TunnelBear’s friendly app is the simplest to use, and its free plan includes 2 GB of secure browsing according to its pricing page. That is enough for checking email and banking on hotel Wi-Fi, but not for streaming or big downloads.
3. Windscribe Free: Most Flexible Free Plan
Windscribe’s free tier gives you a monthly data allowance and access to a handful of free locations, plus an ad and tracker blocker. It is a good pick if you want some choice of server country without paying. Check the current allowance on Windscribe’s site, as it has changed over the years.
4. Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 With WARP: Free Encryption, Not Location Change
WARP encrypts the traffic between your PC and Cloudflare’s network, which protects you on public Wi-Fi and hides your browsing from your local network. It does not let you pick a country, so it will not unblock region-locked content, and it is not designed for anonymity. Think of it as a safety layer rather than a traditional VPN.
5. Opera’s Built-In VPN: Browser-Only Protection
The Opera browser includes a free, no-signup VPN that you switch on in settings. It only protects traffic inside Opera, not other apps on your PC, and behaves more like an encrypted proxy than a full VPN.
What You Give Up With a Free VPN
- Fewer servers and countries, so speeds can drop at busy times.
- Data caps on most providers (Proton is the main exception).
- No or limited streaming support.
- One device instead of several.
- Fewer extras such as dedicated IPs, split tunneling choices or multi-hop routing. If multi-hop interests you, see what a double VPN is.
Free VPNs to Avoid
Be cautious with apps that promise unlimited everything for free, come from unknown developers, ask for unnecessary permissions or have no clear privacy policy. Research over the years has found free VPN apps with weak encryption, intrusive ads, tracking libraries and data leaks. A VPN can see your traffic, so trust matters more than any feature.
How to Set Up a Free VPN on Windows or Mac
- Download the app only from the provider’s official website.
- Install it and create a free account.
- Turn on the kill switch in settings, so your traffic never leaks if the connection drops.
- Choose the fastest or recommended server and click Connect.
- Check that your IP address changed by searching “what is my IP” before and after. Our explainer on whether a VPN changes your IP address shows what to look for.
Connection keeps dropping? Our guide to why your VPN keeps disconnecting lists the usual fixes. New to all this? Start with what a VPN is and how it works.
Free VPN for PC FAQ
Is there a completely free VPN for PC with no limits?
Proton VPN Free has no data cap or ads, but it limits you to one device and a smaller server selection.
Are free VPNs safe?
Reputable ones like Proton VPN, TunnelBear and Windscribe are. Unknown free VPNs can log or sell your data, so stick to well-known providers with clear no-logs policies.
Can a free VPN unblock Netflix?
Usually not. Streaming support is generally reserved for paid plans.
Does Windows have a built-in free VPN?
Windows can connect to VPN servers through Settings, but it does not include a free VPN service. You still need a provider.
Will a free VPN slow down my PC?
It may slow your internet a little because traffic is encrypted and routed through another server, but it has almost no effect on PC performance.