The Best Free VPN of 2024: Unrivaled Security and Speed at No Cost

Finding a reliable and truly free Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be challenging, especially with the myriad of services claiming to offer the best features without costing a dime. In 2024, several VPNs stand out for their exceptional services, allowing users to enjoy online privacy, security, and freedom without breaking the bank. Here, we dive deep into the top contenders for the title of the best free VPN of 2024, examining their features, limitations, and why they might be the right choice for your online activities.

Surfshark: The Ultimate Free Trial Experience

Surfshark isn’t your typical free VPN service. Instead, it offers a 30-day free trial of its premium features, setting a high bar for competitors. With Surfshark, users get a taste of unrestricted online freedom, thanks to its expansive server network spanning over 100 locations worldwide. The lack of speed and data usage limits ensures a seamless browsing and streaming experience, with speeds reaching up to 240 Mbps depending on server location.

Features at a Glance:

• Data Limit: Unlimited during trial
• Speed: Up to 240 Mbps
• Server Locations: Over 100
• Device Limit: Unlimited
• Encryption: Strong, with OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols

Despite its premium model, Surfshark‘s free trial offers an easy cancellation policy, making it an attractive option for those seeking a short-term VPN solution without commitment.

Hotspot Shield: The Speed Champion

Hotspot Shield has carved a niche for itself as the fastest free VPN, leveraging a unique model where access is extended through watching ads. This approach offers users significant flexibility in managing their online time without worrying about data caps.

Features at a Glance:

• Data Limit: Time-based, extendable by watching ads
• Speed: Up to 237 Mbps
• Server Locations: 4 (Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, London)
• Device Limit: 5 (with account registration)

Although it faces limitations in server options and potential Netflix detection, Hotspot Shield‘s impressive speeds make it ideal for quick browsing sessions and large file downloads.

PrivadoVPN: Generous Data with Solid Security

With a monthly allowance of 10 GB, PrivadoVPN offers one of the most generous data limits among free VPN services. It supports a wide range of server locations, making it a versatile choice for geo-unblocking and privacy.

Features at a Glance:

• Data Limit: 10 GB per month
• Speed: Up to 146 Mbps
• Server Locations: 14, including US, UK, Germany, and more
• Device Limit: Unlimited, one at a time

PrivadoVPN stands out for its privacy-centric approach, based in Switzerland, and its ability to connect multiple devices under one account, albeit not simultaneously.

Atlas VPN: Best for Privacy Advocates

Atlas VPN focuses on providing a secure and private browsing experience, with a modest data limit but packed with features aimed at protecting users from online threats.

Features at a Glance:

• Data Limit: 5 GB per month
• Speed: Up to 102 Mbps
• Server Locations: 3 (Amsterdam, Las Vegas, New York)
• Device Limit: Unlimited, one at a time

Though its server selection and data limit may not suit heavy users, Atlas VPN‘s commitment to privacy and inclusion of features like tracker blockers and data breach monitors make it a compelling choice for security-conscious users.

TunnelBear: The User-Friendly Choice with Vast Servers

TunnelBear combines an easy-to-use interface with a wide server network, offering users both freedom and flexibility in their VPN usage.

Features at a Glance:

• Data Limit: Conflicting reports, up to 8 GB per month
• Speed: Moderate, around 110 Mbps
• Server Locations: Over 40 countries
• Device Limit: 5 simultaneous connections

Despite its slower speeds and occasional inconsistencies in reported data limits, TunnelBear‘s server diversity and user-friendly design make it a favorite among those new to VPNs.

Conclusion

In 2024, the quest for the best free VPN encompasses a range of options, each with its unique strengths and limitations. Whether your priority lies in speed, data allowance, privacy, or user experience, there’s a service tailored to your needs. Surfshark, Hotspot Shield, PrivadoVPN, Atlas VPN, and TunnelBear each offer a distinct approach to free VPN services, ensuring users don’t have to compromise on security or freedom online. As the digital landscape evolves, these providers continue to set the standard for free VPN excellence.

Comprehensive Comparison of Leading Free VPNs

The table below provides a snapshot of what each VPN offers, making it easier to compare their capabilities at a glance:

VPN Service	Data Limit	Server Locations	Max Speeds (Mbps)	Device Limit	Notable Features
Surfshark	30-day trial	Over 100	Up to 240	Unlimited	Strong encryption, No device limits
Hotspot Shield	Ad-supported time limit	4 major cities	Up to 237	5 (with account)	Fast speeds, Extend with ads
PrivadoVPN	10 GB/month	14 locations	146 download / 34 upload	Unlimited (1 at a time)	Generous data limit, Multi-device
Atlas VPN	5 GB/month	3 locations	102 download / 141 upload	Unlimited (1 at a time)	Privacy-focused, Tracker blocker
TunnelBear	8 GB/month	Over 40 countries	110 download / 90 upload	5 simultaneous connections	Interactive UI, Generous data limit

09.03.24

Written by: Carl J. Jones