The easiest way to get a VPN for free is to install Proton VPN Free from its official website or app store. Proton VPN's free plan provides unlimited data, no ads, a no-logs policy and access to servers in 10 countries. The main limits are one connected device at a time and free server locations selected at random.
Plan details checked September 20, 2026.
Best Free VPN Options at a Glance
| VPN | Free data | Devices | Main limitation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Free | Unlimited | 1 at a time | Free server locations are selected for you | Regular browsing and public Wi-Fi |
| Windscribe Free | 10 GB per month with a confirmed email | Unlimited personal devices | Monthly data limit | Using a VPN on several devices |
| PrivadoVPN Free | 10 GB every 30 days | Limited free locations and features | Monthly data limit | Occasional browsing and testing |
Windscribe fits better if you want to connect several personal devices and can stay below 10 GB of VPN data per month. Proton VPN fits better for regular browsing, travel or public Wi-Fi when you do not want to track a monthly allowance.
How to Get Proton VPN Free
- Open the official Proton VPN free-account page.
- Select Get Proton VPN Free.
- Create a Proton Account with an email address and password.
- Download the official Proton VPN app for your device.
- Sign in to the app.
- Select Quick Connect or choose an available free server.
- Check that the app shows Connected before you browse.
Proton VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, Android TV, Fire TV and supported browsers.
On Windows or Mac
Download and install the official desktop app, sign in and select Quick Connect. The app protects the device's internet connection, including other internet-connected apps as well as your browser.
On Android or iPhone
Install the official Proton VPN app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Sign in, allow the VPN connection when prompted and tap Quick Connect. Check that the app was published by Proton before installing it.
In a Web Browser
A VPN browser extension covers browser traffic only. It does not cover other apps on your computer or phone. Use the full Proton VPN app when you want to protect the device's entire internet connection.
What Proton VPN Free Includes
Proton VPN Free includes:
- Unlimited VPN data
- One connected device at a time
- Servers in 10 countries, with the free location selected at random
- No ads
- DNS leak protection
- IPv6 leak prevention or support, depending on the platform
- Kill switch or always-on VPN features
- VPN encryption
- A stated no-logs policy and audited privacy controls
Free servers can be busy, so the service may be slower than a paid VPN. The free plan also offers less control over server locations and does not include the same streaming access or peer-to-peer support as Proton VPN's paid plans.
How to Get Windscribe Free
Windscribe Free is another legitimate option:
- Create a free Windscribe account.
- Confirm your email address to receive the 10 GB monthly allowance.
- Download the official app for your phone, computer or browser.
- Sign in and select an available free location.
- Connect before using the internet.
Windscribe lists 10 GB of data per month with a confirmed email address, servers in 10 countries and unlimited personal-device connections. Accounts without a confirmed email address receive 2 GB per month.
Choose Windscribe when several connected devices matter more than unlimited data. Choose Proton VPN when you plan to use a VPN regularly and do not want a monthly data limit.
What a Free VPN Cannot Do
A free VPN does not make you completely anonymous. The VPN provider can potentially see information about your connection, while websites can still identify you through accounts, cookies, browser fingerprinting and other tracking methods. Proton states that no VPN guarantees total anonymity.
A VPN also will not:
- Stop phishing attacks
- Remove malware from your device
- Make unsafe websites trustworthy
- Replace antivirus software
- Protect accounts with weak or reused passwords
- Guarantee access to every streaming service
- Make a slow internet connection faster
Use a VPN alongside updated software, strong unique passwords and multi-factor authentication. The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking an app's permissions and privacy policy before downloading it.
How to Avoid Unsafe Free VPN Apps
Do not install a random VPN just because it appears at the top of an app-store search. Avoid services that:
- Promise unlimited streaming for free
- Request unnecessary contacts, microphone or location permissions
- Have no identifiable company or privacy policy
- Force excessive advertising
- Ask you to install unknown configuration files
- Require payment details for a supposedly free plan
- Are distributed through unofficial APK or software-download websites
Install Proton VPN Free from its official source and use Quick Connect if you need a VPN for browsing, travel or public Wi-Fi. A paid plan becomes useful when you need more locations, streaming support, torrenting or multiple simultaneous connections.