Best Free VPNs with Unlimited Data: Secure and Limitless Browsing

Free VPNs usually come with strings attached, the worst of which is that dreaded data cap. You fire up the app, get halfway through your favorite series, and bam: “You’ve reached your monthly limit.” Great. But here’s the good news. A handful of free VPNs in 2025 actually offer unlimited data without costing you a dime. No sketchy popups, no bandwidth throttling halfway through a download, and no “upgrade now” messages after watching one episode.

We tested dozens of services claiming to be “free forever” or “unlimited” to see which ones actually deliver. And while there are a few genuinely solid options, only one gives you everything.

All that being said, it’s worth noting that no VPN gives you free internet. However, the services presented below can enhance your online experience.

The Best Free VPNs with Unlimited Data (That Actually Work)

Here’s the thing about free VPNs, most of them give you just enough data to almost do what you want. Watch a few YouTube videos, check your email, and maybe stream a single episode if you’re lucky. After that? You’re cut off unless you pony up for a paid plan.

But we found the exceptions — VPNs that give you real, usable protection and unlimited data without locking everything behind a paywall. Some are 100% free forever. Others, like our first pick, give you a sneaky-smart way to access full premium features without paying a cent (at least for 30 days).

Let’s start at the top.

1. NordVPN – Best Free-Trial VPN With Unlimited Data

NordVPN is hands-down the best way to get unlimited VPN access without paying upfront. While it’s not forever free, it does offer two generous, no-strings-attached options to use the full service completely free, making it the perfect pick if you want premium protection without the commitment.

There’s a 7-day free trial available exclusively for Android users through the Google Play Store. On top of that, anyone on any platform can use the 30-day money-back guarantee. Just sign up, use it to your heart’s content, and if you decide it’s not for you, cancel within 30 days and get a full refund with no awkward questions.

Performance-wise, NordVPN runs on its custom-built NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard but optimized for speed and privacy. It consistently retains up to 90% of base internet speeds in our tests, even when connecting to long-distance servers. That means smooth streaming, lag-free video calls, and lightning-fast downloads, all with unlimited data.

On the privacy front, NordVPN packs military-grade AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. Its RAM-only server infrastructure ensures your data is never stored or written to disk, and features like the kill switch and Threat Protection add extra layers of security and malware defense.

All of these features, from split tunneling and obfuscated servers to mesh networking and built-in ad-blocking, are included in the free trial. So if you want to experience full-scale VPN functionality without bandwidth restrictions or feature locks, NordVPN’s free trial is the best way to do it. And even after the free trial, the long terms plans are just around $3 a month, which is great value for money

Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days

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2. Proton VPN – Best Truly Free Internet VPN With Unlimited Data

If you’re looking for a VPN that’s actually free and offers unlimited data with no time limit, Proton VPN is the clear winner. It’s one of the only services that doesn’t cap your bandwidth, doesn’t push aggressive upsells, and doesn’t sell your data to keep the lights on.

The free plan gives you access to five free server locations: the United States, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, and Romania. You won’t get access to all of Proton’s features like Secure Core or streaming-optimized servers, but what you do get is more than enough for secure browsing, basic streaming, and light file download, all without hitting a data wall.

Privacy is where Proton VPN shines. It’s based in Switzerland, a country known for strict privacy laws, and the service operates under a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. All traffic is encrypted with AES-256, and even the free tier supports secure VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.

In terms of performance, Proton VPN delivers stable speeds on its free servers. While you won’t get priority bandwidth, we were able to stream YouTube in HD and browse with minimal lag during off-peak hours. It’s not the fastest free VPN, but it’s far more reliable than most, especially since it doesn’t bombard you with ads or shady redirects.

The Proton VPN app is clean and modern, with support for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can also set it up on routers or use the command-line tool if you’re feeling nerdy. Setup is quick, and there’s no need to enter payment info, just create an account and connect.

Feel free to read the comparison between Proton VPN and NordVPN if you’re having trouble deciding between the two.

Try ProtonVPN

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3. PrivadoVPN – Best Free Internet VPN With a Dozen Server Locations

PrivadoVPN is a rare gem in the free VPN space. While it does have a 10 GB data cap every 30 days, it earns a spot on this list because it offers something that most capped VPNs don’t — unlimited access to free emergency servers after you hit your limit. That means you’re never fully cut off from the internet, even when you’ve burned through your monthly allowance.

You start with 10 GB of high-speed data, which is enough for light streaming, browsing, and secure messaging. Once that runs out, you’ll be automatically shifted to one of PrivadoVPN’s “emergency servers” which are slower, but still provide unlimited encrypted access to the web. It’s a smart compromise, and more generous than most free plans out there.

The free plan gives you access to 12 server locations, including the US, UK, Canada, Switzerland, Mexico, France, and more. That’s a wider reach than many fully free VPNs, which usually restrict you to one or two locations.

On the privacy front, PrivadoVPN is a zero-logs provider based in Switzerland, which puts it under the same strong data protection laws as Proton VPN. You get AES-256 encryption, support for WireGuard and OpenVPN, and a built-in kill switch, even on the free plan.

Performance during the 10 GB high-speed window is solid. We tested connections across the US and Europe and consistently saw stable speeds for HD streaming and file downloads. The emergency servers are noticeably slower, but still usable for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and messaging.

The app is beginner-friendly and available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Fire TV. Setup takes less than a minute, and you don’t need to add any payment details to get started.

Read our review of PrivadoVPN to learn more.

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4. Hide.me – Best Free VPN With Full Feature Access

Hide.me used to be known for its tight 10 GB cap, but not anymore. As of now, both free and premium users now get unlimited data, making it one of the few truly free VPNs that doesn’t hold you back. No data walls, speed throttling, or nagging upgrade prompts, just full access to the web, on your terms.

The free plan includes five server locations: the US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, and Finland. That’s plenty of coverage for casual browsing, streaming geo-restricted content, or staying private on public Wi-Fi. Unlike some competitors, Hide.me doesn’t restrict ports or protocol access, so you’re free to customize your connection.

In terms of privacy, and as highlighted in our Hide.me review, the company operates under a strict no-logs policy, and it’s been around long enough to prove it. What really makes Hide.me stand out is the features it includes in its free version. You get a kill switch, split tunneling, Stealth Guard, and even IP leak protection — features usually locked behind a paywall on most VPNs. It also offers 24/7 live chat support, which is rare for free users.

Performance-wise, Hide.me delivers impressively smooth speeds for a free service. We had no problem streaming in HD, jumping on video calls, or transferring files on the free servers. Speeds can dip slightly during peak hours, but overall, the experience is fast, private, and refreshingly ad-free.

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5. Hotspot Shield – Best Free VPN for Basic Browsing

Hotspot Shield has been in the VPN game for a long time, and while its free version comes with a few limitations, it still earns a spot here because it’s one of the only options that offers unlimited data with no time limit, completely free.

The catch? Free users are restricted to a single US-based server and can only connect on one device at a time. You’ll also see ads in the mobile app, and speeds are capped compared to the premium plan. That said, for simple tasks like browsing, checking email, or using public Wi-Fi safely, it gets the job done.

Hotspot Shield uses its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is designed to maintain strong performance even on slower connections. While the free plan doesn’t offer streaming access or blazing-fast downloads, everyday browsing is smooth and consistent, especially considering you’re not paying a cent.

Security-wise, Hotspot Shield encrypts your traffic with AES-256 and doesn’t log your online activity. That said, its privacy policy allows for the collection of some anonymized diagnostic data, which privacy purists might not appreciate. You can find more details on this in our full Hotspot Shield review.

If you’re looking for a free VPN that never cuts you off mid-scroll, and you’re okay with ads and basic features, Hotspot Shield offers decent value with unlimited data that’s actually usable for day-to-day protection.

That being said, there’s no doubt that Hotspot Shield is far from offering a service as good as NordVPN’s.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Free Internet VPN

Not all free VPNs are worth the download. While the services we covered above are reliable, secure, and (most importantly) transparent, many free VPNs out there come with serious trade-offs, including shady logging policies, intrusive ads, or even flat-out malware.

Here’s what to keep in mind before committing to any free VPN:

Data Limits

Plenty of so-called free Internet VPNs give you just 500MB or 1GB per month — not enough for anything beyond checking email. Unlimited data (or a generous cap with emergency access, like PrivadoVPN) is a must if you’re planning to browse, stream, or use your VPN daily.

Server Access

Free VPNs often restrict you to just one or two servers. That can lead to overcrowding, slow speeds, and zero flexibility for accessing geo-restricted content. Services like Proton VPN and Hide.me offer a bit more variety, even on the free plan.

Privacy Policy

You’re using a VPN to stay private — so if the provider logs your data, you’re defeating the purpose. Always choose services with a strict no-logs policy, ideally one that’s been independently audited (NordVPN, Proton VPN, and PrivadoVPN all check this box).

Speed & Stability

VPNs can slow down your internet, especially if the service is overloaded or throttled for free users. NordVPN’s free trial gives you full-speed access, while services like Hide.me and Proton VPN deliver solid speeds without sneaky slowdowns.

Features & Platform Support

Look for must-have security tools like a kill switch, split tunneling, and support for modern VPN protocols like WireGuard. Device compatibility also matters — all the VPNs in our list work across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more.

Some free VPNs with unlimited data also completely ban the use of P2P. So you won’t be able to rely on them to download torrents in a safe and secure way.

Trustworthiness

Some free VPNs exist solely to harvest your data. That’s why we left out options like:

• Hola VPN, which uses a peer-to-peer network that can expose your IP and bandwidth to strangers.
• VPN Proxy Master and Turbo VPN, both of which have questionable privacy policies and vague ownership details.
• Betternet, which has been caught embedding trackers and serving targeted ads.

If a VPN is “free” but offers no transparency about how it operates, what it logs, or who owns it, just skip it. You’re better off with a limited but honest service than a flashy app that’s actually selling your data in the background.

Final Words

Free VPNs can be useful, but only if they give you unlimited data. A 500MB cap doesn’t cut it in 2025, especially when you’re streaming, working remotely, or just trying to browse without interruptions.

The truth is, even in the “free” space, you can’t afford to compromise on security, privacy, or speed. That’s why your best bet is NordVPN’s free trial or 30-day money-back guarantee. It gives you full, unlimited access to a top-tier service, with zero restrictions and every feature unlocked.

If you’re sticking to a forever-free option, Proton VPN, Hide.me, and PrivadoVPN are excellent picks. Just be smart: choose a VPN that won’t cut you off mid-stream or sell your data behind your back.

Free is fine. But free with no limits? That’s where it really counts.

Try NordVPN risk-free now