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ProtonVPN Free Review 2026 - Best Free VPN Compared
Complete ProtonVPN Free review comparing it to paid VPNs. See if ProtonVPN's free tier is worth it and how it compares to the best VPN services.
ProtonVPN Free stands out as the only major VPN offering truly unlimited free data with no ads or logging. Based in Switzerland with open-source apps, it provides genuine privacy protection—but with tradeoffs compared to paid services.
Here’s our complete ProtonVPN Free review and how it compares to alternatives in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| VPN | Best For | From/Month | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ProtonVPN Free | Best Free VPN | Free | ★4.6/5 |
| 2. ProtonVPN Plus | Best ProtonVPN Plan | $9.99 | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. NordVPN | Best Overall VPN | $12.99 | ★4.9/5 |
| 4. Surfshark | Best Value | $12.95 | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. Windscribe Free | Alternative Free VPN | Free | ★4.3/5 |
VPN Services in Detail
ProtonVPN Free
ProtonVPN Free is the best free VPN available—unlimited data, no ads, no logs, and Swiss privacy protection. The tradeoff is limited server locations and slower speeds compared to paid plans.
Pros
- ✓Completely free forever
- ✓Unlimited data - no caps
- ✓No ads or logging
- ✓Swiss privacy jurisdiction
- ✓Open source and audited
Cons
- ✗Only 3 server locations
- ✗Medium speeds
- ✗No streaming support
- ✗1 device connection
- ✗Basic features only
ProtonVPN Plus
ProtonVPN Plus unlocks the full potential with 70+ countries, streaming support, and Secure Core servers for maximum privacy at a competitive price.
Pros
- ✓70+ country coverage
- ✓High-speed servers
- ✓Streaming support (Netflix, etc.)
- ✓10 simultaneous connections
- ✓Secure Core servers
Cons
- ✗Monthly cost
- ✗Annual commitment for best price
- ✗Slightly fewer servers than competitors
NordVPN
NordVPN is the industry leader with the largest server network, fastest speeds, and advanced features like Threat Protection and Double VPN encryption.
Pros
- ✓Largest server network
- ✓Fastest speeds tested
- ✓Threat Protection malware blocking
- ✓6 device connections
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- ✗No free tier
- ✗Premium pricing
- ✗Occasional server slowdowns
Surfshark
Surfshark offers excellent value with unlimited device connections and 100 country coverage—ideal for families and users with many devices.
Pros
- ✓Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✓100 country coverage
- ✓CleanWeb ad blocker
- ✓Very competitive pricing
- ✓30-day guarantee
Cons
- ✗No free tier
- ✗Speeds vary by server
- ✗Younger company
Windscribe Free
Windscribe Free offers more server locations than ProtonVPN Free but with a 10GB monthly data cap—best for occasional VPN use.
Pros
- ✓10GB free monthly
- ✓10+ server locations
- ✓Built-in ad blocker
- ✓Browser extension available
- ✓No account required for some use
Cons
- ✗10GB data cap
- ✗Limited free servers
- ✗Speeds inconsistent
- ✗Features restricted
ProtonVPN Free: What You Get
Included Free
- Unlimited data - No bandwidth caps ever
- No ads - Clean experience unlike most free VPNs
- No logging - Swiss privacy laws protect your data
- Open source apps - Independently audited security
- Basic kill switch - Prevents IP leaks
Free Limitations
- 3 server locations - US, Netherlands, Japan only
- 1 device - Single simultaneous connection
- Medium speeds - Free servers can be crowded
- No streaming - Netflix and other services blocked
- No P2P - Torrenting not supported
Is ProtonVPN Free Worth It?
ProtonVPN Free is worth it if you need basic privacy protection without spending money. It’s ideal for:
- Occasional VPN use on public WiFi
- Basic privacy when browsing
- Testing ProtonVPN before upgrading
- Users who can’t afford paid VPN
Consider paid alternatives if you need:
- Streaming access (Netflix, etc.)
- Fast, consistent speeds
- Multiple device connections
- Global server coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN Free really free?
Yes, ProtonVPN Free is completely free with no payment required—ever. Unlike most free VPNs, there are no ads, no data selling, and no hidden catches. The free tier is supported by paid subscribers.
Is ProtonVPN Free safe?
Yes, ProtonVPN Free is very safe. It uses the same encryption as paid plans, has a strict no-logs policy, is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, and has been independently audited. It’s one of the most trustworthy free VPNs available.
What’s the catch with ProtonVPN Free?
The main limitations are only 3 server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan), 1 device connection, medium speeds due to server load, and no streaming or P2P support. It’s designed to provide basic privacy while encouraging upgrades.
Can I use ProtonVPN Free for Netflix?
No, ProtonVPN Free doesn’t support streaming services like Netflix. Streaming access requires ProtonVPN Plus ($9.99/month) or higher plans.
How does ProtonVPN Free compare to other free VPNs?
ProtonVPN Free is the best free VPN because it offers unlimited data (unlike Windscribe’s 10GB cap), no ads (unlike Hotspot Shield), and genuine privacy protection. Most free VPNs sell your data—ProtonVPN doesn’t.