5 Best Free VPNs for Windows in: I’m not a fan of using free VPNs for Windows, even from well-known brands, because they often come with limitations. For instance, many only allow a single device connection, restrict the number of server locations available, don’t support torrenting or streaming, and hide features like ad blockers behind paywalls. Plus, most free VPNs are either insecure, have slow speeds, or simply don’t work as expected.
That’s why I prefer a premium VPN for Windows, such as ExpressVPN, which offers top-notch security, blazing-fast speeds for all your online needs, and an overall superior experience.
However, there are a few solid free VPNs for Windows available. After testing numerous options, I’ve compiled this list of my top 5 free VPNs for Windows in 2025. Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are owned by the same parent company.
Best VPN For Streaming
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | The fastest speeds we tested, ensuring you can stream, browse, game, and torrent without interruptions |
| Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries give you fast worldwide connections |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 8, so you can protect your compatible devices under one subscription |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
2. NordVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | High security features and fast speeds for a reliable connection |
| Server Network | 5,400 servers in 60 countries for improved accessibility and connection speeds |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 6 devices, suitable for protecting multiple devices simultaneously |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
1. ExpressVPN — Best Windows VPN in 2025
ExpressVPN is easily my top choice for a Windows VPN in 2025. It stands out with premium security features, unmatched speeds, and is perfect for streaming, torrenting, and gaming — which is why it claims the #1 spot. Although it’s not free, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test it out and see if it fits your needs.
Pros:
- Best speeds on Windows
- Access to 100+ streaming sites
- P2P support on all servers
- Extensive server network
Cons:
Disclaimer
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Only available through premium plans
During my tests, ExpressVPN consistently provided lightning-fast connection speeds. Whether I was gaming or torrenting, the speeds were close to my non-VPN connections, and there was no noticeable drop in quality while streaming. While Proton VPN’s free plan offers decent speeds, it can’t compete with ExpressVPN’s performance.
ExpressVPN excels in streaming as well. With servers in 105 countries, it can access over 100 streaming services, including various international libraries for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and BBC iPlayer. In comparison, Proton VPN’s free plan only supports popular streaming platforms about 50% of the time, and hide.me offers even fewer streaming options.
The Windows app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to easily find the best server through options like Recommended, Region, or Favorites, and set up 1-click connections. The app also offers auto-connect and launch settings, along with a Shortcuts feature for quick access to your most-used sites and apps after connecting. Additional features include a solid ad blocker, split tunneling, and a free password manager via its browser extension.
One of the things I appreciate most about ExpressVPN is its commitment to security and privacy. It has an independently audited no-logs policy (unlike Hotspot Shield, which logs your IP on its free plan) and provides full leak protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks.
2. Proton VPN — Great Free Windows VPN With Unlimited Data
Proton VPN stands out for offering unlimited data on its free plan, making it one of the best options available. Unlike most other free VPNs, which limit your speeds, Proton VPN provides fast browsing and smooth HD streaming on platforms like YouTube. However, I did notice some lag while gaming and slower download speeds compared to ExpressVPN.
Pros:
- Unlimited data on the free plan
- Works with routers
- Open-source Windows app
- Solid gaming speeds
Cons:
- No P2P support
- Server selection is automatic
Proton VPN’s free Windows app features a Quick Connect option that automatically selects the best available server for you. If one server doesn’t connect, it will automatically try others. While the free plan supports just 1 connection, it allows you to set it up on a router, meaning you can connect multiple Windows devices at home.
The free plan doesn’t support torrenting or consistent streaming, but it can occasionally access some Netflix and Amazon Prime libraries and Hulu (though it can’t unlock Disney+). For streaming, I’d recommend ExpressVPN instead.
Proton VPN offers excellent privacy and security. Its apps are open-source, meaning their source code can be inspected by anyone, and all apps have passed external audits for transparency.
However, the free plan is limited to servers in just 5 countries — the US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland — and it will automatically connect you to the fastest available server, with no option to manually select a different location.
Proton VPN’s paid version starts at INR310 per month, giving you access to all servers, P2P support, streaming, an ad blocker, and more. All premium plans come with a prorated 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. hide.me — Great Free Windows VPN With Plenty of Server Locations
hide.me is a solid VPN for Windows, offering 8 free server locations (including Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, US East, and US West) along with unlimited ad-free data. However, it only allows you to connect one device at a time.
Pros:
- Unlimited data on the free plan
- Customizable kill switch
- Lock App feature
- Includes split-tunneling
Cons:
- Speeds are limited
- No streaming support
In my speed tests, hide.me delivered good speeds, although not as fast as ExpressVPN. It’s clear that hide.me doesn’t restrict speeds for premium users, which leads me to believe that its free plan has some speed limitations. That said, browsing speeds were decent, and I only experienced minor lag while streaming HD content on YouTube (something I didn’t encounter with Proton VPN).
The free plan doesn’t support streaming, though hide.me does offer 15+ streaming servers on its premium plans. It can access Netflix and Amazon Prime on occasion, but it’s not reliable for other services like Disney+, Hulu, Max, and others. Additionally, it doesn’t support torrenting or router setups, unlike ExpressVPN and Proton VPN.
hide.me’s free plan also comes with a variety of useful features, such as StealthGuard (a customizable kill switch), split-tunneling, and auto-connect options. There’s also a handy “Lock App” feature for Windows, which lets you set a pin code to prevent unauthorized access to the app.
hide.me offers premium plans starting at INR240 per month, which include 10 simultaneous device connections and access to its full network of servers across 58 countries. All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Hotspot Shield — Great Free VPN for Secure Web Browsing
Hotspot Shield’s free plan is an excellent choice for safe web browsing. It offers automatic launch settings and a public Wi-Fi Auto-protect feature, ensuring you’re always protected when online. It also provides unlimited data, so you won’t have to worry about running out of secure browsing time.
Pros:
- Unlimited data
- Wi-Fi Auto-protect feature
- Fast proprietary Hydra protocol
Cons:
- Servers in only 3 countries
- No streaming or torrenting support
When it comes to speeds, Hotspot Shield performs well for a free VPN. During my tests, websites loaded in just 2–3 seconds, and I experienced no buffering while watching standard-definition videos. However, I did notice faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, as Hotspot Shield limits free users to 2 Mbps.
Unfortunately, the free version doesn’t support streaming, and you can only connect 1 device at a time while using servers in the US, UK, and Singapore. It also doesn’t allow P2P on its free servers.
That said, Hotspot Shield’s apps for both mobile and desktop are a pleasure to use. The interface is simple and intuitive, and installation only took a couple of minutes. It’s also easy to identify which free servers are available, and the app includes a split-tunneling feature.
Hotspot Shield offers premium plans starting at INR580 per month, which unlock unlimited speeds and access to servers in 85 countries. All paid plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. Windscribe — Large Free Server Network & Flexible Ad Blocker
Windscribe stands out for offering a broad free server network, with more than 10 countries available — more than most free VPNs. This gives you the advantage of faster speeds by allowing you to connect to a server closer to your location.
Pros:
- 10 server locations (including the US)
- Customizable ad blocker (R.O.B.E.R.T.)
- Supports streaming and P2P
Cons:
- Limited data (up to 10 GB)
- No router support
One of Windscribe’s standout features is its customizable ad blocker, R.O.B.E.R.T., available on the free plan. It offers a variety of toggles that let you block specific types of content, such as malware, ads, trackers, adult sites, social media, gambling, cryptocurrency sites, and more. This is a big advantage, as many other free VPNs restrict access to ad-blocking features.
The free plan also supports streaming and torrenting, which is quite rare for free VPNs. However, it comes with a data limit of 2–10 GB per month, depending on whether you verify your email or not. This means you’ll likely run out of data quickly, which is why I prefer Proton VPN’s unlimited data.
Additional features of the free plan include split-tunneling (for apps and websites), a kill switch, unlimited device connections, and access to advanced protocols like Stealth (an obfuscated protocol) and Wireguard.
Windscribe’s paid plans, starting at INR260 per month, provide access to all servers in 69 countries. These plans also come with a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Bonus: Avira Phantom VPN — Simple Free VPN for Secure Online Browsing
Avira Phantom VPN is a straightforward free option for Windows users who prioritize privacy and security. It comes with built-in DNS leak protection and a strict no-logs policy to ensure that your online activities remain private. Additionally, the free plan includes a malicious site and ad blocker for extra security.
Pros:
- Good streaming support
- Malicious site and ad blocker
- Built-in DNS leak protection
Cons:
- Limited data (up to 1 GB)
- Only 1 server location
Avira provides 500 MB of free data each month, which can be increased to 1 GB by registering an account. This amount is sufficient if you just need occasional protection while visiting websites on Windows. However, if you need unlimited data for more extensive use, Proton VPN would be a better choice.
The free version only allows you to connect to one server location, which the VPN automatically selects for optimal speed. During my tests on Windows 11, I didn’t experience any slowdowns or lag while streaming HD content. If you prefer manually choosing a server location, hide.me might be a better option for you.
Avira Phantom VPN can access several Netflix libraries and other streaming sites like Crunchyroll, and it provides good speeds for a smooth streaming experience. However, it doesn’t quite match the top-tier streaming support of ExpressVPN. It also allows torrenting on all servers, so you can share P2P traffic on your Windows device.
Avira Phantom VPN’s paid plan is available for INR520 per year, which grants access to all servers in 37 countries and adds a kill switch feature for Windows. The paid plan comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To determine the best free VPNs for Windows, I followed a comprehensive testing methodology, evaluating each VPN in real-world scenarios. I focused on key factors such as ease of use, connection speeds, security features, and overall value. Here are the criteria I used:
- Security Features: I prioritized VPNs with strong security on their free plans. I recommend VPNs that use 256-bit AES encryption, include a kill switch, and have a clear no-logs policy — these are essential for ensuring your privacy online.
- Connection Speeds: All VPNs will slow down your connection due to encryption, but the best VPNs minimize this speed loss. Free VPNs tend to be slower than their premium counterparts due to fewer servers and potential throttling. That said, all the free VPNs on this list maintain good speeds. In my tests, ExpressVPN had the fastest speeds overall, even on distant servers, while Proton VPN had the best speeds among free options.
- Extra Features: I looked for bonus features like split-tunneling, built-in speed tests, and ad or malware blockers. Every VPN I recommend includes at least one of these additional features to enhance the user experience.
- Ease of Use: The best free VPNs are easy to install and offer a user-friendly interface. I tested the apps to ensure they are straightforward to set up and simple to connect to servers, avoiding any complex or frustrating processes.
- Affordable Paid Plans: I only recommend VPNs with reasonably priced paid plans that offer good value if you decide to upgrade. All the VPNs listed have affordable options for users seeking more features or better performance.
Risks of Using a Free VPN on Your Windows PC
- Security Issues: Many free VPNs lack essential security features like 256-bit encryption and a kill switch. Without a proper no-logs policy, they might even track your data and sell it to third parties, which compromises your privacy.
- Blacklisted Servers: Free VPNs often reuse IP addresses, making it easy for websites to identify and block them. This results in security alerts and frequent CAPTCHA prompts while browsing, which can be frustrating.
- Selling Your Data: Free VPNs need to generate revenue somehow, so they may track your browsing and shopping habits and sell this data to third parties. Premium VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, have strict no-logs policies to ensure they never collect or sell your data.
Free vs Paid VPNs for Windows
The free VPNs listed here offer essential security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Some go above and beyond by providing advanced security measures like leak protection, RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and full-disk encryption.
However, free VPNs come with several limitations compared to their paid counterparts. These typically include fewer server options, data usage restrictions, and the ability to only connect one device at a time. Additionally, free VPNs tend to have slower speeds and usually don’t support activities like streaming or P2P file sharing.
For example, hide.me’s free plan provides unlimited bandwidth and servers in over 5 countries but limits your connection speed, doesn’t support streaming or P2P, and restricts you to a single connection. Proton VPN’s free version offers unlimited data and solid security with decent speeds, but it limits you to just 5 countries, lacks streaming and P2P support, and only allows 1 connection at a time. Hotspot Shield’s free plan also provides unlimited data but restricts streaming and torrenting, with only 1 connection allowed.
In contrast, a premium VPN service unlocks a host of features and superior performance. With a paid VPN, you’ll get unlimited data, access to a wide server network, the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, and much faster speeds. Extra features like split-tunneling and ad-blocking are often included. Plus, most paid VPNs offer competitive pricing and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free before committing.
Best VPN For Firestick Free Trial
Best overall VPN with a free trial
ExpressVPN
Privacy protection and transparency
Show our expert takeFree VPNs for Windows to Avoid
- Hola VPN: Hola VPN is risky because it operates as a P2P VPN, meaning it shares your IP address with other users while using someone else’s IP. If another user engages in illegal activity, you could be held accountable. The service also has a poor track record when it comes to privacy and security.
- Phone Guardian: While Phone Guardian offers some security by encrypting your data, it doesn’t change your IP address and lacks a kill switch, which can put your privacy and data at risk.
- TouchVPN: TouchVPN may offer an impressive server network with over 5,500 servers in 80+ countries, but it logs your activity, including your browsing history, and collects your IP address—raising serious privacy concerns.
- FinchVPN: FinchVPN doesn’t provide much transparency on its website and lacks a privacy policy, which is a major red flag when it comes to trusting the service with your data.
- AceVPN: While AceVPN offers DNS leak protection, it lacks a kill switch, only has 20 server locations, and doesn’t provide native apps for devices. Users must manually configure the VPN, which can be complicated.
- Hoxx VPN: Hoxx VPN logs a significant amount of data, including device type, location, and online activities. It may even retain this information after you cancel your account, which is highly concerning for privacy-conscious users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best free VPN for Windows?
The best overall VPN for Windows is ExpressVPN, but it isn’t fully free. Free VPNs often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, fewer servers, and other restrictions. If you’re looking for a completely free VPN for Windows, Proton VPN is the best option. It offers unlimited data, decent speeds, servers in 5 countries, and strong security features.
Is there a Windows VPN that is completely free?
Yes, many free VPNs for Windows are available, like the ones listed here. However, free VPNs come with limitations, such as restricted data usage, fewer server choices, no support for streaming or torrenting, throttled speeds, or weaker security features.
How do I set up a free VPN on Windows 10?
Setting up a free VPN on Windows 10 is straightforward. Here’s how you do it in three simple steps:
- Download a VPN: Choose a VPN provider (for example, ExpressVPN) that’s easy to install without needing additional setup.
- Connect to a server: Select a server, preferably one close to your location for better speeds.
- Start browsing: Enjoy secure browsing, streaming, and gaming with your VPN connection.
Does Windows have a built-in VPN?
Windows allows you to manually configure a VPN, but this requires technical knowledge and often results in slower and less secure connections. Instead, I recommend using a quality VPN like ExpressVPN, which automatically configures your Windows network settings for fast, secure connections.
Does Microsoft offer a VPN?
Yes, Windows 10 and 11 have built-in VPN functionality, but it’s not ideal. It requires specific versions of Windows and technical expertise to configure properly. For an easier and better experience, I suggest using one of the VPNs from my list, which offer simple installation and user-friendly interfaces.
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