The Best Free and Cheap VPNs for 2024

In an era where online privacy is increasingly threatened, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become essential for safeguarding your personal information and browsing habits. While many premium VPN services offer robust features, there are also excellent free and inexpensive options that can provide adequate protection without straining your budget. This guide’ll explore the best free and cheap VPNs available in 2024, detailing their features, pros and cons, and who they are best suited for.

Why Use a VPN?

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure from prying eyes. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or using public Wi-Fi, a VPN helps protect your data from hackers and snoopers. It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, giving you access to content that may be unavailable in your region.

The Best Free and Cheap VPNs for 2024

1. Proton VPN

Best Overall Free VPN

Pros:

• Unlimited data for free users.
• Strong privacy policies with a commitment to user security.
• No ads or tracking.

Cons:

• Limited to one device connection.
• Fewer server locations compared to paid plans.

Who It’s For: Proton VPN is ideal for users who prioritize privacy and security without the worry of data caps. It’s perfect for individuals who want a reliable free option for general browsing and streaming.

Specs & Configurations:

• Data Limit: Unlimited
• Server Locations: US, Netherlands, Japan
• Simultaneous Connections: 1

2. TunnelBear VPN

Best for Free Location Spoofing

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Access to all global servers.
• Can earn additional data through promotional activities.

Cons:

• Monthly data limit of 500MB (up to 1.5GB with actions).
• Limited to one device connection.

Who It’s For: TunnelBear is perfect for casual users who want to experience a global internet without spending money. Its easy-to-use interface makes it suitable for VPN beginners.

Specs & Configurations:

• Data Limit: 500MB (up to 1.5GB)
• Server Locations: 47 countries
• Simultaneous Connections: 1

3. Hotspot Shield VPN

Best for Free US-Based Browsing

Pros:

• Daily data limit of 500MB.
• Fast connection speeds.
• Simple installation and use.

Cons:

• Limited to US servers for free users.
• Speed capped at 2Mbps on mobile devices.

Who It’s For: Hotspot Shield is ideal for users who primarily browse from the US and need a quick and easy solution for accessing content without data limits.

Specs & Configurations:

• Data Limit: 500MB per day
• Server Locations: US only
• Simultaneous Connections: 1

4. PrivadoVPN

Best for Free (Almost) Unlimited Browsing

Pros:

• Generous 10GB monthly data limit.
• Allows for throttled speeds after reaching the limit.
• No payment details required for free account.

Cons:

• Limited server locations for free users.
• Speeds may be slower during peak times.

Who It’s For: PrivadoVPN is great for users who need a bit more data for streaming and browsing without committing to a paid plan. It’s suitable for light to moderate internet users.

Specs & Configurations:

• Data Limit: 10GB per month
• Server Locations: 12 servers
• Simultaneous Connections: 1

5. Windscribe VPN

Best Company Transparency

Pros:

• 10GB monthly data limit (or 2GB without email).
• Unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Strong privacy policies and transparency reports.

Cons:

• Limited server access for free users.
• Speeds can vary based on server load.

Who It’s For: Windscribe is perfect for users who value transparency and want a reliable free option for multiple devices. It’s suitable for those who need a VPN for various devices without sacrificing speed.

Specs & Configurations:

• Data Limit: 10GB per month (2GB without email)
• Server Locations: 10 countries
• Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited

6. Hide.me VPN

Best for Multiple Server Locations

Pros:

• 10GB monthly data limit.
• Access to five server locations.
• No payment details required for free account.

Cons:

• Limited data compared to other free options.
• Fewer features than premium versions.

Who It’s For: Hide.me is ideal for users who want to explore different server locations without the need for payment details. It’s suitable for those who occasionally need a VPN for privacy while browsing or streaming.

Specs & Configurations:

• Data Limit: 10GB per month
• Server Locations: 5 locations
• Simultaneous Connections: 1

Conclusion

Choosing the right VPN can significantly enhance your online privacy and security. The free and cheap VPNs listed above offer a range of features that cater to different needs, from unlimited data to multiple server locations. While free options may come with limitations, they can still provide adequate protection for casual users. For those who require more robust features, considering a low-cost premium VPN might be worthwhile. Always assess your specific needs and usage patterns to find the best VPN solution for you.