VPNs have become an integral element of internet usage, whether you want to access the geo-restricted content on YouTube or Netflix or simply want to conceal your web browsing behavior from your ISP.
The majority of VPN services operate on a subscription basis, charging you for the service. Fortunately, this is not true of all of them. The following are the top free VPNs for Android.
Windscribe VPN
Windscribe is a Canadian virtual private network (VPN) service that is available on a range of devices, including Android. While there is a premium version, Windescribe VPN is available for free. They encrypt data at the military-grade level and adhere to a stringent no-logs policy.
With a free subscription, you receive 10GB of encrypted online browsing every month. You may improve that and earn an additional 5GB per month by tagging Windscribe on Twitter. Additionally, the software has a virus detector and an ad blocker.
When installed, the Android app is just under 80MB in size. Its simple and intuitive design makes it accessible to non-technical users as well. Additionally, one free account can be used on an unlimited number of devices, both Android and non-Android.
Downsides
If you’re seeking a free program that would allow you to overcome Netflix’s geo-blocking limitations, Windscribe is not the solution for you. Only paid subscribers have access to Netflix’s global programming.
Additionally, as a free user, you are limited to ten of Windscribe’s sixty available servers. And, while free users’ connection speeds are often unreliable, this shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re loading up online games or videos that consume a lot of data.
Hide.me VPN
Hide.me is a Malaysian-based VPN service that has been operating since 2012. The app is available for free download and installation on all Android smartphones. They protect your data with 256-bit encryption and adhere to a stringent no-logs policy.
You get 10GB of free bandwidth per month with a free Hide.me membership. Not to mention, Hide.me’s Android app includes a Stealth Guard that allows you to control which apps have internet access when the VPN is not connected.
The program is simple to use and is only slightly more than 60MB in size when installed. Hide.me’s free edition enables users to access the geo-restricted content on streaming services like YouTube and Spotify.
Downsides
A complimentary Hide.me account does not grant access to Netflix content. Additionally, you are limited to five of Hide.me’s 75 places.
Each free account is limited to one active connection. Therefore, even if you install it on numerous Android devices, you will not be able to connect them all simultaneously.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a relatively young Swiss VPN service, having launched in mid-2017. Along with their standard subscription-based strategy, they provide a free version.
A free ProtonVPN service has 256-bit encryption, an optional automated kill switch, and security against DNS leaks. With ProtonVPN, the best is yet to come. Users on the free plan have unlimited data use and may access the geo-restricted content on YouTube, Spotify, and even Netflix.
The Android app is only available on smartphones running Android 6.0 or higher, but you won’t have to worry about taking up valuable storage space because the app is also extremely lightweight and features a sleek and dark design that makes connecting to the websafe and simple.
Downsides
A free account’s connection speeds are insufficient to stream videos and play online games continuously. Additionally, you have access to their servers only in the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Opera VPN
Opera VPN is unique among the free VPNs on this list. It is not a standalone application, but rather a feature integrated within the Opera web browser. Opera VPN is a completely free VPN service that does not provide a commercial version.
Opera VPN encrypts all data sent and received via the browser, maintains a no-logs policy, and provides you with unlimited usage.
When installed, the Android app is slightly larger at roughly 130MB. However, you can consider this a two-in-one solution, as Opera is also a capable web browser. Although the VPN component of the Android browser does not allow for much customization, it is simple and quick to use.
Downsides
Opera VPN does not grant access to geo-blocked content on YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify. Additionally, Opera has only four dedicated VPN servers in the United States of America: Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
Although your connection speed is not perfect for streaming, you may still watch online videos on YouTube and other streaming services with a little bit of patience.
Additionally, because Opera VPN is built-in, it does not encrypt data transmission from other programs on your phone.
Speedify
Speedify is a software application located in the United States that is available in both a free and a paid edition. They gather some basic user information but do not maintain activity logs. Additionally, they encrypt your data using 128 GCM. With a free account, you receive 2GB of data each month.
Speedify enables you to access the geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify in the United States. Additionally, you gain access to all of their servers located in over 33 locations.
Speedify is by far the smallest application on this list, weighing in at roughly 15MB after installation. The app is straightforward, and you can activate the VPN in less than five seconds.
Downsides
The disadvantage is the connection speed. It has a tendency to cause the connection to lag for free users. With regards to Netflix, you can only access the US version of the service via Speedify, which isn’t much use if you’re already in the US…
Summary
Without conducting adequate research, you may find yourself utilizing an unprotected VPN or one that captures your data indefinitely and without warning. Rather of downloading the first free VPN program for Android that you come across, spend a few minutes researching the VPN and any accessible alternatives.
This way, you’ll not only safeguard your security and privacy, but you’ll also obtain the greatest free VPN available.