6 Best Free VPN as Rated by Users on Reddit

If you want tech recommendations, Reddit is a gem💎 of a place for that.

The online forum is packed with tech savvies who know what they’re saying, especially when it comes to VPNs.

If you’re unaware, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a nifty way of establishing a protected and encrypted connection while using a public network. But it does a lot more than keep you incognito on the internet. If you know how to use your VPN, you can even access geo-restricted content, among other things. 

While researching the best VPNs, I stumbled upon some subreddits where users discussed and reviewed some of the best VPNs. I took their word for it and tried a few free ones because it’s safe to say Reddit users surely know a thing or two about good free VPNs!

In this post, I review some of the best VPNs I have used and loved so far. The right VPN for you depends upon your needs and goals, but my reviews should help you make an informed decision. Here is the quick summary of VPNs I’ll be discussing below.

What is a VPN?

Before we attack the meat of the matter, let’s get the basics out of the way. A Virtual Private Network or VPN is a protected and encrypted network connection on the internet that hides your online identity and prevents you from being detected by other network users.

It hides your IP address (the unique address of your network) by making the network redirect it through a configured remote server operated by the VPN host.

Using a VPN, you can prevent third parties or even your own internet service provider from tracking your online activities, potentially hacking into your system, and stealing your data. All your online activities, such as browser history and exchanged data, remain hidden.

Since encryption occurs in real-time, you can protect your data while using any public network.

Benefits of Using a VPN

Every internet user who cares a fraction about the safety and privacy of their data might want to install a VPN. Here are some of its benefits:

#1. Secure Encryption 🔒

VPNs allow you to protect your data through secure encryption while using public internet networks. Third parties would need an encryption key to read your data. If they don’t have it, they don’t stand a chance of forcing their way into your data. This is where VPN does its magic. 

#2. Access to Geo-restricted Content 🍿

VPNs can make it appear like you’re using the internet from a different region. When this happens, you can access the websites and content of those countries which are inaccessible in yours.

For example, if you want to watch a show on Netflix US, you can use a VPN to change your location to any of the states in the United States, and you’d gain access to their content as well. 

#3. Anonymity 👤

VPN allows you to spoof your location. Anyone attempting to steal your data would be directed to the VPN server’s data, which means your location and IP address are anonymous and safe. This can give you greater freedom while using any public or private network.

With that said, here are some of the best VPNs I came across after taking suggestions from Reddit. They’re all highly rated by the users.

Opera

While the Opera browser may have lost touch with Google Chrome and Firefox leading the race, Opera VPN is one of the best free ones in the market. You don’t have to install a separate app or browser extension. It also comes with a browser – both for mobile and desktop.

Once you enable Opera VPN, you can browse the internet with a virtual IP address that hides your location and gives you complete privacy on the world wide web.

Highlights:

• Integrated into the Browser 
• No need to log in 
• Available for both mobile and desktop 
• General and 30+ unique locations

Moreover, it doesn’t log your online activities, let alone collect information or data. It’s completely free to use, with no fee or data limit attached to it. It’s also very hassle-free, so if you want a straightforward VPN, this is it. 

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is an all-inclusive VPN that takes care of all your privacy needs quickly and safely. The server network of this tool is based on military-grade shelters, which adds a physical layer of security.

It uses all the security features like DNS protection, split tunneling, and kill switch, so you can rest easy knowing that your data is secure while giving you exclusive access to geo-restricted content.

You can stream your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world on prominent streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu, and more while protecting your identity and IP address.

Highlights:

• Anonymous browsing
• DNS protection measures
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling
• 100+ servers on the free plan 

ProtonVPN flaunts 2,978 servers across 68 countries, giving you a high-bandwidth server close to you and protecting you from cybersecurity criminals.

While the VPN has several paid plans, it also comes with a free version, which gives you access to the basic features. Of course, you need to pay the price to unleash its full potential. So if you like the test drive, you can consider investing in it later.

Betternet

A VPN with powerful capabilities, Betternet provides fast performance and immaculate features for no cost. Besides protecting your identity, it can block malware and phishing attacks, which means you can safely browse websites and streaming platforms and access geo-restricted content worldwide.

While I’ve had a pretty decent experience using the app, some users have reported issues with the VPN. It’s important to keep both the pros and cons of using any VPN, as there’s no “perfect” solution when it comes to free services.

Highlights: 

• Always-on mode
• Anti-phishing protection
• IP & DNS leak protection
• 1,000+ servers

However, the good thing is that you don’t need to register to use the VPN and enjoy military-grade encryption. Simply download it and get started right away.

Windscribe

If there’s any VPN that I found the easiest to use, it’s Windscribe. This VPN makes it super simple to change your location and access the benefits of browsing the internet from that location, including all the geo-restricted content you get to watch through it. 

It’s so powerful that it has been said to bypass China’s Great Firewall and other restrictions in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. It works seamlessly with Mac, PC, Linux, Android, and iOS while blocking out the trackers and improving your online privacy like never before.

Moreover, you get 10 GB per month for free, after which you’ll have to go for the premium plan. However, the free version is enough to handle your basic VPN needs since the speed is pretty solid and enables unlimited simultaneous connections. 

Highlights:

• Servers in more than 63 countries
• Blocks IPs and domains
• Provides R.O.B.E.R.T – a custom DNS-based tool 
• Anonymous and safe browsing

The protection it renders is also super powerful. In fact, much more robust than many other options out there. If you’re concerned about data theft while using public wifi, or if you want to block annoying ads, Windscribe is a great option you can consider.

I can personally vouch for its reliability, swiftness, and utmost protection. Not to forget the simple interface that places all the essential elements right in front of you.

Hide.me

As the name suggests, Hide.me literally hides you on the world wide web. It provides you robust digital privacy and super-advanced security that can even bypass censorship to allow you access to all and sundry content worldwide, including the restricted ones in certain countries.

Many people, including myself, love this VPN because, unlike some other VPNs, no megacorporation secretly owns or runs it. You can rest easy knowing that only you can access your data, and nobody else can use it for malicious gains.

Highlights: 

• Independent provider 
• Complete IPv6 support
• Bolt technology 
• Bypass internet censorship

It’s also one of the fastest free VPNs out there, the credit for which should go to Hide.me’s Bolt technology.

In addition, it provides protection against IPv6 leaks. Despite a hoard of amazing features, it’s pretty simple to use, with the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. 

Atlas VPN

While the free version of Atlas VPN may not be as extensive as some alternatives, it can still be enough for the average user. The free version offers 3 locations with no limits on speed or devices. The paid version, on the other hand, boasts excellent protection, thanks to the invincible AES-256 and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption that protects your data.

It also offers 1000+ premium servers that allow you to freely play games, do different activities, torrent, or browse, all anonymously and safely. I’d recommend getting the pro version for this one, but not before you try the free one and see how well it fits your needs. 

Highlights: 

• AES-256 and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption
• 1000+ premium servers
• SafeSwap servers
• Data breach monitor

Even if you don’t want the premium plan, you can still get the work done for free, though with some limitations.

Limitations of Using a Free VPN

Now that I’ve told you everything about free VPNs, let’s talk about why you should refrain from using them in the long run or use them very sparsely. Here are some of the limitations of free VPNs that nobody would ever tell you about.

#1. Security Risks 🔓

Free VPNs come with some security risks, as these companies don’t have the resources to develop or maintain a stronger security protocol. This could leave you prone to cyber attacks, like tracking, hacking, malware, and phishing.

#2. Slower Speed 🐢

Free VPNs have meager bandwidth, which can suffocate the internet speed, leading to slow load and streaming times. If you’re fine with pages taking longer to lead, this drawback won’t affect you.

#3. Limited Server Locations 🌏

Many VPN service providers only offer limited server locations in the free plan, with others being locked for paid subscribers. This means you can access geo-restricted content of only specific countries, which narrows down your scope of use.

Before downloading a free VPN, check if their free version has servers in your desired country. 

#4. Limited Customer Support 📞

If you’ve downloaded a free VPN, it’s best not to expect a very responsive customer support experience when encountering problems. You’re left at your own devices, so consider this drawback before getting one.

Closing Thoughts

So, these were some of the best free VPNs, as voted by Reddit users and vouched for by me as well. Many users have advised against using free VPNs because they are less reliable than paid ones.

According to the users, these companies want to earn profits one way or the other, and if they’re not getting the money from you, they might be getting it from somewhere else – possibly in exchange for (no points for guessing) your data.

However, the ones mentioned in this post have been said to be the best despite that, mainly because they are not entirely free but have limited free services. But before you opt for any you should consider the features when buying a VPN.

Windscribe is another reliable free VPN, mainly because it doesn’t have to rely on malicious means to earn money. It offers free services up to 10 GB per month, after which you have to upgrade, so they have a decent source of income and don’t have to trick you for that. 

If you have to rely on a free VPN for temporary or basic needs, you can use one of the options from this post without worrying about data theft or tracking. For long-term use, I’d recommend investing in a paid VPN that meets all your needs and fits your budget.

Next, check out the best self-hosted VPN server for SMB for total privacy.