Best Free VPN Apps for Android / iOS

Looking for a free VPN for your phone? Good choice — a VPN can protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi, hide your location from websites, and help you access apps or sites blocked in your area. But not all “free” VPNs are equal: some give lots of data and strong privacy, others are slow, show ads, or log your activity.

This guide explains the best free VPN apps for Android and iOS in 2025, how they differ, and how to pick one safely. The language is simple and the steps are practical — perfect if you want a quick, secure setup without paying yet. I’ll also include a handy comparison table, bullet lists, and clear tips so you can choose the one that fits your needs.

Quick summary — Top picks (one-line)

1. Proton VPN (Free) — Unlimited data, strong privacy, audited by independent firms. Great for privacy-first users. Proton VPN+1

2. Windscribe (Free) — 10 GB/month (with email verification), many server choices and extra features. Good balance of privacy and freedom. Windscribe+1

3. Hotspot Shield Basic (Free) — Fast connections for light browsing, but limited servers/ads. Good for casual browsing. hotspotshield.com+1

4. TunnelBear (Free) — Very friendly and beginner-friendly, but small data allowance (2 GB typical free cap). Best for testing. TunnelBear+1

5. Opera (Built-in VPN in browser) — Unlimited browser VPN with no login, but only protects traffic inside the Opera browser (not whole phone). Great for quick, app-free use. Opera+1

Why you should be careful with free VPNs

Free sounds great, but there are trade-offs. Some free VPNs:

• Limit data or speed (so you can’t stream long videos). Windscribe+1

• Show ads or push you to upgrade to paid plans. hotspotshield.com

• Restrict server locations (fewer countries to choose). TechRadar

• May log or sell data (not all declare strong privacy practices). Always check privacy policy. citeturn0news66

That said, there are trustworthy free options (see Proton VPN) and many freemium providers give enough features for light daily use. Use the comparison below to match a free VPN to your needs.

Short comparison table — free tier at a glance

(Data is from official product pages and recent 2025 reviews — check the app pages for the latest terms before installing.) Opera+4Proton VPN+4Windscribe+4

How each free VPN stands out (simple breakdown)

Proton VPN — best for privacy and unlimited usage

• What you get: Unlimited data on the free plan, no ads, and a strict no-logs policy. Proton routinely undergoes independent audits to confirm privacy claims. Proton VPN+1

• When to choose it: If privacy matters most (journalists, activists, or anyone wanting a trustworthy free option).

• Limitations: The free plan limits server choices and can be slower during high demand. Still, for regular browsing and privacy, it’s one of the strongest free options. Proton VPN

Windscribe — best mix of features and free data

• What you get: 10 GB per month when you verify your email (often enough for browsing and some streaming), many server locations, and unlimited device connections. Windscribe+1

• When to choose it: If you want a generous free allowance and to use VPN on multiple devices.

• Limitations: 10 GB can run out quickly if you watch video or download large files.

Hotspot Shield Basic — good for speed and casual browsing

• What you get: Fast connections for basic browsing, some free daily limits, and easy apps for Android/iOS. hotspotshield.com+1

• When to choose it: If you need short bursts of speed for web browsing or social apps.

• Limitations: Ads, limited server choice, and stricter limits compared with Proton or Windscribe.

TunnelBear — best for beginners who want a friendly app

• What you get: Small free data allowance (often 2 GB/month), a friendly, easy interface, and a straightforward privacy policy. Great for occasional use. TunnelBear+1

• When to choose it: If you’re new to VPNs and want something simple to test.

• Limitations: Small data cap — not for regular streaming.

Opera Browser (built-in VPN) — quick and totally free inside the browser

• What you get: Unlimited “VPN” access inside Opera browser without signup. Fast to use and requires no separate app. Opera+1

• When to choose it: If you only need to browse privately in the Opera app (not protected: other apps, email, or background updates).

• Limitations: Only works inside the Opera browser — it’s not a full device VPN.

Which free VPN is best for specific needs?

• For privacy and long use (no caps): Proton VPN Free. Unlimited data and no-logs policy make it the best free privacy choice. Proton VPN+1

• For more monthly data and many server options: Windscribe Free (10 GB with email). Windscribe

• For quick fast browsing sessions: Hotspot Shield Basic. hotspotshield.com

• For testing or learning VPNs: TunnelBear (very simple UI). TunnelBear

• For browser-only anonymous browsing: Opera built-in VPN (no sign-up). Opera

Practical tips before you install any free VPN

1. Read the privacy policy (short scan): Look for “no logs” and whether they sell or share browsing data. If the policy is confusing or missing, be cautious. TechRadar

2. Check data limits and server list: If you want streaming or frequent use, prefer plans with larger allowances. Windscribe+1

3. Avoid obscure, unknown brands: Many tiny free VPN apps may collect and sell your data. Stick to reputable names. TechRadar

4. Use free to test — upgrade if needed: Free plans are great for trying a service. If you need streaming or faster speed, a paid plan often works better. TechRadar

5. Prefer independent audits: A provider that publishes independent security audits (like Proton) is more trustworthy. TechRadar

Step-by-step: How to install and test a free VPN (Android or iOS)

1. Open Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).

2. Search the exact app name (e.g., “Proton VPN”, “Windscribe”, “TunnelBear”, “Hotspot Shield”, “Opera Browser”).

3. Check reviews, number of installs, and the developer name. Official apps have many reviews and a verified developer badge.

4. Install the app and open it.

5. Create a free account if needed (Windscribe needs email for 10 GB).

6. Connect to a free server and test basic browsing (open a site like example.com).

7. Use a privacy check (visit a simple IP check site) to confirm your IP changed.

8. If speed matters, do a quick speed test with and without VPN to see the difference.

Do free VPNs work for streaming or torrenting?

• Streaming (Netflix, Disney+, Prime): Most free VPNs cannot reliably unblock major streaming services because those services actively block known VPN IPs. Some freemium providers may allow a few regions, but for consistent streaming you’ll usually need a paid plan. TechRadar

• Torrenting (P2P): Many free VPN providers restrict torrenting or don’t allow P2P on free servers. Check the provider’s rules before using torrents. Paid plans tend to be safer and faster for P2P. hotspotshield.com

Quick checklist — what to look for in a free VPN

• No data cap (if you want heavy use) or a reasonable monthly allowance. Proton VPN+1

• Clear no-logs policy and independent audits if possible. TechRadar+1

• Apps for both Android and iOS with regular updates.

• Good user reviews and an official developer page.

• Honest, simple upgrade path to paid plans if you later need more features.

Common myths about free VPNs — busted

Myth 1: All free VPNs spy on you.
Not true. Some trustworthy providers (Proton VPN, Windscribe) offer free plans with clear privacy rules and audits. But many small or shady apps do collect data, so check the policy. Proton VPN+1

Myth 2: A VPN makes you totally anonymous.
No. A VPN helps protect your internet traffic from local networks and your ISP, and it masks your IP from websites. But it doesn’t hide your identity from services where you log in (Google, Facebook), and other forms of tracking (cookies, device fingerprinting) can still identify you.

Myth 3: Free VPNs are always slow.
Some are fast for light use (e.g., Hotspot Shield for short sessions); others can be slower because free servers are crowded. Speed varies by provider and server load. hotspotshield.com+1

Safety checklist before using any free VPN (one-minute audit)

• Is there an explicit no-logs statement? ✔️

• Does the company publish a privacy policy and contact info? ✔️

• Do independent reviews (Tech sites) recommend it? ✔️

• Does the app have many recent updates and good user ratings? ✔️

• Do you need more than the free data allowance? If yes, plan to upgrade. ✔️

If you answered “no” to multiple checks, choose a different provider.

Final recommendation — start here

1. If privacy is the top priority and you want truly unlimited free use: try Proton VPN Free (system-wide protection, audited, unlimited data). Proton VPN+1

2. If you want more free monthly data and flexible server options: try Windscribe Free (10 GB with email). Windscribe

3. If you want a browser-only quick fix without an app: use Opera’s built-in VPN. Opera

Remember: free VPNs are great for privacy checks, public Wi-Fi protection, and testing. If you need streaming, gaming, heavy torrenting, or the fastest possible speeds, a paid VPN plan (from a reputable provider) is often worth the cost.

Useful links & where I got my info (for quick verification)

• Proton VPN official free plan — provider site. Proton VPN

• Proton VPN audits & news (2025 independent audit). TechRadar

• Windscribe free features (10 GB with email). Windscribe

• TunnelBear free data details. TunnelBear

• Hotspot Shield free plan overview. hotspotshield.com

• Opera built-in VPN for mobile/desktop. Opera

• Recent 2025 VPN buying guides and comparisons (TechRadar / Top10VPN). TechRadar+1

Short FAQ (simple answers)

Q: Are free VPNs safe for banking?
A: For occasional bank checks on public Wi-Fi, yes — they encrypt your connection. For regular banking, a paid VPN with a strong reputation is safer.

Q: Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix?
A: Usually not reliably. Streaming services block free VPN IPs. Paid VPNs specifically optimized for streaming work better. TechRadar

Q: Will a VPN slow down my phone?
A: Some slowdown is normal because traffic routes through another server. Speed depends on the VPN provider and server load. hotspotshield.com

Q: Do I need a VPN on my phone if I only use mobile data (not Wi-Fi)?
A: Mobile data is more private than public Wi-Fi, but a VPN still hides the sites you visit from your mobile carrier and helps when you want to appear in a different country.

Closing — choose smart, stay safe

Free VPNs are powerful tools when used carefully. Start with trusted names (Proton VPN, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield, TunnelBear, Opera) depending on whether you want unlimited privacy, more monthly data, speed, or a super-simple app. Always read the privacy policy, check for independent audits if privacy matters most, and remember that free is best for testing and light use — upgrade later if you need more performance or streaming power. Opera+4Proton VPN+4Windscribe+4

If you want, I can:

• Make a short step-by-step install guide for one of these apps (Proton or Windscribe) that matches your phone (Android or iOS).

• Or make a one-page printable checklist to help you compare apps quickly.