In today’s world, using a VPN on your PC is important for online privacy and security. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your real location, protects your data on public Wi-Fi, and helps you browse safely. Paid VPNs often offer the best features, but not everyone wants to pay right away. Luckily, there are some free VPNs that are good enough for basic needs. In this article, we will share the 5 best free VPNs for PC that are safe, fast, and secure to use in 2025.
Before we start, remember that free VPNs have limits such as data caps or fewer server locations. They are great for casual browsing, accessing blocked websites, or protecting your privacy on public networks.
1. PrivadoVPN Free – Best Overall Free Pick
PrivadoVPN Free is one of the top free VPNs for PC users in 2025. It offers good speed, decent privacy, and an easy-to-use app for Windows. Tom’s Guide
Key Features
- 10 GB of free data per month — enough for regular browsing. Tom’s Guide
- Fast connection speeds — can reach up to 900 Mbps in tests. TechRadar
- Kill switch and split tunneling — added safety features. TechRadar
- Works on Windows and other platforms like Mac and mobile. TechRadar
Why It’s Good
PrivadoVPN Free gives you more free data than many competitors. The speed is solid for browsing, social media, and light streaming. It also includes basic privacy protections, making it a great choice if you want a free VPN that feels closer to paid services. Tom’s Guide
2. Proton VPN Free – Best for Unlimited Use
Proton VPN Free stands out because it offers unlimited data on its free plan — something rare among free VPNs. TechRadar
Key Features
- Unlimited data and no bandwidth cap — no need to worry about limits. TechRadar
- Strong privacy and security — from a trusted Swiss company. Cybernews
- Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. TechRadar
Why It’s Good
Proton VPN Free is ideal for beginners who want maximum privacy without payment. You don’t have to worry about hitting a data limit, which makes it perfect for everyday browsing and email checking. The only downside is that you are limited to a few server locations, but the core protection and privacy remain strong. Cybernews
3. Windscribe Free – Best Balanced Free VPN
Windscribe Free is another well-rounded free VPN that gives you a mix of privacy tools, speed, and simple features. TechRadar
Key Features
- 10 GB of free data each month (with email verification). TechRadar
- Strong privacy protections with a firewall and ad blocker. TechRadar
- Supports multiple devices on one account. TechRadar
Why It’s Good
Windscribe’s free plan is generous and safe to use. The addition of tools like ad blocking and strong encryption helps protect your PC. It may not be the easiest app for complete beginners, but once you learn it, Windscribe works well for general browsing, public Wi-Fi safety, and basic streaming. TechRadar
4. Hide.me Free – Good Security and Privacy
Hide.me Free is a solid choice if privacy and security are your top priorities. TechRadar
Key Features
- Unlimited free data (no monthly limit). TechRadar
- Multiple VPN protocols available. TechRadar
- Good encryption (AES-256 and others). TechRadar
Why It’s Good
Hide.me focuses on privacy and security, making it a good option for users less interested in streaming and more focused on safe browsing and data protection. It runs well on Windows and includes useful features like a kill switch to prevent data leaks. TechRadar
5. Hotspot Shield Basic – Easy and Unlimited
Hotspot Shield Basic is a free VPN that comes with unlimited data on desktop. Tom’s Guide
Key Features
- Unlimited data on PC — no monthly limit. Tom’s Guide
- Works without sign-up or payment. Tom’s Guide
- Simple and user-friendly interface. Tom’s Guide
Why It’s Good
Hotspot Shield Basic is great for users who want simple protection without restrictions. You can install it on your PC and start using it immediately. However, it has fewer server options and limited support for advanced features like streaming or torrenting. Still, for basic browsing, public Wi-Fi safety, and privacy protection, it’s a solid free VPN choice. Tom’s Guide
Tips for Using Free VPNs Safely
While free VPNs are helpful, you should be careful about fake or insecure VPN services. Some free VPNs can collect your data or even contain malware.
Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Choose trusted VPNs from known providers.
- Avoid unknown VPNs that have no privacy policy or reviews.
- Do not use free VPNs for sensitive tasks like banking — paid VPNs are safer.
- Always check the privacy policy to make sure your data isn’t sold.
Final Thoughts
Free VPNs are a great way to protect your PC when you’re online, especially on public Wi-Fi or when you want a bit more privacy. However, they come with limitations like data caps or fewer servers.
