Are free VPNs safe to use in 2026?

Most free VPNs are not safe. A 2026 analysis found 77% contain trackers and 38% contain malware. Three safe exceptions: Proton VPN Free (open-source, Swiss, audited), Windscribe Free (reputable, strong privacy), and hide.me Free (audited by Defensecode).

What's the best free VPN with no data limit?

Proton VPN Free is the best with truly unlimited bandwidth, no caps, no ads, no data selling. hide.me Free also offers unlimited data. Windscribe Free is limited to 10 GB per month.

Can I stream Netflix with a free VPN?

Free VPNs generally cannot reliably unblock Netflix. Proton VPN Free doesn't support streaming optimization and Windscribe's 10GB cap is consumed in 3-4 hours of HD video. For streaming, use Surfshark ($1.99/mo) or NordVPN ($3.39/mo).

Why do free VPNs exist if they're giving away service?

Legitimate free VPNs like Proton VPN use a freemium model where paid subscribers fund the free tier. Illegitimate free VPNs collect and sell user data — you are the product, not the customer.

Is Proton VPN Free really unlimited?

Yes. Proton VPN Free provides genuinely unlimited bandwidth with no monthly caps. Limitations are server countries (5), simultaneous connections (1), and no P2P/streaming optimization.

Should I use a free VPN or just no VPN?

A reputable free VPN is significantly better than no VPN. Without a VPN, your ISP sees every website you visit, public Wi-Fi exposes your traffic, and your IP address is visible to every service.

How much does it cost to get a good paid VPN?

Surfshark costs $1.99/month (2-year plan), NordVPN $3.39/month, IPVanish $2.19/month, CyberGhost $2.03/month. All offer 30-45 day money-back guarantees.

Can I torrent with a free VPN?

hide.me Free is the only reputable free VPN supporting P2P. Proton VPN Free blocks P2P and Windscribe's 10GB cap makes it impractical. For regular torrenting, upgrade to NordVPN or IPVanish.

7 Best Free VPN Alternatives in 2026: Safe Options That Actually Work

7 Best Free VPN Alternatives in 2026: Safe Options That Actually Work | Nest Digital Studio