If you only want to try a VPN, you don’t have to pay. Here’s the short answer: Proton VPN is the best free VPN app for most people because it has no data cap, Windscribe gives you 10 GB a month and a privacy label that says it collects no data, and TunnelBear is the easiest to use but only gives you 2 GB. The catch? A free VPN has limits, and a VPN won’t make you anonymous.
Best free VPN apps at a glance
I compared each app’s App Store listing, Google Play listing, and official site. Ratings and limits are as of October 2026 and can change.
| App | Free plan | iPhone / Android | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Free, no ads, one device | Both | 4.64 on App Store (118K); 4.67 on Google Play (1.4M) | Most people |
| Windscribe | 10 GB a month after you confirm your email | Both | 4.64 on App Store (35K); 4.66 on Google Play (321K) | Light users who want more data |
| TunnelBear | 2 GB of data | Both | 4.67 on App Store (85K); 3.43 on Google Play (326K) | Beginners |
What a VPN does, in plain English
A VPN, short for virtual private network, sends your internet traffic through a secure tunnel to a server run by the VPN company. That can hide what you’re doing from public Wi-Fi owners, like at a coffee shop or an airport, and from your internet provider. It doesn’t make you anonymous, and it shifts your trust to the VPN company. The FTC has made the same point in its 2018 guidance on VPN apps: some free VPN apps make money from ads or by sharing data with outside companies, so read the privacy policy before you install.
Proton VPN: best free option for most people
Proton VPN is made by Proton AG. Its site says the free plan has no ads, no logs, and is “unlimited and free forever,” but it covers one device. The paid plan, VPN Plus, adds up to 10 devices and more locations.
- Pros: No ads, no data cap, and a short privacy label on the App Store (contact info and diagnostics, not linked to you).
- Cons: One device and fewer server choices on the free plan. The App Store lists VPN Plus at $11.99 (monthly) and $83.90 (yearly).
- Price: Free with optional upgrade.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play. Learn more on Proton’s free VPN page.
Windscribe: best for a bigger free data allowance
Windscribe, from Windscribe Limited, says you get 10 GB of data every month after you sign up and confirm your email. That’s enough for browsing, email, and some video, but not a lot of streaming.
- Pros: 10 GB a month, and the App Store label lists “data not collected.”
- Cons: Once you pass 10 GB, you need to upgrade or wait until next month. The App Store lists several Pro plans, so compare prices carefully.
- Price: Free with optional upgrade.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play. The official site has details.
TunnelBear: easiest for beginners
TunnelBear, by TunnelBear, LLC, is known for its friendly design. Its pricing page lists the free plan as 2 GB of secure browsing.
- Pros: Very simple, and easy to try for a day.
- Cons: Only 2 GB, and its Google Play rating (3.43) is far lower than its App Store rating (4.67), so read recent reviews on Android first.
- Privacy (App Store label): Contact info and identifiers are linked to you.
- Price: Free with optional upgrade.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play. Plans are on its pricing page.
How to set up a VPN app
- Open the App Store or Google Play and search for the app’s name.
- Check the developer name against the ones listed above, then tap Get or Install.
- Open the app and create a free account.
- Allow the VPN configuration when your phone asks. On an iPhone, you’ll see a prompt to Allow adding VPN configurations.
- Tap the connect button, then pick a location or choose the fastest one.
- When you see a key or VPN icon in the status bar, you’re connected.
For more security guides, browse our security and privacy guides and our free app picks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free VPN safe?
Some are, some aren’t. The three here come from established companies, but free plans have limits. Read the privacy label and policy, and avoid apps you’ve never heard of.
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
Not always. A VPN helps most on public Wi-Fi or if you want to hide your activity from the network. It doesn’t stop websites or apps from tracking you once you’re logged in.
Will a VPN slow down my phone?
It can, since your traffic takes a longer path. Free plans may be slower than paid ones, depending on the app.
Can I stream with a free VPN?
Free data caps run out quickly with video. Proton’s free plan has no cap, but it doesn’t unlock streaming sites. Check each service’s rules before you try.
Bottom line
- Best for most people: Proton VPN.
- Best if you want more data than a typical free plan: Windscribe.
- Best for beginners: TunnelBear, if 2 GB is enough.
If you only connect on public Wi-Fi now and then, a free plan may be all you need. Limits and prices change, so check each listing before you sign up.
