In today’s era, online security is a big concern while surfing the internet. Hackers are waiting for us to make just one mistake. We are always prone to the risk of online fraud and hacking on the internet.
Pros of Free VPN | Cons of Free VPN |
---|---|
Cost-effective | Limited Server Option and Location |
Easy to Use | Speed Limitation |
Basic Features | Privacy Concerns |
Access Geographical Restricted Content | Watch Ads |
Easy to download | Used IP Address |
Can stream free in low quality | No Streaming Support |
Limited Data Per Day/Month | |
Lack of Customer Support |
One way to protect your online identity is through VPNs. VPN is the best way to hide your IP address and protect online privacy. When we access the internet through VPN, the internet connection is routed through a private server instead of the user’s regular ISP, which protects your identity and privacy.
In this article, we’ll discuss about the Pros and Cons of free VPNs and related aspects.
Table of Contents
Pros of Free VPNs
A free VPN is an intermediary that hides the user’s IP address while surfing the internet online. There are many pros to using a free VPN for your online security, some of which are mentioned below:
1. Cost-effective
Using a Free VPN is a cost-effective way to secure your data from theft and surfing the internet anonymously. These VPNs are free to download, and you access them on any device.
2. Easy to Use
Free VPNs are easier to use as compared to paid VPNs. You can access or enable your VPN with a few clicks. Some free VPNs like Browsec can be used as an extension in the Chrome browser directly. So, you can use free VPN services quickly and easily.
3. Basic Features
Most free VPNs offer basic encryption and anonymity to the user, which protects your sensitive data and makes you anonymous. These features help protect your identity and make your overall browsing experience more secure and safe. Other
4. Access Geographical Restricted Content
You can easily access any restricted content in your geographical region using a free VPN. A VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and help you to enjoy your favorite content on the go. You can access various apps or websites like ChatGPT in restricted countries by choosing the Best VPN for Chat GPT.
5. Easy to download
You can download any free VPNs on your mobile or pc in just a few easy steps. Just visit the official website of any VPN provider and download the same. Consider comparing VPNs like Surfshark VPN vs. Proton VPN to get the best free VPN for all your needs.
Cons of Free VPNs
While free VPNs offer various benefits to the user, there are also some limitations to using Free VPNs. So, below is a list of some cons of using a Free VPN:
1. Limited Server Option and Location
One of the biggest cons of Free VPNs is their limited server options. These servers usually offer low connection speed, which makes your browsing experience poor. Finding a fast server according to your personal needs in free VPNs is more complicated.
2. Speed Limitation
The connection speed of a free VPN can vary from time to time. Usually, the connection speed can be deficient and used only for browsing. Using a free VPN for a task that requires high-speed internet can be difficult.
3. Privacy Concerns
Free VPNs did not provide top-notch privacy protection services to the users. It may hide your identity on the internet. However, the security features are limited and can be a concern if you are using your pc or smartphone to perform tasks that required a high level of security.
4. Watch Ads
Paid ads are the primary source of revenue for these free VPNs. Sometimes these free VPNs require you to watch these ads, so you don’t have to pay anything for the VPN. However, you have to click and watch several ads, which can irritate some users.
5. Used IP Address
Free VPN services provider didn’t provide the fresh and best IP. They usually provide Used IP addresses blocked by firewalls and captcha. So, you have to repeatedly fill in and verify the captcha, again and again, to access the internet using a free VPN.
6. No Streaming Support
Free VPN does not provide Streaming Support for Netflix or any other streaming platform. Also, the connection speed of the free VPN could be better than paid VPN hence streaming anything of high quality can be difficult.
7. Limited Data Per Day/Month
Free VPN will provide limited data for days or months, which limits the usage of the VPN. Because of this limited data issue, you won’t be able to download large files or access high-video-quality content.
8. Lack of Customer Support
Generally, free VPNs don’t provide any customer support to the users. So, solving an error or accessing the VPN conveniently can be difficult. They are provided only for testing purposes before subscribing to a paid one.
Tips for Choosing the Best VPN Service Provider
There are various free VPN options available on the internet. However, some factors are essential to consider when choosing a VPN. Below, we have discussed some of these factors thoroughly:
1. VPN Reputation
Always check the reputation of a VPN based on their feedback and ratings. The VPN, rated highest by multiple users, is likely to provide the best service and customer support. Choosing these kinds of VPNs is the best option compared to any random unknown VPN service provider.
2. Security
This is one of the main factors you should consider while choosing a VPN. Always check if your free VPN Service provider follows the no-logging Policy and provides encryption and anonymity to keep your data and identity secure.
- Other Features– Other basic features which you should consider while choosing a free VPN are as follows:
- Encryption.
- Split Tunnelling.
- No-Logs Policy.
- Simultaneous Device Connections.
- Leak Protection.
- Good Speed
3. Research
Suppose you are looking for a free VPN. You have to research the best VPN that provides you with good security and a stable connection. So, you can surf the internet without any worries about leaking your data. Also, it’s always advisable to go with the trial version once before subscribing to a full monthly or yearly plan.
4. Read Reviews
Real reviews are your best friend while searching for VPN or any other software. The other user’s experience will tell you whether the VPN is good for you. Also, keep in mind that the user reviews may vary depending on their expectation and preference. Hence, always choose a VPN based on your research as well as your preference.
5. Other Features
Other basic features which you should consider while choosing a free VPN are as follows:
- Encryption
- Split Tunnelling
- No-Logs Policy
- Simultaneous Device Connections
- Leak Protection
- Good Speed
Remember, choosing a VPN should not be a very tedious task for you as most of the VPN providers offer a free trial period. You can simply narrow down your options based on reviews and research and can further subscribe for a trial period of all such VPNs one by one. Based on this process, you shall be able to choose the one which is perfect for your needs.
Best Free VPNs Service Provider
So many free VPNs are available on the internet that can secure your online privacy. However, we have searched and given some of the best VPNs that provides you best security feature and privacy while surfing on the internet below:
1. Privado VPN
The Privado VPN has Free VPNs service, providing some of the best security features to the users. A few of these features are mentioned below: –
- It provides 10GB of data for free each month.
- You can download their app on any device or router.
- They also block ads, defend against dangerous websites, and control privacy.
- You can also use their premium with 30 days with the money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark (30 days free trial)
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs on the internet, and you can get their free trial for 30 days with all the features mentioned below: –
- Unlimited device connection
- Ads and malware blocker
- Cookie pop-up blocker
- Two-factor authentication
- 24/7 Support
3. Proton VPN
Proton also has a free version. You can download this on any device with some limited features mentioned below: –
- One device limit
- Three countries server only (Netherlands, United States, and Japan)
- No-logs policy
4. TunnelBear
TunnelBear VPN also comes with a free version with limited features mentioned below.
- 500mb per month usage.
- No speed limit.
- 20 location servers only.
- Five device connections at a time.
- Download it on any device.
5. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN offers a free VPN service with three server locations, and some features are mentioned below: –
- You can download this VPN on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- They provide a 10 GB usage limit
- No speed limit.
6. Hotspot Shield
The Hotspot Shield is one of the best Free VPN providers on the internet. The features are mentioned below: –
- 500 MB usage per day.
- US-based server location only.
- 5-device connection limit.
- One simultaneous connection.
An alternative to Free VPNs
Using a Free VPN is the best and easy way to surf on the browser on any restricted content. If, in any case, you don’t want to use a free VPN; the best alternative to Free VPNs are mentioned below: –
1. Paid VPN Service
Suppose you don’t want to use a free VPN because of privacy issues or any other reason. Then you can go for the paid VPN. They provide better security features, stable speed connection with so many server locations, and 24/7 customer support.
2. Open-Source VPN
You can also use Open-source VPN as an alternative to a free VPN. You can do VPN configuration on your devices like Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, etc., and you can do this in your routers. You will make your own in-building VPN with your protocols by configuring VPN.
Conclusion: The Pros and Cons of Free VPNs
Part of maintaining online security is managing your digital footprint, which includes deleting unnecessary projects on apps like PicsArt. Here’s a guide on how to delete a PicsArt project.
The Free VPN is an excellent yet cost-effective way to protect your online identity and secure your data. Still, it comes with a bit of privacy risk. Before downloading a VPN, you need to consider your needs and research them properly. While some free VPNs provide some useful features, there are also a few limitations. So wisely download the best free VPN to protect your identity and online data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free VPN Good or Bad?
Using a free VPN is cost-effective, but there is a risk of leaking data sometimes. To protect your identity and information, always go for paid VPN options like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.
Is A Free VPN Better Than Paid VPN?
Sometimes, the main benefit of free VPNs is they are cost-effective. However, suppose you pay for a paid VPN service. In that case, you will get features like better speed, security, and server location.
What is The Risk of No VPN?
If you are not using a VPN, there is a risk of your information getting stolen or anyone selling your data without letting you know. Using a VPN is a good option.