Best Free and Cheap VPNs

With the increasing need for online privacy, security, and unrestricted access to content, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become essential tools for internet users worldwide. Whether you want to bypass geo-restrictions, protect your data from cyber threats, or maintain anonymity online, a VPN can offer a reliable solution. However, not everyone is willing to pay the high subscription fees for premium VPN services. Fortunately, there are several free and affordable VPN options available in 2024 that provide a good balance of performance, security, and cost. This guide will help you explore some of the best free and cheap VPNs of 2024.

What to Look for in a VPN?

Before diving into the list, it's important to understand the key factors to consider when choosing a VPN:

1. Security and Privacy: The primary function of a VPN is to secure your internet connection. Look for VPNs that offer robust encryption (like AES-256), a no-logs policy, and features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

2. Speed and Performance: VPNs can slow down your internet speed due to the encryption process. Choosing a VPN with fast servers and good performance is crucial, especially for streaming and gaming.

3. Server Locations: A wide range of server locations allows you to access content from different regions and ensures better connectivity.

4. Ease of Use: User-friendly apps and interfaces are important, especially for beginners.

5. Data Limits: Many free VPNs come with data caps. Ensure the data limit meets your usage needs.

6. Cost: If opting for a cheap VPN, compare the cost against features offered to ensure good value for money.

Best Free VPNs of 2024

1. ProtonVPN Free

Pros:

• No data limits.

• Strong security features including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

• User-friendly apps for multiple platforms.

Cons:

• Limited to servers in three countries (US, Netherlands, Japan).

• Slower speeds compared to paid plans.

Overview: ProtonVPN is one of the few free VPNs offering unlimited data, making it a great choice for light browsing. It’s backed by strong security protocols and is based in Switzerland, known for its robust privacy laws. However, the free version offers limited server access, which may affect speeds.

2. Windscribe Free

Pros:

• 10 GB of data per month (additional data available through promotions).

• Access to servers in 10 countries.

• Built-in ad and malware blocker.

Cons:

• Speeds can be inconsistent on the free plan.

• Limited customer support for free users.

Overview: Windscribe offers a generous 10 GB data allowance per month, which is more than enough for occasional browsing and streaming. Its built-in ad blocker is a great addition, and it provides access to servers in 10 countries. However, speeds can be hit or miss depending on server load.

3. TunnelBear Free

Pros:

• User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.

• Strong encryption and no-logs policy.

• Access to servers in 20+ countries.

Cons:

• 500 MB data limit per month.

• Speeds can be slow on the free plan.

Overview: TunnelBear is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a good option for VPN novices. It offers servers in over 20 countries and strong security features, but the 500 MB monthly data limit is quite restrictive unless you are only using it occasionally.

4. Hide.me Free

Pros:

• 10 GB of data per month.

• No ads or speed throttling.

• Strong security and privacy features.

Cons:

• Access to only five server locations.

• No streaming support on the free plan.

Overview: Hide.me is another solid free VPN option with a 10 GB data cap and access to servers in five locations. It provides strong security features without ads or speed throttling, but it doesn’t support streaming on the free plan, making it less ideal for watching geo-blocked content.

5. Hotspot Shield Basic

Pros:

• 500 MB of data per day (about 15 GB per month).

• Good speeds for a free VPN.

• Simple and easy-to-use app.

Cons:

• Ads in the free version.

• Limited to US servers only.

• No streaming or P2P support.

Overview: Hotspot Shield’s free version offers decent speeds and a generous daily data limit, making it a good choice for browsing. However, it’s limited to US servers and displays ads, which might be intrusive for some users.

Best Cheap VPNs of 2024

1. Surfshark

Price: Starts at $2.49/month (24-month plan).

Pros:

• Unlimited devices per account.

• Excellent security features including CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker).

• Good speeds and access to 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries.

Cons:

• No free version available.

• Occasional connectivity issues with some servers.

Overview: Surfshark offers a great balance of features, performance, and price. It’s particularly notable for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or users with multiple devices. With strong security, good speeds, and a broad server network, Surfshark is a top choice among cheap VPNs.

2. CyberGhost

Price: Starts at $2.19/month (24-month plan).

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with specialized servers for streaming and torrenting.

• 9,600+ servers in 90+ countries.

• 45-day money-back guarantee.

Cons:

• Occasional slow speeds on distant servers.

• Some advanced settings are limited on mobile apps.

Overview: CyberGhost is a well-rounded VPN offering a user-friendly experience with dedicated servers for streaming and P2P activities. Its extensive server network and affordable pricing make it an attractive option for those looking to bypass geo-restrictions and maintain privacy online.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Price: Starts at $2.03/month (36-month plan).

Pros:

• Strong focus on privacy with a strict no-logs policy.

• 35,000+ servers in 84 countries.

• Customizable security settings.

Cons:

• Based in the US (part of the Five Eyes alliance).

• Interface can be overwhelming for beginners.

Overview: PIA offers a vast server network and strong privacy features at a low price. It allows users to customize their encryption levels, which can help optimize performance. Although it’s based in the US, PIA has a strong track record of maintaining user privacy, making it a reliable choice for cost-conscious users.

4. Ivacy VPN

Price: Starts at $1.00/month (5-year plan).

Pros:

• Very affordable long-term plans.

• Supports streaming and torrenting.

• 5,700+ servers in 100+ locations.

Cons:

• Mixed results with unblocking certain streaming services.

• Speeds can vary depending on the server.

Overview: Ivacy VPN is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market with plans starting at just $1 per month. It offers decent performance, a wide server network, and support for streaming and torrenting. However, speeds can be inconsistent, and its ability to unblock certain streaming services may vary.

5. Atlas VPN

Price: Starts at $1.99/month (24-month plan).

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections.

• Strong encryption and no-logs policy.

• Fast speeds with a reliable server network.

Cons:

• Smaller server network compared to competitors.

• Fewer advanced features.

Overview: Atlas VPN is a newcomer offering excellent value for money with unlimited device connections and a solid privacy policy. Although its server network is smaller than some competitors, it provides fast speeds and reliable performance for everyday use.

Choosing the right VPN in 2024 depends on your specific needs, whether it's price, security, speed, or ease of use. Free VPNs like ProtonVPN and Windscribe provide excellent privacy features with certain limitations, making them suitable for occasional users. On the other hand, affordable VPNs like Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access offer a robust set of features at competitive prices, making them ideal for those who need more extensive service without breaking the bank.

Before committing, consider what you value most in a VPN—whether it's unlimited data, high speeds, or access to a wide range of servers—and select the option that best meets your needs. Remember, while free VPNs can offer good basic protection, investing in a low-cost paid VPN often provides better performance, security, and overall user experience.