1. Proton VPN — Best Free Windows VPN With Unlimited Data & Strong Security
Proton VPN stands out as the best free VPN for Windows thanks to its unlimited data and high-speed browsing—features rarely offered by free VPNs. Unlike most free VPNs that throttle speeds, Proton VPN delivers fast, buffer-free HD streaming on YouTube. However, it’s not ideal for gaming or large downloads, as it lags behind premium options like ExpressVPN in these areas.
🔹 Key Features of Proton VPN’s Free Plan:
✅ Unlimited data for uninterrupted browsing
✅ Quick Connect auto-selects the fastest free server
✅ Strong security & privacy with a strict no-logs policy
✅ Router support to bypass the 1-device limit
Although the free plan doesn’t officially support streaming or torrenting, it occasionally works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu—but not Disney+.
🚀 Bottom Line:
Proton VPN’s free plan is a top choice for privacy-conscious users who need fast browsing and unlimited data. While it lacks full streaming and torrenting support, upgrading to a paid plan unlocks premium servers, faster speeds, and full streaming access.
2. Hide.me — Best Free Windows VPN With Multiple Server Locations & Strong Security
hide.me is a top free Windows VPN offering 8 server locations (including Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and the US) and ad-free unlimited data. However, it only allows 1 device connection at a time.
🔹 Key Features of hide.me’s Free Plan:
✅ 8 global server locations for better connectivity
✅ No ads & unlimited data for uninterrupted browsing
✅ StealthGuard (kill switch), split tunneling & auto-connect for enhanced security
✅ Lock App feature to protect access with a PIN
In my speed tests, hide.me provided solid performance for browsing, though HD streaming had minor lag—especially on Chrome with YouTube. While the free plan doesn’t officially support streaming, it occasionally works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but not Disney+, Hulu, or Max. Unlike ExpressVPN and Proton VPN, it doesn’t support torrenting or router setup.
🚀 Bottom Line:
hide.me’s free plan is a secure and reliable option for Windows users looking for multiple server locations and unlimited data. However, it limits connections to 1 device, has inconsistent streaming access, and lacks P2P and router support. Upgrading to a paid plan ($2.39/month) unlocks 58 countries, full streaming support, and 10 simultaneous connections with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Hotspot Shield — Best Free VPN for Secure Web Browsing
Hotspot Shield’s free plan is a great option for safe and private web browsing, featuring automatic security settings like Wi-Fi Auto-Protect to keep you secure on public networks. It also provides unlimited data, ensuring continuous protected browsing.
🔹 Key Features of Hotspot Shield’s Free Plan:
✅ Unlimited data for non-stop browsing
✅ Wi-Fi Auto-Protect & automatic launch for enhanced security
✅ User-friendly apps for Windows & mobile devices
✅ Split tunneling to control which traffic is encrypted
Hotspot Shield delivers good speeds for a free VPN—websites load in 2–3 seconds, and SD videos play smoothly. However, speeds are capped at 2 Mbps, making it slower than ExpressVPN and Proton VPN.
⚠ Limitations of the Free Plan:
❌ Only 3 server locations (US, UK, and Singapore)
❌ No streaming or P2P support
❌ Limited to 1 device connection
🚀 Bottom Line:
Hotspot Shield’s free VPN is a solid choice for private browsing, thanks to its unlimited data and strong security features. However, it lacks streaming and torrenting support, and server access is limited to just 3 countries. Upgrading to a premium plan ($6.66/month) removes speed limits, unlocks servers in 85 countries, and adds full streaming support, all backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.
4. Windscribe — Best Free VPN With a Large Server Network & Advanced Ad Blocker
Windscribe offers one of the best free VPNs with servers in 10+ countries, more than most free VPNs. This allows for faster speeds by connecting to a nearby server. It also includes R.O.B.E.R.T., a highly customizable ad blocker that lets you filter out malware, ads, trackers, social sites, gambling, adult content, and more—a rare feature in free VPNs.
🔹 Key Features of Windscribe’s Free Plan:
✅ 10+ server locations for better speed & performance
✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker for enhanced privacy & security
✅ Supports streaming & torrenting (rare for free VPNs)
✅ Unlimited device connections
✅ Advanced security protocols (Stealth, WireGuard, & more)
While Windscribe’s free plan supports streaming & torrenting, it only provides 2–10 GB of monthly data (depending on email verification), meaning you’ll quickly hit the limit. That’s why Proton VPN’s unlimited data remains a better option for heavy users.
🚀 Bottom Line:
Windscribe’s free VPN is a feature-rich option with customizable ad blocking, strong security, and 10+ server locations. It supports streaming and torrenting, but the data cap makes it unsuitable for heavy use. Upgrading to a paid plan ($5.75/month) unlocks servers in 68 countries and removes restrictions, backed by a 7-day money-back guarantee.
