Best VPN free trial in 2024

Mobile device displaying a VPN free trial
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

There's so much information online about VPNs, and actually choosing and committing to just is a difficult yet important decision. There's an easy way to make sure the one you pick is right for you, though – and that's by using one of the best VPN free trials.

While they vary in nature, almost all of the best VPNs offer some kind of free trial, and this means you can test out a handful of providers before settling down with just one.

Note that not all VPN free trials are made equal. While some VPNs may offer a week's free use with no catches, others may require you to pay for the VPN but offer a refund within 30 days that allows you to try out the VPN for a longer time.

I've tested and reviewed dozens of VPNs, and when I do that, I also study their pricing and trial periods. Further down the page I've analyzed in detail the five highest-quality VPNs that offer a free trial – but if you're in a rush, just pick from the top three just below.

The best VPN free trials in 2024 at a glance

1. NordVPN – the very best VPN free trial

1. NordVPN – the very best VPN free trial
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial for Android users. It's my top-rated VPN overall, with class-leading privacy features, apps for tons of devices, great streaming performance and lightning-fast speeds. Prices start at $3.09 per month, and you can upgrade your plan to include things like malware protection and cyber insurance.

2. Surfshark – best cheap VPN free trial

2. Surfshark – best cheap VPN free trial
Surfshark also offers a 30-day refund period, and also has a generous 7-day free trial for mobile and Mac users. It's excellent value at less than $2.50 per month, and it's the fastest provider that we've ever tested. Privacy is also excellent, and it's a great choice if you want a top-tier VPN for a bargain price. Be aware that you will have to go through Apple for your refund if you sign up through the App Store.

3. ExpressVPN – the best VPN free trial for beginners

3. ExpressVPN – the best VPN free trial for beginners
Just like the previous two VPNs, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free on iOS and Android. It's the perfect choice if you want a very private, very simple VPN that just works. It's also great for streaming and torrenting, but it's a little more expensive, with plans starting at $6.67 per month.

Recent updates

My most recent update has seen all the provider information updated in line with our most recent round of VPN reviews. For example, this saw ExpressVPN's speeds shoot up to match the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN.

My list of the very best free trial VPNs in 2024

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The best provider offering a VPN free trial

Devices displaying a NordVPN free trial vpn

(Image credit: NordVPN)

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is quite simply the best on the market

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Simultaneous connections: 10 | 24/7 support: Yes | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Free trial: 7 days on Android + 30-day refund period

The most comprehensive VPN and privacy suite I've tested
Stable speeds of over 950 Mbps
Fully audited no-logging policy (collects no personal data on you)
Apps for tons of devices
Class-leading streaming unblocking performance
Extras like Threat Protection Pro and cyber insurance are useful
Great live chat support
Meshnet is innovative and very useful
Mobile apps are a little cramped
Most add-ons require upgrading to a more expensive plan
Price hike on renewal
No Linux GUI
Subscribe if:

✅ You want the best streaming VPN with a free trial: with over 6,000 servers around the world, NordVPN unblocks every streaming site I've tested it with.

✅ You want built-in malware protection: NordVPN tops an already impressive security suite with antivirus-like features at no extra charge.

You want a good value VPN: NordVPN is very powerful but isn't incredibly expensive either, at less than $3.50 per month.

Avoid if:

You're mobile-first: NordVPN's mobile apps aren't bad, but they're less intuitive than ExpressVPN's and Surfshark's apps.

You unlimited connections: It's a picky criticism, but some providers like Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN only offers 10.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

NordVPN is my #1 VPN overall for a reason, and its VPN free trial is the icing on the cake. It's fast, reliable, great for beginners, and overall very value for money. A generous 30-day money-back guarantee means you can test the service without putting any money on the line, and Android users can even get 7 days free of charge.

My NordVPN review found the big-name service to be seriously impressive, thanks to a long list of tools and features that you can put to the test with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial on Android.

Nord’s genuine free trial isn't unique – it's similar to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark’s, in that it’s only available from the Google Play store – but you’ll be able to use the same account you create on your phone to protect your desktop too. It might be a bit of a workaround, but it’s worth it to avoid paying anything for 7 days, and you’ll get access to all the features available on a full plan right away.

> Sign up to the best VPN free trial

If that’s not long enough, you can continue your trial with no risk by making the most of the provider’s generous 30-day money-back guarantee – have a quick tester before you pay anything, and then take a deep dive over a month to see if it’s really worth your money.

Be aware that refunds are not available directly from Nord for purchases made through the Apple App store – you need to go to Apple to get one. To avoid any issues like that, I'd recommend signing up on desktop, or at least through the NordVPN website on your iPhone.

NordVPN is excellent for streaming, with 6,000+ servers in 110 countries and access to geo-restricted content of pretty much every streaming platform you'd like to watch. Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, iPlayer, 10Play – you name it, NordVPN unblocked it in our testing. In my last round of testing, Nord also maxed out our connection at 950 Mbps, meaning it won't be slowing down you connection, no matter how fast your Wi-Fi is.

In a recent update, NordVPN increased the number of simultaneous connections it permits from 6 to 10. This is great to see, since the strict limit on the amount of devices you could have connected was one of its biggest red flags. However, if you need even more, check out Surfshark or Private Internet Access – both of which offer unlimited connections.

If you want some of Nord's most impressive extras you'll have to sign up to higher tiers of its subscription, but even then, it's cheaper than its closest rival ExpressVPN. Most interesting of these is Threat Protection Pro. While every NordVPN plan comes with the DNS-based Threat Protection, it's quite a rudimentary phishing and malware-protection tool.

The Pro version adds an always-on feature, which means you're protected whenever the NordVPN app is open, whether you're connected or not. Although this is only available on desktop, it's a great addition that I've enjoyed using in my testing.

Nord's pricing is a mixed bag. It's not as cheap as Surfshark but certainly more affordable than ExpressVPN. On the bright side, you're getting one of the most secure VPNs. Besides an intuitive ad and malware blocker, there's even a built-in antivirus for extra safekeeping. Double VPN, an independently audited no-logs policy, and special obfuscated servers are just the cherry on top.

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NordVPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignA fun and intuitive design, but not the most clutter-free⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useGenerally pretty simple, although the mobile apps aren't perfect⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceLightning-fast speeds, and one of the very fastest⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingA champion of Netflix unblocking but is excellent with every other streaming platform too⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyOne of the most complete security suites with built-in antivirus and a verified no-logs policy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 friendly and professional customer support with tons of helpful guides ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceGreat value for money, but slightly more expensive than some other options⭐⭐⭐⭐

Devices displaying a Surfshark free trial vpn

Quality cheap provider with a true VPN free trial

2. Surfshark

Excellent value with a genuine free trial

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: Yes | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Free trial: 7-day free trial (Android, iOS, macOS) and 30-day money back guarantee

Introductory offer is excellent value
Seriously fast WireGuard and OpenVPN connections
Excellent streaming performance
Tons of features for most devices
Unlimited connections on a single plan
Live-chat support is very helpful
Heavy stress-testing caused kill switch to fail
Fairly significant price hike after first term
Many virtual servers are hosted thousands of miles away from apparent locations
Subscribe if:

You want unlimited simultaneous connections: you can cover any number of devices with Surfshark, even on its 7-day free trial.

You want a VPN that's rapid: Surfshark is the fastest VPN I've tested, with a peak speed of 950 Mbps – it certainly won't slow you down.

You want a bargain VPN: Surfshark is more affordable than most of its competition and provides a premium experience for a great price.

Avoid if:

You want a foolproof kill switch: Surfshark's kill switch works perfectly in everyday situations, but under heavy testing it failed.

You want a VPN for torrenting: Surfshark is perfectly serviceable for torrenting, but ExpressVPN and NordVPN are better.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Surfshark is faster than any other VPN I've tried and coupled with its unlimited simultaneous connections and superior unblocking, it makes for a very compelling package, especially for the budget conscious. Try it risk-free with first a 7-day truly free trial and then a 30-day money-back guarantee.

In my hands-on Surfshark review, I found that it offers a seriously tempting cheap VPN option – at less than $2.50 per month, it undercuts pretty much all the competition while retaining great functionality. With easy-to-use apps, servers in over 100 countries, and a fully audited no-logs policy, Surfshark packs a serious punch for a fraction of the price of premium VPNs.

However, if you’re not sold on signing up for a whole two years to get that price, Surfshark also offers a 7-day VPN free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices.

There’s a bit of faffing about to get it, but when signing up for a plan on mobile, you’re able to start a free trial with no payment for seven days. Then, with the logins created on your phone, you’ll be able to use the VPN on your desktop. What’s more, VPN usage is unlimited in that period, so you can genuinely get a feel for how Surfshark works.

> Test out my top cheap VPN free trial

If you don’t want to mess around on mobile to get those seven days free, Surfshark also offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so whichever way you go, you'll be able to get a VPN free trial and test the service out.

Surfshark comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect any number of devices, from your family members to friends and then some, with just one Surfshark subscription. Also, the VPN won't log any device out, even on the free trial.

The provider was able to access geo-restricted content of Netflix, iPlayer, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more without missing a beat in my latest round of testing. With peak speeds of 950 Mbps, it's easily the fastest VPN service I've tested, ahead of the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN. The overall streaming experience with Surfshark is a delight, as its cookie-, pop-up-, and ad-blocker does well to provide a disturbance-free binge session.

Something very interesting is Surfshark's Alternative ID feature, which allows you to create spoof emails and personas to protect you privacy even further. This is great for selling items online, and signing up to newsletters for discounts. Alternative Number is a nice addition to this, which allows you to create a spoof phone number for greater privacy.

In my previous reviews, I found that Surfshark had a minor issue with the kill switch on Windows. However, after feeding back to the developers, this has now been fixed – and there's very little reason not to choose Surfshark over more expensive providers.

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Surfshark test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignFun and intuitive design that's also beginner-friendly ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useOne of the best providers for newbies, and very smooth to navigate⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe fastest among all the VPNs I’ve tried⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingEasily unblocks almost every streaming platform there is⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyMinor issues with the kill switch but no dearth of security offerings⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportThe library of help articles can be hard to navigate but 24/7 reliable support makes up for it nicely⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceCan't beat a superb blend of high-end features and low prices⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The easiest VPN to use offers generous refund

ExpressVPN running on a range of devices

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is premium, but perfect for beginners

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Simultaneous connections: 8 | 24/7 support: Yes | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Free trial: 30-day money-back guarantee

Plenty of servers and locations
Simple yet powerful apps on tons of devices
Lightway protocol delivers excellent speeds
Class-leading support team
Innovative extras like Keys and Aircove
More expensive than some alternatives
Excellent VPN, but no wider suite of privacy tools available
Subscribe if:

✅ You want a free premium password manager: Although you need to subscribe to get access at first, ExpressVPN Keys will remain free to use even if you cancel your subscription.

You want class-leading privacy and security: ExpressVPN provides the very best cover in terms of privacy and security out of all the VPNs I've tested.

You want a straightforward and easy-to-use VPN: as one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs, ExpressVPN comes with friendly 24/7 support, tons of helpful tutorials, and easily navigable apps so that you find it easy to use the service even if you aren’t tech-savvy.

Avoid if:

You're on a budget: ExpressVPN delivers good value for its price, but if you're after a budget VPN consider Surfshark or PrivadoVPN.

You want a VPN for your Linux device: ExpressVPN allows installations on Linux devices, but you won’t get a graphical user interface (GUI).

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

ExpressVPN is always a top contender, and although it doesn't really offer a free trial, a 30-day money-back guarantee makes up for that by allowing you to try the service risk-free. It's super secure, great for streaming, offers good speeds and is reliable – quite simply one of the best on the market.

Whether you’re considering services with a VPN free trial or not, ExpressVPN is well worth checking out. With excellent security credentials and brilliant support, it really is the full package – and a trial is the cherry on top.

In terms of VPN free trials, ExpressVPN is very similar to NordVPN and Surfshark. You can get 7 days on iOS or Android, or sign up regularly and claim a refund within 30 days.

This British Virgin Islands-based provider effortlessly unblocks every streaming platform in sight, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more. Although not quite as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark, ExpressVPN still offers speeds of up to 900 Mbps, which is much more than the average domestic connection.

With a wide server network in 160 individual locations, including 26 in the Asia-Pacific region, you'll never face any buffering issues, no matter where you are.

> Save 49% on ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN runs on just about everything, from Windows, Mac, and iOS to Android and Linux. It also has tailor-made apps for Chromebooks, Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire, and routers. There's also a unique “MediaStreamer” tool to securely stream on devices that don't natively support a VPN, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Besides a fool-proof kill switch, ExpressVPN apps have an auto-connect feature to ensure you're always connected to the VPN and your internet traffic remains protected at all times.

The RAM-only servers erase all user data after every boot, offering an additional layer of security. If authorities come knocking, ExpressVPN won't have any information to show them, because it won't be stored in the first place. What's more, the provider employs a proprietary Lightway protocol for better speeds and more reliable connectivity.

With 8 simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN is an ideal choice for small families or individuals with multiple devices. However, if you want protection for more devices, services like Surfshark with unlimited simultaneous connections will serve you better.

A sort of "hack" that I've found – and ExpressVPN won't be pleased with me for sharing this – is that its excellent password manager, Keys, is free forever, regardless of whether you stay subscribed to the VPN. Sign up, log into Keys, and cancel your subscription – as easy as that.

The elephant in the room is ExpressVPN's price. Yes, it is a little more expensive than the competition, but if you're looking for a secure, simple-to-use option, it's worth it. And, of course, if you don't like the product, then just contact the super-helpful support team to terminate the contract within 30 days and you’ll get every penny of your money back – no matter how much you've used it.

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ExpressVPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignClean interface and everything is easy to find without a lot of clutter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useExcellent for beginners new to VPNs, and very configurable for more tech-savvy users⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceIt's fast enough for anything you may need it for, but Surfshark and NordVPN are faster⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocks every streaming platform with ease except a couple of niche Netflix locations⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyJam-packed with security features and free add-ons and will protect your data at all times⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 friendly and professional assistance by agents, and very helpful guides ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceIt's worth splurging on but cheaper options are available ⭐⭐⭐

The best of the rest

PrivadoVPN interface on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows

(Image credit: PrivadoVPN)

4. Privado VPN

PrivadoVPN is a real up-and-comer, and I rate as the very best free plan available from any VPN. It's paid product isn't quite as powerful as more established providers, but it's well worth considering for cheap and easy protection.

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous connections: 10 | 24/7 support: Yes | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Free trial: Free version

Unblocks streaming services
Decent monthly data limit
P2P support
Easy to get started
Supports only one connection
Apps aren't as robust of the competition
Subscribe if:

You want a feature-rich free service: PrivadoVPN's free version is the best there is, with access to servers in 10 countries, a kill switch, split tunneling, and always-on VPN.

You want to stream content for free: PrivadoVPN is one of the few VPNs to offer unblocking capabilities on its free plan.

You want a decent VPN with a lower price: PrivadoVPN is priced at less than $2 per month on its 2-year plan, making it one of the most affordable options on the market today.

Avoid if:

You want a free provider with unlimited data: although feature-packed, PrivadoVPN's free version limits users to 10 GB of data per month.

You want a VPN with lots of servers: PrivadoVPN has just 395 servers in 48 countries, which is nowhere near the likes of NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.

You want a VPN that has verified its claims: PrivadoVPN is yet to go through an independent audit, although we hear that one is in the works.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

PrivadoVPN is an ideal choice if you're looking for a free service to keep you safe and stream with. It offers ample server locations and decent speeds, but the highlight is its streaming support on even the free version. Plus, all the paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Find the free version here.

While PrivadoVPN is relatively new on the scene, it's made some serious waves by providing what we rate as the best free VPN, which is very capable, as was found in my PrivadoVPN Free review and detailed PrivadoVPN review.

Privado's biggest draw is the fact that the free version is free forever, and it also provides more functionality than most of the free competition. It's secure and easy to use and even works as a free Netflix VPN – almost unheard of in today's market. In addition to Netflix, the free version is also a great BBC iPlayer VPN.

So, for couch potatoes on a budget, PrivadoVPN Free will look very tempting indeed.

As you'd expect, it's backed up by industry-standard AES-256 encryption, offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard connections (although WireGuard isn't available on the Mac VPN and the OpenVPN speeds are below average), and is very fast at around 900 Mbps in my latest tests.

The 10 GB monthly data limit, although not a match for Proton VPN's unlimited bandwidth, is generous and on par with its rivals.

It offers 13 different server locations across 10 countries, which is much better than others that only offer 3 or even a single country. What's more, even if you run out of data, you'll be able to use the VPN, albeit at much lower speeds – 1 Mbps.

The free version doesn't fall short on the security front, either. It offers a very capable kill switch, an always-on VPN feature, and split tunneling – the latter gives you the liberty to route some of your applications through the VPN while others will have direct and normal access to the world wide web.

Privado's paid plan offers 10 simultaneous connections, which should be more than enough to cover all of the most important gadgets in the house. Plus, with 2-year plan costing less than $2 per month, the service offers serious value for money.

That said, PrivadoVPN isn't without its drawbacks. For instance, it hasn't undertaken an independent audit yet, which means you'll have to take its privacy and logging claims on faith.

Overall, while the interface and feature list can't match up to the big boys just yet, PrivadoVPN is a quality free service that's great value even when you decide to upgrade.

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PrivadoVPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignA clutter-free and colorful design⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useSimple apps across the board, and all very easy to use⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceBoth paid and free plans are very fast, but not quite up there with Surfshark and NordVPN.⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingVery good, with the free plan really standing out.⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyGood privacy features but hasn't yet gone through an independent audit⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportFriendly support staff but not enough help articles on the website⭐⭐⭐
PriceOne of the best bargain picks, and there's a free plan as well⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN on a range of devices

(Image credit: ProtonVPN)

5. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a well-respected name in the VPN world, and just like PrivadoVPN, it offers a powerful free version. However, I'd recommend going with the 30-day refund period, and the free plan has some annoying restrictions.

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Simultaneous connections : 10 | 24/7 support: No (live chat available) | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Free trial: Free version

Excellent streaming performance
Verified no-logging
Upgraded server network, now with over 6,000 servers in 112 countries
Fully open-source apps
One of the best free VPN plans available
Lots of servers in Africa, which is often overlooked
A little more expensive than some rivals
Apps may be complex for beginners
FAQ section can be overwhelming
Not a huge amount of new features since our last review
Subscribe if:

You want a free service: Proton VPN offers a free plan that grants access to over a hundred servers in six countries and offers unlimited data with customer support and no ads.

You want a reliable and trustworthy VPN: Proton VPN is a Swiss provider with an open-source platform, an independently audited no-logs policy, and an always-on VPN feature for unparalleled security.

You want decent simultaneous connections: with Proton VPN's paid plan, you can protect up to 10 devices at the same time, which should be more than enough for individuals and even mid-sized families.

Avoid if:

You want a cheap provider: Proton VPN is on the expensive side and while it does its best to justify its asking price, Surfshark and Privado VPN are cheaper alternatives.

You want to choose what server to use: Proton's paid plan has no limitations, but the free plan assigns you a random server with no option to choose.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN has a great free plan that offers unlimited bandwidth and a smooth online experience with no ads. As an open-source platform based out of Switzerland that has undergone independent audits, it's highly reliable, and excellent streaming support on its paid plans is just the upgrade a premium user would look for.

In my Proton VPN review I found the Swiss provider had made some great improvements, on both its free and paid plans. The former means that you'll be able to test this privacy-focused service out for free, for as long as you want, which is a big bonus for those unsure of what VPN to pick.

The free plan isn't limitless like Proton's paid plans, and understandably so. However, it'll give you access to 100+ servers across 6 countries – including dedicated servers for accessing unbiased Deutsche Welle news – unlimited bandwidth, and decent customer support.

There's a catch, though – you won't be able to choose which server to use. This is fine if you just want quick privacy, but if you're trying to access a website from a particular country, it's a matter of trial and error.

If you want the full package, the 2-year plan will cost you $4.99 per month – and Tom's Guide readers can claim an exclusive price of $3.59 per month. That unlocks Proton's Secure Core servers, priority support & live chat, and its excellent streaming performance. While it's a little more expensive than rivals like Surfshark and NordVPN, the free version allows you to make sure it suits you before committing.

On its paid plan, Proton VPN unblocks a good number of Netflix locations, including some hard-to-crack countries like Japan. And with streaming platforms like Disney Plus, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and more, it’s smooth sailing.

Note that Proton VPN doesn't unblock much on its free plan – that's something we've only seen PrivadoVPN do. That said, you'll be able to try out its unblocking capabilities risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee after you've purchased a paid plan.

Proton VPN is a force to be reckoned with as far as privacy and security are concerned. It's based out of Switzerland, a country with strict privacy laws and outside the jurisdiction of the US and EU. Its NetShield – a unique implementation of the conventional ad blocker – will protect you from malware hidden in images, scripts, and similar elements that you often download from the internet.

An always-on VPN feature, which is very similar to ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature, re-establishes connection with a Proton VPN server in the unlikely scenario of the connection failing. This feature is activated by default on Proton VPN's iOS VPN app, but Android VPN users will have to turn it on manually.

With 10 simultaneous connections, Proton VPN edges past ExpressVPN and NordVPN but is still behind Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections. Speeds are decent – not the greatest I've seen but with a proprietary VPN Accelerator technology that claims to amp up server speeds by up to 400%, you can rest assured of a consistent and lag-free experience.

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Proton VPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignThe design is very clean and intuitive, and the dark mode is a standout ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useThe mobile apps are on par with the big names in the industry, but some of the desktop features need some time getting used to ⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceUp there with the very fastest⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingExcellent streaming support on the paid plan ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacySwiss privacy, open-source apps and independent audits are all green flags⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportThe response time is middling but plenty of help guides available⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceCheaper alternatives are available, but there's a free plan for normal usage⭐⭐⭐

Best VPN free trials compared

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0 Free trial lengthRefund periodCheapest price per month
NordVPN7 days30 days$3.50 (varies)
Surfshark7 days30 days$2.19
ExpressVPN7 days30 days$6.67
PrivadoVPNIndefinite30 days$1.48
Proton VPNIndefinite30 days$3.59
Row 5 - Cell 0 Row 5 - Cell 1 Row 5 - Cell 2 Row 5 - Cell 3

The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide

These are the experts who have tested, reviewed, and ranked the best VPNs free trials in this guide:

Headshot of Tom's Guide VPN Editor Mo Harber-Lamond
Mo Harber-Lamond

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. He's covered VPNs since 2020, and in that time he has helped test and review over 100 providers. Mo handles the day-to-day testing of VPNs, making sure that they work for real people in real situations. He also undertakes ongoing streaming testing to make sure these services can unblock everything they claim, and produces video content to discuss and demonstrate the software.

An image of Olivia Powell, Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. They have blue and blonde curly hair and are wearing a blue jumper with a dark red shirt.
Olivia Powell

Olivia is the Commissioning Editor for Tom's Guide Privacy. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and covers all sorts of privacy- and security-related topics.

How to choose a VPN free trial

The most useful part of a VPN free trial is being able to test the full service before committing. So, while free-forever services are useful in a pinch, it's difficult to judge how effective the premium version will be when you upgrade.

True free trials can also be very short – we're talking a matter of days – and you may find that it runs out before you get the chance to test out everything you want.

That's why we recommend taking advantage of a money-back guarantee. While you have to pay upfront, you'll get at least a month to test the service, and in our experience, most providers make it quick and easy to claim your refund.

We've named NordVPN as the best free trial VPN, as you'll have a month to test the highest-rated VPN on the market. However, we've also included some providers with free versions and true free trials – all you need to do is pick the one that fits you best.

VPN free trial FAQ

What is a VPN free trial?

Different VPN providers offer different ways for users to get some experience using their software without any monetary risk, and now that VPNs have become more mainstream, developers are becoming more generous with their trials.

The most common way you’ll find to try out a VPN for free is the ‘money-back guarantee’. Most providers are very fair and do refund you no questions asked.

Rarer is the true VPN free trial, in which you’ll be able to test drive the full VPN for a limited time. However, it’s not common to find a trial longer than seven days, and that leaves the chance that you won’t be able to fully explore the VPN.

Finally, we enter the realm of ‘free versions’. Essentially, these VPNs are free for an indefinite time, but they’re usually weak versions of a provider’s full, paid-for service.

Why do VPN providers offer free trials?

It's a combination of genuinely helping the user choose a service more effectively, and getting you used to its apps and ingrained in its ecosystem.

Obviously, the VPN wants you to sign up and spend money, but the almost universal money-back guarantee means you shouldn't be afraid of claiming back if you don't like a certain VPN.

Remember, the consumer is king, so take every chance you can get to ensure you're spending your money wisely.

How can I get my money back on a 30-day VPN free trial?

Most VPNs that offer money-back guarantees – and all of those on this list – are established companies known for their fairness and holding up their side of the bargain.

If you've paid up for a VPN and decided it's not for you, you're well in your rights to get in contact and request a refund. This is usually done over email, but if you visit the provider's website you'll also be able to seek help from the 24/7 customer support.

You're likely to be asked why you're choosing to terminate your contract, but if you're within the money-back time-frame, you're guaranteed to be refunded almost immediately.

Should I get a free or paid VPN?

This al depends on what VPN uses you're expecting to need. I've covered this in detail in my article on free vs paid VPNs, but in short, if you're expecting to use your VPN more than a few times a month, you'll need a paid provider.

What happens when a VPN free trial ends?

Many true VPN free trials are only offered on mobile devices because your payment details are already linked, so you don't have to enter your credit card at the point of purchase. After the trial is up – typically 7 days – you'll be charged for the following period. How much you'll be charged will be in the small print, but be aware that this will likely happen silently.

With a money-back guarantee, again it's up to you to cancel if you want to. You'll have to get in touch before the time is up, and claim your refund. If you don't do it within that time, you've missed your chance.

Mo Harber-Lamond
VPN Editor

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.

With contributions from