What is a VPN
VPN is a virtual private network that creates an encrypted internet connection between your device and a VPN server controlled by a VPN service provider. They are free VPN and paid VPN services.
The implication is that your internet service provider (ISP) and internet activity cannot be easily traced back to you.
VPNs improve your privacy no doubt, but they will not protect you from every danger in the internet space.
You still need to do the following; use strong passwords or multifactor authentication methods for your sites, regularly update your device operating system(OS) or use antivirus software to protect your device from malware.
Some of the VPNs are filled with invasive ads, have no privacy policies and may be harvesting your data for sale to third parties.
While VPN is legal to own, it does not legalise illegal activities just because it hides your internet activities from prying eyes.
Paid vs free VPN
Premium VPNs are generally better than free VPNs, the free VPNs have some limitations which include data limit, a limited number of servers, the absence of an automatic kill switch function and so on.
If your reason for using VPN is just for more privacy on your devices when using public Wifi then a free VPN can do the job.
Free VPNs are not good for streaming because they need reliable speed. Paid VPN services are better for streaming.
List of Safe, Free and effective VPN
The VPNs listed here are VPNs with no direct or hidden costs. VPNs that have a limited free trial period were not included.
This list is not exhaustive, however, the free VPNs listed are VPNs that have been reviewed multiple times and have been demonstrated to be safe, secure, reliable and effective.
Best free VPN service
There are a lot of unsafe free VPNs which users should avoid, many of which may track and sell your data to others which eventually defeats the primary aim of using a VPN.
The best free VPN depends on your needs and what you want to achieve for example ProtonVPN is the best for data and has an excellent unlimited data plan,zero-logging policy and support for a wide range of devices.
TunnelBear is best for server locations and has 24 hours live chat support.
Privado is best for Netflix, torrenting and P2P. Privado VPN also has some exceptional features such as an automatic kill switch, auto-connect options, and good connection speed and gives you the option of multiple server locations to choose from.
Hide.me is best for customer support. Hide.me also has some good features such as a functional kill switch and allows torrenting and access to Netflix.
Windscribe is the best free VPN for a fast connection. Other good features of Windscribe include the option of selecting from several servers, P2P support and torrenting.
Table comparing the features of the safe and free VPNs
| Free VPN | Proton VPN | Privado VPN | Hide .me | Wind scribe | Hotspot Shield | Atlas | Zoog VPN | Tunnel bear | speedify |
| Data limit/Month | unlimited | 10GB | 10GB | 10GB | 500MB | 10GB | 10GB | 500MB | 2GB |
| Numbers of servers | 3 | 8 | 5 | >10 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 49 | >50 |
| Maximum number of devices supported | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | Unlimited | 1 | ||
| 24 hours live chat | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | ||
| P2P support | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | |||
| Torrenting | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Netflix | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | |||
| Server locations | 3 | 8 | 5 | >10 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 49 |
Before any free VPN download please ensure that the VPN is safe, reliable and effective. Your needs and online priorities will determine the free VPN download you go for, it also indicates if you need a free or paid VPN.
A paid VPN is generally more effective than a free VPN and has fewer limitations and demerits.