While many people’s primary motivation for using a VPN is to access geo-restricted content, it’s crucial to note that, first, you’ll need a subscription to the streaming service you want to access, and, second, free VPN services rarely allow you to do so. That means you’ll likely need to shell out extra cash on top of what you’d spend on the streaming service for a VPN subscription.
Keep in mind that not every VPN will be able to access every streaming service on every day. When one server doesn’t function, you may always try another one of the better ones.
Check out the free VPN services we’ve featured below to see if one of them meets your needs before shelling out money for a paid VPN service. We know you’re looking for ways to cut costs, and this is one of them. It all boils down to the specifics of your VPN use case.
Atlas VPN
In the beginning, Atlas VPN was a ‘freemium’ VPN, meaning that it offered a free service with the intention of convincing users to upgrade and pay for more features and faster connection speeds.
If you use it without paying, you’ll get access to 10 GB of data every month (the same as Privado), but you can’t use more than 2 GB in a single day.
You can choose from three servers (750 for paying clients), but we were unable to unblock Netflix using any of them. Our inquiry about this matter was met with the response that Premium tier Atlas users fare better.
Another indicator that the free version isn’t meant for streaming is that Atlas VPN restricts access to its Fire TV Stick and Android TV apps.
PrivadoVPN
You shouldn’t expect too much from a free service, but Privado really provides more features for its non-paying users than any other VPN provider. In comparison to competitors, Privado gives you access to 13 servers in 9 different countries.
Some streaming services can be unblocked by connecting to those servers; however, you must use this signup URL to do so.
Privado is based out of Switzerland, a country renowned for its privacy laws, and it keeps no logs whatsoever. Seeing as there was no third-party verification of these claims, you’ll just have to take its word for it.
Other than the restricted number of servers, the monthly data cap is set at 10 GB. That’s very kind of you, but it also means you could run out of protection before the end of the month if you don’t make good use of it.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN, like SurfEasy, is a well-established VPN service based in Switzerland that has made a name for itself by prioritizing user anonymity. The fantastic thing about this VPN is that you can use it as much as you like.
However, Proton’s benevolence has its limits. Users who don’t pony up can only connect to one of three servers (in Japan, the Netherlands, or the United States) at reduced speeds. The lack of video streaming and P2P file downloading on the free servers is perhaps the largest drawback, though it won’t affect everyone (i.e BitTorrent files).
ProtonVPN is great for students on a budget who yet want the privacy and security benefits of a VPN.
Surfshark
Nord Security owns both Surfshark and Atlas VPN. It costs $2.49 / £2.17 per month, making it the middle tier of pricing. But that is not a free service, it is a great one all around. Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and data use.
Additional features include Multi-Hop servers, which route your connection through not one but two servers, and the more recent Nexus feature, which essentially replaces Multi-Hop and routes the connection through a large number of servers in its network to effectively mask your location and identity.
Windscribe
Windscribe, like many of its competitors, provides a free tier that enables you to use the VPN without spending a dime. However, your monthly data usage is capped at 10 GB, beyond which you will lose access to the network until the following month.
Since the newest WireGuard protocol is supported, even the free users can expect speeds comparable to those enjoyed by paying clients. You can use a VPN on as many devices as you like simultaneously, and there is no limit on connections. However, you will quickly exhaust your 10GB allowance.
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to access any of the Windflix servers on the free tier, so you won’t be able to bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix or any other service.
