Using a VPN is an easy way to boost your digital life, from boosting your online privacy to unblocking foreign streaming catalogs or censored sites. To get premium services at the best prices, however, you need to invest in an (often lengthy) subscription.
The good news is that there's a simple solution to enable you to try the best VPN apps without locking you into long-term commitment – alas VPN free trials. While pure free trials are generally exclusive to mobile VPN apps, most providers come with a money-back guarantee period when you can try the service risk-free. That's true, you'll need to invest the money upfront, but you won't lose a penny if you cancel the subscription before the time is up.
TechRadar experts have put dozens of services to the test to find which ones are worth your money – and which ones have the best free trials. So, keep reading, and I'll walk you through my top picks, and what makes them stand out in such a competitive market.
Top three VPN free trials at a glance
Recent updates
In our latest update to this best VPN free trials guide, we've taken a moment to simplify everything for you, adding new infographics and condensing some of our data to help make your decision-making process easier. Plus, a new round of testing has taken place, which has seen Surfshark rise up our rankings to second position.
The best VPN free trials in 2024
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Here's a more in depth look at our top picks for the best VPN free trials you can currently get your hands on. Remember, different VPNs suit different peoples needs better than others, so you might find it's not the provider you expect that best suits your needs.
The best VPN with a free trial
✔️ You want the fastest VPN around: NordVPN soared to the top of our speed charts during our latest round of testing.
✔️ You're looking for a built-in security suite: Ad blocking and malware protection tools come with your NordVPN subscription.
✔️ You want real value for money: NordVPN comes with a full toolkit of features and customizable pricing, so only pay for what you'll use.
❌ A simple UI is a must: Exploring the NordVPN map interface is fun, but it's not as intuitive as ExpressVPN's streamlined apps.
❌ Command line isn't for you: While NordVPN can be used on Linux machines, the command line interface does lack navigability.
🔒 NordVPN ticks all the right boxes; it's incredibly fast, has proven its commitment to user privacy with numerous audits, and unblocks a ton of streaming platforms. Take a look for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our full NordVPN review looks in depth at the details of the service and its roster of privacy features.
NordVPN proves that finding a high-quality VPN service doesn't have to break the bank. You get a lot of functionality in return for a very modest price – but, as you'd expect from our number one pick, you can try before you buy with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I'm consistently impressed by NordVPN's all-in-one approach to security, as you're getting more than just a VPN when you subscribe. Built-in ad blocking and antivirus protection keep your day-to-day browsing secure (and your personal details out of the hands of cybercriminals), and users on the Complete plan get access to a password manager, data breach scanner, and secure cloud storage.
One of the standout features of NordVPN is its Meshnet, which allows users to create their own secure private network that covers up to 60 devices simultaneously. That's great news if you plan on doing some file sharing, gaming, or virtual routing – and best of all, the Meshnet feature is now free for everyone.
NordVPN has more than 6,100 servers to choose from – which is more than you'll get from the likes of ExpressVPN. Plus, this expansive network means you won't have trouble hopping digital borders to evade geo-blocks preventing you from checking out international content, or even government-imposed bans on social media platforms.
When it comes to customer support, NordVPN has never let me down. I've thrown even the most technical questions at its 24/7 live chat team and received timely, thorough answers. If you'd rather do troubleshooting yourself, you'll be glad to learn that the NordVPN knowledge hub has plenty of tutorials on hand (and in multiple languages.)
The 30-day money-back guarantee isn't a traditional free trial, seeing as you'll need to pay for a plan first, but if you decide NordVPN isn't for you, claiming your money back is a straightforward and fuss-free process.
NordVPN comes, however, with a pure 7-day trial option but only for its Android VPN. I still believe that it's nonetheless well worth taking the month to trial the service on all your favorite devices, and see for yourself exactly why it tops our ranking.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | The map is a fun UI element, but can be a little busy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not as much attention to detail as ExpressVPN, but otherwise easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN in our latest tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Easily unblocks Netflix and other in-demand platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Packed with privacy features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support can handle any inquiry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Customizable plans, and great value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap VPN free trial
✔️ You want the best budget VPN: Surfshark perfectly blends low prices with lots of features, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network.
✔️ You need the fastest VPN around: currently topping our charts with over 950 Mbps average speeds, Surfshark isn't just fast, it's faster than all of our top picks.
✔️ You want a cheap security suite: much like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with an array of internet security tools to keep you safe.
❌ You need a bulletproof kill switch: our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch. If an accidental IP leak could put you in danger, we'd recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
❌ You only want to torrent: while Surfshark supports torrenting on its service, you'll see better results from the likes of Private Internet Access or ExpressVPN.
🔒 Surfshark offers a budget-friendly security suite. With unparalleled speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, see why it's my favorite cheap VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark VPN review and see why it's also my #1 budget pick.
Surfshark is a VPN that proves you can have an affordable VPN that still delivers powerful features, with innovations being introduced all the time, including Surfshark Nexus and its IP Rotator.
This little gem offers a seven-day free trial, though it does require credit card details linked to your Google Play Store or App Store accounts. The trial is available on Android, iOS, and macOS devices (no luck for those after a Windows VPN).
It's worth noting that while this will allow you to benefit from the Surfshark free trial, it will mean potentially missing out on the better rates when signing up directly through Surfshark's website.
Still, you'll also benefit from its 30-day money-back guarantee, whether you sign up through the dedicated app store or on its website. On top of that, Surfshark offers a price that undercuts much of the competition, yet still crams in loads of security and geo-restriction unblocking powers. It's much cheaper than ExpressVPN, significantly beats NordVPN, and the only cheaper services you'll find are inferior in quality (take Ivacy VPN for example).
Get access to over 3,200 servers across more than 100 locations and, unblock Netflix libraries worldwide, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Speeds are faster than any other provider (WireGuard speeds maxed out my latest tests with over 950 Mbps).
Surfshark's security is fierce thanks to its AES-256 encryption, plenty of encryption protocol customization, and a kill switch to prevent data leaking if your connection drops. Despite the complex sounding systems, the app is clear and easy to use, even for beginners.
With built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, data breach scanning, and even a new partnership with Incogni to automatically remove your data from databases, Surfshark offers a full online security suite. When combined, this makes Surfshark one of the best cheap VPN options out there according to our in-depth reviews.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Elegant, simple, and intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for beginners, and seamless connections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster than all of our top picks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Good content unblocking, but not amazing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues, and the built-in ad blocker and antivirus wasn't as good as we were expecting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate to when you need help on the fly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | The best cheap VPN on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN free trial for beginners
✔️ You want a VPN that you can set and forget: auto-connect functionality and a kill switch mean you connect once, and you're always protected.
✔️ You want lots of locations: ExpressVPN has over 160 locations worldwide to choose from, meaning you can unblock content no matter where you are.
✔️ You need a VPN you can trust with your life: ExpressVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy show its commitment to keeping you safe from oppressive regimes.
❌ You're on a strict budget: ExpressVPN is notably more expensive than other equally capable alternatives. If you're working on a budget, I'd recommend looking at NordVPN or Surfshark.
❌ You want a Linux app: ExpressVPN only offers a command-line interface. If you need a graphical user interface (GUI), you should consider Surfshark, Proton VPN, or PIA.
🔒 ExpressVPN is a show-stopper, constantly excelling in our rigorous testing. Try for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's a worthy runner-up.
ExpressVPN is a feature-rich service that focuses on high-quality, intuitive apps that are as easy to use as they are reliable. With a 30-day no-quibbles refund, you can take it for a spin and see for yourself why it's one of my favorite VPNs in 2024.
It offers industry-leading encryption, DNS content unblocking, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, P2P torrenting support, and leak protection. Together, this means you can trust ExpressVPN with your life, just like the thousands of journalists, activists, and political dissidents around the world who put their faith in the service.
ExpressVPN's well-maintained server and IP list mean you'll always be able to unblock content from anywhere in the world. I love that its customization options mean I can choose the encryption that'll work best for whatever I need, whenever I need it.
The 24/7 customer support service we witnessed is a huge bonus, with helpful and knowledgeable agents who are always on hand to ensure you stay protected at all times. The only notable negative of the service is that you can only use ExpressVPN on five devices at one time. It's still not bad (just fewer than the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark) and since you can set this up on the router, that helps bypass that issue at home.
While its 30-day money-back guarantee doesn't offer a "true" free trial experience, it gives you ample time to see if it is the right VPN for you before claiming your money back. Plus, with the money-back guarantees offered throughout the industry, you can see how each VPN compares before committing to anyone in particular.
However, even when taking payment – which will be required upon signing up in the case of the ExpressVPN free trial – it favors anonymity and security. There are plenty of payment options available, including Bitcoin for increased privacy.
Like Nord and Surfshark, also ExpressVPN offers a 7-day VPN free trial but only on iOS and Android devices. Again, I recommend investing the money to fully test the service for a whole month across all your devices.
If you want to save money, you can get the best ExpressVPN prices by signing up for a longer plan. If you subscribe to the 12-month plan, you get an extra 3 months of protection for free.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Other free trial VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You need a reliable free VPN: PrivadoVPN doesn't hide its most important features behind a paywall like ProtonVPN, so you get a reliable service without spending a penny.
✔️ You want to stream Netflix: a dedicated geo-unblocking team means that even free users benefit from reliable Netflix unblocking.
❌ You want lots of server options: the free service has 13 locations, but it's still incredibly limited, and the same can be said for the premium service compared to the likes of PIA and Surfshark.
❌ You need more than 10 GB of data per month: PrivadoVPN's free service has a data limit on its uncapped server speeds, but after that's used up, you go into "over quota mode" where you're limited to 1 Mbps. If you need unlimited data on a free VPN, I recommend Proton VPN.
🔒 PrivadoVPN offers a decent mid-tier premium service, but it's hands-down the best free VPN on the market right now.
Check out our in-depth PrivadoVPN review and see why this free service is so good at unblocking Netflix.
PrivadoVPN currently tops our list as the best free VPN thanks to its great speeds, reliable Netflix unblocking, and forever-free app. On a premium subscription, you get 10 simultaneous connections, a SOCKS5 Proxy to help unblock content in the most restricted countries, a zero-log policy, an ad-blocker, parental controls, and even a built-in antivirus to keep your device secure.
When it comes to PrivadoVPN's free version, most of these features are locked behind the premium paywall. But you can still experience plenty of functionality and customization on the free platform.
PrivadoVPN's premium servers showed impressive 350 Mbps download speeds in our latest round of tests, these speeds are more than 10 times what you'll need to stream in 4K, play games online, and torrent seamlessly. It's one of the few VPN providers that has full control over its own bandwidth and transit routes, so you get fantastic speeds and almost no server congestion—even on free servers.
Its easy-to-use and reliable apps allow for plenty of customization. You can utilize one-click connections and a kill switch to make sure you're always protected, even if your VPN connection drops.
PrivadoVPN has a dedicated geo-unblocking team, that constantly looks to bypass censorship and regional content restrictions. This isn't restricted to just the premium servers, either. It's one of the only free services that can reliably unblock Netflix, iPlayer, and Disney+.
The service has yet to verify its privacy credentials with an independent audit. Privado told us that it plans to pursue an audit as soon as possible, but it needs to make sure it's offering the best service it can at all times—as an audit would mean shutting down all development until the audit was completed.
All in all, PrivadoVPN's choice not to hide its WireGuard encryption behind a paywall shows its genuine commitment to giving the best experience possible to every user, whether they're paying or not, which I love.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple yet colorful design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easy to use and clearly laid out | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The low end of average for a leading service, but generally fast enough for anything you could throw at it | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Its dedicated unblocking team does a great job | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Good scores on paper, but currently lacking an independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent email support, but not a lot of of on-site help | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Nothing beats free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You need a budget VPN: under three dollars per month makes it an excellent cheap pick.
✔️ You want more than a month to test it: CyberGhost VPN offers the longest money-back guarantee on the market at a spectacular 45 days.
❌ You need a Disney Plus VPN: in our last round of testing, CyberGhost VPN struggled to unblock the popular streaming service.
❌ You need in-depth support: while the customer support agents are friendly and helpful, CyberGhost's support site lacks the depth we saw from services such as PIA, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.
🔒 CyberGhost VPN is a popular choice for beginners with easy-to-use apps and a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth CyberGhost VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.
CyberGhost VPN's server selection makes it one of our favorite VPN services for unblocking video content. Simply pick the service you want, be it US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, or another big player, and the VPN will select the best server to get you the ultimate performance.
Better still, when it comes to a CyberGhost free trial, you can put it to the test for 24 hours before you begin paying for it, with the trial now available on desktop and mobile.
With CyberGhost VPN, you can explore a whopping 9,000+ servers that span across more than 91 countries, all the usual clients, and an impressive live chat support service. You also get automated HTTPS redirection and optional data compression to keep you secure and save you money, respectively.
The device limitation is a bit of an annoyance, and at times it feels like the general user experience could do with some polishing up. For example, it's strange that it doesn't notify you when you connect or disconnect, and the mobile VPN apps are somewhat underpowered compared to the full desktop versions. But overall, this is still a provider we rate highly.
Much like Surfshark, signing up through the Google Play Store or App Store on your Android or iOS device means you can benefit from a free trial. For Apple users, it's a whole 7-days, while Android users are relegated to only a 3-day trial.
The money-back-guarantee lasts a fantastic 45 days, significantly more than the industry standard. But that doesn't apply to its one-month sub, where the guarantee is reduced to 14 days.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, intuitive, and easily customizable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting a simple experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds that are great for torrenting, streaming and gaming online | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers, but struggled to unblock Disney Plus and Netflix UK | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust and reliable with a third-party audit from Deloitte | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Agents are helpful, but the on-site content could be better | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value and competitive pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
TechRadar's VPN rankings
Since there are likely plenty of VPNs you've heard of that aren't on this list, it's fair to wonder whether I've considered them. I consider any and all VPNs for my ranking, but only the best of the best make it onto the page in full. Here then are my current top fifteen VPNs we've tested, if a service you know hasn't made this list, it doesn't necessarily mean all is bad, just that there's probably a better service out there.
| Provider | Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A speedy VPN with full security suite |
| 2. Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | The best cheap (and fastest) VPN on the block |
| 3. ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | A premium option that's ideal for newbies |
| 4. ProtonVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | A popular free VPN service with a history of advocating for the freedom of the internet. |
| 5. PrivadoVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The best free VPN. It even unblocks Netflix. |
| 6. Private Internet Access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The best Linux VPN. A dedicated GUI for Linux, and a no-logs policy that was proven in court twice. |
| 5. IPVanish | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Among the best of the rest. An up-and-coming provider that supports Linux. |
| 8. Windscribe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A fast service with a popular browser proxy. |
| 9. CyberGhost VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A popular and easy-to-use platform that's great for beginners. |
| 10. Mullvad | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good for Linux, and you can even pay in cash. |
| 11. PureVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of the cheapest premium VPNs on the market. |
| 12. Hide.Me | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A speedy service with plenty of customization. |
| 13. Atlas VPN | ⭐⭐⭐½ | A new player in the VPN industry that's already making waves. |
| 14. TunnelBear | ⭐⭐⭐½ | A reliable free VPN but no support for content unblocking. |
| 15. Mozilla VPN | ⭐⭐⭐½ | A well known brand with a VPN that currently underperforms. |
What is the fastest VPN?
Want to know which provider gives the fastest speeds? Here are the latest speed test results from across the top VPN services:
VPN free trial FAQs
What is the difference between a VPN free trial and a money-back guarantee?
It's commonplace for a VPN provider to offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which many market as a free trial, including the best of the best like NordVPN. We want to be transparent, though, and point out this is not strictly a "true" free trial.
While a free trial means you won't pay for that period of use, a money-back guarantee simply gives you the security that if you decide not to proceed with the VPN within that time frame, you'll be fully refunded. The money therefore will leave your bank account and, if you do continue your VPN subscription, that first month will be paid for.
Are free trial VPNs safe?
Caution is always a good thing when it comes to freebies, especially when VPNs are involved. Completely free services certainly can have their drawbacks regarding the degree of security they can offer.
However, if you opt for any of the free VPN providers above, including PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, or Hotspot Shield, you can rest assured that they are safe with TechRadar's endorsement. Aside from the fact they have paid-for counterparts that ensure the funding of secure, strong infrastructure, we've also tried and tested them ourselves to ensure they're the real deal.
Which VPN offers a free trial without entering card details?
For those who don't want to enter their card details to make the most of a VPN with a free trial, there are several options. Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN, and Hotspot Shield all offer free plans that install straight onto your desktop, so you can protect your device without putting your payment information on the line.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a cybersecurity tool used to encrypt your internet traffic and route your data through a secure server elsewhere in the world. In doing so, it protects your information from cybercriminals, hides your online activity from prying eyes, and lets you pretend to be anywhere you can think of.
With a VPN, you can unblock content in almost any country, access your favorite streaming services abroad, and even speed up your internet connection by preventing bandwidth throttling.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
