Best Free VPNs For Windows In 2022

While you surf the Internet, you must protect your data. Data protection must be a priority, especially considering how much of your personal information is available on various digital channels. You might use social media, banking applications, WhatsApp, and other platforms for different purposes that require you to submit personal information. Indeed, you’ll want your personal information to be protected.

Nobody wants their data/information to be hacked or stolen, but the risk is always there when browsing. This risk is high when signing up for a website or online platform. It is also the case when using public Wi-Fi connections and networks other than your home or work.

Fortunately, many free VPNs allow users to hide their IP addresses, locations, and other data while browsing.

If you don’t want anyone to access your IP address and personal information, pay attention to the following list of the best free VPNs for Windows. Before exploring the best free VPNs, let’s discuss the VPN in terms of its key purpose and function.

What Is A VPN?

The primary function of the VPN (Virtual Private Network) is to build a secure communication network and protect users’ data. This way, no online platform can access this data when the user browses the Internet.

A VPN is a helpful service that prevents you from being exposed on the Internet by hiding your IP address. It sets your random, untraceable address by replacing your actual IP address. You can choose your preferred IP location to become anonymous. In addition, your data is secured with a key, so it is encrypted and protects you from hackers.

In addition to hiding your IP address, location, and other data, you can bypass regional access blocks using VPNs. This way, you can browse and visit restricted websites blocked in your region from different places. Even your location and the internet provider do not matter. Lets have a look at some of the best free VPNs

Best Free VPNs For Windows You Can Use In 2022

After knowing what a VPN is, it is time to be enlightened with the best VPNs available for free for Windows:

NordVPN

The world’s most popular VPN service provider, among others, is NordVPN. Released in 2012, this free VPN has received a ton of updates, allowing it to remain one of the most competitive options on the market.

The best aspect of this VPN is that it is available for free for Windows and other operating systems, including Linux and macOS. It also supports Android and iOS smartphones. It also has extensions for Google Chrome and Firefox, among other browsers.

NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy, meaning it does not track, collect, or share your data. So, it offers you absolute data protection and privacy.

Furthermore, it has received ProPrivacy awards for the best VPN service, complete privacy, and high demand among users in 2019.

Key Features of NordVPN

• Privacy anywhere and on any device
• VPN servers in 59 countries around the world (very useful for circumventing regional blocks)
• Fast-paced connection without sacrificing browsing speed
• Possibility to create a unique personal IP and hide the original one so that it is the only one that is shown in your browsing data
• High encryption level
• Special security features with CyberSec for protection against malware, advertising, and botnet control
• Kill Switch function to eliminate connections and not leave you exposed for a second if you lose the connection to the VPN server
• Round-the-clock service availability

The most favorable aspect is that you can try NordVPN for free for 30 days. In case of dissatisfaction with its protection level, you can request a full refund.

Surfshark

Another great free VPN option is Surfshark for Windows, currently serving 2.4 million users worldwide. It is the best option for you to access content restricted in your region.

It is a relatively new free VPN on the market, launched in 2018. However, it has many valuable features, like it is available for various devices and its extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Surfshark lets users surf the Internet in a risk-free environment, protecting them from hackers, malware, identity theft, and more.

Key Features Of Surfshark

• Complete protection on public Wi-Fi networks
• Peer-to-peer transmission support
• No activity log
• High-level encryption
• Kill Switch function available
• Support unlimited devices

You can choose one of Surfshark’s plans, and you can also try the VPN free for 30 days. If you don’t like it, you can revoke your subscription within that period and ask for a refund.

Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN was launched in 2019, so it’s another relatively new service you can consider. It is a free VPN for Windows and also offers an incredibly affordable premium plan with high speed.

You can also upgrade to premium at any point and increase the number of available servers. This way, you can enjoy more features and boost performance.

This VPN service facilitates its users with more than 750 servers located in around 27 countries. They often optimize their servers to ensure your best streaming experience.

Key Features Of Atlas VPN         

• SafeSwap, a unique privacy feature, lets users block trackers efficiently by changing their IP addresses, guaranteeing more privacy
• Tracker Blocker is a feature that ensures additional protection against cybercriminals. The tool automatically identifies hazardous trackers, malware, and time-consuming ads
• Split Tuning is another VPN feature that allows users to determine which applications will be protected
• Private DNS is a secure browsing medium that enables extensive access to restricted content and prevents internet threats
• Data Breach Monitor is a security feature that tracks any data breaches associated with your online accounts. This feature is ideal for those who want to be vigilant. Whenever something bad happens
• Kill Switch is an advanced security measure preventing your data from leaking to the web. This feature of the VPN also prevents your device from making insecure connections by continuously monitoring your connection to the remote server. It lets users block Internet access if something happens to the VPN

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is also on our list of the best free VPN for Windows. Windows users have this VPN as one of the few free options available for an unlimited time. It was launched in 2014, and since then, it has been expanding fast throughout the market. And today, it has become one of the most competitive VPN services serving users worldwide.

In 2019, ProtonVPN also won the ProPrivacy Awards for the best free VPN, which says a lot about its service quality.

Key Features Of ProtonVPN

• It benefits from the strong legal protection laws of Switzerland (its base country) and cannot be coerced by any jurisdictions in the world
• Robust physical security since its servers are located in a former Swiss Army shelter, which is 1000 meters below the ground
• No-logging policy
• DNS leak protection
• More than 50 locations of VPN servers
• Kill Switch is a feature that prevents all network traffic if you lose the connection with the VPN server. So, you do not have to face any digital threat.

With the free plan, you will have free access to this VPN connection in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.

Hide.me

Launched in 2012, Hide.me offers premium and free VPN services. When it comes to the quality of its data protection services, we find that its one of the best free VPNs in the market.

This service guarantees an anonymous IP address to bypass various types of restrictions (including watching videos on YouTube and Twitter with regional rights restrictions). It also improves security when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, and you can even use it to play online games, no matter if they are locked in the region.

Their free VPN plan offers 10 GB of protected browsing and VPN servers in 5 locations. However, you can have only one connection at a time with this VPN.

Its premium plan is another story. This plan gives unlimited access to more than 72 locations. It allows 10 devices to be connected simultaneously and adds features like exceptional support for streaming and fixed IP.

Key Features Of Hide.me

• The free plan is free from ads and data logging
• IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) support (replacing the current version of Internet Protocol, IP Version 4)
• IP leak protection
• Uncensored DNS
• The free plan with 5 server locations, and the premium plan with 72
• Connection with high-speed

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield offers a free VPN plan with up to   of daily data usage, the Kill Switch feature and multiple cybersecurity protocols. So, how could one ignore this VPN service?

Unlike other popular options mentioned earlier, Hotspot Shield is available for routers and smart TVs. Also, it allows you to protect your browsing data, as it offers an intuitive and practical interface. With a single click, you can also hide your IP address and geolocation.

Key Features Of Hotspot Shield

• A free plan is available with one access at a time, 500 MB of daily data, and a U.S.-based server
• Paid plans are available with servers in more than 80 locations
• Protection against malware and phishing in both the free and premium plans
• Protection for identity theft
• Compatible with Windows (7, 8, 10, & 11), Mac, Android, and iOS
• Support P2P file-sharing
• Fast service for torrenting small files on your Windows PC
• Spam identification with Robo Shield

Today, Hotspot Shield has over 650 million users and is one of the few services offering a free VPN. However, its service is limited to just one connection location, the United States.

Cyber Ghost VPN

CyberGhost is the best option to move freely around the network without leaving a trace. Launched in 2011, this VPN now has more than 36 million users worldwide. This VPN service serves computers, mobile devices, and smart TVs.

Its functional and intuitive interface enables you to select one of its servers in more than 89 locations. In addition to hiding your IP with just a few clicks, you can easily unblock streaming services that aren’t restricted in your region. You can then access restricted content and download it from torrents anonymously.

Key Features Of CyberGhost

• Servers in more than 89 countries
• No need for registration to download torrents
• No-logging policy
• DNS and IP leak protection
• Kill Switch feature
• Round-the-clock service

You can also try their VPN for free, and if you don’t like it, you can cancel your subscription within the first 45 days. You don’t need to pay a penny, and you can also get your money back in case of dissatisfaction with its service.

TunnelBear

This VPN service is available for Windows and macOS computers. It also serves iOS and Android smartphones. TunnelBear cannot be left out of any best free VPNs list.

It was launched in 2011, and 2018 was the year it took a big leap because of its acquisition made by McAfee. It is the company responsible for one of the most widely used antivirus on the market.

TunnelBear has a free plan you can try without any risk. It is available with a limit of 500 MB of safe and private browsing. After reaching this limit, you need to choose one of the complete plans offered by the company.

Key Features Of TunnelBear

• Kill Switch guarantees protection even in case of connection loss with the VPN server
• High encryption level
• GhostBear (an obfuscation feature that works on restricted networks) to not be detected by region lock and ISPs
• VPN servers in 26 locations/countries

In addition, business organizations can protect their employees’ data, including the internal communication of work teams. This free VPN is definitely the right one to try, and then decide to buy its premium plan.

VyprVPN

Vypr VPN currently serves at least 2 million users worldwide. It also stands out in the top 10 best VPNs. Its servers are located in 70 countries, along with more than 300,000 IP addresses to assist you in hiding your location and digital footprint. You have to include it in your list of best free VPNs

Golden Frog developed this VPN, a company founded in response to NSA investigations, to protect Internet users and their data. The company’s base is in Switzerland, which is known for the best data protection laws in the world.

Key Features Of VyprVPN

• Maximum 5 simultaneous connections
• High transmission pace
• High-level encryption and protection with a NAT (Network Address Translation) Firewall that operates on a router and protects private networks
• Enables you to access restricted content while hiding your location
• VyprDNS™ for DNS protection
• Chameleon™ (a VPN protocol) is designed to help you fight Internet content censorship and circumvent VPN blocks

VyprVPN offers a free VPN for 30 days. Upon dissatisfaction with the features, you can request a refund.

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is an option you can consider as a truly private VPN available with a free trial option. And it is not just about the name but offers one of the most secure encryptions with 2048-bit.

The best thing is that it works on the most common operating system, Windows. It also works well if you want it to be used for iOS, Android and Linux. It is the best option for protecting home networks, starting with the router. Furthermore, it also offers free VPN services for torrenting.

PrivateVPN offers a free VPN trial. So, it may be one of the best free VPNs for data protection. And it would also be good if you consider its premium service option.

Key Features Of PrivateVPN

• Special VPN for popular platforms, including Netflix, Kodi, and BBC iPlayer
• Connect maximum of 10 devices simultaneously
• Operating with 200 servers in 63 locations worldwide
• Excellent customer service

IPVanish

IPVanish is another free VPN option (for 30 days) you can use to make your IP disappear. The most favorable aspect of this VPN is that it not only hides your ID but also has an easy–to-manage software/app.

You are safe with this VPN since it offers various security protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec. They all work with 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption. AES encryption is a symmetric block cipher algorithm with a block/chunk size of 128 bits, encrypting individual blocks and joining them together to form the ciphertext. Ciphertext refers to an encrypted text transformed from plaintext using an encryption algorithm.

Key Features Of IPVanish

• Round-the-clock technical support
• Hide IP via SOCKS5 proxy
• 75 different locations for 1,900 VPN servers
• Keep a no-logging policy
• Special VPN for FiseStick and Kodi

Windscribe

Windscribe can never be missing from the list of the best free VPNs for Windows in 2022. This service offers specialized VPNs in various OSs, devices, browsers, and streaming programs. So, it has become one of the all-inclusive options for you.

Windscribe can periodically schedule changes to the connection location. It also adds names for accounts and creates other browsing personas with predefined features. It also blocks unwanted pages via artificial intelligence.

Key Features Of Windscribe

• Server locations in more than 50 countries
• Parental control via artificial intelligence
• Static or dynamic IP
• Includes Firewall and AdBlocker

Private Internet Access VPN

To close our best VPN list for Windows in 2022 10 to help you find the right one, we couldn’t forget to mention Private Internet Access. It is one of the well-known VPNs rated positively by known brands like Forbes, Gizmodo, Business Insider, and Wired.

With over 34 thousand servers in 77 countries, Private Internet Access offers all the main features of a professional VPN service.

Key Features Of Private Internet Access

• Free  protection against attacks via email
• 10 simultaneous connections
• P2P connection support
• No-logging policy
• Wi-Fi encryption
• Protection against malware
• Ad blocking feature
• ●       No limit on bandwidth

Private Internet Access VPN offers a 2-year plan with two months of free VPN service. It also gives a 30-day money-back assurance if you’re unhappy with their service.

Wrap Up

We hope this list of the best VPNs for Windows in 2022 will help you find the right one. Remember that every country has its own rules and regulations about using VPNs. You can find some countries that allow using a VPN, while others do not allow it. However, if you want to use a VPN in a region that lets you use VPNs, you must first review the terms and conditions of the VPN service provider before using it.