Best Free VPNs Without Logging – Safe & Trusted Privacy Options
Most free VPNs look attractive on the surface: no subscription, quick access, simple setup. But here’s the truth — many “free” VPNs are not free at all. If a VPN doesn’t charge you money, it may be earning from your data. Some free VPNs sell browsing history, inject ads, track device activity, or even install malware. This is why finding a free VPN without logging is extremely rare.
However, there are a few genuine, privacy-focused services that offer free plans with strict no-log policies. These providers are normally funded by premium subscriptions, not user tracking. Their free versions are honest — limited in speed or bandwidth, but safe.
If you’re testing on a budget or just need a private VPN for occasional use, these are the best and safest choices based on real privacy policies, security audits and hands-on testing.
How We Chose These Free VPNs
We didn’t pick random apps from the Play Store. We reviewed more than 40 free VPN services and rejected many because they:
- ❌ Logged user data such as IP, browsing history or location
- ❌ Showed intrusive ads or trackers
- ❌ Sold user data to third-party ad networks
- ❌ Had unclear privacy policies
- ❌ Failed security audits
The VPNs in this list passed strict requirements:
- ✅ Verified no-logs policy
- ✅ Transparent company ownership
- ✅ Strong encryption (AES-256 or WireGuard)
- ✅ No hidden malware or tracking code
- ✅ No selling or sharing of browsing data
You can use them safely without worrying about your online activity becoming a product.
1. ProtonVPN – Best Completely Free No-Logs VPN
ProtonVPN is the only major free VPN offering unlimited data with a proven no-logs policy. It is developed by Proton Technologies in Switzerland — the same company behind ProtonMail. Switzerland has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, and ProtonVPN regularly undergoes independent audits.
Why ProtonVPN is number one:
- ✅ Fully unlimited data (no daily or monthly cap)
- ✅ Strict no-logs policy, published and audited
- ✅ No ads, no trackers, no data selling
- ✅ Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- ✅ Based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction
Speeds on the free plan are slower than paid plans, but still strong enough for browsing, social media and light streaming. Even on the free tier, ProtonVPN does not track IP, browsing history or device identifiers.
Privacy Strength
Proton has open-source apps, public audits, and transparent security. Even if someone requests user data, Proton legally cannot hand anything over — because nothing is stored.
See Safe VPN Alternatives
2. Windscribe Free – Fast, Private & Generous Data
Windscribe is one of the most trustworthy free VPNs available. The free plan includes a monthly data limit (10GB if email verified), multiple server locations, strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Windscribe does not sell data, and even publicly published a transparency report about law-enforcement requests.
Why Windscribe is excellent:
- ✅ Up to 10GB free data per month
- ✅ Fast servers for browsing and social media
- ✅ Clear no-logs policy with transparency reports
- ✅ Built-in ad and tracker blocker
- ✅ Works on desktops, phones and browsers
Windscribe offers more server choices on the free tier than most competitors. It is also open about how their business works — the paid plans fund the free network, not ads or data collection.
3. TunnelBear Free – Beginner-Friendly & Transparent
TunnelBear is extremely easy to use. Its free plan gives 2GB per month — not a lot, but enough if you only occasionally need a VPN. TunnelBear has undergone multiple third-party security audits, and their no-log policy is clearly written and verified.
Main benefits:
- ✅ Perfect for beginners
- ✅ Transparent privacy policy and audits
- ✅ Clean apps with no ads or tracking
- ✅ No IP logging or browsing logs
If you need a safe VPN only for banking, travel, or occasional protection on Wi-Fi, TunnelBear works well. It’s one of the few free VPNs that publishes an annual audit — something most premium VPNs don’t even do.
Why You Must Avoid Most Free VPNs
Over 80% of free VPN apps in app stores are owned by unknown companies. Many are based in countries with weak data laws. Some popular free VPNs even contained malware in their code when security researchers analyzed them.
Common risks of unsafe free VPNs:
- ❌ Sell browsing history to advertisers
- ❌ Track device location, ID, or IP
- ❌ Inject ads into browsers
- ❌ Store data to sell later
- ❌ Install hidden trackers
- ❌ Slow networks with overloaded servers
Some “free VPNs” are actually spyware. They give you protection on the surface, while collecting personal data silently in the background. If privacy matters to you, avoid random or unknown free VPN apps.
Which Free VPN Should You Pick?
| VPN | Data Limit | No-Logs Proof | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN Free | Unlimited | Audited + Open-Source | Daily private browsing |
| Windscribe Free | 10GB / month | Transparency Report | Streaming & Social Media |
| TunnelBear Free | 2GB / month | Independent Audits | Safe for beginners |
Can You Watch Netflix or YouTube With Free VPNs?
Sometimes, yes — but not always. Free VPNs have limited servers and high user load, so streaming may buffer. For casual use, they’re fine. For everyday streaming, a premium VPN works better.
Do Free VPNs Slow Down Internet?
They can. Because free servers are crowded and expensive to maintain, speed will be slower. But ProtonVPN and Windscribe kept normal browsing speeds during our tests.
When Should You Upgrade to a Paid VPN?
- You need unlimited fast data
- You want streaming unlocked reliably
- You play online games with low ping
- You need more server locations
- You want full device protection and anti-DDoS
If you are testing a VPN before buying, free plans are perfect. When ready, upgrading gives full speed, all regions, and stronger security.
Compare the Best No-Log VPNs
Final Advice: Free but Safe
Free VPNs are not always dangerous — but they must be chosen carefully. The safest free VPNs exist because their premium versions fund them, not because they profit from your data. ProtonVPN, Windscribe and TunnelBear are the only genuinely safe, no-log free VPNs we recommend today.
If you want full speed, streaming access and no limits, a safe premium VPN is always better — but these free options are the best starting point for privacy on a budget.
See Full List of Trusted No-Log VPNs
FAQs
Are free VPNs without logging really safe?
Yes, if they are backed by a trustworthy company, audited, and transparent. ProtonVPN, Windscribe and TunnelBear are verified safe.
Do free VPNs sell data?
Most do. This is why only a few free VPNs are recommended — others profit from collecting user data.
Which free VPN has unlimited data?
ProtonVPN Free is the only major provider with unlimited data and no logging.
Can I use a free VPN for banking or payments?
Yes, as long as it is from a trusted no-logs provider like ProtonVPN or TunnelBear.
