Most free VPNs are unsafe, have slow connection speeds, or simply dont work.

I consistently had blazing-fast connection speeds while connected to ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN has pretty fast speeds with its free plan, but it cant match these results.

Proton VPN

The VPNs Windows app is so easy to use.

I particularly like that ExpressVPN focuses so much on security and privacy.

However, games were laggier and downloads were slower than with ExpressVPN.

hide.me

For streaming, I recommend ExpressVPN instead.

Proton VPN has very strong privacy and security features.

It also has router support, so it’s possible for you to bypass the 1 machine connection.

Hotspot Shield

That said, the paid plans come with tons of extra features, including streaming and torrenting support.

Still, it doesnt work with Disney+, Hulu, Max, and many others.

It doesnt allow torrenting or router setup either (unlike ExpressVPN and Proton VPN).

Windscribe

hide.mes free plan has 8 server locations and unlimited data without any ads.

The premium plans unlock access to 58 countries, full streaming support, and 10 connections.

It also allows unlimited data, so youll never run out of protected browsing time.

ExpressVPN

It also doesnt have P2P support on its free servers.

That said, I really enjoyed using Hotspot Shields mobile and desktop apps.

It also comes with split-tunneling.

ExpressVPN

Hotspot Shields premium plans provide you with unrestricted speeds and access to servers in 85 countries.

Hotspot Shield is a decent free VPN for browsing the internet securely with plenty of automatic security features.

It provides unlimited data and fast speeds, too.

ExpressVPN

Upgrading to a paid plan gets you streaming support and access to more servers.

This lets you get faster speeds by connecting a server closer to your location.

This is great, as most free VPN plans limit your access to features like ad blockers.

🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Windows VPN in 2025

The free plan also supports streaming and torrenting, which is rare.

Thats why I preferProton VPNs unlimited data.

Windscribes paid plans provide access to all servers in 69 countries.

Proton VPN

Bottom Line:Windscribe has a feature-rich free plan for Windows users.

Plus, it has a malicious site and content blocker thats available in the free plan for extra security.

This is decent if you better protect your online activities on Windows when occasionally visiting certain websites.

Proton VPN

But if you need more secure time online,Proton VPNoffers unlimited data.

The free version only allows connection to 1 server location, which the VPN automatically selects for optimal speed.

If you prefer picking a specific server location, check outhide.me.

🥈2. Proton VPN — Great Free Windows VPN With Unlimited Data

The free plan offers 500 MB of data monthly (1 GB with registration) and automatic server selection.

It supports Netflix, Crunchyroll, and torrenting, but it lacks a kill switch.

However, these free VPNs generally offer limited features compared to their premium counterparts.

hide.me

Other features like split-tunneling and ad-blocking are also common perks.

The best VPN for Windows isExpressVPN but its not 100% free.

The best 100% free VPN for Windows isProton VPN.

hide.me

Is there a Windows VPN that is completely free?

There are many VPNs for Windows that are completely free, likethe ones on this list.

How do I set up a free VPN on Windows 10?

🥉3. hide.me — Great Free Windows VPN With Plenty of Server Locations

you’re able to manually configure a VPN in your Windows options, but I dont recommend it.

Does Microsoft offer a VPN?

They also can be installed quickly and easily, and using them is really simple.

Hotspot Shield

Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:

Hotspot Shield

4. Hotspot Shield — Good Free VPN for Browsing the Web

Windscribe

Windscribe

5. Windscribe — Large Free Server Network & Flexible Ad Blocker

Avira Phantom VPN

Avira Phantom VPN

Bonus. Avira Phantom VPN — Minimalistic Free VPN for Securely Going Online

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

ExpressVPN