Privacy when browsing is becoming more difficult and that is why there are solutions that add an element of privacy. One of the ways to add privacy when we browse is to modify our location through a VPN. This can also be used to view geo-restricted content, for example. Here we will explain a little how a VPN works and we have compiled the best free VPNs.
Table of Contents
What is a VPN
A Virtual Private Network is a service that allows to hide the IP address of our system. This allows us to privately browse the network or access geographically blocked content. Another function is to add encryption to the traffic at all times, to protect our data.
This service is based on a client that is installed on our device that connects to a company server. This creates a totally private virtual tunnel, without the need for both systems to be physically interconnected. Is a Virtually encrypted and private communication between us and the server. All data now travels through this virtual tunnel that generates data protection and encryption, as well as granting anonymity.
How a VPN works
The truth is that it is something quite simple:
- The software installed on our computer encrypts the data and sends it to the VPN server through a secure tunnel
- The encrypted data will be opened on the VPN server through a public and private key system
- Now the VPN server sends the data to the internet or collects the information we want and filters it to us
- The server encrypts the information and sends it to us through the secure tunnel that has been created
- Our local software receives the data and opens it so that we can see and understand it
Although this process may seem long and cumbersome, we will not even notice it. This service is normally used for access websites and multimedia content, where the incidence of this process is hardly seen. Note that if we are going to play, it is better to deactivate this system, since it usually generates a lot of latency.
Disadvantages of free VPNs
To offer these services, companies require physical machines that allow the entire process explained. This implies not only the need for physical hardware, there is also a cost of energy and other associated costs. For this reason, we must take into account the following aspects:
- Limitations of service: These are usually test systems that have limitations in terms of weekly or monthly data volume. They may also have bandwidth limitations
- Notifications: Windows will appear constantly that will tell us to pay to enjoy it without restrictions
- Advertisements: If you don't pay, they may add ads that can be annoying
- Security and privacy: There are 'free' VPN networks that can steal your data, so you have to be cautious. These systems called 'Man in the Middle' or 'Man in the Middle' can steal our passwords from banks, social networks and others
- Bandwidth: Many free services limit the speed a lot and to have the bandwidth unlocked you need the paid version
- malware: There may be rogue VPNs of dubious origin that inject malware or the like
- Restrictions of use: Usually free VPNs prevent torrenting or streaming access, as they consume a lot of bandwidth and resources.
Best Free VPN Services
Hotspot Shield
One of the best options if you want a free VPN network that is simple to use, although with certain restrictions. It offers us up to 500MB of data every 24 hours and up to a maximum of 15GB per month at no cost. The connections are stable and quite fast. This period is normally considered a trial period and then users usually pay the monthly cost to remove the restriction.
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Betternet
Although it is a paid service, the free version has no data and speed limits. This VPN system doesn't store the slightest logs either. For us, it is one of the best free VPNs that we can find today. Some of the more advanced features, like choosing the server, are only available for the paid version.
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Opera VPN
It is not a regular VPN service, but rather an integrated system in your browser. It allows the concealment of identity when we browse and also integrates an advertising blocker. In addition, we do not need to install anything, it is a simple function that can be enabled from the browser settings. For us one of the best free VPN and easiest to use.
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ProtonVPN
It has no limit in terms of data volume, so we can navigate as much as we want. The problem is in the bandwidth, which is quite restricted in this free version. The free version only allows servers in the United States, the Netherlands or Japan, in addition to receiving constant notifications for you to pay. A positive thing is that it has a policy of not saving logs, so it does not store information every time we activate the service.
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WindScribe
It is not properly a free service, it is also a trial version with limitations. Here we are offered 10GB of data per month, which we can expand with an extra 5GB if we tweet that we use this service. It integrates a system to block advertising and also malware, so we will navigate safely. It is compatible with smartphones and tablets and allows you to watch Netflix or download torrents, yes, in the paid version.
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NordVPN
It is one of the most prominent VPN service providers and has a free trial version. The company offers a 30-day trial at no cost to the user. The good thing about this service is that it has high quality encryption protocols, it supports up to six simultaneous connections through more than 62 countries.
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Hide.me
Possibly the most restricted free service of all. It allows us to surf the internet without problems, but it has a limitation of 2GB per month. If we want to navigate without restrictions we will have to pay the monthly fee. Possibly one of the best VPN services around for privacy and security.
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CyberGhost
Possibly one of the most interesting in terms of all the free options. It offers us the possibility of browsing without data restrictions, yes, there are speed restrictions. It has servers in more than 60 countries, 256-bit encryption, ad and malware blocker and above all, no log records.
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tunnel Bear
It is not a totally free service either, but a trial version. This VPN service offers us AES 256-bit encryption, which guarantees us great security and does not keep the slightest record. The free version is limited to 500MB of data per month, which is pretty little. If we want to unblock the service, we will have to pay.
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FreeOpenVPN
Perhaps a not recommended option for first timers and those who do not have much knowledge of security. Here we will find access to free VPN servers that must be configured manually. It is not a complicated process, but it already requires some knowledge. Also, you have a problem, we do not know the origin of these servers and they could represent a security breach.
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Recently, I do not trust the vpn service. It has long been known that their owners can easily access user data that is stored on their servers. And I don't want to pay for it, either. therefore, my choice fell on decentralized ecosystems. For example, utopia p2p https://u.is/en/ is a vivid example. These applications do not require the use of personal data during registration, as personal information is stored only on users' computers.