The pros and cons of using a free VPN

The best VPNs have become the go-to tool for secure browsing. Businesses and individuals alike have started relying on this technology to ensure data security and dodge geo-restrictions. However, when it comes to VPNs, there’s always a common question – should you pay for it, or can a free VPN do the job? 

Well, in short, free services may offer a decent level of protection, but most providers simply can’t match up in terms of features – and it’s important to be aware of any shortcomings in terms of privacy. This post breaks down the entire picture and helps you find out the advantages and disadvantages of using a free VPN. 

The pros of using a free VPN

• Cost savings: Couldn’t have guessed this one, right? While paid VPNs can cost you anything from a few dollars to double figures a month, a free VPN offers online privacy with no outlay.
• No credit card/personal information required: Usually, you don’t need to share your personal information or credit card info to sign-up for free VPNs. There’s no commitment, and most importantly, there’s no risk of leaking sensitive personal info. 
• Accessing geo-restricted content: Free VPNs can help you gain access to geo-restricted content such as websites and, very rarely, streaming services too. For example, our #1 free service PrivadoVPN Free can unblock some Netflix regions and streaming sites.
• Anonymity: You can expect a decent degree of anonymity with free VPNs. They can effectively mask your IP address and encrypt your data connection. Consequentially, you can hide your online activities from unscrupulous entities. 

The cons of using a free VPN

• Potentially lower-quality security and encryption protocols: Some free VPNs may not offer the same security and encryption protocols as their paid counterparts. This could leave your data vulnerable to hacking or interception. For example, some free VPNs might use less secure encryption protocols, like PPTP, which is more prone to security vulnerabilities.
• Risk of data theft or selling user data to third parties: Some free VPNs may collect and sell your data to third parties, compromising your privacy. A report found that 38% of free Android VPN apps contain malware. This can lead to targeted advertising, and more sinisterly, you could become a victim of identity theft if your personal information falls into the wrong hands.
• Slow internet speeds and limited bandwidth: Free providers often have limited server options and resources. Thus, they may offer slower internet speeds and limited bandwidth. This can be particularly frustrating when streaming or downloading large files. 
• No streaming support: While a select few free services can unblock certain streaming services, many can’t. This means you might be unable to access your favorite content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer. 
• Limited amount of data per day/month: Free VPNs often impose data caps, limiting the amount of data you can use daily or monthly. This can be a significant drawback if you plan to use your VPN frequently or for data-intensive tasks like streaming high-quality video content or downloading large files. Plus, it makes it all but impossible to have 24-hour protection, meaning you’ll have to choose when to stay private.
• Lack of customer support and technical assistance: Free options typically offer little to no customer support or technical assistance. Therefore, you may find it hard to resolve issues or configure things. In fact, you probably won’t have any other alternative than relying on community support or online forums. Both of these can render a time-consuming, frustrating experience. 

Choosing a free VPN provider