VPNs are your secret shield on the internet. They hide your location, encrypt your data, and help you stay anonymous online. But most secure VPNs cost money. So what do you do when you want good protection for free?
We asked Reddit, and surprise—there are some solid free VPNs people actually trust in 2025 and 2026. In this article, we’ll walk through the top four that aren’t just free—they’re also zero-logging and secure.
TL;DR
If you’re in a rush, here’s the quick scoop. Reddit loves privacy, and the top free VPNs they recommend in 2025-2026 are Proton VPN, Windscribe, PrivadoVPN, and Riseup VPN. These services are completely free, don’t log your data, and use strong encryption. You won’t need a credit card and—you guessed it—no annoying ads.
1. Proton VPN Free
Why Reddit loves it: It’s made by the same team that created ProtonMail. Super privacy nerds. And the best part? No data limits, ever.
What’s awesome:
- Zero-logging: Proton VPN doesn’t track your activity. Not now, not ever.
- Unlimited bandwidth: Most free VPNs cap your data. Not Proton VPN.
- Open-source: Their apps are transparent and security-audited.
- Swiss-based: Meaning stronger privacy laws protect your data.
What’s not so awesome:
- Only a few servers in the free version (US, Netherlands, Japan).
- No torrenting on the free plan.
2. Windscribe Free
Why Reddit loves it: Windscribe gives you 10GB per month for free and includes cool extras like ad-blocking and a firewall.
What’s awesome:
- 10GB free monthly data: That’s enough for most casual users.
- R.O.B.E.R.T. tool: Combines ad/tracker blocking in your VPN experience.
- Strict no-logs policy: Windscribe doesn’t keep online activity records.
- Lots of free server locations: Like the US, Canada, UK, and more.
What’s not so awesome:
- VPN speed can slow down during peak times.
- Website is slightly technical for beginners, but Redditors love that geeky vibe.
3. PrivadoVPN Free
Why Reddit loves it: It’s based in Switzerland (like Proton VPN), offers solid speeds, and allows torrenting even on the free plan.
What’s awesome:
- 10GB data per month: Same as Windscribe but offers faster speeds for many users.
- Allows torrenting: Rare for a free VPN option.
- No logs: They’ve stated and proven they’re committed to privacy.
- User-friendly app: Clean design, works well on mobile and desktop.
What’s not so awesome:
- After 10GB, speeds are limited to 1 Mbps.
- Fewer server options (currently 9 locations in free tier).
4. Riseup VPN
Why Reddit loves it: It’s made for activists and journalists who need privacy. No signup, no email—just download and go.
What’s awesome:
- Completely anonymous: No registration required at all.
- 100% free: And always will be. Funded by donations.
- Open-source: You can inspect the code if you’re techy like that.
- No logging ever: Seriously. They don’t even want to know your IP.
What’s not so awesome:
- Only one server location (Seattle, WA)
- No advanced features like split tunneling or kill switch.
- Support comes from volunteer devs—not a paid team.
But wait… What’s “No-Logging” Anyway?
When a VPN says “no logs,” it means they don’t collect:
- Your IP address
- Websites you visit
- Files you download
- Time you spend online
This is super important. Why? Because if things go sideways and a government asks for your data, your VPN can simply say: “We don’t have anything to show you.”
That’s the power of a true no-log VPN.
Can Free VPNs Be Trusted?
Good question. Many free VPNs get shady. They make money by:
- Selling your data to ad companies
- Injecting ads into the websites you visit
- Spying on you (seriously, it happens)
Here’s the trick: Only use VPNs that are:
- Backed by open-source code
- Transparent about logging policies
- Recommended by security communities like Reddit
The four options in this list meet all those checkpoints.
Reddit Users Know Their Stuff
If you browse Reddit threads like r/privacy or r/VPN, you’ll see a lot of discussion around these services. What make them stick out are:
- Strong opinions backed by experience
- Open-source love (Redditors trust code over ads)
- Real reviews from privacy geeks—not influencers
Reddit doesn’t like fluff. If a VPN collects data, Reddit finds out. Fast.
Which Free VPN Is Best for You?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| VPN | Data Limit | Server Locations | Allows Torrenting | No-Logs Policy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Unlimited | 3 Countries | No | Yes |
| Windscribe | 10GB/month | 10+ Countries | Yes | Yes |
| PrivadoVPN | 10GB/month | 9 Countries | Yes | Yes |
| Riseup VPN | Unlimited | 1 Location | Yes | Yes |
Final Tips for Using Free VPNs
Before we go, here are some last-minute pointers:
- Update your VPN app regularly—security patches matter.
- Don’t trust any “free” VPN that forces you to sign up with Facebook or Google.
- Try a few VPNs before sticking to one.
- Need more bandwidth? Combine multiple services depending on your tasks.
Wrap-Up
You don’t need to spend big to stay private online. The VPN