Our online presence is continuing to expand in both scope and scale, while becoming central to the successful management of our home life, business activities, and social reach. As these aspects of our daily digital lives become intertwined, safety should be a primary concern for all of us moving forward.

One of the safest methods of managing all of our online traffic is using a virtual private network (VPN). Many VPN services out there are available to you, both free and premium. In this guide, we will walk you through how to choose, download, and install a trusted free VPN so you can browse more safely and confidently.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is one of the safest and most reliable methods of privately connecting to an internet server. When running a VPN on any device—tablet, mobile phone, game system—all network traffic to and from your server connection is comprehensively encrypted 24/7 as it travels from your server access to you as an end-user. 

Encrypting your network traffic in this way entirely stops not only cybercriminals from gaining access to passwords, sensitive financial information, and other private or personal data but also government organizations and regulatory bodies from observing your every move.

The immediate benefits of any VPN are twofold:

  • Reliable online Privacy. Your VPN replaces the IP address of your device/s with a functionally untraceable one, effectively concealing your location from hackers or regulatory authority, and making your data unreadable in unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. A trustworthy VPN will also operate under a strict no-logs policy, and won’t track or store your online activity. 
  • Reliable 24/7 online security. Your VPN securely encrypts 100% of your data as it’s distributed through your Internet or server connection. This encryption ensures that all third parties—including hackers and regulatory authorities—are denied access and power to your most sensitive, personal data.

→ Dig Deeper: Top 10 Benefits of a VPN in Everyday Use

The pros and cons of free VPN

Free VPN services are certainly offered in the market today. Beyond the rather obvious economic advantage of a free VPN, there are several solid reasons to explore. Before you jump right in and download a free VPN service, you will have to align your needs with your expectations when exploring these free options. Here are some advantages to using free VPN:

  • A range of reliable services: A quick search will pop up a top-ten list for your research purposes, and you can take it from there.
  • Straightforward choice for initial adopters: If it’s your first time running a VPN on your system, a reliable, free service may offer you all the basic needs.
  • Best option in location: A great deal of online security depends on your location. A free VPN service in a highly regulated location may be your best choice.
  • Some level of solid online security: When it comes to online security, any VPN is almost certainly superior to no VPN at all.

Many of us who believe that you get what you pay for may be uncomfortable with the idea of a free online security system. Indeed, many reliable and affordable VPN services have emerged online since the need for a high level of rock-solid security is on the rise. You can take advantage of these free and affordable offers, but here are also some serious downsides to be considered when getting a free VPN:

  • Many free VPN services come with hidden costs.
  • Services are offered for a limited time. The free service is a marketing tactic for a long-term option.
  • Your browser may be continuously bombarded with ads.
  • Your data may be sold to third parties—the very scenario you wanted to avoid.
  • Your device could be used as an exit node for other VPN users. Your system may be used to create a gateway for other encrypted traffic flow.

Keep in mind that the downsides could become either a significant or simply annoying hindrance to your Internet speed and browsing experience, disrupting your overall system activity or possibly creating openings for traffic flow. You can avoid all of these downsides by choosing a reasonably priced subscription VPN service.

Are free VPNs a bad choice? – Ideal scenarios for free VPNs

The effectiveness of a free VPN will depend on your online activities. A free VPN is a bad choice if you constantly use it for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, as it will offer only slow connections and limited access to servers. Free VPNs are only advisable for casual or occasional browsing and streaming.

Debunking misconceptions about free VPN services

It’s wise to be cautious, but many fears about free VPNs can be debunked. 

Myth: All free VPNs sell your data. 

While some disreputable providers might, a trusted company like McAfee adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning we never track or sell your web activity. To stay safe, always choose a provider with a transparent privacy policy.

Myth: VPNs are illegal. 

Some countries ban the use of VPNs. In the United States and most countries, however, using a VPN for privacy is perfectly legal. Using a free VPN, however, doesn’t mean you are allowed to conduct illegal activities while taking advantage of the privacy and anonymity.

Myth: A VPN will slow down your device. 

While any VPN can slightly reduce connection speed, the effect from a quality provider is often unnoticeable for regular browsing. Significant slowdowns are typically a sign of an overcrowded network, which is common with less-established free services. To benefit from faster—albeit free—VPN services, avoid services cluttered with third-party ads and only download software from the company’s official website.

Avoid the hidden costs of free VPNs

  • Data harvesting: Some free services log your browsing history and sell it to data brokers. How to avoid: Always read the privacy policy and confirm the provider has a strict, clearly stated no-logs policy.
  • Bandwidth throttling: Many providers will intentionally slow your connection speed after a certain amount of use to push you toward a paid plan. How to avoid: Look for clear information on data caps and speed limitations before you download.
  • Intrusive ads: To make money, some apps will inject pop-ups and banner ads into your browser, which can compromise your privacy. How to avoid: Choose a reputable service from a known cybersecurity brand that doesn’t rely on third-party ads.
  • Potential malware: Be cautious with unknown providers, as their apps can sometimes come bundled with malware or spyware. How to avoid: Only download a free vpn from the company’s official website or verified app stores.

Tips for choosing a reliable free VPN

With proper research, you will find a free VPN that can not only avoid the downsides mentioned above but also deliver a reliable level of online security you can count on. Use these tips as a guideline to select a free VPN service.

  • Prioritize strong encryption: Make sure the service uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for securing data.
  • Insist on a no-logs policy: Choose a VPN that explicitly states it does not log, store, or sell your browsing data.
  • Stick with reputable brands: Trust established cybersecurity leaders over unknown providers.
  • Understand the limits: Know the data caps and speed restrictions to ensure they align with your needs.
  • Download from official sources only: Get your app directly from the provider’s website or official app stores.
  • Check for independent audits: The most trustworthy providers have their privacy claims verified by third-party auditors.

Free VPN service features

More specifically, the primary features you should be looking for with any free VPN service should include:

  • Reasonable data and speed limits
  • Secure core servers
  • Secure streaming
  • P2P support
  • Connection profiles for server switching

There are additional features that can be helpful with any VPN service, of course, but for those online players searching for bargains, we trust that it’s best to begin here. Manage your expectations before getting a free VPN.

Unlimited vs. metered: Free VPN data limits

When choosing a free VPN service, you’ll encounter two main types of data plans: metered and unlimited. A metered plan provides a specific amount of data like 500 MB, which resets monthly. This is ideal for securing essential activities like online banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi. 

Conversely, some services advertise unlimited data but may implement limits by severely slowing your connection speed after you reach a certain usage level. To make the most of a metered plan, use the VPN strategically for sensitive tasks and turn it off for high-bandwidth activities like streaming video at home on a trusted network.

Security experts weigh in on free VPN services

Security experts universally agree that when choosing a free VPN service, reputation is paramount. Tech publications often advise users to be wary of lesser-known providers, as their business models can be unclear, and their privacy practices may be weak. The consensus is to select a service from an established cybersecurity company. Independent audits are frequently cited as a key indicator of trustworthiness; when a provider subjects its no-logs policy to third-party verification, it demonstrates a genuine commitment to user privacy. 

The best option depends on your needs

Since a free VPN only offers limited features, in the end the best option depends on the type of device you have and how you use the Internet. To identify the best free VPN options, check the effectiveness and duration of the limited features they offer and see if they can satisfy your needs.

Free VPN download & installation guide

Now that you know what to look for when choosing a free VPN service, it’s time to decide which free service is best for your needs and set it up on your device. This step-by-step guide walks you through how to download and install most free VPN services:

  1. Find the official source: Always navigate to the official provider’s website, such as McAfee.com, to download the software. This prevents you from accidentally installing counterfeit or malicious versions from third-party sites.
  2. Download the installer: Choose the correct installer for your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS) and start the download. Your browser or OS may ask you to confirm the download from a trusted source.
  3. Run the installation wizard: Once downloaded, open the installer file. Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically involve accepting the license agreement and confirming the installation location.
  4. Set up and connect: Launch the application after installation. You may need to sign in with your account credentials. From the main dashboard, you can typically connect with a single click to the fastest available server.
  5. Keep it updated: For maximum security, enable automatic updates within the app’s settings. This ensures you always have the latest security patches and features protecting your device.

Connecting to a McAfee free VPN server on Windows

If you have selected the McAfee free VPN and are specifically setting it up on a Windows device, connecting our server is quick and easy.

  1. Install McAfee software: Download and install our software such as McAfee+. These packages include the secure VPN.
  2. Open the VPN: Launch the McAfee dashboard and click on the Secure VPN tile to open the VPN interface.
  3. Activate the connection: Simply click the Turn on button. The VPN will automatically connect you to the fastest server based on your location.
  4. Change server location (optional): To appear as if you’re in a different country, click the server location list (it may say Fastest server) and select a new country from the available options.
  5. Confirm you are secure: The app will show a Secured or Connected status. For extra confirmation, you can search what is my IP address in your web browser to see your new virtual location.

Get started: 30-day free VPN trial with McAfee

When you sign up as a new customer for a trial of one of our McAfee+ advanced plans, you will also experience the full, unrestricted benefits of a premium VPN, including unlimited data and access to all global server locations. Unlike many trials that are just slightly better than a free version, our 30-day trial allows you to test-drive every feature, from unblocking streaming libraries to protecting every device in your home simultaneously. 

To get started, simply visit the official McAfee website, choose the McAfee+ plan that’s right for you, and sign up. You can cancel anytime before the trial ends without being charged. 

Why choose a paid VPN over a free option?

While a free VPN is excellent for basic protection, a paid subscription offers a notably more robust and versatile experience. 

Many free VPNs often provide older or a limited number of servers, leading to slower speeds and less secure encryption protocols. Paid VPN services address these concerns by building their secure VPN on a premium, global network, ensuring you receive bank-grade encryption and reliable performance, even with a free trial. Significant investments in infrastructure allow top VPN providers to offer you faster speeds and more reliable connections that are essential for streaming, gaming, or downloading large files. Their vast network of servers in dozens of countries also gives you more options for accessing geo-restricted content.

Furthermore, premium services usually come with advanced security features like a kill switch, which blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your data is never exposed. Finally, with a paid plan, you gain access to dedicated, 24/7 customer support. 

Cross-platform compatibility

Whether you’re using a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, a free VPN from a top provider with cross-platform compatibility ensures your privacy and security stay consistent across the entire digital ecosystem. Consider these factors:

  • Comprehensive OS support: True online security follows you everywhere. A top-tier VPN provider offers applications for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
  • Protect every device: A free VPN might limit you to one device at a time, but a premium plan allows for simultaneous connections so your entire family can stay safe online, ensuring your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices are protected.
  • Centralized management: Using one provider for all your devices simplifies your digital security. You can manage your protection and settings from a single, unified account, providing consistent and reliable security no matter where you connect.

Final Thoughts

Many free VPN services are available on the market, mostly from lesser-known sources offering basic functionality and limited features. Even the best free VPNs are only applicable for occasional use. 

A 30-day free trial of any McAfee+ package comes with a premium VPN, enabling you to experience the full, unrestricted benefits, including unlimited data and access to all global server locations. This will give you a chance to test-drive every feature, from unblocking streaming libraries to protecting every device in your home simultaneously. The free Secure VPN trial version offers 500MB of data, giving you a reliable tool from a global security leader. 

While the free version provides essential, on-the-go protection, analysts note its greatest value is as a feature within McAfee’s comprehensive security suites, which offer unlimited, audited, and fully featured VPN protection. If you value high performance, unlimited access, and top-tier security features, it’s best to upgrade to a paid VPN subscription with all-inclusive features.