Are Free VPNs Safe to Use

The CSIRO study found that only 28 percent of free VPN providers didn’t use embedded third-party trackers for analytics, tracking, or advertising purposes.

Are free VPNs safe? 7 things to know before using free VPNs

A man researching free VPNs and their safety.

You might be tempted to sign up for a free VPN service. But are free VPNs safe to use? Learn more.

A virtual private network — better known as a VPN — is a key way to help protect your privacy when online, especially when you’re logging on from a public space such as a hotel lobby, coffee shop, library, or airport.

When you sign up with a VPN provider, you first log onto that service before you connect to the internet. When you do this, government agencies, businesses, hackers or others don’t see your IP address when you’re searching the web.

VPN providers also encrypt your data, scrambling it so that snoops can’t see what sites you visit, files you download, games you play, or videos you stream.

Online privacy, though, isn’t absolute, even with a VPN. That’s because your VPN provider will know your IP address and what sites you visit. The key, then, is to work with a VPN that you trust. You want a VPN that doesn’t track your data when you’re online. If your provider doesn’t log your keystrokes, it also won’t provide your information to other agencies or businesses.

Most VPN providers charge for their services. Others, though, don’t. You might be tempted to sign up for one of these free services. After all, who doesn’t like to save money?

But are free VPNs safe to use? Maybe not.

Not all VPNs are created equal

You sign up with a VPN to protect your online privacy. But a 2016 study of 283 Android VPN apps by The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia found that many VPNs don’t offer the kind of security users need.

According to the report’s findings, 67% of the VPN apps studied in this analysis embedded at least one tracking library in their code to track users’ online activity. That’s worrisome. If a VPN is tracking your activity, it may intend to sell that data to third parties, for purposes of marketing or ad-targeting.

The study also found that, for several reasons, 84 percent of the analyzed apps didn’t properly encrypt the online data of users. This means that it could be easier for snoops to track what users are doing when browsing the Internet.

Free VPNs are more likely to track your data. The CSIRO study said 65 percent of paid VPN providers didn’t track users’ online activity, but only 28 percent of free services did the same.

Why? Free services need to make money somewhere. If they’re not charging you to use their service, how else do they earn a profit to support the product they provide?

At the same time, paid VPNs are more likely to provide stronger encrypting services. That’s because they’re profiting from subscriptions. They’re more likely then, arguably, to spend the money necessary for stronger encryption methods.

7 things you should know about using a free VPN

If you’re considering a free VPN, it’s smart to be aware of issues that could be related to free offerings, including these.

1. The VPN provider could be infected with malware

According to the 2016 CSIRO study, of the 10 VPNs most likely to be infected with malware, six were free ones.

Most of the malware was related to advertising. That isn’t surprising considering that free VPNs often rely on advertising to make money. VPNs that charge are less likely to need to rely on ads for their profits.

2. VPNs can use embedded tracking for various purposes

The CSIRO study found that only 28 percent of free VPN providers didn’t use embedded third-party trackers for analytics, tracking, or advertising purposes.

According to the study, 10 percent of free services had one tracker, another 10 percent had two, and 25 percent relied on three. The study found that 8 percent had four trackers, while 18 percent of free VPNs had third-party trackers.

3. VPNs can often fail at unblocking content

Many consumers turn to VPNs as way to access online content that they may be unable to access in certain regions of the world. A prime example? Netflix content.

If you live in the United States, for instance, you might not be able to access the same Netflix movies or TV series that you could get on Netflix in the United Kingdom. If you first log onto the Internet through a VPN provider with an IP address based in the United Kingdom, you might be able to access that blocked Netflix programming.

The problem? Free VPNs often can’t unblock Netflix content. You may want to consider the more formidable resources of a premium service that may allow you to access such content. Keep in mind, it’s important to consider regional laws and the terms of your service agreement with the content provider.

4. VPNs might slow down your connection

You might find that your online connection is sluggish when you log onto the internet through a free VPN service.

Many free services also offer premium VPN protection which charge either a monthly or annual subscription fee. These providers might slow down your online speeds on purpose as a way to encourage users to sign up for their paid versions.

5. VPNs may allow delivery of online ads

Free VPN providers need to make money, and many do this by hitting users with a steady stream of pop-up ads. This is not only annoying but can also slow down your connection speed.

Some free VPN providers rely on ad-serving trackers, which track your online activity. HotSpot Shield VPN was an example: In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against the company, charging it with several privacy violations related to its online ads.

According to the complaint, HotSpot Shield VPN used five tracking libraries and sold user data to third-party advertising networks. HotSpot’s parent company denied the allegations and has since offered annual transparency reports.

6. VPNs might hijack your browser

Some free VPNs can highjack your browser and redirect you to other sites without your permission. According to the CSIRO study, HotSpot Shield did this to its users, for example, redirecting them to alibaba.com and ebay.com.

7. VPNs may allow governments to collect user data

A 2019 study from VPNpro found that the top 97 VPNs are operated by a total of 23 parent companies, with many of these companies in countries with weak privacy laws.

What’s alarming about these finding is that China has strict VPN bans. These companies, then, might be approved by the government in which the parent company is based to collect the data of its users.

The key takeaway? It’s probably a good idea to invest in a paid VPN service. These services may do more to help protect your data, avoid slowing down your internet connection speed, and unblock restricted content.

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Dan Rafter
Freelance writer

Dan Rafter is a freelance writer who covers tech, finance, and real estate. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Fox Business.

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Are Free VPNs Safe to Use?

“Are free VPNs safe to use?” is a question well worth asking when there are so many available to choose from online. VPNs – also known as Virtual Private Networks – can be a key tool in the armory of your cybersecurity. But are free VPNs good? Here, we’ll explore free VPNs, any risks they create to your privacy and if any work effectively in enhancing your digital security.

VeePN Research Lab
May 19, 2023
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Many VPNs come at a cost but in recent years, an increasing number of free VPNs have appeared on the market. Obviously, the lack of price tag is great for users but in some instances, we’ve heard reports of VPN providers exposing personal data or slowing down internet speed.

If you’re looking for a VPN which can provide enhanced security without putting your privacy at risk, then why not try VeePN? With top-grade 256-bit AES encryption, double VPN, and strong bandwidth secured by the network of 2,500 servers in 70 countries, our solution can be a great way of staying secure. Sign up for VeePN today to boost your privacy and security.

How VPNs work

VPNs are simple to use and can be an effective way of shoring up your online security defenses to keep your personal details safe and secure.

When you register with a VPN, you will log onto this service before launching your web browser. This means your IP address will be kept behind the VPN when you’re online and attributed to a remote server run by the VPN host. Another key benefit of using a VPN is how it can encrypt your data too. This means that hackers or over-zealous companies wanting to bombard you with ads cannot follow your browsing. Investing in a VPN can therefore help you avoid being targeted by a deluge of relevant or annoying marketing and promotional information.

Why free VPNs aren’t safe

Generally speaking, free VPNs aren’t safe. Nothing comes for free is the reason here. Many only offer limited protection, with some putting your data or online cybersecurity at risk. VPN providers often have high outgoings to keep users safe and maintain large networks so cut costs in other ways to make up for not charging.

In October 2021, free VPN provider Quickfox suffered a data breach when it inadvertently exposed the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of over a million of its users. This company, which offers customers access to Chinese websites for non-residents, saw 500 million records impacted and 100GB of data exposed. The PII at risk included personal email addresses and phone numbers.

In another high-profile breach earlier in the year, the Colonial Pipeline Company network was attacked by a group known as DarkSide. They hacked into the organization’s network via an old, unprotected VPN which had previously been created to enable remote working for employees. The impact of this was huge with the company paying the best part of $5 million as a ransom to DarkSide to take back control of its networks.

As these incidents show, there’s plenty of risks associated with free VPNs and underline why it is so important for businesses to do their research and ensure they find free VPNs that are safe to use.

What are the risks of using a free VPN

Safe, free VPNs are hard to come by.While the lack of cost is certainly attractive, it usually means that the company is failing to do due diligence elsewhere. Here, we’ll look at the security risks surrounding free VPNs and answer the question: “are free VPNs safe?”, for good.

Putting your cybersecurity at risk

Many free VPN providers can be a little lax when it comes to respecting the privacy of their users. As their service is free, they need to generate income in other ways, including selling your precious data. Without any revenue, they cannot afford to pay their staff or host their networks so need to find alternative ways of staying in business and keeping afloat. When installing a free VPN service, you should take some time to read the terms and conditions and ensure you know what you’re committing to when signing up.

Limiting data usage

Using a free VPN will mean you might end up limiting the amount of data you can use. This is because any data you access will come via the servers of your Internet Service Provider before reaching the servers of your VPN provider. Installing a free VPN might find your browsing experience to be far slower and more limited than before. In this scenario, it’s worth paying for a VPN service just to avoid the frustration of half-downloaded website pages.

Free VPNs do not unblock location-restricted content

One of the most popular reasons for using a VPN is to access geo-restricted content. Many of us love Netflix but there’s often nothing more frustrating than realizing that a favorite show is unavailable in your country. However, if you use the services of a VPN to access the internet, then you should be able to bypass any restrictions on where you are and binge-watch your favorite show to your heart’s content.

Unfortunately, you might need to use a paid-for solution to do so as many free VPNs are incapable of unblocking this kind of content. Free VPNs are often supported by a limited number of servers so chances are you won’t be able to choose a browsing location in the country whose Netflix content you’d like to watch. Even if you do manage to find a free VPN that can help here, the streaming rate could be slow enough to make programs unwatchable.

Unwanted exposure to malware

The irony of the security issues surrounding free VPNs is not lost on us. Many choose the services of a VPN in order to enhance their privacy but unfortunately, some free VPN providers are security risks themselves. Researchers recently discovered that ten of the most popular free VPNs available from Google Play have vulnerabilities, including potentially exposing users to man-in-the-middle attacks. A 2016 study from CSIRO showed how more than half of the top 10 VPNs most likely to be infected with malware were free.

Bombarded with ads

Free VPNs can often seem too good to be true. And in many cases, they are. You might not have to pay for their service, but you will in other ways, sometimes with your internet traffic. The company can often use this and sell it to advertisers meaning whenever you use the VPN, you will also be shown a seemingly endless barrage of ads. These could take the form of pop-ups or you might even be directed to a different website featuring sponsored content. Not only is this disruptive to your browsing experience but it can also reduce the speed and efficiency of your browser too.

Your browser could be hijacked by your VPN

Using a free VPN can put your browser at risk of hijacking by scammers. Sometimes, these malicious hackers will target VPN users by operating behind VPN extensions. They will insert malicious code into ads to lead you to websites you never intended to visit. Again, this can make your browsing experience stressful and disruptive. In 2020, several prominent VPN extensions for Microsoft’s Edge browser were caught directing users to different search engines without permission. Scammers were hiding behind these legitimate brand names as part of their malicious attempts to trick users.

How to use a premium VPN for free

If you’re looking to test-drive a VPN, then follow our instructions below to install the iOs version to test-drive.

Hit the button to establish a VPN connection.

Enjoy safe web browsing!

So should you use a free VPN?

From our extensive guide, you can see the numerous risks associated with a free VPN. From your online security to ruining your browsing experience as a user, there are plenty of downsides to taking the cheaper route and opting for a free VPN, particularly when how relatively inexpensive a premium service can be. In fact, the free service is more of a risk than a step towards better online security. It just goes to show that you can and should put a price on protecting your privacy.

FAQ: Are Free VPNs Safe?

What is the best free VPN?

While there are several free VPN options available, note that using a free VPN may not be the most secure option. Many free VPN providers sell user data, which goes against the very purpose of using a VPN to protect your online privacy. Paid VPN services, like VeePN VPN, are much more secure and reliable. They offer strong encryption, No Logs policy, and fast servers in different locations. VeePN VPN also provides a free trial period, allowing you to test their service before committing to a paid subscription. Ultimately, investing in a reliable paid VPN service can provide better protection and peace of mind while browsing the Internet.

Are free VPN as safe?

Not really. Free VPNs can put your privacy at risk by sharing your data with third parties. Many free VPN apps have poor privacy policies and lack transparency. Some apps may even contain malware or use embedded tracking for advertising or other purposes. Paid VPN services are a better option if you want to ensure secure and private browsing. In fact, a study found that 60% of the top 10 malware-infected VPNs were free, while only 28% of free VPN providers avoided using embedded third-party trackers.

Should I get a free VPN?

Your Internet speed could slow down. Some free VPNs offer a premium version that you have to pay for, so they might purposely make your connection slower to try to convince you to upgrade.
You might see a lot of pop-up ads that can slow down your connection even more. Some free VPNs use ad-serving trackers to keep an eye on what you’re doing online and show you ads based on that information.
Some free VPNs can take over your browser and redirect you to other websites without your consent.
Finally, there’s a risk that governments could collect your data through free VPNs. Many VPN providers are based in countries with weak privacy laws. This could make it easier for governments to spy on your online activity.

That’s why it’s generally safer to use a paid VPN service that can protect your data, give you faster Internet speeds, and let you access restricted content.

Are VPNs Safe? How to Know Which VPNs Are Secure in 2023

Certain free VPNs can even infect you with malware; others track your online activity to sell it to the highest bidder for malvertising purposes. Many have security flaws and can’t even keep your sensitive information private. Choosing the right one can be tricky, especially when you don’t know whose claims are trustworthy.

I’ve tested 50+ VPNs to find the ones that can truly secure your connection and keep you private while browsing. My #1 choice is ExpressVPN because of its military-grade encryption and privacy features that can reliably protect you against online threats. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Short on Time? Here Are the Safest VPNs in 2023

ExpressVPN — A first-rate VPN with RAM-based servers, state-of-the-art security features, and super-fast speeds. If you’re not 100% satisfied, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.
CyberGhost — Automatic WiFi protection, excellent security features, self-operated NoSpy servers, but an expensive monthly plan.
Private Internet Access — Highly customizable security options, strong DNS and IP leak protection, but its ad-blocker isn’t the most reliable.

How Does a VPN Keep Me Safe Online?

In a nutshell, a VPN keeps you safe by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through one of its secure servers. That way, nobody else can read or intercept your data, which makes it hard to steal your sensitive information.

Here are some examples of real-life scenarios where a VPN can keep you safe online:

Security while surfing on public WiFi

Connecting to an unsecured WiFi hotspot in a café or an airport can be dangerous. Hackers can infiltrate these networks and collect your banking details, passwords, and social security number while you’re surfing. Reliable VPNs use ultra-secure AES 256-bit encryption, making your traffic virtually impenetrable.

Keeping your shared company data secure

A VPN can help employees keep sensitive files confidential while sharing them across the network. Organizations that employ remote workers often use it to ensure secure communication between a worker’s and a business network, for example.

Most users don’t read the fine print when installing apps that often collect or forward your information for advertising. VPNs ensure nobody can share your personal data, including the apps and services you use. Even your ISP can’t see the websites you’re visiting. This is good because your ISP can make a personal profile of your activities that third parties use to show you ads. It can also be shared with the government, if requested. With a VPN, the data is unreadable thanks to the strong encryption, so it can’t be used against you. Reputable providers are audited by independent companies or their no-logs claims are verified in court. This is especially important in high-censorship countries like China, Russia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Safe access to your apps and streaming services while traveling

Some streaming platforms and apps are unavailable if you’re abroad due to licensing issues. A good VPN can help you stay on the safe side and access those services, so you’re not tempted to visit sketchy websites that can infect you with viruses and malware.

Torrenting with a VPN is highly recommended because it prevents exposing your real IP address. Security features like high-end encryption and a kill switch are especially important. If the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch cuts your internet connection until the VPN is back on, so your identity is safe at all times. However, make sure to follow the regulations of your country when torrenting. Neither my team nor I condone using a VPN for anything illegal.

Are VPNs Legal to Use?

VPNs are legal in almost every country, depending on your actions. However, their usage is in a legally gray area in some countries like Iran and the UAE, where the governments heavily regulate them. Similarly, Russia and China banned non-government-approved VPNs to prevent access to the content they deem “unlawful.”

However, some activities that you use them for can be illegal. This includes torrenting copyrighted material, for example. Also, many online services block VPNs. That doesn’t make it a crime to use them, but it may go against the terms of service you agreed to when you signed up.

Essentially, in most cases, you’re not breaking the law by using a VPN itself, but you should make sure what you’re using it for is legal.

Important! Bear in mind that this article does not offer legal advice. Though we have done careful research, the legality of VPNs and other encryption software is constantly changing. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other expert if you need specific legal support, depending on the country you’re currently in.

Dangers of Free VPNs

Free VPNs often come with a hidden cost. VPNs use complex technology, which costs money to maintain. Since you’re not paying for the service, free VPNs try to earn in other ways.

Here are some of the common dangers of using a free VPN:

False claims and compromised security. According to a CSIRO study, despite their claims, about 18% of free VPNs don’t encrypt your traffic. The others use substandard encryption protocols and have IPv6 and DNS leaks, which means your online activities and data are no longer confidential.
Getting infected with malware. More than a third of free Android VPN apps contain some type of malicious software, meaning some of the most popular in your Google search are unsafe. If your computer is infected, hackers can steal your private data such as passwords or files. They can even make your device unusable.
Data collecting and sharing with third parties. Many free VPNs use embedded tracking to sell your data to advertisers or even give third parties access to your data without asking you. According to the same CSIRO study, 75% of free VPNs contain third-party tracking libraries.

Your best bet is to try a reputable VPN risk-free since they’re backed by a money-back guarantee. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting a safe and reliable service.

Premium VPNs vs. Free VPNs

Besides the security concerns, free VPNs usually have poor performance. Here’s why you should consider opting for a subscription to a trustworthy VPN:

No data caps. Free VPNs often limit the amount of data you can use, sometimes even as low as 500MB per month. That means you wouldn’t be able to finish watching a single 40-minute episode in HD. By doing this, free VPNs want to make users upgrade to a paid plan.
No annoying ads. Free VPNs tend to earn profit through ad revenue and selling your data to advertisers. Paid VPNs usually done come with ads.
Faster speed. Even with top-tier VPNs, some loss is expected (up to 20%) due to all the extra steps needed to secure your connection. But most free VPNs slow you down by more than average because their servers are often overcrowded. They may also decrease your speeds on purpose, so you’d upgrade your plan.
No bandwidth selling. Certain free providers even let their paying customers use your unused bandwidth for profit. That is potentially dangerous because someone can use this to intercept your traffic and see your sensitive information. Paid VPNs make money from the subscriptions they sell, so there’s no reason for them to sell bandwidth.
Access to popular streaming services. Free VPNs rarely have enough IP addresses, so they assign the same one to many users. When a streaming platform notices a lot of traffic from a single IP, they know they are dealing with a VPN, and they block it. Premium VPNs constantly add new addresses, so you can access the platforms easily.

Best VPNs to Stay Safe in September 2023

1. ExpressVPN — TrustedServer Technology to Safeguard Your Data

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested September 2023
Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome Router Smart TV More
Try ExpressVPN >
www.ExpressVPN.com

RAM-only servers to keep your data safe from anyone
AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and prevent hackers from snooping
Different protocols to adjust your security levels, including its proprietary Lightway
Can unblock: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Go, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, many routers (e.g., D-Link, Netgear, Netduma), and more

ExpressVPN Offer September 2023: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off ! Don’t miss out!

I was really impressed with ExpressVPN’s unique TrustedServer Technology. This prevents intruders from stealing your data by eliminating write access to the hard drive. Its servers run on RAM only, meaning traces of your information and activities are erased after each reboot. Most VPNs store the information on hard drives, which means it stays there until someone manually deletes it, which can pose a threat to your personal information. Using this kind of memory ensures ExpressVPN doesn’t store any sensitive information that could jeopardize your privacy.

One of ExpressVPN’s security features I use the most is the kill switch, which stops your internet if the VPN drops for some reason. It makes sure you never use the internet without a VPN protection, so you always remain safe. If you’re using ExpressVPN on a macOS, Windows, or Linux device, the kill switch is automatically enabled, so you don’t have to configure anything. I checked this out on my MacBook, and it was on by default. I tested its Network Lock (the kill switch) by force-stopping the app, and it cut my internet each time.

One issue I have with ExpressVPN is its price tag, which starts from $6.67/month. However, if you opt for one of its long-term plans, you can save up to 49% on subscription costs. I even got 3 months for free when I signed up.

ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with zero risk. You can ask for a refund if you are not completely happy with it. To see if its claims are true, I tested this out after 28 days by contacting its support through live chat. The whole process took less than 2 minutes. I was granted a full refund and received my money back after 3 days.

2. CyberGhost — Automatic WiFi Protection to Keep You Safe on Unsecured Networks

Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome Router Smart TV More
Try CyberGhost VPN >
www.cyberghostvpn.com

Public WiFi protection to keep you safe from intruders trying to steal your data
Open-source protocols with AES 256-bit encryption for a safe and stable connection
7 simultaneous device connections
Can unblock: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Go, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, different routers, and more

September 2023 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

When you connect to unprotected WiFi anywhere in public, you put yourself at risk to cybercriminals. Your passwords, banking details, or social security number can get stolen. I always felt safe banking online while traveling using CyberGhost’s public WiFi protection. To enable it, go to “Settings,” choose “WiFi,” and toggle the “WiFi Protection” button. You can set it up to automatically start whenever you connect, so you don’t have to think about security each time you’re using the public internet.

I also tested its IP, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection, which affects how secure your traffic is from hackers, trackers, and any spying entities. I performed my test connected to CyberGhost’s Estonia server, and I was pleased to see that there were no leaks detected. The only IP address others could see was the one from the VPN.

To achieve the utmost privacy, CyberGhost operates more than 20 proprietary NoSpy servers located in Romania. Unlike most VPNs that house their servers in third-party data centers—making them susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks—CyberGhost eliminates this vulnerability by having its own team manage the servers. There is an extra charge for using these specialized servers, but in my opinion, it’s a minor expense for ensuring total protection against external threats.

Its monthly subscription plan is on the more expensive side, starting from $2.19/month, and comes with a shorter money-back guarantee. However, if you choose a long-term one, your costs can be lowered by 83%, depending on the active offers.

Also, it has one of the longest money-back guarantees on the market: 45 days if you opt for an extended subscription. That way, you can try CyberGhost completely risk-free. I tested its refund procedure by contacting the support team via email. They responded within an hour, and I received the money to my PayPal account after 4 days.

3. Private Internet Access — Customizable Security Levels to Match Your Activities

Available on:
Windows Mac Android iOS
Chrome Router Smart TV More
Try Private Internet Access >
www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Change protocols and encryption levels depending on what you’re doing
Unlimited simultaneous device connections
Vast network of 29,650 servers in 84 countries so you can stay safe anywhere
Can unblock: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Go, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more

September 2023 Update: PIA doesn’t usually have deals or discounts (it’s already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off !

PIA offers several encryption levels and protocols you can combine depending on the level of security you need. By combining different protocols and encryption levels, you can improve your device’s performance. For example, if speeds are important for a certain task, you can switch to lower encryption (e.g., from 128-bit to 256-bit AES). I recommend using 256-bit AES whenever possible because it’s the safest. You have both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols to choose from, while IPsec is only available on iOS.

It also has a strict no-logs policy. This is not just a claim — PIA has proven in court that it never logs its users’ data and has undergone an audit. A Big Four auditing firm, Deloitte, examined PIA’s servers and concluded they don’t store any personally identifiable data. I really appreciate the fact my browsing habits and other personal data are never in danger of being misused. Being regularly tested and audited means it truly lives up to its promises.

PIA’s pricing is reasonable, starting at $2.03/month. It often offers generous discounts on its long-term plans, which can help you save up 83% on subscription costs.

It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out for yourself. Its refund process works as promised. The support agent did ask me one question to see if I was willing to continue with the subscription, but after, my payment was processed super quickly. The money was back in my account within 4 days.

Quick Guide: How to Use a Safe VPN in 3 Easy Steps

Download a VPN.I recommend ExpressVPN because it uses military-grade encryption to protect your data and never logs your private information.
Connect to a server close to you. For the best connection and speeds, I recommend you connect to a server in your country or nearby. For example, choose a UK server if you’re there.
Start using the internet securely! With your traffic fully encrypted, you are safe from online threats wherever you are.

Pro Tips on Choosing the Safest VPN

Check the encryption levels. To ensure the highest level of safety for your data, encryption levels of 128-bit or 256-bit AES are recommended. These encryption levels are so secure that even the US government uses them to safeguard their top-secret information.
Find out which protocols it offers. Depending on your activity, you might find the need to alternate between different protocols. Certain apps, features, or VPNs might operate solely on WireGuard or OpenVPN, for instance. Additionally, some providers create their own proprietary protocols, such as the Lightway protocol by ExpressVPN, which can enhance the speed and dependability of the VPN.
See if a kill switch is available. The kill switch halts your internet if your VPN stops. That ensures that you are never left vulnerable to online threats. Sometimes the feature isn’t automatically enabled, so make sure to check.
Stick to verified no-logs VPNs. You want to make sure to find a VPN that doesn’t retain your private information. You can also check whether any court cases or independent audits are confirming its privacy claims.
Look for IPv4, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS built-in leak protection. Data leaks can still happen, so you should have a VPN that actively works on preventing them.
Opt for a VPN with a reliable money-back guarantee. That way, you can test it out with zero risk. If it doesn’t work for you, you can always request a refund.

FAQs on Safe VPNs

What are the dangers of using a VPN?

Using a VPN can be dangerous only if you’re using one that’s not safe. They are actually recommended for improving online safety. Still, some (especially free VPNs) can compromise your security, infect you with malware, and track your activities. Besides security and privacy concerns, some VPNs are also often slow and limit your data usage. That’s why I always recommend getting only tried-and-tested VPNs like the ones on my list.

A study by CSIRO on free Android VPN apps found that about 18% don’t encrypt the traffic despite promises, and almost 40% contain malware. Many use embedded tracking to collect data on you for advertising purposes. They can even share this data with third parties putting you at risk of identity theft. The study showed only 25% of VPNs on the Google Play Store don’t use trackers. Users are unaware of security or privacy risks when signing up for them because they’re advertised as safe.

Which VPNs are safe?

Only VPNs with powerful encryption protocols, IP and DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy are safe. Since this type of technology isn’t cheap, it’s mostly paid VPNs that can be called truly secure. Here are some features that they have:

Strong encryption levels and protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, or ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway. All provide 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring that your data can’t be deciphered if intercepted. Most of these protocols are open-source. That way, anyone can check their code and see if anything nefarious is happening there.
Built-in DNS, WebRTC, and IP leak protection. Data leaks can occur, but a good VPN can prevent this with special features.
A strict no-logs policy. You want a VPN that doesn’t collect your data or share it with third parties. It’s best if a VPN has undergone an independent audit to confirm its privacy claims.
A kill switch option. If your VPN connection drops suddenly, the kill switch turns off your internet altogether, so you are never at risk of various online threats.

All 3 VPNs on this list fit these criteria and can reliably keep you safe online.

Do VPNs steal your data?

Yes, some untrustworthy VPNs can steal your data. It’s mostly free VPNs that track your online activity and sell your data to third parties for advertising purposes. A study by CSIRO has found that only 25% of Android VPN apps don’t contain embedded tracking libraries. I recommend using a top-tier VPN like ExpressVPN because of its robust security features, strict no-logs policy, and independent audits. An independent auditing company, PwC, has confirmed that ExpressVPN does not collect, store, or share your data with third parties. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Can free VPNs be trusted?

Unfortunately, very rarely. While there may be some that don’t endanger your privacy, most free VPNs don’t have the resources to keep you safe online. Free VPNs are unreliable because they often use embedded trackers in their apps, infect you with malware, and have dubious ownership. Instead, I recommend using a tried-and-trusted VPN that never logs any of your data and comes with a money-back guarantee.

Which VPN is safe for banking?

VPNs with strong security, such as 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch, are safe for banking. High-level security features prevent hackers from stealing your sensitive data. The US government even uses this encryption, so it’s almost impossible for cybercriminals to crack the key. All the VPNs on my list can protect you while banking online. Due to its TrustedServer technology, kill switch, and military-grade encryption, I recommend ExpressVPN as one of the safest ones for banking online.

Can VPNs keep me safe on public WiFi?

Yes, trustworthy VPNs with strong encryption can easily protect you while using unsecured WiFi. Another thing that can keep you secure is an automatic public WiFi protection feature like the one offered by CyberGhost, for example. You can even set it up to connect automatically whenever using any unprotected network. With a premium VPN, you can safely browse the internet without fear that someone can steal your identity or credit card information.

The Bottom Line

VPNs are not only secure but are recommended for improving your online safety. Still, not all of them can deliver on that promise. Some (especially free ones) can compromise your security by infecting you with malware, tracking you, or selling your data.

With a reliable VPN, all your data and activities are kept safe. Your digital footprint is under layers of strong encryption and rerouting. Trustworthy VPNs also don’t keep track of any of your data. That makes it much harder for anyone trying to monitor or steal your personal or business information.

Out of all the ones I tested, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN because of its ultra-secure 256-bit AES encryption, verified no-logs policy, and other top-class security features.

It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it completely risk-free.

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