Hey there! With all the news about online privacy breaches, you‘re probably wondering if you need a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data. And like most people, you likely want to spend as little money as possible.
So, is Infinity VPN free? Unfortunately, no – Infinity VPN does not offer a free version. But don‘t worry – there are some other great free VPN options for you to consider.
I‘ve tested out dozens of free and paid VPN services as an internet security writer. In this guide, I‘ll compare the top free VPN providers to help you choose the best one for your needs. I‘ll also give recommendations for when it‘s worth investing in a paid VPN.
Let‘s dive in!
An Introduction to Virtual Private Networks
First, a quick refresher – what exactly is a VPN?
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server run by the VPN provider. All your internet traffic flows through this tunnel, hiding your IP address and location. This prevents anyone from tracking what sites you visit or accessing your data.
VPN services can help you:
- Keep your browsing history private from your internet provider
- Safely access public WiFi hotspots
- Bypass government censorship and access restricted sites and content
- Protect your data and identity when using shared devices
Paid VPNs typically provide more robust features and privacy protections. But free VPNs offer basic IP masking and data encryption for no cost.
The catch is that free VPNs impose strict limits on things like data usage, connection speeds, and server locations. Let‘s explore those limitations next.
The Downsides of Free VPN Services
I don‘t want to sugarcoat it – free VPNs come with some significant drawbacks:
Strict data limits: Most free VPNs limit you to 500MB up to 10GB of traffic per month. Go over that and your VPN shuts off until the next month. That‘s not enough for streaming videos or downloading files.
Fewer server locations: Paid VPNs give you thousands of server options in 100+ countries for global access. Free ones typically have under 20 locations.
Slower speeds: Free users get lower priority, so your speeds will be slower at peak times. Videos and music may buffer frequently.
Potential tracking/logging: Many free VPNs make money by quietly logging and selling your usage data. This totally defeats the purpose of a privacy VPN!
Throttling: Some free VPNs intentionally throttle your connection after you hit a certain amount of data usage in a month. Forget streaming in HD after that cap.
Frequent ads: Expect tons of pop-up, banner, and video ads with free VPNs, as they monetize through advertisements.
No advanced features: Paid tiers include extras like Kill Switches and split tunneling that are usually unavailable for free users.
Limited support: Most free VPNs only offer technical support to paying customers. You‘ll have to rely on forums and FAQs to troubleshoot issues.
As you can see, the numerous limits make most free VPN services frustrating to use. But there are a few decent options to consider if you just need basic protection.
Evaluating the Best Free VPN Providers
Not all free VPNs are created equal. Based on my testing and research, these are the top providers I would recommend:
ProtonVPN
- Unlimited data usage – No throttling or caps on bandwidth or traffic.
- Above-average speeds – Latency is higher but speeds are usable for streaming.
- Strict no-logging policy – ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and does not record user activity.
- Industry-standard encryption – Uses AES-256 and Secure Core network to protect privacy.
- Reliable server performance – Free users get access to servers in 3 countries (US, Netherlands, Japan).
- User-friendly apps – Provides easy-to-use native apps for all major platforms.
Windscribe
- 10GB monthly data allowance – Far more than other free VPNs allow per month.
- Server locations in 11 countries – Gives you access to common sites regionally blocked.
- No activity logging – Windscribe does not record sites you visit or traffic data.
- Advanced encryption – Uses AES-256, IKEv2, and SHA512 Stealth protocols.
- Bandwidth allowance – 10GB is enough for light streaming and downloading.
- Browser extensions available – Lets you toggle VPN protection on/off in Chrome/Firefox.
Hide.me
- 2GB monthly data allowance – Twice as much data as most competitors.
- Servers in 5 countries – Includes US, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore.
- Apps for all platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers.
- 256-bit AES encryption – Military-grade protection of your traffic.
- No activity/connection logs – Uses RAM-only servers that never store usage data.
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections – Link all your home devices to one account.
TunnelBear
- 500MB free per month – Standard amount compared to other free tiers.
- Servers in over 20 countries – More location options than most free providers.
- Easy-to-use apps – Great for beginners, with a simple interface.
- 256-bit AES encryption – Industry-standard protection for your traffic.
- Strict no-logging policy – Independently audited for user privacy.
- Fun branding – Whimsical bear theme and marketing.
When Is It Worth Paying for a VPN?
While the VPNs above are usable for basic privacy protection, there are some cases where investing in a paid VPN is worth it:
If you stream/download heavily – Free VPN data caps make them impractical for media streaming in HD or downloading large files regularly.
To access broader content catalogs – Paid VPNs with more global servers let you unlock region-exclusive shows/music.
For complete privacy protection – Paid services offer strongest encryption, most secure protocols, and greater assurance of zero logging.
To use on many devices – Most paid VPNs allow 5+ device connections on one account, while free ones limit you to 1 or 2 devices.
If you travel frequently – Paid plans provide servers in 100+ countries, allowing you to access the internet restriction-free anywhere.
For high-risk activities – Paid VPNs offer strongest anonymity when accessing restricted networks or sites in high-censorship countries.
To torrent safely – Paid VPNs allow P2P traffic in some countries where free VPNs block torrenting completely.
For streaming sports/events – Paid users get priority bandwidth for smoother streaming of high-demand live content.
Here‘s a quick table summarizing the main differences:
| Paid VPN | Free VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3 – $15 per month | $0 |
| Data usage | Unlimited | 500MB – 10GB per month |
| Server locations | 1000s worldwide | Under 20 countries |
| Speed | Fast priority connections | Throttled, slower speeds |
| Streaming & Torrenting | Allowed on many servers | Usually prohibited |
| Protocols & Encryption | Wide range of highly secure protocols | Typically only OpenVPN and AES-256 encryption |
| Features | Full suite like Kill Switch, split tunneling, ad blocking | Barebones basic features |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support | Limited email and knowledge base help |
As you can see, paying a little each month removes all the limitations of free VPNs for unrestricted access.
Recommended Paid VPN Providers
If you decide to upgrade to a paid VPN, based on my testing here are the top services I recommend first:
ExpressVPN
- Blazing fast speeds with ultra low latency.
- 100% RAM-disk servers for air-tight security.
- Apps that are easy to use for VPN beginners.
- Helpful 24/7 live chat support.
- Works reliably in China and other high-censorship countries.
NordVPN
- 5600+ servers worldwide, largest VPN server fleet.
- Allows P2P traffic on designated specialty servers.
- Double VPN and Onion over VPN encryption options.
- CyberSec feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers.
- Based in Panama, outside jurisdiction of intrusive surveillance laws.
Surfshark
- Unlimited device connections with a single account.
- Whistleblower initiative protects freedom of speech.
- MultiHop feature routes your traffic through multiple servers.
- Masks VPN usage from your ISP with NoBorders mode.
- Includes ad, malware, and tracker blocking CleanWeb tools.
Monthly costs typically range from $8-$15 depending on the provider, but you can save 50-70% by signing up for 1-2 years at once. All paid VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees so you can test them risk-free.
Quick Tips for Using Free VPNs Safely
If you want to give a free VPN a try, here are some tips to stay secure:
Read privacy policies thoroughly – Avoid any free VPN that logs traffic or shares data. ProtonVPN and Windscribe have proven no-logging policies.
Use reputable providers – Big names like ProtonVPN and TunnelBear are more trustworthy than unknown, shady services.
Check for independent audits – Third-party audits by firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers help validate no-logging claims.
Use a burner email – Sign up with a junk email so you don‘t get spammed with promotions.
Avoid edgy/illegal activities – Engaging in piracy, hacking or other shady behavior on a free VPN puts you most at legal risk if logs are kept.
Don‘t enter personal info – When signing up, avoid giving your real name, birthday, or payment details.
The Bottom Line on Free VPN Services
At the end of the day, while free VPNs have their limitations, they can still provide a basic layer of IP address masking and traffic encryption at no cost. ProtonVPN and Windscribe are two of the best and most trustworthy options currently available.
For heavier usage and complete privacy protection, investing in a paid VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN is highly recommended. But for light, occasional usage, a free VPN can get the job done as long as you are mindful of the risks and limits.
Hope this gave you a comprehensive overview of your options! Let me know if you have any other questions. Stay safe!
