When you buy a VPN, you’re trusting that provider to hide both your internet traffic and your home IP address from hackers and spies. It makes sense that you’d want to try before you buy to make sure it’s fit for purpose. After all, a bad VPN is worse than no VPN at all.
This is where VPN free trials come in. The best VPNs offer either a time-limited free trial or a money-back guarantee, giving you a no questions asked refund as long as you request it within the first few days. This lets you test out the VPN to make sure it's the right fit for you.
Here at Tom's Guide, we’ve put together a list of the best VPN free trials so you can see whether they really do unblock that foreign Netflix show you’ve been wanting to watch. Read on and you’ll see which VPNs we’ve picked out as having the best free trials, as well as which ones we think are the best value for money.
The best VPN free trials in 2024 at a glance
Recent updates
My most recent update has seen all the provider information updated in line with our most recent round of VPN reviews, as well as updating their prices to reflect the latest deals.
The best free trial VPNs in 2024
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The best provider offering a VPN free trial
✅ You want fast, stable connections – NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol delivers some of the highest speeds in the VPN market, perfect for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming and downloading.
✅ You need access to global streaming libraries – NordVPN easily unblocks popular streaming platforms across numerous regions, giving you access to a vast array of content.
✅ You want extra security on top of a VPN – We’ve found in testing that Threat Protection Pro rivals some dedicated anti-virus solutions when it comes to keeping malware and phishing sites away from your machine.
❌ You need a free trial on platforms other than Android – The 7-day free trial is limited to Android, though you can use the 30-day refund period to test it on other devices.
❌ Budget is a top priority – NordVPN’s pricing is a little higher than the competition, though long-term plans bring this down.
NordVPN is a high-performance, privacy-focused VPN with extensive server options worldwide and a sensible anti-virus suite that feels like a core part of the service instead of an afterthought.
My NordVPN review found the big-name service to be seriously impressive, thanks to a long list of tools and features that you can put to the test with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial on Android.
Nord’s genuine free trial isn't unique – it's similar to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark’s, in that it’s only available from the Google Play store – but you’ll be able to use the same account you create on your phone to protect your desktop too. It might be a bit of a workaround, but it’s worth it to avoid paying anything for 7 days, and you’ll get access to all the features available on a full plan right away.
If that’s not long enough, you can continue your trial with no risk by making the most of the provider’s generous 30-day money-back guarantee – have a quick tester before you pay anything, and then take a deep dive over a month to see if it’s really worth your money.
Based on our testing, NordVPN is the best VPN service out there at the moment, and it’s exceptional value for money. That said, you’re looking for the best VPN free trials so you shouldn’t just take my word for it. You can either take the Android version for a spin with a 7 day free trial, or sign up for any other client with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Android free trial actually gets you access to a little more than you might expect. Signing up through your phone gives you account credentials that will work across other platforms as well, so you can also give the desktop versions a try for free. It is a bit more hassle than just signing up and using the 30-day money-back guarantee, but you don’t have to hand over your payment details.
Once you’re in, NordVPN has a lot to offer. First of all, it’s fast. Really fast. Our testing using Nord VPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol gave us downloads approaching 950Mbps, which is exceptional. You won’t have any trouble streaming, gaming, or downloading with those speeds, which is great, because NordVPN is also fantastic at unblocking content.
Be aware that refunds are not available directly from Nord for purchases made through the Apple App store – you need to go to Apple to get one. To avoid any issues like that, I'd recommend signing up on desktop, or at least through the NordVPN website on your iPhone.
NordVPN is excellent for streaming, with 6,000+ servers in 110 countries and access to geo-restricted content of pretty much every streaming platform you'd like to watch. Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, iPlayer, 10Play – you name it, NordVPN unblocked it in our testing. In my last round of testing, Nord also maxed out our connection at 950 Mbps, meaning it won't be slowing down you connection, no matter how fast your Wi-Fi is.
NordVPN currently allows for 10 simultaneous connections, which is more than ExpressVPN's 8. However, if you need even more, check out Surfshark or Private Internet Access – both of which offer unlimited connections.
If you want some of Nord's most impressive extras you'll have to sign up to higher tiers of its subscription, but even then, it's cheaper than its closest rival ExpressVPN. Most interesting of these is Threat Protection Pro. While every NordVPN plan comes with the DNS-based Threat Protection, it's quite a rudimentary phishing and malware-protection tool.
The Pro version adds an always-on feature, which means you're protected whenever the NordVPN app is open, whether you're connected or not. Although this is only available on desktop, it's a great addition that I've enjoyed using in my testing.
Nord's pricing is a mixed bag. It's not as cheap as Surfshark but certainly more affordable than ExpressVPN. On the bright side, you're getting one of the most secure VPNs. Besides an intuitive ad and malware blocker, there's even a built-in antivirus for extra safekeeping. Double VPN, an independently audited no-logs policy, and special obfuscated servers are just the cherry on top.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun and intuitive design, but not the most clutter-free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Generally pretty simple, although the mobile apps aren't perfect | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Lightning-fast speeds, and one of the very fastest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A champion of Netflix unblocking but is excellent with every other streaming platform too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | One of the most complete security suites with built-in antivirus and a verified no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 friendly and professional customer support with tons of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Great value for money, but slightly more expensive than some other options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Quality cheap provider with a true VPN free trial
✅ You have multiple devices to secure – Surfshark supports unlimited connections all on one subscription.
✅ You want an all-in-one privacy suite – The Surfshark One package includes tools like a dark-web monitor, disposable email generator, and ad-free search, enhancing your overall security.
✅ You need global streaming access – Surfshark easily unblocks popular streaming platforms with no lag, thanks to high-speed servers across 140 locations.
❌ You’re looking to buy for one month only – At $15.45 a month, Surfshark has the most expensive monthly subscription on our list.
❌ Advanced antivirus is a priority – Surfshark’s antivirus is solid but may not offer the depth of standalone options.
Surfshark offers excellent value with unlimited device coverage, reliable speeds, and extra privacy features, making it a great option for comprehensive online protection.
In my hands-on Surfshark review, I found that it offers a seriously tempting cheap VPN option – at less than $2 per month, it undercuts pretty much all the competition while retaining great functionality. With easy-to-use apps, servers in over 100 countries, and a fully audited no-logs policy, Surfshark packs a serious punch for a fraction of the price of premium VPNs.
Surfshark also offers both a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial that you can activate whenever you download the app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. This means you can also activate your trial from iOS or MacOS and enjoy all the benefits of Surfshark without worrying about putting in your payment details.
Most notably, this includes Surfshark’s unlimited device coverage. This means you’ll be able to cover as many devices as you want during the 7-day trial without being booted off of any of them.
However, you should be aware that any purchases made through these stores means you’ll have to sort your refund out with the app store provider, not Surfshark. If you want to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee instead, you’ll have to download the app from Surfshark’s site and sign up for a payment plan there.
As for the actual VPN, there’s plenty to like about Surfshark. It’s the fastest VPN on the market, capping out our testing rig at over 950Mbps with no issue. Whether you’re trying to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+, Surfshark provides a lag-free experience with plenty of streaming-enabled locations around the planet.
While the unlimited device support is nice, more VPN providers are starting to offer this. What really sets Surfshark apart is Surfshark One, a collection of privacy tools offered alongside the VPN that keep your data from falling into the wrong hands.
There’s a disposable identity generator, known as Alternative ID, for those annoying one-off email registrations you don’t want to be spammed by, Alternative Number which allows you to create a spoof phone number for greater privacy. an ad-free search engine operated by Surfshark, a dark-web identity leak monitoring service, and a built-in anti-virus.
Nord VPN’s anti-virus solution, Threat Protection Pro, tends to work better, but otherwise all of these services are absolutely top notch.
The provider was able to access geo-restricted content of Netflix, iPlayer, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more without missing a beat in my latest round of testing. With peak speeds of 950 Mbps, it's easily the fastest VPN service I've tested, ahead of the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN. The overall streaming experience with Surfshark is a delight, as its cookie-, pop-up-, and ad-blocker does well to provide a disturbance-free binge session.
In my previous reviews, I found that Surfshark had a minor issue with the kill switch on Windows. However, after feeding back to the developers, this has now been fixed – and there's very little reason not to choose Surfshark over more expensive providers.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun and intuitive design that's also beginner-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | One of the best providers for newbies, and very smooth to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest among all the VPNs I’ve tried | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Easily unblocks almost every streaming platform there is | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Minor issues with the kill switch but no dearth of security offerings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | The library of help articles can be hard to navigate but 24/7 reliable support makes up for it nicely | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Can't beat a superb blend of high-end features and low prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The easiest VPN to use offers generous refund
✅ You need reliable mobile performance – ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol offers seamless connectivity when switching between networks, reducing data drops and saving battery life.
✅ You prioritize unblocking capabilities – ExpressVPN consistently unblocks major streaming platforms and supports access in regions with internet restrictions.
✅ You want an extra password manager – ExpressVPN includes ExpressKeys, a secure password manager, adding a convenient layer of security.
❌ You need more than 8 device connections – ExpressVPN’s device limit may not accommodate large households with multiple devices.
❌ You’re on a tight budget – While highly rated, ExpressVPN is priced above many alternatives without substantial discounts.
ExpressVPN is a premium choice for fast, reliable performance, especially for users who need seamless streaming and advanced privacy features.
Whether you’re considering services with a VPN free trial or not, ExpressVPN is well worth checking out. With excellent security credentials and brilliant support, it really is the full package – and a trial is the cherry on top.
IExpressVPN is a little more expensive than the other providers on our list, as it’s a premium VPN provider. If you’re not convinced with the price tag at first glance, it makes a lot of sense to take it for a test run first. Thankfully, there’s both a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free trial for 7 days on both iOS and Android. It’s the same process as the other providers on our list, just head to the Google Play or Apple App Store and get downloading.
Although ExpressVPN can’t claim an extensive list of features like Nord VPN and Surfshark, it does do a few things very well. First up: it plays fantastically well on mobile devices. Thanks to the proprietary Lightway protocol developed in-house by ExpressVPN, you’ll experience less VPN cut-outs when swapping between WiFi and mobile data. It also takes up significantly less battery life than OpenVPN based VPNs, so you’ll stay protected for longer.
ExpressVPN also comes with a free download for ExpressKeys, a browser-based password manager which generates and stores secure passwords on all of your devices. It’s not super complex, but it doesn’t need to be.
It’s also one of the best streaming VPNs, unblocking content with ease. ExpressVPN has always had an extremely fast server network that spans the globe, and while providers like NordVPN and ProtonVPN have caught up in terms of locations, ExpressVPN still nails it. Whether it’s Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Peacock, or Disney+, ExpressVPN will unblock it.
ExpressVPN also works in countries with fairly strict ISP filtering thanks to obfuscation built into Lightway by default, making it much harder for anyone looking at your internet traffic to identify that you’re using a VPN.
ExpressVPN runs on just about everything, from Windows, Mac, and iOS to Android and Linux. It also has tailor-made apps for Chromebooks, Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire, and routers. There's also a unique “MediaStreamer” tool to securely stream on devices that don't natively support a VPN, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Besides a fool-proof kill switch, ExpressVPN apps have an auto-connect feature to ensure you're always connected to the VPN and your internet traffic remains protected at all times.
The RAM-only servers erase all user data after every boot, offering an additional layer of security. If authorities come knocking, ExpressVPN won't have any information to show them, because it won't be stored in the first place. What's more, the provider employs a proprietary Lightway protocol for better speeds and more reliable connectivity.
With 8 simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN is an ideal choice for small families or individuals with multiple devices. However, if you want protection for more devices, services like Surfshark with unlimited simultaneous connections will serve you better.
The elephant in the room is ExpressVPN's price. Yes, it is a little more expensive than the competition, but if you're looking for a secure, simple-to-use option, it's worth it. And, of course, if you don't like the product, then just contact the super-helpful support team to terminate the contract within 30 days and you’ll get every penny of your money back – no matter how much you've used it.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clean interface and everything is easy to find without a lot of clutter | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Excellent for beginners new to VPNs, and very configurable for more tech-savvy users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | It's fast enough for anything you may need it for, but Surfshark and NordVPN are faster | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks every streaming platform with ease except a couple of niche Netflix locations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Jam-packed with security features and free add-ons and will protect your data at all times | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 friendly and professional assistance by agents, and very helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | It's worth splurging on but cheaper options are available | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✅ You need a free VPN for basic use – ProtonVPN’s free tier offers unlimited bandwidth without time limits, a rare option among VPNs.
✅ Privacy is your top concern – With features like Tor over VPN and Secure Core, ProtonVPN gives you a wide range of options to increase the privacy of your VPN connection.
✅ You require a wide server network – With servers in 112 countries, ProtonVPN offers extensive global reach
❌ You need consistent streaming access on the free tier – ProtonVPN’s free version doesn’t guarantee streaming unblocking, as its full features are only accessible via a paid plan.
❌ 24/7 support is essential – While ProtonVPN has live chat, it’s not available around the clock
ProtonVPN provides a unique blend of privacy-focused features and a free-tier option, ideal if you’re looking for a long-term free VPN.
In my Proton VPN review I found the Swiss provider had made some great improvements, on both its free and paid plans. The former means that you'll be able to test this privacy-focused service out for free, for as long as you want, which is a big bonus for those unsure of what VPN to pick.
While ProtonVPN does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee like the other providers on our list, that’s not why it’s here. The reason you’re reading about ProtonVPN is because it has one of the best free VPNs available alongside various paid subscriptions. That’s free as in unlimited bandwidth for as long as you want, without any extra stipulations.
The free plan isn't limitless like Proton's paid plans, and understandably so. However, it'll give you access to 100+ servers across 6 countries – including dedicated servers for accessing unbiased Deutsche Welle news – unlimited bandwidth, and decent customer support.
There's a catch, though – you won't be able to choose which server to use. This is fine if you just want quick privacy, but if you're trying to access a website from a particular country, it's a matter of trial and error.
If you want the full package, the 2-year plan will cost you $4.99 per month – and Tom's Guide readers can claim an exclusive price of $3.59 per month. That unlocks Proton's Secure Core servers, priority support & live chat, and its excellent streaming performance. While it's a little more expensive than rivals like Surfshark and NordVPN, the free version allows you to make sure it suits you before committing.
On its paid plan, Proton VPN unblocks a good number of Netflix locations, including some hard-to-crack countries like Japan. And with streaming platforms like Disney Plus, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and more, it’s smooth sailing.
Note that Proton VPN doesn't unblock much on its free plan – that's something we've only seen PrivadoVPN do. That said, you'll be able to try out its unblocking capabilities risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee after you've purchased a paid plan.
Proton VPN is a force to be reckoned with as far as privacy and security are concerned. It's based out of Switzerland, a country with strict privacy laws and outside the jurisdiction of the US and EU. Its NetShield – a unique implementation of the conventional ad blocker – will protect you from malware hidden in images, scripts, and similar elements that you often download from the internet.
An always-on VPN feature, which is very similar to ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature, re-establishes connection with a Proton VPN server in the unlikely scenario of the connection failing. This feature is activated by default on Proton VPN's iOS VPN app, but Android VPN users will have to turn it on manually.
With 10 simultaneous connections, Proton VPN edges past ExpressVPN and NordVPN but is still behind Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections. Speeds are decent – not the greatest I've seen but with a proprietary VPN Accelerator technology that claims to amp up server speeds by up to 400%, you can rest assured of a consistent and lag-free experience.
However, you are limited to three locations and you won’t be able to access any of the premium features available on ProtonVPN. There’s also no guarantee you’ll be able to unblock streams from those locations. It’s a great way to try the core ProtonVPN experience, but if you want to take the whole thing for a test drive you’ll have to use the money-back guarantee.
It’s worth doing though, because ProtonVPN is jam packed with extra security features designed to make your browsing experience just that little bit more secure.
Proton VPN gives you access to Tor over VPN servers which automatically connect you to the Tor network without any extra software, which is great if you’re worried about being spied on or if you’re in a country with restrictive internet surveillance laws.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | The design is very clean and intuitive, and the dark mode is a standout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The mobile apps are on par with the big names in the industry, but some of the desktop features need some time getting used to | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Up there with the very fastest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Excellent streaming support on the paid plan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Swiss privacy, open-source apps and independent audits are all green flags | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | The response time is middling but plenty of help guides available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Cheaper alternatives are available, but there's a free plan for normal usage | ⭐⭐⭐ |
✅ You need budget-friendly coverage – PIA is one of the more affordable VPNs, providing solid performance and reliability without a premium price tag.
✅ You require unlimited device connections – With support for unlimited device installations, PIA is ideal for large households.
✅ You want strong U.S. and European server options – PIA has extensive coverage in the U.S. and Europe, including a server in every US state.
❌ You need strong server coverage worldwide – PIA’s server presence is weaker in certain regions, particularly in the Middle East, and Africa.
❌ 24/7 support is essential – PIA’s support options aren’t quite as impressive as ExpressVPN.
Private Internet Access offers budget-friendly, reliable VPN coverage, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, while still providing a high level of customizability for power users.
Heading up the end of our list is Private Internet Access, which lags just a little bit behind the rest of our providers in a few areas but makes up for it in price. PIA is more of a budget VPN provider, but it’s still a VPN with a free 7-day trial on iOS and Android, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s nothing special about how the process works compared to the other providers on our list, so let’s move on to what PIA has to offer.
There’s two main areas where PIA isn’t quite as good as the rest of the VPNs I’ve discussed so far. While PIA has pretty good coverage in Europe and is one of the best US VPNs thanks to its servers having a location in all fifty states, it’s not quite as good as other providers in Asia and has a middling number of countries to pick from in the Middle East and Africa. At 91 countries in total, it does fall behind the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Our testing shows it’s still on par with the rest of our VPN providers at unblocking streaming content, whether you’re trying to access regional Netflix variants, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or regional streams like BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
There’s also great device support on PIA. All of the desktop apps, including the Linux GUI client, allow you to mix and match how the home screen looks so you can keep it simple or have a litany of connection statistics and options at your fingertips.
This includes the ability to choose how powerful the encryption is that powers your OpenVPN connection, and as PIA is one of the most secure VPNs, you can be sure that your data will remain safe no matter which protocol you choose.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Loads of customization options, can be a bit overwhelming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for tech-savvy users, not too beginner-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds but falls behind the industry heavyweights like NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | 20,000+ servers in 91 countries for smooth and fast content unblocking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Best-in-class encryption with a proven no-log policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Adequate resources, plenty of guides, and a contact form to reach the team | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | One of the cheapest VPNs, all the more ideal for the long term. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN free trials compared
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Free trial length | Refund period | Cheapest price per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 7 days | 30 days | $3.50 (varies) |
| Surfshark | 7 days | 30 days | $2.19 |
| ExpressVPN | 7 days | 30 days | $6.67 |
| PrivadoVPN | Indefinite | 30 days | $1.48 |
| Proton VPN | Indefinite | 30 days | $3.59 |
| Row 5 - Cell 0 | Row 5 - Cell 1 | Row 5 - Cell 2 | Row 5 - Cell 3 |
The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide
These are the experts who have tested, reviewed, and ranked the best VPNs free trials in this guide:
Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. He's covered VPNs since 2020, and in that time he has helped test and review over 100 providers. Mo handles the day-to-day testing of VPNs, making sure that they work for real people in real situations. He also undertakes ongoing streaming testing to make sure these services can unblock everything they claim, and produces video content to discuss and demonstrate the software.
Olivia is the Commissioning Editor for Tom's Guide Privacy. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and covers all sorts of privacy- and security-related topics.
How to choose a VPN free trial
There’s a few things you’ll need to keep an eye out for when picking a VPN with a free trial:
- Refund policies: Not all money-back guarantees are created equal. Some come with stipulations such as bandwidth usage, time spent on the VPN, or requiring proof of the VPN not working before they’ll honor the guarantee. The providers we’ve picked out will refund your money no-questions asked, but this isn’t true for every VPN provider out there.
- Privacy and security policies: Whatever you’re using a VPN for, you should always check on their no-logs policies to make sure you’re not using a provider that sends your data to third parties. This is especially true for free VPNs, so when in doubt look for a third-party audit that proves your VPN provider really means it when they say they don’t log your data.
- Device compatibility: Most VPN providers don’t offer a flat free trial across all devices. Often, you’ll find that it’s only apps offered through app stores that come with a trial as this allows providers to stop repeated abuse of a free trial. Make sure that you’re able to actually access the platform you want to through their free trial.
How we test VPNs
We’re not content with just seeing that a VPN connects and giving it our seal of approval. To make sure that you’re getting the most value for your money, we go through each VPN we review with a fine-tooth comb looking for the good, the great, and the bad. You can check out our VPN review guide for more, but I’ll outline the basics below.
Even if we’ve reviewed a VPN before, we start the review process from scratch every six months to see if there’s any improvements. This starts with purchasing the VPN. Along the way, we check out the site to see if there’s any relevant information about a VPN provider’s privacy policy, as well as to get a better idea of what claims are being made and how the support options look at a glance.
Purchasing a VPN subscription gives us the same experience that a first time buyer would get, so we’re aware of the prices on offer. Once that’s done, it’s time to download and install the VPN on our testing devices. Windows apps get the first priority for testing because they’re usually the client that the VPN provider has put the most effort into, but we also go over the whole process on MacOS, Android, and iOS too. It’s at this point that we start looking for any potential VPN leaks and stress test the security features like kill-switches for good measure.
While we’re carrying out these tests, we’re also looking through the apps to see how the user experience feels and whether the UI is simple to navigate. Admittedly, these are matters of taste as much as objective fact so you might disagree a little here.
Finally, after we’re finished with speed testing, we check out which services the VPN provider can actually unblock. This involves tuning in to a bunch of streaming services around the world, with special attention to the most popular regional Netflix variants. We usually find that if a provider can consistently unblock Netflix, they can handle most streaming services.
VPN free trial FAQ
What is a VPN free trial?
Different VPN providers offer different ways for users to get some experience using their software without any monetary risk, and now that VPNs have become more mainstream, developers are becoming more generous with their trials.
The most common way you’ll find to try out a VPN for free is the ‘money-back guarantee’. Most providers are very fair and do refund you no questions asked.
Rarer is the true VPN free trial, in which you’ll be able to test drive the full VPN for a limited time. However, it’s not common to find a trial longer than seven days, and that leaves the chance that you won’t be able to fully explore the VPN.
Finally, we enter the realm of ‘free versions’. Essentially, these VPNs are free for an indefinite time, but they’re usually weak versions of a provider’s full, paid-for service.
Why do VPN providers offer free trials?
It's a combination of genuinely helping the user choose a service more effectively, and getting you used to its apps and ingrained in its ecosystem.
Obviously, the VPN wants you to sign up and spend money, but the almost universal money-back guarantee means you shouldn't be afraid of claiming back if you don't like a certain VPN.
Remember, the consumer is king, so take every chance you can get to ensure you're spending your money wisely.
How can I get my money back on a 30-day VPN free trial?
Most VPNs that offer money-back guarantees – and all of those on this list – are established companies known for their fairness and holding up their side of the bargain.
If you've paid up for a VPN and decided it's not for you, you're well in your rights to get in contact and request a refund. This is usually done over email, but if you visit the provider's website you'll also be able to seek help from the 24/7 customer support.
You're likely to be asked why you're choosing to terminate your contract, but if you're within the money-back time-frame, you're guaranteed to be refunded almost immediately.
Should I get a free or paid VPN?
This al depends on what VPN uses you're expecting to need. I've covered this in detail in my article on free vs paid VPNs, but in short, if you're expecting to use your VPN more than a few times a month, you'll need a paid provider.
What happens when a VPN free trial ends?
Many true VPN free trials are only offered on mobile devices because your payment details are already linked, so you don't have to enter your credit card at the point of purchase. After the trial is up – typically 7 days – you'll be charged for the following period. How much you'll be charged will be in the small print, but be aware that this will likely happen silently.
With a money-back guarantee, again it's up to you to cancel if you want to. You'll have to get in touch before the time is up, and claim your refund. If you don't do it within that time, you've missed your chance.
