What is the Best Free Trial VPN in 2024? Find the Best (2024)

At a Glance

You’ve heard about how VPNs protect you while you’re online, encrypting your connection to hide your online activities. They also provide access to content in other countries that you might normally not be able to access.

After a bit of research, you find that many VPN providers offer a free trial of their services. But which providers offer the best protection, best access to content, and best value? In this article, I’ll tell you about seven top VPN providers that offer a free no-risk trial.

Why Do I Need a VPN?

A VPN provides several online security and privacy features, while also providing access to geo-controlled content in other countries. A quality VPN offers these protections and advantages for most popular connected devices.

VPNs encrypt your internet connection. This hides your online activities from outside observers, including your ISP, hackers, or even the government. While they can usually tell that you’re using a VPN, the ability to see what you’re doing ends there, as the VPN hides your actual online travels.

A VPN also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device, which can make it appear as if you are connecting from a different location, be it in your own country or a country half a world away. This provides access to geographically controlled content you would normally not have access to.

In this article, I’ll take a look at the seven best VPNs that offer a free trial period. Top-notch VPNs often offer free and risk-free trials of their services in a variety of ways, including free trials, money-back guarantees, and feature-limited free VPNs.

WANT TO TRY A VPN RISK-FREE?All seven of the VPNs on this list offer no-risk, money-back guarantees, ranging from 30 to 45 days. While you will need to pay upfront for your VPN service, if the VPN does not meet your needs, you can then request a refund at any time during the trial period.

Best “Free Trial” VPNs

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a free trial for everything? The providers listed below offer the best risk-free VPN trials.

Here is the Reader’s Digest version of the top seven free trial VPNs.

The best “free trial” VPNs:

1. NordVPN: Best free trial VPN.This #1 VPN provider offers a full 30 days to try out its services. Nord provides fast and well-protected connections, while providing reliable access to geo-fenced content on most popular devices.
2. Surfshark: Best budget free trial VPN.This provider offers fast connections from an impressive global server network. The provider’s bargain-basem*nt pricing belies its Tiffany-level VPN services. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium free trial VPN.While this provider is expensive, it provides an excellent return on investment thanks to its fast and well-protected connections, comprehensive app support, RAM servers, and excellent support for routers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent VPN for first-timers.If you’re new to the world of VPNs or if you simply prefer an easy-to-use VPN, CyberGhost could be the provider for you. The provider’s intuitive apps provide one-click connections to a massive global server network. Offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA):Reliable VPN protection.PIA provides security and privacy for all of your online activities. It also provides reliable access to geo-fenced content in several countries. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. PrivateVPN:Small but mighty VPN.PrivateVPN admittedly has the smallest number of servers of any provider on this list. That said, the VPN provider offers well-protected access to content wherever it has servers. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
7. Atlas VPN:Unlimited VPN protection.This provider puts no limit on the number of simultaneous connections to its servers, meaning Atlas customers can protect all of their connected devices at once. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

I evaluated and ranked the VPNs on this list according to the following criteria:

• Risk-free money-back guarantee
• App, browser, and router support
• Security and privacy features
• Connection speeds
• Global server network
• Customer support

You can find out more information about the features I use to rank these providers in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Here are the top seven “free trial” VPNs.

1. NordVPN

Mar 2024

NordVPNis the top provider on this list, thanks to its comprehensive online security and privacy protection, fast connections, and30-day money-back guarantee.

The provider’s global server network boasts more than 6,000 servers in 60+ countries. Those servers are all run 100% from volatile RAM, with no data ever being written to an actual hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is completely wiped from a NordVPN server whenever it is rebooted or powered down.

NordVPN protects its customers’ connections with military-grade encryption, akill switch, and IP/DNS leakprevention. Malware and ad blocking are available, as is an obfuscated server option that disguises your VPN traffic as normal browser activity.

A strict no-server-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin payment option combine to offer top-notch privacy protection.

Up to six devices can be simultaneously connected to the provider’s servers on a single user account. The provider’s comprehensive router support can also be used to protect all of your devices via a single point of access.

NordVPN offers fast connections, providing plenty of bandwidth for gaming, streaming, and other popular online pastimes. No worries about monthly or daily bandwidth limitations and data caps.

The provider offers app support for Windows, macOS, Apple TV (iOS 17 or later), Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Linux, and iOS device platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms.

Customer support is available 24/7 and includes email support, always-available live chat, and a searchable support library.

BEST OVERALL “FREE TRIAL” VPN:NordVPN protectsand enhances your online activities. The provider’s well-protected and fast connections provide efficient access to content around much of the globe. NordVPN’s comprehensive app selection and customer support make this VPN an excellent option for users around the globe. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfsharkoffers budget-friendly pricing as well as a30-day money-back guarantee. Its global server network is quite impressive, boasting over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries around the world.

The provider offers connection protection made up of government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Surfshark’s MultiHop option routes your internet connection through a duo of VPN servers for added encryption and anonymity.

Surfshark’s no-server-logs-ever policy means no one will ever be able to view your usage history and the provider also offers a cryptocurrency payment option. The provider runs their servers solely from RAM, never writing any data of any kind to a physical hard drive.

The provider’sunlimited simultaneous connections allowanceoffers unlimited VPN protection on all of your connected devices.

Users will appreciate Surfshark’s fast connection speeds. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to spoil your fun when using this provider.

The provider’s app selection includes options for Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is compatibility with several router makes and models.

Around-the-clock customer support options include live chat, a searchable support library, an FAQ section, and a contact form.

BEST FOR BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark is the topbudget-priced VPN, making it an excellent option for users looking to save a bit of money. Fast connections, a large global server network, comprehensive online privacy security, and an unlimited connections allowance just add to the value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPNmay be priced a bit higher than the other inhabitants of this list, but a30-day money-back guaranteemeans there is no financial risk involved in giving it a try.

The provider’s large global server network boasts 3,000+ servers located in 100+ countries.

All ExpressVPN-provided connections are well-protected, thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. A strict no-logs-ever policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option combine to protect your privacy.

The provider wasone of the first VPN providers to run all server operations solely from RAM, writing no data to a hard drive. This ensures that all information is wiped from the server whenever it is restarted or powered down.

The VPN’s connection speeds are quite fast. The provider never puts restrictions on your VPN usage by throttling your bandwidth or imposing data caps.

The provider’s native app offerings include options for Chromebook, Android, Android TV, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, Apple TVs running iOS 17 or later, and Windows devices. Brave, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility for select routers.

An eight simultaneous connections allowance is the rule here.

Customer support is an always available proposition, thanks to 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

VERSATILE VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN offerssomewhat expensive but reliable VPN services. The provider offers app support for most popular devices, super-fast connections, and comprehensive security and privacy protections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhostis the only provider on this list to offer a45-day money-back guarantee(on its one-year, two-year, and three-year subscription options). You have 14 days to ask for a refund if you opt for a monthly subscription (makes sense).

CyberGhost’s large global server network includes over 11,500 servers located in 99+ countries around the globe. The provider offersgaming-, streaming-, and torrenting-optimized servers in several countries.

All CyberGhost connections are well-protected by banking-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak prevention. Ad and malware blocking are also available, as is the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages if they’re available.

All of the provider’s servers are run free of user logs, and a Bitcoin payment option for subscription payments keeps your patent info incognito. Plus, CyberGhost now runs all of its servers 100% from RAM.

CyberGhost connections are fast and ready for any online activity. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about here.

VPN newbies will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use selection of apps, which includes offerings for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available. The provider also offers comprehensive router support.

CyberGhost allows up to seven devices to connect to its servers at the same time.

24/7 support is made up of always-available live chat, a searchable support library, and a trouble ticket system.

BEST VPN FOR FIRST-TIMERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-useone-click apps make it easy for internet users to protect and enhance their online activities. Fast, well-protected connections and a large global server network make it easy to access content around the globe. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA)offers a30-day money-back guaranteeand boasts a good-sized global server network, made up of 3,300+ servers located in 90+ countries.

All of the provider’s connections are protected by military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The VPN can also block ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

PIA’s servers are run completely free of user logs, meaning there are no records of your online travels. The provider accepts Bitcoin as payment, keeping your payment information undercover.

All PIA servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, meaning no data is ever written to a hard drive or SSD, ensuring that all data on a PIA server is completely wiped whenever it is rebooted or powered down.

While PIA’s connection speeds are admittedly the second-slowest on this list of VPNs, the provider’s connections are still up to easily handling popular online activities. The provider never ruins a good time by imposing data caps or throttling their customers’ bandwidth.

PIA offers plenty of native app support, including options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Also available are Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions. The provider also works with several router makes and models.

The provider puts no limit on the number of devices that users can simultaneously connect to its servers.

PIA’s support offerings include live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION:PIA keepsyour online travels incognito with its top-notch online protection. The provider also offers reliable access to geo-fenced content in more than 90 countries around the world. An unlimited number of devices can be connected at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPNoffers a30-day money-back guaranteethat rewards you with plenty of time to give its services a try.

The provider’s server count (200+) is the lowest on this list. However, PIA does a good job of spreading those servers among 60+ countries, providing reliable access to content usually restricted to those countries.

PrivateVPN uses government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more to keep your online activities undercover.The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature disguises your VPN usage, making it appear to be normal browser traffic.

The provider has a no-server logs policy, which ensures that there are no records to be found connected to your online activities. A cryptocurrency payment option also keeps your payment information private.

The provider also comes in last in the connection speed derby. That said, the provider’s connections can easily handle most popular online activities. PrivateVPN never restricts its customers’ usage with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

The provider’s native app support includes options for Android, iOS, Linux,macOS, and Windows devices. While PrivateVPN does not currently offer browser extensions, users can manually configure select routers to work with the provider.

Users are allowed to connect up to 10 devices at once to PrivateVPN servers.

PrivateVPN support options include a messaging option, a support form, and an FAQ page.

“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN hasa low server count, although the provider’s server network provides reliable access to content in more than 60 countries. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature disguises your VPN usage as normal browser traffic. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPNoffers a30-day money-back guarantee, more than enough time to decide if the provider is the right one for you.

Atlas has a global server network made up of 1,000+ servers, located in nearly 50 countries around the globe. While that is not overly impressive, Atlas does a top-notch job of providing access to content in those countries.

All Atlas VPN-provided connections are protected by government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. A “Safebrowse” feature blocks online dangers and irritating ads.

The provider’s servers arerun free of user logs, ensuring that there are no records of your online activities. A cryptocurrency payment option helps to keep your financial information undercover.

The provider delivers blazingly-fast connections with plenty of bandwidth for popular online pastimes. There are no data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with when using Atlas VPN.

Atlas native app support includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Apple TV (iOS 17 or higher), and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Browser extensions and router support are currently unavailable.

Atlas VPN customers cansimultaneously connect anunlimited number of devicesto the provider’s servers.

While the provider’s live chat option is limited to paying customers, all customers can access a contact form, email support, and a searchable support library.

PROTECTS UNLIMITED DEVICES AT ONCE:Atlas VPN allowsusers to simultaneously connect an unlimited number of their devices to its servers. The provider delivers fast and well-protected connections, which provide access to geo-controlled content in nearly 50 countries. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of Atlas VPN

Methodology for Assessing Free Trial VPNs

Gamers who are looking to try out a free trial VPN provider should carefully research any VPN provider’s offerings before committing to it. This is because not all VPNs will fit your needs.

These are the factors you should consider when deciding which VPN is the one for you:

• Connection speed:A fast connection is always your friend. The VPNs on my list offer fast connection speeds, verified via periodic connection speed testing.
• Server network:A large global server network is a must if you’re looking to access geo-blocked content. Also, look for a large number of servers in each country, as it helps prevent an individual server from being overloaded by too many users at once.
• Value:Determine a provider’s value by weighing its asking price against the services the provider offers. Each VPN on my list offers good value.
• Ease of use:A VPN should offer apps for multiple device platforms and the apps should also be easy to use. All of the VPNs on my list offer intuitive apps.
• Security and privacy:The online world is a dangerous place. A VPN worth its salt should offer banking-gradeencryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention. Any extra protections are a plus. A no-logs policy is also a must have, as it will ensure that no records are kept of your online travels.
• Streaming:Video streamingis a popular pastime among internet users. So, each VPN I recommend provides access to streaming services around the globe, such asHulu,Netflix,Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streamers.

The list above includes just some of the features I consider during my comprehensiveVPN testing methodology. This data-driven research process gives me an in-depth understanding of each provider, allowing me to only recommend those VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN

To protect and enhance your online activities with a VPN, do the following.

5 steps to use a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider (NordVPNis my top pick).
2. Install the provider’s app on your favorite device or router.
3. Log in to the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server and connect to it.
5. Enjoy your newly protected online activities.

Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option to Protect Me Online?

You’ll find that “free” VPNs have numerous drawbacks and restrictions and they also violate your privacy.

Using a free VPN will be an unsatisfactory experience. This is due to free VPNs’ lacking global server coverage, throttled connections, and data caps.

Many free VPNs keep the lights on by tracking and logging their customers’ online travels, then selling that usage information to advertisers and anyone else willing to pay for it.

Free VPN providers have also been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. And those tracking cookies keep tracking you, even when you’re not connected to the VPN’s network.

Free VPNsare also a pain in the rear to use.

Some freebie VPNs force you to wait to connect to their server network. Once you’re finally given the okay to connect, you’ll likely find that you have a tiny selection of servers to connect to, and that’s only if you’re not automatically connected to a server of the free VPN’s choice.

Free VPNs throttle your connection speeds greatly, and your usage will also be restricted by daily or monthly data caps.

Free Trial VPN FAQs

How Do I Cancel a VPN Free Trial?

It depends on the VPN provider. Usually, you can log into the VPN’s website using the credentials you used to set up the account. You should see a link where you can cancel your account somewhere in your account settings. If not, message or email customer support.

Do I Need a Credit Card to Try a VPN’s Free Trial?

While some VPNs do offer a truly free trial period, they usually limit it to only a few days. A few days is not nearly enough to evaluate a VPN provider. While you do have to provide a credit card number to sign up for a VPN provider’s free trial, you can still get a refund if you cancel before the money-back guarantee period has expired.

Can I Watch Netflix With a Free Trial VPN?

It depends on the VPN and its free trial policy. If a provider doesn’t provide full access to its server network, they might not allow you to connect to its Netflix-capable servers. Of course, there are still some VPNs that simply don’t work with Netflix at all.

The VPNs I recommend offer full-featured trials that provide the same access for every subscriber.

Conclusion

Internet users in search of online protection and enhancement for their online activities are urged to take advantage of a VPN’s free trial/money-back guarantee period to allow them to determine if a VPN provider is the right one for their needs.

All of the paid VPNs on this list offer a risk-free money-back guarantee. This provides plenty of time to find out how well a provider works for you.

A quality VPN – like NordVPN – offers excellent protection for your online travels, while also providing a large global server network to provide access to geo-protected content. The provider offers comprehensive online security, a wide selection of apps and fast connections.

Gamers will do well to consider all that NordVPN has to offer by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information or to purchase a subscription,visit the NordVPN website.