Are free VPNs safe? What you need to know when choosing free vs. paid VPN

A VPN is meant to protect your privacy, encrypt your data, and keep your online activity secure. But are free VPNs safe? The reality is that many come with VPN security risks that can expose your information rather than protect it.

While a paid VPN could offer strong encryption, fast speeds, and a strict no-logs policy for a fee, a free VPN often makes money in other ways—by tracking your data, selling bandwidth, or injecting ads into your browsing. When it comes to free VPN vs. paid VPN, the difference isn’t just about cost—it’s about privacy, security, and performance.

What is a free VPN?

A free VPN promises to do what a paid VPN does—encrypt your internet connection and mask your IP address—without the price tag. A free VPN might seem like a simple solution for anyone looking to protect their privacy, secure public Wi-Fi connections, or avoid data tracking.

But are free VPNs safe? The answer is complicated. While they offer some level of protection, they may come with security risks, weak encryption, and questionable business models that can put users at risk.

How does a free VPN work?

At its core, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, preventing third parties from spying on your online activity. This is essential for maintaining privacy and security, especially when using public networks. By changing your IP address, a VPN also hides your true location, giving you greater privacy while allowing you to access websites and apps that might be censored in your country.

Free VPNs function similarly to paid ones—at least on the surface. They route your internet traffic through their VPN servers, hiding your IP address. However, their security practices can be inconsistent. Many free VPNs have unsecured VPN connections, weak encryption, and even leaks that expose users’ real IP addresses.

Hola VPN was one of the most infamous cases of a free VPN backfiring. Marketed as a free, easy-to-use VPN, Hola quickly gained millions of users. But in 2018, researchers uncovered a serious problem: Hola wasn’t just providing a VPN service but turning its users into part of a massive botnet. Instead of relying on its own servers, Hola was using its users’ devices to route traffic for others, essentially selling their bandwidth without their knowledge. This meant that someone using Hola could unknowingly have their internet connection used by strangers for anything—from harmless browsing to illegal activities. What seemed like a convenient, free VPN turned into a serious privacy and security risk.

How free VPNs make money

If a VPN service is free, how does it stay in business? The reality is that you’re often paying in other ways—sometimes with your privacy.

Many free VPNs monetize users through:

• Data collection and selling: Some log your browsing habits and sell the data to advertisers or third parties. A weak or shady VPN logging policy can turn a privacy tool into a surveillance nightmare.
• Ads and trackers: Free VPNs often inject ads into your browsing experience or use trackers to gather more data.
• Selling bandwidth: Some free VPN services turn your device into an exit node, using your internet connection to route other users’ traffic. This can lead to slow VPN speeds and even legal risks.
• Premium upgrades: Some free VPNs restrict speeds, servers, and features to encourage users to purchase a paid version.

In some cases, a free VPN scam may go further, using fake security claims while installing malware or spyware on users’ devices.

Common features of free VPNs

Not all free VPNs are dangerous, but they have significant limitations. Some of the most common issues include:

• Slow VPN speeds: Free servers are often overcrowded, making streaming, gaming, or even regular browsing frustrating.
• Limited data: Many free VPNs cap your usage, offering only a few hundred MBs per day or month.
• Fewer server locations: A free VPN might only have a handful of servers, reducing connection stability.
• Weak encryption: Not all free VPNs use strong data encryption, leaving your information vulnerable.
• Potential VPN IP leaks: Some free VPNs fail to properly secure connections, meaning your real IP address could still be exposed.

Security risks of free VPNs

A VPN is supposed to make your internet connection more secure, but many free VPNs introduce new risks instead of solving them. While some free VPNs operate with transparency, others have been found logging user data, injecting ads, or even exposing users to malware. Here’s a closer look at the biggest security risks associated with free VPN services.

Logging and data collection – who can see your data?

A VPN should act like a private tunnel, shielding your internet activity from prying eyes, whether it’s your Internet Service Provider (ISP), advertisers, or cybercriminals. To do this effectively, a VPN must have a strict no-logs policy—meaning it does not store records of what you do online. However, some free VPNs track and log user data, sometimes selling it to third parties.

In 2020, a massive data leak exposed the truth about seven free VPNs, including UFO VPN and Rabbit VPN. These VPNs stored 1.2 terabytes of user data despite advertising “no-logs” policies. This data included IP addresses, browsing history, and even passwords, all sitting unprotected on an open database. Instead of enhancing privacy, these VPNs put their users at serious risk.

Why is this a problem? If a VPN logs your data, your activity can be traced back to you, so you do not get the benefit of online privacy. Your browsing history, search queries, and even the websites you visit could be tracked and monetized like an ISP would do without a VPN. The key takeaway? A free VPN that logs your activity is not a privacy tool—it’s a data collection service.

Malware and tracking in free VPN apps

While VPNs are designed to protect your privacy, some free VPNs have been found to contain malware or intrusive tracking software, posing significant risks to users. For instance, SuperVPN, a free VPN service with over 100 million installs, has been identified as a high-risk application. In 2020, researchers discovered that SuperVPN had critical vulnerabilities allowing for man-in-the-middle attacks, enabling hackers to intercept communications and redirect users to malicious servers. Moreover, in 2023, a massive data breach exposed 133 GB of user data from SuperVPN, including email addresses, IP addresses, and geolocation information, highlighting the severe privacy risks associated with such services.

Weak encryption and security vulnerabilities

VPNs work by using VPN encryption so that even if someone intercepts your traffic, they can’t read it. But encryption is only as strong as the technology behind it, and some free VPNs use outdated or weak encryption protocols—or worse, no encryption at all.

For example, many free VPNs still use PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol), an outdated encryption standard that can be cracked in minutes. Unlike industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard, PPTP is vulnerable to hackers and government surveillance.

In another alarming case, the free VPN service BeanVPN left an 18.5GB database exposed online, containing over 25 million user records. The database wasn’t even password-protected, meaning anyone could access sensitive information like connection logs and IP addresses.

A VPN with weak encryption is worse than no VPN at all—it gives a false sense of security while leaving you vulnerable to data theft, surveillance, and cyberattacks.

DNS leaks and IP exposure risks

One of the most fundamental roles of a VPN is hiding your real IP address. If a VPN fails to do this, your ISP, websites, and even hackers can still see where you’re browsing from.

A DNS leak occurs when a VPN doesn’t properly route your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, allowing your ISP to see your browsing activity. You can check your IP address to confirm that your VPN works properly. Similarly, a VPN IP leak means your real location is exposed, which can defeat the purpose of using a VPN entirely.

A major test of free VPNs found that over 80% suffered from DNS leaks, meaning user data was still visible to internet service providers. Worse, many free VPNs didn’t properly secure WebRTC connections, which are used for voice and video calls, leading to potential IP leaks.

Even widely used free VPNs have failed at protecting user IP addresses. Hola VPN, for example, suffered from IP leaks and sold users’ bandwidth without their knowledge, meaning strangers could use your internet connection for unknown activities.

Free VPNs and government surveillance risks

Many users turn to VPNs to keep their online activity private from governments and law enforcement. But what if the VPN itself is collecting and sharing your data?

Some free VPNs are based in countries with invasive data-retention laws, which means they can be legally required to store and hand over user data upon request.

For example, Hotspot Shield, a widely used free VPN, faced allegations of logging user data and redirecting traffic to partner websites. Researchers found that the VPN was injecting JavaScript code into user traffic to track browsing behavior, raising concerns about whether governments or advertisers could access this data.

This is particularly concerning for users who rely on VPNs for whistleblowing, activism, or avoiding surveillance in restrictive countries. If a VPN provider logs user data and operates in a country with weak privacy protections, there’s a high risk that authorities could access those records.

Do free VPNs sell your data?

Many free VPNs sustain their business by collecting and selling user data. While you should use a VPN to protect your privacy, some free services track browsing activity, IP addresses, and even personal details. This data is often monetized through advertising networks, data brokers, or third-party companies.

Although some free VPNs claim to have strict no-logs policies, past investigations have revealed that several providers secretly track and store user data. This defeats the purpose of using a VPN and exposes users to potential privacy risks, including targeted advertising, government surveillance, and data breaches.

Real-world cases of free VPNs leaking user information

How some free VPNs fund operations through advertising and data selling

Operating a VPN service entails significant costs, including server maintenance, bandwidth, and security measures. To offset these expenses, some free VPN providers resort to monetization strategies that may compromise user privacy:​

• Data Collection for Advertising: Many free VPNs collect user data, such as browsing habits and location information, to sell to third-party advertisers. This practice allows advertisers to deliver targeted ads, generating revenue for the VPN provider. 
• Embedding Tracking Features: Some free VPNs incorporate tracking mechanisms within their applications to monitor user behavior. This data is often sold to data brokers or marketing firms, effectively turning users into products. ​
• Injecting Advertisements: Certain free VPN services inject advertisements directly into users’ web traffic. While this approach generates revenue, it can also slow down browsing speeds and disrupt the user experience.

What happens to your data after using a free VPN?

When using a free VPN, your data may be subject to several risks:​

• Data Retention and Sale: Collected data can be stored indefinitely and sold to third parties, including advertisers and data brokers, potentially leading to targeted advertising or unsolicited contact.
• Exposure to Data Breaches: Free VPNs with inadequate security measures are susceptible to data breaches, which can expose your personal information to malicious actors. ​
• Government Surveillance: In regions with mandatory data retention laws, free VPNs may be compelled to share user data with government authorities, compromising your privacy.

Performance issues with free VPNs

Free VPNs often have significant performance issues that make them frustrating. From slow speeds to network restrictions and intrusive ads, here’s why free VPNs might not be the best choice for a smooth browsing experience.

Slow speeds and bandwidth limitations

One of the most common complaints about free VPNs is slow speeds. Unlike paid VPNs that offer dedicated high-speed servers, free VPNs often overcrowd their limited server network, leading to:

• Laggy browsing and buffering: Free VPN servers are frequently overloaded, making even basic tasks frustratingly slow.
• Throttled connections: Many free VPNs intentionally slow down speeds to push users toward paid plans.
• Data caps: Some services limit users to a few hundred megabytes per day or month, making streaming or heavy browsing impossible.

Free VPNs and internet freedom: Limitations under network restrictions

Many schools, workplaces, and public Wi-Fi networks block VPN traffic to prevent users from bypassing content filters. While premium VPNs often use advanced obfuscation techniques to get around these blocks, most free VPNs don’t, which can aggravate accessing social media, streaming platforms, and messaging apps. Common issues include:

• Failure to connect: Many network administrators actively block free VPNs, preventing them from working altogether.
• Inconsistent access: Even if a free VPN works initially, it may stop working as networks update their restrictions.
• Limited server switching: Paid VPNs allow switching between multiple servers to evade blocks, but free VPNs typically offer only a few options, making it easier for networks to blacklist them.

Ad injection and browser hijacking in free VPNs

Many free VPNs inject ads or even alter web traffic to generate revenue. This can not only be annoying but also pose security risks. Here is how some free VPNs interfere with browsing:

• Ad injection: Some free VPNs insert additional ads into web pages, even on sites that wouldn’t normally display them.
• Tracking and browser hijacking: Some modify search results or redirect users to partner websites to generate advertising revenue.
• Slower browsing experience: Excessive ad injection and tracking increase page load times and make browsing feel sluggish.

Are any free VPNs safe to use?

Some free VPNs offer basic security features, but none are truly risk-free. Even the most reputable options come with trade-offs, such as speed restrictions, limited servers, or potential privacy concerns. While a free VPN may be sufficient for occasional, low-risk browsing, they generally aren’t reliable for privacy-focused users.

Limitations of even the safest free VPNs

Even the best free VPNs come with significant restrictions, making them impractical for many users.

• Limited server access: Free VPNs often provide only a few server locations, which can lead to congestion and slow speeds.
• Data caps: Many free VPNs restrict usage, making them unsuitable for streaming, gaming, or heavy browsing.
• Weaker security: Some free VPNs use lower encryption standards or lack features like a kill switch, leaving users vulnerable to leaks.
• Inconsistent performance: Many free VPNs are blocked by network restrictions, making them unreliable for bypassing filters in schools or workplaces.
• Long-term sustainability: Free VPNs rely on ads, trackers, or upsells to generate revenue, which can compromise the user experience and privacy.

Common misconceptions about free VPNs

Free VPNs are often marketed as an easy, no-cost solution for online privacy, but many users overestimate their security and reliability. Here are some of the most common myths about free VPNs—and why they aren’t entirely true.

Free VPNs are just as safe as paid VPNs

A VPN should protect your privacy, but free VPNs often come with compromises that paid VPNs don’t. While both types encrypt traffic, free VPNs typically have weaker security measures and may even log and sell user data

Incognito mode + free VPN = complete privacy

Using incognito mode while connected to a free VPN does not guarantee total privacy. Incognito mode only prevents your browser from saving history, cookies, or cached files—it does not stop websites and ISPs from tracking your online activity. A free VPN may still log your activity, so your data can still be tracked and sold.

If a VPN has millions of users, it must be trustworthy

A high user count does not equal strong security. 

• Many free VPNs attract users with “free” marketing, but they monetize by collecting and selling data.
• Some popular free VPNs have suffered massive data leaks, exposing millions of users’ private information.
• Large user bases can lead to slow speeds and unreliable connections, making them impractical for privacy-conscious users.

Alternatives to free VPNs

There are better options if you’re looking for online privacy and security but don’t want the risks of a free VPN. Instead of settling for slow speeds, data tracking, and security risks, consider a premium VPN with a free trial or money-back guarantee—or use other privacy tools that protect your data without the downsides of a free VPN.

Free trials of premium VPNs

Rather than using a free VPN that might sell your data, a premium VPN with a trial or refund policy gives you full security with no compromises.

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test the service risk-free. It also allows you to change your IP location easily for added privacy and access:

• Unlimited bandwidth: No data caps, slow speeds, or throttling.
• Global server network: Access fast, secure servers in 100+ countries instead of a limited free selection.
• Trusted security: ExpressVPN has independent audits, strong encryption, and a strict no-logs policy, keeping your data private.
• Works on all devices: Use it on PCs, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and routers with one subscription.

Get ExpressVPN

Other privacy tools to use instead of a free VPN

If your primary concern is privacy and security, there are better alternatives to a free VPN. These tools can protect your online identity, secure accounts, and encrypt sensitive information: