2 Best Free VPNs in 2026
Free plans worth using, and when to pay.
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The quick list
If you only need a VPN now and then, Proton's free plan has no data limit, though it covers just one device.
$3.49/mo at Proton VPN
AdGuard VPN comes from the makers of the AdGuard ad blocker.
$2.99/mo at AdGuard VPNProton VPN's free plan has no data limit, though it covers one device. AdGuard VPN gives you 3 GB a month free on 2 devices. Need more devices or speed? Surfshark costs $2.49 a month and covers unlimited devices.
VPN prices are confusing on purpose: the headline monthly price only applies if you pay for two years up front, and renewal prices are higher. We lined up each provider's real up-front cost, device limit and refund policy, scored them on the same five criteria, and ranked them.
1. Proton VPN Plus
If you only need a VPN now and then, Proton's free plan has no data limit, though it covers just one device.
Specifications
- Up-front cost: $83.76 for 24 months
- Devices: 10
- Free plan: 1 device, no data limit
- Refund: 30 days
Today's best deal
$3.49/mo at Proton VPNReasons to buy
- Free plan with no data cap
- 10 devices on Plus
Reasons to avoid
- Free plan is 1 device only
- Fewer extras than Nord or Surfshark
Plus costs $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan and covers 10 devices.
2. AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN comes from the makers of the AdGuard ad blocker.
Specifications
- Devices: 10 paid, 2 free
- Locations: 75+
- Free plan: 3 GB/month
- Refund: 30 days on 1- and 2-year plans
Today's best deal
$2.99/mo at AdGuard VPNReasons to buy
- Free plan to try it
- 10 devices on paid plans
- 75+ locations
Reasons to avoid
- Free plan capped at 3 GB
- Monthly plans aren't refundable
The free plan gives 3 GB a month on 2 devices, and paid plans cover 10 devices with unlimited traffic across 75+ locations. Monthly plans can't be refunded, so pick a yearly plan if you want the 30-day guarantee.
Compare them side by side
| VPN | Best price | Up front | Devices | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | $2.49/mo | $67.23 (27 mo) | Unlimited | 30 days |
| NordVPN | $3.49/mo | $94.23 (27 mo) | 10 | 30 days |
| Proton VPN | $3.49/mo | $83.76 (24 mo) | 10 | 30 days |
| AdGuard VPN | $2.99/mo | $71.76 (24 mo) | 10 | 30 days (yearly) |
How to choose
Count your devices. Phones, laptops, tablets and TVs add up. Surfshark covers unlimited devices; most others cap at 10.
Look at the up-front total. The monthly price only applies if you pay for the whole term today.
Check renewal. Intro prices end. Set a reminder before the term runs out.
Use the refund window. All four offer 30 days on longer plans, so you can test speeds risk-free.
The bottom line
For most people, Surfshark is the best value: $2.49 a month, unlimited devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you want the biggest name, NordVPN costs about $27 more over the same 27 months.
$3.49/mo at Proton VPNMore guides like this
How we pick
We line up the models people actually buy and compare them on value, devices, features, refund policy, track record.