5 Best VPN Free Trials in 2024 | Get a free trial VPN with no credit card details

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark burst onto the VPN scene a few years ago and has since come to be regarded as one of the most versatile and reliable services on the market. The VPN is a fantastic all-rounder, particularly good at unblocking streaming services, and offers all interested users a 7-day free trial!

A premium free trial

You'll need an Android, iOS, or Mac device to download the Surfshark free trial, which is available on the Google Play and Apple App stores – but that doesn't mean that users with different operating systems will miss out! Once you've downloaded and activated your trial subscription, you'll be able to use it on any device, at any time, for 7 days. I particularly like that Surfshark notifies you near the end of your trial period so you don't get blindsided by a fee. Plus, if you do miss the reminder and end up paying for a full subscription by mistake, you'll still be able to take advantage of Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee to claim your money back.

Whilst finding and downloading Surfshark's free trial can be a little tricky, it's well worth it! Very few VPN free trials give you unfettered access to the service's premium features, after all, but Surfshark does. You'll also be able to hop across Surfshark's huge network of servers and browse a whopping 25 different Netflix libraries! So, if you're serious about your streaming, and want to get the most out of your Netflix subscription, Surfshark's free trial is a fantastic option.

Super security

Surfshark doesn't play around when it comes to privacy, either. The VPN makes good use of AES 256-bit encryption and a number of battle-tested protocols – including WireGuard which is a secure, but fast protocol, and the super secure OpenVPN. Plus, you can check out Surfshark's obfuscation (stealth) feature, called Camouflage mode, to hide your VPN usage entirely. Camouflage disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, so it's much easier to bypass any pesky VPN bans that might be enforced in your country or workplace. And, as you'd expect from such a high-profile provider, Surfshark comes with its own kill-switch that'll keep your original IP address from leaking if your VPN connection drops. Just remember to turn the kill-switch on via your settings, first!

Being based in the British Virgin Islands keeps Surfshark out of the reach of invasive US and UK jurisdictions, and there are no mandatory data retention laws to worry about, either. Surfshark also easily qualifies as a no-logs provider, seeing as it won't track your online whereabouts or actions, and has even invested in a third-party security audit!

No limits

As I mentioned earlier, Surfshark is a great VPN pick for anyone interested in unblocking restricted content from around the globe. That might be streaming services, news outlets, blogs, social media pages, or torrenting sites – whatever you plan to check out, Surfshark has you covered with servers in 100 countries across the globe. In addition to unblocking tons of Netflix content and international libraries, Surfshark has no problem accessing BBC iPlayer and Hulu, amongst others, and even has its very own Smart DNS service that comes in handy if you'd prefer to watch the latest flicks and box sets on your smart TV.

Surfshark has neat and intuitive apps for all platforms, allows unlimited simultaneous connections, and is supremely easy to use – so it doesn't matter if you're a VPN novice or a tech veteran! Plus, the VPN's free trial lets you play with all the premium features. Surfshark's ad-blocker is particularly cool, seeing as it shoos away any annoying ads and trackers, and the provider will even enable its NoBorders mode if it detects any internet restrictions. And, for any burning questions, reach out to the customer service team available 24/7.

How to find Surfshark's free trial

Click the link below to land on Surfshark's free trial page. In order to activate the trial, however, you'll need to download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and then run through the installation process. After you've installed the app and created your account, you'll need to select the “12-month” plan and choose a payment option – but don't worry! You won't actually be charged unless you forget to cancel your trial. Alternatively, you can contact Surfshark's customer support for detailed instructions on the free trial.

PrivateVPN Demo

PrivateVPN gets top marks for its free trial! You can test the service for 14 days without any commitment – all you'll have to provide is a valid email address (which can be a disposable one) and you're ready to go. And, if you fear that's not enough to test all its features thoroughly, don't worry! PrivateVPN offers an additional 30-day money-back guarantee on top of its free trial.

What you get with PrivateVPN's free trial

Free trial users get full access to PrivateVPN's features, as well as its growing network of servers in over 63 countries across the globe. You can connect up to 10 devices at once, torrent to your heart’s content, or watch Netflix localized to 15 regions worldwide (and not just the US and UK). I tested PrivateVPN on Windows, iOS, and Android, and found that the default settings make the apps incredibly easy to use, even if you're a VPN beginner.

Private by name and nature

PrivateVPN more than lives up to its name, too, with a robust suite of security tools designed to safeguard your digital privacy. Strong AES 256-bit encryption keeps your identifiable data out of the hands of snooping third parties (like your ISP or government), and users can take their pick from a number of VPN protocols, like OpenVPN and IKEv2. I especially like that PrivateVPN comes with an auto-connect feature in addition to its customizable kill-switch! This handy combination of tools means that, if your VPN connection drops for any reason, your original IP address won't leak, and you'll be reconnected to the VPN as soon as possible.

It is also a no-logs provider that is based in Sweden – a country with, unfortunately, some nasty data retention laws. However, PrivateVPN has reassured us that they're sticking in Sweden in order to maintain full access to their central data center. This makes sense, and I always like to hear that a VPN owns all its own hardware, though it'd also be great to see PrivateVPN invest in a third-party audit of its logging policy!

Unblocks content from around the world

During my tests, I found that PrivateVPN was more than fast enough to handle HD streaming and Zoom calls – and all without buffering interruptions or lag. The service can also unblock a surprisingly long list of streaming services, including the likes of BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+. What's more, thanks to PrivateVPN's dynamic dedicated IP addresses, you'll also be able to browse through various international Netflix libraries! So, don't expect to run out of box sets to binge anytime soon.

PrivateVPN currently allows for up to  10 simultaneous connections. This matches the industry standard and is pretty generous when you consider just how cheap a subscription is. In-house developers handle customer service, which is a nice touch, and even free trial users will have access to 24/7 support via live chat and email.

How to find PrivateVPN's free trial

You'll need a code to get your 7-day free trial – and usually, you'd need to get in touch with the PrivateVPN team via live chat support or email to request one. However, we've done the legwork for you, and you can use our quick link to the official PrivateVPN page by clicking the button below. From there, all you need to do is contact customer support at the bottom of the page and ask for a free trial code.

Hotspot Shield Demo

Some free VPN trials are better than others, and Hotspot Shield's free plan is known across the globe for being particularly useful! The free Hotspot Shield plan has been used by those in need in times of crisis (during protests, political upheaval, or government blackouts), though it has a single US server that is available to anyone, at any time.

Get unlimited access to this VPN

You can use Hotspot Shield's free plan for as long as you want – and that's massively important for folks who might otherwise be beholden to oppressive internet restrictions and censorship. The free plan is available for all platforms, too, though you'll only be able to use it with one device. I like that Hotspot Shield is transparent about the fact that its premium subscriptions offset the cost of operating a free plan – there are plenty of free VPNs that don't work this way, unfortunately, and will sell your identifiable data to pay their bills instead.

If you give Hotspot Shield's free plan a go and ultimately decide that you need a bit more than what it’s offering, you can unlock the rest of its server network and additional simultaneous connections with a 7-day free trial of its 'Premium' plan. This paid service provides access to servers in more than 80 countries countries across the globe – and can unblock some of the most popular streaming services, as well as any news outlets, blogs, or social media sites that might otherwise be blocked in your current location.

No more prying eyes

Hotspot Shield doesn't disappoint when it comes to security and boasts AES 128-bit encryption that'll keep your browsing sessions secure whether you're at home or on the go – nobody wants their ISP, government, or network admin taking a look at the sites they're visiting, after all. The VPN also uses its very own proprietary protocol called Catapult Hydra. Catapult was evaluated by third-party experts, but because it isn't an open-source protocol, it's hard for us to determine how it works and how secure it really is. However, I still use Hotspot Shield confidently and comfortably, and appreciate that the VPN also comes with its own kill-switch (though you'll need to switch it on, first).

Despite being based in the infamously privacy-unfriendly United States, Hotspot Shield is a no-logs provider – though I'd like to see the service invest in a third-party audit to really cement its commitment to user privacy!

A great service for streaming

I used Hotspot Shield on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac, and was impressed with how well the VPN performed. The apps are well-built and as easy to use on a mobile device as they are on a desktop. Plus, the free service is more than quick enough to handle HD streaming – so you don't need to worry about buffering hiccups or low-quality pictures. I was able to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ without any issues, and would definitely recommend Hotspot Shield to anyone who loves getting the most out of their streaming subscriptions.

It was particularly cool to see that Hotspot Shield offers optimized streaming and gaming "modes" – and the service even supports P2P activity. If you need help getting your free trial set up, or are wondering which server would suit you best, you can always ask the 24/7 customer support team via live chat or email.

How to get Hotspot Shield's free trial

Hit the button below to go straight to Hotspot Shield's official page where you can find the free trial option. You'll need to enter your email address and payment details. Note that you'll need to cancel your trial before the seven days are up to avoid starting a paid subscription. If you do forget, Hotspot Shield gives subscribers up to 45 days to change their minds and ask for their money back. 

CyberGhost Demo

CyberGhost is a hugely popular VPN service from Romania – and prospective subscribers can put the provider through its paces with a free three-day trial for Android and a more generous seven-day trial for iOS. You'll only need a valid email address to access this trial, and if you're after some added privacy, you can always sign up with a burner email address.

A full and free trial

The CyberGhost free trial lasts for three days on Android. While this isn't as long as some, it should be enough time to play with the service and try a range of the VPN's servers and features. iOS users can actually enjoy a seven-day free trial – but you will need to cancel the trial via the App Store before the end of your free day to avoid being automatically charged for a one-year subscription. And unfortunately, because there isn't a Linux CyberGhost app, Linux users will need to sign-up for a free trial on another device.

CyberGhost stands out from the crowd by offering a free trial as well as a 45-day money-back guarantee. When I first downloaded the service, many years ago, that generous money-back period allowed me to test the VPN in my own time, without any pressure, and it's why I recommend CyberGhost to VPN newcomers! There's nothing worse than paying for something and finding out that it's nothing like you expected it to be – so it's encouraging to see a provider like CyberGhost giving customers the option to change their minds and reclaim their dollars.

Championing security

The service is solid and secure, packing AES 256-bit encryption that'll ensure all your browsing sessions are private and not subject to third-party snooping. I like that users have three robust protocols to choose from, though I'd recommend sticking with OpenVPN if security is your main concern, and CyberGhost also protects against DNS and IP leaks! Plus, the VPN comes with its very own kill-switch, which is enabled by default.

CyberGhost easily qualifies as a no-logs provider, and they simply aren't interested in keeping tabs on your digital habits. Plus, the VPN is based in Romania, a country famed for its privacy-friendly outlook and lack of mandatory data retention laws.

Versatility across popular platforms

As I mentioned earlier, CyberGhost is a fully-featured service that just about anyone will be able to use! Stylish apps are available for all platforms, and users can play with up to seven simultaneous connections – even on a free trial account.

CyberGhost is a particularly good pick for folks interested in streaming. The service flawlessly unblocks sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime, and even has dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting. Plus, you can count on CyberGhost to recommend you your perfect server depending on your current location and preferences with a streaming option within the app. I loved this feature and I think this is another good example why CyberGhost is a great option for VPN beginners. On that note, if at any point you need help, or if you have any burning questions, you can get in touch with CyberGhost's expert customer service team. They're available 24/7, via live chat or email, and in four languages!

How to find CyberGhost's free trial

Accessing the CyberGhost free trial is as simple as clicking the big yellow button on its free trial page – which you can visit via the link below.

Proton Demo

ProtonVPN comes with a stuffed roster of security features and sleek apps, and a free plan that can be used indefinitely! As a result, ProtonVPN is an excellent pick for anyone looking to shore up their day-to-day web surfing.

Examining the free plan

ProtonVPN has consistently set the bar when it comes to demonstrating what a good free VPN can do. Free users will be able to unblock a ton of restricted sites, like YouTube and Twitter, without paying a penny, for example. Additionally, by not restricting the amount of time you can use the free trial for, folks in desperate need of a VPN will still be able to protect their online privacy even if they can't afford a premium subscription.

It's worth bearing in mind that ProtonVPN's free plan, like all trials and free tiers, is still designed to tempt you into upgrading your subscription. Free users are restricted to dedicated free servers that often get congested during peak times – which ultimately means that ProtonVPN's free plan won't pack the speeds necessary to hop into online games, stream HD content, or engage in other data-intensive tasks. However, if you're looking for a service that prioritizes your security and don't mind missing out on some of the bells and whistles of a premium VPN, then ProtonVPN is still a superb choice.

A privacy champion

ProtonVPN's security features are seriously impressive, and a huge part of why I recommend the service to anyone dealing with intense internet restrictions or issues of censorship. Tough AES 256-bit encryption keeps your traffic intact and out of the hands of meddling ISPs or hackers, and users can pick their preferred protocol – and it's great to see that ProtonVPN also offers WireGuard. The ProtonVPN kill-switch activates if your VPN connection drops, and works perfectly in tandem with the VPN's always-on feature, which will automatically re-establish your connection to a VPN server.

ProtonVPN owns its own servers, and all of its apps are completely open source – which means that you could comb through the code for vulnerabilities yourself if you wanted to! In addition, ProtonVPN keeps users safe from DNS leaks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and network-based attacks (thanks to the VPN's Secure Core architecture). As a final cherry on top, ProtonVPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy, so you don't have to worry about your encrypted traffic getting decrypted at any point.

Necessary features

Admittedly, the ProtonVPN free trial comes with some drawbacks – like limited servers and some congestion – but free users can still play with the kill-switch and VPN Accelerator feature, which can help improve your speeds. The free ProtonVPN servers are located in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US and come in particularly handy if you're trying to stay abreast of international news or keep in touch with friends via social media. Also, I like that ProtonVPN clarifies that it believes that privacy is a fundamental human right – hence the need for a free version of the VPN.

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which isn't the privacy safe-haven it used to be, but is still not a member of the nefarious 14 Eyes surveillance network. In addition, ProtonVPN abides by a sturdy no-logs policy, and has taken part in third-party audits, which is just what I like to see!

How to find ProtonVPN's free trial

Finding ProtonVPN's free trial is easy-peasy! Simply click on the following link to be directed straight to the trial page – click the "Free" option on the left, then download the installer on whichever device you prefer.