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Proton VPN is the best free VPN and it's the only no-cost VPN we recommend. Most free VPNs impose heavy restrictions on things like data allowances, connection speeds and use, making them practically useless for anything beyond browsing the web and checking your email. Some free VPNs may even sell your data or plaster your screen with ads. Proton VPN, however, imposes no such limitations on its free users. Still, Proton VPN's free tier isn't without its restrictions. It only offers access to 10 server locations and doesn't let you manually select a server -- you're stuck using the country's se
Best Free VPN for 2026: Privacy Without Paying… The most versatile VPN After thoroughly testing multiple VPNs, CNET's reviewers listed Proton VPN as the most versatile VPN for 2026 . We've also called Proton the best cheap VPN and praised its use for travel , streaming and gaming .
… Proton VPN now has the biggest global footprint out of all the VPNs CNET has tested . …
… Beyond just a safe place to dump your files, it comes with built-in, encrypted tools including Proton Docs and Proton Sheets, allowing you to create documents and collaborate with others in real time without sacrificing your privacy. …
… The only free VPN we recommend is Proton VPN's free plan, a stripped-down version of one of our favorite paid VPN services. Our Picks Best free VPN overall Proton VPN See at ProtonVPN 8/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. …
… If you need more servers and greater manual control, Proton’s paid plans provide 18,100-plus servers in 129 countries, which is helpful for international travel or streaming. Proton is fast, extremely private and exceptional for streaming. …
… Read more on: How we test Proton VPN is the best free VPN for travel -- whereas many free VPNs sell your data, plaster your screen with ads or impose tight data usage restrictions, Proton VPN's no-cost tier doesn't. …
… Proton VPN’s discreet app icons let you hide the fact that you have a VPN installed on your Android phone or tablet, making the Proton VPN app icon look like a notes or weather app instead. Proton's hidden app icons could prove helpful if you’re worried about your device getting seized and searched. …
… Read more on: How we test Proton VPN is the best and only free VPN that we recommend for iPhone or any other platform. But Proton’s exceptional premium VPN plan is a worthy upgrade -- or alternative to other paid VPN rivals. …
… Other VPNs we tested Proton VPN Proton VPN is a Swiss-based open-source VPN provider that is staunchly committed to user privacy. …
… Proton VPN has promised a fix but folks with critical privacy needs should be aware of this limitation on Mac. Proton VPN was the second-fastest VPN in our latest speed tests, coming in behind NordVPN, with a superb 16% average download speed loss. …