The best free VPNs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

You don't have to compromise your privacy, security, or data when you use a free VPN -- as long as you pick the right one. Our guide lists the only trustworthy, free VPNs around today.

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

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