Many users wonder, are free VPNs safe enough to trust? Unfortunately, the saying that “if you’re not paying for a product, you are the product” rings true in this case.
The key takeaways when it comes to free VPNs:
- Know the hidden trade-offs: Free VPNs often make money by tracking your activity, displaying ads, or selling your data. What seems free could cost you your privacy.
- Don’t assume free VPNs are fast: Many free VPNs are plagued by slow speeds due to overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, and limited resources.
- Paying for protection works: A premium VPN can afford to keep your data private without shady tactics. It offers better performance, stronger security, and real peace of mind.
If you’re cautious about your privacy on the internet, you’re probably considering a free VPN.
We don’t blame you, it sounds like a good deal at first.
- You get to browse the web securely
- You protect yourself from cyber attacks
- You can access content from any location
And all this is for free!
But you might be asking, “are free VPNs safe?” Unfortunately, as a whole, they’re not. Free VPNs are not safe in most cases.
Most free VPN providers use very shady tactics to generate revenue. This includes selling your data online, bombarding you with ads, stealing processing power, and more. Many users are drawn to a free VPN as a cost-effective solution, but they often fail to realize the hidden dangers associated with these services.
If you want to really take advantage of VPN benefits, you’ll have to use a premium VPN.
In this article, we explain the shady tactics free VPNs tend to use, and why you should stay away from them.
Are Free VPNs Safe? No — Here’s Why
If you’ve ever searched “are free VPNs safe” you’ve likely come across a lot of confusing claims.
Like any other business, free VPN providers still have to make money.
Free VPNs generate revenue through shady practices like selling your data to third parties or selling your bandwidth. Besides disregarding their main purpose — to keep your data safe and private — free VPN providers come with many other downsides.
Many users choose a free VPN because they believe it offers the same level of security as a paid one, but in reality, these services come with significant privacy risks.
Here’s a complete list of all the issues you face if you’re using a free VPN:
Reason 1: Free VPNs Track Your Online Activity
If you’re asking, “Are free VPNs safe when it comes to privacy?” the answer for the majority, the answer is no. Around 72% of free VPNs track your online activity themselves!
One of the primary reasons to use a VPN is to conceal your online activity and safeguard your privacy. Your data will be encrypted and your ISP won’t have access to your online activity. Yet they’ll collect data on your online activity and sell it to third-party advertising companies.
If you look at the privacy policy data collection details of most free VPN providers, you’ll find a clause stating their use of advertisements to support their service. They state that their advertising partners serve ads based on your usage data, which they acquire by analyzing your cookies.
Surprising? Not really.
Since you’re not directly paying, the free VPN providers have to make money somehow, and this is how they do it.
Even more concerning, some free VPNs have been linked to data brokers that build detailed user profiles based on browsing habits. This information can be used to target you with invasive ads, influence your purchasing decisions, and even manipulate your online experience.
Bottom line: If online privacy is why you want to use a VPN, a free provider is not your solution.
Instead, you should opt for a premium VPN provider. Most premium VPNs have a no-log policy, which means they don’t keep track of your online activity and your data is completely private using the service. Some, like IPVanish, have even undergone a no-log VPN audit.
Reason 2: Free VPNs Are Not Secure or Safe
Another reason why you might want to use a VPN is to better protect yourself from hackers and cyber attacks on Wi-Fi.
That’s a very valid reason because the right VPN can:
- Protect you from unauthorized man-in-the-middle attacks. That’s most commonly when a hacker hijacks a Wi-Fi network and routes all the traffic through their computer. What this means is that all your unencrypted activity (i.e., browser traffic, email contents, and file transfers) is visible to the hacker.
- Protect you from DNS hijacking. DNS traffic is always unencrypted, universally on the same port (53, UDP + TCP), and for the vast majority of domains, easy to change the response.
- Hide your IP address (and location from potential hackers).
- Encrypt your data and internet activity, making sure that no third party can track you.
Ironically, most free VPNs come with malware built-in. That’s right: according to a study of 283 VPNs, nearly 40% of free VPNs contain malware.
The types of malware include:
- Adware – Unwanted advertising, usually in the form of popups.
- Trojan – Backdoor access to your device hidden inside a “legit” application. Meaning that the VPN provider can exfiltrate data (e.g., keyloggers) without you knowing.
- Malvertising – Malicious, unwanted advertising, but the type that directs you to visit questionable virus-infected websites.
These are just a few to mention.
Some free VPNs even request device permissions that go beyond what’s necessary for their operation. These permissions allow them to access your microphone, camera, and even SMS messages, putting your personal data at severe risk.
In comparison, premium VPNs not only come malware-free, but they offer superior privacy (no logging of your data), improved security (advanced VPN encryption standards), and several other data protection features
Bottom line: despite their promises, labeling free VPNs as safe is misleading as they often expose users to more risks than protections.
Reason 3: Free VPNs Give You Very Limited Data
Most free VPN providers give you access to very limited data bandwidth. Usually, it’s around 500 MB to 1GB, maximum.
What this means is, if you want to:
- Download any kind of files
- Stream videos online
- Listen to music online
- Scroll through TikTok or Instagram
…you’ll run out of your data within one day, at best (and the free VPN will then try to upsell its premium version).
If you want all your online activity to be secure, and not just for a single day, you’re better off using a premium VPN from the start.
Reason 4: Free VPNs Are Extremely Slow
When using the internet, you want a fast and smooth experience. With a free VPN, you’ll get anything but that. Some free VPNs deliberately slow down your internet speed to encourage an upgrade to their premium plan.
Others just give you access to their slowest servers (either to make sure that you upgrade or because it’s all they can afford).
And sometimes, it can be even worse. They don’t just slow down your online experience, but they also bombard you with ads that eat up your bandwidth!
Oh, and speaking of ads…
Reason 5: Free VPNs Bombard You With Questionable Ads
Another common way free VPN providers pay the bills (other than selling your data) is by bombarding you with advertisements.
Some of the better free VPNs show you ads on the VPN app itself. Others are more dubious — displaying ads in between loading web pages.
But that’s not all. The very worst free VPNs promote ads that contain malware and viruses.
Reason 6: Free VPNs Sell Your Bandwidth
Some free VPN providers came up with an even more creative way to monetize their user base: by selling their bandwidth.
That means they’re selling your device’s processing power to third-party companies.
Now, you might be wondering, “How bad can this be?” To which I say “very.”
Here are just a handful of problems free VPNs present:
- Your device can be used as a botnet. This has actually happened with one of the most popular free VPN providers: their user base was hijacked and used for a DDoS attack.
- Your computer and browsing experience can slow down significantly (since your computing power is used up by third-party companies).
- You open yourself up to potential vulnerabilities. If a malicious hacker has access to your computer, there are a TON of ways to exploit you.
Reason 7: Free VPNs May Leak Your Data
Another significant issue with free VPNs is their weak security protocols, which can result in unintentional data leaks.
The following things can be exposed if a VPN doesn’t properly encrypt your traffic:
- Your real IP address
- DNS requests (the websites you visit)
- Your actual physical location
- Online activity and browsing history
- Personal data to hackers or surveillance
This exposure defeats the very purpose of using a VPN for privacy and security.
And it doesn’t stop there. Some free VPNs have been caught sending unencrypted requests, even while advertising “secure connections.” This means your online activity could still be visible to hackers, ISPs, and surveillance groups.
If you’re using a free VPN to hide your identity or secure sensitive data, this kind of vulnerability puts you at serious risk.
Reason 8: Free VPNs Often Lack Customer Support
An additional downside of free VPNs is their lack of reliable customer service when issues arise.
Whether you’re dealing with a dropped connection, suspicious activity, or setup problems, free VPNs typically offer little to no support. You might find a basic FAQ page, if anything, or a general support inbox.
In contrast, premium VPN providers usually offer 24/7 support with trained agents ready to help, either through live chat or phone, in addition to in-app assistance and email. When your privacy is on the line, having access to immediate assistance in the moment you need it most makes all the difference.
Reason 9: Free VPNs Often Have Outdated Security Protocols
Many free VPN providers fail to keep up with the latest security standards and industry best practices.
Premium VPNs regularly update their encryption methods, security protocols, and software to defend against new and evolving cyber threats. These updates help keep your data safe from hackers, trackers, and government surveillance.
In contrast, free VPNs often rely on outdated or weaker encryption techniques that can leave your information exposed. Without modern safeguards like advanced VPN protocols or DNS leak protection, your online activity becomes vulnerable to interception and spying.
It’s a mistake to consider all free VPNs safe just because they promise encryption or anonymity.
A Safer, Smarter Alternative to Free VPNs: IPVanish
If you’ve read this far, you already know the risks of using free VPNs—data logging, weak encryption, limited features, and even malware.
So, what can you do instead? Look for the best VPN for your value.
When your privacy is at stake, a trustworthy, feature-rich VPN like IPVanish is a smarter choice.
No Logs, Ever
IPVanish operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning we do not track, store, or share your online activity. Your data remains private, even from us.
Powerful Encryption and Security Features
We use AES-256 encryption with SHA-256 authentication, the same level of protection trusted by governments and cybersecurity experts. Our top VPN features include:
Built-in Threat Protection
When enabled, the Threat Protection feature includes real-time protection against malicious websites, ads, and trackers, so you can browse more securely without third-party blockers.
All-in-One Security Tools
Integrated directly into the app, IPVanish gives you access to:
Global Access with 2,400+ Servers
With servers in over 140 locations worldwide, IPVanish provides the flexibility to protect your location privacy, secure your traffic, and connect to content from virtually anywhere.
Unlimited Devices and Data
Protect every device you own—no limits on simultaneous connections or data usage. IPVanish works on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and more.
Fast, Unthrottled Connections
Unlike free VPNs that slow your speeds or cap your usage, IPVanish is designed for high performance. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working remotely, you’ll enjoy a smooth and fast experience.
Premium Protection at a Low Cost
For just a few dollars a month, IPVanish offers serious protection, speed, and privacy. When compared to the hidden risks of free VPNs, it’s a small investment for full peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Free VPNs may seem appealing at first glance, but they rarely offer the security and performance you need.
Between invasive tracking, malware, slow speeds, limited data, and outdated security protocols, free VPNs often do the opposite of what they promise: instead of protecting your privacy, they put your data in jeopardy.
If you value your privacy and want reliable protection, a premium VPN is the only reliable choice. IPVanish provides the privacy, speed, and security that free VPNs can’t for a low cost, with transparent policies and industry-leading features.
