Nowadays, streaming platforms like Netflix have revolutionized the way we consume entertainment. However, accessing regional exclusives on Netflix can be a challenge due to geo-restrictions. This is where VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) come into play. With the right VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and unlock a world of global content. In this article, we will explore the best free VPNs for Netflix, focusing on their ability to unblock Netflix, connection speeds, data caps, and overall safety.
Netflix
Netflix is an American subscription streaming service that offers a wide variety of films, television series, anime, documentaries, and more on thousands of internet-connected devices. Netflix is available in over 190 countries and territories.
This #1 rated Streaming service costs $9.99 per month for the Basic plan, $15.49 per month for the Standard plan, and $19.99 per month for the Premium plan. The Basic plan allows you to watch Netflix on one device at a time, the Standard plan allows you to watch Netflix on two devices at a time, and the Premium plan allows you to watch Netflix on four devices at a time.
Netflix Originals are TV shows and movies that are produced by Netflix. Some of the most popular Netflix Originals include Stranger Things, The Crown, The Witcher, and You. Netflix also offers a variety of licensed content from other studios. Some of the most popular licensed content on Netflix includes Friends, The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Big Bang Theory.
You can watch Netflix on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, streaming media players, and game consoles. You can also watch Netflix online at Netflix.com. It is a great way to watch your favourite TV shows and movies. With a wide variety of content to choose from, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
What Makes a Free VPN Great for Netflix?
When it comes to choosing a VPN for Netflix, not all free options are created equal. To ensure a smooth streaming experience, look for the following features in a free VPN:
- Unblocking Capability: The VPN should have servers in popular Netflix locations like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., allowing you to access different Netflix libraries.
- Fast Connection Speeds: A VPN with fast speeds ensures uninterrupted streaming without buffering or lagging.
- Data Caps: While some free VPNs offer unlimited data, others have data caps. Consider your streaming habits and choose a VPN accordingly.
- Security and Privacy: Look for VPNs that offer robust encryption, secure protocols, and strict no-logs policies to protect your data and privacy.
The Best Free VPNs for Netflix that really works in 2024
Now let us take a look at some of the best VPNs for Netflix that we have tested and found really worth using.
- PrivadoVPN
- Winscribe
- ProtonVPN
1. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is a relatively new VPN service that offers a good balance of security, features, and price. It has a strong privacy policy, secure encryption, and a kill switch. It also supports torrenting and has a free plan. However, its speeds are not the fastest, and it doesn’t work with all streaming services.
This VPN stands out as the top free VPN for Netflix. With consistent results and the ability to unblock the U.S. Netflix library, it offers a reliable streaming experience. Although it currently supports only the U.S. library, it’s worth trying for its free 10 GB data allowance. Plus, the best part is that it doesn’t require any credit card details to sign up, making it a hassle-free option for casual viewers.
Here are some of the key points to note about this free Netflix VPN;
Security: PrivadoVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is the same level of encryption used by most major VPN providers. It also has a no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect any data about your online activity. This makes it a good choice for users who are concerned about their privacy.
Features: PrivadoVPN offers a number of features that are standard for most VPN providers, including:
- Kill switch: This feature will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, which helps to protect your privacy.
- Ad blocker: This feature blocks ads and trackers, which can improve your browsing experience and protect your privacy.
- Split tunnelling: This feature allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which apps use your regular internet connection.
Speed: PrivadoVPN’s speeds are not the fastest, but they are still good enough for most tasks. In my tests, I saw download speeds of around 50 Mbps, which is enough to stream HD video and browse the web without any buffering.
Streaming: PrivadoVPN works with some streaming services, but not all of them. It works with Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, but it doesn’t work with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or HBO Go.
Price: PrivadoVPN offers a free plan that includes 10GB of data per month. Its paid plans start at $4.99 per month and go up to $9.99 per month. The paid plans offer unlimited data and more features.
Overall, PrivadoVPN is a good choice for users who are looking for a secure and private VPN service at a reasonable price. It has a strong privacy policy, secure encryption, and a kill switch. It also supports torrenting and has a free plan. However, its speeds are not the fastest, and it doesn’t work with all streaming services.
Pros:
- Strong privacy policy
- Secure encryption
- Kill switch
- Ad blocker
- Split tunnelling
- Free plan
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Speeds are not the fastest
- Doesn’t work with all streaming services
PrivadoVPN is, therefore, a good choice for users who are looking for a secure and private VPN service at a reasonable price. It has a strong privacy policy, secure encryption, and a kill switch. It also supports torrenting and has a free plan. However, its speeds are not the fastest, and it doesn’t work with all streaming services.
2. Windscribe
Windscribe is another free VPN that works well with Netflix. While it may not offer unlimited data, it provides good connection speeds and solid security features. With servers in popular Netflix locations, it allows you to access different regional libraries. Windscribe’s free plan also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with multiple devices.
Windscribe offers a free plan that includes 10GB of data per month. This is enough data for basic browsing and streaming, but it’s not enough for heavy use. Whereas the premium plans start at $4.08 per month. These plans offer unlimited data, access to all of Windscribe’s servers, and additional features such as split tunnelling and custom DNS servers. Windscribe offers a variety of pricing plans, starting at $4.99 per month for the 1-month plan. The 12-month plan costs $49.99 per year, which works out to $4.16 per month. There is also a free plan that offers 10GB of monthly data.
When it comes to the best free VPNs for Netflix, Winscribe has always been a good choice to go for as it unblocks Netflix for most regions. And this is not all, it can as well unblock other streaming services, including Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Pros:
- Strong security features
- Unlocks Netflix geo-restrictions at the international level
- Fast speeds
- Up to 10GB monthly limit for free plan
- Ad blocking
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of features
- No-logs policy
Cons:
- Some servers can be slow
- Not as many server locations as some competitors
Overall, Windscribe is a great VPN service that offers a lot of value for the price. It is a good choice for users who are looking for a reliable and secure VPN with fast speeds and a wide range of features.
3. TunnelBear Free
TunnelBear is a user-friendly free VPN that is known for its strong security features. While it has a limited data cap, it ensures a secure and private streaming experience. TunnelBear also offers servers in various Netflix locations, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access different libraries. TunnelBear is a remarkable solution for accessing global servers, making it a dream come true for users. With servers available in 48 countries, including the United States, this VPN enables you to effortlessly unblock Netflix libraries in the US, France, the UK, Germany, and Canada.
TunnelBear offers a free plan with 500MB of data per month, and paid plans starting at $9.99/month. The paid plans offer unlimited data, faster speeds, and more features, such as split tunnelling and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once.
It is a popular VPN service with over 45 million users. It is based in Canada, which has strong privacy laws. TunnelBear has been independently audited and found to be secure.
Here are some of the features of TunnelBear:
- Encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address
- Offers a free plan with 500MB of data per month
- Paid plans start at $9.99/month
- Unlimited data
- Faster speeds
- Split tunnelling
- Ability to connect to multiple devices at once
- Based in Canada, which has strong privacy laws
- Independently audited and found to be secure
Pros:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- Ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously
- The enjoyable and playful theme
- Wide range of operating servers spanning 49 countries
- Built-in ad-blockers for enhanced browsing experience
- High-speed connections for smooth and fast performance
Cons
- Limited data
- Occasional connectivity loss
- No corporate payment plan
4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is one of our best-picked VPNs the free version can unlock Netflix. Not only does it provide unlimited data without any cost, but it also offers free servers in three distinct locations: the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. By utilizing these servers, users can successfully bypass the Netflix proxy error and gain access to various extensive Netflix libraries. ProtonVPN’s inclusion in the roster of the finest free VPNs for Netflix, without any concealed fees, is well-deserved.
Pros
- Easy-to-use apps
- Fast download speeds for HD-quality streaming
- Unblocks 10 Netflix libraries
Cons
- Lacks smart DNS
Are Free VPNs Safe for Netflix?
When it comes to free VPNs, safety can be a concern. While some free VPNs prioritize security and privacy, others may engage in questionable practices. It’s important to choose a reputable and trustworthy provider. Here are a few things to consider:
- Encryption and Protocols: Look for VPNs that use robust encryption and secure protocols to protect your data from prying eyes.
- No-Logs Policy: Ensure that the VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any information about your online activities.
- Leak Protection: A reliable VPN should prevent any IP or DNS leaks, ensuring your true identity remains hidden.
- Third-Party Audits: Some VPNs undergo independent audits to verify their security claims. This can provide additional reassurance.
It’s crucial to avoid dodgy free VPNs that may compromise your security and privacy. These VPNs might collect and sell your data or serve ads that undermine the purpose of using a VPN.
The Benefits of Paid VPNs for Netflix
While free VPNs can be a good starting point, they often come with limitations. If you’re a serious Netflix enthusiast, consider investing in a paid VPN for the following advantages:
- Comprehensive Unblocking: Paid VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have a proven track record of unblocking Netflix libraries worldwide, giving you access to a vast range of content.
- Faster Speeds: Paid VPNs typically offer faster connection speeds, ensuring a seamless streaming experience without buffering or delays.
- No Data Caps: With a paid VPN, you won’t have to worry about data limits, allowing you to binge-watch your favorite shows and movies without interruptions.
- Enhanced Security: Paid VPNs often provide advanced security features, including malware protection, ad-blocking, and additional encryption protocols.
- Customer Support: Paid VPNs usually offer dedicated customer support to assist you with any issues or inquiries you may have.
Conclusion
With the right VPN, you can unlock a world of global entertainment on Netflix. While free VPNs like PrivadoVPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear can provide a decent streaming experience, they do come with limitations. If you’re a casual viewer looking to explore different Netflix libraries, a free VPN may suffice. However, for comprehensive unblocking, faster speeds, and enhanced security, investing in a paid VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN is recommended. Remember to prioritize your privacy and choose a VPN provider that aligns with your needs. Happy streaming!