The 7 Best Japan VPN Services: Paid and Free Options in 2025
Hundreds of services claim to be the best Japan VPN, so it’s not easy to choose a good option. We’ve done the hard work for you and found the top virtual private networks (VPNs) to keep you safe, secure and connected in Japan.
Written by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Reviewed by Samuel Chapman (Writer, Editor)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: These Are the Best Paid & Free VPNs for Japan Best Free Japan VPNs
- Proton VPN — Best free VPN with a server in Japan and unlimited data. Try Proton VPN’s premium plan risk-free for 30 days.
- TunnelBear — Secure free VPN with an easy-to-use app and a server in Japan. Premium plans start at $3.33 per month.
Best Paid Japan VPNs:
- NordVPN — Best premium VPN for Japan with impressive performance overall. You can get NordVPN for 72% off its two-year plans.
- Surfshark — Low-cost VPN for Japan, with plans starting at just $2.19 per month, discounted 66% (plus 3 months free).
- ExpressVPN — Best Japan VPN for beginners, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers.
- CyberGhost — Great pocket-friendly VPN for streaming and automating connections. Get it for $2.19 per month on a two-year plan.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Highly customizable apps and multiple servers in Japan. You can try PIA for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.
Facts and Expert Analysis – Free VPNs with Japan Servers
- A Japan VPN is an essential security tool: Japan continues to expand its surveillance measures by stepping up digital monitoring. A virtual private network (VPN) keeps your data and online activity secure when you’re connected.
- Proton VPN and TunnelBear are the best free Japan VPNs: Both providers have Japanese servers for free VPN users, but they come with significant limitations.
- Premium VPNs connect to Japan without limits: Services like NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN have fast speeds, strong security and reliable Japanese servers you can use anytime.
Finding a good Japan VPN is tricky when so many options promise great streaming speeds and strong security. Whether you want a Japanese IP address to watch local content or protect your internet connection, you need one of the best VPNs for Japan with fast speeds, robust privacy measures and reliable connections.
To help you choose the best VPN for Japan, we’ve tested and ranked the top paid and free VPNs that provide secure, high-speed access to Japan. Our recommendations are not only speedy and able to access geo-restricted content, but they also provide exceptional protection for your personal data and online activities.
We’ll start with the best free VPNs, including Proton VPN, which provides a free IP address in Japan but comes with some restrictions. Then we’ll examine premium options like our top choice, NordVPN, which delivers fast speeds, strong security and reliable access to Japanese servers. Let’s take a closer look at all the VPNs that made the cut.
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08/15/2024 Facts checked
Removed Atlas VPN as the service discontinued and merged with NordVPN last April 2024.
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12/04/2024 Facts checked
We updated the list with PrivadoVPN as the best free Japanese VPN.
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02/17/2025 Facts checked
We’ve added up-to-date details for PrivadoVPN and expanded our information on Japan’s surveillance.
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03/28/2025 Facts checked
We’ve updated our recommended VPN list to include the best options with servers in Japan.
Cloudwards’ Choice: NordVPN
Cloudwards’ Choice: NordVPN
NordVPN has long been my go-to VPN for Japan. Its Japanese servers are extremely reliable, and I’ve never had connection drops or issues accessing Japan-exclusive content. Even though Japan is 6,000 miles away from me, NordVPN maintains fast connection speeds for streaming and browsing. You can try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days.
The 7 Best Paid & Free VPNs for Japan Compared
Here’s a quick comparison of the best paid and free VPNs for Japan based on factors such as speed, privacy and security measures:
| VPN: | Price | Free Japan Server? | Unblocks Netflix? | Speed | No-Logs Policy | Security Protocols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $4.49/month | Not very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth | |||
 | $3.33/month | Fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | $3.09/month | The fastest | NordLynx, OpenVPN, NordWhisper | |||
 | $2.19/month | Very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | $4.99/month | Very fast | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | $2.19/month | Fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | |||
 | $2.03/month | Fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs vs Proxies
Free VPNs, paid VPNs and proxies all help to mask your IP address, but they differ in terms of security, reliability and functionality. Paid VPNs typically have the best overall combination of security, speed and server availability.
Free VPNs can provide basic protection, but they’re limited by data caps, speed restrictions and fewer available servers. We like several of them, but the market is a minefield, as you can read about in our worst free VPN roundup.
Unlike VPNs, proxies don’t encrypt your connection, so your data remains exposed to anyone watching. Due to their faster speeds, proxies can be a good choice for streaming or bypassing geo-restrictions. However, they lack the necessary security features that VPNs offer, which is especially important considering Japan’s increasing surveillance.
What’s the Difference Between Using a Free VPN vs a Free Proxy Service to Watch Japanese Videos?
The main difference is that a free VPN encrypts your online traffic, while a free proxy only hides your real IP address. A free VPN is the more secure option for streaming Netflix or NHK as it protects your data from hackers or monitoring. A free proxy may work to unblock content and offer faster speeds, but it leaves your connection exposed.
Which Is Better: A Free VPN or a Free Proxy Service to Access Japanese Videos?
Overall, a free VPN is better for watching Japanese videos because it can unblock content while securing your connection. A free proxy can help bypass content restrictions and may provide faster speeds since it lacks encryption, but it’ll leave you vulnerable to tracking and cyber threats. For peace of mind, it’s better to use a VPN.
Should You Use a Paid or a Free VPN for Japan?
Generally, it’s better to use a paid VPN as it offers better performance, stronger privacy and unlimited data. Free VPNs can be useful for occasional browsing, but they often have limitations like small server networks and slower speeds. Many free VPNs lack strong encryption, have vague logging policies or are ad-supported, putting your data at risk.
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons for each type:
| Paid VPN | Free VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | -Stronger security -Unlimited bandwidth -Reliable Japan servers | -Zero cost -Easy to use -Basic online protection |
| Cons | -Subscription cost | -Data caps -Slower speeds -Limited servers -Weaker security |
The 2 Best Free Japan VPNs (With Server Access)
Of our recommended free VPNs, only Proton VPN and TunnelBear have servers in Japan for free users.
1. Proton VPN — Best VPN With Free Servers in Japan
which might not always be in Japan.
Proton VPN is one of the rare free VPNs that offer a Japan VPN server. However, it comes with a catch — Proton VPN’s free plan doesn’t let you manually select servers, so you’re not guaranteed to connect to Japan unless it’s the nearest server. If you are in Japan or a nearby country, it’s the best free VPN for getting a Japanese IP address.
Proton VPN focuses on security and privacy, offering strong connection protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, a strict zero-logs privacy policy and no ads on its free plan. You also get unlimited monthly data to browse and stream as much as you like, but it doesn’t support torrenting for free users.
Proton VPN Hands-On Testing
Proton VPN’s interface can seem a bit cluttered as the connection details, server list and connection locations map are all present when the app opens. However, the app itself is easy to navigate. You can make adjustments in the “settings” menu, hover over the “i” icons to see more feature details, and simply click on “fastest” to connect.
Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
| Stealth | ChaCha20 | |
Proton VPN is extremely secure and private. During our tests, we encountered zero IP address or DNS leaks, and we had no connection drops on its free servers.
Proton VPN Pricing & Value
If you want guaranteed access to Proton VPN’s Japan servers, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan. It’s not the cheapest option — subscriptions start at $4.49 per month for its two-year plan — but it’s reliable and secure with considerably faster speeds for paid users. You can find out more in our Proton VPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
2. TunnelBear — Good Free VPN for Japan
TunnelBear’s free plan lets you select servers in Japan at will, so it’s easy to get a Japanese IP address. All of TunnelBear’s features are available to free users, including GhostBear obfuscation, SplitBear split tunneling and the VigilantBear kill switch.
However, TunnelBear’s free data cap sits at just 2GB per month. If you’re looking to stream Japanese content, play games or download torrents, you’ll hit the limit quickly. TunnelBear’s free plan is fine for light browsing or occasional streaming, but nothing data-heavy.
TunnelBear Hands-On Testing
TunnelBear’s apps are easy and fun to use. You can explore the map interface to find its conveniently labeled servers and watch the bear tunnel its way to your chosen location. TunnelBear provides descriptions for its key features, and you can click the “?” icon to get a more in-depth explanation on its support site.
Notes From the Lab: TunnelBear Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
TunnelBear provides secure connections on its free plan, and you can switch between WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
TunnelBear Pricing & Value
TunnelBear’s premium plans start at $3.33 per month for a two-year plan, which puts it on the costlier end of our recommended VPNs. When you upgrade, you get access to every server and unlimited data. However, TunnelBear doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee. Learn more about its pricing in our TunnelBear review.
- 2GB
- 2GB
- Unlimited
- Annual pricing only applies for the first year. Renewal fee varies. Unlimited GB, unlimited devices, priority customer service
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Unlimited GB, centralized billing, account manager, price per user per month (minimum 2 users)
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
The 5 Best Paid Japan VPNs (With Server Access)
A paid VPN is the best and most reliable way to get a Japanese IP address. We recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and Private Internet Access.
1. NordVPN — Best Paid VPN for Japan
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN ranks as the top VPN for Japan, offering two reliable servers located in Osaka and Tokyo. With its fast and secure NordLynx protocol, NordVPN consistently provides fast speeds that won’t cause lags or interruptions when streaming, gaming or torrenting. Even over long-distance connections, slowdowns are minimal.
NordVPN also comes with a plethora of security and privacy tools, including Threat Protection ad and malware blocking, a zero-logs privacy policy and a customizable kill switch. You’ll also find a selection of optimized servers for specific uses, like torrenting or avoiding VPN detection, so you can make a secure connection based on your activity.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
While NordVPN’s mobile apps can be fiddly to use at first, its desktop apps are intuitive and easy to navigate. The main app interface gives you an overview of the connection time, server options and key features at a glance. You can also choose specialty servers, like the Japanese P2P options, which had near-instant connections and were stable during downloads.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| NordLynx* | ChaCha20 | |
| NordWhisper | Unknown | |
| OpenVPN* | AES-256-GMC | |
NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is the default option, offering fast speeds and reliable connections. You can also switch to OpenVPN for tried-and-tested security, or NordWhisper if you’re on a restrictive network. NordWhisper is NordVPN’s newest protocol and is currently available on Windows, Android and Linux devices.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
NordVPN has several subscription tiers — Basic, Plus, Complete and Prime — each offering more features for a bump in price. The Basic tier is more than enough for streaming, gaming and torrenting, and it starts at $3.09 per month for a two-year plan. If you’re looking for fuller coverage, it’s worth considering NordVPN’s Plus or Complete plans.
You can find out more about the service’s plans and pricing in our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — Best Japan VPN With Unlimited Connections
Surfshark provides unlimited device connections, making it an ideal choice if you have many devices or want to share a plan with your family. Even with multiple devices connected, Surfshark’s speeds remain reliably fast for streaming and online gaming on local or long-distance servers.
Beyond device connections, Surfshark is a feature-rich VPN (which is surprising, considering its low prices). You’ll find standard features like the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols as well as a kill switch. It also offers unique tools like customizable MultiHop connections, CleanWeb ad and malware blocking, and IP rotation to avoid tracking.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
At first, Surfshark’s app seems busy. Upon closer inspection, it gives you all of the necessary details at a glance. The interface provides quick access to the server menus, fastest connections and key features. It also has pretty decent customizability — if you want to change some features, everything is clearly explained and simple to switch on or off.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Surfshark’s upload and download speeds are impressive on both short- and long-distance connections. However, Surfshark sometimes struggles with higher latency, which isn’t ideal for video calling or online gaming.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Routers |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
Surfshark’s connections are reliable and secure. We didn’t experience any data leaks or connection drops during testing.
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark’s long-term plans are very budget-friendly. It’s one of the best cheap VPNs, with its Starter plan costing $2.19 per month for a two-year subscription. The One and One+ plans are slightly more expensive and include tools like an antivirus, identity protection and a “data removal” feature. You can take an in-depth look at every plan in our Surfshark review.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Best Japan VPN for Beginners
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN’s intuitive apps make it simple for beginner VPN users to connect to Japan. The apps look identical across devices, so it’s easy to switch from your PC to your smartphone without having to relearn the VPN. ExpressVPN’s connections are fast and reliable for streaming, gaming and torrenting, and it works without lags or buffering.
While it’s slightly more expensive than its competitors, ExpressVPN delivers great performance and security. It’s not the most customizable option, but it works well to protect your connections. ExpressVPN has passed multiple independent audits and offers strong protocols, including its own Lightway option. It even provides ad and malware blocking tools.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN is all about simplicity — it’s a connect-and-forget VPN that doesn’t need a ton of manual configuration to work properly. It might not be the top choice for users who want full control over their connections, but it’s ideal if you just want to pick a server and let ExpressVPN do the hard work for you.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
ExpressVPN regularly features in our top three VPNs when we run speed tests. While it can experience dips in speeds, it typically provides fast and stable connections.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Lightway* | ChaCha20, AES-256 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Browser |
| IKEv2 | AES-256, Camellia | Browser |
ExpressVPN works hard to avoid data leaks with its solid set of connection protocols and built-in IPv6 leak protection. Some VPNs can accidentally expose IPv6 traffic as they are designed for IPv4 connections, but ExpressVPN prevents these leaks by blocking IPv6 traffic altogether.
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN is a bit on the pricey side — its plans start at $4.99 per month for a two-year subscription — but it’s worth the cost if you can fit it into your budget. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not the right fit for you. Find out more in our ExpressVPN review.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
4. CyberGhost — Best Japan VPN for Streaming
Good
Fast
Very Fast
CyberGhost is a reliable choice for accessing Japanese content, with optimized streaming servers in Japan that are regularly tested to ensure you have a working connection. Its apps are user-friendly and its speeds are reasonably fast, although you’ll notice a slowdown if you’re connecting to Japan from a distant location.
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost is another beginner-friendly VPN. Its apps are clearly laid out and easy to navigate, and the server menus are readily available and separated by function. The streaming servers specify which platform they work best with, but you can use them with other streaming sites as well.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
CyberGhost’s speeds are decent for the most part, with occasional fluctuations over long distances. However, as long as your starting speed is relatively good, the speeds should be fast enough for streaming and torrenting without interruptions.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard* | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Routers |
| IKEv2 | AES-128 | |
While CyberGhost lacks proprietary protocols, it offers three tried-and-tested options that are known for providing secure and private connections.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
CyberGhost is very affordable, with plans starting at $2.19 per month for a two-year subscription. The long-term plans (six months or more) also come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee to test them out risk-free. You can try CyberGhost yourself, or find out more about its pricing and features in our CyberGhost review.
- *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month. *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. Private Internet Access — Customizable VPN With Multiple Asian Servers
Fast
Fast
Very Fast
Private Internet Access (PIA) has two server options in Japan, one of which is optimized to stream Japanese content. It’s a highly customizable VPN that allows you to configure the protocol settings and the kill switch, plus create automated connections. PIA has also been independently audited to confirm it’s a zero-logs VPN, so your data is safe.
PIA Hands-On Testing
PIA isn’t the most intuitive VPN, and it can take some time to get used to it. The apps have lots of customizable options that are great for advanced users but may be intimidating for beginners. That being said, the key features are clearly described, and it’s pretty easy to connect to a server — just search for “Japan” in the server menu and click the big “on” button.
Notes From the Lab: PIA Speed Test Results
PIA has some pretty significant download speed dips over long distances, but nearby servers are fast enough for smooth browsing, streaming and torrenting. It functions best if you’re either in Japan already or connecting from somewhere else in the Asia-Pacific region.
Notes From the Lab: PIA Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-128, AES-256 | |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Browsers |
| IKEv2 | AES-128, AES-256 | |
Private Internet Access passed our leak tests with ease, keeping all sensitive data secure within its encrypted tunnels.
PIA Pricing & Value
PIA is one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. Its plans start at $2.19 per month for a two-year subscription, plus two extra months free. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it for yourself risk-free. You can learn more about its plans and pricing in our Private Internet Access review.
- 10
- Yes
1-month plan, 6-months plan, 1-year plan, 2-year plan + 2 months
Our Methodology: How We Tested the Top Free & Paid VPNs for Japan
With Japan’s strict copyright laws and increasing surveillance, we prioritized VPNs with strong security and privacy protections. Having reliably fast connection speeds and access to Japanese servers is also essential for streaming and browsing. We also looked at global server networks to ensure you’ve got multiple options for accessing international content.
- Reliable Japanese servers: We looked for VPN servers in Japan that provide Japanese IP addresses and stable connections.
- Security and privacy: We recommend only VPNs with strong encryption, robust protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, and strict zero-logs policies to ensure your data and activity are protected.
- Good speeds: We run automatic speed tests for our top VPNs and manually test the others to check for solid download and upload speeds, as well as reasonable latency.
- Torrenting support: We checked which VPNs allow secure and anonymous torrenting, given Japan’s strict penalties for sharing copyrighted content (even accidentally).
- Ability to stream content: We tested each VPN to make sure it works with popular services like Netflix, Max and Amazon Prime Video while letting you access multiple streaming libraries.
How to Use a VPN for Japan
In this guide, we’ll explain how to use a VPN to get a Japanese IP address in three simple steps. For this example, we’ll use our top recommended service, NordVPN.
- Get a VPN With Servers in Japan
Visit the official website of your chosen VPN, subscribe to a plan and download the VPN app to your device. NordVPN offers a 72% discount and has a refund period you can use to test its Japan locations.
- Connect to a Japanese VPN Server
In your VPN’s server menu, use the search bar to look for Japanese options. Click on the Japanese VPN server to establish a connection.
- Use the Internet With a Japanese IP Address
Once connected, you can access streaming services, browse the web or download legal torrents in a secure and private manner.
Why You Need a VPN for Japan
If you’re not in Japan, you need a VPN to get a Japanese IP address and access Japan-exclusive content. It’s also useful to have a Japan VPN when you visit the country — Japan has strict penalties for downloading copyrighted content, including large fines or even prison time. Plus, a VPN is useful to help keep your online activity secure and private.
While Japan currently has minimal censorship, its government has been expanding surveillance measures. Authorities have introduced stricter monitoring laws, particularly for freedom of speech and online activity, and Japan has deepened its cooperation with intelligence-sharing alliances.
Final Thoughts
An effective VPN for Japan gives you internet freedom, bypassing regional restrictions while keeping your data secure. For the best experience, NordVPN is the top choice — it’s fast, secure and provides free access to global content. If you prefer a free VPN, Proton VPN is a good option, but access to its Japan server depends on your physical location.
What are you looking for in a Japan VPN? Have you had trouble finding an effective VPN to get a Japan IP address? Are there any top VPNs we’ve missed on our list? Let us know in the comments, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: Best VPN for Japan
You can get a Japanese VPN by choosing a reliable provider like NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN. Just sign up for a plan, download the app and connect to a Japanese server.
Proton VPN and TunnelBear have free Japan servers you can use without paying anything.
Yes, using a VPN is legal in Japan. No laws forbid the use of VPNs to ensure private and secure connections, or to access geo-restricted content. However, it is illegal to use a VPN to commit illegal offenses in Japan, like hacking, defamation or sharing copyrighted content.
No, Urban VPN is not safe. It operates as a free peer-to-peer VPN, so it uses your device (and other devices on the network) to route and share connections. This makes you vulnerable if another user commits illegal acts via your connection, and it exposes your IP address, which could lead to malicious attacks on your network.