Best VPN Free Trial: No Credit Card Required 2025
Many VPNs advertise free trials but ask for payment details before you can test the service. Luckily, some VPNs let you test them without any commitment. In this guide, we’ll look at the best VPN free trials, no credit card required.
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All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing.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 Free VPN Trials Without Credit Card Requirements
- CyberGhost — Best VPN free trial, with no payment details needed. Long-term plans have a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN — Easy-to-use apps with a seven-day VPN free trial on desktop and mobile.
- Surfshark — A comprehensive security suite with a seven-day VPN free trial for Android, iOS and macOS. Paid plans are discounted 66% (plus 3 months free).
- NordVPN — Top-performing VPN with a seven-day free trial for Android. Subscriptions start at $3.09 per month (a savings of 72%).
- PrivadoVPN — A 100% free VPN with no credit card required. Premium plans are affordable, starting at $1.11 per month.
- Proton VPN — Completely free, with no payment details needed, but you cannot manually choose your server location. Premium plans start at $4.49 per month.
- PureVPN — Free VPN with limited servers and data restrictions, though not recommended for sensitive activities. Paid plans unlock all features, starting at $2.16 per month.
Facts & Expert Analysis: VPN Free Trial
- CyberGhost requires no payment details up front. Its 24-hour free trial period on Windows and macOS is 100% free and offers access to all premium features.
- ExpressVPN, Surfshark and NordVPN have free trials. Note that while they don’t ask you for payment up front, you must enter a valid payment method for the trial to begin.
- PrivadoVPN is the top free VPN. Its free plan has limitations, but you don’t need to provide any credit card or payment details to download and connect to the service.
One of the best ways to pick a VPN is to find providers that offer a VPN free trial, no credit card needed. Many of the best VPNs offer free trials, but some require payment details up front, which can lead to unexpected charges if you forget to cancel. Only a few VPN services provide true no-cost options, which we’ll look at in detail below.
A risk-free trial lets you test VPN software, app usability, speed and performance without committing to a paid subscription. After the trial, it’s up to you whether you stay with the premium VPN or try another one. In this guide, we’ll look at the best VPNs that offer a no-cost trial or a free version so you can choose the right VPN subscription for your needs.
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10/29/2024 Facts checked
Updated to include new VPN free trial recommendations.
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03/28/2025 Facts checked
We’ve rewritten this article and updated our recommended VPNs to include the best options that don’t ask for payment up front.
Cloudwards’ Choice: CyberGhost
When it comes to completely free trials, CyberGhost can’t be beat. I know 24 hours isn’t much time for a trial, but it was enough to make sure that I liked the app, that it worked with my devices and that it didn’t slow down my internet connection too much. For a longer testing period (with an up-front fee), CyberGhost has a 45-day money-back guarantee.
The 5 Best Free Trial VPNs
| VPN: | Price | Free Trial | Netflix | Speed | Audited No-Logs | Protocols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $2.19/month | 1 day: Windows & macOS 3 days: Android 7 days: iOS | Fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | ||
 | $3.09/month | 7 days: Android | The fastest | NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN | ||
 | $2.19/month | 7 days: Android, iOS, macOS | Very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | ||
 | $4.99/month | 7 days on all platforms | Very fast | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | ||
 | $1.11/month | Indefinite free plan (speed throttled after 10GB | Not very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | ||
 | $4.49/month | Indefinite free plan (random server selection) | Fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth | ||
 | $2.16/month | 7 days: Android & iOS | Not very fast | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec |
1. CyberGhost Free Trial — Best Free VPN Trial With No Credit Card
Fast
Fast
Very Fast
Many providers ask you to enter a valid payment method to unlock a free trial, but CyberGhost VPN lets you test every feature for 24 hours on Windows and macOS without payment details. Its mobile trials last longer — three days on Android and seven on iOS — but these trials require you to link a payment method through the app store.
CyberGhost VPN’s free trial gives you unrestricted access to its global network, including dedicated servers for streaming sites and torrenting (and gaming on Windows). You can also test the kill switch, split tunneling and ad blocker. The trial account can be installed on multiple devices, but you can connect only one device at a time.
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost’s apps have simple, user-friendly interfaces across devices, making it easy for even beginner users to get set up and connected. During tests, some of CyberGhost’s servers were a little slow to connect initially, but there were no VPN service drops or issues after we established the server connection.
CyberGhost’s range of dedicated servers is impressive, with torrenting-, gaming- and streaming-optimized servers available. CyberGhost staff regularly checks these servers to maintain working connections. We had no issues streaming on popular platforms or downloading P2P files with any of these locations.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Router |
| IKEv2 | AES-128 | |
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
CyberGhost’s plans are affordable, with its two-year plan (plus four months free) costing just $2.19 per month. Shorter plans aren’t as budget-friendly, but you get a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee on all but the one-month paid subscription — plenty of time to test CyberGhost for yourself risk free. Find out more 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
2. ExpressVPN Free Trial — Easy VPN for Beginner Users
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN recently introduced a seven-day free trial you can activate on any device. You have to sign up for an account and enter your payment information to access the trial, but there’s zero up-front cost. Once you’ve set up a trial account, you can log in to ExpressVPN on other devices to test the service there.
Note that this trial may be temporary. We aren’t yet sure how long ExpressVPN plans to maintain it, and it could revert to its original, mobile-only state in the future.
The VPN free trial provides full access to all of ExpressVPN’s server network and security features, including “advanced protection,” the “network lock” kill switch and split tunneling. You’ll find that ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming content like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+, all while maintaining fast speeds for lag-free streaming.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN is one of the top services for beginners. Its apps are identical across devices and couldn’t be simpler to use. As such, you won’t find a lot of configurable or customizable options, so it’s not ideal for users who want greater control over their connections.
During testing, it was easy to download and set up ExpressVPN, taking just five minutes to connect. Other than deciding whether to choose a server yourself or let ExpressVPN auto-connect you to the best option, it’s a very hands-off service. Plus, speeds are fast enough that you won’t even notice you’re using a VPN most of the time.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Lightway* | ChaCha20 AES-256 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Router |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 Camellia | |
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN is a little pricier than other options. Plans start at $4.99 per month for a two-year subscription, with four months free. Though it’s a costlier VPN, it’s also extremely reliable and performs well in speed, security and privacy tests. ExpressVPN is well worth the cost if it’s in your budget. Find out more about this service in our ExpressVPN review.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
3. Surfshark Free Trial — Best Free Trial for Apple Users
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Surfshark’s seven-day VPN free trial is available for iOS, macOS and Android if you sign up through the respective app store. Like NordVPN, the trial doesn’t require upfront payment, but it won’t activate unless valid payment information is linked to your app store account.
You can use Surfshark’s VPN free trial on an unlimited number of devices, including Windows PCs and smart TVs. The free trial gives you access to all of Surfshark’s premium features, including CleanWeb ad and malware blocking, IP rotation and MultiHop connections. You can also connect to any of Surfshark’s more than 3,200 servers.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
Downloading and installing Surfshark takes only a couple of minutes, and its intuitive apps mean you’re ready to connect quickly. Initial connections can take a while to establish, but once you’re connected Surfshark works reliably. We didn’t experience any drops or connection issues during testing.
The app seems crowded at first glance, but Surfshark offers all the details you need straightaway — server options, recent connections and active features are all displayed. Clear explanations accompany the tools, so you’re free to make adjustments to the app without accidentally switching off an important security feature.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Router |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Router |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark is a pretty cheap VPN considering it has many more features than discount providers like Private Internet Access. Surfshark Starter offers the best value, coming out to $2.19 per month for a two-year plan, with three months free.
Starter doesn’t include antivirus software or identity protection tools like the One or One+ plans do, but it’s still a comprehensive subscription to the VPN itself. Read more about the pricing and tools 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
4. NordVPN Free Trial — 7-Day Free Trial for Google Play Store Signups
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN has a seven-day VPN free trial, but only for users who sign up with an Android device through the Google Play store. No up-front payment is required, but a payment method must be linked to the account to activate the free trial. Once you’ve signed up, you can access all premium features and servers.
Your VPN free trial account can be used on devices other than the one you used to sign up. This lets you test its Threat Protection ad and malware blocker; specialized servers for torrenting, Tor and obfuscation; and fast upload and download speeds risk free. Just remember to cancel before the trial is up to avoid being charged.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
NordVPN’s apps are intuitive for the most part, so it’s easy to connect to a server in a couple of taps or clicks. The desktop apps in particular have a clean interface, with a “quick connect” button and well-organized server and settings menus.
The mobile apps are a little trickier to use, with a finicky map-based interface and menus tucked away in unexpected places. However, navigating NordVPN on your Android or iOS device is mostly straightforward, and it gets even easier once you’ve spent some time exploring the app.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
NordVPN Pricing & Value
NordVPN’s plans come in four pricing tiers — Basic, Plus, Complete and Prime. The Basic plan is more than adequate for securing day-to-day activities, and costs $3.09 per month on a two-year plan.
The Plus plan adds access to ad and malware blocking and a password manager. Prime comes with cloud storage and cyber insurance in some locations. Find out more about NordVPN’s features and plans in our comprehensive 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
5. PrivadoVPN Free Trial — Best Free VPN Overall
PrivadoVPN doesn’t have a free trial, but it does have a fully free plan with no payment details required. We consider it the top free VPN overall. Free users can connect to servers in 10 countries, with options in North and South America, Asia and Europe. Speeds are fast for the first 10GB of data each month, after which you’re restricted to 1 Mbps.
Despite its limitations, PrivadoVPN’s free connections are secured with strong encryption, a kill switch and a choice of airtight protocols. However, advanced tools like the “control tower” ad and malware blocker and the optimized streaming connections are unavailable to test on the free plan.
PrivadoVPN Hands-On Testing
During testing, PrivadoVPN proved easy to use. The interface is clean and simple, with descriptions of key features to help you understand what each tool does. Some have an “i” icon you can hover over to see more information. Connecting to servers is quick, and you’ll find the free connections right at the top of the server list.
Notes From the Lab: PrivadoVPN Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
PrivadoVPN Pricing & Value
PrivadoVPN’s free plan is adequate for browsing and occasional streaming. However, you’ll need a premium subscription to get full access to all features and servers. Subscriptions start at $1.11 per month for a two-year plan — a 90% discount on the monthly price. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more in our PrivadoVPN review.
- 10GB
- 1
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
6. Proton VPN — Free VPN With Unlimited Data
Proton VPN’s 100% free plan has unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about hitting a cap while browsing or streaming. It also provides the same strong security and privacy as the paid plan, though access to some tools (like NetShield and Secure Core servers) is reserved for premium users.
However, there are a couple of limitations — you can’t choose your server location (you’re auto-connected to the best available option) and you can’t torrent on the free plan. Proton VPN’s free plan is better for secure browsing and local streaming, provided you’re not too picky about your server connection.
Proton VPN Hands-On Testing
Connecting with Proton VPN for free users is as simple as opening the app and clicking “quick connect.” Settings are easy to change, with “i” icons available to provide further details for configurable tools. However, not being able to choose a connection is annoying, especially if you want to access a specific location for streaming.
Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | ChromeOS |
| Stealth | AES-256 | |
Proton VPN Pricing & Value
Proton VPN’s free plan is suitable if you’re looking for a zero-cost VPN and don’t mind its server and feature limitations. To upgrade, plans start at $4.49 per month for a two-year subscription. You get access to all servers, P2P-friendly connections, boosted speeds for streaming and 10 device connections. 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
7. PureVPN — Free Trial for Android and iOS Users
PureVPN has a seven-day free trial for Android and iOS, alongside a $0.99 paid trial for desktop users. You can test all servers, premium features and customer support options during the trial. Performance is okay overall, with middling speeds and good security, but its privacy policy raises concerns due to past data-sharing and audits that we can’t verify.
PureVPN Hands-On Testing
PureVPN’s user-friendly apps have server menus for specific connections, including P2P, port forwarding and virtual servers. They also include customizable streaming shortcuts for quick access to sites like Netflix and Hulu. However, these connections didn’t always work, and some servers timed out before a connection could be established.
Notes From the Lab: PureVPN Security Analysis
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
PureVPN Pricing & Value
PureVPN’s free trial is a good way to test the service, but if you want more time to try all of its features, you can upgrade to a paid plan for a low cost. Subscriptions start at $2.16 per month for a five-year plan, which is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind. You can find out more in our PureVPN review.
- Only VPN. The price for the two-year plan is billed for the first 27 months, then $57.95 every 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- Adds password manager and file encryption software. The price for the two-year plan is billed for the first 27 months, then $69.95 every 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- Adds a personal privacy manager. The price for the two-year plan is billed for the first 27 months, then $89.95 every 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
Can You Get a Cracked VPN Program?
No, you shouldn’t use a cracked VPN program. VPNs need access to official servers to work correctly, and cracked programs won’t have the necessary authentication to establish a connection. If you find a free or “cracked” version online, it’s likely outdated or infected with malware, putting your data and privacy at risk.
VPN Giveaway: Legit or Scam?
VPN giveaways are almost always a scam. Legitimate VPN providers don’t give away free lifetime accounts, though they do offer discounts during events like Black Friday and Christmas. If you come across a giveaway promising you’ll get a premium VPN for free, it’s likely a phishing scam or a way to distribute malware.
Our Methodology: How We Tested the Best Free Trial VPN (No Credit Card)
When choosing the best VPN free trial options, we focused on key factors like usability, security and overall performance. A VPN free trial should give you a comprehensive idea of the VPN’s capabilities, providing access to premium features and the full server network. We also looked at how easy it was to access the trial and noted any limitations.
Here are the most important factors we tested:
- Trial accessibility: We looked at how easy it was to use the free trial, whether it was limited to specific platforms or devices and whether it could be activated without entering payment information.
- Server performance: We ran speed tests to check for minimal slowdowns during connections, and we monitored the VPN servers for stable, uninterrupted connections across the network.
- Security features: We looked for essential security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch and DNS leak protection, plus a zero-logs privacy policy, to guarantee your data is protected while you’re connected.
- Access to all tools: We verified through hands-on testing whether the free trial included the opportunity to try all tools and features (or as many as possible), including specialized VPN servers, security suites and support for multiple devices.
- Ease of use: We spent time with each VPN, using the apps across several types of devices. Our goal was to make sure the interfaces were intuitive and the setup process was simple, even for beginner users.
Final Thoughts
A VPN free trial lets you test a service before you purchase a full VPN subscription. CyberGhost stands out as the best option, with its zero-cost premium free trial — you get unlimited access to its servers and security tools, plus unlimited bandwidth, for 24 hours. That’s enough time for you to test the VPN on your desktop and mobile devices.
Have you used a VPN free trial before? Do you prefer shorter trials with unlimited data or longer trials with some restrictions? Which features matter the most to you when testing a premium VPN? Let us know in the comments below, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: Best Free VPN Trial Without Credit Card Requirements
CyberGhost has a 24-hour free trial for Windows and macOS, with no credit card details needed.
No, you cannot get a cracked version of Surfshark’s premium service that actually works. It won’t have the necessary authentication to connect to the servers, and cracked versions are usually scams or malware.
Yes, NordVPN has a seven-day free trial available for Android users who sign up through the Google Play store. The free trial account can be used on other devices to test the VPN.