- Best Free VPNs for the USA: A Short Summary
- Selection Criteria: What Does a Free VPN for the USA Need?
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Which Free VPN is Best for the USA?
- 1. PrivadoVPN: The best free VPN for the USA overall
- 2. Windscribe: Solid USA VPN for pc and Linux users
- 3. Proton VPN: Best free USA VPN without data cap
- 4. Hide.me: Torrenting-friendly free USA VPN
- 5. TunnelBear: Stealthy free USA VPN with obfuscation features
- Bonus: Premium VPN to try with commitment
- USA VPNs to Avoid
- Get the Best Free USA VPN to Access US Content
It can be hard to pick the best free VPN for the USA. You might compromise your online privacy, download a malware-ridden app, or suffer malfunctioning servers if you choose an untrustworthy free VPN. Plus, many free VPNs can’t unblock websites and streaming services.
As a VPN expert, I have tested a dozen free VPNs for the USA. In this article, I’ll show you the best free US VPNs for streaming and downloading. To give you a head start, PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for the USA. Read my article to learn about PrivadoVPN and four other free VPNs that will allow you to access US content.
If you want to try a top VPN immediately without any commitments, I recommend NordVPN. Even though NordVPN is a premium provider, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try all of its enhanced features, including its unparalleled unblocking ability. You can get a full refund if you decide to opt out.
Best Free VPNs for the USA: A Short Summary
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for the US because it has a reliable server location in the US, excellent privacy credentials, and top-notch streaming ability. However, aside from PrivadoVPN, there are several other good free VPNs out there.
I’ve summarized the key features of the best free VPNs for the USA in the table below so you can compare each free service.
| VPN |  PrivadoVPN |  Windscribe |  Proton VPN |  Hide.me |  TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US servers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free data/month | 10 GB | 2 – 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 GB |
| P2P traffic allowed | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ |
| VPN protocols | IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN | IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, WStunnel, and Stealth | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Stealth | IKEv2, OpenVPN, SoftEtherVPN, WireGuard, and SSTP | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 |
| Operating system and devices | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, FireTV, AndroidTV, tvOS | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Fire TV | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Chromebook | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV and Fire TV | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| Extra security features | Kill switch and split tunneling | Kill switch, split tunneling, and ad blocker | Kill switch and split tunneling | Kill switch and split tunneling | Kill switch, split tunneling and obfuscation |
| 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, 14 Eyes member | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Website | Download PrivadoVPN | Download Windscribe | Download Proton VPN | Download Hide.me | Download TunnelBear |
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN plan for the US because it has a reliable server location in the US, excellent privacy credentials, and top-notch streaming ability. However, aside from PrivadoVPN, there are several other good free VPNs out there.
Selection Criteria: What Does a Free VPN for the USA Need?
If you want to access US content from anywhere, a VPN for the USA is essential. However, there are several factors you should consider, like the number of servers and unblocking capability, if you want to opt for a free account instead of a premium subscription.
Below, I outline the key considerations in choosing the best free VPN for the USA. These points can help you if you want to do your own research to choose a free US VPN.
- Does it have servers in the US? I looked for free VPNs with US server locations. The more servers, the lesser the chances of servers overcrowding.
- Does it work with the major operating systems? I chose VPNs that work with multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
- What security features does it have? I looked for vital security features like AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to ensure users can enjoy tip-top security.
- Can it unblock streaming services? I checked if the free VPN plan can unblock streaming services, especially US-specific platforms like Netflix US and Hulu.
- Is it privacy-friendly? Many free VPNs log and sell user data, so I chose VPNs with a strict no-logs policy based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
- Does it have any handicaps? A free plan can have downsides, such as speed caps or data limits. Some free VPNs might even be dangerous: they might share your data or inject ads. The free VPNs on my list are free versions of trustworthy paid plans. As a result, they don’t pose a risk, but they are limited compared to premium versions.
If you are considering an affordable VPN provider with a wide range of security features and hundreds of US servers that can unblock popular streaming platforms and websites within seconds, I recommend NordVPN.
Which Free VPN is Best for the USA?
A USA VPN is necessary if you want to browse privately in the US. This is true both for people living in the US and for people visiting the United States. If you are outside the US, and want to unblock American content, you will need a good US VPN as well. Fortunately, there are VPNs you can use without paying a dime.
For those who are on a budget I have selected the best free USA VPNs.
1. PrivadoVPN: The best free VPN for the USA overall
PrivadoVPN’s free US IP address can unblock websites and many streaming sites. I have used it with HBO Max, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. This provider ensures that you browse the internet securely and privately, thanks to its zero-logs policy, automatic kill switch, and multiple VPN protocols. These features make it the best free VPN for the USA on my list.
PrivadoVPN Free offers 10 GB per month at an excellent speed, allowing you to stream Netflix for up to 10 hours in standard definition. If you have used this 10 GB, you can still use a secure connection, although the speed will drop to 1 MB.
Privado can be used on mobile phones, but it is also an excellent free USA VPN for PC. You can even download torrents and share P2P files without any throttling issues – and without worrying about where your data might end up, thanks to its no-logs policy and base in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
We recommend PrivadoVPN’s free version for anyone living or traveling in the US who wants to unblock websites, download torrents, and browse the internet privately. Most free VPNs don’t let users do this easily, so PrivadoVPN’s free version is a steal.
Pros
- Offers 10 server locations, including the US
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- No-logs policy and top notch security
- Unblocks streaming services, including Netflix US
- 10 GB of browsing data
Cons
- Doesn't offer a Linux app
- One simultaneous connection
Are you still curious about PrivadoVPN? Learn more in our PrivadoVPN review.
2. Windscribe: Solid USA VPN for pc and Linux users
If you need multiple US IP address options, Windscribe is a good choice. While testing the VPN, I had access to 10 free US server locations, including Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Washington DC, and Seattle. Having access to multiple servers reduces the chances of server congestion and increases your chances of getting an IP address to unblock a streaming service.
I could enjoy fast download and upload speeds for streaming, browsing, and uploading content and share one subscription with as many people as possible. Even torrenting is allowed with this free VPN.
I recommend Windscribe to Linux users in particular. It’s one of the few free VPNs to offer a Linux app. It’s also a good choice for anyone who wants a free, fast VPN on your pc for streaming, uploading content, and gaming.
The only downside is the 2 GB data cap. However, Windscribe offers several ways in which you can increase the data available. If you share your email address with Windscribe, you will get 10 GB a month. Although this sounds attractive, you should realize you are paying with your personal data.
Pros
- 10 free US IP addresses
- Fast download and upload speeds
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Kill switch and split tunneling available
- Free ad and malware blocker
Cons
- Data cap of 2 GB
There’s more information about Windscribe’s free and paid versions in our Windscribe review.
3. Proton VPN: Best free USA VPN without data cap
If you are looking for a free VPN without data cap, Proton VPN Free is a great choice! Since it doesn’t have a data cap, you can browse securely for as long as you want without worrying about running out of data.
Proton VPN lets you use the internet without compromising privacy thanks to its strict no-logs policy and headquarters in privacy-friendly Switzerland. If you want more than a VPN, you can also access the complete Proton security suite, including Proton Mail, Proton Pass and Proton Drive (1 GB of storage). All of these services offer a free plan.
The only downside is Proton VPN Free will connect you automatically with the best suited server. After 90 seconds you can switch to another server. This is very bothersome if you want to unblock streaming services. This also means you might need several tries before you’re connected to a US server.
We recommend Proton VPN if you need a privacy-friendly free VPN to browse without any data limits. It’s also a good choice if you already use Proton’s suite of apps like Proton Mail. However, if you decide that you want a premium version, a Proton VPN subscription starts from $ 2.99/month.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Fast internet connections
- Strict no-logs policy and (permanent) kill switch
- Headquarters in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Complete security suite available
Cons
- You can't select a server location
- Only 5 free server locations available
Read our full Proton VPN review to discover more about Proton VPN’s free version.
4. Hide.me: Torrenting-friendly free USA VPN
Hide.me allows you to safely download torrent files in the US. Some free VPNs don’t allow torrenting, while others struggle with it. Thankfully, with Hide.me, I was able to download many torrent files from popular torrent sites easily, which is one of the reasons this free plan is a worthy contender.
I am also very pleased with the customer service with which you can get 24/7 help quickly. Moreover, this no logs VPN offers great security features, such as a kill switch, split tunneling and even a Stealth-protocol. Hide.me shows you don’t need a premium VPN to hide your online activity.
We recommend Hide.me VPN for those looking for a free provider that will safeguard their privacy while torrenting. The only disadvantage is that Hide.me’s free servers can be a bit slow.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Allows torrenting on free US servers
- Fast and responsive customer support
- Kill switch and split tunneling available
- Offers a Stealth protocol
Cons
- Free servers can be a bit slow
- Only one simultaneous connection possible
You can also upgrade to Hide.me’s paid plan (starting from $ 2.69 per month) to enjoy all the VPN’s premium features, including 10 simultaneous connections. I have more information about hide.me in our Hide.me review.
5. TunnelBear: Stealthy free USA VPN with obfuscation features
One of the biggest problems with free VPNs is that they usually don’t offer any obfuscation features. This makes them a risky option if you want to get a US IP address in restrictive countries. Fortunately, TunnelBear offers GhostBear on its free servers, which hid my VPN use so I could overcome restrictions and government censorship.
Moreover, TunnelBear Free gives you access to 47+ server locations, including multiple US servers. This range of servers to choose from gives you the possibility to unblock many streaming services. During my test, I was able to access Hulu, Netflix US and YouTube.
However, TunnelBear only offers 2 GB of data per month. You can get unlimited data by purchasing a TunnelBear plan at $ 3.33 per month. This will unlock all premium features, such as city level server selection.
We recommend TunnelBear if you want to access US websites from restrictive regimes like China and Russia. The GhostBear feature works excellently, hiding your VPN traffic from any deep packet inspection. But do make sure you don’t exceed the 2 GB data cap.
Pros
- Multiple free US server locations
- Unblocks many streaming providers, including Hulu
- Offers obfuscation (GhostBear)
- Multiple simultaneous connections possible
- Offers a kill switch and split tunneling
Cons
- 2 GB monthly data cap
- Customer service is only limited available for free users
- Keeps connections logs
We’ve broken down all of TunnelBear’s free features in our TunnelBear review.
Bonus: Premium VPN to try with commitment
All free VPNs have handicaps: some have a data cap, others won’t let you use all features or have restrictions on the available serves. If you don’t want this limitation, I recommend using a premium VPN. Most premium VPNs have a money-back guarantee. You can use this guarantee to try a premium VPN without risk.
With 16 server locations in the US and 1.970+ US servers, NordVPN is the best USA VPN. These lightning-fast servers are great for unblocking US specific services, such as Hulu and Peacock. If you want to access streaming services without problems and stream without buffering, NordVPN is your top choice.
Besides an excellent US server network, NordVPN also offers top-notch security. Military grade encryption, DNS leak protection and dark web monitoring will keep your data safe. You can even top your subscription with Threat Protection Pro to keep you safe from malware.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use this guarantee to try this premium VPN provider for a month for free! After that, NordVPN costs $ 3.49/month.
Pros
- 1.970+ US servers to unblock US services
- Excellent speed for streaming
- Advanced security features, such as dark web monitoring and threat protection
- Zero-logs policy (independently verified!)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Doesn't offer a free VPN service
USA VPNs to Avoid
While a free VPN plan sounds tempting, not all free services are worth your time. Moreover, some VPNs can even infect your device with malware and compromise your online privacy and security. I have listed some of them below.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Hola VPN | My research shows Hola VPN sells the bandwidth of free users to paying users. As a result, your IP address could be used for suspicious activities. |
| Betternet VPN | I found out that Betternet shares your data with advertisers and third parties. |
| Tuxler VPN | I discovered it shares your information with third parties, and it was very slow during my test. |
Get the Best Free USA VPN to Access US Content
The best free VPN services can help you access the internet in the US safely without paying a cent. Based on my testing of several free VPNs, PrivadoVPN stands out as the best free VPN for the USA that can give you a reliable US IP address and enable you to browse safely and anonymously.
But however good a free VPN may be, it might have limitations such as speed limits, data caps, and the inability to unblock popular US streaming platforms. With a premium VPN service like NordVPN, you won’t have any such issues. I have tested NordVPN extensively and am always impressed with its robust security and unblocking capabilities.
Want to find out more about the best free VPNs for a specific country or purpose? Check out our articles below:
- The Best Free Europe VPNs: Get a Free European IP Address
- Best Free VPNs for Kenya: Unblock Streaming Services
- The Best Free VPN for Australia
Are there niggling questions on your mind about the best free VPNs for the US? I’ve got you covered. Here are the most commonly asked questions and answers about free USA VPNs.
There are many good free VPNs with servers in the US, such as PrivadoVPN, Windscribe and Proton VPN. If you must choose, I recommend PrivadoVPN over all others. It has excellent privacy and security credentials and can unblock websites and streaming services.
Yes, there are many VPNs that are completely free. The most notable among them is PrivadoVPN, which has servers in many locations, including the US, Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, and Brazil.
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for the USA, with a reliable US server location and reasonably fast speeds. It also has excellent security and privacy features like a kill switch, multiple VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy to keep you safe online.
You can use a free VPN when visiting the United States. Although free VPNs have their limitations, there are some trustworthy freemium VPNs that might be just what you need. Our top recommendation is PrivadoVPN. This no logs VPN offers 10 GB per month for free.
