Free and paid VPNs compared
A VPN is useful if you often use public Wi-Fi or travel a lot. Most people don’t need one at home or on mobile data.
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Before you pay for anything
On public Wi-Fi, checking the network name with staff and switching to your phone’s mobile data for anything sensitive costs nothing. A VPN is a reasonable extra if you use public Wi-Fi often. It won’t protect you from scams, malware or weak passwords. If you do want one, look for an independently audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, apps for your devices and clear renewal pricing.
Free or paid: what changes?
For occasional use on one phone or laptop, compare a free plan first. Proton VPN Free covers one device at a time; hide.me Free also allows one connection, with restricted speeds. AdGuard VPN Free covers two devices and starts with 3 GB a month, then reduces the speed. The provider sources and checked dates are in the table below.
A paid plan is worth comparing if you need several devices connected together, more control over server locations or a particular streaming service. A device limit counts simultaneous connections, not the number of apps you can install. Check the country and device you will actually use; streaming access can change.
Compare the full subscription cost
An advertised monthly equivalent may require paying for a year or longer upfront. Compare the amount charged today, the renewal amount and term, local taxes, cancellation and refund conditions. We link to current plans rather than presenting a temporary promotion as a lasting price.
VPNs
| Product | Price | Devices | Key features | Best for | Partner plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdGuard VPNResearch-basedProvider specifications · checked | See current plans; check the full term and renewal price | Free: 2 devices; paid: 10 |
| Public Wi-Fi at cafés, stations and hotels | See AdGuard VPN plans (opens in a new tab) |
hide.me VPN Research-basedProvider specifications · checked | See current plans; check the full term and renewal price | Free: 1 connection; Premium: 10 |
| Public Wi-Fi and travel | See hide.me VPN plans (opens in a new tab) |
NordVPN Research-basedProvider specifications · checked | See current plans; check the full term and renewal price | Up to 10 simultaneous connections |
| Using public Wi-Fi at home and abroad | See NordVPN plans (opens in a new tab) |
| Proton VPNResearch-basedProvider specifications · checked | See current plans; check the full term and renewal price | Free: 1 device; VPN Plus: 10 |
| Public Wi-Fi and travel, from a privacy-focused company | See Proton VPN plans (opens in a new tab) |
| PureVPNResearch-basedProvider specifications · checked | See current plans; check the full term and renewal price | Up to 10 simultaneous connections |
| Public Wi-Fi and travel | See PureVPN plans (opens in a new tab) |
Guides to read first
- Do I need a VPN?
A VPN is useful for some people and unnecessary for others. Here is what it does, what it doesn't, and how to pick a trustworthy one.
- Is public Wi-Fi safe? And do you need a VPN on it?
Most websites and apps now encrypt what you send, so public Wi-Fi is usually fine. Here are the real risks, when a VPN is worth having, and what to check before choosing one.
- How to choose a VPN for travelling
A VPN can help on hotel and airport Wi-Fi, but it isn't essential for every trip. Here's what to check before you pay for one, and where using one could get you into trouble.
- Is hotel Wi-Fi safe?
For browsing, maps and messaging, hotel Wi-Fi is usually fine. The risks are look-alike network names, sign-in pages that ask for too much, and a phone that joins networks on its own.
- Is airport Wi-Fi safe to use?
For everyday browsing, airport Wi-Fi is usually fine. The risk is connecting to a fake network or typing details into a page you don't recognise.