5 Best Free VPNs for Streaming Tested in 2024: Fast & Safe (2024)

Finding a good free VPN for streaming can be a challenge. While there are plenty of free services out there, they usually come with limitations. Most aren’t equipped with the necessary features to access popular platforms for streaming safely in HD. Luckily, our testing revealed a select few that work reliably with the most popular platforms.

The best streaming VPNs provide reliable global servers, so they can access services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in good quality. At the same time, they secure your online connections and prevent ISP throttling to give you smooth streaming.

From all the VPNs we tested, I recommend ExpressVPN for HD and UHD streaming. It works reliably with the most popular streaming platforms and offers fast speeds and unlimited data. While it’s not 100% free, it offers both a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial (for iOS and Android), so you can try it risk-free. Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs For Streaming in %2024

Editor’s note: We only recommend VPNs with reliable no-logs policies so no one will see what you’re doing online. That means you are responsible for respecting copyright laws and any terms of use you agree to when signing up for streaming services, including free ones. The vpnMentor team and I object to copyright infringement.

Best Free VPNs for Streaming — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds To Stream in UHD From Anywhere Without Buffering

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we tested for streaming. Its Lightway protocol offers swift and secure connections while saving the device’s battery at the same time. From the UK, I connected to the nearby Docklands server and experienced only a 1% speed drop, which is as good as it gets. I could stream my local Netflix in 4K with no interruptions.

The picture quality remained excellent throughout the whole episode

Its ability to safely access a broad spectrum of global platforms makes ExpressVPN stand out. Unlike free VPNs, it reliably works with major services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. Most free VPN services lack the servers and resources to access these platforms from anywhere in good quality.

It also has a dedicated Fire Stick app and extensive router support, giving you versatility with how you stream. Plus, its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) offers easy setup for streaming on devices that don’t support VPNs, like Apple TV, Roku, and game consoles. No free VPN offers this functionality.

Although not 100% free, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free for streaming. To test this, I requested a refund via the 24/7 live chat. The support agent approved my request, and I got a full refund 2 days later.

Useful Features

• Automatic obfuscation. Thanks to the automatic obfuscation on all its servers, you can securely stream even on restricted networks (like at schools or libraries) that block streaming platforms and VPN connections.
• Shortcuts. You can safely access content on your favorite streaming apps by adding shortcuts to them in ExpressVPN’s main interface. This setting is in the Options menu.
• Unique browser extensions. ExpressVPN’s browser extensions work as a remote control for the app. Most VPN browser extensions are very limited or are free versions of the full app. But ExpressVPN’s extension is fully equipped to accommodate streaming binges on your laptop.
• Threat Manager. This feature offers ad-blocking and tracking protection. It can protect you from accidentally clicking on some fake Max on Netflix scams.
• 8 connections. With its multiple simultaneous device connections allowance, you can install it on your go-to streaming gadgets.

2. Proton VPN — No Data Caps With a Free Plan For Uninterrupted Streaming

While many free VPNs have strict monthly data limits, Proton VPN is one of the few VPNs with no data caps. This means you can stream without worrying about a monthly allowance cutting you short.

Proton VPN offers great speeds for a free service. During our tests with Proton VPN, streaming platforms loaded quickly, and the picture quality remained consistent. My colleague from Amsterdam recorded only an 8% speed drop on its local server. That allowed them to stream The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window lag-free.

Seeing the server load in the Proton VPN app helps you find an uncrowded connection

The free plan offers servers in the US, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands, which can safely access a decent array of global content. Although the free Proton VPN version only works with Netflix Originals, it can access a few region-restricted platforms, like Max and Peaco*ck in the US.

The downside is that even though Proton VPN provides a decent number of server locations for a free VPN, you only get access to the one nearest you. It’s still a good option for securing your connection and preventing ISP throttling while enjoying local content, though.

Useful Features

• Great compatibility. Proton VPN supports a wide range of devices and platforms, so you can easily stream on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
• No ads. Many free VPNs make money by showing you a lot of ads. Fortunately, Proton VPN doesn’t do this, so you can start streaming right away after starting the Proton VPN app — without annoying ad breaks.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Many Free Servers to Safely Stream Global Content on Mobile

Avira Phantom VPN’s free mobile app offers many free servers, including one in the US that’s streaming-optimized. While it doesn’t work with many popular platforms, it can access at least some US content, like Disney+, Crackle, Peaco*ck, and Netflix Originals shows in decent quality. Multiple connections also help prevent user overload. While testing its servers, Avira Phantom VPN gave us stable connections.

All the free US servers are good for streaming, but the one optimized for streaming works best

On top of its ability to safely access international content, Avira’s global coverage helps prevent overcrowding that can lead to slow speeds. With most free VPNs, you don’t get more than 5 free server locations, and very few have servers in countries like Brazil, Hong Kong, Norway, or even Spain. This makes it easier to find a speedy streaming connection near you.

My main problem with Avira Phantom VPN is that your viewing time will be quite limited, as you only get 500MB of monthly data with the free plan, so you’ll only be able to stream for about an hour each month. You can increase that to 1GB if you register with your email, though.

Useful Features

• Auto Connect. Avira Phantom VPN connects automatically when it detects a WiFi network, making it good for streaming in public spaces.
• Unlimited devices. You can cover all of your go-to streaming gadgets without spending a dime.

4. hide.me — No Sign-up Required, Start Streaming in No Time

Although its free plan supports one device connection at a time, you don't need to register, so basically, you can use hide.me on any number of devices. That means you can cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices — and there’s even a free app for Amazon Fire TV. It also offers free browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

I was surprised at how many options you get without even signing up

There are also a lot of customization options to enhance your streaming connections. For instance, even with the free plan, hide.me offers the speed-optimized WireGuard protocol, which gave me the best speeds for streaming. It also has Auto Connect, which will automatically connect the VPN when you join public WiFi to ensure your data is safe.

It has servers in the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Singapore, and Canada, which can safely access popular streaming platforms like Max. Sometimes its free connections are pretty slow — I got an 89% speed loss while connected to a nearby UK server. However, it wasn’t always this slow and I had minimal buffering most times I tried streaming.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data. You get the freedom to stream for as long as you wish without the need to fret over your remaining data for the month's streaming.
• 24/7 live chat. Its live chat is available 24/7, so you can always reach out to customer support if you’re having trouble getting a reliable connection for streaming.

5. Hotspot Shield — Proprietary Hydra Protocol Provides Fast and Secure Streaming

Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol gives consistent speeds for streaming while protecting your data at the same time. From London, I tested its free UK server and could stream Black Mirror on Netflix with a 24% speed drop, which isn’t bad for a 100% free VPN. My connection remained stable during the entire stream.

You get access to the reputable WireGuard protocol, too, which is also fast

Hotspot Shield can access Netflix Originals and some US platforms, like Max and Peaco*ck in HD. However, unlike ExpressVPN, it doesn’t work with other popular platforms, like BBC iPlayer or Hulu.

It’s too bad you only get 1 simultaneous device connection with the free plan. Plus, Hotspot Shield’s free plan is ad-supported, so you’ll encounter some annoying interruptions. Still, it’s not a bad deal for what you get — and it even provides unlimited data, so you can stream to your heart’s content.

Useful Features

• Split-tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which don’t. While streaming, you can choose to secure your streaming connection with a VPN but let other apps use your local network to improve speeds.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Streaming

All the VPNs I suggest are suitable for streaming, although they differ greatly in terms of their speeds, monthly data limits, and the range of platforms they work with. The following table provides a comparison of their features, making it simpler for you to identify the most suitable free streaming VPN for your needs.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Streaming

There are a few features you should look for in a free streaming VPN. Here are the criteria I used to pick my top recommended VPNs.

• Free plan or a trustworthy money-back guarantee. I only recommended VPNs with a free version or a trustworthy refund policy. Completely free VPNs don’t require any payment credentials or hidden fees. However, a money-back guarantee is a great alternative for testing the VPN’s full streaming capabilities without any financial risk.
• Can safely access streaming platforms. Most free VPNs don’t work with streaming platforms, so we made sure every VPN on this list can access at least some popular services from multiple locations in good quality.
• Decent amount of server locations. Most free VPNs offer a limited number of server locations, which isn’t ideal for HD streaming from anywhere. Nearby servers are usually the fastest. I made sure that the listed VPNs offer servers at least in a handful of countries.
• Fast speeds. All of my top VPNs are fast enough for buffer-free streaming. You need only 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD, and all my shortlisted VPNs are faster than that.
• Generous monthly data allowances. Streaming requires a lot of data, so you should consider how much monthly data you can use. Most of my VPN recommendations offer unlimited data, which makes them ideal for uninterrupted streaming.
• Diverse device compatibility. All my recommended VPNs are compatible with major OSs, like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Some even offer native Fire Stick apps. If your device doesn’t support VPNs, look for a service with router compatibility, as this will allow you to stream on all the devices connected to your home network.
• Reliable customer support. 24/7 customer support through live chat is ideal, but if that’s not available, the VPN should at least offer support through email or a comprehensive knowledge base.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Streaming Aren’t Safe

All the free VPNs on this list are good for streaming and safe to use, but sadly, that’s not the case with most free VPNs. Not only do they not work with most streaming sites, but they may also put your security and privacy at risk. Here are some of the biggest risks associated with using free VPN services:

• Free VPNs may collect and sell your data. Since they can’t profit from you otherwise, some free VPNs collect personal data, such as your IP address, browsing history, and location, and sell it to advertisers for financial gain.
• They may contain ads and malware. Free VPNs rely on advertisem*nts for revenue, so they often come filled with ads. These can disrupt your user experience, and some of them may even infect your device with malicious files.
• Free VPNs may leak your info. Many free VPNs don’t offer strong security features, like a kill switch or IP/DNS leak protection, so they may leak personal information, thus compromising your security and privacy.

The VPNs I included in my list follow the freemium model, which means that they offer both free and paid versions of their services. Freemium VPNs are generally safe, as they get revenue from paying users and don’t need to resort to suspicious practices to earn money.

Free VPNs for Streaming to Avoid

During our tests, we came across some free VPNs that simply don’t work with most platforms. In some cases, their slow speeds don’t even support SD video. Even worse, some of these put your personal data and devices at risk, so it’s best to find a safer alternative.

• Hola. Hola is a peer-to-peer network (not a VPN ). So, if you share the same network as other users, you could be held accountable for their online activities.
• VPNBook. Stores personal data, like your IP address and connection timestamps.
• VPN Gate. A volunteer-run service that stores connection logs, including your IP.
• Psiphon. Collects a concerning amount of identifiable logs, including browsing history, region identifiers, and connection timestamps. What’s worse, this information is shared with third-party advertisers, risking your privacy.
• TouchVPN. Logs user data for targeted advertising. This goes entirely against the purpose of using a VPN, which is for privacy protection.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Streaming

Is there a 100% free VPN for streaming?

Yes, there are a few completely free VPNs for streaming — but they’re not common. Free VPNs always come with some sort of limitation. However, the best free services should at least work for basic streaming and be safe to use. All VPNs on my list are tested and secure, so you can use them with no risk. Plus, we ensured that they are fast enough for HD streaming and can safely access some popular streaming platforms from anywhere.

These are all freemium VPNs, meaning that they’re free versions of a premium service. In this model, the free plan is sponsored by paying users, and it’s clear how the company makes money. Steer away from VPNs that offer only a free plan — since they have to make money somehow, they might sell your data or even carry malicious viruses.

Is it safe to stream with a free VPN?

That depends. The free streaming VPNs I listed are safe to use. They have strict no-logs policies, which proves they won’t log or sell any of your private data. Plus, they come with strong security features, like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.

Sadly, the same can’t be said about most other free VPNs. Some of them keep logs of your activity and sell that information to advertisers and other third parties for profit. Many of them come with malware hidden in their apps that will infect your device if you install them.

Will a free VPN impact my streaming video quality?

Yes, it’s quite possible. Limited server capacity and speed restrictions on free plans can lead to slower streaming speeds, increased buffering, and lower video quality​. Although all the VPNs on my lists performed well under our streaming tests, I recommend a premium service for hassle-free and secure streaming in HD and UHD.

High-quality VPNs are usually subscription-based, as they offer more advanced features. As a result, they tend to provide better speeds, and therefore, better streaming quality than the free services.

Why don’t some free VPNs work with streaming services?

Often times this is because their IP addresses are blocked by the streaming platforms. That’s why my top VPN works best for streaming — it continuously replaces blocked IPs to ensure they work. However, most 100% free VPNs lack the necessary resources to continually update their IP addresses and servers. So it’s much easier for major platforms to detect and block them due to licensing agreements.

Is it illegal to stream with a VPN?

No, streaming with a VPN is not illegal in most countries. However, it depends on how you utilize it. Streaming content licensed in your region while safeguarding your personal data with a VPN is legal almost anywhere. But using a VPN to access content that isn’t available in your region may break the platform’s T&Cs and infringe copyright law.

There are also a few heavily censored countries, like Russia and China, that have banned or restricted the use of VPNs. So be sure to read up on your local law and the T&Cs of your favorite platforms, and use VPNs responsibly.

Can I watch movies and shows for free with a VPN?

A VPN alone does not let you stream movies and shows that require a subscription for free. However, a good VPN can help you achieve better streaming quality by stopping your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from throttling your speeds. Moreover, it also protects you from trackers and snoopers, so you can stream safely.

That said, there are many platforms across the globe that offer streaming content 100% for free. The platforms available worldwide worth mentioning are Tubi, Popcornflix, Documentary+, and Hoopla Digital. These platforms don’t require signup and offer a variety of
movies and TV series, as well as their own original content.

In the US, there’s Peaco*ck, Crackle, Pluto TV, and PBS. For Australia, 9Now and 10 Play are pretty popular for their free content. Viu and Catchplay are available for viewers in diverse Asia regions. There are also many free streaming services in Europe, like RaiPlay (Italy), SVT (Sweden), and ITVX (UK and Ireland).

Can I stream Netflix, Hulu, and IPTV with a free VPN?

It depends on the VPN. The VPNs on this list work with some popular platforms, like Hulu or Netflix. However, the only one that works with all major streaming services is my top recommendation. While the 100% free options might work with some services, they won’t work with all of them. Unfortunately, they can’t keep up with the streaming capabilities of paid, premium VPNs, like ExpressVPN.

As far as IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) goes, this works a little differently. It uses Internet protocols to transmit content directly over the Internet, bypassing mediums like satellite and cable. There are many IPTV services, and while many of them are legal, there are also ones that are not, so it’s crucial to research them before watching. The most popular and legitimate IPTV providers are ReflexSat IPTV, IPTVUKonline, IPTVhouse, and IPTV SSTV.

Can I stream from India and Iran with a free VPN?

It’s highly unlikely. Streaming from countries with strict internet censorship, like Iran, might be challenging with a free VPN due to the limited servers and potential governmental blocks on VPN services. Premium VPNs with strong obfuscation can disguise VPN traffic as normal traffic so they work more reliably on restrictive networks.

However, you should keep in mind that the laws surrounding VPNs in Iran and India are stringent, and the team at vpnMentor and I don’t condone illegal activity.

What’s the best free streaming VPN for the US and UK?

The best free VPN I’ve tested for streaming in the US is Proton VPN, and for the UK, it’s Hotspot Shield. Both have good speeds, servers in the respective countries, and unlimited data for binging your favorite shows. Just bear in mind that they only work with a handful of platforms.

Luckily, you can easily test them out (and for free!) to see if they work for good-quality streaming with your preferred sites. But in general, paid VPNs will provide the most dependable HD access to popular platforms in both the UK and the US.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Streaming

Using a free VPN for streaming is possible, but it always comes with limitations. Most free VPNs can’t access the most popular streaming platforms from anywhere in HD. They’re not as fast, so you may experience significant buffering while watching shows.

Although I found a few free VPNs that are decent for streaming, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It offers fast speeds and can access the most popular platforms from across the globe in UHD. It’s not free, but it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without financial risk.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…