Virtual private networks (VPNs) are among the most accessible methods to enhance your online privacy. They are also user-friendly and handy tools that can be utilized to reach geographically restricted content on the web.
The challenge lies in the fact that most high-quality VPN services necessitate a paid monthly or yearly subscription for usage. This presents a dilemma as businesses cannot definitively determine if a VPN aligns with their requirements without being able to assess it.
SEE: 10 Myths about Cybersecurity That Are Untrue (TechRepublic Premium)
Thankfully, numerous VPN providers offer fully functional free trials that grant access to premium VPN functionalities without the need to immediately commit to a subscription. This article compiles some of the top VPNs with free trials in 2024.
Comparison of Top VPNs with Free Trials
I’ve delved into the details of some excellent VPN free trial options currently available in the market. Below you can find a breakdown of trial durations, feature limitations, and server counts:
| Trial Duration | 7 days | 24 hours (desktop); 3–7 days (mobile) | 7 days | 7 days | Free version, indefinitely |
| Trial Access | Through mobile apps (usable on other platforms later) | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Via Android only (usable on other platforms later) | iOS or Android only | Free version available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Payment Info Required | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Feature Limits | None | None | None | No access to desktop app | Slower speeds; limited to five server locations |
| Paid Plan Pricing | $2.19 per month (2 years) |
$2.19 per month (2 years) | $4.69 per month (2 years) | $6.67 per month (1 year) | $4.49 per month (2 years) |
| Number of Servers | 10,000–35,000 (as reported) | 9,000+ (allegedly) | 6,300+ | 3,000+ (reportedly) |
4,900+ servers |
| Server sites | 91 nations | 100 nations | 111 nations | 105 nations | 91 nations |
| GO TO PIA VPN | GO TO CYBERGHOST | GO TO NORDVPN | GO TO EXPRESSVPN | GO TO PROTON VPN |
Private Internet Access VPN: Leading VPN free trial
Private Internet Access VPN provides a comprehensive solution with high speeds and a wide server network. Specifically, it offers servers distributed throughout 91 nations, enabling easy unblocking of geo-restricted content while maintaining good speeds.
Details of the trial
PIA VPN presents a seven-day trial that you can access via its mobile applications on the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store.
SEE: Free VPN vs Paid VPN: Which Is Suitable for You? (TechRepublic)
I personally suggest the PIA VPN trial due to its unlimited simultaneous device connections. This allows you to test its premium VPN on multiple devices, and with its unlimited device limit, you can use PIA VPN on your desktop or other devices after experiencing its mobile trial.
Is payment or credit card data required?
No payment information is necessary to access PIA VPN’s free trial through mobile. When I used the trial on my Android device, I didn’t need to provide any credit card details to start the seven-day trial.
Cost
- 1 month: $11.99 per month.
- 6 months: $7.50 per month.
- 2 years (+2 months free): $2.19 per month.
Characteristics
- Servers located in 91 countries.
- WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols.
- Server technology based on RAM only.
Advantages
- Unlimited simultaneous connections to devices.
- Generally fast VPN speeds.
- Personalized app bookmarks.
Disadvantages
- Potential issues with WireGuard protocol.
- Absence of a free version.
If you want more information, visit my Review of VPN Services on Internet Access.
Top Pick: CyberGhost VPN’s Desktop Free Trial
For those seeking a wide range of servers and specialized server options, CyberGhost VPN stands out. Presently, CyberGhost provides servers from 100 different countries and smartly categorizes its servers for optimal performance in streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Its desktop free trial is notably user-friendly and easily accessible.
Details of the Free Trial
CyberGhost offers a 24-hour trial period for Windows and macOS through its official site. Additionally, a three-day free trial is available for Android devices, and a seven-day trial for iOS devices.
I’ve chosen CyberGhost as the top provider for desktop users due to its straightforward access process. No additional steps are needed through a mobile app or account setup on a different device. Simply head to CyberGhost’s official website to initiate the trial.
In addition, no payment information is required to commence the trial period. Despite the short duration of the 24-hour trial, it remains the simplest way to experience a desktop VPN trial without providing credit card details.
Are Payment or Credit Card Details Needed?
No, CyberGhost does not demand any credit card or payment information for access. CyberGhost VPN stands out as one of the few VPN services that offer a trial of their premium desktop application without requesting any payment data for activation.
Subscription Prices
- 1 month: $12.99 per month.
- 6 months: $6.99 per month.
- 2 years (+2 months): $2.19 per month.
Functionalities
- Tailored servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
- Offering OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols.
- Around-the-clock live customer assistance.
Advantages
- Presence in 100 countries with server coverage.
- No payment information required for the free trial.
- 45-day refund policy available.
Disadvantages
- Length of the desktop free trial could be extended.
- Complicated corporate background.
If you wish to delve deeper, you can explore my comprehensive evaluation of CyberGhost VPN.
NordVPN: Ideal for Privacy Enthusiasts
If robust security measures are your top priority, my suggestion is NordVPN. This service includes an array of security-focused features such as integrated threat protection, dark web oversight, and secure file-sharing via Meshnet. Moreover, the server network has been expanded, now encompassing servers across 111 countries in contrast to 60 countries in 2023.
Details of the Free Trial
NordVPN offers a seven-day free trial that can be accessed through the Android app. Notably, after signing up via Android, you can utilize NordVPN across other platforms as well.
Is payment or credit card information needed?
Indeed, NordVPN necessitates payment details or a credit card in order to utilize its complimentary trial on Android. Despite the wish for access devoid of payment information, I see the considerable importance NordVPN places on presenting diverse security elements as a reason to give it a go.
Pricing Details
Here’s a summary of the mid-range NordVPN Plus subscription:
- 1 month: $13.99 per month.
- 1 year: $5.49 per month.
- 2 years (+3 months): $4.69 per month.
Attributes
- Servers available in 111 countries.
- Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- Includes Double VPN feature.
Advantages
- Specific security servers (Double VPN, Obfuscated).
- Independently evaluated.
- Inbuilt defense versus malware and annoying advertisements.
Disadvantages
- Comparatively high pricing.
- Lacks a free version.
- Access to the free trial is only possible via Android.
If you would like to discover more, read my complete assessment of NordVPN.
ExpressVPN: Greatest trial for mobile devices
A preferred choice of many, ExpressVPN offers one of the most user-friendly VPN experiences available. It boasts a highly intuitive interface and consistently swift performance. Moreover, it has demonstrated a solid commitment to transparency as one of the most active VPN providers undergoing regular third-party security assessments.
Details of the Free Trial
For Android and iOS applications only, ExpressVPN presents a seven-day complimentary trial. Those on Windows or macOS may need to explore other options for evaluating a premium VPN service. Nevertheless, I believe the excellent user experience ExpressVPN offers is an excellent choice for individuals intending to use a VPN solely on their mobile gadgets.
Is payment or credit card information required?
Absolutely, ExpressVPN does mandate payment information to gain access to its mobile free trial. Although it doesn’t request payment specifics when registering for the trial, the trial access will automatically associate with the default payment data linked to your mobile device.
Pricing Details
Below is an outline of the subscription plans available for the Surfshark One mid-tier subscription:
- 1 month: $12.95 per month.
- 6 months: $9.99 per month.
- 1 year (+3 months): $6.67 per month.
Attributes
- Server presence in 105 countries.
- Server infrastructure entirely based on RAM.
- 24/7 customer assistance.
Advantages
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections permitted.
- Economical paid subscriptions available across the board.
- Well-structured and user-friendly application interface.
Disadvantages
- Exclusively for mobile devices concerning the free trial.
- Relatively high costs.
- Absence of a longer two-year subscription option.
For additional insights, visit myReview of ExpressVPN in detail.
Proton VPN: The best completely free version
Proton VPN, a VPN based in Switzerland, provides a remarkably generous complimentary version, which can be viewed as an adequate free trial. Given its location in Switzerland, Proton has the privilege of offering some of the most stringent privacy regulations globally to its user base — a valuable benefit for those concerned about surveillance by authorities.
Details of the free trial
Although Proton VPN technically lacks a trial version of its premium service, it boasts one of the most functional and comprehensive free VPNs currently accessible. The standout feature of Proton VPN’s complimentary edition is its provision of unlimited data, unlike many other free VPNs, which enforce monthly data restrictions that are easy to exhaust.
The advantage of this free version is that it remains complimentary indefinitely, unlike full-fledged free trials. However, the downside is the absence of access to the premium features and functionalities of Proton VPN.
The complimentary version provides servers in five countries, encrypted VPN servers, and moderate VPN speeds.
Is payment or credit card information necessary?
With Proton VPN Free, a complimentary version, there is no prerequisite for any payment information for download or use.
Pricing
Beneath lies a breakdown of what Proton VPN’s Plus subscription tier includes:
- 1 month: $9.99 every month.
- 1 year: $4.99 per month.
- 2 years: $4.49 monthly.
Characteristics
- Secure Core, jurisdictions of privacy.
- VPN speed booster.
- NetShield for blocking ads, malware, and trackers.
Advantages
- Extremely generous complimentary version.
- Under the pro-privacy Swiss jurisdiction.
- Unlimited bandwidth in the complimentary version.
Downsides
- Absence of a dedicated premium plan trial.
- Live chat support available solely for paid users.
To delve deeper into this, take a look at my complete review of Proton VPN.
FAQs
Do VPN trials function effectively?
Indeed, VPN trials are structured to operate similarly to regular premium VPN subscriptions. The primary distinction lies in trials providing access to the software for a restricted duration.
They are devised to grant users an opportunity to assess paid software without committing to a full VPN subscription. In terms of security, VPN trials should match the safety levels of fully paid versions.
If you’re curious about VPN safety, peruse our recent elucidation on the susceptibility of VPNs to hacking and why they constitute wise business investments in the long run.
What is the typical duration of VPN trials?
VPN trials usually span from as brief as one day to as extended as seven days.
Contrast between VPN trials and free VPN services
VPN trials diverge from complimentary VPN services in presenting all the premium features of a specific VPN. Conversely, a free VPN possesses a restricted set of functionalities compared to its paid equivalents, usually indicating reduced access to the complete server selection, lower VPN speeds, or a monthly data limit.
One advantage of free VPNs is their permanence of being free forever,while VPN trials solely offer a usage duration lasting from a day to a week.
IfIf you have an interest in delving deeper into the most excellent complimentary VPNs, I strongly suggest exploring our compilation of the Top Free VPNs for 2024.
Within that piece, we showcase the supreme overall complimentary VPN, the prime VPN for novices, and additional choices worth contemplating in the realm of VPNs.
Are payments or credit card details needed for VPN free trials?
It varies. Based on my encounters, several VPN free trials mandate payments or request credit card specifics for access. They typically prompt you for payment information during the free trial procedure or utilize the payment method already linked to your selected device.
Nonetheless, a few VPN providers such as CyberGhost VPN and PIA offer free trials devoid of payment particulars.
From a personal perspective, I believe more vendors should embrace this strategy due to its ability to lessen the obstruction to exploring their software.
Comparison between VPN free trials and refund policies
If you have explored VPN subscriptions, you might have encountered refund policies. Many VPN providers permit you to reclaim your subscription amount within a specified timeframe through refund policies that commonly extend to around 30 days.
While both VPN free trials and refund policies enable you and your organization to sample a paid VPN, utilizing a refund policy necessitates purchasing an initial subscription and subsequently requesting a refund within the allocated period.
For individuals curious about the typical costs associated with VPNs, we have an in-depth guide encompassing VPN expenses and money-saving suggestions.
Conversely, VPN free trials will not bill you until the trial period concludes. Furthermore, certain VPNs do not mandate any form of payment process and will simply inquire whether you desire to subscribe to a plan after the allotted trial duration.
In determining which approach is superior, it hinges on your enterprise’s prerequisites. On one side, refund policies are more direct to engage with as you proceed with acquiring a subscription as usual. Nonetheless, the reimbursement procedure can be cumbersome and varies across various providers.
Conversely, VPN free trials come with fewer constraints and do not charge you upfront. Nonetheless, there might be additional stages you need to undergo to evaluate their software, for instance, needing to register through mobile before assessing it on a desktop device.
Methodology
In my compilation of the finest VPN free trials available currently, I factored in a blend of the accessibility of each trial and the caliber of the VPN software itself.
Regarding the free trial, I scrutinized the trial duration, restrictions on features for each trial, the simplicity of accessing the trial, and whether it mandated payment or credit card details for activation, among other criteria.
I have personally scrutinized each VPN mentioned earlier. All the VPNs cited have undergone our comprehensive review process, which encompassed a mix of hands-on experimentation, extensive product investigation, and expert assessment.
Lastly, I contemplated how each free trial and VPN service could serve various types of users and scenarios. This holds significant importance as different businesses will possess distinct requirements based on their needs and contexts.
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