The Top 5 VPNs Offering Free Trials in 2024

Optimal Trial for CyberGhost VPN Desktop

For those seeking a broad server network and user-friendly specialized servers, the CyberGhost VPN proves to be an outstanding choice. Currently, CyberGhost boasts servers spanning over 100 countries, with segregated servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Notably, its desktop free trial stands out as one of the most user-friendly in this selection.

Details of the Trial

CyberGhost provides a free 24-hour trial tailored for Windows and macOS through its official site. Additionally, an Android trial lasting three days and a seven-day trial for iOS devices are also on offer.

I’ve singled out CyberGhost VPN as the top choice for desktops due to its direct trial access without any additional steps. No need to register via the mobile app or set up an account elsewhere. Simply head to CyberGhost’s official site and begin your trial.

In addition, no payment details are necessary to commence the trial. Although a longer trial period would have been preferable to 24 hours, it remains the simplest method to experience a desktop VPN trial without providing credit card details.

Is Payment Information Required?

No, CyberGhost does not mandate credit card or payment information for activation. CyberGhost VPN stands out as one of the few VPN services allowing a trial of their premium desktop application sans the need for any payment information.

Pricing

• 1 month: $12.99 per month.
• 6 months: $6.99 per month.
• 2 years (+2 months): $2.19 per month.

Features

• Specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols.
• 24/7 live customer support.

Advantages

• Server presence in 100 countries.
• Trial without payment details requirement.
• A generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Disadvantages

• Could extend the desktop trial duration.
• Complex corporate background.

If you wish to dig deeper, read my complete CyberGhost VPN evaluation.

Top Choice for Privacy Advocates – NordVPN

For those prioritizing security, my recommendation leans towards NordVPN. This provider encompasses various security-centric features like integrated threat protection, dark web surveillance, and secure file-sharing via Meshnet. Recently, NordVPN has expanded its server reach, providing servers across 111 countries, a significant upgrade from the 60 country locations in 2023.

Trial Details

NordVPN offers a seven-day trial accessible through its Android app. Moreover, you can use NordVPN on alternate platforms post signup on Android.

Is payment or credit card information necessary?

Indeed, NordVPN mandates payment details or credit card for their complimentary trial access on Android. Even though it might have been preferable to enjoy access without sharing payment data, I consider NordVPN’s strong focus on offering various security features worthy of consideration.

Pricing

Here is a summary of the mid-level subscription plan for NordVPN Plus:

• 1 month: $13.99 monthly.
• 1 year: $5.49 per month.
• 2 years (+3 months): $4.69 per month.

Characteristics

• Presence in 111 countries with servers.
• Ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
• Dual VPN feature included.

Advantages

• Dedicated security servers (Dual VPN, Obfuscated).
• Third-party security audits performed.
• In-built defense against malware and unwanted advertisements.

Drawbacks

• Comparatively high prices.
• Absence of a complimentary version.
• Free trial only accessible through Android.

If you wish to know more, don’t miss my complete NordVPN analysis.

ExpressVPN: Most excellent mobile trial

A preferred choice for many, ExpressVPN offers a highly intuitive VPN experience in the market. It boasts an exceptionally user-friendly interface and consistently fast performance. It has also demonstrated a firm commitment to transparency by being one of the most active VPN service providers that regularly undergo third-party security assessments.

Details of Free Trial

ExpressVPN makes available a seven-day trial for their mobile applications on Android and iOS only. This implies users of Windows or macOS might need to seek other options if they desire to test a premium VPN. Despite this limitation, I believe ExpressVPN’s high-quality user experience is an excellent choice for individuals who primarily use a VPN on their mobile devices.

Is payment information or credit card needed?

Absolutely, ExpressVPN requires payment details to unlock its mobile free trial. Despite not directly requesting payment information during the sign-up for a trial, it will automatically associate your trial access with the default payment details tied to your mobile device.

Pricing

Take a look at the Surfshark One mid-tier plan pricing below:

• 1 month: $12.95 each month.
• 6 months: $9.99 per month.
• 1 year (+3 months): $6.67 per month.

Features

• Servers available in 105 countries.
• Infrastructure with servers operating solely on RAM.
• Round-the-clock customer support.

Pros

• Unlimited device connections simultaneously.
• Competitively priced premium subscriptions.
• Well-crafted and easy-to-use application.

Cons

• Mobile-only trial offer.
• On the higher-priced end.
• Absence of a lengthier two-year subscription option.

If you’re interested in knowing more, don’t forget to peruse mycomplete ExpressVPN overview.

Proton VPN: Superior completely free version

Proton VPN, a VPN service based in Switzerland, offers an expansive free version, which can be considered a practical free trial. By being headquartered in Switzerland, Proton benefits from some of the world’s most robust privacy regulations — a valuable advantage for users conscious of government surveillance.

Comprehensive trial specifics

Although Proton VPN does not technically provide a free trial of its premium service, its free VPN is among the most user-friendly and comprehensive options currently available. Notably, Proton VPN’s free plan comes with unlimited data usage, distinguishing it from other free VPN services with strict monthly data limits that are quickly exhausted.

The main advantage of this cost-free version is its perpetual nature, lacking an expiration date unlike typical free trials. Conversely, the drawback is the absence of access to Proton VPN’s premium features and capabilities.

The complimentary plan includes servers in five countries, encrypted VPN connections, and moderate VPN speeds.

Is payment or credit card data needed?

Proton VPN’s Free version does not necessitate any payment details for installation or use.

Pricing structure

Outlined below are the details of Proton VPN’s Plus subscription tier:

• 1 month: $9.99 monthly.
• 1 year: $4.99 monthly.
• 2 years: $4.49 monthly.

Attributes

• Secure Core and privacy-oriented countries.
• VPN speed booster.
• NetShield ad blocker, malware protection, and tracker blocker.

Advantages

• Extremely generous free plan.
• Under the privacy-focused Swiss jurisdiction.
• Unrestricted bandwidth in the complimentary plan.

Drawbacks

• Absence of a dedicated premium plan free trial.
• Live chat assistance exclusive to paid users.

To delve deeper, explore my complete Proton VPN assessment.

Frequently asked queries (FAQs)

Do VPN trial versions function as intended?

Absolutely, VPN trial versions are formulated to operate similarly to a usual premium VPN subscription. The key contrast lies in the fact that VPN trials grant access to the software for a predetermined duration.

These trials are structured to provide users with an opportunity to evaluate paid software without committing to a full VPN subscription. In terms of security, VPN trials should be as secure as their fully paid counterparts.

If you are interested in understanding the safety of VPNs in detail, peruse our recent briefing on the potential vulnerability of VPNs to hacking attempts and why they represent lucrative business investments over time.

How long do VPN trial versions last?

Typically, VPN test versions range from as brief as one day to as extensive as a week.

Comparison: VPN trial versions versus complimentary VPN services

VPN trials vary from free VPN services in their provision of all premium features available in a given VPN service. Conversely, free VPNs come with a restricted feature set compared to their paid counterparts, typically resulting in limited access to the entire server network, reduced VPN speeds, or monthly data limits.

An advantage of free VPN services is their enduring cost-free nature, whereas VPN trials only offer usability for a single day or up to a week.

IfIf you are keen on exploring more about the top-notch no-cost VPNs, I strongly suggest delving into our compilation of the Finest Free VPNs for 2024.

Within that piece, we spotlight the supreme universal complimentary VPN, the most suitable VPN for novices, and various alternatives you should contemplate in the VPN realm.

Is providing payment or credit card details compulsory for VPN free trials?

It varies. From my observations, numerous VPN free trials necessitate payment or credit card information for access. They either solicit payment information during the free trial procedure or utilize the payment method already associated with your preferred device.

Nevertheless, a few VPN providers like CyberGhost VPN and PIA extend free trials absent payment information.

Personally, I believe more sellers should embrace this tactic as it diminishes the entry barrier to experimenting with their software.

Contrasting VPN free trials and money-back guarantees

You may have encountered money-back guarantees while perusing VPN subscriptions. Most VPN providers enable you to refund your subscription post a specified duration through money-back guarantees typically spanning around 30 days.

While both VPN free trials and money-back guarantees empower you and your company to test a paid VPN, opting for a money-back guarantee necessitates purchasing an initial subscription and then processing a refund within the specified timeframe.

For individuals keen on understanding the typical cost of a VPN, we feature an in-depth guide encompassing VPN expenditures and money-saving suggestions.

In contrast, VPN free trials will not bill you until after the trial period concludes. Furthermore, some VPNs do not mandate any payment method and will solely inquire whether you wish to subscribe to a plan post the allotted trial duration.

If you are intrigued about which one is superior, the decision hinges on your business requirements. On one aspect, money-back guarantees are more convenient to avail of since you will promptly proceed with buying a subscription as usual. Nevertheless, the refunding process can present complexities and fluctuates across various providers.

Conversely, VPN free trials entail fewer obligations and do not impose upfront charges. Nevertheless, there might be additional steps you need to go through to assess their software, like needing to register via mobile before trialing on a desktop device.

Approach

In my evaluation of the prime VPN free trials presently accessible, I factored in a blend of trial accessibility and the VPN software’s caliber.

Concerning the free trial, I scrutinized trial duration, feature constraints for each trial, ease of trial access, and whether it necessitated payment or credit card details for activation, among other considerations.

I have personally scrutinized each VPN mentioned above. All the VPNs cited have undergone our comprehensive review process, comprising hands-on trials, exhaustive product exploration, and expert scrutiny.

Lastly, I weighed how each free trial and VPN service could cater to diverse user types and scenarios. This proves crucial as businesses will exhibit varied demands contingent on their needs and contexts.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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