| Best Free Trial VPNs | |
| #1 | ExpressVPN with [49% Discount] |
| #2 | NordVPN with [68% Discount] |
| #3 | Trust.Zone |
| #4 | Surfshark |
| #5 | VyprVPN |
What better way to test out a VPN service risk-free than with a free trial VPN?
In this guide we are going to examine the top 10 best free trial VPN services. The five free trial VPNs in the table above are our top recommendations. We’ll also look at five other VPN trials further below, for a total of ten.
Many people are looking for a free trial VPN in order to test out the service without any risk and see if it meets their unique needs. Using a VPN with a risk-free trial is a great option, especially if you plan to cycle through different VPNs before finding the best fit for your needs.
In this report we’ll look at two different types of VPN trials:
- 30 day risk-free trial VPNs – This gives you a full 30 day risk-free trial window to test out the service, but requires up-front payment. This may be the best option because it gives you a full month to test everything out. And if you aren’t completely satisfied, simply cancel for a 100% refund.
- Completely Free trial VPNs – These are usually limited to a short time window or limited bandwidth. This really limits your ability to test out the service and comes with more risk.
Whether you decide to go with one of the short-term free trial VPN services or a risk-free 30-day trial VPN service, both options will allow you to test out the VPN without any risk.
So without further delay, let’s examine the best options.
Here are the best free trial VPN services:
1. ExpressVPN: Best free trial VPN (30 days)
| VPN | ExpressVPN |
| Based in | British Virgin Islands |
| Logs | No logs |
| Price | $6.67/mo. |
| Support | 24/7 Live chat |
| Refund | 30 days |
| Website | ExpressVPN.com |
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and offers a 30 day risk-free trial. It’s slightly more expensive than other options, but it gives you the best performance and very secure apps with built-in leak protection settings. ExpressVPN secures data using the OpenVPN protocol with AES-256 encryption, which offers the best mix of security and speed.
With ExpressVPN, you get a very high-performance service with some of the best speeds you will find in the VPN industry (see the ExpressVPN review for speed test results). ExpressVPN also offers one of the largest selection of apps for all devices – from computers and phones to routers, Smart TVs, and TV boxes. It is one of the few VPNs with a split tunneling feature, allowing you to route apps or websites outside the VPN tunnel.
If you want a VPN for streaming media and unblocking websites, ExpressVPN has you covered. With 160 server locations in 94 countries, you have a huge selection to unblock the media you want. ExpressVPN is also one of the few VPNs that works with Netflix, allowing users to stream numerous Netflix regions around the world.
Audited: ExpressVPN is a verified no-logs VPN service, having passed an independent audit by PWC that verified no logs are being kept. In addition to the no-logs audit, ExpressVPN also passed a security audit conducted by Cure53, which verified the security of their service. Lastly, ExpressVPN runs all servers in RAM-disk mode, which makes it impossible to store any data on the server and also improves security.
Support: Customer service with ExpressVPN is top-notch. They provide 24/7 live chat support directly through their website. If you have any questions or issues, support is always available to help.
ExpressVPN is currently rated as the best VPN service and it continues to improve. Test it out with the 30 day risk-free trial to see for yourself.
+ Pros
- User-friendly apps for all devices
- Highest security standards with AES-256 encryption and built-in leak protection
- Exceptional speeds throughout the server network
- No logs, all servers running in RAM-disk mode (the TrustedServer feature)
- Split tunneling feature (for Mac OS, Windows, and routers)
- Works with Netflix and many other streaming services
- 24/7 live chat support
– Cons
- Slightly more expensive (but currently offering a 49% discount with 30 day trial below)
ExpressVPN 3 months free coupon + 30 day trial here >>
Check out our ExpressVPN review for more test results and analysis.
2. NordVPN: Best value VPN with trial (30 days)
| VPN | NordVPN |
| Based in | Panama |
| Logs | No logs (audited) |
| Price | $3.71/mo. |
| Support | 24/7 Live chat |
| Refund | 30 days |
| Website | NordVPN.com |
NordVPN is a Panama-based, no logs VPN service offering a 30 day risk-free trial with all of their VPN subscriptions. It is a fully-featured VPN service with excellent performance, strong security, and a very reasonable price.
In terms of privacy and security, NordVPN is on the cutting edge. It utilizes very secure encryption with an AES-256 cipher and all NordVPN apps include leak protection with a kill switch. Here are some of the features you get with NordVPN:
- CyberSec feature to block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains
- Double-VPN servers that encrypt traffic across two different locations
- Tor-over-VPN servers that encrypt traffic with the Tor network, in addition to the VPN server
- Obfuscated servers to get around VPN blocking (important if you are using a VPN in China or other restricted countries)
NordVPN is also consistently one of the fastest VPNs we have tested. It even came out on top in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison with all speed tests. One reason that NordVPN does so well with performance is that it now supports the WireGuard VPN protocol. When testing out WireGuard with NordVPN, which they call NordLynx, I was able to hit speeds around 445 Mbps on a 500 Mbps connection. Even with OpenVPN, the speed tests for the NordVPN review were very impressive.
NordVPN is also a great service if you need a safe VPN for torrenting with secure and reliable connections. They offer 24/7 live chat support and a large knowledge base of guides. Additionally, it is also a great VPN for Netflix with all major regions supported.
Audited: Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN is also a verified no logs VPN service. It passed two different audits by PWC AG that confirmed NordVPN is a true no-logs service. Additionally, NordVPN has passed a security audit by Versprite, which includes ongoing penetration testing and server audits.
With the 30 day risk-free trial, you will have plenty of time to test out NordVPN on all your devices to see if it’s a good fit.
+ Pros
- User-friendly and reliable apps
- Double-hop VPN servers and Tor-over-VPN servers
- 24/7 live chat support
- No logs (audited)
- Works with Netflix and other streaming services
- Competitive price at only $3.71/month
- CyberSec feature to block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains
- Full WireGuard VPN support
- Fastest VPN with the latest speed test results
– Cons
- No VPN router app (but still works on most router firmware)
- 68% discount only available for long-term subscription plans
NordVPN 68% off coupon + 30 day trial here >>
Check out our NordVPN review for more info.
3. Trust.Zone: Free trial VPN with no credit card (1 GB of data)
| VPN | Trust.Zone |
| Based in | Seychelles |
| Logs | Bandwidth |
| Price | $2.33/mo. |
| Support | |
| Refund | 10 days |
| Website | Trust.Zone |
3 Day Free Trial here >>
(No payment info needed.)
Trust.Zone is a Seychelles-based VPN service that offers a completely free trial with 1 GB of data – no payment info required. Trust.Zone is a basic VPN, but it still offers excellent performance, Netflix streaming, and strong security. If you want a VPN with a static IP address, then Trust.Zone is one of the cheapest options you will find.
In speed tests for the Trust.Zone review, I found the VPN to be quite fast with all servers tested. It is a good VPN for Netflix with US and UK regions supported. Trust.Zone works well for torrenting without any restrictions.
One of the main drawbacks with Trust.Zone is that it only offers apps for Windows and Android devices. While it may not be the best VPN for Android, the apps still offer all the basic features you would need with strong encryption. Other operating systems, such as Mac OS and iOS, are supported through free third-party apps.
No payment info needed: One benefit to a VPN trial with Trust.Zone is that you don’t need to enter any payment info. Simply create an account and start using the VPN. If you do decide to get a paid subscription, they are offering a 10% discount for Restore Privacy readers with this coupon code: RESTOREPRIVACY10
+ Pros
- Competitive prices
- Great speeds and reliability
- Good leak protection settings
- No payment info required for free VPN trial
- P2P torrents allowed on all servers
- Dedicated IP addresses are available
– Cons
- Limited on features
- No custom VPN clients for Mac OS or iOS (but still supported)
https://trust.zone/
See our Trust.Zone review for more info and test results.
4. Surfshark: Low-cost VPN with 30 day trial
| VPN | Surfshark |
| Based in | British Virgin Islands |
| Logs | No logs |
| Price | $2.49/mo. |
| Support | 24/7 Live chat |
| Refund | 30 days |
| Website | Surfshark.com |
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs in the low-cost category at only $2.49 per month. That makes it the cheapest VPN with a trial in this guide. Despite the lower price, Surfshark has a lot to offer.
First, Surfshark has many privacy and security features. Like NordVPN, Surfshark has a feature to block ads, trackers, and malware domains. It also offers double-VPN servers for many locations around the world, as well as browser extensions.
If you want to stream media, Surfshark is a great choice. It supports numerous Netflix regions around the world as well as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many other streaming services. Surfshark even has a dedicated app if you need a VPN for Firestick (available in the Amazon App Store).
Surfshark does come with a few minor drawbacks. For one, it is not quite as fast as other leading VPNs. The speeds with some servers I tested were good, while others were about average. It also does not have a VPN router app, like you will get with ExpressVPN.
Overall, Surfshark is a great option if you are looking for a low-cost VPN that offers a 30 day risk-free trial. It performed well in the Surfshark review and remains one of the top VPNs for 2020.
+ Pros
- Unlimited connections
- User-friendly apps for all devices and operating systems
- CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers
- Works great with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services
- 24/7 live chat support
- Split tunneling feature
- Secure encryption and leak protection features
– Cons
- Variable speeds with some servers
Surfshark 81% off coupon + 30 day trial here >>
Check out our Surfshark review for more info.
5. VyprVPN 30 day trial
| VPN | VyprVPN |
| Based in | Switzerland |
| Logs | No logs (audited) |
| Price | $2.50/mo. |
| Support | Chat and email |
| Refund | 30 days |
| Website | VyprVPN.com |
VyprVPN is an affordable, high-performance VPN service that offers a 30 day risk-free trial with all subscription plans. This Switzerland-based VPN has a great lineup of VPN apps that are reliable, secure, and user-friendly with built-in leak protection.
One unique aspect of VyprVPN is that they own every server in their network (no third-party rental servers). This helps to secure all data on the network, while also offering better performance. VyprVPN’s server network is built to encrypt all DNS queries via their VyprDNS system.
VyprVPN remains a good choice for streaming, with full support for Netflix, Hulu, and other services. It is one of the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video as well. Torrenting is allowed with VyprVPN with all servers without any restrictions.
For security, VyprVPN uses strong encryption and also supports the WireGuard VPN protocol, similar to NordVPN. It has also been audited and verified to be a no-logs VPN. Speed tests were previously good with VyprVPN, and with the addition of WireGuard, they should be even better.
Every VyprVPN subscription plan comes with a 30 day risk-free trial. Take advantage of this offer to test drive the VPN service.
+ Pros
- Good speeds throughout the server network
- Secure and reliable applications
- Obfuscation features to defeat VPN blocking (Chameleon protocol)
- Entirely self-owned and operated server network, including secure DNS (no third parties)
- User-friendly applications for many devices/platforms
– Cons
- No cryptocurrency payment options
- Limited support for Linux
Get a 30 Day Trial of VyprVPN Here >>
Our VyprVPN review has more test results and info.
Above are the top four five trial VPN recommendations, but here are a few others you may want to consider below.
6. AirVPN 3 day free trial
AirVPN provides three day free trials upon request. You have to go to the AirVPN website, create an account (free) and then request a free trial via the “contact us” button. They previously explained in their forum, “Trial requests are satisfied, according to availability, in 1 – 48 hours usually.”
AirVPN has a good reputation in the privacy community, but support can be hit or miss. The VPN apps also feel outdated and clunky, but they do have some good features.
7. AzireVPN 24 hour trial
AzireVPN gives you a limited 24 hour free trial. It is based in Sweden and is a privacy-focused service that also supports the WireGuard VPN protocol. While AzireVPN does not offer a huge server network, the use only dedicated premium servers in high-security data centers. Prices with AzireVPN are also quite affordable if you go with a paid plan.
There are a few drawbacks, however, which keep us from giving it a strong recommendation. First, VPN apps are very basic and do not include leak protection (kill switch) features. The server network is also very small. Lastly, I found streaming services to not work well with AzireVPN. You can get the free trial here.
8. ibVPN 24 hours free trial
ibVPN is a Romania-based VPN provider that gives you a 24 hours free trial. I have not extensively tested ibVPN yet, but it has a pretty good reputation. Romania is also a good privacy jurisdiction (outside the 5 Eyes).
[https://www.ibvpn.com]
9. VPN.ac one week trial
Another great VPN service in Romania is VPN.ac. It offers a discounted one-week trial for only $2. And while this is not technically “free” – it does come with a refund if you are not satisfied. It performed very well in the VPN.ac review and it offers excellent VPN apps, high speeds, and advanced security features.
https://vpn.ac (Click “FAQ” in the menu to get the one-week discounted trial.)
10. IVPN 3 day free trial
IVPN is a good VPN provider based in Gibraltar offering a three day free trial, which you can get here. Although you do need to enter billing information, you can cancel anytime within the trial window and you won’t be charged.
https://www.ivpn.net
Which is the best free trial VPN?
In terms of the best overall VPN discussed on this page, ExpressVPN is the top recommendation.
It consistently performs well in all areas of testing, especially in the categories of speed, reliability, and security. With ExpressVPN, you will get a full 30 days to test out the VPN with their money-back guarantee, regardless of which subscription plan you choose. You can also get a three months free coupon, which includes the 30 day trial.
If you are looking to try out a VPN right now without paying anything up front (or providing billing info), then Trust.Zone would be the best option. It is also one of the fastest and cheapest VPNs on the market.
With any of these VPNs, you’ll have a chance to try out the service without risk.
Test your VPN during the trial window
Ok, so now you have a free trial VPN and you want to see how well it performs.
You may want to run the service through various VPN tests and checks to look for:
- IP address leaks
- DNS leaks
- VPN speeds and reliability
- VPN features working properly
You can also test out the different VPN apps on the devices you want to use, such as on your computers, phones, or tablets. If you find any issues, you can work with the VPN’s support department or cancel the service and go with a different option.
Free trial VPNs vs paid trial VPNs
The main problem with most free trial VPNs that we highlighted in this report is that the trial window is short. You can see this for example with the following free trial VPNs:
- Trust.Zone – 3 days or 1 GB data
- TunnelBear – 500 MB data
- Windscribe – 10 GB data
One potential problem here is that this short time window (or minimal bandwidth) may not be enough to really test the service. Consequently, your free trial may expire before you are comfortable with the VPN and have performed enough testing to see if you like it.
On the other hand, you can also test a 30 day trial VPN. Having a full 30 days to test out the service (risk free) with all your different devices will ensure that you are satisfied with the VPN and it works for your situation. Here are the best 30 day risk-free trial VPNs:
Be sure to use the discounts above for maximum savings.
A quick note on free VPNs
Since we are on the topic of free trial VPNs, we may as well mention free VPNs.
As a general rule of thumb, free VPN services are usually dangerous, invasive, and oftentimes malicious. Simply put, free VPNs make money off the user by collecting your data and selling it to the highest bidder, which is usually advertisers. There have been numerous free VPNs busted for installing malware and tracking libraries in their apps, such as Betternet, for example.
Are there any risks with a free trial VPN?
If you go with one of our tested and recommended VPNs in this guide, then there are no risks for the free trial VPN.
If you are nervous about getting stuck with a VPN you don’t like, then I’d recommend going with one of the 30 day risk-free trial VPNs. This gives you lots of time to test and be certain it is the VPN for you, without any risk.
Conclusion on VPNs with free trials
Alright, as a brief recap, we covered the best free trial VPN services currently available on the market. We also discussed a few risk-free trial VPNs that give you a full 30 days to test out the service.
Whichever option you decide to go with, keep the trial window in mind when testing out the service.
You could even put the last day of the trial on your calendar as a reminder. If you find the VPN is not to your liking during the trial, simply cancel the service and move on to a different option. Stay safe!
$6.67
(30 day trial)
Review
(ExpressVPN)
$3.71
(30 day trial)
Review
(NordVPN)
$2.88
(3 day free trial)
Review
(TrustZone)
$2.49
(30 day trial)
Review
(Surfshark)
$3.75
(30 day trial)
Review
(VyprVPN)
If you have any other questions about free trial VPN services, just drop a comment below.
Last updated on August 22, 2020.
Realizing this is many years after your reviews of those above VPN services, I wanted to let you know that Trust.Zone isn’t so much these years later. I went to their site to register for the free three day no card trial. After requesting a resend of their confirmation email to my email address three times, I never got that mail in either SPAM or my Inbox folders. Lord knows what they do with the email address people share before they find out there’s no confirmation coming to start that three day free trial. Sad.
TRUST.ZONE – while this may be being judged ok, some people might think that anything that has a word “trust” in its name is slightly suspect. Use of such a term may help persuade someone who has temporarily suspended/relaxed their disbelief (perhaps because of time pressure or exasperation) to put their trust in trust.zone and sign up in haste. The free 3day nopaymentinfo trial which is made to appear to only have a few hours availability remaining is also a pressurising marketing shove.
Still wondering whether or not to go for the free trial. Good that no payment info rqd, but you still have to give away an email address.
So use a burner email address, then your problem is solved.
Hi Sven,
I’m really researching this VPN thing. Which I had no idea about the huge cons if you’re not protected from hackers, identity theft, ip addresses and cookies etc. I have tried Cyber ghost and Express VPN. I did the free trial and paid x2 months but thankfully fully refunded by both. Either of them were compatible with my router(Roger’s Toronto, ont provider ciktel) so only my android phone or tablet. Which is 95% on wifi. Also couldn’t for my chromebook. Huge disappointment. I spent hours in chat and wasted time with no solution only one….to unsubscribe. Do I have to add a app for truly hiding my ip addresses, cookies and all my devices? Any recommendations…..please help me 😢🙏🙉
From what I’ve read between free vpns and trials….data theft, malware, bandwidth and not being able to provide 100% ip address what’s the best option 😭🙈🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so very much!
A VPN is one tool, but it doesn’t solve everything. You may want to check out the privacy tools page and just go bit by bit.
Hi Lisa,
I’ve been trying to crack the code for people realizing as you have.
https://restoreprivacy.com/privacy-tools/#comment-60265
A summary:
Yes, in the course of ordinary web activities users emit lots of Data and Metadata “digital exhaust,” or trace data, that leaves behind more fragmentary bits of personal information. From each device they use/own.
Then as advent where big data gone and more powerful analytics, which can discern quite a bit from even smaller and disconnected pieces of data, raises the possibility that data gathered and held by third parties can be amalgamated and analyzed in ways that reveal even more information about an individuals life.
I see you understand it by – “Do I have to add a app for truly hiding my ip addresses, cookies and all my devices? Any recommendations…..please help me.”
Well that’s part of it and your online habits to – needs amended usually. Remembering the web gives and takes back data specific to the device used. Which can tie to you specifically over time in use as device and web meta’s pool into a profile about you.
As Sven’s pointed out a VPN is one tool, but it doesn’t solve everything.
As so, it’s your encrypted tunnel to the sites you visit from a location offered by your chosen VPN – thus a good start to privacy.
So it’s a step by step course with building in the perspectives that needs your trial and errors time to finding your way to what you want. I can tell you look up at the sky and see the lion – and you say is it with the horse under the tree. See we both see it differently from our perspective of the clouds in the sky…example.
Same in similar hardware / software but a purpose and functions different for each owner – get my meaning.
I can’t speak about the mobile’s platform OS much – but yes on stationary PC – Mac. An application installed to the desk/laptop OS is a better way as vetting to ones privacy. Redundancy is OK too, if you’ve the power to overlap features of cleaning and protections in your applications.
Platform OS based on androids needs root privileges to harden it’s settings.
I’m not an ‘i’ person so as Apples unknown here other than it’s lock-down compared to androids OS.
I’ve also answered a reader, in close to what your generally asking here-
https://restoreprivacy.com/privacy-tools/#comment-55480
Hope it’s a start and helpful path to consider. : )
ProtonVPN now has 7 days trial as well, then it turns into ~~frog~~ free vpn.
And thanks for your site, quite interesting reading!
Sven i am so surprized that you do not coinedthe windscribe free trail😯.why you are not recomended it.please let me know because i am thinking after its primimum plane.
Hi Rdx, Windscribe did not do well in testing for the Windscribe review.
Hi Sven,
Thanks for the heads-up that this super-informative website provides!
My (Asian) location is a very vpn unfriendly environment, which is becoming more hostile by the day. I already subscribe to two of your recommendations, but they can (and sometimes are) be simultaneously blocked!
I see ‘Tunnelbear’ is your only ‘no payment, no details submitted’, 500mb/month free recommendation. This format is very useful as it could (at the very least) serve as an emergency backup, without the user needing to make any commitment. It can be installed, and set up, ready to use whenever required, without any time limit. The limited data available is better than nothing (if the vpn can connect).
I see that there are others (such as Windscribe, and Trust Zone), but they appear to have time limits, and at least require payment details.
Vypr used to offer an identical option, but it no longer does. Can you recommend any other service with a free trial format that’s similar to Tunnelbear?
Thanks again!
Hello, unfortunately you are limited with free VPN trials. But I can say that VyprVPN is one of the most successful VPNs for getting through Chinese censorship. You will need the premium package that includes the Chameleon protocol, which obfuscates VPN traffic – explained further in the VyprVPN review.
Hi Sven,
Yes, I had Vypr installed for quite a while, but it was never a main vpn. Whilst, as you say, it is very reliable, it just doesn’t have enough speed for everyday use.
Also, the software is a bit troublesome. I had to keep the ‘services’ process switched off, when i wasn’t using it, because of excess cpu usage. It also tended to interfere with the TAP adapter (unless i managed remember to switch it to their own: it never stayed on this setting).
So, I stopped using Vypr. I couldn’t justify subscribing to it, just for an occasional back up, when other vpns are so much faster.
Please, keep this page updated, especially if you find another commitment free, free trial.
Thanks.
UPDATE: I’ve just tried Tunnelbear, after having to go through a few hoops to get logged in.
For me, there’s nothing to recommend.
Firstly, their support staff doesn’t seem to read what the customer has written. They just issue general instructions. Then, when I mentioned this, the response was less than satisfactory.
Secondly, the program seems to use too much CPU, even when not logged on!
Finally, (the main problem) it doesn’t work! It can’t log in without being connected through another service. Once I disconnect the other vpn, and try to connect with Tunnelbear, it can’t even find my IP. Useless (for me)!
I hope that this information is helpful, to someone.
The search for a ‘no commitment’ back-up vpn continues.
Hi Sven,
I have ExpressVPN – I like to use it for cpa marketing like maxbounty, peerfly, cpalead (to fill forms as public), if i use expressvpn to fill the data can cpa websites track & block me??? I use different locations & different emails to fill forms to get some amount.
The only thing i need to know is, can they track my original ip if i use ExpressVPN?
I will delete cache using Ccleaner.
Hi, for this situation, you may also want to consider using an extension like Random User Agent, which will allow you to spoof your user agent using many different options. And no, they should not be able to track your original IP if you’re using ExpressVPN.
Hi Sven,
I was hoping you can provide a workaround for my issue.
Unlike with iOS, I noticed with Android that despite having “location services” disabled, Google and other many other sites are well aware of my location. For example, I try to access a different country’s Google Play store or even an app like Joox, the app or Play Store knows very well I am not in that location. I was unsuccessful with every VPN I tried, including ExpressVPN. I disabled location services and even “cleared data” on many of the Google services apps.
In contrast, disabling “Privacy” on iOS, which is Apple’s version of location services, I have no issue at all. My problem is only with Android based devices.
Would you have a suggestion or workaround?
Hi Lenovo, my apologies, but I do not have any suggestions for this as I no longer use Android phones.
Hi sven I noticed that you put McAfee
Security as a con for tunnel bear. I use nord vpn but I do use McAfee as an antivirus program. I wanted to know is it bad for security? Also can make a article reviewing the antivirus apps for privacy breaches as well. Thanks
I have not really gotten into the Antivirus programs too much. But assuming you are a Windows user, then McAfee would not offer any benefits over Windows Defender. There are also many privacy concerns with some of these third-party antivirus programs, which collect quite a bit of data, and in the case of Avast, will even share it with third parties.
Hmm interesting. I use this on setup on my note 8 android phone. But thanks for the reply. I have been reading your articles and learnt a lot. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.