VPN usage can still be tracked<\/a> in some cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the case of cybercriminals hacking the company\u2019s database or a government agency hitting them with a search warrant, the provider will have no sensitive user information to provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding such a provider is practically impossible due to government rules and regulations for operators in many Western countries. This means that if you\u2019re accessing censored data or content deemed illegal, you could be discovered and legally prosecuted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we mentioned, the fact that some VPNs sell your private and browsing data to third parties also poses a significant privacy risk. This data can be used to hit you with targeted ads, plant tracking cookies, and, in extreme cases, even jeopardize your online accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Privacy should definitely be your main concern when choosing between a free VPN vs. a paid VPN app. That said, you can always use a free VPN from a trusted provider like TunnelBear or Windscribe. The free tier that these VPN services offer has been tested as safe, with the providers limiting you in other areas – bandwidth and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bandwidth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The free versions of some paid VPNs and most free ones limit your VPN bandwidth. That means that you\u2019ll have limits on how much internet data you can route through the virtual private network servers per day, week, or month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You won\u2019t find bandwidth limits too restrictive if you plan to use the VPN for simple browsing or the occasional video. However, conducting bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming will be nigh impossible with these bandwidth limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Streaming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
VPN streaming with free services is affected by two factors: bandwidth limits and VPN protocols. Streaming videos, especially in HD, eats up a hefty amount of bandwidth, well over the typical traffic limits that free VPN providers offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the limited choice of VPN protocols pretty much prevents you from unblocking region-specific libraries on platforms like Netflix. These big streaming platforms play a game of cat and mouse with top-tier VPN providers, constantly updating their systems to prevent VPN users from accessing libraries meant for specific countries and regions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, only highly capable VPN solutions relying on modern protocols can actually help unblock Netflix or Hulu. Streaming on these platforms with a free VPN is practically impossible, whether you\u2019re using a free tier of a paid service or a completely free VPN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VPN Torrenting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Torrenting with free VPN services is even harder than streaming. First of all, a VPN provider needs to have P2P-ready servers to enable seamless torrenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, the lack of encryption and other privacy\/security measures on free VPN solutions means that you might face legal challenges. This is because torrenting (or torrenting copyrighted material, at least) is illegal in some countries, with ISPs keeping an eye out for all torrenting activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limited Features and Overall Usability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of using a paid VPN are that you get access to a complete feature set, unlimited bandwidth, and a much more extensive server network. With free VPNs, all of these things get significant limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free users are usually limited to a small portion of the available servers, with their connection speed being slowed down and access to advanced features like Multihop restricted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, using a free VPN means giving up a lot in terms of features and general user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should You Use a Free VPN and When?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ok, so with all this in mind, should you use a VPN without a subscription? The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first step is to make sure you\u2019re with a trusted VPN provider. We\u2019ve already mentioned a few paid VPN companies that offer a free tier of service. That\u2019s not to say that all completely free providers are shady, as there are trusted companies in that niche as well, but you\u2019ll have to be more careful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, because of the lack of high-end encryption and advanced VPN protocols, you should abstain from certain activities when using a free service. This includes things like accessing censored or illicit material, as well as torrenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best use case for free VPNs is browsing. Specifically, when you need to access sites not available in your country for one reason or another. With trusted providers, you can be sure that your online activity will be protected from prying eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hopefully, after reading this article, the answer to the question \u201cDo you have to pay for a VPN?\u201d is a bit clearer. To summarize: free VPNs are riddled with issues, but they can still be useful in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, it boils down to how much you need a VPN in the first place. If you use it for the occasional browsing session, you\u2019re good with a free, limited VPN. On the other hand, if you plan to stream content, play video games or want to keep your online activity private, a paid VPN service is a must.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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