Trying out a VPN before making a purchase is always an excellent idea. To make the most of your money, you’ll want to invest in a VPN’s long-term plan. Therefore, taking advantage of a trial account comes with many benefits. However, the thing is that not many VPNs offer trial accounts, and you’ll really have to dig to find some good options. With this said, know that we’ve done all the heavy lifting, and we’re ready to present our in-depth search results. More precisely, we’ll talk about the best 7-day free trial VPNs in 2020.
After spending quite some time testing a number of VPN services, you can be sure that we know a thing or two about what to expect. Therefore, the following recommendations are based on our hands-on experience, and these truly are the best VPN trials available right now. This means that we’ve created the following list by thinking about our readers’ needs, making sure that you’ll find something interesting, no matter the reason you’re looking to implement a VPN service into your daily workflow.
Keep in mind that you’ll find 11 VPN services below, and all of them offer 7-day trials that don’t require you to pay anything. However, in some cases, you’ll find these trials available on mobile devices (Android and iOS) only. Keep in mind that those require your payment information (via your Google or Apple account) – but they won’t charge you unless you decide to stick to those VPNs.
It’s also worth noting that some VPNs require your credit card info, while others don’t. This is needed to avoid potential misuse of their trial offers, as your account will be tied to your credit card number – so that you can use the trial only once. We strongly recommend reading the fine print and canceling your account on time if you decide not to become a subscriber.
Finally, these are the 11 best 7-day free trial VPNs in 2020.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is, without any doubt, the best VPN you’ll find available today. It comes with a set of robust and highly powerful features, you can use it on just about any device, and this VPN is capable of going over even the toughest website blocks. With this said, we believe that ExpressVPN is what many of you are looking for, so don’t forget to check our detailed and hands-on ExpressVPN review.
Recommended reading: 10 Best VPN Services in 2020
When it comes to desktop platforms, you can use ExpressVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. However, there isn’t a free trial available on those platforms (you can still count on the VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantees, though). It means that the VPN’s free trial covers mobile devices only – iOS and Android. Download the app from its respective app store, and you’ll get to sign-up for a 7-day trial – after which you’ll be charged based on the selected subscription plan.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on iOS & Android / Not available on other platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your Google or Apple ID is required to sign-up.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
2. CyberGhost VPN
Based in Romania, CyberGhost brings thousands of servers around the world. Many of these are optimized for certain online activities like Web browsing, gaming, torrenting, and media streaming. Furthermore, our team has described this VPN in our CyberGhost VPN review as being highly user-friendly. We believe that both inexperienced and highly experienced users will feel right at home with this provider. With this said, it’s featured in our article about the best free trial VPNs overall, so make sure to check that article as well.
If you decide to test CyberGhost, know that you’ll find a 7-day trial on mobile devices (this includes Android and iOS). You can also try CyberGhost VPN on desktop operating systems, but you’ll only get a 24-hour trial. We wished to see this period extended a bit, but this should still give you plenty of time to try out different servers and check out how this VPN behaves.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on iOS & Android / 1 day on other platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your email address and password; Your Google or Apple ID is required for accessing the trial on mobile devices.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
3. NordVPN
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use yet incredibly powerful VPN service, NordVPN should be your pick. The reason why this VPN is so popular is due to the fact that it offers a series of sophisticated and advanced features. However, you won’t find an overly complex interface here, as everything is optimized for average home users. Make sure to learn more by checking our hands-on NordVPN review.
When it comes to NordVPN’s free trial, this applies only to Android and iOS. Up until a year ago, this VPN offered a free trial on all platforms – but decided to end this offer due to widespread abuse. It means that if you visit its website, you can sign-up and then count on the VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. However, the VPN’s Android and iOS apps allow you to sign-up for a 7-day trial, after which you’ll be charged based on the selected subscription plan.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on iOS & Android / Not available on other platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your Google or Apple ID is required to sign-up.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
4. Surfshark
Even though Surfhshark is perhaps the youngest VPN on this list, it has many things going for it. This is a highly capable all-around VPN service, suitable for a wide range of uses. You get a highly polished interface (with apps present on many platforms), an unlimited number of connections, more than 1,000 servers capable of unblocking websites, and plenty more. Learn more about these features via our Surfshark review.
Just like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Surfshark has decided to offer a 7-day trial on mobile devices only. It means that you can download its Android or iOS app, select a plan that you’d like to use, and your trial will begin immediately. You’ll be charged only after the trial ends, giving you plenty of time to test this VPN service thoroughly.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on iOS & Android / Not available on other platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your Google or Apple ID is required to sign-up.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
5. ProtonVPN
Being one of the most popular free-of-charge VPNs, ProtonVPN has created a compelling offer, allowing you to test-drive its services free of charge. However, it has a lot to offer via premium subscription plans as well. And also, it’s willing to show its power by being one of the best free 7-day trial VPNs.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this VPN is its security. It comes with a ‘Secure Core’ feature that routes your traffic through two servers – adding another layer of protection. Needless to say, this should give you peace of mind when browsing the Internet. It’s based in Switzerland, which means that other countries and their intelligence agencies can’t access your data. For more information, make sure to check our ProtonVPN review.
You can begin testing this VPN service by signing up for a free account on its official website. By choosing a free plan, you’ll automatically receive a 7-day trial of ProtonVPN’s Plus plan. Once the trial ends, ProtonVPN will downgrade your account to the Free plan, and you can continue using it in a limited manner. Of course, you can continue using ProtonVPN up to its full extent if you decide to buy a subscription.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on all supported platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your email address and password.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
6. ZenMate VPN
ZenMate comes from Germany and has been on a steady rise during the last year (after it was acquired by Kape Technologies). Today, this VPN offers servers in 70+ locations, comes with a strict no-logs policy, brings software for numerous platforms, and plenty more. As noted in our Zenmate VPN review, there’s plenty to like about this VPN provider, which is definitely worth your time and money.
It’s worth knowing that ZenMate VPN comes with a 7-day trial, which applies to all of its desktop and mobile applications. Once you confirm your email (no payment information is necessary), you’ll get to use the VPN with absolutely no limitations. However, keep in mind that you’ll be automatically charged on Android and iOS once the trial is over.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on all platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your email address for desktop trials; Your Google or Apple ID is required for trials on mobile devices.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
7. Avast SecureLine VPN
Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t have the same age as some other VPNs in this article, but we’re sure that average home users are going to love it, nonetheless. It comes with a simple and attractive interface, doesn’t collect any of your data, and ranks high in protecting against any leaks. To learn more, here’s our Avast SecureLine VPN review.
You should also know that Avast is pretty generous when it comes to its free trials. In terms of SecureLine VPN, you can take advantage of a 7-day free trial – covering all of the devices supported by this VPN. Keep in mind that you’ll need to provide some personal information on mobile devices, as you’ll need to agree to a subscription plan first (which means that you’ll be automatically charged once the trial ends). On desktop platforms, there’s no need to input any financial (payment) information.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on all platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your Google or Apple ID is required to sign-up; No personal information required for desktop trials.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
8. AVG Secure VPN
In many ways, this recommendation is similar to our previous pick. AVG is a well-known cyber-security company, so it’s not as surprising to see it offering a VPN solution. However, despite the fact that it comes from a globally-known brand, AVG Secure VPN is a relatively “smaller” VPN – which should still be more than enough for average home users.
To test-drive this VPN, all you need to do is download the app from its official website. You don’t have to supply any information. Download and install the application and activate your 7-day free trial. However, if you decide to test-drive this VPN on your mobile device, you’ll need to pick a subscription plan, and you’ll be automatically charged once the trial is over (unless you cancel your subscription 24 hours before the trial ends).
- Trial Duration: 7 days on all platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your Google or Apple ID is required to sign-up; No personal information required for desktop trials.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; All features are accessible.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
9. PrivateVPN
Plenty could be said about this VPN newcomer. Based in Sweden, PrivateVPN is one of the most user-friendly options right now. It doesn’t collect any of your data, comes with a simple-to-use interface, and offers a 7-day trial without any limitations. As noted in our PrivateVPN review, this is a lightweight application that’s present on all currently popular devices and platforms. Even though it doesn’t bring the highest VPN server count out there, it still gets the job done.
Related: These VPNs Have the Highest Number of Servers in 2020!
We also need to note that PrivateVPN’s trial seems to be unavailable in some countries. However, there’s no official information about this – which means that you’ll simply have to try your luck. Use the links provided in this article, and you should see the VPN’s website, followed by a sign-up form for its 7-day trial access. If you see an error message, you can try using a different VPN to access PrivateVPN.
Also, it appears that this VPN isn’t offering a free trial on Android and iOS (you can’t sign-up by using these apps). Still, once you get your credentials, you’re can download PrivateVPN on your iOS or Android device and log-in – so you’ll use it as you have a premium subscription, with no limitations.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on all platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your email address.
- Limitations of the Trial: Not globally available.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
10. Astrill VPN
You might read some reviews online saying that Astrill comes with an outdated interface and less-than-stellar performance. However, that’s no longer the case. This recently updated VPN comes with a clean UI and plenty of servers. As you can see in our Astrill VPN review, it also manages to get ultra-fast speeds.
An important note is that if you’re automatically redirected to Astrill’s pricing page (instead of seeing a sign-up form), the trial version isn’t available in your country. However, you can easily overcome this problem by using another VPN or a proxy service, connecting to a different country or region, and trying again. Then, you should be able to see a sign-up form for the trial account.
And also, keep in mind that you need to sign-up for Astrill VPN’s trial via its website. Once you go through the sign-up procedure, you’ll get your user credentials. Then, download the VPN’s Android or iOS app, use those credentials, and test-drive this application.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days.
- Personal Information Required: Your name and email address.
- Limitations of the Trial: Not available in China.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
11. HMA (HideMyAss VPN)
Yes, HideMyAss (now know as HMA) does have a funny name – but this is where any comedic elements about this VPN stop. This is one of the VPNs with the highest number of servers in the world, giving you the ability to connect to pretty much any country. Also, it’s present on all popular devices, provides 24/7 support, and brings military-grade encryption. For more information, check our HideMyAss review.
If you decide to get this 7-day VPN trial, we recommend going through the VPN’s official website. As you’ll see, HMA will ask for your payment information, and you’ll automatically switch to the VPN’s annual plan once your trial is done. So, to avoid being charged, make sure to cancel your subscription at least 24 hours before the trial ends.
- Duration of the Trial: 7 days on all platforms.
- Personal Information Required: Your email and payment information.
- Limitations of the Trial: No limitations; Keep in mind that you’ll be automatically charged once the trial ends.
- Try on: Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows & other devices.
FAQ
To make sure you fully understand the role of VPNs and why it’s a good idea to test-drive them first, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions. So, keep on reading.
Why Use a VPN With a Free Trial?
In case you didn’t know, your personal information is being collected every time you go online. As you visit websites, trackers are watching what you do and sending that data back to their owners. The best way to fight against tracking is by using a VPN. To learn more, we recommend reading our article on how VPNs work and what VPNs are, in the first place.
And when it comes to free 7-day trial VPNs, you can think of them as a foolproof way to test something before you commit to a long-term relationship.
Why Do VPN Trials Require My Payment Information?
VPNs need your payment information to identify your identity and prevent any misuse. If a VPN only asks for your email address, you can see how easy it is to cycle email addresses and take advantage of this offer. Furthermore, any VPN that asks for your payment information will charge you for a subscription once the trial period is over.
What to Expect After the 7-Day Free Trial Ends?
Some free 7-day trial VPNs let you test them without signing up or entering your email address. It means that once the trial is done, the VPN will simply deactivate. You won’t be able to open it, and you won’t be able to restart the trial.
In case you’ve signed-up using your payment information, the chances are that you’ll be charged for the subscription. To avoid this, make sure to deactivate your subscription before the trial ends.
How to Cancel Your 7-Day Free Trial VPN Subscription?
If you cancel your subscription before the trial is over, there is no way that you will be charged for the price of the subscription. This only applies to those who have provided credit card information during the sign-up procedure. However, what to do if you forgot to cancel your subscription on time?
In general, every VPN provider offers a convenient way to cancel your subscription by logging to your account. However, this doesn’t mean that you’ll have your money returned. Let’s say that you picked a monthly subscription, and you forgot to cancel on time. Therefore, you’ll be charged a certain amount for that subscription. You can cancel it – but you’ll get to continue using that VPN until the end of the current payment period.
So, to cancel your subscription and get a refund – we advise you to contact customer support. Use a live chat option or simply send an email saying that you don’t want to use that VPN anymore, and you’d like to have your money returned. Finally, make sure to do that within the period set by the provider.
What to Test During the 7-Day Free VPN Trial?
You want to make sure that the chosen VPN serves you for a very long time. Therefore, here are some tips and tricks on what to keep in mind.
- You don’t want a VPN that throttles your connection, especially if you plan on streaming video. So, you can do a quick speed test online. If this is something you truly care about, you can check our article on the fastest VPNs out there.
- Next, you want to make sure that your data doesn’t leak due to your VPN’s technical problems. This means turning your VPN on and then running an IP leak test.
- There’s a large number of useful features that you should keep in mind, such as a kill switch, support for torrenting, specialized servers for streaming, and so on. Our VPN buyer’s guide should help you identify the feature set you should be looking for.
- Finally, you want to have someone to help you when you face technical problems. Therefore, send an email to your VPN provider or check whether its live chat service works the way it should.
Are There Other VPNs That Offer Free Trials?
In this article, we talked only about VPNs that offer completely free 7-day trials. However, you can expand your search by checking our comprehensive overview of the best trial VPNs. And if you’d like to check the most generous offers, you can check out the best 30-day free trial VPNs.
Dear readers, this is where we conclude our article on the best free 7-day trial VPNs. We sincerely hope that you’ll manage to find an interesting VPN that’ll fit all your needs.