13 Best VPN Free Trials in 2022

Investing in a long-term VPN subscription is always an excellent idea - especially if you want to save plenty of money in the long run. So, we understand if you're after VPNs offering free trials, which let you test-drive their features and servers before paying. However, what are truly the best VPN free trials right now? Let's find out!

All the VPN services you’ll find below allow you to test them for a maximum of 7 days and a minimum of 1 day. There are those that only ask for your email address. However, some require your payment information (which is a misuse-prevention system).

Therefore, be aware of their trials' duration and cancel your account if you're not happy. Otherwise, you will be charged once the trial ends. To learn more about this "fine print," make sure to read our 'Frequently Asked Questions' section, found at the bottom of this article.

And now, let's jump right in, shall we?

How to Get a VPN Free Trial?

Getting your free VPN trial is quite easy and won't take more than a few minutes of your time. So, here are the steps to get any VPN free trial:

1. Pick a VPN based on our recommendations (the best option now is ExpressVPN).
2. Use the links we've provided throughout this guide to get to your chosen VPN's site.
3. If asked for payment information to access your trial, input your credit card info.
4. To test a VPN on your phone, use the links found in this article to download its app.
5. Then, install and launch the VPN app. If you need to sign up, provide the required info.
6. You can now test-drive your chosen VPN for a limited amount of time.
7. To avoid getting charged, make sure to cancel your VPN trial on time.

Best VPN Free Trials

The best VPN trials should give you unlimited access without any restrictions, allow you to test every single VPN server, change between protocols, unblock websites and streaming services, and more - without charging you a single dollar, of course.

Based on the criteria mentioned just above, we present the 13 best VPNs with a free trial you can try before you buy:

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN Available Today
2. NordVPN – Best for Fine-Tuning & Privacy
3. CyberGhost VPN – Best for High-End VPN Users
4. Surfshark – Best for Streaming Movies & TV Shows
5. ZenMate VPN – Best for Inexperienced VPN Users
6. Hotspot Shield - Best One-Click VPN Service
7. Avast SecureLine VPN – Best Fully-Automated VPN
8. F-Secure Freedome VPN - Best for Protection on Public Wi-Fi
9. HMA (HideMyAss) – Best Cross-Platform VPN
10. AVG Secure VPN – Best for Speedy Connections
11. CactusVPN – Best Budget-Friendly VPN
12. TigerVPN – Best for Non-Demanding Users
13. TorGuard - Best VPN for High-End Customization

1. ExpressVPN - Best VPN Available Today

If you need the best VPN service that can be found today, look no further than ExpressVPN. You get the highest possible encryption level, capable VPN protocols, and the ability to protect your personal information seamlessly.

Besides general Web browsing, ExpressVPN can also unblock streaming platforms, download torrent files, and plenty more. Take a more comprehensive look via our ExpressVPN review.

When it comes to its trial, know that ExpressVPN offers that option only via its mobile apps (on Android, iOS, and iPadOS). You'll need to download the VPN app to your phone or tablet, and then initialize your 7-day trial from there.

Keep in mind you'll need to use your email address when signing up. Also, you'll need to agree to a subscription plan, which means you'll be charged once your trial ends. That also means your credit card (or another payment method) needs to be associated with your Apple ID or Google Account. At the time of writing this guide, ExpressVPN's price on mobile devices is $99.99 per year, so you'll end up with its annual plan.

On the other hand, you can also make use of a 30-day risk-free trial provided by this VPN. That means you can subscribe via ExpressVPN's site, purchase a plan (you'll get 3 extra months that way if you pick the VPN's annual plan), and then use ExpressVPN on any device. For that to happen, you need to provide your email address and payment method (keep in mind that you'll be charged immediately).

So, if you activate ExpressVPN's Android or iOS trial, you won't be charged (unless you cancel your subscription before your trial is up) but you'll be limited to your mobile device only. And if you subscribe to ExpressVPN via its site, you'll be charged, but you'll have 30 days to change your mind and get your money back (no questions asked).

2. NordVPN - Best for Fine-Tuning & Privacy

NordVPN is known for offering a comprehensive set of VPN-related features, wrapped up in a highly polished package. You get nicely designed (and highly intuitive) apps, the ability to block online trackers, unblock any website out there, and even fight against sophisticated anti-VPN measures. All of this is explained in our NordVPN review.

NordVPN’s trial is currently available on mobile devices only, on Android and iOS/iPadOS. It used to cover desktop platforms in the past, but NordVPN was forced to shut down that trial due to widespread abuse.

That means you need to download this VPN app on your mobile device (from Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store), and then create your Nord account (you'll need to provide your email address and create a password).

Then, pick a subscription plan, and you'll have 7 days to try NordVPN. If you don’t cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends, you will be charged - so keep that in mind. Also, that means you need to have a credit card associated with your Apple ID or Google Account.

Another option is to subscribe via NordVPN's website, where you won't find a trial - but you'll find a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back policy. You'll have more subscription plans to choose from, you can use a wider variety of payment options, and you'll gain access to all NordVPN apps. However, you'll need to pay immediately (with an option to have your money returned within the first 30 days of your subscription).

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best for High-End VPN Users

Coming from Romania, CyberGhost VPN has reached massive popularity around the world. It’s being presented as one of the most user-friendly VPNs out there. Bringing a simple interface, it allows you to browse the Web without restrictions, use specialized media streaming servers, and engage in P2P traffic.

Also, it has a huge network of servers and doesn’t collect any of your personal information, as discussed in our CyberGhost VPN review.

To test-drive this VPN, you need to download CyberGhost VPN to your computer or smartphone (without having to sign up on its website first). Install the application, sign up using its UI, and you’ll get to use it for a limited time.

More precisely, if you're on iOS or Android, you can download CyberGhost VPN from Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store. Open the app and tap on 'Subscribe Now' to activate this VPN's trial. You'll need to agree to the VPN's annual plan (currently priced at $49.99/year), which means a payment method needs to be associated with your Apple ID or Google Account.

If you're on a Windows or macOS computer, you can try CyberGhost VPN for 24 hours. In that case, click on the 'Download VPN' button on the VPN's website to download and then install the software. Sign up for a new account using your email address (no payment info is needed) and you'll get 24 hours of unrestricted access to CyberGhost VPN on your computer.

4. Surfshark - Best for Streaming Movies & TV Shows

This is one of our favorite VPNs at the moment, bringing a clever combination of advanced yet easy-to-use features. Surfshark can protect your Web data, unblock sites, eliminate ads and trackers, and more. As mentioned in our Surfshark review, it can also help secure your email address and help you privately search the Web.

Keep in mind that Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial, but only on Android and iOS. Once you download Surfshark from the iOS App Store or Play Store, launch it and tap on 'Start Free Trial.' You'll need to create an account using your email address, as well as create a password.

Then, you'll need to agree to a subscription plan, which means your Apple ID or Google Account should have a payment method already added. If you cancel your subscription on time, you’ll avoid getting charged. Otherwise, you will be charged once your trial ends.

Another option would be to subscribe via Surfshark's website, where you can pick from a wider range of subscription plans. Keep in mind that you'll need to pay for your subscription straight away (so, you'll need to provide your email address and payment information). However, you'll have a 30-day money-back guarantee, without any questions asked.

5. ZenMate VPN - Best for Inexperienced VPN Users

ZenMate comes from Germany and is a well-known and highly reputable VPN brand. This is also one of the fastest-evolving VPNs, bringing new features at a rapid pace. You can use ZenMate VPN's polished apps to connect to many locations, unblock a range of websites, and avoid online censorship. Check out more info in our detailed ZenMate VPN review.

You'll also be happy to know that ZenMate allows you to test-drive its VPN for up to 7 days. Still, there's a big difference between the VPN's trial on mobile and desktop devices.

On Windows and macOS, you can download ZenMate, create an account, and you'll get to test-drive the VPN for 7 days without limitations. No payment information is required.

However, when it comes to iOS and Android, you'll also get a 7-day trial, but your Apple ID or Google Account much have a payment method associated. Any payment method will do, as long as your Apple ID or Google Account has a fully-working payment gateway.

That means you'll be charged once your trial ends (once again, that applies to mobile devices only). You can avoid that by canceling at least 24 hours before your trial ends.

6. Hotspot Shield - Best One-Click VPN Service

Hotspot Shield has come a long way during the last couple of years. Today, it's one of the best-looking VPNs, bringing a set of features for those seeking digital privacy.

Aside from its nicely designed interface, you get support for all kinds of devices and platforms. You can also get 5 simultaneous connections and the ability to unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus. To learn more, here's our Hotspot Shield VPN review.

Hotspot Shield has a 7-day trial, which you can get via its website. Even though it comes free of charge, you will need to provide your payment information. Hotspot Shield supports credit cards and PayPal, so you'll be charged for the VPN's monthly subscription ($12.99) once your 7-day trial ends.

If you decide not to stick with Hotspot Shield, you can cancel your trial before it ends, and you won't be charged. And if you wish to test the VPN a bit longer, know that Hotspot Shield has a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can get your money back by contacting its support.

We'll also note that Hotspot Shield imposes no restrictions during its trial. Since you'll sign up via its website, you'll end up with a fully working account. That means that during your trial, you can download Hotspot Shield on any device and test all of its features.

7. Avast SecureLine VPN - Best Fully-Automated VPN

We are sure you’ve heard of Avast before, the creator of one of the world’s most popular antivirus solutions. So, it’s not surprising to see Avast offering a VPN as well. Called SecureLine VPN, it brings a simple interface, gets you past the Netflix blockade, and doesn’t leak your data.

However, you’ll only get to use a limited number of servers (plenty of locations, though), and there aren’t any advanced features like split tunneling, for example. To get more info, here’s our Avast SecureLine VPN review.

In terms of its trial, you can test-drive Avast's VPN on desktop platforms without providing any payment information. Just download its Windows or macOS app, install, and then launch it. The app won't ask you to sign up. Instead, it will be fully functional from the get-go (for 7 days, which is when the app will deactivate until you get a subscription).

When it comes to mobile platforms (Android, iOS), Avast SecureLine VPN also comes with a 7-day trial. However, your payment information is required. More precisely, there must be a payment method associated with your Apple ID or Google ID. If you don't cancel on time, you will be charged $59.99 per year once your trial ends.

8. F-Secure Freedome VPN - Best for Protection on Public Wi-Fi

Created by F-Secure, a highly respectable cyber-security company, Freedome VPN is a basic VPN service that caters to the average home user (as noted in our Freedome VPN review). In other words, it focuses mostly on your privacy, with a few extra features bundled as well.

This VPN is a good pick if you connect to public Wi-Fi networks often. Since it comes as a one-click solution that has high-end encryption, Freedome VPN is perfect for protecting your IP address, hiding your online traffic, and stopping trackers.

If you wish to test-drive this VPN, you can do that on desktop devices. That includes Windows and macOS at the moment. All you have to do is to download Freedome VPN from its website and install the app on your computer. Launch it, and you'll receive an unlimited 5-day trial.

That means you won't have to register for an account. Also, no payment information is needed, so you won't be charged once your trial ends. Instead, the application will deactivate and will remain that way until you purchase a subscription.

Sadly, F-Secure Freedome VPN also offers apps for iOS, iPadOS, and Android - but those come without a trial. So, you'll be limited to desktop platforms only.

9. HMA (HideMyAss) - Best Cross-Platform VPN

HideMyAss has managed to attract our attention thanks to the fact that it is present in the entire world. That’s true – you can find servers in almost every country in the world, giving you a chance to get a new IP instantaneously.

This VPN provider offers 24/7 support, hundreds of locations, military-grade encryption, and P2P support. However, as noted in our HideMyAss review, you’ll have a tough time unlocking new streaming services.

When it comes to its trial, you'll need to sign up for it on HMA's website. That means you'll need to supply your payment information (credit card or PayPal), which is when you'll get access to HMA's unrestricted 7-day trial.

However, if you don't cancel your subscription before your trial ends, HMA will charge you for its annual subscription (priced at $83.88 plus tax, at the moment). So, if you don't wish to be charged, make sure to cancel at least 24 hours before your trial ends.

Since your trial account imposes no limitations, you'll get to use HMA across all its apps. You'll also get unlimited access to its features, giving you a clear idea of what to expect if you decide to become a paying customer.

Lastly, know that you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee, but HMA won't refund you if they have "fully performed" period to the date you requested a cancellation and refund. That means you might not get the full amount you paid.

10. AVG Secure VPN - Best for Speedy Connections

AVG, without any doubt, is known for its security-oriented software. Their Secure VPN is a bit different than what you might expect. It does work without any issues, unblocks websites, and even provides access to Netflix.

However, this VPN comes with a limited number of servers. Considering that it doesn’t allow you to fine-tune your VPN connection, there are many signs that more advanced users should look elsewhere.

If you’re willing to try out AVG’s Secure VPN, know that the best way to do that is by downloading its desktop application. You don’t have to supply any information in that case. Instead, you'll get an unlocked application, giving you access to its every feature. After 7 days, the app will lock, asking you to subscribe to continue using it.

VPN Secure VPN also comes with a trial for mobile devices. If you decide to test it on iOS or Android, you'll get a 14-day free trial. Then, you'll be charged $19.99 for AVG Secure VPN's annual plan.

That's a special mobile plan, available only for iOS and Android users, which means you won't be able to use the VPN on your desktop apps if you subscribe (unless you get a more comprehensive plan on the VPN's site).

We'll also mention that AVG Secure VPN comes with a 30-day money-back policy. Still, its refund policy is somewhat vague, saying they won't return your money for any services they "have fully performed prior to the date you requested a refund."

11. CactusVPN - Best Budget-Friendly VPN

This VPN service caters to those looking for an easy-to-use solution. As noted in our CactusVPN review, you can install this VPN on a complete range of devices and get to use equally simple UIs across all of those.

While CactusVPN doesn’t have an enormous number of servers, its offer should be enough for average home users. And while it doesn’t work with Netflix, it supports other media streaming services. If you are interested, find out which is the best VPN service that works with Netflix.

CactusVPN comes with a 3-day trial, and keep in mind that you need to sign up via its official website. You only need to provide your email address, which means no payment info is needed. That also means you won't be charged after your trial ends, which comes with no restrictions or limitations to the VPN's features.

Once you sign up for your CactusVPN trial, you'll end up with credentials that you can use across its apps. Since the VPN is available on mobile and desktop devices, that gives you plenty of options to test-drive the VPN and see if it's worth becoming a paying customer.

Lastly, remember to take your time when testing CactusVPN. That's because if you get charged, the VPN won't return your money unless you can prove that you can't connect to its VPN servers, which means that a lot of troubleshooting talks will be involved.

12. TigerVPN - Best for Non-Demanding Users

With hundreds of VPNs out there, it’s tough to stand out. Launched in 2011, TigerVPN is giving 2% of its profits to NGOs for animal welfare – which might persuade you into using this VPN.

However, there’s plenty that could be said about this VPN in terms of its technical capabilities. It offers plenty of servers and includes tools to keep your passwords safe. To learn more, check out our TigerVPN review.

What’s also important to note is that you’ll need to activate this VPN’s trial by downloading the trial version of TigerVPN - using the link we’ve provided. This provider doesn’t clearly indicate the availability of its trial on the site and instead routes you toward signing up for a paid account.

Once you download the file, install it, sign up for an account from within the app, and you’ll get to use it for a limited time (for 3 days, more precisely). Since you'll end up with a fully working account, you can test-drive TigerVPN on its supported mobile and desktop devices.

We'll also mention that TigerVPN doesn't offer an iOS app. There's a VPN called 'Tiger VPN' on the iOS App Store, but that's a product of some other company. And also, we'll mention that TigerVPN says it offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. However, if you manage to connect to any of its servers, the VPN service won't give you your money back.

13. TorGuard - Best VPN for High-End Customization

Here, we have a highly reputable VPN that caters to more advanced users. TorGuard has been around for quite some time, creating a roster of highly capable features.

With that said, if you're after a VPN service that lets you fine-tune even the smallest bits of your connection, TorGuard will meet your needs. It's available for plenty of devices, unblocks websites, uses high-end encryption, and brings plenty of other useful features.

If you want to know more about this handy VPN, make sure to check our TorGuard review.

In terms of TorGuard's trial, you actually have two different options. If you plan to switch from another VPN, you can cancel your existing subscription and send your last VPN bill to TorGuard (via freshstart@torguard.net). That way, TorGuard will give you a 7-day trial, without your having to provide any personal information.

Then, there's another way to test TorGuard for 7 days. You can sign up for TorGuard's trial via its website, but you'll have to choose a VPN subscription first. That means you'll have to provide your email address, payment information, and other personal information. And if you don't cancel your trial on time (24 hours before it's due to end), you'll be charged based on your chosen plan.

How to Pick the Best VPN Free Trial?

To find the best VPN free trial that's aligned with all your needs, you need to know exactly what you'll get. So, here's how to narrow down your list of options:

• Device/Platform Support: VPNs cover a myriad of devices. However, when it comes to their trials, many VPNs limit you to their desktop apps. Pick a VPN based on the devices and platforms you use, as well as based on whether you're a desktop- or mobile-first user.
• Primary Set of Features: VPNs hide various types of personal data, as their main mission is to protect your privacy. So, make sure the basics are there. You'll want a VPN that creates a safe tunnel for your data. That means you'll need at least a couple of different VPN protocols, secure encryption, and a no-logs policy.
• Secondary Set of Features: Do you plan to use a VPN for streaming, gaming, or torrenting? Well, based on what you plan to use a VPN for, make sure your chosen VPN has optimized features. In that regard, some VPNs are more optimized for specific uses than others, so it really pays off to dive deep into their sets of features before signing up.
• Network Size & Distribution: An important point of differentiation between multiple VPN services is the size of their server networks. You'll want a fast performance, which means you'll want nearby VPN servers at your disposal. However, you'll sometimes want to unblock websites, which means you'll need servers in a specific country. So, before you sign up for a VPN with a free trial, inspect the size and distribution of its server fleet.
• Money-Back Guarantees: Lastly, most VPNs offer money-back guarantees even after your trial ends. If you wish to play it safe, pick a VPN with a generous money-back policy, giving you some extra time to test-drive its features. That way, even if you change your mind once your trial ends, you'll still get to have your money back.

VPN Free Trial vs. Money-Back Guarantee: Which One Should You Choose?

If you don't wish to pay for a VPN, taking advantage of its free trial is the way to go. Money-back guarantees are great, but they kick in once you pay for your chosen VPN.

Most VPN trials don't require your payment information. Instead, they require you to download its software only, or perhaps to register using your name and email. With that said, those VPN trials will simply deactivate once they expire - which means there's no way for you to be charged.

Of course, there are also VPN trials that ask for your payment information. Those VPNs will charge you once your trial ends, but not if you cancel your account/subscription on time.

When it comes to money-back guarantees, they kick in after you pay for your chosen VPN. In general, VPNs give you plenty of time to test-drive them, from 7 up to 45 days. During that period, you're free to ask for your money back, even if you paid for the VPN.

So, here's the bottom line. If you don't wish to pay from the get-go, go for a VPN trial. And if you have no problem with paying right from the start, pick a VPN with a generous money-back policy.

How Safe Are VPN Free Trials?

VPN trials are safe - for the most part. Keep in mind that there are many VPN scams out there, and some of those are related to fake VPN trial offers.

For example, fake VPNs might impersonate popular VPN brands, offering free trials. That's a classic scam, designed to collect your personal information, including your credit card details.

With that said, make sure to pick a reputable VPN to test out, and then make sure to sign up for a trial using that VPN's official and legitimate website.

Of course, we once again advise you to use the links found throughout this guide. We made sure to highlight truly the best VPN services with free trials. On top of that, we've provided links to their sign-up pages, eliminating any risk of encountering a fake website.

Do VPN Free Trials Keep Logs & Track Your Activities?

VPNs typically have the same privacy policy for regular and trial accounts. So, if you pick a no-logs VPN service for your trial, your personal data won't be collected.

With that said, it all comes down to your chosen VPN's privacy policy and logging practices. With that said, know that the best VPNs are designed to avoid having to collect any personally identifiable information, which means that no one will track your online activity.

We'd like to recommend reading our guide on how to verify no-logs VPN claims and policies, especially if you want to use a VPN for privacy protection primarily.

Can I Sign Up for a VPN Free Trial Multiple Times?

No, you won't be able to sign up for a VPN free trial more than once. That's because VPNs employ systems that detect if you've used their trial before.

That's actually one of the reasons why VPNs ask for payment information before they give you access to their trial. Aside from charging you once your trial is up, that system allows VPNs to create a registry of those who have used their trial in the past.

Of course, many VPN trials don't ask for your payment information. However, they might ask for your email address, asking you to create an account. In theory, you can use those trials more than once, but only if you have access to multiple email addresses.

What Are the Limitations of a VPN Free Trial?

In some cases, VPNs with free trials might limit you to a specific device/platform. However, you won't find any other limitations, as you'll get unrestricted access.

More precisely, some VPNs allow you to test-drive their apps on desktop platforms (Windows and macOS). You'll still get full access to your chosen VPN - but on a single platform only.

In general, VPNs don't impose any limitations. That's because they want to present themselves in the best possible light, as the purpose of their trials is to persuade you to become a paying customer. So, you'll have full access to all their features, server networks, and more.

Do VPNs Ask For Your Personal Details When Signing Up for a Free Trial?

Most VPNs won't ask for your personal details when signing up for their trial. In fact, very few VPNs will do that, but those are mostly less secure VPNs that are not even worth trying.

With that said, know that you'll often need to create a free VPN trial account. That's done using your email address, so you don't even have to use your personal email.

When it comes to VPNs that ask for your payment information, that data is typically handled by third-party payment processors, which means that VPNs don't keep that data on their servers.

Will VPNs Charge Your After the Free Trial Ends?

Yes, VPNs will charge your after your trial ends - but only if you provide your payment info. So, make sure to read the fine print before you sign up.

In general, VPN trials available on iOS, iPadOS, and Android will almost always charge you once your trial ends. That's because of how Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store work. Still, you can avoid that by canceling your subscription on time (at least 24 hours before your trial expires).

How to Cancel a Free Trial VPN Before Auto-Renewal?

The process of canceling your VPN trial before its gets auto-renewed is based on how you signed up, in the first place. Here's what you need to do:

• If You Signed Up Online: If you can access your account on the VPN's site, there should be an option to cancel your subscription and recurring billing. You can also contact your VPN's support team and ask them to cancel your trial and any upcoming charges.
• If You Signed Up on iOS: Navigate to Settings > Your Name > Subscription. Then, choose your VPN subscription and cancel it from there. Find more information here.
• If You Signed Up on Android: Navigate to Play Store > Profile Icon > Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions, and cancel your trial from there. Find more info here.

Final Thoughts

Even though not all VPNs offer trials, you'll still have a lot of options when it comes to testing reputable VPNs without paying anything. With that said, we highly recommend ExpressVPN's free trial, as that's the best VPN overall available right now.

However, we do have even more options for you! If you'd like to check other types of VPN trials, here are the best VPN trials - no credit card required! Also, check our guides to the best 7-day VPN trials and 30-day VPN trials.

This is where we conclude our article on the best VPNs with free trials. We hope that you’ll find a VPN that’s aligned with your needs and that you’ll become a long-term VPN subscriber.