11 Best VPN Free Trials in 2023

The smartest way to save a lot of money on a VPN subscription is to buy a long-term plan. That means you’ll need to invest some money upfront – which also means you’ll want to be 100% sure in your purchase. So, how can you achieve that? Well, there’s only one way. You need to rely on a VPN free trial.

Free VPN trials are designed to give you full and unrestricted access for a limited period, allowing you to test-drive all their features. Most VPNs give you 7 days to test-drive their services, while there are also VPNs that give you up to 60 days of unrestricted use. And, of course, some VPNs give you 30-day money-back guarantees, making your purchase risk-free.

Also, some VPN services don’t ask for any information upfront, not even your credit card or any payment info. However, most of the time, you’ll find free trial VPNs that ask for your payment info. In those cases, you must cancel your subscription before your trial ends to avoid being charged.

In this guide to best VPN free trials, you’ll find our top 11 recommendations. We’ll also show you how to get a VPN trial, explain the differences between a VPN with a free trial and money-back guarantees, the benefits of VPN trials, and we’ll share plenty of valuable tips.

Best VPN Free Trials - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN Free Trial for 7 & 30 Days
2. Surfshark - Best Free Trial VPN for Mobile & macOS
3. ExpressVPN - Best Free VPN Trial for Mobile Devices
4. CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN Free Trial with No Credit Card Required
5. PIA VPN - Best VPN with a Free Trial for Multiple Devices
6. Atlas VPN - Best for Android Phones & Tablets
7. TorGuard - Best Trial for First-Time Users
8. Hotspot Shield - Best Beginners-Friendly VPN
9. BitDefender Premium VPN - Best Free Trial without a Credit Card
10. Avast SecureLine VPN - VPN with 60-Day Trial
11. AVG Secure VPN - Best Hassle-Free Trial for 60 Days

How to Get a VPN Free Trial

To get your VPN free trial, first, inspect your options and find a VPN aligned with your needs. Then, sign up, download, and install the VPN app. Use these steps:

1. Pick a VPN free trial you'd like to test (we recommend NordVPN's 30-day risk-free trial).
2. Use the links found in this article to get to your chosen VPN's site.
3. If asked for payment information to access your trial, input your credit card info.
4. Install and launch the VPN app, and if you need to sign up, provide the required info.
5. You can now test-drive your chosen VPN for a limited amount of time.
6. To avoid getting charged, make sure to cancel your VPN trial before it's due to end.

The Best VPN Free Trials in 2023

It's easy to get lost when searching for the best VPN free trial - due to misleading and overly aggressive marketing messages. That said, you need to stick to a uniform set of criteria. For example, the best free trial VPN must offer a lengthy trial (lasting from 7 to 30+ days) with apps for all your platforms and devices. Also, pay attention to payment details, as VPNs that require your payment info support different payment methods (credit/debit cards, PayPal, and other digital payment services).

Then, you'll want unlimited access to features (unlimited bandwidth, access to every server, and access to every feature). Also, you'll want access to a sizable selection of servers across as many countries as possible. Don't forget privacy features, such as a no-logs policy, robust VPN protocols, and solid encryption. All of that should go hand-in-hand with fast speeds and fluid performance (without random disconnects).

We also advise you to go for a VPN trial with 5+ simultaneous connections. And lastly, money-back guarantees will help you protect your purchase if you decide to pay, and customer support (via 24/7 live chat) should be there to answer all your questions.

Based on the criteria explained above, these are the 10 best VPNs with a free trial in 2023:

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN Free Trial for 7 & 30 Days

NordVPN offers the best VPN free trial for Android devices only, lasting for 7 days. Therefore, your Google account needs to have a payment method set up, or you can preload some funds via a Play Store gift card. Upon activating your NordVPN free trial, the VPN will ask you to subscribe to its annual plan - but you'll be charged only if you don't cancel your 7-day free trial VPN plan before it ends.

Another option is to subscribe via NordVPN's site, where you won't find a trial - but you'll find a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back policy. You'll have more plans to choose from, a wider variety of payment options (credit/debit cards, Google Pay, PayPal, and crypto), 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).

No matter which way you go, NordVPN will grant you unlimited access. This free trial VPN doesn't impose limitations on its bandwidth or performance. Without any surprise, you'll also have access to NordVPN's entire network of 5,800+ servers in around 60 countries. And since you'll get your credentials, you can try the VPN on multiple devices (each subscription to this VPN comes with 6 simultaneous connections).

Regarding security and privacy, NordVPN is among the most advanced VPNs out there. It's powered by NordLynx (WireGuard) and OpenVPN, both of which utilize high-end cryptography. There's also AES-256 encryption, as well as special servers that bring obfuscation, access to the Tor network, and more. And, yes, a no-logs policy is also there (audited many times in the past).

In terms of its performance, NordVPN certainly doesn't disappoint. Its nearby servers are extra-fast, while its remote servers are typically above what its competition offers. We're sure that no matter what you plan to do online, this VPN's performance will be there to support you.

Also, know that you can get started for as low as $2.99/month, which is the price of NordVPN's 2-year 'Standard' plan. You'll be charged $80.73 upon signing up, and you'll reserve your right to change your mind within the first 30 days. Other subscription options exist as well.

In case of any questions, you can turn to NordVPN's 24/7 live chat support. This VPN has really helpful customer support agents, but also plenty of written material as well.

2. Surfshark - Best Free Trial VPN for Mobile & macOS

Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial VPN, but only via Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store. Once you download the Surfshark app, launch it and tap "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 must 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.

The above said applies to devices running Android and iOS/iPadOS. However, the same applies to Surfshark's app for macOS - if you download it from the Mac App Store. As long as you have payment information added to your Apple ID, you can use Surfshark's 7-day trial on macOS.

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 (you can pay via a credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, or crypto). However, you'll have a 30-day money-back guarantee without any questions asked.

As you'd imagine, Surfshark imposes no restrictions on its free VPN trial. It has unlimited bandwidth, over 3,200 servers+ in 100 countries, protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, and there's AES-256 encryption as well. This is also one of the most transparent VPNs, with regular audits of its no-logs policy and infrastructure.

Another benefit of this free trial VPN is its performance, which has always been consistently excellent. This is one of the fastest VPNs out there, ideal for bandwidth-heavy online tasks. And on top of all that, this free trial VPN gives you unlimited simultaneous connections.

Signing up for Surfshark via its website will allow you to pay as little as $1.99/month, which is how much its 2-year 'Starter' plan costs ($53.76 in total). This VPN offers additional plans as well, so you have multiple options regarding the cost.

If you encounter any issues or if any questions arise, know that you can count on Surfshark's 24/7 live chat support. This VPN has one of the most helpful customer support systems.

3. ExpressVPN - Best Free VPN Trial for Mobile Devices

ExpressVPN is another hugely popular VPN with a free trial. To test-drive it, download its app on an iOS or Android device, which is where you'll find its 7-day free trial. Then, you can use your credentials to try the VPN on other devices as well (it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, streaming devices, and more).

However, keep in mind that a payment method needs to be associated with your Apple ID or Google account for your ExpressVPN free trial to work. That's because you'll be charged for ExpressVPN's annual plan once your 7-day free trial VPN ends. Of course, you can avoid that by canceling your trial on time.

You can also make use of a 30-day money-back guarantee provided by ExpressVPN. 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 must provide your email address and payment information (this VPN supports credit cards, PayPal, various third-party payment processors, and Bitcoin).

During your trial, you'll have unlimited access to ExpressVPN's features. That means you'll get unlimited bandwidth, access to 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries, and unrestricted access to every application offered by this VPN service. You'll also get up to 8 simultaneous connections.

Let's not forget that ExpressVPN also has high-end privacy and security features. These are protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2. In terms of encryption, you can count on AES-256 to ensure no one tracks your online whereabouts. And, of course, this is an audited no-logs VPN, so you won't have to worry about the privacy of your sensitive information.

Also, based on our hands-on tests, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN available right now. So, no matter if you need a VPN for Web browsing, streaming, torrenting, or gaming - this one will manage to meet all your expectations.

We'll also mention that ExpressVPN is priced at $6.67 per month for its 12-month plan, which includes 3 extra months added to your first billing period. In other words, you'll be charged $99.95 for the first 15 months of your subscription.

If you decide to become a paying customer, ExpessVPN will offer you a 30-day money-back guarantee, with no questions asked. Lastly, there's 24/7 live chat support as well.

4. CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN Free Trial with No Credit Card Required

CyberGhost offers a 100% VPN free trial with no credit card details required. When it comes to mobile devices, you can test-drive this VPN on iOS for 7 days and on Android for 3 days. However, to activate those CyberGhost VPN trials, you must have a payment method on file. Also, you'll need to subscribe to CyberGhost's annual plan - but you'll be charged only if you don't cancel on time.

If you're on a Windows or macOS computer, you can use this free VPN trial for 24 hours. In that case, click on the "Or try our VPN for (Windows PC/Mac) for free for 24h" hyperlink 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.

No matter which method you pick, you'll end up with unlimited access to CyberGhost VPN. You won't encounter any performance or bandwidth limitations. Also, you'll have access to all 9,300+ servers in 100 countries. And since this VPN supports 7 simultaneous connections, you can use your credentials for this VPN free trial on multiple devices.

In terms of its security and privacy features, CyberGhost is built upon OpenVPN and WireGuard. Of course, AES-256 encryption is there, a recently audited no-logs policy, as well as specialized servers for torrenting, streaming, and gaming.

We'll also add that CyberGhost performs well in most cases. If you go for nearby servers, you can expect minimal throttling. Remote locations can be slow at times but still much faster than most of its competitors.

You'll also want to know how much you'll need to pay. CyberGhost gives you multiple options, but the most affordable one is $2.03/month for its 2-year plan ($56.94). At the moment, the VPN will give you 4 added months to your first billing period.

There's also one more reason to pick this VPN. If you decide to become a subscriber, you'll get a 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans. This VPN supports credit cards, PayPal, and even Bitcoin. Finally, it offers 24/7 live chat customer support.

5. PIA VPN - Best VPN with a Free Trial for Multiple Devices

Private Internet Access is a VPN with a free trial lasting for 7 days that you can activate on your mobile. It's available for iOS and Android devices, giving you 7 days of unlimited access - but you'll also need to agree to subscribe to PIA's annual plan. That means you need to have your payment info on file, and you'll be charged unless you cancel your subscription on time.

The good news is that PIA supports unlimited connections. Once you start this VPN trial, you'll receive your credentials, which you can use on non-mobile devices as well. So, you can try PIA on your computer as well.

Another option is to sign up directly on PIA's website, where you'll need to pay for your chosen subscription (using a credit card, PayPal, Amazon Pay, or crypto). That way, you'll get to count on this VPN's 30-day money-back guarantee, which comes with no questions asked.

During your trial, your access to PIA will be unrestricted. You won't encounter limited performance or bandwidth or anything similar. You'll get to play with thousands of servers in 90+ countries, protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, ad-blocking, split-tunneling, and more.

Also, this VPN uses high-end AES-256 encryption. Aside from that, it comes with open-source apps and numerous independent audits of its no-logs policy. And when it comes to its speed, nearby connections tend to be extra-fast. Remote connections are also fast, especially if you take some time to fine-tune PIA.

When it comes to its price, you can pay $2.03/month for PIA if you pick its 2-year subscription plan ($56.94 in total). There's a special promotion right now, giving you 4 extra months as well.

Of course, this wouldn't be one of the best 7-day free trial VPNs if it didn't have fantastic customer support. Expect 24/7 live chat support with always-helpful agents.

6. Atlas VPN - Best for Android Phones & Tablets

Atlas VPN offers several ways to test-drive its services without paying anything. To experience its premium features for free, you can use its 7-day trial, available on Android devices. You'll need to download the app from the Play Store, create an account, and agree to subscribe to Atlas VPN's annual subscription. However, you won't be charged before your trial ends.

To see how Atlas VPN works on other devices, you can subscribe via its website and pay for your subscription immediately. You'll be covered by a 30-day money-back policy (you can pay via PayPal, credit cards, Google Pay, or crypto), so getting your money back (if you change your mind) should not be an issue at all.

Also, Atlas VPN has a free tier - but it's severely limited (3 locations and 5GB/month), so we don't recommend using it as a trial (which comes with unlimited access to the VPN).

This VPN works on Windows, macOS, Linux, smartphones, and streaming devices. You'll get unlimited access during your trial, including the entire Atlas VPN network of 1,000+ servers in 40+ countries. And unlike most other VPNs, this one supports WireGuard and IPsec/IKEv2 with ChaCha20 and AES-256 encryption, both of which are suitable for desktop and mobile devices.

In terms of privacy protection, Atlas VPN has got you covered. This is a no-logs VPN that can block malware (via content filtering), lets you access the Web using several IPs at the same time (SafeSwap servers), and lets you use multiple servers at once (MultiHop+ servers).

This VPN is also one of the most affordable options. You can get started for as low as $1.64 per month ($49.21 in total), which is the price of the VPN's 2-year plan, which currently comes with 6 extra months added to your subscription.

Let's not forget that this VPN trial comes with unlimited simultaneous connections. And in terms of customer support, there are multiple support channels available. 24/7 live chat is there - but it's reserved for premium subscribers only.

7. TorGuard - Best Trial for First-Time Users

In terms of TorGuard and its free VPN trial, you have a couple of options. If you plan on switching from another VPN, you can cancel your existing subscription and send your last bill to TorGuard (freshstart@torguard.net). That way, TorGuard will give you a 7-day VPN trial without you having to provide any personal information. And if you cancel your other VPN subscription, you'll get 30 days of use extra.

Then, there's another way to test TorGuard for 7 days. You can sign up for TorGuard's trial via its website, but you must choose a VPN subscription first. That means you'll have 7 days to use this VPN (if you're a first-time customer) and ask for your money back if unsatisfied. You'll have various ways to pay, including your credit card, Amazon Pay, various payment processors, crypto, and even via gift cards.

Like our other recommendations, TorGuard won't restrict you during your trial. You'll get access to 3,000+ servers in 50+ countries, as well as the ability to use any of its apps (for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Web browser extensions). Also, you'll get 8 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous.

TorGuard is made for privacy, which is clearly visible in its features. There are protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Stunnel, paired with AES-256 encryption with SHA-512. In other words, no one will see what you do online. Of course, there's also a no-logs policy (but we would like to see an audit of TorGuard's practices and infrastructure).

Also, there's nothing to worry about regarding TorGuard's performance. Even without fine-tuning, this VPN performs better than most of its competitors. That's especially true if you take a closer look at its settings since there's truly a lot to optimize.

Another nice thing about TorGuard is that it offers multiple subscription options. The cheapest you can pay is $3.88 per month for the 3-year subscription. That means you'll be charged $139.99 from the get-go.

We'll also note that TorGuard doesn't offer live chat support. Instead, you can send an email, submit a support ticket, or check out TorGuard's knowledge base, articles, and FAQs.

8. Hotspot Shield - Best Beginners-Friendly VPN

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

On top of that, Hotspot Shield offers a 45-day money-back policy, which puts it ahead of most of its competitors. We're talking about a no-questions-asked money-back policy here, so you have nothing to lose if you decide to try out this free VPN trial.

Also, 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 (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) and the ability to unblock streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, and more.

We'll also note that Hotspot Shield imposes no restrictions during its trial. Since you'll sign up via its site, you'll end up with a fully working account. That means that during your trial, you can download the VPN on any device and test all of its features, including access to 3,000+ servers in 80+ countries, 10 simultaneous connections, and protocols like Hydra, WireGuard, and OpenVPN.

This no-logs free trial VPN also scores well when it comes to speed and performance. Even though some fluctuations can happen, Hotspot Shield is known to provide fast speeds when using both nearby and remote servers.

As mentioned above, Hotspot Shield will charge you $12.99 per month once your trial ends. However, you can also switch to the VPN's annual plan, priced at $5.99/month ($71.99) and still reserve your right to the 45-day money-back policy. You'll also get 3 free months on top.

Should any questions or technical issues arise, Hotspot Shield will be there for you - as it offers 24/7 live chat support. There are plenty of other customer support channels as well.

9. BitDefender Premium VPN - Best Free Trial without a Credit Card

Bitdefender Premium VPN comes with a Free VPN trial without a credit card or payment required. All you need to do is download the VPN from its site without filling out any forms. Once your trial expires (it lasts for 7 days), the app will deactivate unless you pay for a subscription.

To get Bitdefender Premium VPN's 7-day trial, go to its website and click the "Get the 7-day trial" link, after which the installation file will download to your computer. To start using the trial, create a free Bitdefender account using your name, email, and password. Then, you'll get to use this VPN on your Windows or macOS computer without any restrictions.

We'll also mention that Bitdefender is a trustworthy cyber-security brand. In terms of its VPN, it's not the most powerful option out there. However, its primary mission is to encrypt your data and ensure no one follows you on the Web - and it does that job more than well.

This VPN has 4,000+ servers across 50+ countries and 70+ locations in total. It uses Catapult Hydra, the same protocol used by Hotspot Shield. Sadly, it doesn't offer any extra protocols, so you can't adjust its performance. That's not a big problem, as Bitdefender VPN's nearby servers are always fast (some slowdowns can happen on remote servers).

Let's not forget to say that Bitdefender Premium VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections. It also has a no-logs policy - but logs anonymized data. Unless you have a reason to be overly concerned about your privacy, Bitdefender's basic protection should serve you well.

Also, once your trial ends, you won't be charged anything. However, if you decide to subscribe, you can pay $2.92/month for the VPN's annual subscription ($34.99 in total).

You'll also be happy to know that live chat is on offer, as well as plenty of other support channels. There are even phone numbers you can use, in addition to email and more.

10. Avast SecureLine VPN - VPN with 60-Day Trial

Avast SecureLine VPN offers a 7-day free VPN trial on mobile devices (iOS, Android) and a 60-day trial for desktop devices (Windows, macOS). To activate those trials, Avast will ask for your payment information, as you'll be charged for SecureLine VPN's annual subscription once your trial ends (unless you cancel on time, of course).

This isn't the most feature-rich VPN, but you'll have unlimited access to its features during your trial. That includes unlimited bandwidth, unthrottled performance, and access to every feature and every Avast SecureLine VPN app. And, in terms of its server network, expect to find around 700 servers in 30+ countries.

Next, know that Avast SecureLine VPN is on the basic side, as it doesn't offer anything truly unique. However, if you need a VPN for privacy protection and occasional streaming, SecureLine is an interesting option. That's because this VPN is powered by OpenVPN and WireGuard, among other protocols, as well as AES-256 encryption. It also promises not to collect any logs but lacks an independent audit.

More precisely, SecureLine VPN will collect your connection data, such as your connection's timestamps. Still, that information will never contain anything private. So, even Avast won't know what you do online.

We mentioned streaming as well, made possible by SecureLine's fast performance. It's not the fastest option out there, but it leaves many of its competitors in the dust. Also, this VPN can't unblock a huge number of streaming platforms, but it works with the most popular ones.

By default, SecureLine VPN will charge you $55.08 for its annual subscription (which comes down to $4.59/month). However, you can also switch to its 3-year plan, which brings the price down to $4.39/month ($158.04 in total).

We should also add that each Avast SecureLine VPN subscription comes with 10 simultaneous connections. You'll also be eligible for a 30-day money-back guarantee. And if any questions arise, you can count on Avast's somewhat overly complex but always helpful support.

11. AVG Secure VPN - Best Hassle-Free Trial for 60 Days

If you’re willing to try out AVG’s Secure VPN, the best way to do that is by downloading its desktop application. The first time you connect, the application will ask for your payment information. Once you supply that, you'll get 60 days to test-drive this VPN.

That means you'll receive unlimited access to every AVG Secure VPN feature for 60 days. In the end, you will be charged for the VPN's yearly subscription - only if you don't cancel your trial.

There's also another option to get this VPN trial. If you have an iOS or Android phone, you can download AVG Secure VPN and activate its 14-day trial. However, your payment info will be needed in that case as well. Again, just remember to cancel your trial on time to avoid being charged (if you change your mind about this VPN in the long term).

The good news is that you'll get unlimited and unrestricted access to this VPN - as if you were a paying customer right from the start. So, you'll get to test Secure VPN's 700+ servers in 30+ countries, VPN protocols like Mimic, AES-256 encryption, and the VPN's ability to unblock streaming sites.

Let's not forget to add that AVG Secure VPN comes with stable and relatively fast performance. Still, it would help to have a fast Web connection as Secure VPN's remote servers can sometimes be slow. On the plus side, this VPN gives you 10 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous.

This VPN comes with the price of $53.88 after the trial ($4.49/month), which is the price of the annual plan that comes after your free trial. More options exist as well, such as the 3-year plan, priced at $158.04 ($4.39/month).

We'll also mention that AVG Secure VPN has a 30-day money-back policy. Still, its refund policy is somewhat vague, saying they won't return your money if they "have fully performed prior to the date you requested a refund." And when it comes to this VPN's support, it offers many support channels - but they can be a bit too complex to navigate through.

Best Free Trial VPNs: Compared

How to Choose the Best VPN with a Free Trial?

To find the best VPN with a free trial 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:

• Trial Account Duration: In general, VPNs that provide a free trial without asking for a credit card limit your account's duration from 1 up to 7 days. However, if you're willing to provide your payment info, you'll also find 30-day VPN trials to be available.
• Unlimited Access to Features: You'll want a fully unlimited VPN trial, which means your chosen VPN shouldn't limit your access to bandwidth, servers, or any other feature in its lineup. That's the only way to truly test any VPN provider.
• Network Size & Distribution: An important point of differentiation between VPN services is the size of their server networks. So, before you sign up for a VPN free trial, inspect the size and distribution of its server fleet.
• Privacy & Security Features: VPNs hide various types of data, as their main mission is to protect your privacy. So, make sure the basics are there. That means you'll need at least a couple of VPN protocols, secure VPN encryption, and a no-logs policy.
• Performance & Speed: Every VPN offers different speeds, which depend on the size of its server network and server-side optimizations. You'll want a VPN with stable performance and without any interruptions regarding the stability of your VPN tunnel.
• Simultaneous Connections: Today's VPNs offer applications for computers, phones, tablets, and even streaming devices and routers. That means you must pay attention to how many simultaneous connections you'll end up with.
• 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.
• Specific Uses: Any VPN's primary role is to safeguard your privacy. However, aside from that, you'll find VPNs that might be optimized for specific purposes. That said, there are streaming VPNs, gaming VPNs, and torrenting VPN services.
• Subscription Price: Very few VPNs won't charge you automatically once your trial ends. So, pay attention to how much you'll be charged upon the end of your trial. If you can choose from more options, pay attention to long-term plans with heavy discounts.
• Money-Back Guarantees: 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.
• Customer Support: When something goes wrong, you'll be happy to have 24/7 live chat support waiting for your questions. That's the fastest way to resolve any technical issue so that you can return to using your VPN in no time.

For more information, turn to our VPN Buyer's Guide, featuring plenty of useful information on how to pick a VPN aligned with all your needs.

Can You Get a VPN Free Trial with No Credit Card?

Yes, it's possible to get a free VPN trial without a credit card. However, remember that most VPNs will ask for your payment information, meaning your options are limited.

If you take a closer look at our VPN trial recommendations, you'll find that there are only 3 trials that don't ask for payment information. Find more info just below.

VPN Free Trial vs. Money-Back Guarantee

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 free trials don't require your payment information. Instead, they require you to download their software or perhaps to register using your name and email. That said, those VPN trials will 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 info. 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 money-back policy.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Free Trial VPN?

The benefit of using a VPN trial with no credit card required is that it allows you to test out the provider’s services before committing to a paid plan. You’ll be able to see if you like the VPN and gauge if it’s worth the money without spending a dime.

Other benefits of using a free VPN trial with no credit card include the following:

• Unlimited Access to Premium Features - By going for a free VPN trial, you gain access to premium VPN features for a specific period, from 24 hours up to 30 days. That gives you more than plenty of time to see how the VPN works in action, which means there'll be no surprises if you decide to become a paying customer.
• Test All Your Devices & Platforms - Aside from checking individual VPN features, you can use a free trial VPN to see how it works on your devices. VPNs offer apps for computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and even routers. By using a trial, you can install your VPN on any device, ensuring there's proper support and compatibility.
• Test Geo-Unblocking Capabilities– A VPN trial with no credit card will allow you to change your virtual location so you can access restricted content that is only available in specific locations. For example, if you’re not from the US but want to watch Hulu, you can do so by connecting to a VPN server in the US.
• Avoid Financial Risk – Since you won’t have to provide any payment details while using a VPN trial without a credit card, you won’t incur any risks and can enjoy the services without worries. Even if you don’t cancel the free trial before it’s done, no money will be taken from your account since you haven’t provided any payment information.
• Avoid Data Manipulation – Free VPN trials offer excellent security and privacy as they come from premium VPNs. They’ll encrypt your Internet connection and keep hackers away, which is something that can't be said for free VPNs, which typically resort to data logging. As such, free VPN trials are a much better option.

Do VPN Free Trials Impose Restrictions on Premium Features?

In general, no. Most VPNs that offer trial accounts won't restrict your access to their premium features. So, your chosen VPN should be 100% unlocked.

The primary purpose of free VPN trials is to persuade you to become a paying customer. For that to happen, VPNs need to give you full access to all their protocols, their entire server fleets, and any other feature that sets them apart.

So, as long as your trial account is active, you should have unrestricted access to your chosen VPN, no matter which platforms you use to test it out.

Can You Trust Risk-Free VPNs' Money-Back Guarantees? Will You Get Your Refund?

In general, yes - you can trust VPNs to respect their money-back policies. That means that you'll have your money returned with no issues (if you ask on time, of course).

As mentioned above, know that you must read the fine print when subscribing to any VPN. Some of them might limit your reasons for asking for a refund.

For example, you'll get your money back if your technical issue proves to be unresolvable or if you haven't used more than a few hundred megabytes of your VPN's data traffic.

However, for the most part, VPNs do come with no-questions-asked money-back policies. That includes any reputable VPN out there. In those cases, you simply need to ask for a refund saying that you're unhappy with the service, and your money will be on its way back.

Do Free Trial VPNs Keep Logs?

No, free trial VPNs do not keep logs. Of course, that applies to those VPNs that normally don't keep any records of your online activity.

When choosing a VPN to test, make sure to pick one with a no-logs policy (here's more info on the best no-logs VPN). That way, you will be sure that your confidential information is never stored on your VPN's servers. If your chosen VPN doesn't offer that feature, that means that your data will be logged even during the trial.

What Are the Limitations of a Free Trial VPN?

In general, you'll encounter very few limitations during your VPN trial. The biggest limiting factor is that you'll get to test some VPNs on specific platforms only.

As you can see above, a few VPNs give you access to all their apps, letting you test them on Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Android. In most cases, you'll be limited to either mobile devices or desktop platforms. So, take your pick based on the platform you use primarily.

Of course, that's not a significant downside, as you'll get unlimited access to all your VPN's features, including all its protocols, server fleet, and more. You'll also get unlimited speed and bandwidth, so you get an idea of what to expect regarding performance.

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.

That said, know that you'll most 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, meaning those VPNs don't keep that data on their servers.

Can You Use a VPN Free Trial More Than Once?

In some rare cases, yes - you can use a VPN free trial multiple times. However, in most cases, that won't be possible (as there are systems to prevent that).

Free trial VPNs with no credit card needed require your email address, so they can be used multiple times. The trick is to provide a new address each time you sign up. We're sure you understand how tedious that process can be, so it's not exactly practical.

Free trials that you can activate only on iOS and Android can never run more than once. That's because they're "tied" to your Apple ID or Google Account. So, once your trial ends, there is no way to sign up once again.

Will VPNs Charge You After the Free Trial Ends?

Yes, VPNs will charge you 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 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 at least 24 hours before your trial expires.

Which VPN Free Trials Should You Avoid?

If you don't want to spend any money, you should avoid free trials that ask for your payment information. They'll always charge you once your trial ends.

In general, there are no "malicious" VPN trials designed to trick you. However, know that you must pay attention to the fine print. If your payment information is involved in any way, you will be charged at one point. Many people are not aware of that, which always ends up in an unexpected and unpleasant surprise.

If you get charged by accident, some VPNs might refuse to return your money. That's because you've had plenty of time to change your mind and cancel your subscription.

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

Here's how to cancel your free VPN trial and disable auto-renewal - if you've subscribed via a website, iPhone, or Android device:

• If You Signed Up via VPN's Website: In case you've signed up for a trial using a site, you need to use it again to access your account. There should be an option to log in, after which you'll see your account's current standing. That's where you can disable auto-renewal.
• If You Signed Up via iPhone (iOS): All your iOS subscriptions are found in a single place by going to Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions. Select the subscription you want to cancel, and then confirm your decision. Learn more on Apple's site.
• If You Signed Up via Android: To cancel your VPN subscription on Android, go to Play Store > Profile Icon > Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions. Learn more on Google's site.

Final Thoughts

Finding a good VPN free trial requires you to put some effort into your research. That's because free trial VPNs typically come with strings attached, often forcing you to pay in advance or hand over your payment information. Still, keep in mind that truly free VPN trials are rare to find today, so don't hesitate to count on money-back guarantees.

We recommend NordVPN's risk-free trial, which is an ultra-capable VPN for privacy protection, streaming, torrenting, and even gaming. It has a 7-day free trial on Android devices, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee for other devices, so it comes 100% risk-free.

This is where we end our article on the best VPN free trials. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thank you for reading!