VPN

Best VPN Trial: Try a VPN for Free

Author
Martin Gschwentner
Translation
D Bare
Last update
10. Aug 2023
Ad disclaimer: For links on this page, EXPERTE.com may earn a commission from the provider. This supports our work and has no influence on our editorial rating.

Some Internet users couldn't imagine their digital lives without a VPN. They don't only make sure you surf anonymously and safely, even on public WiFi, but they also let anyone circumvent geographic content restrictions. One of their few disadvantages is that access to the most useful VPN services requires a paid subscription.

But don't worry, a number of options are available for trying out the best services.

Top VPN Provider 2024
Sponsored
from $3.79
per month
NordVPN
from $6.67
per month
ExpressVPN
from $0.00
per month
Proton VPN
from $1.99
per month
Surfshark
show all

In our guide to the best free VPNs, we already introduced you to our favorite options for those on a budget. These are "freemium" software: You'll have access to basic features but with some limitations. These include how many servers you can connect to, the number of devices that the connection can be shared over, or how much data you're allotted per month.

For anyone that wants to take advantage of everything a VPN has to offer, there really is no way around booking a subscription. However, before committing to a service, keep in mind that some offer free trials of their full versions. Below, we'll introduce you to the best of these, sub-divided into three groups:

  • 1.

    VPNs that offer a free trial.

  • 2.

    VPNs with a money-back guarantee.

  • 3.

    VPNs with free versions.

Top 3 VPNs That Offer a Free Trial

1.

Surfshark: 7 Day Free Trial

Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN
(207,223 )
Surfshark is one of the cheapest providers on the market, but it's a lot more than a great budget option: the relatively new VPN boasts strong protection, many features, and a great support with 24/7 live chat.
3,200+ servers in 100 countries
unlimited number of devices
many apps (Linux, FireTV, ...)
cheap 24-month plan
expensive monthly plan
8.8
good
Data Volume
unlimited
Devices
unlimited
Protocols
3
Contract Period
1 - 24 months
Surfshark 24 months
$1.99
monthly price
Visit Website*
Get 83% Discount

Trial duration: 7 days
Payment method input required: Yes
Operating systems: macOS, Android, iOS

In EXPERTE.com's comprehensive assessment of VPN providers, Surfshark staked out a strong third place, owing to its variety of features, impressive speeds, and user-friendly apps. In fact, so far as speed is concerned, Surfshark was second only to the best service overall from our sample, NordVPN.

A free trial version of the provider's software is available for macOS, Android, and iOS, but not for Windows users. All subscribers can take advantage of a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

How Can I Take Advantage of Surfshark's Free Trial?

1. Download the Surfshark app in your Android, iOS, or macOS device's app store and click or tap on the "START FREE TRIAL" button.

It only takes a few steps to start Surfshark's free trial, however, you will have to input a payment method.

2. Create a Surfshark account with an email address and password.

3. Input a payment method and sign up for a subscription.

You'll only be charged after the 7-day trial period finishes. We recommend canceling the subscription as soon as possible so that you won't be charged.

  • Lots of features, including split tunneling

  • Top speeds

  • 30-day, money-back guarantee

  • No free trial version for Windows users

Review
8.8
good
Visit Website*
Check Review
Performance
10 / 10
Bedienung & Features
9.4 / 10
Support
8.6 / 10
Security & Privacy
8.0 / 10
Server Network
8.0 / 10
2.

HideMyAss: 7 Day Free Trial

HideMyAss! VPN
HideMyAss! VPN
(86,656 )
HideMyAss' main claim to fame is its impressive server infrastructure, but the VPN also delivers solid speeds and handy features like its IP Randomizer. When it comes to streaming, however, it's not always the most reliable choice.
290 locations in 210 countries
IP Randomizer
strong performance
support with live chat
unreliable for streaming
8.6
good
Data Volume
unlimited
Devices
5
Protocols
1
Contract Period
12 - 36 months
HideMyAss! 36 months
$2.99
monthly price
Visit Website*
30 days money-back guarantee

Duration: 7 days
Payment method input required: Yes
Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

HideMyAss impressed us with its unparalleled server infrastructure. The provider cut a very fine figure in our speed test and offers a number of interesting features like automatic IP changing.

We did deduct some points for its dated user interface and video streaming shortcomings (we couldn't access foreign Netflix or Amazon Prime Video content).

How Can I Take Advantage of HideMyAss's Free Trial?

Starting a free trial of HideMyAss is fairly simple since you'll find "Free Trial" buttons almost everywhere on its website*.

1. Click on a "Free Trial" button on HMA's website.

2. Input your payment details in the form.

You can test out the full version of HideMyAss for seven days.

3. Download HideMyAss and make a mental note to cancel your subscription before the seven-day period has elapsed, otherwise, your account will be charged.

  • High speeds

  • Huge server infrastructure, even in less common regions

  • Automatic IP changing

  • Apps look somewhat dated

  • Only partly suitable for streaming

Review
8.6
good
Visit Website*
Check Review
Server Network
10 / 10
Security & Privacy
8.6 / 10
Support
8.6 / 10
Bedienung & Features
8.0 / 10
Performance
8.0 / 10
3.

CyberGhost: Free 24 Hour Trial

CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN
(219,165 )
CyberGhost offers a lot of bang for the buck, especially in the 2-year plan. It has lots of features, even more servers, and quick support including live chat. We had occasional performance issues, however.
8,000+ servers
affordable prices
7 simultaneous connections
fast support with live chat
7.8
good
Data Volume
unlimited
Devices
7
Protocols
7
Contract Period
1 - 24 months
CyberGhost 2 Years
$2.37
monthly price
Visit Website*
45 days money-back guarantee

Duration: 24 hours
Payment method input required: No
Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

When it comes to trial length, CyberGhost isn't as generous as the two other services we've outlined above, as you'll only get 24 hours with it. Still, CyberGhost doesn't require you to supply any payment information to start the trial, so there's no risk of inadvertently being charged.

Beyond that, we also liked CyberGhost for its top-of-the-line server network, user-friendly applications, and solid support. CyberGhost's parent company (Kape Technologies) does cause a bit of concern though. In the past, it had a bad reputation as a malware smuggler, and now, as the owner of several VPN services, it also operates a few 'objective' VPN reviewing websites.

How Can I Take Advantage of CyberGhost's Free Trial?

Since starting CyberGhost's free trial doesn't require any payment details, it's even easier to set up than the other two services above.

1. Click on the "Start your free trial" button on CyberGhost's website* and download the installation file.

To give CyberGhost a try, you won't need to input any payment information.

2. Install CyberGhost on your device.

3. The trial ends automatically after 24 hours. Since you aren't asked for any payment information, you don't have to worry about cancelling before the trial expires.

  • User-friendly apps

  • Large network

  • Good support

  • Dubious parent company

  • Occasional instability

Review
7.8
good
Visit Website*
Check Review
Server Network
9.4 / 10
Bedienung & Features
8.6 / 10
Support
8.6 / 10
Performance
6.6 / 10
Security & Privacy
6.0 / 10

Top 3 VPNs With a Money-Back Guarantee

1.

NordVPN: 30 Day Money-Back-Guarantee

Best Overall 2024
NordVPN
NordVPN
(877,857 )
NordVPN is our number one VPN because it combines speed, ease-of-use, and functionality in a slick package that's also pretty affordable.
5,500+ servers, 60 countries
excellent performance
no logs
6 devices simultaneously
affordable 2-year package
9.4
excellent
Data Volume
unlimited
Devices
6
Protocols
5
Contract Period
1 - 24 months
NordVPN 2-year plan
$3.79
monthly price
Visit Website*
30 days money-back guarantee

Validity: 30 days

NordVPN secured the coveted top spot in our comprehensive VPN assessment, combining performance, user-friendliness, features, and price in an unbeatable package. One of the few problems with the service is that you'll need to purchase a subscription to use it. All the same, you'll have 30 days to request a full refund, giving everyone a month-long free trial.

How Can I Get My Money Back From NordVPN?

1. Start a NordVPN subscription through its website*.

2. Pay attention that your contract isn't automatically extended. To do this, log in to your NordVPN dashboard and click on the "Billing" area. Then, go to the "Subscriptions" tab, and click on "Disable Auto-Renewal". Your subscription status should then show "Cancelled".

You can disable auto-renewal of your NordVPN subscription in the platform's app.

3. To request a refund, you'll need to contact NordVPN's customer service within 30 days of starting your subscription. You can get in touch with them either via live chat or the contact form in NordVPN's support area. If using live chat, say that you'd like to cancel your subscription and claim your refund.

For the contact form, send something like: "Hi there, I would like to request a refund for my NordVPN subscription, made on the Xth of X, 2023 via the following email address "johnsmith@website.com."

4. You should receive the refund to the account you paid from within a few business days.

  • Elegant, map-based app

  • Excellent performance

  • Tons of features, including split tunneling, server categories, and CyberSec

  • Server network could cover more countries

2.

ExpressVPN: 30 Day Money-Back-Guarantee

ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
(736,465 )
ExpressVPN can impress with a strong performance, a huge server network, and excellently designed applications, but this quality also comes at a higher price.
3,000+ servers
160 cities in 94 countries
reliable performance
good for streaming
secure browser extensions
9.4
excellent
Data Volume
unlimited
Devices
5
Protocols
7
Contract Period
1 - 12 months
ExpressVPN 12 Months
$6.67
monthly price
Visit Website*
30 days money-back guarantee

Validity: 30 days

ExpressVPN, which came in second in our VPN assessment, also offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee. This means that you can take the popular VPN service, which offers high speeds, a huge server network, and user-friendly apps, for a free month-long tour. This is good because ExpressVPN is considerably pricier than most of the other services from our sample.

How Can I Get My Money Back From ExpressVPN?

1. Book an ExpressVPN subscription through their website*.

2. Log in to your ExpressVPN account and deactivate automatic subscription renewal. To do this, click on "Dashboard", then "Automatic Renewal Settings", and finally "Turn off automatic renewal".

To avoid any nasty surprises, we recommend immediately turning off automatic subscription renewal.

3. Make sure that you contact ExpressVPN's support team within 30 days to claim= your refund. As with NordVPN, you can cancel via live chat or email. For the latter, we suggest a message like this: "Hello, I would like to request a refund for my ExpressVPN subscription, made on the Xth of X, 2023 via the following email address, johnsmith@website.com."

4. You should receive the refund within a few working days to the account you purchased the subscription from.

  • Top-performing

  • Straightforward app

  • Huge server network

  • Expensive

  • Offers few extras

Review
9.4
excellent
Visit Website*
Check Review
Performance
10 / 10
Security & Privacy
9.4 / 10
Server Network
9.4 / 10
Support
9.4 / 10
Bedienung & Features
8.6 / 10
3.

Private Internet Access: 30 Day Money-Back-Guarantee

Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access
(99,300 )
Besides its huge server network and its audit-proofed 'no logs policy', Private Internet Access sets itself apart from the competition with its module-based app that can be adjusted to each users' habits.
34,000+ servers in 84 countries
customizable VPN client
wide range of features
independent audit 2022
performance could be better
8.2
good
Data Volume
unlimited
Devices
10
Protocols
2
Contract Period
1 - 36 months
Private Internet Access 3 Years
$2.19
monthly price
Visit Website*

Validity: 30 days

What we liked most about Private Internet Access was its unique VPN app, which combines plenty of features and user-friendliness, with the ability to customize the modules displayed in the dashboard. Unfortunately, the platform's performance wasn't up to the same level as that of the leading providers in our sample. Like CyberGhost, Private Internet Access is also owned by the dubious Kape Technologies.

How Can I Get My Money Back From Private Internet Access?

1. Start a Private Internet Access subscription through their website*.

2. Log in to your Private Internet Access account and deactivate automatic subscription renewal. To do this, click on Subscription Overview and then on the three dots next to the "Subscription" heading.

It's a good idea to turn off automatic subscription renewal in the Private Internet Access app.

3. In the next step, provide a reason for your cancellation and click on "Continue" (to the left).

4. Reach out to Private Internet Access support to request a refund. The provider doesn't have a live chat, so you'll need to make your intentions known using the contact form. Simply send a message like this: "Hello, I would like to request a refund for my Private Internet Access subscription, made on the Xth of X, 2022 via the following email address, johnsmith@website.com."

5. You should receive the refund within a few working days to the account you purchased the subscription with.

Private Internet Access does its best to keep you subscribed, but you'll be free and clear after a few clicks.

  • Module-based, customizable apps

  • Nice balance of user-friendliness and features

  • Large network of more than 34,000 servers

  • Disappointing speed test performance

  • Dubious parent company

Review
8.2
good
Visit Website*
Check Review
Bedienung & Features
10 / 10
Server Network
9.4 / 10
Support
8.0 / 10
Performance
7.4 / 10
Security & Privacy
6.0 / 10

Top 3 Free VPNs

1.

ProtonVPN

Proton VPN
Proton VPN
(144,686 )
With its open source philosophy and extra security features, Proton VPN targets security-conscious VPN users. But thanks to its user-friendly interface and suitability for streaming, it's worth a look for a wide audience.
open source & external audits
2,900+ servers in 67 countries
great performance
free plan without data limit
not suitable for China
9.1
excellent
Data Volume
unlimited
Devices
1 - 10
Protocols
3
Contract Period
0 - 24 months
Proton VPN Free
$0.00
monthly price
Visit Website*
Free forever

Data limit: No
Speed limit: No
Server locations: 3
Video streaming: No
Devices: 1

ProtonVPN offers the best free VPN from our sample since it doesn't have any data or speed limits, which are usually two of the biggest issues with free versions. You'll only be able to connect to servers in three countries with one device, and you'll have to make do without video streaming from platforms like Netflix. Still, at the end of the day, you get a lot for a free VPN.

Review
9.1
excellent
Visit Website*
Check Review
Performance
10 / 10
Security & Privacy
10 / 10
Bedienung & Features
10 / 10
Server Network
8.0 / 10
Support
7.4 / 10
  • No data limits

  • No speed caps

  • Intuititive application with plenty of features

  • No video streaming

  • Only three server locations

  • Possible to only connect one device

2.

hide.me

hide.me VPN
hide.me VPN
(31,514 )
Hide.me secures its place in our top 10 with good to very good grades in all test categories. The app is filled to the brim with handy features, the performance is solid, and with 10 GB of data per month, the free tier is also worth a look.
78 locations in 49+ countries
many features, incl. split tunneling
free plan with 10 GB monthly
anonymous payment
no recent audit
8.4
good
Data Volume
10 - ∞
Devices
1 - 10
Protocols
7
Contract Period
0 - 36 months
hide.me Free
$0.00
monthly price
Visit Website*
Free forever

Data limit: 10 GB/month
Speed limit: No
Server locations: 5
Video streaming: No
Devices: 1

You won't be able to enjoy unlimited surfing with the free version of hide.me, however, 10 GB per month is still quite a bit, and your speed isn't throttled. With five different server locations, you'll have two more than with ProtonVPN, but won't be able to establish multiple, parallel connections.

  • Registration not required

  • No speed limits

  • 10 GB of data per month

  • Doesn't support video streaming

  • Only possible to create one connection

Review
8.4
good
Visit Website*
Check Review
Bedienung & Features
10 / 10
Support
8.6 / 10
Server Network
8.0 / 10
Performance
8.0 / 10
Security & Privacy
7.4 / 10
3.

Windscribe

Windscribe VPN
Windscribe VPN
(160,845 )
With its flexible pricing and a generous free plan, Windscribe is a solid option for budget-minded VPN users. It also has a nice, lean app with lots of features – but sadly, its performance can't keep up.
lots of features
free plan with 10 GB limit
unlimited devices
weaker performance
smaller server network
7.8
good
Data Volume
10 - ∞
Devices
unlimited
Protocols
2
Contract Period
0 - 12 months
Windscribe Free
$0.00
monthly price
Visit Website*
Download for free

Data limit: 10 GB/month
Speed limit: No
Server locations: 10
Video streaming: No
Devices: Unlimited

Windscribe also gives users of its free version 10 GB of data per month so long as they supply their email address when registering. If you don't want to do this, you'll only get 2 GB. The outstanding feature of the VPN is that you can use it on multiple devices simultaneously. Like the other two free services we picked above, there are no speed caps.

  • 10 GB of data per month

  • 10 server locations to choose from

  • Intuitive app with plenty of features

  • Only 2 GB of data if you don't want to supply an email address

  • No video streaming

Review
7.8
good
Visit Website*
Check Review
Bedienung & Features
9.4 / 10
Support
8.0 / 10
Performance
8.0 / 10
Server Network
7.4 / 10
Security & Privacy
6.0 / 10

Conclusion

If you want to try out a VPN for free, you have three options: Some VPN providers offer free trial versions of their premium solutions. For most (Surfshark and HideMyAss), but not all of these (CyberGhost), you'll need to supply payment information. The good news is that your account will only be charged after the free trial expires (usually, this is seven days).

Other platforms (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access) offer a money-back guarantee for a specific period of time (usually 30 days) following the start of a premium subscription.

The third option is free versions of premium software (ProtonVPN, hide.me, Windscribe), that come with certain limitations, like the monthly amount of data, number of server locations, or ability to stream video content. It's also common for these to have reduced features compared to their 'full' versions.

Should you be interested in learning more about any of the providers we've referred to here, you can consult our extensive reviews of 27 VPN services.

Top VPN Provider 2024
Sponsored
from $3.79
per month
NordVPN
from $6.67
per month
ExpressVPN
from $0.00
per month
Proton VPN
from $1.99
per month
Surfshark
show all
Author (German Version): Martin Gschwentner
Martin Gschwentner majored in American Studies and Media Studies in Germany, the USA and France and works as a freelance editor in Paris. He is a doctoral student at the Institute for English and American Studies at the University of Paris Diderot, where he is researching the influence of money on US politics. On EXPERTE.com he writes about IT security, data protection and software for the self-employed and small businesses.
Translation: D Bare
* Ad disclaimer: For links marked with an asterisk, EXPERTE.com may earn a commission from the provider. The commission has no influence on our editorial rating.
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Best Overall 2024
Sponsored
NordVPN
5,500+ servers, 60 countries
excellent performance
no logs
6 devices simultaneously
affordable 2-year package
9.4
Review
excellent
Try NordVPN now
30 days money-back guarantee