Is there a free alternative to PrivateVPN?

Yes — Surfshark, Hide.me, TunnelBear offer free tiers or trials suitable for small teams and individuals.

Last updated: July 30, 2026

Best Free PrivateVPN Alternatives — 12 Tools Compared in 2026

Q: What are the best alternatives to PrivateVPN?

The top-rated alternatives to PrivateVPN are Hide.me, IPVanish VPN, Hotspot Shield. Compare all 12 alternatives at https://www.spotsaas.com/list/privatevpn-free-alternative.

Explore 12 alternatives to PrivateVPN — vetted by our editors with real user reviews, pricing, and feature comparisons.

12 top free PrivateVPN alternatives, compared

Quick answer

The PrivateVPN alternatives worth knowing first are Surfshark, Hide.me and TunnelBear. Surfshark earns the top SpotScore (9.4) and a 4.3★ rating. See how all 12 stack up on score, rating, and price below.

Whether it's the bill, a missing capability, or the day-to-day friction, plenty of teams leave PrivateVPN. These 12 vpn software free alternatives are where they tend to land. We order them by SpotScore (real-user satisfaction and market presence), star ratings, and pricing. Editors vet each one. Skim the table, then read on for detail.

Product	SpotScore	Rating	Pricing	Best for
SurfsharkSecure your online privacy with Surfshark VPN.	9.4	★★★★☆ 4.3(12920)	Freefrom $2.21/mo	teams of all sizes
Hide.meSurf the web without fear, with Hide.me.	9.4	★★★★★ 4.92(600)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	small & mid-size businesses
TunnelBearBrowse the web safely and anonymously.	9.4	★★★★☆ 3.63(141)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	teams of all sizes
WindscribeProtect your online privacy with Windscribe VPN.	9.2	★★★★★ 4.5(90)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	teams of all sizes
ProtonVPNProtect your online privacy and security with ProtonVPN.	9.2	★★★★☆ 4.3(50)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	teams of all sizes
Hotspot ShieldSecurely access the internet without limitations.	9.2	★★★★★ 4.71(489)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	teams of all sizes
IPVanish VPNSecure your digital world with IPVanish.	9.2	★★★★★ 4.83(2495)	FreeFree Trial · Subscription	teams of all sizes
OpenVPNSecurely connect and access networks with confidence.	9.2	★★★★☆ 4.4(150)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	teams of all sizes
Namecheap VPNSurf the web with complete anonymity and security.	9.1	★★★★☆ 3.8(3172)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	teams of all sizes
ZenMateUnleash the power of secure browsing.	9.1	★★★★☆ 4.3(34)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	small businesses
PrivadoVPNSecure your online world with PrivadoVPN.	9	★★☆☆☆ 1.54(35)	FreeFreemium · Subscription	small & mid-size businesses
IVPNSecure your online presence with unbeatable encryption.	9	★★★★☆ 4.12(24)	FreeFree Trial · Subscription	small & mid-size businesses

9.4

SpotScore

Surfshark

Secure your online privacy with Surfshark VPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.3

12920 verified reviews

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What is Surfshark?

Surfshark VPN is easy to use VPN software that estalyzes, encrypts and secures your internet connection on public WiFi hotspots while keeping your mobile activities anonymous and private from any other users sharing the same network. Surfshark VPN maintains complete online privacy and freedom ...

Hide.me

Surf the web without fear, with Hide.me.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Try for Free

4.9

600 verified reviews

Add to compare

Watch Demo

What is Hide.me?

Hide.me is a secure, no-logs VPN service built for privacy-conscious individuals, small teams, remote workers, and digital professionals who prioritize secure internet access. It offers fast and anonymous browsing, data encryption, and IP masking to keep your online activities private, whether ...

TunnelBear

Browse the web safely and anonymously.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

3.6

141 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is TunnelBear?

TunnelBear is a consumer VPN for individuals who want to protect their browsing on public Wi-Fi or access geo-restricted content without navigating complex network settings. Its bear-themed interface and one-click connection make it one of the most approachable options for users new to VPNs. A ...

Windscribe

Protect your online privacy with Windscribe VPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

4.5

90 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is Windscribe?

WindScribe is a free VPN service that makes you private, anonymous and secure online, secures your Internet connection, protects you from trackers and malware sites, allows you bypass filters and firewalls and even allows for torrenting. WindScribe uses our own safe and secure VPN network (the ...

ProtonVPN

Protect your online privacy and security with ProtonVPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

4.3

50 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is the world's most advanced VPN software. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is designed for users who wish to maintain their online privacy and security without sacrificing performance. Users can connect to the secure VPN servers of ProtonVPN while simultaneously enjoying full internet ...

Hotspot Shield

Securely access the internet without limitations.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

4.7

489 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is Hotspot Shield?

Hotspot Shield is a VPN service popular with frequent travelers and streaming enthusiasts who need to reliably unblock geo-restricted content and secure public Wi-Fi connections across multiple devices. Its large server network and straightforward app make it easy to switch regions for ...

IPVanish VPN

Secure your digital world with IPVanish.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.8

2495 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is IPVanish VPN?

IPVanish is a fast and secure VPN network that enables you to bypass all geo-restrictions on websites, apps, and services. It hides your location data when online, prevents hackers from stealing passwords and banking information, secures public Wi-Fi connections to prevent eavesdropping and ...

OpenVPN

Securely connect and access networks with confidence.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

4.4

150 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It uses a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for ...

Namecheap VPN

Surf the web with complete anonymity and security.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

3.8

3172 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is Namecheap VPN?

Namecheap VPN is a powerful tool for protecting your Internet anonymity, unblocking websites, and accessing content that is restricted to specific countries. In addition to providing you with the ability to surf the web as an anonymous user, Namecheap VPN will also protect you from hackers on ...

ZenMate

Unleash the power of secure browsing.

Best for: SMB teams

Try for Free

4.3

34 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is ZenMate?

ZenMate is the best way to protect yourself while browsing the web and to access blocked content. It secures your connection through an encrypted tunnel, which prevents malicious hosts or Internet Service Provider from gaining access to your device or information. ZenMate protects you from ...

PrivadoVPN

Secure your online world with PrivadoVPN.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Try for Free

1.5

35 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is PrivadoVPN?

Privado is a free VPN software that protects you online. It encrypts all your Internet connection and route your PC internet traffic through our secure server. Privado hides your personal IP address and location, as well as provides you security and privacy when you're connected to Internet in ...

IVPN

Secure your online presence with unbeatable encryption.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Start Free Trial

4.1

24 verified reviews

Add to compare

What is IVPN?

With IVPN software, you can use your personal or business VPN to connect to any location in the world. Just pick a country, and IVPN will automatically connect you to the best VPN server available there. What's more, it secures your connection with cryptography so strong that not even ...

Why these tools made our shortlist

Surfshark9.4Best for teams of all sizes

Responsive and professional customer support team consistently resolves issues promptly and efficiently.

Watch for: Initial setup or installation issues can occur, especially with antivirus or VPN configurations.

Hide.me9.4Best for small & mid-size businesses

Consistently fast and reliable connection speeds, even for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.

Watch for: The free version has limited features and may not suit advanced needs.

TunnelBear9.4Best for teams of all sizes

User-friendly interface

Watch for: Limited free version

Windscribe9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Interface is accessible to beginners.

Watch for: Free tier's 10GB monthly data cap is insufficient for heavy users.

ProtonVPN9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Offers top-notch security features, including military-grade AES-256 encryption and reliable protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, ensuring user privacy and safety.

Watch for: Fewer server locations compared to competitors, limiting connection versatility, especially in some regions like Latin America.

Hotspot Shield9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Connections are fast, stable, and reliable.

Watch for: Occasional connectivity issues, including difficulty connecting or unexpected disconnections.

IPVanish VPN9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Reliable and consistent service with minimal downtime, ensuring a secure and smooth user experience.

Watch for: Limited advanced features for more tech-savvy users who expect deeper customizations or integrations.

OpenVPN9.2Best for teams of all sizes

Open-source software

Watch for: Complex setup for beginners

Namecheap VPN9.1Best for teams of all sizes

Exceptional and accessible 24/7 customer support, consistently resolving issues promptly and professionally.

Watch for: Initial learning curve for beginners during domain transfer or complex setups, requiring guided assistance.

ZenMate9.1Best for small businesses

Provides secure browsing and privacy protection, minimizing risks of location tracking and data breaches.

Watch for: IP switching may display incorrect or unintended regions, complicating language settings and usage.

PrivadoVPN9Best for small & mid-size businesses

Less expensive compared to competitors and offers affordability for budget-conscious users.

Watch for: Inaccurate geo-location services and unreliable server connections, causing issues like access to incorrect regional content and slow browsing speeds.

IVPN9Best for small & mid-size businesses

High-level security and encryption, protecting user data, and ensuring privacy during online activities.

Watch for: Expensive pricing compared to competitors, making it less accessible for budget-conscious users.

Why teams look for a PrivateVPN alternative

Most teams that replace PrivateVPN do it to get past issues like these:

Limited server locations
May slow down internet speed
Not suitable for heavy streaming
No free trial available

What to weigh when comparing PrivateVPN alternatives

Here's how these 12 vpn software free alternatives stack up on the numbers: 12 offer a free tier; paid plans run $2.21, with Surfshark the cheapest entry point; and Hide.me is the highest rated at 4.92★ across 600 reviews.

How the list is built.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.

What are the best alternatives to PrivateVPN?

The top-rated alternatives to PrivateVPN are Hide.me (4.9★), IPVanish VPN (4.8★), Hotspot Shield (4.7★). Compare all 12 alternatives side-by-side above.

What features should I look for in a VPN Software alternative?

When evaluating alternatives to PrivateVPN, prioritize: Peer-to-Peer, Multi-Protocol, Multi-language Browsing, Kill Switch, DNS Leak Protection, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with your existing tools. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.

How does PrivateVPN pricing compare to its alternatives?

PrivateVPN starts from $2.50 /Month. Many alternatives offer similar functionality at different price points — some with free tiers, others with more flexible per-seat pricing. Use the filters above to narrow by budget.

How difficult is it to migrate from PrivateVPN to an alternative?

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply PrivateVPN is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend shortlisting 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.

Which PrivateVPN alternative is right for you?

On a budget / just exploring: start with a free tier — Surfshark, Hide.me and TunnelBear let you evaluate without paying upfront.
If real-user ratings matter most: Hide.me has the strongest star rating (4.92★) among the options with verified reviews.
Want the safest pick: Surfshark has the highest Spotsaas Score (9.4) in this list — a strong default if you're unsure.

Replacing PrivateVPN: how to switch

Migrating from PrivateVPN works best in stages. Export your data, confirm the new tool accepts it, and check that your essential workflows hold up. Try a short pilot before rolling out, and leave PrivateVPN running until you're confident. Most picks above offer free testing.

Compare top products

Namecheap VPN

ZenMate

Hide.me

TunnelBear

ProtonVPN

ZenMate

Surfshark

Hotspot Shield

Windscribe

IVPN

TunnelBear

PrivadoVPN

Surfshark

ProtonVPN

Hotspot Shield

OpenVPN

ProtonVPN

PrivadoVPN

About the reviewer

Rajat Gupta

Rajat Gupta is the founder of Spotsaas. Over the past two years, he has reviewed 2,000+ tools across CRM, HR, AI, and finance — applying hands-on product research and a background in commerce and the CFA program to evaluate software through a business and ROI lens. His goal: help teams make software decisions they won't regret.

Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

Best Free PrivateVPN Alternatives — 12 Tools Compared in 2026

12 top free PrivateVPN alternatives, compared

Surfshark

Secure your online privacy with Surfshark VPN.

Hide.me

Surf the web without fear, with Hide.me.

TunnelBear

Browse the web safely and anonymously.

Windscribe

Protect your online privacy with Windscribe VPN.

ProtonVPN

Protect your online privacy and security with ProtonVPN.

Hotspot Shield

Securely access the internet without limitations.

IPVanish VPN

Secure your digital world with IPVanish.

OpenVPN

Securely connect and access networks with confidence.

Namecheap VPN

Surf the web with complete anonymity and security.

ZenMate

Unleash the power of secure browsing.

PrivadoVPN

Secure your online world with PrivadoVPN.

IVPN

Secure your online presence with unbeatable encryption.

Why these tools made our shortlist

Why teams look for a PrivateVPN alternative

What to weigh when comparing PrivateVPN alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which PrivateVPN alternative is right for you?

Replacing PrivateVPN: how to switch

Compare top products

Namecheap VPN

ZenMate

Hide.me

TunnelBear

ProtonVPN

ZenMate

Surfshark

Hotspot Shield

Windscribe

IVPN

TunnelBear

PrivadoVPN

Surfshark

ProtonVPN

Hotspot Shield

OpenVPN

ProtonVPN

PrivadoVPN

Research Popular Software and Services

About the reviewer

Compare top products

Namecheap VPN

ZenMate

Hide.me

TunnelBear

ProtonVPN

ZenMate

Surfshark

Hotspot Shield

Windscribe

IVPN

TunnelBear

PrivadoVPN

Surfshark

ProtonVPN

Hotspot Shield

OpenVPN

ProtonVPN

PrivadoVPN

Research Popular Software and Services

About the reviewer