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A VPN is generally used for security, privacy and access to restricted content. Why would someone opt for a free VPN? Well, there are several reasons, and we will discuss some of them in this guide.
You can enjoy many benefits by using the free version of a VPN; however, the best VPNs are usually the paid version since they provide complete protection. Some advantages of using a free VPN are basic privacy and security, cost savings and wifi protection in public areas.
Considering the limitations and drawbacks of using a free VPN is essential. Some providers sell your information to third-party organisations to generate revenue, jeopardising your security. Free VPNs also have certain limitations, such as slower speeds, data caps and connection interruptions. Additionally, there may be some privacy concerns because not all free VPN services provide strong encryption.
Despite the drawbacks, there are a few benefits of using a free VPN, and you can even create your own VPN in Windows and the cloud. In this article, we will discuss how to set up a native VPN for free, as well as how to download a VPN and set it up on different devices at work or at home.
There are many ways to use a VPN for free. You can either use a free VPN service or set up your own VPN.
If you would like to set up a free VPN yourself, you can install it on a Windows or macOS virtual machine in the cloud or set it up on Windows 10 or 11 by using the built-in Windows tool to create your own VPN.
Windows uses the Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP), which is not entirely safe and can put your security at risk. However, if you are still interested in setting up your own VPN on a Windows device, you can follow the steps below to complete this task.
The steps for setting up the VPN for Windows 11 and 10 are similar:
Remember that most routers support PPTP protocol, but you can try different protocols to see if they work.
PPTP protocol is not very safe, as it’s almost 30 years old. PPTP protocol can be hacked by cybercriminals relatively easily. It’s best if you opt for a safer solution, such as our best overall provider, NordVPN, which offers some of the most advanced and best-in-market VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and the WireGuard-based NordLynx.
Creating your own VPN server on macOS is no longer possible because Apple has discontinued this feature. One way around this is to create a VPN in the cloud, which we’ll cover later.
However, you can follow the guidelines below to set up a free VPN service manually on macOS.
Additional settings:
Below is the step-by-step process for setting up your own VPN for free in the cloud. As mentioned earlier, this is one way to create your own VPN for macOS since you can no longer do so natively.
This will open a terminal window, for which there are some specific steps you must follow:
To test your cloud-hosted VPN, you’ll first need to install OpenVPN on your device. Then, follow this step-by-step guide:
Here is the guide for Windows and macOS:
Setting up your own VPN has many advantages, but it also comes with some drawbacks. The following are a few common disadvantages of using your own VPN or a free version:
Need for expert technical skills: Setting up your own VPN requires specialised information and an understanding of IT concepts. It involves arranging servers, installing and maintaining VPN software, overseeing security concerns and troubleshooting potential issues.
Upkeep and upgrades: Operating your own VPN requires customer support and upgrades to guarantee long-term security. This can be time-consuming and requires a lot of attention.
Restricted server locations: When setting up your own VPN, the server areas will be restricted to the physical or virtual servers you set up. It could limit your ability to bypass geographical restrictions or access content particular to specific locations.
Network steadiness and speed: The robustness and speed of your VPN depend on the quality of your network. If you do not have a secure and dependable network, it may result in slower speeds, increased latency, or network issues.
Support and reliability: After you create your own VPN, you become responsible for its upkeep, troubleshooting and support.
You can easily download paid VPN services, which are convenient, safe and easy to install. Here are instructions for installing a paid VPN:
Our researchers recommend using a paid VPN service because it offers several advantages you miss out on by creating a free VPN on your own. These advantages include:
Upgraded security: Paid VPN services generally offer grounded encryption protocols and more secure VPN tunnelling strategies, guaranteeing your online activity and information stay private.
Robust performance: Paid VPNs often have a more extensive network, with servers in different nations and districts. This allows for quicker connection speeds and improved stability, as well as greater geo-unblocking capabilities.
Extra features: Paid-for, and even the best cheap, VPNs frequently have additional benefits and functionalities, such as ad blocking, malware detection, split tunnelling and multi-device compatibility.
Protection and logging policies: Legitimate paid VPN suppliers have clear security policies and verified no-log approaches, meaning they don’t store or track your online activities.
Committed client support: Paid VPN services provide dedicated customer support, allowing you to seek help whenever you experience issues or have questions about the service.
Here is an example of the features provided by a paid VPN subscription:
All these features are standard among the top-rated VPN service providers, so you can choose whichever you like.