5 Best Free VPNs to Change Location on PC | 2024 Update

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that allows you to connect to the internet securely and privately. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server located in a different country or region, making it appear as if you are browsing from that location. A VPN is a great tool for changing your location on your PC, and it can be especially useful for accessing geo-restricted websites or services that are not available in your country. If you want to have the same freedom and security on your mobile device, you can check this list for free VPNs available for Android devices.

Why Use a Free VPN?

There are many VPN services available on the market, but some of them can be quite expensive. You may be wondering why you should use a free VPN instead of a paid one. There are several reasons why a free VPN may be a better option for you:

• Cheaper: Obviously, the biggest advantage of a free VPN is that it doesn't cost anything. If you're on a tight budget, a free VPN can be a lifesaver.
• No Commitment: With a free VPN, you can try out different services without making a commitment. If you don't like a particular VPN, you can simply uninstall it and try another one.
• Security: While some free VPNs may not be as secure as paid ones, many of them still offer decent security features like encryption and no-logging policies.

Top 5 Free VPNs to Change Location on PC

Now that we've established why you might want to use a free VPN, let's take a look at some of the best options out there. Here are our top 5 picks:

1. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a free version as well as a paid version with more features. The free version of ProtonVPN is limited in terms of server locations and connection speeds, but it still offers solid security features like AES-256 encryption and a no-logging policy. ProtonVPN also has a user-friendly interface and is easy to set up on your PC.

If you're looking for a free VPN that offers decent security features and a user-friendly interface, ProtonVPN is a great option.

2. Windscribe

Windscribe is another popular VPN service that offers a free version with limited features. The free version of Windscribe allows you to connect to servers in 10 different countries and offers 10GB of data per month. Windscribe also offers strong encryption and a no-logging policy.

If you're looking for a free VPN with a decent amount of data and server locations, Windscribe is a great option.

3. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a well-known VPN service that offers a free version as well as a premium version with more features. The free version of Hotspot Shield is ad-supported and only allows you to connect to servers in the United States. However, it still offers solid security features like AES-256 encryption and a no-logging policy.

If you're looking for a free VPN that is easy to use and offers decent security features, Hotspot Shield is a good choice.

4. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a popular VPN service that offers a free version with limited features. The free version of TunnelBear allows you to connect to servers in 23 different countries and offers 500MB of data per month. TunnelBear also offers strong encryption and a no-logging policy.

If you're looking for a free VPN with a decent amount of data and server locations, TunnelBear is a good choice.

5. Hide.me

Hide.me is a VPN service that offers a free version as well as a premium version with more features. The free version of Hide.me allows you to connect to servers in 5 different countries and offers 2GB of data per month. Hide.me also offers strong encryption and a no-logging policy.

If you're looking for a free VPN with a decent amount of data and server locations, Hide.me is a good choice.

Important Features to Look for in a Free VPN

When choosing a free VPN, there are several important features to look for to ensure that you get the best possible experience. Here are some of the key features to consider:

Server Locations

The number of server locations that a VPN offers is an important consideration. The more server locations a VPN has, the more options you will have for changing your location on your PC. Some free VPNs offer only a few server locations, while others offer dozens or even hundreds.

Connection Speeds

The speed of your internet connection can be affected by the VPN you choose. Some free VPNs may slow down your connection, while others may not have any noticeable impact on your speeds. It's important to choose a VPN that offers good connection speeds so that you can browse the internet and stream videos without any buffering or lag.

Data Limits

Many free VPNs limit the amount of data you can use each month. Some offer only a few hundred megabytes, while others offer several gigabytes. If you plan to use your VPN frequently, it's important to choose one that offers a sufficient amount of data so that you don't run out before the end of the month.

Security Features

Security is one of the most important considerations when choosing a VPN. Look for a VPN that offers strong encryption, a no-logging policy, and other security features like a kill switch that can protect your data if your VPN connection is lost.

User Interface

The user interface of a VPN can make a big difference in how easy it is to use. Look for a VPN that has a user-friendly interface and is easy to set up on your PC. You should be able to connect to a server with just a few clicks, and the VPN should be easy to customize to your preferences.

Other Considerations

While the features listed above are some of the most important considerations when choosing a free VPN, there are also a few other factors to keep in mind. These include:

Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free

Some free VPNs are ad-supported, which means that they display ads to help cover their costs. Others are ad-free, but may offer fewer features or server locations. Consider whether you're willing to put up with ads in order to use a free VPN, or if you'd prefer to pay for a premium VPN that doesn't display ads.

Compatibility

Make sure that the VPN you choose is compatible with your PC's operating system. Some VPNs only work with Windows, while others also work with Mac or Linux. It's important to choose a VPN that will work with your PC so that you can get the most out of it.

The Risks of Using a Free VPN

Using a free VPN service comes with several risks and limitations:

1. Limited Security and Privacy: Free VPNs often lack advanced security features and robust encryption protocols. This can leave your online activities vulnerable to surveillance, data breaches, or hacking attempts. Some free VPNs may even log and sell your data to third parties for advertising purposes, compromising your privacy.

2. Advertisements and Malware: Free VPNs often generate revenue by displaying advertisements or injecting ads into your browsing experience. These ads can be intrusive and negatively impact your online experience. Moreover, some free VPNs may contain malware or tracking software that can compromise your device's security.

3. Bandwidth and Speed Restrictions: Free VPN services typically impose limitations on bandwidth usage and connection speeds. You may experience frequent slowdowns, buffering, or limitations on the amount of data you can transfer. This can be particularly frustrating when streaming videos or engaging in other data-intensive activities.

4. Limited Server Options and Geo-Restrictions: Free VPNs usually offer a limited number of servers and may not have diverse global locations. This can limit your ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions. Additionally, free VPNs may prioritize their paid users, leading to overcrowded servers and diminished performance.

5. Data Collection and Selling: Many free VPNs collect and sell user data to third parties to generate revenue. This compromises your privacy, as your online activities, personal information, and browsing habits may be logged and shared without your consent. This data can be used for targeted advertising or even shared with authorities or other organizations.

6. Unreliable Service and Support: Free VPN providers may lack the resources to provide reliable and consistent service. Server downtime, connectivity issues, and limited customer support are common drawbacks. If you encounter technical problems or need assistance, free VPNs may not offer timely or helpful support.

It's important to note that while not all free VPNs are inherently malicious, these risks highlight the importance of choosing a reputable VPN service with a clear privacy policy and a track record of transparency and user trust. Paid VPNs typically offer stronger security, better performance, and more comprehensive features compared to their free counterparts.

FAQ

1. Can I rely on free VPNs for secure and private browsing?

While free VPNs can provide some level of security and privacy, it's important to exercise caution. Free VPNs often have limitations on encryption protocols, data logging policies, and may display advertisements. It's crucial to thoroughly research the privacy practices of any free VPN you choose and understand the potential risks associated with using a free service.

2. Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using free VPNs for changing location on a PC?

Free VPNs typically come with limitations and drawbacks. Some common limitations include data caps, slower speeds, limited server options, and more restricted access to advanced features. Additionally, free VPNs may have less reliable customer support and may prioritize their paid users, leading to potential overcrowding and degraded performance on their free servers.

3. Can free VPNs reliably bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms?

While some free VPNs can help bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms, it's important to note that their success rate may vary. Free VPNs often have limited server options, which may result in difficulty accessing certain streaming services or experiencing buffering issues. Paid VPN services generally offer more reliable and consistent access to a wider range of streaming platforms.

Final Thoughts

A free VPN can be a great tool for changing your location on your PC, but it's important to choose one that offers the right combination of features for your needs. Look for a VPN that offers a good number of server locations, decent connection speeds, and strong security features. Consider whether you're willing to put up with ads, and make sure that the VPN you choose is compatible with your PC's operating system. With the right free VPN, you can access geo-restricted content and browse the internet securely and privately.