5 Best Free VPNs for Microsoft Edge - Protect Privacy in 2024

In today's world where internet privacy and security are at stake, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become a necessity. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your online activities from prying eyes. It also allows you to access geo-restricted content and keeps your data safe from hackers, ISPs, and government surveillance. If you are using Microsoft Edge as your default browser, you need a VPN that is compatible with it. In this article, we will discuss the best free VPNs for Edge that you can use to stay safe and secure online.

1. Windscribe

Windscribe is a popular name in the VPN industry due to its reliable service and user-friendly interface. It offers a free plan with 10GB of monthly data, which is more than enough for casual browsing and streaming. Windscribe has servers in over 60 countries, and it supports various protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SOCKS5.

One of the best features of Windscribe is its privacy policy. It has a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not keep any records of your online activities. It also has a built-in ad blocker and malware blocker, which blocks annoying ads and prevents malware from infecting your device.

Windscribe also offers a paid plan with more features, including unlimited data, access to Netflix and other streaming services, and port forwarding. However, the free plan is good enough for basic needs.

2. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is another popular VPN that offers a free plan with 500MB of daily data. It has servers in over 80 countries, and it uses military-grade encryption to protect your data. Hotspot Shield also has a built-in malware blocker, which prevents malicious websites and ads from infecting your device.

Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds, which makes it ideal for streaming and torrenting. It also has a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use, even for beginners. The only downside of Hotspot Shield's free plan is the limited data, which may not be enough for heavy users. However, you can upgrade to a paid plan for unlimited data and more features.

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN provider that offers a free plan with unlimited data. It has servers in over 50 countries, and it uses strong encryption to protect your data. ProtonVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not keep any records of your online activities.

One of the best features of ProtonVPN is its Secure Core technology, which routes your traffic through multiple servers to ensure maximum privacy and security. It also has a built-in ad blocker and DNS leak protection, which prevents your ISP from tracking your online activities.

ProtonVPN also offers a paid plan with more features, including access to Netflix and other streaming services, and support for P2P file sharing. But if you are looking for a free VPN for basic needs, ProtonVPN is a great choice.

4. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a Canadian-based VPN provider that offers a free plan with 500MB of monthly data. It has servers in over 20 countries, and it uses strong encryption to protect your data. TunnelBear also has a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use, even for beginners.

One of the best features of TunnelBear is its GhostBear technology, which hides your VPN traffic and makes it look like regular internet traffic. This feature is useful if you are in a country where VPNs are banned or restricted.

TunnelBear also offers a paid plan with more features, including unlimited data, access to Netflix and other streaming services, and priority customer support. But if you are looking for a free VPN for casual browsing and streaming, TunnelBear is a good option.

5. Opera VPN

Opera VPN is a built-in VPN in the Opera browser, which is available for free on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. It has servers in five countries, including the US, Canada, and Germany. Opera VPN uses 256-bit encryption to protect your data, and it has a no-logs policy.

Opera VPN is easy to use, and it does not require any installation or setup. You can simply enable it in the browser settings and start using it. However, Opera VPN has limited features, and it may not be as secure as other VPNs on this list. It also does not work with Netflix or otherstreaming services.

Overall, Opera VPN is a good option if you are looking for a basic VPN for casual browsing and want to avoid the hassle of installing a separate VPN client.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN for Edge

While the above VPNs are some of the best free VPNs for Edge, there are some factors you should consider before choosing a VPN:

1. Security and Privacy

The most important factor to consider when choosing a VPN is security and privacy. Make sure the VPN uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. You should also check the VPN's jurisdiction to ensure it is not located in a country with strict data retention laws.

2. Data Limits

Most free VPNs come with data limits, which may not be enough for heavy users. Make sure the VPN offers enough data for your needs, and consider upgrading to a paid plan if you need more data.

3. Server Locations

The number of server locations is also an important factor to consider. Make sure the VPN has servers in the countries you need, especially if you want to access geo-restricted content.

4. Speed

The speed of the VPN is also important, especially if you want to use it for streaming or torrenting. Make sure the VPN offers fast speeds and does not throttle your internet connection.

5. User Interface

The user interface of the VPN should be easy to use and intuitive. Make sure the VPN offers a user-friendly interface, especially if you are a beginner.

What Are Some Disadvantages of Free VPNs?

1. Limited Server Network: Free VPNs usually have a limited number of servers and locations available, which can result in slower connection speeds and longer wait times for buffering or loading. This can make it difficult to stream video content or engage in online gaming.

2. Weak Encryption: Free VPNs may offer weak encryption that is easily cracked by hackers, making it easier for them to intercept and steal your personal and financial information.

3. Data Logging: Many free VPNs have been found to log user data, which can include your internet activity, search history, and personal information. This data can be sold to third-party advertisers or used for other nefarious purposes.

4. Malware and Adware: Some free VPNs have been found to contain malware or adware that can infect your computer or device, compromising your security and privacy.

5. Bandwidth and Data Limits: Free VPNs often have bandwidth and data limits, which can be very restrictive for heavy internet users. This can result in slower internet speeds or even complete data cutoff.

6. Limited Customer Support: Free VPNs usually offer limited customer support, which can make it difficult to troubleshoot technical issues or ask questions about their service.

Overall, while free VPNs may seem like an attractive option, they often come with significant risks and limitations. It's generally recommended to use a reputable paid VPN service that offers strong encryption, a large server network, and reliable customer support.

5 Best VPN services you can trust 

With so many VPN services available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. A good VPN service should offer strong encryption, fast connection speeds, a large server network, and reliable customer support. To help you find the best VPN services, we've compiled a list of the top five VPN services that you can trust. These VPN services have been thoroughly tested and are trusted by millions of users around the world for their security, privacy, and reliability. Whether you're looking to protect your online privacy, access geo-restricted content, or secure your internet connection on public Wi-Fi, these VPN services are sure to meet your needs.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that offers strong encryption, a large server network, and fast connection speeds. They have servers in over 90 countries and offer apps for a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also have a no-logs policy and a 24/7 customer support team.

NordVPN

NordVPN is another well-known VPN service that offers strong encryption, a large server network, and fast connection speeds. They have servers in over 60 countries and offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also have a strict no-logs policy and a 24/7 customer support team.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a newer VPN service that has quickly gained popularity for its strong encryption, fast connection speeds, and affordable pricing. They have servers in over 60 countries and offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also have a no-logs policy and a 24/7 customer support team.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is another well-known VPN service that offers strong encryption, a large server network, and fast connection speeds. They have servers in over 90 countries and offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also have a no-logs policy and a 24/7 customer support team.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA is a reliable VPN service that offers strong encryption, a large server network, and fast connection speeds. They have servers in over 78 countries and offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also have a no-logs policy and a 24/7 customer support team.

These are just a few examples of reputable paid VPN services that you can consider. It's important to do your research and compare different VPN providers to find one that meets your specific needs and budget.

FAQ

1. What are the potential downsides of using a free VPN for Edge?

While using a free VPN for Edge can provide some benefits, there are also potential downsides to consider. For example, free VPNs often have limited server networks, which can result in slower connection speeds and longer wait times for buffering or loading. Additionally, free VPNs may not offer the same level of encryption and security as paid VPNs, leaving you more vulnerable to online threats. Finally, some free VPNs may engage in data logging or sell your data to third-party advertisers, compromising your privacy.

2. Can I use a free VPN for Edge to stream video content?

While it is possible to use a free VPN for Edge to stream video content, it may not be the best option due to the limitations of data caps and bandwidth restrictions. Streaming video content requires a lot of bandwidth, which can quickly eat up your data allowance. Additionally, free VPNs often have limited server networks, which can result in slower connection speeds and longer wait times for buffering or loading. If you plan on streaming video content frequently, it's generally recommended to use a paid VPN service with a larger server network and unlimited bandwidth.

3. Can I use a free VPN for Edge to access region-locked content?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Edge to access region-locked content from websites and online services. By connecting to a VPN server in a different location, you can make it appear as though you are located in that region, which can allow you to access content that is not normally available in your location. However, it's important to keep in mind that some websites and online services may actively block access from VPN servers, so it's important to choose a VPN provider with regularly updated server IP addresses.

Conclusion

Using a VPN is essential if you want to stay safe and secure online. The above VPNs are some of the best VPNs for Edge that you can use to protect your privacy and access geo-restricted content. Make sure you consider the factors mentioned above before choosing a VPN, and always prioritize security and privacy.