10 Best VPN with Free Trials in 2025
Is there anything more frustrating than committing to a VPN subscription only to discover it's slower than a turtle walking through peanut butter? I've been there, frantically trying to stream my favorite show while my VPN buffers endlessly. That's why I'm absolutely obsessed with finding VPNs that offer free trials - they're like test-driving a car before buying, except for your internet privacy!
In 2025, the VPN landscape has evolved dramatically, with providers offering increasingly generous trial periods to entice new users. I've spent countless hours testing dozens of services to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best VPN with free trials currently available.
Why You Should Try Before You Buy
There are two distinct schools of thought when it comes to VPN trials:
Some privacy advocates argue that free trials are merely marketing gimmicks designed to capture your payment information. They suggest using only VPNs with no-strings-attached free versions.
On the other hand, cybersecurity experts point out that premium features are essential for true protection, and trials let you experience the full service before committing financially.
I believe both perspectives have merit. The ideal approach depends on your specific needs and comfort level with providing payment details.
Types of VPN Free Trials in 2025
Before diving into specific providers, let's clarify the different types of "free trials" you might encounter:
- True Free Trials : These allow you to access premium features for a limited time without payment (rare but valuable)
- Money-Back Guarantees : Require payment upfront but offer refunds within a specific window
- Free Versions : Limited functionality versions of paid services that never expire
Each has its advantages and limitations, which I'll highlight throughout this guide.
Top 10 VPNs with Free Trials in 2025
1. NordVPN - Best Overall VPN with Free Trial
Trial Details:
- 7-day free trial (Android only)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: Yes
NordVPN consistently tops my list for several compelling reasons. While its free trial is technically limited to Android devices, here's the clever workaround: once you activate the trial on Android, you can use the same account credentials to access NordVPN on any platform!
What impresses me most about NordVPN is its blazing-fast connection speeds. During my tests, I experienced minimal speed loss even when connected to distant servers. This makes it perfect for streaming, gaming, or any activity where performance matters.
However, the requirement to provide payment information for the trial is a legitimate drawback. Some users may feel uncomfortable sharing their credit card details upfront.
2. SafeShell VPN - Best for Streaming Performance
Trial Details:
- Flexible free trial plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: No for basic trial
SafeShell VPN has quickly become my go-to recommendation for streaming enthusiasts. What sets it apart is its extraordinary speed performance - consistently outperforming competitors in my real-world tests.
During my trial period with SafeShell VPN, I was blown away by how effortlessly it handled 4K streaming across multiple devices simultaneously. Their proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol seems to maintain speed without compromising security.
The standout feature has to be their unique "App Mode" that lets you access content from different regions simultaneously - perfect for comparing Netflix libraries without constantly switching servers!
Their trial is genuinely flexible and doesn't require payment information to get started, which I appreciate from a privacy perspective. The interface is incredibly intuitive, making it accessible even for VPN newcomers.
3. ExpressVPN - Premium Experience with Guarantee
Trial Details:
- 7-day free trial (iOS and Android)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: Yes
ExpressVPN delivers a premium experience with its polished apps and reliable performance. While it doesn't offer a true free trial on desktop platforms, its mobile trial and comprehensive money-back guarantee provide ample opportunity to test the service.
The service excels at unblocking streaming platforms, with reliable access to Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. However, its higher price point may be prohibitive for some users, even after testing.
4. Surfshark - Unlimited Connections
Trial Details:
- 7-day free trial (Android, iOS, and Mac)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: Yes
Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for households with multiple devices. Its free trial is available across several platforms, giving you a good feel for the service.
During my testing, I found Surfshark's CleanWeb feature particularly effective at blocking ads and malicious websites. The NoBorders mode also worked well for accessing content in restrictive regions.
5. CyberGhost - Longest Money-Back Guarantee
Trial Details:
- 24-hour free trial (Windows and macOS)
- 3-7 day free trial (mobile devices)
- 45-day money-back guarantee (long-term plans)
- Payment details required: No
CyberGhost offers one of the most generous testing periods in the industry. While its true free trial is relatively short, the extended 45-day refund period gives you plenty of time to thoroughly evaluate the service.
I particularly appreciate that CyberGhost doesn't require payment information for its desktop trial - a rare find in 2025! Its specialized servers for streaming and torrenting deliver excellent performance for these specific use cases.
6. Proton VPN - Best Unlimited Free Version
Trial Details:
- Unlimited free version
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: No
Proton VPN takes a different approach with its unlimited free version. While limited to servers in three countries and offering slower speeds than the premium tier, it imposes no data caps - making it unique among free VPN offerings.
The free version provides a genuine taste of Proton's security-focused approach, including its strict no-logs policy and Swiss jurisdiction. However, streaming fans should note that the free tier doesn't unblock most content platforms.
7. Windscribe - Generous Data Allowance
Trial Details:
- Free plan with 10GB monthly data
- 3-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: No
Windscribe offers one of the most generous free plans, with 10GB of monthly data and servers in 10 countries. This provides enough bandwidth for occasional use while giving you a good feel for the service's performance.
I've found Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T. feature particularly useful for blocking ads and malware at the DNS level. However, the short refund period for premium plans is less forgiving than competitors.
8. Private Internet Access - Desktop and Mobile Trials
Trial Details:
- 7-day free trial (mobile apps)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: No for mobile trial
PIA offers a solid combination of a mobile free trial without payment requirements and a standard money-back guarantee. Its massive server network (reportedly 10,000+ servers) provides excellent coverage worldwide.
During my testing, I was impressed by PIA's customization options, allowing technical users to fine-tune their connection settings. However, its streaming performance was less consistent than top competitors.
9. TunnelBear - User-Friendly Free Option
Trial Details:
- Free plan with 500MB monthly data
- No money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: No
TunnelBear's adorable bear-themed interface makes it exceptionally user-friendly for VPN beginners. While its free data allowance is modest, it's sufficient to test the service's core functionality.
The lack of a money-back guarantee is disappointing, but the free tier requires no payment information whatsoever. TunnelBear's annual security audits also demonstrate a commitment to transparency.
10. PrivadoVPN - Emerging Contender
Trial Details:
- Free plan with limited data
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Payment details required: No for free plan
PrivadoVPN rounds out our list as an emerging contender with a decent free option. While not as feature-rich as established competitors, it provides a solid testing ground for basic VPN needs.
During my evaluation, I found its speeds acceptable but not exceptional. The service is still building out its server network, which currently lags behind industry leaders.
How to Choose the Right VPN Trial
When evaluating VPN trials, consider these factors:
- Trial Duration : Longer trials give you more time to test all features
- Payment Requirements : Some users prefer trials that don't require credit card information
- Feature Limitations : Ensure the trial includes the specific features you need
- Performance : Test speeds on servers relevant to your usage
- Device Compatibility : Verify the trial works on all your devices
I recommend creating a simple checklist of your must-have features before starting any trial.
How to Maximize Your VPN Trial Experience
To get the most out of your VPN trial:
- Test multiple servers at different times of day
- Try all intended activities (streaming, torrenting, etc.)
- Check for DNS/IP leaks using online tools
- Test customer support response times
- Explore all security settings and features
This methodical approach will help you determine if the service truly meets your needs.
Comparing SafeShell VPN with Other Trials
When comparing SafeShell VPN to other options with free trials, a few key differences stand out:
| VPN Provider | Trial Length | Payment Info Required | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafeShell VPN | Flexible | No | Ultra-fast streaming speeds |
| NordVPN | 7 days (Android) | Yes | Threat Protection feature |
| ExpressVPN | 7 days (Mobile) | Yes | Lightway protocol |
| Surfshark | 7 days | Yes | Unlimited connections |
| CyberGhost | 1-7 days | No | Specialized streaming servers |
SafeShell VPN's combination of no payment requirements and exceptional streaming performance makes it particularly appealing for entertainment-focused users. Its "App Mode" feature is genuinely innovative compared to competitors' offerings.
Setting Up SafeShell VPN's Free Trial
If you're interested in trying SafeShell VPN, the process is straightforward:
- Visit the SafeShell VPN website
- Click on the "Free Trial" option
- Download the app for your device
- Create an account (no payment info needed)
- Choose your preferred server location
- Connect and enjoy!
During your trial, I recommend testing different server locations to find the optimal performance for your specific needs.
The Future of VPN Free Trials
The VPN industry continues to evolve, and I've noticed some interesting trends in free trial offerings:
- Longer trial periods becoming more common
- Fewer payment requirements as competition increases
- More specialized trials focused on specific use cases
These developments generally benefit consumers, providing more opportunities to test services before committing.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right VPN with free trial can save you both money and frustration. While every service has its strengths and limitations, the options outlined above represent the best balance of accessibility, features, and performance in 2025.
I personally lean toward trials that don't require payment information upfront, but I recognize that services requesting payment details often deliver more comprehensive features during the trial period.
The best VPN for you is the one that meets your specific needs, regardless of what's trendy or popular. Take advantage of these free trials to discover your perfect match!
