Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are usually the go-to for secure online browsing. Of course, not all VPNs are the same. When it comes to choosing one, the first decision you often have to make is deciding between a paid or free option.
It’s easy to see the draw of free VPNs. Who wouldn’t want the online privacy and security without having to pay a single cent? But the uncomfortable truth, or what a lot of people might not realise, is that running a VPN costs money. A fair amount of it.
Developing the infrastructure, maintaining the servers and even customer support are all costly expenses. So if a VPN provider is offering the service at no cost, who is really paying the price?
Why “Free” VPNs Aren’t Always Free
Free VPN services often come with quite a few trade-offs, some of which aren’t so obvious when you first install the app. The bottom line is that these service providers still have to make a profit in some way and if they aren’t getting it from you directly, there are other ways to do so.
The most common way to make money is to sell your data to third parties, usually for advertising purposes. Or, they are full of ads which can be infected with malware, putting you and your information at risk.
The irony is that the very tool you’re using to protect yourself online could actually be doing the complete opposite of what it’s designed to do.
What Are The Risks Of Using Free VPNs?
Whether you use a VPN for casual streaming or for work purposes, it’s still necessary to know the risks that come with using a free one. It’s not to say that all free VPNs will put you at risk or that all are bad. But this information is still good to know, especially if you are debating between using a paid or free service.
Your Data Can Become The Product
The reality of most free VPNs is that your data is how they make their money. They still need revenue and since they don’t get it from user subscriptions like paid providers, they get a bit more creative.
This often means tracking your browser activity (which, yes, is a contradiction in itself), monitoring your timestamps and locations as well as logging the websites that you visit.
The level of transparency around this is generally quite blurry. Some providers may openly admit it in their privacy policy while others attempt to hide it with legal jargon that most users won’t bother reading.
And if privacy alone is your main reason for using a VPN, this is a major red flag.
More from VPNs
Logging Policies May Be Misleading
A lot of VPNs will claim that they have a no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track what you do, but it’s another grey area for free ones.
Some free VPNs will log your IP address and track the apps and websites you visit. And because they may not prioritise transparency or audits, there’s really no way to tell what they actually do with those logs. They could be selling them to advertisers, shared with other third parties or leaked in data breaches.
Weaker Encryptions
In theory, VPNs are supposed to encrypt your traffic so that hackers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can’t see what you’re up to. But just like not all VPNs are the same, neither is encryption.
A lot of the free VPNs out there either use outdated encryption standards with weak protocols. Or, no proper encryption at all. This leaves your data vulnerable and exposed, especially when you use public Wi-Fi in airports or shopping malls.
The worst part is that some of these VPNs have frequent IP leaks, meaning your real location and activity is very visible even when you think it isn’t.
Plenty Of Pop-Ups And Ads
Since free VPNs make their money from advertising, you’ll likely encounter constant ads and pop-ups while you’re trying to browse online. Or worse, you could be redirected to sponsored websites.
And to serve you targeted ads, the VPNs have to monitor your browsing habits which defeats the whole pint of using a VPN in the first place.
Yes, ads are annoying, but they can also be risky if they contain viruses or phishing scams.
Limited Customer Support
It’s common for free VPNs to have very limited customer support – or none at all. That means no live chat or email support to help you troubleshoot issues and you’re pretty much on your own.
It can be incredibly frustrating especially if your VPN is having connection issues or interfering with other services. On the other hand, paid VPNS usually have 24/7 support and active troubleshooting.
Are Free VPNs Worth Using?
There are some reputable VPN providers who do offer limited free versions that you can either use as a basic option or a trial and these are generally fine to use for occasional browsing. This is because they will have strong privacy policies with no ads or the selling of your data.
However, if you want peace of mind that your online activities are secured, it is worth opting for a paid VPN. It doesn’t mean that you need to choose the most expensive option but a provider should be secure, accountable and transparent. In most cases, free VPNs will rarely tick all three of these boxes.
