Little in life is truly free, and this phrase applies to Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. "Free" in the VPN world usually means that providers will give you a VPN connection but make money from you in other ways. They may hide crucial features behind a paywall, display ads, or worse -- they may sell your data for a profit.You can test the best VPNs for free with a trial or a money-back guarantee. But if you want a 100% free VPN to use for the long term, there is a handful of secure options you can choose from. The VPN provider's reputation is critical in ensuring free services won't compromise your security, so the only free VPN solutions we can recommend are typically backed by their paying subscribers rather than offered through the trade-off of user data collection.What is the best VPN for free right now?We've extensively tested every major VPN on the market, including some free VPN offerings. Our pick for the best free VPN is Proton VPN. The company, developed by the team behind the encrypted ProtonMail service, offers a free VPN supported by paying subscribers. The number of device connections is limited, but it's still a top-tier VPN that can help you maintain a high level of online privacy.There are several other trustworthy options, and we have listed our recommendations below. Alternatively, if you're interested in trying out a paid VPN, consider one of our picks for the best VPNs with free trials. Sort by All Countries and servers Usability Speed and performance Security Price The best free VPNs of 2025 Show less View now at Proton VPN The free version of Proton VPN offers many useful features that are paid for in other services or by paid subscribers.It doesn't cap bandwidth, so you can use it year-round without worrying about exceeding monthly data limits. Proton VPN's free tier also doesn't restrict your speed. During our testing, we found that Proton VPN's connection and server speeds are reasonable, and there's no difference between the capabilities of the free solution and a paid plan.Robust online protection features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and no-logs policy help to hide your identity and digital footprint, regardless of whether you pay for this service or not. Also, Proton VPN doesn't monetize its free apps with ads, allowing you to browse without distractions.There are free servers in five locations: The U.S., Romania, Poland, Netherlands, and Japan. However, you can't manually choose and connect to a server. The VPN automatically selects one for you, but you can click the "Change Server" button to be assigned a different server location.Another drawback is that you can only use one device with your free account.Premium plans unlock 10 simultaneous connections and start at $3.59 per month on a two-year subscription. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.Proton Free VPN features:Simultaneous connections: 1|Countries: 5|Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 2.3 |Google Play rating: 4.5 |App Store rating: 4.6| Customer service: Only with a paid subscription | Data limit: None | Speed limit: None Countries and servers 8 Usability 6 Speed and performance 7 Security 9 Price 6 Pros Completely free Unlimited bandwidth and speed No ads Solid protection Cons Only one device connection Limited servers Latest tests No leaks detected, 21% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 11,400-plus servers in 117 countriesJurisdiction SwitzerlandPrice $10 a month, $60 for the first year or $108 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $80 per year) Proton VPN Best free VPN overall 3.6 / 5 Score The free version of Proton VPN offers many useful features that are paid for in other services or by paid subscribers.It doesn't cap bandwidth, so you can use it year-round without worrying about exceeding monthly data limits. Proton VPN's free tier also doesn't restrict your speed. During our testing, we found that Proton VPN's connection and server speeds are reasonable, and there's no difference between the capabilities of the free solution and a paid plan.Robust online protection features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and no-logs policy help to hide your identity and digital footprint, regardless of whether you pay for this service or not. Also, Proton VPN doesn't monetize its free apps with ads, allowing you to browse without distractions.There are free servers in five locations: The U.S., Romania, Poland, Netherlands, and Japan. However, you can't manually choose and connect to a server. The VPN automatically selects one for you, but you can click the "Change Server" button to be assigned a different server location.Another drawback is that you can only use one device with your free account.Premium plans unlock 10 simultaneous connections and start at $3.59 per month on a two-year subscription. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.Proton Free VPN features:Simultaneous connections: 1|Countries: 5|Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 2.3 |Google Play rating: 4.5 |App Store rating: 4.6| Customer service: Only with a paid subscription | Data limit: None | Speed limit: None Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Windscribe Windscribe is our second-best free VPN choice because, like Proton VPN, you can do a lot with the app. There are many customizable settings, including an ad-block feature, split tunneling, and a firewall to prevent leaks.You can access free servers in 10 countries, allowing you to easily change locations. The free servers also support streaming across multiple popular platforms.You can connect unlimited devices, but free users have 10GB per month maximum data usage (and only 2GB per month for users not signed up with an email address). This is plenty for occasional use while browsing online, but it won't be suitable if you frequently stream movies and television shows.You can use Windscribe on various devices, including Amazon Fire TV and browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.The VPN also allows you to build a plan, starting at just $1 per month if you want a VPN for specific server locations. Alternatively, a subscription starts at $5.75 per month on an annual plan, or a monthly plan will set you back $9 per month.Windscribe Free VPN features:Simultaneous connections: Unlimited|Countries: 10|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, browsers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 4.7|Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.6| Customer service: Online form, online FAQ only | Data limit: 2GB/10GB monthly | Speed limit:No| Countries: 10 Pros Many free servers Unlimited connections Browser extension available Custom plans Cons Limited bandwidth Windscribe is our second-best free VPN choice because, like Proton VPN, you can do a lot with the app. There are many customizable settings, including an ad-block feature, split tunneling, and a firewall to prevent leaks.You can access free servers in 10 countries, allowing you to easily change locations. The free servers also support streaming across multiple popular platforms.You can connect unlimited devices, but free users have 10GB per month maximum data usage (and only 2GB per month for users not signed up with an email address). This is plenty for occasional use while browsing online, but it won't be suitable if you frequently stream movies and television shows.You can use Windscribe on various devices, including Amazon Fire TV and browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.The VPN also allows you to build a plan, starting at just $1 per month if you want a VPN for specific server locations. Alternatively, a subscription starts at $5.75 per month on an annual plan, or a monthly plan will set you back $9 per month.Windscribe Free VPN features:Simultaneous connections: Unlimited|Countries: 10|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, browsers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 4.7|Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.6| Customer service: Online form, online FAQ only | Data limit: 2GB/10GB monthly | Speed limit:No| Countries: 10 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Hotspot Shield Free users can connect to Hotspot Shield's proprietary protocol for quick speeds. The protocol has a reputation for fast speeds like NordVPN's NordLynx and ExpressVPN's Lightway. Hydra can handle connections up to 1Gbps and works on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.Were it not for the limited free server locations (one virtual location), Hotspot Shield Basic could have easily made it to our fastest VPN shortlist. This VPN is known for being extremely fast due to its Hydra protocol, but connection speeds may be impacted due to server limitations, and you won't have access to servers optimized for streaming purposes.You can use the split tunneling feature to exclude some apps and websites from routing traffic on the VPN for optimal connections. This also helps you conserve bandwidth since you only get 500MB daily (amounting to 15GB per month). Though Hotspot Shield Basic offers high-end encryption, the app is ad-supported.The ad-free premium upgrade plan starts at $6.66 per month and comes with a server selection of 70 countries.Hotspot Shield free VPN features:Simultaneous connections: 1|Countries: 1|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, browsers |Money-back guarantee: 45 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 4.1 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.6|Customer service:Paid subscribers only, online FAQ |Data limit:500MB/day |Speed limit:Yes Pros Proprietary Hydra protocol Multi-platform support Strong encryption Cons Has ads Limited customer support on free plans Free users can connect to Hotspot Shield's proprietary protocol for quick speeds. The protocol has a reputation for fast speeds like NordVPN's NordLynx and ExpressVPN's Lightway. Hydra can handle connections up to 1Gbps and works on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.Were it not for the limited free server locations (one virtual location), Hotspot Shield Basic could have easily made it to our fastest VPN shortlist. This VPN is known for being extremely fast due to its Hydra protocol, but connection speeds may be impacted due to server limitations, and you won't have access to servers optimized for streaming purposes.You can use the split tunneling feature to exclude some apps and websites from routing traffic on the VPN for optimal connections. This also helps you conserve bandwidth since you only get 500MB daily (amounting to 15GB per month). Though Hotspot Shield Basic offers high-end encryption, the app is ad-supported.The ad-free premium upgrade plan starts at $6.66 per month and comes with a server selection of 70 countries.Hotspot Shield free VPN features:Simultaneous connections: 1|Countries: 1|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, browsers |Money-back guarantee: 45 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 4.1 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.6|Customer service:Paid subscribers only, online FAQ |Data limit:500MB/day |Speed limit:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Tunnelbear You can use all TunnelBear servers in more than 40 countries for free. That's more generous than one of our top free VPN contenders, Windscribe. If you want to change your IP address to almost anywhere, TunnelBear should be your choice.During testing, I could connect to servers in countries including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Singapore, and across Europe without any problems.The only limitation you have to deal with is the 2GB monthly bandwidth cap. This diminishes TunnelBear's usefulness for regular content streaming and makes it best suited for occasional use.Thanks to its user-friendly and interactive interface, learning how to use TunnelBear won't be a problem -- even if it's your first time with VPNs. You can also connect as many devices as you want on the free account, and it has native apps for PC, mobile devices, and browsers.To access more features, like unlimited bandwidth and full access to the VPN's server network, you can subscribe for as low as $3.33 per month.TunnelBear Free VPNfeatures: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited|Countries: 40+|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, browsers |Money-back guarantee: No |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 3.3 |Google Play rating: 4 |App Store rating: 4.7|Customer service:Paid only |Data limit:2GB monthly |Speed limit:No Pros Many server locations Interactive user interface Unlimited connections No credit card required Cons Only 2GB per month free No money-back guarantee You can use all TunnelBear servers in more than 40 countries for free. That's more generous than one of our top free VPN contenders, Windscribe. If you want to change your IP address to almost anywhere, TunnelBear should be your choice.During testing, I could connect to servers in countries including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Singapore, and across Europe without any problems.The only limitation you have to deal with is the 2GB monthly bandwidth cap. This diminishes TunnelBear's usefulness for regular content streaming and makes it best suited for occasional use.Thanks to its user-friendly and interactive interface, learning how to use TunnelBear won't be a problem -- even if it's your first time with VPNs. You can also connect as many devices as you want on the free account, and it has native apps for PC, mobile devices, and browsers.To access more features, like unlimited bandwidth and full access to the VPN's server network, you can subscribe for as low as $3.33 per month.TunnelBear Free VPNfeatures: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited|Countries: 40+|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, browsers |Money-back guarantee: No |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 3.3 |Google Play rating: 4 |App Store rating: 4.7|Customer service:Paid only |Data limit:2GB monthly |Speed limit:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at PrivadoVPN Unlike many services that only support streaming with a premium account, Privado VPN allows you to watch content online with the free tier plan. You can access servers in 13 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. (for watching BBC iPlayer in HD), but you won't have access to the full 49-country network unless you are a paying subscriber.Servers available to free users are part of the paid server fleet, meaning you have the same high-end protection online. Privado VPN also supports safe torrenting and file-sharing on the free servers.This VPN can easily be installed on devices, including Android TV and streaming media players like Fire TV Stick -- but choose wisely, as you are only given one device connection for free. You also only receive 10GB of free data per month.Still, subscriptions are very affordable, starting from just $1.11 per month with three months free.Privado free VPNfeatures: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited, 1 on a free plan|Countries: 49 (12/13 on a free plan) |Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Android TV, Fire TV |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 3.8 |Google Play rating: 3.3 |App Store rating: 4|Customer service:Email, online FAQ |Data limit:10GB/month|Speed limit:No Pros Many server locations Streaming support P2P-support Affordable Cons Only one connection Unlike many services that only support streaming with a premium account, Privado VPN allows you to watch content online with the free tier plan. You can access servers in 13 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. (for watching BBC iPlayer in HD), but you won't have access to the full 49-country network unless you are a paying subscriber.Servers available to free users are part of the paid server fleet, meaning you have the same high-end protection online. Privado VPN also supports safe torrenting and file-sharing on the free servers.This VPN can easily be installed on devices, including Android TV and streaming media players like Fire TV Stick -- but choose wisely, as you are only given one device connection for free. You also only receive 10GB of free data per month.Still, subscriptions are very affordable, starting from just $1.11 per month with three months free.Privado free VPNfeatures: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited, 1 on a free plan|Countries: 49 (12/13 on a free plan) |Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Android TV, Fire TV |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 3.8 |Google Play rating: 3.3 |App Store rating: 4|Customer service:Email, online FAQ |Data limit:10GB/month|Speed limit:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Hide.me Hide.me, like Proton VPN, offers unlimited bandwidth on the free plan, so you can browse, stream, and download content without limitations.You can connect to seven server locations -- more than Proton VPN. You can connect to Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.K., or the U.S.. It has a minimalistic interface that I feel needs a brush-over to be more inspiring, like one of my all-time favorites, TunnelBear.It has an ad and tracker blocker, minimizing annoyances and third-party intrusion. There is also a no-logs policy in place to maintain a high level of online privacy.The free plan allows only one simultaneous connection per account, with premium subscriptions starting at $2/month.Hide.me free VPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10, one on a free plan|Countries: 89 (Seven on a free plan)|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, routers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 4.5 |Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4,5|Customer service:24/7 |Data limit:Unlimited |Speed limit:No Pros Unlimited bandwidth No speed-throttling Customer support Cons Only one free device Basic app Hide.me, like Proton VPN, offers unlimited bandwidth on the free plan, so you can browse, stream, and download content without limitations.You can connect to seven server locations -- more than Proton VPN. You can connect to Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.K., or the U.S.. It has a minimalistic interface that I feel needs a brush-over to be more inspiring, like one of my all-time favorites, TunnelBear.It has an ad and tracker blocker, minimizing annoyances and third-party intrusion. There is also a no-logs policy in place to maintain a high level of online privacy.The free plan allows only one simultaneous connection per account, with premium subscriptions starting at $2/month.Hide.me free VPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10, one on a free plan|Countries: 89 (Seven on a free plan)|Logging: No-logs policy |Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, routers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Free option|Trustpilot rating: 4.5 |Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4,5|Customer service:24/7 |Data limit:Unlimited |Speed limit:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Best premium VPNs you can try for freeThe most popular VPN services barely have freemiums, but some offer free trials and money-back guarantees. These allow you to test all premium VPN features risk-free for a limited period. Here are our best picks with free trial opportunities. Show less View now at NordVPN NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to all users, including iOS and Android. It remains our best VPN for iPhone, but the free trial is only available to Android users. The free trial runs for seven days and is only accessible if you sign up through the Google Play Store.With its servers in more than 110 countries, secure features, and fast speeds globally, you can experience the best streaming and online gaming performance at no cost. There are also specialty servers, like Double VPN, for secure peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. Subscriptions start at $3.39 per month.NordVPNfeatures: Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android|Trustpilot rating: 4.1 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.7 Countries and servers 10 Usability 9 Speed and performance 10 Security 8 Price 7 Pros Longer free trial for Android Proprietary fast protocol Many server locations Secure features Cons Limited free use No unlimited simultaneous connections Price $14 per month, $60 for the first year or $81 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $140 per year)Latest tests No leaks detected, 3% average internet download speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 7,200-plus servers in 118 countriesJurisdiction Panama NordVPN Best free VPN trial for Android 4.4 / 5 Score NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to all users, including iOS and Android. It remains our best VPN for iPhone, but the free trial is only available to Android users. The free trial runs for seven days and is only accessible if you sign up through the Google Play Store.With its servers in more than 110 countries, secure features, and fast speeds globally, you can experience the best streaming and online gaming performance at no cost. There are also specialty servers, like Double VPN, for secure peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. Subscriptions start at $3.39 per month.NordVPNfeatures: Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android|Trustpilot rating: 4.1 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.7 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at CyberGhost VPN Contrary to NordVPN, CyberGhost favors iPhone users more, offering them a 7-day free trial without a credit card or subscription. Android and Windows/macOS devices can access shorter free trials of only 3 days and 24 hours, respectively. Plus, CyberGhost's 45-day money-back guarantee is more generous than most providers, allowing you to test the service and claim a refund.As recommended in our CyberGhost review, it's one of the best choices for streaming, thanks to its optimization for multiple platforms worldwide. The app can be used even on PlayStation and Xbox consoles via the Smart DNS feature or router setup.It costs just $2.19 per month for the most affordable two-year plan with two months free. You can also opt for a subscription for six months.CyberGhost VPN features:Simultaneous connections:7 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, NAS routers |Countries:100+ |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Payment information only |Money-back guarantee: 45 days|Trial: 24 hours on macOS and Windows; three days on Android, seven days on iOS |Trustpilot rating: 4.2|Google Play rating: 3.9|App Store rating: 4.2 Pros Various free trials available Optimized streaming servers 45-day money-back guarantee Straightforward apps Cons Short free use Contrary to NordVPN, CyberGhost favors iPhone users more, offering them a 7-day free trial without a credit card or subscription. Android and Windows/macOS devices can access shorter free trials of only 3 days and 24 hours, respectively. Plus, CyberGhost's 45-day money-back guarantee is more generous than most providers, allowing you to test the service and claim a refund.As recommended in our CyberGhost review, it's one of the best choices for streaming, thanks to its optimization for multiple platforms worldwide. The app can be used even on PlayStation and Xbox consoles via the Smart DNS feature or router setup.It costs just $2.19 per month for the most affordable two-year plan with two months free. You can also opt for a subscription for six months.CyberGhost VPN features:Simultaneous connections:7 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, NAS routers |Countries:100+ |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Payment information only |Money-back guarantee: 45 days|Trial: 24 hours on macOS and Windows; three days on Android, seven days on iOS |Trustpilot rating: 4.2|Google Play rating: 3.9|App Store rating: 4.2 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Surfshark VPN Surfshark's offers a 7-day free trial that includes Mac device users. You can only access the free trial via the App Store or Google Play Store for Android devices. It's also supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing. Note that refunds will be processed by your app store, not Surfshark, which makes things more complex.When using the Surfshark app for free, you can access servers in 100 countries and tons of other paid features, including the NoBorders tool that works on network firewalls blocking VPN traffic. It's only $2.19 per month for the long-term starter package with three months of free access included, but short-term plans are more expensive.Surfshark features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication |Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.4 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.7 Countries and servers 8 Usability 9 Speed and performance 6 Security 8 Price 9 Pros Longer free trial for Mac, iOS, and Android Affordable long-term plans NoBorders mode WireGuard Cons Short free use Expensive short-term plans Price $15.45 per month, $45 for the first year or $60 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $60 per year)Latest Tests No leaks detected, 17% speed loss in 2023 testsNetwork 3,200-plus servers in 100 countriesJurisdiction Netherlands Surfshark Best free VPN trial for macOS 4 / 5 Score Surfshark's offers a 7-day free trial that includes Mac device users. You can only access the free trial via the App Store or Google Play Store for Android devices. It's also supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing. Note that refunds will be processed by your app store, not Surfshark, which makes things more complex.When using the Surfshark app for free, you can access servers in 100 countries and tons of other paid features, including the NoBorders tool that works on network firewalls blocking VPN traffic. It's only $2.19 per month for the long-term starter package with three months of free access included, but short-term plans are more expensive.Surfshark features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication |Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers |Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.4 |Google Play rating: 4.6 |App Store rating: 4.7 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the risks of free VPN services? The primary reason free VPNs are discouraged is because they can put your safety and privacy at risk. Some of them want to secretly collect your data and auction it to the highest bidder, which defeats the purpose of the VPN. Also, some offer only basic protection, and cybercriminals can exploit the flaws and do whatever they want to.Another problem is ads. They're not only annoying but could also indicate that trackers are monitoring how you interact with the ads.Some free VPNs are malware apps in disguise. They may contain viruses, spyware, or keyloggers designed to steal your information.These and many more hidden risks of free VPNs prompted us to explore secure options you can use to bolster your online privacy. The free VPNs on our list have passed safety tests and garnered positive testimonials from millions of users. They're not flawless, but you don't have to watch your back much while using them. Show more How to use a VPN's free trial Accessing a VPN free trial depends on the provider. It's important to check the company's website for clear instructions on how to access their free trial or plan.Some require you to sign up and provide your billing information, and others give a free service without this information. VPNs that offer free trials via money-back refunds will charge you beforehand, expecting that you'll voluntarily ask back the money if you change your mind. When it comes to mobile trials, you'll likely need to visit Google Play or Apple's App Store to access them. Show more What's the best free VPN? Best free VPNFree bandwidthFree server locations / countriesLowest starting priceProton VPNUnlimited5$3.59Windscribe10GB/month10$1 - $5.75Hotspot Shield Basic15GB/month1$6.66TunnelBear2GB/month40+$3.33Privado VPN10GB/month12-13$1.11Hide.meUnlimited7$2 Show more Which free VPN is right for you? Choose this free VPN...If you wantProton VPNPrivacy-centered features. While limited in server availability, Proton VPN maintains your privacy.WindscribeMany server locations and unlimited simultaneous connections. Bandwidth is limited, but generous and custom paid plans are also available.Hotspot Shield BasicFast connections in the U.S. as well as on major devices and platforms. Customer support and server locations are limited.TunnelBearIP addresses in multiple countries and user-friendly apps. You can tap into over 40 countries, but bandwidth is extremely limited.Privado VPNAmple servers for streaming and accessing geolocked content. This is a great option for streaming and safe torrenting.Hide.meUnlimited data transfers without a subscription. However, the app is basic and you are restricted to one device. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a free VPN If you're set on a free VPN instead of a paid one, check for these essential factors and be aware of some of the disadvantages.Truly free without a catch: Some free VPN services aren't what they claim to be. You can easily consent to a free app that collects and shares your private data with other entities, like marketers. You should carefully scrutinize your provider's policy and only choose transparent services.Safety: Even on free apps, the encryption should be AES 256-bit as it helps mitigate online risks like hacking. Also, look for other features like secure protocols, a kill switch, and leak protection.Intended use: Consider what you want to use a VPN for. A free VPN might be fine for casual browsing, for example, but is unlikely to work well for resource-heavy applications.Speed and bandwidth:A free VPN will likely come with speed restrictions, meaning you might need to accept lower speeds as a trade-off.Server selection: Decent coverage should offer you connections in multiple locations. However, many free VPNs will impose limits on your access to the server network.Streaming, torrenting, gaming: If you want to use a VPN to game, stream, or torrent, free options are likely to be unsuitable. You may need to opt for a paid subscription or trial instead. Show more How we test VPNs The free and paid VPN providers we recommend have been vetted and reviewed by members of our ZDNET team. We've been reviewing VPNs for years, have spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression if we've included them on this list.ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, community, local internet service provider (ISP), and nation has a different infrastructure. Once you choose a VPN, it's essential that you test for all your likely usage patterns and then decide whether to keep the service or request a money-back guaranteed refund.We analyzed the best free VPNs below using the following criteria:Performance:Our recommended VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN if your connection continually drops or lags.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a paid service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections. When it comes to free services, though, there needs to be at least one.Security: There's no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements and patching reported bugs. It's important that our free VPN recommendations are not known for selling user data.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for various hardware.Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough to provide variety. Expect fewer options with free plans.Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team, although support may be limited on free plans.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensiveVPN testing methodology page. Show more Testing Proton VPN's ability to change servers. Screenshot by Kennedy Otieno/ZDNETFree VPN FAQs Which free VPNs should I avoid? Avoid free VPNs that don't provide very basic security or have a negative privacy reputation. Some of the services users have reported experiencing major issues with are:Hola VPN: This VPN works by randomly assigning your device's IP address to other users on the peer-to-peer (P2P) network. The IP might be used for criminal activities and traced back to you.Hoxx VPN: The encryption used isn't safe, and the VPN collects more user data than what is necessary for tracking purposes.Urban VPN: Though offering lots of free features, including unlimited bandwidth and device connections, the app collects and stores your identifiable information like your IP address. This isn't safe, given that it's also based in the U.S. and can be legally forced to hand over your information.Betternet: A 2016 cybersecurity research paper found that the Betternet Android app had hidden trackers. One year later, the VPN's Chrome extension was hacked and used to spread malware. The VPN has since undergone many changes, including new ownership, but we haven't tested it ourselves.Tuxler VPN: Just like Hola, Tuxler offers a residential IP address pool, whereby users are assigned IP addresses of other users in the locations they want to connect. While this model seems to work, concerns have been raised about the VPN's lack of transparency when it comes to the logging policy. Show more Which is the best free VPN for China? At the moment, there is no free VPN solution that we can recommend for use in China. Instead, although it is expensive,Astrill VPNis one of the best VPN choices with customers reporting high success rates. China has imposed restrictions on many providers, and even premium VPNs might not work correctly. Also, you should download the VPN app before arriving in the country because you might face challenges accessing the website once you're there. Show more Which are the best free VPNs for Chrome? Windscribe, CyberGhost, TunnelBear, Proton VPN, and other services have Chrome extensions. All VPNs on our free list have extensions for Chrome and other browsers like Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.When installed on a browser, a VPN masks your IP address, secures your online activities, and enables you to access content on-the-go without the need for a native app on your device. However, you should carefully check the features supported by free VPN extensions as some don't provide encryption or servers. Show more Which is the best free VPN proxy? Some VPN providers double as proxy services such as Hide.me, Turbo VPN, HMA, and VPN Proxy Master. You can also use exclusive proxy services like ProxyScrape, FreeProxy, and Oxylabs. Keep in mind that while proxies can give you IP addresses to different locations, they do not encrypt your traffic like VPNs. This means websites, ISPs, and Wi-Fi owners can still monitor your activities. Show more More VPNs to consider Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

How to solve today's Wordle.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesLooking for Thursdays Wordle hints, clues and answer? You can find them here:Happy Valentines Day all you lovers of word puzzles! Not only is it a day for romance, its 2XP Friday for Competitive Wordle players. Double your points, positive or negative, and hope for the best.In any case, Im sure you all have hot dates waiting, so lets get right to it and solve this Wordle!How To Solve Todays WordleThe Hint: Little song.The Clue: This Wordle has a double letter.Okay, spoilers below!...The Answer:Today's WordleScreenshot: Erik KainWordle AnalysisEvery day I check Wordle Bot to help analyze my guessing game. You can check your Wordles with Wordle Bot right here. Lots of luck for your humble narrator today. STARE wasnt a great or terrible opener, leaving me with just one yellow box and 120 remaining solutions. CLOUD slashed that number to four, three of which began with the letter D. DIGIT, DITTY, DITZY and WIDTH were the words I came up with, and I picked DITTY because I figured it was more likely than DITZY, I didnt want to pick WIDTH since it was the only W word and I swear weve had DIGIT already, though I could be wrong. Lucky me, DITTY was the Wordle!Competitive Wordle ScoreToday's Wordle BotScreenshot: Erik KainPlay Puzzles & Games on ForbesI get 1 point for guessing in three and 1 more point for beating the Bot, who took five tries today. Thats 2 points (Ive been up or down 2 points every day for the last four days now) but since its 2XP Friday that means I get 4 points. Huzzah!How To Play Competitive WordleGuessing in 1 is worth 3 points; guessing in 2 is worth 2 points; guessing in 3 is worth 1 point; guessing in 4 is worth 0 points; guessing in 5 is -1 points; guessing in 6 is -2 points and missing the Wordle is -3 points.If you beat your opponent you get 1 point. If you tie, you get 0 points. And if you lose to your opponent, you get -1 point. Add it up to get your score. Keep a daily running score or just play for a new score each day.Fridays are 2XP, meaning you double your pointspositive or negative.You can keep a running tally or just play day-by-day. Enjoy!Todays Wordle EtymologyThe word ditty comes from the Old French dit (meaning "composition" or "something said"), which itself derives from the Latin dicttum ("thing dictated"), from dictre ("to dictate" or "to compose"). Over time, ditty came to mean a short, simple song or poem in English.Let me know how you fared with your Wordle today on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog where I write about games, TV shows and movies when Im not writing puzzle guides. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

Change your iPhone settings now.picture alliance via Getty ImagesAlarming media reports again this week warn that your iPhones default settings expose you and your data to hackers. Whether or not this threat affects you, its an easy setting to change and you should do that now. This is nothing new. NSA and law enforcement agencies have warned the same for years, but settings have not changed. The risk is not merely theoretical, NSA says. Malicious techniques are publicly known and in use.Were talking Wi-Fi and the little understood threat from public Wi-Fi networks. Despite what you might have read, there is little risk in connecting to reputable public Wi-Fi networks in hotels or airport lounges, even when traveling abroad.As long as your internet traffic is encrypted, and you dont log into new websites that pop up on your device when you connect, you will be okay. For additional security I recommend using a VPN a reputable paid one of course even though some agencies advise against personal VPNs, given the risk of data capture if you pick badly.But that doesnt mean your phone wont be attacked far from it.The much more serious risk is rogue public Wi-Fi networks set up to trick users into thinking theyre reputable when theyre not. A Wi-Fi name playing on the name of a hotel or restaurant could belong to an attacker, looking to plant themselves between your device and the real access point. NSA warns that by doing this, cyber actors [can]MORE FOR YOU employ malicious access points redirecting to malicious websites, injecting malicious proxies, and eavesdropping on network traffic. Kaspersky describes such attacks as the biggest threat to free Wi-Fi security, explaining that a hacker can position himself between you and the connection point. So instead of talking directly with the hotspot, youre sending your information to the hacker, who then relays it on. Clearly they can see the traffic before they do so if its not encrypted, and potentially they can push data to your device, or pop up phishing websites or fake login sites to trick you into giving away credentials. Anything more sophisticated than this would likely be a targeted attack. If you think thats a risk for you, modify your behavior. Use a VPN and stick to cellular instead of public WiFi.As regards these new iPhone warnings, the change you need to make is very simple. Tap on Settings > Wi-Fi, and there you will see two options. Ask to Join Networks and Auto-Join Hotspot. Set the first to Off or Ask, never to Notify. The hotspot auto-join setting should be set to Ask to Join or Never, and not to Automatic.This is nothing new. NSAs warning dates back to 2021 albeit its still live and relevant, and I first warned about this setting even before, back in 2020. But nothing seems to have changed in the interim and here we all are again.Theres another change you can make as well, for additional security. In the Wi-Fi settings menu, click Edit which youll see top-right. and navigate to Managed Networks. Then click the i next to each network and unclick autojoin, unless youre very sure of the network and that you want to connect in the background.Those are networks are mostly provided by your cellular carrier. But above Managed Networks is a list of all WiFi networks known to your iPhone, including where you used a password to connect. You can deselect autojoin the same way on some or all.Meanwhile, keep those two threats in mind. Ensure your web browsing is encrypted only use websites that display a padlock by the browsers URL. And dont enter credentials into popups or familiar websites that appear unexpectedly.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsSex Drive (2008)Ghost (1990)Dirty Dancing (1987)Its Valentines Day weekend, which means only one thing: Captain America: Brave New World. Surprisingly, Marvel is electing to release their first movie of 2025 over the romantic holiday. However, its technically a four-day weekend because of Presidents Day, so its an extra day to claim more box office receipts.Brave New Worldshould open north of $90 million over the four-day weekend.Like many of you this holiday, Valentines Day is an excuse to watch romantic movies.FAST services offer a wide selection of romance movies for free. Seriously, signing up for one of these services does not cost any money. With that being said, try one of these three movies: a raunchy teen comedy, a 1990s romantic classic, and a 1980s dancing flick.Recommended VideosWe also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max,andthe best movies on Disney+.RelatedSummit EntertainmentA teen sex comedy involving the Amish was probably not on anyones bingo card except Sean Anders, the writer and director ofSex Drive. Recent high school graduate Ian (Josh Zuckerman) wants to lose his virginity more than anything. While scoping out potential talent online, Ian stumbles across Ms. Tasty, a beautiful woman who agrees to meet in person.Ian lives in Illinois, while Ms. Tasty resides in Tennessee. With the help of his best friends Lance Nesbitt (Clark Duke) and Felicia Alpine (Amanda Crew), Ian steals his brothers car and hits the open road. The trio stumbles upon an Amish community hosting a Rumspringa party. The hijinks have only just begun, especially when Ms. Tasty might be someone else.Stream Sex Drive for free on Tubi.Ghost (1990) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic TrailersWho knew pottery could be such a beautiful activity? Throw on some Unchained Melody, andGhostis possibly the most romantic movie about the supernatural. Banker Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) lives with his girlfriend Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) in a Manhattan loft. While walking home one night, Sam is murdered in front of Molly. Sam refuses to go to heaven, electing to stay on Earth and identify his killer.Unfortunately for Sam, his best friend and business partner, Carl Bruner (Tony Goldwyn), hired a criminal to shake him down for passwords to a lucrative business account. Knowing Carl must get these passwords from Molly, Sam seeks aid from psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg). Oda Mae is the only one who can see Sam, so she reluctantly agrees to help. Oda Mae will have to hurry with an unhinged Carl on the loose.Stream Ghost for free on Pluto TV.Vestron PicturesBefore Swayze turned to pottery, he was the best dancer at an upscale Catskills resort in Dirty Dancing. Its the summer of 1963. Baby (Jennifer Grey) and her family decide to spend the coming weeks at the resort. One night, Baby dances with instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) at a secret party. Baby is instantly smitten with Johnny.When Johnnys dance partner is sidelined after a botched abortion, Johnny turns to Baby as a replacement. The problem is Babys domineering father (Jerry Orbach) wants his daughter to stay away from Johnny. Baby obviously doesnt listen and sneaks off to practice with Johnny, and eventually, the two fall in love. With the summer winding down, Johnny and Baby contemplate their futures and, more importantly, prepare for the final dance.Stream Dirty Dancing for free on Tubi.Editors Recommendations

The TikTok saga continues. Apple reinstated the popular app to the App Store on Thursday evening, and a short while later Google followed suit and put it back on the Play Store. The move came after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly sent a letter to the tech giants assuring them that they will not face any penalties in relation to a law that banned the app in the U.S. last month.Both Apple and Google removed TikTok from their respective U.S. app stores on January 18, the day before the law banning the app went into effect. Then, on January 20, newly elected President Trump revealed that hed instructed the attorney general to refrain from enforcing the law for a period of 75 days to give his administration an opportunity to determine the appropriate course forward.Recommended VideosThe suspension gave Apple and Google an opportunity to return TikTok to their respective app stores. However, apparently concerned that Trumps executive order may not have provided sufficient legal protection, both companies decided against restoring the app at that time. The attorney generals letter changed all that.Please enable Javascript to view this contentMany U.S. lawmakers have long been critical of TikToks Chinese ownership, claiming the Chinese authorities could force the apps parent company, ByteDance, to hand over the personal data of some 170 million Americans who use the app.The law at the center of the TikTok debacle was signed into effect in April 2024. It gave ByteDance a nine-month window to sell the app to a non-Chinese company, a move that lawmakers believe will help to protect American data. Trumps suspension of the law ends on April 5. If the issue has not been resolved by then, further action by the government or the courts will determine if the ban is reinstated. If it is, then Apple and Google will have to remove the app from their online stores again.ByteDance have been vehemently protesting against the law, claiming that user data is securely stored, and that banning it violates free speech rights.Despite its absence from app stores, U.S. users have still been able to use TikTok. But the longer an app stays off an app store, the longer it goes without updates, which could impact its performance over time. U.S.-based folks with TikTok on an iOS or Android device can now go ahead and download any TikTok updates that appeared over the last month, while anyone who doesnt have it can now download it.Editors Recommendations

Are we losing critical thinking skills to artificial intelligence?Naeblys/AlamyGenerative AI tools can limit users critical thinking when doing tasks. People using generative AI also think less critically when they trust the AI to do a task, such as developing an argument for a paper or presentation. The researchers behind the findings say the solution is to adapt the technology, rather than to limit its use.Lev Tankelevitch at Microsoft Research and his colleagues asked 319 people to take part in a survey. The participants,

Apple and Android brought TikTok back to their app stores for US users on Thursday night.Since late January, TikTok's service but not the app itself was available in the US.TikTok's app was removed due to a divest-or-ban law signed by former President Joe Biden.Apple and Android have restored TikTok on US app stores on Thursday night.Last month, the companies made ByteDance apps, including TikTok, unavailable in the US to comply with a divest-or-ban law that former President Joe Biden signed in April.TikTok itself went dark for a couple of hours in the US leading up to January 20. But it was brought back online after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his inauguration day that delayed the ban by 75 days.This week, TikTok announced an Android package kit that allows users to download TikTok and TikTok Lite to bypass the ban.Last year, the bill to ban TikTok received bipartisan support in the House and Senate due to national security concerns with ByteDance's Chinese ownership. ByteDance spent months challenging the law that required it to be divested or banned from the US before January 19. On January 17, the Supreme Court ruled to uphold the ban.Apple, Android, and TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

We're seniors who own a home in Mexico and rent in the US. Living in Mexico has come with surprises.We appreciate how much easier it feels to get products repaired in Mexico than in the US.I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I like going on long bus rides and buying food in Mexico.My husband and I rent an apartment in our native United States but also own a home in Mexico.For the past 20 years, we've split our lives between our house in Guanajuato, Mexico, and our rental in Eureka, California.Although we traveled to Mexico several times before buying our home, living in the country is different than just visiting it.I'm now in my 70s, and he's in his 80s and we still make our bicultural lives work while continuing to be surprised and delighted by our city and neighbors.Here are a few things that have surprised me most about living in Mexico throughout the past two decades.It feels much easier to get things repaired in MexicoI've noticed Mexico doesn't have a "throwaway culture" like so much of the United States does. When something breaks here, trying to fix it is a priority, and it's often fairly easy to do.For instance, when my husband's mini desktop computer refused to open, our US tech specialist said it was irreparable. Instead of buying a new one, we brought it with us to Mexico, where a local computer shop in Guanajuato had it fixed in two hours for $30.In Mexico, it's generally been easy for us to find small businesses and local repairmen who will fix everything from electronics to clothing for a reasonable price.I've had the motor of my blender fixed at a local small-appliance repair shop and a replacement lid for my broken slow cooker made by a local craftsman.I recently took my outdoor vest to a tailor in Mexico, who did a beautiful job replacing the zipper for about $5. The same service would've likely cost at least triple in California.Our healthcare costs much less than it did in the US but not everything is cheaper hereAs seniors over 65, we have Medicare in the US that helps us with basic healthcare. Still, its changing policies and out-of-pocket costs can be difficult to navigate.While in Mexico, though, it's easier and often more affordable for us to see specialists, like dermatologists and dentists.A couple of years ago, for example, my husband needed a complicated crown and root-canal procedure that would've cost us about $3,500 out of pocket in the US and he would've had to wait months for an appointment.He had the procedure done in Mexico for $600, and getting an appointment took less than two weeks.Although our healthcare is generally less expensive here, not all health-related products are. For example, we bring our vitamins, ibuprofen, and sunscreen back from the US because they're typically more expensive to purchase in Mexico.Dining out often feels like attending a party We've had many lively experiences while dining out in Mexico. Mint Images/Getty Images/Mint Images RF Most restaurants we visit here are bustling with loud music and large groups of multigenerational families having lively conversations.The dining-out atmosphere in Mexico also tends to feel laid-back. We've never felt pressured to eat quickly so we can give up our table, and it's nice to be able to take our time.Eating out can be so leisurely, in fact, that we sometimes have to hunt down the server to ask for our bill.Food shopping has been surprisingly enjoyable and easyI love doing errands on foot in Guanajuato it's easy because the streets in the city center where our house is located are pedestrianized, colorful, and lively.I especially shopping because I get an opportunity to speak with locals in Spanish and connect with my community.When I'm not stopping at a local bakery (for fresh rolls), liquor store (for wine), or caf (for coffee beans in bulk), I do most of my shopping at the grocery store just three minutes from our home.Although it's small, with just three narrow aisles, it has much of what we need: fruits, vegetables, canned food, condiments, meat, and dairy.Since eggs are sold in bulk, I can even buy just a few if I don't need a whole dozen. I'm also able to buy just one stick of butter instead of a bigger pack if I'd like.Long-distance buses have been an especially wonderful way to get around MexicoBuses are one of the most popular forms of transportation here and we've been pleasantly surprised by them, especially for longer trips.We love the long-distance bus trips we've had in Mexico so far that have allowed us to explore more of the country.One of our go-to companies to travel with is Primera Plus, where our bus rides have been complete with reclining seats, spotless onboard restrooms, and even WiFi.

How long will the battery last? (YouTube)The Friday letters page is concerned that Sony is being encouraged to be complacent about the PlayStation 6, as one reader is curious about Avoweds review scores.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukShortened lifeI know theres a lot of questions that are yet to be answered about the Nintendo Switch 2 but one I havent seen mentioned even once is the battery life. Im sure someone, somewhere has talked about it but Im already worrying that it will be very bad if Nintendo are trying to make the console more powerful.We hear a lot of stories about third party support for the console, which does make it sound like itll be quite a step up, but the problem for that is its going to take a lot more battery power, as is a bigger and brighter screen. We all want a more powerful console but if that means its only going to stay working for a couple of a hours in portable mode I dont think its worth it.This is why Im not sure what Xbox and PlayStation are planning with their hinted at portables. Im not aware of any major improvements in batteries lately that would make it possible to make a console much more powerful and not draw a lot more power. If the Switch 2 doesnt last at least three hours at a time it will be a disaster.CoolsbanePassive successIve seen a lot of criticism of the State of Play but I think as a Direct style showcase it was unquestionably a good one. Not very well paced, maybe, but there were a lot of games I was interested in and a lot of new announcements, so I dont think in terms of an event it can really be called that bad.The problem is that it still showed minimum effort Sony is full effect. Its good to know Housemarque arent making a live service game, and Ill be there for the follow-up to Returnal, but it was just one game in a 50 minute long show, at the start of the year. That may not even count as minimum effort, especially as Saros wont be out until next year.And then we find out that sitting around doing nothing has been a huge success for Sony over Christmas, with sales up even when they had no new games to push. Like you say, what incentive have they for doing more? The smart business decision at this point is to do nothing. The less games you announce and release the better you do, apparently.This is clearly because PlayStation 5 is the only real choice now for most people, now that Xbox Series X/S has collapsed, but its infuriating to see a company be rewarded for literally doing nothing.AnselPlayStation 3 Part 2The thing that worries me about the PlayStation 5 doing so well, now that the Xbox Series X/S is dead, is how this is going to affect the PlayStation 6. If Sony seems lazy and disengaged now, how are they going to be when they think theyve got a clear field to play?We know, actually, just look at the PlayStation 3. An overly expensive console with too few games, sold by a Sony so arrogant it refused to accept there was any problem until the Xbox 360 started to dominate and execs started to lose their jobs.I know its too much to ask that anyone learn anything from history, but I can see all this happening again. We need Xbox or some other rival to keep Sony in check. And thats not Nintendo. Whether their consoles sell or not theyre not similar enough for Sony to see them as a competitor and thats always been the case.FocusEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukEasy moneyGreat interview with Josef Fares, GC. Ill be honest; I thought he was a bit of a crazy after his outburst at The Game Awards but he actually gave some very thoughtful and, in my opinion, accurate answers to your questions.I was particularly interested in his comments about developers being just as unoriginal as publishers, which is not something you hear a lot. You can kind of tell, given how so many indie games are just clones, but when youve not got so much money what can you do?But I remember hearing that a lot of the live service games weve seen over the last few years were the developers idea not a publishers. Concord was something Sony took over once the developer had already started, for example.Everyone wants money and Im sure developers want to make it as easily and quickly as any publisher. As usual, were just looking at the 10% of anything that is actually any good.Star-LordGC: Thank you.Wont someone think of the children?I dont understand why Sony ever stopped making family games in the first place. Did kids stop liking video games all of a sudden and I didnt notice? I guess maybe around the end of the PlayStation 3/start of the PlayStation 4 is when mobile gaming was at its peak, and looked like it may take over, but that was still no reason to stop completely.I think the popularity of sad dad single-player games mustve seemed like too much of a sure thing, but considering things like Astro Bot are a lot cheaper to make it still seems short-sighted. Hopefully the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake means Ape Escape will be back soon.PeabodyGood StateIll state that I wasnt in the very least disappointed in yesterdays State Of Play. I am very tickled, to see many people were unhappy and, as is such tradition, set their expectations to abnormal levels. You cant teach those who fail to learn from their mistakes. Two games caught my attention. Tides Of Annihilation is an interesting reveal. It looks grandiose and is brimming with efficacious scale. But it may be a while off. Since weve yet to see a concrete release date, nailed down.Saros was the closing act and what an act it was. Housemarque has awoken from their slumber and whilst it was a shame Harry Krueger, who directed Returnal, has left the company, from the minute long revelation announcement it could very well serve as a perfect continuation of the roguelike series. Im only hoping its less of a challenge this time around and you arent bumped back to the beginning. Theres no positive spin to such a death penalty.On a final note, I took the liberty of GCs recommendation. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Metaphor: Refantazio are in my Steam Library. Judging by the reviews, Avowed will not be joining them.Shahzaib SadiqBad omenWhy is it that as soon as that Borderlands 4 State of Play was announced I immediately thought of Suicide Squad? That also had a State of Play that was almost entirely only about it, and it not only seemed to go on forever but the game looked so bad it got delayed for a year and earned a terrible reputation that it never got over (because it was terrible).Im not saying Borderlands 4 is going to be the same, but its name has been mud ever since that movie and I dont think anyone liked the third one nearly as much as the second. All Im saying is I wouldnt be surprised if the game was a dud and itd be a weird coincidence if it all starts with a State of Play.BloomichCritical divideIts always interesting when a game has a mixed reaction and as many readers have noted in the past, its very easy to guess who will be scoring high and who will be going low.Therere almost no serious sites with a score above 70, with IGN giving it a 70, and then GC, TheGamer, The Guardian, and GameSpot all giving it 60. I think we can all agree that these are the more reliable sites out there and not But Why Tho?, Checkpoint Gaming, and Gameliner whoever they are.Some proper sites did like it, most obviously Eurogamer and VGC, but it seems to me that the 80 average is well above what the consensus amongst serious critics implies. I know it doesnt really matter but if anyone out there is using Metacritic to make 70+ buying decisions I really think theyd be better off picking a few sites they trust and going with their opinions alone.Since its on Game Pass Ill be giving the game a try but its going to have to be a very wet weekend for me to feel the urge (unfortunately I doubt therell be any shortage of those).BensonInbox also-ransIm anticipating Nintendos marketing team telling us to Switch to Nintendo before the to morphs into a 2 and the words rearranging themselves to read Nintendo Switch 2.Bad EditI had a horrible dream that I wasted 50 minutes of my time watching a State of Play and the big finale (and only first party studio game) was a cinematic scene from a game coming out in 2026.Adam_Lion_23 (PSN ID)GC: Whatevs. We thought it was a good one.More TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Shelter 45 / Gonzalo Rufin Arquitectos + Felipe ToroSave this picture! Pablo CasalsArchitects: Felipe Toro, Gonzalo Rufin ArquitectosAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:80 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Pablo CasalsManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Vidrieria Acuario Lead Architects: Gonzalo Rufin y Felipe Toro More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The more than six thousand kilometers of Chilean coastline give rise to beaches with diverse landscapes, characteristics and even temperatures, providing different options that suit all tastes.Save this picture!Save this picture!In the case of lovers of a good windy climate for practicing water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, there is no doubt that the destination is called Matanzas, a town located in the central area of the country, three hours away from Santiago, the capital city. Here, the project Refugio 45 is located in the middle of a mountainous sector with a view surrounded by forests and ravines, a figure that in the distance stands out for being both vertical and horizontal at the same time, making the most of the only flat space of the land where it is located, and thanks to its wood materiality it blends in as a cozy shelter inviting to protect yourself from the climatic conditions of the zone.Save this picture!The construction is characterized by the repetition of a module that houses three stories high and extends nine times in width, forming 80 m2 between exterior and interior spaces. Furthermore, through a skeleton made up of wood and steel ties, the project recognizes the small available area where it should be located and uses it to its advantage to rise vertically, distributing the public program, such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom, in a first floor next to the terraces, while the private spaces are on the upper floors, such as the master bedroom and a tiny loft that is used to accommodate guests.Save this picture!Save this picture!Finally, the facades of the house consider certain levels of transparency. The side faces remain open to get clean horizontal views, while the northern facade develops a combination of timber blinders over the terraces for sunlight and rain protection.Save this picture!Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeFelipe ToroOfficeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on February 14, 2025Cite: "Shelter 45 / Gonzalo Rufin Arquitectos + Felipe Toro" [Refugio 45 / Gonzalo Rufin Arquitectos + Felipe Toro] 13 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026470/shelter-45-gonzalo-rufin-arquitectos-plus-felipe-toro&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream