Protecting your privacy online is important, and learning how to use avirtual private network (VPN) is an excellent way to start the process. VPNs mask your online activities by issuing you an IP from another location, encrypting data, and sending your requests through their server networks. They make it harder for third parties to track you, making you less likely to become a victim of eavesdropping or for your personal information to be exploited by marketers. They also help stop internet service providers (ISPs) from throttling your connection and can be used to access streaming services worldwide.There are so many VPNs out there -- some more trustworthy than others -- that deciding on the right VPN for you is a daunting task. The easiest way to see if a particular VPN is the right one for you is to sign up for a free trial, which most companies offer. In most cases, we recommend you choose a trial over a free VPN service, as many free offerings require you to agree to data collection and targeted advertising. In addition, most VPN providers will ask for your payment card details when you sign up for the free trial. Take note of the money-back guarantee period and cancel before you are charged. What is the best VPN trial right now?Our top pick is Proton VPN as it is one of the few VPN providers that still provides a free option without a time limit and doesn't ask for your financial details. Although restricted, the VPN is user-friendly and has an attractive user interface, giving you all the time you need to figure out how VPNs work and whether this one suits your needs. Paid plans are also available.Below are ZDNET's top picks for the best VPN trials on the market right now. Sort by All The best VPN trials of 2025 Show less View now at Proton Since launching in 2017, Proton VPN -- the open-source virtual private network from the minds of Proton Mail -- has made its mark. It has garnered support because the company is transparent about software security practices, including two-factor authentication, WireGuard, forward security encryption keys, and a kill switch.Review:Proton VPNProton VPN doesn't offer a trial, but its free option has some of the same features as its paid subscriptions. Alternatively, you can sign up for a subscription and cancel within 30 days.At ZDNET, we view Proton VPN's free offering as a "trial," especially if you are new to the world of VPNs and want to learn how to use the software before signing up for a paid plan. A bonus is that the VPN provider is backed by Swiss privacy laws, some of the strongest in the world.The caveat is that you can only connect one device to one of three countries with the trial. On the flip side, there are no data limits. If you opt for a paid subscription, you can access over 4,600 servers in 91 countries.Also: Best travel VPN of 2025If you're interested in a paid plan, you can pay $4.49 per month on a two-year contract or $5 per month on an annual plan. One month of access is $10.Proton VPN features:Open-source |Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on the plan |Countries: 117 |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 Pros Security-conscious Open-source Based in Switzerland Free plan Cons Free plan limited to one connection No peer-to-peer (P2P) support with free version Since launching in 2017, Proton VPN -- the open-source virtual private network from the minds of Proton Mail -- has made its mark. It has garnered support because the company is transparent about software security practices, including two-factor authentication, WireGuard, forward security encryption keys, and a kill switch.Review:Proton VPNProton VPN doesn't offer a trial, but its free option has some of the same features as its paid subscriptions. Alternatively, you can sign up for a subscription and cancel within 30 days.At ZDNET, we view Proton VPN's free offering as a "trial," especially if you are new to the world of VPNs and want to learn how to use the software before signing up for a paid plan. A bonus is that the VPN provider is backed by Swiss privacy laws, some of the strongest in the world.The caveat is that you can only connect one device to one of three countries with the trial. On the flip side, there are no data limits. If you opt for a paid subscription, you can access over 4,600 servers in 91 countries.Also: Best travel VPN of 2025If you're interested in a paid plan, you can pay $4.49 per month on a two-year contract or $5 per month on an annual plan. One month of access is $10.Proton VPN features:Open-source |Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on the plan |Countries: 117 |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 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Surfshark Surfshark, which includes a mobile trial, has many additional features, such as cookie blockers, an IP rotator, and the option to connect to two servers simultaneously. Our past tests found the connections to be reliable and secure, albeit with download speeds that can be slower than other VPN services.A bonus to consider is the reasonable size of its server network -- with over 3,200 servers available in over 100 countries. Surfshark is also a very affordable VPN.Review:Surfshark VPNA seven-day free VPN trial is available for Android, iOS, and macOS, but you need to sign up for it by downloading the app from the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.You can also test out Surfshark by signing up for a plan. Don't forget to cancel within 30 days for a refund if you're unsatisfied. The subscription options include a two-year subscription for $2.19 per month with three months free, a 12-month subscription for $3.19 per month, or one month of access for $15.45.Surfshark is also ZDNET's pick for the best school VPN for affordability.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 Pros Affordable Multi-platform Independent security audits Attractive user interface Cons Can be slower than competitors Surfshark, which includes a mobile trial, has many additional features, such as cookie blockers, an IP rotator, and the option to connect to two servers simultaneously. Our past tests found the connections to be reliable and secure, albeit with download speeds that can be slower than other VPN services.A bonus to consider is the reasonable size of its server network -- with over 3,200 servers available in over 100 countries. Surfshark is also a very affordable VPN.Review:Surfshark VPNA seven-day free VPN trial is available for Android, iOS, and macOS, but you need to sign up for it by downloading the app from the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.You can also test out Surfshark by signing up for a plan. Don't forget to cancel within 30 days for a refund if you're unsatisfied. The subscription options include a two-year subscription for $2.19 per month with three months free, a 12-month subscription for $3.19 per month, or one month of access for $15.45.Surfshark is also ZDNET's pick for the best school VPN for affordability.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 Show less View now at Privado Another choice you should consider is Privado VPN. This Swiss VPN offers a comprehensive free plan with support for up to 10 devices, 10GB of traffic per month, and 13 server locations.During our testing, we found the user interface clean and easy to use, with a handy button to enable or disable the kill switch. Unfortunately, it lacks the advanced features of many other VPNs.For paid plans, prices begin at $1.11 per month for two years of access with three months free, and $1.33 per month for an annual plan, and$11 if you want to try out the software for just one month.Privado has a clear privacy policy. At the time of writing, however, there was no evidence of third-party auditing, an area the company should tackle if it wants to build more trust in the brand as a solid, secure VPN.Privado VPN features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited, one 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: 3.4 |App Store rating: 4|Customer service:Email, online FAQ |Data limit:10GB monthly |Speed limit:No Pros Affordable Free plan No credit card required for trial Cons Limited country and server selection Lack of auditing Another choice you should consider is Privado VPN. This Swiss VPN offers a comprehensive free plan with support for up to 10 devices, 10GB of traffic per month, and 13 server locations.During our testing, we found the user interface clean and easy to use, with a handy button to enable or disable the kill switch. Unfortunately, it lacks the advanced features of many other VPNs.For paid plans, prices begin at $1.11 per month for two years of access with three months free, and $1.33 per month for an annual plan, and$11 if you want to try out the software for just one month.Privado has a clear privacy policy. At the time of writing, however, there was no evidence of third-party auditing, an area the company should tackle if it wants to build more trust in the brand as a solid, secure VPN.Privado VPN features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited, one 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: 3.4 |App Store rating: 4|Customer service:Email, online FAQ |Data limit:10GB monthly |Speed limit:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is a widely used and popular VPN. While expensive, the service is best suited for individuals who want to adopt a reliable VPN that can be used at home and abroad. Advanced features include content streaming and torrenting availability, split tunneling, and a threat manager designed to stop tracking.The VPN is straightforward: Install the software, choose a smart location or your preferred country, and connect. You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously. A router app is also available to protect every device in your household.Review:ExpressVPNExpressVPN has adopted the same stance as many other VPN providers and does not offer a standalone trial. Instead, you can sign up for a short-term service -- either one month, six months, or a year -- and then cancel within 30 days to take advantage of a money-back guarantee. There are no functionality, speed, or server restrictions.Also:Surfshark vs ExpressVPNExpressVPN subscriptions are priced as follows: $12.95 for one month of access, $6.67 per month on an annual plan, or $5per month if you sign up for two years. Three months of free access are added to the yearly subscription, or you will receive four months of free service with a two-year contract.There is also 24/7 chat support if you have queries or trouble setting up the VPN. Customers note the high price point but still appreciate this VPN's speed, rapid connections, and server network.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.2 |Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4.7 Pros Rapid speeds Large server network User friendly Solid connections Cons More expensive than most competitors No unlimited connections with paid plan ExpressVPN is a widely used and popular VPN. While expensive, the service is best suited for individuals who want to adopt a reliable VPN that can be used at home and abroad. Advanced features include content streaming and torrenting availability, split tunneling, and a threat manager designed to stop tracking.The VPN is straightforward: Install the software, choose a smart location or your preferred country, and connect. You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously. A router app is also available to protect every device in your household.Review:ExpressVPNExpressVPN has adopted the same stance as many other VPN providers and does not offer a standalone trial. Instead, you can sign up for a short-term service -- either one month, six months, or a year -- and then cancel within 30 days to take advantage of a money-back guarantee. There are no functionality, speed, or server restrictions.Also:Surfshark vs ExpressVPNExpressVPN subscriptions are priced as follows: $12.95 for one month of access, $6.67 per month on an annual plan, or $5per month if you sign up for two years. Three months of free access are added to the yearly subscription, or you will receive four months of free service with a two-year contract.There is also 24/7 chat support if you have queries or trouble setting up the VPN. Customers note the high price point but still appreciate this VPN's speed, rapid connections, and server network.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS|Trustpilot rating: 4.2 |Google Play rating: 4.4 |App Store rating: 4.7 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at NordVPN Although NordVPN doesn't offer a free trial, you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service and cancel within 30 days. Subscriptions start at $3.39 per month on a standard two-year plan.Review:NordVPN reviewGiven NordVPN's popularity, accounting for millions of downloads, the service is worth considering, even though you have to jump through a few hoops to test it out. It's fast and reliable, and the developers are constantly monitoring and working to improve the VPN's security and features.Also:NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which is better for you?As we found in our own tests, NordVPN offers consistently fast speeds across an impressive array of country servers. The company has a server network of 111 countries and allows 10 simultaneous device connections. Plus, it's compatible with many operating systems and devices.NordVPN is also ZDNET's top pick for Apple TV VPNs.NordVPN features: 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 Pros Massive server network Rapid speeds Advanced features Solid security approach Cons Payment details required to test it out Limited simultaneous connections Although NordVPN doesn't offer a free trial, you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service and cancel within 30 days. Subscriptions start at $3.39 per month on a standard two-year plan.Review:NordVPN reviewGiven NordVPN's popularity, accounting for millions of downloads, the service is worth considering, even though you have to jump through a few hoops to test it out. It's fast and reliable, and the developers are constantly monitoring and working to improve the VPN's security and features.Also:NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which is better for you?As we found in our own tests, NordVPN offers consistently fast speeds across an impressive array of country servers. The company has a server network of 111 countries and allows 10 simultaneous device connections. Plus, it's compatible with many operating systems and devices.NordVPN is also ZDNET's top pick for Apple TV VPNs.NordVPN features: 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 VPN trials, compared VPN trialStarting priceNumber of countries/locationsCredit card requiredSeparate free trial or money-back guaranteeMobile trial?Proton VPNFree or $4.49 per month91NoFree versionFree plan, limitedSurfshark$2.19 per month100YesMoney-back guaranteeSeven daysPrivado VPNFree or $1.11 per month49NoFree versionFree plan, limitedExpressVPN$5per month105YesMoney-back guaranteeSeven daysNordVPN$3.59 per month111YesMoney-back guaranteeSeven days Show more What is a VPN trial and why should you use one? A VPN trial is a way for you to test out a service before committing to a contract. Few VPN providers offer trials beyond a week or so on mobile devices.Instead, you can rely on a handful of free plans or sign up for a service and use what is typically a 30-day money-back guarantee to try out a VPN. You should use these methods when you can to find the VPN that is right for you. Show more Which is the right VPN trial for you? While deciding on the best use cases for each VPN, we considered trial features, levels of security, and affordability. We recommend testing different VPNs to find the right fit for your budget and needs. The recommendations below can make the decision easier if you already know your priorities.Also: VPNs with a strict no-log policyChoose this VPN if...If you want...Proton VPNA security-first option with a free plan that strongly emphasizes transparency and open-source technology. It offers advanced security features like a no-logs policy, security audits, and support for the Tor network. This is our favorite way to try out a VPN.SurfSharkAn affordable VPN subscription and a 7-day iOS, macOS, and Android trial. With pricing starting at just a few dollars per month, SurfShark is inexpensive and still provides a wide range of features, including ad-blocking and two-factor authentication.Privado VPNA generous free plan. While there may be questions surrounding its lack of auditing, the VPN is subject to strict Swiss privacy laws and offers users a simple, clean service.ExpressVPNA full-featured, easy-to-use trial that is not restricted in functionality, speed, or server connections. ExpressVPN offers advanced features like content streaming and torrenting availability, split tunneling, and a threat manager designed to stop tracking.NordVPNAccess to over 6,000 servers in 111 countries. NordVPN is a long-term, reliable solution if you want a VPN you can depend on. NordVPN offers advanced features like a no-logs policy, threat protection, and dark web monitoring. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a VPN trial When considering trying out a new VPN, there are numerous factors and conditions to think about, the most important of which are outlined below:Trial length: VPN trials vary in length. For example, you may have 30 days on your Windows PC, whereas iOS or Android-based trials may only last seven days. The latter can be useful but may not be enough time to test a VPN before purchasing.Limits: VPN trials are often limited, which may impact the devices you can use your VPN on, the number of devices, speed, or server access. Furthermore, there may be speed caps imposed on free VPN plans or during trial periods, which don't reflect the true capabilities of the VPN service.Payment details: Some VPNs require payment card details before you can test out their service. If this is the case, remember to remove your details before your time runs out, to avoid being automatically charged for a paid subscription.Paid plans: If you find a VPN that you like, you may then decide to sign up for a paid plan. Consider the monthly cost of your new plan ahead of time and decide whether it is within your preferred price range.Security: Avoid VPNs without extensive customer feedback and with shady business practices. It's not worth potentially trading your data and privacy to save a few bucks. Show more How did we choose these VPN trials? When looking for the best VPN trials of 2025, we wanted to see just how user-friendly they are, whether you'll be asked to hand over payment card details, and whether the trials themselves have value. We considered the following factors.Hands-on research: We conduct extensive hands-on research, including speed tests and domain name service (DNS) leak tests, on many VPN offerings. If a VPN doesn't perform as it should, they don't make the cut.Usability: We kept usability and user-friendliness across the different VPN trials. The point of a trial is to learn how VPNs work and to ensure a VPN is the right product for you.Limitations: Some VPN trials are limited; for example, maybe you can only connect to a handful of servers. We prefer it when trials are for the full VPN service, but there are some exceptions.Customer reviews: We examined customer reviews, including both positive and negative experiences. We also kept in mind the longevity of VPN providers, considering their track records for user and data privacy, popularity, as well as the variety and accessibility of services.Money-back guarantee: You often have to rely on a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the most popular VPNs. Except for services like Proton VPN and Windscribe, a subscription model is still preferable to free VPNs, unless they use the revenue generated from paid plans to support free options. Show more Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a VPN? A virtual private network (VPN) is a network of nodes -- or servers -- that reroute internet traffic to mask its original IP address. VPNs also add a layer of encryption to protect data packets and online communication. As the internet was not designed to be inherently secure, VPNs were developed to bridge part of the security gap. While they are not a foolproof solution, a reliable and trustworthy VPN can help protect your online privacy.If you want to understand how VPNs work in more detail, check out our guide oneverything you need to knowabout VPNs. Show more What is a VPN trial, and how does it work? A VPN trial is a way to test a VPN service before purchasing it.Typically, these trials last for a specific period or have limited functionality. Once the trial period ends, you must subscribe to continue using the service. VPN trials work by providing you with a temporary account, allowing you to test the VPN's features and functionality.Some VPN providers offer free trials. You can cancel your subscription within the trial period to avoid being charged, but you will likely have to provide your payment card details when signing up. VPN trials can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the provider. During the trial period, you may have limited access to certain features, reduced connection speeds, or a limited number of servers to choose from. Most VPN providers, however, offer a full range of features during the trial period.Not all VPN trials are secure and trustworthy, so it's essential to choose a reputable VPN provider that has a history of protecting user privacy and security. Show more When should a VPN not be used? Using a VPN is generally recommended day-to-day. In some circumstances, you may decide not to enable your VPN.VPNs can slow down your connection, so if you're not dealing with sensitive information, you may want to trade speed for security temporarily, such as when gaming. You should also always check if using a VPN is legal in your country. Show more What does a VPN not protect you from? VPNs protect your privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting your traffic. Unless there are specific, integrated features, they do not offer protection against online threats such as phishing, drive-by malicious downloads, malware, ransomware, or data breaches.To protect yourself against these attack vectors, you should ensure you have a firewall and antivirus software. Stay suspicious of untrusted messages and emails. Show more Are there alternative VPNs worth considering? There is a huge selection of VPN offerings in the market today. While we've showcased what we consider the best VPN providers that offer decent trials, there are other options available you may want to consider in 2025: Show more Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends