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Best for Speed and Server Coverage
Best for Extended Trial Period
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No split tunneling feature on desktop
Navigating the world of virtual private networks (VPNs) can be daunting, especially when looking for the perfect blend of reliability, features, and cost efficiency. Luckily, free trials and money-back guarantees are increasingly common among premium VPN providers, offering a risk-free way to test their services.
In this landscape, NordVPN emerges as a frontrunner with its robust security measures, reasonable pricing, and a user-friendly money-back guarantee that’s a testament to its confidence in service quality.
ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN also present compelling cases with their high-speed server networks and generous trial periods, ensuring users have the best tools to safeguard their digital footprint.
| VPN | 
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| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 45-day money-back guarantee |
| Payment info needed for free trial? | |||
| Starting price | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually) | Starts at $2.03/mo (billed every two years) |
| Server locations | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries | Unlisted in 105 countries | Unlisted in 100 countries |
| Max simultaneous connections | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more |
| Streaming support | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, BBC, HBO Max, ITVX, ESPN, Disney+, and more | Yes —Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, and more |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get ExpressVPN | Get CyberGhost |
When selecting the best premium VPN services offering free trials, we focused on a balanced set of criteria catering to security-conscious users and those looking for ease of use and exceptional performance.
We considered factors such as the robustness of privacy features, the breadth of server networks, the speed and reliability of service, the user-friendliness of apps, and the overall value for money.
Our goal was to find VPNs that provide a risk-free opportunity to test their capabilities while still offering comprehensive features that users would require in the long term.
These features provide a snapshot of a VPN's performance and user experience and allow users to assess how well the service will fit into their daily internet usage without the immediate pressure of a premium subscription fee.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
NordVPN is the go-to choice for users who prioritize airtight security without compromising speed. It's ideal for the privacy-conscious individual, with advanced features such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN. This makes it perfect for journalists, activists, or anyone needing robust privacy measures.
While NordVPN’s price point is higher than that of some competitors, the wealth of security features and reliable performance justify the cost for those who view digital security as paramount.
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We were impressed by NordVPN's strong commitment to privacy and security, evidenced by its strict no-logs policy and the use of AES-256-GCM encryption. The service's ability to unblock streaming services like Netflix and its provision for torrenting makes it a versatile choice.
The 30-day money-back guarantee offers ample time to test out these features thoroughly.
Despite its strengths, NordVPN isn't without its drawbacks. During our tests, we noticed a notable drop in speed when connected to distant servers, particularly in Japan and Australia, which may affect users who need consistently high speeds globally.
Additionally, while NordVPN is competitively priced, it may still be on the higher end for users on a tight budget.
| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Payment info needed for free trial? | Yes |
| Price range | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
| Server locations | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
| Max simultaneous connections | 10 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and more |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN |
Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
ExpressVPN is the ideal VPN for power users who value a fast, reliable connection across a wide geographic range. With a vast server network spanning 105 countries, it's particularly well-suited for travelers and remote workers who need to maintain access to services from multiple locations.
The higher starting price point reflects the premium service, which includes industry-leading speeds and a user-friendly interface, making it a sound investment for those who don't want to compromise on quality and range.
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Our testing highlighted ExpressVPN's standout speed and server coverage performance, which are essential for tasks like streaming, gaming, and large data transfers. Its proprietary Lightway protocol offers a fast and secure VPN experience while maintaining robust privacy with a verified no-logs policy.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's commitment to transparency is demonstrated through regular third-party audits and its location in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands.
On the downside, ExpressVPN's pricing is at the premium end of the market, which might deter budget-conscious users. While the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no permanent free tier for long-term, no-cost use exists.
During testing, we also noted a limited number of U.K. server options, which could limit connectivity choices for users in that region.
| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Payment info needed for free trial? | Yes |
| Price range | $4.99–$12.95/mo |
| Server locations | Unlisted in 105 countries |
| Max simultaneous connections | 8 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and more |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN |
High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
CyberGhost is best suited for users who appreciate a longer period to assess the VPN's capabilities fully, thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee. It's an excellent match for those who may be new to VPNs and desire ample time to explore its features without the pressure of a quick trial period.
With its competitive pricing and extensive selection of servers, it is also well-suited for individuals looking for variety and affordability in their VPN service.
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CyberGhost's generous 45-day money-back guarantee is a standout feature, providing users with an extended period to test the VPN's full suite of services. The VPN excels with servers in 100 countries, ensuring users can access a wide range of geo-locked content.
It's also user-friendly, with dedicated profiles for streaming and torrenting, making it easy to find the best server for your needs.
During our testing, some downsides of CyberGhost became evident. Although it boasts a large server park, we encountered connectivity issues with specific servers, including those in Canada and Australia.
Additionally, the VPN struggled with reliably unblocking Netflix on some servers, and there were occasional slowdowns in speed on distant servers, which could be a concern for users requiring consistent performance.
| Free trial | 45-day money-back guarantee |
| Payment info needed for free trial | Yes |
| Price range | $2.03–$6.99/mo |
| Server locations | Unlisted in 100 countries |
| Max simultaneous connections | 7 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS: iPhone/ iPad, Android, Chrome, Firefox, smart TVs, routers |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost |
While NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost took the lead in our search for the best VPNs with free trials, several other VPN services also stood out and are worth mentioning. Each offers features that cater to specific needs and preferences, from user friendliness to exceptional streaming capabilities, along with various trial and money-back guarantee options.
There are multiple ways you can get a VPN free trial, and all the terms may confuse you. Here's a breakdown of the different types of VPN free trials you can get:
| Free trial | A short and free test of the VPN service which usually lasts a few hours to a couple of days. It may have restricted features, like a smaller server count. However, it doesn't typically require payment information. |
| Money-back guarantee | Requires an up-front payment, but offers a non-restricted way of testing out the VPN for a long period of time. Money-back guarantees are frequently 30 days long, but some may be longer. A lot of VPNs offer "risk-free" refunds, which means you can get your money back for any reason at all. |
| Free VPN | Free VPNs are free forever, no payment details are required. However, free VPNs are a lot more restrictive than their premium counterparts, with fewer server locations, an inability to access streaming services, and sometimes weak security. You should also be careful of free VPNs that steal your browsing activity — remember, if it's free, you're the product. |
The best VPN free trial is the money-back guarantee method. While you do need to make a payment, it offers the longest testing period. All of the VPNs listed above offer tried-and-tested money-back guarantees.
If you've tried out a VPN but it's not what you're after, you'll want to know how to cancel the trial. This is very easy to do, after all the point of a trial period is easy cancellation!
A lot of VPN free trials end automatically, and if you didn't add any payment details you don't need to worry about anything. However, if you did, or you're relying on a money-back guarantee, there are some steps you need to take.
Here's how to cancel the most common VPN free trials:
If you signed up for a free trial with payment details, you need to cancel before the end of the trial. Most free trials that require your payment info automatically sign you up for the lowest-priced tier and charge you when the free trial ends. To cancel, you can try the following:
Free trials without payment details don't require you to take any action! They will just end without charging you anything.
An example of a free trial like this is CyberGhost's 24-hour trial for Windows and Mac.
Money-back guarantees always require you to sign up for the VPN, so you'll always need to take action to get your money back. Please note that canceling automatic payments is not the same as applying for a refund.
To get your money back, you will need to contact your VPN's customer support within the guarantee's time period. For most VPNs, this is 30 days. Make sure to tell them you would like to cancel the service and get your money back.
Some VPNs offer better money-back guarantees than others. Always make sure you're going for a "risk-free" VPN, or at least one that has a tried-and-tested refund policy.
Some VPNs offer a free trial without needing credit card details to ease the sign-up process and ensure no accidental charges. Providers like Proton VPN offer a free tier with unlimited bandwidth and an ongoing free trial.
CyberGhost stands out with the longest risk-free period thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than the typical 30-day guarantee offered by most VPN providers.
A free trial is when you can use a virtual private network service without charge, usually requiring no upfront payment information. On the other hand, a money-back guarantee may require payment details, and the user is charged. Still, they can get a full refund if unsatisfied and cancel within the specified free trial period, typically 30-45 days.
Premium VPN services typically only offer a true 7-day trial period to access the free service with no money down.
The biggest benefit of premium VPNs compared to free VPNs is the advanced features, like the inclusion of split tunneling, a kill switch, Smart DNS service, DNS leak protection, strict no-logs policies, unlimited data allowance, more server locations, better access to geo-restricted streaming services, built-in ad blocking, robust customer support, and more.
In the quest for secure and private internet access with the flexibility of a free trial, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost have emerged as the top choices, each with their own merits.
NordVPN is the fortress for the security-focused user, providing a robust set of privacy tools and solid performance.
ExpressVPN champions the need for speed and extensive server availability, making it ideal for global travelers or remote workers.
CyberGhost, with its extended 45-day money-back guarantee, offers the most generous timeframe to gauge its comprehensive service, proving to be a strong contender for those seeking both performance and value.
While these three have taken the spotlight, it's important to acknowledge the commendable features of Surfshark, Private Internet Access, PrivadoVPN, and Proton VPN, which offer appealing free trials and money-back guarantees. Their inclusion in any conversation about VPNs is a testament to their quality and user satisfaction.
Whether you prioritize security features, speed, server reach, or the luxury of time to test, the VPN landscape provides ample choices to suit your internet needs.
| Free trial | Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
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30-day money-back guarantee | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for comprehensive security features | Get NordVPN |
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30-day money-back guarantee | Starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually) | Best for speed and server coverage | Get ExpressVPN |
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45-day money-back guarantee | Starts at $2.03/mo (billed every two years) | Best for extended trial periods | Get CyberGhost |
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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