Free vs Paid VPN: Which to Choose?

Today, a VPN has become an essential tool for many users. It encrypts your internet traffic, protects your data, and hides your location, allowing you to browse as if you were in Europe, America, or Asia.

There are many VPN services available, some of them free. So why do others charge a fee? What makes a paid VPN different from a free one? Let's break it down in this article.

The Risks of Free VPNs

Running a VPN service requires significant financial investment in development, server maintenance, and marketing. If providers aren't making money from subscriptions, they are likely monetizing the service in other ways.

Most free VPNs generate revenue through advertising — you may see pop-up ads in the app or receive push notifications. Additionally, some companies sell your browsing data to third parties, such as advertisers. As a result, after watching a YouTube video about gardening, you may find yourself flooded with ads for gardening tools across other websites.

A CSIRO research group from Australia analyzed 283 free VPN apps on Google Play and found alarming results:

• 38% of apps contained malicious code.
• 75% tracked user activity.
• 43% injected ads into user traffic.
• 18% shared user data with third parties, including advertising networks.

If you want to avoid ads and data tracking, a better option is to use the free version of a paid VPN. Many premium providers offer trial versions that ensure security but come with limitations, such as:

• Limited servers. Typically, only 3–5 locations are available. You cannot select a specific country or connect to a nearby server for better performance.
• Restricted traffic. Most free VPNs limit monthly data usage (usually 2–10 GB) and may block torrents and streaming platforms.
• Low speeds. Free VPN servers are overcrowded, leading to 2–10 Mbps speed limits to reduce bandwidth consumption.
• Device limitations. Free versions usually allow only one or two simultaneous connections, making it hard to protect all devices in your household.

Providers intentionally impose these restrictions to encourage users to subscribe to paid subscriptions. If these limitations don't work for you, choosing a premium VPN is best.

Some VPN services without a free version offer a money-back guarantee instead. BlancVPN, for example, provides a 30-day refund policy, giving you a risk-free opportunity to test the service without restrictions.

How is a Paid VPN Different from a Free One?

Paid VPN providers focus on quality, user loyalty, and removing restrictions. They offer several key advantages:

• Maximum security. Premium VPNs prioritize data protection with features like traffic obfuscation, leak protection, kill switch, and advanced VPN protocols.

For example, BlancVPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, Outline, and V2Ray, which is helpful for bypassing censorship. We use only physical servers for better security and never log user activity.

• More server locations. A more extensive global network allows users to connect to specific regions for localized content. It also allows you to test several nearby servers and choose the one that works better. BlancVPN has 35 servers across all inhabited continents, offering plenty of options.
• Faster speeds. Premium VPNs use high-bandwidth servers, reducing congestion and improving stability. BlancVPN supports up to 2 Gbps speeds, enough for 4K streaming and smooth online gaming.
• No restrictions. Unlike free VPNs, premium services do not impose bandwidth caps. BlancVPN allows unlimited data usage and supports multiple device connections, including Smart TVs and Wi-Fi routers.
• Access to restricted content. Most premium VPNs, including BlancVPN, support torrenting, gaming, and streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu.
• Reliable customer support. Paid VPNs offer 24/7 customer support for troubleshooting. BlancVPN provides round-the-clock assistance, with an average response time of under two minutes. You can contact us via Telegram bot or live chat on our website.

Which VPN Should You Choose: Paid or Free?

Free VPNs don't require payment but have heavy restrictions, ads, and privacy concerns. Free versions of premium VPNs are safer but limit features to encourage subscriptions. Paid VPNs cost money but offer unrestricted speeds, better security, more locations, high-quality support, and guaranteed privacy.

Compare 6 popular free VPNs for iOS.

Which VPN is right for you?

• A free version may be enough if you rarely use a VPN and don't mind ads or restrictions.
• A limited free plan from a reputable provider may work if you don't need streaming or gaming features.
• A premium VPN is the best choice if you need a VPN for daily use across multiple devices, with high speed, security, and reliability.

Read more about what affects VPN security, speed, and reliability.

FAQ

What are the main risks of free VPNs?

Free VPNs often inject ads, track user activity, or sell data to third parties. Trial versions of premium VPNs offer better security but limit server access, speed, or data usage.

How does a paid VPN differ from a free one?

Paid VPNs, like BlancVPN, provide faster speeds, stable connections, ad-free browsing, and access to a more extensive server network. They also support streaming, torrenting, and 24/7 customer support.

Can I try a paid VPN for free?

Many VPNs offer money-back guarantees. BlancVPN provides a 30-day refund policy, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

Which VPN should I choose?

• If you only need occasional access, a free VPN may suffice.
• A paid VPN is the best option if you care about privacy, speed, and security.