SafePaper’s testing outlines which free VPN tiers offer a viable privacy layer.
San Francisco, CA — December 3, 2025
According to a new free VPNs for Australia research by independent privacy site SafePaper, most so-called free VPNs available in Australia come with hidden costs: aggressive data collection or trial traps. Out of 24 apps reviewed, only six offered functional, genuinely free tiers with acceptable privacy safeguards.
6 Free VPNs That Passed
Only six of the 24 VPN apps tested met SafePaper’s criteria for being truly free, usable, and relatively transparent. But even among these, trade-offs remain, from data caps to server selection limits. The following summary highlights where each provider fits and what users should keep in mind.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear stood out for its simplicity: no registration, no ads, and manual server selection across dozens of countries. However, its free tier is capped at 2GB/month, making it suitable only for light or occasional use. For users who just need quick, secure access to a different region, it offers a low-friction experience.
PotatoVPN
PotatoVPN allows unlimited use on mobile without any sign-up, relying instead on short video ads before each connection. The app supports manual server choice and works well on both iOS and Android.
However, it doesn’t support desktops or browsers, limiting its appeal to mobile-only users who don’t mind brief ad interruptions.
X-VPN
X-VPN offers broad platform coverage and unlimited use without requiring an account. It supports manual server selection on mobile and works across mobile, desktop, and even Chromebook. Ads are present in the free version, particularly on mobile, but it remains one of the few options with seamless cross-device access.
Windscribe
Windscribe’s free plan starts with 2GB per month but can be expanded to 15GB through simple actions like email verification. It also includes advanced privacy tools: ad-blocking, GPS spoofing, and more, normally reserved for paid users. Setup requires an account, making it better suited to privacy-conscious users willing to engage with the platform.
Proton VPN
Backed by a strong privacy reputation, Proton VPN offers unlimited and ad-free usage on its free tier. However, server locations are auto-assigned, and manual selection is only available for paid users. It’s a good fit for those already using other Proton services, or anyone looking for a clean, minimalist VPN with no data cap.
Hide.me VPN
Hide.me combines ad-free access with strong privacy credentials and no upfront account setup. Like Proton, free users cannot choose their server location, which is automatically assigned. The app is best for users who value anonymity and want to avoid unnecessary setup steps or tracking.
Each of these services comes with compromises—but unlike most apps labeled as “free VPNs,” they offer a usable experience without misleading upsells or hidden requirements. For readers exploring more options beyond these six, SafePaper also maintains an extended list of free unlimited VPN services, though similar trade-offs often apply.
How SafePaper Reviewed 24 VPN Apps
To assess which free VPNs could still offer Australians a usable layer of privacy, SafePaper tested 24 apps that appeared in searches for “free VPN” across the Australian App Store and Google Play.
The team installed and used each app across multiple devices: iPhones, Android phones, iPads, MacBooks, and Chromebooks, replicating how everyday users might explore free VPNs without reading the fine print. The goal was to identify services that provided a genuinely functional free tier, without trial expiry, hidden costs, or misleading upgrade prompts.
Any app that required an upfront payment or exhibited unclear data practices was disqualified. None of the apps included were sponsored or promoted by SafePaper. And while public reviews and App Store ratings were considered, SafePaper notes that star scores don’t always reflect privacy standards: a pattern explored in its review of Trustpilot data reliability.
Final Notes and Disclosures
The market for free VPNs remains a complex and often confusing space. While some services offer genuine utility, many others rely on vague privacy claims or dark patterns that undermine user trust. SafePaper’s review shows that truly functional, no-cost VPNs do exist—but they are the exception, not the norm.
For Australians who treasure privacy, transparency, not just convenience, may prove the most valuable feature of all.
About SafePaper
SafePaper is an independent digital privacy publication based in the U.S., focused on trustworthy, no-fluff guides for everyday internet users. Its team of researchers manually tests VPNs, browsers, and privacy tools to help users stay safe, stay informed, stay free.
