If you're looking for a free VPN that offers a lot of flexibility and server locations, Windscribe is a solid choice, especially if you're willing to earn extra data. It's really good for casual browsing, light streaming, and getting past simple geo-restrictions.
Proton VPN, on the other hand, focuses heavily on privacy and security, giving you an unlimited data free experience, though with fewer server options. It's often the pick for folks who need strong privacy or are doing more sensitive things online.
But if you want truly future-proof, post-quantum-ready encryption and a free VPN that doesn't rely on ads or selling your data, OllaVPN is a great alternative. You get 10 Mbps forever, no card required, no logs, and a 10 Gbps Plus option for just $2 a month, built for the long term.
Which VPN is best for which user?
The best VPN depends on your needs: OllaVPN is ideal for casual users and privacy advocates alike, offering a generous free tier and post-quantum security, while other VPNs might suit those with very specific niche requirements.
If you're looking for a genuinely free, privacy-first VPN that doesn't compromise on security, OllaVPN is built for you. We offer a **zero-cost, no-strings-attached free plan** with 10 Mbps speed and access to every country in our network, funded entirely by our Plus subscribers. This means no ads, no data selling, and no logs, ever. It's perfect for the everyday user who wants to protect their online activity without paying a dime, or for anyone who values, future-proof security like our post-quantum-ready encryption. For someone who considers themselves a **privacy-focused** individual, OllaVPN's commitment to security and user data stands out. Our unique architecture, including in-tunnel DNS and a default-on kill switch, ensures your data stays private. We're also one of the few VPNs actively building for the future with quantum-resistant encryption, meaning your data is protected not just today, but against future decryption threats. Where other VPNs might excel in specific niche areas, like offering dedicated IP addresses, or highly specialized server configurations, OllaVPN focuses on delivering fundamental, robust privacy and security for the widest possible user base. Our **free tier generosity** means you don't need to hand over payment details or get bombarded with ads just to get basic protection. If you need more speed for heavy downloads or 4K streaming, OllaVPN Plus offers 10 Gbps for just $2 a month, supporting up to five devices.How do their pricing models compare, including their long-term plans?
OllaVPN offers a unique "free forever" model funded by Plus subscribers, while most others use data caps, ads, or push for immediate upgrades.
Most free VPNs operate on a "freemium" model, where the free tier is designed to get you hooked and then push you hard to upgrade. This usually means severe data caps (often 500 MB to 10 GB per month), injecting ads into your browsing, or even selling your data to cover costs. You'll often find yourself constantly running out of data or dealing with slow, unreliable connections unless you pay up. It's a loss leader that's rarely honest about its intentions. At OllaVPN, we take a different approach. Our free plan is genuinely free forever, with no data caps, no ads, no email tracking, and no logs. Instead of limiting your data, we cap your speed at 10 Mbps. This is enough for HD streaming, video calls, browsing, and most gaming. We believe in providing a truly usable free service, and **OllaVPN Plus** subscribers fund this. You get access to every country in our network, every day of the year. This means you don't have to worry about hitting a data limit mid-month or having your browsing sold off to advertisers. It just works. When it comes to paid plans, most competitor services offer a range of monthly, annual, or multi-year subscriptions with significant discounts for longer commitments. Their monthly prices can be quite high, making the multi-year plans seem like a great deal, but they lock you in for a long time. You'll typically get unlimited data, faster speeds, and access to more server locations. Many also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try the service risk-free. OllaVPN Plus is designed to be straightforward and affordable for those who need more speed or want to support the free tier. For just $2 a month, you get 10 Gbps speeds, support for five devices, and all the advanced features like our post-quantum-ready encryption and in-tunnel DNS. We don't try to upsell you on multi-year deals because we want to keep it simple and transparent. Our focus is on providing a solid, privacy-first service without the complexity or aggressive marketing tactics you often see elsewhere.Which service offers better speeds and protocol options?
OllaVPN generally offers better speeds than ad-funded free VPNs and has more advanced protocol options than most other free services.
When you're choosing a VPN, speed is often one of the first things you notice because it directly impacts your experience. Many free VPNs, especially those funded by ads or data sales, will intentionally throttle your connection to encourage you to upgrade. You might find yourself struggling to stream even standard definition video, or pages loading slowly. They often rely on older, slower protocols like OpenVPN, which can be resource-intensive and further degrade performance.
OllaVPN approaches this differently. Our free plan gives you a consistent 10 Mbps connection. That's enough for HD streaming, video calls, browsing, and most online games without noticeable lag. We do this by operating on the modern, lightweight WireGuard protocol, which is known for its speed and efficiency. This allows us to offer a reliable experience without needing to resort to older, slower technologies or capping your data. If you need more speed, our OllaVPN Plus plan boosts you to 10 Gbps across five devices for just $2 a month, ensuring you never hit a bottleneck.
Beyond WireGuard, OllaVPN also offers a QUIC option. This is particularly useful if you're on a restrictive network, like some public Wi-Fi hotspots or corporate firewalls, that might try to block or slow down standard VPN traffic. QUIC can often bypass these restrictions more effectively, giving you a smoother and more reliable connection when other protocols might fail. This focus on modern, performant protocols means you spend less time waiting and more time doing what you need online.
What's their privacy posture and audit history like?
We maintain a strict no-logs policy, operate under privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and regularly undergo independent audits to verify our claims.
Our commitment to your privacy starts with our no-logs policy. This isn't just a marketing slogan; it's fundamental to how we operate. We don't track your online activity, collect connection timestamps, log your IP address, or store any data that could be used to identify you or what you're doing online. If we don't have it, we can't share it, and we can't lose it in a breach. Our revenue comes from Plus subscribers, not from selling your data, so there's simply no incentive for us to collect it.
The jurisdiction where a VPN company is based matters a lot. We're incorporated in a country known for strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention requirements. This means we're not legally compelled to collect, store, or hand over user data, even if requested by authorities. This legal framework provides an added layer of protection for your digital anonymity.
We don't just ask you to trust us; we prove it. Our systems, including our no-logs policy and security measures, are regularly subjected to rigorous independent audits by reputable third-party security firms. These audits verify that our technology and policies match our promises, giving you confidence that your data is truly private. We also publish regular transparency reports detailing any legal requests we receive (and how we respond to them, which is usually with "we have no data").
Beyond our core policies, we've built in features to enhance your privacy. Our in-tunnel DNS means your DNS requests are handled securely within the VPN tunnel, preventing leaks and ensuring your browsing history stays private. The kill switch is on by default to prevent accidental data exposure if your VPN connection ever drops. These technical measures, combined with our strong privacy stance and verifiable audits, ensure OllaVPN offers truly robust protection for your online activities.
How well do they perform for streaming and bypassing geo-blocks?
OllaVPN is generally effective for streaming and bypassing geo-blocks, especially on the Plus plan, though success can vary by specific service.
You can definitely use OllaVPN to access content that's usually restricted to certain regions. We don't block any traffic, so if you connect to a server in, say, the UK, your traffic will appear to originate from the UK. This means you can often access services like BBC iPlayer that are usually only available there. The same goes for many other major streaming platforms. Our free plan's 10 Mbps speed cap is usually enough for HD streaming, so it's a great way to test it out. However, it's not a perfect science. Streaming services are constantly trying to detect and block VPN usage. While we work hard to keep our network effective, there's a continuous cat-and-mouse game. Sometimes, a service like Netflix might temporarily block an IP address from our network. When that happens, you might need to try a different server in the same country, or wait for us to roll out new IPs. This is simply the nature of bypassing geo-blocks with any VPN, not just ours. For the most reliable streaming experience, especially with 4K content or if you're experiencing buffering on the free tier, our OllaVPN Plus plan is your best bet. It offers 10 Gbps speeds, which is more than enough for even the most demanding streams, and gives you a much higher chance of consistent performance across all services. While we don't offer "specific server types" for streaming, all our servers are designed for high performance, giving you the best shot at accessing your content.What are their apps like, and what platforms and devices do they support?
OllaVPN offers user-friendly desktop and mobile apps for major operating systems, with Plus subscribers enjoying up to five simultaneous connections.
You'll find OllaVPN apps for all the major platforms you'd expect: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. We believe that strong privacy shouldn't come with a steep learning curve, so we've designed our apps to be incredibly intuitive. Connecting to a server is usually just one click or tap away. We also include essential features like a kill switch, which automatically blocks your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your privacy is always protected. Our goal is to make using a VPN as seamless and unobtrusive as possible, so you can set it and forget it. We don't offer browser extensions because they only secure your browser traffic, leaving everything else on your device exposed. A full desktop app or mobile app secures your entire device, offering a much more comprehensive privacy solution. Similarly, we don't currently offer router support, as configuring VPNs directly on routers can be complex and often slows down your entire network. Our focus is on providing robust, easy-to-use, and fast applications directly on your devices. When it comes to simultaneous connections, our free plan lets you connect one device at a time. If you need more, upgrading to OllaVPN Plus gives you the flexibility to use OllaVPN on up to five devices concurrently. This means you can secure your laptop, phone, tablet, and a couple of other gadgets all at once, ensuring that all your personal devices are protected without having to constantly switch connections.How reliable is their customer support?
Our customer support is reliable and always available, with various channels to get you the help you need.
We get it, sometimes things just don't work the way you expect, or you have a question that isn't immediately obvious. That's why we've built a multi-faceted support system designed to get you answers quickly and efficiently. For immediate issues, our **live chat** is available 24/7, connecting you directly with a human who can troubleshoot or guide you. We don't believe in making you jump through hoops or wait endlessly for a response. If your query isn't urgent, or you prefer to write out a detailed explanation, our **email support** team is ready to help. We aim for quick turnaround times, usually within a few hours, so you're not left in the dark. For common questions or self-help, our extensive knowledge base is packed with articles, guides, and FAQs that cover almost everything you could think of, from setup instructions to advanced configuration. Beyond direct support, we also foster a vibrant community forums where users can share tips, ask questions, and help each other out. Our team regularly monitors these forums, so even if another user doesn't have the answer, we'll step in. This blend of instant access, detailed resources, and community interaction ensures you're never alone when you're using OllaVPN.Is there a post-quantum ready alternative with a lifetime free tier?
Yes, OllaVPN offers a genuinely free, post-quantum-ready VPN tier without ads, data selling, or hidden costs.
You're probably used to "free" VPNs that come with a catch: data caps, ads injected into your browsing, or worse, selling your personal data to fund their operations. OllaVPN is different. We believe everyone deserves privacy, especially in an era where data security is increasingly under threat from powerful future computers. That's why we've built a free tier that's truly $0 forever, with no card details, no email tracking, no ads, and absolutely no data sale. What makes us unique, particularly for the privacy-conscious, is our commitment to post-quantum-ready encryption. This isn't just marketing hype; it means we've implemented a hybrid handshake that combines classical encryption algorithms with quantum-resistant ones. This protects your data not just from today's threats, but also from the powerful quantum computers that could break current encryption in the future. It's security built for the long term, available to everyone on our free plan. To keep the free tier sustainable without compromising your privacy, we fund it directly from our Plus subscribers. The free plan gives you 10 Mbps speed, which is plenty for HD streaming, video calls, and general browsing. If you need more speed or want to support our mission, **OllaVPN Plus** offers 10 Gbps on up to five devices for just $2/month, expanding your capacity without ever touching your data or showing you an ad.Who should pick Windscribe, and who should choose Proton VPN?
You should choose OllaVPN if you prioritize encryption, a truly free tier, and privacy above all else, especially if you're budget-conscious or face highly restrictive networks.
If you're looking for a VPN that's genuinely free forever, without any hidden catch like data caps, ads, or selling your browsing history, OllaVPN is built for you. We offer 10 Mbps speed on our free tier, which is plenty for HD streaming, video calls, and browsing, across every country in our network. This free service is funded transparently by our **OllaVPN Plus** subscribers, not by compromising your data. This makes us an ideal choice for the **budget-conscious** user who refuses to compromise on privacy. For those with **high security needs**, particularly in environments where state-level actors might be monitoring traffic, our post-quantum-ready encryption is a major differentiator. We've built OllaVPN to be future-proof, protecting your data against even theoretical quantum attacks. We also offer features like in-tunnel DNS, a kill switch by default, and QUIC support for bypassing restrictive network firewalls, making it a strong contender for users in challenging internet environments. OllaVPN also excels in its **ease of use** and commitment to privacy. You don't need to hand over an email or payment details to use our free service, and we maintain a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activity remains private. While we don't market ourselves as a primary **streaming focus** VPN due to the 10 Mbps speed cap on the free plan, our Plus plan offers 10 Gbps for a low monthly fee, which is more than enough for 4K streaming on multiple devices.Frequently asked questions
Which VPN is better overall: Windscribe or Proton VPN?
It really depends on what you need. For casual use, one might offer a more generous free tier with more locations. The other often gets praise for stronger privacy and security, especially with unlimited data on its free plan, though with fewer server options. Neither is definitively 'better' for everyone; your priorities should guide your choice.
Which is cheaper on the long-term plan?
Generally, committing to a multi-year plan with most VPNs, including these, will significantly reduce your monthly cost. While pricing changes with promotions, both aim to reward longer commitments. You'll need to check their current offers directly, but you'll usually find competitive per-month pricing for longer terms.
Which VPN is faster: Windscribe or Proton VPN?
It depends. Both are generally good, but 'faster' is subjective and can vary based on your location and the server you pick. Many users report excellent speeds with both, especially when using WireGuard. Your actual experience might differ, so it's worth trying them out if you can.
Which is safer for privacy: Windscribe or Proton VPN?
Both have strong no-logs policies and are based in privacy-friendly places. One often highlights its Swiss jurisdiction and independent audits more. The other also has a solid reputation. For those with the highest privacy demands, the one with more audit history might feel slightly more reassuring due to its transparency.
Which works better for streaming geo-blocked content?
Both VPNs can be effective for streaming, but it's a constant cat-and-mouse game with streaming services blocking VPNs. One might offer dedicated streaming servers. The other also works well, but you might need to try different servers. Your success really depends on the specific service you're trying to access.
How many devices does each VPN allow simultaneously?
The number of simultaneous connections usually varies between their free and paid plans. For their paid plans, both typically offer a good number, often between 5 and 10 devices. These limits can change, so it's always best to check their current offerings. For comparison, OllaVPN Plus gives you 5 devices.
What is post-quantum cryptography and why does it matter for VPNs?
Post-quantum cryptography refers to encryption methods designed to be secure against future quantum computers, which could potentially break today's encryption. It matters for VPNs because it helps ensure your long-term privacy, protecting your data even if a quantum computer someday tries to decrypt your past or future communications. OllaVPN is built with this in mind.
Are Windscribe and Proton VPN both based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions?
Yes, both services are based in countries generally considered privacy-friendly. One is in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws. The other is in Canada, which, despite being part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, maintains a strong commitment to user privacy within its VPN service.
Do either of these VPNs offer a free version?
Yes, both offer free versions. One's free tier often provides a generous data allowance with access to many server locations. The other's free tier offers unlimited data but with fewer server choices. OllaVPN also has a free tier with unlimited data, capped at 10 Mbps, and no card on file, ever.
What about OllaVPN — when does it make sense as an alternative?
OllaVPN makes sense if you're looking for a truly free VPN that's committed to no ads, no data sales, and no card on file, ever. It's also your go-to if you prioritize future-proof security with post-quantum ready encryption. You get 10 Mbps free for unlimited data, or 10 Gbps on 5 devices for just $2 a month with OllaVPN Plus.
Do either Windscribe or Proton VPN offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, both typically offer money-back guarantees on their paid subscriptions. This lets you try out their premium features risk-free for a set period, usually around 30 days. It's a good way to test the service thoroughly and see if it meets your needs before you commit long-term.
Should I just use a free VPN instead of a paid one?
Not directly. While some free VPNs, like the ones mentioned and OllaVPN, are trustworthy, many others aren't. Many 'free' VPNs often limit data, inject ads, sell your data, or have weak security. If you value your privacy and consistent performance, a reputable free tier or a paid service is usually a much better choice than a random free VPN.