Are free VPNs legit? I asked security experts to learn the true cost (and what services to avoid)

ZDNET's security investigation, led by contributing writer Charlie Osborne, delivers a stark warning about the proliferation of free virtual private network (VPN) services. While their appeal is clear—offering privacy protection without a subscription fee—experts emphasize that these services are rarely truly free. The business model typically involves monetizing user data through selling browsing habits to third parties or bombarding users with intrusive ads. This creates a fundamental conflict where the service promising privacy may be actively undermining it.

Furthermore, free VPNs often come with critical technical and security shortcomings. They may implement weak encryption, have poorly maintained infrastructure vulnerable to leaks, and impose severe bandwidth or data caps that render them impractical for regular use. Research indicates that hundreds of free VPNs offer 'no real privacy at all.' For users in regions with government censorship or new age-verification laws, relying on a substandard VPN can be particularly risky. The consensus from experts is clear: when it comes to protecting your online activity, a reputable paid VPN service is a necessary investment for genuine security and privacy.