Nick Jones is a highly experienced consumer journalist and editor, who has been writing and producing content for print and online media for over 25 years.
He has worked at some of the UK’s leading publishers including Future Publishing, Highbury Entertainment, and Imagine Publishing, with publications as diverse as Homebuilding & Renovating, TechRadar, and Creative Bloq, writing and editing content for audiences whose interests include history, computing, gaming, films, and science. He’s also produced a number of podcasts in the technology, science, gaming, and true crime genres.
Nick has also enjoyed a highly successful career in content marketing, working in a variety of topics such as health, technology, and finance, with market-leading global companies including Cisco, Pfizer, Santander, and Virgin Media.
Now the Editor-in-Chief of the Independent Advisor, Nick is involved in all aspects of the site’s content, where his expertise in finance, technology, and home products informs every article that’s published on-site. He takes a hands-on approach with our VPN content, penning a number of the articles himself, and verifying that everything we publish in this topic is accurate.
Whatever the area of interest he’s worked in, Nick has always been a consumer champion, helping people find the best deals and give them the information they need to make an informed buying decision.
FAQs
When it comes to free VPNs, the only provider CNET recommends currently is Proton VPN's free tier as it provides quality performance, robust security features and no cap on data usage. However, many paid VPN providers offer free trials, which let you try service before buying.
How to set up your own free VPN? ›
Create a VPN on Your Router
- Download custom firmware. Confirm compatibility between your router and preferred firmware, and then download it.
- Connect your computer to your router. Do this via a wired connection. ...
- Log into your router. ...
- Install the firmware. ...
- Reboot the router. ...
- Set up your VPN. ...
- Check if your VPN works.
Steps for setting up a VPN
- Step 1: Line up key VPN components. ...
- Step 2: Prep devices. ...
- Step 3: Download and install VPN clients. ...
- Step 4: Find a setup tutorial. ...
- Step 5: Log in to the VPN. ...
- Step 6: Choose VPN protocols. ...
- Step 7: Troubleshoot. ...
- Step 8: Fine-tune the connection.
How to Use a VPN?
- Download and install the PureVPN app on your chosen device.
- Log in using the VPN credentials provided to you through email.
- Select your preferred Mode (Stream, Internet Freedom, Security/Privacy, File-Sharing, or Dedicated IP).
- Connect to any server location.
- Hop on the Internet and you're set to go!
When it comes to free VPNs, the only provider CNET recommends currently is Proton VPN's free tier as it provides quality performance, robust security features and no cap on data usage. However, many paid VPN providers offer free trials, which let you try service before buying.
Which is the best free VPN for free? ›
A Closer Look at the Best Free VPNs of 2024
- NordVPN - Best Full-Featured VPN with Free Offers. Editors Rating: 9.7 /10. View Plans. ...
- Surfshark - Best VPN Free Trial. Editors Rating: 9.5 /10. ...
- Hotspot Shield - Fastest Free VPN. Editors Rating: 8.9 /10. ...
- PrivadoVPN - Best Free VPN for Unlimited Devices. Editors Rating: 9.0 /10.
ExpressVPN delivers the most consistent and streamlined VPN app experiences across platforms. Its minimalist interface is simple to use for advanced VPN users and beginners alike. The app settings are easy to navigate and finding a server location is straightforward.
How do I use VPN for the first time? ›
- If you haven't already, add a VPN.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet. VPN. ...
- Next to the VPN you want to change, tap Settings .
- Turn Always-on VPN on or off. If you've set up a VPN through an app, you won't have the always-on option.
- If needed, tap Save.
Name your connection, enter the address for the VPN server, and select the type of VPN protocol your company or the VPN provider uses. Enter your sign-in information, such as your username and password. Save your settings.
Is Google VPN free? ›
Unlike other phones, VPN by Google One comes with Pixel phones at no extra cost, and is also available to anyone with an eligible Google One plan. Just activate it in the Google One app . With VPN by Google One built in, Pixel helps protect your online activity no matter what app or web browser you use.
For example, NordVPN has a 7-day free trial on Android. You can try the app on your Android device free of charge for a week, then decide if you want to buy a subscription. Alternatively, you can try NordVPN risk free for a month, thanks to our 30-day money-back guarantee.
Which VPN is 100% free? ›
Proton VPN is our top-rated free VPN. It's the only free and safe VPN you can leave on all the time on all of your devices. This is because the VPN doesn't impose any data limits whatsoever on its free servers. You can use Proton VPN Free as much as you want, completely free, and without adverts.
Is it OK to have a free VPN? ›
When it comes to exposure to malware, using a free VPN is also riskier than having no VPN at all. That's because some free VPNs may contain malware or adware, infecting your device and compromising your security. Of course, it's important to note that not all free VPN providers sell your data or expose you to malware.
Is there a free unlimited VPN? ›
Proton VPN and hide.me are both 100% free VPNs because they offer free unlimited data. They restrict access to a few other features, but you can use the VPN as much as needed without worrying about running out of data.
How to setup free VPN on PC? ›
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Add a VPN connection.
