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Before you decide a VPNIt’s worth checking it out first to make sure it has everything you need. Instead of just signing up and hoping for the best, free trials are the best way to do this. The best way to try several VPNs to find the perfect one for you is to activate the free trial, then cancel.
Here’s one tip from SafePaper, along with it 2025 VPN Free Trial Guide. The cybersecurity and online privacy site tested more than 30 VPN services to determine which ones offer truly free trials and “Not just “risk-free” money back guarantees.“.
When shopping for VPNs, you’ll find many of them offer “free trials,” but not all free trials are the same. There are cases where you have to pay up front, and then you can only get your money back if you do not violate the refund condition.
SafePaper has identified VPNs that offer true free trials, where you can use the service for free (usually 1-7 days) before your payment method kicks in – unless you cancel first, of course.
Read more from CNET: Best free VPNs | Best cheap VPNs | Save on your subscription
“True free trials are surprisingly rare in the VPN industry,” Paige West, editor of SafePaper, said in a statement. “We wanted to go beyond marketing language and identify services that provide real access without obligation, especially for users who value transparency and cost control.”
This doesn’t mean that VPNs with true free trials are better than those that offer refunds after the trial ends. “It’s a matter of preference” as to which free VPN trial you want to try, said Attila Tomaszek, CNET VPN expert.
“A VPN’s free trial typically lasts only a few days, giving users a limited time to thoroughly test the service,” Tomaszek said. “The money-back guarantee, although it requires payment up front, typically lasts about 30 days, which can help users get a more comprehensive look at the service over a longer period of time.”
See also: NordVPN vs Surfshark: See how these sister services stack up
But buyer beware, Tomaszyk adds: “Although a refund from a reputable VPN provider is usually unconditional and pretty straightforward, it’s important for users to read the fine print before making a purchase to ensure the VPN company doesn’t impose any hidden caveats like usage limits that could void their money-back guarantee.”
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Watch this: Tips for using VPNs to maximize privacy
Free trials, no need to pay
In its report, SafePaper identified eight VPN providers with free trials that do not require payment to use the trial. They’re listed below, with information about how long the trials last, which operating systems they work with and whether payment information is required:
- Surfshark (See CNET’s review): 7 days; Payment information is required; All major operating systems
- Cyber ghost (See CNET’s review): 1-7 days (varies depending on device); Partial payment information; Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
- Kaspersky: 7 days (non-US); Payment information is required; All major operating systems
- XVPN: 7 days; Payment information is required; All major operating systems
- NordVPN (See CNET’s review): 3 days; Payment information is required; Android only
- Hide IPVPN: 3 days; No payment information required; All major operating systems
- name: one day; No payment information required; All major operating systems
- WordPress VPN: one day; No payment information required; All major operating systems
Look before you leap
SafePaper has added some pro tips to keep in mind when using a free VPN trial:
- Cancel immediately after activating the trial. This way, you won’t be charged if you miss the deadline to cancel your subscription. Haven’t most of us made this mistake before?
- You should try two or three different VPN services before making your final decision. Compare speed, support and stability.
- Use alternate email addresses to protect the privacy of your primary email account.