Recommended software
Best free VPN
Proton VPN and Windscribe jointly meet the verified criteria for the top score of 18/18. They form a joint-leading shortlist; the evidence does not identify a single winner.
Ranked products
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Proton VPN
Proton VPN is in the joint-leading shortlist because:
- Proton VPN supports free plan.
- Proton VPN offers a windows app.
- Proton VPN offers a macos app.
- Proton VPN offers a linux app.
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Windscribe
Windscribe is in the joint-leading shortlist because:
- Windscribe supports free plan.
- Windscribe offers a windows app.
- Windscribe offers a macos app.
- Windscribe offers a linux app.
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TunnelBear
TunnelBear ranks 3rd because:
- TunnelBear supports free plan.
- TunnelBear offers a windows app.
- TunnelBear offers a macos app.
Criteria comparison
Products are ranked only from verified, sourced facts. Missing evidence remains unknown and does not count as a negative claim.
| Criterion | Weight | Proton VPN | Windscribe | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 9 | Yes (+9 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Yes (+9 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Yes (+9 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 |
| Windows app | 3 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 |
| macOS app | 3 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 |
| Linux app | 3 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Yes (+3 points)Source · verified 5 September 2026 | Not confirmed |
Method and alternate format
Only products meeting the evidence threshold and coverage-gap rule are ranked. Missing facts earn no points and are not treated as negative claims.