In 2025, secure browsing isn’t just a niche concern for tech enthusiasts—it’s a necessity for anyone who goes online. That’s exactly why Thunderbit was created: to help individuals and businesses enjoy a safer, more open internet. With AI-powered web extraction and browsing enhancements, Thunderbit makes it easy to collect the information you need while avoiding trackers, bypassing geo-restrictions, and protecting your privacy. To complement that mission, we’ve put together a list of the best free proxies for 2025—so you can strengthen your online security without sacrificing speed or accessibility.
The challenge, of course, is that not all proxies are reliable. Some are painfully slow, others raise security concerns, and a few will even sell your data to the highest bidder. That’s why choosing the right tool matters. Thunderbit itself isn’t a proxy—it’s an AI-powered assistant that helps you extract, organize, and make use of web data more efficiently. But when it comes to secure browsing, proxies remain a critical piece of the puzzle. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best free proxies for 2025—evaluated on privacy, speed, and real-world usability—so you can find the option that fits your needs. Whether you’re a business user, a student, or simply someone who values online freedom, there’s something here for you.
What Makes the Best Free Proxies in 2025?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what actually matters when picking a free proxy or VPN. After all, you wouldn’t pick a lock for your front door based on color alone, right? Here’s what I look for (and what you should, too):
- Security & Privacy: The gold standard is end-to-end encryption and a strict no-logs policy. You want your traffic hidden from snoops, ISPs, and even the proxy provider itself. Independent audits and transparent privacy policies are huge pluses.
- Speed & Bandwidth: Free proxies often get crowded, leading to slow speeds and buffering. Look for services that offer generous data caps (or unlimited data) and don’t throttle your connection.
- Server Locations: More locations mean more ways to bypass geo-blocks. Even a handful of well-placed servers can make a difference.
- Reliability & Safety: The best proxies are stable, have a track record, and don’t bombard you with ads or malware. Features like kill switches and DNS leak protection are the icing on the cake.
- Ease of Use & Compatibility: Whether you’re a tech novice or a power user, setup should be simple. Bonus points for multi-device support and browser extensions.
According to , about 1.5 billion people—nearly a third of all internet users—now use VPNs or proxies, and 40% of them stick to free plans. But with so many options, how do you separate the real privacy tools from the digital snake oil? Let’s break it down.
1. Thunderbit
isn’t your typical proxy or VPN—it’s an AI-powered web scraper Chrome extension that doubles as a secure proxy for data collection. If you’re in sales, ecommerce, or research and need to scrape websites without getting your IP banned, Thunderbit’s cloud scraping mode is a lifesaver.
When you use Thunderbit’s , your requests are routed through Thunderbit’s servers in the US, EU, and Asia. This means websites see Thunderbit’s IPs, not yours—keeping your identity private and your data collection efforts anonymous. No more worrying about getting blocked mid-scrape or exposing your real location.
But Thunderbit isn’t just about hiding your IP. Its AI can automatically detect and extract data fields, follow links to subpages, and handle pagination—all while keeping your connection encrypted. You can export your scraped data instantly to Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable, or Notion, and the extension supports 34 languages.
Unique Features:
- AI-powered data extraction and field suggestion
- Subpage and pagination support for deep scraping
- Free data export to popular tools
- No ads, no trackers, and a strong privacy focus
2. ProtonVPN
is a household name in privacy circles, and for good reason. Developed by the team behind ProtonMail, it offers a free plan with unlimited data, no ads, and a strict no-logs policy—all under the privacy-friendly laws of Switzerland.
ProtonVPN’s free servers are available in five countries (US, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, and Romania), and you get robust encryption (AES-256, WireGuard, OpenVPN), DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Unlike many free VPNs, ProtonVPN doesn’t throttle your speed, though free servers can get crowded during peak times.
Unique Features:
- Unlimited data and no ads
- Strong privacy stance, independently audited
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- No device limit (one connection at a time)
Limitations: Free users can’t pick specific cities, and streaming access is hit-or-miss. But if you want “set it and forget it” privacy for everyday browsing, ProtonVPN is hard to beat.
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3.
is a user-friendly VPN that offers a surprisingly robust free plan: 10 GB of data per month, access to eight server locations (including the US, UK, Germany, and Singapore), and no ads or registration required.
’s apps are clean and easy to use, supporting all major platforms. Free users get the same encryption and security as paid users (AES-256, WireGuard, OpenVPN), plus a kill switch and split tunneling. is independently audited to verify its no-logs policy, and even free users get 24/7 support.
Unique Features:
- No ads, no signup required
- 10 GB/month data cap (enough for regular browsing)
- 8 server locations
- Split tunneling and kill switch included
Limitations: Only one device at a time, and speeds are capped at around 5 Mbps. Streaming and torrenting are mostly reserved for premium users.
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4. TunnelBear
is the friendliest VPN on the block—its bear-themed interface makes privacy approachable for everyone. The free plan gives you 2 GB of data per month and access to servers in 47+ countries.
TunnelBear is serious about security, with annual independent audits, strong encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. The “VigilantBear” kill switch and “GhostBear” obfuscation help bypass VPN blocks and keep your connection safe.
Unique Features:
- Delightful, beginner-friendly interface
- Annual third-party security audits
- All server locations available to free users
Limitations: The 2 GB monthly cap is tight—enough for occasional secure browsing, but not for streaming or heavy use.
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5. Hotspot Shield
is all about speed. Its free plan offers unlimited data (ad-supported), access to four server locations, and the proprietary Hydra protocol, which keeps things fast even for free users.
You get AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy has improved in recent years, but the free plan does show ads and logs minimal device data.
Unique Features:
- Unlimited data (with ads)
- Fast speeds, great for video calls or downloads
- Easy setup on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Limitations: Only one device at a time, and server choice is limited. Streaming services like Netflix are generally blocked on free servers.
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6. Windscribe
is a power user’s dream: 10 GB of data per month (with email confirmation), servers in 10 countries, and a feature set that rivals many paid VPNs.
Free users get access to Windscribe’s ad/tracker blocker (R.O.B.E.R.T.), split tunneling, and unlimited simultaneous connections. The privacy policy is strong—no identifiable logs, just bandwidth tracking to enforce the cap.
Unique Features:
- 10 GB/month data cap (plus bonus data for referrals/tweets)
- Unlimited devices
- Built-in ad/tracker blocker
Limitations: Some advanced features (like custom config generators) are paid-only, and streaming access is not guaranteed on free servers.
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7. Opera VPN
is built right into the Opera browser—no extra downloads or signups required. Just toggle it on, pick a region (Americas, Europe, Asia), and all your Opera browser traffic is encrypted and routed through Opera’s servers.
Opera VPN is unlimited and ad-free, with a strict no-logs policy for VPN traffic. It’s perfect for quick, private browsing or bypassing local blocks.
Unique Features:
- Built-in to Opera browser (desktop and Android)
- Unlimited data, no ads
- No signup or registration
Limitations: Browser-only—doesn’t protect traffic outside Opera. You can’t pick specific countries, just regions.
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Comparing the Best Free Proxies: Features at a Glance
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you pick the right tool for your needs:
| Service | Data Limit | Server Locations | Privacy & Security | Best For | Notable Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbit | Credit-based (6–10 pages free) | US, EU, Asia (cloud) | Encrypted, no logs | Secure data scraping | Chrome-only, not for general browsing |
| ProtonVPN | Unlimited | 5 countries | No logs, Swiss-based, audited | Everyday secure browsing | 1 device, crowded servers |
| Hide.me | 10 GB/month | 8 locations | No logs, audited | Moderate browsing, privacy | 1 device, speed cap |
| TunnelBear | 2 GB/month | 47+ countries | No logs, annual audits | Light, beginner use | Small data cap |
| Hotspot Shield | Unlimited (ads) | 4 locations | Minimal logs, fast speeds | Fast, heavy browsing | Ads, 1 device, US-based |
| Windscribe | 10 GB/month | 10 countries | No logs, ad blocker | Power users, multi-device | Some features paid-only |
| Opera VPN | Unlimited | 3 regions (browser-only) | No logs (VPN traffic) | Browser privacy | Opera-only, region not country |
Free Proxies vs. Paid Proxies: What’s the Difference?
Let’s be real—free proxies are awesome, but they do come with trade-offs. Here’s how they stack up against paid options:
| Feature | Free Proxies/VPNs | Paid Proxies/VPNs |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Often slower, crowded servers | Faster, less crowded, more bandwidth |
| Data Limit | Capped or unlimited with ads | Unlimited, no ads |
| Server Locations | Limited (few countries/regions) | Dozens/hundreds of countries/cities |
| Privacy | Good (if reputable), but limited | Stronger guarantees, more audits |
| Support | Minimal or community-based | 24/7 support, SLAs |
| Features | Basic (kill switch, split tunnel) | Advanced (dedicated IP, multi-hop, streaming servers) |
If you’re a light user, free is often enough. But for streaming, business use, or heavy-duty privacy, upgrading to a paid plan is worth considering.
Boosting Security: Combining VPN and Proxy Strategies
Want to go full “digital ninja”? You can combine a VPN and a proxy for even more privacy. For example, run your VPN as the base layer, then use a browser-based proxy (like Opera VPN) for specific tasks. This way, even if one layer fails, your real IP stays hidden.
Just keep in mind: stacking proxies and VPNs can slow things down, and configuration can get tricky. For most people, a single reputable VPN or proxy is enough. But if you’re scraping data at scale or working in a high-risk environment, layering can add peace of mind. .
How to Choose the Best Free Proxy for Your Needs
Here’s my step-by-step cheat sheet:
- Define your use case: Browsing, streaming, scraping, or just unblocking a site?
- Check privacy policies: Look for no-logs, independent audits, and clear terms.
- Match data limits to your habits: Streaming eats data fast; light browsing doesn’t.
- Test speed and reliability: Try a few—what works best in your region may surprise you.
- Download from official sources: Avoid sketchy third-party sites.
- Practice safe browsing: Use HTTPS, don’t enter sensitive info on untrusted proxies, and always check your connection is active.
- Don’t forget device compatibility: Need mobile support? Multi-device? Make sure your pick covers it.
Conclusion: Secure Your Browsing with the Best Free Proxies
Online privacy isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity. The good news? You don’t have to spend a dime to get started. Whether you’re scraping data with , streaming with Windscribe, or just browsing privately with Opera VPN, there’s a free proxy that fits your needs.
Remember: the best tool is the one you’ll actually use. Try a few, see what works, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. And if you ever outgrow the limits of free plans, upgrading to a paid service is easier (and more affordable) than ever.
Stay safe, stay private, and happy surfing.
FAQs
1. Are free proxies safe to use for sensitive activities like banking?
Generally, you should avoid using free proxies for highly sensitive activities unless you trust the provider’s privacy policy and encryption. For banking, stick to reputable VPNs like ProtonVPN or , and always use HTTPS.
2. Can I use multiple free proxies or VPNs at the same time?
Yes, you can layer a VPN and a proxy for extra privacy, but it may slow your connection and complicate setup. For most users, one good VPN or proxy is enough.
3. What’s the main difference between a proxy and a VPN?
A proxy typically routes only specific app or browser traffic and may not encrypt your data. A VPN encrypts all device traffic and hides your IP at the network level. VPNs are generally more secure, but browser proxies are easier for quick tasks.
4. How does Thunderbit use proxies for secure data collection?
Thunderbit’s cloud scraping mode routes your requests through its own proxy servers, hiding your IP and preventing bans during web scraping. It’s ideal for business users who need to gather data anonymously and efficiently.
5. When should I consider upgrading to a paid proxy or VPN?
If you need more data, faster speeds, more server locations, or advanced features (like streaming or multi-device support), a paid plan is worth it. Paid services also offer stronger privacy guarantees and better support.
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