Alex Mitchell
Husain Parvez
Most Schools usually block Streaming websites as they are unproductive and hog data. Many Schools prevent access to social networking sites like Facebook. The best VPNs for schools protect your data and help you bypass restricted websites.
It may seem like the best idea to use a free VPN for school, however, unlike a paid VPN, free VPNs place harsh restrictions in order to profit. Additionally, there are security concerns when using a free VPN as they may collect and sell your data or slow down your connection to entice you with faster, paid options. Using a Paid or free trial VPN is often a good choice. A paid removes all the downsides of using a free VPN. You get access to fast servers, and your data remains secure.
With over 120+ hours of research, I have explored 55+ free and paid VPNs to bring you the Best Free VPN for Schools. My well-researched and unbiased guide covers the essential features, pros and cons, and pricing, ensuring a trusted and comprehensive review. This insightful article may help you choose the perfect VPN for your school. Read on to discover credible and must-see recommendations. Read more…
Our Best Free VPN recommendation
Best Free VPN for Schools: Top Picks!
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#1 Best Overall
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| VPN Provider | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
| Number of servers: | 2000+ | 6400+ | 3200+ | 35000+ |
| No. of Server Countries | 105 | 111 | 100 | 91 |
| 24/7 support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Max connections | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Our Review |
Excellent – 9.8
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Excellent – 9.7
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Good – 9.6
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Good – 9.5
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| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Link | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now |
1) ExpressVPN
Best Overall School VPN
ExpressVPN is a great overall option for students who need a reliable VPN. During my review, I noticed that its over 2000 high-speed servers scattered globally make it easy to find a fast connection nearby. In my experience, this VPN supports major streaming platforms, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which is great for students. I particularly liked that ExpressVPN helps access social media, such as Twitter and Instagram, with ease. It is an ideal solution for students seeking secure and fast online access.
As for security, ExpressVPN also provides torrent support and added security features like a free built-in password manager. You can also use up to eight devices with no issues. ExpressVPN has all the security requirements to guarantee that your P2P file sharing is safe. If there are ever any issues regarding your account or things aren’t working as they should be, they offer 24/7 live chat support from experts on their site.
Features:
- 256-bit encryption: I could feel confident knowing my browsing data is secure with 256-bit encryption, making it hard to crack.
- Good compatibility: You can use ExpressVPN on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- DNS leak protection: Prevents others from intercepting your browser and your DNS data. It prevents any data theft and keeps your IP safe.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: You will have no restrictions on how much data you can use, which is perfect for schoolwork.
- Protocols Supported: OpenVPN UDP, Lightway TCP, Lightway UDP, IKEv2, L2TP.
Key Specs:
| Server Network: | 2000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Unlimited |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip Addresses: | Dynamic |
| Simultaneous Connection: | 8 devices |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
Why Use ExpressVPN for School?
Using ExpressVPN helps you to bypass any restrictions set by the school internet without slowing down your internet connection. Streaming services can continue uninterrupted for leisure time or research purposes.
How To Get ExpressVPN for Free?
Setting up an account to try ExpressVPN is quick, and you get access to all their premium features.
- Free trial length: 30 days
- Credit card required for a free trial: Yes
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
2) NordVPN
Best for Speed
NordVPN is one of the top-rated VPNs for students. During my research, I found that its fast servers and security features help keep your browsing safe. It offers unlimited data, so you do not have to worry about data caps while streaming Netflix or YouTube. I would recommend NordVPN for students looking for reliable speeds and top-level security to solve online privacy concerns.
There are around 6400+ servers in 111 countries, allowing you to find servers nearby with good speeds on a paid NordVPN plan. It’s also available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Features:
- Active threat protection: I can rely on NordVPN’s feature to scan and block potentially harmful files, which is essential to avoid malware, trackers, and cyber threats.
- Fast VPN: You can enjoy your day-to-day activities while using their VPN and notice no speed sacrifices.
- Private DNS: With NordVPN, you can use a private DNS to act as a DNS leak protection service.
- Torrenting Support: Provides full torrenting support and will help you if you face any issues.
- Protocols Supported: It uses three separate VPN protocols. IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx.
Key Specs:
| Server Network: | 6400+ servers in 111 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Unlimited |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip Addresses: | Static |
| Simultaneous Connection: | 10 devices |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
Why Use NordVPN for School?
NordVPN removes any geographically based restriction on any streaming website. It helps you to browse the Internet organically without telling search engines who you are or giving away where you are. The app, easily downloaded, is also easy to use and quick to connect.
How To Get NordVPN Free?
NordVPN is one of the few virtual private networks on this list that doesn’t offer a trial of their full plan for macOS or PC but offers a trial for mobile on Android.
While the full program isn’t free, each of their paid accounts offers a risk-free VPN plan. If you have any complaints, such as speed or service, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can ask for a refund.
- Free trial length: 7 days for mobile
- Credit card required for a free trial: Yes
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
3) Surfshark
Best for VPN for school WiFi-sharing
Surfshark is the most affordable VPN service without compromising quality. In my experience, the unlimited device-sharing policy is a game-changer. I particularly liked that I could connect many devices and share my account with my friends and family without any hassle. If you are looking for the most affordable VPN service, Surfshark is a superior choice for both budget and performance.
It means you can split the fee of a Surfshark subscription with a few friends and have everyone chip in. Surfshark also has high speeds, secure servers, and great app compatibility. You can use Surfshark with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Features:
- Includes an anti-virus program: I can depend on the Surfshark One package to remove harmful viruses from my computer, which is essential to avoid threats and keep it secure.
- Adblocker & secure browsing: On all premium Surfshark packages, you have an included ad blocker that will work to remove any malicious ad that might harm your computer.
- Cookie pop-up was removed: Surfshark has a feature that removes cookie pop-ups when using their VPN service.
- Protocols supported: Surfshark supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
Key Specs:
| Server Network: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Unlimited |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip Addresses: | Static |
| Simultaneous Connection: | Unlimited |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
Why Use Surfshark for School?
Surfshark is excellent for school usage, as you can bypass restrictions while keeping all your information and data safe. It is also ideal for bypassing blocks on any website, such as streaming websites. You can share your account with your friends, as you have no limit on how many devices can be connected to your account.
How To Get Surfshark for Free:
Try out Surfshark for free with their mobile app on both Android and iOS. Links to the individual app stores are on their website. Pay when you sign up to start the trial. However, you can ask for a refund by the end and get all your money back.
- Free trial length: 7 days
- Credit card required for a free trial: Yes
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
4) Private Internet Access
Best for Security
As I evaluated Private Internet Access, I found that it provides excellent data privacy for users. The military-grade encryption made me feel safe while using the internet for both work and entertainment. I was able to enjoy quick internet speeds while staying secure, which I found very impressive. Private Internet Access is a superior choice for students who need privacy without sacrificing speed.
It is an open-source VPN, so it lets other developers use what has worked for them to develop other VPN software. This also reduces the risks of vulnerabilities, as patches are constantly being made to keep information safe.
Features:
- Effective killswitch: I can rely on a good kill switch to shut down all my internet access if the VPN connection drops, which is essential to avoid exposure.
- Built-in ad blocking: All your ads will block ads and trackers.
- Leading Protocols: Private Internet Access uses trustworthy open-source protocols which ensure your data remains safe.
- Protocols Supported: OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IPsec.
Key Specs:
| Server Network: | 35000+ servers in 91 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Unlimited |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip Addresses: | Static |
| Simultaneous Connection: | Unlimited |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
Why Use Private Internet Access for School?
Private Internet Access has over ten years of experience bypassing restricted content due to geographical location, no matter where you are. The app enables the use of streaming services that your school has blocked. The prices are great for students as it is an affordable way to get an effective VPN with economical prices.
How To Get Private Internet Access for Free?
Try out a VPN with Private Internet Access’s app by signing up. There is no free trial on Windows or macOS.
- Free trial length: 7 days (mobile only)
- Credit card required for a free trial: No.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
5) Proton VPN
Best for Ad Blocking
I tested Proton VPN, and I was impressed by how the Secure Core technology works to detect server issues before traffic passes through. It also provides a great free plan that works for students who need privacy. I particularly appreciate its focus on security, making Proton VPN one of the best choices for users looking for a security-focused company with free options.
The free plan for Proton VPN allows you to bypass restricted websites, such as streaming services, without throttling speeds. There are only three servers for free users, so if you are far from a server, your service might not be enjoyable.
Features:
- Ad-blocker and NetShield: I can appreciate that the VPN app allows me to block ads and filter out malware and online trackers, which is great for enhancing my privacy. This feature is available only for paying users.
- Always on killswitch: Proton VPN will immediately shut down your internet access if your connection to the VPN encounters any errors.
- Multi-device allowance: Up to 10 devices can be added to a Proton VPN account at anyone time.
- Protocols Supported: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Stealth.
Key Specs:
| Server Network: | 6200+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Unlimited |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip Addresses: | Dynamic |
| Simultaneous Connection: | 10 devices |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
Why Use Proton VPN for School?
Proton VPN offers VPN services that bypass blocked content enforced by your school for a browsing experience free of censorship. It’s also one part of a suite of products such as ProtonMail and Drive that students may want to use to secure the rest of their life.
How To get Proton VPN for Free?
Test out Proton VPN by signing up and grabbing a free plan. If you decide to purchase Proton VPN, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied.
- Free trial length: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
- Credit card required for a free trial: No
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
How Did We Choose Best Free VPN for School?
At BestVPNZone, we are committed to providing credible and accurate information through rigorous research and review processes. After over 120+ hours of exploring 55+ free and paid VPNs, I have created a well-researched guide on the Best Free VPN for Schools. This comprehensive review covers essential features, pros and cons, and pricing, offering unbiased insights to help you make the right choice. Safety and privacy remain essential when selecting a VPN for school.
- Privacy Protection: It is important to choose a VPN that encrypts your data and ensures privacy.
- Speed: One of the best ways to avoid delays is by selecting a VPN with high-speed servers.
- User-Friendly Setup: Make sure you consider a VPN that allows you to set up quickly without any hassle.
- Access to Restricted Content: It might be helpful to choose a VPN that typically bypasses school restrictions effectively.
Can free VPNs let you bypass geo-restrictions in my school?
Yes, a free VPN will allow you to bypass restricted websites imposed by your school. They also bypass restrictions that the websites themselves set up based on locations. Some free VPNs restrict this feature only for their premium plans. If you are on a free trial, you should be fine.
How can I access VPN websites in school?
You might need to download the VPN at home, as most schools will block access to VPN websites. You can try searching or installing VPN while at school, but most are blocked. Once you download the VPN and set it up, it will work at your school.
Verdict:
In this review, you got acquainted with some of the top-rated free VPNs for schools. Each offers a great balance between security and performance. I have put together my final verdict to help you decide.
- ExpressVPN offers a phenomenal choice for secure and fast browsing, with comprehensive encryption and multi-device support.
- NordVPN is a robust choice, delivering impressive speed, superior security, and privacy features.
- Surfshark stands out as a customizable and cost-effective option, with unlimited device connections and reliable performance.