Finding a good free VPN is tough. Most come with annoying limitations—slow speeds, data caps, ads everywhere, or they’re selling your data. So when I found VPNly Free, a VPN that promises decent security and speed at no cost, I had to test it myself.
After using it for several weeks, here’s my honest VPNly review: what works, what doesn’t, and whether VPNly Free is actually worth using in December 2025.
Getting Started: Installation & First Impressions
Setting up VPNly Free took me two minutes, highlighting its user-friendly design. No account required. No email signup. Just download the app, install it, and connect. That’s it.
The interface is clean and straightforward. If you’ve never used a VPN before, you won’t feel confused. One-click connect means you’re protected instantly, and the app automatically picks the best server for you—no thinking required.
The first connection was smooth and fast, with no annoying pop-ups or ads. Compared to other free VPNs that require you to watch ads to connect, VPNly Free feels refreshingly simple.
Privacy & Security: What’s Actually Protecting Your Data
VPNly Free uses AES-256 encryption—the same level of security banks and government agencies use. That means your data stays protected from hackers, your ISP, and anyone else trying to snoop.
I carefully reviewed their privacy policy. They don’t track your browsing activity, which is good. They do collect some connection logs—timestamps, bandwidth usage—but that’s standard and still better than free VPNs that actively sell your data.
Kill Switch is included. If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, it cuts off your internet to prevent your real IP from leaking. I tested this manually, and it worked exactly as expected.
DNS leak protection is built in, too. I ran several leak tests and found nothing. That’s a solid sign for privacy.
Speed: Better Than I Expected for a Free VPN
Speed is usually where free VPNs fall short. I wasn’t expecting much, but VPNly Free actually surprised me.
On a local server, I got 45 Mbps (my base speed is 100 Mbps). That’s smooth browsing, social media, and 720p streaming without buffering. Long-distance servers dropped to around 20 Mbps, which is still usable but not great for 4K or gaming.
Gaming felt sluggish because of higher latency. If you’re serious about gaming, this isn’t the VPN for you. But for everyday browsing and casual streaming? Totally fine.
Torrenting is fully supported. Unlike some free VPNs that block P2P, VPNly Free lets you download without issues. That’s a significant advantage.
Streaming: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Others
I tested VPNly Free with multiple streaming platforms. Here’s what actually worked:
- Netflix works with U.S. servers, but not consistently. Some servers get blocked. It’s hit-or-miss.
- BBC iPlayer had zero issues. Streaming was smooth every time.
- Hulu and Disney+ stayed blocked. They have better detection against VPNs.
For a free VPN, VPNly does a decent job with streaming. If you need guaranteed access to everything, you’ll need a paid service. But for basic Netflix access? It works.
Server Locations and Unlimited Data
Here’s where VPNly actually improved significantly. The old 5GB data cap is gone, and VPNly Free now offers UNLIMITED data every month. That means no restrictions or waiting for resets, making it ideal for everyday browsing and streaming.
Servers are located in four central locations: Germany, France, the United States, and the Netherlands. While this covers most significant regions, the limited options may affect users needing servers in Asia or South America, so keep that in mind for your browsing needs.
Device Compatibility
VPNly Free works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You get browser extensions too—Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, Yandex. That’s solid coverage.
One thing: on the free version, you can connect multiple devices simultaneously. That’s actually better than some paid VPNs. You’re not stuck disconnecting from one device to use another. No smart TV or router support on the free version, though. If you need that, you’d upgrade.
Customer Support: Better Than Before
With 24/7 live chat support now available, VPNly Free reassures casual users that help is always accessible, enhancing trust in the service.
There’s also a FAQ section covering common issues. For a free service, the support is genuinely helpful.
Paid Plan: Is It Worth Upgrading?
If unlimited data and current features feel enough for you, stick with free. But if you want premium servers, faster speeds, and priority support, the paid plan costs $3.99/month (2-year option).
The difference? Faster speeds on premium servers. Priority support. That’s mostly it. The free version is generous enough that many people won’t need to pay.
How VPNly Compares to Other Free VPNs
Proton VPN is the industry leader, but its free tier is smaller. PrivadoVPN is solid but more limited. TunnelBear is fun, but it has a strict 500 MB/month cap. Windscribe gives 10GB/month.
VPNly’s unlimited data puts it ahead of most free competitors. The unlimited torrenting support is unique. Most free VPNs block P2P entirely.
The tradeoff: fewer servers than some competitors. But for what VPNly offers for free, the server selection is acceptable.
Final Verdict: Should You Actually Use VPNly Free
If you need a free VPN for everyday browsing, occasional streaming, and privacy on public WiFi, VPNly Free is one of the better options. It’s easy to use, secure, doesn’t annoy you with ads, and now comes with unlimited data.
The limited server locations might frustrate you if you need global access. The Netflix streaming is inconsistent. Gaming won’t work well. But for casual internet use? VPNly Free handles it.
The fact that torrenting is fully supported on the free version is a significant advantage. Most competitors force you to pay for that.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Pros:
- No registration required
- Unlimited data (massive upgrade from the old 5GB cap)
- Decent speeds for a free VPN
- Full torrenting support
- Some streaming access (Netflix, BBC iPlayer)
- 24/7 live chat support
- Easy to use, no ads
Cons:
- Limited server locations (4 regions)
- Netflix access is inconsistent
- Higher latency is not ideal for gaming
- Fewer servers than premium competitors
Bottom Line
VPNly Free is worth trying if you need unlimited, no-strings-attached privacy for everyday browsing and light streaming. The unlimited data and torrenting support make it competitive with paid options for basic use. If you need global servers or guaranteed streaming access, look elsewhere. But for most casual users, VPNly Free delivers real value at zero cost.