Finding a good free VPN is never easy. Most come with frustrating limitations, either slow speeds, data caps, annoying ads, or, worst of all, 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.
After using it for a few weeks, here’s my honest VPNly Review: what works, what doesn’t, and whether VPNly Free is actually worth using in 2025.
1. Setting Up VPNly Free
Quick & Easy Installation
One thing I liked immediately was how simple it was to get started. There’s no account required, no email signup, just download the app, install it, and connect.
The interface is clean and straightforward. If you’ve never used a VPN before, you won’t feel lost. One-click connect makes it easy, and the app automatically selects the best available server.
First Impressions
The first connection was smooth and quick, with no unnecessary pop-ups or ads. Compared to some other free VPNs, where you have to watch an ad just to connect, VPNly Free feels refreshingly hassle-free.
2. Privacy & Security: Can You Trust VPNly Free?
Encryption & Data Protection
VPNly Free uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same level of security used by banks and government agencies. That means your data is protected from hackers, ISPs, and other prying eyes.
However, I did some digging into VPNly’s privacy policy, and while they don’t track your browsing activity, they do collect some connection logs—like timestamps and bandwidth usage. This isn’t ideal for complete anonymity, but it’s still better than some free VPNs that actively sell user data.
Kill Switch & Leak Protection
A Kill Switch is included, meaning if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, it will cut off your internet to prevent your real IP address from leaking. I tested this feature by manually disconnecting my WiFi, and it worked as expected.
DNS leak protection is also built in, and after running a few tests, I didn’t find any leaks. That’s a good sign for privacy.
Is VPNly Free Fast Enough for Streaming & Browsing?
Speed is usually a weak point for free VPNs, so I wasn’t expecting much. However, VPNly Free actually performed better than I anticipated.
On a local server, I got speeds of 45 Mbps (my base speed is 100 Mbps). That’s enough for smooth browsing, social media, and even streaming in 720p. On long-distance servers, speeds dropped to around 20 Mbps, which is still usable but not great for HD streaming or gaming .
Gaming & Torrenting Performance
Online gaming was possible but not ideal. The higher latency made real-time games like Call of Duty feel sluggish, so if you’re a gamer, this isn’t the best option.
As for torrenting, VPNly Free does not support P2P file sharing, so if you’re looking for a VPN for downloads , you’ll need a paid service.
Can VPNly Free Unblock Netflix?
One of the biggest reasons people use VPNs is to unblock geo-restricted content. I tested VPNly Free with several streaming platforms, and here’s what worked:
- Netflix (some regions unlocked) : It worked for U.S. Netflix, but not consistently. Some servers were blocked.
- BBC iPlayer: No issues, streaming was smooth.
- Hulu & Disney: Unfortunately, these remained blocked.
For a free VPN, VPNly Free does a decent job with streaming, but if you want consistent access to all platforms, you’ll need a premium VPN.
Server Locations & Data Limits
One common downside of free VPNs is the limited number of servers. VPNly Free gives you access to five locations:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Canada
- Netherlands
If you need servers in Asia, South America, or Australia, you’re out of luck.
Monthly Data Limit
VPNly Free comes with a 5GB monthly data cap. For casual browsing and occasional streaming, this is manageable, but if you stream a lot, you’ll hit the limit fast.
Once you run out, you either wait for the reset next month or upgrade to the paid plan for unlimited data.
Device Compatibility
- Windows & macOS
- iOS & Android
One downside is no support for routers or smart TVs on the free version. Also, you can only connect one device at a time, so if you want to use it on both your laptop and phone, you’ll have to disconnect from one first.
Customer Support & Reliability: What Kind of Support Do You Get for Free?
Because VPNly Free is a completely free service, you don’t get 24/7 live chat support like you would with the paid version. However, they do offer email support, though responses can take up to 24 hours.
There’s also a basic FAQ section on their website, which covers most common issues.
Upgrading to the Paid Plan: Is It Worth It?
If the 5GB data limit and limited servers feel too restrictive, VPNly does offer a paid plan with the following benefits:
- Unlimited data & bandwidth
- Faster speeds with premium servers
- More locations worldwide
- P2P support for torrenting
- Multiple device connections
Plans start at $3.99/month if you go with the 2-year option.
Final Verdict: Should You Use VPNly Free?
If you need a free VPN for light browsing, occasional streaming, or privacy on public WiFi, VPNly Free is one of the better free VPNs available. It’s easy to use, secure, and doesn’t bombard you with ads.
However, the 5GB data cap, limited server options, and lack of torrenting support mean it’s not suitable for heavy users. If you stream a lot, need global servers, or want unlimited data, the paid version is a better choice.
Final Rating: 9/10
Pros:
- No registration required
- Decent speeds for a free VPN
- Some streaming access (Netflix, BBC iPlayer)
- Easy to use, no ads
Cons:
- 5GB/month data cap
- Limited server locations
- No P2P/torrenting support
- Slower customer support
Bottom Line: If you need a free, no-strings-attached VPN for casual use, VPNly Free is worth trying. But for serious streaming, gaming, or full privacy protection, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium VPN.