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It doesn’t matter who you are or what role you play in the WordPress ecosystem – site owner, developer, blogger, SEO specialist, or administrator. If you have access to the WordPress dashboard, the WiFi connection you use can become a real security risk for the website, the business behind it, and the users who rely on it.
The last thing anyone wants is to find out a WordPress site was compromised simply because a session wasn’t properly protected. Instead of spending hours fixing a hacked site and explaining what went wrong, adding a VPN to your daily workflow is a far smarter move.
A VPN secures your WordPress activity by encrypting your connection. This encryption keeps sensitive data – including login credentials, uploaded files, and payment information – shielded from unauthorized access while you work.
Even if your device is exposed to malware, hackers, or automated bots, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection that helps keep them from reaching your WordPress environment. Many of the best VPN services are built with this level of security in mind. As noted by Cybernews, selecting a reliable VPN is especially important when managing platforms that handle sensitive data, such as WordPress. In the sections below, I’ll break down what a VPN is, how it supports WordPress security, and how you can get a free VPN download for all your devices.
What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need It for WordPress?
You already put significant effort into protecting the connection between your WordPress website and its visitors. Tools like SSL certificates encrypt browser sessions at the server level, while CDN plugins can add another secure, encrypted layer between users and your site.
But while visitor security is usually well covered, there’s another part of the equation that’s often overlooked, your own device. The computer, laptop, or network you use to access WordPress can also introduce risks, especially if the connection isn’t fully secure.
That’s exactly where a VPN comes in.
What Is a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private network. In practice, it works in a similar way to a CDN or an SSL certificate by adding an encrypted layer between two points involved in an online interaction.
In this scenario, that encryption sits between the private network managing your online session and the device you’re using — whether that’s a computer, tablet, or smartphone. When a VPN session is active and you attempt to access a website, such as the WordPress login screen, the VPN server encrypts the data exchanged between your device and the site, preventing outsiders from intercepting it.
[bctt tweet=” When a #VPN session is enabled and you attempt to visit a website (i.e. the #WordPress login), the VPN server encrypts the information passed between your device and the site.” username=”thewpbuffs”]
If this level of protection sounds excessive, it really isn’t especially if you’re not working from a secured office environment.
Many organizations invest significant effort into protecting the data that flows between managers, employees, clients, partners, and potential hires. Behind the scenes, this usually means strict security protocols are in place. When employees are allowed to work remotely, companies often provide access to a corporate VPN to ensure those off-site sessions remain protected.
When you work from home or connect from remote locations such as co-working spaces or coffee shops, you typically rely on public WiFi to access the internet — and WordPress along with it. Even if you’ve invested in high-quality WiFi for your home, that alone doesn’t guarantee full protection from unwanted access without a VPN. And if you’re working off-site using publicly available WiFi with a shared password, a VPN becomes even more important.
As a WordPress professional, it’s easy to take your work anywhere to the library, while traveling, or even while waiting at the auto body shop. Free WiFi makes this flexibility possible, but “free” often comes with a hidden cost: reduced security.
If you need to log in to and work within WordPress over an unsecured internet connection, then using a VPN is essential. And if the idea of adding another paid tool to your workflow feels unnecessary, don’t worry. I’ll be covering the best free VPN options for WordPress professionals shortly.
First, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using a VPN with WordPress.
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What Are the Benefits of Using VPNs for WordPress?
Before diving into the best free VPNs for WordPress, it’s worth taking a moment to look at the main advantages they offer.
- Security
- Privacy
Security
Using a VPN adds an important layer of protection between your device and your WordPress site, helping block anything malicious that might attempt to reach it through your connection.
A VPN encrypts your activity while you work in WordPress, keeping sensitive information such as login credentials, uploaded files, and payment details safely concealed. Even if your device is compromised by malware, hackers, or automated bots, the VPN acts as an additional barrier, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to WordPress.
Privacy
What many people don’t realize is that VPNs also play a key role in protecting your identity.
They do this by masking your IP address through geolocation technology. When you connect to one of the VPN’s servers around the world, your real IP address and physical location are hidden. This makes it far more difficult for attackers to track you, identify your location, or attempt to gain access to WordPress based on that information.
When combined with your WordPress site’s SSL certificate, CDN, security plugins, and anti-malware tools, a VPN can elevate your security setup from strong to extremely difficult to compromise.
Read also: How to Disable WordPress Auto-Updates Safely
The Best Free VPNs (Mac, Windows, Android, iOS)
As with most tools used to secure WordPress, VPNs are available in both free and paid versions. While premium VPN services typically offer the highest level of security, privacy, and performance, free VPNs can still get you surprisingly close to that standard. Naturally, there’s a compromise involved after all, you’re asking a provider to grant access to its secure network at no cost, specifically to support your daily workflow.
Before jumping into a list of the best free VPNs for WordPress users, it’s important to understand which features actually matter. Some free VPN plans may lack certain capabilities, deliver weaker performance than their paid alternatives, or in less trustworthy cases monetize by selling user data. Taking the time to decide what matters most to you will help you choose more wisely.
Free VPN Features You Need to Know About
As you compare free VPN options, it’s a good idea to evaluate each one against the following criteria:
- Strong data encryption that delivers an appropriate level of protection
- Secure and reliable connection protocols, such as OpenVPN or SSTP, for fast browsing sessions
- Bandwidth or data limits, which are common with free VPN services
- Clear policies confirming that browsing logs are not stored or retained
- An internet kill switch that allows you to instantly terminate a connection if needed
- Compatibility with the devices you plan to use
- Limits on the number of devices that can connect simultaneously
- Available server locations, giving you flexibility when masking your IP address
- The total number of servers, which helps prevent slowdowns when traffic spikes
- Ease of installation and configuration
- The presence of ads, often used by free VPNs as a revenue source
And of course, price plays a role. A free VPN almost always involves a trade-off in at least one of the areas listed above.
If you prefer not to see ads while working through a VPN, worry about slow connection speeds affecting WordPress tasks, fear that data limits could interrupt your workflow, need to stream training videos or audio, or simply can’t compromise on performance, a free VPN may not be the right fit. In those cases, upgrading to a paid plan may make more sense, especially if you require greater control over security, privacy, and speed.
That said, there are several well-known and highly rated free VPNs that have proven reliable for many users and may work just as well for you. Below, you’ll find what you need to know about them.
1. Private Internet Access
Yes, we said this list would focus on free VPNs and technically, this one isn’t. That said, it’s the VPN we actively use at WP Buffs, which makes it easy to recommend for anyone doing serious digital work.
WP Buffs operates as a fully distributed team, managing website security from locations all over the world. Because of that, we rely on a VPN provider we can genuinely trust to keep every team member’s internet activity fully encrypted, no matter where they’re working from.
For us, that provider is Private Internet Access.
Privacy is clearly a top priority for them. In fact, they even allow payments in Bitcoin, giving users the option to remain anonymous from start to finish.
They’re also transparent about how their service works. Before you even sign up, Private Internet Access offers a clean, easy-to-follow explanation of how a VPN functions, complete with a video walkthrough. This makes it clear exactly how the service protects both you and your devices.
One of their main areas of focus is keeping users safe on public WiFi whether that’s in a coffee shop, co-working space, or any other shared network environment.
To be clear, Private Internet Access isn’t a free VPN provider. However, the pricing is low enough and the value strong enough that it earns a place on this list. The benefits of using this anonymous VPN tunnel far outweigh the relatively small monthly cost.
Encryption: Private Internet Access takes a comprehensive approach to securing all VPN traffic. This includes encrypted WiFi, anonymous VPN tunnels, OpenVPN protocols, SOCKS5 Proxy support, and advanced firewall and filtering protections.
Bandwidth cap: Unlimited.
Browsing session logs: Traffic logs are never stored, and all activity runs through a hidden IP address. On top of that, payments are handled anonymously, leaving no direct trail back to you.
Platforms: You can connect up to five devices at the same time across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Ads: Since this is a paid service, there are no ads to deal with. Private Internet Access also blocks ads from external sources, while encrypted WiFi helps keep malware and trackers out.
Another standout feature is the size of their network. Private Internet Access operates 3,335 servers across 78 countries, spanning five continents Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America.
A single subscription covers all your devices, which means you stay protected whether you’re working on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Add to that a strong track record of positive online reviews, and it’s clear why this VPN is so widely trusted. It may not be free, but it delivers exactly what it promises.
2. Hotspot Shield
For WordPress professionals, or anyone who takes online security seriously, the free version of Hotspot Shield is a solid option. The service is available worldwide, but free users do not get to choose a nearby server location. This can affect performance, so it’s something worth keeping in mind.
Encryption: Hotspot Shield uses 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption across its server network. This level of encryption is considered military-grade. The service also includes a kill switch, allowing users to safely end browser sessions connected to WordPress.
Bandwidth cap: The free plan does include a bandwidth limit, although the exact usage threshold is not publicly disclosed.
Browsing session logs: While Hotspot Shield states that it does not store IP session data, it does use this information in an anonymized form for internal research purposes.
Platforms: The VPN is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. The free version supports only one connected device at a time.
Server locations: Free users are assigned a U.S.-based IP address that differs from their real one. To choose from servers in more than 20 countries, an upgrade is required.
Ads: Advertisements are displayed when using the free version.
Although Hotspot Shield offers premium plans, the free VPN is sufficient if your primary goal is to encrypt your internet connection while working.
Read also: How to Improve Time to First Byte (TTFB) for Your WordPress Site
3. TunnelBear
One of TunnelBear’s strongest qualities is its transparency. The company is open about how its VPN works and how well it protects user sessions. Over time, the service has continued to improve, especially when it comes to maintaining secure and stable connections. Thanks to its built-in ad-blocking technology for Chrome, TunnelBear stands out as one of the better free VPN options for Windows and Mac users.
Encryption: TunnelBear uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect session data and keep online activity secure.
Bandwidth cap: TunnelBear promotes its server speeds as “lightning fast,” although it does not provide detailed performance metrics or uptime statistics. Free users receive 500 MB of data each month. This limit can be doubled by sharing a tweet on TunnelBear’s behalf.
Browsing session logs: TunnelBear does not log user activity.
Platforms: The VPN is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Server locations: Users can choose from servers in more than 20 countries.
Ads: No ads are shown. TunnelBear also includes an ad-blocking feature designed to prevent ads from reaching your browser altogether.
4. Windscribe
If you’re looking for generous data limits and strong security features in a free VPN, Windscribe is worth considering. The service offers solid protection and reliable performance, though there are some limitations related to server access and connection controls. Users outside North America, Europe, or Hong Kong will not be able to use the free version, so location does matter.
Windscribe
Encryption: Windscribe uses AES-256 encryption along with SHA512 authentication and 4096-bit RSA key encryption to secure user connections.
Bandwidth cap: Free users receive up to 10 GB of data per month. Windscribe’s Cruise Control feature automatically connects you to the nearest available server to help maintain optimal speeds.
Browsing session logs: Windscribe does not track or store browsing sessions.
Platforms: The VPN is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Windscribe offers both a desktop VPN and a browser extension. Using both is recommended, as this allows you to protect your device while also blocking ads directly in your browser.
Server locations: Premium users can choose from servers in more than 50 countries. Free users still have access to servers in over 10 locations.
Ads: None.
In addition to its technical features, Windscribe offers strong customer support and clear setup guides, making it easy to encrypt your internet activity from the start.
5. hide.me
For WordPress users who mainly need encrypted browsing and stable Gigabit-level speeds, hide.me covers the essentials well. The service supports more than 15 million users and is designed to keep online activity fully encrypted without unnecessary complexity.
As your business grows and your team requires wider VPN coverage, moving to one of hide.me’s reasonably priced paid plans is a straightforward upgrade.
Encryption: hide.me offers up to AES-256 encryption, providing protection not only for individual devices but also for a home router if needed. The service supports all major VPN protocols, including IPsec, OpenVPN, and SSTP.
Bandwidth cap: There are no bandwidth caps, although free users are subject to data transfer limits. With a reported 99.9 percent uptime, sessions remain stable and performance does not drop significantly during peak usage.
Browsing session logs: hide.me does not store or sell browsing session data.
Platforms: The VPN is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Free users can connect one device at a time. Paid plans allow up to five simultaneous connections, which can be useful for teams.
Server locations: Free users can connect through servers in Canada, the Netherlands, or Singapore. Premium plans expand this selection to more than 30 locations.
6. FastestVPN
FastestVPN is a relatively new player in the VPN space, launched in 2017 and based in the Cayman Islands. The service was created with a clear focus on strong security, user privacy, and safe online access in an environment where cyber threats continue to grow.
The internet can expose users to a wide range of risks, which is why a VPN plays an important role in protecting basic online privacy. By routing your connection through a secure server, FastestVPN also allows access to geo-restricted content across different regions.
If you stream media, download high-quality torrents, or play online games without restrictions, a VPN like FastestVPN can support all of these activities while keeping your connection protected. Below is a closer look at the service, covering its main features to help determine whether it’s the right choice.
Speed
At first glance, FastestVPN may sound ambitious, especially given its name. However, performance can only be judged through testing rather than branding alone.
The provider currently operates servers in more than 29 countries, spread across 130 locations worldwide. While this network is smaller than some long-established competitors, it is solid for a service that has only been around for a few years. Speed performance is generally reliable, and the platform continues to expand at a steady pace.
Security
Security is one of FastestVPN’s stronger areas. The service includes multiple protective features across all plans, which is a good indicator of a well-rounded VPN offering.
Every package comes with NAT firewall protection, 256-bit AES encryption, malware protection, and an internet kill switch. Users can also choose from several security protocols, making it easier to connect using a preferred method. In terms of privacy, FastestVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity is not stored.
The service has also introduced a compact WiFi router with VPN protection built in. The router comes preconfigured with FastestVPN software, removing the need for manual setup and extending VPN coverage to all connected devices.
Customer Support
Customer support is one of the most promoted aspects of FastestVPN. The company emphasizes user experience and backs this up with a 15-day money-back guarantee on all plans. Support is available through live chat and a dedicated help center.
That said, some users have reported slower response times, which is not uncommon for newer providers. As the service continues to grow, this is an area likely to improve.
User feedback overall is very positive. On Trustpilot, FastestVPN currently holds a strong rating of 9.5, reflecting high satisfaction among many customers.
Entertainment
A large amount of online content remains geo-restricted, including movies, TV shows, games, and music. While proxy sites may offer access, they often lack proper security and expose users to intrusive ads or malicious links.
FastestVPN includes optimized P2P servers and is designed to handle geo-restricted platforms efficiently. The service also works to block ads, helping reduce the risk of malware and phishing attempts while improving the overall viewing experience.
Prices
VPN pricing can be a concern for many users, but FastestVPN offers plans designed to fit a wide range of budgets. Long-term subscriptions provide significant savings, with 3-year and 5-year plans offering discounts of up to 89 percent and 91 percent.
All plans include the same feature set, with no limitations based on price. The 15-day money-back guarantee applies across the board.
After reviewing the service in full, FastestVPN stands out for its feature set and affordable pricing. While customer support response times could improve, the overall package offers strong value.
With military-grade encryption, reliable privacy protection, and dedicated apps for multiple devices, FastestVPN delivers a solid experience. Its competitive pricing plays a major role in its popularity, but behind the scenes, it remains a capable VPN worth considering.
7. Betternet
Betternet reports handling more than 38 million users and processing over one petabyte of data across its servers. With more than 60 percent of that traffic coming from outside the United States, the service can be a reasonable option for WordPress freelancers working internationally. That said, it’s worth approaching this VPN with some caution, as publicly available details about encryption methods and uptime are limited.
Encryption: Betternet states that it provides end-to-end encryption to help keep user data protected during online sessions.
Bandwidth cap: There is no bandwidth limit. However, Betternet notes that connection speeds may slow down during peak usage periods due to high demand.
Browsing session logs: Betternet does not store browsing session logs.
Platforms: The VPN is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Server locations: Specific server locations are not publicly listed. The company states that servers are distributed globally and plans to introduce server selection options in the future.
Ads: Advertisements are displayed, although this feature can be disabled.
8. SurfEasy
If SurfEasy were to receive an award, it would easily be for the best free VPN experience on Mac. Originally built specifically for Mac users, the service has since expanded to other major platforms. Even so, it continues to stand out on macOS thanks to its strong security features and a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee, helping you stay productive whether you’re working remotely or from home.
Encryption: SurfEasy uses bank-grade encryption across its servers. The service also includes built-in ad-blocking technology, which helps prevent third-party cookies and intrusive ads from tracking your activity during VPN sessions.
Bandwidth cap: There is no restriction on bandwidth usage, and the service offers a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee. However, free users are limited to 500 MB of data.
Browsing session logs: SurfEasy does not store browsing logs.
Platforms: The VPN is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Since the service was originally designed for macOS, it remains a particularly strong option for Mac users.
Server locations: One-click IP masking allows you to select from servers located in 28 regions worldwide.
9. NordVPN
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and user privacy. This makes it a good fit for WordPress users who regularly work with sensitive data and cannot afford even minor security lapses. While NordVPN is a premium service and not permanently free, the 7-day free trial provides enough time to properly evaluate whether it meets your needs.
Pricing starts at an accessible level, with plans available from $2.99 per month, which is competitive for a top-tier VPN provider.
Some of the key features include:
Encryption: NordVPN uses military-grade AES encryption with 256-bit keys, a standard recommended by the NSA for protecting highly sensitive information. Depending on your device, traffic is routed through a secure VPN tunnel using either IKEv2/IPsec or OpenVPN, both known for their balance of speed and security.
Bandwidth cap: There are no bandwidth limits or data transfer restrictions. While the service experienced occasional slowdowns in the past, performance has improved significantly in recent years. Today, NordVPN delivers some of the fastest connection speeds available, along with specialized servers optimized for video streaming and P2P activity.
Browsing session logs: NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and does not monitor, track, or store user activity. Unlike many providers that simply make this claim, NordVPN has undergone independent audits to verify it. One such audit was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG in Zurich, confirming that user activity is not logged.
Platforms: The service supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux. Browser extensions are also available for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. A single account allows up to six devices to be protected at the same time, including phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and routers.
Server locations: NordVPN operates more than 5,300 servers across 61 countries. Some servers offer additional privacy features, such as double encryption or access to the Tor network. Users can also request a dedicated IP address, which is useful for accessing websites that block shared IPs.
Ads: None. The built-in CyberSec feature blocks ads and helps protect against malicious websites.
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How to Install a Free VPN
- Choose a VPN you feel comfortable with
Start by selecting a free VPN service that seems trustworthy and easy to use. Take a moment to look at the provider’s website and make sure it clearly explains what the free plan includes. There’s no need to rush this step. Feeling confident in your choice already makes the process smoother. - Download the app from the official website
Once you’ve decided, go directly to the VPN provider’s official site. From there, download the version designed for your device, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. Avoid third-party download sites, as the official source is always the safest option. - Install the application on your device
Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions. This part works just like installing any other app or program. Most VPN installers are intentionally simple and do not require any technical knowledge. - Create an account if needed
Some free VPNs ask you to create an account, while others allow immediate access. If registration is required, it usually involves nothing more than an email address. You are not expected to provide sensitive personal information. - Open the app and review the basics
After installation, launch the VPN app. You’ll typically see a clean interface with a clear connect button. At this stage, there’s no need to change any settings. The default configuration is usually enough to get started safely. - Connect to the VPN
Click or tap the connect button. The app may automatically select a server for you, which is perfectly fine, especially when you’re new to VPNs. Once connected, your internet traffic is encrypted in the background. - Continue your work as usual
With the VPN running, you can browse the web, log in to WordPress, or work on your site just as you normally would. The VPN quietly does its job without getting in the way of your workflow. - Disconnect when you’re done
When you no longer need the VPN, simply return to the app and disconnect. Ending a VPN session is as easy as starting one and takes only a moment. - Explore additional settings only if you want to
If you’re curious, you can gradually explore extra options inside the app. However, this is entirely optional. A free VPN should feel helpful and reassuring, not complicated.
Final Thoughts
Online security rarely comes down to one single tool. It’s usually a combination of small, thoughtful decisions that work together in the background. Using a VPN is one of those decisions. It doesn’t change the way you work in WordPress, but it quietly adds an extra layer of protection where it matters.
Free VPNs may come with certain limitations, and that’s perfectly reasonable. Still, many of them offer enough security and privacy to significantly reduce risk, especially when you’re working from shared or unfamiliar networks. What matters most is choosing a solution that fits your workflow, your location, and your comfort level.
As you compare the options, take a moment to think about how and where you work. A VPN that feels simple, reliable, and unobtrusive is far more valuable than one packed with features you’ll never use.
In the end, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency. Adding a VPN to your routine is a small step that can make a meaningful difference in keeping your work, your website, and your data protected as part of a broader WordPress security approach supported through ongoing Website Care.
