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.

Best VPN for School

1) ExpressVPN – Best Overall School VPN

As for security, Express VPN also provides torrent support and added security features like a free built-in password manager. You can also use up to five 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: Having 256-bit encryption means your browsing data is secure and difficult 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:

Why Use ExpressVPN for School? Using Express VPN 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. Privacy and Log Policy: ExpressVPN does not record any of your data, and they have published a statement. No logs regarding your activity are stored, and nothing can personally identify you. Servers are kept secure and are unattainable by any government. You can also ask ExpressVPN to delete your user data by submitting a deletion request.

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

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2) NordVPN – Best for Speed

NordVPN has fast servers and top-level security features, so you enjoy safe browsing. It also comes with an unlimited data cap, meaning you no longer need to worry about reaching a limit on data. This is especially helpful if you watch a lot of Netflix or YouTube that requires a VPN. There are around 5,000 servers in 55 countries, allowing you to find servers nearby with good speeds on a paid NordVPN plan. It’s also available on Windows, macOS, Linus, Android, and iOS.

Features:

Active threat protection: Malware, trackers, and cyber threats are always risks. NordVPN has a feature that helps scan and block any potentially harmful file that might affect your device. 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:

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. Privacy and Log Policy: NordVPN has a privacy policy ensuring that all your data is private and secure from your ISP and any potential hackers. They also have a zero-logs policy, meaning they don’t store your online browsing activities. Your IP will always remain hidden, safe, and secure, no matter what you do for school. Their security protocols are among the best, ensuring that your data will remain private.

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

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3) Surfshark – Best for VPN for school WiFi-sharing

Surfshark is among the most affordable VPN service that still keeps high standards. One area where Surfshark stands out is its unlimited device-sharing policy. You can connect as many people to their VPN server as you wish without issues and share your account with your friends and family. 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. The Surfshark One package includes an antivirus program that can remove harmful viruses and files from any computer running the software. 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:

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. Privacy and Log Policy: Surfshark strictly keeps no logs on your browsing data. None of your actions are stored, and they do not track you.

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

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4) AtlasVPN – Best Budget School VPN Option

AtlasVPN is an excellent option for students seeking a fast VPN to deal with local websites, as they have one of the best free plans for speed. Sometimes speed is as important as the access itself. The AtlasVPN app will help you stay private and remove any restrictions imposed by your school or home internet connection. Prices for AtlasVPN are economical and worth considering, as they are lower than most of the competition.

Features:

SafeSwap: AtlasVPN allows you to access the Internet from multiple IP addresses and remain more hidden and secure. Malware Blocker: You can browse the Internet without worrying about malware or phishing attacks. Top-of-the-line WireGuard protocol: AtlasVPN has one of the best WireGuard protocols, keeping your browsing data secure when using a VPN. Protocols Supported: AtlasVPN uses WireGuard and IPSec/IKEv2.

Why Use AtlasVPN for School? AtlasVPN can be a good way to keep your data hidden from your ISP, but you still need to remember that AtlasVPN logs your data. Schools block websites, so using a paid VPN like AtlasVPN can be a simple way to bypass the issue without causing lag on streaming services. One of the main reasons you can go for AtlasVPN is that they are a good budget option VPN option available in the market. Privacy and Log Policy: AtlasVPN claims it does not record any of your data, but there is some controversy about its accuracy in its policy. The current consensus is that AtlasVPN only tracks your location but keeps everything else unlogged.

Key Specs:

How To Get AtlasVPN for Free?

AtlasVPN has a free option for users to get a feel for their app. With it, you have access to three accessible service locations. You can also use as many devices as you want on the free option, which is great for keeping your browsing information private regardless of what device you want to use.

Free trial length: Unlimited free basic plan Credit card required for a free trial: No

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5) Private Internet Access – Best for Security

Private Internet Access offers excellent data privacy for users. Their security is very high with military-grade encryption, and it’s packaged with quick internet speeds. 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: A good killswitch will ensure that if your VPN connection ever drops, all your internet access will be shut down. 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:

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. Privacy and Log Policy Private Internet Access has a firm 100% no-log policy. Your browsing history, IP address, and DNS queries are never stored on their servers. It has been proven true in court twice and by independent audits.

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.

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6) ProtonVPN – Best for Ad Blocking

ProtonVPN is a security-focused company. They are a company developed after the rest of its products to keep its customers safe while browsing. All traffic first runs through their Secure Core to detect if a server is compromised before the traffic goes through. This virtual private network service provides excellent services and a worthwhile free plan. The free plan for ProtonVPN 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: The appropriate VPN app filters out malware and online trackers and blocks ads. This feature is only available for paying users. Always on killswitch: ProtonVPN 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 ProtonVPN account at anyone time. Protocols Supported: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Stealth.

Key Specs:

Why Use ProtonVPN for School? ProtonVPN 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. Privacy and Log Policy ProtonVPN is a Swiss VPN originally created to protect journalists. They use a strict no-logs policy, and their country’s laws forbid them from sharing any information with third parties. They will not record your traffic, IP address, or session information.

How To get ProtonVPN for Free?

Test out ProtonVPN by signing up and grabbing a free plan. If you decide to purchase ProtonVPN, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied.

Free trial length: 7 days Credit card required for a free trial: No

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FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding VPNs for schools.

❓ What are the best VPNs for school?

Here are some Best VPNs for school:

ExpressVPN NordVPN Surfshark AtlastVPN ProtonVPN

⚡ How did we test the best free VPN for school?

Here are things you need to check to test the best free VPN for school:

Speed: Companies had to offer fast internet speeds and play streaming services without lagging. We compared their speeds from behind their VPNs. Prices: Monthly prices were compared, and value for money was considered. The lowest price isn’t always the best if you need stricter security. No-log policies: VPNs had to maintain a strict no-log policy that kept your information private without collecting or tracking your activity.

🏅 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.