There’s no denying that if you want to stay safe on the internet, protecting your privacy and ensuring your online security, you need a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
However, how can you be sure which VPN is right for you? What if you spring for a VPN subscription and find that the VPN you chose doesn’t live up to its advanced billing?
That’s why you should select a VPN that offers a free trial or a risk-free money-back guarantee, offering you a way to test the provider without risking your hard-earned money.
In this article, I’ll be sharing information on 6 top VPN providers that offer either a free trial period or a risk-free money-back guarantee.
While I’ll be focusing on the no-risk aspect of these VPN offerings, I’ll also be providing other information about each one, including their global server coverage, their download speeds, how they protect your online activities from being monitored, and much more.
Best VPNs That Offer a Free Trial or Risk-Free Money-Back Guarantee
The following 6 VPNs have proven to offer the best free trials or offer a solid money-back guarantee. If you have to be somewhere and don’t have a lot of time, here’s a TL;DR summary:
- NordVPN: My #1 VPN all-around, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its top-notch and low-priced service, which offers fast, reliable and well-protected connections. A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users.
- Surfshark: This budget-priced VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users on a budget will appreciate the provider’s low price, as well as their comprehensive global server coverage and excellent online protection. A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users.
- ExpressVPN: This provider offers a no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee. A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users. Fast download speeds, a wide-ranging global server network and comprehensive global server coverage are available.
- CyberGhost: Novice VPN users will appreciate this provider’s extended 45-day money-back guarantee, as well as its easy-to-use array of apps and fast download speeds. A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users, and a 1-day free trial is available for desktop users.
- SaferVPN: This provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS users. SaferVPN excels at unblocking content and protects your privacy and security thoroughly.
- PrivateVPN: This provider may need to work on its thin global server coverage, but its fast connection speeds and excellent content-unblocking power will be a powerful attraction during your 30-day money-back guarantee period.
As you research VPN providers, you’ll find that all VPNs have their own specific set of both strengths and weaknesses. For instance, while a VPN may provide super-fast connection speeds, its content-unblocking powers may be inadequate.
Once upon a time, numerous VPN providers offered free trial periods, allowing users to try their full range of VPN services without the need to provide payment information, such as a credit card number, or PayPal or cryptocurrency payment.
However, some VPN providers found that some free trial users would pipe heavily abusive traffic through their VPN servers (such as DDoS attacks), which then caused the providers’ VPN IP addresses to be black-listed by numerous sites and services.
This led to a large percentage of providers dropping their free trial offers. Instead, they rely on money-back guarantee offers to allow users to try their services with no risk. Each of the 6 providers on this list offers a no-risk money-back guarantee of 30 to 45 days.
(It also likely doesn’t hurt that many folks will sign up for a service and forget to cancel if they find they don’t want it, providing a little extra income to the VPN provider before they finally remember to cancel. Set a reminder on your calendar or reminder app, people.)
While there are still VPN services that offer free trials, many of the free trials are limited to the iOS and Android versions of the apps. (CyberGhost is the only VPN on this list that offers a limited 1-day trial to desktop users.)
When rating the best VPNs for money-back with no hassle, I considered the following factors:
- No-hassle free trial or money-back guarantee
- Comprehensive global server coverage
- Reliable unblocking of geo-restricted content
- Reliable connections
- Security and privacy protections
- Native app support
Here are the top 6 best risk-free money-back guarantee VPNs.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN earns the rank of the top VPN this time around thanks to its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, fast and reliable connections, and unblocking abilities powered by its excellent global server network.
With over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN provides plenty of access to blocked content, like that offered by ESPN+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and numerous other streaming services.
Those servers provide reliable connections that can easily handle the HD and 4K streams that most streaming services deliver. In fact, NordVPN’s speeds are the fastest available from any VPN provider. Plus, you never need to worry about data caps getting in the way of your favorite online activities.
Security is not an issue, thanks to the provider’s banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, DNS and IPv6 leak prevention, ad and malware blocking, and much more. No server logs and a Bitcoin subscription payment option all add up to total privacy protection.
The provider allows up to 6 devices to connect to their servers using the same login info. Eligible devices include those on the Android, Amazon Fire, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows device platforms. Plus, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available.
A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users without the need for a credit card or App Store purchase. The free trial cannot be used on other versions of the provider’s apps.
Use the provider’s extensive router support to protect all of your devices.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 5,500+ servers in 59 countries
- Lightning-fast speeds
- Reliable, well-encrypted connections
- Excellent pricing
Cons:
- No blanket kill switch protection
BEST NO-RISK VPN OPTION:NordVPN is the best VPN for users looking for a way to try a quality VPN without risking their hard-earned bucks. In addition, the provider’s excellent geo-controlled content-unblocking and fast connection speeds may just convince you to stick around once your 30-day “free trial” is over.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark not only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it also doesn’t ask for a lot of money upfront. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-minded users.
Surfshark’s global server network has been quickly growing, at least doubling over the past year. 3,200 servers dot the globe in 65+ countries and offer excellent access to many streaming services.
The provider’s connection speeds offer more than enough oomph to handle any online activity you can think to throw at it.
Surfshark excels when it comes to security, offering military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention, as well as ad and malware blocking.
Privacy-wise, Surfshark never saves any logs of your online activities and accepts Bitcoin as a private payment option.
You can connect to Surfshark through its native apps for the Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and Amazon Fire devices. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox, and there’s plenty of router support.
Surfshark offers an unusual unlimited simultaneous connections policy, allowing you to use as many devices as you want at the same time at no extra cost.
A 7-day free trial is available for iOS and Android users, although no similar offer is available for the provider’s desktop apps.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Budget-priced subscriptions
- Speedy connections
Cons:
- Lacks features that other providers offer
BEST FOR BUDGET:Surfshark is a great option for budget-minded users who don’t want a hassle if they decide Surfshark isn’t the right VPN for them. However, the provider’s low price and above-average service and features may keep you around long after the 30-day money-back guarantee period is over.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test out its above-average service without risking your hard-earned cash.
The provider’s global server network includes 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, providing reliable unblocking of geo-restricted content in most parts of the world. BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix and other services are no problem for ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN’s connections are not only reliable, but they are also fast. If your usual internet connection is up to handling HD and 4K video streams, this provider should also offer enough oomph to smoothly stream the same content. No data caps will ever spoil the fun.
Your online activities are well-protected thanks to the provider’s military-level encryption, kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Privacy is also well covered, as the provider follows a strict no-server-logs-ever policy and accepts Bitcoin to protect your subscription privacy.
I’d venture to say that the provider delivers protection for all of your desktop and mobile devices. ExpressVPN’s app offerings support the following platforms: Android, Amazon Fire, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome and Firefox platforms.
A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users without the need for a credit card or App Store purchase. The free trial cannot be used on other versions of the provider’s apps.
Up to 5 devices can connect at once on a single set of login credentials, and extensive router support is also available.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Comprehensive global server coverage
- Reliable, fast connections
- Excellent privacy and security
Cons:
- More expensive than its competitors
- 5 simultaneous connections is a bit low
ALL-PURPOSE VPN:ExpressVPN is a solid option for users who want to try out fast, reliable and well-protected connections without the risk. Most users will appreciate the wide server coverage and app support that this provider offers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is the best option for first-time VPN users looking for a risk-free way to find out if VPNs are for them. The provider offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, as well as easy-to-use apps that are perfect for beginners.
The provider has over 6,700 servers located in 90 countries. Among those servers are streaming-optimized servers that open access to numerous streaming services around the globe.
CyberGhost delivers reliable connections that have enough speed for even 4K content. Plus, there are no daily or monthly data caps to get in the way!
Those fast connections are well-protected thanks to a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak prevention, ad and tracking blocking, and the ability to force websites to display HTTPS versions of their pages if available.
A no-logs-ever policy and a Bitcoin payment option have the privacy end of things also under lock and key.
The provider’s app selection includes options for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is extensive browser compatibility. Up to 7 simultaneous connections are allowed.
A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users without the need for a credit card or App Store purchase. The free trial cannot be used on other versions of the provider’s apps. A 1-day free trial is available for desktop users.
Pros:
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Streaming-optimized servers around the globe
- Optimal privacy and security protection
- Easy-to-use apps
Cons:
- Lacks customization features that some users prefer
- Doesn’t work in China
TOP FIRST-TIME VPN USER OPTION:CyberGhost should prove attractive to first-time VPN users thanks to its easy-to-use lineup of apps, as well as its extended 45-day money-back period.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. SaferVPN
SaferVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee provides plenty of time to try this VPN service. The provider offers reliable, speedy connections.
The provider’s global server network could do with a bit of expansion, as it currently offers 700+ servers in 34 countries around the globe.
Those servers do a great job of unblocking streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Sling TV, ESPN+, and numerous others.
SaferVPN connection speeds can handle HD and 4K streams, and there are never any daily or monthly data caps to spoil your series binges.
Military-grade encryption keeps your online activities undercover, while kill switch protection and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention prevent your travels from being inadvertently exposed.
The provider’s apps also offer an option that automatically turns on VPN protection when you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot. The provider’s Onion Over VPN server option can provide a new IP address every five minutes.
The provider never collects, logs or stores any browsing activity, data or IP addresses on their servers, and also accepts cryptocurrency to keep your payment info completely anonymous.
Native app support includes options for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available as well. Router support is also available.
A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users without the need for a credit card or App Store purchase. The free trial cannot be used on other versions of the provider’s apps.
Up to 5 devices can simultaneously connect to the provider’s servers using the same set of login credentials.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Comprehensive security and privacy protections
- Fast download speeds
Cons:
- Server network could stand some expansion
- App support could stand some improvement
AUTO-VPN PROTECTION ON WI-FI HOTSPOTS:SaferVPN provides speedy, well-protected connections that do a great job of unblocking numerous streaming services. The provider’s easy-to-use apps are available for most major device platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of SaferVPN.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN makes this list not only due to its 30-day money-back guarantee but also because of its fast and reliable connections.
Admittedly, this provider’s 150+ servers are spread a bit thinly around the globe, as they are located in 60 countries. However, the servers the provider does have do an excellent job of unblocking numerous streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and many more.
PrivateVPN’s connection speeds can easily handle HD and 4K streaming content, and the provider doesn’t spoil the fun with data caps.
Government-grade encryption protects your online activities from prying eyes, as does kill switch protection, DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention, and their proprietary “Stealth VPN” feature that obfuscates your VPN activity.
A no-logs-ever server policy and a Bitcoin payment option have your privacy covered.
Amazon Fire, Android, iOS, macOS and Windows device users can take advantage of PrivateVPN’s native app support. Unfortunately, there are no browser extensions available. Router capabilities are available. Up to 6 devices can connect simultaneously to the provider’s servers.
Pros:
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Fast, reliable connections
- Up to 6 concurrent connections
Cons:
- Server numbers are low
- Multi-platform support could also use a boost
EXCELLENT SERVICE FOR A REASONABLE PRICE:PrivateVPN offers 30 days to try their service, with no risk whatsoever. The provider offers fast connections, and even though it has a somewhat lacking global server count, it still does a good job of unblocking content around the globe.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
How Do I Get My Money Back If I Don’t Like The VPN Service?
So, what happens if you try a VPN service, and decide that it’s really not for you? How do you get your money back? It’s usually quite simple to do.
Let’s take NordVPN as an example. As long as the 30-day money-back guarantee period hasn’t expired, all you need to do is contact NordVPN customer support via email or live chat, and you’ll receive a refund of your subscription fee within a few days.
Keep in mind that the 30-day money-back guarantee usually covers EXACTLY 30 days, to the minute. That means if you subscribe at 8:24 a.m. on January 1, your 30 days are up at 8:24 a.m. on January 31. So, set a reminder in your Calendar or Reminder app on one of your devices, if you’re the forgetful type.
Other VPN providers offer similar money-back guarantee procedures. Check with your VPN provider of choice before signing up to make sure there aren’t any additional hurdles to clear.
What About Using a Free VPN?
While a free VPN might be attractive – after all, it’s always free, not just for a limited trial period – you’ll find that you’re paying for that “free” VPN in other ways.
First, let’s look at how you pay with your privacy and online security.
Since you’re not paying for a “free” VPN service, someone has to. Many sans-cost VPN services cover their expenses by monitoring their users’ online activities, saving all of that info in a neat little file, and then selling it to the highest bidder.
Plus, some freebie VPN providers will make money by injecting unwanted advertisements and tracking cookies into your browsing sessions. (And those tracking cookies stick around, even after you’ve disconnected from the VPN’s servers.)
So much for your online privacy.
You’ll also pay in terms of convenience. Some free VPN services force their users to sit in a queue to wait until they’re allowed to connect to a VPN server.
Then, once they’re given the green light, users find they’re either automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing, or that they have a limited number of server options.
Plus, even if you get connected to a server in the location you were hoping for, it’s almost a sure bet that you won’t gain access to blocked content in that area.
Streaming services are adept at detecting and blocking the IP addresses that VPN services use. When they’re blocked, it’s up to the VPN provider to replace the blocked addresses. This requires a large amount of resources. Resources most “run-on-a-shoestring” free VPN providers don’t have.
One month of service from a quality VPN provider will cost you about the same as a Big Mac combo. Plus, you can get your money back if you’re not satisfied with the service at any time during the trial period. Use a paid VPN provider – you’re going to be happier if you do.
What Can I Do With a VPN?
We’ve already mentioned how a VPN can unblock the geo-controlled content that numerous streaming services offer. A VPN is also an excellent tool for unblocking other content, including financial services, online gaming servers, and other websites and services.
A VPN also protects your online activities from being monitored by your ISP, the government, or that shifty-looking young lady the next table over at Starbucks.
I strongly recommend you use a VPN whenever connecting to the internet via an unprotected Wi-Fi hotspot, especially if you pay your bills, shop online or do your banking while connected.
A VPN’s connection encryption can also help prevent your ISP from throttling your internet connection just because you’re engaging in P2P file-sharing or streaming from “unapproved” streaming services.
Conclusion
When you’ve decided to try a VPN, it makes sense that you want to do so without risking your hard-earned money. By subscribing to a VPN provider that offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee, you take the financial risk out of the process.
My #1 VPN choice, NordVPN, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to sample their excellent VPN service with no risk.
The provider’s fast, well-protected connections, comprehensive global server coverage, excellent app support, and top-notch privacy and security protections will likely keep you hanging around long after the money-back trial period.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
