Free VPNs get a bad rap. And sometimes, that’s fair. Many are slow. Some sell your data. Others just don’t work. But if you hang out on Reddit long enough, you’ll notice something interesting. Tech‑savvy users often recommend a handful of free and open‑source VPNs that actually respect your privacy. No shady tracking. No fake “military‑grade” buzzwords. Just code you can inspect and communities that care.
TLDR: Reddit users often recommend free and open‑source VPNs like Proton VPN, Windscribe (with open components), RiseupVPN, Mullvad’s open apps with WireGuard, and Outline. These tools focus on transparency and privacy instead of flashy marketing. They may not unblock every streaming site, but they do protect your data. If you want privacy without paying for Nord or Express, these are worth a look.
Before we jump in, let’s clear something up. “Free and open‑source” doesn’t always mean the entire service is free forever or that every server is community‑run. It often means the apps are open‑source, and there’s a free tier you can use. Redditors care a lot about transparency. If the code is public, it’s harder to hide funny business.
1. Proton VPN (Free Tier)
If Reddit had a favorite free VPN, this might be it.
Proton VPN is built by the same team behind Proton Mail. They focus heavily on privacy. Their apps are open‑source. That means anyone can review the code. Security researchers actually do.
Why Reddit likes it:
- No data limits on the free plan.
- No logs policy.
- Open‑source apps, regularly audited.
- Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws.
Most free VPNs cap your data at 2GB or 10GB per month. Proton doesn’t. You can browse as much as you want. That’s rare.
There are limits, of course. You get access to only a few countries. Speeds can vary. And streaming support is limited on the free plan.
But for basic browsing? It’s solid.
Many Reddit users say it’s perfect for:
- Public WiFi protection
- General privacy
- Light daily browsing
If your goal is privacy first and streaming second, Proton VPN is a strong starting point.
2. Windscribe (Open Components + Generous Free Plan)
Windscribe pops up in Reddit threads all the time.
Now, it’s not fully open‑source as a service. But many of its apps and components are open for inspection. That transparency scores points with tech communities.
Why people recommend it:
- 10GB free per month (with email signup).
- Built‑in ad and tracker blocker.
- Decent number of free locations.
- Simple and clean interface.
Windscribe feels more “modern.” The design is friendly. The settings are easy to tweak. Even beginners can use it.
Redditors often mention its R.O.B.E.R.T. feature. It blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level. That means fewer creepy ads following you around.
Is it perfect? No.
Free users may hit speed caps during peak times. And like most free tiers, not all servers are available.
Still, many users say it’s one of the best free VPNs if you want a balance between usability and transparency.
3. RiseupVPN
This one is different.
RiseupVPN comes from the Riseup collective. They focus on activists, journalists, and people who need serious privacy.
It’s fully open‑source. It’s simple. Almost too simple.
What makes it stand out:
- No account required.
- No flashy marketing.
- Open‑source clients.
- Strong privacy focus.
You download it. You turn it on. That’s it.
There’s no fancy dashboard. No server picker with 50 countries. It’s built for secure communication, not Netflix hopping.
Reddit users often describe it as:
- “Minimal.”
- “Privacy first.”
- “Not for streaming.”
Speeds are decent, but it depends on load. And because it’s run by a nonprofit collective, it doesn’t have the massive infrastructure of commercial VPN giants.
If you care about principles and open code more than shiny ads, RiseupVPN is worth exploring.
4. Mullvad (Open‑Source Apps + WireGuard Focus)
Wait. Mullvad isn’t free.
True. But Reddit often mentions it in threads about open‑source VPNs because of its transparency. And here’s the interesting part: its apps are fully open‑source, and you can use its infrastructure with open protocols like WireGuard.
So why include it here?
Because tech‑savvy users often combine Mullvad’s open tools with other setups. Or they test the service short‑term with minimal cost.
Why it’s respected:
- No email required to sign up.
- You get a random account number.
- Open‑source apps.
- Strong WireGuard integration.
Mullvad is often described on Reddit as “what privacy should look like.”
Even if you don’t stay long‑term, many users recommend studying its model. It sets a high bar for transparency.
If you want fully free only, this may not be for you. But in open‑source privacy discussions, Mullvad is almost always in the mix.
5. Outline (DIY Open‑Source VPN)
This one is for the adventurous.
Outline is an open‑source VPN tool created by Jigsaw, a company under Alphabet. Instead of giving you access to shared public servers, it lets you create your own VPN server.
Yes. Your own.
Here’s how it works:
- You rent a cheap cloud server (like DigitalOcean).
- You install Outline.
- You connect to your private VPN.
It sounds technical. But Outline makes the setup surprisingly simple.
Why Reddit likes it:
- You control the server.
- No shared bandwidth with strangers.
- Fully open‑source.
- Great for bypassing censorship.
The downside? It’s not completely free. You’ll pay a few dollars per month for hosting. But you skip the “free VPN company” middleman.
This approach is popular in privacy forums. Many users trust themselves more than any corporation.
What Redditors Warn You About
Reddit is not shy with warnings.
Here are common points you’ll see again and again:
- If it’s free, you are the product. Always question how the company makes money.
- Open‑source matters. Closed apps require blind trust.
- A VPN does not make you anonymous. It hides your IP. That’s it.
- Free VPNs are not magic Netflix keys.
Many experienced users suggest a simple rule: use free tiers for light privacy needs. If your situation is high‑risk, consider paying for a reputable service or hosting your own.
Free vs Fully Open‑Source: Know the Difference
This part confuses many beginners.
A VPN can be:
- Free but not open‑source
- Open‑source but not fully free
- Both
Reddit users usually favor transparency over price. They prefer a service where the code is visible, even if there’s a small cost.
Why?
Because hidden code can hide logging. It can hide tracking. And you would never know.
So, Which One Should You Try?
It depends on your goal.
For unlimited free browsing:
Try Proton VPN.
For more features on a free tier:
Try Windscribe.
For activist‑style privacy:
Look at RiseupVPN.
For top‑tier open‑source transparency:
Research Mullvad.
For full control and DIY privacy:
Experiment with Outline.
Each one has pros. Each has trade‑offs.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to follow flashy ads to find a good VPN.
Reddit communities often dig deeper than marketing pages. They read privacy policies. They inspect GitHub repos. They test speeds. They share bad experiences loudly.
That’s why the names above surface again and again.
Are they perfect? No.
Are they more transparent than most “Top 10 VPN” lists? Usually, yes.
If you care about privacy, start with open‑source tools. Read discussions. Stay skeptical. And remember: a VPN is just one layer of digital safety.
Use strong passwords. Enable two‑factor authentication. Keep your software updated.
A VPN helps. But smart habits protect you even more.
And sometimes, the best recommendations don’t come from billboards. They come from thousands of nerds on Reddit arguing about encryption at 2 a.m.
That’s not a bad place to start.
