2025 Ranking: Top Free VPN Apps for Android, PC, and Chromebook (fake vpn)

We’ve all heard the buzz about fake vpn scams, yet a reliable free VPN can be a lifesaver for students and travelers. It keeps your data private without costing a dime, and it’s handy when school Wi‑Fi blocks streaming sites. Want to explore the best free options for Android, PC, and Chromebook? Let’s dive in.

Ranked Free VPNs by Platform

Android

1. Forest VPN – 17 MB, 1,500+ servers, 5 GB/month, zero‑logging policy. Speed feels like a leaf‑whisper, and split tunneling is a breeze.
2. WindyVPN – 22 MB, 800 servers, 2 GB/month, ad‑free interface.
3. SafeGuard Free – 19 MB, 400 servers, 1 GB/month, built‑in ad blocker.

PC (Windows)

1. Forest VPN – 20 MB, 1,500+ servers, 5 GB/month, no‑logs and lightning speed.
2. Nimbus Free – 25 MB, 600 servers, 3 GB/month, clean UI.
3. OpenShield – 18 MB, 350 servers, 1 GB/month, easy split tunneling.

Chromebook

1. Forest VPN – 18 MB, 1,500+ servers, 5 GB/month, privacy‑first.
2. CloudGuard – 20 MB, 500 servers, 2 GB/month, simple extension.
3. GuardLite – 16 MB, 300 servers, 1 GB/month, minimal ads.

Quick Comparison Table

How to Download Free VPN for Android

1. Open the Google Play Store or a trusted APK site.
2. Search for Forest VPN.
3. Tap Install and follow the on‑screen prompts.
4. Once installed, open the app, create a free account, and connect to your preferred server.

How to Download Free VPN for PC (Windows)

1. Visit the official Forest VPN website.
2. Download the Windows installer (.exe).
3. Run the installer and follow the wizard.
4. After installation, launch the app, sign in, and connect.

How to Download Free VPN for Chromebook

1. Open the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for Forest VPN.
3. Click Add to Chrome.
4. Confirm the extension, then open it from the toolbar.

Pros & Cons

• Forest VPN – Pros: lightning speed, extensive network, zero‑logging, split tunneling, school‑friendly. Cons: 5 GB cap may feel tight after heavy streaming.
• WindyVPN – Pros: ad‑free, solid speed. Cons: limited data, no logging.
• SafeGuard Free – Pros: built‑in ad blocker, decent server count. Cons: modest speed, 1 GB cap.
• Nimbus Free – Pros: clean UI, generous 3 GB. Cons: fewer servers, no logging.
• OpenShield – Pros: split tunneling, low data usage. Cons: 1 GB limit.
• CloudGuard – Pros: simple Chrome extension, 2 GB. Cons: fewer servers.
• GuardLite – Pros: lightweight, minimal ads. Cons: limited data.

Download & Safety

All links are HTTPS, verified by our safety checker. Forest VPN’s installer is a single click on Android, a quick .exe on PC, and a Chrome Web Store add‑on for Chromebooks. Always double‑check the publisher badge and download from the official site or trusted store.

School Networks & Split Tunneling

Most school Wi‑Fi blocks ports 80 and 443. Forest VPN’s split tunneling lets you route only sensitive traffic through the tunnel, keeping your school‑approved services free. Other free apps lack this feature, forcing you to tunnel all traffic, which can trigger network bans.

FAQ

Q: Does Forest VPN really have a 5 GB/month limit? A: Yes, the free tier caps data at 5 GB per month. You can upgrade to the paid plan for unlimited data.

Q: Can I use Forest VPN on a Chromebook without a Google account? A: Yes, the extension works for any user, but you’ll need to sign in to sync settings.

Q: Will school Wi‑Fi block Forest VPN? A: The split tunneling feature helps bypass most restrictions, but results vary by network.

Testimonial

“I was skeptical about free VPNs, but Forest VPN kept my browsing private while I streamed music on campus Wi‑Fi. The speed was surprisingly fast, and the split tunneling feature saved me from being blocked.” – Maya, college student

Recommendation & Call to Action

After reviewing speed, privacy, and user experience, Forest VPN remains our top recommendation for free VPN users. Its extensive server network, zero‑logging policy, and split tunneling make it ideal for students and travelers alike. Try Forest VPN today and experience secure, fast, and hassle‑free connectivity.

Ever wonder why so many people call a free VPN a fake? We’re not exaggerating. A legit free VPN can keep your data safe on campus Wi‑Fi or while you’re traveling. Forest VPN gives you 5 GB/month and keeps no logs. Let’s walk through how to install it on Android, Windows, and Chromebook.

Android APK Installation

1. Open your browser and head to the official Forest VPN site.
2. Tap the Download APK button.
3. When prompted, enable Unknown apps in Settings → Apps → Forest VPN.
4. Find the downloaded file in your Downloads folder.
5. Tap it and confirm the installation.
6. Launch the app, grant the permissions it asks for, and hit Connect to your first server.

Windows Installer

1. Visit the Forest VPN page and click Download for Windows.
2. Run the .exe installer.
3. Accept the license, then click Install.
4. Watch the progress bar finish.
5. Once it’s done, a desktop shortcut appears.
6. Open that shortcut, sign in, and press Connect.

Chromebook Extension

1. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for Forest VPN and click Add to Chrome.
3. Confirm the add‑on request.
4. After it’s added, a new icon pops up in the toolbar.
5. Click the icon, sign in, and toggle Enable.

Verify and Avoid Pitfalls

• After connecting, look at the status icon; a green dot means your traffic is encrypted.
• If the icon stays gray, your firewall or antivirus might be blocking the app.
• On school networks, try a different server—some are whitelisted.
• Keep the app updated; older versions can trigger false positives.
• If installation fails, clear your browser cache and try again.
• If the app fails to connect, restart your device.

Here’s a quick comparison of the three methods:

Android needs you to enable unknown apps. Windows can trip up antivirus. Chromebook is instant but only covers browser traffic.

If you see a ‘Connection refused’ error, switch DNS to 8.8.8.8 or try a different server. A firewall may also block VPN ports; tweak the settings or switch to a different protocol like UDP.

To confirm encryption, visit https://ipinfo.io and check that your IP and location match the server you selected.

After installation, set Forest VPN to start at login. On Windows, right‑click the icon and enable auto‑start. On Android, enable auto‑connect in settings. On Chromebook, make the extension start with Chrome.

Remember, free VPNs often throttle bandwidth after a data cap. If you hit 5 GB, consider upgrading or switching to another free provider like Windscribe. Always read the privacy policy before committing.

With the VPN up and running, you’re ready to dive into the next section on server selection and privacy settings. Stay tuned!