Best Free VPN for UAE: Secure & Lag-Free Browsing

The United Arab Emirates imposes restrictions on many online services. In the UAE, certain apps, such as WhatsApp calling, Skype, and Discord, either limit or block VoIP and video services.

It’s crucial to keep your online activity secure from hackers and snoops, especially when using public WiFi hotspots. Only the best free VPN for UAE can protect your connection effectively. After testing numerous VPNs, I have identified the best free services for UAE that allow you to bypass geo-restrictions easily.

Although these free VPNs perform well, they come with minor drawbacks. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN, which offers a free trial and consistently delivers a superior experience.

Continue reading to find out which VPN works in UAE free:

6 Best Free VPN for UAE in 2024 – Quick Overview

Here’s a brief overview of the best free VPN for UAE in 2024:

How I Tested These Free VPNs

Are Free VPNs Safe?

Not really; many free VPNs make money by collecting and selling your browsing data to third parties, ironically defeating the purpose of using a VPN for privacy protection. This data collection can lead to targeted ads, privacy breaches, and even identity theft, making using such free VPNs not worth the risk.

However, some free VPNs still prove to be safe and reliable. Providers such as Atlas VPN and ProtonVPN are known for their no-log policies and strong security measures, ensuring that your online activities remain private.

Yet, it’s crucial to understand that free VPNs might not always provide the same level of service as paid ones. They could have fewer servers, resulting in slower connections and potential security vulnerabilities due to server overload. To ensure the highest level of safety, it’s recommended to choose the best free VPN in UAE with robust encryption, a strict no-log policy, and reliable server connections.

The Best Free VPN for UAE [In-Depth Analysis]

After testing 150+ free VPNs on various factors like data allowance, speed, server access, and security, I bring you the top free VPNs for UAE in 2024 that are safe to use. Here is a detailed analysis of these free providers:

ExpressVPN — Best Free VPN With Free Trail

Server Network

The network of ExpressVPN has multiple servers in 105 countries. However, it does not offer a UAE server; it offers servers in nearby countries like Egypt, Lebanon, South Africa, and many more, ensuring you can connect reliably and quickly. It is perfect for streaming services like Netflix and Hotstar.

ExpressVPN offers several servers in the Middle East.

Unblocking capabilities

From my experience, ExpressVPN is fantastic at overcoming geo-restrictions to access content in the UAE, thanks to its MediaStreamer service. It effortlessly unblocks all major streaming platforms, and its high server speed ensures a smooth experience. It can be great for you as well, providing seamless access to your favorite content.

Server Speed

Speed is not a concern with this VPN, as confirmed by the ExpressVPN speed test, showing a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps. This makes it perfectly suited for streaming in high definition without interruptions.

ExpressVPN offers high-speed streaming.

Security and Privacy Features:

ExpressVPN champions privacy with AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logging policy, meaning your online activities are for your eyes only. Moreover, advanced security features like a kill switch and the proprietary Lightway protocol ensure your online presence in the UAE remains secure and private.

Ease of Use

ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps and superior customer support available 24/7 add to its appeal. It offers 8 simultaneous connections and supports compatibility with devices that usually don’t support VPNs, like smart TVs and gaming consoles, enabling a smooth streaming experience.

Not only it is compatible with deivces only but I have also used it for Whatsapp and Messenger in UAE, hence I can confidently claim it to be the best VPN for Whatsapp calling in UAE, with free trial available. 

Free Trial and Pricing

Its best deal starts at USD 6.67/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days. Despite its slightly higher cost than other VPN services, the investment is justified by its strong unblocking capabilities and commitment to user privacy.

Moreover, it also has an ExpressVPN free trialin UAE feature to test the service beforehand.

Windscribe – Best Free VPN for Security

Windscribe is the best free VPN for security to unblock content. It provides a comprehensive free VPN service and is committed to giving users security and privacy.

Server Network:

As for servers, Windscribe offers 11 in 68 countries, including 1 for UAE; it also offers 10 locations on its free version. These servers can be used for multiple activities, including browsing, streaming, and torrenting.

Unblocking capabilities

According to my tests, this provider makes almost all the major streaming services accessible, including ITV, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. That means you can easily watch your favorite shows using the VPN in UAE free.

Speed/Data Limit

Regarding speeds, Windscribe is faster than all the VPNs on my list. When I tested Windscribe’s speeds in UAE on my 100 Mbps connection, I got a download speed of 65.21 Mbps and an upload speed of 34.75 Mbps.

With these speeds, I faced no buffering throughout streaming.

Security & Encryption

The provider offers many security features on its free version, including the Internet Kill Switch, Ad-blocker, and even MultiHop, allowing you to connect through multiple VPN servers. Windscribe also offers protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks.

Even though its headquarters is based in Canada, the provider offers military-grade AES-256-bit encryption and a zero-log policy for utmost security and privacy. It also features a “Stealth protocol” that obfuscates your VPN traffic and makes it look like normal HTTPS traffic.

Ease of use

Even on a free plan, the VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections to users. Its compatibility with mobile devices makes it the best free VPN for Android in UAE and iOS. Further postioning itself as the best free VPN in UAE for iPhone.

Free Trials/Plans

Its free version offers 10 GB of data per month. You must register with an email address to receive the 10 GB of data. Otherwise, you will only receive 2 GB of monthly bandwidth. You can also receive free 5 GB extra bandwidth on this best VPN by just tweeting about Windscribe. Now that’s cool, right?

In case you face any difficulties, you can always talk to Windscribe’s live chatbot ‘Garry‘ or submit a request. For more information, check out my Windscribe VPN review in UAE.

ProtonVPN – Free VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth in UAE

ProtonVPN is the most popular free VPN with unlimited bandwidth. This is amazing as most free VPNs offer 500 MB to 10 GB of data at max. With the benefit of unlimited data, you can download and stream as much as you want.

Server Network:

Is Proton VPN legit? Yes, it is. The ProtonVPN offers over 3600+ servers in 91 countries, including 16 servers for the United Arab Emirates. However, ProtonVPN’s servers may experience slowdowns, which could impact fast-paced games such as Need for Speed Hot Pursuit or Metro: Redux.

Unblocking capabilities

While testing, it did not work with Netflix, but I could unblock other platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and a few local websites. Moreover, please note that these servers are not P2P-friendly, so you cannot download torrents on Proton VPN’s free version.

Speed/Data Limit

In my ProtonVPN speed test in UAEE, the VPN was quite speedy. On my connection of 100 Mbps, the VPN delivered a download speed of 65.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 59.32 Mbps.

These speeds allowed us to browse and stream without buffering.

Security & Encryption

ProtonVPN’s power lies in complete security, offering you military-grade 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, and OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Use this best VPN for free and get an automatic kill switch that keeps you protected. If you want to use social media in a place with high censorship, you can use this Facebook VPN proxy online for free. Therefore, it is the best free VPN in UAE for Android.

Ease of use

If you create a free ProtonVPN account, you can only use it on one device simultaneously. However, its service is great for all. It is a Free VPN for PC and offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Thanks to its user-friendly iOS app, you can call it the best free VPN for iPhone/iPad in UAE.

It is also a good option to use as a free VPN for Smart TV. If you run into any obstacles while using the app, you can fill in the support form or explore the self-help section of ProtonVPN. Unfortunately, there’s no live chat support, even for paid users.

Free Trials/Plans

The free version of ProtonVPN is notably thorough. However, for users desiring more advanced features, upgrading to a paid ProtonVPN plan provides added perks such as faster speeds and access to a broader selection of servers.

You can learn more about this service in my Proton VPN review in UAE.

Hotspot Shield – Decent free VPN with Unlimited Data

Hotspot Shield is a decent free VPN with unlimited data. It is also one of the best free VPN to use in UAE for torrenting because it offers a distinct feature called the Catapult Hydra protocol, designed to offer speedy connections on P2P networks and perform various other activities.

Server Network:

Hotspot Shield features an impressive network of over 3,200 servers spanning 70 countries, including the Middle East. This reach allows for easy overcoming of geo-restrictions and IP address changes. Yet, it’s worth noting that the free version limits server access exclusively to the US.

Unblocking Capabilities

In addition, this VPN is not a good option for streaming as it does not work with popular services like Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and more. However, based on my tests, it did unblock Netflix US after multiple tries.

Despite this, it is a good option for unblocking social media. If you want to stay connected without government surveillance, you can use this Facebook VPN proxy online for free.

Speed/Data Limit

When it comes to speeds, Hotspot Shield can be called average. During testing, it delivered a download speed of 45.63 Mbps and an upload speed of 39.56 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. It was more than enough to download torrent files. However, we did run out of daily data very quickly.

These speeds were reliable for slow torrenting.

Security & Encryption

Hotspot Shield is safe to use as it offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and multiple security protocols. With its DNS leak protection, it ensures that no one, including your ISP, can see your online activities. I Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider successfully hid my real IP address.

Moreover, although Hotspot Shield’s headquarters are in the US, it still supports a zero-log policy for its users. However, upon further investigation, I found that Hotspot Shield does log some user data, like timestamps, the device you are using, and bandwidth consumed. However, none of this data can be used to identify you online.

Ease of Use

The VPN service’s app is compatible with most operating systems and devices. The sleek and easy-to-use app interface makes it the best free VPN for WhatsApp call in UAE. Moreover, you only get 1 device connection to connect just a single device simultaneously to the VPN.

Free Trials/Plans

Moreover, it only allows 500 MB of data daily, which is more than a regular free VPN offers. How? If you multiply 500 MB of data daily by an entire month, you get 15 GB of data monthly. That’s more than what even Windscribe offers.

For more information, check out the Hotspot Shield review in UAE.

PrivadoVPN – The Best free VPN available

PrivadoVPN is one of the best free VPN services for beginners. It offers easy-to-use apps with a simple yet intuitive design. The app allows unlimited device connections simultaneously, enabling users to stream content securely and anonymously on public Wi-Fi.

Server Network:

PrivadoVPN offers server locations in 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, and one in the Middle East for South Africa.

Unblocking Capabilities

Although PrivadoVPN Free falls slightly short compared to paid providers, it outperforms other free VPNs. It unblocks streaming sites, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer, while maintaining essential privacy features.

Speed/Data Limit

In terms of speeds, PrivadoVPN performs impressively. It appeared to be faster than many other free VPNs. During my PrivadoVPN speed test, I got a decent download speed of 86.50 Mbps and an upload speed of 57.87 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

PrivadoVPN provided faster speeds than distant servers.

Security & Encryption

While its free version has some limitations, its security and performance are impressive. It prioritizes privacy and security, offering AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols. It ensures no data logging and includes features like Internet Kill Switch. I Googled “What is my IP address?” which showed that this provider successfully hid my real IP address.

Ease of Use

PrivadoVPN allows 5 simultaneous connections and supports various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. It is also a good option to use as a free VPN for Smart TV. You can call it one of the best free VPN for Mac in UAE.

Free Trials/Plans

One area where PrivadoVPN has limitations is the number of servers and data limit. It offers 10GB of monthly data, which might be restricted to a slower speed if exceeded. However, for general tasks and browsing, it serves well.

You can learn more about this service in my PrivadoVPN review in UAE.

Hide.Me – Flexible and powerful free VPN

Hide.Meis one of the most secure free VPN services, offering 256-bit encryption and additional privacy and security features.

Server Network:

As for servers, Hide.Me provides access to 5 server locations: Canada, the US (East and West), Germany, and the Netherlands.

Unblocking Capabilities

While these servers don’t work with popular streaming platforms, Hide.Me does support torrenting on its free servers. With its P2P support, you can connect to any server location and enjoy file-sharing for a limited time. When I tried unblocking streaming platforms with this VPN, I could only access Netflix UAE. However, I get blocked by the streaming platform within seconds.

Speed/Data Limit

When tested for speeds, Hide.Me turned out to be fast. On my 100 Mbps connection, the VPN delivered a download speed of 57.16 Mbps and an upload speed of 48.91 Mbps.

Using these speeds, I could enjoy accessing my favorite sites easily.

Security & Encryption

This VPN has advanced features such as a Stealth Guard that offers an additional security layer, an Internet Kill Switch for keeping your online activities secure, and split tunneling for using your local IP and VPN IP together.

Its headquarters is in Malaysia, and the service fully supports a zero-log policy for complete anonymity and privacy. Moreover, Hide.Me offers advanced protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP for free.

Ease of Use

It can be easily configured on Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, or Linux. Moreover, Hide.me also offers free router configuration files, so you can connect devices that don’t have native support for VPNs. This makes it a great free VPN for Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

There are easy-to-follow setup guides available on Hide.Me’s official website, along with 24/7 live chat support. It is fast; I got a response in less than 20 seconds.

Free Trials/Plans

Hide.Me’s free plan offers unlimited data, making it a great option for everyday browsing and streaming. To access all premium features, their subscription plans begin at $12.95 per month. They also provide long-term subscription options that come with considerable savings.

You can learn more about this service in my Hide.Me review in UAE.

Side-by-Side Comparison of the Best Free VPN for UAE in 2024

Here is a quick comparison of the best free VPN for UAE in 2024:​

VPNs
Ranking	1	2	3	4	6	7
Rating	8.1/10	7.3/10	7/10	6.5/10	6.8/10	6.0/10
5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, or 14 Eyes Member	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, FireStick, Kodi, Roku, and more	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Kodi, etc.	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS with Chrome & Firefox extension	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Data Usage Limit	Unlimited	10GB/month	Unlimited	10GB/month	Unlimited	10GB/month
Servers in countires	105 countries	68 countries	91 countries	28 countries	38 countries	80 countries
Local Download Speed on 100 Mbps	89.42 Mbps	65.12 Mbps	65.21 Mbps	86.5 Mbps	59.17 Mbps	45.63 Mbps
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes (For Windows and Android apps)	Yes (Available in Windows and Android apps)	Yes (Android app only)	Yes (Android app only)	Yes

Testing Methodology: How I Tested the Best Free VPN for UAE in 2024

After analyzing them thoroughly based on their features, privacy policy, and customer support, I jotted the best free VPNs above. After testing, I bring you the top 7 free VPNs in 2024 that were selected on the following performance criteria:

1. Privacy & Logging Policy:

When choosing a free VPN, prioritize those with strict privacy and no-logging policies. Trustworthy VPNs won’t track or store personal information and often prove their credibility through expert audits or real events like server seizures or court cases.

2. Speed:

A free vpn UAE should deliver fast, consistent speeds across its server network, providing smooth connections regardless of user location. With servers in many countries, it ensures efficient browsing and performance globally.

3. Security & Technical Features:

A vpn in UAE free should provide AES-256 encryption and protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. Key features include a kill switch to protect your IP if the connection drops and safeguards against IP or DNS leaks to keep your data secure and your online presence anonymous.

4. Streaming:

Many VPNs in this guide, including Windscribe, work with streaming sites like YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix. However, it’s important to manage expectations, as most free VPNs may not fully bypass geo-restrictions.

5. Ease of Use:

A user-friendly VPN should work on various devices and OS, offering easy installation and use. It should have native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android and provide quick, effortless server connections.

6. Server Locations:

I evaluate each VPN’s server network, considering the total number, global distribution, and specialized options like P2P or streaming servers. The best free VPNs offer larger networks, faster speeds, and better unblocking. While free options usually have limited servers, some provide 10+ global locations.

7. Torrenting:

To torrent safely and anonymously, a reliable VPN is essential. I assess each VPN’s P2P file-sharing policy, P2P-optimized servers, AES-256 encryption, and kill switch functionality.

I test for IP and DNS leaks to ensure your IP stays secure and perform P2P performance tests, noting the average torrenting bitrate. Note that streaming speed doesn’t always mean fast P2P speeds.

8. Bypassing Censorship:

Overcoming internet blocks in high-censorship countries is challenging for VPNs. Not all can navigate strict web filters effectively, as developing robust obfuscation tools requires significant investment.

To assess a VPN’s performance, I rent a remote server in China and install the VPN to replicate an internet user’s experience. I regularly check its ability to unblock popular sites like YouTube, Instagram, and Wikipedia.

9. Customer Support:

The quality of a VPN service’s customer support can significantly impact the overall experience. Those with 24/7 live chat support and comprehensive online guides tend to excel in serving their users.

Free VPNs Without Data Limits

Proton VPN and Hide.me stand out for offering unlimited data among free VPN services. ExpressVPN, with its 30-day money-back guarantee, is an excellent premium choice. Windscribe is another good free option, providing 10GB of data.

Free VPNs often come with data limits and slower speeds due to limited server locations, but they allow users to try the service at no cost. Keep in mind, data limits can restrict streaming experiences, making it hard to enjoy full movies or TV shows.

Free VPNs Without Speed Caps

ProtonVPN offers unrestricted access to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan without speed caps, adhering to a strict no-logs policy under Swiss data privacy laws. Unlike most free VPNs, ProtonVPN imposes no bandwidth, duration, or speed limits.

While many free VPNs don’t need speed caps due to data limits, leading to good speeds, traffic overload can slow some down. However, top free VPNs like Windscribe provide a decent number of servers, ensuring reliable speeds.

Free VPN Apps for Your Devices

Most free VPNs offer apps for various devices and operating systems. The best free VPN downloads work on your computer, smartphone, laptop, tablet, and even Smart TV. Some VPNs also offer configuration files for systems like Linux, where you have to configure the VPN as there are no apps manually.

Best Free VPN for Mobile

VPNs on smartphones are popular for securing devices and safely accessing public Wi-Fi while traveling. The best free VPNs for iPhone and Android provide peace of mind when using unsecured Wi-Fi.

However, not all free VPNs have apps for these devices, and many contain trackers. The free VPNs mentioned above offer dedicated apps for both iOS and Android, available on App Stores and their official websites.

Best Free VPN for PC and Mac Users

Most free VPNs offer dedicated apps for Windows and Mac devices. If you are using a Windows PC or MacBook, there are three ways to use a VPN:

• Download a dedicated Free VPN for PC app on your system.
• Manually configure the VPN on Windows and Mac devices.
• Use a VPN through browser extensions.

Some VPNs don’t offer apps and are only available as browser extensions. While such best free VPN for Windows in UAE are great for browsing, they only encrypt internet traffic running through your browser. Therefore, anything you do outside remains unencrypted.

I suggest using the best VPN for Windows PC in UAE and Mac that offer dedicated apps for your systems. You can either download the app from the App Store or the official website of the provider.

Best Free VPN for Tablets (iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, & more)

Apart from smartphones, VPNs also have apps for tablets running on iOS and Android software. Installing a VPN on your tablet is just as easy as on your phone. Most people use a VPN on their tablet to access restricted content like Netflix, HBO, and more.

As with smartphones, all the free VPNs mentioned above have iOS and Android apps for different tablet brands that you can easily download from the App Stores.

Redditor’s views/suggestions: Best Free VPN for UAE

Below are a few of the opinions shared by the users on Reddit:

1. “ProtonVPN has free servers that work well in the UAE. They don’t log activity and allow P2P traffic if you need it”
2. “My friend has been using Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN for many years without any issues. My “friend” highly recommends PIA. Get the yearly plans.”
3. Windscribe has a server in Dubai, my UAE friend does have trouble with their VPN block though so your milage may vary especially on the free tier.”

Based on user opinions from Reddit, I agree that ProtonVPN is one of the most reliable free VPNs, and my experiences with it in the UAE have been positive, especially with its no-logging policy and P2P support.

While Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN both perform well, I recommend ExpressVPN over PIA based on my testing. Windscribe also impressed me during my tests, with its server in Dubai, though experiences may vary, particularly on the free tier.

FAQs – Best Free VPN for UAE