Overview
- Jump To Details
![Proton VPN]()
Proton VPN
Best Overall - Jump To Details
![NordVPN]()
NordVPN
Best Premium Features - Jump To Details
![TunnelBear VPN]()
TunnelBear VPN
Best for Limited Location Spoofing - Jump To Details
![ExpressVPN]()
ExpressVPN
Best for Students Outside of the US - Jump To Details
![Mullvad VPN]()
Mullvad VPN
Best for Avoiding a Subscription - Jump To Details
![Windscribe]()
Windscribe
Best Company Transparency - Jump To Details
![IVPN]()
IVPN
Best for Flexible Subscriptions
College students have to do without many of the comforts of home. Such comforts might include free meals and laundry, but a reliable and trustworthy internet connection is also high on the list. Students may not know who manages their network connections at school or who can see their network traffic. A virtual private network, or VPN, can help improve your online privacy—on campus or anywhere else. We've been covering VPNs for more than 25 years, and for this list, we examine affordable, reliable VPN services that should appeal to the bargain-hunting, ramen-eating college student in all of us. Proton VPN is our top pick thanks to its free subscription and a plethora of tools, but it isn't the only VPN we recommend. Read on for our other top options, and if you're using remote learning offerings to attend classes, consider our picks for the best VPNs overall.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![Proton VPN]()
Proton VPN
Best OverallWhy We Picked It
Proton VPN is our top pick for a number of reasons. For one thing, it doesn't place any data limit on free subscribers, making it by far the most usable free VPN we've tested. For another, Proton is one of the very few VPN services to provide multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and access to Tor via VPN. It has everything you'd want in a VPN and, on a feature-by-feature basis, costs less than the competition for a paid subscription plan.
Who It's For
Proton VPN is a great choice for any student who needs a free VPN. The company also provides all users access to several other privacy-focused products, such as Proton Mail and Proton Drive, so any college student looking to expand their privacy toolbox should start with Proton VPN.
Pros
- The best free VPN subscription
- Numerous advanced privacy tools
- Strong customer privacy stance
- Slick, accessible client
- Excellent speed test scores
Cons
- Awkward ChromeOS implementation
Learn MoreProton VPN Review![NordVPN]()
NordVPN
Best Premium FeaturesWhy We Picked It
NordVPN is a standout in the VPN industry, offering leading performance, features, and network breadth for reasonable pricing, considering all that comes with a single subscription. While not the least expensive option on this list, we picked it as an example of the top-end experience you should expect from a modern virtual private network.
Who It's For
NordVPN is perfect for those who may have tried a free VPN but now officially want to explore the full potential of paid VPN subscriptions.
Pros
- Support for multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Bevy of available features and add-ons
- Good speed results
- Built-in antivirus tools
- Excellent design
- Friendly onboarding wizard
Cons
- Expensive
- Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
- Deceptive annual renewal pricing
Learn MoreNordVPN Review![TunnelBear VPN]()
TunnelBear VPN
Best for Limited Location SpoofingWhy We Picked It
TunnelBear VPN has been our go-to pick for first-time VPN users for years, thanks to its charming interface and affordable price. Although it lacks some of the competition's advanced security features, it's no slouch on privacy. This company has released annual audits of its service and has stayed true to its commitment to transparency. Unlike most VPNs, it places no limit on the number of simultaneous connections, so you'll be able to easily secure all your devices with a single account.
Who It's For
TunnelBear VPN's simple and friendly interface makes it a great choice for students who are using a VPN for the first time. Its free subscription is also a powerful incentive, although it limits you to just 500MB of data per month. TunnelBear lets its free subscribers use all of its VPN servers, which gives students looking to spoof their location a lot of flexibility.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent privacy policies
- Annual independent audits
- Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)
Cons
- No multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- Data limit on free subscription
Learn MoreTunnelBear VPN Review![ExpressVPN]()
ExpressVPN
Best for Students Outside of the USWhy We Picked It
While many providers on this list have a global network presence, few can match the sheer volume and distribution made available by the team at ExpressVPN. Though it is pricey compared with other picks on this list, you most certainly get what you pay for with a wide variety of features that suit almost every VPN need.
Who It's For
ExpressVPN is a perfect pick for anyone attending university outside of the United States but still wants to find a server local to them to optimize performance. While there is no free tier, the company does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied with the speeds in your region.
Pros
- Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Split tunneling
- Stylish interface
Cons
- Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
- No multi-hop connections
Learn MoreExpressVPN Review![Mullvad VPN]()
Mullvad VPN
Best for Avoiding a SubscriptionWhy We Picked It
VPNs are supposed to improve your online privacy, but Mullvad raises the bar with a radical privacy-first stance intended to protect its customers. It uses an account number system to protect personal information, but goes even further by no longer accepting recurring subscriptions. That way, the company can store as little information about its users as possible. Along with IVPN, it is one of only two VPNs we've seen that accept cash payments mailed to their respective HQs.
Who It's For
At a flat rate of just 5 euros per month ($5.46 as of this writing), Mullvad is one of the most affordable VPN services we've reviewed, making it a good choice for students on a tight budget. Its lack of recurring subscriptions might seem annoying, but students can be assured that they won't have to worry about being stuck paying for a service they no longer want. Mullvad VPN's efforts toward protecting customers make it a smart choice for students who are (justifiably) suspicious of VPN companies.
Pros
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparent
- Multi-hop, split tunneling, and port forwarding
Cons
- Awkward desktop interface
- Servers in a small range of countries
- Pay-as-you-go system may confuse some customers
Learn MoreMullvad VPN Review![Windscribe]()
Windscribe
Best Company TransparencyWhy We Picked It
Windscribe represents a sea change for the industry, skewing norms of affiliate marketing and paid brand opportunities in favor of radical transparency around data and personal privacy. We like Windscribe not just for its policies, though, as it also provides a large number of available servers all around the globe and the performance to match—no matter where you're studying in the world.
Who It's For
If you're a student who is concerned first and foremost about your personal privacy when using a VPN, Windscribe is hard to beat. Though there are less expensive options available, if you can swing the monthly subscription cost, Windscribe's overall experience is nearly second to none.
Pros
- Industry-leading company transparency and communication
- Large number of payment options
- Best free plan of any VPN we've tested
- Helpful AI support bot
- Open Netflix access in all regions benchmarked
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices
- Anonymous signup allowed
Cons
- Middling speed results
Learn MoreWindscribe Review![IVPN]()
IVPN
Best for Flexible SubscriptionsWhy We Picked It
Like Mullvad VPN, IVPN uses an account number system that offers customers more privacy. The company is also extremely transparent about its operations and has a simple, straightforward app. Along with Mullvad VPN, it is one of only two VPNs we've seen that accept cash payments mailed to their respective HQs.
Who It's For
Although IVPN doesn't offer a free option, subscriptions start at $2 per week. This makes it a great choice for students who need to keep costs down or who only want a VPN for a short time—such as traveling or studying abroad—or aren't ready to commit to a VPN provider.
Pros
- Flexible, affordable pricing
- Powerful multi-hop system
- Privacy is baked into its account system
- Strong stance on transparency
Cons
- Offers few server locations
- Multi-hop and account ID features might confuse some
Learn MoreIVPN Review
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for College Students in 2024
Do I Need a VPN at School?
While digital security news can often feel like a cavalcade of downers, there have been some serious improvements in online security in the last few years. Most sites now use HTTPS, and the march of progress has improved the security of Wi-Fi networks. Those were two of the most urgent reasons to use a VPN. However, there are still scenarios where a VPN may improve your privacy, so consider your priorities before you dive in.
A Wi-Fi network may be more secure, but people and devices can still be tricked into connecting to networks they don't intend. That's especially true when you're using numerous Wi-Fi networks. You might use the school network at your dorm or library, or you might sign on at the quirky local coffee shop that will be replaced by a Panera when you visit for your 15-year college reunion. Even if HipsterCoffeeShopWiFi is safe, it's easy to accidentally connect to the highly suspicious HipsterCoffeeShopWiFi_.
VPNs are also great at circumventing restrictions imposed by the network's owner. If you're using a network that blocks BitTorrenting or other online activities, for instance, a VPN may help unblock websites or services you want to use.
Of course, if you need quick access to the latest show, you'll probably stick to streaming. Some networks may block streaming services, especially those that fall into a gray legal area. A VPN can help access these sites and even unlock streaming services that are restricted to specific geographic areas—the BBC iPlayer is a good example. Unfortunately, some mainstream streaming services block VPNs, too. If you want to learn more about how to unblock Netflix, we cover the subject in greater detail here.
What Doesn't a VPN Do?
VPNs are useful tools, but they aren't magic shields that protect against all threats. This is true whether you're attending classes in person or social distancing from home.
Although VPNs can block some of the tricks advertisers and corporations use to track you as you move across the web, they don't prevent all forms of tracking. A VPN will do precious little against browser fingerprinting, for instance. If this concerns you, it's a good idea to use a tracker or ad blocker.
While some VPNs offer a modicum of protection against malicious websites, VPNs are no substitute for antivirus. If you just got a new laptop to take to school or to use at home, you should protect that investment from malware.
A VPN also can't adequately protect you against phishing attacks. Phishing attacks occur when an attacker uses a convincing email or specially built website to trick you into entering your personal information. Browsers are pretty good at catching phishing sites (antivirus software is usually the best), but better safe than sorry: scrutinize every site you visit and every link you click.
Lastly, you should use a password manager to create unique and complex passwords for each site and service you use. Where possible, switch on multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA), too. These two tools will make it much harder for someone to take over your accounts.
How We Pick the Best VPNs for Schools
Given that the US is tied to a system that saddles college students with enormous debt, we favored inexpensive VPNs that offer either a free trial or a free version.
Even if you plan on purchasing a VPN subscription, we highly recommend trying out a VPN with a free version first. If the VPN you'd like to buy doesn't have a free option, we recommend using a short-term subscription instead. This way, you can test a VPN and see if it is blocked by any services you need.
Most free VPN subscriptions have some limitations—such as the amount of data you can use, the number of servers you can connect to, and so on. Proton VPN is notable as it offers the only free plan that does not include a data limit, while Windscribe
Do I Need a VPN If I Attend Classes Remotely?
Even remote students can benefit from a VPN. As we said above, ISPs have enormous insight into what you do online and can sell your anonymized data, which is somewhat ridiculous when you consider that you're already paying them. And your data is valuable. Just look at this story and hundreds of others, all targeted at students. Using a VPN can help keep advertisers from tracking you across the web, even when browsing from home.
For remote learners, remember that your school's remote learning tools may not play nicely with a VPN. You might be blocked or unable to use high-bandwidth services like video conferencing apps with a VPN. If that's the case, there are a few things you can do.
First, use a VPN that will let you select a specific server and try reconnecting through a different VPN server. You can also use one of the aforementioned best free VPNs to see if the VPN fits with everything you need to do. Second, consider a VPN that supports split tunneling for web domains. This will let you run the web traffic for certain apps and websites outside the VPN. If all else fails, just switch your VPN off when you need to. Privacy is important, but so is education. You can always turn it back on after class is over!
Can Schools Block VPNs?
Your college might very well have a blanket ban on VPN use since using a VPN could potentially prevent them from enforcing other usage rules—like the prohibitions on BitTorrent I mentioned earlier. If you're schooling at home, your family might have parental controls on their network, which might block VPNs. The OpenVPN protocol, for instance, requires port 443 or port 7011 to function. To test if those ports are being blocked, you can type www.portquiz.net:XXX into the URL bar in your browser and replace the XXX with the port you're curious about.
Proton VPN takes a different, more automated approach. A company representative told us, "If the Proton VPN app encounters a block, it will automatically search for an unblocked port." If the connection is still blocked, the company advises toggling between OpenVPN TCP and UDP connections to find unblocked ports.
A TunnelBear VPN representative also told us it's possible, albeit less likely, that a university might block the VPN at the protocol level. Some VPNs include tools to get around this. They disguise your VPN traffic as something innocuous, such as HTTPS traffic. For TunnelBear VPN, this feature is called GhostBear, but it has other names depending on the VPN service you choose.
We only accepted VPNs that allowed BitTorrent on their servers. Note, however, that free trials and free versions sometimes limit the servers you can access, which may cut you off from the VPN servers designated to handle BitTorrent traffic.
Max Eddy contributed to this article.
