VPN Free Trial in 2026: Compare Offers and Avoid Charges
A free VPN trial can help you check whether an app works for you, but the length, payment rules and cancellation route vary. This guide compares current official offers, separates trials from refunds and free plans, and shows how to avoid an unwanted charge.
How a VPN free trial can turn into a charge
A trial starts with an offer and a sign-up. Before confirming, check which paid plan it will become, whether a payment method is required, and where that subscription is managed. A free trial is different from paying first and later requesting a refund.
Note the exact end date when you sign up and set a reminder before it. If the trial renews automatically, cancel through the same website or app store where you started it and keep the cancellation confirmation. The steps vary by provider; the comparison and cancellation table below show the routes described in their current terms.
What a VPN free trial is (and the two alternatives)
There are three ways to use a paid VPN without paying, and they work very differently.
- A timed free trial. You get the full service for a set period, usually 1 to 7 days. Most trials ask for payment details up front and turn into a paid plan automatically unless you cancel.
- A money-back guarantee. You pay first and ask for a refund within 14 to 45 days, depending on the provider and plan. It gives you longer to test, but the money leaves your account first.
- A free plan. A permanent free tier with limits, such as one device or fewer server countries. Our guide to the best free VPN for daily use covers the trade-offs in detail.
What to check before you start a trial
The small print matters more than the length of the trial. Check these points on the sign-up page before you enter any details.
- Where you start it. A trial started on the provider’s website is cancelled in your account there. A trial started in an iPhone or Android app is billed and cancelled through the App Store or Google Play.
- What it turns into. Website trials from NordVPN and Surfshark convert into 1-year or 2-year plans, so the first charge covers the whole term, not one month.
- Payment method. Some trials accept PayPal or Apple Pay instead of a card. NordVPN says other methods, such as Google Pay or crypto, grey out its trial option.
- Device limits during the trial. Surfshark allows 3 devices during its trial, against unlimited on a paid plan.
- Country limits. NordVPN’s website trial is limited to listed countries; its separate Android offer is unavailable in India.
- One trial per person. Providers generally allow a single trial per customer, so plan your testing before you start.
We built this guide from each provider’s official trial, refund and pricing pages, rechecked on 14 October 2026 (IST). We did not run speed or streaming tests, and the numbers 1 to 5 below are alphabetical positions, not rankings.
VPN free trials compared
This table puts the five featured providers’ trial terms side by side.
| Feature | CyberGhost | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Proton VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free trial | 24 hours on Windows and macOS; 7 days on iOS; 3 days on Android | 3 days on iOS and Android | 7 days via the website (selected countries); 3 days on Android via Google Play | No timed trial; a Free plan with no time limit | 7 days via the website |
| Where you start it | CyberGhost website (desktop), App Store, Google Play | ExpressVPN app from the App Store or Google Play | NordVPN website; Google Play for the Android trial | Proton website or apps | Surfshark website |
| Payment details | None on desktop; needed on mobile | App store payment method | Credit card or PayPal | Not part of the Free sign-up steps | Credit card, PayPal or Apple Pay |
| Plans that qualify | Not stated | Any plan offered in the app | 1-year or 2-year plans (the trial page names Prime) | Free plan: 1 device, servers in 10 countries | 12-month and 24-month plans |
| Devices | 7 | 10, 12 or 14 by plan (same during the trial) | 10 | Free: 1; paid plans: 10 | 3 during the trial, unlimited after |
| Refund after you pay | 45 days on 6-month and 2-year plans, 14 days monthly; not for app store billing | 30 days for first-time website buyers; app store purchases go through Apple or Google | 30 days for first-time customers; App Store purchases go through Apple | 30 days on paid plans bought directly from Proton | 30 days from the first purchase |
Each cell reflects the provider’s own pages on 14 October 2026, and the full list of official pages is in the Sources section below. On narrow screens, scroll sideways to see every column.
5 VPNs with a free trial or free plan
Listed alphabetically. Each card sticks to what the provider’s own pages say about its trial, refunds and devices.
1. CyberGhost – a desktop trial without a card
CyberGhost runs the most varied set of trials here. Its free trial page lists 24 hours on Windows and macOS, downloaded from its own website with no payment details, plus 7 days on iOS through the App Store and 3 days on Android through Google Play. The mobile trials need a payment method, and CyberGhost says there is no charge if you cancel during the trial. Desktop trials end on their own, while the iOS trial should be cancelled at least 24 hours before it ends. The trial includes the full server list across 100 countries.
If you pay, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its 6-month and 2-year plans and 14 days on the monthly plan. Subscriptions billed through the App Store, Google Play or Amazon are not covered, so those refunds go through the store instead. One subscription covers 7 devices. Its money-back page still says CyberGhost has no free trial, which does not match the dedicated trial page, so check the offer shown in the app before you start.
✔ Pros
- No payment details for the 24-hour desktop trial
- 7 days on iOS, one of the longer mobile trials here
- 45-day refund window on longer plans
- Full server list during the trial
✘ Cons
- The desktop trial lasts only 24 hours
- Mobile trials need a payment method and renew unless cancelled
- App store purchases are excluded from the 45-day guarantee
| Free trial | 24 hours (Windows, macOS); 7 days (iOS); 3 days (Android) |
| Payment details | None on desktop; required on mobile |
| Devices | 7 |
| Money-back | 45 days (6-month, 2-year), 14 days (monthly) |
2. ExpressVPN – a 3-day trial in its mobile apps
ExpressVPN’s trial page offers a 3-day free trial when you sign up in its iOS or Android app, and you need a valid payment method linked to your App Store or Google Play account. Its Google Play terms say you can use the trial only once, should cancel at least 24 hours before it expires, and can keep using the service until the last day after cancelling. The in-app route needs iOS 15 or later, or Android 7.0 or later.
Your device allowance during the trial is the same as on the plan you chose: 10, 12 or 14 devices depending on the tier. If you buy on the website instead, first-time customers get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Trials and subscriptions started through the App Store or Google Play are not covered by that guarantee, and any refund is at Apple’s or Google’s discretion.
✔ Pros
- Free trial on both iOS and Android
- Same device allowance as the paid plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee on website purchases
✘ Cons
- Only 3 days long
- Needs a payment method in your app store account
- App store trials turn into subscriptions outside the 30-day guarantee
| Free trial | 3 days (iOS, Android app) |
| Payment details | App Store or Google Play payment method |
| Devices | 10 / 12 / 14 by plan |
| Money-back | 30 days, first-time website buyers |
3. NordVPN – a conditional 7-day website trial
NordVPN’s free trial page offers eligible new users in selected countries a 7-day trial on a qualifying 1-year or 2-year plan. A payment method is required; NordVPN says PayPal can start the trial without a credit card. Unless you cancel in your Nord Account before the seven days end, the plan starts automatically at the checkout price. NordVPN says it emails a reminder before the paid subscription begins.
NordVPN’s separate Android trial lasts 3 days through Google Play and is unavailable in Bangladesh, India, South Korea and Sri Lanka. Paid plans support 10 devices and include a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time customers. Check the current country list, qualifying plan and billing terms before you sign up.
✔ Pros
- Use the account on supported platforms after starting the website offer
- PayPal accepted, so no credit card is needed
- Reminder email before you are charged
- 10 devices on a paid plan
✘ Cons
- Only eligible plans and countries qualify
- Website trial limited to listed countries
- Android trial is 3 days and not offered in India
| Free trial | 7 days (website, selected countries); 3 days (Android, Google Play) |
| Payment details | Credit card or PayPal |
| Devices | 10 |
| Money-back | 30 days, first-time customers |
4. Proton VPN – a Free plan instead of a trial
Proton VPN does not run a timed trial for its paid plans. Instead, its Free plan is described as free forever, with no data or time limits and no ads. The Free plan covers 1 device at a time and connects to servers in 10 countries, which Proton selects at random from a fixed list. Its sign-up guide asks you to create an account and a password, with no payment step.
Paid plans cover 10 devices and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Proton’s terms explain the eligibility and refund process; read them before buying, since store-billed subscriptions may follow the store’s refund rules.
✔ Pros
- No time limit, no data cap and no ads on the Free plan
- No payment step in the Free sign-up guide
- 30-day refund on paid plans bought directly
✘ Cons
- Free plan allows only 1 device
- Free servers are limited to 10 countries, picked at random
- Not a trial of the paid features
| Free trial | None; Free plan with no time limit |
| Payment details | Not part of the Free sign-up |
| Devices | Free: 1; paid: 10 |
| Money-back | 30 days, bought directly from Proton |
5. Surfshark – a 7-day trial from its website
Surfshark’s free trial help article says new users can start a 7-day free trial on its website with a 12-month or 24-month plan, paying with PayPal, Apple Pay or a credit card. You can use it on any platform, but only on 3 devices during the trial. After 7 days you are charged for the plan and it renews automatically, so cancel first by turning off auto-renewal in your Surfshark account.
Once the trial ends and you are charged, Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee still applies to the first purchase. Its refund policy covers purchases made directly, through Google Play and through some resellers, but not a subscription that has already renewed. A paid plan unlocks unlimited devices.
✔ Pros
- 7 days on any platform
- Refund window still open after the trial charge
- Unlimited devices once you pay
✘ Cons
- Only 3 devices during the trial
- You must pick a 12-month or 24-month plan
- Renewal price not shown on the pricing page
| Free trial | 7 days (website) |
| Payment details | Credit card, PayPal or Apple Pay |
| Devices | 3 during the trial, then unlimited |
| Money-back | 30 days from the first purchase |
How to cancel a VPN free trial before you are charged
Cancel in the same place where you started the trial. This table covers the routes used by the VPNs above.
| Where you started the trial | Who it applies to here | How to cancel | Deadline | If you are charged |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN website | NordVPN 7-day trial | Nord Account, then Subscriptions, then Cancel next to Free trial | Before the 7 days end | 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time customers |
| Surfshark website | Surfshark 7-day trial | Surfshark account, profile icon, Subscription, then turn off auto-renewal | Before the 7 days end | Ask live chat for a refund within 30 days of the first purchase |
| Apple App Store | ExpressVPN and CyberGhost on iPhone or iPad | Settings, your name, Subscriptions, then Cancel Subscription | At least 24 hours before the trial ends | Request it from Apple; ExpressVPN’s and CyberGhost’s own guarantees exclude App Store billing |
| Google Play | ExpressVPN, NordVPN and CyberGhost on Android | Google Play subscriptions, Manage, then Cancel subscription | Before the trial ends (ExpressVPN says at least 24 hours before) | Request it from Google Play; Surfshark lists Google Play as an eligible billing partner |
| CyberGhost desktop app | CyberGhost 24-hour Windows and macOS trial | Nothing to cancel | Ends on its own | No charge, because no payment details were taken |
- iPhone and iPad. Apple’s help page says to cancel a trial at least 24 hours before it ends if you don’t want it to renew.
- Android. On Google Play, uninstalling an app does not cancel its subscription, so always cancel in your subscriptions list.
- After cancelling. ExpressVPN says you can keep using a cancelled Google Play trial until its last day, so cancelling early does not cost you the rest of the trial.
What to test during your trial
A few days pass quickly, so test the things that would make you cancel.
- Every device you plan to use. Install the app on your phone, laptop and TV, and check it stays within the trial’s device limit.
- Leaks. With the VPN on, check that your IP address and DNS show the VPN rather than your provider. Our guide to fixing VPN IP leaks explains what to look for.
- Speed on your connection. Try a nearby server first. If it feels slow, our guide to slow VPN fixes lists the usual causes.
- The kill switch. Turn it on, then switch networks to see that traffic stops while the VPN reconnects.
- The apps you care about. Open your banking, work and streaming apps with the VPN on, because some services block VPN addresses.
Free trial without a credit card
You have a few options if you don’t want to enter card details.
- CyberGhost on Windows or macOS: the 24-hour desktop trial needs no payment details and ends by itself.
- NordVPN: choose PayPal at checkout for the 7-day trial.
- Surfshark: the 7-day trial accepts PayPal or Apple Pay as well as cards.
- Proton VPN: the Free plan has no payment step and no time limit.
ExpressVPN’s and CyberGhost’s mobile trials need a payment method in your App Store or Google Play account, even if nothing is charged during the trial.
Which free trial fits you
Match the trial to the device you want to test first.
- Windows or Mac, quick test with no card: CyberGhost’s 24-hour desktop trial.
- iPhone: CyberGhost (7 days) or ExpressVPN (3 days). See our iPhone VPN guide for setup tips.
- Android: NordVPN, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost each offer 3 days through Google Play, subject to eligibility. Our best VPN for Android guide compares the apps.
- A full week across supported devices: Surfshark, or NordVPN where its website trial is available.
- No time limit: Proton VPN Free, on one device.
- More than a week to decide: a money-back guarantee, such as CyberGhost’s 45 days on longer plans.
Related reading:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN has the longest free trial?
Among the VPNs we checked, the longest timed trials are 7 days: NordVPN and Surfshark through their websites, and CyberGhost on iOS. For a longer evaluation, use a money-back guarantee instead. CyberGhost offers 45 days on its 6-month and 2-year plans.
Is a VPN free trial really free?
Yes, as long as you cancel in time. Most trials ask for payment details and charge you automatically for the plan you chose when the trial ends. CyberGhost’s 24-hour desktop trial needs no payment details and ends on its own, and Proton VPN’s Free plan has no time limit.
Can I get a VPN free trial without a credit card?
Yes. CyberGhost’s 24-hour Windows and macOS trial needs no payment details at all. NordVPN accepts PayPal for its 7-day trial, and Surfshark accepts PayPal or Apple Pay. Proton VPN’s Free plan does not ask for payment.
Does ExpressVPN have a free trial?
Yes, a 3-day free trial when you sign up in its iOS or Android app, with a payment method linked to your app store account. Website buyers get a 30-day money-back guarantee instead. Trials started through an app store are not covered by that guarantee.
Does NordVPN have a free trial?
Yes. New users in selected countries can get 7 days through the website on an eligible 1-year or 2-year plan. Check the current country list and payment options at checkout. First-time Android users can also get a 3-day trial through Google Play, except in Bangladesh, India, South Korea and Sri Lanka.
What happens if I forget to cancel a VPN trial?
You are charged for the plan you picked. You may still get your money back. NordVPN and Surfshark offer 30-day refunds on first purchases, and Proton VPN requires you to cancel and request the refund within 30 days. If you signed up through the App Store or Google Play, the refund is up to Apple or Google.
Does deleting the VPN app cancel my free trial?
No. Google Play says that uninstalling an app does not cancel its subscription. Cancel in your App Store or Google Play subscriptions, or in your account on the VPN provider’s website if you signed up there.
Can I use a VPN free trial more than once?
Usually not. NordVPN allows one trial per customer, ExpressVPN’s Google Play trial can be used once, and Surfshark asks for payment details to confirm you are a first-time user.
Sources
Official provider pages rechecked on 14 October 2026 (IST).
Free trials
- CyberGhost: VPN free trial
- ExpressVPN: VPN trial
- NordVPN: VPN free trial
- NordVPN support: Does NordVPN have a free trial?
- Surfshark: VPN free trial
- Surfshark support: Does Surfshark offer a free trial?
Free plan, refunds and prices
- CyberGhost: money-back guarantee
- ExpressVPN: devices per plan
- ExpressVPN: refund policy
- NordVPN: pricing
- Proton VPN: Free plan
- Proton VPN: plans explained
- Proton: terms of service (refunds)
- Proton VPN: pricing
- Surfshark support: refund policy
- Surfshark: pricing
App store billing and cancelling
- ExpressVPN: iOS in-app purchases
- ExpressVPN: Google Play in-app purchases
- Apple Support: cancel a subscription
- Google Play Help: cancel, pause or change a subscription
The Bottom Line
A free VPN trial is useful when you know its duration, signup route and renewal terms. At our 14 October 2026 check, NordVPN and Surfshark listed conditional 7-day website trials, CyberGhost listed 24 hours on desktop without payment details and separate mobile trials, ExpressVPN listed 3 days through its mobile apps, and Proton VPN offered a permanent Free plan rather than a timed trial.
The five picks in one line each:
- CyberGhost: a 24-hour desktop trial with no card, 7 days on iOS, and 45-day refunds on longer plans.
- ExpressVPN: a 3-day trial in its iOS and Android apps, and 30-day refunds on website purchases.
- NordVPN: 7 days through the website in selected countries, with PayPal accepted and a reminder email.
- Proton VPN: no timed trial, but a Free plan with no time or data limits on one device.
- Surfshark: 7 days through the website on 3 devices, with the 30-day refund still available afterwards.
Start the trial where you are happy to cancel it, test the devices and apps that matter to you, and set a reminder for the day before it ends. This article is general information, and trial terms change often, so check the offer on the sign-up screen before you confirm.
Saurabh VPN Expert writes and reviews VPN guides for VPN Expert Guide, covering privacy, streaming, regional access, and device setup. Our articles draw on provider documentation and published product information, with updates when important details change.
Meet our testing team →Last updated: October 14, 2026