Best free VPNs for Firefox in April 2025
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If you're looking for a way to secure your browsing experience and protect your online identity, a VPN (virtual private network) is a great option. And if you're a Mozilla Firefox user, you're in luck – there are plenty of free VPNs available for the browser.
Regardless of your browser, most websites you visit track your data, creating profiles about you and selling your information to third parties. Mozilla Firefox browser is no exception. Even though its privacy measures have been improved, a reliable VPN is a must for encrypting your traffic and making it untraceable to others.
In this article, I’ll examine some of the best free VPNs for Firefox, how they can help improve your online security, and what they have to offer (free trials, free versions, or money-back guarantees).
5 Best free VPNs for Mozilla Firefox in 2025
- NordVPN – the best free- trial VPN for Mozilla Firefox
- Proton VPN – best free VPN
- Hotspot Shield – fastest free VPN
- Hide.me – safest free VPN
- TunnelBear – top-rated free VPN based on Firefox reviews
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
Is it worth installing a free VPN for Firefox?
While a free VPN will give you some additional protection, it might not be the best option if you're serious about your VPN usage. In this case, it’s always best to look into paid VPNs.
Free VPNs come with risks – unreliable privacy policies, much slower speeds, and, potentially, security issues. Some free VPN providers are known to sell their users' data to third parties to generate revenue.
If you’re still considering using a free VPN for Mozilla Firefox, then a freemium VPN option is the way to go. It’s a free version or a free trial of a premium VPN. Even though it has limited functionality compared to a premium VPN subscription, it’s suitable for lightweight use and casual browsing.
In this article, I thoroughly explain and overview premium providers' free VPN options for Firefox and what comes with it.
Best free trial VPNs for Firefox
- NordVPN – best overall VPN for Firefox
- Surfshark – best budget VPN for Firefox
- ExpressVPN – top VPN for casual use
Best free VPN extensions for Firefox – our detailed list
We tested and filtered only the best free VPNs for Firefox so you don’t have to. Check out the detailed overviews below to find out which VPN solution for Mozilla Firefox suits you the most.
If you're seeking the best overall VPN for Firefox, NordVPN takes the crown across all categories. Whether you're after a free trial, the fastest speeds, or top-rated security features, NordVPN excels.
Its 7-day free trial gives users full access to advanced features, including lightning-fast streaming speeds through NordLynx and solid security protocols. While other options like Proton VPN offer strong free plans and privacy, and Hotspot Shield delivers fast performance, NordVPN remains the most reliable and well-rounded choice for Firefox users.
1. NordVPN – the best free trial VPN for Firefox
| Free version: | No, but includes free trial |
| Firefox extension: | Yes |
| Registration required: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 77% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN sets a high bar, particularly for its unmatched speed, robust security, and extensive streaming capabilities. I tested out its 7-day free trial, which is initially exclusive to Android users through Google Play but then becomes available on other platforms once activated. I found this feature particularly helpful, as it allowed me to explore its capabilities without commitment.
The paid plan starts at $3.09/month, and in addition to the trial, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is particularly useful if you want to try out the services for longer with zero risk.
NordVPN’s Firefox extension is one of the most user-friendly and stable options available. Installing it was quick and hassle-free, and I could connect to servers without needing to dig through complex menus. Once connected, I was able to switch between servers effortlessly, something I could not do with other VPNs on this list, particularly Proton VPN, which restricts free users to a few locations.
| VPN | Extension availability on Firefox | Extension rating | Installation and setup | User interface quality | Performance and stability |
| NordVPN | Yes | 4.5/5 | Easy | High | Excellent |
| Proton VPN (free) | Yes | 3.3/5 | Easy | Moderate | Good |
| Hotspot Shield (free) | Extension is not available | - | - | - | - |
| Hide.me (free) | Yes | 3.4/5 | Easy | Moderate | Good |
| TunnelBear (free) | Yes | 3.5/5 | Easy | Low | Average |
In terms of speed, NordVPN really stands out. Whether streaming in 4K or navigating across various websites, everything remained smooth with minimal latency. For instance, while using the New York server, I streamed HD content on Netflix with zero buffering. This kind of performance is rare, even among other high-end VPNs.
With other VPNs like Proton VPN, I’ve experienced slowdowns on their free version, and while Hotspot Shield is fast, its free plan restricts access to fewer server locations, which limits its usefulness for streaming. NordVPN’s extensive server network gave me more freedom, and I never felt restricted.
| VPN | Download speed | Upload speed | Ping |
| NordVPN | High | High | Low |
| Proton VPN (free) | Moderate | Moderate | Medium |
| Hotspot Shield (free) | High | High | Low |
| Hide.me (free) | Moderate | Low | Medium |
| TunnelBear (free) | Low | Low |
With over 7400 servers in 118 countries, NordVPN offers one of the largest networks available, which makes bypassing geo-restrictions on content remarkably easy. Compared to other VPNs I’ve tested, which all restrict server options for free users, NordVPN stands out by offering full access to its expansive server network. This unrestricted access provides significantly more flexibility and freedom.
| Number of servers | Countries | |
| NordVPN | 7400+ servers | 118 countries |
| Proton VPN (free) | Limited with free plan | 5 |
| Hotspot Shield (free) | 800+ servers, 1 country | Limited with free plan |
| Hide.me (free) | Limited with free plan | 8 |
| TunnelBear (free) | Limited with free plan | 47 |
NordVPN’s security features also performed flawlessly. The kill switch functioned exactly as it should – cutting off my connection immediately when the VPN dropped, preventing any data leaks.
Other essential features, like DNS leak protection and WebRTC protection, were equally reliable, automatically engaging to prevent any potential data exposure. These safeguards operated seamlessly in the background, adding an extra layer of security without any need for manual intervention.
Another thing that stood out was NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, which effectively blocked ads and trackers. I noticed a significant reduction in ads while browsing, which isn’t something I saw with Hotspot Shield or Hide.me.
| Additional extension security features | No-logs policy | Extension encryption | VPN encryption | |
| NordVPN | Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, WebRTC Protection, Threat Protection, split tunneling, auto-connect, location spoofing | ✅ Yes | TLS 1.2 (HTTPS) | AES-256-GCM, 4096-bit DH key |
| Proton VPN (free) | WebRTC Protection | ✅ Yes | HTTPS | AES-256 or ChaCha20 with perfect forward secrecy (PFS) |
| Hotspot Shield (free) | No extension available | ✅ Yes | No extension available | 128-bit AES, 256-bit AES |
| Hide.me (free) | WebRTC Protection, SOCKS | ✅ Yes | SSTP | AES-256 with perfect forward secrecy (PFS) |
| TunnelBear (free) | No additional security features | ✅ Yes | HTTPS | AES-256 |
Compatibility with platforms
Whether I was using it on a laptop or mobile, the experience remained smooth, which is something I didn't always find with other providers. Proton VPN, for instance, is solid on desktop but tends to feel slower on mobile. Hotspot Shield lacks a Firefox extension altogether, making NordVPN a far more reliable choice for browser-based users.
| VPN | Windows/macOS/Linux | Android/iOS |
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Proton VPN (free) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hotspot Shield (free) | ❌ Extension not available | ❌ Extension not available |
| Hide.me (free) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| TunnelBear (free) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Overall, throughout testing, NordVPN consistently demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness in implementing security measures like the kill switch and DNS leak prevention. Coupled with responsive customer support, NordVPN remains a top choice for users seeking a trustworthy VPN for Firefox. Its combination of security, speed, and flexibility makes it a worthy investment for anyone serious about their online privacy and browsing experience.
2. Proton VPN – best free VPN for unlimited bandwidth
| Free version: | Yes |
| Firefox extension: | Yes |
| Registration required: | Yes |
Proton VPN is the best choice among entirely free VPN services, offering a no-cost version alongside its paid subscriptions. Based in privacy-conscious Switzerland, Proton VPN prioritizes user security. Unlike many free VPNs, it provides unlimited data and does not throttle bandwidth, treating free users on par with paid subscribers.
Proton VPN features a modern, user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners. However, a significant drawback is the inability to choose a specific location on the free plan manually. The service randomly selects a country for you, which I consider a considerable limitation.
After a few reconnections, there’s also a noticeable wait time before reconnecting again. Although there are five free location options, I found it frustrating that there was no guarantee I would connect to my preferred one. Overall, I felt restricted using the free Proton VPN, and these limitations were rather annoying.
As I have mentioned, the free Proton VPN extension limits users to five countries, which is quite restrictive compared to the 117 countries available in the paid version. In terms of security features, Proton VPN includes auto-connect and WebRTC leak protection but requires users to create an account.
While these features are useful, they pale in comparison to offerings from premium providers. However, I greatly appreciate Proton VPN’s strict no-logs policy, which has been verified by an independent audit. Being based in Switzerland, it benefits from strong privacy laws, ensuring user data remains private – a significant advantage, especially given the reputation of many infamous free VPNs.
Proton VPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. The installation process is relatively easy, and I noticed no difference in performance across devices.
During my testing, I did not encounter any issues trying to watch content. For example, there was no lag while watching a video on YouTube in full HD – the video loaded quickly, and the experience was smooth. That said, I saw an unusual spike in ads on other websites.
Overall, Proton VPN offers a solid free VPN service with unlimited data and robust security, though the inability to manually select locations in the free version can be frustrating. The service is reliable for casual use, but for full access to Proton VPN Premium features, including access to 117 countries, plans start at $3.59/month with a standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Hotspot Shield - fastest free VPN for streaming
| Free version: | Yes |
| Firefox extension: | Yes |
| Registration required: | No |
Hotspot Shield is another leading free VPN option for 2025, providing a unique combination of speed, security features, and a large pool of server options, particularly for users looking to access streaming content. While it doesn’t have a dedicated Firefox extension, the application is easy to install across desktop and mobile devices. The user interface is intuitive, allowing easy server selection and protocol changes.
Performance is where Hotspot Shield truly shines. I experienced minimal buffering while streaming Netflix and other platforms, and the connection remained stable throughout my usage. The app claims over 800 servers across multiple locations, though users may access only four countries in the free version.
Streaming was seamless, with no noticeable quality drops, and I successfully accessed Netflix libraries from different regions. However, while the app offers impressive speeds and strong performance, some users may find the limited server locations in the free version to be a drawback.
As for privacy, Hotspot Shield employs both 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring a solid security level. The no-logs policy further enhances user privacy, allowing users to browse without worrying about data collection.
Hotspot Shield is compatible with many platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The installation process is quick and straightforward, and I found that the performance across different devices remained consistent.
Overall, Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds, strong performance, and solid security, making it a great option for casual browsing and streaming. However, the free version has limited server locations. For those needing more Hotspot features and server options, premium plans start at $2.99/month with a 45-day money-back guarantee, providing unlimited access to all servers and locations.
4. Hide.me - best free VPN without registration
| Free version: | Yes |
| Firefox extension: | Yes |
| Registration required: | No |
Hide.me is a reliable free VPN option that effectively combines unlimited data access with multiple server locations, making it popular among casual users. It was relatively easy to use, with an easy installation process across various platforms.
The user interface, while functional, could benefit from modernization. However, the performance was solid. I experienced smooth streaming on services like YouTube and Netflix, although there were moments of slight buffering. Hide.me offers servers in eight locations, which is reasonable for a free VPN but could still be limiting for users looking for more extensive options.
During my testing of Hide.me, I was pleased with the overall performance and ease of use. The service handled everyday browsing tasks well, providing a satisfactory experience. However, I found that the slightly outdated interface and limited server selection could be areas for improvement.
Hide.me utilizes AES-256 encryption, ensuring secure connections, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy that effectively protects user privacy. It also includes useful features like WebRTC protection and a SOCKS proxy, which enhance overall security. The installation process is easy, and the Hide.me Firefox extension is compatible across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Overall, Hide.me provides a reliable free VPN. Its performance is smooth for streaming and casual browsing, though it is limited to eight server locations. Premium plans start at $2.00/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee for those seeking more options and full Hide.me premium features.
5. TunnelBear – top free VPN with a wide range of server options
| Free version: | Yes |
| Firefox extension: | Yes |
| Registration required: | Yes |
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN service that distinguishes itself with its extensive server locations, although the limited data cap makes it more suitable for casual users.
Similarly, while the interface is easy to navigate, the free version lacks advanced features, which may not meet the demands of some users. Performance-wise, TunnelBear is adequate for streaming, though I did experience some buffering when skipping videos.
What is impressive is that users, even with the free version, can connect to a remarkable 47 server locations worldwide. However, the 2GB monthly data cap can be restrictive, particularly for those who frequently stream content.
During my testing of TunnelBear, I found that while it allowed access to several Netflix libraries, the ability to unblock content was inconsistent. Although I enjoyed the user-friendly interface and extensive server locations, the data cap was a notable limitation for more demanding users.
TunnelBear employs AES-256 encryption, ensuring a high level of security. The clear no-logs policy is also a significant plus, as it helps maintain user privacy. While the free version lacks some advanced security features, the service remains accessible and easy to use for beginners.
TunnelBear works across various platforms, including Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. The installation process is easy on all devices, providing a consistent experience.
Overall, the free version of TunnelBear is great for casual use, but the 2GB data cap will not be enough for more intense data usage, such as streaming. For users needing more data, paid plans start at $3.33/month, offering unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Best Free VPN for Firefox compared
| Overall rating | Free version | Credit card needed for free trial | Firefox extension | Free servers | |
| NordVPN | ❌ No (free trial only) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Available | ❌ No (free trial only) | |
| Proton VPN | ✅ Available | ❌ No | ✅ Available | ✅ Available | |
| Hotspot Shield | ✅ Available | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Available | |
| Hide.me | ✅ Available | ❌ No | ✅ Available | ✅ Available | |
| TunnelBear | ✅ Available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
How we selected and tested these VPNs
The Cybernews team and I evaluated the best free VPNs for Firefox based on a weighted system that prioritized key factors such as usability, performance, and security. The VPNs were tested across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, focusing on their Firefox extensions. Key testing criteria and methods included:
- Firefox extension usability (25%). I assessed the ease of installation, user interface, performance, and stability of the extension. Common issues, such as connection difficulties and technical glitches, were also tested.
- Speed and latency (20%). I tested download/upload speeds and latency across various server locations to ensure minimal lag for gaming and streaming.
- Server locations and network size (15%). I evaluated the number of servers, geographic spread, and how server distribution affects speed and latency.
- Security features and privacy policies (15%). I verified encryption standards, no-logs policies, and tested features like kill switches and DNS Leak Protection.
- Compatibility with platforms (15%). I checked VPN compatibility with multiple platforms and ease of setup, assessing any specialized features like Smart DNS.
- Personal experience (10%). I evaluated overall satisfaction based on ease of use, performance during real-world tasks, and the quality of customer support.
Each VPN was tested in-depth, and user feedback was incorporated to identify common issues and optimize the recommendations.
How do I install free VPN on Firefox?
The easiest way to install a free VPN for Firefox is by getting an extension for your browser. This time, we picked NordVPN, the best free- trial VPN for Mozilla Firefox based on our tests, to provide you with a step-by-step guide on the setup process. It not only protects your traffic but has a Threat Protection feature, which blocks ads and potential malware.
All you need to do is follow these steps:
-
Head over to the official NordVPN site and choose a subscription of your choice. There’s a 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee options
-
Download and install the extension from the Firefox website for extensions
-
Once installed, head over to the Mozilla Firefox browser and click Add once you get prompted with permission to access the extension
-
Check the box to allow the app to run in Private Windows and click Okay
- Once installed, the NordVPN icon will appear in the top right corner of the Firefox browser. Login and connect to a chosen server. Now you’re secured
Should you pick a VPN extension or app for your browser?
Choosing between a VPN extension for Mozilla Firefox and a client app for your device might be difficult because the distinction between the two is not always evident.
A VPN extension is a simple plugin used to make a quick VPN connection. It’s a lightweight version of a VPN app that operates only at the browser level, meaning that the device itself won’t be secured. It hides your original IP address and keeps your Firefox browser activities anonymous.
On the other hand, a VPN app, or a VPN client, is a VPN application that creates and encrypts a tunnel between a server and your entire device. No matter the browser or device, once it’s connected to a VPN app, it is secured and passes through an encrypted connection, safeguarding your data from any cyber threats.
So the answer to which option you should choose depends on your needs. If you only need a secure browser, a VPN extension for Firefox is just the right fit. However, if you’d like to secure your whole device or multiple devices (your laptop, phone, router, or another smart device) simultaneously with a single account, a VPN app is the way to go.
Conclusion
Even though the Firefox browser is considered to be privacy-oriented, it’s not foolproof. A VPN is essential for all-around security and to ensure that none of your activities, records, or other data is available to anyone other than you.
A free VPN for Firefox is an excellent option to secure your traffic, hide your real IP address, and be able to virtually select your location almost anywhere in the world.
Our top free VPN for Firefox – NordVPN – proved to be the most powerful free option for the Firefox browser. It not only encrypts your traffic on the browser but also provides IP leak protection.
Different free VPN options for Mozilla Firefox have slightly different functionality, and we encourage you to choose the one that best fits your needs. Feel free to return to our detailed list for more information.
FAQ
Is there a built-in VPN for Firefox?
No, Firefox does not come with a built-in VPN. However, Mozilla offers a separate service called Mozilla VPN, which is a paid product, but it is not integrated directly into the Firefox browser.
What is the free VPN extension for Firefox without registration?
Hide.me extension offers free VPN functionality without requiring registration. It protects browser traffic and does not impose data limits, making it a popular choice for privacy-focused users.
Is Proton VPN free on Firefox?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a free version that can be used on Firefox through its desktop app or browser extension. It provides unlimited data but with access to fewer servers than the paid version
Does Firefox allow extensions on Android?
Yes, Firefox allows extensions on Android, but the selection is limited compared to the desktop version. You can browse and install add-ons directly from the Firefox Add-ons website.
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