Best Free VPNs for Germany (for Streaming and Safety)

VPNs are popular these days because the internet has become a global environment. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world—you can be in another country virtually with a few clicks. Unfortunately, not every content online is available globally. Due to copyrights and licensing, some online contents are country-specific and only available to some people based on their location. For example, there are German shows you can only watch online if you’re in Germany. 

VPNs help people bypass such restrictions by connecting them to servers in other locations. Still, the price of a premium VPN can scare some people away, which is why free VPNs have become rampant. So, if you’re outside Germany looking to access content in Germany or you’re in Germany looking to access content outside Germany, it’s your lucky day. This article dives into the best free streaming and secure VPNs for Germany.

Recommended Risk-Free VPNs for Germany

Risk-free VPNs are paid options that require money but offer a money-back guarantee which usually lasts for 30 days. They are risk-free because you can quickly request a refund before the risk-free period expires. Below, you’ll find the best risk-free VPNs for Germany. 

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

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ExpressVPN is the best risk-free VPN for Germany. It sits at the apex of the VPN industry because of its reliable years of service. Its server fleet consists of 3000 plus servers resident in 94 countries. Fortunately, Germany is one of those countries. ExpressVPN has about eight server locations spread across Frankfurt and Nuremberg. 

When it comes to unblocking German or international content, ExpressVPN’s servers easily overcome geo-restrictions. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ZDF, RTL, BBC iPlayer, TV NOW, and Maxdome are some streaming platforms ExpressVPN will give you access to. Additionally, you can use ExpressVPN to download torrent files since it’s a torrent-friendly VPN service. 

Look no further if you’re looking for a VPN service to keep you safe while you stream German or international content. ExpressVPN uses one of the most robust encryption protocols—AES-256—to keep your connection secure. Also, VPN protocols such as Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec are available for use. Other security features keeping your security perimeter impenetrable include Tor over VPN, perfect forward secrecy, split tunneling, and DNS/WebRTC/IPv6 leak protection.

ExpressVPN also ensures you have utmost privacy by having a no-log policy, keeping its servers operating without persistent storage devices, and having its headquarters in a privacy-friendly country. As a result, anyone trying to monitor your connection will have a hard time being successful. 

ExpressVPN’s subscription plans seem expensive, but using it will make you see why it’s the best VPN for Germany. Plus, it is cross-platform compatible, allows up to five simultaneous connections for each user, and has a 30-day risk-free that permits asking for a refund.  

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

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NordVPN is another excellent choice for Germany. This is because it has more than 5400 servers spread across 59 countries, including Germany. Additionally, its server network in Germany is extensive—it has over 400 servers spread across between the German cities of Berlin and Frankfurt. As a result, you’ll have a good list of capable servers to satisfy your German content appetite. 

With NordVPN, unblocking streaming sites such as DAZN, Netflix, ZDF, HBO, and RTL will not be a problem. In addition, its WireGuard-based protocol—NordLynx—can deliver some of the fastest connections you’ll ever see in a VPN. Torrenting is also going to be a surreal experience since NordVPN is P2P-friendly. 

NordVPN is also feature-rich when it comes to security. The VPN service uses a beautiful combination of 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and secure VPN protocols to give you a safe connection. Additionally, it has a kill switch and in-built leak protection that prevents bad actors from invading your privacy through accidental leaks.

Double VPN servers, Tor over VPN, and a CyberSec security suite also contribute to a secure online environment. NordVPN also takes a further step to protect your privacy by inviting a third-party company to confirm it truly keeps no logs. Plus, its headquarters is in a location with little risk of government interference. 

Chrome and Firefox are examples of browsers NordVPN supports. Additionally, it is cross-platform compatible and has installation support for different devices on its website. NordVPN permits as many as six simultaneous connections per user and has affordable subscription packages.

Recommended Completely Free VPNs for Germany

You don’t need to put in payment details with these VPNs. Some might require opening an account, but they’ll never ask you for payment before you can use them. 

Best VPN with a Free Version

ProtonVPN

Overall score: 9.4

• Free version available
• Strong security features
• Reliable no-logs policy
• Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy

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30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

ProtonVPN comes on top of our list of VPN services that offer free subscriptions. Available in about 55 countries, ProtonVPN’s servers are of top quality. In addition, the privacy-centric VPN has a formidable presence in Germany, with more than 40 of its over a thousand servers present in cities such as Berlin and Frankfurt. 

Unfortunately, those servers are not available to free subscribers. Only servers in the Netherlands, Japan, and the US work for free users. So, this VPN is attractive to people in Germany that want to access international content. Fortunately, ProtonVPN is a good streaming VPN, and it can unblock several international and German online platforms. 

Apart from streaming, it’s an excellent VPN that keeps you safe online. Its Netshield feature keeps malware, unwanted ads, and online trackers away. Its robust security architecture consists of 256-bit encryption, Tor over VPN, Secure Core servers, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch. 

Operating from Switzerland gives ProtonVPN the leverage needed to keep your privacy intact. Additionally, it keeps no history of your personal information. Furthermore, its applications are open source and secure, as verified by SEC Consult. ProtonVPN also supports several devices. However, it does not permit simultaneous connections for free users. 

One of The Cheapest VPNs

Hide.me

Overall score: 9.1

• Advanced IP Leak protection available
• 1,800+ servers in 72 countries
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Offers a completely free version

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Hide.me’s server network is quite extensive. The Malaysia-based service provider has servers in 46 countries globally, including Germany. However, free users do not have access to all of them. Fortunately, Germany is among the countries available to free subscribers. Others include the Netherlands, Canada, and the US. 

Hide.me has server locations in Nuremberg, Falkenstein, Frankfurt, and Berlin. As a result, watching German shows, sports, or news will not be an issue. It won’t matter if you’re looking to stream content in Germany or beyond its shores, Hide.me is capable.

With industry-standard security features like AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec, Hide.me ensures you feel secure on the internet. Malicious entities will have a hard time trying to steal your data, except you hand it to them. Hide.me also has leak prevention and a kill switch to prevent unwanted data leaks. Furthermore, its zero-log policy makes sure anyone does not exploit your privacy. 

You can use Hide.me on Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and other operating systems. However, you cannot use more than 10GB monthly if you’re a free user. In addition, you cannot have more than one connection. 

VPN with Easy User Interface

Hotspot Shield

Overall score:

• Super-fast server speed
• Remarkable unblocking ability
• Intuitive user interface

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30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Popular free VPN service Hotspot Shield is another alternative for people looking to use a VPN for Germany. Its server network spans 80 countries, including Germany, and contains over 1800 servers in its fleet. With servers in Germany, Hotspot Shield will give you unlimited access to different German content. Unfortunately, free users only have access to servers in one country—the US. Therefore, it is attractive to free users in Germany.

Upgrading to a paid plan for users outside Germany will see them access German servers. Hotspot Shield also limits bandwidth and data usage for free users; you cannot use more than 500MB per day. In addition, the bandwidth limit stays at 2MBps. As a result, it is not suitable for data-intensive activities. You can stream, but you cannot stream at high quality. 

On the positive side, Hotspot Shield gives the same protection to all users. It uses 256-bit encryption coupled with VPN protocols like WireGuard, IPSec, OpenVPN, and a proprietary Catapult Hydra. Additionally, despite having its headquarters in America, it has maintained its stance on keeping no logs. 

Hotspot Shield is cross-platform compatible and has instructional installation materials on its site. Also, like most free VPNs, it doesn’t allow simultaneous connections for free users. 

Best Completely Free Version

TunnelBear

Overall score: 8.4

• Offers a totally free version
• Available in 26 countries
• AES 256-bit encryption available
• Relatively reliable speed

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30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Canada-based TunnelBear is one free VPN service that you want on your radar. With servers in over 40 countries, you can unblock and stream country-specific content. The beauty of using this service provider is that it gives free users access to all its servers, including Germany. So, you’re in luck if you’re looking to access German or international content. 

TunnelBear also supports torrenting and has capable and fast servers to ease your online experience. However, free users can only use up to 500MB per month. You can increase the limit to 1.5GB, but that isn’t usually enough for most people. Upgrading to a paid plan will remove all limits. Fortunately, it is affordable. 

In terms of security, TunnelBear keeps you comfortably unworried. It protects you online with 256-bit encryption and VPN protocols like IPSec, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Additionally, it uses leak protection, a kill switch and does not record your connection history. Furthermore, a third-party company annually audits the service. 

You can use TunnelBear on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and macOS. It also has a knowledge base you can check out. Free TunnelBear users can have up to five connections per account. 

Best VPN with a free version

Trust.Zone

Overall score: 8.2

• Offers dedicated IP addresses
• Allows torrenting and P2P file sharing
• Great pricing
• Free version available

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30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Trust.Zone is a VPN you can trust to give you a pleasurable streaming experience. The Seychelles-based VPN service provider has a server fleet spread across 210 locations in over 30 countries. However, its free version will only allow access to about 150 server locations. Fortunately, it has servers in Germany, so you can easily move there virtually. 

Unfortunately, Trust.Zone’s free subscription only lasts for three days. After that, you have to either upgrade to a paid subscription or stop using it. In addition, you cannot use more than a Gigabyte for those three days. 

Apart from protecting your connection with AES-256 encryption, Trust.Zone uses perfect forward secrecy to keep your encryption keys dynamic for optimum security. In addition, it uses VPN protocols such as L2TP, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard, and OpenVPN.

In terms of privacy, Trust.Zone uses in-built leak prevention technology. This prevents anyone from discovering your IP address. In addition, it has a warrant canary to inform users of any government interference. 

Trust.Zone is cross-platform compatible and supports several outdated operating systems, such as Windows 7. However, as is the usual case for free subscribers, you cannot use more than a single connection. 

What to Consider Before Choosing a Free VPN for Germany

1. Server Network 

The server network of a VPN service is vital because it determines whether or not you can access content in Germany or other countries. For example, if your primary goal is to access German content, then the free VPN you select has to have servers in Germany. In addition, those servers have to be available for use. Otherwise, you will not achieve your goal. On the other hand, if you’re in Germany looking to access content outside the country, go for a free VPN that has an extensive server network or one that has the country you intend to unblock. 

2. Speed and Bandwidth

Most people use VPNs to access streaming platforms. As a result, speed and bandwidth are essential things to consider. This is because they determine the quality of your streams. Unfortunately, most free VPNs put limits on speed and bandwidth. So, you have to find a free VPN service that can meet the quality requirements of your streams. 

3. Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are essential in preventing unfortunate incidents, such as hackers stealing your financial information. Therefore, you want to trust a free VPN service with no history of exploiting users’ privacy or developing poor security features. 

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Free VPNs for Germany (for Streaming and Safety)

Should I use a free or paid VPN for Germany?

We recommend you use a paid or risk-free VPN for Germany. Paid or risk-free VPNs are usually more secure and offer better features compared to free VPNs. In addition, free VPNs have limits that can make your streaming experience problematic. Furthermore, some free VPNs spread malware. While the free VPNs above are okay for Germany, paid options are way better. 

Is it illegal to use a free VPN for Germany?

No, it is not illegal to use a free VPN for Germany. Germany has no legislation that oppresses VPN usage. As long as you’re not using a VPN to commit an illegal activity online, then you will have no problems with law enforcement. However, you have to be careful if you want to access German content from a country that blocks VPN access. 

Can I use a free VPN for only streaming applications on my device?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for streaming applications on your device. However, the free VPN you use has to have the split tunneling feature. Split tunneling allows you to choose the applications you want the VPN service to cover. However, that means the VPN service will not protect other applications that need the internet to work. You also have to be sure that the free VPN has split tunneling for your operating system because some VPNs have different features on different operating systems. 

Conclusion

Free VPNs are attractive because people don’t have to spend money to use them. This is why we have recommended the best free VPNs you can use to stream and protect you in Germany or other countries. The VPNs above are excellent services for Germany. Now, go on and enjoy streaming German content.

Best Free VPNs For Other Countries

• Best Free VPN for Belgium
• Best Free VPN for China
• Best Free VPN for Germany
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