How to Bypass a VPN for Free on Windows and Mac

A VPN (virtual private network) secures your internet connection by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server, which is maintained by a 3rd party. While VPNs were initially created for secure remote connections while traveling, they’re now widely used to access blocked content and gain unfiltered internet in places and situations where you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to get it. Here’s how to bypass a VPN for free on Windows and Mac.

Use a VPN that isn’t blocked by the service you’re connecting to

Unfortunately, not all VPNs are created equal, and there are a few shady VPNs that have been known to block a variety of services simply to cover their expenses. Luckily, there are also a number of great, reliable VPNs out there that don’t have these restrictions, so you don’t have to worry about your service being blocked when you connect to the VPN. Many VPNs, including those from Private Internet Access, NordVPN and VyprVPN, have a freemium service that allows you to connect to their servers for free. You just have to ensure that you’re not breaking any of their TOS (terms of service) when you do so.

Use a VPN on a Private Network

If you have a private network at home, you can use a VPN to securely access the internet from anywhere. Simply connect to a VPN server located in one of the countries where private networks are allowed, and you’ll be able to access any website or service that you want, without having to worry about any restrictions. This is especially useful if you’re traveling, as you won’t have to worry about the hotel you’re in preventing you from accessing certain websites or services since they will all be private networks.

Most VPNs offer some type of private network support, so you don’t have to set up your account on a public network in order to use their service. If you’re looking for a VPN that’s 100% compatible with private networks, consider looking into NordVPN or VyprVPN, both of which offer this feature.

Use Multiple VPNs

If you’re looking for a VPN that provides sufficient security and anonymity, consider using multiple VPNs on different devices. This way, even if one of your VPNs is compromised, the attacker will have a harder time tying your activities together. When you log into a different device, you will automatically connect to a different VPN and, thus, will be presented with a different set of connections. If your VPN connections are all securely and anonymously maintained by 3rd parties, you’re covered no matter what happens.

Some VPNs, such as TunnelBear, provide robust security and a great user experience while maintaining strict privacy guidelines, so you may want to consider their VPN as well. When you connect to a VPN, you’re presented with a list of servers that are nearby, along with their locations. You can select the server that’s closest to you, ensuring that your connection is encrypted and that you’re not revealing too much information about yourself (such as your actual location).

Use a Proxy Server

Many people still rely on traditional proxies to get around web restrictions and gain access to content that’s otherwise restricted to certain regions or countries. However, while they may seem like a convenient and easy solution, using proxies can actually be a dangerous practice, especially if you use a public one. Since proxies are essentially web servers that reside somewhere on the internet, they are vulnerable to DDoS attacks, which can cause serious damage and even lead to the server being taken down.

If you’re looking for an easy way to secure your internet connection, consider using a VPN instead. It’s always a good idea to research the various VPNs available before selecting the one that seems most appropriate for your particular needs.