What “VPN with a free trial” means

A “VPN with a free trial” usually means one of two things: a true free trial or a money-back guarantee that works like a trial.​

A true free trial gives temporary access without paying upfront (sometimes without entering card details), so you can test speed, stability, and device compatibility.​

A money-back guarantee is a “try it risk-free” model where you pay first, then cancel and request a refund within a defined window (often 30–45 days).​

True free trial vs money-back guarantee

The practical difference is user risk: with money-back guarantees, you must cancel on time and follow the provider’s refund process (and sometimes app store rules).​

Trials started via the App Store or Google Play can require cancellation inside the store, not on the VPN website, which affects billing control.​

Because of auto-renewal, setting a reminder before the trial/refund window ends is one of the simplest ways to avoid unwanted charges.​

Top 5 VPN free trials (2026)

The list below includes both “true trials” and the clearest “test via refund” options, so you can pick the lowest-friction route for your device.

• Surfshark — 7-day free trial option (plus a money-back guarantee depending on plan/channel).​
• NordVPN — commonly offered with a 30-day money-back guarantee; trials can be platform-specific (often via mobile stores).​
• CyberGhost — platform-based trials (desktop short trial; mobile trials via stores) and a longer money-back guarantee than many competitors (up to 45 days on eligible plans).
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — 7-day free trial on iOS/Android via App Store/Google Play plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• ExpressVPN — positioned mainly as a 30-day money-back guarantee “risk-free trial” (full refund on request within 30 days for first-time customers).​

VPN Free Trial Comparison (2026)

The table below compares five popular VPN services by trial type: a true free trial (limited-time access, sometimes without upfront payment) versus a money-back guarantee (pay first, then request a refund within the allowed window). Use it to quickly see where the trial is available (website vs App Store/Google Play), how long you have to test, and what to watch for with cancellation and auto-renewal.

VPN	True free trial (no upfront payment)	Where the trial is available	Money-back guarantee	Key cancellation/refund notes
Surfshark	7 days (free trial)	Usually via the app/platform where you start the trial	30 days (if purchased via Surfshark website)	The 30-day refund applies to purchases made on Surfshark’s site; if you subscribe via an app store, cancellation/billing follow the store’s rules and auto-renewal.
NordVPN	Trial can be platform-specific (often via mobile app stores)	Via an app store (depends on platform)	30 days (typical for the service)	If you subscribe through an app store, you usually cancel in the store (not in the VPN account dashboard).
CyberGhost	Yes: 24 hours (Windows/macOS), 3 days (Android), 7 days (iOS)	Windows/macOS/Android/iOS (duration varies)	Up to 45 days on longer plans; 14 days on the monthly plan	Refund terms depend on the plan (monthly vs longer subscription), so check the window for your exact purchase.
Private Internet Access (PIA)	7 days (via iOS/Android)	App Store / Google Play (mobile platforms)	30 days	If started via an app store, cancellation and billing also run through the store; for refunds, make sure you’re within the allowed window.
ExpressVPN	Typically no separate “7 days free”; testing is via refund	—	30 days money-back guarantee	This is a “pay first, then request a refund” model—don’t miss the deadline.

How to choose the right trial

For streaming and everyday use, prioritize speed consistency, server reliability, and whether the apps work well on your actual devices—testing yourself beats relying only on reviews.​

If you want a “no-payment-details” style trial, verify the provider’s exact wording on the sign-up screen, because many mobile trials require payment details even if you cancel before billing.​

If you’re fine with “pay then refund,” check the exact deadline, eligibility (often “first-time customers”), and the support channel used for refunds (chat/email).​

Safety checklist: test without losing money

• Decide upfront: true free trial (if available) or money-back guarantee trial (full access, pay first).​
• Set a reminder 24–48 hours before the trial/refund deadline and confirm where cancellation happens (provider site vs App Store/Google Play).
• Test real scenarios: public Wi‑Fi, mobile data, your key apps/sites, and the locations you actually need (nearby vs far regions can affect speed/latency).