Good questions. Clear answers.
The more you know, the better your choice. Here's what to know about EthicalVPN, sharing, and the exchange that makes it free.
14 questions
The basicsIs EthicalVPN really free?
Yes. There is no subscription or paid tier. Free access requires your explicit consent to proxy sharing. We explain what that means before you agree.
Sharing & consentWhat does proxy sharing mean?
Proxy sharing lets third-party internet traffic use your connection. It can use your bandwidth, device resources, and public IP address. This is the exchange behind free VPN access, and it is separate from your own VPN traffic.
Sharing & consentWho is the sharing model designed for?
The sharing model is designed for verified business customers and permitted business use. Business identity checks are required before access, with no open public proxy access. Identity checks do not guarantee that every request is lawful.
Sharing & consentCan I withdraw my consent?
Yes. Open Sharing in the app and choose Withdraw consent. This removes your permission to share and disconnects free VPN access. To agree again, you need to review the notice and explicitly consent again.
Sharing & consentWhat happens if I decline sharing?
You can still browse the website and download the app. You need to explicitly agree to the sharing notice before using the free VPN. The consent box is never checked for you, and declining leaves you disconnected.
Sharing & consentWhere can I manage my sharing choice?
Open Sharing in the app to review your consent and sharing status. You can withdraw consent there at any time; withdrawing disconnects free VPN access.
Sharing & consentHow much bandwidth does sharing use?
Proxy sharing can use your internet bandwidth and device resources. Limits and controls must be explained in the sharing notice before you consent. Review that notice when deciding whether the exchange works for you.
The basicsWhich countries can I connect to?
Germany (Frankfurt), the United States (Newark), France (Paris), and the United Kingdom (London). Choose a country in the app, then connect.
Desktop appsWhich devices are supported?
Download EthicalVPN for Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), macOS 13 or later on Apple silicon or Intel, and Linux desktops with x64 or ARM64 processors. Visit Downloads to choose your installer and read the installation steps.
Privacy & protectionHow does the VPN protect my connection?
When connected, the desktop app encrypts the connection between your device and your selected VPN server. Your internet traffic travels through that server, so websites see its public IP address. Use the connection status in the app to check whether you are connected.
Desktop appsDoes closing the window disconnect the VPN?
No. Closing the window keeps EthicalVPN running in the background, and an active VPN connection stays connected. Choose Disconnect in the app to end the connection, or choose Quit to disconnect and close EthicalVPN.
Privacy & protectionDo you track me on this website?
The website has no advertising trackers, analytics, accounts, or payment collection. Your app preferences and sharing choice are stored on your device. The privacy notice explains what the app and VPN servers need to connect you.
Privacy & protectionDoes a VPN make me anonymous?
A VPN does not guarantee anonymity. Signing into accounts, cookies, and information about your device can still identify you. A VPN changes how your traffic reaches the internet; it does not remove every way an online service can recognize you.
The basicsCan I use torrents?
No. Torrenting and peer-to-peer file sharing are not permitted on EthicalVPN.
Start with the full picture.
Read about the two sides of EthicalVPN before deciding.
How the exchange works