Free VPNs: Why Photographers Need Them [+Software Reviews]

When you purchase through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.

Photographers need the internet for their work – editing, storing, sharing, and social media. But when you travel, some countries block websites, and public Wi-Fi can be risky. Free VPNs are a useful tool to get around these problems safely.

There's a list of countries where VPNs are especially important (but also carry extra risk). Among them:

  • China, Iran, North Korea – Internationally popular sites/services are often banned. You require a VPN even for basic access to things like Instagram or Gmail.
  • Russia, Türkiye, UAE – These countries often restrict social media and image-sharing platforms.
  • Public Wi-Fi in travel hotspots – Places popular with tourists, like Thailand, Indonesia, or Mexico, frequently offer open, unsecured Wi-Fi networks that are prime targets for hackers.

Why is VPN So Important for US Photographers?

free vpn

When American photographers work in other countries, they often use free, reliable VPNs. This helps them get work done, stay safe, and stay connected. Here's why VPNs are so important for them.

Access to U.S. - based services. Many photographers use tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, free photo organizing software, and client proofing sites. But when working in countries like China, Turkey, Russia, or Iran, these tools might work poorly, be blocked completely, or run very slowly. That's why a VPN is essential – it helps photographers get around these blocks and access the tools they need.

Secure file transfers & client privacy. Photographers often send and receive big files, which usually include private client details. Using public Wi-Fi in places like cafes, airports, or co-working spaces can be unsafe. A VPN protects their internet connection, keeping their information safe from hackers and spies – this is especially important in countries known for watching what people do online, like Russia, China, or the UAE.

Managing social media & portfolio sites. Promoting work on social media for photographers, like Instagram, Facebook, or personal websites, is vital. However, some countries restrict or block these platforms entirely. A VPN allows photographers to maintain their online presence and engage with their audience no matter where they are.

Geo-blocked content & research. When photographers research local trends, competitor prices, or locations online, they sometimes can't see certain websites because they're only viewable in certain countries. A VPN lets them pretend they're browsing from the US, so they can see everything they need for their work planning.

Booking & communication apps. Apps like Zoom, Skype, or Gmail might be blocked or monitored in some countries. A VPN service lets you talk privately and safely with clients or team members back home.

How to Avoid Possible Risks?

vpn service

Photographers working in other countries should know that VPNs (especially free ones) have risks. However, taking the right steps helps you stay safe from most of them.

Data logging. Some free VPNs watch what you do online and sell your information to other companies. This is very dangerous if you're sending private client details, uploading photos, or using bank/licensing websites.

Slow speeds. Free VPNs often make your internet very slow, which becomes a big problem when you need to back up large RAW photo files, edit photos using free HDR software, or send photo galleries through cloud services like Dropbox.

Blocked services. Some VPNs can't unblock sites like Google, Dropbox, Instagram, or Adobe Creative Cloud. This is a problem because photographers traveling abroad need these tools to work.

Security vulnerabilities. Some VPN software have harmful software or poor protection. This could harm your photos, devices, and accounts, especially when using unsafe hotel or café Wi-Fi.

Limited bandwidth. Free VPNs often limit how much data you can use each month.You might run out of data if you’re regularly sending large, high-res photos or having video calls with clients.

Some team members from the FixThePhoto team often use VPNs while traveling. They’re sharing their own tips and advice to help traveling photographers avoid common VPN problems.

“Use trusted free VPNs like ProtonVPN, Windscribe, or TunnelBear. They have strong protection and don’t track your activity.”


kate debela fixthephoto expert
Kate Debela
Hardware & Software Testing Specialist

“Never download unknown VPN apps. Only use ones recommended by trusted tech websites.”


tani adams fixthephoto expert
Tani Adams
Apps Reviewer & Writer

“Always check the VPN’s privacy policy. If it logs your data or location, don’t use it – even if it’s boring to read.”


nataly omelchenko fixthephoto expert
Nataly Omelchenko
Tech Innovations Tester

“Test your VPN at home before traveling. Make sure it works with your cloud storage, websites, and editing tools.”


ann young fixthephoto expert
Ann Young
Retouching Guides Writer

“Use both free and paid VPNs: free for basic web browsing, paid for uploading large files or sensitive work.”


eva williams fixthephoto expert
Eva Williams
Writer & Gear Reviewer

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing

No-logs policy

Photographers often upload, browse, and share personal projects. Always pick a VPN that clearly says it doesn’t track or save your activity.

Why it matters: You might send private photos or important business documents. You wouldn’t want your VPN seeing or keeping this information.

Good speed & bandwidth

Uploading photos uses a lot of data. Files like RAW images, large JPEGs, or even short videos drain your data very quickly.

What to look for: Look for free VPNs with plenty of data or no limit at all. Also, choose services with fast servers for quicker uploads and downloads.

Avoid: Don't choose free VPNs that limit you to 500MB-1GB per month – this is too little if you regularly transfer files.

Strong security & encryption

Look for a VPN with bank-level encryption (256-bit AES), DNS leak protection (stops your browsing from leaking), and a kill switch (instantly disconnects you if the VPN fails).

Why it matters: You’ll often use Wi-Fi in airports, cafés, and hotels – easy places for hackers to steal data. A secure VPN shields your entire connection.

Access to geo-restricted services

If you travel to countries that block sites like Instagram, Adobe, Google, or Dropbox, your VPN must break through these blocks.

Check: Does the VPN work in countries like China, Türkiye, or UAE?

Important: Many free VPNs lack enough servers or tools to get around strict blocks.


Multi-platform support

Check that the VPN works on your phone, tablet, and laptop, especially if you edit photos using such photo editing software as Lightroom Mobile, Photoshop on iPad, or online galleries.

Pro tip: Even on free plans, some VPNs allow you to cover multiple devices at once.

User-friendly interface

As a photographer, you should focus on editing, not VPN setup. Pick a service that's quick to install and easy to use.

Also look for:

  • Connect with one tap
  • See all server locations clearly
  • Turn on automatically for public Wi-Fi

Red flags to avoid:

  • Show ads in the app (can slow you down or install harmful software)
  • Hide server locations or company details (you don’t know who controls your data)
  • Use old security methods (makes hacking easier)
  • Offer no help if it stops working (you’re stuck fixing problems alone)

Free VPNs for Photographers FixThePhoto Recommends

The FixThePhoto team tested these programs many times. They actively use them for work tasks to protect themselves while traveling abroad.

1. ProtonVPN – Cross-platform VPN

protonvpn free vpn logo

If you're a photographer editing on public Wi-Fi anywhere, ProtonVPN's bank-level encryption stops hackers. I safely uploaded client photo galleries from a Bangkok café without fearing hacked connections or stolen passwords.

Tools like social media schedulers, portfolio sites, and Instagram get blocked or run very slowly in some countries. With ProtonVPN, I could easily reach these tools and handle client work while traveling.

2. ExpressVPN - 90+ countries available

expressvpn free vpn logo

I had no problems with delays. Besides, I was impressed with the minimal buffering on different sites and servers. Few options on this list can also bypass the Great Chinese firewall, which is especially useful if you are under surveillance and want your actions on the net not to be public.

Unlike other free VPNs for PC I've tried, ExpressVPN was much faster, even when uploading huge RAW files to client folders or sending finished videos. This speed saves crucial time when working on tight deadlines overseas.

3. NordVPN - Double VPN function

nordvpn free vpn logo

When I work in public libraries or hotel cafés, I always use a VPN before uploading big RAW photo files. NordVPN’s data scrambling and instant disconnect feature (kill switch) meant I stayed safe while syncing thousands of photos to Dropbox or Google Drive – even on unsafe Wi-Fi.

Some countries block or slow down my portfolio websites. With NordVPN, I could open and update my Wix, Squarespace, and Pixieset galleries easily, like I was working from home.

4. Surfshark - For small business

surfshark free vpn logo

Here you can turn on separate tunneling, double encryption, an emergency disconnection from the network, and a special CleanWeb mode of operation that blocks ads and malware. Additional settings for hiding traffic available in NoBorders mode and Camouflage mode don’t allow tracking that you are using a VPN instead of a direct connection.

Surfshark's growing server network includes over 1,041 servers in almost a third of the world’s countries. This means that your protected connection will always be stable and safe while you’re accessing all sorts of content.

5. TunnelBear – Super user-friendly

tunnelbear free vpn logo

TunnelBear's free VPN lets you connect as many devices as you want at the same time.

It gives you 2GB of data every month – not a huge amount, but plenty for quick tasks like uploading photo galleries, emailing retouched proofs to clients, or visiting blocked websites while traveling.

I like how it lets me switch countries easily to unblock websites or get faster upload speeds. Its kill switch ("VigilantBear") hides your real location if the VPN disconnects.

GhostBear Mode hides your VPN usage, which is critical in countries that block VPNs like China or UAE, where I often travel for work.

How We Tested Free VPNs

To find the best free VPNs for photographers working overseas, our FixThePhoto team, including Kate Debela, Eva Williams, and Ann Young, tested them properly: during actual trips, in real countries with different internet blocks, just like traveling photographers would.

We conducted our tests in five real-world locations like the U.S., Türkiye, Thailand, Germany, and UAE, where photographers often deal with blocked websites, slow connections, or unsafe Wi-Fi.

Our team performed actual photography tasks: uploading/downloading RAW & JPEG files, syncing Lightroom catalogs, accessing Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Drive, checking stock photo sites, and trying to post on Instagram/Pinterest (which were blocked or unreliable in some areas).

For this free VPN review, we evaluated tools in common remote workspaces like cafés, hotels, and co-working spots – testing their connection speed, stability, monthly data allowances, and ability to reach U.S. services like Adobe or Gmail, while monitoring privacy safeguards and whether they triggered account security alerts or login failures on our everyday platforms.

We simply wanted to know if free VPNs could do three things: keep our files and messages safe, let us reach the websites and apps we required, and work without causing problems. A few were surprisingly good for no money.

Others were so bad that they made us really value paid VPNs. However, the truest test happened when we used them during real trips. With real client deadlines and real photo editing work that couldn't risk failing, this showed us without doubt what photographers can actually trust.

Julia Newman

Senior Writer – Tech & Privacy

Julia Newman is trusted voice on online security, file sharing, and confidentiality tools, with a special focus on photographers and all digital creatives who refer to FixThePhoto. With a degree in Information Technology, Julia’s career began in IT consulting, where she worked closely with filmmakers to safeguard their digital data. She can’t live without Reddit and always devotes some time monthly to choose the top app recommendations on the platform and evaluate their efficiency.

Read Julia's full bio

Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

Read Tetiana's full bio

adobe special offer adobe special offer