RiseupVPN review
A free, open-source VPN with no account, P2P support, and limited platform breadth.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RiseupVPN is a free personal VPN service from Riseup, an autonomous technology collective. It encrypts internet traffic between a device and Riseup’s network, with features aimed at censorship circumvention, location anonymization, and protection from ISP surveillance. No account registration or manual client configuration is required. Open-source Bitmask-based clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, and the service supports peer-to-peer traffic.
RiseupVPN has a straightforward pricing model: it is free and funded through donations rather than conventional subscriptions. That makes it a clear fit for users who want encrypted routing without creating an account or choosing among paid tiers. The platform coverage includes the major desktop operating systems and Android, while the client approach keeps configuration requirements low. Its open-source distribution also makes the software’s client model a central part of its appeal.
The strongest practical feature is the combination of no-registration access, IP-address non-logging policy, P2P support, and traffic-blocking behavior when the VPN disconnects on supported desktop clients. The limitation is important: Riseup explicitly says Windows has no kill switch, so users who require that behavior on Windows should choose an alternative. RiseupVPN suits users prioritizing free access, open-source clients, and simple setup over broad platform or feature coverage. It is less suitable for anyone who needs a Windows kill switch or a wider service ecosystem.
RiseupVPN pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free to use with no conventional paid plans or subscription
- Open-source Bitmask-based clients require no account or manual setup
- Supports P2P traffic and desktop traffic blocking when disconnected
- Where it doesn't
- Windows does not have a kill switch
- Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android only
- Traffic-blocking behavior is limited to supported desktop clients
RiseupVPN fact sheet, pricing and score →
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