Antivirus software helps protect your devices from malware, but online privacy involves more than keeping viruses at bay. A VPN serves a different purpose: it encrypts traffic between your device and a VPN server and masks the public IP address that websites see.
F-Secure VPN, formerly known as F-Secure Freedome, offers this protection on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its features include unlimited traffic, virtual locations in more than 20 countries, and a kill switch on supported platforms to help prevent traffic from leaving your device unprotected if the VPN connection drops. F-Secure VPN can also be useful on public Wi-Fi and may help you access some geographically restricted content.
In this review, we examine F-Secure VPN’s security features, privacy practices, pricing, supported devices, and ease of use to help you decide whether it meets your needs.
F-Secure VPN’s plans and prices
F-Secure VPN offers one-year and two-year subscriptions covering one, three, or five devices.
| Devices covered | One-year subscription | Two-year subscription |
|---|---|---|
| 1 device | $49.99 | $89.99 |
| 3 devices | $64.99 | $114.99 |
| 5 devices | $69.99 | $124.99 |
F-Secure currently offers a 30-day free trial, which automatically converts to an annual subscription unless canceled before the first payment. F-Secure also provides a separate 30-day money-back guarantee for purchases. However, remember to review the applicable refund conditions, particularly when buying through an app store or reseller.
F-Secure server network
F-Secure VPN offers virtual locations in more than 20 countries, with multiple locations available in some countries. You can choose a location within the app; note that nearby locations generally offer better performance than distant ones.
F-Secure VPN features
The following are the features you can enjoy from the F-Secure VPN service:
- Generous free trial
The current website advertises a 30-day trial for computers and mobile devices. You must create an account, and the advertised offer renews into a paid annual subscription unless canceled. Confirm the trial duration and first-payment date during signup.
- Money-back guarantee
F-Secure advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product. This is separate from the free trial and applies to purchases under the relevant refund terms.
- Virtual locations
You can change your virtual location by selecting a VPN server in another country. This helps you access geographically restricted content. F-Secure also limits the countries where its VPN is available.
- Connection encryption and IP masking
F-Secure VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the selected VPN location. Websites then see the VPN server’s public IP address rather than your usual one, ultimately improving your connection privacy.
- Public Wi-Fi protection
The VPN helps protect traffic between your device and its server when using public Wi-Fi. F-Secure also offers automatic Wi-Fi protection features as an additional safeguard.
- Kill switch
A kill switch can prevent traffic from leaving your device outside the VPN if the connection unexpectedly drops. F-Secure currently lists this feature for Windows, macOS, and Android.
- Trusted Wi-Fi networks
On Windows and Android, you can designate trusted networks to automatically bypass the VPN. This can make it easier to access local devices and services, but traffic on those excluded networks will not use the VPN tunnel.
Security and privacy
VPN protocols
F-Secure has updated its VPN technology, and its current Windows support documentation lists Hydra, WireGuard, and OpenVPN, while the available protocols depend on the platform and app version. Check the VPN settings in your installed app to see which options are supported.
Privacy policy and logging
F-Secure states that it does not create traffic logs or sell or share users’ traffic. However, this should not be interpreted as collecting no information at all. Its privacy notice describes account information, technical data, and service-provisioning records used to operate and support the service.
The notice also explains that F-Secure uses a third-party provider for the VPN feature and that both companies process relevant service data. It lists a one-year retention period for VPN provisioning logs and a three-month retention period for service log events on provisioned devices. These operational records should be distinguished from logs of the websites you visit.
F-Secure is based in Finland and states that it processes personal information in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation.
Customer support
F-Secure provides an online knowledge base, community forums, and a support chatbot. If the chatbot cannot resolve a question – or you prefer to speak to a person – it can route you to a support expert. The support page also provides contact options for further assistance.
How to set up a F-Secure VPN account
To start using F-Secure VPN, follow these simple steps:
- Choose a subscription covering one, three, or five devices.
- Complete the purchase or enroll in the available trial.
- Create or sign in to your My F-Secure account.
- Download and install the app on a supported device.
- Sign in, activate your license, and turn on the VPN.
- Select a virtual location if you do not want to use the default location.
My F-Secure lets you manage licenses, add or remove devices, view subscription details, and renew your protection. You can also configure the VPN to start automatically rather than assuming that it is enabled whenever you access the internet.
Platforms
F-Secure currently lists support for:
- Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 22H2 or later.
- macOS 13 Ventura or later, including Intel and Apple silicon Macs.
- iOS 18 or later.
- Android 12 or later.
The product page does not list Linux or Kindle Fire as supported platforms. It also states that 32-bit Windows systems and Doro devices are not supported.
Summary
F-Secure VPN offers connection encryption, IP address masking, unlimited traffic, and virtual locations in more than 20 countries. Its kill switch is available on Windows, macOS, and Android, and subscriptions cover up to five devices.
It may suit users who want a straightforward VPN for everyday browsing and public Wi-Fi. Before subscribing, compare the device allowance and subscription cost with your needs, read the privacy notice, and confirm the trial and renewal terms shown during signup. F-Secure currently offers a 30-day trial and a separate 30-day money-back guarantee.
