Google’s VPN service is usually bundled with Google One storage plans. Subscribers of the $9.99/month 2TB plan or higher get it at no extra cost. But if you buy one of the latest Pixel phones, you don’t need an eligible Google One subscription for access to VPN. Of course, you won’t be getting other Google One benefits for free. If you want extra cloud storage, expert support, storage sharing, Google Store credits, and more, you’ll have to subscribe to an eligible plan. And Google says free VPN will not change the price of Google One subscriptions for Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro users. As said earlier, this freebie will not be available at launch. Google doesn’t provide a date but says free VPN for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will be available later this year. It also notes that some restrictions will apply. For example, you may not be able to transmit some data through Google One VPN. The service is also geolocation restricted. You can only use it where available, and that list isn’t too big. Google has provided the full list of supported countries here. The support page also contains instructions on how to set up the VPN service to protect your online privacy.
Google offers free VPN to Pixel 7 buyers
Google One VPN isn’t the best VPN service out there for Android smartphones. It isn’t available in most parts of the world and lacks some extra tools such as location selection. But as part of a Google One subscription, it is a decent VPN service that works effectively to keep your online activities private. And if you buy a Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, you’re getting it for free. It’s unclear if Google will offer this freebie forever or only for a limited time. The company has a history of chopping freebies for Pixel phones. It used to offer unlimited original-quality photo backup to Pixel users but has scaled back on it lately. Hopefully, it won’t do the same with the free VPN service for the Pixel 7 series. We will likely get to know more about this freebie once it is available later this year.