diff --git a/www/runtest.php b/www/runtest.php
index 485ec2770b..884f3b8cf6 100644
--- a/www/runtest.php
+++ b/www/runtest.php
@@ -900,6 +900,13 @@ function buildSelfHost($hosts)
     return $selfHostScript;
 }
 
+$isFree = !is_null($request_context->getUser()) && $request_context->getUser()->isFree();
+
+// Allow free user to run test only if email is verified
+if ($isFree && !$request_context->getUser()->isVerified()) {
+    $errorTitle = 'Email address is not verified';
+    $error = 'Please verify your email address to use WebPageTest.';
+}
 
 if (!strlen($error) && CheckIp($test) && CheckUrl($test['url']) && CheckRateLimit($test, $error, $errorTitle)) {
     $total_runs = Util::getRunCount($test['runs'], $test['fvonly'], $test['lighthouse'], $test['type']);
diff --git a/www/src/User.php b/www/src/User.php
index 589b73fe2a..8bf27cda3d 100644
--- a/www/src/User.php
+++ b/www/src/User.php
@@ -89,6 +89,11 @@ public function isPaid(): bool
             ($this->payment_status == 'ACTIVE' || $this->isPendingCancelation());
     }
 
+    public function isFree(): bool
+    {
+        return !$this->isPaid() && !$this->isAnon();
+    }
+
     public function setPaidClient(bool $is_paid): void
     {
         $this->is_paid_cp_client = $is_paid;