Mac users face privacy and security threats just like anyone else. A good VPN can help protect you by hiding your IP address and personal details, even when using an Apple account. It also protects your online activity from hackers and spies.
But with so many VPNs available, how do you choose the best one for your Mac? This guide will help you sift through the options and find a VPN that meets your needs. We’ll explore free and premium options, discuss the pros and cons of each, and offer tips for staying safe online.
Why You Need a VPN on Your Mac
Apple devices are often thought to be secure, but they’re not immune to online threats. Here’s why you should use a VPN on your Mac:
- Privacy: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP, government agencies, and other third parties from tracking your online activity.
- Security: A VPN protects your data from hackers and cybercriminals, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
- Access to blocked content: A VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that is blocked in your region.
- Protection from snooping: Prevent websites and services from profiling you based on your IP address.
Free vs. Premium VPNs: What’s the Difference?
There are many free VPNs available, but they often come with limitations. Here’s a quick comparison of free and premium VPNs:
| Feature | Free VPNs | Premium VPNs |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Basic, may have limitations | Advanced, robust |
| Data limits | Often limited | Unlimited |
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Server selection | Limited | Wide range of servers |
| Privacy | May collect and sell data | Strict no-logs policy |
| Support | Limited or non-existent | 24/7 customer support |
| Cost | Free | Paid subscription |
Free VPNs:
- Pros: Free to use.
- Cons:
- Often offer basic protection with data limits.
- May sell your data to other companies, endangering your privacy.
- Slower speeds and limited server selection.
Premium VPNs:
- Pros:
- Better security.
- Unlimited data.
- Access to blocked content.
- Safer and smoother online experience.
- Cons: Require a paid subscription.
Free VPNs: Proceed with Caution
While free VPNs may seem attractive, they often come with risks. Many free VPNs offer only basic protection with data limits. Some even sell your data to other companies, putting your privacy in danger.
It’s important to be cautious when choosing a free VPN. Make sure to read the privacy policy carefully and choose a provider with a good reputation.
Premium VPNs with Free Trials or Money-Back Guarantees
If you’re looking for the best VPN protection for your Mac, consider using a premium VPN with a free trial or money-back guarantee. These options offer better security, unlimited data, and access to blocked content.
Here are some of the top premium VPNs for Mac in 2025 with free trial options:
- NordVPN: Offers a 7-day free trial (but for Android devices only) and a 30-day money-back guarantee for all.
- Surfshark: Offers a 7-day free trial for any macOS, iOS, or Android device. Additionally, you can claim a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Norton VPN: Offers a 7-day free trial for all devices that already have a Norton antivirus. Otherwise, you can claim an impressive 60-day money-back guarantee.
Top Free VPNs for Mac in 2025
If you’re determined to use a free VPN, here are some of the best options for Mac in 2025:
- NordVPN: The best overall free VPN for Mac.
- MacOS compatibility: From macOS 10.12
- App store rating: 4.8
- Devices supported: 10
- Premium version (price): Yes (From $3.39/month)
- Known for its fast speeds, strong security features, and extensive server network. While it doesn’t offer a traditional free plan, NordVPN provides a 7-day free trial that offers a full experience of its premium features without limitations.Pros:
- Extensive security features, like malware and ad blocking.
- Streaming unblocking with all major services.
- Stable and fast speeds.
- No ads.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- Cons:
- Price increase when renewing subscription.
- ProtonVPN: The reliable free VPN for Mac.
- MacOS compatibility: From macOS 10.12
- App store rating: 4.6
- Devices supported: 1
- Premium version (price): Yes (From $3.59/month)
- As far as free versions go, Proton is the most reliable free VPN for Mac in 2025. It offers unlimited bandwidth, a proven strict no-logs policy, reliability confirmed by a no-breach history, and no ads.Pros:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No ads
- Audited no-logs policy
- Based in Switzerland
- Highly secure
- Cons:
- Limited streaming ability
- Hotspot Shield: The most secure free Mac VPN.
- MacOS compatibility: From macOS 10.15
- App store rating: 4.6
- Devices supported: 1
- Premium version (price): Yes (From $2.99/month)
- For those getting a free Mac VPN for online privacy and cyber threats, Hotspot Shield is the best option in the market. And while it’s not without faults, Hotspot Shield is certainly an attention-worthy free VPN.Pros:
- Able to unblock geo-restricted content
- Relatively fast speeds
- Highly secure
- Audited no-logs policy
- Cons:
- Hide.me: The best free Mac VPN for unlimited bandwidth.
- MacOS compatibility: From macOS 10.15
- App store rating: 4.5
- Devices supported: 1
- Premium version (price): Yes (From $2.29/month)
- Hide .me is one of the best free VPNs for those who seek unlimited bandwidth and enough locations to support streaming needs. While it only supports one device, its premium version has extra features.Pros:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Advanced security features
- 8 server locations
- Able to unblock streaming services
- Cons:
- Free version is much slower than paid
- TunnelBear: The best user-friendly free VPN for Mac.
- MacOS compatibility: From macOS 11
- App store rating: 4.7
- Devices supported: Unlimited
- Premium version (price): Yes (From $3.33/month)
- TunnelBear is a great free Virtual Private Network for Mac for new and experienced users. Particularly user-friendly is its fun interface with beautiful graphics.Pros:
- 8000 servers in 45 locations
- User-friendly interface
- No speed limitations
- Free version has same features as paid
- Cons:
- Previous minor security breach
- 2GB/month bandwidth limit
VPNs to Avoid
When considering VPN options for your Mac, it’s essential to steer clear of certain free providers that come with potential risks and limitations. Here are some to be cautious of:
- Hola VPN: Has been questioned for logging practices and possible security vulnerabilities.
- Betternet: Has been criticized for involvement in third-party advertising and lack of transparency in data handling.
- Opera Free VPN: This browser’s VPN is actually not truly a VPN but a web proxy and it keeps logs of user activity to then sell to third parties.
- All app-store-only free VPNs: If you can’t investigate the features or the provider and can’t find any information about independent audits or the general safety of the app do not download it. It might be malware disguised as a VPN.
How to Get a Free VPN for Mac
While the method of getting a free VPN for Mac depends on the provider of your choosing, most of the time the process is very similar and straightforward:
- Choose a reliable free Mac VPN.
- Create an account and sign up with your email.
- Complete the confirmation via the email address that you’ve signed up with.
- Download the VPN application.
- Connect to one of the servers.
Key Considerations When Choosing a VPN
When selecting a VPN for your Mac, consider the following factors:
- Security: Look for a VPN with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch.
- Speed: Choose a VPN with fast speeds to avoid buffering and lag.
- Server selection: A wide range of servers allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and find a server that’s close to your location.
- User interface: The VPN app should be easy to use and navigate.
- Customer support: Choose a VPN with reliable customer support in case you encounter any issues.
- Price: Compare the prices of different VPNs and choose one that fits your budget.
How We Test Free Mac VPNs
We test free Mac VPNs using the following criteria:
- Privacy: We investigate if the VPN keeps logs of user activity and if the provider had any prior user data breaches.
- Security: We check if the VPN has essential security features, such as strong data encryption, a kill switch, and modern split tunneling protocols.
- Bandwidth and connection speed: We rank higher those VPNs that either have unlimited bandwidth or have a fair data cap that would be enough for regular use.
- Server availability: We aim to rate higher those that provide a greater number of available locations.
- Usage: We research if the VPN works with gaming or streaming.
- User reviews: We check what rating users give the provider on Trustpilot, Apple App Store, and Google Play.
- Multiple device coverage: We aim to rate higher those providers that support more than one device.
- Feature limitations: We compare paid and free versions to determine the difference.
- Personal experience: As users ourselves, we check the app interface and overall performance.
Is a Free VPN for Mac Safe?
Free VPNs for Mac can be perfectly safe if they have the right security features. Some of those features that you should keep an eye out for are DNS leak protection, a functional kill switch, and strong encryption to hide your IP address.
Usually, those free VPN services that have a paid version tend to be more secure, as they have the resources to invest in a quality product that can effectively prevent your IP leaks. But if you’re not sure if the free VPN of your choice has the necessary features, checking for information on forums like Reddit or even official websites can help.
Common Misconceptions About Free VPNs
There are a lot of assumptions that are made about free VPNs, however, some of these assumptions can be misleading. Below, we’ll debunk those misconceptions:
- Free VPNs are always bad While there are a lot of free VPNs you shouldn’t use, there are a few that you can use.
- Free VPNs never have good features Many times, the free version of the paid VPN has decent features you can use. This can include a kill switch, no-logs policy, and decent bandwidth.
- All free VPNs are slow There are a few free VPNs on the market that boast great speeds. Many of these are great VPNs like ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN isn’t actually free, but they come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Staying Safe with a Free VPN: Tips and Tricks
While risks exist, you can mitigate them with some extra caution. Here’s how to stay safe while using a free VPN on your Mac:
- Stick to Reputable Providers: Don’t just download the first free VPN you see. Do some research. Look for established providers with a history of transparency and positive user reviews.
- Read the Fine Print: Before installing, carefully examine the VPN’s privacy policy. Understand what data they collect, how they use it, and whether they share it with third parties.
- Double-Check Permissions: Pay attention to the permissions the VPN app requests during installation. Be wary of apps that ask for access to your contacts, location, or other sensitive information that isn’t necessary for VPN functionality.
- Enable the Kill Switch: A kill switch automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your data from being exposed. Make sure this feature is enabled in your VPN settings.
- Monitor Your Activity: Keep an eye on your data usage and network activity. If you notice anything suspicious, disconnect from the VPN and investigate further.
- Consider Alternatives: Think of a free VPN as a temporary bandaid. If you find yourself relying on it frequently, consider upgrading to a paid VPN for more reliable security and performance.
Free VPNs for Mac: A Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ProtonVPN | Hotspot Shield | Hide .me | TunnelBear | Avira Phantom VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Rating | Very Fast | Very Fast | Fast | Average | Fast | Fast |
| Mac Compatibility | macOS 10.15+ | macOS 11+ | macOS 11+ | macOS 10.12+ | macOS 10.13+ | macOS 10.13+ |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Opera |
| Monthly Data Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | 500MB / 1GB |
| Free Trial or Free Plan? | 7-day trial / 30-day MBG | Free Plan | Free Plan | Free Plan | Free Plan | Free Plan |
| Server Locations | 105 countries | 6 locations | 5 locations | 8 locations | 47 locations | Nearest |
| Registration | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Free VPNs for Mac to Avoid
There are tons of VPNs that you should steer clear of, here are a few:
- Hola VPN
- Betternet
- Urban VPN
- SuperVPN
- ZoogVPN
- Atlas VPN
- TunnelBear
Understanding VPN Protocols
VPN protocols are the methods used to create a secure connection between your device and the VPN server. Different protocols offer varying levels of security, speed, and reliability. Here are some of the most common VPN protocols:
- OpenVPN: A versatile and open-source protocol that offers strong security and is widely supported.
- IKEv2/IPSec: A fast and stable protocol that is often used on mobile devices.
- WireGuard: A modern protocol that offers excellent speed and security.
- L2TP/IPSec: An older protocol that is less secure than OpenVPN and IKEv2.
- PPTP: An outdated protocol that is not secure and should be avoided.
FAQs About Free VPNs
- Is there a Safari VPN extension that’s free? Though free Safari VPN extensions exist, I recommend using a full VPN app instead. Browser extensions only encrypt Safari traffic, leaving your email clients, messaging apps, and other Mac applications vulnerable. A full-featured VPN works alongside Safari to provide complete device protection.
- Does Mac have a built-in free VPN? No, macOS doesn’t include a built-in VPN service. While Mac has Private Relay through iCloud+, this isn’t a true VPN it only works in Safari and doesn’t let you choose server locations. For comprehensive protection across all apps and browsers, you’ll need a dedicated VPN service.
- Which is the best free Mac VPN with unlimited data? That depends on why you want a VPN. A few of the options listed above have unlimited data, but since they’re completely free, they limit you in other ways. A better option is to go for a low-cost premium VPN with a money-back guarantee.
- What’s the best free VPN for M1/M2? ExpressVPN offers the best performance on Apple silicon Macs it’s not free, but it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its native M1/M2 optimization delivers faster speeds and better battery life than any free VPN we tested.
- Are any free Mac VPNs reliable for streaming? Free VPNs offer limited streaming capabilities on Mac. You might safely access some basic content, but HD streaming on popular platforms like Netflix or Disney+ usually requires a premium VPN. Free services often lack the server networks and speeds needed for smooth streaming.
- What’s the best free VPN for MacBook? That depends on what you want from your MacBook VPN. The options above are all compatible with MacBooks, but since they’re free, they each have limitations. However, some of them offer advantages such as unlimited data, split tunneling, and P2P support. So, it’s a good idea to consider what you’ll be using the VPN for and base your decision on its capabilities in that category.
- Is there a 100% free VPN for Mac? Yes, there are a few safe, free Mac VPNs, but they come with significant trade-offs. You’ll face some combination of data caps, speed restrictions, limited servers, or basic features. Premium VPNs with money-back guarantees often provide better value for regular VPN users.
Choosing a Paid VPN
While it’s possible to get protection from a free VPN, in almost all cases, a paid VPN will provide better security and protection than a free one. Here are some of the main reasons why you should use a paid VPN:
- More protection
- More features
- More resources
- Fewer users
- Higher speeds
NordVPN
If you’re willing to shell out some money to get a good VPN, NordVPN is a perfect choice. Not only does NordVPN give you protection, it comes with a variety of features that make it better than other VPNs:
- Access to 105 countries
- Good Streaming Support
- A money-back guarantee
- Fast Download Speeds
Conclusion
Since macOS does not include a VPN, getting a free service is a great alternative to make your Mac more private and secure. Free VPNs tend to be more limited in servers and simultaneous connections, but, as this article has shown, they can be great for daily use, including streaming.
You must be cautious about free services in general. Some might be malware in disguise, while others cover their expenses by selling your data to advertisers.
Overall, the best option is always the most secure option. Although NordVPN and ExpressVPN require payment, they provide tons of options and features that can help protect you.