If you are using an Apple computer, your virtual private network should be as smart as your machine.
But the thing is that just like anyone else, Mac users are not immune from online privacy and security risks.
That is why savvy users use VPNs to hide their personal details and IP address.
With a good VPN, you are protected from hackers and spies. But you should note that not all VPNs offer the same level of security and anonymity.
There are a lot of VPNs out there that promise you lots of things but fall short of delivering those promises.
It is even more difficult to know the best ones from the mediocre ones when you are using a free VPN.
But this doesn’t mean that you can’t find the best free VPN for Mac. We are here to help you choose the right one. So, if you are short on cash, we will help you find the best free VPN for Mac.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best free Mac VPNs, including a discussion of their pros and cons.
Fortunately, top VPNs usually offer a free version that covers the basics to protect your online privacy. We will also offer free trial alternatives to premium VPNs.
The Best Free VPNs for Mac
1. Proton VPN
As far as free VPNs are concerned, Proton stands out as the most reliable. This VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and no history of no-breach.
In fact, it has a proven strict no-logs policy. It also offers impressive user experience, reliable speed, and excellent distribution of servers.
Another thing that made us rate it as the best free VPN for Mac is its impressive features, like AES-256 encryption. Its free version also offers DNS leak protection and a reliable kill switch.
On top of this, its jurisdiction is outside of any of the Eye Alliance countries.
The importance of this is that Proton is not obligated to store or share user data with any government agency.
Pros
- There are no obstructive ads.
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Based in Switzerland
- Audited no-logs policy
- It is highly secure.
Cons
- Limited streaming functionality
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most trusted VPNs among Mac users.
Many users praised it for its fast speeds, extensive server network, and strong security features.
We also believe it is the best free VPN for Mac because it allows you to try its premium features for free.
So, you can know what is on offer before spending your money. In terms of security, NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy verified by third-party audits.
So, you will be assured that your online activities are not stored or tracked.
Another advantage of using NordVPN is that its jurisdiction is in Panama.
What it means is that its operation is outside of the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes alliances.
Pros
- Stable and fast speeds
- Extensive security features, including malware and ad blocking
- Audited no-logs policy
- Streaming unblocking with all major content streaming services
- No ads
Cons
- The free version is limited, and the price might increase when renewing your subscription.
3. Privado VPN
Privado VPN is the best free VPN for Mac if you are planning to stream content and want secure torrenting.
We love this VPN because it offers you a lot of features for free.
Perhaps it is the only free VPN that offers stable streaming functionality, even if it is limited in some ways.
Besides this, its privacy credentials are not in doubt. And there have never been any reported security issues or breaches associated with it.
So, it can be the best way to take your first taste of VPN before upgrading to premium versions.
Pros
- Torrenting optimized
- Makes online streaming possible
- Speedy performance
- Trusted security credentials
Cons
- Data limited to 10 GB
- Offer only one device connection.
4. TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear offers a playful way of protecting your online privacy using deadpan bears.
Some could easily dismiss this VPN based on its playful design.
But that would be a big mistake because TunnelBear offers lots of cool security features that others lack.
It backs up its strong security policies with several third-party audits.
Another impressive thing about it is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections even for free versions.
But it has some restrictions when it comes to data limits, as it limits free subscribers to 500 MB per month.
The good thing is that you can earn an additional 1 Gb if you post the service on social media.
Pros
- Excellent privacy policies
- Allows unlimited connections at once
- Friendly design
- Annual independent audits
Cons
- Split tunneling is not available on all platforms
- No multi-hop connections
5. Hotspot Shield VPN
For those looking for the best free VPN for Mac with decent security features, then Hotspot Shield is ideal.
This VPN secures user privacy with a no-logs policy and a kill switch.
Apart from this, third-party auditors constantly monitor their service, making it more trustworthy.
In addition to this, Hotspot Shield free VPN comes with the Hydra protocol.
This protocol uses TLS-256 encryption and DNS leak protection.
This might sound unusual since most VPNs use AES-256 encryption.
But it doesn’t mean that Hotspot Shield is in any way less secure.
Pros
- Relatively fast speeds
- Able to unblock geo-restricted content
- Audited no-logs policy
- It is highly secure.
Cons
- Limited user bandwidth
6. Windscribe VPN
Windscribe is one of the best VPNs that offer full-featured services that anyone can use.
The only restriction you may have is the 10 GB bandwidth limit, which is still more than enough for some.
This is one of the most generous deals offered to free subscribers.
You will qualify for this bandwidth immediately after you sign up.
But if you choose to remain anonymous, your data limit will be 2 GB.
Pros
- Large number of payment options
- Helpful AI support bot
- Allows anonymous sign-ups.
- Industry-leading company transparency
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections
Cons
- Unstable speed results
7. Hide.me VPN
If you are in the market for the best free VPN for torrenting, then you will be satisfied with Hide.me.
What makes it the best free VPN for Mac is that it has strategically located P2P services.
These servers are mainly found in North America and Europe.
This means that customers can connect to a nearby server for optimal torrenting.
Another good thing about Hide.me VPN is that you don’t have to provide your personal details when signing up.
Provide just your email address, and you are good to go. But be aware that Hide.me is one of the most complex VPNs.
So if you are a beginner, you may want to opt for a simpler option.
Pros
- Highly configurable
- Offers P2P support
- Powerful mobile apps
- Good server distribution
Cons
- Speed limitations for the free tier
- No WireGuard
How We Tested the Best Free VPNs for Mac
The most important thing when using a VPN is privacy and security.
That is why we put more emphasis on these factors when we came up with this list.
We chose VPNs that have a range of protocols, military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
In addition to this, we consider the number of servers and locations. Another important consideration in our test was speed and ease of use.
In this case, we tested everything from downloading to installing the VPN to connecting to the right server.
It was also important to consider customer support. So we examined the efficiency of the customer service team for each software as well as VPN availability.
Last but not least, we analyzed users’ reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most important reason why people use VPNs is that they want to protect their online privacy and security.
If not protected, your private data, like credit card details and bank account information, can get into the wrong hands.
So, the best VPN should be able to encrypt your private data. It doesn’t matter whether you are using a public WiFi; the best free VPN for Mac should guarantee your protection.
None of the Apple devices come with a built-in VPN.
If you are using a Mac at your workplace and it has one, your organization might have pre-installed it.
But if you want one for your personal Mac, you need to look for third-party applications.
As noted earlier, some free VPNs are notorious.
Some are glorified data harvesting software that sell your information to third parties.
But the good thing is that there are a few good ones.
The ones we have recommended here offer the best encryption, better speed, and DNA leak protection.
If you want to try a free VPN not listed here, check if it stores your internet activity. In other words, check if it has a no-logs policy.
Here are some notorious VPNs that you should avoid:
– Betternet
– Hola VPN
– Opera Free VPN
– All app-store-only free VPNs
Final Word
macOS is synonymous with security and privacy.
But it is not completely secured from online privacy breaches since it doesn’t come with a VPN.
So, you can get a free VPN to improve your Mac’s security and privacy.
The best free VPN for Mac should be able to encrypt your data and make online browsing private.
Of course, if you want greater speed, more servers, and a better ability to unlock geo-restriction, then consider choosing a premium VPN.
In this case, you might want to check premium versions of VPNs like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Norton VPN.
Also Read:
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- The 10 Best Cloud Backup Software for Mac
- 10 Best Free Mac Cleaner Software in 2025
- The 7 Best Video Editing Apps for Mac
- 10 Best Mac Apps For Developers In 2024
