Best free VPN for Mac

VPN is a service that encrypts your Internet connection and routes your traffic through a remote server operated by the VPN provider. It protects your online activities from interception by encrypting the data transmitted between your device and the server. VPNs also mask your IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content.

Mac users, like users of any other operating system, are not immune to the myriad threats that lurk in the digital realm. Whether browsing public Wi-Fi networks, accessing sensitive information, or streaming content from geo-restricted websites, Mac users are vulnerable to hacking, data breaches, and surveillance.

Free VPNs for Mac essentially give users control over their online privacy and security, allowing them to access the Internet with confidence and peace of mind. With digital privacy risks on the rise, the value of VPNs for Mac users cannot be overstated.

Benefits of using a VPN on Mac devices

• Enhanced privacy: VPNs encrypt your Internet connection, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure. By masking your IP address and routing your traffic through remote servers, VPNs prevent third parties, such as ISPs and malefactors, from monitoring your browsing habits and tracking your online behavior

• Security: VPNs provide an extra layer of security for Mac users, protecting them from cyber threats and potential data breaches. By encrypting data transmitted over the Internet, VPNs protect sensitive information such as passwords, financial transactions and personal data from unauthorized access and eavesdropping

• Access geo-restricted content: VPNs allow Mac users to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content from anywhere in the world. By connecting to servers in different countries, VPN users can unlock access to streaming services, websites and online content that may be unavailable in their geographic location

• Protect sensitive data on public Wi-Fi networks: Mac users often connect to public Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, airports and hotels, which are vulnerable to security threats such as Wi-Fi sniffing and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. By using a VPN on Mac devices, users can encrypt their Internet connection and protect their sensitive data from potential hackers and eavesdroppers on public Wi-Fi networks

How to choose best free VPN for Mac

When choosing a best free VPN for Mac, consider several key criteria to ensure that you choose an app that meets your needs and provides reliable performance. Pay attention to the following factors:

• Security features: look for free VPNs for Mac that offer strong security features such as encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256), Kill Switch functionality, and DNS leak protection. These features help protect your data and ensure your privacy while browsing

• Server network: a diverse server network allows for greater flexibility and access to geo-restricted content. Consider the number of servers and their geographic locations to ensure the VPN can effectively bypass restrictions and provide optimal performance

• Speed and performance: free VPNs for Mac can affect Internet speed and overall performance, so it’s important to choose a service that offers fast and reliable connections. Look for VPNs with high-speed servers and minimal latency to ensure a smooth browsing and streaming experience

• Interface: a user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and configure VPN settings on your Mac. Look for best free VPNs for Mac with intuitive applications and simple setup processes to streamline the user experience

• Customer support: reliable customer support is essential for troubleshooting and resolving issues quickly. Choose VPN providers that offer responsive customer support channels such as live chat, email support, and extensive online resources

• Privacy policies: carefully review the VPN provider’s privacy policy to understand how they handle user data and logging practices. Look for best free VPNs for Mac with strict no-logging policies that prioritize user privacy and transparency

TOP 10 best free VPNs for Mac

AdGuard

AdGuard VPN’s free plan offers basic functionality, allowing users to select DNS servers for enhanced security and ad blocking. AdGuard follows a strict no-logging policy, has an intuitive interface and includes a Kill Switch for privacy. The service also supports the QUIC protocol for improved connection quality.

Advantages of AdGuard VPN

• No-logging policy: AdGuard VPN does not collect or retain any user activity data
• QUIC protocol support: AdGuard VPN supports the QUIC protocol, which improves connection quality, especially when accessing the VPN over public Wi-Fi networks
• Custom DNS server selection: users can increase security and optimize traffic management by selecting a DNS server that blocks ads and protects against malware
• Strong encryption: AdGuard VPN uses its unique protocol to ensure strong privacy and complete anonymity
• Kill Switch feature: in case of a VPN connection failure, the Kill Switch feature automatically disables the Internet connection to prevent data leakage

Disadvantages of AdGuard VPN

• Limited number of servers: AdGuard offers 65+ server locations, which is fewer than some of its competitors
• Limitations of the free version: unlike owners of a paid subscription, users of the free version of AdGuard VPN are limited to 3 GB of traffic per month and their connection speed is reduced

Tunnelbear

TunnelBear VPN is an app for Mac users who want to increase their online security and privacy.

Advantages of Tunnelbear

• User-friendly interface: TunnelBear VPN offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise. Its simple design allows users to connect to a VPN server with just a few clicks, ensuring a hassle-free experience
• Strong encryption: TunnelBear VPN uses robust encryption protocols, including AES-256-bit encryption, to secure users’ Internet traffic and protect their data from prying eyes. This ensures that users can browse the Internet with confidence, knowing that their online activities remain private and secure
• No-logs policy: TunnelBear VPN has a strict no-logging policy, meaning it does not track, store, or share users’ browsing data or personal information. This commitment to privacy increases user confidence and ensures that their online activities remain private
• Extensive server network: TunnelBear VPN has a diverse server network with servers located in multiple countries around the world. This allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access regionally restricted content, providing greater flexibility and access to a variety of online resources

Disadvantages

• Limited free plan: while TunnelBear VPN offers a free plan, it comes with limitations such as a data cap of 500MB per month. This may not be enough for users with high data usage needs, so they may need to upgrade to a paid plan for unlimited data usage
• Connection issues: some users have reported experiencing occasional connection drops or problems with TunnelBear VPN. While these incidents are rare, they can be frustrating for users who require a stable and consistent VPN connection

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a VPN for Mac users with more than 800 servers.

Advantages of Hotspot Shield

• User-friendly interface: Hotspot Shield VPN offers a sleek and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to connect to a VPN server and customize their settings
• Large server network: Hotspot Shield VPN has a large server network with servers located in many countries around the world, which allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content from virtually anywhere
• No-logs policy: Hotspot Shield does not log personal information or track individual user activity on the network
• Privacy: Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 encryption to protect user data from interception and unauthorized monitoring

Disadvantages of Hotspot Shield

• Ads: there are ads in the free plan of Hotspot Shield
• Limited server locations in the free plan: the free plan of Hotspot Shield VPN provides access to a limited number of server locations compared to the paid version
• Restrictions: the free plan of Hotspot Shield restricts access to popular streaming and gaming platforms and limits usage to a single device
• Connection issues: Hotspot Shield users may encounter occasional connection issues, such as slow speeds or difficulty connecting to servers

Cyberghost

CyberGhost VPN offers a free trial period and boasts an easy-to-use interface, fast connection speeds, and an extensive server network for accessing geo-restricted content.

Advantages of CyberGhost VPN:

• Security features: CyberGhost VPN offers strong security features, including AES-256 encryption, Kill Switch, and DNS leak protection, ensuring that users’ data remains secure and private
• User-friendly interface: CyberGhost VPN provides a user-friendly interface with easy-to-navigate menus, making it simple for users to connect to a VPN server
• Large server network: with servers located in over 100 countries worldwide, CyberGhost VPN offers users a wide range of options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing region-locked content
• No-logging policy: CyberGhost VPN has a strict no-logging policy, meaning it does not track or store users’ online activities, enhancing user privacy and anonymity

Disadvantages of CyberGhost:

• Limited device connections: CyberGhost VPN for Mac restricts users to a certain number of simultaneous device connections
• Encryption features: although CyberGhost boasts strong privacy policies and encryption standards, the lack of additional encryption options may discourage users seeking enhanced security measures

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a free VPN app for Mac, known for its strong focus on privacy and security. Developed by the creators of ProtonMail, it offers robust features without data usage limits, setting it apart from competitors.

Advantages of ProtonVPN:

• Unlimited traffic: unlike many other free VPN services, ProtonVPN eliminates data usage limits, giving users unlimited Internet access at no additional cost
• No-logging policy: ProtonVPN guarantees that user activity within the network is unmonitored and unrecorded
• Strong encryption: ProtonVPN uses advanced AES-256 encryption, ensuring a high level of security for data transmission
• DNS leak protection: the VPN includes DNS leak protection, safeguarding users’ IP addresses even if the VPN connection fails
• Secure protocol: the app utilizes its own VPN protocol, ensuring fast and secure connections
• Swiss jurisdiction: operating from Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from stringent data privacy laws, offering users additional protection

Disadvantages of ProtonVPN:

• Limited free servers: the free plan provides access to a restricted number of servers, potentially leading to slower connection speeds
• Device limitation: free users can only connect one device at a time, with multi-device connections available in paid plans
• Access restrictions: the free plan may limit access to certain high-speed servers or streaming services like Netflix

Hide.me

Hide.me stands out as a Mac VPN service that prioritizes privacy, distinguishing itself from competitors. Its free package offers users access to five server locations.

Advantages of Hide.me:

• No-logging policy: Hide.me adheres to a strict no-logging policy, ensuring user activity and connection logs are not stored
• Secure encryption: Hide.me utilizes AES-256 encryption, enhancing data protection against interception
• User-friendly interface: Hide.me features an intuitive user interface, making it easy to navigate
• Stability with unreliable connections: the app supports the IKEv2 protocol, ensuring stable data encryption even on unstable connections

Disadvantages of Hide.me:

• Limited server options in the free plan: the free plan grants access to only five servers, potentially impacting speed in certain regions
• Limited connection: only one simultaneous connection is available in the Hide.me free plan

Betternet

Betternet is a VPN service for Mac that emphasizes simplicity and accessibility. With its user-friendly app, Betternet offers easy protection for your online activities.

Advantages of Betternet:

• User-friendly interface: Betternet offers effortless activation with a single tap, eliminating the need for account creation or complex configurations
• Automatic server selection: the app intelligently selects the most appropriate server based on your location, ensuring optimal speed and reliable connectivity
• Data encryption: Betternet uses AES-256 encryption to protect user data from interception by third parties

Disadvantages of Betternet:

• Ads: the free version of Betternet includes ads
• Limited transparency: Betternet’s privacy policy and data logging practices lack sufficient transparency
• Limited features and settings: Betternet provides a restricted range of features and settings compared to paid VPN services
• Unstable connection speed: some users may encounter instability in connection speed

Avira Phantom VPN

Avira Phantom VPN for Mac offers a secure and reliable VPN solution with a focus on privacy and simplicity. With its user-friendly interface and robust encryption, Avira Phantom VPN ensures that your online activities remain private and protected while browsing the web on your Mac.

Advantages of Avira Phantom VPN:

• Strong security features: Avira Phantom VPN employs robust encryption protocols, including AES-256, to ensure the privacy and security of user data on Mac devices. This encryption provides a high level of protection against online threats and hackers
• User-friendly interface: the VPN offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface specifically designed for Mac users. This makes it simple for users to connect to servers, customize settings, and navigate the application without any technical expertise
• Multi-device compatibility: Avira Phantom VPN is compatible with various devices and operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. Users can protect multiple devices with a single subscription, ensuring comprehensive security across all their devices
• Unlimited data usage (Free Plan): Avira Phantom VPN’s free plan offers unlimited data usage for Mac users. This means users can browse, stream, and download without worrying about data caps or limitations

Disadvantages of Avira Phantom VPN:

• Limited server network: while the free plan offers unlimited data usage, it provides access to a limited number of servers. This may result in slower connection speeds and limited access to geo-restricted content for Mac users
• Ads: the free plan of Avira Phantom VPN for Mac includes ads. They may disrupt the user experience and detract from the overall enjoyment of the application
• Speed limitations: some users have reported experiencing inconsistencies in connection speeds while using Avira Phantom VPN’s free plan on Mac devices. Speed may vary depending on server location and network congestion, potentially impacting the user experience
• Limited features: the free plan of Avira Phantom VPN for Mac offers limited features compared to the paid plans. This may include fewer server locations, slower connection speeds, and restricted access to premium features such as dedicated customer support

Windscribe

Windscribe VPN for Mac offers a comprehensive solution for online privacy and security, with both free and paid plans. With its generous free plan of 10GB of monthly data and strong encryption features, Windscribe VPN ensures a secure browsing experience on your Mac.

Advantages of Windscribe:

• Data allowance: Windscribe offers 10 GB of data per month
• Enhanced ad and tracker blocking: the integrated R.O.B.E.R.T. feature shields users from unwanted ads, trackers, and malicious software
• Streaming support: despite its free status, Windscribe bypasses the geographic restrictions of select streaming services and provides access to blocked content
• No-logging policy: Windscribe maintains a commitment to user privacy by refraining from storing connection logs or browsing history
• User-friendly interface: Windscribe’s VPN for Mac has an intuitive interface that allows for quick installation and configuration
• Cross-platform compatibility: Windscribe extends support to numerous platforms, allowing users to use one account across all devices at no cost

Disadvantages of Windscribe:

• Limited server selection in free plan: free users are restricted to a limited number of servers, potentially leading to decreased connection speeds
• Feature restrictions: certain advanced features, such as streaming service unblocking, may be limited or unavailable in the free plan

Surfshark

Surfshark is a VPN for Mac with strong security features and a user-friendly interface, unlimited device connections and advanced encryption protocols. Surfshark has no free plan, but it offers a free 7-days trial period.

Advantages of Surfshark:

• No-logs policy: Surfshark maintains a strict no-logging policy to ensure that your online activities are not tracked and no data is stored
• Unlimited device connectivity: Surfshark allows for simultaneous use on an unlimited number of devices, setting it apart from the competition
• Geographic restrictions: Surfshark effectively bypasses geographic restrictions and provides access to a wide variety of streaming services and websites worldwide
• Enhanced encryption and protocols: using AES-256 encryption and secure data transfer protocols, Surfshark provides robust protection for user data online
• Automatic Kill Switch: the Kill Switch feature automatically disables Internet access to prevent data leakage in case of VPN connection failure
• Malware blocking: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature effectively blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts

Disadvantages of Surfshark:

• No free plan: Surfshark lacks a free plan, potentially dissatisfying users seeking a completely cost-free VPN solution
• Limited P2P support: not all of Surfshark’s servers are optimized for P2P file sharing
• Connection speed: connection speeds may be suboptimal, especially when connecting to servers remote from the user’s current location

Advantages of paid VPNs on Mac over free ones

Here by "free VPNs" we mean specifically the completely free ones, and not freemium apps or free trial periods in paid VPNs. Such apps usually have many drawbacks, sometimes non-obvious, and should be approached with caution.

1. Privacy: free VPNs for Mac almost always make money by collecting your data and selling it to third parties, compromising your privacy and security. Paid VPNs prioritize user privacy and refrain from such practices, making them a better choice for protecting your online privacy. Choosing a paid VPN ensures that your sensitive information remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized parties.
2. Advanced security features: paid VPNs typically offer advanced security features not available in free plans. These may include stronger encryption protocols, secure VPN protocols, and additional security measures such as Kill Switches and malware protection. With paid VPNs, Mac users can enjoy enhanced security and privacy.
3. Faster connection speeds: paid VPNs often allocate more resources to their servers, resulting in faster connection speeds compared to free VPNs for Mac. This is especially important for activities such as streaming, gaming, and downloading large files, where speed is critical for a seamless experience.
4. Larger server network: paid VPN services typically have a larger and more diverse server network than free VPNs. This means Mac users have access to more server locations around the world, allowing them to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions with ease.
5. Reliable customer support: paid VPN providers typically offer dedicated customer support, including live chat, email support, and extensive online resources. This ensures that Mac users can get help quickly if they encounter problems or have questions about the service.
6. No data caps or bandwidth limits: unlike many free VPNs for Mac that impose data caps or bandwidth limitations, paid VPNs often offer unlimited data usage. This allows Mac users to browse, stream, and download without worrying about hitting their data limit or experiencing throttled speeds.
7. Ad-free experience: free VPNs for Mac often rely on advertisements to generate revenue, which can be intrusive and detract from the user experience. Paid VPNs, on the other hand, offer an ad-free experience, allowing Mac users to enjoy uninterrupted browsing and streaming sessions.
8. Access to premium features: Paid VPN services typically include premium features such as dedicated IP addresses, dedicated servers for streaming or gaming, and advanced customization options. These features are usually not available with free VPNs for Mac and can improve the overall user experience on Mac devices.

Advantages of the paid version of AdGuard VPN compared to the free version

• Unlimited speed: unlike the free version, which has a maximum speed limit of 20 Mbps, the paid version of AdGuard VPN offers unrestricted speed
• Expanded server network: while the free version grants access to only 10 locations, paid users enjoy connectivity to over 65 servers worldwide
• Unlimited traffic: while the free version is capped at 3 GB per month, the paid version offers users unlimited data usage
• More device connections: the paid version of AdGuard VPN allows simultaneous use on up to 10 devices, while the free version only allows two devices to be connected at a time

FAQ

1. What is a VPN and why do I need one on my Mac?

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your Internet connection so your online activities remain private and secure. It’s critical for Mac users to protect themselves from potential cyber threats, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.

2. Are free VPNs safe to use on Mac?

While some free VPNs for Mac offer basic security features, it’s important to choose a reputable provider with a clear privacy policy. Be wary of free VPNs that may compromise your privacy or security.

3. What features should I look for in a best free VPN for Mac?

Look for VPNs with features like AES-256 encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and a wide range of server locations. Compatibility with Mac operating systems and user-friendly apps are also essential considerations.

4. Do free VPNs for Mac slow down Internet speed?

Free VPNs may impose speed limits or have congested servers, resulting in slower connection speeds. Choose VPNs with optimized server networks to minimize latency and ensure faster performance.

5. Can I access geo-restricted content with a free VPN for Mac?

Yes, many free VPNs for Mac allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world. However, some may have limited server locations, affecting your ability to access certain websites or streaming platforms.

6. How many devices can I connect with a free VPN for Mac?

The number of simultaneous connections varies among free VPN providers. Some allow multiple device connections, while others may restrict usage to a single device. Check the provider’s terms to determine the allowed device limit.

7. Paid VPN or free one? Which VPN to choose?

The choice between a free and a paid VPN depends on your needs. Free VPNs for Mac are great for basic privacy needs, but come with limitations. Paid VPNs offer more features and security. Make a decision based on your usage needs and budget.