Best free VPNs for Macbook in 2024
Mac devices need additional online protection for safe browsing despite the built-in Apple security measures. A VPN is one of the top expert recommendations, offering encryption for data privacy and other features for safer online ventures. Not to mention additional perks VPN services bring to the table.
But very few free Mac VPNs are capable of more than providing baseline protection with cracks in the system. Such software comes with crippling data limits, small number of already overcrowded servers, and lackluster performance. In fact, you pay with your data instead of cash as such services harvest it secretly.
Picking the right free VPN for Mac is the straightest road to security of your device. Our team tested a 29 providers in terms of security, overall performance, geo-block circumvention, user interface, feature suite, and affordability.
Our analysis concludes Top 5 top paid & free Mac VPNs, so join us on the ride of finding the best solution for you.
Best paid & free VPNs for Mac:
-
Best VPN for Mac with a free trial
-
Free trial VPN with infinite connections
-
Security-focused Mac VPN with free trial
-
Privacy-focused 100% free VPN
-
Free VPN for Mac with good security
Is a free VPN for Mac worth it?
If you want a 100% free Mac VPN, then it’s not a good choice. A VPN is only worth it when the service performs at full capacity, which is limited in free counterparts. After all, you can’t expect much from something that costs no cash.
Meanwhile, some Mac users are skeptical about additional software in the first place when there’s already integrated security in Apple devices. This is a dangerous dismissal of potential risks.
Cybersecurity geeks are well aware that Apple’s measures aren’t enough although they do bolster data and device safety. A robust VPN steps in as the cornerstone tool of user privacy. Plus, the service unblocks exclusive content all around the world without you needing to leave the comfort of your couch. All of this is possible only with a reliable free VPN for Mac, though.
Sure, there are a few free Mac VPNs that hold their own on the protection front: confirmed no-log policy and industry-leading encryption. But no other perks, really. If you want to tap into the full service potential, a paid VPN with a free trial is the way. This includes liberation from online price discrimination, region-restricted blocks surrounding social media, streaming platforms, and video games.
Whichever reason appeals to you the most, it’s crucial to pick the right free VPN for Mac, as not all providers are up to the task.
Best free trial VPNs for Mac in 2024
- NordVPN – the best VPN for Mac with a free trial
- Surfshark VPN – a free trial VPN with infinite connections
- TotalVPN – affordable free trial VPN for Mac
Our experts selected the Top 3 best VPN for Mac with a free trial after rigorous testing. We tested 29 providers, sparing them no lazy evaluation. They underwent the same strict criteria: geo-block circumvention, Mac compatibility and user interface, security suite, and pricing.
Thus, let’s see which free VPN for Mac is the best.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Mac with a free trial
118
7000
24/7, email
-
Wicked fast
-
7-day free trial and money-back guarantee
-
Independently audited and secure
-
No router app
NordVPN is the best VPN for Mac laptops, as it’s the safest and the fastest provider on the market. In short, it’s a mid-range solution with a versatile feature suite. The service offers a 7-day free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee for that free Mac VPN experience. If the app charms you, sticking with it costs only $2.99/month.
Performance. NordVPN has no competition when it comes to speed. Whether it’s streaming in UHD or keeping low ping while gaming, the service won’t falter. Our tests showcased maximum performance no matter the server distance. US, UK, NL, and DE servers had the best speeds. It's the NordLynx protocol and 7000+ servers in 118 countries' network that make this wicked speed possible.
Security. Double VPN routes your web traffic through two encrypted servers simultaneously. This results in enhanced privacy. What's more, Threat Protection is an ad blocker with real-time malware protection. It scans every download and monitors the websites, blocking access to suspicious ones.
Other benefits. The service is great for slipping through VPN detection on hubs with advanced protection, like Netflix. Partially, it’s thanks to the obfuscated servers. Streamers in the US can extend compatibility to smart TVs and consoles even with SmartPlay feature. Ultimately, NordVPN takes internet liberation and user anonymity seriously, letting users personalize their VPN experience.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – a free trial VPN with infinite connections
100
3200
24/7, FAQ
-
Excellent performance
-
7-day free trial and money-back guarantee
-
Can easily bypass geo-blocks
-
Unaudited no-logs policy
Surfshark is a great free VPN for Mac if you have several Apple devices. It offers boundless connections, making it one of the best multiple device VPNs. Mac users can take advantage of the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee before committing. Affordability is another grace of the service as it costs $2.19/month.
Performance. Surfshark facilitates high speeds with WireGuard. Plus, folks can pick from 3200+ points of connection in 100 countries. We weren’t surprised to find virtually no buffers while streaming on Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms. Overall, the performance is nothing short of impressive.
Security. Apart from standard features like encryption or kill switch, you get tools such as MultiHop. It bolsters the encryption as your connection travels through two servers at once. CleanWeb, on the other hand, protects from phishing scams and malware, all while combating ads.
Other benefits. Surfshark offers more than just an intuitive app on Mac – SmartDNS lets you extend support to devices that don’t support VPNs natively. Those include smart TVs, for example, Android TV. Meanwhile, features like Bypasser to manage VPN traffic in case of streaming or torrenting. And it’s not the end of the list, either.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. TotalVPN – intuitive and cheap Mac VPN with a free trial
35
50
24/7, email
-
Secure & private
-
Servers in popular locations
-
Stable and great connectivity
-
Unaudited no-logs policy
TotalVPN is a sturdy VPN, prioritizing online protection and privacy. The service has a 7-day free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee policy, letting you treat it as a free Mac VPN for the duration. The best part is the super cheap price tag, flashing a mere $1.59/month.
Performance. The service fares relatively well on nearby servers, maintaining enough speed for HD streaming online. The OpenVPN protocol is no match for WireGuard, but the result is substantial. The stability of the connection rather than speed is clearly the strong forte of TotalVPN.
Security. TotalVPN relies on a kill switch to prevent data leaks in cases where a VPN connection stops abruptly. IP & DNS leak protection further fortifies this prevention through vigilant monitoring of potential spills as you browse the web. Meanwhile, the AES-256 encryption keeps snoopers at bay.
Other benefits. TotalVPN is good for streaming although the success with Netflix US library may vary. We were surprised to find that torrenting is very much possible with this provider. Some servers have P2P file-sharing support, which actually works.
For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.
Best completely free VPNs for Mac
If you’re looking for 100% free Mac VPNs, we have you covered. Very few providers deliver a good enough service instead of hindering your online ventures. Thus, we tested them to recommend 2 best free VPNs for Mac with reliable security. Of course, we also considered additional perks.
- Proton VPN – a privacy-focused free VPN for Mac
- Bitdefender VPN – lightweight and good free Mac VPN
1. Proton VPN – a privacy-focused free VPN for Mac
110
9200
-
Hardcore security features
-
Unlimited bandwidth
-
Extremely user-friendly
-
Not great for torrenting
Proton VPN’s free version is a perfect fit for your Mac if you’re looking for a super secure VPN. The costless option offers 3 countries to choose from: the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. But if you want to unlock the full capabilities of this renowned Mac VPN, the cost is $3.59/month.
Performance. This free VPN for Mac fares relatively alright speed-wise. The WireGuard is the saving grace that allows you to enjoy substantial performance. Though keep in mind that you get only a couple of dozen servers in no more than 3 locations. This means some servers might have too much company to stay fast. Meanwhile, the premium plan offers 9200+ in 110 countries.
Security. The provider has a strict zero-logs policy, so your privacy won’t be compromised. Additionally, you’ll get NASA-grade encryption, a robust kill switch, and IP leak protection. Plus, there are no data limitations, so you can always keep Proton VPN on.
Other benefits. Freemium Proton VPN isn’t much fun, lacking perks. For example, torrenting and streaming are reserved for premium users only. So the free Mac VPN is good for casual browsing and protection. But not the entertainment-related activities.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
2. Bitdefender VPN – lightweight and good free Mac VPN
50
4000
-
Good Mac app functionality
-
Solid feature package
-
Deals well with geo-blocks
-
Only 200 Mbps per day
Bitdefender VPN is a solid free Mac VPN, retaining almost all benefits of the premium counterpart. The only difference between the two is the daily traffic limit, which the freemium caps at 200 Mbps/day. You’ll have to commit to the $2.92/month subscription to enjoy unlimited bandwidth.
Performance. Our tests prove that Bitdefender VPN is a good pick for streaming and torrenting. The service facilitates high speeds on both near and distant servers. The Catapult Hydra protocol deals well with streams on hubs like Disney+ and Amazon Video Prime. Meanwhile, you’re unlikely to stumble upon a hogged server with 4000+ pieces of hardware in 50 countries.
Security. The service employs the industry-standard kill switch and IP & DNS leak protection to prevent data spills. You can further enhance your online safety with Double Hop for routing the connection through multiple servers.
Other benefits. This free VPN for Mac is packed with perks. For example, the ad blocker and anti-tracker is all you need to bit online ads farewell. As for taking control over the VPN traffic, the App Traffic Optimizer is yours to toggle with.
For a deeper investigation of Bitdefender VPN, read our Bitdefender VPN review.
What to pay attention to when choosing a free VPN for Mac?
Finding a working and safe free VPN for Mac might be a bit of a challenge. Therefore, if you want to find yourself a suitable service, you might want to use this list of important aspects as a guide. This criteria also guided our VPN evaluation process in search of the best VPNs for this job:
- Reliable security. The main mission of a free Mac VPN is to protect you. Thus, check if the service has up-to-date protocols, AES-256 encryption, IP leak protection, and a kill switch.
- Total confidentiality. A huge problem with most free VPNs is that they collect logs and sell them to others. Thus, check the provider's privacy policy and make sure they don’t gather your info.
- Ability to bypass geo-blocks. You won’t get to watch restricted shows if your VPN can’t bypass firewalls. Hence, make sure your VPN can bypass geographical restrictions.
- Good coverage. Your choice of countries will be limited. Nonetheless, you can pick a provider that has a few locations to choose from. Moreover, try to look for a VPN with servers nearby, so your internet speed doesn’t have to suffer as much.
- Great connectivity. Slower speeds are inevitable with free VPNs. However, picking a provider with the WireGuard tunneling protocol should ensure better connectivity. Plus, you can check how well the VPNs perform on our speed test.
- Compatibility. What’s the point of getting a VPN if you can’t use it on your Mac. Before downloading anything, make sure the provider has a dedicated app for your device.
How to set up a free VPN for Mac: detailed guide
Now that you picked one of the Top 5 free VPNs for Mac, it’s time to set it up. There are two ways to get the wanted software: you can download the VPN from the App Store or the VPN provider’s webpage. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the process, so setting up a free Mac VPN will be a piece of cake.
- Choose either a free Mac VPN or one with a free trial. We heartily recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF
-
Download the VPN client through the provider’s website or official store
-
Install the application on your Mac device, register an account
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server of your own choosing
- Now you can enjoy the security and the benefits of VPN services!
Are free VPNs safe to use?
No, free VPNs aren’t safe to use. It’s because many services are cheap imitations that do more harm than good. Nevertheless, a lot of free VPNs for Mac will do the opposite of that. Here are some dangers of using a random free VPN for Mac:
- Your data will be collected and sold to third parties. The providers usually do that to sustain themselves and make a profit. You can easily avoid this by subscribing to the best no-logs VPN.
- Free Mac VPNs will leak your data. That usually happens due to weak and outdated security features. Plus, you don’t get important features such as a kill switch and military-grade encryption.
- Costless services can infect your Mac. Malware can be embedded in the free VPN apps. That means hackers can see your financial details, sensitive information, and even whereabouts.
Therefore, it’s best to opt for a tried and tested free Mac VPN from our list. Whichever provider you choose, it won’t sell your data to third parties or infest your Mac with malware. Additionally, some of them can even bypass geo-restrictions and give you access to a variety of new content.
Get the safest free VPN for Mac
Free Mac VPNs to avoid
It’s clear by now that the Top 5 free Mac VPNs will ensure your safety and privacy on the web. However, there are plenty of terrible free services that will do more harm than good.
Therefore, to avoid any calamities, you should know which free Mac VPNs to steer clear of:
- Hola VPN – actually a P2P network, meaning that you’ll be accountable for any illegal actions happening on the network.
- OKVPN – avoid it at all costs, as it’s a malware injection machine
- VPNBook – will collect your logs and riddle your Mac with malware
- GOVPN – leaks your IP and DNS also will infest your devices with viruses
- BetternetVPN – keeps your logs to create targeted ads
- TurboVPN – another malware machine
- SuperVPN – nothing super about it. Downloads malware to your Mac
- VPN Gate – stores users’ logs, so your confidentiality will be compromised
Paid vs. Free Mac VPNs: which to pick?
Paid and free Mac VPNs are leagues apart in terms of functionality, whether we’re speaking protection or streaming. In a nutshell, a premium VPN has everything you need: robust privacy boost, malware protection, fast streaming speeds, ability to unblock geofences, torrent support. Freemiums have baseline security with loads of limits instead.
| Category | Premium VPN for Mac | Free VPN for Mac |
| Ability to bypass geo-blocks | ✅Yes | ✅Yes, but limited options |
| Server fleet size | ✅Several hundred and above | ✅Fewer than 50 |
| Supports online streaming | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Has P2P-friendly servers | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Robust security features | ✅Yes | ✅Yes, but only standard |
| AES-256 encryption | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Audited no-log policy | ✅Mostly | ❌Rarely |
| Extended device compatibility (smart TVs & consoles) | ✅Yes | ❌No |
| Additional perks | ✅Yes | ❌No |
Take the overview in the table above with a grain of salt, but undoubtedly, paid Mac VPNs triumph over freebies in every category. The main issue here is the budgeting, which is why you’re looking for a free Mac VPN. But even the best of those are nothing compared to a full-fledged service with a subscription. At the end of the day, you can grab one of the cheap VPNs.
NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee to enjoy a generous time without financial commitment. It’s the best course of action since you get the full capabilities of a VPN.
Pick the ultimate free trial Mac VPN
Bottom line
Mac laptops come with built-in security measures, but they can’t guarantee complete online privacy. A cybernaut like yourself needs a VPN to achieve that ultimate confidentiality. If you’re seeking the best free Mac VPNs, you can only get very limited software. VPNs with a free trial are an alternative to services that cost nothing, thus offering, unfortunately, nothing much.
The best free VPN for Mac is NordVPN. While it’s not entirely free, you can use the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way, you’ll get sublime protection, loads of servers, and incredible speeds. Afterward, you can grab any plan, as it won’t burn a hole through your wallet.
You may also like to read:
Best free VPN for Windows
Best free VPN with unlimited data
Best VPN for Apple TV
How to change location on your iPhone
FAQ
Is there a 100% free VPN for Mac?
Yes, Proton VPN is a completely free Mac VPN. The free version comes from a reputable provider, meaning your logs are safe and you get a bit more than just bare bones for your online protection. But if you want to stream or torrent, you'll need a full-fledged VPN that comes with a subscription cost.
What is the best free VPN for Mac?
The best free VPN for Mac is NordVPN. You can use it for free for over 30 days with a free trial version and the money-back guarantee. Without any limitations, you’ll have unparalleled speeds, loads of servers to choose from, and top-tier security.
What is the best free Mac VPN for torrenting?
Proton VPN is the best free Mac VPN for torrenting. The free service has no data cap and more servers available than most freebies, albeit in only 3 locations. Plus, it doesn't restrict P2P file-sharing, so torrenting shouldn't be a difficult feat. Though it might be slow given the limited servers.
How to use VPN on Mac for free?
You can use a free VPN for Mac by downloading the service from the provider's official website. We recommend opting for a Proton VPN if you're after the 100% free VPN. Once downloaded, install the VPN app and simply connect to a server in one of the available locations.
Is a VPN free on Mac?
Yes, there are some free Mac VPNs. However, not all of them are reliable or safe. Therefore, if you’re looking for a reliable, absolutely free Mac VPN, choose Proton VPN. It comes with a few limitations, but it will keep you and your device secure and private.
Does my Macbook Pro need a VPN?
Yes, your Macbook Pro needs a VPN, and so does every other smart device that you have. Therefore, if you want to protect them all, opt for Surfshark VPN, as it’s the best free trial Mac VPN with unlimited connections.
Is VPN necessary on Mac?
Yes, a VPN for Mac is mandatory if you want to stay private and secure. Even if you can’t spare any money, you can opt for one of the Top 5 free Mac VPNs. They will come with a few curbs, but you’ll be much safer browsing, torrenting, or streaming.
What is the best free VPN for Safari on Mac?
NordVPN is the best free VPN for Safari on Mac. Though it's not a completely free service, it offers a 7-day free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee. However, you get a fully capable service with well-developed Safari support. You can also install an extension.
