Best free VPNs for Mac in 2025

Mac devices do not have a built-in virtual private network (VPN) service. However, macOS is highly compatible with various VPN protocols, meaning you can easily configure and use a VPN on your computer.

A free VPN software for Mac can provide basic online privacy or sometimes even unblock geo-restricted content without financial commitment. Unfortunately, free services are rarely outstanding. Be aware of potential limitations, like data caps, slower connection speeds, and small server networks. In addition, some free Mac VPN service providers might log user activity or display ads to compensate for free service. For this reason, I recommend choosing premium VPN services with free trials and money-back guarantees.

After testing over 20 VPN service providers, NordVPN and Surfshark stood out as the best free VPNs for Mac. They offer an extensive server fleet, great speeds, and robust security features. If you need a completely free VPN for Mac, opt for Proton VPN. It doesn’t pose any security or privacy risks and offers reliable service for everyday use.

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Top 5 free Mac VPNs in 2025

1. NordVPN

   Premium VPN for Mac with a 30-day money-back guarantee
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Free Mac VPN for 37 days with unlimited features
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Completely free VPN for Mac with no data limits
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Privacy-focused free VPN for Mac with a 30-day money-back guarantee
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   Easy to use free VPN for Mac with good security features
   8.4

Is there a totally free VPN for Mac?

Yes, Proton VPN offers a completely free VPN service for Mac. It is the only free VPN with no ads, no data or speed limits, and a strict no-logs policy. Proton VPN is optimized for macOS to be fast, secure, and easy to use.

On the other hand, the free Proton VPN version is nowhere near the premium VPN capabilities. During my tests, I was allowed access to servers in only five countries – the US, Poland, Romania, Japan, and the Netherlands. I was also not allowed to choose a server country. The service selected the fastest server and automatically connected me to it. If I wanted to change servers, I would have to wait for the 90s for a cooldown and try my luck again. For this reason, unblocking restricted content was time-consuming and sometimes unsuccessful. I also experienced slower speeds during streaming or gaming compared to the paid version.

If you want premium experience for free, I suggest opting for free trials. VPN services like Surfshark offer 7-day free trials for macOS users, during which you can get all features completely for free. After the trial ends, you can get another VPN service provider's free trial or take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. While you must pay for the subscription before the 30th day ends, you can request your money back. This way, you will get a month's worth of subscription for free.

Best free VPNs for Mac in 2025: detailed list

• 🥇NordVPN – the best free VPN for Mac with unmatched security and fast speeds
• 🥈Surfshark – the most secure free Mac VPN with unlimited device connections
• 🥉Proton VPN – totally free VPN for Mac with a no-logs policy and strong privacy features
• TotalVPN – free trial Mac VPN with reliable access to global content
• IPVanish – great free VPN for Mac with easy-to-use interface and solid encryption

I selected and tested over 20 providers that offer completely free services or benefits like a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. My criteria for all of them were the same: compatibility with Mac devices, user-friendly interface, strong security suite, ability to circumvent geo-blocks, and lack of sketchy ads. Here are my top 5 free VPNs for Mac.

🥇1. NordVPN – best free VPN for Mac with premium features

NordVPN is the best free VPN for Mac, as it is the safest and fastest provider on the market. While you will not get unlimited free VPN access, NordVPN provides a 7-day free trial available for Android devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee for that free Mac VPN experience without limitations. If you’re satisfied with a service, it costs only $3.39/month.

Performance. NordVPN has no competition when it comes to speed. Whether I was streaming in UHD or keeping a low ping while gaming, the service did not falter. My tests showcased maximum performance no matter the server distance. On average, NordVPN retained around 93% of the original speed. US, UK, NL, and DE servers had the best speeds. It's the NordLynx protocol and 7400+ 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, thanks to the obfuscated servers. Streamers in the US can extend compatibility to smart TVs and consoles with the 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 – free Mac VPN with infinite connections

Surfshark is one of the fastest free VPNs 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, I could pick from 3200+ points of connection in 100 countries. I was not surprised to find virtually no buffers while streaming on Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms. I was satisfied with Surfshark's performance overall.

Security. Apart from standard features like encryption or kill switch, you get tools such as MultiHop. It improves 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, Apple TV. Meanwhile, features like Bypasser to manage VPN traffic in case of streaming or torrenting.

🥉3. Proton VPN – privacy-focused free VPN for Mac

Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Mac if you are looking for a secure VPN. The costless option offers servers in five countries: the US, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands. Fortunately, the free service has no data caps, unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and a strict no-logs policy. If you want to unblock Proton VPN's full capabilities, the cost is $3.59/month.

Performance. This free VPN for Mac maintained relatively great speeds when I used it. The WireGuard is the saving grace that allows you to enjoy substantial performance. However, keep in mind that the performance can change due to overcrowded servers. Luckily, Proton VPN automatically connects you to the fastest server. Meanwhile, the premium plan offers 13000+ in 122 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. Unfortunately, the free Proton VPN version lacks some benefits. 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 entertainment-related activities.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

4. TotalVPN – intuitive and free VPN for Mac

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. During tests, the service performed relatively well on nearby servers, maintaining enough speed for HD streaming online. While the OpenVPN protocol is no match for WireGuard, I received substantial results. TotalVPN retained around 83% of the speed on average. I noticed that the stability of the connection rather than speed is a stronger side of this VPN.

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. I was 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.

5. IPVanish – free VPN extension for Mac

IPVanish is a solid free Mac VPN that combines performance and security. You can enjoy free service for seven days with a free trial, and later take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee. To enjoy premium services for longer, you can opt for the cheapest subscription starting at $2.19/month.

Performance. My tests proved that IPVanish is a good pick for streaming and torrenting. The service retains great performance and reliable speeds on near servers, with performance dropping a bit on distant ones. On average, I managed to maintain around 90% of the original speeds, thanks to WireGuard tunneling protocol. I also unblocked various Netflix libraries.

Security. The service employs the industry-standard kill switch and IP and DNS leak protections to prevent data spills. It also provides strong encryption and other necessary security features.

Other benefits. This free VPN for Mac has a lot of extra perks like antivirus. It successfully detected and blocked various threats. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections that you can use for a whole Apple family.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Free Mac VPNs compared

How we tested free VPNs for Mac?

It was important for me to find a trustworthy and safe free VPN for Mac. I tested over 20 VPN services and compared their features to define the final top-five list. Here are the key criteria that guided me through the whole process.

• Compatibility with Mac. Compatibility was the most important aspect for me since I was looking for a VPN for Mac. I considered downloading process, configuration, and ease of use.
• Server coverage. I compared available server coverage and how well each VPN performed on close and distant servers.
• Speeds. Another important performance detail. I tested speeds on Mac devices, prioritizing those VPNs that retained great average speeds on different servers.
• Ability to bypass geo-blocks. I tried to unblock various streaming platforms to check if the VPN could remain undetected. In addition, I tested streaming and gaming performance, looking for low ping and lag-free connection.
• Reliable security. A VPN must have basic security and privacy features. I also compared extra features that would improve users' cybersecurity.
  

Free Mac VPNs to avoid

During the testing process, I also found some free VPNs I strongly recommend you avoid. While they are free and might seem like a good option for you, they will do more harm than good. Therefore, I listed them below, so you know which free Mac VPNs to avoid:

• 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

How to use VPN on Mac for free

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. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

1. Choose a reputable free VPN provider for Mac. I recommend NordVPN, covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This option is better than the free Proton VPN because it gives you more control over connection, better speeds, and overall performance.
2. Download the VPN client through the provider’s website or official store
3. Install the app on your Mac device, register an account
4. Launch the VPN and connect to a server of your choosing
5. Now you can enjoy the security and the benefits of VPN services!

Get the best free VPN for Mac

Are free Mac VPNs safe to use?

While many free VPNs might seem tempting, many pose serious security risks, potentially logging your data, injecting ads, or even containing malware. That is because free services are usually not completely free, so providers must find other ways to make money. Those include stuffing the app with ads or selling your data to third parties. Here is a breakthrough of 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 or injected through ads. 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 my 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

Paid vs Free Mac VPNs: which to pick?

Paid and free Mac VPNs are leagues apart in terms of functionality, whether I am speaking protection or streaming. A premium VPN has everything you need: robust privacy boost, malware protection, fast streaming speeds, the ability to unblock geofences, and torrent support. Freemiums have baseline security with loads of limits instead.

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 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 computers are known for their built-in security measures, but they lack a VPN to improve your online privacy. The best free Mac VPN can help you achieve cybersecurity and ultimate confidentiality. While most completely free VPN options have very limited software, you can take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees. This way, you can get premium service for nothing.

The best free VPN for Mac is NordVPN. By getting a subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you will also get a premium VPN experience. That includes access to servers worldwide, blazing-fast speeds, and unmatched security and privacy features.

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You may also like to read:
Best free VPN for Windows
Best free VPN with unlimited data
Free VPNs for iPhone
Best VPN for Apple TV
How to change location on your iPhone

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Free Mac VPN FAQ

Does Mac come with a free VPN?

No, Mac does not come with a built-in free VPN. However, you can download and configure a third-party VPN service manually. Many VPNs are compatible with macOS, so the whole process is easy to follow.

How do I change my IP address on my Mac for free?

You can change your IP address on your Mac for free by using a free VPN. It allows you to connect to a different server and provides a different IP address.

Is there a free VPN for Mac?

Yes, there are free VPN options available for Mac, such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. While Proton VPN offers a completely free service, Surfshark and NordVPN have free trials and money-back guarantees that allow you to use their service for free for over a month. They are better than free Proton VPN if you need more premium features than it can offer.

What is the best free VPN for Mac?

For Mac users seeking a free VPN, Proton VPN’s free version stands out as a reliable option, offering unlimited data and fast speeds while prioritizing privacy and security. However, if you need access to a bigger server fleet, more control over the settings, and fewer limitations, opt for NordVPN’s subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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.