People are generally skeptical about Mac OS VPN free recommendations. People say they are known for handling your personal data casually, which can limit the service to the point of being almost unusable, at least for some free VPNs. However, not all Mac OS VPN free recommendations are like that, and there are some excellent options available, such as the services you can find here.

They won’t sell your data in exchange for you using their servers, although they do impose limitations that paid VPNs don’t have. They can still get the job done, and the job we’re talking about falls into one of three possible categories:

As long as you don’t need to transmit a lot of videos, free Mac VPN recommendations may meet your needs. There are two reasons for this. First, most free options only allow you to use a certain amount of data per day (or per month), and streaming videos can quickly consume data. Once you reach that limit, your VPN connection will be stopped, and you’ll go back to your regular internet connection, or you may find that you can’t stream videos anymore due to limited connection speeds.

The second reason is that free VPNs restrict you to a limited number of servers, and typically, they aren’t in the locations you want. Either they’re too far away from you, which means slower browsing speeds, or you can’t unlock American Netflix because there are no American servers to choose from.

However, if you just want a Mac OS VPN free recommendation so that you can browse the web without your ISP, government, or websites themselves tracking your activities, then free VPNs can certainly accomplish that. They’re also a decent choice when you need to connect to free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, and other public places. Those Wi-Fi networks usually don’t have passwords, which means the connection isn’t encrypted.

This means that anyone can see the data sent between your smartphone, laptop, or tablet and the Wi-Fi hotspot unless it’s encrypted through another means. Using a VPN ensures that all data is encrypted, protecting you from such attacks. While I’ve listed some good free Mac VPN recommendations, it’s best to use a low-cost premium VPN like NordVPN.

NordVPN isn’t 100% free, but it comes with no limitations. You get industry-leading security features, fast speeds, and unlimited data, which free Mac VPNs can’t provide. If you’re not completely satisfied with the product, their refund guarantee allows you to get a full refund within 30 days.

If you’re looking to save money, we recommend Surfshark. for less than $2.50 per month, you’ll have unlimited data and simultaneous connections, rock-solid security, and in-depth features that free VPNs don’t have. Access is fast and all major streaming sites are unlocked. Surfshark is the best value for money.

How to get a free VPN for 30 days:
If you need a VPN for a short period of time while traveling abroad, get our top-ranked VPN for free. NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee, which is real. You’ll need to pay upfront to use the subscription, but the subscription allows full access for 30 days. If you don’t like it you can cancel at any time and get a full refund, so you can try it with confidence.

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What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) establishes an encrypted connection (often referred to as a tunnel) between your computer and a server controlled by the VPN provider. All internet activity is then passed through this secure connection. Having this encryption means that your ISP and anyone else watching won’t be able to see what you’re doing online, making it harder to track your activities. While a VPN can help improve your online privacy, it also has its limitations.

Once your traffic exits the VPN server, it’s monitored and could even be intercepted, especially when connecting to websites that don’t use HTTPS. Although it’s difficult, sophisticated timing algorithms can predict when and where data leaves the VPN server. Advertisers also have various tools to track you online, so we recommend using a dedicated tracker blocker.

A VPN also can’t protect you from all online threats. We strongly recommend using a password manager to create unique and complex passwords for every website and service we use, enabling multi-factor authentication whenever available, and using antivirus software.

Why Use a VPN on macOS?

Specifically, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your traffic and routes it through a tunnel to the public internet, with that tunnel also being encrypted, isolating it from the rest of the standard HTTPS traffic. A secure connection goes through a VPN server, which decrypts secure packets of data and assigns a new IP address (related to the VPN server) to the user, sending the request back to the queried web server.

So, using a VPN on Apple’s operating system allows Mac users to hide detailed information about their online activities (encrypted tunnel) from their ISP and potential hackers while also keeping their identity anonymous to the internet platforms they are accessing (alternate IP address). In broader terms, it makes it difficult for advertisers and other data brokers to track and analyze online users for targeted advertising.

Besides enhancing online security and privacy, most VPNs can also bypass national censorship systems in authoritarian countries like China, Iran, and Russia. This is a crucial feature that allows dissidents to actively combat false narratives created by authoritarian regimes, while minimizing the risk of suspicious arrests and disappearances of politicians, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

Lastly, installing a VPN on macOS can easily provide access to content from streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO), TV networks (Canal+, France TV, BBC), or gaming platforms (PS Now, Xbox Game Pass). For example, this allows foreign or traveling internet users to unlock their country-specific content from abroad, and conversely, residents of a country can bypass the geo-filtering of streaming platforms like Netflix to access movies, TV shows, and documentaries that are not available in their region.

How to Choose a VPN for macOS?

When choosing one service over another, the first consideration should be the country/region where the VPN is based, i.e., its jurisdiction, rights, obligations, and activities are subject to the legal jurisdiction it falls under. Some countries have laws that hinder internet freedom and privacy, such as the member countries of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance. It’s generally best to avoid VPN providers based in the United States.

On the other hand, some regions that are considered data havens have strict respect for personal data protection and online anonymity. Panama and the British Virgin Islands are particularly known for this. In any case, for perfect confidentiality, providers must apply and adhere to a zero-log policy, which means the VPN promises not to log any sensitive user data.

Following this logic, choosing a VPN infrastructure that uses RAM storage instead of traditional hard drives provides an additional layer of security. This is because the content of the VPN server is automatically wiped each time the device restarts. Another important consideration when choosing a VPN on macOS is network coverage and server locations.

Some providers precisely state how many physical or virtual servers they have in each country/region. The most efficient VPNs offer high-speed servers across all five continents (at least 10 Gbps), unlimited bandwidth and traffic, and support for modern VPN protocols like Surfshark, NordLynx (NordVPN), and Lightway (ExpressVPN) to ensure both speed and security of the internet connection.

Performance and stability are undoubtedly criteria to consider during usage, especially for comfortable web browsing and uninterrupted downloads of high-definition or 4K content while streaming.

Finally, it’s best to choose a service with essential security features, such as a kill switch to prevent any traffic leaks outside the VPN tunnel, or split tunneling, which allows you to choose which applications are included or excluded from VPN protection on macOS.

5 Best Mac OS VPN Free & Premium in 2023 Oct

There are tons of free VPNs out there that promise a lot but actually offer very little. We’re here to separate fact from fiction by carefully testing a large number of products to find the best VPNs with free trials.

We’ve found the five best free VPNs based on key considerations such as security, privacy, speed, and streaming features.We recommend NordVPN, but you can’t go wrong with any of these five VPN services based on your specific needs.

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1. NordVPN – The most secure VPN available

For: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous Connections: 6 | Streaming Sites: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Number of Servers: 5,600 | Server Locations: 60+ | >>Go to the NordVPN website.

While NordVPN doesn’t offer a completely free service, its 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to sign up and test the service. If you’re not satisfied or want to try other VPNs, you can cancel within 30 days. Given NordVPN‘s popularity with millions of downloads, it’s worth considering, even if you have to skip a few extra steps to test it.

NordVPN provides a complete security suite with robust NordLynx encryption, a functional kill switch, and DNS leak protection to prevent any data leakage. With NordVPN, you can expect excellent performance and stable speeds thanks to a large selection of tunneling protocols and an extensive server network with over 5,800 servers in 60+ countries/regions. Rest assured, the servers won’t be overcrowded.

NordVPN is highly compatible with many devices, including Mac. It’s very intuitive and easy to use, and since you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, you can secure almost all your devices. Moreover, NordVPN‘s streaming capabilities are outstanding, making it one of the best VPNs for unblocking and streaming content from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN is excellent for private torrenting and Netflix streaming, implementing a verified no-logs privacy policy and allowing torrenting on all its VPN servers. It also comes with a Smart DNS feature, so you can watch Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV.

NordVPN‘s macOS app includes support for NordLynx and Double VPN. All traffic is protected with AES 256-bit encryption to prevent DNS and IP leaks, and it includes CyberSec, NordVPN’s ad and malware blocker. NordVPN’s app is stable and user-friendly, but if you encounter any issues, you have the support of a robust 24/7 customer support team.

When we encountered an issue with WireGuard in the NordVPN app, the customer service agent responded and resolved our issue within two minutes. While there’s no free version, the 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee are enough for a test run. If you decide to subscribe, prices start at $3.19 per month.

I tested this to ensure you can really get your money back. Initially, the support team tried to extend my trial, but when I told them I wasn’t interested, they promptly initiated the refund. I got my money back within 3 business days. There’s no reason not to give NordVPN a risk-free try. Make sure you buy NordVPN and get another 3 months free >>

How to use NordVPN VPN

To use NordVPN, perform the following simple steps:

1. Go to the NordVPN website and sign up for a subscription.
2. Download the NordVPN app for the device you want to use.
3. Enter your login password in the app.
4. Enable the Obfuscation Server by going to: Settings > Show Advanced Settings > Obfuscation Server (toggle it on).
5. Now, connect to one of the obfuscation servers by clicking on the “Servers” tab, and then click to automatically connect to the fastest VPN server, or manually select the server location.
6. Use NordVPN and unlock all online content.

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2. Surfshark – Recommend the cheapest VPN

For: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited | Streaming Sites: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Number of Servers: 1,700+ | Server Locations: 100+ | >>Go to the official Surfshark website.

Surfshark also offers a free trial version of its Mac VPN with unlimited concurrent connections, which you can also use on your other devices. Surfshark achieves security through servers that exist solely in RAM, ensuring the safety of your data. It also includes a reliable kill switch, double VPN connections, and privacy measures such as independently audited no-logs policies.

Surfshark provides excellent speed for Mac users. It uses the next-gen WireGuard tunneling protocol, providing consistently reliable speeds. With over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, Surfshark guarantees that servers won’t become overcrowded. Surfshark has modern and user-friendly applications for almost all devices, offering a range of features like antivirus and ad blocking, along with excellent unblocking and streaming capabilities.

Surfshark‘s macOS app is intuitive and user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners. If you encounter difficulties, you can access 24/7 real-time support. Speaking of payment, Surfshark is very affordable, with monthly fees as low as $2.30 with a three-year plan, making it one of the cheapest options among top VPN service providers.

Surfshark‘s Mac app divides VPN servers into three categories:

Surfshark is also an excellent streaming VPN, compatible with most major streaming services, including US and UK Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. You can also access geo-restricted TV shows and movies on Apple TV. In fact, Surfshark is one of the few services that offer Smart DNS functionality. What sets Surfshark apart is its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices and even share your VPN account with friends and family.

Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test our service for over a month, and if you decide to subscribe later on, the pricing is very affordable, starting at just $2.30 per month.

I personally tested Surfshark’s guarantee and was surprised at how straightforward the process was. I contacted the 24/7 live chat and requested a refund, and the refund was approved within 5 minutes. Most importantly, I had the full amount back in my account in less than 5 business days. Make sure you buy Surfshark and get 3 months of service for free>>

How to Download and Install Surfshark

To use Surfshark VPN, perform the following simple steps:

1. Go to the Surfshark website and sign up for a subscription.
2. Download the Surfshark app for the device you want to use.
3. Enter your login credentials in the VPN app.
4. Enable the NoBorders feature by going to: Settings > Advanced > NoBorders (toggle on).
5. After activating the NoBorders feature, you can use the VPN as normal.
6. Enjoy using Surfshark VPN now.

ExpressVPN Latest Offers
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3. ExpressVPN – The fastest VPN in the world.

For: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous Connections: 5 | Streaming Sites: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Number of Servers: 3,000+ | Server Locations: 160 | >>Go to the official ExpressVPN website.

ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries/regions, a much larger network than many other top VPN providers. ExpressVPN supports a wide range of platforms and protocols and is easy to set up and use on any device. In addition to Windows, ExpressVPN supports macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Amazon Fire tablets, various routers, LG and Samsung smart TVs, and various gaming consoles.

Gamers will be pleased to know that ExpressVPN is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. By default, ExpressVPN uses WolfSSL and UDP Lightway connections to encrypt internet traffic, providing a good balance between performance and security. The VPN also comes with DNS and IP leak protection and a robust kill switch known as Network Lock.

Network Lock ensures that your real location won’t be exposed if your VPN connection disconnects for any reason. ExpressVPN’s Mac app is attractive and user-friendly, with fast speeds being crucial. ExpressVPN unlocked all major streaming services in our tests, including US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

ExpressVPN‘s unparalleled performance in international connections means you can always stream geo-restricted movies and TV shows in high definition and 4K, no matter where you are. It’s compatible with all Apple devices, and ExpressVPN is one of the only two VPN services on our list that works seamlessly with all Apple products, including Apple TV.

ExpressVPN‘s MediaStreamer feature is the best Smart DNS tool we’ve tested. It reroutes your DNS requests and directly unlocks geo-restricted content on your Apple TV. It’s the ideal choice for playing US Netflix and HBO Max on your TV screen. While the VPN has impressive features, it’s not a secret that ExpressVPN is priced higher than other VPN providers.

However, ExpressVPN does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you feel the VPN isn’t worth the price, you can get a refund at any time. In short, ExpressVPN is the best VPN you can use on Mac, with the most user-friendly Mac app and seamless integration with all other devices in the Apple ecosystem.

I personally tested ExpressVPN’s guarantee, and I was amazed at how easy the process was. I contacted 24/7 live chat and requested a refund. The refund was approved within 5 minutes, and I had the full amount back in my account in less than 5 business days. Make sure you get another 3 months free with your ExpressVPN purchase>>

How to set up ExpressVPN VPN

To use ExpressVPN, simply perform the following steps:

1. Go to the ExpressVPN website and sign up for a subscription.
2. Log in to your account and download the software for the device you want to use the VPN for.
3. Open the ExpressVPN app and enter the activation code (from your account page).
4. Now, connect to one of the nearest servers and use the internet normally.
5. Instantly use ExpressVPN and unlock all your online content.

Recommended Totally Free VPN Downloads

There are tons of totally free VPN downloads on the market. However, the selection is the only impressive one here, as the service itself is not as good as the premium services we mentioned. Anyway, I’d like to clarify. These are 100% free VPNs, which means no payments, no credit card info, that sort of thing.

Some of them will ask you to create a free account and that’s it. After that, you can use them for free forever without paying a dime. If that’s clear, here are our top 2 favorite free VPNs:

4. ProtonVPN – Proton enjoys unlimited traffic without paying a dime!

ProtonVPN is a rare gem that doesn’t impose the usual restrictions that come with free services. There are no limits, no ads, and you can use unlimited data. ProtonVPN boasts a large number of servers, but while anyone with a basic (monthly $5) subscription can choose from these servers, free users can only select from Japan, the Netherlands, or the United States.

One unexpected benefit is that this means you can access websites that European visitors can’t, but don’t get too excited because it won’t unlock Netflix or other US streaming services. To do that, you’ll need to upgrade to a Plus or Visionary account, which will grant you access to “Plus” servers. However, if your primary goal is to watch US Netflix, there are cheaper paid services available.

Proton is a Swiss-based VPN with a no-logs policy, making it an excellent choice for privacy protection. It offers apps for macOS and iOS (as well as Windows and Android), which should cover most, if not all, of the devices you want to use. Please note that only one device can be connected to the service at any given time, but free users can’t complain about that. Go to official website >>>

5. Hide.me Free – with a 10GB data limit

When you visit the hide.me website, you’ll be tempted to download the app immediately. It won’t bombard you with ads, and you’ll get the same 24/7 customer support as paid customers, no limits, and unlimited bandwidth. So, what’s the catch, you ask? Well, despite claiming unlimited bandwidth, free users are actually limited to 10GB per month.

While this is five times what hide.me used to offer, once you’ve used up your 10GB, you can still use the service, but the difference is that you’ll lose the ability to choose your server. Hide.me’s bandwidth refers to speed, as it promises fast connections and doesn’t impose restrictions on its free tier users. However, it does state that once you reach the 10GB limit, it won’t guarantee speed but will provide the best service available at the time.

Two other limitations are that there are only five server locations (Singapore, Canada, the Netherlands, US East, and US West), and you can only connect one device at a time to the service. Finally, one unmentioned limitation is that free users don’t get P2P support, so you can’t download torrent files or play games that use P2P.

While 10GB of data isn’t as good as ProtonVPN’s unlimited data plan, if you’re just looking for a VPN to use on your iPhone or MacBook to protect your connections on public Wi-Fi, it might be sufficient. However, don’t get too excited about the two US servers; they won’t unlock Netflix, Hulu, HBO, or other streaming services. Go to Official Website >>

How to Install a VPN on Mac

If the process of manually installing a VPN on your MacBook seems a bit daunting, there’s good news. There’s a simpler way to install a VPN on Mac that’s faster and allows you to benefit from the security features and functionalities of a Mac VPN app. Below, you’ll find instructions on how to install a premium VPN on Mac.

While we use NordVPN in the scenarios below, the same steps apply when installing other VPNs. Note: These instructions are applicable to MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

Start by Creating a VPN Account

1. Visit the official NordVPN website, where you’ll find a menu on the right side of the screen.
2. Click on it and select “Pricing.” The website will redirect you to NordVPN’s subscription plans page. Choose a subscription plan based on your needs.
3. Register your details on the pop-up portal, entering your email address and creating a password.
4. Choose your preferred payment method.
5. NordVPN will send a confirmation email to your email address. Confirm it to enjoy your NordVPN subscription.
6. Download the Mac VPN software from the official website.
7. Follow the on-screen steps to install the software.
8. Log in to the software using your account details.
9. Select your preferred VPN server. Want to watch US Netflix? Choose a US server to get a US IP address. Currently abroad and want to watch your favorite live streams online? Choose a server in your country/region.
10. Connect to the VPN. For most VPNs, it’s as simple as a click. If you haven’t selected a server location, the software will usually automatically choose the nearest or fastest server.

How to Set Up a VPN on Mac (Manually)

To set up a VPN on Mac, you’ll need to log in as an administrator. This ensures you have the authority to adjust the network and security settings of your Mac. If you don’t have these privileges, contact your computer administrator, and they can perform these steps for you. Alternatively, you can change your account to an administrator account:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Click on “Users & Groups.”
4. Click on the padlock icon to make changes, and then enter your administrator account credentials.
5. Check the box labeled “Allow user to administer this computer.”

Once logged in as an administrator, you can proceed to set up a VPN on your Mac.

Setting Up a VPN on Mac: Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Depending on the VPN you’re trying to set up, you may need to download the security certificate for Keychain (information about certificates can be found on your VPN provider’s website). Keychain acts as a repository for all user credentials on your Mac. You’ve likely seen it pop up asking to save your login details for online accounts.

Step 1: Check Your VPN Security Certificate Configuration

If your chosen VPN provider uses security certificates, you’ll need to add it to Keychain first. After doing so, right-click on the certificate in “Keychain” and click on “Get Info.” Now, you’re ready to set up a VPN on Mac.

Step 2: Go to Your VPN Settings

Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen, navigate to “System Preferences,” select “System Preferences,” and then choose “Network.”

Step 3: Add a VPN Connection

When the Network menu opens, click the small “+” icon at the bottom of the list of possible network connections. This will open a pop-up box where you’ll enter your VPN details:

1. In the “Interface” section, select the VPN option from the drop-down menu.
2. In the second box, choose your preferred VPN protocol. The options depend on your firewall settings and router. IKEv2 is one of the most secure protocols when setting up a VPN on Mac.
3. Choose a name for your VPN connection and enter it into the “Service Name” field. You can choose any name you like, as long as it’s recognizable to you.
4. Click the “Create” button, and you can move on to the next step.

Step 4: Configure Your VPN on Mac

After adding the VPN connection, you’ll need to sign in to access the VPN service. When you click “Create” following the previous step, a different menu will pop up, requiring you to provide the following information: server address, remote ID, and local ID.

Fill in these fields as outlined below:

1. Your server address is typically found in your VPN provider’s account details. It’s the VPN server you want to connect to. If you can’t find it, contact your VPN provider’s customer service team.
2. Set your chosen Mac VPN provider’s name as the remote ID, or simply enter the server address again, depending on your VPN provider’s options.
3. Filling in the local ID field is optional, so you can leave it blank if you prefer.

Now, click on “Authentication Settings…”

Step 5: Authenticate Your Account and Connect

After inputting the connection details, you’ll need to enter login details to access the VPN service. From the drop-down menu, select “User Name,” and then fill in your login information as provided when setting up your VPN account.

Once you’ve entered your username and password, click “OK.” Now, check the box at the bottom of the Network Settings page that says “Show VPN status in menu bar” and click “Apply.”

When you do this, a VPN icon will appear in the top toolbar on your screen, allowing you to easily adjust VPN settings. It’s especially useful when you want to quickly connect to the VPN network or switch between VPN services.

Finally, to connect to the VPN, click “Connect.” You’ve now successfully set up a VPN on your Mac!

Is There a 100% Free VPN?

There are very few VPNs that offer truly free options. Instead, most companies provide limited-time trials or money-back guarantees. However, the free VPN apps listed in the table above do offer free subscription tiers. While they’re not the only ones, they are some of the best we’ve reviewed so far. It’s worth noting that each free VPN imposes certain restrictions, such as limiting the amount of bandwidth you can use within a given timeframe.

Some limit the number of simultaneous connections, often restricting it to one or two. Others limit the servers you can access, meaning you can’t jump to higher-performing servers or easily spoof your location. Paid VPN subscriptions typically unlock all these features and often add additional ones that the free tier doesn’t offer. With a paid subscription, you get access to all servers across all locations and often more concurrent connections.

Limitations of Free VPNs

To be honest, free VPNs can’t compete with paid VPNs designed for Mac. If you use a free VPN, you’ll miss out on features like unlimited data or dedicated servers. While free VPNs can certainly meet your basic needs, if you find yourself requiring better security features and customer support, you’ll need a premium VPN.

Let’s face it, when was the last time you got something without drawbacks for free? Using free VPN services comes with certain risks and limitations. Even if you stick to well-known VPN providers like Proton and Hide.me, you’ll have to contend with limited connection speeds or data.

Try an Advanced VPN Trial: NordVPN

In general, we recommend the best VPN for Mac is an advanced VPN, with our top pick being NordVPN. We’ve tested dozens of VPNs, and NordVPN stands out in terms of speed, security, user-friendliness, and privacy. It also offers a 30-day free trial and a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out for free.

With NordVPN, you’ll enjoy the best speeds, torrenting support, a zero-logs policy, the ability to connect up to six devices simultaneously, and comprehensive online security and privacy.

Conclusion

While we’d recommend any free VPN for Mac users, please be aware that their services are limited. However, that doesn’t mean they’re entirely useless. Free services can still provide much-needed security for everyday browsing. Journalists and reporters can use them to access otherwise restricted websites quickly and freely, depending on their online activities. Free Mac VPNs can be what you need, or a way to try out and decide whether to opt for a premium plan.

We recommend NordVPN as the best free VPN for Mac. NordVPN is an outstanding free macOS VPN that offers fast, private, and secure connections. It also allows unlimited data usage, solving the common issue that secure free VPNs face: limitations in speed and data. To enjoy faster and unrestricted VPN usage, you’ll need an advanced VPN for Mac.

If you’re looking to save money, we recommend Surfshark. for less than $2.50 per month, you’ll have unlimited data and simultaneous connections, rock-solid security, and in-depth features that free VPNs don’t have. Access is fast and all major streaming sites are unlocked. Surfshark is the best value for money.

How to get a free VPN for 30 days:
If you need a VPN for a short period of time while traveling abroad, get our top-ranked VPN for free. NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee, which is real. You’ll need to pay upfront to use the subscription, but the subscription allows full access for 30 days. If you don’t like it you can cancel at any time and get a full refund, so you can try it with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use a free VPN for Mac?

It depends on the VPN you’re using. Some free VPNs may collect your information and sell it to malicious third parties. These VPNs may also offer weak encryption, if any. If you stick to the free VPNs we recommend, you can rest assured that your safety is a priority, not your data.

Will using a free VPN for Mac slow down my speed?

Unfortunately, some speed reduction is inevitable when you connect to a VPN. However, you should only experience a slight decrease in speed.

This is because your traffic has to travel a greater distance than with a regular internet connection, and encrypting that traffic takes time. Speed reductions can also occur when using crowded servers. In such cases, we recommend connecting to servers in other locations if possible.

Is it illegal to use a free VPN on Mac?

No. There’s a common misconception that VPNs are illegal, but in reality, many individuals and businesses use VPNs every day. However, your behavior while using a VPN may still be subject to legality, such as downloading copyrighted content, so be cautious.

Can I use free Mac VPNs on my other devices?

Yes, but you may need to log out before using them on other devices. You can use any of the VPNs listed here on multiple devices. Generally, if a VPN doesn’t require you to create an account, you should be able to use it on any number of devices simultaneously. If registration is necessary, device connections may be limited to one at a time.

Are there free Mac VPNs available in China?

Free VPNs are scarce in China, but I’ve found some. To use a VPN in China, it needs to have robust security features and fast speeds. Some of the free Mac VPNs listed here offer server obfuscation, which allows the VPN to bypass strict firewalls and operate in countries/regions with heavy censorship.

This security feature adds an extra layer of privacy to prevent monitoring of your online activities. Importantly, firewalls often throttle speeds from foreign websites, so your free Mac VPN should be fast enough to minimize speed losses, or else extensive browsing can become challenging.

How much of an impact will a free VPN have on my Mac’s speed?

It depends. Speed-optimized VPNs minimize speed loss, so you might only experience a slight decrease of around 5-25% compared to your baseline speed. However, some free Mac VPNs have very limited speeds, and I’ve seen speed reductions of up to 90%.

Free VPNs often intentionally limit speeds to prevent server overload and encourage users to upgrade to premium subscriptions. They typically offer only 1 to 5 server locations, resulting in speed losses due to server congestion.

Does Apple have a built-in VPN?

No, Apple doesn’t have a built-in VPN for macOS products. To use a VPN interface on Mac, you’ll still need a VPN subscription with IKEv2 or L2TP profiles, such as NordVPN. However, most free VPNs don’t provide this functionality. Additionally, options for connecting to a VPN through this method are limited.

It’s best to install a native Mac VPN application to enjoy full features, from security settings to server locations. On the other hand, iCloud provides a private relay for Safari (limited). However, this is just a proxy connection, and it’s slow. It won’t change your virtual location, encrypt your traffic, or help you overcome geographical restrictions, making it less secure and useful compared to using a VPN.