6 Best Free VPNs for Mac and Safari in 2024

Macs are becoming a more popular target for hackers, so protecting your data and devices is a must. Unfortunately, Safari VPN extensions are largely unavailable, so your best option to stay safe is to use a full VPN app. Free Mac VPNs are a budget-friendly solution, but choosing the wrong one can put you at great risk. They can infect your device with malware, log and sell your data to third parties, or lack important security features.

The good news is that there are tried-and-tested free VPNs for macOS you can depend on. We've tested a multitude of free VPNs, focusing on features like security, privacy, speed, server options, and streaming capabilities. Based on our findings, I’ve shortlisted the top-performing and safest free Mac VPNs that you can use on your MacBook Pro, Air, Mac Mini, or even iOS devices.

However, you’re always better off using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN that offers a trusty refund policy. It’s not 100% free, but it has no limitations. You get industry-leading security features, fast speeds, unlimited data, and excellent streaming performance — benefits that free Mac VPNs usually lack. It comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days. If you’re not completely satisfied, getting a full refund is very easy. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free Mac VPNs in 2024

Best Free VPNs for Mac and Safari — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best Mac VPN With Fast Speeds For a Smooth Online Experience

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the fastest Mac VPN we tested, making it far better than any free VPN out there. We recorded impressive download speeds of 124.69Mbps on nearby UK servers, which is only a 5% drop from our base speed. Even on its distant New York server (5,500km away), we received a download speed of 113.26Mbps. Its excellent performance is largely due to its Lightway protocol, which is designed to deliver fast speeds without compromising security.

While ExpressVPN doesn't have a Safari extension, its Mac app effectively secures all your internet traffic, including Safari sessions. For added convenience, it offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that are essentially a “remote control” for its main app. This lets you control your VPN connection directly from your browser, all while providing the same level of security and privacy as its dedicated VPN app.

ExpressVPN's Chrome extension mirrors the main app with none of the limitations of 100% free VPNs

ExpressVPN is great for streaming, which is something that most free VPNs struggle with. It can securely access popular platforms from anywhere. When we tested it on a MacBook Air, it worked seamlessly with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Max, Hotstar, and more without issues. The connections were reliable — we never had to switch servers to get it to work with a certain platform. Plus, it offers a native app for Apple TV for easy installation.

True, it isn’t completely free. But you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for Mac and Safari since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this by contacting its 24/7 live chat support. The support agent processed my refund request without any hassle, and I received my money back in a few days.

Useful Features

• MediaStreamer DNS service. This lets you stream content on devices that don't support VPNs, like game consoles and smart TVs. Setup is quick and straightforward.
• Strong privacy protection. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands and outside of the 14 Eyes jurisdiction, so it isn’t legally obliged to hand user data to any government. Plus, it uses RAM-only servers that wipe your data upon each reboot.
• Works in China. ExpressVPN’s advanced security features (like automatic obfuscation on every server) allow it to work in China as well as on restrictive networks with tough firewalls. Obfuscation is available on its Mac app and all others.
• Easy router installation. ExpressVPN offers custom firmware for popular router models. This makes it super easy to set up and use the VPN on a router, so you can easily protect all your devices, including MacBook.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data to Browse Safari Safely and Without Restrictions

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN offers a 100% free plan that includes a surprisingly decent amount of features. You get unlimited data, for one, allowing for uninterrupted streaming. Most free VPNs impose data limits, some as little as 500MB per month, which isn’t even enough to watch one movie in HD. However, we didn’t hit any limits with Proton VPN while streaming full snooker matches on YouTube.

Proton's free VPN app protected hours of viewing on the Safari browser

For a completely free VPN, it has impressive security credentials. All your traffic is encrypted by AES 256-bit or ChaCha20 encryption. Its headquarters are in a secure facility in Switzerland, where there are exceptional privacy protection laws. A kill switch and IP leak protection are included to keep your Mac browsing private. Plus, its proprietary Stealth protocol can bypass tough firewalls on restrictive networks (work, college, public WiFi, etc.).

The free version of Proton VPN offers access to servers in the US, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan. However, you don't have the option to manually select a specific server. The app automatically connects you to what it deems the optimal server. If you'd like to try a different server, you can use the Change Server button, but there's a limit on how frequently you can switch, and you might not always connect to a new location each time.

In our tests, the free Mac app securely accessed some streaming platforms like Netflix US and Disney+. The connections were stable enough for streaming, and the speeds were decent too. On the downside, it didn’t work with other platforms such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Max.

Useful Features

• No in-app ads. Many completely free VPNs monitor your browsing and bombard you with annoying and intrusive “targeted” in-app ads. You won’t get a single ad like that with Proton VPN.
• Responsive customer support. While you don’t get 24/7 live chat, there is a ticketing system with a knowledgeable and friendly support team. I tested it out by logging onto the website on Safari, and I got a reply within 12 hours. Many free VPNs only offer a searchable FAQ.
• 100% open-source. Unlike most free VPNs, Proton’s apps are open-source. That means anyone can check its code to fix bugs and suggest improvements.
• A choice of protocols. There are no restrictions on protocols with Proton VPN’s free Mac app; choose from OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, or the proprietary Stealth. They are all fully compatible with Mac and Safari.

3. hide.me — Highly Secure With Tons of Features For a Free Mac VPN

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

For an entirely free Mac VPN, hide.me offers a nice array of security features. StealthGuard lets you specify how the VPN responds to your network and apps. For instance, you can select Bind Internet to VPN to protect your entire network. Otherwise, Limit Apps to VPN prevents vulnerabilities by blocking specific apps from the internet when you disconnect the VPN.

Activate the kill switch and "Launch on system startup" in hide.me's Settings panel

It also offers SSTP and SoftEther protocols to help hide.me work on restrictive networks. SoftEther is also speed-optimized. During our tests on a MacBook Air, we received a download speed of 118.46Mbps on its nearby servers, which is around 11% below our base speed. We then connected to the US and were surprised to find speeds only marginally slower, at 116.12Mbps.

You get unlimited data per month and free servers in 8 locations across the US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, and France. This is more than most completely free VPNs. On the downside, it doesn’t work with many streaming platforms, and we couldn’t log into Netflix. However, the free plan does support P2P traffic.

Useful Features

• Split Tunnel. You can use this to select specific apps to always use the VPN, such as Safari.
• Extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These are also completely free and can be added to your browser with one click. They’re easy to use and convenient.
• 24/7 live support. Even some paid VPNs don’t offer 24/7 live support, but hide.me has someone on hand to help you (even as a free user) whenever you may need it through live chat.

4. Hotspot Shield — Proprietary Hydra Protocol for Fast Speeds on Mac

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is built to balance security and speed. When we tested it on a MacBook, Hydra had marginally better latency and 2% faster speeds than WireGuard. It’s also harder to detect, which allows it to bypass firewalls. That makes Hotspot Shield a great option for accessing some popular streaming platforms in HD from anywhere.

Like Proton VPN, Hotspot Shield's free version offers full access to its protocols

Like Proton VPN and hide.me, Hotspot Shield provides unlimited monthly data for free. This means you don’t have to worry about hitting a data cap even if you’re streaming in HD. The free plan includes servers in 3 US locations, plus Singapore and the UK. That said, it’s not a reliable option for streaming. For instance, it only worked with Max and Crunchyroll and struggled with Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

Hotspot Shield is based in the US, within the 5 Eyes jurisdiction. The company also admits to keeping anonymous logs of data and device usage. A free account allows 1 connection, and Hotspot Shield monetizes its free accounts with ads (which do get a little annoying).

Useful Features

• Split tunneling. Enable or bypass individual websites, which I found a little less convenient than hide.me because I couldn’t simply assign Safari as my VPN browser.
• Support via FAQ and email. Helpful email support is available, but you have to go through a FAQ before you can access the form.
• Ideal for gaming from the US. Since Hotspot Shield’s Basic (free) plan offers 3 US server locations, it’s good for smooth gaming in America. We tested these servers with multiple games and had low ping.

5. TunnelBear — Free Access to the Full Network of Server Locations

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear gives you access to all of its premium server locations, unlike most free Mac VPNs. Its app keeps VPN use pain-free. Server locations are visualized on an animated map. When you click one, an animated bear burrows from your actual location and tunnels to your destination. This allows safe access to a lot of content from anywhere.

You can choose a location from the animated app or from a server list

Speeds are impressive on nearby servers. We got 118.93Mbps when connecting to UK - London, just 8% below our base speed. USA - New York was understandably slower at 75.11Mbps. However, it offers 2GB/data per month, which is enough to watch only a few movies in HD quality.

TunnelBear is based in Canada, within the 5 Eyes Alliance — but it’s still safer than most free Mac VPNs. It has an annual app security audit and releases regular transparency reports. Plus, it’s given 20,000+ premium accounts away to non-governmental organizations such as campaigners and protestors, underlining its integrity as a company.

Useful Features

• GhostBear. Disguises your VPN connection as regular internet traffic to bypass firewalls.
• VigilantBear. This kill switch ensures there are no leaks in case your connection drops while using your Mac.
• Autoconnect. Connects you to the VPN on startup so your browsing is always private.

6. Avira Phantom VPN — Protect All Your Apple Devices With Unlimited Connections

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN offers unlimited device connections, which is rare even with premium VPNs. We connected a MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, iPhone, and 2 iPads. This didn’t compromise the connection quality, and we could stream YouTube clips on Safari on each device.

I registered with my email address to get 1GB of data on my iPhone app

You only get access to your nearest location from its full server list, and there was a little server crowding. You only get access to your nearest location from its full server list, and there was a little server crowding. We got tolerable speeds while testing Avira’s nearby servers — it gave us 66.73Mbps on its UK - London connection on a MacBook, although that was 49% below our base speed, making it one of the slower VPNs on this list.

Every server supports torrenting, which is rare for a completely free VPN for Mac. Using a torrent for a public-domain movie, I could download a file via uTorrent Web on Safari at decent speeds. You can use Avira Phantom VPN without registering, but you only get 500MB/month, which isn’t much. However, if you sign up with an email address, you get 1GB/month.

Useful Features

• Launch at startup. Avira Phantom’s no-frills service can protect all your Mac and Safari browsing from system startup.
• DNS leak protection. Leak protection automatically safeguards all of your data on your macOS, iOS, and iPad devices.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Mac VPN Features

I can confidently say that every VPN in this list is safe to use. Aside from this, each offers unique features that impact their performance with various activities.

VPNs with high speeds and unlimited data are ideal for data-intensive tasks like streaming, downloading, and gaming. For enhanced privacy, choose a free VPN that doesn’t require registration. Even though the first VPN in this list isn’t free, it has a dependable money-back guarantee that lets you try its full-featured macOS/iOS apps without risk. In contrast, the entirely free options have limitations.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for Mac

When testing free VPNs for Mac, we focus on factors that directly affect your experience on macOS devices. We measure connection speeds, server availability, and stability during various online activities. We evaluate each VPN's ability to securely stream content from anywhere. We also pay special attention to data limits, as free VPNs often impose restrictions that can hinder your online activities.

We assess each VPN's security features, including encryption strength and privacy policies, to ensure your Mac activities remain protected. Plus, we consider user-friendliness, interface design, and compatibility with different macOS versions. If you want to conduct your own tests, focusing on these factors will help you find a VPN that suits your needs. For more details on our comprehensive testing process, you can refer to our VPN testing methodology page.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Mac Aren’t Safe

Some Mac VPNs are shady, making your personal data their product. VPN providers have to make money somehow and do so using various underhand techniques. Given the value of your Apple devices and personal information, it's risky to use an unreliable, free Mac VPN. Here are some of the dangers of downloading random, untested free VPNs:

• They log your data and sell it to third parties. Most free VPNs that do this don’t even lie to their customers. VPNBook and BetternetVPN both admit to monitoring user data in their privacy policies. Data they collect can include the sites you visit, the time and duration of your sessions, your device model and OS, and the size of your screen.
• They bombard you with annoying ads. As well as selling your data to “affiliates and relevant third parties,” it can also be utilized to show you endless “targeted” ads optimized to your browsing history.
• They have compromised security and weak encryption. Free Mac VPNs often lack basic security features like a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Many will leak your real IP address, and some don’t encrypt your data at all.
• They can infect your Mac with harmful viruses and malware. That can cost you a great deal over time. You may not even notice that your shiny Mac is infected until apps start slowing down, freezing, and crashing.

Free VPNs for Mac to Avoid

In contrast to the featured free Mac VPNs I’ve recommended, the free VPNs that I’ve listed below might pose a risk when used. They have the potential to share your data with external entities or contain harmful malware and viruses. It is advised to steer clear of the following free Mac VPNs as they are deemed unsafe.

The following free Mac VPNs are not safe and should be avoided:

• Hola. Hola is not a VPN but a peer-to-peer network. This means that you share a network with all users, so you’re accountable for everyone’s online activities.
• VPNBook. Keeps logs like your IP address and the time the connection was made.
• VPN Gate. Run by volunteers and stores connection logs, including your IP.

Free vs Paid: Mac VPNs Compared

Free VPNs generally have limitations compared to premium services. Most of the free VPNs we recommend are free versions of paid services, so you get to test a limited version of the app to see if you want to subscribe. The advantage here is that these services are safe, private, and secure — and they have the audits to prove it.

Even some paid services can’t be trusted. For instance, a few of the unsafe services listed above offer paid subscriptions that still compromise your privacy. We thoroughly check the privacy policies of all the VPNs we endorse so you can be sure that the free and paid VPNs we shortlist are reliable.

Best Free Trial VPNs for Mac

If you're looking for more features without the typical limitations of free VPNs, it's worth considering VPNs that offer free trials. These allow you to experience premium services risk-free before making a commitment. Here are the top free-trial VPNs for Mac:

1. ExpressVPN. Offers a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS. It has fast speeds, strong security features, and excellent streaming capabilities. Even if you avail of the free trial, you’re still eligible for its 30-day money-back guarantee that I mentioned above.
2. CyberGhost. It has user-friendly Mac apps, specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, and robust security features. It offers a 1 day trial for desktop, 3 days for Android, or 7 days for iOS.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA). Offers a 7-day free trial, and you get customizable security to optimize your connection for speed and security on Mac.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Mac and Safari

Is there a free VPN browser extension for Safari?

No, Apple's strict rules make it tough for VPNs to have Safari extensions. A full VPN is better overall since it secures your entire device, including your Safari browsing sessions. Most VPN extensions are just proxies that change your virtual location on your browser but don't encrypt your data. A full VPN encrypts your data to make it virtually untraceable.

I also recommend using a Safari Private Window for extra security. It prevents data tracking and logs you out of data-tracking accounts. Plus, Safari offers additional privacy features that you can enable like Prevent cross-site tracking, Block all cookies, and Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection.

What is the best free Mac VPN according to Reddit reviews?

Reddit users broadly agree with our top-rated free Mac VPNs for their reliability and strong security. When it comes to more serious VPN use cases like finding a VPN for China, many posts recommend ExpressVPN since it offers a money-back guarantee. It’s not 100% free, but you can try it out risk-free. It’s one of the very few VPNs that is known to work more reliably in China.

Can I get a 100% free VPN for Mac without registration?

Yes. A few VPNs don’t require you to sign up or register. You can always use a throwaway email address when registering for a premium service and can even pay in cryptocurrency to leave no trace of your subscription. A number of the options above require no user data whatsoever and are free forever.

Are free Mac VPNs safe?

It depends — many aren’t, but all free Mac VPNs on this list are safe to use. They offer the security and privacy essentials needed to ensure your data is protected. This includes bank-level encryption, advanced protocols, and leak protection. Plus, none of them log any identifiable information.

These are the minimum requirements a VPN should have to keep your Mac and your data safe. If security is your primary concern, it’s worth upgrading to a premium VPN with more advanced features, like a kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, and malware protection. The top-rated VPN offers these features and more.

Can I get a free VPN extension for Chrome on Mac?

Yes. Some of the completely free VPNs listed above offer Chrome extensions, but they come with limitations. I recommend looking for an extension that is not just a proxy but also offers the full protection of a VPN’s encryption to at least ensure your connections are safe.

Our top-rated VPN has a full-featured extension for Chrome — while it’s not free, you can test it risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gives you access to its robust security features and entire network of servers.

Do any free Mac VPNs work in China?

VPNs rarely work in China, especially not free ones — but I found a few that do. To work reliably in the country, a VPN needs strong security and fast speeds. For instance, a few of the free Mac VPNs in this list offer obfuscation, allowing the VPN to bypass tough firewalls. It also adds a layer of privacy to prevent prying eyes from spying on your online activities.

Since the Great Firewall already limits speeds on sites from outside of the country, your free Mac VPN should be fast enough to prevent too much subsequent speed loss. Otherwise, it will be difficult to do much browsing at all.

Does Apple have a built-in VPN?

No, Apple doesn't have a built-in VPN for macOS products. To use Mac’s VPN interface, you still need a VPN with OpenVPN configuration files. Most free VPNs don’t offer this, though. Plus, connecting a VPN via this method gives you limited options. It’s better to install a VPN’s native Mac app so you have full functionality — from security settings to your chosen location.

On the other hand, iCloud offers Private Relay. This is just a proxy connection, though, and a slow one at that. It doesn’t change your virtual location or encrypt your traffic. So, it’s not as safe or beneficial as using a VPN.

Do I need a VPN for MacBook Pro?

I recommend using a VPN for MacBook Pro and any other laptop or mobile device, especially if you use public WiFi hotspots. A reliable VPN encrypts your data so it’s virtually uncrackable, even if it’s intercepted. Despite their convenience, public WiFis are highly susceptible to hackers and cybercriminals — even in trusted places like hotels and coffee shops.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Mac and Safari

All completely free VPNs limit you in some way, but there are VPNs on my list that offer various features, including strong security, fast speeds, smooth streaming, and torrent support. Completely free services don’t offer all of these, but you can still find one for any specific activity. That’s why I added a premium service to my list so you can compare and contrast.

For the most complete Mac experience, I recommend ExpressVPN. It offers everything listed above, plus it runs natively on Apple silicone processors and provides unlimited data and speed. That way, you can browse smoothly and stream your favorite content in HD from anywhere. While it’s not 100% free, you can try ExpressVPN without risk as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not ideal for you, claiming a refund is quick and easy.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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