The Best Free VPNs for Mac 2024

The best VPN for your Mac should offer security, usability, performance, and, in this case, a free plan. Among the many free options on the market, Proton VPN and Windscribe stand out.

PrivadoVPN gives users of its free product a generous amount of server options. Proton VPN offers unlimited data usage, which is quite rare among free VPN services. Windscribe offers specialized features, like superior access to streaming content.

We’ll review the best free VPNs for Macs for those seeking quality security without the financial commitment.

The best free VPNs for Macs

Our top three free VPNs for Macs offer a compelling mix of features tailored to enhance the Mac user experience. From high encryption standards and no-logs policies to user-friendly interfaces and compatibility with macOS, all three provide a solid foundation for securing online activities.

• PrivadoVPN: Best for server access
• Proton VPN: Best for unlimited data usage
• Windscribe: Best for streaming

Top 3 free VPN services for Mac compared

VPN
Starting price	Starts at $1.48/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	$1.00/mo per location
Free version
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Streaming support	Yes — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more	Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, and more	Yes — U.S. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
Learn more	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review	Read Windscribe Review

PrivadoVPN: Best for server access

Who it’s best for

PrivadoVPN is recommended for anyone who wants a decent amount of server options with their free VPN. It offers 13 server choices on its free version, which is more than you usually see. Most reputable free VPNs offer maybe five options, but sometimes it's as low as two. Having 13 different servers to choose from makes PrivadoVPN great for server access.

What we liked

PrivadoVPN offers 10 GB per month with its free plan. It may not be enough to cover all your needs, but it is a great option for traveling or if you need to grab a VPN for security in the short term. Because of its generous server offerings on its free product, you can use it to access geo-restricted content. It unblocks Netflix and other streaming services. 

In addition to a nice selection of servers, PrivadoVPN uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, employs a no-logs policy, and has the same level of security as the paid plans. The paid plans offer even more features, including parental controls, and come at a low monthly cost that would work with almost any budget.

What we didn’t like

PrivadoVPN doesn't disclose its server count, which is strange considering it discloses the number of free servers. The number of locations is also smaller than that of most competitors. While Privado is strong, you may not be able to find the region you want because of its server options.

PrivadoVPN specs

Price range	Free–$10.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Number of servers	Unlisted in 48 countries
Number of free server locations	13
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, SOCKS5
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get PrivadoVPN Read PrivadoVPN Review

Proton VPN: Best for unlimited data usage

Who it’s best for

Proton VPN is the go-to choice for Mac users who don't want to worry about hitting a data cap with their free plan. It’s ideal for heavy internet users — such as streamers, gamers, or those working from home — who require a stable and secure VPN connection throughout the day.

What we liked

Proton VPN impresses with its robust security features, including the use of WireGuard, OpenVPN, and the IKEv2/IPsec protocol. These ensure that your internet connection is not only secure but also versatile across different networking environments. For example, WireGuard is known for its speed and efficiency, while OpenVPN is highly regarded for its strong encryption capabilities. IKEv2/IPsec, on the other hand, offers excellent stability and is often used for mobile connections.

Proton’s free version offers servers in five countries (U.S., Romania, Japan, Netherlands, Poland) and a range of essential features, including a strict no-logs policy, unlimited volume/bandwidth, Torrenting support, DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch. Additionally, users on the free plan can access Proton Mail Free, Proton Calendar Free, and Proton Drive Free.

What we didn’t like

Although Proton VPN provides unlimited data, there are areas where it falls short. The free version's limitations, such as access to servers in only five countries, can be a significant constraint for users looking to bypass geo-restrictions or seeking optimal server connections worldwide.

In our testing, Proton VPN performed well overall. However, there was a speed reduction when connecting to distant servers, especially from the U.S. to Australia. There was also an increase in latency, which could impact gaming and high-definition streaming.

Proton VPN specs

Price range	Free–$9.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days
Number of servers	9,100+ servers in 112 countries
Number of free server locations	5
Number of connected devices	10
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review

Windscribe: Best for accessing streaming content

Who it’s best for

Windscribe is the prime choice for Mac users who prioritize accessing a wide range of streaming content from around the globe. This VPN is especially beneficial for those who enjoy watching movies and TV shows on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, which have geographical restrictions.

Windscribe’s seamless ability to bypass these restrictions, coupled with its competitive speeds, makes it an ideal option for streaming enthusiasts.

What we liked

Windscribe sets itself apart with a robust feature set tailored for streaming. Having free servers in 11 countries provides a decent number of options to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy international content. Its R.O.B.E.R.T. feature blocks IPs and domains on all your devices enhances browsing security and can improve streaming speeds by eliminating ads.

The available VPN protocols cater to a wide range of user needs, providing flexibility in connection types and additional security layers. The Stealth protocol encapsulates VPN traffic within an SSL/TLS connection, making it difficult for network firewalls to detect and block it. On the other hand, WebSocket Tunnel uses a web-based protocol to transmit VPN traffic over port 443, which is commonly used for regular HTTPS connections.

The option for unlimited connections, even on the free plan, is another significant benefit, allowing you to protect all your devices without additional costs.

What we didn’t like

Despite its strong offerings, Windscribe has some drawbacks. The main issue might be the 10 GB data limit on the free plan, which can be quickly exhausted with heavy streaming, potentially limiting its appeal to users who consume a lot of media. Although upgrading to unlimited data is reasonably priced, the absence of a money-back guarantee might deter those hesitant to commit without trying the full service first.

Additionally, while Windscribe performed well in our speed tests, it significantly reduced download speed when connecting to distant servers like Australia. This could affect streaming quality, especially for HD and 4K content.

Windscribe specs

Price range	$1.00–$9.00/mo
Money-back guarantee	No
Number of servers	Unlisted in 69+ countries
Number of free server locations	11
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth, Websocket Tunnel
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Windscribe Read Windscribe Review

Best premium VPNs for Macs

While the focus in this review has been on the best free VPNs for Macs, there are premium VPN services that offer advanced features and enhanced performance for those seeking more from their VPN experience. These services didn't make it into the top three primarily because they do not offer free plans, but if you’re willing to pay for VPN services, you might want to consider one of these:

• NordVPN: Nord boasts one of the largest server networks with 6,800+ servers in 111 countries, ensuring you can connect virtually anywhere with high speeds and reliability. Additionally, it comes with a double VPN, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for added encryption and security, a feature not commonly found in free VPNs.

  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• Surfshark: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect as many devices as you want with a single subscription — a rare find even among premium VPNs. It also features CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, ensuring a cleaner and faster browsing experience.

  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

• ExpressVPN: Known for its lightning-fast speeds and optimized server technology, ExpressVPN is perfect for streaming and gaming on a Mac. It stands out with its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed to offer faster connections without sacrificing security.

  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Which free VPNs for Macs should I avoid?

While free VPNs can offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for enhancing online privacy and security, not all are created equal. Some free VPNs may compromise your security, log your activities, or deliver a subpar user experience due to overcrowded servers and limited features.

We’ve found that the following free VPNs should be avoided:

• Turbo VPN: Users have reported getting malware from downloading Turbo and it leaks data, among other privacy issues.
• Betternet VPN: Betternet is prone to embedding trackers and malware into the VPN app.
• Hola: Hola VPN has been found to log a lot of user data.

When in doubt, here’s some guidance on sketchy or subpar VPNs:

• VPN services with a history of data breaches: Any VPN that has suffered a significant security breach may not be reliable in protecting your data.
• VPNs with invasive logging policies: Services that keep detailed logs of your online activities compromise your privacy.
• VPNs that limit bandwidth excessively: Bandwidth restrictions can severely hinder your internet experience, making even basic browsing frustrating.
• VPNs with a small number of servers: A limited server network often leads to overcrowded servers and slow speeds.

Best VPNs for Mac FAQs

Bottom line: The best free VPNs for Macs

When it comes to enhancing the security, privacy, and overall online experience for Mac users, PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, and Windscribe emerge as the top contenders. All three VPNs offer a unique blend of features tailored to specific user needs, from Privado's server options to Proton VPN's unlimited data usage to Windscribe's exceptional capabilities in accessing streaming content.

While their free plans have limitations, such as data caps with Windscribe and Privado and server selection with Proton VPN, these VPNs provide an excellent starting point for Mac users seeking a more secure and unrestricted internet experience.