5 Best Free VPNs for Safari and Mac — Tested for Privacy 2024
Reading time: 21 min
Updated on November 04, 2024
As a Mac user, I prefer using Safari as it has privacy and utility features like a tracker blocker and password manager. However, Safari’s built-in features are not enough to prevent third-party snooping or geo-restrictions — that’s why you need a VPN for Safari.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address for secure Safari browsing. But not all VPNs, especially free ones, are trustworthy. Most free VPNs sell your data to advertisers. After extensive tests, I found the best free VPNs for Safari.
ExpressVPN is my #1 choice to browse on Safari. It gave me the best overall performance in terms of speed, security, and privacy. While it’s not technically free, you can buy ExpressVPN with confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: These Are the Best Free VPNs for Safari in 2024
- ExpressVPN — ExpressVPN is the best paid VPN for Safari because it has premium security and privacy features for secure Safari browsing.
- CyberGhost — Has optimized servers for buffer-free streaming and torrenting on Safari, but it can’t unblock certain platforms.
- Proton VPN — Has no data caps for streaming unlimited content on Safari, but it has few server locations on the free plan.
- Hotspot Shield — Its proprietary protocol has in-built obfuscation for accessing global platforms, but the free plan doesn’t include a kill switch.
- hide.me — Automatically encrypt your device when it turns on to make your Safari traffic invisible, but the free plan has a data limit of 10GB a month.
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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Best Free VPNs for Safari — Fully Tested in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN to Browse Safely on Safari
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia
- Has private DNS, a kill switch, military-grade encryption, and IPv6 leak protection
- Works on macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, smart TVs, routers, and more
- Encrypt your Safari traffic on up to 8 Apple devices simultaneously
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN to use with Safari. Its TrustedServer technology ensures that your data is never stored on any server. Plus, ExpressVPN provides blazing-fast speeds and excellent unblocking abilities with useful extras like basic virus protection to secure your browsing experience on Safari.
The DNS queries originating from your Safari browser can’t leak because ExpressVPN has private DNS on every server. I tested 15 of ExpressVPN’s servers and found no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks on my Mac. Besides that, ExpressVPN secures your Safari traffic with:
- IPv6 leak protection — stops Safari from using IPv6 traffic to prevent your real IP address from getting exposed.
- Military-grade encryption — hides your Safari internet traffic with an uncrackable 256-bit cipher to protect confidential data.
- Kill switch — automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection accidentally drops to prevent any data leaks.
- Threat Manager — makes Safari browsing more secure by blocking malicious sites and web trackers from profiling you.
I got lightning-fast speeds while surfing on Safari even on ExpressVPN’s distant servers. Despite the 7,000-mile distance from me, servers in New York averaged 94Mbps. ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is designed for data-intensive tasks like online gaming and UHD streaming without lag even on the maximum of 8 devices.
Whether you use Safari on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, you can hide your browsing data with a click with ExpressVPN’s app. With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN has IP addresses in the highest number of countries and can access global platforms like:
| Netflix US | HBO Max | Bet365 |
| Amazon Prime Video | BBC iPlayer | Channel4 |
| Hulu | Roobet | 9Now |
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN doesn’t have a browser extension for Safari as it does for Chrome and Firefox. However, you can still encrypt your Safari traffic with ExpressVPN’s main app and enjoy anonymous browsing.
Although it isn’t free, you can get a 82% discount with ExpressVPN’s 2-year + 6 months free plan. You can buy it confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its refund guarantee firsthand via live chat support and got my money back in just 3 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming and Torrenting on Mac Safari
Key Features:
- Has 1,300+ servers in the US and 11,670+ in 100 countries
- Includes military-grade encryption, a kill switch, NoSpy servers, and IP leak protection
- Compatible with macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Windows
- Lets you anonymously surf on Safari on up to 7 devices at once
- Offers a risk-free purchase with its 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost’s streaming servers let you access your favorite platforms on Safari from anywhere. Each connection is designed to unblock a specific streaming service like Netflix US and provide ultra-fast speeds for lag-free UHD streaming. Similarly, you can enjoy fast P2P downloads with CyberGhost’s torrenting servers.
While CyberGhost’s optimized servers were 11% faster on average, the regular ones gave me excellent speeds too. I watched Majestic Animals, an 8K nature documentary on a server in Sydney without quality drops. Besides some initial buffering, my streaming experience was perfect and I browsed multiple tabs on Safari without any slowdowns.
To make your Safari browsing sessions anonymous, CyberGhost has the following security and privacy features:
- In-built leak protection — prevents your Safari traffic from leaking outside the VPN tunnel to keep your identity anonymous on the web.
- Kill switch — instantly cuts off your internet during lost VPN connections while using Safari (though the 15 CyberGhost servers I tested remained stable).
- NoSpy servers — hide your Safari browsing history from prying eyes as they’re privately owned and managed by CyberGhost.
- WiFi protection — automatically turns the VPN on when you join a new network so that your device is encrypted before you open Safari.
You can encrypt up to 7 devices simultaneously with CyberGhost. Although it doesn’t have an extension for Safari, you can connect to one of its 11,670+ servers in 100 countries to hide your Safari browsing activities and access global sites like:
| Amazon Prime Video | Servus TV | MTV | Netflix |
| RTL | Crave | Crunchyroll | Peacock |
| ITV | ZDF | Disney+ | SlingTV |
Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s unblocking abilities aren’t as good as ExpressVPN’s — its regular servers can’t access services with strong anti-VPN measures like DAZN and ITV. However, you can use CyberGhost’s specialty streaming servers as they’re built to access platforms.
CyberGhost isn’t free, but you can get a 84% discount with its 2-year + 4 months plan. You can try it risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. I got my refund 5 days after submitting a request via CyberGhost’s live chat. The support agent didn’t try convincing me to stay — they verified my subscription details and processed the request.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Proton VPN — Offers Unlimited Browsing on Safari From Your iPhone or Mac
Key Features:
- Has 3 server locations in the US, Netherlands, and Japan on the free plan
- Includes a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection
- Offers easy-to-use apps for iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android
- The free plan can encrypt Safari traffic on 1 device
- Paid plans have a prorated refund guarantee based on a 30-day period
Proton VPN lets you surf on Safari anonymously without limits. It’s one of the few free VPNs that doesn’t have a data cap so that you can stream unlimited content on your Apple device. My speeds dropped by 19% on a server in Japan, but I watched YouTube videos on multiple Safari tabs without any noticeable slowdowns.
I liked that Proton VPN’s free plan doesn’t limit protocol choices — I could choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard was my first choice because it’s the most efficient and secure. Besides that, Proton VPN protects your Safari traffic with:
- No-logs policy — ensures that your Safari browsing history isn’t recorded or stored on the VPN’s servers.
- Leak protection — prevents your Safari searches from staying unencrypted to ensure that your real IP address remains hidden.
- Kill switch — provides uninterrupted privacy while using Safari by cutting off your internet connection if the VPN server drops unexpectedly.
With its free plan, you can protect your Safari traffic from hackers on 1 device — that’s enough for most users, and I think it’s fair that simultaneous connections should be reserved for paid plans. I found Proton VPN pretty straightforward to use on my Mac and iPhone, with visual data indicating upload and download speeds.
The only drawback of Proton VPN’s free plan is its server limitations. It has server locations in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands, but that’s good enough for casual browsing on Safari and watching YouTube.
To access its full network of 4,988+ servers in 71 countries, you can sign up for Proton VPN’s 2-year plan and get a 70% discount. Overall, the free plan is great for basic users and casual browsing thanks to its unlimited data.
4. Hotspot Shield — Hydra Protocol Provides Excellent Speeds and Unblocking for Seamless Safari Browsing
Key Features:
- Has servers in the US, UK, and Singapore on the free plan
- Secure protocols, military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and leak protection
- User-friendly native apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android
- 10 simultaneous connections but the free plan supports 1 device
- Provides customer support via online FAQ guides
Hotspot Shield’s proprietary Hydra protocol lets you access your home content while traveling. It uses obfuscation to disguise your Safari traffic as normal non-VPN data, so it can access your home Netflix US library from anywhere. However, I don’t condone violating any platform’s terms of service.
With split tunneling, you can route your Safari traffic through the VPN while allowing other apps to bypass the VPN connection. This gives you great control over your online privacy. In addition, Hotspot Shield includes:
- DNS leak protection — prevents your Safari browser from accidentally revealing your DNS queries to third parties or potential eavesdroppers on public networks.
- Military-grade encryption — uses a 256-bit cipher to hide your Safari browsing activities, making it nearly impossible to decipher if intercepted.
- No-logs policy — guarantees that Hotspot Shield doesn’t collect or store any logs of your Safari browsing activities, including your IP address and websites visited.
I was pleased to learn that Hotspot Shield no longer has a data cap on the free plan. However, you’ll get ads on the iOS and Android apps — I obviously prefer an ad-free experience, but it’s a small price to pay for unlimited data.
Unfortunately, Hotspot Shield’s free plan doesn’t include a kill switch so your IP address may get exposed if the VPN server drops. Thankfully, all servers available on the free plan in the US, UK, and Singapore remained stable in my tests.
You can access Hotspot Shield’s premium features with its 3-year plan at just $2.99 a month. This includes the full network of 1,800+ servers in 80 countries, a kill switch, Smart VPN, and dedicated customer support. The paid plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Hotspot Shield risk-free.
5. hide.me — Auto Connect Encrypts Your Device Before You Can Open Safari
Key Features:
- Offers IP addresses in 8 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada
- Has a data cap of 10GB a month on the free plan
- Includes a kill switch, secure protocols, auto-connection, and military-grade encryption
- Provides native apps for macOS and iOS with support for Android and Windows
- Try its paid plans risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Hide.me’s Auto Connect feature conveniently encrypts your Safari traffic before you open it. I like this feature as I often forget to turn the VPN on after opening my Mac. Additionally, hide.me’s free plan includes the following features that are absent in most other VPN free plans:
- Kill switch — cuts your device’s internet connectivity, preventing unencrypted Safari data from being accessible to third parties.
- Bind Internet to VPN — limits your internet connection to hide.me’s servers, so you’ll have to connect to a server before you can go online and browse on Safari.
In my tests, hide.me’s servers in the US, UK, and Canada averaged speeds of 72Mbps. Those aren’t the best numbers compared to top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN, but good enough for UHD streaming on Safari. I recommend the WireGuard protocol as it’s the fastest and built to withstand long distances.
Unfortunately, hide.me’s free plan has a monthly data cap of 10GB. That’s about 350MB per day and is good enough for casual browsing but not data-intensive activities like online gaming. But it’s still better than other free VPNs with data caps of 500MB a month.
For unlimited data and 10 simultaneous connections, you can subscribe to hide.me’s 2-year + 3 months plan for $2.29 per month. I tested its 30-day money-back guarantee by submitting a request via email and got my refund in 4 days.
Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Safari
| VPN | Has servers in | Unlimited data | Simultaneous devices | Proprietary protocol | Money-Back Guarantee |
| ExpressVPN | 105 countries | ✔ | 8 | ✔ | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | 100 countries | ✔ | 7 | ✘ | 45 days |
| Proton VPN | 3 countries | ✔ | 1 | ✘ | Free plan |
| Hotspot Shield | 3 countries | ✔ | 1 | ✔ | Free plan |
| hide.me | 8 countries | 10GB/month | 1 | ✘ | Free plan |
Encrypt Safari traffic with ExpressVPN
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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How to Choose the Best Free VPNs for Safari
When choosing a free VPN for Safari, I considered the following factors to ensure optimal performance, security, and a seamless browsing experience:
- Security and privacy features — I picked VPNs that have top-shelf security and privacy features like military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy.
- Server network — free VPNs often have limited servers, but I selected options with as much coverage as possible.
- Unlimited data — you should choose a VPN with no data caps or a generous data allowance.
- Speed — I ran multiple speed tests to ensure my top picks provide fast-enough speeds for data-intensive activities like UHD streaming and online gaming.
- Compatibility — all VPNs on my list have user-friendly Mac and iPhone apps, so you can browse Safari securely.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
3 Easy Steps to Use a Free VPN for Safari
- Download a VPN. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Safari because it has the largest global network and provides fast speeds for seamless and secure browsing.
- Connect to a server. Scroll through the list of servers or let the VPN choose one for you. I suggest using a nearby server for minimizing speed loss.
- That’s it! Now you can browse on Safari anonymously.
Pros and Cons of Using a Free VPN for Safari
Free VPNs are tempting, but you must be careful as the worst ones can put you at serious risk. Even the few safe VPNs on this list have limitations like data caps and congested networks. Here are a few pros and cons of using a free VPN for Safari:
Pros:
- Cost-effective security: Free VPNs provide a budget-friendly option for safeguarding your Safari browsing activities.
- Basic privacy protection: These VPNs offer encryption and IP address masking, enhancing your privacy while using Safari.
- Content access: Some free VPNs allow you to bypass regional restrictions, granting access to geo-blocked content on Safari.
Cons:
- Limited server options: Free VPNs often have few servers, which can result in slower speeds and restricted website access.
- Data limitations: Many free VPNs impose data caps, limiting your usage for activities like streaming or downloading large files.
- Potential privacy concerns: Some free VPNs may log your activities or share your data with third parties, raising privacy concerns.
- Advertisements and feature restrictions: Free VPNs may display ads and restrict certain features, potentially affecting your Safari browsing experience.
Free VPNs for Safari You Should Avoid
1. Betternet
This free VPN claims to offer unlimited bandwidth and speed, but it injects ads and trackers into your browser, which can slow down your browsing and compromise your privacy. It also does not support streaming or torrenting and has been accused of malware infection and DNS leaks in the past.
2. Hola VPN
Hola VPN is actually a peer-to-peer network that uses your device as an exit node for other users. This means that your IP address could be used for illegal or malicious activities by strangers, putting you at risk of legal troubles or cyberattacks.
3. SuperVPN
This free VPN has a very low rating on the App Store and for good reason. It has a lot of negative reviews from users who complain about its poor performance, frequent disconnections, and intrusive ads. It also doesn’t support streaming or torrenting, and it has been found to contain malware and spyware in its app.
Browse on Safari with ExpressVPN
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs on Free VPNs for Safari
Does Safari have a built-in VPN?
No, but it has intelligent tracking prevention that blocks cookies and prevents cross-site tracking. You’ll need a reliable VPN from this quick guide to completely hide your Safari traffic from prying eyes.
A VPN makes your Safari browsing activities invisible to potential surveillance by routing your data through an encrypted tunnel. It can also get past geo-restrictions by changing your IP address. However, I don’t condone violating any platform’s terms of service or local laws.
Are free VPNs for Safari safe?
Most of them are not. After extensive testing, I’ve picked the best free VPNs for Safari. While free VPNs are tempting, most of them either secretly log and sell your data to third parties or lack robust security and privacy features to keep you safe on the internet. The worst of them can even infect your device with malware.
Even if they’re safe, free VPNs suffer from crowded networks, slower speeds, limited bandwidth, and data caps. With such limitations, most free VPNs are just enough for casual browsing and not data-intensive activities like UHD streaming and online gaming.
What is the best free VPN for Safari to stream?
Proton VPN is the best truly free VPN to stream content on Safari. Unlike many other free options, Proton VPN has no data caps so you can stream unlimited content. However, its free plan has servers in only 3 countries, which isn’t ideal for accessing your home platforms while traveling.
In that case, I recommend using a premium VPN from this list to get global coverage. I prefer ExpressVPN as it has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries and delivers ultra-fast speeds for UHD streaming on multiple devices simultaneously.
Can I use a free VPN for Safari on my other devices?
Be mindful that many free VPNs have bandwidth limitations, so you might get slower speeds while browsing on Safari. Therefore, it’s important to carefully pick a free option that’s safe and offers good performance at the same time.
Will a free VPN for Safari slow down my internet?
Yes, all VPNs reduce connection speeds as they encrypt your data and route it through another location. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Safari as it minimizes speed loss over large distances with its advanced network infrastructure and proprietary Lightway protocol.
ExpressVPN isn’t technically free, but I prefer using it as it’s a small price to pay for peace-of-mind Safari browsing. Most free VPNs lack the necessary security and privacy features to keep you safe. Some even sell your data to third parties, and it’s notoriously difficult to find free options with genuine privacy policies.
Is it legal to use a free VPN for Safari?
Yes, but it depends on the country you’re in. Using a VPN is illegal in countries like Belarus, Oman, and North Korea. Even where it’s legal, you should choose a reputable VPN to get optimal security and privacy.
I suggest using a reliable VPN like CyberGhost free for 45 days with its money-back guarantee — just claim a refund before the period expires.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Get the Best Free VPN for Safari
While it has better privacy-focused features than most other browsers, Safari isn’t immune to potential privacy and security risks. Pairing Safari with a VPN is the best way to add an extra layer of browsing protection, but most free VPNs fall short. After thorough testing, I’ve identified the top free VPNs that offer performance, security, and privacy almost at par with premium options.
However, a paid VPN service like ExpressVPN still has the edge. It has more server options to access global content and provides faster speeds for data-intensive tasks. You can buy ExpressVPN with confidence with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Summary: These Are the Best Free VPNs for Safari in 2024
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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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