The Best Free Mac VPNs in 2024 — Tested & Safe
Reading time: 17 min
Updated on November 01, 2024
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Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Macs are inherently secure, but they aren’t foolproof. Even with the built-in safety and features like Private Relay, you need to get a VPN to remain safe and anonymous online. Otherwise, hackers could spy on your traffic or compromise your privacy.
Many free VPNs have issues, like limited server options, poor security, and slow speeds, but I’ve tested several options and found the best free macOS VPNs. These apps provide reliable safety, impressive connection speeds, and generous bandwidth allowances.
While some free VPNs are good, a top premium VPN like ExpressVPN is always the better choice. ExpressVPN maintains the fastest possible connection speeds, has many useful safety features, and never limits bandwidth. Plus, 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.
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Quick Guide: Best Free VPNs for Mac in 2024
- ExpressVPN — The #1 paid macOS VPN offering unbreakable protection, lightning-fast speeds, and a massive network of 3,000+ servers.
- Proton VPN — Offers unlimited data with its free plan, but it doesn’t allow manual server selection.
- Hotspot Shield — Provides fast connection speeds, but its free plan is ad-supported.
- hide.me — Allows access to the free plan without an account, but its connection speeds aren’t the fastest.
- TunnelBear — Includes all 46 server locations in the free plan but limits bandwidth to 2000MB/month.
The Best Free VPNs for Mac (Tested 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — The Top VPN for macOS With Impenetrable Security, Many Server Options, and Superfast Speeds
Key Features:
- Provides a massive network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Delivers superfast connection speeds for lag-free browsing and UHD streaming
- Ensures protection using AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and more
- Allows 8 simultaneous connections
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN for Macs. It requires a paid subscription, but the app’s massive server variety and superfast connection feeds make it superior to any free alternative. Additionally, it has advanced security features like the Threat Manager, which you won’t get with free VPNs.
The app’s network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries ensures you can easily avoid crowded servers. During tests, ExpressVPN maintained the fastest connection speeds of any VPN. I connected to servers in the US, UK, Germany, and Australia, and the average download speed drop was only 15% compared to my baseline speeds.
ExpressVPN also delivers industry-leading online security. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your connection and has the following for added safety, many of which aren’t available with free VPNs:
- Threat Manager — blocks trackers and malicious websites while surfing the web.
- Leak protection — prevents DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks to protect your privacy.
- Network Lock kill switch — stops internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, ensuring you remain anonymous.
- No-logs policy — ensures no identifying information or browsing logs are kept on ExpressVPN servers.
- Ad blocker — blocks annoying ads from loading.
- TrustedServer Technology — RAM-based servers that are wiped clean during scheduled reboots, meaning no user data is stored.
In contrast to free VPNs, which usually limit users to 1 device, ExpressVPN works on up to 8 devices simultaneously. Its beginner-friendly macOS app is easy to use, and you can configure ExpressVPN on your router to secure every device on your network.
The app also offers best-in-class customer support. ExpressVPN provides help via 24/7 live chat, email, and a detailed knowledge base. I always connected to a live chat agent within minutes during my tests, and all the agents gave helpful answers to my queries.
ExpressVPN is available for just /month if you get its 2-year + 4 months free plan. I consider it worth the cost, considering the app’s superfast speeds, impenetrable security, vast server variety, and other strengths. If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, you can request a full refund because the app is 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.
ExpressVPN works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
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2. Proton VPN — Provides Unlimited Bandwidth With the Free Plan
Key Features:
- Offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- Includes servers in the US, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan in its free plan
- Maintains safety and privacy with its AES 256-bit encryption and no-logs policy
- Has a user-friendly macOS app
- Provides email support for free users
Proton VPN’s free plan provides unlimited bandwidth, letting you enjoy uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and downloading on your Mac. Just sign up for a free Proton VPN account, log into the VPN app, and secure your connection. The free plan doesn’t allow manual server selection, but the helpful “Quick Connect” button automatically finds the fastest option.
You can connect to servers in the US, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan with Proton VPN free. This is a good variety that helps avoid overcrowding and ensures a nearby server location no matter where you are. During tests, my connection speeds dropped roughly 40% on nearby servers, but they were up to 65% slower on long-distance options.
To keep you safe and anonymous, Proton VPN offers the following:
- AES 256-bit encryption — secures your traffic against prying eyes trying to spy on you.
- No-logs policy — doesn’t keep logs of your activity on its servers.
- Kill switch — stops traffic if the VPN disconnects, ensuring you remain anonymous.
- Stealth protocol — obfuscates traffic to ensure safety in censorship-heavy regions.
Proton VPN’s free plan is impressive, but you can get extra features like its Secure Core servers, P2P support, and ad-blocking with its paid plans. You can get a premium subscription for as low as $2.99/month, which is an impressive value. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try Proton VPN without risk.
Proton VPN works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
3. Hotspot Shield — Delivers Consistently Fast Speeds Using the Catapult Hydra Protocol
Key Features:
- Delivers unlimited bandwidth in its ad-supported free plan
- Allows free users to connect to servers in the US, UK, and Singapore
- Uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect online activity
- Provides the Catapult Hydra protocol to maintain fast speeds without compromising safety
- Includes email support and helpful setup guides for free users
Hotspot Shield is among the fastest free macOS VPNs available. This is because it lets you use its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol with the free plan, which ensures safety without compromising speed. During tests, I only noticed a 30% download speed drop on the nearby UK server, but you should note that it dropped by 50% on the long-distance US server.
The free Hotspot Shield app lets you connect to US, UK, and Singapore servers. It’s not the biggest variety, but I didn’t experience overcrowding during my tests.
One downside is that Hotspot Shield’s free plan is ad-supported. Thankfully, it lets you watch multiple ads in a row to build a large data allowance, preventing interruptions later on.
Hotspot Shield also provides reliable online security on macOS using the following features:
- AES 256-bit encryption — stops hackers from monitoring what you’re doing online.
- No-logs policy — never keeps logs of your browsing activity on its servers.
- Kill switch — disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, keeping you anonymous.
- Leak protection — prevents IP, DNS, and other leaks that may compromise your privacy.
If you want to access Hotspot Shield’s full server network and lift all restrictions, you can get the app’s premium plan for as low as $2.99/month. There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee that lets you try Hotspot Shield risk-free.
Hotspot Shield works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
4. hide.me — Doesn’t Require an Account to Use the Free Plan
Key Features:
- Provides access to the free plan without requiring an account
- Offers servers in the US, UK, Netherlands, Finland, France, Germany, and Switzerland in the free plan
- Maintains good connection speeds for lag-free browsing
- Delivers protection with its AES 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, and more
- Allows free users to access the 24/7 live chat support
hide.me is among the easiest free VPNs to use on macOS. The app has a beginner-friendly design and you can start using it as soon as you install it — there’s no need to make an account.
With the app’s free plan, you can connect to servers in the US, UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Finland, and Switzerland. Note that hide.me isn’t the fastest free VPN available, as my connection speed slowed by up to 60% on average. However, the speeds were enough for lag-free browsing, and the unlimited bandwidth ensured no interruptions.
hide.me offers several tools to keep you safe online. Some of these include the following:
- AES 256-bit encryption — prevents third parties from snooping on your traffic.
- Kill switch — stops all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, protecting your anonymity.
- Multiple protocols — includes SoftEtherVPN, OpenVPN, and multiple other protocols.
I also like that hide.me’s free plan lets you access the 24/7 live chat. In my tests, I frequently contacted its live chat support when I needed help, and all the agents gave detailed responses to my queries.
For full access to all the app’s servers and premium features like SmartGuard, you can get hide.me for just /year with the 2-year + 3 months plan. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try hide.me risk-free.
hide.me works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, routers, and more.
5. TunnelBear — Allows Full Access to 46 Server Locations With the Free Plan
Key Features:
- Allows free users to connect to all 46 server locations
- Comes with a decent bandwidth limit of 2000MB/month
- Uses AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy for safety and privacy
- Offers decent connection speeds for uninterrupted browsing
- Has live chat support for free users
TunnelBear is the only free Mac VPN on this list that lets you access all its 46 server locations. This makes connecting to a nearby server and getting fast connection speeds easy. In my tests, my download speeds dropped an average of 40% on nearby servers, increasing to 60% on long-distance connections.
You’ll also get reliable safety with TunnelBear through the following security features:
- AES 256-bit encryption — encrypts your traffic to prevent hackers from spying on what you do online.
- VigilantBear — kill switch that stops your internet if the VPN is unstable.
- GhostBear — obfuscates traffic to improve safety and privacy in countries with high censorship.
The downside to TunnelBear’s free plan is that its bandwidth allowance is limited to 2000MB/month. So, you can’t use it for bandwidth-intensive tasks like UHD streaming and downloads. Thankfully, you can get TunnelBear’s premium plan for as low as $3.33/month to lift all restrictions.
TunnelBear works with: macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and more.
Easy Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Mac in 2024
| Unlimited Bandwidth | Ad-free | Server Countries | Device Limit | Doesn’t Require Signup | macOS Compatibility | |
| ExpressVPN | ✔ | ✔ | 105 | 8 | ✘ | macOS 13.12 and higher |
| Proton VPN | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | 1 | ✘ | macOS 10.12 and higher |
| Hotspot Shield | ✔ | ✘ | 3 | 1 | ✔ | macOS 10.12 and higher |
| hide.me | ✔ | ✔ | 7 | 1 | ✔ | macOS 10.12 and higher |
| TunnelBear | ✘ (2GB/month) | ✔ | 46 | unlimited | ✘ | macOS 11 and higher |
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 Free VPNs to Avoid and Why
Not every free VPN is safe to use. Free VPNs like the following either aren’t secure enough or have had various issues in the past, so you should avoid using them:
Opera VPN
Opera VPN isn’t a good choice for securing macOS activity because it only works on your browser, meaning it won’t secure online activity on other apps.
SuperVPN
Getting SuperVPN is dangerous because it’s been known to compromise user data. This app has been reported to have compromised millions of users’ login credentials, credit card details, and location information.
Turbo VPN
Turbo VPN is known to have malware embedded in its apps. Plus, it offers inadequate encryption and poor security features, meaning you shouldn’t consider it if you want reliable security on macOS.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best Free VPNs for Mac
I tested the best VPNs in 2024 against the following criteria to find the top free VPNs for macOS:
- Free plan — I picked VPNs that offer completely free plans you can get without any payment.
- Data allowance — I chose VPNs that offer generous data allowances or unlimited bandwidth on the free plan.
- Security — I selected VPNs offering impenetrable security using AES 256-bit encryption and other safety features.
- Connection speeds — I found VPNs that maintain fast connection speeds, even on their free plans.
- Server variety — I picked VPNs that offer a good variety of free servers to which you can connect.
- Ease of use — I selected VPNs with easy-to-use apps for macOS.
- Customer support — I prioritized VPNs that offer reliable customer support, even on their free plans.
FAQs: Fast and Secure Free VPNs for Mac
What’s the safest and fastest free VPN for Mac?
Do Macs come with a free built-in VPN?
What’s the best free VPN to access Netflix on Mac?
Is there a good free VPN for torrenting on Mac?
Does a free Mac VPN work on iOS, Apple TV, and iPad?
Is there a free VPN browser extension for Safari?
Is there a free VPN browser extension for Chrome?
Can I get a free VPN for Mac without a credit card or subscription?
Yes, you can get all of the top free Mac VPNs without a credit card or subscription. Additionally, some of them don’t even require you to make an account, meaning you can just download their app and instantly start securing your connection.
If the choices in this list don’t meet your requirements, there are some other reliable free VPNs are worth considering.
How do I change my IP address on Mac?
Protect Your Mac With a Quality VPN
Even with all the inherent security measures, you need to get a quality Mac VPN to protect yourself online. VPNs use unbreakable encryption and features like leak protection to ensure you remain safe and anonymous while surfing the web on your macOS device.
After extensive testing, I’ve found and listed the best free Mac VPNs above. These apps offer unbreakable protection, good connection speeds, and generous bandwidth allowances. Plus, they let you choose from various server locations, making it easy to find an uncrowded nearby server location.
While all the above free VPNs are effective, the best way to stay safe online is with a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. With ExpressVPN, you get industry-leading security, lightning-fast connection speeds, and a massive network of 3,000+ servers. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Top VPNs for Mac With Money-Back Guarantees
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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