Top 10 Best Free VPN for Mac in 2024 (Free + Paid)

Do you ever use the internet in public places like coffee shops or airports? This can be risky because anyone might be able to see your information! A VPN can help protect your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic. This makes it look like your information is coming from a different location, hiding your real location and internet address.

VPNs are useful for more than just safety on public Wi-Fi. They can also be used to unblock websites and streaming services that are restricted in your area. But there are many different VPNs out there, so how do you choose the right one?

To choose the Best Free VPN for your specific needs, we will explore some of the best free VPN options for Mac computers. We will also introduce you to Elephas, a powerful AI writing assistant that can help you supercharge your Mac productivity. 

Even though a VPN can shield your online activity, Elephas can help you with the other half of the equation: streamlining your workflow and creating high-quality content. So let's learn more about those.

Best Free VPN for Mac at a Glance 

• ExpressVPN: Best overall VPN for Mac users, with excellent speeds, security, and ease of use.

• NordVPN: Excellent value for Mac users with a focus on security and streaming content.

• CyberGhost VPN: Great choice for affordable streaming and secure browsing on Mac.

• Surfshark VPN: Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited connections, fast speeds, and good security.

• ProtonVPN: Unlimited data and strong security for basic browsing and email on Mac.

• Windscribe: Unlimited connections and decent speeds for occasional VPN use on Mac.

• Hide.me: Supports torrenting on Mac, but with limited data and slow speeds.

• TunnelBear: User-friendly interface with strong security and access to all server locations, but with a data cap.

• Hotspot Shield: Unlimited data on Mac, but limited to US servers and logs your IP address.

• PrivadoVPN: Excellent speeds, strong security, and unblocks streaming services, but with limited data (10GB) and only allows one connection.

Top 10 Best Free VPNs for Mac at a Glance 

1. Express VPN 

Express VPN while not entirely free, provides exceptional value for Mac users giving the best possible VPN experience. It offers blazing-fast speeds, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface, making it the perfect choice for Mac users of all experience levels. It offers top-notch features, making it a great choice for Mac users. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free and see for yourself why it outshines most of the best free VPN for Mac options.

Express VPN Key Features 

• Blazing-fast speeds: Enjoy seamless streaming, lag-free gaming, and unrestricted browsing with minimal speed drops.

• Unparalleled security: Protect your online activity with bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

• Stream anything, anywhere: Access geo-blocked content and enjoy your favourite streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ from anywhere in the world.

• Split Tunnelling (macOS 10.15 or below): Choose which apps use the VPN and which use your local network for optimal control.

• Dedicated router app: Secure all your devices connected to your router with a single click.

• Advanced Protection: Block ads, trackers, malware, and even adult sites for an extra layer of security while browsing.

• ExpressVPN Keys: Generate strong passwords and log in to websites securely with this built-in password manager.

• User-friendly app: The intuitive interface with a quick-connect button makes it easy to use, even for beginners.

• M1 and M2 chip compatibility: Optimized for the latest Macs, ensuring smooth performance and efficient battery life.

Express VPN Pros 

• Unbeatable speeds

• Excellent security features

• Reliable streaming and torrenting

• User-friendly interface

• M1 and M2 chip compatibility

Express VPN Cons 

• It is not a completely free VPN (but offers affordable plans with a money-back guarantee)

Express VPN Pricing 

• Paid Plan starts at $8.32/month

Express VPN Reviews 

2. Nord VPN 

NordVPN is a leading VPN provider offering robust security, exceptional speeds, and user-friendly features. It has a massive network of over 5,300 physical servers across 60 countries, ensuring a smooth and reliable connection. It excels in unblocking streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, making it a great choice for content enthusiasts. While not a free service, NordVPN frequently runs promotions that bring the price down significantly, especially with longer-term plans.

Nord VPN Key Features 

• Massive Server Network: Over 5,300 servers in 60 countries provide exceptional global coverage for smooth connections.

• Blazing-Fast Speeds: Enjoy buffer-free streaming and speedy downloads with NordLynx, built on the efficient WireGuard protocol.

• Unmatched Security: Military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy safeguard your online privacy.

• Connect Everything: Secure up to 6 devices simultaneously, including your Mac, phone, tablet, and more.

• Effortless Setup: Get started quickly with intuitive apps and a user-friendly interface.

Nord VPN Pros 

• Excellent speeds for streaming and browsing

• Powerful security features and strong privacy practices

• Unblocks major streaming services

• Easy to use with user-friendly apps

• Generous connection allowance (up to 6 devices)

Nord VPN Cons 

• Not a free VPN service (although discounts are frequent)

• Can be slightly more expensive than some competitors

Nord VPN Pricing 

• Paid Plan starts at $4.39/month

Nord VPN Reviews 

3. CyberGhost VPN 

CyberGhost VPN doesn't offer a traditional free plan, However it lets you try its full-featured service completely free for 24 hours. No credit card needed! This gives you enough time to test if CyberGhost meets your needs before committing. Also, you can grab significant savings by opting for longer plans. You can consider CyberGhost if you prioritize a smooth and secure browsing experience on your Mac at low costs. 

CyberGhost VPN Key Features 

• Stream Like a Pro: Access 50+ streaming services with ease, including 15+ Netflix libraries and more. Forget geo-restrictions and enjoy your favorite shows from anywhere.

• Blazing Speeds: Experience smooth browsing and streaming thanks to CyberGhost's high-speed servers.

• Security Made Simple: The user-friendly Mac app makes it easy to connect and secure your connection. Plus, enjoy features like Content Blocker to keep you safe from malicious websites (available even in the free trial).

• Smart Customization: Automate your VPN experience with Smart Rules. Set up preferred servers and app launches for a seamless workflow.

• M1/M2 Chip Compatibility: Enjoy optimized performance on your latest Mac with native M1/M2 chip support.

CyberGhost VPN Pros

• Excellent for Streaming

• Easy-to-use Mac App

• Free 24-Hour Trial

• 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee

• Affordable Long-Term Plans 

CyberGhost VPN Cons 

• No true free plan

• No Split Tunneling on macOS

CyberGhost VPN Pricing 

• Paid Plan starts from $1.98/month

CyberGhost VPN Reviews

4. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is a virtual private network (VPN) provider that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. With a vast network of servers in over 94 countries, Surfshark allows you to securely connect to the internet from virtually anywhere. Its user-friendly apps make it easy to get started, even for non-technical users. It should be noted that the price may increase after the initial term, so check the latest pricing before subscribing.

Surfshark VPN Key Features 

• Extensive Server Network: Connect from over 3,000 servers across 94 countries for global access and optimal performance.

• Unlimited Devices: Secure all your devices simultaneously, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and even routers.

• Blazing-Fast Speeds: Enjoy smooth streaming and browsing thanks to the efficient WireGuard protocol and RAM-only servers.

• Unparalleled Security: Strong encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch safeguard your online privacy.

• Multi-Hop: Route your connection through two VPN servers for an extra layer of security and anonymity.

• 24/7 Customer Support: Get help whenever you need it with their responsive customer service team.

Surfshark VPN Pros 

• Very fast speeds thanks to the WireGuard protocol

• Easy to use apps for various devices

• Unblocks popular streaming services

• Secure RAM-only servers

Surfshark VPN Cons 

• Kill switch customization limited

• Renewal price can be higher

Surfshark VPN Pricing 

• Paid Plan starts from $2.19/month

Surfshark VPN Reviews 

5. Proton VPN

ProtonVPN is one of the Best Free VPNs for Mac with a generous data allowance and strong security features. However, if you need to bypass geo-restrictions, access streaming services, or connect multiple devices, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan. ProtonVPN also has a strong security focus, with a kill switch and IP leak protection to keep your Mac browsing private. Plus, its Swiss headquarters are located in a country with exceptional privacy protection laws.

Proton VPN Key Features 

• Unlimited Data: Stream and browse freely without worrying about hitting data caps.

• Open-Source and Audited Apps: Trustworthy and secure thanks to open-source apps that have been independently audited.

• Fast Speeds: Enjoy good speeds for browsing and streaming content.

• Multiple Protocols: Choose from OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, or Proton's Stealth protocol for maximum flexibility.

• Strict No-Logs Policy: ProtonVPN has a proven no-logs policy that has been independently audited.

• Kill Switch and Leak Protection: Ensures your online activity remains private even if the VPN connection drops.

• No Ads: Free from annoying in-app advertisements.

Proton VPN Pros 

• Unlimited data for unrestricted browsing and streaming.

• Strong security features to keep your data safe.

• Open-source apps for transparency and trust.

• Multiple protocols for optimal performance.

• Kill switch for added security.

Proton ​VPN Cons 

• Limited server locations (only 5 countries).

• No choice of server location (automatic connection).

• Doesn't support torrenting or streaming services on the free plan.

• Only allows 1 device connection at a time.

Proton VPN Pricing 

• Paid Plan Starts at $4.86/month 

Proton VPN Reviews 

6. Windscribe

Windscribe is a great Best Free VPN for Mac option if you need a VPN with unlimited connections, a good server network, and fast speeds for occasional use. However, if you need unlimited data, you might be better off with a different provider. While it doesn't offer unlimited data, it makes up for it in other ways.

Windscribe Key Features 

• Unlimited Connections: Connect as many devices as you want simultaneously, perfect for protecting your entire household.

• Strong Server Network: Choose from 14 server locations across 11 countries to bypass geo-restrictions and enhance your online privacy.

• Surprisingly Fast Speeds: Enjoy high-speed connections for browsing and streaming, even on the free plan.

• Unblocks Streaming Services: Access your favourite streaming platforms like UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer, even from abroad (availability subject to change).

• Open Source & Privacy-Focused: Windscribe is open-source and doesn't require an email address to create an account, maximizing your privacy.

Windscribe Pros 

• Unlimited simultaneous connections

• More server locations than most free VPNs

• Unblocks some streaming services

• No limitations on speed

• No email address is required to create an account

Windscribe Cons 

• Limited data allowance (10GB per month)

• Experienced a data breach in 2021

Windsc​ribe Pricing 

• Paid Plan stars from $5.75/month

Windscribe Reviews 

7. Hide.me

Hide.me Free VPN is a mid-tier service that offers a good balance of features and functionality for Mac users looking for a free option. It provides a decent 10GB of data per month, access to five server locations, and P2P support, making it a Best Free VPN for Mac contenders for those who prioritize torrenting. However, its limited data, slow speeds, and single-device connection make it less attractive than some competitors.

Hide.me Key Features 

• 10GB of Free Data Monthly: This is enough for basic browsing and email, but heavy users will likely burn through it quickly.

• P2P Friendly: Hide.me is one of the few free VPNs that allows torrenting on its free plan.

• Limited Server Network: With servers in just 5 countries, your options for location spoofing are restricted.

• Advanced App Features: While it might seem complex to beginners, Hide.me offers a lot of customization options for experienced users, like split tunneling and a kill switch.

• Mediocre Speeds: Free plan users experience slower speeds than paying customers.

Hide.me Pros 

• Free, unlimited data with no ads.

• Supports torrenting (P2P).

• Decent speeds for basic tasks.

• User-friendly macOS app with advanced features.

Hide.me Cons 

• Limited data (10GB per month).

• Slow speeds compared to paid VPNs.

• Only allows connection on 1 device.

• Limited server locations (5).

• Complex interface for beginners.

Hide.me Pricing 

• Paid Plan starts from $2.59/month

Hide.me Reviews 

8. Tunnel Bear 

TunnelBear is a great Best Free VPN for Mac that offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features to keep your browsing safe and private. With TunnelBear, you can connect to servers in 47 countries with a free account, giving you access to a wide range of content. The free plan also includes AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your data secure.

Tunnel Bear Key Features 

• Free Servers in 47 Countries: Connect to servers around the world for free with the TunnelBear free plan.

• User-Friendly Interface: TunnelBear's app is easy to use, even for beginners. With a single click, you can connect to a VPN server and start browsing securely.

• Strong Security: TunnelBear uses AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your data safe.

• No Speed Limits: Unlike some free VPNs, TunnelBear doesn't limit your speed.

• GhostBear: This feature 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.

Tun​nel Bear Pros 

• Easy to use

• No speed limitations on free plan

• Strong security features

• Free plan includes access to all server locations

Tunnel Bear Cons 

• Previous minor security breach

• 2GB/month bandwidth limit

Tunnel Bear Pricing 

• Paid plans start at $3.33 per month

Tunnel Bear Reviews 

9. Hotspot Shield 

Hotspot Shield is a decent Best Free VPN for Mac option for those who are looking for a way to browse the internet privately and securely without breaking the bank. However, the limitations of the free plan, such as limited server locations and no customer support, may be dealbreakers for some users.

Hotspot Shield Key Features 

• Unlimited Data: Unlike most free VPNs that limit your data usage, Hotspot Shield offers a truly unlimited plan. This means you can browse, stream, and download as much as you want without worrying about hitting a data cap.

• Easy to Use: Hotspot Shield's Mac app is clean and well-designed, making it easy to use even for beginners.

• Decent Speeds: Hotspot Shield provides good speeds on its free plan, so you shouldn't experience any slowdowns while browsing the web.

• Split Tunneling: The free plan includes a split-tunneling feature that allows you to choose which apps go through the VPN tunnel and which ones don't.

Hotspot Shield Pros 

• Unlimited data

• Easy to use

• Decent speeds

• Split tunneling

Hotspot Shield Cons 

• Limited server locations (US only on free plan)

• Logs your IP address (free plan)

• No customer support (free plan)

• Annoying ads (free plan)

Hotspot Shield Pricing 

• Paid Plan starts from $7.99/month

Hotspot Shield Reviews 

10. Privado VPN

PrivadoVPN is a great option for users looking for a best free Mac VPN with strong security features and excellent streaming capabilities. It offers a generous 10GB of data per month at full speed, with unlimited data available at a slower 1 Mbps speed after that. While it has some limitations, like only allowing one connection at a time, it outshines many free VPNs with its speed, security, and server selection.

Privada VPN Key Features 

• Unblocks Streaming Services: Unlike many free VPNs, PrivadoVPN Free reliably bypasses geo-restrictions to access streaming services like Netflix US, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer.

• Blazing-Fast Speeds: With WireGuard encryption and a focus on efficient server management, PrivadoVPN Free has some of the fastest speeds among free VPNs.

• Security Features Galore: PrivadoVPN Free doesn't skimp on security. It includes a kill switch and always-on VPN functionality to protect your data and privacy.

• Split Tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which uses your regular internet connection, ensuring a smooth browsing experience.

• Easy-to-Use Apps: The Mac app is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to connect to a VPN server and start browsing securely

Privada VPN Pros 

• Excellent speeds for a free VPN

• Strong security features

• Unblocks popular streaming services

• Easy to use

Privada VPN Cons 

• Limited data (10GB at full speed)

• Only allows one connection at a time

• No Linux GUI app (command line only)

Privada VPN Pricing 

• Paid Plan Starts from $1.99/month

Privada VPN Reviews 

What is a VPN?  

A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server. Encryption is like a special code that makes your data unreadable, like scrambling a message with a secret key. By using a VPN, your internet traffic appears to come from the VPN server's location, masking your actual location and internet protocol (IP) address.

Think of your IP address as your digital fingerprint on the internet. It reveals your general location and can be used by websites and apps to track your online activity. A VPN hides your IP address, making it seem like you're browsing the web from a different place.

Why is VPN important?

VPNs offer several benefits that can enhance your online security and privacy. Here's a breakdown of why you might want to consider using a VPN:

1. Surfing Safely on Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks, like those at coffee shops or airports, are convenient but can be risky. They're often unsecured, meaning anyone lurking on the network could potentially intercept your data. A VPN encrypts your information, making it unreadable even on public Wi-Fi, protecting your passwords, emails, and browsing activity from snooping eyes.

2. Boosting Your Online Privacy: With a VPN, your online activity becomes more anonymous. Websites and advertisers can't easily track your movements across the web, making it harder for them to build a profile on you and target you with personalized ads.

3. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Some websites and online services restrict access based on your location. For example, a streaming platform might offer different content depending on your country. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in another location, potentially granting access to regionally restricted content.

4. Securing Remote Work: If you work remotely and connect to your company's network, a VPN adds an extra layer of security. It encrypts your communication with the company server, safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access.

5. Overall Security Enhancement: A VPN isn't a silver bullet for online security, but it's a valuable tool. It encrypts your data, protects your privacy on public Wi-Fi, and can help you bypass geo-restrictions.

How to Select the Best Free VPN for Mac 

There are many of the best free VPNs for Macs. We understand that finding the perfect free VPN for your Mac that fits your needs can be a challenge. So try considering these factors before you select the Best Free VPN for Mac.

It is important to remember that free VPNs may not be as secure or reliable as paid VPNs. They may also have limitations on data usage, speed, and server locations. If you need a VPN for critical tasks, such as online banking or business use, it is best to choose a paid VPN service

Our Selection Criteria to choose the Best Free VPN for Mac

We researched and tested a wide variety of free VPNs for Mac compatibility, keeping in mind the specific needs of Mac users. Here are the factors we considered most important:

• Security and Privacy: We looked for VPNs with strong encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and leak protection to ensure your online activity remains confidential.
  

• Speed and Performance: Free VPNs can sometimes be sluggish. We prioritized VPNs that offered decent connection speeds to avoid lagging while browsing, streaming, or downloading.
  

• Server Network and Location Variety: A wider server network provides more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from different regions.
  

• Data Limits and Functionality: Some free VPNs have limitations on data usage or features. We considered these restrictions and aimed to find options that offered a good balance of functionality and value.
  

• Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is crucial, especially for non-technical users. We looked for VPNs with intuitive Mac apps that are easy to navigate and connect with. 

Best Free VPN for Mac According to Reddit

There is no answer that we cannot find on Reddit. So, to get more information and the Redditors' opinions on the Best Free VPN for Mac, we have made a Reddit post and asked Redditors what they think is the best free VPN for Mac, and the suggestions are quite surprising. Let's see what they have suggested for the best VPN for Mac.

Privacy-Focused Options

• Mullvad: Praised for its strong focus on privacy, user-friendly interface, and multiple payment options (geraltofrivia783, GudPonzu, AwakeAndAmused, sinanbozkus, Cataracts). However, Fresco2022 points out that Mullvad lacked split tunneling on macOS until a recent beta update (M4NIC_MOND4Y).

• ProtonVPN: Seen as a secure and trustworthy option with a good reputation (dhanespurohit, lascala2a3).

Other Top Contenders

• NordVPN: A popular choice with a large server network, although some Redditors expressed concerns about its size and recent practices (3gaydads, amerpie).

• Windscribe: A budget-friendly option with a good server selection, though blusrus cautions about its limited countries compared to Mullvad. (sinanbozkus, beyondthetech).

• PIA (Private Internet Access): A well-established VPN mentioned by WrongUserID.

Other Interesting Options

• Self-hosted VPN: Kamino_Ramos and I1lII1l suggest setting up a self-hosted VPN for ultimate control and privacy, though it requires some technical expertise.

• Tailscale + Mullvad addon: This combination was mentioned by mw_morris for its seamless integration and background functionality.

Remember, this is just a starting point based on a Reddit thread. It's always best to do your own research and consider your specific needs before choosing a VPN service.

Elephas: The AI Assistant to Supercharge Your Mac Productivity

While a VPN can shield your online activity and enhance your browsing experience, for many Mac users, the true key to productivity lies in optimizing their workflow. Here's where Elephas, a powerful AI writing assistant, comes in.

Imagine a scenario where you've secured your connection with a VPN, but you're still bogged down by repetitive writing tasks, struggling to overcome writer's block, or yearning to elevate the quality of your communication. This is where Elephas steps up as your secret weapon

• Create Engaging Content in a Flash: With Elephas' Smart Write feature, you can generate high-quality content for emails, reports, social media posts, and more, all starting from just a few keywords or prompts.
  

• Effortlessly Overcome Writer's Block: Elephas' Continue Writing feature acts as your invisible writing partner, it can seamlessly pick up where you left off and generate the next logical sentences or paragraphs to keep your ideas flowing.
  

• Wave Goodbye to Grammatical Errors: With Elephas, you can ensure your writing is polished and professional with Elephas' Grammar Fixes feature. It can identify and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, saving you the time and hassle of proofreading.
  

• Easy Respond: You don't need to waste time creating replies to emails and messages. Elephas' Smart Reply generates personalized and contextual responses in various tones, allowing you to maintain a professional yet efficient communication style.
  

• Repurpose Content with Ease: Elephas can help you to effortlessly repurpose blog posts, emails, and other materials for different platforms and audiences.
  

• Power of Your Knowledge: Elephas' Super Brain feature integrates seamlessly with your documents, notes, and research, enabling it to generate content customized to your specific expertise.
  

• Write in Your Unique Voice: Elephas understands the importance of a distinct writing style. With Personalised Tones, you can train Elephas to mimic your preferred tone and voice, ensuring your writing retains its authenticity.
  

• Automate Repetitive Tasks: Elephas' Snippets feature allows you to create custom prompts for repetitive tasks like data extraction, code snippets, or structured documents. Save time and streamline your workflow with this ingenious functionality.

Elephas' capabilities extend beyond your Mac. With the Elephas AI Keyboard for iPhone and iPad, you can leverage many of these features on the go, ensuring uninterrupted productivity and exceptional writing, wherever you are.

While a VPN safeguards your online privacy, Elephas helps you take your Mac productivity to the next level. With its comprehensive suite of AI-powered features and intuitive interface, Elephas is the ultimate tool for anyone seeking to streamline their writing process, craft high-quality content, and expand their creative potential.

Conclusion 

In summary, choosing a VPN can protect your online privacy and unblock websites. For a better and quicker selection process, check out the best free VPN we mentioned in our list. Here are some things to consider when choosing a VPN: security, speed, server locations, data limits, how many devices you can connect, and customer support. Free VPNs may have limitations compared to paid VPNs.

Elephas can help you write more efficiently on your Mac. It can help you with writer's block, fix grammar mistakes, and generate different creative text formats. Elephas also has a mobile app so you can use it on your iPhone or iPad.

If you want to improve your online privacy and writing productivity, consider using a VPN and Elephas.

FAQs

1. Is a free VPN OK? 

Free VPNs often lack robust security features and may collect and sell user data. While they can offer basic protection, they generally aren't as reliable or secure as premium services.

2. Does Mac come with a free VPN? 

No, macOS devices do not come with a built-in VPN. Users need to download and install third-party VPN applications to secure their connections.

3. Is VPN safe for Mac? 

Yes, using a reputable VPN on a Mac is safe and enhances security by encrypting internet traffic and protecting against data interception. Ensure the VPN provider has a strong privacy policy.