If you need a free VPN for Mac, you’ll find several options—but keep in mind that free services come with limitations. While they won’t match the performance of paid VPNs, some offer decent functionality for basic browsing.
All the VPNs listed here support macOS, including both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and most also work on Windows, making them useful for cross-platform users.
The Downsides of Free VPNs
Free VPNs have significant drawbacks compared to paid alternatives:
- Data caps – Most impose monthly limits (often 10GB or less).
- Speed throttling – Free users get slower connections.
- Fewer server locations – Limited choices, often restricted to a few countries.
- Privacy risks – Some free VPNs log user data or show intrusive ads.
- Security concerns – A 2024 study found that 40% of free VPNs contained malware.
- No customer support – Free users typically can’t get help with connection issues.
If you need a VPN for streaming (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc.), strong privacy protection, or high-speed browsing, a paid VPN is a much better choice.
Free vs. Paid VPNs
Running a reliable VPN service requires servers, encryption, and ongoing maintenance—which is why most free VPNs cut corners. Paid VPNs offer:
- Unlimited data & faster speeds
- More server locations (including optimized streaming servers)
- Stronger privacy policies (no logging, no ads)
- Better security (malware-free, leak protection)
- 24/7 customer support
For Mac users, NordVPN (currently 72% off) and other premium services provide far better performance than free alternatives.
How We Picked the Best Free VPNs for Mac
We evaluated free VPNs based on:
Mac compatibility – Native support for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) preferred.
Generous data limits – At least 10GB/month for usable browsing.
Speed & reliability – No excessive throttling.
Privacy policies – Strict no-logs policies and strong encryption.
Safari support – Works smoothly with macOS’s default browser.
Extra features – Split tunneling, kill switches, or ad-blocking.
Best Free VPNs for Mac in 2025
1. Hide.me – Best Overall Free VPN
10GB/month – No ads, no speed throttling.
Native Apple Silicon support – Optimized for M-series Macs.
Strict no-logs policy – Based in privacy-friendly Malaysia.
10 simultaneous connections – More than most competitors.
24/7 support – Rare for a free VPN.
Only 5 server locations in the free version.
Split tunneling requires a paid plan.
Get Hide.me Free
2. PrivadoVPN – Best for Privacy
10GB/month – Resets every 30 days.
Based in Switzerland – Strong privacy laws.
12 global servers – More options than most free VPNs.
No-logs policy – Doesn’t track user activity.
No split tunneling.
No native Apple Silicon app (runs via Rosetta).
Try PrivadoVPN Free
3. ProtonVPN – Best Unlimited Free VPN
Truly unlimited data – No monthly caps.
Swiss-based – Strong privacy protections.
Native Apple Silicon app – Smooth performance.
Only 3 server locations (US, Japan, Netherlands).
Slow speeds – Paid users get priority.
No streaming support (Netflix/YouTube blocked).
Download ProtonVPN Free
4. Hotspot Shield – Fast but Limited
500MB/day (15GB/month) – Decent for light browsing.
Military-grade encryption – Same as paid version.
Easy-to-use Mac app.
Ads in free version.
US servers only.
No Apple Silicon optimization.
Get Hotspot Shield Free
5. Windscribe – Best for Flexibility
10GB/month (with email sign-up).
11 server locations – Good global coverage.
Works as a Chrome extension (with ad-blocker).
Speeds can be inconsistent.
Logs minimal connection data.
Try Windscribe Free]
6. TunnelBear – Most User-Friendly
Simple, intuitive interface.
Independently audited for security.
20 server locations – More than most free VPNs.
Only 500MB/month – Very restrictive.
No Apple Silicon native app.
Download TunnelBear Free]
Comparison Table
| VPN | Free Data | Server Locations | Apple Silicon Support | No-Logs Policy |
|—————|———–|——————|———————–|—————-|
| Hide.me | 10GB/mo | 5 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| PrivadoVPN| 10GB/30d | 12 | ❌ No (Rosetta) | ✅ Yes |
| ProtonVPN | Unlimited | 3 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hotspot | 500MB/day | US only | ❌ No (Rosetta) | ❓ Limited logs|
| Windscribe| 10GB/mo | 11 | ❌ No (Rosetta) | ❓ Basic logs |
| TunnelBear| 500MB/mo | 20 | ❌ No (Rosetta) | ✅ Yes |
Does Google Offer a Free VPN for Mac?
Google briefly offered Google One VPN but discontinued it in 2024. It was a basic service ($9.99/month) that only encrypted traffic—no server switching or streaming unblocking.
Final Verdict
If you need a temporary, lightweight VPN, Hide.me and ProtonVPN are the best free options. But for long-term use, a paid VPN (like NordVPN at 72% off) is far more reliable.
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