Best Free VPNs for Mac in 2025

At a Glance

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online travels from attacks and from being monitored across the web. Although an outside observer (like your Internet Service Provider or the government) can see that you’re connected to the internet (and in some cases, that you’re connected to a VPN provider), they can’t see what you are actually doing while connected to the VPN.

A VPN also has the ability to assign a fresh IP address to your connected device. Since an IP address can identify your geographical location, a VPN’s IP address-spoofing capabilities give it the ability to make it appear as if you’re connecting from a different part of the world. This gives you access to geo-blocked content you might not normally have access to.

VPNs for Mac

There are over one hundred VPNs for the Mac in the Mac App Store alone. Plus, there are hundreds more VPNs that are available outside of the Mac App Store. Some of these VPNs are “free” VPNs.

Free VPNs are attractive because, well, they’re free. But are they really? While using a free Mac VPN might seem like a great way to save money, it rarely is. Nearly every “free” VPN comes with “gotchas,” like a lack of true privacy, slow connections, and limited data caps.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using a free VPN with your Mac, and I’ll also share how you can get free VPN service from a reliable paid VPN provider. This is especially attractive if you’re only going to need VPN protection for a short time.

Below, I discuss the top six best VPNs for use with your Mac and how you can try their features for free.

How to Use a VPN With Your Mac

To protect your Mac with a VPN, do the following:

1. Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice (NordVPN is my top choice).
2. Install the provider’s macOS app to protect all of your online activities. You can also install a browser extension (if available) for your favorite browser to provide quick protection for your browsing sessions.
3. Log into the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server and connect to it.
5. Enjoy your newly incognito online life.

WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE?

All of the VPNs on this list offer fully-featured risk-free trials. You can use these VPNs with no restrictions for at least a month. This is an excellent opportunity to try any of the reliable providers on this list with no risk whatsoever.

Best “Free” VPNs for the Mac

I ran numerous top VPN providers through a series of testing hoops to discover which was the best option for the Mac. I use an M1 Mac mini as my daily driver, so much of my testing was conducted in real-life day-to-day usage conditions.

I found that the six providers listed below offered the best risk-free VPN service for Mac:

1. NordVPN: Top-ranked VPN provider for Mac. Offers a 30-day, risk-free, money-back-guaranteed trial of their services. The provider offers excellent device compatibility, a large global server network, fast and well-protected private connections, and more.
2. Surfshark: Best low price VPN for Mac. This fast-growing VPN provider offers an excellent level of service for a low, low price. In addition to an ever-growing global server network, Surfshark offers fast connections, comprehensive online protection, and compatibility with popular devices. Offers a 30-day, risk-free money-back trial period.
3. ExpressVPN: Best premium VPN for Mac. This provider’s 30-day, risk-free money-back guarantee offers the chance to see if the provider’s admittedly expensive services are right for you. The provider does an excellent job of protecting your online activities, and provides reliable access to geo-blocked content.
4. CyberGhost: Best VPN for rookie Mac users. Offering an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, this provider offers access to its massive global server network, excellent online security and privacy, options for most popular devices, and much more, all through an easy-to-use app.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA provides comprehensive online protection, keeping your online activities incognito, while providing reliable access to geo-controlled content around much of the globe. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. PrivateVPN: Petite but powerful VPN network. This provider’s global server network is definitely on the small side. That said, the network provides fast and well-protected connections to content in the countries that it serves and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

I evaluated and ranked these VPNs using the following criteria:

• Risk-free money-back guarantee
• macOS app availability
• Strong security and privacy protections
• Fast connections with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
• A large, global network of servers
• Top-notch customer support

Here are my top six picks for the best “free” VPNs to use with your Mac.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is my top pick in this gang of six, thanks to its top-notch VPN protection and enhancement.

The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription options, making it an excellent way to try out its VPN services at no risk.

NordVPN’s macOS app provides top-notch online security and privacy protections, blocks malware and ads, and offers access to obfuscated servers in numerous locations around the globe.

The provider’s apps go easy on your Mac’s resources, performing well for all online activities. Users of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers can make use of the provider’s browser extensions.

Apps are also available for most other popular device platforms, including Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, and Android TV. Up to six devices can be simultaneously connected to NordVPN servers, and you can connect more if you take advantage of the provider’s compatibility with numerous router brands.

All NordVPN connections are protected by the use of military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. A strict no-server-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin payment option should put to rest any privacy concerns.

NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers keep third-party operators away from your personal information. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to an actual hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is totally wiped from the server whenever it is shut down or rebooted.

Speaking of NordVPN connections, the provider’s download speeds are blazingly fast, easily delivering enough bandwidth for HD and 4K streaming, fast-moving gaming, and sharing large files (depending on your usual connection speeds, of course). No data caps or bandwidth restrictions to worry about when using this provider.

NordVPN’s global server network isn’t as large as that of some providers. However, it certainly has nothing to be ashamed of in this department, with close to 5,600 servers located in 60+ countries. The provider limits P2P file sharing activity to a select number of their servers.

NordVPN provides email support, 24/7 live support chat, and a searchable support library.

THE BEST “FREE” MAC VPN:NordVPN delivers top-notch VPN protection for a reasonable price. The provider’s excellent macOS app allows users to easily give the service a try. The service delivers fast, well-protected connections and offers comprehensive customer support. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription options.

The provider’s Mac app is easy to install and use. The app puts only a small hit on your Mac’s precious system resources. The provider also offers Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions. Apps are also available for most other popular device platforms, including Windows, Android (dedicated IPs are available for Android devices for an extra monthly fee), iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV. The provider offers compatibility with numerous router makes and models.

The provider’s unlimited concurrent connections allowance means you’ll never run out of protection for all of your devices.

All Surfshark connections are protected by banking-level AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and tracker blocking is also available, as is malware and phishing protection. The provider’s optional MultiHop option routes your internet connection through two VPN servers for added security and anonymity.

A strict no-server-logs policy and the provider’s acceptance of multiple forms of cryptocurrency ensure your privacy is well protected. The provider joins NordVPN and ExpressVPN in running all of its servers only from volatile RAM, so all data is securely wiped when the servers are restarted or shut down.

Surfshark’s speedy connections can handle all of your favorite online activities, be it video streaming, video conferencing, online gaming, or even sharing large files. Plus, no data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about with this VPN.

The provider’s fast-growing global server network currently stands at 3,200+ servers stationed in 100+ countries. Many of those servers are optimized for P2P file sharing.

Around-the-clock support includes a 24/7 live chat option, searchable support documents and FAQ section, and a support contact form.

MARVELOUS FOR BUDGET-MINDED MAC USERS:Surfshark’s comprehensive online protection and privacy for Mac users, all at a bargain-basement price, make it an attractive VPN option for budget-minded online users. An unlimited simultaneous connections allowance makes it even more attractive. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its admittedly expensive subscription plans.

The provider’s Mac app installs quickly and puts very little strain on your Mac’s system resources. The app offers a useful “Smart Location” feature that quickly connects to the best-performing server in your country. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, and Firefox platforms. The provider also offers apps for Windows, Android, Android TV, iOS, Amazon Fire, and Chromebook device platforms.

Apps for most other popular device platforms are available, as are extensive router features. ExpressVPN offers a somewhat miserly simultaneous connection allowance of up to five devices.

ExpressVPN keeps your online activities undercover thanks to its use of government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, as well as IP/DNS leak and automatic kill switch protections. Your privacy is protected just as well thanks to the service’s no-logs policy and Bitcoin subscription payment option.

Also, the provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs all operations from RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive. This means all information is wiped upon every server reboot or shutdown.

ExpressVPN offers excellent connection speeds, the fastest I saw in recent testing. The provider is an excellent choice for streamers, gamers and file sharers, and it never puts a damper on things with data caps or bandwidth restrictions.

ExpressVPN has an impressive global server network, with 3,000+ servers located in 94+ countries.

The service’s customer support offerings include 24/7 live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a do-it-yourself troubleshooting and support library.

RELIABLE “FREE” VPN PROTECTION FOR THE MAC:ExpressVPN offers expensive, yet flexible and reliable VPN protection for your Mac. The provider’s easy-to-use apps, fast connections, tight encryption and optimal privacy protections add up to a good return on investment. While the provider is priced on the high side, a 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a no-risk option.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for its one-year, two-year, and three-year subscriptions. However, one-month subscribers have a significantly shorter time to make a final buying decision, having only 14 days to ask for a refund.

CyberGhost is an excellent option for new macOS users or those new to the use of VPNs. It provides one-click access to VPN protection and offers quick access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers. App options are available for numerous other popular device platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire.

Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and they are free. The free extensions allow access to only eight servers in four countries and don’t generally access Netflix and other streaming services – but they are free.

A rather generous seven concurrent connections allowance should be enough for many users. If not, they can take advantage of the provider’s extensive router compatibility.

The provider’s connection protections include military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak prevention, as well as ad and malware blocking, and the ability to force websites to use HTTPS if available.

CyberGhost protects its users’ privacy via its strict no-log collection policy and Bitcoin payment option for subscriptions.

The provider’s fast download speeds provide plenty of bandwidth for gaming, streaming audio and video, downloading and sharing files, and any other online activity. No worries about data caps or bandwidth restrictions clamping down on the fun.

CyberGhost’s massive global server network includes 9,000+ servers, which are stationed in 90+ countries around the world. CyberGhost does allow P2P traffic. However, such traffic is limited to a select number of servers.

The VPN provider’s support options include a live support chat option, a searchable support catalog, and a trouble ticket tracking system.

BEST VPN FOR NEWBIE MAC VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use yet powerful Mac app makes it a great option for first-time VPN users or those new to the Mac platform. Fast, well-protected connections offer comprehensive access to geo-blocked content via its massive global server network. A 45-day money-back guarantee makes trying this provider a no-risk proposition.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to content around much of the globe and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The PIA global server network boasts 3,300+ servers located in nearly 85 countries.

The provider keeps its customers’ online travels undercover with banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and kill switch protection. Ad, tracker, malware, and dangerous website blocking are also available.

PIA saves no records of your online antics while you’re connected to their servers, providing usage privacy. The provider also accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment, offering payment privacy. Use a disposable email address to subscribe to PIA and you’ll score additional payment privacy.

PIA provides comprehensive native app support for macOS, as well as options for most other popular devices, including Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser protection are also available. The provider’s extensive router compatibility protects all of your connected devices. This also allows you to connect more devices than the provider’s 10 simultaneous device limit allows.

While the provider’s connection speeds are certainly not the fastest on this list, they can still easily handle popular online activities like high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and more. PIA never spoils the fun with daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth throttling.

PIA’s customer support offerings include a live chat option, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE GLOBAL VPN PROTECTION:Private Internet Access’ above-average-sized server network delivers fast, reliable connections to geo-fenced content. PIA provides comprehensive connection protection, preventing your online activities from being monitored. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s global server network has 200+ servers spread among 60+ countries, so its global server network is admittedly not a huge one. However, the network does provide reliable access to content in the areas where it has its servers located. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

This provider’s fast, well-performing connections provide more than enough bandwidth for high-def video streaming, gaming, and file sharing. Depending on your usual unprotected connection speeds, of course.

PrivateVPN protects its users’ connections with banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and more. A proprietary “Stealth VPN” feature hides a customer’s VPN use by disguising it as normal browser traffic.

PrivateVPN follows a strict no-server logs policy, so there are no records to be found of your online activities while connected to the provider’s encrypted servers. Meanwhile, a Bitcoin payment option keeps your subscription information undercover.

App support is limited to the big four device platforms (Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows). No browser extensions are available. The provider does offer manual setup instructions for Linux devices and select routers.

The provider allows 10 concurrent connections per customer.

PrivateVPN’s customer support options include live chat, a support request form, and an FAQ support section.

TINY BUT MIGHTY VPN:PrivateVPN’s network is considerably smaller than most of its competitors. That said, it provides reliable access to content in the areas where it has servers located. The provider’s fast, well-shielded connections can easily handle your favorite online activities. The provider’s Stealth VPN protection provides additional security and privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Mac

When shopping for the best VPN to use with your Mac laptop or desktop, keep the following features in mind while making a decision:

• Connection speeds: When it comes to online activities, a fast connection is your friend. The VPNs on this list are all more than fast enough to handle your favorite online pastimes.
• Global server network: The larger your favorite VPN’s global server network, the better access you’ll have to geo-protected content around the world. Also, it’s an advantage for a provider to have multiple servers in the countries it serves. Multiple servers in a single country help prevent individual servers from being hit with too many connections.
• Value: A VPN service provider’s true value can be determined by comparing its asking price to the features and performance it offers. The VPNs I included on my list offer a good return on investment.
• Ease of use: A VPN should offer app support for as many popular connected devices as possible. A VPN’s apps should also be easy to use. Each VPN on this list offers intuitive apps for multiple popular devices.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should, at the very least, protect its users’ connections with banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-server-user-logs policy is also a must. All VPNs on this list offer these protections and more.
• Streaming: Streaming video and music are arguably two of the most popular online activities on the internet. The providers on this list offer fast, reliable access to Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, and other popular streaming services.

The above information doesn’t make up everything I research. It makes up only a part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology, which provides a data-driven understanding of these VPNs and their services. This allows me to recommend VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs and activities.

Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for My Mac?

VPNs that claim to be completely free have numerous drawbacks and restrictions, making them not remotely free.

Free VPNs make you pay for their services by stealing your time, your personal usage data, and more.

Many “free” VPNs make their customers pay by monitoring and recording their online travels and then selling that information to the highest bidder.

Still, other freebie providers have been caught inserting ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. (And those cookies keep on tracking your online travels, even when you’re not connected to the VPN’s network.)

What you give up for “free” VPN service doesn’t end there. These VPNs are also inconvenient to use.

You may be forced to cool your heels in a virtual waiting room before being allowed to connect to a server. Once you’re given the okay to connect, you’ll either find that you have only a small number of countries you can connect to, or that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing.

Once you do finally connect, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds are greatly throttled and that you will have to deal with daily or monthly data caps.

As you can see, “free” VPNs have hidden costs. These costs can end up costing you much more than just the few bucks you’ll spend on a paid VPN.

Conclusion

Mac users who are considering using a “free” VPN are strongly advised to investigate the hidden costs of such services, as well as the reliable protection available from paid VPNs.

All of the Virtual Private Network providers mentioned in this article offer a risk-free money-back guarantee. This offers a no-risk opportunity to try these VPNs, ensuring their services are up to snuff.

A quality VPN provider protects your online security and privacy, keeping no logs of any kind and never injecting unwanted tracking cookies into your browser sessions. These VPNs also provide reliable access to geo-blocked content, while not slowing your connection speeds to an unusable level.

Mac users would do well to investigate the services that NordVPN offers. The provider offers fast connections for your Mac from a large global server network, providing reliable access to your favorite geo-blocked content around the globe.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Free VPNs for Mac FAQs