The Best Free VPN for Mac (that actually works)!

Looking for a cheap yet reliable way to protect your Mac online? We have conducted our VPN tests, this time on free version, and compiled the best free VPN for Mac to secure your daily life online!

The Best Free VPN for Mac (that actually works)!

In a world where our digital footprints are constantly being tracked and monitored, protecting our online privacy has never been more important. Using a VPN is one way to safeguard our personal information from hackers, government surveillance, and evil corporations looking to profit from our data.

But while VPNs can help us stay safe and anonymous online, it’s crucial to choose a reliable and trustworthy provider. Free VPNs, in particular, can pose a higher risk to our security. So when choosing a free VPN for Mac, it’s important to consider factors such as encryption, security protocols, and no-log policies, amongst multiple other things.

Additionally, some free VPNs may have limitations such as slower speeds, data caps, and limited server options. While these may be acceptable for casual browsing, they can hinder performance for streaming services and gaming. As such, it’s important to choose a free VPN that meets your specific needs.

The following free vpn mac providers offer varying levels of security, features, and server locations. However, they’re cut from the same cloth when it comes to pricing, with no gimmicks. 

Obscured VPN – Offers fast and secure browsing with no data logging. Simple and easy to use, but limited server locations with a 10 GB data cap. Our personal favorite on the list of the best VPN for mac free for a reason! 

Windscribe – Provides strong security features and a generous 10GB/month data allowance. Comes with a built-in ad and tracker blocker, but can be slow at times.

ProtonVPN – Offers unlimited bandwidth and no data logging. Total server locations in 60+ countries, but limited features in only 3 servers in the free version.

NordVPN – Highly secure and user-friendly VPN with a generous 7-day free trial. Provides access to 5000+ servers in 60+ countries, but can be expensive after the trial.

Surfshark – Provides fast speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections, and strong security features. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN – offers fast speeds and strong encryption with access to servers in 90+ countries. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, but expensive after the trial.

Ultimately, choose the one that best suits your needs, however, remember to prioritize your online security and privacy. 

Best Free VPN for Mac 2024 – Detailed Analysis

Here are the top free VPN for mac os x el Capitan down to Mac OS X Server 1.0. Besides the pricing, we kept security and privacy priority. Here’s what we came up with after thorough testing, audits, and long conversations with each VPN’s customer support.  

Obscured VPN:

obscured vpn for mac

Obscured VPN offers a no-logs policy, ensuring that user data is not recorded or monitored. It uses OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols to encrypt user data and AES-256 encryption to ensure that user data remains secure and private.

In our testing, we found that Obscured VPN was relatively fast, although some users may experience slower speeds during peak usage times. Other than that, it worked blazingly fast as we continued to seamlessly stream Netflix and play “Lost Ark” at speeds faster than our expectations. 

Obscured VPN is compatible and has designated apps for Windows, Android, and iOS as well as other operating systems. There are 4 server locations available in the free plan for Android and iOS and 14 free server locations for Windows users. 

We tested Obscured’s speed and checked for any data leaks or other security vulnerabilities on a 100 Mbps connection. We received quick and awesome speeds each time with a reduction of only 15-20%, which is more than what you can hope for from a free VPN.  

Windscribe:

Windscribe free vpn for mac

Windscribe, like Obscured VPN, offers a no-logs policy. This ensures that user data is not recorded or monitored, however, its Canadian headquarters rings alarms for privacy-seeking customers due to its part in the 5 Eyes intelligence. 

Windscribe uses AES-256 encryption and strict security features like ROBERT, the perfect anti-malware and ad-blocking tool. Besides that, every new Windscribe user is given a Free membership with 2GB of monthly VPN bandwidth. However, you will be promoted to the Free 10GB per month plan as soon as you add and verify your email address.

Canada, Romania, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland are available in a free VPN plan but on an upgrade, 480 servers can be unlocked. Rest assured, this is just the best free VPN for mac Reddit users would readily vouch for! 

In our testing, we found that Windscribe was up to par, not above and not less than how we imagined a free VPN to be. It is compatible with tablet, iPhone, Amazon FireTV, iPhone, and Android device systems.

ProtonVPN:

protonvpn free vpn for mac

ProtonVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws. This free unlimited VPN for mac offers a no-logs policy and has Secure Core, which routes user traffic through multiple servers for enhanced security.

ProtonVPN uses state-of-art, military-grade AES-256 encryption and top-of-the-line security protocols, including Wireguard. When we tested ProtonVPN’s security standards using multiple verified tools and internal audits, there were no data leaks or other security vulnerabilities found.

ProtonVPN is compatible Firefox, Chrome, Safari,· Edge, Opera, iOS, Safari: 12.2 · Chrome for Android, and UC for Android, Windows, iOS, and all Android devices. Upon connecting ProtonVPN’s US servers, we observed that Netflix was inaccessible. 

NordVPN:

nordvpn free vpn for mac

The VPN uses double encryption to keep user data secure. The VPN uses double encryption to keep user data secure. NordVPN’s IKEv2/IPsec protocol employs NGE (“next-generation encryption”). AES-256-GCM, SHA2-384, and PFS (Perfect Forward Secrecy) with 3072-bit Diffie-Hellman keys are used to produce phase 1 keys.

The groundbreaking technology behind NordVPN, the NordLynx VPN, is the WireGuard® VPN protocol. It enhances VPN connection speeds without sacrificing security or privacy, and it facilitates quicker connections to NordVPN servers.

In addition to its main VPN functionality, NordVPN also offers ad-blocking and virus detection as optional extras. Up to six devices may be secured with a single NordVPN subscription, ensuring your online safety at all times. When it comes to quickness, safety, privacy, and user-friendliness, NordVPN is your best bet.

In our testing, we found that NordVPN was particularly fast, with minimal buffering and lag times. NordVPN is compatible with all operating systems, even those that do not have a built-in VPN system. It is also reliable when it comes to accessing platforms like YouTube, Netflix,  BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney Plus, the DAZN channel, and more. 

Surfshark:

surfshark free vpn for mac

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that was launched in 2018 and is based in the British Virgin Islands. It is one of the best free VPN for safari which offers a range of security features, including strong encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy.

Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption and supports a range of security protocols, including Wireguard, OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. It offers a kill switch feature that prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops. 

Moreover, Double VPN, or Dynamic MultiHop allows you to simultaneously connect to two separate VPN servers. These are often situated in several nations and have already been chosen for you. 

Surfshark has a strict no-logging policy, allows unlimited simultaneous connections, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. All this means that you can protect all of your devices at once with a single account and get a full refund after 30 days of use if you want. 

Surfshark’s performance on streaming services is generally good, with the ability to unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It also has quick download speeds, making it a good option for gaming. Although you may find some servers slower, the key is to pick the right one. 

ExpressVPN:

expressvpn vpn for mac at a money back guarantee

ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN provider that has been in business since 2009. It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and offers a range of security features, including strong encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy.

ExpressVPN uses AES-256-CBC encryption and supports a range of security protocols, including Lightway and OpenVPN. Suffice it to say, we call it the best free VPN for mac cracked on reasonable grounds. 

It offers a kill switch feature that prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Furthermore, a strict no-logging policy makes sure your data or record of online activities aren’t stored, let alone be used against you. 

ExpressVPN allows up to five simultaneous connections, which means that you can protect up to five devices at once with a single account. Its ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services is impressive, with the ability to unblock popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its first-time users and a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS users. This is how you can avail of this free VPN for mac m1 at absolutely no charge. 

Are Free VPNs for Mac Safe to Use?

As much as we all love freebies, we should also be aware that even the best free VPN for mac comes with a catch. While some free VPN services may offer decent privacy and security features, others may be downright dangerous. 

These services may log user data and sell it to third parties, leaving user privacy at risk. In addition, these VPNs may not use the best encryption protocols or have security vulnerabilities that could put users in danger. Moreover, free VPNs may not offer reliable customer support either, which could be a problem if users run into technical difficulties.

Suffice it to say, it’s crucial to research the provider’s privacy policy and terms of service thoroughly. You’ll want to know what data is being collected and how it is being used. 

Privacy Risks Of Free Mac VPNs

Privacy is a precious commodity in the digital age, and free VPNs may be putting that at risk. One of the biggest privacy risks associated with free Mac VPNs is that they may log user data, such as online activity and IP addresses, and sell it to third-party advertisers or other companies. This can compromise user privacy and potentially expose sensitive information to malicious actors.

Another potential privacy risk with free VPNs is the chance of a DNS leak. This can happen when a VPN fails to mask a user’s IP address correctly, revealing their true location and potentially exposing their online activities.

Some free VPNs may have vague or misleading privacy policies. This can make it tough for users to understand how their data is being used. To protect your privacy when using a free Mac VPN, be sure to read the provider’s privacy policy carefully. Consider using a reputable VPN service that has been independently audited for privacy and security.

Security Risks to Your Mac with Free VPN

We all want to keep our Macs safe and secure. Unfortunately, free VPNs may not provide the best security features. One of the most common risks is that free VPNs may use weaker encryption protocols, making them vulnerable to attacks from hackers or other malicious actors.

Additionally, free VPNs may not have robust security features, such as a kill switch or malware protection. This could leave users open to potential cyber threats.

Another security risk associated with free Mac VPNs is the possibility of malware or other security threats being bundled with the VPN software. Some free VPNs may come with adware, spyware, or other types of malicious software that could infect a user’s computer and compromise their security.

To protect your Mac from security risks when using a free VPN, choose a reputable provider that uses strong encryption and offers additional security features, such as a kill switch and malware protection. Keep your Mac software up to date, and use antivirus software to protect against potential malware threats. Remember, your digital security is worth investing in!

How to Download a Free VPN on My Mac? – Do’s and Don’ts

By following these dos and don’ts, you can safely download and use a free VPN on your Mac. 

Do’s:

Before downloading any free VPN for your Mac, research the different options available online. Read reviews, check the privacy policy, and ensure the VPN has a good reputation and strong security measures in place. Also, ensure the free VPN you plan to download is compatible with your Mac’s operating system.

Remember to only download the VPN from the official website of the provider or from a trusted app store like Apple’s App Store. Avoid downloading from third-party websites as they may bundle malware or other malicious software with the VPN and go for a VPN provider that has been independently audited for privacy and security. Check the provider’s website for third-party security certifications to ensure their services are legitimate.

Once the VPN is downloaded, verify its authenticity by checking the app’s digital signature. This ensures that the app has not been tampered with and is safe to use.

Don’ts:

First and foremost, avoid free VPN services that log your data and sell it to third parties. Read the provider’s privacy policy to ensure they do not store or sell your data. Secondly, do not use outdated VPN software as it may have security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Ensure you have the latest version of the VPN app installed.

Do not ignore security warnings that may pop up when downloading or installing a VPN. Take them seriously and follow any instructions provided. And most importantly, avoid using multiple VPNs simultaneously as they may conflict with each other and cause network issues. This could easily lead to bigger problems. 

How to Choose a Risk-Free Mac VPN

Choosing a risk-free Mac VPN is crucial to ensure your online security and privacy. 

  1. No-Logs Policy: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy. This means that the VPN provider does not collect, store, or share any of your online activity or personal information. This is a critical factor in ensuring your online privacy.
  2. Strong Encryption: Look for a VPN with strong encryption standards like AES 256-bit encryption, which is currently the most secure standard for data encryption. This ensures that your data is protected from hackers and other malicious actors.
  3. Server Locations: The more server locations a VPN provider has, the better. This allows you to connect to a server in a location of your choice, giving you access to content that may be blocked in your region. Additionally, having more server locations ensures that you have a fast and reliable connection.
  4. Speed: Check the speed of the VPN before subscribing. Make sure the VPN you choose provides a fast and reliable connection without compromising on security.
  5. Reputation: Do your research and choose a VPN provider with a good reputation in the market. Read reviews, check online forums, and research the provider’s history before subscribing.
  6. Compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with your Mac operating system. This is important as some VPNs may not work on all operating systems.
  7. Customer Support: Select a VPN service that provides live round-the-clock customer support. This ensures that you can get help if you encounter any issues while using the VPN.

Conclusion

In today’s hyper-connected world, online privacy and security are more important than ever. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming the latest episode of your favorite show, or simply browsing the web, it’s essential to keep your online activities safe. Luckily, there are free VPN options available for Mac users discussed in the article. 

But let’s be real: with so many VPN services on the market, it can be overwhelming to sift through the noise and determine which one is the best free VPN for Mac. 

FAQ:

Yes, there are free VPN services available for Mac. However, these services often come with limitations such as slower speeds, data caps, and limited server options. Free VPNs may also pose a higher risk to your online privacy and security, as they may log and sell your data to third parties.

There are VPN services that offer a limited version for free, but there are no 100% free VPNs. VPN providers need to maintain their servers and infrastructure, and this requires funding. Some VPN providers may offer free trials or money-back guarantees, but these are temporary and limited offers.

To set up a free VPN on your Mac, you will need to download and install a free VPN app from a trusted provider. Once installed, you can launch the app and connect to a server of your choice. However, keep in mind that free VPNs may have limitations and security risks.

Yes, Apple has built-in VPN support on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. You can configure a VPN connection by going to System Preferences > Network > + > VPN. However, you will need to subscribe to a VPN service to use this feature.

No, Safari does not offer a free VPN. However, you can use a VPN service to encrypt your Safari browsing data and protect your online privacy and security.

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