We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

5 Best Free VPNs for Mac & Safari: Safest Downloads (2025)

James Everard Updated on August 12, 2025 Fact-checked by Christine Johansen Former Senior Writer

Finding a reliable free VPN for your Mac requires careful consideration. While Apple devices have basic built-in security, they're still vulnerable to cyber threats and data tracking. Many free VPNs lack critical security features to keep your Mac and Safari sessions secure. Some even contain malware that can compromise your device.

My team and I tested 45+ VPNs to identify which free services are actually safe and work on Mac. While many free VPNs failed to launch on newer macOS versions, we found a few up-to-date and trustworthy options. Still, they all come with restrictions on data, speed, and server access. You might want to consider a premium, paid VPN and use its money-back guarantee to try it out.

Be advised. The VPNs we recommend all follow no-logging policies that prevent them from viewing or recording your online activities. That means you’re entirely responsible for how they’re used. My team and I don’t condone any form of copyright infringement. We ask that you please use these VPNs lawfully and follow the T&Cs of any platforms you utilize.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Mac and Safari VPN Features

The table below compares essential features of free VPNs that work well with Mac and Safari. I focused on aspects like macOS compatibility, security features, and browser integration to help you choose the right VPN for your Apple devices.

Speed Rating Mac Compatibility Monthly Data Limit Server Locations Registration Required? Browser Extensions Free Trial or Free Plan?
🥇Proton VPN Very fast macOS 11+ Unlimited 6 locations (fastest only) Yes Chrome, Firefox Free plan
🥈Hotspot Shield Fast macOS 11+ Unlimited 5 locations No Chrome, Firefox Free plan
🥉hide.me Average macOS 10.12+ Unlimited 8 locations Yes Chrome, Firefox Free plan
TunnelBear Fast macOS 10.13+ 2GB 47 locations Yes Chrome, Firefox, Edge Free plan
Avira Phantom VPN Average macOS 10.13+ 500MB or 1GB with registration Nearest only on macOS, 36 on iOS No Chrome, Opera Free plan
Most Affordable Premium VPN
Our Score: 9.3
Our list consists of safe providers, but all free VPNs have their limitations. Many free options outside of our list aren’t responsible for your data. There are numerous shady free services that sell customer data to make money. Although our list of VPNs won’t do that, they do have smaller server networks, slower speeds, and data caps. You might want to try an affordable premium VPN like Surfshark. Its prices begin at $1.99/month for its longest offer, and all purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also has a user-friendly Mac app, unlimited data, and fast speeds for browsing on Safari.

Best Free VPNs for Mac and Safari — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. Proton VPN — Unlimited Free Data for Uninterrupted Protection on Mac

Best Feature No data caps for unlimited secure browsing on macOS
Server Network 6 free server locations that provide safe connections
Data Limit and Speeds Unlimited data with speeds of 211.05 Mbps
Free Trial Free plan with no credit card required

Proton VPN's free plan gives Mac users unlimited monthly data. During our testing on macOS Sonoma, we used over 50GB of data browsing, streaming, and downloading files without hitting any restrictions. This sets it apart from other free VPNs that typically limit you to 500MB to 10GB per month, which you can burn through in a few hours of normal usage.

Screenshot showing the Proton VPN app over YouTube streaming on a browserProton's free VPN app protected hours of viewing on the Safari browser

I was impressed by the performance of Proton VPN's free servers on a MacBook Pro. We got speeds of 211.05 Mbps from our nearest server. The native Mac app handled the connection smoothly, with CPU usage staying below 3% even during peak usage. That allowed us to browse and stream seamlessly while maintaining a secure connection.

The free plan delivers solid privacy credentials that match Proton VPN's paid version. It uses the same AES 256-bit encryption and secure protocols like WireGuard, which gave us safe and smooth Safari browsing during my tests. All servers operate under Proton VPN's strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited. The Mac app also includes a reliable kill switch that protected my real IP when I simulated network drops for testing.

The main limitation of the free plan is that it doesn’t let you choose your server from its 6 free locations. The positive of this is that the app automatically connects you to the fastest server. We found this actually helped maintain consistent speeds by preventing users from overloading specific servers.

Useful Features

  • No in-app ads. The free version stays clean and uncluttered, funded by paid users rather than advertising.
  • Reliable customer support. Technical assistance is available through email, even for free users, with detailed Mac-specific setup guides.
  • 100% open-source. All apps undergo regular security audits, with code publicly available for transparency.
  • Choice of protocols. Switch between WireGuard, Stealth, and IKEv2 to optimize your connection based on network conditions.
Price
$3.59/month (2-year plan)
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Customer Support
24/7 live chat
Proton VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Unlimited monthly data
  • Reputable privacy practices and features
  • Fast speeds near and far
  • Only nearby server connection
  • No P2P support

2. Hotspot Shield — Speed-Optimized Proprietary Protocol for Lag-Free Connections

Best Feature Proprietary Hydra protocol optimized for smooth performance on Mac
Server Network 5 free server locations with load balancing
Data Limit and Speeds Unlimited data with speeds of up to 122.04 Mbps
Free Trial Free plan

Hotspot Shield's Hydra protocol delivered good speeds on an M1 MacBook Air. The protocol automatically optimizes for your Mac's hardware — during testing, we noticed lower CPU usage compared to standard VPN protocols like IKEv2.

Screenshots of speed tests alongside the Hotspot Shield appAdmittedly, Hotspot Shield's upload speeds of 5.38 Mbps aren't as good

The free Mac app focuses on simplicity with a clean interface that matches Apple's design language. One click connects you to the optimal server, while the built-in speed test helps monitor your connection performance. During our tests, Hotspot Shield’s automatic server selection consistently chose low-latency connections suitable for video calls and streaming. It offers most security essentials, though it lacks a kill switch.

While being US-based raises some privacy concerns, Hotspot Shield only collects anonymized data. The free version also shows ads in the Mac app, which can be distracting. However, these ads help support the unlimited data allowance — a fair trade-off compared to the strict data caps of other free VPNs like TunnelBear and Avira.

Useful Features

  • Support via FAQ and email. Detailed Mac-specific setup guides and responsive email support for technical issues.
  • Ideal for gaming from the US. Low-latency connections optimize online gaming performance on Mac.
  • Auto-reconnect. Automatically restores your VPN connection if it drops, maintaining privacy without manual intervention.
Price
$7.99/month (Yearly subscription)
Money-back guarantee
45 Days
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
Hotspot Shield Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Speed-optimized Hydra protocol
  • Unlimited monthly data
  • Supports torrenting traffic
  • Ad-supported
  • Logs anonymized data
  • Limited streaming abilities

3. hide.me — Feature-Rich Free VPN With Safari Support

Best Feature Advanced customization options for tech-savvy Mac users
Server Network 8 free server locations with P2P support
Data Limit and Speeds Unlimited data with speeds up to 50.37 Mbps
Free Trial Free plan (requires monthly reactivation)

hide.me provides advanced customization that tech-savvy Mac users will appreciate. While testing hide.me, I could fine-tune protocol settings and connection preferences through its intuitive macOS interface. You get three protocol options — WireGuard performed best for general use, while OpenVPN provided extra security for sensitive tasks like online banking.

Screenshot showing the hide.me app and Settings panelActivate the kill switch and "Launch on system startup" in hide.me's Settings panel

Unfortunately, its speeds are on the sluggish side; the fastest we got was 50.37 Mbps. However, the native Mac app handled protocol switching smoothly, with CPU usage staying under 5% even when multitasking. This optimization helped maintain good battery life while keeping connections secure.

While hide.me doesn't work with many streaming platforms, it fully supports P2P traffic. We tested this by downloading several public domain files via BitTorrent while connected to its free Netherlands server. Speeds remained consistent throughout the transfers, though keep in mind that after you’ve used 10GB of data, you can’t select a server manually.

Useful Features

  • Split tunneling. Route specific Mac apps through the VPN while others use your normal connection. This can help reduce speed loss, as you’re only encrypting what’s necessary.
  • 24/7 live support. Technical assistance is available round-the-clock, with detailed Mac-specific troubleshooting guides. This is a rare feature for a free VPN.
  • Auto-connect rules. Set custom rules for when the VPN activates based on network conditions or specific apps.
Price
$3.84/month (26 Months + 2 Free Months)
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Customer Support
24/7 Live Chat Support
hide.me VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Tons of customizable security features
  • Unlimited monthly data
  • Free servers in 8 locations
  • Capped speeds
  • No server selection after 10GB of data

4. TunnelBear — User-Friendly Free Mac VPN for Beginners

Best Feature Simple, intuitive interface perfect for VPN newcomers
Server Network 47 free locations
Data Limit and Speeds 2GB monthly data with speeds of up to 172.29 Mbps
Free Trial Free plan

TunnelBear's Mac app prioritizes simplicity with an interface that feels natural to Apple users. During testing, TunnelBear’s minimalist design made connecting to servers effortless — just click on a country on the map, and you're protected. This straightforward approach is ideal if you're new to VPNs and don't want to deal with complex settings like those available with Proton VPN.

Screenshot showing the TunnelBear appYou can choose a location from the animated app or from a server list

The free version gives you access to at least 1 server in each of its 47 locations, which is unusually generous for a free VPN. Our nearest server offered 172.29 Mbps. These speeds easily supported browsing and email on a MacBook Pro.

While being based in Canada (within the 5 Eyes Alliance) raises privacy concerns, TunnelBear publishes annual transparency reports and undergoes yearly independent security audits. The modest 2GB data allowance isn’t much for data-intensive tasks, like streaming. However, the simple setup process makes it worth considering for Mac users who need occasional VPN protection.

Useful Features

  • GhostBear. Masks your data to look like regular internet traffic, useful for networks that block VPNs.
  • VigilantBear. Prevents data leaks during connection drops by blocking all internet traffic until protection is restored.
Price
$3.33/month (3 Years)
Money-back guarantee
0 Days
Customer Support
Email support
TunnelBear VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Free servers in 47 countries
  • Works with some streaming platforms
  • Fun, quirky app design
  • Only 2GB of monthly data
  • Doesn't offer apps for some devices
  • Not router compatible

5. Avira Phantom VPN — Simple Free VPN for Basic Mac Security

Best Feature Straightforward protection for casual Mac users
Server Network Nearest only on macOS, 36 locations on iOS
Data Limit and Speeds 500MB (1GB with email registration), speeds of 104.60 Mbps
Free Trial Free plan

Avira Phantom VPN provides basic security features in a simple Mac interface. The minimalist design strips away complex settings, focusing on one-click protection. During our tests on a MacBook Air, connecting to the nearest server took just seconds, although speeds of 104.60 Mbps make it among the slower on the list.

Screenshots showing the Avira Phantom macOS and iOS appsThe free app also includes a malicious site and content blocker

While the mobile version offers multiple server locations, the free Mac app only connects to your nearest server. The automatic connection delivered more consistent speeds than hide.me, which lets you choose servers. Its simplicity also means the app lacks advanced features like split tunneling or a kill switch.

The free plan includes a modest 500MB monthly data allowance, which you can increase to 1GB by registering with your email. Though restrictive for streaming or downloads, this quota suffices for basic web browsing and checking email securely.

Useful Features

  • Network detection. Identifies untrusted WiFi networks to suggest enabling protection.
Price
$5.99/month (Avira Phantom VPN Pro Mobile)
Money-back guarantee
60 Days
Customer Support
Email support
Avira Phantom VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Unlimited simultaneous devices
  • Access to 36 countries on mobile
  • No signup required
  • Max 1GB monthly data (with email signup)
  • No kill switch

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for Mac

First, we ensured that each VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and offers the essential security features to keep your Mac and Safari activity safe. We also focused on each VPN's compatibility with modern macOS versions and Safari integration. This included checking performance on both Intel and Apple silicon Macs, measuring CPU usage, and evaluating battery impact.

Although we couldn’t find a trustworthy, free VPN extension for Safari, we tested the extensions with other browsers, like Chrome. Plus, we tested the speeds and overall quality of each VPN’s connections for various online activities. We use standardized protocols to provide accurate, current information for all our tests. For a detailed breakdown of our testing process, visit our methodology page.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Mac Aren’t Safe

Mac users need to be particularly cautious with free VPNs. While Apple devices have robust built-in security, an untrustworthy VPN can bypass these protections and expose your data. We've thoroughly tested the VPNs in this list to verify they maintain Mac's high security standards.

Here are the main risks of using untrusted free VPNs on your Mac:

  • Incompatibility with Apple silicon. Some free VPNs haven't updated their apps for M1/M2 Macs, causing performance issues and potential kernel panics.
  • Malware risks. Several free Mac VPNs, like Flash VPN and Rabbit VPN, were found bundled with malware that could bypass macOS security. These VPNs often request excessive system permissions to install hidden trackers.
  • Data collection and sales. Many free VPNs collect sensitive information like browsing history and app usage data from your Mac, then sell it to advertisers. For example, UFO VPN was caught exposing millions of user activity logs despite claiming a "no-logs" policy. I recommend using a VPN with a verified no-logs policy.

Quick Guide: How to Download a Free Mac VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN.
    I recommend Proton VPN since it’s one of the only truly safe and privacy-friendly free VPNs. On top of its excellent reputation, it also comes with unlimited data, and it offered surprisingly fast speeds during our MacBook Pro tests.
  2. Connect to a server.
    Select a nearby server location from the Mac app for optimal performance.
  3. Start browsing safely.
    Your Mac traffic is now protected, so you can browse privately through Safari or any other browser.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Mac and Safari

Is there a Safari VPN extension that's free?

Though free Safari VPN extensions exist, I recommend using a full VPN app instead. Browser extensions only encrypt Safari traffic, leaving your email clients, messaging apps, and other Mac applications vulnerable.

Does Mac have a built-in free VPN?

No, macOS doesn't include a built-in VPN service. While Mac has Private Relay through iCloud+, this isn't a true VPN — it only works in Safari and doesn't let you choose server locations. For comprehensive protection across all apps and browsers, you'll need a dedicated VPN service.

Which is the best free Mac VPN with unlimited data?

That depends on why you want a VPN. A few of the options listed above have unlimited data, but since they’re completely free, they limit you in other ways. A better option is to go for a low-cost premium VPN with a money-back guarantee.

What's the best free VPN for M1/M2?

Proton VPN is the best free provider for Apple Silicon Macs. It supports M1/M2 devices with its free app that comes with no data caps. While it has limitations like a smaller server network and missing features (like split tunneling), it has surprisingly solid speeds for a free VPN.

Are any free Mac VPNs reliable for streaming?

Free VPNs offer limited streaming capabilities on Mac. The free version of Proton VPN allows safe access to some popular platforms. It also comes with unlimited data usage, so you can stream as long as you want. However, the premium version can securely access many more platforms and is better for streaming in higher quality with minimal buffering.  Free services often lack the server networks and speeds needed for smooth streaming.

What's the best free VPN for MacBook?

That depends on what you want from your MacBook VPN. The options above are all compatible with MacBooks, but since they’re free, they each have limitations. However, some of them offer advantages such as unlimited data, split tunneling, and P2P support. So, it’s a good idea to consider what you’ll be using the VPN for and base your decision on its capabilities in that category.

Is there a 100% free VPN for Mac?

Yes, there are a few safe, free Mac VPNs, but they come with significant trade-offs. You'll face some combination of data caps, speed restrictions, limited servers, or basic features. Premium VPNs with money-back guarantees will always provide better value. However, if you’re set on using a free option, the listed VPNs are the safest free VPNs for Mac, and they all have premium upgrades available.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Mac

Most free VPNs lack proper optimization for macOS and Safari integration. Their apps often run poorly on Apple silicon, draining battery life and compromising performance. While we found several safe options, they all come with restrictions like data caps, limited servers, or missing features that compromise Mac's built-in security. However, the VPNs in our list all have premium versions as well, so you can test out their free apps and upgrade if you can’t stand the limitations.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

James conducted rigorous hands-on research and testing to evaluate dozens of VPNs for his articles. He's an advocate for digital freedom.

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