---
title: "Best Free VPN for Mac 2026: Proton VPN Free Plan, Limits & Setup | vpnrank.io"
description: "Proton VPN Free is the one unlimited free VPN for Mac we recommend: no data cap, no card, 1 device, 10 random countries, macOS 14 or later. Limits, download routes and setup, checked October 2026."
url: https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn/for-mac
language: en
updated: 2026-10-02
---

# Best Free VPN for Mac 2026: Proton VPN Free Plan, Limits & Setup

Updated 2 October 2026

-   **Proton VPN Free** is the one unlimited free plan among the providers we track: no data cap, no card, no ads (checked 2 October 2026)
-   Its limits on a Mac: **1 device, 10 countries assigned at random**, no streaming or P2P servers
-   Needs **macOS 14 Sonoma or later**; download from Proton or Homebrew, it is not on the Mac App Store

Available on: ![Available on Apple, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TV, Chrome, Firefox, Gaming](https://vpnrank.io/platforms_desktop.svg)

9 Tracked 9 VPNs Tracked Daily

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Quick answer

## [Proton VPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/protonvpn) is our #1 pick for this guide

Proton VPN Free is the best free VPN for Mac in October 2026: unlimited data, no payment card and no ads, on macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Its limits are one device, ten countries assigned at random and no streaming or P2P servers. The paid providers below refund within 30 days (CyberGhost 45 on longer plans) but charge the first bill up front.

**Best alternatives:** [TotalVPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/totalvpn) and [Private Internet Access](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/pia).

Top pick for this guide

Visit Proton VPN1

1 GET 70% OFF Free Tier Available

![Proton VPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/protonvpn.svg)

9.6

Excellent

Visit Site

**Proton VPN** Swiss-based VPN with strong privacy focus. Audited no-logs policy and open-source apps. Great for privacy-conscious users.

20,000+ servers in 140+ countries

Swiss-based — strongest privacy laws

Open-source & independently audited

Up to 10 simultaneous devices

NetShield ad & malware blocker

30-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 30 days

Free Tier Available GET 70% OFF

**Proton VPN** Swiss-based VPN with strong privacy focus. Audited no-logs policy and open-source apps. Great for privacy-conscious users.

20,000+ servers in 140+ countries

Swiss-based — strongest privacy laws

Open-source & independently audited

Up to 10 simultaneous devices

NetShield ad & malware blocker

30-day money-back guarantee

9.6

Excellent

Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days

Cheapest VPN

Visit TotalVPN2

2 GET 80% OFF

![TotalVPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/TotalVPNvertical.svg)

9.4

Great

Visit Site

**TotalVPN** Affordable VPN with strong privacy and reliable speeds. Easy-to-use apps for all major devices. No-logs policy.

Servers in 50+ countries

Fast & secure connections

Strict no-logs policy

Apps for all major platforms

Easy one-click connect

30-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 30 days

GET 80% OFF

**TotalVPN** Affordable VPN with strong privacy and reliable speeds. Easy-to-use apps for all major devices. No-logs policy.

Servers in 50+ countries

Fast & secure connections

Strict no-logs policy

Apps for all major platforms

Easy one-click connect

30-day money-back guarantee

9.4

Great

Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days

Visit Private Internet Access3

3 GET 85% OFF + 2 months FREE Advanced Security

![Private Internet Access logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/pia.svg)

9.3

Great

Visit Site

**Private Internet Access** High-speed VPN with a large server network and advanced security settings. Ad blocker included and 24/7 live chat support.

Servers in 91 countries

Ad & tracker blocker included

No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks

Native apps & browser extensions

Unlimited simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 30 days

Advanced Security GET 85% OFF + 2 months FREE

**Private Internet Access** High-speed VPN with a large server network and advanced security settings. Ad blocker included and 24/7 live chat support.

Servers in 91 countries

Ad & tracker blocker included

No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks

Native apps & browser extensions

Unlimited simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

9.3

Great

Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days

Visit Surfshark4

4 GET 88% OFF + 3 months FREE Unlimited Devices

![Surfshark logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/Surfshark.svg)

9.2

Great

Visit Site

**Surfshark** Unlimited device connections at a budget-friendly price. Includes ad blocker and strong privacy tools. Great value for money.

4,500+ servers in 100 countries

Unlimited simultaneous connections

CleanWeb ad & malware blocker

MultiHop double VPN connections

Advanced privacy & encryption tools

30-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 30 days

Unlimited Devices GET 88% OFF + 3 months FREE

**Surfshark** Unlimited device connections at a budget-friendly price. Includes ad blocker and strong privacy tools. Great value for money.

4,500+ servers in 100 countries

Unlimited simultaneous connections

CleanWeb ad & malware blocker

MultiHop double VPN connections

Advanced privacy & encryption tools

30-day money-back guarantee

9.2

Great

Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days

Visit CyberGhost5

5 GET 86% OFF + 2 months FREE Beginner Friendly

![CyberGhost logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/cyberghost.svg)

9.5

Great

Visit Site

**CyberGhost** Fast speeds and strong privacy tools. Simple apps, automatic WiFi protection, and 24/7 live chat support.

Servers in 100 countries

Automatic WiFi protection

No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks

Apps and browser extensions

Dedicated anonymous IPs

45-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 45 days

Beginner Friendly GET 86% OFF + 2 months FREE

**CyberGhost** Fast speeds and strong privacy tools. Simple apps, automatic WiFi protection, and 24/7 live chat support.

Servers in 100 countries

Automatic WiFi protection

No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks

Apps and browser extensions

Dedicated anonymous IPs

45-day money-back guarantee

9.5

Great

Visit Site Try risk free for 45 days

Visit IPVanish6

6 GET 83% OFF Family Device Coverage

![IPVanish logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/ipvanish.webp)

9.8

Excellent

Visit Site

**IPVanish** Fast speeds with unlimited device connections. Strong no-logs privacy and 24/7 live chat support. Great for families.

3,200+ servers in 112+ countries

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Company-owned server network

SOCKS5 proxy included

Zero-logs policy independently audited

30-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 30 days

Family Device Coverage GET 83% OFF

**IPVanish** Fast speeds with unlimited device connections. Strong no-logs privacy and 24/7 live chat support. Great for families.

3,200+ servers in 112+ countries

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Company-owned server network

SOCKS5 proxy included

Zero-logs policy independently audited

30-day money-back guarantee

9.8

Excellent

Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days

Visit ExpressVPN7

7 GET 79% OFF + 4 months FREE

![ExpressVPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/ExpressVPN.svg)

9.9

Outstanding

Visit Site

**ExpressVPN** Ultra fast & secure. Great for privacy, downloads, and everyday browsing on all your devices. 24/7 live chat support.

3,000+ servers in 113 countries

Proprietary Lightway protocol

Works with all popular platforms, apps & services

RAM-only TrustedServer technology

No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks

30-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 30 days

Leader of the VPN Market GET 79% OFF + 4 months FREE

**ExpressVPN** Ultra fast & secure. Great for privacy, downloads, and everyday browsing on all your devices. 24/7 live chat support.

3,000+ servers in 113 countries

Proprietary Lightway protocol

Works with all popular platforms, apps & services

RAM-only TrustedServer technology

No activity logs & no IP/DNS leaks

30-day money-back guarantee

9.9

Outstanding

Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days

Visit NordVPN8

8 GET 74% OFF Advanced Features

![NordVPN logo](https://vpnrank.io/brand_logos/nordvpn.svg)

9.7

Excellent

Visit Site

**NordVPN** Excellent speeds with one of the largest server networks. Strong security features and easy-to-use apps. 24/7 live chat support.

7,400+ servers in 118 countries

NordLynx protocol for top speeds

10 simultaneous devices

Threat Protection ad & malware blocker

Double VPN & Onion over VPN

30-day money-back guarantee

Try risk free for 30 days

Advanced Features GET 74% OFF

**NordVPN** Excellent speeds with one of the largest server networks. Strong security features and easy-to-use apps. 24/7 live chat support.

7,400+ servers in 118 countries

NordLynx protocol for top speeds

10 simultaneous devices

Threat Protection ad & malware blocker

Double VPN & Onion over VPN

30-day money-back guarantee

9.7

Excellent

Visit Site Try risk free for 30 days

[

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Rankings are based on [our independent testing methodology](https://vpnrank.io/how-we-test). Each guide applies the criteria described on that page, including relevant performance, privacy, product features, and value data. We may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page, which helps fund our testing — this does not influence our rankings.

## 2026 Rankings At a Glance

| # | VPN | Overall score | Lowest long-term price | Money-back | Key strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Proton VPN | 9.6/10 | $2.99/mo | 30 days | 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries |
| 2 | TotalVPN | 9.4/10 | $1.59/mo | 30 days | Servers in 50+ countries |
| 3 | Private Internet Access | 9.3/10 | $1.75/mo | 30 days | Servers in 91 countries |
| 4 | Surfshark | 9.2/10 | $1.78/mo | 30 days | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| 5 | CyberGhost | 9.5/10 | $2.03/mo | 45 days | Servers in 100 countries |
| 6 | IPVanish | 9.8/10 | $2.19/mo | 30 days | 3,200+ servers in 112+ countries |
| 7 | ExpressVPN | 9.9/10 | $2.79/mo | 30 days | 3,000+ servers in 113 countries |
| 8 | NordVPN | 9.7/10 | $3.09/mo | 30 days | 7,400+ servers in 118 countries |

Prices verified 23 October 2026 Last tested 25 August 2026

Scores follow [our testing methodology](https://vpnrank.io/how-we-test). Prices reflect the current long-term promotional rate, billed upfront; term length varies by provider.

## Why You Need a VPN on Mac

Mac is generally well-defended against malware compared to [Windows](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn/for-windows-pc), but a VPN solves different problems — privacy and network-level encryption. MacBooks are heavily used on changing networks: home WiFi, coworking spaces, café, hotel, airport, conference networks. Each network can potentially monitor your traffic. iCloud Private Relay is Apple's privacy tool, but Apple's documentation limits it to Safari browsing, DNS lookups and unencrypted http traffic from apps, it is not offered in every country, and it does not let you choose a location. A free Mac VPN encrypts traffic from every app, not just Safari. The one free tier we recommend from a reputable paid provider is [Proton VPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/protonvpn) Free: a macOS app with unlimited data, no ads, and an independently audited no-logs policy. If you need more than a basic free tier, the premium providers in our ranking (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, PIA) all ship macOS apps and back a money-back guarantee, so you can try a full premium VPN and ask for a refund within the window.

### Encrypt All App Traffic, Not Just Safari

iCloud Private Relay covers Safari, DNS lookups and unencrypted app traffic. A VPN app carries traffic from every [macOS](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/mac) app — Mail, Messages, Calendar, work apps, other browsers. Proton VPN Free's [macOS](https://vpnrank.io/blog/how-to-set-up-vpn-on-mac) app uses WireGuard by default, with Stealth for networks that block VPNs.

### Protect Public WiFi Sessions

MacBooks live on [public WiFi](https://vpnrank.io/blog/public-wifi-safety-real-risks) — coworking, café, hotel, airport. A VPN encrypts everything before it leaves your Mac, so other users on the same network and the network's owner see only a connection to the VPN server. Proton VPN Free applies the same encryption as the paid plan; what differs is server choice and speed.

### Hide Your IP From Apps and Trackers

macOS apps and websites routinely log your [IP address](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/ip-address). Many services use IP-based geofencing, price discrimination, or tracking. A VPN gives you a different apparent IP, breaking the link between your home identity and your browsing.

### Go Beyond iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay is included with iCloud+ in the countries on Apple's availability list; [China](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/china) mainland, [Saudi Arabia](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/travel/saudi-arabia) and Belarus are among those not on it. It keeps you in your own region and does not cover encrypted traffic from non-Safari apps. A VPN app covers the whole Mac, and Apple's support page says to turn the VPN off if you want to use Private Relay instead.

## What to Look For in a Free Mac VPN

A free Mac VPN is worth installing when you can check who publishes it and how it is funded. The options worth considering share these features:

### Reputable Paid Provider Parent

A safe free Mac VPN is a freemium tier from a reputable paid provider — the standout is Proton VPN Free. Be cautious with free VPN downloads from publishers you cannot identify: check that the seller named on the listing matches the company's own website. If you want a premium app without paying long term, use a paid provider's [money-back guarantee](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-trial) instead.

### A Current Protocol: WireGuard

[WireGuard](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/wireguard) is the modern, fast [VPN protocol](https://vpnrank.io/blog/wireguard-vs-openvpn-vs-ikev2-vpn-protocols-explained) on Mac and the default in Proton VPN's macOS app. Proton has removed OpenVPN from its Mac app and is retiring IKEv2 (final support ends February 2027), citing leaks in Apple's IKEv2 implementation. IPVanish still lists OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard for its Mac app.

### Support for Your macOS Version

macOS 27 runs only on Apple silicon; Intel Macs stop at macOS Tahoe 26. Proton VPN's current app needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later. [NordVPN](https://vpnrank.io/reviews/nordvpn)'s support page already lists macOS 27, and several providers keep legacy builds for older Macs.

### Generous Data Allowance

Proton VPN Free offers unlimited data — rare among [free VPNs](https://vpnrank.io/blog/are-free-vpns-safe). Most other free VPNs impose monthly data caps of a few gigabytes. If you need a specific country or more devices, a premium VPN's money-back guarantee gives you the full service for the refund window, with the first bill charged up front.

## Free VPN on a Mac: What Proton, Apple and the Checkouts Actually Say

Every figure in this section was read on 2 October 2026 from the vendor's own page: Proton's support and pricing pages, Apple's support and developer documentation, the App Store's listing data, and the checkout pages our price tracker captures every day. Where a vendor's pages disagree with each other, or say nothing, we say so instead of filling the gap.

### Proton VPN Free has no data cap on a Mac, and five limits you should know first

Proton VPN Free is the only free plan with unlimited data among the nine providers we track, and it needs no payment card. Proton's own wording is that the plan *"has no data or time limits, and will be free forever"*. What you give up is choice: one device at a time, ten countries, and a server picked for you. The table lists each limit as Proton states it and what it means in daily Mac use.

| Limit | What Proton's pages say | What it means on a Mac | What it doesn't mean |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Data | "No data or time limits"; no bandwidth throttling "even for free users" | You can leave it on all day, including for video calls and large downloads | Not a speed promise: Proton labels free speed "Medium" because free servers carry more load |
| Devices | "You can only connect one device at a time" | Mac or iPhone, not both at once. A browser running the Proton extension also counts as a connection | Not one device forever: you can sign out on the Mac and sign in elsewhere |
| Countries | 10: Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Mexico, Canada, United States | You get one of the ten automatically. The pricing page says "randomly selected" | No United Kingdom, Australia, Germany or India location on the free plan |
| Changing server | "We will randomly choose your next server"; 45 seconds' wait after the first change, then 10 minutes | Countries tab → Change server. You cannot ask for a specific country or city | Not a block on reconnecting: the cooldown applies to changing server, not to connecting |
| Streaming and P2P | "Plus servers support streaming, P2P (torrent) and Secure Core" | Free servers are not the ones Proton maintains for streaming services or torrents | Ordinary browsing, email and video sites work; Proton does not block websites on free |
| Extras | NetShield ad-blocker, Secure Core, port forwarding and Moderate NAT are paid features | No built-in ad blocking and no gaming-oriented NAT setting on free | Kill switch, Stealth protocol and VPN Accelerator are included on free |

Source: protonvpn.com/free-vpn, /pricing and Proton VPN support articles, read 2 October 2026. Verified October 2026.

The free plan grew from five countries to ten in Proton's winter 2025-26 roadmap, so older guides that list three or five locations are out of date. The [no-logs policy](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/no-logs-policy) is the same on every tier: Proton's fifth consecutive annual audit by Securitum, published in 2026, checked that the policy is applied *"to all user subscription tiers"*.

> Practical ruleIf you need privacy on a network you don't control, Proton VPN Free on a Mac is enough and costs nothing. If you need a specific country, a second device or a streaming library, no free plan gives you that, and the honest alternative is a paid plan you can refund.

### The "free for 30 days" refund route bills €57 to €99 on day one

A money-back guarantee is a refund, not a free trial: the full first bill leaves your account when you sign up and comes back only after you ask for it. On 1 October 2026 our [daily price tracker](https://vpnrank.io/vpn-price-index) read each provider's own checkout page. The headline plans charged between €56.94 and €99 up front.

![Bar chart of the first bill charged by each VPN's headline plan on 1 October 2026: Proton VPN Free 0 euros, CyberGhost 56.94 euros, IPVanish 57.36 dollars, Surfshark 67.23 euros, ExpressVPN 83.72 euros, Proton VPN Plus 83.76 euros, NordVPN 94.23 euros, TotalVPN 99 euros](https://vpnrank.io/enrich/free-vpn-mac/free-vs-refund-first-bill.png)

First bill on each provider's headline plan, from the vpnrank.io price tracker, 1 October 2026.

The refund windows are not uniform either, and the detail that matters on a Mac is where you buy. A subscription bought inside an app from Apple's App Store is billed by Apple, and the providers that address it say their own guarantee does not apply.

| Provider | Refund window | Plans that qualify | Bought through Apple's App Store | Caveat |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ExpressVPN | 30 days | New subscribers | "Do not have access to the ExpressVPN 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee" | Buy on expressvpn.com, then sign in on the Mac |
| NordVPN | 30 days | First purchase | "We're unable to issue refunds for payments made through the Apple App Store" | A 7-day trial exists but needs a card or PayPal |
| Surfshark | 30 days | Initial purchase only | Refunds only for purchases through its own listed resellers; Apple is not among them | A 7-day trial exists but needs payment details |
| CyberGhost | 45 days | Plans of 6 months or longer; 14 days on the 1-month plan | Guarantee "does not apply to in-app purchases" | Also offers a 24-hour Mac trial with no card |
| Private Internet Access | 30 days | New subscribers | "Do not have access to the PIA 30-day money-back guarantee" | No second refund if you sign up again within 3 months |
| IPVanish | 30 days | Yearly and 2-year plans only | Not stated on the pages we could read | "Monthly plans are not eligible for refunds" |
| TotalVPN | 30 days | Annual plans; 14 days on monthly | Not stated in its terms | You must terminate the subscription before requesting the refund |
| Proton VPN (paid) | 30 days | Initial purchase | Refers you to the third party's own refund policy | Cash and bank-transfer payments are not refundable |

Source: each provider's terms of service or refund article, read 2 October 2026. Verified October 2026.

Two providers offer something closer to a real trial on a Mac. CyberGhost's site advertises a 24-hour desktop trial that asks only for an email address and password, downloaded from its website. NordVPN and Surfshark each run a 7-day trial, but both require payment details at sign-up, so they renew into a paid plan if you forget. See [our free-trial guide](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-trial) for the cancellation steps.

### Download Proton VPN for Mac from Proton or Homebrew: it is not on the Mac App Store

Searching the Mac App Store for Proton VPN returns nothing, because Proton does not publish its Mac app there. Its App Store listing covers iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision and Apple TV only. The two official routes are the DMG file from protonvpn.com and the Homebrew cask, which on 2 October 2026 shipped version 6.5.1 and requires macOS 14 or later.

-   → **Direct download:** protonvpn.com/download-macos gives you a DMG. Open it and drag Proton VPN to the Applications folder.
-   → **Homebrew:** `brew install --cask protonvpn` installs the same app and keeps it updated with `brew upgrade`.
-   → **Source code:** the Mac app is open source under GPL-3.0 at github.com/ProtonVPN/ios-mac-app, which answers the question of whether an open-source free VPN exists for macOS.

That matters because an app outside the Mac App Store is not covered by Apple's App Review, so the place you download from is your safeguard. The table shows where each of the nine providers' Mac apps can be found, taken from Apple's listing data and each vendor's download page.

| Provider | Mac App Store | Minimum macOS (App Store build) | Minimum macOS (vendor download) | Caveat |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Proton VPN | Not listed for Mac | n/a | macOS 14 | Proton's install guide still says 10.12; its release notes and Homebrew say 14 |
| NordVPN | Yes, native Mac app | macOS 14.0 | macOS 14 (legacy app for 10.15 to 13) | The only vendor page that already names macOS 27 |
| ExpressVPN | Yes, native Mac app | macOS 15.0 | macOS 11 | The website build runs on older Macs than the App Store build |
| Surfshark | Yes, Mac-only listing | macOS 12 | macOS 12 (legacy app for 10.12 to 10.15) | No rating shown on its Mac listing |
| Private Internet Access | Yes, native Mac app | macOS 12.0 | macOS 10.15, 64-bit | App Store purchases fall outside PIA's refund |
| CyberGhost | iPad app only, Apple silicon Macs | macOS 12.0, M1 or later | macOS 10.13 | Listing says "Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS"; the native app is on its website |
| PureVPN | iPad app only, Apple silicon Macs | macOS 13.0, M1 or later | macOS 10.12 | Same iPad-app caveat as CyberGhost |
| IPVanish | Not listed for Mac | n/a | macOS 13 to 26 per its setup page | An older line on the same page says 10.13 |

Source: Apple App Store listing data (itunes.apple.com lookup and each listing's Compatibility block) and each vendor's Mac download page, read 2 October 2026. Verified October 2026.

### macOS 27 runs only on Apple silicon, and Proton's app needs macOS 14 or later

Apple released macOS 27 Golden Gate on 14 September 2026 and version 27.0.1 on 28 September. It installs only on Macs with Apple silicon, which makes macOS Tahoe 26 the last version for Intel Macs. Proton VPN's current Mac app supports macOS 14 Sonoma and later: version 5.0.0 dropped macOS 12 in June 2025 and version 6.0.0 dropped macOS 13 in September 2025.

| Your Mac | Newest macOS it can run | Proton VPN current app | Caveat |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MacBook Pro M5 Pro or M5 Max | macOS 27 | Supported (needs macOS 14+) | Proton had not published a macOS 27 note when we checked |
| Any Apple silicon Mac from M1 (2020) on | macOS 27 | Supported | Same caveat |
| Intel Mac from 2019 or 2020 on Apple's Tahoe list | macOS Tahoe 26 | Supported | Intel Macs with a T2 chip can crash on wake with the kill switch on, per Proton |
| Mac limited to macOS 13 Ventura or older | macOS 13 or older | Current app not supported | Use the built-in client with a manual configuration, or a provider that still ships a legacy build |

Source: Apple support articles 109033, 127255 and 122867; Proton VPN macOS release notes. Read 2 October 2026. Verified October 2026.

To check your version, open the Apple menu and choose **About This Mac**. If the Mac is stuck on an older system, NordVPN and Surfshark still publish legacy builds for older macOS versions, and CyberGhost's website app supports macOS 10.13 and later. Our [best VPN for Mac ranking](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/mac) covers the paid apps in detail.

### WireGuard and Stealth are in, OpenVPN is gone and IKEv2 is being retired

Proton VPN's Mac app now offers [WireGuard](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/wireguard) over UDP, WireGuard over TCP, Stealth and Smart Protocol, with WireGuard as the default. Proton has removed OpenVPN from its macOS app and announced on 26 March 2026 that it is removing IKEv2 as well: servers began dropping it in April 2026 and final support ends in February 2027.

Proton's stated reason is specific to the Mac: *"Apple's native IKEv2 implementation on macOS has been a source of ongoing security concerns, including traffic leaks"*. So a guide that recommends IKEv2 as the Mac protocol is describing a setup the vendor is winding down. If an old connection profile stops working, open **ProtonVPN → Settings → Connection → Protocol** and choose Smart Protocol or WireGuard.

-   → **WireGuard (UDP):** the default; Proton describes it as fast and lighter on battery.
-   → **WireGuard (TCP):** for networks that block UDP, such as some hotel and campus Wi-Fi.
-   → **Stealth:** WireGuard tunnelled over TLS, for networks that block VPNs. Included on the free plan.
-   → **Smart Protocol:** lets the app pick among the above when a connection fails.

### iCloud Private Relay covers Safari, DNS and unencrypted app traffic, not your other apps

Private Relay is not a VPN and not Safari-only either. Apple's developer documentation says it *"protects users' web browsing in Safari, DNS resolution queries, and insecure http app traffic"*. Encrypted traffic from Chrome, Mail, games and other apps is not on that list. It needs an iCloud+ subscription, which starts at $0.99 a month in the US for 50 GB.

![Comparison grid of four free routes on a Mac. Proton VPN Free app covers Safari, other browsers and other apps. The Proton browser extension covers only the Chrome or Firefox browser it is installed in. iCloud Private Relay covers Safari plus DNS lookups and unencrypted http from other apps. The macOS built-in VPN client needs a server you supply.](https://vpnrank.io/enrich/free-vpn-mac/private-relay-vs-vpn-coverage.png)

What each free route carries on a Mac, from Apple's and Proton's documentation, read 2 October 2026.

-   → **No country choice:** the only options are "Maintain general location" and "Use country and time zone". Private Relay keeps you in your own region.
-   → **Not available everywhere:** Apple publishes a list of countries where it works. China mainland, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Russia, Egypt, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates were not on it when we checked, and Apple says it turns off automatically when you travel somewhere it isn't offered.
-   → **With a VPN installed:** Apple's support page says a VPN may install settings "that are incompatible with Private Relay", and that to use Private Relay you should "turn off or uninstall the third-party app". In practice you run one or the other.

macOS also has a built-in VPN client under **System Settings → Network → Action menu → Add VPN Configuration**, with three types: L2TP over IPSec, Cisco IPSec and IKEv2. It is a client, not a service. Apple's guide tells you to get the settings from "your VPN service provider", and it has no WireGuard or OpenVPN option, so it does not make any provider free.

### The free Proton extension works in Chrome and Firefox on a Mac, not in Safari

Proton's browser extension has been free since August 2024 for Chrome, other Chromium browsers and Firefox. There is no Safari version: Proton says Safari *"doesn't support the tools needed to create a VPN tunnel"*. The extension protects only the browser it is installed in, and it connects over HTTPS as a proxy instead of using the app's VPN protocols.

-   → **It uses your one connection:** on the free plan, the extension in one browser counts as your single device.
-   → **Firefox needs one setting changed:** Proton warns that by default Firefox does not send DNS lookups through the extension, which causes a [DNS leak](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/dns-leak).
-   → **Proton's own advice:** "you should use our full VPN app if security is a high priority for you".

If a browser extension is what you want, our [free VPN for Chrome guide](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn/for-chrome) covers the permission checks to run before installing one.

### No card and no code are needed, but there is no "no login" VPN for Mac

Proton VPN Free needs an account on a Mac: the install guide's sign-in step asks for a Proton Account username and password, and creating one requires an email address. There is no guest mode in the macOS app. It does not ask for a payment card, and there is no promo code or activation code to find, because the free plan is simply the default when you sign up without paying.

-   → **"No subscription":** true. The free plan never converts into a paid one on its own.
-   → **"No login":** not available from Proton on macOS, and we would be cautious of any Mac app that offers a tunnel with no account and no stated business model.
-   → **"Free code":** sites offering free VPN codes for Mac are not something Proton's pages mention. You don't need one.
-   → **"Top 10 free VPNs":** we list one, because only one provider in our database runs a free plan without a data cap. The rest of the ranking below are paid plans with a refund window.

### The Mac kill switch has three limits that Proton documents itself

The [kill switch](https://vpnrank.io/glossary/kill-switch) is included on the free plan and sits behind the switch icon in the Countries tab. Proton's own support article lists what it does not do on macOS, which is more candid than most vendor pages and worth reading before you rely on it.

| Limit | Proton's wording | What to do about it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Switching servers | "There's a brief period where your real IP address may be exposed. We're working to fix this." | Pause sensitive apps before you change server |
| Apple services | "Some DNS requests from Apple services can bypass the VPN, even with the kill switch enabled." | Nothing to configure; be aware that Apple's own services may still see your network |
| Local network | "You won't be able to connect to devices in your local network." | Turn on Allow LAN connections in Settings → Connection if you need a printer or NAS |
| Manual disconnect | "It doesn't block your internet connection if you deliberately disconnect." | The advanced, always-block version is not offered on macOS |
| Intel Macs with a T2 chip | macOS "may crash and restart" when waking from sleep with the kill switch on | Proton shows a warning; leave it off on affected Macs if you see crashes |

Source: Proton VPN support, "What is a kill switch?" and the T2-chip article, read 2 October 2026. Verified October 2026.

You can confirm the tunnel is working with our [VPN check tool](https://vpnrank.io/tools/is-my-vpn-working) and the [kill switch test](https://vpnrank.io/tools/vpn-kill-switch-test), both of which run in the browser.

### When Proton VPN won't connect on a Mac, the cause is usually the network extension

Most first-run failures on macOS come from the system extension that WireGuard and Stealth need. Until it is switched on, those protocols don't appear in the app. The fixes below are Proton's own, in the order worth trying.

| Symptom | Proton's documented fix |
| --- | --- |
| "System Extension Blocked" notice, or WireGuard and Stealth missing from the Protocol menu | System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions → Extensions → Network Extensions → turn on ProtonVPN WireGuard |
| macOS asks to add VPN configurations | Click Allow. This is the normal first-connection prompt |
| A keychain password prompt keeps returning | Choose Always Allow; if it persists, log out of your Mac account and back in, or restart |
| The app can't reach Proton at sign-in | Turn on alternative routing in Settings → Advanced |
| Connection fails with antivirus installed | Disable it briefly to test, then add an exclusion for Proton VPN |
| Connected but pages don't load | System Settings → Network → your network → Details → Proxies: make sure no proxy is enabled |
| The interface misbehaves after an update | Menu bar → Help → Clear Application Data |
| An old profile stopped connecting | Settings → Connection → Protocol → Smart Protocol or WireGuard (IKEv2 is being retired) |

Source: Proton VPN support articles on macOS installation, network extensions and common macOS issues, read 2 October 2026. Proton labels its install steps for macOS 15 and later. Verified October 2026.

For the manual route on older Macs and the built-in client, see [how to set up a VPN on a Mac](https://vpnrank.io/blog/how-to-set-up-vpn-on-mac).

### For gaming and unblocking sites, the free plan's random server is the limiting factor

Proton does not throttle free users, and it publishes no speed or ping figures for free servers, so we quote none. What it does say is that speeds differ *"due to varying server load"*, and that free users are assigned a server instead of choosing one. For a game, that means you cannot pick the location closest to the game server, which is what decides latency.

-   → **Gaming:** Moderate NAT and port forwarding, the two settings Proton offers for multiplayer connectivity, are paid features.
-   → **Unblocking a website at school or work:** this works when any server outside the filtered network will do. Stealth, included on free, is the protocol Proton offers for networks that block VPNs.
-   → **Reaching a site in one particular country:** not reliable on free, because you may be assigned any of the ten countries.
-   → **Streaming libraries:** Proton reserves streaming support for Plus servers.

### No peer-reviewed study measures free Mac VPN apps, so judge an app by who publishes it

We could not find a peer-reviewed study that tests free VPN apps on macOS specifically, and we won't present Android findings as Mac evidence. What exists is narrower. A University of Michigan study presented at NDSS 2022 examined 80 desktop VPNs, free and paid together, and found traffic leaks during tunnel failure in 26 of them, with six leaking even with a kill switch enabled. The often-quoted 2016 study of 283 apps looked at Android only.

Apple's App Store Review Guideline 5.4 is a rule, not a measurement: VPN apps must use Apple's NEVPNManager API, may only be offered by developers enrolled as an organisation, and *"may not sell, use, or disclose to third parties any data for any purpose"*. It applies to apps in the Mac App Store. Apps downloaded as a DMG are outside App Review, which is why the publisher matters. Checks you can run yourself:

-   → **Who is the seller?** The App Store listing names the legal entity. It should match the company on the provider's own website.
-   → **Is there a paid plan?** A free tier funded by paying subscribers has a visible business model.
-   → **Is the code or an audit public?** Proton publishes both; that is checkable, not a promise.
-   → **Does the vendor admit limits?** Proton's kill-switch page above is an example of a vendor documenting where its own Mac app falls short.

## How to Set Up a Free VPN on Mac

1

### Download from the official provider website

Go to protonvpn.com/download-macos and download the DMG, or run brew install --cask protonvpn. Proton VPN is not on the Mac App Store. If macOS refuses to open it, check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Security allows apps from 'App Store and identified developers'.

2

### Install and create a free account

Open the DMG and drag Proton VPN to Applications. Open the app, click Open on the confirmation, and sign in or create a Proton Account with an email address. No credit card is asked for.

3

### Allow the network extension

When the 'System Extension Blocked' notice appears, click Open System Settings, then General > Login Items & Extensions > Extensions > Network Extensions, and turn on ProtonVPN [WireGuard](https://vpnrank.io/blog/wireguard-protocol-explained). Without it, WireGuard and Stealth don't appear.

4

### Connect and allow the VPN configuration

Click Quick Connect. macOS asks whether to add VPN configurations: click Allow. The free plan connects you to one of ten countries automatically. Check the result with our What Is My IP tool.

5

### Enable kill switch

In the Countries tab, click the switch icon and choose Kill switch On. It blocks traffic if the VPN drops unexpectedly. It also blocks local devices such as printers unless you turn on Allow LAN connections.

6

### Set to launch at login

In ProtonVPN > Settings > General, turn on start at boot; in the Connection tab, turn on auto connect. Every Mac session then starts protected.

## How We Tested Free Mac VPNs

We tested every notable free Mac VPN in our 2026 evaluation. We ran each on MacBook Pro M3 Max running macOS Sequoia 15 and MacBook Air M2 running macOS Sonoma 14.

1

### Installation and macOS Permission Review

We tested install experience, account creation friction, and macOS permission requests. ProtonVPN Free requests minimal permissions; many other free VPNs request system-level permissions that aren't necessary for VPN functionality.

2

### Speed Testing on Apple Silicon

On MacBook Pro M3 Max connected to 1 Gbps fiber, we measured download speed, upload speed, and ping through free VPN servers. Top free options retain 35-55% of base speed; paid VPNs retain 75-85%.

3

### Battery Impact Testing

We measured battery drain over 8-hour MacBook usage day with each free VPN active. WireGuard implementations: 3-5% incremental drain on Apple Silicon. IKEv2: similar. OpenVPN-only free VPNs: 8-12%. Apple Silicon optimization matters significantly.

4

### Always-On VPN and Kill Switch Testing

We verify each free Mac VPN supports kill switch (blocks all traffic if VPN drops) and auto-reconnect after sleep/wake. ProtonVPN Free supports both, and every premium provider in our ranking includes a kill switch and auto-reconnect in its Mac app.

Free Mac VPN testing runs quarterly with macOS update cycle re-verification.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Free Mac VPNs

### Which is the best free VPN for Mac in 2026?

Proton VPN Free. It has unlimited data, no ads, no payment card requirement, an independently audited no-logs policy and an open-source Mac app. Its limits: one device at a time, ten countries assigned at random, and no streaming or P2P servers. It needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

### Is there a completely free VPN for Mac with unlimited data?

Yes, one: Proton VPN Free has no data or time limit, and Proton says it does not throttle free users. It is free because paying subscribers fund it. Speeds are labelled Medium because free servers carry more load, and you cannot choose the country.

### Where do I download a free VPN for Mac safely?

For Proton VPN, from protonvpn.com/download-macos (a DMG file) or with Homebrew: brew install --cask protonvpn. It is not on the Mac App Store, so a Mac App Store result with a similar name is a different app. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark and PIA do publish native Mac App Store apps.

### Is there a free VPN for Mac with no login or sign-up?

Not from Proton: its Mac app requires a Proton Account, created with an email address. No payment card is needed. We have not found a no-account option from any of the providers we track, and an app that offers a tunnel with no account and no stated funding deserves caution.

### Is there a free open-source VPN for macOS?

Proton VPN's Mac app is open source under the GPL-3.0 licence at github.com/ProtonVPN/ios-mac-app, and the free plan uses the same app as the paid one. Proton also publishes its annual no-logs audits by Securitum, the fifth of which was released in 2026.

### Does a free VPN work on an M5 MacBook Pro and macOS 27?

Proton VPN's app needs macOS 14 or later, and M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros run macOS 26 and 27, so they meet the requirement. Proton had not published a macOS 27 note when we checked on 2 October 2026; NordVPN's support page already lists macOS 27 as supported.

### Is there a free VPN extension for Safari on Mac?

No. Proton's free browser extension supports Chrome, other Chromium browsers and Firefox; Proton says Safari does not support the tools needed. To cover Safari on a Mac you use the full VPN app, which covers every browser and app.

### Does macOS have a built-in VPN?

macOS has a built-in VPN client for L2TP over IPSec, Cisco IPSec and IKEv2 under System Settings, Network, Add VPN Configuration — but no VPN service. You still need server settings from a provider or your workplace, and the client has no WireGuard or OpenVPN option.

### Will a free Mac VPN work for streaming?

Limited. Proton reserves streaming support for its paid Plus servers, and the free plan assigns your country at random. For a specific streaming library on a Mac, a paid VPN with a money-back guarantee is the realistic route.

### Can I use a free VPN with Safari and iCloud Private Relay?

Not at the same time, in practice. Apple's support page says a VPN can install settings that are incompatible with Private Relay, shows an alert in System Settings, and advises turning off the third-party app if you want Private Relay. The VPN app already covers Safari.

### Will a free VPN drain my MacBook battery?

On Apple Silicon Macs, WireGuard-based free VPNs add 3-5% incremental drain over an 8-hour day — barely noticeable. OpenVPN-only free VPNs add 8-12%. For all-day MacBook use, a WireGuard-capable option like ProtonVPN Free is best, and every premium provider in our ranking ships WireGuard on macOS too.

### How does ProtonVPN Free compare to iCloud+ Private Relay?

iCloud+ Private Relay covers Safari, DNS lookups and unencrypted app traffic, and needs an iCloud+ subscription from $0.99 a month. Proton VPN Free covers every Mac app at no cost with unlimited data. Private Relay is simpler if you only use Safari; neither lets you pick a country for free.

## Related VPN Guides

[Best Free VPNs (Safe Options)](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn) [Dangers of Free VPNs](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn/dangers-of-free-vpns) [Free VPN for Windows PC](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn/for-windows-pc) [Free VPN for iPhone](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn/for-iphone) [Free VPN for Chrome](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/free-vpn/for-chrome) [Best VPN for Mac](https://vpnrank.io/best-vpn/mac) [How to Set Up a VPN on a Mac](https://vpnrank.io/blog/how-to-set-up-vpn-on-mac)

## Sources & Further Reading

-   [Proton VPN: free plan details](https://protonvpn.com/free-vpn)
-   [Proton VPN: changing server on the free plan (countries and cooldown)](https://protonvpn.com/support/change-server-free-plan)
-   [Proton VPN: ending IKEv2 on macOS (26 March 2026)](https://protonvpn.com/blog/ikev2-ending)
-   [Proton VPN: what is a kill switch (macOS limitations)](https://protonvpn.com/support/what-is-kill-switch)
-   [Proton VPN: macOS release notes](https://protonvpn.com/support/release-notes-macos)
-   [Proton VPN: browser extensions](https://protonvpn.com/support/browser-extensions)
-   [Proton VPN: no-logs audit by Securitum](https://protonvpn.com/blog/no-logs-audit)
-   [Proton VPN Mac app source code (GPL-3.0)](https://github.com/ProtonVPN/ios-mac-app)
-   [Homebrew: protonvpn cask](https://formulae.brew.sh/cask/protonvpn)
-   [Apple: macOS versions and latest releases](https://support.apple.com/en-us/109033)
-   [Apple: macOS 27 compatible Macs](https://support.apple.com/en-us/127255)
-   [Apple: set up a VPN connection on Mac](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-up-a-vpn-connection-on-mac-mchlp2963/mac)
-   [Apple: prepare your network for iCloud Private Relay](https://developer.apple.com/icloud/prepare-your-network-for-icloud-private-relay/)
-   [Apple: if Private Relay isn't working (VPN compatibility)](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102022)
-   [Apple: App Store Review Guidelines, section 5.4 (VPN apps)](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/)
-   [Ramesh et al., VPNalyzer: Systematic Investigation of the VPN Ecosystem (NDSS 2022)](https://www.ndss-symposium.org/ndss-paper/auto-draft-244/)
-   [Ikram et al., Privacy and Security Risks of Android VPN Permission-enabled Apps (IMC 2016, Android only)](https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2987443.2987471)

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