VPN services ensure significantly more security and anonymity on the Internet. Most providers charge for this service. But there are also free and reputable VPNs for your Mac.
Free VPNs for macOS
VPN services often have a bad reputation. There is talk of file sharing or a secret visit to the Darknet. However, there are much more trivial reasons to use a VPN.
If you use a WiFi hotspot at the airport, for example, or are on vacation in the public WiFi network, a VPN provides significantly more security by encrypting your Internet connection. The country blocks from streaming providers like Netflix can also be bypassed, as can the ban in your favorite game.
Using a VPN service is extremely easy. All you need is client software or the corresponding mobile app, and you’re good to go. Most VPN providers charge for their VPN service.
This is no different on the Mac. After all, such a service incurs costs, even if it’s just for maintaining the server. However, there are also free VPNs that you can use to surf the web for free and still be safe.
Free VPNs for Mac
The use of the VPN service under macOS is significantly more diverse than using the VPN on the iPhone. Because in addition to using the software, you can ensure a secure connection with a corresponding browser extension. Below we give you an overview of all free VPNs for your Mac.
1. CyberGhost VPN✓ 45 days of free use (Refund warranty)
✓ without restrictions
✘ Registration required
2. NordVPN✓ 30 days free to use (Refund warranty)
✓ without restrictions
✘ Registration required
3. hide.me VPN✓ Permanently free
✘ 5 countries, 1 device, 10 GB/month
✓ No registration needed
4. Windscribe✓ Permanently free
✘ Only 11 countries
✘ Maximum 10 GB/month with registered email, otherwise 2 GB
✘ Registration required
5. ProtonVPN✓ Permanently free
✘ Only 3 countries and 1 device
✘ Registration required
Tip: Would you like to know how the individual VPN services fare in the individual test? In our comparison of all VPN services, we have compared the best 21 VPN services. We also show you the best free VPNs for Android and the best free VPN services for Windows 10.
Use free VPN trial versions – this is how it works
Premium VPNs undeniably offer the best service, speed, and features. However, these services also cost a few euros per month. With a simple trick you can secure the service for free, at least for a certain period of time.
Some VPN providers offer a money-back guarantee. Our favorites include NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN – two high-quality VPNs for various end devices. The trial period is useful, for example, if you only need the VPN service for a limited time – for example on vacation.
1. CyberGhost VPN
VPN in the complete package: security for everyone
With a huge selection of servers and good speeds, CyberGhost is a convincing VPN service provider. Its use guarantees maximum security and anonymity on the web. The up to seven devices on which the service can be used in parallel are also positive. This makes CyberGhost’s price-performance ratio particularly strong.
2. NordVPN
The top dog among VPN services with good server selection
With a mixture of security and a beautiful user interface, NordVPN was very convincing in the test. The service also shines with numerous supported end devices. In the area of country selection and server speed, the competition sometimes performs slightly better, but NordVPN is also at the top in these areas. Security fanatics will appreciate the double VPN function and multi-factor authentication.
The advantage of NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN: With both providers you get full functionality, even in the free VPN trial version. As mentioned, however, the period is limited. While you have 30 days with NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN even has 45 days. During this time you can use the service to the full extent and make use of the money-back guarantee before it expires.
Always Free VPNs for macOS
However, there are also alternatives. Some VPN services are completely free to use on Mac. A termination is not necessary, nor is the deposit of a means of payment. However, you have to live with limitations. These usually relate to the number of servers and permitted end devices as well as the volume of daily or monthly traffic via the VPN connection.
3. hide.me VPN
Strong free version
Overall, hide.me offers a solid service at a fair price. However, there are minor flaws in the provider’s software. The free hide.me version, which offers more inclusive volume than many competitors, is still convincing. However, you should inform yourself about the limited functionality of this version.
Of the ad-free and always free VPN service from Hide.me offers you 10 GB data volume per month without speed throttling. However, there are small limitations. You only have servers at five different locations available, and the service can only be used with one end device at the same time. On the positive side, even file sharing is allowed in the free tariff.
4. Windscribe
Hey VPN, you’ve gotten really hip!
In the test, Windscribe does not leave much room for criticism. Instead, the service convinces with an appealing, simple design and good functions for amateurs and professionals. While the paid version can measure up to the competition, the free version stands out as being particularly powerful in its segment. Unfortunately, updates to the server infrastructure are rarely made.
Windscribe’s free plan gives you access to eleven different server locations: USA, Canada, UK, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Norway and Romania. By default, you get 2 GB of data volume. If you register your email address, you will receive it 10GB per month. There is no limit to the number of end devices. Note, however, that Windscribe’s free use is limited to the browser extension.
5. ProtonVPN
Strong overall performance
Server selection and speeds make ProtonVPN a solid offering. The service is really convincing thanks to good software and the transparent Swiss company as the operator. It is also one of the few operators that offers a permanently functional free version of its service. However, it really only offers the basic VPN functions.
With ProtonVPN, you get access to a total of 23 servers in three countries. However, the full bandwidth of your Internet connection is not available to you when you use it, and the provider throttles the speed in the free tariff. Furthermore, the simultaneous use of several devices is not possible, here you can only use one as with Hide.me. In return, the provider boasts the security advantages of Swiss data protection. In addition, there is no data volume limit.
Proxy alternative for your browser
If you only want to call up a website in disguised form in individual cases, you can also use a proxy in many cases. This also changes your location, but website proxies are more often unmasked by geo-blocking than VPN services. In addition, your connection is not encrypted. Nevertheless, the use of a proxy is sometimes sufficient for quick use, especially when it comes to bypassing a country block.
You have different options for using a proxy:
- Take a look at our proxy list and select a proxy here. Then follow the steps in the instructions linked there. This is very uncomplicated and easily implemented with FoxyProxy, for example.
- Use a browser that already has the corresponding function. For example, you can use Opera.
- Uses a web proxy. To do this, you go to a special website. This is then used to call up the corresponding target website. This approach has been around for a long time and offers little security. Still, it’s enough to unblock websites.
Another way you can bypass geo-blocking is Smart DNS. However, they only use you to bypass country blocks. The services usually do not offer any other functions.
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