Best Free VPN For Mac ???

[Pianoworldstage]

Hi,

I'm looking to install a free VPN for a MacBook Pro, VPNs in the App Store say free, but when installed then ask for payment after a trial version. What VPN is completely free for MacBook Pro without subscription.

I use Proton VPN for an android device, which is continuously free without subscription, I tried the same Proton VPN for the Mac but ended in needing to subscribe,

Thanks.

 

[Maclver]

I know you asked for free; but I use Surfshark and I am really happy with it and it’s not expensive.

 

[0128672]

VPNs, free and paid--and reasons not to use a free one--have been discussed here a lot. Here's some of those threads:

Totally Free VPN for macOS?

Hello Apple and Mac friends. Any totally free, very good VPN recommends for macOS so we can watch this cute japanese anime Apple commercial: https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/apple-japan-anime-macbook-ad/ Thank you. God bless you.

forums.macrumors.com

Can Anybody Recommend a Great VPN?

Hello all, I’m looking for a VPN to install to my new MBP. I feel like every other YouTube video has an influencer recommend another VPN service and I don’t know which to trust. Obviously one that is fast and reliable are preferred. Free would be spectacular.

forums.macrumors.com

With Private Relay is there still value in have a 3rd Party VPN?

I have used Nord VPN for years and am curious with the introduciton of Private Relay is there still value in have a 3rd party VPN installed?

forums.macrumors.com

 

[seanmcbay]

You'd be better off not using a VPN at all rather than using a free one.

 

[Pianoworldstage]

Whys that ?

 

[Ray2]

Unless things have recently changed, their availability/reliability is unpredictable. Speeds can be low if there's lots sharing the service. Security would scare me but don't know.

 

[0128672]

@Pianoworldstage -- If you're using a VPN because you want to keep your traffic private and secure, you'd want a VPN that's trustworthy, doesn't keep logs, passes regular security audits, is transparent about its ownership, and doesn't make promises it can't keep. There are limits to what a VPN can do for you.

I think you may want to put in the time to read through the existing VPN threads to learn why a free VPN, as @seanmcbay said, can be worse than no VPN.

In this article updated on 11/21/21 you'll find why there are problems with many free VPNs and some paid ones too.

The Best VPN Service

You might not need a VPN, but if you want to add an extra layer of security to your web browsing, Mullvad has been our pick for years.

www.nytimes.com

 

[thedreamking]

If you're using a VPN because you want to keep your traffic private and secure, you'd want a VPN that's trustworthy, doesn't keep logs, passes regular security audits, is transparent about its ownership, and doesn't make promises it can't keep. There are limits to what a VPN can do for you.

I think you may want to put in the time to read through the existing VPN threads to learn why a free VPN, as @seanmcbay said, can be worse than no VPN.

In this article updated on 11/21/21 you'll find why there are problems with many free VPNs and some paid ones too.

The Best VPN Service

You might not need a VPN, but if you want to add an extra layer of security to your web browsing, Mullvad has been our pick for years.

www.nytimes.com

Thanks for this link! It led me to learn that ExpressVPN was recently sold to a sketchy company. Instantly made the switch to Mullvad.

 

[GumaRodak]

If something is free on internet, its usually a scam or you are the product for sale… i mean, VPN is for security reasons..i would not trust here to “free” services..

 

[lawrencesmac]

"Free" is the most expensive, you don't get the same protection as a paid VPN, probably your usage data is used to sell it to the others, just like Google and Facebook "free" services.

 

[Big Bad D]

If you need VPN security then it’s worth paying for a reliable and trusted one. I use Cactus VPN and it reliably meets my needs and my expected value for money.

 

[Pianoworldstage]

Thank you all for your input and the overall concern regarding the skepticism of free VPNs, however the original question was could anyone recommend a completely free VPN for Mac, I will venture with caution, but would still like to try one out.

 

[TiggrToo]

Thank you all for your input and the overall concern regarding the skepticism of free VPNs, however the original question was could anyone recommend a completely free VPN for Mac, I will venture with caution, but would still like to try one out.

The answer I suspect is "no" - for all the reasons stated above.

The phrase "no such thing as a free lunch" is especially true with VPNs. If you're not paying money for a VPN, then you're paying for it in other ways - ways that are not necessarily t g e best for your online safety.

Anyone who claims "I think x VPN is great" is doing you a massive disservice.

 

[0128672]

Thank you all for your input and the overall concern regarding the skepticism of free VPNs, however the original question was could anyone recommend a completely free VPN for Mac, I will venture with caution, but would still like to try one out.

That happens often here. A member will ask a question hoping for a simple, specific answer, but instead gets a much fuller and more informative answer. Of the recommended paid VPNs some offer free trials. Maybe that's a better starting point to help you to compare free VPNs.

And maybe someone will chime in with a free VPN recommendation and it will seem useful at first until you find out your data has been sold to .... some entity, and then things start happening with your accounts and financial info.

 

[Big Bad D]

Thank you all for your input and the overall concern regarding the skepticism of free VPNs, however the original question was could anyone recommend a completely free VPN for Mac, I will venture with caution, but would still like to try one out.

Good luck. But ask your self how does a free VPN pay for its service? If you’re not paying, the only value it has is your data! There are some genuine exceptions, but generally you pay for what you get.

 

[Pianoworldstage]

Thanks again everyone, due to all recommended advice I've decided to go with a paid version, better security all round I'm sure.

 

[arche3]

Anything free will be slow as molasses. Like 90s dial up modem speeds. If I had to use a free VPN I would break my laptop.