The best VPN for Mac: NordVPN download for macOS*

Probably the biggest and most ironic thing about free VPNs that you should know before downloading one on your Mac is that some free VPN providers may log and sell your browsing data to advertisers, defeating the purpose of using a VPN for privacy.

Beyond that, a lot of free VPN apps put a hard limit on how much data can be used up before a payment is required. Another thing is that free services use outdated and weak encryption protocols that just barely improve online security while allowing access to only a handful of server locations compared to the hundreds that paid services offer.

At the far end of the risk scale are free VPN apps that use the cover of a privacy tool to do the opposite. Such apps are usually deliberately designed to carry malware or drop unwanted software onto your Mac or other device.

You should get a free VPN for Mac only if you plan to use it briefly and have done your research on the provider.

Running a VPN service costs money, and free providers have to cover that cost somehow. The “somehow” is usually a compromise. Many free VPN apps are funded by the harvesting and selling of user data. And that is a difficult thing to square with a service that markets itself around privacy.

But even the “freemium” options come with strings attached. Almost always they have tight data caps, which is the first thing users grow frustrated with once just the normal amount of browsing eats through data allowance. Specifically on Mac, many free VPNs just do not integrate well with macOS, so do not be surprised when your connection drops or you fail to launch the application after a system update.

If you use a Mac regularly (and this applies to any device, really), the argument for a free VPN over a paid one falls apart pretty quickly. A paid VPN tool simply holds up to daily use in a way free services do not. Yes, you have to pay for it, but if you want actual online privacy and security as well as consistent speeds and a stable connection, you will not find a free VPN in the pool of options you are picking from. For anyone hesitant to commit up front, NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service properly before making your decision.

Yes, you can download the NordVPN app for Mac without paying up front. The free version of the app comes with Meshnet, which is a feature that lets you create a secure private network between your own devices. With Meshnet on, you can share files, access your resources remotely, and even route your internet traffic through another one of your devices, effectively turning it into a personal VPN server.

If you want access to NordVPN’s full VPN service, you will have to purchase a subscription. As a new user, you can try it completely risk free for 30 days. If you are not satisfied, then you can always cancel before the 30 days are up and request a refund.