Proton VPN is the free VPN shown in this guide for macOS. Its Proton Free plan does not require a credit card, includes medium VPN speeds, and lets you switch among servers in 10 countries. You can install it on a MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, or another Mac running macOS.
A VPN routes your internet connection through a VPN server. This can help protect your connection when you use public Wi-Fi and lets you connect through a server in another available location. The free plan is a practical option if you want VPN access on your Mac without starting a paid subscription.
Video Tutorial
Download Proton VPN Free for macOS
You will create a free Proton account before downloading the Mac app. During signup, Proton may display paid plans or an offer. To stay on the free plan, select the option labeled Continue with Proton Free.
- Open a web browser and go to ProtonVPN.com.
- Select Get Proton VPN.
- On the plan selection screen, find Proton Free and select Get Proton Free.
- If a paid offer appears, select Continue with Proton Free.
- Enter your email address to create an account. You can also create a free account using a Proton.me address.
- Create a password, or keep the generated password if you prefer. Save the password somewhere safe, then select Continue with this password.
- When you reach the download screen, select Download, then choose Download for macOS.
- If your Mac is running a current version of macOS, select macOS 14 or newer.
The Proton VPN download will usually save in your Mac’s Downloads folder. If your browser uses a different download location, open that folder instead.
Install the Proton VPN app
The Mac installer comes as a .dmg file. You install it by copying the app into Applications.
- Open Finder and go to Downloads.
- Open the downloaded Proton VPN.dmg file.
- In the installation window, drag the Proton VPN icon into the Applications folder.
- Wait while macOS copies the app files.
After the copy finishes, you can close the installer window. Proton VPN is now installed in your Applications folder.
Open Proton VPN and allow the Mac permissions
You can start the app from Finder or from the apps search on your Mac. For Finder, select Applications in the left sidebar and open Proton VPN. Alternatively, open the apps search, type Proton, and select Proton VPN.
- Open Proton VPN.
- The first time macOS asks for confirmation, select Open.
- When Proton VPN asks for access to create the VPN on your Mac, select OK.
- If you see the message Enable system extensions to continue, select Open Network Extensions.
- macOS Settings will open. Turn on the toggle for Proton VPN.
- Enter your Mac password if prompted, then select Done.
- Close Settings and return to Proton VPN. Select Continue.
This permission is required because the app needs to add and manage a VPN connection on your Mac. Without it, Proton VPN cannot route your connection through its VPN servers.
Connect to the free VPN
Sign in with the Proton account details you created during download. Once the main Proton VPN window opens, select Quick Connect. The app will choose an available server and begin connecting.
You may see another macOS message asking to add VPN configurations. Select Allow to finish the connection setup. When the connection completes, your Mac’s internet traffic is going through Proton VPN.
To check the connection later, look at the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select the Proton icon to view the connection controls. From there, you can disconnect the VPN or change to a different available server. The selected server can change your VPN location, subject to the locations available with the free plan.
What to expect from the free plan
Proton Free provides unlimited use according to the plan shown during signup, but it uses medium VPN speeds. Your actual speed can vary based on your normal connection, the server you select, and network conditions. The demonstration connected successfully and produced good speed test results, but your results may differ.
If you are connected to public Wi-Fi, turn on the VPN before browsing or signing in to accounts. When you are finished, use the Proton menu bar icon to disconnect if you no longer need the VPN connection. Keeping the app installed also makes it easy to reconnect with Quick Connect the next time you need it.
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