Best VPNs for Mac

If you use macOS, your virtual private network must be as competent as your device. Among the considerably significant justifications to utilize the best VPN for Mac OS is to safeguard your online activity.

Your confidential data, like your account input and credit card numbers, can slip into the hands of hackers if left unprotected. Regardless of Mac’s image as a system impervious to cyberattacks and privacy troubles, malware spells on macOS are nonetheless common.

Likewise, the thriving tendency shows that, contrary to common belief, macOS is not at all safe.

 So that you may have ultimate online security and unlock geographically restricted channels like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, we have compiled a list of the best VPN for mac based on strict testing standards that you can take up on Mac.

We examined the performance of ranged VPNs on MacBook and iMac computers. Subsequently, we evaluated VPNs based on a variety of performance standards to deliver only the promising ones.

Best VPN for Mac in 2023 [In-Depth Analysis]

After testing 130+ VPNs on various criteria, such as speed, macOS compatibility, server network, encryption, and more, we will provide you the best VPN for Mac 2023. For a smooth version, all VPNs detailed here are macOS compatible. When utilizing your Mac, you can browse anonymously.

1. ExpressVPN – Overall The Best VPN

It is the top best VPN for mac, with a great record on Wikipedia and in Mac-related forums. It provides customers with access to numerous servers in 94 countries, allowing them to unlock Netflix as well as other blocked streams. It is the best VPN for Mac since it provides the finest safety, reliability, and bypassing capabilities.

ExpressVPN also provides a Lightway protocol, which is quicker than OpenVPN and a good substitute for the WireGuard protocol.

ExpressVPN’s Mac client is quite user-friendly, and there is an Instant connection option that links you to the fastest server available based on your geographic location.

ExpressVPN-list-of-servers

Its servers are divided into three categories: country, suggested, and current. Furthermore, a search option is offered to assist you in finding your ultimate target.

We also tried ExpressVPN on iPhone, and its macOS software is indeed very similar to its iOS app. Both are simple to operate and have powerful functions. Nevertheless, unlike the macOS software, ExpressVPN’s iOS app misses the kill switch tool.

ExpressVPN’s global server coverage makes circumventing geo-restrictions a snap. It is compatible with numerous other streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and DAZN, as well as others. We can also access Netflix in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, France, and other countries using ExpressVPN.

It also unlocked BBC iPlayer on its UK server in less than six seconds, which was quite fast. Ultra HD quality streaming is made possible due to its high speed without delay.

ExpressVPN also has a MediaStreamer option that enables you to utilize it on Apple TV.  

It also provides P2P-friendly VPN server locations, making it an excellent choice for torrent downloads. You will also have no trouble downloading large files rapidly due to their fast speeds.

Express VPN is speedy enough, on a 100 Mbps connection it provided an intermediate speed of 95.39 Mbps with less than a 9% decline in speeds during testing. This decrease in speed was scarcely noticed.

It took us roughly 15 minutes to download a 3 GB file during testing. Because there are no bandwidth restrictions, stream, and download according to your desires with ExpressVPN.

The ExpressVPN macOS client, like other leading virtual private networks, employs AES-256 encryption by default. It also includes an internet stop switch to protect against unintentional data leaks.

Something that we adore about express VPN is its split tunneling function which allows the user to select which apps should utilize the VPN connection and which ones should be kept out. This feature, however, is not accessible in macOS 11.

Pros 

No logs privacy protection

Industry-leading security

Strong encryption

Fast and stable connection

No bandwidth limits

Replace your IP address

No activity logs or connection logs

24/7 live chat support

Compatibility with Mac OS 0.13 (High Sierra), 12 (Monterey), 10.15 (Catalina), and other operating systems. On all servers, it provides lightning-fast speeds.

Lightway protocol, IKEv2, and other features are included.

It includes a kill switch, split tunneling, no logs, and other features.

Cons

There are no free plans available.

Only five multi-logins are available.

2. Surfshark – The Best Budget-Friendly VPN

Best VPN for mac that provides an easy-to-use macOS app with access to 3200+ servers in 95 countries. Furthermore, it excels at unblocking geo-restricted content.

We were able to easily unblock various Netflix libraries (including US, UK, and CA), as well as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, using Surf Shark.

You can also select from several servers that support the MultiHop feature for an extra layer of security. The provider also does not leak IP or DNS traffic, demonstrating its torrent security.

Its macOS app includes all of the best features, such as an automatic kill switch, CleanWeb (ad blocker), Whitelister (split tunneling), DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and MultiHop.

Aside from that, Surf Shark is an excellent solution for increasing your privacy on macOS. You can select from a variety of secure VPN protocols for Mac, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks.

Its Shadowsocks proxy is recommended for customers in censored countries such as China, the UAE, Egypt, and others. However, you must manually configure it on your Mac and iOS devices.

The provider has a zero-logging policy, which is assured. Third parties, notably Cure53, audit Surf Shark. You can view the entire audit report because no severe concerns with its browser extension were discovered.

Pros 

Compatible with Mac OS Sierra 10.12 and later, Catalina, Monterey, and Mojave, among others.

On Mac, it unblocks, and Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix as well.

It includes the most recent WireGuard protocol.

Cons

There is no free plan available.

3. NordVPN – The Best VPN for Security Features

Best VPN for mac that is the safest and fastest Mac VPN available, with the highest speeds and privacy features. Furthermore, NordVPN has a massive worldwide server network (5500+ servers in 59 countries) and unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms.

NordVPN’s macOS app has numerous security features. For further security, there is a Double VPN feature that encrypts your data twice. There’s also an ad blocker called CyberSec that works flawlessly.

We tested this function on NordVPN’s browser extension, and it removed all side ads and popups from web pages, making it one of the best VPNs for Mac and one of the best VPNs with an ad blocker.

NordVPN protects data with 256-bit AES encryption and a variety of methods. OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2, L2TP, and other protocols are available.

A kill switch option is available which instantly disconnects you when required to maintain your security.

NordVPN also works with all of the biggest streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others. We were able to unblock 30+ streaming sites throughout testing, including niche sites like Crunchyroll. We unblocker BBC iPlayer in 15 seconds on its UK servers.

NordVPN is ideal for torrenting on Mac. It provides P2P-optimized servers in 45+ countries. Even if you begin torrenting on a regular server, NordVPN will immediately transfer you to its P2P servers.

During testing, we had no connectivity concerns, and it was sufficient for uninterrupted streaming. NordVPN also provides a SOCKS5 proxy to improve download speeds while torrenting. When tested, it provided an average of 82.45 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

Pros 

Compatibility with macOS 10.13 High Sierra, 11. Big Sur, 0.14 Mojave, and other operating systems

5200+ servers are available in 60 countries.

It includes Dual VPN, CyberSec, obscured servers, and other features.

Offers personalized apps for Android, iOS, FireStick, routers, and other devices.

Cons

Only six multi-logins are included.

4. CyberGhost – The Best VPN with User-Friendly Apps

Best VPN for mac. It is among the most user-friendly Mac VPNs, making it a wonderful alternative for novices. CyberGhost has around 8900 servers in 91 countries, all of which are grouped into categories.

Among these are servers designed for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and copy. You may quickly select the appropriate server for your requirements.

It features dedicated servers for unblocking streaming services such as US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others. As an alternative to connecting to a foreign server, you can select a dedicated server for the streaming service you want to unblock on your Mac. CyberGhost’s UK server, for example, performed successfully with BBC iPlayer and unblocked it in 9 seconds.

For P2P, you can connect to its torrenting-focused servers, which are available in over 50 locations. These servers also display the load % in the list, allowing you to connect to a server that provides faster speeds while not being overloaded. On a 100 Mbps connection, CyberGhost, for example, provided an average speed of 71.42 Mbps.

CyberGhost also provides extensive security measures for macOS users to enhance their online privacy. There is 256-bit encryption, an automated kill switch, and a variety of protocols available.

You have the option of using the IKEv2 or WireGuard security protocols. You will need to manually configure OpenVPN on your Mac device.

The Mac software for CyberGhost has an ad blocker that also stops trackers and dangerous websites. There is also a data compression tool that ensures you stay inside your Mac’s bandwidth restriction.

A single CyberGhost account can link up to 7 devices. What’s more, you can connect it to your router and use it to circumvent restrictions on your other Apple devices.

Pros

Compatibility with macOS High Sierra (10.13), Mojave (10.14), Sierra (10.12), and other operating systems

Unblocks a variety of streaming providers, including Netflix, Hulu, and DAZN.

7700+ servers are available in 90 countries.

Allows for seven simultaneous logins.

It includes an ad blocker, a kill switch, and the WireGuard protocol.

There is a 45-day refund policy.

Cons

Some servers provide slower than average speeds.

5. Private Internet Access – The Best VPN for Torrenting

It’s the best VPN for Mac for torrenting. PIA behaved admirably when torrenting on Mac.

All of its servers are optimized for peer-to-peer traffic, and it also provides a SOCKS5 proxy and port forwarding capability to improve performance. Overall, PIA is an excellent solution for torrenting on Mac devices.PIA’s huge server network is one of its most distinguishing features.  

The PIA macOS app includes all of the most recent security features. You can, for example, choose between AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption.

You can choose 128-bit encryption for faster speeds, but we recommend 256-bit encryption for your Mac’s security.

There is also a kill switch option that you can utilize if you ought to. It also has a function called MACE that filters advertisements and malware. Despite having all of these functions, its macOS program is simple to use and has a clean layout.

You may unblock a multitude of streaming services with its Mac client, including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, DAZN, and others.

You get good speeds because there are so many servers to select from. 

During our testing, PIA delivered an average speed of 61.91 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.  

Pros 

Compatibility with macOS Mojave, Big Sur, High Sierra (10.13+), and other operating systems.

Provides a server network of over 35500 computers in 84 countries.

SOCKS5 and port forwarding functionality are included.

MACE, split tunneling, and a kill switch are all available.

Ten multi-logins are available.

Cons

Is headquartered in the United States

Some servers require a long time to connect.

The Best VPNs for Mac, Testing Methodology:

So the rising seriousness of cyberattacks and geo-limitation makes it harder for a VPN to remain dynamic for a significant stretch. Remembering this, we recognized in detail the best rules that assisted us with picking the best VPNs for macOS

Mac OS compatibility

The best Macintosh VPNs ought to help various macOS forms, including macOS 11, 10.15, and 10.14, and that’s just the beginning. Along these lines, we incorporated all VPNs that offer local Macintosh clients and are not difficult to introduce and set up.

Execution/Speed

We tried the velocities of the VPNs given macOS utilizing speedtest.net. Picking a high-velocity VPN is a must because, for the most part, VPNs will generally dial back speeds, so with a fast VPN, speed decline isn’t perceptible. To this end, we guarantee that the VPNs we list don’t drop your speed by over 30%.

Unblocks Locales 

The limit of the VPN is to unblock geo-confined destinations like Netflix from abroad. The best Macintosh VPN administrations ought to have the option to unblock streaming destinations and hindered channels on Macintosh from any place on the planet.

Utilizing the VPNs above, you can get to various real-time features, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar, and that’s just the beginning.

Torrenting 

Accessibility of P2P-streamlined servers with IP spill insurance. VPNs ought to offer numerous P2P servers so you can deluge securely on your Macintosh gadgets. All the VPNs above offer P2P-upgraded servers so you can deluge securely on your macOS.

Servers 

The best VPN macOS ought to offer an enormous server network with worldwide inclusion so you can interface with any area you need to. All the VPNs we recorded accompany servers running between hundreds to thousands.

Protection and Encryption

The logging strategy and encryption component are according to guidelines to keep away from reconnaissance. Likewise, it ought to offer 256-cycle encryption, a severe no-logs strategy, and an off button.

The best Macintosh VPNs we recorded gave the company an assortment of safety features that guarantee consistently keeping clients hidden and mysterious.

Four Simple Steps to follow while setting up VPN on your Mac:

Select a decent VPN and sign up for it. Our top suggestion for you is Expressvpn which is quite simple to set up.

Install and log in to its specialized Mac app from its main site.

Log in to your preferred server.

Once registered, you may begin browsing safely on your Mac. 

On your Mac, you may now unblock geo-restricted websites and enjoy a private connection.

Is it likely to utilize a Free VPN on a Mac?

Yes, you can use the best free VPN for Mac, but we strongly discourage you from doing so. For starters, most free VPNs are unsafe due to untrustworthy privacy practices and spyware.

Free VPNs collect and sell your user data to third-party advertising, infringing on your right to privacy. For example, Hola VPN was detected sharing identifying user information with third parties and selling free customers’ idle bandwidth.

Similarly, free VPNs limit your speeds and have a few overcrowded servers, resulting in incredibly poor connections that make the VPN difficult to use. You can only browse the site because streaming is not an option.

Is there a VPN integrated into Mac?

No, Mac does not include a VPN. Although you can manually configure a VPN on macOS, you will still want VPN credentials from a provider.

Is a VPN required for Mac?

Yes, if you want further internet protection on your Mac, you must use a VPN. The best VPN software for Mac will provide total network encryption to keep you safe and allow you to safely access geo-restricted websites.

What exactly is a shared secret with a Mac VPN?

The shared secret, also known as the Pre-shared Key, is a type of password that can be configured on your device for your VPN’s gateway. The Pre-shared Key is unique to your gateway and can be found there. IN THE CONFIGURATION GUIDE FOR YOU.

How can I resolve a Mac VPN error?

Here are a couple of workarounds for the VPN issue on Mac:

Check to see if the server to which you are connected is operational.

Reinstall or reboot your VPN service.

Check to see if the appropriate ports are open.

Examine your VPN credentials.

How to Remove a VPN on a Mac

To uninstall a VPN on a Mac, navigate to the Application folder and drag and drop the VPN app into the trash can.

On a Mac, how do you share a VPN connection?

While using your mac find System settings. 

Select the Sharing option and then go for internet Sharing to share a VPN connection.

Take into consideration the following alternatives.

Select the VPN connection you built on Mac to share.

Check out wifi and Then, go to the WiFi settings and put in a password.

Configure the following:

Name of the Network, Channel, Security, Password, Verify, Tap OK.

Retype the password and turn on Internet Sharing. select Turn WiFi On and then click Start. Subsequently, now, you can view the Internet Sharing.

Your VPN connection and WiFi Internet Sharing status will be displayed in your menu bar.

Conclusion:

Even though macOS includes several built-in security features, certain vulnerabilities remain unpatched. A VPN is needed to ensure the security of your Mac device. Nevertheless, don’t go for the best free VPN for Mac. You should always use a premium VPN to add a layer of protection and encryption to your device.

Interestingly,  utilize a VPN to unblock geographically restricted streaming platforms. ExpressVPN was the best VPN for Mac among the top 5 VPNs we shortlisted, offering the finest unblocking capabilities, macOS compatibility, and superb privacy features.