Best VPN for Mac
James Patterson | Last Updated:
Online Privacy & Internet Security Expert
If you are an Mac user, you can protect yourself from invasive surveillance by using a VPN. A VPN also allows you to get around content censorship. When you use a VPN, you can hide your true IP address, so if you live in a country where there are internet surveillance and censorship, you need the protection of a VPN connection. A VPN provides unrestricted access to internet content. You can use it to overcome content restrictions imposed by your boss, landlord, ISP, or government. A good VPN gives unrestricted access to all the content on the internet while at the same time protecting your data from prying eyes. How does a VPN accomplish this? Let us explain.
A VPN routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel. It will ensure that your data is encrypted before it leaves your device. As a result, spammers cannot steal it. The same technology also prevents your ISP from finding out what you are doing online. Because of this, VPNs are now the most preferred personal cyber security product.
QUICK SUMMARY: check out our recommended VPNs for Mac
- ExpressVPN – the fastest app for Apple devices: Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Our #1 choice.
- NordVPN – reputable well known company. Feature packed app. Large number of servers and locations.
- SurfShark – easy installation on Mac, unlimited simultaneous connections, affordable price.
We Compare and Test the Best VPNs for Mac
If you’re in the market for a vpn that will work seamlessly with your Apple Mac, make sure that choose a vpn that is fit for purpose. We’ve tested these vpns extensively on our suite of test Mac devices to help you make an informed decision.
1. ExpressVPN
- Supported Devices:
ExpressVPN is undoubtedly the best VPN for Mac users.
It boasts of excellent server strength and provides superior customer support.
ExpressVPN does not keep usage logs. Since they offer a 30-day money back guarantee, you can use their service risk-free.
ExpressVPN also supports P2P torrenting.
It is slightly more expensive than other VPNs but the excellent customer support and connection speeds offered by them easily justify their price. They are the perfect service for streaming videos and unlocking censored content.
Features:
All ExpressVPN plans include the following features:
- Apps for devices: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, game consoles, smart TVs
- Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
- 3,000+ Servers / 160 Locations / 94 Countries
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- Live, 24-hour customer support
- VPNCompass Speed Test: 75.44 Mb/second
ExpressVPN Prices:
Below are the latest ExpressVPN subscription prices, current as at October 2024:
2. SurfShark
- Supported Devices:
The first thing that caught my attention when I installed the SurfShark app on my MacBook Air was the simple and straightforward installation process was. Creating an account on the SurfShark site was quick and easy, as was the app installation process that followed. The end result was that I was up and running in no time and ready to start streaming Netflix without any geo-restrictions.
A key feature of the SurfShark app for Mac is that it allows UNLIMITED simulaneous connections. (Most other vpn service providers only offer 3 or 4 simulaeneous connections). Unlimited simultaneous connections is a feature that will be particularly beneficial for large families, or indeed any household or business where larger numbers of people need to connect to the vpn at the same time.
If your doing alot of web browsing and want to stop intrusive ads tracking you, then the CleanWeb feature is one that you are going to appreciate. When this feature is enabled, it blocks those annoying popups and prevents ads from displaying. It also helps protect you while online by blocking malware and phishing attempts. A side benefit is that you’ll also save on your mobile data usage, as these ads and trackers will now be blocked from loading on your Mac.
For me, the clincher here was the affordability of the app. They are known for their highly affordable prices. In fact, they are consistantly the cheapest out of all the most respected vpn service providers currently on the market. I’d suggest that you try out their service by signing up for a 1 Month subscription, and then if you’re happy with how the app performs for you, go for the better value 24 month option. The prices get cheaper the longer you signup for.
Features:
All SurfShark plans include the following features:
- Simultaneous connections: UNLIMITED !
- Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
- 800+ Servers / 160 locations / 49 Countries
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- CleanWeb: blocks ads and malware
- VPNCompass Speed Test: 72.55 Mb/second
3. NordVPN
- Supported Devices:
NordVPN is an excellent service recommended for Mac users. They have fantastic apps for OS X and iOS.
Their end-to-end encryption will ensure that no one can intercept the data that leaves or reaches your device. NordVPN does not keep logs. The only downside of this VPN is the average speed. It is not surprising because NordVPN focuses on protecting the privacy and security of their users.
High-level encryption means a bit of speed compromise.
While their price is a little above average, their features justify it. NordVPN is a Panama-based company that offers dedicated streaming servers and P2P support.
Features:
All NordVPN plans include the following features:
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Jurisdiction: Panama
- Countries: 63
- Servers in North America: 2310
- Servers in Europe: 2657
- Servers in Asia Pacific: 639
- Servers in Middle East / India: 119
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- VPNCompass Speed Test: 63.25 Mb/second
PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see your current IP Address:
- Your IP Address: 43.250.140.30
- Your Location: Beaconsfield, AU
- Your Internet Provider: Synergy Wholesale PTY LTD
* Scammers, Governments, and Advertisers can use this information to track and target you.
Our recommended vpn service provider for general all-round internet security and online privacy is ExpressVPN. It offers an excellent selection of online security and internet privacy features, excellent speed, and the ability to unblock your favorite streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer).
Visit ExpresssVPNCategories: Devices