Best VPN for Mac in 2024: 5 Safe & Secure Services (original) (raw)

Best Vpn For Mac

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Users looking for the best VPN for Mac are fully aware of this platform’s limits. While more secure than Windows, macOS computers are far from immune to online threats. Internet connection allows snoopers and hackers to spy on your online activities. Worse yet, your ISP can throttle your bandwidth and prevent you from accessing certain websites. Not to mention that geo-restrictions can ruin your internet experience in a second. Region-locked sites won’t be accessible unless you alter your IP, which a VPN can do.

Using the best possible VPN on Mac in 2024 comes with plenty of perks. Its ability to hide your IP address halts ISP monitoring. It prevents hackers from intercepting your traffic and stealing your sensitive data. Not only that, but such a service is also paramount for torrenting!

With the added benefits of low-ping gaming, the ability to access geo-restricted streaming services, and saving money on online purchases, having a reputable VPN for Mac computers is one of the best decisions you can make. So, what are the best VPN services compatible with macOS? Glad you asked – the answer is below.

Best VPN for Mac: Our Detailed List

Our team of experts tested dozens of services on different platforms. This was quite challenging, but our selection process led us to these 5 providers:

  1. NordVPN – the best overall VPN for Mac in 2024
  2. ExpressVPN – fast and reliable servers in 105 countries
  3. Private Internet Access – advanced security options for macOS users
  4. Surfshark – an excellent Mac VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
  5. CyberGhost – great for streaming and torrenting on a budget

Now that you know what are our top picks for 2024, you know what to do – choose one! However, we recommend reading more about them to get accustomed to their numerous features.

6300 servers

111 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

10 simultaneous connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

9.4 /10

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1

3000 servers

105 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

8 simultaneous connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

9.1 /10

SEE MORE

2

27000 servers

91 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

Unlimited connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux

9 /10

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3

3000 servers

100 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

Unlimited connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

8.7 /10

SEE MORE

4

12000 servers

100 covered countries

45 days money-back guarantee

7 simultaneous connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

8.4 /10

SEE MORE

5

1. NordVPN

Nordvpn Best VPN Mac

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Pros

Cons

NordVPN offers an incredible VPN for Mac computers with 6,400+ worldwide servers. It’s our favorite choice capable of torrenting with P2P servers but also works with Netflix, MAX, and other streaming services. Users of this platform will appreciate its modern and sleek look.

Its apps are the best around, with support for 10 simultaneous connections. Apart from its apps, NordVPN offers plenty of other qualities. One is NordLynx support for macOS, which is the fastest, most secure protocol in the world.

Another is a Double VPN. This feature doubles your encryption by routing your traffic through two servers in different countries. NordVPN even includes a CyberSec ad blocker complemented by full malware protection. We appreciate NordVPN’s App Kill Switch which works flawlessly.

It prevents IP leaks by disabling the internet connection if the VPN connection breaks. This premium VPN compatible with macOS offers unlimited traffic for seamless gaming, streaming, or torrenting. Obfuscated servers are there too, making NordVPN usable in China.

In terms of logging, NordVPN’s practices are some of the most respectable. Being from Panama, this leading VPN for Mac keeps NO logs of your browsing history, IP address, and geo-location, as indicated by numerous audits by Deloitte and PwC.

We could talk about NordVPN for hours but it’s better to read our NordVPN test instead. We’ll just mention it’s among the cheapest options in 2024. Its 2-year plan is on a hefty discount with a nice 30-day money-back guarantee. Test it risk-free now.

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2. ExpressVPN

Expressvpn VPN App Mac

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Pros

Cons

ExpressVPN is a close second and a premium VPN for Mac computers worth checking out. Its speeds are phenomenal across all 3,000+ servers. The VPN uses the Lightway protocol to ensure you get enough stability and security for all online activities.

Speaking of them, ExpressVPN is suitable for streaming and torrenting no matter the server you’re using. We also love its Advanced Protection for macOS, which blocks trackers, ads, and malicious sites. You can even prevent access to porn sites with Parental Control.

ExpressVPN is a leader in security and privacy along with NordVPN. With over 15 independent audits, it’s proven to keep no logs, with a powerful infrastructure whose AES-256 encryption perfectly covers your online footprints. Encryption isn’t everything.

ExpressVPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy and employs its Kill Switch for added protection. Split tunneling is there too, and ExpressVPN has a phenomenal Chrome VPN extension with WebRTC leak protection for added privacy. Device support is amazing too.

Apart from an exquisite Mac VPN app, ExpressVPN offers apps for iPhones, Android phones, and Windows and Linux PCs. Compared to NordVPN, ExpressVPN offers 8 simultaneous connections. It’s also a bit more expensive, so it’s not for everyone.

However, a 49% discount thanks to 3 free months for the annual plan is there. This is backed by a 30-day refund policy for all plans. ExpressVPN lacks Double VPN servers, which is a shame but we’re optimistic and expect such an improvement shortly.

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3. Private Internet Access

Pia Vpn Apps

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Pros

Cons

PIA isn’t our #1 VPN for Mac but at #3, it’s surely almost on top of our ranking. Private Internet Access is all about advanced security that macOS VPN users will love. It offers customizable WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols that you can tailor to your needs.

In addition, Private Internet Access offers access to proxies such as Shadowsocks and SOCKS5, both of which are rare in VPNs. Shadowsocks is great for obfuscation, while SOCKS5 can accelerate torrenting. PIA includes MACE – a nifty little ad blocker.

Private Internet Access offers bank-grade encryption but also uses RAM servers to prevent data from lingering on the servers. Private DNS is there to safeguard your DNS queries from the prying eyes of your ISP. PIA has standard features like a kill switch, for example.

However, it also includes an optional Antivirus to keep your Mac computer safe and sound. Streaming-wise, PIA isn’t the best option, although it works with a few Netflix catalogs. Torrenting is supported on all servers and the VPN’s performance is sufficient in most cases.

One of its strengths is compatibility. While it lacks a Firestick app, it at least allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s also packed with 30,000 servers globally and covers every American state, so it’s a favorite choice of many Americans.

Overall, it’s an excellent VPN for Mac in 2024 that won’t cost a fortune. At a hairpin above $2 a month for the 2-year plan with 2 free months, you can’t go wrong with it. A few shortcomings are there but they’re easily forgiven in this affordable and premium package.

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4. Surfshark

Surfshark VPN macOS

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Pros

Cons

Surfshark is the best VPN for Mac if you want an all-around service. In our tests, Surfshark performed well for watching Netflix thanks to reliable servers in 100 countries. Like PIA, it offers unlimited connections, even supporting Firestick TV and routers.

This VPN performs pretty well with its WireGuard support, offering a tad slower speed than NordVPN. Its kill switch was problematic before but in 2024, it’s an excellent option to sway off IP leaks. Surfshark doesn’t mess around and is one of the safest VPNs for macOS.

It offers 256-bit encryption and uses modern IP/DNS leak protection. We like its MultiHop servers that you can customize to meet your demands. Surfshark offers a heap of Static IP and Dedicated IP addresses usable for bypassing VPN blocks and IP blacklisting.

Surfshark’s apps are equipped with NoBorders to mask your VPN traffic and bypass censorship. In addition, IP Rotation rotates your IP address periodically while keeping the location identical, helping you boost your privacy and prevent tracking.

A key feature is a private browser called Search, which is a part of the Surfshark One plan. It allows for anonymous browsing without ISP monitoring. Surfshark lets you buy the Incogni feature and delete your personal information from data brokers in selected regions.

As one of the biggest Mac VPNs, Surfshark’s strong privacy is a must. However, its Dutch jurisdiction isn’t our favorite due to the 9 Eyes participation. At the price of over $2 a month, it’s another great VPN that’ll likely fit the bill and still be dependable.

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5. CyberGhost

Cyberghost Apps

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Pros

Cons

CyberGhost is a top-rated VPN if you prioritize streaming and torrenting. It’s not better than NordVPN or ExpressVPN but it offers dedicated P2P and streaming servers. The former are in 70+ countries, so finding a fast P2P server is possible everywhere.

As one of the best-rated Mac VPN services, CyberGhost also lets you watch ABC, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer with its streaming servers. Best of all, its performance is sublime with the WireGuard protocol that makes the VPN’s unlimited traffic shine like gold.

CyberGhost’s apps span all platforms and work on all macOS versions. It’s not the most impressive with 7 simultaneous connections but that’ll be enough for most users either way. Security is one of its strengths, with bank-grade encryption and superb IPv6 leak protection.

It’s surely among the best VPNs for privacy thanks to NoSpy servers and a fully-certified no-logging policy. CyberGhost uses RAM servers too and we like its ad blocker that prevents trackers and ads from interfering with your online activities.

Optional extras include an antivirus, making this already excellent VPN for Mac even more capable. Also, it offers Dedicated IP addresses in 20+ locations compared to 10+ in Surfshark. CyberGhost’s Smart DNS can unblock streaming platforms on all devices for convenience.

CyberGhost is one of the cheapest premium VPNs on Mac in 2024. We could compare it to PIA and its price at just over two measly monthly dollars. However, CyberGhost has a significant 45-day money-back guarantee, making it stand out from the rest.

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Why Should You Use the Best VPN on Mac?

The most reliable VPNs for Mac aren’t necessary but are handy for many things. They will inevitably improve your internet experience and protect your macOS computer or laptop from dangerous online threats. Here’s why you should use one:

Public WiFi Safety

If you’re using a MacBook, carrying it around for business is one of its key benefits. However, once you’re sat at a restaurant or cafe and connect to its WiFi network, you expose your identity to everyone. Public WiFi hotspots suffer from a lack of security.

Sometimes, they’re not even password-protected, which allows hackers to blitz through, steal your data, and walk away unscathed. Public WiFi networks are incredibly insecure also because their administrators can sometimes spy on your online activities.

All in all, you don’t want to expose your privacy, especially on a WiFi network in a foreign country. Using the best VPN compatible with Mac as soon as you connect to a WiFi network is smart. It’ll encrypt your traffic and alter your IP so that your anonymity is never questioned.

We explained how a VPN works in detail here if you’re interested.

Limitless Streaming

Streaming is one of the most popular benefits of our top picks for macOS. They pack 3,000 to 30,000 servers globally in 100 to 110+ countries. All of them let you unblock streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, MAX, and at least dozens more.

For example, NordVPN works with 20+ Netflix catalogs, making it among the most efficient Mac VPNs for streaming. Let’s not forget foreign TV channels that you’ll also unblock promptly. Some of them will also stream Formula 1 live – handy if you’re a fan.

With the top 5 Mac VPNs, limitless streaming is inevitable. In fact, you’ll easily circumvent any geo-block, be it on a streaming site, an online bookie, or an adult site. Just connect to a corresponding server and you’ll the magic before your eyes.

Online Privacy

Online privacy goes in hand with security but these are different things. VPNs provide security against online threats. NordVPN is a prime example with its Threat Protection that blocks malware, viruses, trackers, ads, and other malignancies.

However, all 5 providers have no-logging policies that ensure privacy. This means they don’t keep any logs of your online activities, IP address, location, and other sensitive data. As a result, these providers can be used to ensure your privacy and total anonymity.

Even if the authorities request any of our favorite VPNs for Mac, they’ll come out empty-handed. Features like Private DNS and RAM-only servers only add to your privacy, letting you go online without snoopers, ISPs, and data brokers breathing down your neck.

Anonymous Torrenting

A “side-effect” of privacy is anonymous torrenting. ISPs will monitor your activities and detect when you’re downloading torrents. This can be problematic if you accidentally download a copyrighted file because you’ll be reported to the copyright holder.

Another issue is that torrent sites collect your download history and if requested by the authorities, hand it to them. Other people in the P2P network also see your IP address whose exposure leads to the abolishment of your privacy.

Once connected to a VPN, all your online footprints are concealed. Downloading torrents with uTorrent, Vuze, or any other client will be smooth and undetectable by your ISP and peers in the P2P network. NordVPN even offers bespoke P2P servers for this!

Saving Money Online

The best VPNs for Mac in 2024 let you change your online location and save money online. Prices of flight tickets, hotel rentals, and even software are location-determined! Changing your IP to a less developed country can yield excellent savings, as a result.

Our number 1 provider, NordVPN, lets you choose from 110+ countries. This means you can experiment and find the cheapest flight tickets and hotels in a foreign country, save some cash, and get yourself a nice, luxurious meal once you’re there.

The trick with the IP address change also lets you buy cheaper games, programs, and other digital and physical goods.

How to Install and Use a VPN on Mac?

You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to use a VPN on macOS. If you have a Macbook or any macOS device, we assume you’re acquainted with how it works. In that case, the installation is identical to any other app. Let us explain.

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  1. Subscribe to the best VPN compatible with Mac. Our recommended service is NordVPN.
  2. Download the setup file from the website.
  3. Find the “pkg” file in “Downloads” and open it.
  4. In the setup wizard, click on Continue and then select the install location.
  5. Click Install and enter your password to complete the installation.
  6. Open NordVPN (or any other) and log in to the app.
  7. Connect to a server by clicking on the desired country.

Nordvpn Mac Connected Germany

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From this moment, encryption begins and you can go online as a different person, experiencing all of the benefits we mentioned above.

What Are the Best Free VPNs for Mac?

Our team intentionally avoided free VPNs. The list of the 5 best-rated picks has no place for compromises that free VPNs carry with themselves. As free providers, they’re slower, often bandwidth-limited, and in severe lack of privacy.

Do we need to continue?

Free providers have no P2P support, so torrenting is impossible from the get-go. The most widely adopted Mac VPNs allow for streaming, while free providers aren’t optimized for it, making Netflix and BBC iPlayer inaccessible.

We should point out an obvious security flaw that many exude. Some of them lack a kill switch or proper 256-bit encryption. Hola VPN and Betternet (we’re sure you know them) store logs and sell your private data to third parties. Read their privacy policies if you don’t believe us.

The best free VPNs for Mac don’t exist. Or better said, they do, but their “best” is far from the “best” of NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, and other top picks. If you don’t have enough money, Proton VPN has a decent free plan with unlimited bandwidth.

However, it lacks P2P/streaming, offers only 5 locations, and is pretty slow. Check our ranking of the top free VPNs for macOS. We discussed a few picks we “sort of” recommend, with their shortcomings that you’ll likely be annoyed with right off the bat.

Summary

At this point, it’s pretty clear what the best-ranking VPNs for Mac are. To digress, they include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. After thorough testing, our experts were the most satisfied with these five.

They tick all the boxes, from security and privacy to streaming, torrenting, gaming, and other aspects. We’d avoid free offerings because they’re inferior and don’t offer the same level of quality. Now go ahead and pick one according to your needs.

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FAQ

If you still have burning questions, don’t fret. We’ll answer the most frequently asked ones below.

Do Mac computers have a built-in VPN?

No, they don’t. They have built-in IKEv2 and L2TP/IPSec protocols. You can turn the selected protocol but you still need to provide the VPN that will be used. Of course, that VPN must support one of the two protocols you’ll use, so you still need a third-party service.

IKEv2 is supported by NordVPN and a few others on our list.

Is the best VPN for macOS necessary?

No. A VPN isn’t considered essential which is why it doesn’t come as an integral part of macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, or Linux. It’s an optional app for added privacy, security, and other advantages. Is it recommended? Absolutely.

These services don’t cost much but provide ample advantages and let you access geo-restricted content. This can be extra useful for people who love watching BBC iPlayer abroad or unblocking online bookmakers, for instance.

What is the cheapest premium VPN for a Mac?

That would be Private Internet Access, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. Their monthly price is around 2.2forthe2−yearplan.PIAandCyberGhostoffer2freemonths,whileSurfsharkoffers3monthsontop.NordVPNisalotbetteratjust2.2 for the 2-year plan. PIA and CyberGhost offer 2 free months, while Surfshark offers 3 months on top. NordVPN is a lot better at just 2.2forthe2−yearplan.PIAandCyberGhostoffer2freemonths,whileSurfsharkoffers3monthsontop.NordVPNisalotbetteratjust1 more for the same 2-year plan. It also offers 3 free months.

ExpressVPN is the least affordable option with a monthly price of over $6.6 for the 12-month plan.