5 Best VPN for Mac to Use in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

Do You Need a VPN on Mac?

It’s commonly known that Apple has top-notch systems capable of preventing potential cyberattacks.

That’s why most Mac users believe that they don’t even need antivirus software on their MacBook Pro, Mac Air, iMac, Apple desktop computer, or other macOS and iOS devices, which is a dangerous myth.

However, a VPN service can be just as beneficial for Mac as it is for Windows, mainly because even macOS isn’t immune to cybersecurity threats.

Cybercriminals are continually looking for innovative ways to breach security systems and steal or misuse sensitive data.

So, even if you use a Mac, it’s wise to have an extra layer of security that a VPN service provides, especially when connecting to the internet via unsecured public Wi-Fi.

How VPN Will Protect My Mac?

A Virtual Private Network makes you anonymous online by masking your IP address and hiding your online activity.

It uses encryption and tunneling protocols to secure your internet connection and browsing, hiding your location and traffic even from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). So, connecting to a VPN server is your way to go if you want secure access to content blocked by your ISP, government, company, or school.

The most popular reason why Mac users are increasingly turning to Virtual Private Network services is streaming geo-restricted content on Netflix. Netflix and many other streaming services, even YouTube, have geo-restrictions that block traffic from certain countries.

You can bypass these restrictions with a VPN service and even use a provider for online gaming.

Are Mac VPNs different from other VPNs?

Not really. The main purpose of a VPN for MAC is very much similar to a VPN for any other OS. They behave in, more or less, the same manner. However, there could be a slight difference in a few features of the best free VPN for Mac and the place of downloading. For instance, during our research, we figured out that the kill switch facility will be auto-activated in NordVPN once we download it from the app store. However, in its DMG version, the user has to activate it.

What Is the Best VPN for Mac?

If you want safe and secure internet access with excellent encryption, protection, and streaming support, these are the best VPN for Apple products you can try.

According to our tried-and-tested reviewing techniques, the top VPN services for Mac are:

NordVPN – Top-Rated VPN for Mac

+ Double data encryption

+ DNS leak protection

+ Excellent performance

– A rather basic iOS app

NordVPN is a superb Virtual Private Network for Mac with more than 5600 servers across 59 countries. Such a widespread VPN server network ensures that you have the needed protection no matter in which nook and corner of the world you’re.

What makes this VPN particularly outstanding is the fact that it boasts impressive, military-grade 256-bit AES encryption. Moreover, it offers top-notch DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ensuring no requests are ever exposed.

This ensures that there is nothing to worry about if your VPN connection drops in between.

What makes it the best Mac VPN is its ability to work with all the leading MacBook and iMac models.

It supports up to 6 simultaneous internet connections, allows torrenting and P2P, has a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and offers its services at very affordable prices. Lastly, this VPN Mac free-handedly offers a SmartPlay feature that makes streaming on Mac much more convenient. If something goes wrong, you can always contact NordVPN customer service representatives via 24/7 live chat support.

Visit NordVPN

ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Macbook Air

+ Access to unlimited bandwidth

+Fastest connection speeds

+ Excellent support on most Mac devices

– Not the cheapest VPN

ExpressVPN is the best IP blocker for Mac with the fastest internet connection speeds. It supports 256-bit AES encryption alongside OpenVPN for Mac devices. Just like NordVPN, it also has stellar DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ensuring that all user data is safe at all times.

You can browse Safari safely and securely with a seamless user interface. With a one-click installation that only takes 5 minutes, ExpressVPN is certainly a beginner-friendly option.

This best VPN Mac has over 3000 servers in 160 server locations, supports up to 5 simultaneous connections, has a zero-logging policy, a kill switch, uses split tunneling, and allows P2P and torrenting. One unique thing about ExpressVPN is that users can set their Mac devices to share VPN connections over Wi-Fi. ExpressVPN also offers 24/7 live chat customer support, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What can be bothersome for a few users is its high cost, which is certainly on the higher side as compared to its counterparts.

There are two ways to save a decent amount. The first one is going for its long-term subscription. If you’re a regular VPN user, going for a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year subscription will certainly save a few bucks. This way, you get a per-month subscription at a reduced cost or can get a few months free.

Another way is to go for some discount coupons, which you may earn via the website during festive offers. Apply that coupon in one click, and you’ll get an instant rebate.

Visit ExpressVPN

CyberGhost – Best VPN Service for Mac

+ Good performance

+ Unlimited bandwidth

+ Great Mac-friendly features

– Average speed, with slow connection from some servers

CyberGhost has over 5600 servers in over 90 countries. It is one of the top VPN picks for Mac devices because of its speed and reliability. It also boasts industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption, as well as IPv6 leak protection. This way, your sensitive information is protected by all means.

You can use its free VPN download for a Mac trial when using it for the first time. Those who are looking for extra features and improved security have the freedom to upgrade to the paid version anytime.

One exciting thing about CyberGhost is that it has a built-in ad-blocker that complements its malware protection features. It can even stop tailored advertising on websites.

It keeps zero logs, supports up to 7 devices, torrenting, and P2P, and additionally secures your connection with a kill switch.

All its security features work smoothly on all the leading MacOS versions. Hence, uncompromised security is promised and delivered. It can make the open internet safe.

Whether an individual user or a team uses it, the speed is maintained throughout the usage. Using a VPN is easy than clapping with the detailed tutorial and 24*7 assistance of this VPN. You have the freedom to set security features manually.

Its risk-free trial version is worthy and deserves a chance for you. As there is a money-back guarantee, you can claim a full refund if your expectations are unmet.

However, it has an average connection and download speeds. Only some of its best servers are known for blazing speed.

Visit CyberGhost

Hotspot Shield – Best VPN Client for Mac

+ High download speeds for Mac

+ An extra layer of data security thanks to owned servers

+ Very affordable

– Supports only official apps

Hotspot Shield has over 2500 servers in over 70 locations across 80 countries. Its user-friendly interface is suitable for both beginner and advanced VPN users. The service was recently rebranded under the Pango name. While it does not offer as many advanced features as some other VPNs on the list, it is still an affordable option for novice users who don’t need so many options. To confirm its usability for yourself, you may also take a VPN free Mac trial.

It offers fast speeds, supports up to 5 simultaneous internet connections, and doesn’t keep logs. This VPN allows torrenting and P2P and has military-grade encryption.

With the power of multiple security protocols, this Mac VPN is certainly a secure VPN deserving to be in the top spot.

It’s a great option because of one more reason, and it’s its proprietary Hydra VPN protocol makes it extra fast and utterly secure. The protocol adds an additional layer of security so that you can stay safe during the internet connection. Its security shield can protect the Wi-Fi networks as well.

Its latest version offers some additional security add-ons as well. You can use it to secure your browsing activities. But we don’t recommend using this, or any other VPN, to hide illegal activities.

Windscribe – Best VPN for Apple Products

+Free data plan of up to 10GB per month

+ Unlimited devices

+ Good performance

– Free Mac users are limited to 10 countries

Windscribe is a free VPN for MacBook with 610 servers in 60 server locations. It does have a paid version, but its best free VPN Mac features are quite impressive. It also has an ad blocker, which is always a great addition to any VPN suite. It doesn’t collect any user data thanks to its strict no-log policy.

When it comes to encryption technology, Windscribe utilizes 256-bit AES encryption with SHA512 authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key.

Free VPNs are usually not as secure as their paid counterparts, but with Windscribe, you can get the best VPN for Mac free of charge and enjoy excellent security.

Every user will get 10GB free every month while no compromise on privacy and security is made. This is certainly the best experience that one can get with a free VPN subscription.

You can access the internet safely as it’s packed with a best-of-breed server-side domain and IP blocking tool. That’s not the end of it. There are many reasons for using this Mac VPN.

For instance, it’s streaming and torrenting compatible. It has a dedicated Windows iOS solution. An in-built kill switch will make you feel safe when you establish a VPN connection.

How to Download and Set Up a VPN on Mac and Your Router

Downloading and setting up a VPN for Mac has pretty much the same procedure. Below we describe the general instructions shortly.

For instance, to get NordVPN on Mac, you need to find it in the App Store, then:

• Click the “Get” button.
• Enter your Apple ID.
• Click “Install.” You’ll find your dedicated Mac app on your device in seconds.

You can also download the OpenVPN version of NordVPN for macOS on NordVPN’s website.

To set it up:

• Launch the app.
• Log in with your credentials.
• Click the “Quick Connect” button. You can then choose a VPN server to connect to from a list of servers and access any content you want.

To install a VPN on a router:

• Open your browser.
• Log into your router.
• Redirect its traffic to your VPN for Mac’s servers.

PRO TIP: Change your router’s default username and password for extra data security. You’ll minimize the risk of data breaches and thoroughly enjoy your access to servers all over the world with enhanced data security.

Is There Any Free VPN for Mac?

When it comes to the best VPN service for Mac that is free, you can opt for any of the VPN solutions mentioned above.

While it is recommended to purchase premium subscription plans to ensure maximum security, most reliable VPN providers offer a free version of their software too. Bear in mind, though, that these free versions are less secure and offer fewer features.

Best VPN for Mac Free Offered Through Apple

Unfortunately, there aren’t any dedicated or built-in VPN solutions for Apple devices, including Mac. However, you can always opt for reliable third-party services to ensure that all your online activities remain anonymous.

Make sure to thoroughly check out our best VPN for Apple product reviews above and choose the most suitable fit. 

Final Verdict — What’s the Best VPN Protection for Mac?

Which VPN for Mac service you’ll choose depends on your personal preferences and needs.

With any of these VPN services, you can have excellent security on Mac, secure and protect your data, have complete control of your browsing, and connect to worldwide servers to access geo-restricted content from Netflix and other streaming services.

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