11 Best VPNs for Mac in 2024

Best MAC VPNs – shortlist:

1. NordVPN – overall the Best Mac VPN
2. Surfshark – impressive speed and great security in an affordable package
3. PrivateVPN – fast, robust, and secure choice
4. ExpressVPN – a fast premium Mac VPN
5. Private Internet Access – Great service with the broadest server network
6. CyberGhost – lots of servers that are good for streaming
7. PureVPN – suitable for port-forwarding
8. VyprVPN – can easily mask VPN traffic
9. IPVanish – standard average VPN for everyday users
10. HideMyAss – has servers in remote states
11. AtlasVPN – a great budget choice with a free version

Mac computers have better security software than Windows. But, they can’t protect your online privacy and anonymity fully. That’s why using a trusted VPN with your Mac is a good idea.

A good VPN service will encrypt your data and keep it safe online. Finding a VPN for Macbook that you can trust is key. If you’re searching for the best VPN for Mac, you’re in the right spot!

Best Mac VPN Comparison

Choosing the right Mac VPN can be tough with so many options. We’ve picked the top 10 VPNs for macOS that are worth your money. To help you decide, we’ve compared some key features.

Here’s a table that shows the main features of the 11 best Mac VPN services:

VPN Service	Rating	Supported macOS Version	Headquarters	Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN	4.8/5	10.12 (Sierra) or later	Panama	6
Surfshark	4.6/5	10.12 (Sierra) or later	The British Virgin Islands	Unlimited
PrivateVPN	4.3/5	10.11 (El Capitan) or later	Sweden	6
ExpressVPN	4.3/5	10.10 (Yosemite) or later	The British Virgin Islands	5
Private Internet Access	4.3/5	10.13 (High Sierra) or later	United States	10
CyberGhost	4.3/5	10.12 (Sierra) or later	Romania	7
VyprVPN	4.2/5	10.12 (Sierra) or later	Switzerland	30
IPVanish	4.1/5	10.13 (High Sierra) or later	United States	Unlimited
PureVPN	3.9/5	10.12 (Sierra) or later	Hong Kong	10
HideMyAss	3.9/5	10.10 (Yosemite) or later	The UK	10

Top VPNs for Mac Speed Comparison

Mac devices are known for being lightweight and easy to use. It makes sense that the VPNs for these devices should be just as efficient. We looked for VPNs that wouldn’t slow down your experience.

Each of the ten Mac VPNs on our list has fast connection speeds and reliable networks. But, some VPNs stand out more than others. We’ve done detailed speed tests for each VPN on our list. Here’s how they compare:

Server Connection	Ping	Download Speed
Base Test Network	8	56.40 Mbps
NordVPN	21	53.85 Mbps
PrivateVPN	25	51.32 Mbps
Surfshark	16	55.06 Mbps
ExpressVPN	17	54.97 Mbps
Private Internet Access	21	53.70 Mbps
CyberGhost	23	53.01 Mbps
VyprVPN	25	52.40 Mbps
IPVanish	25	52.16 Mbps
PureVPN	27	50.21 Mbps
HideMyAss	24	52.73 Mbps

The 11 Best Mac VPN Services – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a top VPN service known for its strong security. It has features like DNS leak protection and an advanced kill switch. You can also use special features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and Dark Web Monitor.

It offers access to over 5,200 servers in 60 countries worldwide. NordVPN is a favorite among content streamers for getting past geo-restrictions. It’s also regularly audited and has a clear privacy policy.

NordVPN combines fast speeds with top-notch privacy. It uses its in-house NordLynx protocol for this. Plus, it has excellent subscription prices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This makes it the best VPN for Mac.

2. Surfshark

The Surfshark Mac client is fast and light. It doesn’t lose out on security features. It supports Wireguard protocol and has AES 256-bit encryption and a capable kill switch.

It has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Surfshark uses only RAM servers for privacy. It also has private DNS on each server.

Surfshark is pricier if you go month-to-month. But, longer plans offer great savings. Its two-year plan is a top deal, with all its features.

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is great for those who want a simple VPN service. It’s perfect for casual users because it’s easy to use. You can set it up fast and all important features work right away.

It has strong leak protection and a kill switch. Even at default settings, PrivateVPN’s macOS client can unblock major streaming platforms.

PrivateVPN also has a Stealth Mode feature. It helps you bypass firewalls and access sites in restricted countries. Plus, all servers are P2P-friendly for private torrenting.

4. ExpressVPN

The ExpressVPN Mac client is packed with features. It’s fast and secure, with advanced leak protection. It also has split tunneling and a network lock kill switch.

ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. It uses OpenVPN UDP/TCP and Lightway UDP/TCP protocols. Its TrustedServer technology makes it a top performer for unblocking content.

But, it’s pricey. If you’re looking for a premium VPN, ExpressVPN is a good choice. But, it might be too expensive for some.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is trusted by over 100,000 users worldwide. Its massive server base is a standout feature.

PIA has over 29,000 servers in 77 countries. All servers support the Wireguard protocol. It’s not just about the servers, though.

It offers split tunneling and port forwarding. Plus, there’s a reliable kill switch. The Mac app also has a MACE feature to block ads and malware.

It’s based in the US, but don’t worry. PIA has a great reputation and a 100% no-logs policy. It’s one of the safest VPNs out there.

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Mac users get access to over 7,200 servers in 91+ countries. The macOS client has cool features like DNS and IP leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch.

CyberGhost is easy to use and dedicated to transparency. It has a strict no-logs policy and 24/7 customer support in many languages.

The CyberGhost Mac client is intuitive and easy to use. It has features like one-click connect. Enjoy fast download speeds and great streaming on your macOS device.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN is known as the best Mac VPN client. While we don’t agree, it’s definitely among the top ten. It has all the basic features and a huge network of over 6,500 VPN servers across more than 140 countries.

It has some great features like port forwarding, dedicated P2P servers, and a kill switch. It supports IKEv2, SSTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN.

You can get a dedicated IP, port forwarding, and DDoS protection for extra. But, even without these, PureVPN is a solid choice for beginners. It’s easy to use, not too complicated, and affordable.

8. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a reliable VPN service with solid security characteristics. It might not be the fastest or most complete VPN on our list. But, it excels in providing a safe and private VPN experience.

This Swiss-based VPN focuses on user safety. It has a NAT firewall built into its servers and AES 256-bit encryption. The Mac app also includes DNS and IP leak protection, as well as a kill switch. All of this is backed by a strict no-logs policy.

The service has an in-house protocol called Chameleon. It’s fast and can bypass strict censorship. Available on Mac devices, Chameleon works well in countries like China and UAE.

9. IPVanish

IPVanish has more than 1,900 servers in more than 75 locations worldwide. All servers support OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, IKEv2, and Wireguard. But, Wireguard is in beta, so it might not work as well as other VPNs.

It’s great for streaming, unblocking most platforms and nearly all countries. It’s also good for Mac users who torrent a lot. It offers TOR compatibility and a SOCKS5 proxy for fast downloads with maximum anonymity.

Lastly, IPVanish for Mac is secure. It offers military-grade encryption. It also protects privacy with a strict zero-logs policy. It has leak protection and an automatic kill switch to keep data safe.

10. HideMyAss

HideMyAss has over 1100 VPN servers in 190+ countries. Their servers run at 20 Gbps. But, the macOS app only supports IPSec/IKEv2 protocols.

The HideMyAss macOS client has all the basic features for a safe VPN. It includes an automatic kill switch, IP shuffle feature, and no-log DNS servers. It also has an IPv4, IPv4, and DNS leak shield. Plus, it has a built-in speed test feature for checking server speeds.

HideMyAss is very affordable for a long-term VPN on Mac. It offers a three-year subscription plan. This plan helps you save a lot of money over time.

11. AtlasVPN

Mac computers are known for being fast and easy to use. AtlasVPN is a great match for Macs. It’s easy to install and works with macOS 10.15 and newer.

AtlasVPN has military-grade encryption and data leak protection. It also keeps no logs and blocks ads, malware, and dangerous sites.

AtlasVPN is very affordable, even more so with long-term plans. You can get all its features for less than two bucks a month.

How to Use a VPN on Mac?

Setting up a VPN on your Mac is easy. We’ve made a simple guide to help you. NordVPN is our top pick for Macs, so we’ll use it as an example. Here’s how to install and use NordVPN on your Mac:

1. Download the app from the Apple App Store.
2. Install the app.
3. Open the VPN icon on your Launchpad.
4. Sign up or log in with your VPN account.
5. Choose a server and start browsing anonymously!

Remember, these steps work for most Mac VPNs, not just NordVPN. The setup might change a bit, but it’s mostly the same.

Mac VPN FAQs

Can you use a VPN on Macbook?

Yes, you can install a VPN on your Macbook. Just follow our detailed guide, and you’ll set it up easily.

Can I use a free VPN for Mac?

No, we don’t recommend free VPNs for Mac. They often harm your privacy and security. Free VPNs might steal your data or use you as a VPN exit node.

Can I use the Wireguard protocol on macOS?

Yes, many macOS VPNs offer Wireguard. Make sure the VPN’s server supports it. If it does, you can use Wireguard without limits. Some VPNs even have their own protocols.

Am I safe if I just use Mac’s built-in VPN?

Using Mac’s built-in VPN is somewhat safe. It offers L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2. But, you miss out on many VPN features like better encryption and content unblocking.

Mac VPN Services – Summing it Up

Even Macs need a VPN for extra security. A VPN keeps your connection private and safe. It’s great for streaming, unblocking content, torrenting, and more.

Any of the ten VPNs we talked about is a good choice. Your decision depends on your needs and preferences. If unsure, NordVPN is a top pick. The NordVPN Mac app is the best VPN for Macbook.