Best VPN for Mac
Despite being a more secure operating system than Windows, the vulnerability of MacOS is growing more and more, which means that it is more important than ever to keep it protected.
Lately, its users have also been the target of hacker attacks that, most of the time, start with the discovery of their IP address and can reach all of their connected devices.
A good VPN service offers applications for all devices and operating systems, including iOS. They provide military-grade encryption and the ability to change the computer’s IP, which keeps Internet traffic secure, and a non-registration policy prevents the storage of your data.
In addition to security, VPNs offer the possibility of accessing streaming content released only in other countries, such as American Netflix, with excellent speed and without bandwidth restrictions or server changes.
3 Best VPNs for iMac and MacBook
1- ExpressVPN
PROS
- Attractive and intuitive app for Mac
- Unlocks American Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and IPTV.
- Torrent allowed on all servers.
- Advanced features like kill switch and split tunnel.
- Servers: +3,000 | Countries: 94
- Best-in-class security and security protections privacy
CONS
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
- No kill switch in the iOS app
Best price: US$6.67 / month for 15 months. See all plans.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Mac because of its intuitive and feature-rich macOS app. ExpressVPN’s native Mac app is straightforward to use with its large button for quick connections, as well as many advanced security and privacy features.
By default, ExpressVPN encrypts Internet traffic using 256-bit AES and an OpenVPN connection – which offers the best balance between performance and security. VPN also comes with DNS and IP leak protection and a robust kill switch (called Network Lock), a feature that ensures that your actual location will not be revealed if your VPN connection disconnects for any reason.
Fast speeds are essential as ExpressVPN has unlocked all primary streaming services in our tests, including US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. ExpressVPN’s unmatched performance on international connections means that no matter where you are, you can continuously stream movies and TV shows with geographic restrictions in HD and 4K.
ExpressVPN also works across all Apple products, including specialty products like Apple TV. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature is the best Smart DNS tool we’ve tested, and it allows you to redirect your DNS requests and unlock geo-restricted content directly on your Apple TV. It is excellent for streaming content from US Netflix and HBO Max straight to your big screen.
The only real drawback for Apple users is that the ExpressVPN iOS app does not have an Internet stop button. The lack of a kill switch in the ExpressVPN iOS app means that your actual IP address is at risk of being exposed if your iPhone’s VPN connection drops suddenly.
Although VPN has an impressive amount of features, it is no secret that ExpressVPN prices are higher than those of other VPN providers. But ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always get a refund if you don’t like the service.
In short, ExpressVPN is the best VPN you can use on your Mac. ExpressVPN has the easiest-to-use Mac app on the market, and the VPN integrates seamlessly with all other devices in the Apple ecosystem. Although it is a little more expensive than other VPNs, ExpressVPN is worth the money if you want the absolute best Mac VPN.
See our blog post on how to get ExpressVPN free for 30 days.
Visit Expressvpn.com or read our full ExpressVPN review.
2- NordVPN
PROS
- Kill switch on iOS app
- Unlocks American Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and IPTV.
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections.
- Dual VPN feature for extra security
- Servers: 5700 l Countries: 59
- Convenient download via the Mac App Store
CONS
- Confusing differences between app versions
Best price: US$3.71 / month for 24 months. See all plans.
NordVPN is an excellent option for Mac users due to the easy-to-use MacOS VPN application, extensive network of servers, and low price.
The VPN service operates under a verified unregistered privacy policy and allows torrenting on its VPN servers. Altogether, you can rely on NordVPN to keep your P2P activity private and secure.
What’s more, NordVPN is also one of the best VPNs to unblock streaming sites like American Netflix from anywhere. It also comes with a Smart DNS feature so that you can watch Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV.
The NordVPN app for Mac encrypts traffic using 256-bit AES encryption, preventing leaks with DNS and IP protection, and customers include CyberSec – which blocks ads and malware.
NordVPN apps are stable and easy to use, but if you encounter any problems, the VPN is supported by an excellent customer support team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Visit NordVPN.com or read our full NordVPN review.
3- Surfshark
PROS
- Quick access to 12 libraries of Netflix.
- Servers: 1,700 | Countries: 63
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Excellent VPN for torrent.
- Unlocks American Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
- Works on Apple TV
CONS
- Small delay on some servers.
Best price: US$2.49 / month for 24 months. See all plans.
Surfshark offers excellent features for macOS users at a low price. The VPN has a convenient download from the App Store and SmartDNS feature for Apple TV.
The Surfshark is also an excellent VPN for streaming. It unblocks most major streaming sites worldwide, including American Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. You can also access your favorite TV shows and movies on your Apple TV, as Surfshark is one of few providers that offer a Smart DNS feature. However, you may have trouble streaming in 4K, as long-distance VPN speeds are not so good.
This VPN is the only one that allows simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices and even share an account of Surfshark with your friends and family. While the Surfshark for Mac is very easy to use, the VPN is supported by a customer support team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you will always receive immediate assistance if you have a problem.
Surfshark has an intuitive Mac app which makes it an excellent VPN for beginners. Although Surfhsharks speed lag behind competitors, the VPN can be purchased for a low price and offers as many desirable features as the most expensive VPNs on the market.
Visit Surfshark.com or read our full Surfshark review.