The Best VPN for MAC OS
Stefany Anderson
Nowadays it is essential for all internet users to download and install a quality VPN service on their MAC OS devices. Considering the unique software infrastructure of MAC, a VPN needs to be secure, reliable and must adhere to the high standards of an Apple product.
We tested the top 4 VPN apps for suitability on MAC OS, reliability, and speed. We found that Express VPN works the best among its peers- Nord VPN, PureVPN and Surf Shark VPN. You can use the OpenVPN or L2TP configurations to run this product on your device.
Check out this guide to see how each VPN performs against the others.
Which is the best VPN for MAC OS in 2024?
#1. ExpressVPN - ExpressVPN for MAC OS - 15 months plan starts as low as $6.67, provides advanced leak protection, split tunneling, and secure DNS access.
#2. NordVPN - NordVPN for MAC OS - macOS Sierra 10.12 and up gives you automatic protection for Mac starting at $3.49 per month.
#3. PureVPN - The PureVPN VPN for macOS has over 2,000 servers, more than 300,000+ IPs, and a 7-day trial for only $0.99. The Kill Switch protects your identity and information when the connection is lost.
#4. Surfshark - Surfshark for MAC OS - Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There are more than 1,500 servers across 60+ countries, with high speeds and absolute security due to diskless servers.
#5. CyberGhost - VPN for Macbooks, Macs & iMacs is compatible with Mojave (10.14), High Sierra (10.13), and Sierra (10.12). Smart server selection, unblock any content in 90+ countries and connect up to 7 devices per license.
- Technology Trusted Servers
- Network Lock Function
- Low cost of $6.67 per month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Why You May Need VPN for Mac
If you prefer taking your MacBook Pro with you and go to coworking or the nearest café and work from there you should be aware that public Wi-Fi spots may seriously threaten your security. That is why we recommend you to download VPN for MacBook Pro which will improve the security and privacy of your device and your data.
Our Top Product Picks
- Technology Trusted Servers
- Network Lock Function
- Low cost of $6.67 per month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Suitable for torrenting on Mac
- Kill Switch
- Prices from $3.71 per month
- 30 days free trial
- 7-day trial for $ 0.99
- Protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks
- 31-day money-back guarantee
- Discounts for students
- IOS support
- Split tunneling
- Support for P2P servers for torrenting
- 24/7 live chat support
- Compatible with macOS 10.12 and up
- Up to 7 devices per account
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Kill Switch
1. ExpressVPN
Price Range: $6.67 - $12.95. Special offer: $99.95 for 15 months
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices: up to 5 |
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Devices: Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux |
ExpressVPN is intuitive, user-friendly, fast, and one of the top VPNs for Mac. Compatible with MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, and all iOS devices. Enjoy up to 5 simultaneous connections and access to more than 90 countries. One of the top VPNs for Mac, fast and reliable, with a simple, intuitive application. Access to torrents, unblock streaming video.
Try ExpressVPN now and get our special offer!
2. NordVPN
Price Range: $3.49 - $11.95. Special offer: 2-year deal with 68% off
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:6 |
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Devices: Firestick, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, Chromebook, Chromecast |
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS |
Many users and experts call NordVPN the fastest VPN for Mac, and in recent tests, it often bypasses ExpressVPN, especially when it comes to P2P. Choose from 59 countries, over 5,400 servers, ad blocking, and the most advanced encryption technologies. Support up to 6 devices at once while downloading from the official site will provide you with more features and dedicated servers than those given from the App Store.
3. PureVPN
Price Range: $1.32 - $10.95. Special offer: 7-day trial for only $0.99
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Money-Back: 31-day free trial |
Devices: 10 |
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Devices: Routers, Android TV, Amazon FireStick, Microsoft Surface |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox |
PureVPN is a reliable VPN service for Mac. This service offers automatic protocol selection with Kill Switch functionality (blocks data loss if connection drops) and access to 6,500 servers in 140 countries worldwide.
The recommended servers are collected (those suitable for using torrents (P2P) or accessing streaming services Netflix, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer.) For an additional fee, the provider warrants protection against DDoS attacks, port forwarding, and offers a dedicated IP.
Now work, binge & stay secure online with PureVPN
4. Surfshark
Price Range: $1.99 - $11.95. Special offer: Get 81% discount
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Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:Unlimited |
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Devices:Android TV, FireTV |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Chrome |
Surshark offers a VPN for Mac with additional ad and malware blocking functionality. For protection against the provider or hackers, the user’s data is protected by hiding the real IP-address. The encryption uses the AES-256-GCM protocol, and the leak-proof safety of a Kill Switch function is available.
What makes the service competitive is the support for an unlimited number of devices per account and the favorable cost of a 2-year subscription (only $2.49 per month). The disadvantage is the 30-day return policy on their most expensive VPN package.
5. CyberGhost
Price Range: $2.75- $12.99. Special offer: 3 extra months for FREE
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Money-Back: 45-day free trial |
Devices: 7 |
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Devices: Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, Android TV, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
Cyber Ghost stands out against competing VPNs for Mac by offering a free 24-hour period, during which the user tests and unsubscribes or subscribes to the service. Enticing features include industry-strength AES-256 encryption, IKEv2 protocol support, IPv6, and DNS leak protection.
The provider's clients get 6,900 servers that have no buffering - watch streaming video online without buffering. The core advantage is the rejection of logging.
Enjoy a fast and reliable VPN
What does privacy mean nowadays
You may have heard that all Apple products are immune to all kind of malware and attacks due to the closed Apple ecosystem. But this system is not so perfect as you may suppose. Nowadays Apple devices are almost as vulnerable as Windows or Android devices. And, anyway, sending your data via open Wi-Fi spot is bad practice anyway no matter what device you’re using. That is why VPN Mac is a must.
VPN will be also very useful if you like watching Netflix or HBO TV series but located outside the USA. VPN service will help you to circumvent geo-restrictions and watch everything that you want.
Where to Download VPN for Mac?
Currently, almost all VPN services offer their solutions for MacOS. If you have more than one device, you should consider the option of subscribing for a reliable VPN service from the table above.
A lot of VPN services (among them are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access) have on their sites special pages for Mac VPN.
These pages contain detailed manuals how to download, install and set up VPN for Mac. If you’ve already subscribed to VPN provider the best solution will be to check whether it offers multiple connections and support for MacOS.
As for custom VPN applications from Apple Store, you should treat them with precaution. Nowadays a lot of unreliable apps are available on Apple Store so after Mac VPN download you may face with the problem. Your app may be not working or even malicious. That is why it is better to download applications from reliable VPN providers.
How to Find the Best VPN Providers for Mac?
If you want to find the best VPN service which will work on your Mac, here are some features to pay attention to.
Reliable
Good VPN service usually provides its subscribers reliable servers which are available almost always (zero downtime) and respond quickly to all users’ queries. Usually, VPN providers mention of their sites the uptime of their servers. If not – you can always search for reviews of this provider and find the true.
Widespread
It means that good VPN provider usually has a lot of servers all around the world. In the most popular locations like the USA, UK,or China should be servers in different regions. In the case of USA, it helps to reduce response time when your data will follow the shortest path as possible.
Secure
This is maybe the most important feature for VPN provider. Security means that VPN provider offers modern VPN protocols and encryption technologies. As for VPN protocol in case of MacOS, the best solution will be OpenVPN as it offers a high level of security and is compatible with all operating systems.
Responsive
Fast VPN provider for Mac usually has a responsive support which is available 24/7 via different means of communication. This is extremely helpful for those subscribers who have no technical experience at all (but just wants to watch the new season of the “Game of Thrones” without any delays). Also, support is important if you prefer watching some live events (NBA games, popular TV series). Experienced support will be able to tackle your connection troubles or other VPN problems within the minutes.
- Technology Trusted Servers
- Network Lock Function
- Low cost of $6.67 per month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Latest Customer Review
FAQ
- Can I download VPN free for Mac?
In fact, you can download such an application but we kindly advise you not to install and use it. Free VPN services usually offer a quite limited range of possibilities (limited bandwidth, limited speed, a limited number of servers available). Indeed, free VPN providers may use their user’s data and sell such info to advertisers or others who interested. That is why we recommend you to choose one of the VPN providers from the table above and enjoy your VPN experience.
- Are there any restrictions in VPN applications for Mac?
Actually, we haven’t heard about providers that imply any restrictions for Mac users. Some VPN services (like PureVPN, for example) have quite simple application for Mac and iOS users, but it contains all necessary functionality for average non-techy users. As for other limitations, they are mostly related to the common policy of VPN provider.
- How to watch Netflix with a VPN?
For example, some VPN providers like Private Internet Access or IPVanish don’t tolerate those users who try to circumvent content geo-restrictions. That is why you won’t be able to watch Netflix or Hulu outside the USA using these providers.
- How VPN protects my MacBook?
VPN service is not a panacea from all things which may happen with your device. After the VPN for Mac download and installation, your computer won’t become invulnerable. You will be still able to download and install some ransomware or become the victim of phishing. VPN just helps you to protect your data on the way from your device to VPN server. Also, it spoofs your real IP address thus making your browsing history not available for your ISP.
VPN Providers Comparison
| Name |
ExpressVPN
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NordVPN
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PureVPN
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Surfshark
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CyberGhost
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| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Pricing and Plans
Save 68% with a 2-year exclusive deal with NordVPN for Mac. Rates as low as $3.71 per month, with no hidden fees, while all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| min price | $6.67 | $3.49 | $1.32 | $1.99 | $2.75 |
| max price | $12.95 | $11.95 | $10.95 | $11.95 | $12.99 |
| max discount | 49% | 80% | 88% | 83% | 79% |
| Money back days | 30 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 45 |
| Free Version Available | |||||
| BitCoin accepted | |||||
| No Credit Card Trials |
Monthly plans vary between $8 to $13 per month with VPNs for Mac. Currently, NordVPN’s 1-year plan for Mac costs $4.92 per month or $3.71 per month with a 2-year plan.
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Written by: Stefany Anderson
Technical Writer, Visit My WebSite Techno-copywriter, Privacy, Internet Security
Read Comments
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Andrew
Which VPN for Mac offers the most servers?
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Admin
Private Internet Access has the largest network of servers - more than 25,000 points for connection. On the other hand, PrivateVPN has only about 200 servers, but they are connected to high-speed providers and faster than most from PIA.
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