5 Best VPN for Mac – [Updated 2023]
If you’re a macOS user, you probably think you don’t need a VPN for extra security as Apple’s Mac has air-tight security for all its devices. However, MacOS users should use a virtual private network to protect online activities.
Despite macOS’s features, it has ISPs to track browsing and gathering IP data that cannot protect you from the dangers of the internet. The best VPN for Mac overcomes these risks and secures your data.
Without a VPN, your Mac doesn’t stop websites from collecting your personal information. Your internet service provider can also track your browsing habits on your macOS device. Best VPNs stop that and keep your digital information safe and secure.
Using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN may be your best bet. It has advanced security protocols including AES 256-bit encryption and Advanced leak protection that keeps you safe. So, if you want to know what is the best VPN Mac software? Read out our blog! We have put together a list of some best Mac VPNs based on their performance, security features, and reviews.
Best VPN for Mac: Quick Summary
Here is a quick summary of the best VPN for Mac. We have tested more than 100 VPNs for MacBook and found the top 5 VPNs. Check the below overview to get a quick insight:
- ExpressVPN: The overall best VPN for Mac: Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN offers 3000 servers in 105 countries. It supports Mac devices and doesn’t have any data retention laws to secure Apple’s devices. It also offers exceptional unblocking capabilities with DNS leak protection and a free trial, including a 30-day money-back guarantee at the cost of US$ 6.67 /mo (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan).
- NordVPN: The fast VPN for Mac: Based in Panama, NordVPN has 5600 servers in 59 countries with no data retention laws and a strict no-logs policy audited by a third-party firm. This best Mac VPN can support macOS devices with advanced security features, hide your IP address, and protect you from malware. It costs US$ 3.99 /mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan).
- Surfshark: The budget-friendly VPN for Mac: Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark offers 3200 servers in 100 countries with high-end security and advanced protocols. This Mac VPN supports all iOS devices and doesn’t have any data retention laws that can protect privacy. It costs just US$ 2.49 /mo (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost: The user-friendly VPN for Mac: Based in Romania, it offers the most user-friendly features with 9000+ ultra-fast servers across 91 countries. CyberGhost app can support Mac and is fitted with state-of-the-art features like AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection. It also has no-data retention laws that supersede data protection and privacy laws. It costs US$ 1.19 /mo 79% Discount.
- IPVanish: The fastest VPN for Mac: Based in US, it offers dedicated VPN apps for Mac with unlimited simultaneous connections and strong security aspects. IPVanish has great download speed that doesn’t slow your internet down too much. It comes with strong security protocols, including WireGuard and a proxy network. The VPN costs $3.33/mo and offers a 30-day refund policy on all its plans.
Jump to Setup a VPN on Mac / FAQs
5 Best VPNs for Mac: Detailed Analysis
There are many VPN options available to choose from; however, only a handful work perfectly with Mac. That’s why we’ve tested over 100+ VPNs based on their security, encryption, and macOS compatibility. Here are the 5 best VPN Mac software services USA:
1. ExpressVPN -The overall Best VPN for Mac
Key Features
- 3000 servers in 105 countries including USA.
- Media streamer feature.
- AES 256-bit encryption.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
- Works on: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox
- Free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Price: US$ 6.67 /mo (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan)
ExpressVPN is the overall best VPN for Mac because of its ultra-fast servers and robust security features. It offers an incredibly secure and reliable application for Mac users with the best security and unblocking ability. It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a safe country with virtually zero data retention laws, giving users more confidence to trust the provider.
It offers 3000 servers in 105 countries, including US servers like Dallas, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta, helping users to unblock geo-restricted platforms. ExpressVPN’s app for Mac is user-friendly and has an automatic connect button that connects you to the best server according to your region.
However, you can set up ExpressVPN on Mac and set up ExpressVPN for Apple TV without any limitations and accessibility issues. We have tried ExpressVPN’s unblocking capability to provide ExpressVPN review, and we checked the US IP address to access geo-blocked content from anywhere.
It easily bypasses geo-restrictions on multiple devices. You can watch foreign content with its Media Streamer feature and access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video with the best VPN software for Mac, which keeps you private and gives a smooth streaming experience.
The best VPN for macOS has the TrustedServer Network, Split tunneling, Server Obfuscation, and Private DNS Leak Protection, adding an extra layer of security to ensure the user’s online privacy isn’t compromised.
In our ExpressVPN speed test, we got the impressive speed and fastest protocol with an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps and a download speed of 89.42 Mbps without any buffering and glitches on Mac.
It also has a widespread network to bypass ISP throttling and get blazing-fast speeds, along with uninterrupted access to various geo-restricted platforms around the globe. However, their Mac app never crashes or gives downtime issues, and you can count on it to offer a seamless, optimized experience.
Wondering does ExpressVPN keeps logs? The answer is no! It has zero data retention laws that keep user’s online activity secure. It also offers secure encryption and multiple privacy features, including a Network Lock, ExpressVPN Kill Switch, AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a Lightway protocol, and a threat manager.
It offers an easy-to-use app for multiple Android and iOS devices and can connect 8 devices simultaneously with multiple operating systems like Windows and Mac. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for iPhone users and can be installed on Firestick, Kodi, and gaming consoles.
The provider’s privacy policy is also incredibly strong, with many testing its zero log policy. Users even have an ExpressVPN free trial for testing. ExpressVPN offers a premium price plan that starts from US$ 6.67 /mo (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan) with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Strict no-logs policy
- Work seamlessly on Mac
- Crisp, clean apps on all devices
- Class-leading support
- Excellent connection speeds
- Expensive – but worth it
2. NordVPN -The Fast VPN for Mac
Key Features
- Offers 5600 servers in 59 countries
- Double VPN, OpenVPN
- 6 simultaneous connections
- AES 25-bit Encryption and a network kill switch
- 30-day Money Back Guarantee
- Current deal:US$ 3.99 /mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)
NordVPN is a fast VPN for Mac because of its blazing-fast speed and privacy features. NordVPN servers list has 5600 servers in 59 countries, including US servers that help to secure online activities.
Based in Panama, this amazing VPN works best with multiple streaming platforms worldwide, including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Spotify, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, etc. You can also get NordVPN Disney Plus.

Thanks to its buffer-less experience, we could enjoy streaming Disney+ without any issues.
It has a Kill Switch feature that automatically disconnects the internet if it suspects that the data might leak. Also, NordVPN has strong security features like 256-bit AES encryption, Onion over VPN, ad blockers, NordLynx, IKEv2, L2TP, and more features that protect users’ data.
The NordVPN kill switch feature shuts down your internet connection in case the VPN connection drops. If you see the NordVPN no-logs policy, you will know that it does not keep logs of its users.
NordVPN application is one of the best VPN apps for Mac because it has a user-friendly interface that helps to unblock geo-blocked channels and websites. Its app can smoothly integrate with Android smartphones and other devices like Firestick and Roku. It also works very fast with Samsung devices which makes it the best VPN for Samsung Phone in USA
It offers a lot of security features on its macOS app, such as a Double VPN feature that encrypts your data twice for additional security. There is also an Adblocker called CyberSec features that works like a charm and counts as the fastest VPN for Mac.
Finding the best mobile VPN might be challenging, but NordVPN accepted this challenge and provided us with excellent results. Also it provides us with the complete anonymity on our mobile device.
Users can connect NordVPN’s servers on Mac to get fast speeds on all its servers across USA. In our NordVPN Speed Test, we got an excellent download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.
If NordVPN not working, you need to reboot your device and install the app again to resolve the issues. However, you can contact NordVPN customer support team for quick recovery. You can also explore our comprehensive troubleshooting guide for quick and effective solutions to common connection problems.
Moreover, NordVPN gives easy installation perks to its users; you can install NordVPN for iPhone and NordVPN for Mac. It works great by allowing users to enjoy seamless streaming with enhanced security on macOS and iPhone. NordVPN is compatible with all devices like Firestick and Roku. Even you can install NordVPN for Apple TV for a better streaming experience.
Fortunately, NordVPN free trial hacks are available for Mac users that help to try its app with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It costs US$ 3.99 /mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) and comes with a 7-day NordVPN free trial for Mac users.
For more information, you can check out our NordVPN Review.
- 7-day free trial on Android and iOS.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Extra security features
- Largest servers’ network
- Multiple extensions
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Strict no-logs policy.
- Torrenting is supported on some servers.
- Apps are a little clunky
3. Surfshark – The Budget-Friendly VPN for Mac
Key Features
- 3200 servers in 100 countries
- Threat Manager
- CleanWeb, Whitelister, and a Kill Switch
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- AES 256-bit encryption
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Linux
- No-logging policy and Integrated GPS spoofing
Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for Mac that comes with advanced security features and only costs US$ 2.49 /mo (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan). It is one of the best VPN services for Mac that doesn’t skimp on its advanced features and provide cost-effective VPN solutions.
This pocket-friendly VPN supports multiple Android and iOS devices, including iPhone, Linux, Mac, Router, and Apple TV. It is an excellent choice for securing your NetGear Router and offers versatile compatibility with multiple devices, making it the Best VPN for NetGear Router. You can share a Surfshark subscription with your friends and family and connect unlimited devices simultaneously.
Surfshark offers an extensive server network comprising over 3200 servers in 100 countries, including US servers. It can easily bypass geo-block restrictions and hide your real IP to overcome censorship issues.
Surfshark VPN app performs well when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. We easily unblocked various Netflix libraries (including US, UK, and NY), along with BBC iPlayer and Hulu.
You can connect to VPN on Mac with the industry-standard OpenVPN protocol, a no-log policy, a Kill Switch, Private DNS & IP Leak protection protocols, MultiHop and AES 256-bit encryption to add extra layers of security and provide a Camouflage mode to guard your data and keep your privacy secure.
Surfshark on Mac in USA goes beyond conventional VPN features with its Camouflage mode, making your VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular internet traffic. This advanced feature is particularly beneficial in locations where internet censorship is prevalent, ensuring your online activities remain private and unrestricted.
It has remarkable unblocking capabilities that support all popular streaming sites in HD and UHD quality. Through a server located, you can access Surfshark DisneyPlus, HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime without any interruptions.
Our comprehensive Surfshark speed test delivers an excellent downloading speed of 81.32 Mbps and an impressive uploading speed of 76.12 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection that pleasantly surprised us. This winning affordability makes Surfshark the best VPN for Mac.
Additionally, it offers fast server connections on a single subscription plan to operate a wide range of operating systems, including Smart TV, Windows, iOS, Kodi, Firestick, and more. Surfshark also supports torrent/P2P activities and offers P2P-friendly servers, which are quite secure.
Morevover not only for MAC but with Surfshark on Windows, you can unblock geo-restricted content and maintain your online privacy on your Windows device, making it a top choice for VPN users.
Other than that, Surfshark is an ideal VPN if you need to amp up your privacy on the macOS. On Mac, you can choose from various security VPN protocols, including IKEv2, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks. You’ll have to set up Shadowsocks manually on macOS devices.
Wondering how to connect Mac and iPhone with a VPN service? Well, it’s easy! Surfshark is the best Mac VPN that has an easy-to-use interface and a wide server coverage that helps to connect your Mac and iPhone without any limitations. It adheres to a zero-logging policy, which is pretty reassuring.
Surfshark free trial is another great feature that helps access Macbook VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In case the VPN does not connect and a Mac issue occurs, you can cancel Surfshark and claim your refund by connecting to its 24/7 live chat support team.
If you’re looking to read more about this macOS VPN, then you just need to go through our Surfshark review.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Straightforward to use
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Excellent unblocking performance.
- Incredibly cheap longer plans.
- Strict no-logs policy (audited).
- Advanced protocols.
- Limited servers for P2P.
- Not as configurable as some
4. CyberGhost– The User-Friendly VPN for Mac
Key Features
- Automatic kill switch
- 9000+ servers in 91 countries
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Compatible with Android and macOS
- No-logging policy and Wi-Fi Protection
- AES 25-bit Encryption, a Network Kill Switch, and DNS Leak protection
- 30-day Money Back Guarantee
- Current deal:US$ 1.19 /mo 79% Discount
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN for Mac that comes with additional features of security and a flexible interface. It offers 9000+ servers in 91 countries, and all these are organized into multiple categories.
With such extensive server presence you can optimize your online security on your Mac with CyberGhost’s robust server list. Navigate through a variety of global locations to tailor your VPN experience, ensuring not only privacy but also reliable and swift connections. Uncover the power of CyberGhost server list to get a seamless and protected browsing experience on your Mac.
As the best VPN for MacBook, CyberGhost on Mac in USA provides a user-friendly application interface. It excels in unblocking geo-restrictions on platforms like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and various others. With its dedicated application tailored for Mac users, CyberGhost simplifies the process of bypassing geo-blocks, allowing seamless access to a multitude of streaming services, enhancing the overall user experience on the Mac platform.
In its Mac VPN app, you will get dedicated No-spy servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. In addition, it has a trendy app with a dark interface to tackle issues like how to download a VPN on MacBook.
For P2P, you can connect to its torrenting-optimized servers that are built for more than 50 locations. These servers also show load percentage in the server list, so you can connect to a different server that offers better speeds and isn’t too overcrowded.
The best VPN for MacOS enables you to bypass geo-restrictions, albeit without encryption, with its Media Streamer features. Fortunately, CyberGhost works with Netflix which could help to access Netflix’s library from anywhere. Here we successfully unblocked American Netflix:
We have tested VPN software Mac and found CyberGhost to be faster than multiple VPNs in the industry. This fastest VPN for Mac delivered an impressive downloading speed of 75.47 Mbps and an uploading speed of 69.34 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
For VPN connection on Mac, it has robust security features and unlimited bandwidth to connect up to 8 devices simultaneously. It has the best Kill Switch, a strict no-log policy, and a DNS Leak protection feature that keeps your online activities secure even when the VPN connection drops.
CyberGhost also provides ad-blocker, WebRTC, and split tunneling features that allow you to choose OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols that protect you against threats hidden in the media files. It is quite an affordable VPN that comes with a free trial and a 45-day money-back guarantee on your Mac devices.
You can get CyberGhost for as little as US$ 1.19 /mo 79% Discount and use it on 7 devices simultaneously. Moreover, you also get a 24-hour CyberGhost free trial in USA and a 45-day money-back guarantee. So, if you cancel CyberGhost subscription, you can have a full refund. In case the CyberGhost app is not working, you can contact its support, which is available 24/7.
However, keep in mind that CyberGhost’s one-month plan has only a 14-day money-back guarantee. So, if you want to enjoy a longer period to test the VPN for MacBook Air, go for the 1-year or 2-year plan, as they offer the longest duration.
Read our CyberGhost VPN review guide for more information.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Large, well-distributed servers
- Connected up to 7 devices simultaneously
- Multiple add-ons, including antivirus
- Wonderful speed test scores
- Newly completed third-party audit
- Limited payment options
- Overloaded privacy policies
5. IPVanish – The Fastest VPN for Mac
Key Features
- 2500+ servers across 75 locations, including USA
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Unblocks Netflix, YouTube, and Crunchyroll
- Also works on Mac, Android, and iOS devices
- Price: $3.99/mo on a 1-year plan
IPVanish is the fastest VPN for Mac, for mac Enthusiasts seeking optimal speed. IPVanish is a lightweight and powerful VPN with around 2500+ servers across 75 countries, including USA. It operates a robust server fleet across Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas using US headquarters.
You can download IPVanish for Mac which has ultra-modern security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, a network Kill Switch, a strict no-log policy, and DNS/IPV6 Leak protection to shield your internet activities from prying eyes.
IPVanish has the innovative ability to scramble your OpenVPN traffic allows access to websites that typically block VPN connections, ensuring you have unfettered access to the content you want. Rest assured, IPVanish doesn’t keep any logs, guaranteeing your anonymity and privacy while accessing this VPN on Mac.
With its blazing-fast seeds and unlimited bandwidth, you can bypass geo-blocked restrictions of multiple streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix, and enjoy your favorite shows without any buffering or interruptions.
We also conducted an IPVanish speed test with its US servers and got an impressive speed of 86.75 Mbps and an upload speed of 73.67 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
IPVanish is another excellent choice that works seamlessly across major devices like Android, iOS, macOS, and other operating systems. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, Linux, or even routers and Amazon Fire TVs, this VPN has got you covered. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to connect multiple devices.
This best VPN Mac offers 24/7 live chat support with technical support staff to tackle technical issues without any hurdles. You can experience all the benefits of a VPN setup Mac with its risk-free IPVanish free trial. It costs$3.99/mo on a 1-year plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For further information on this VPN, read out our IPVanish review!
- 24/7 customer support.
- Ultra-fast app for macOS
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and popular streaming platform
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Secure cloud storage service
- Excellent value for money
- Great VPN performance
- Strict no-logs policy.
- Prices increase yearly
- Fails to unblock some streaming services
- Kill switch only works with OpenVPN
How to Use a VPN with MacOS
If you want to use a VPN with macOS, follow these easy steps:
• Choose the “Apple menu” on your Mac.
• Select the “System Settings”
• Click on “Network” in the sidebar.
• Then click on the “Action-pop-up” menu.
• Select “Add VPN Configuration”
• Choose the “Type of VPN connection” and set up a VPN on MacOS.
How to Setup a VPN on Mac (Manually)?
You can set up the Best VPN software for Mac by simply following these quick steps:
How to Set Up an L2TP VPN Connection on macOS
Configure and use L2TP on macOS by following the steps below:
- Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
- Click the “Network icon”.
- Select the “+” icon in the left corner to create a new network interface.
- Then select the “VPN” in the interface drop-down list.
- Now select L2TP over IPSec from the VPN drop-down list.
How to Set Up a VPN with Tunnelblick on a Mac
To Set Up a VPN with Tunnelblick on a Mac follow the steps below:
- Launch the TunnelBlick Application and click on “I have Configuration Files”.
- Load the downloaded .ovpn files from your provider by double-clicking them.
- You will receive a prompt to install the configurations. Select the relevant option.
- Click the “TunnelBlick” icon in the top right corner of your screen and hit “Connect”
- Enter your username and password for the VPN, if prompted.
- Enjoy using your VPN manually via Tunnelblick!
How to Set Up a VPN with Viscosity on macOS
Set up a VPN with Viscosity on macOS by following these easy steps:
- Go to the menu bar and locate the Viscosity icon. Click on it and select ‘Preferences’.
- Click the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the window.
- Select the OpenVPN configuration folder you created at first.
- Your connection will appear on the Viscosity menu.
Factors to Look for When Choosing the Best VPN Mac
Our testing criteria for choosing a VPN software for Mac is based on analyzing critical security, privacy, and device-related issues. Through this testing criteria, we came up with the factors mentioned below that we weighed providers upon when choosing our 5 best VPNs for Mac:
Compatible Apps
The provider should have a functioning, well-designed, easy-to-use, and reliable Mac app that can allow the user to begin using the service within just a few steps.
Usability
When it comes to choosing the best VPN for Mac, make sure that a VPN runs smoothly. A VPN with a user-friendly interface can help to connect easily with MacOS. It should have a huge network of servers worldwide to connect reliably from anywhere.
Privacy
The most important consideration for any VPN, including VPN software for Mac – should be privacy. Make sure to select a VPN that can protect your online privacy through DNS leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and AES 256-bit encryption.
Speed
A VPN should deliver excellent speeds, as Mac computers are known to be pretty fast. To keep things running smoothly, you should select the fastest VPN service for streaming, downloading, video conferencing, gaming web browsing, and general web browsing.
Budget-Friendly Pricing
The provider that can make it affordable for the user to subscribe to its services is the one that we went for when making this list.
Our top recommended VPN, ExpressVPN, is priced at US$ 6.67 /mo (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan) despite offering the highest server network and some of the most premium security features in the industry.
Good Server Infrastructure
Usually, the top providers have anywhere from 700 to 2000 servers, but some even go above that and offer 3000-5000 servers worldwide.
We didn’t opt for a provider that doesn’t offer more than 500 servers because a smaller server network means overloading and atrociously slow speeds.
5 Reasons Why Free VPNs Are a Bad Option for Macs
Free VPNs might be enticing, considering the considerable cost that subscribing to a paid provider can incur, but we never recommend you go for free providers. Here’s why:
- Free VPNs don’t often offer Compatible apps for Macs, making it a hassle to use the service on your device in the first place.
- Speeds are often quite slow on services offered by free providers on top of daily/monthly bandwidth limits, making them unsuitable for modern-day browsing habits.
- Free VPNs have been known to sell user data and conduct other problematic activities because they need to make money, and if you are not paying them through subscription fees, then they need to go somewhere to cover up their bottom lines.
- You won’t ever get premium features like Double VPN or Split Tunnelling in Free VPNs.
- Free VPNs are mostly not Torrenting friendly, and neither are they good at unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
FAQ: Best VPN for Mac
What VPN works on Mac?
What is a shared secret in Mac VPN?
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Does Mac have a built-in VPN?
Are there free VPNs for Mac?
Wrapping Things Up
We hope that we have answered all the queries related to what is the best VPN for Mac. Even though Mac and other devices have gotten way more powerful, they’re still susceptible to online threats and have to deal with the same geo-restrictions as any other device.
Therefore we recommend 5 macOS VPNs listed above are all primed to meet your expectations on all accounts, and no other service can bring the perfect combination of privacy and reliability. However, ExpressVPN is our most highly recommended and the best VPN app for Mac.
The other options, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and IPVanish, are equally good VPNs, and you can go for either of them for your Mac.