It’s not uncommon for the Mac to be rated as the best computer on the market. While it’s well designed and user-friendly, consider using a VPN to improve its privacy status. After all, immunity to malware and other viruses does not guarantee that your online data will not be compromised.
In addition to hiding your real IP address and encrypted data when using public networks, a compatible Mac VPN can unlock streaming platforms and provide access to global content.
Given the lack of Mac-focused offerings in the VPN market, we’ve tested many services on macOS devices, including streaming capabilities and security features. In this article, you’ll find a detailed list of our top picks to help you choose the best VPN for Mac.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most recognized brands in the VPN space. It offers a large number of simultaneous connections, six simultaneously through its network, while almost all other providers offer five or less. NordVPN also offers dedicated IP options for those seeking a different level of VPN connectivity, as well as the ability to VPN into Tor. Although Nord has stopped torrents in 14 countries, more than half of Nord’s 5,000-plus server fleet is optimized for peer-to-peer sharing.
In our recent rounds of testing, we’ve noticed some minor issues with Nord’s killswitch when using its iOS app, which may be of concern to seed downloaders. However, Nord recommends a sideload for iOS on its website. in our recent speed tests, NordVPN’s performance recovered from a moderate speed score in 2021 and returned to the ranks of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, resulting in a loss of only 13% of our base Internet speed.
NordVPN does not accept PayPal payments, but you can purchase a subscription using any major credit or debit card, AmazonPay, Google Pay, or ACH transfer. If you prefer to pay anonymously, you can pay with a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, and Dogcoin. NordVPN also works with a handful of retailers like Staples, Best Buy, and Walmart – you can even buy your VPN with cash.
ExpressVPN
When we reviewed ExpressVPN, it came out on top as our favorite VPN overall, and our decision was no different when it came to awarding the top VPN for Macs. You’ll barely notice it’s on thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol with excellent speed, but there’s more to it than just a lightning fast connection for providers.
In terms of privacy, ExpressVPN has its own “TrustedServer” DNS servers, which means that no data is handed over to a third party at any point in the chain. Combine this with impenetrable encryption and a rock-solid, fully audited zero-logging policy and you can rest assured that your personal information will not be compromised.
ExpressVPN is also the best performing VPN when it comes to streaming, with the ability to unlock a wide range of global Netflix libraries, as well as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and more outside of the UK.
All of this means you’ll have more options when it comes to weekend binge-watching, and with broad device compatibility (including devices like Android, iOS, routers, and even Amazon’s Fire Stick), you’ll be able to stream what you have on any device. Plus, unlike some competitors, the MacOS app doesn’t lose any functionality compared to the Windows client.
ExpressVPN does have a slight downside – one subscription is only available for five devices. However, in our experience, this is more than enough, and if you have more, you can log out of one device and use another.
That minor issue aside, ExpressVPN is as close to perfect as any Mac VPN we’ve tested, so if you’re looking for the best, look no further.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN offers everything most people are looking for in a VPN without spending a lot of money.
You get fast WireGuard speeds and a separate protocol focused on reliability, anti-censorship and ease of use. It’s also great at unlocking geo-restricted content, whether it’s a local version of Netflix from outside the UK or BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. advanced features like split tunnels and termination switches are also here, even if the latter can’t be customized.
VyprVPN’s no-logging policy has been independently audited and the service adheres to parent company Golden Frog’s strict privacy policy. More than 700 servers in over 70 countries should be enough for most people, although there is usually only one per country. It’s unclear which of these are physical and virtual.
Still, it’s fast, reliable and reasonably priced – especially if you don’t mind a three-year subscription. This 36-month plan costs just £1.36/$1.81 per month, which is great value for money.
Private Internet access
If you’re looking for a high-quality Mac VPN at the lowest price, Private Internet Access (PIA) is another great option.
But why would you choose PIA over the other contenders on this list of the best Mac VPNs? For starters, it has more servers. It loads more. While it no longer reveals its actual number, we do know that the current number is around 10,000. That’s a staggering number compared to NordVPN’s 5,000 and ExpressVPN’s 3,000. It even has a server location in every state in the US.
One of the things that impressed us is that it also seems to be popular with users. For example, its iOS app has a higher rating than many services on the App Store. We can see that PIA engineers have worked hard to create a great desktop client and replicate it in their mobile app.
Don’t be fooled by the price, though. Private Internet Access includes many interesting features, such as built-in ad blocking, a reliable termination switch, port forwarding that is convenient for seed downloaders, and many different encryption types to choose from.
If there’s one thing we’d like to see improved the next time we test PIA VPN on a Mac, it would be more consistent server speeds. However, we found that connections are now much faster than in our previous tests.
Pure VPN
A large network of servers allows you to access an unprecedented number of different IP addresses. This is what makes PureVPN stand out as a top VPN service for Macs. Since the provider is located in Hong Kong, the anonymity is very reliable. In addition, its no-logging policy has been audited by a third party and found to be rock-solid.
The company is loaded with more than 6,500 servers in more than 70 countries. If sharing is not your thing, you can choose a dedicated IP address from seven locations (USA, Australia, UK, Canada, Malta, Germany and Singapore). Also, with the trusted WireGuard tunneling protocol, your browsing, seed downloading and online gaming speeds will be outstanding.
PureVPN is also a top choice for unlocking bonus TV shows and movies on popular streaming sites. For example, you can use the service to access more content on BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and many other platforms. Plus, you can use Mac VPN on Chromecast, Microsoft Surface, Raspberry Pi and Android TV.
Get a 7-day trial for just $0.99 and enjoy the best VPN for macOS. Or, the actual commitment starts at $1.99 per month and is protected by a 31-day money-back guarantee. However, you can always try to get a better deal with PureVPN coupons.