Best VPN for Mac for 2024
Most VPN providers offer VPN apps for Mac computers, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right provider. Based on our extensive research and real-world testing of VPNs over the years, here are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN:
privacy
The number one consideration with any VPN, including Mac VPN, should be privacy. If your Mac VPN doesn’t adequately protect your online privacy, your VPN is useless. Your VPN should use at least industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption (using OpenVPN or IKEv2 VPN protocol) or ChaCha20 (using WireGuard or IKEv2 VPN protocols) and offers basic privacy protections such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy. For critical privacy needs, you’ll also want a VPN provider that’s located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, offers obfuscation, and has a RAM-only server architecture. Other privacy features to note include Tor over VPN functionality, ad and tracker blockers, and multi-hop connections. Additionally, look for a VPN that undergoes regular third-party security audits, as audits help increase trust in a VPN’s ability to protect user privacy.
speed
Mac computers are known to be very fast, so you may want to get one Fast VPN Can provide excellent speed. The speed of a VPN can have a significant impact on the following activities: streaming mediadownloads, video conferencing, gaming and general web browsing. All VPNs will slow down your connection to some degree, and to keep everything running as smoothly as possible, you want to look for a VPN that has as little impact as possible on your regular internet speed. Generally speaking, the best VPNs will only slow down your internet download speeds by an average of 25% or less, with the best-performing VPNs (NordVPN, Mullvad, and Surfshark) experiencing an average download speed loss of less than 20%.
Availability
MacOS is designed to be clean and intuitive, so if you’re used to the feel of the operating system, you may want the VPN software you use to have a similar experience. A good Mac VPN should run smoothly and have a clean user interface that is easy to use regardless of your technical expertise. It should have a large network of servers around the world so that you can connect easily and reliably from anywhere, and it should be able to help you access geo-restricted content from different regions. You should also consider advanced features such as professional servers (e.g. Tor via VPN and obfuscated server), Double jump/multiple jumpdedicated IP addresses, and split tunneling (allows you to use a VPN connection with some VPN applications but not others).
cost
VPN pricing varies widely between providers, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider the cost and overall value of a MacOS VPN. Typically, you will spend around $5 to $13 per month for a VPN monthly subscription plan. If you want to save money, you can opt for an annual subscription, which costs around $30 to $100 per year. Be careful with free VPNs, though, because if you choose a free option, you might end up putting your privacy at risk instead of protecting it. Proton VPN is currently the only Free VPN Recommended by CNET. However, most VPNs offer money-back guarantees, ranging from one week to 45 days. You can also get a free seven-day trial of many VPNs if you sign up through Apple’s App Store. Therefore, you may well have the option to try various Mac VPNs risk-free before deciding whether to fully invest in one.
Device support
You need a VPN that works well on your Mac device, such as MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro. Additionally, if you’re entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, you may want to consider a VPN that’s right for you iPhoneiPad or even Apple TV. Thankfully, most VPNs support MacOS and iOS/iPadOS, and Apple TV compatibility is increasingly common. With most VPN providers, you can install a VPN on all Mac devices, from MacBooks and Mac desktops to iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV streaming boxes.
streaming media
A VPN can improve your streaming experience by hiding your public IP address, making apps and websites think you’re in a different geographical location. For example, you can use a VPN to unblock region-restricted content, such as watching Max (formerly HBO Max) while traveling outside the US, or watching BBC iPlayer while on holiday outside the UK. Alternatively, you can access foreign Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video libraries. Think about the streaming services you want to use with your VPN, and make sure the apps work with your desired VPN service. If you want to install a VPN on your computer Smart TVAndroid TV devices, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TVmake sure your VPN provider has a compatible app for the device.
