Your Mac is constantly at risk. Whether it's from hackers, dodgy ads, or malware – the list of digital threats keeps growing. So, with that in mind, it's well worth investing in one of the best VPNs to shore up your digital security.
The TechRadar team has years of experience with today's top providers. We're constantly evaluating the services, their security tools, unblocking power, and speeds to provide you with cutting-edge recommendations based on our in-house findings. In this guide, you'll see our top recommendations for Mac, as well as an in-depth analysis and the most recent test results of each of our picks.
Keep scrolling to see which VPNs we recommend for Mac users, and why they've risen to the top in a competitive market full of stellar options.
The three best Mac VPNs in 2024
If you need a quick answer to finding the best Mac VPN for you, here's an overview of our top three choices.
Recent updates
Our latest VPN testing continues to demonstrate a similar trend to those we've seen throughout this year. NordVPN remains our top pick as the best VPN for Mac, while Surfshark and ExpressVPN continue to be the best budget and beginner services respectively.
The five best VPNs for Mac in 2024
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The best VPN for Mac overall
✔️ You want a complete security suite: NordVPN provides ad blocking and malware protection as standard.
✔️ Streaming Netflix is your primary use case: Want a reliable VPN for Netflix? NordVPN effortlessly unblocks international content libraries.
✔️ You want a blend of high-quality protection and cost: Between NordVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy, you can rest assured that your data is safe.
❌ You want a super simple interface: NordVPN's Mac app is well-designed, but the interactive map might be hard to use on smaller screens. Stick to ExpressVPN for simplicity.
NordVPN ticks all the right boxes; it's quick, unblocks a ton of content, and doesn't cost a fortune. Check it out today, and see why it's the cream of the crop, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN takes the crown for the best Mac VPN thanks to its amazing functionality, value for money, and exceptional performance all around. Couple that with customizable pricing plans and you only pay for the features you need. You can even opt to tag on a cross-platform password manager, secure cloud storage, and cybersecurity insurance to help you recover if you're a victim of fraud or identity theft.
The provider knows how to have fun, too, and is the best Netflix VPN I've tested in a long time. It unblocks plenty of other platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and YouTube, as well as smaller regional services. So, whether you're keeping up with the latest releases or an avid sports fan (who doesn't want to miss a game), NordVPN has you covered.
NordVPN is P2P-friendly and has a strict zero-logs policy that's audited annually by PricewaterhouseCoopers (good to know if you're after a VPN for torrenting). Plus its DNS-based malware protection blocks viruses before they get onto your Mac. As the saying goes: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Its optional "Double VPN" technology encrypts data twice, meaning data passes through two separate VPN servers for extra security. It also boasts other helpful features like encrypted chat, web proxy extensions, and Meshnet – which is great for getting around household detection and remote access.
NordVPN also offers excellent device support and is considered one of the best iPhone VPN providers. It seamlessly integrates with any Mac device, including Mac Mini, Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. You can configure your Mac device to automatically connect to a secure server when using an untrusted network, such as a hotel, airport, or café Wi-Fi network.
With a user-friendly interface, NordVPN lets you choose between 140 server locations in over 110 countries. The apps are designed so you just need to click on the region you want to connect to and it'll find the fastest server available and automatically configure your connection for the best protection.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun design that can be a little busy for some people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Everything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of our fastest VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Every bit as strong as ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, supportive, and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fantastic value for the money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best Mac VPN for beginners
✔️ You want a VPN that auto-connects: ExpressVPN's handy auto-connect feature ensures that you're always protected.
✔️ You want to check out international content: whether it's streaming platforms, social media sites, or news outlets, ExpressVPN has no trouble beating geo-restrictions.
❌ You're on a budget: ExpressVPN is undeniably pricey, and I'd recommend Surfshark if you're looking for a bargain.
❌ You need a full security suite: ExpressVPN focuses on its stellar VPN rather than offering antivirus tools. If you need the extra add-ons, you'll want to check out NordVPN.
ExpressVPN spoils Mac users with a slew of security tools and apps that anyone can use – regardless of skill level. Plus, it lives up to its name with awesome speeds. Be sure to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to try ExpressVPN without risking a penny.
ExpressVPN doesn't leave its Mac user base out in the cold. Its Mac apps have all the features you'll find on its Windows counterparts – and they're all designed to keep your identifiable details safe, secure, and away from cybercriminals.
The ExpressVPN Mac clients look awesome. The user interface is modern and sleek, without being obnoxious, and all the features are right where you'd expect them to be. So, you don't have to be a VPN expert to make the most of the service. If you do have more VPN experience, however, you can dig into the advanced features. The auto-connect tool makes sure you're always paired up to a secure server, for example, and ExpressVPN's kill switch will cut your internet connection to prevent accidental leaks if the VPN connection happens to drop.
During our most recent tests, we found that ExpressVPN is a reliably quick service with stable speeds. The provider's proprietary protocol, Lightway, clocked in at a solid 410 Mbps, which is more than the 25 Mbps you need to enjoy interruption-free browsing and streaming. There are servers dotted all over the world, too, in 94 countries. This means you have a massive scope of choice when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. Think streaming services (like Netflix and BBC iPlayer), sporting events, and regional news outlets.
The elephant in the room when it comes to ExpressVPN is its price. It's undeniably more expensive than my other Mac picks, but few of them can match ExpressVPN when it comes to overall quality and cutting-edge features. If you want real value for money, Surfshark is more budget-friendly and offers simultaneous connections, but ExpressVPN's streamlined apps and commitment to user privacy (with frequent third-party audits, for example) are worth the extra dollars in my humble opinion.
I'm also happy to say that ExpressVPN is a great pick for any torrenters out there. Each of its servers is peer-to-peer friendly and, paired with its speeds, you'll have no trouble downloading large files safely and quickly. The rock-solid no-logs policy also provides extra peace of mind about the security of your downloads – nobody wants their ISP or a nosey third party watching over their shoulder, after all.
Overall, ExpressVPN is an industry-leading service with some of the best Mac apps you'll find on the market today. Mac users don't have to sacrifice functionality for compatibility, and a world of unblocked content is just a click or two away.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple design and user-friendly Mac app | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Auto-connect functionality additionally simplifies using it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for the average user’s needs, but slower than industry leaders | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Can easily access sites and services worldwide | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Exceptional protocols and regular audits, but a recent DNS leak raised some concerns | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 available and helpful live chat support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive compared to top competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap VPN for Mac
✔️ You want the best budget VPN: Surfshark offers lots of features, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network for an affordable price
✔️ You need the fastest VPN around: currently topping our charts with over 950 Mbps average speeds, faster than all of our top picks.
✔️ You want a cheap security suite: much like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with an array of internet security tools to keep you safe.
❌ You need a bulletproof kill switch: our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch. If an accidental IP leak could put you in danger, I'd recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
❌ You only want to torrent: while Surfshark supports torrenting on its service, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Private Internet Access.
Surfshark stuffs a ton of value into tiny prices – and unlimited simultaneous connection means you can install the VPN on all your Apple devices. Surfshark is the quickest provider on the block, too, so you'll want to use its 30-day money-back guarantee and take the service for a test drive.
Surfshark boasts the fastest connections worldwide and a beautifully straightforward interface. Besides its excellent service quality, this product always finds its place on the top of our best cheap VPN list. With a wealth of features and customizable pricing plans, you're never paying for a feature you don't need.
In terms of encryption, Surfshark offers OpenVPN and several other protocols for you to choose from – including the super speedy WireGuard (during our last test, it jumped to the top as the fastest VPN, reaching a peak of 950Mbps). In addition, it utilizes AES-256 encryption to ensure that nobody can discover what sites you've been using, together with a strict no-logs policy.
Surfshark also offers Incogni, a service that automatically requests the deletion of personal data stored by data brokers. This way, it protects your privacy from invasive data-tracking practices and companies. Incogni can remove your private information from more websites than any similar service, including marketing, recruitment, financial information, risk mitigation, and people search websites.
In addition, Surfshark can help you avoid malicious ads, phishing scams, annoying cookie pop-up requests, and malware with its Clean Web 2.0 feature. While a VPN program can’t help if malware makes it onto your Mac, Surfshark can help you avoid that issue entirely by blocking infected websites. Its database of malicious URLs is updated daily and currently numbers over one million web addresses.
However, our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch, making it a potential downside to its overall reliability. If you suspect an accidental IP leak could put you in danger, you should go for ExpressVPN or NordVPN. But if you're after a VPN for streaming, Surfshark is an excellent pick since it can reliably unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, or HBO Max. However, NordVPN outperformed it in recent tests.
With its versatile features and excellent speeds, Surfshark offers undeniable value for your money. Unlike the competitors, one subscription covers unlimited devices, so besides your Mac, you can activate it on your other devices or share its protection with your family, friends, or coworkers.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Very simple and intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly and seamless connections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest of all of our top picks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Good content unblocking, but not amazing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues; the built-in ad blocker and antivirus weren't as good as expected | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate when you need help on the fly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | The best cheap VPN on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other Mac VPN's I've tested and recommend
✔️ You want a VPN that's proven its claims: PIA is one of the only VPN services that can say it's proven its no-logs policy in court – not once, but twice.
✔️ You need a dedicated Linux GUI: with apps for the most popular distros and over 10 years in the industry, it's a long-standing favorite in the Linux community.
✔️ You need a customizable torrenting VPN: port-forwarding and a mountain of torrent-friendly servers make PIA an excellent pick for P2P file sharing.
❌ You want the easiest VPN to use: PIA's technical prowess and its orientation towards technical users means that it isn't the easiest for absolute beginners.
Private Internet Access is a veteran of the VPN scene and a favorite of privacy purists. A proven no-logs policy is the cherry on top of a stacked toolkit, and PIA is no slouch when it comes to unblocking content, either. See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is likely the only VPN that has proven its no-logs claims in court twice, and nothing gives peace of mind like having your policies proven true. It stands out from the competition by offering servers across 100 locations in 91 countries. It also has dedicated streaming servers that make it easier to unblock your favorite shows and more IPs on offer than any other pick on our list.
Having so many servers available means you’ll never experience lag or other issues caused by too many users using a single server, as you can always simply reconnect to another one. PIA has a comprehensive search function that allows you to sort the servers alphabetically and according to their latency. In addition, it displays the speeds you can expect by connecting to a server.
PIA has a reliable split-tunneling feature that allows you to use the VPN with specific apps or IP addresses. For example, you can encrypt the internet traffic sent through one browser while all your other apps remain unencrypted. Although PIA never restricts your bandwidth, encrypting some apps leads to slower speeds, making split-tunneling great for freelancers, gamers, and streaming.
However, testing PIA on Mac showed some inconsistent server speeds. If you're mostly browsing or streaming, it should be fast enough, but those to whom performance is one of the priorities should choose NordVPN or Surfshark. Besides, desktop apps are better suited to more advanced technical users, so PIA generally lacks that intuitive feel and attention to detail that comes with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
Similarly to Surfshark, PIA supports unlimited connections, which makes it stand out from other top competitors. It is quite reasonably priced and worth trying out. For peace of mind, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee in case it does not meet your needs.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lots of customization, but it lacks some attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Good for advanced users; still, beginners could seek another option | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Generally average compared to industry leaders | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers and tens of thousands of servers allow you to unblock anything and everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The latest and greatest in VPN tech and a proven no-logging policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer suppor | Expert support on-hand available 24/7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Plenty of features for a budget-friendly price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You want a free VPN with more than 3 locations: unlike Proton VPN, Windscribe offers 10 countries to choose from on its free servers.
✔️ You want to pretend you're in Antarctica: that's right, Windscribe has a fake Antarctica server, so you can pretend to be a penguin accessing international content.
❌ You want an audited VPN: Windscribe is open source, so anyone can audit, but it has yet to commit to a proper, independent third-party audit.
Windscribe offers one of the best free plans available, but the premium package can't quite keep up with industry titans. Still, if you're in a pinch or working with a budget, Windscribe has enough tools to cover the basics and bypass all sorts of blocks.
A service that keeps improving, Windscribe has addressed some of the issues that kept holding it back. Unlike some competitors, I'm glad it held onto the same interface and functionality for both its Mac and Windows VPN apps. It also introduced more advanced features like static IPs, port forwarding, split tunneling, kill switch, MAC spoofing, proxy support, and more.
Windscribe offers an excellent MAC spoofing feature that makes you appear as a brand-new user every time you connect to a public WiFi network. Public WiFi operators usually store your MAC address in their databases, which allows them to track your activities across different networks operated by the same company. MAC spoofing prevents that by allowing you to generate a new MAC address every time you connect.
In terms of encryption protocols, Windscribe offers WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, supporting strong AES-256 encryption and stealth technologies. Your privacy is secured by a strict no-logs policy, too. I've even tested its tracker and malware-blocking system and confirmed it works as intended, making Windscribe a good option for users who want to enjoy a clutter-free browsing experience.
Its main downside is the lack of 24/7 live chat support, which might be an issue for some users, especially seeing its numerous advanced features integrated into the software. Because of that, first-time users might have difficulties using Windscribe, making NordVPN a superior choice.
Like Surfshark and PIA, Windscribe allows unlimited connections and offers advanced features. However, its privacy policy isn't as transparent as the competition's, making PIA a better option for privacy-conscious users. On the other hand, unlike most competitors, this service provides a free plan that gives you 10 GB a month and access to all the main features, so you can see if it works for you completely risk-free.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Generally simple but quite cluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive, but maybe too complicated for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Pretty average for WireGuard | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Absolutely fantastic, despite issues with Japanese Netflix | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust and open-source, but lacking an independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | No live chat, but helpful on-site content and quick responses to emails | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A free plan is available, but the premium plan is quite expensive | ⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose your Mac VPN
Choosing a VPN is a personal (and subjective) process – it'll depend on what you plan to use your VPN for and the budget you're working with. However, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind while you do your window shopping.
- Compatibility: this one's a no-brainer, but your VPN needs to support MacOS (and any other gadgets you'd like to cover).
- Privacy: VPNs should have your online security at heart, and one of the clearest indications of this is an audited no-logs policy.
- Unblocking: with so much content hidden behind geo-restrictions, a VPN is your media skeleton key – and you'll want a service that works with a variety of sites.
- Speed: this is massively important for folks who'll be tuning in to streaming services and gaming online, and today's top VPNs can easily keep up with these data-intensive tasks.
- Price: VPNs are available at all prices, from the super-luxe to the budget-friendly, and some even offer add-on features for an extra cost.
Tested by
Meet the experts behind our Mac VPN guide:
A privacy purist at heart, Andreas is a VPN expert who believes the best VPN doesn't have to be the most expensive—it's about what's right for you.
Mike regularly reviews our top picks, and loves looking behind the curtains to see how a VPN works in the background. If there's a skeleton in the closet, he'll find it.
FAQs
Still got questions? Don't worry, here are some of the most common ones we get asked.
What makes the best Mac VPN in 2024?
Our latest round of testing continued to prove NordVPN to be the best Mac VPN. However, that doesn't mean it's going to be the best option for you. Only you can decide which VPN suits you best, we're just here to give you everything you need to make an informed decision.
Do you need a VPN for Mac?
As we mentioned before, Macs are much safer than Windows computers. While that remains true, it still pays to have that extra layer of security and anonymity that VPNs give you above and beyond Mac antivirus.
Of course, if you're more interested in the other functions of virtual private networks, such as streaming foreign TV streaming service catalogs and unblocking restricted sites in your office or other countries (you might be surprised just how useful a VPN for China is), then you will indeed need a VPN for your Mac to do that.
How to install a VPN on a Mac?
Installing a VPN on your Mac is a quick and easy process. Simply click through to the provider of your choice and sign up. Once you've subscribed, you can download the app directly from the website. Then, go to your downloads, open the installer, and click through the usual install boxes. Sign in with your account credentials and you can connect to a VPN server.
How does a Mac VPN work?
This is a big question with a fairly complex answer—and we go into it in some depth in our dedicated article on how VPNs work. But, put simply, your VPN creates a secure tunnel where your data in transit are protected with a layer of encryption to prevent external actors from accessing it - whether these are malicious hackers or an intrusive government seeking to track down your online activities.
This means that when your VPN is turned on, all of the information you send and receive from and to your computer or mobile is channelled through this encrypted tunnel. Even if any prying managed to hack you, they still wouldn't be able to turn the data into comprehensive information.
Do Macs have built in VPN?
Kind of. Macs do indeed have the L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2 VPN protocols built-in that you can turn on at any time for extra protection on your Mac. To turn it on, you need to head to your Network settings and choose to add a VPN using one of those protocols.
Of course, that won't help with the other VPN uses we've outlined on this page (geo-spoofing, streaming content from other countries, etc), but is handy to know if you're particularly conscious of your Mac's privacy.
Note: L2TP and IPSec are no longer considered secure encryption protocols.
What's the best free Mac VPN?
If you've decided that you like the look at what VPNs can do for your Macbook but just can't bear to part with your cash, then I'd recommend going for PrivadoVPN. It's the top choice in our free VPN rankings.
However, also our favorite freebie comes with some limitations. ProtonVPN's free plan is good for protecting your privacy, but for streaming and torrenting you will need to upgrade to one of its paid plans.
We would also suggest being extra cautious when it comes to downloading a free Mac VPN. Some providers may bring some risks to your privacy, while many others impose limits on how much you can use them each day. That's fine if you're just looking for some extra security when you log on to public Wi-Fi at the cafe or airport, but certainly won't be sufficient if you're looking for a VPN for Fire TV Stick, torrenting, streaming, or simply having on all the time running in the background.
If ever you're unsure, just remember, you can try before you buy with the best VPN free trials.
River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
