Want to unlock websites or streaming services on your Mac? Interested in preventing government tracking of your online activities? Perhaps you want to watch TV platforms while on vacation? In this guide, we recommend the best computer VPN in Mac users so you can achieve privacy, online freedom, and access region-locked content.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all internet traffic from your Mac and routes it through a VPN server of your choice, preventing local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking you online. It also protects you from hacking attempts on public Wi-Fi. Not all VPNs are suitable for your Mac, but in this guide, you’ll find a compilation of the best providers.

The VPN in Mac we recommend have versatile uses, including bypassing censorship, securing public Wi-Fi, and accessing region-locked websites and apps like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Whether you have a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, these VPNs are compatible and enhance your online experience.

If you’re using an older version of macOS, don’t worry; these VPNs are designed to support all versions. Thanks to our comprehensive testing and research, you’ll be able to find the perfect Mac VPN to meet your individual needs. Let’s delve deeper and discover the top computer VPN options for Mac.

Among these, we highly recommend NordVPN, our top pick for macOS users. It boasts a vast server network, ensuring a fast server is always available. With outstanding unlocking potential, it can access Netflix and other streaming sites, offers a no-logs policy, and robust security, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you’re looking to save money, we recommend Surfshark. for less than $2.50 per month, you’ll have unlimited data and simultaneous connections, rock-solid security, and in-depth features that free VPNs don’t have. Access is fast and all major streaming sites are unlocked. Surfshark is the best value for money.

How to get a free VPN for 30 days:
If you need a VPN for a short period of time while traveling abroad, get our top-ranked VPN for free. NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee, which is real. You’ll need to pay upfront to use the subscription, but the subscription allows full access for 30 days. If you don’t like it you can cancel at any time and get a full refund, so you can try it with confidence.

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What is a Mac VPN?

When you activate a VPN, it creates an encrypted connection between your Mac and a remote server operated by the VPN company. All your network traffic is sent through this encrypted connection, exits the server, and then rejoins the internet as usual. This encrypted connection prevents anyone on the same local network (even those running it) from gaining access to any information about your online activities.

This is convenient for anyone needing to use public Wi-Fi networks because it’s not always clear who owns these networks, and even their security status may be uncertain. VPNs protect your online activities from being monitored by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Most of us have paid substantial fees to our ISPs, but now these companies are trying to profit from their customers by selling anonymous user data.

There’s a strong argument that widespread adoption of HTTPS has already secured your data, and VPNs go overboard. That’s true; HTTPS can indeed prevent eavesdroppers from intercepting your information. However, VPNs do hide more of your data and protect your DNS requests, even thwarting ISP insight into your activities.

VPNs also help protect your privacy in other ways. Since your traffic appears to originate from a VPN server (rather than your Mac), external observers can only see the IP address of the VPN server. This is convenient because IP addresses can be used to trace your online activities and identify your approximate location. When a VPN is active, advertisers and anyone interested in monitoring online activity will find it challenging to track you.

You can also use a VPN to connect to remote VPN servers to spoof your location. If you connect to a VPN server in Canada, for example, you’ll appear as though you’re browsing from somewhere in the Great White North. Journalists and activists use this feature of VPNs to bypass restrictions imposed by authoritarian governments. However, we don’t evaluate VPNs based on their ability to circumvent censorship because our mistakes could have disastrous consequences for readers.

The same properties of VPNs can be used for more ordinary purposes, such as accessing streaming content offered in other countries or regions. If you reside in the U.S. and connect through a VPN server in London, you can watch Netflix content that’s otherwise only available in the UK. Therefore, Netflix and other streaming services work hard to block VPN users. However, keep in mind that the effectiveness of VPNs can vary, as what works today may be blocked tomorrow.

What a Mac VPN Can’t Do on Apple iOS Systems

VPNs are primarily about protecting your privacy, not guarding against malicious websites or malware. Some VPNs monitor known malicious sites, but you should still use antivirus software to protect your computer. The best antivirus software can provide some protection against new, unknown attacks and guard against malware infiltrating your computer from sources other than dangerous websites.

Some attackers don’t even bother with malware; they craft network phishing scams designed to trick you into voluntarily giving up personal information. If you enter your real PayPal.com login information on a phishing site that looks like PayPal, somewhere, some bad actor will have your credentials.

Many VPNs offer some phishing protection, but the lifecycle of malicious sites is short-lived. They appear and disappear quickly. Antivirus software can help block phishing attempts but, for added anonymity, use free Tor network, although it will slow down your internet connection more than a VPN.

Further reading:
➤ How to iOS VPN Settings on your iPhone
➤ Top 3 VPN iOS Best for iPhone（iOS 16 & Older）
➤ The Best VPN Korea server
➤ Best Japan VPN for Watching Japanese Netflix
➤ Top 3 Best VPN in Hong Kong｜fast and secure

What Features Should Be Included in Apple-Recommended VPNs?

At the most basic level, a good VPN should allow you to connect up to five devices simultaneously. It needs to run on multiple platforms, meaning that when you pay for Mac VPN, you should also get iPhone VPN functionality. If a VPN forces you to jump through hoops and pay extra to secure all different devices in your home, it’s not cost-effective. When reviewing VPNs, we want to see services with excellent and user-friendly clients. Frankly, too many security companies prioritize availability secondarily.

You may have the most powerful and secure VPN ever, but it’s okay if regular folks are afraid to use it. We test each VPN on various devices to see if it’s genuinely available on every platform. We’ve noticed that VPNs have features that can alleviate the pain of using a VPN.

For example, split tunneling allows you to specify which applications send traffic through the tunnel and which ones don’t. You might want to protect your browser traffic, but your favorite game may not need as much protection and could be affected by increased latency.

As of the time of writing, the average monthly fee for VPNs we’ve reviewed is $10.11 per month. For instance, NordVPN’s price goes up to $12.95 per month, while Mulvad’s monthly cost is as low as $5.81, including advanced privacy features like multi-hop connections and access to the Tor anonymous network, helping justify the higher price tag.

We also research the number of server locations in different regions and the geographical distribution of these locations. Multiple server locations mean more choices for you when traveling abroad to spoof your location and find servers. To a lesser extent, we consider the total number of servers provided by VPN services.

Is VPN Secure? Can You Trust Your VPN PC Provider?

As important as the features offered by a VPN company are the policies it has in place to protect your privacy. You have to trust that the service will be a good guardian of your personal information and won’t abuse its position to mine your data or accidentally leak data. The best VPN services retain minimal data, such that even when compelled by law enforcement, they can’t disclose much, if any, information.

As part of our testing, we ask VPN providers what information they collect about user activities and whether they sell this information. This is crucial because VPN companies may monitor your activities. Additionally, we closely examine the companies’ privacy policies to verify their answers. The best services should log as little information about users and their activities as possible, and they should explain in their privacy policies why they log what they do.

Of course, VPN companies may lie about these matters. But at a minimum, we can hold VPN companies accountable to explain their positions. VPNs are inherently opaque operations, but some VPN companies are working to change that. More and more providers are undergoing third-party audits to assure customers that the service operates as described and that the infrastructure is secure.

We’d like to see companies release transparency reports detailing how many information requests they’ve received from governments and how much information they’ve disclosed as a result. Both are imperfect tools, but they’re what’s available right now. The last point about trust relates to location. Many readers write to us asking whether they should trust a company based on where it’s located.

For example, some readers tell us they can never use a VPN based in the US, while others say they only trust a VPN located in the US. We believe avoiding or trusting a company based solely on its headquarters’ location is irresponsible. You may feel differently, and all of our reviews note where each VPN company is headquartered so you can make that call.

Best VPN for Mac

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1. NordVPN – The most secure VPN available

For: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous Connections: 6 | Streaming Sites: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Number of Servers: 5,600 | Server Locations: 60+ | >>Go to the NordVPN website.

NordVPN is the best VPN for Mac devices, featuring an outstanding macOS application and not skimping on any advanced features available elsewhere. They maintain their iconic high-quality standards. The application has seen many improvements, and this trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. NordVPN’s Mac client comes with a kill switch to prevent data leaks.

We also tested NordVPN’s threat protection features and found that it can perfectly block various ads and trackers. In our speed tests, NordVPN maintained an average of 90% of the initial download speed through its NordLynx protocol. This is excellent performance for casual browsing and streaming. The application has two versions; you can download one from their website, or you can get one from the App Store.

The website version comes with a full-fledged threat protection suite, while the App Store version only has the Lite version. Nevertheless, NordVPN ensures you receive a user-friendly and well-developed program to use. Our research team tested NordVPN with various streaming services, and it can easily access global libraries, including NordVPN, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV, and more.

If you’re wondering if NordVPN is worth it, we guarantee you that NordVPN is the best VPN for Apple devices. NordVPN’s application is stable and easy to use. If you encounter any issues, the VPN has a robust 24/7 customer support team to assist you.

NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which I tested to ensure you can indeed get your money back. Initially, the support team tried to extend my trial, but after I told them I wasn’t interested in an extension, they promptly initiated the refund. I got my money back within 4 business days. Make sure you buy NordVPN and get another 3 months free >>

How to use NordVPN VPN

To use NordVPN, perform the following simple steps:

1. Go to the NordVPN website and sign up for a subscription.
2. Download the NordVPN app for the device you want to use.
3. Enter your login password in the app.
4. Enable the Obfuscation Server by going to: Settings > Show Advanced Settings > Obfuscation Server (toggle it on).
5. Now, connect to one of the obfuscation servers by clicking on the “Servers” tab, and then click to automatically connect to the fastest VPN server, or manually select the server location.
6. Use NordVPN and unlock all online content.

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2. Surfshark – Recommend the cheapest VPN

For: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited | Streaming Sites: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Number of Servers: 1,700+ | Server Locations: 100+ | >>Go to the official Surfshark website.

Surfshark is another top-tier VPN for Mac, and it has given some special attention to its macOS application, making it highly intuitive. However, it’s not just the user interface that puts it in our top three. This VPN comes with market-standard features like a kill switch and CleanWeb, the latter being an ad and tracker removal tool. In our testing, Surfshark blocked all types of ads, including those on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook.

We used Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol to test the percentage of initial connection speed it retained, and the result was above average, specifically 86%. Surfshark’s application in the App Store lacks some features available on other devices, such as NoBorders (used to bypass government restrictions) and split tunneling.

Some form of split tunneling can be achieved by using browser extensions, but it will only cover your web traffic. When testing Surfshark with Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, the VPN easily bypassed content geo-restrictions. Initially, it couldn’t access YouTube TV, but it managed to unlock it by using a different server.

All of this comes at a price ($2.30 per month) that makes other competitors seem too expensive. Considering the unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connections, the service offers excellent value for money. You can test Surfshark on your Apple devices without financial risk because it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, getting your money back is straightforward.

You can personally try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and its plans start as low as $2.30. Applying for a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. While the support team may ask why you’re canceling your subscription, I had no issues getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!). Make sure you buy Surfshark and get 3 months of service for free>>

How to Download and Install Surfshark

To use Surfshark VPN, perform the following simple steps:

1. Go to the Surfshark website and sign up for a subscription.
2. Download the Surfshark app for the device you want to use.
3. Enter your login credentials in the VPN app.
4. Enable the NoBorders feature by going to: Settings > Advanced > NoBorders (toggle on).
5. After activating the NoBorders feature, you can use the VPN as normal.
6. Enjoy using Surfshark VPN now.

How to Set up / Connect / Download VPN in Mac（2023 Oct）

If you’ve chosen the best VPN software for Mac, you’ll need to set it up, and today, this process is as simple as installing an app. Each provider may have unique setup guides, so for security’s sake, you should always consult their pages for precise instructions.

If you’re using a MacBook Pro, Air, or any other version, you can obtain the software in two ways: through the App Store or the website of your chosen provider. In either case, we recommend choosing NordVPN, the VPN that’s best suited for macOS. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to install NordVPN on Mac:

Start by creating a VPN account:

1. Visit NordVPN‘s official website, and you’ll find a menu on the right side of the screen.
2. Click on it and select “Pricing.” The website will redirect you to NordVPN’s subscription plans page. Choose a plan that suits your needs.
3. Register your details on the popup portal, including your email address and password.
4. Choose your preferred payment method.
5. NordVPN will send a confirmation email to your email address. Confirm it and enjoy your NordVPN subscription.

You must then go to the provider’s website and navigate to the download section. There, choose your operating system version and download the .dmg file.

Once downloaded, you’ll need to install it on your device (open the file and follow the instructions).

After the installation is complete, you can launch the application and click the login button. This will guide you to the login page.

After logging in, you can select a location and connect to a server by clicking “Connect.”

Now you can browse securely on your Mac computer.

How to Manually Configure Mac VPN Settings

You can also manually set up a VPN on your Mac; however, this process is more complex than simply downloading a VPN. Nevertheless, you can do it as follows:

1. Go to the Apple menu, then to System Preferences, and click on Network.
2. Click the “+” button at the bottom left, go to the Interface menu, and select VPN.
3. In the VPN Type dropdown menu, select the VPN connection type. Name the service and click “Create.”
4. Enter the server address and account name for the VPN connection.
5. Go to Authentication Settings and enter the information you received from your network administrator.
6. Go to Advanced to enter additional information.
7. Select Apply, and you’ve now configured your VPN.

How to Set Up an L2TP VPN Connection on macOS

L2TP/IPSec is a VPN protocol supported natively on Mac, providing speed and security comparable to OpenVPN. To set up a VPN connection using the L2TP protocol on your Mac, you’ll need the following information from your VPN provider:

With this information in hand, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.
2. Click the “+” button in the bottom left corner to create a new network interface.
3. In the Interface dropdown, select VPN.
4. In the VPN Type dropdown, choose L2TP over IPSec.
5. In the “Service Name” field, enter a name for this VPN connection (it can be any name you prefer).
6. Click “Create,” and the VPN settings will appear.
7. In the Server Address field, enter the VPN server address.
8. In the Account Name field, input your VPN account’s username.
9. Click on Authentication Settings.
10. In the Password field, enter your VPN account’s password.
11. If using a shared secret, select Shared Secret and enter the pre-shared key (also known as a shared secret or secret key).
12. If using a certificate, select Certificate and choose and locate your VPN provider’s certificate.
13. Click Apply to save your changes.
14. Your VPN is now configured. To connect, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.
15. Select the VPN connection you created.
16. Click Connect.

How to Set Up VPN on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Using Tunnelblick

Tunnelblick is a VPN client for Mac that works well with the OpenVPN protocol. To get started, you’ll need the OpenVPN configuration files (.ovpn) for each server location you want to connect to, as well as your VPN account username and password from your VPN provider.

After downloading Tunnelblick, double-click the .dmg file and then double-click the Tunnelblick icon to install it. You may need to confirm and enter your Mac login credentials.

1. Launch Tunnelblick and click the “I have configuration files” button.
2. Go to the location where you downloaded the .ovpn files and double-click them. The system will prompt you to install the configuration for all users or just for you. Choose your preference.
3. After installing the configuration, click the Tunnelblick icon in the upper-right corner of the screen and select “Connect.”
4. If prompted, enter your VPN username and password.
5. A notification will appear, letting you know that the connection has been established.

How to Set Up VPN on macOS Using Viscosity

Viscosity is a paid VPN client for macOS that works well with the OpenVPN protocol and offers a 30-day free trial, with a subsequent software cost of $9. You can download the client here, click the .dmg file, and drag the application to the “Applications” folder to install it.

You may need to confirm and enter your Mac login credentials. To set up OpenVPN using Viscosity, you’ll need an OpenVPN configuration file (.ovpn) for each server you want to connect to, as well as your VPN account username and password.

1. Click the Viscosity icon in the upper-right corner of the screen and select “Preferences…”
2. Click the + button in the lower-left corner of the window that appears, then choose “Import Connection > From File…”
3. Navigate to and select the .ovpn file you downloaded from your VPN provider.
4. Click the Viscosity icon in the upper-right corner again, and you’ll see the list of VPN connections. Click on the one you want to connect to.

Is Using VPN on Mac Secure?

Yes, it’s entirely secure, and it’s even recommended to use a VPN on Mac. By combining the overall security of macOS as an operating system with VPN protection, you not only get the benefit of a secure Unix-based OS but also route your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel.

However, it’s crucial to use a reputable VPN service. Some free VPNs are notorious for collecting your data and selling it to third parties. Such practices do not enhance your privacy and may even pose security risks. Before choosing a VPN service provider, always do your research.

In summary, while Macs are more secure than Windows computers, having the additional layer of security and anonymity provided by a VPN is still worthwhile. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, streaming content, or accessing restricted sites from your office or other countries/regions, a VPN for your Mac can be beneficial.

Why Can’t My Mac VPN Connect: Troubleshooting

If your Mac VPN doesn’t seem to be working, don’t give up. You can try the following steps to get it up and running:

Should I Use Free VPNs on Mac?

For several reasons, we recommend avoiding so-called “free” VPN services. First, they often come with slow or limited download speeds, restricting data transfers and imposing bandwidth limits that are too strict for anything beyond basic web surfing. Second, the privacy protections of free VPNs are often lacking. They may use outdated encryption or keep logs of your activities.

Some may even inject tracking cookies and ads into your browser and sell your browsing data to third parties, which goes against the purpose of using a VPN. Lastly, free VPNs often carry the risk of containing malicious software. Once installed, these can infect your MacBook. Stick to reputable, paid VPN services for the best results.

Which Free Mac VPNs Have Security Concerns?

GoVPN claims to be a free VPN for Mac and iOS devices, but its purpose is currently unclear. However, connecting to the VPN service doesn’t seem to work as advertised. It claims to be connected to the VPN, but websites on the internet can still see your computer’s IP address. Avoid it at all costs.

Fresh VPN offers a free trial to connect to their service, but unfortunately, the trial lasts only five minutes. Yes, you read that correctly. That’s all they provide for someone to test and evaluate their service on a Mac, which isn’t enough time for a proper assessment. This suggests a lack of confidence in what they offer.

If you open the Mac App Store and search for “VPN,” you’ll see a long list of applications, including some that claim to be free. Most free VPNs come with “in-app purchases,” non-functional connections, or some form of blatant malware. Some paid VPNs also embed ads in their free or trial versions, which can come with download limits, bandwidth restrictions, and waiting queues.

Conclusion:

Do You Need a Mac VPN? As mentioned earlier, while Macs are more secure than Windows computers, having an additional security and anonymity layer provided by a VPN is still worthwhile. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, streaming, or accessing restricted content from other countries/regions, there are plenty of excellent VPN options for everyone.

Quality VPN services like NordVPN eliminate internet censorship and offer anonymity, making them essential for your Mac, whether you use a MacBook Air or an iMac.

If you’re looking to save money, we recommend Surfshark. for less than $2.50 per month, you’ll have unlimited data and simultaneous connections, rock-solid security, and in-depth features that free VPNs don’t have. Access is fast and all major streaming sites are unlocked. Surfshark is the best value for money.

How to get a free VPN for 30 days:
If you need a VPN for a short period of time while traveling abroad, get our top-ranked VPN for free. NordVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee, which is real. You’ll need to pay upfront to use the subscription, but the subscription allows full access for 30 days. If you don’t like it you can cancel at any time and get a full refund, so you can try it with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best VPN extension for Safari?

NordVPN is the only VPN in our list that offers a browser extension for Safari, and it’s one of the few VPNs globally to do so. However, please note that you still need to install the NordVPN native application, and then you can control it through the Safari extension.

Most other VPN browser extensions are limited to Chrome and Firefox. If you have one of these browsers installed, you can still use them on your MacBook. You can also install the macOS application for any VPN, which will cover Safari as well as all other applications on your device.

Can I use a VPN to bypass campus blocks?

Yes, you can. If you’re accessing the internet from a school, university, or office network that restricts access to certain websites, apps, or services, you can use a VPN to bypass these blocks. Simply log into your VPN application, choose a server, and wait for the connection to establish. Before accessing the site you want to visit, make sure to clear your browser’s cache and cookies. You should now be able to browse the internet without restrictions.

Which is better, OpenVPN or IKEv2 protocol?

In terms of speed, both offer similar performance. OpenVPN is open-source, meaning anyone can review its code, making it generally considered the more secure choice. While IKEv2 is believed to have no security issues, it’s not open source. If you’re using a VPN while traveling and frequently switch networks or experience mobile device service interruptions, IKEv2 is the better choice due to its faster reconnection speed.

Is using a VPN on Mac legal?

VPNs are legal in most countries and regions. In fact, only a few countries ban VPN usage. The device you use to access the VPN doesn’t matter, whether it’s on desktop or through mobile devices like Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. What’s most important is your location. While VPNs are generally legal in most places, using a VPN for illegal activities is still illegal.

Can I use a Mac VPN on my iPhone too?

Yes, most major VPN providers offer VPN applications for both desktop and mobile operating systems, including Mac, iPhone, and iOS. Additionally, most high-quality VPN services allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, typically up to 5 or 6 devices at once. This means you can connect to VPN servers on both your Mac and iPhone without limitations.

Are there Apple VPNs for Mac?

If you’re an iCloud paid subscriber, you already have access to a feature called “Private Relay.” However, while some refer to it as a “built-in VPN,” it doesn’t allow you to spoof your location, access geo-blocked overseas services, or bypass local internet restrictions.

The good news is that most VPNs provide dedicated applications for macOS and iOS. Furthermore, unlike Apple’s Private Relay, these services encrypt data from all apps, not just the Safari browser. Additionally, major providers typically don’t log your real IP address, a significant privacy advantage for those concerned about digital privacy.

How can I change my IP address on Mac?

You can change your IP address on macOS through various methods. Before delving into system settings, try resetting your router, which will automatically assign you a new IP address. If that seems too cumbersome, you can connect to a VPN application, or manually refresh your IP address with the following steps:

Does a VPN slow down my Mac?

Typically, your data travels directly between you and your ISP. However, when you use a VPN, it acts as an intermediary, allowing it to encrypt your traffic but also adding extra steps to the process. This means your speed will always be somewhat slower when connected.

On the positive side, leading providers have made significant advancements in this area, with many releasing their own super-fast protocols instead of relying on the 20-year-old OpenVPN protocol. Unless your initial connection speed is very slow, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Which Mac VPNs are the best at preventing DNS leaks?

All the Mac VPNs listed above are excellent choices for preventing DNS leaks. Each one has been thoroughly tested and found to be leak-free. Moreover, they all offer robust security features, ensuring that your data remains safe.

What does my ISP see when I connect to a VPN?

When you connect to a VPN, your ISP can see that you’re using a VPN and the amount of data being transferred between your device and the VPN. Although the data packets being sent and received are encrypted, your ISP cannot see what you’re doing. So, your ISP won’t be able to see the content you’re streaming on Netflix, the websites you’re visiting, or the games you’re playing online.

Does Mac have a built-in VPN?

To some extent, yes. Mac does include support for L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2 VPN protocols that you can enable at any time for added security. To enable them, you need to go to network settings and choose one of these protocols to add a VPN.

However, this won’t help with the other VPN use cases we’ve outlined on this page (geo-spoofing, accessing geo-blocked content from other countries, etc.). Note: L2TP and IPSec are no longer considered secure encryption protocols.