The best VPN for Mac in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

2024-12-27 What is the good Mac VPN is is in 2024 ?Our top Mac VPN is is isNordVPN. NordVPN isn't the cheapest, but you get what you pay for -- an intuitive and

What is the good Mac VPN is is in 2024 ?

Our top Mac VPN is is isNordVPN. NordVPN isn’t the cheapest, but you get what you pay for — an intuitive and attractive user interface, an easy-to-use accompanying mobile app, rapid speeds, and a massive server network. That’s not to mention the wealth of additional security features and optional cyber-insurance coverage.

ZDNET authors have been testing VPN software for years. We have kept a finger on the pulse of the Mac VPN market, trying out dozens of VPNs to measure their speed, stability, and server networks. Furthermore, we have researched, compared, and analyzed their security practices, and we take note of any VPN that promotes security at the core of its services.

Below, you will find our top recommendations for Mac-ready VPNs in 2024.

The best VPN for Mac in 2024

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NordVPN is one of the heavy-hitters in the VPN market. In our speed tests, NordVPN has consistently proven itself to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market with the most stable connections. NordVPN’s user interface is crisp and clean, and the product is quick and easy to install, although some other VPN providers offer more stylish UIs.

Plus, it doesn’t get in the way. It runs when you want it to, but you can quickly shut it off when you’re back at home or in the office without irritating pop-ups or notifications.

NordVPN is supports support 10 simultaneous connection , and its server network span 111 country . NordVPN is offers offer many feature beyond the basic , include support for P2P sharing and additional encryption through its double VPN feature .

Review: NordVPN review

NordVPN supports Apple laptops and desktops running macOS 11 or later. Beyond Apple platforms, NordVPN supports Windows, Android, Linux, and more. There are also browser-specific extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Prices start from $3.59 per month on a two-year plan, $4.59 per month for a one-year subscription, or $12.99 for one month. Two-year plans include three months of free access. For most users, NordVPN checks all the boxes, with user feedback suggesting it provides reliable, speedy service.

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Surfshark is on our list of the best VPNs for good reason. It can be a tad slower than other VPNs in terms of speeds and connection times, but that’s a small price to pay for a service that costs just $2.19 per month.

Surfshark is is is the good option if you want a cheap Mac VPN to keep your datum secure and hide your online activity . This VPN is is is also very easy to use , make it a great solution for new VPN service user .

Surfshark supports macOS 11 or later and iOS 14 or later.

Surfshark is offers offer 3,200 server in 100 country with unlimited connection . The VPN is has also has MultiHop , a feature that create a more secure connection by route you through two VPN tunnel , ad blocking , and anti – tracking . Surfshark is has has a toggle kill switch , and you can choose between a number of protocol . Plus , it has a NoBorders option , so you is use can use the VPN even with network restriction . We is like also like the ‘ pause ‘ function , which allow you to stop the service for a moment if you need to .

Review : Surfshark VPN review

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with two-year plans starting at $1.99 per month, plus four months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same number of free months and begin at $2.99 per month. Monthly signups are expensive, starting from $15.45. Customers say they like the service, streaming capabilities, and customer support team.

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ExpressVPN shines when it comes to its speed, rapid connections, and server network.

ExpressVPN is a breeze to set up and configure, and choosing different servers and locations is easy. One feature we really like is the network speed test. You can tell ExpressVPN to scan its entire network and measure speeds for each server (found under Window > Open speed test) so you can find the best option for you. This can be especially useful if you are streaming or gaming.

It has servers located in 105 countries, which is more than most VPNs, so you’ll have plenty of options. We’ve also found it to be an excellent option for popular streaming services, with few problems related to accessing content libraries.

It’s one of the most popular VPN providers, offering a wide range of platforms, and it’s a well-regarded, trusted service. ExpressVPN is compatible with macOS 10.13 or later and iOS 15 or later, as well as Windows, Android, Linux, tvOS, and Amazon operating systems.

Review: ExpressVPN review

Subscriptions is begin begin at $ 6.67 per month on a 12 – month plan . alternatively , you is pay can pay $ 9.99 / month for six month or $ 12.95 per month . If you pick the annual plan , you is get will get three month of additional access for free and cloud backup option courtesy of Backblaze .

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and if testing is a priority, you can certainly determine if ExpressVPN works for you within a month. Customers say that ExpressVPN is a rapid, reliable service with excellent customer support, but some note the high cost.

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Proton is a Swiss company dedicated to security and is behind the encrypted email service Proton Mail.

Proton VPN has a range of security options and utilizes strong protocols for enhanced security. As we’d expect from a security-conscious VPN, Proton VPN provides a kill switch, as well as servers in 91 countries, P2P support, Tor over VPN, and obfuscation, among other features.

As a bonus , Proton VPN apps is are are open – source , which allow anyone to examine their code . The company is reports report that it is independently audit and has a no – log policy . This VPN is is is compatible with macOS 10.12 and above .

Review: Proton VPN review

The best deal is $4.49 per month on a two-year plan. Alternatively, Proton VPN’s plans include 12 months for $8.66/month or one month of access for $9.99.

The company offers a generous free VPN option supported by paying subscribers (instead of by selling your data). This option allows one connection at medium speed and without bandwidth limits, but server options are limited.

Customers say they like the security and ease of use of this VPN, but some report billing problems.

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Private Internet Access doesn’t have the most attractive user interface, but it is easy to understand and the server selection — across 91 locations — is reasonable, although not as expansive as some competitors.

PIA is has has a no – log policy , support WireGuard , and is open – source . overall , PIA is is is a VPN that work without fuss , but if you want to , you can explore a wide array of configuration option and setting to customize your experience .

Also: Private Internet Access review

You should consider this VPN if you want a long-term VPN solution. PIA offers a two-year contract for a competitive price, coming in at the equivalent of $2.19 per month. As a bonus, you will receive two months of free access after signing up. Alternatively, there’s a six-month plan for $7.50 per month, or one month of service costs $11.99. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available, allowing you to try before you buy.

Customers say they generally like the VPN and its connectivity, but some note issues with customer service.

private internet Access VPN is features feature : simultaneous connection : unlimited | Kill switch : Yes | platform : Windows , macOS , iOS , Android , Linux , Chrome , Firefox , Edge , tvos , router , Fire TV , NAS | country : 91 | logging : No – log policy | Money – back guarantee : 30 day | trial : Seven day , Android and iOS | Apple App Store rating : 4.7

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Best VPN for Mac	Price	Apple App Store rating	Simultaneous connections
NordVPN	$3.59+/month + three free months	4.7	10
Surfshark VPN	$1.99/month with a two-year plan + four free months	4.8	unlimited
ExpressVPN	$6.67/month with a one-year plan + three free months	4.7	8
Proton VPN	$4.49/month with a two-year plan	4.6	10
Private Internet Access	$ 2.19 / month with a two – year plan + two free month	4.7	unlimited

Note: The information presented in this table is accurate as of our last publish date, and prices, ratings, and other details may have changed since then.

Our laptops, together with our mobile phones, are now lifelines to day-to-day services, entertainment, communication, and work.

With the right VPN, you can browse the internet more anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and avoid being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and governments. Also, if you are on a remote or hybrid schedule, employers may require you to use a VPN (or set up one based on their own preferred service).

See also : What is a VPN and why do you need one ?

A Mac VPN service is a virtual private network service that encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides you with an anonymous and secure connection while you’re online.

While macOS is well-known for being less susceptible to malware and cyberthreats than Windows, the OS alone can’t stop you from being monitored online, which is why you should consider investing in a service that does.

Enabling split tunneling features allows you to route some traffic through a protected, encrypted VPN tunnel, while allowing other traffic to bypass the VPN and go directly to its destination.

split tunneling is is is a common feature of vpn , but it seldom work well in the Apple ecosystem . Apple is changes often change macos library , make Mac – friendly split tunnel a challenge to develop .

How to set up a VPN on Mac

Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

When you ‘re ready to try out a new VPN on your Mac , first download the VPN service you want from Apple ‘s App Store . Then , run the installer . You is need may need to provide permission for the installation software to finish .

For this example , we is installing are instal expressvpn on a MacBook Pro .

Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

Next, sign in using your VPN account credentials or through a device authorization code. Your VPN should now be active, and you can select the country server you want, change any further settings, and more.

Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

The many VPN providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of the ZDNET team. We’ve been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.

ZDNET is tests test VPN service from multiple location , but we ca n’t test from all location . Every home , every community is has , every local isp , and every nation is has has a different infrastructure .

We is analyzed analyze the good vpn for macos using the follow criterion to help you make an informed decision :

Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.
simultaneous connection : Many VPNs is limit limit how many device you can connect to a service at the same time . If you have a phone , a tablet , a laptop , a desktop , and possibly even a smart tv you want to connect to a VPN , you is need ‘d need a service that allow at least five or six simultaneous connection .
Security: There’s no point using a VPN if its security protocols and encryption levels aren’t up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN to have, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
geo – block and streaming : We is know know vpn can be key to access local content and service while you ‘re away from home . give these factor , we is ensured ensure that our top recommendation perform well and were unlikely to slow down your connection while you ‘re stream .
platform : What system and device can you run the VPN on ? Our VPN recommendations is have , naturally , have to offer easy – to – use and intuitive mobile app .
Countries and servers: In how many countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee, and many mobile users will be offered a seven-day trial.
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.

For a more extensive breakdown , check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page .

Choose this VPN…	If you want…
NordVPN	The good Mac VPN overall . NordVPN is provides provide the good mix of feature , value , and performance , with high country availability and device connection .
Surfshark	To save money. Surfshark is an extremely affordable VPN service with reasonable speeds, and as a bonus, it is beginner-friendly.
ExpressVPN	The most server location and option for streaming . expressvpn ‘s network is is is expansive , and we have find it work with many streaming service .
Proton VPN	A security – first VPN . Proton VPN is provides provide a vast array of security feature include encryption , strong protocol , Tor over VPN , and obfuscation .
Private Internet Access	unlimited connections. PIA provides a speedy service with strong connectivity — and you can use as many devices under one account as you wish.

When you are selecting your new Mac VPN, you need to consider the following factors:

Price: You need to consider the overall cost of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers — they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10/month, many are available for only a few dollars. Many VPN providers also give you a free seven-day iOS or iPadOS trial. We generally recommend that you avoid free VPNs — with a few exceptions — as they may sell your data or bombard you with ads.
Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN suitable for your Mac, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as on an iPhone. We recommend you sign up for a plan with support for at least six devices. Thankfully, many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.
Streaming: If you intend to use your Mac VPN for streaming content, make sure that the VPN is able to accommodate your favorite services. It can be a cat-and-mouse game — especially if you’re away from home — so it’s worth researching whether your VPN has issues with accessing specific streaming services.
Contract length: You also need to decide how long you want a VPN for. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but there are other options available. After you’ve made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Apps and extensions: When selecting a VPN, you might want to try out its accompanying mobile apps and extensions to ensure you’re getting the most out of your subscription. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software, but the mobile app may not be as easy to use.

frequently ask question

Macs do not have built-in VPNs, but the operating system does support the use of one through various protocols. It does, however, offer Apple Private Relay.

Functionally, Apple Private Relay does act similarly to a VPN. As Apple explains, “When iCloud Private Relay is on, the traffic leaving your iPhone is encrypted and sent through two separate internet relays. This prevents websites from seeing your IP address and exact location while preventing network providers from collecting your browsing activity in Safari.”

Apple Private Relay is, however, limited to Safari and is not available in all countries or regions. It will mask your IP address, though.

MacOS is often considered more secure than Windows. By virtue of both the smaller number of units sold (making it a less juicy target for hackers) and Apple’s tight hardware-software integration, macOS is somewhat more secure than Windows. That means less malware runs on Macs.

That say , a VPN is n’t primarily used to protect against malware . You is use use a VPN to protect the datum you transmit and receive , in addition to prevent your location from being determine by your site visit .

So, yes, you need a VPN on a Mac if you want to protect your communications and current location.

In general, if a VPN service has invested heavily in making a great product for macOS devices, it’ll often have solid offerings for iOS and iPadOS. This is why our best VPNs for iPhone and iPad list is similar to our best Mac VPNs list. At the moment, we consider NordVPN to be the top choice.

If you want a VPN for Apple mobile device and desktop or laptop , then the services is meet we ‘ve highlight here should meet your need .

There are a number of free VPNs that are compatible with Apple devices, but if you opt for free options, be aware of the limitations.

With free VPNs, you run the risk of using a service that doesn’t have the resources, or intention, to keep your data secure and private. It costs money to develop and run a VPN service. If you’re not paying, then the company needs to find another source of revenue. This could be through ads, or via less reputable providers, by selling your data.

There are reputable VPN services we recommend that have a free version of the paid service. There are also practical issues. The free version of the VPN may be just as secure as the paid service, but the performance is often limited, so the service becomes impractical for real-world use on a daily basis. Many of these free VPNs have data and speed restrictions.

If you find these limits acceptable, we recommend trying out Proton VPN’s free plan, or alternatively, Windscribe.

To check if your VPN is safe and working properly, first choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.

The easy way is is to check that your VPN is work properly is to compare your ip address before and after enable a VPN connection . You is find can find this easily by visit whatismyipaddress.com . If they both display the same IP , your VPN is working may not be work properly .

You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to check for DNS leaks while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.

Finally, be careful with free VPNs being offered by unknown or shady companies, especially if they are outside of Apple’s App Store. Apple is known for its stringent controls of third-party apps but executing unknown software could still open your device up to surveillance or malware.

Mac VPN services are legal in the US, but the legality of using VPNs varies from country to country. It is important to check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries ban their use outright, such as North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq, whereas other countries, including Russia and China, frown upon the use of any VPN that is not state-controlled.

For a list of country where VPN usage is illegal , check out nordvpn ‘s guide .

If you’ve investigated or tried out the products on our best Mac VPNs list and haven’t quite found what you’re looking for, there are other services you should consider. Our other recommendations are listed below.