6 Best Mac VPNs of 2024: MacBook Air, Pro, and More

Macs come with some solid security features, but this doesn’t mean you’re completely protected. Like all devices, Macs are vulnerable to data leaks, tracking, and other cyber threats. That’s why I recommend using a high-quality macOS VPN, as it will keep you safe from privacy and security breaches.

But not all VPNs work well with macOS — they’re often just adaptations of the Windows app. Even some Mac VPNs with top customer reviews were so slow that I had to uninstall them.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Mac. It’s designed to work with M1 and M2 processors, so it’s fast and reliable. You can try it on your Mac risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Mac in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Mac and MacBook — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Proprietary Lightway Protocol For Fast Speeds on Mac

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2024

Available on:

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is speedy and reliable without draining your MacBook battery, thanks to its minimal codebase and reduced battery usage. During my tests from the UK, I experienced only a 5% speed drop on a nearby UK server and 11% on a faraway Toronto server. I was impressed by this result, as most other VPNs drop your speeds by 20–30% if the server is thousands of kilometers away.

I was able to stream Netflix UK from London with no lag

A large part of these fast speeds is due to the fact that ExpressVPN runs natively on silicon Macs. Many VPNs “translate” data for M1 and M2 processors, which is why they’re much slower on Mac than on other systems. I was really impressed to see a VPN that isn’t just compatible with Macs but is specifically optimized to work with Apple hardware.

One of my favorite things about ExpressVPN is its suite of advanced protection features. You’ll get Threat Manager, which actively prevents apps and websites from communicating with trackers and malicious sites. The built-in ad blocker prevents you from seeing ads, and you’ll get parental controls to block adult sites, too. I love this because it works hand-in-hand with macOS’ built-in security controls to keep your whole network safe.

While it’s not the most affordable VPN out there, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free on all your Apple devices, as it supports 8 simultaneous connections. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a refund within 30 days.

Useful Features

• Shortcuts. Upon connecting, ExpressVPN provides a convenient way to quickly launch your most frequented sites and services. It lets you easily configure one-click links to your favorite apps and sites for easy access across all your Apple devices.
• Strong security features. ExpressVPN employs AES 256-bit encryption, the industry standard for securing your data. The kill switch feature (Network Lock) automatically halts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, safeguarding your Mac’s data from accidental exposure.
• MediaStreamer. This Smart DNS feature lets you stream in HD on devices that don’t always support full VPN apps, which is ideal if you don’t yet use Apple TV. It’s really easy to set up, too.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming and Safe Torrenting on Your Mac

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers optimized servers for streaming and torrenting that work seamlessly on macOS. These servers are designed to work reliably with streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and P2P services. Plus, using these servers can even increase your streaming/torrenting speeds by bypassing ISP throttling.

It’s also really easy to find these optimized servers. CyberGhost organizes its 11,690 servers based on usage, making it a good VPN for beginners. You can choose For downloading servers to torrent safely or For streaming servers if you want to watch video content on your Mac.

CyberGhost’s streaming servers are optimized for specific platforms AND countries

Local servers are fast — during my tests from London, I lost only 7% of my base speed when connected to a server in Southampton (UK). Speeds over distance aren’t as impressive; I got a 45% speed loss on a server in Canada. I was still able to browse smoothly on these long-distance servers, but it took a few minutes for websites to load fully.

The monthly plan is pricey and has a 14-day refund period. However, you can try CyberGhost on your Mac without risk since it has a 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term plans. If it’s not perfect, you can easily claim a full refund. I tried this out myself, and it was just as quick and easy as with ExpressVPN.

Useful Features

• Block malicious content. Block malware and trackers at the DNS level so they never even reach your Mac. It wasn’t as successful at blocking ads, and a CyberGhost agent told me it’s mainly for blocking dangerous content.
• Smart app rules. Nominate an app to launch automatically when you connect to a CyberGhost server. I chose my favorite Mac BitTorrent client (Deluge).
• Built-in connection test. If your Mac has connectivity issues, go to Settings > Connection > Run test. CyberGhost will test your reachability, internet, ports, and your connection to the CyberGhost API to help you identify and eliminate the problem.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Encryption and Security Features to Keep Your Mac Safe

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA’s Mac app has an impressive set of features you can customize. You can choose between AES 128-bit or AES 256-bit encryption with the OpenVPN protocol. While 256-bit is stronger, 128-bit is still safe to use, and it’s faster. I use 128-bit when streaming videos on my MacBook, but I switch to 256-bit on public WiFi to protect my iPad.

If you’re having connection issues, try switching from UDP to TCP in the Transport dropdown

There are specialty streaming servers in the UK, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Japan, Australia, and the US (x2). This makes it really easy to find a connection that works with streaming platforms using a Mac. I had no issues using my Apple TV account with PIA's UK London Streaming server during my tests from the UK. My connection was always stable, with no buffering or lag.

I was a bit concerned when I learned that PIA’s headquarters are based in the US, a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. However, the Deloitte audit from 2022 confirmed PIA doesn’t store any information about its users.

You can try PIA on all your Apple devices thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections. Since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can also test it without financial risk. If you’d prefer to try another Mac VPN, claiming a refund is easy.

Useful Features

• Split tunneling. Select apps or URLs to bypass the VPN, freeing up more bandwidth for other activities over the VPN on your Mac. When I tested this, I was able to browse news sites safely while ordering takeout on my local connection with no issues.
• Port forwarding. Gives you faster P2P download speeds on your Mac.
• Simple view. If you don’t want to use the advanced settings, you don’t have to. The simple view is pre-configured with a quick connect button and shows the last server you connected to, which is great for VPN beginners. If you chose a Mac because you wanted a no-nonsense, easy-to-use device, PIA will probably suit you well.

4. NordVPN — Set One-Click Presets for Your Favorite Mac Apps and Sites

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s Presets feature is available exclusively on the macOS app (an agent told me it’s in development for other OSs). This lets you configure rules for certain activities and is great for ease of use. In my tests, I created a preset for news sites. It took me less than 5 minutes to set up a one-click connection to the fastest local UK server to safely visit these sites.

Choose a protocol, server country, and add up to 6 web links or apps to create a new preset

You can also use a range of specialty servers, all of which work seamlessly on Apple devices. Onion Over VPN servers let you use the dark web on any browser, so you don’t need to download Tor. For extra security, the Double VPN servers route your connection through two separate servers, doubling your encryption. P2P servers are optimized for file sharing, offering consistent speeds.

While I was testing NordVPN, I sometimes had to wait over a minute to connect to servers in the US and Canada. It was easy enough to hop to another server if my connection timed out, though.

NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free. I don’t recommend waiting until the last day to request a refund, especially if you want to communicate via email. Live chat is a better option, too.

Useful Features

• Meshnet. Create an encrypted network to link your Apple devices. This is really useful if you leave an important document on your MacBook Air and need to access it from your iPhone.
• Proprietary NordLynx protocol. WireGuard is the industry-leading protocol for speed, but it’s not the most secure. When you connect with WireGuard, you share an IP address with the server’s other users. NordLynx closes that loophole with double-LAN tech, giving every user a unique IP to help you protect your privacy on Mac.
• Dark Web Monitor. If someone posts your email address on the dark web, NordVPN will alert you so you can secure your account. This is a great feature to help you keep your Apple accounts secure, particularly if you use SSO (single sign-on).

5. Surfshark — Easy-to-Use VPN to Start Protecting Your Mac in No Time

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark is a user-friendly macOS VPN with an intuitive interface that makes it suitable even for beginners. I really like the Quick Connect option — this automatically connects you to the fastest available server, so you don’t have to manually find a location.

The Rotating IPs feature enhances your security by periodically changing your address without interrupting your connection. It also doesn’t change your selected location. During my Surfshark tests, I could browse and game smoothly, even though my IP changed multiple times.

On the home screen, you can see how much time is left until the next rotation

Although based in the Netherlands, part of the 9-Eyes jurisdiction, Surfshark firmly adheres to a strict no-logs policy. This has been underscored by third-party audits, so you don’t have to worry about the privacy of your data.

You can try Surfshark on all your Apple devices, thanks to its unlimited device connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee accompanies all plans, so you can effectively test it for free.

Useful Features

• Dedicated IP addresses. One of the drawbacks of VPNs is solving endless CAPTCHA tests because every time you connect, you get a different IP address. Surfshark offers dedicated IPs for an extra cost, so your Mac browsing is CAPTCHA-free.
• CleanWeb. Blocks ads and stops trackers following your web browsing on Mac.
• Browser extension for Chrome. While Surfshark doesn’t have split tunneling for macOS, you can use this functionality with the Chrome browser extension and exclude some URLs from the VPN connection.

6. IPVanish — Unlimited Connections For All Your Apple Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try IPVanish VPN >

www.ipvanish.com

IPVanish gives you unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect all your Apple (and non-Apple) devices. I tested my connection with my iPhone, iPad, Mac, and MacBook Air, and the connection remained stable on each one.

I particularly like that IPVanish has a beginner’s tutorial to help you find your way around the app. This meant I could share my IPVanish with my household without having to worry about being the dedicated tech support person — everyone got the resources they needed to help them use the VPN.

The tutorial takes you through the app's interface so you know where to find everything

My biggest issue is that the iOS app doesn’t have a kill switch, so I don’t recommend using IPVanish on unsecured public WiFi networks. It’s a shame, really, because the kill switch works flawlessly on macOS.

You can always test IPVanish for yourself with no risk thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• On demand. This feature allows you to automate the VPN connection on your Mac. For example, you can choose to enable it when connecting to public WiFi, which is really handy if you like to work on your MacBook or iPad in coffee shops.
• Global server network. IPVanish has 2,400 servers spanning 90 countries, which helps reduce server congestion across the entire network. This translates to improved speeds for browsing, gaming, streaming, and more on your Mac.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

Quick Comparison Table: Mac VPN Features

The first thing to do is check the VPN app is compatible with your version of macOS. Beyond that depends on your reasons for wanting a VPN. Do you favor speed or security? Do you want to stream or file share? Do you want an easy-to-use app or lots of features to play with? This handy comparison table can help you decide which macOS VPN is best for you.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Mac

During my tests, I carefully considered several factors when choosing the best VPN for Mac. Here’s a list of my key criteria – feel free to use it as your own checklist when you’re looking for the best VPN for you:

• Server network. I looked for VPNs that offer a wide range of server locations for optimal speed and performance.
• Security features. I prioritized VPNs that provide robust encryption, premium protocols, and additional security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
• Ease of use. I’ve only included VPNs with intuitive apps that are easy to install and use, even if you’ve never used one of these tools before.
• Device compatibility. Your VPN should support your version of macOS and offer native apps that are regularly updated to ensure compatibility and security. I’ve only included VPNs that are compatible with a wide range of devices.
• Speed and performance. Every VPN on this list provides fast and stable connections to avoid buffering while streaming on any of your iOS or macOS devices.
• Privacy policy. Carefully review the VPN's privacy policy to ensure it doesn’t collect or retain any personally identifiable information. I’ve read the policies of all the VPNs on my list, so you can be sure they’ll keep your private information and your Mac safe.

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

What to Do if Your Mac VPN Is Not Working

If your VPN isn't working on your Mac, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

• Switch to a different VPN server. Sometimes, the server you're connected to might be experiencing high traffic or technical issues. Try connecting to a different server location to see if that resolves the problem.
• Change protocols. VPNs often support multiple protocols, each with different performance and security characteristics. If you're experiencing slow speeds or connection issues on your Mac, switching to a different protocol within your VPN client might help.
• Update or reinstall your VPN. Make sure your VPN software is up to date. Uninstalling and then reinstalling your VPN client on your Mac can resolve persistent issues. This process refreshes the software's installation, potentially fixing corrupted files or misconfigurations.
• Close programs you're not using. Running multiple applications can consume your Mac's resources, potentially affecting the VPN's performance. Close any unnecessary programs to see if that improves your VPN connection.
• Restart your Mac. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Restarting your Mac can resolve underlying system issues that might be affecting your VPN connection.

These steps cover the most common solutions to VPN issues on Mac. If you continue to experience problems, consider contacting your VPN's customer support for further assistance.

FAQs on Best VPNs for Mac

Do I need a VPN for Mac?

Yes — using a VPN on your Mac enhances your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address. Premium VPNs protect your data from hackers, especially on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Keep in mind that a VPN and an anti-virus are not the same thing. While VPNs focus on securing your online data and ensuring privacy, antivirus tools concentrate on protecting your device from malicious software and cyber threats. Using a VPN in tandem with antivirus ensures not only the privacy of your online activities but also the security of your device.

Does Mac have a built-in VPN?

No, macOS doesn’t have a built-in VPN. It does offer IKEv2 and L2TP support, which you can manually turn on in Network Settings. However, you need a VPN subscription to get the IKEv2/L2TP config files to set it up. It’s easier to just download a Mac VPN and secure your connection with its app.

If you have iCloud, you automatically have Private Relay. This is a proxy and, therefore, not as safe as an actual VPN because it doesn’t encrypt your data. It only works for the Safari browser, and you can’t change your server location. Moreover, it's slower than most VPNs, so I don’t recommend it.

Can I use a Mac VPN for iOS devices?

Yes! I only selected VPNs that have native apps for both macOS and iOS for this article so that you can use them on all your Apple devices (including iPhone and iPad).

Each VPN on this list offers at least 7 simultaneous device connections, so you can download the app on all your Apple (and non-Apple) devices with only one subscription.

Will a Mac VPN slow down my speeds?

A VPN for Mac will slow down your speeds slightly because your data has to travel through another server to be encrypted. Low-quality VPNs can cause a big speed loss (up to 40%), but a good VPN won’t slow your Mac’s speed noticeably.

To minimize speed loss, connect to a nearby server (so your data doesn’t have to travel far). You can also select a server with low capacity or load (the fewer people using a server, the faster it will be). Moreover, using a lightweight protocol such as WireGuard or Lightway will also help reduce speed loss.

Many Mac users have also reported slow speeds with VPN connections due to the VPN’s poor compatibility with new Mac hardware, like the M1 and M2 processors. Choosing a VPN that actively provides compatibility updates for new hardware is also an important factor to consider.

Which protocol is better for Mac, OpenVPN or IKEv2?

Both OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols have their strengths and considerations. Every VPN for Mac on my list offers at least one of these protocols, if not both. OpenVPN is widely regarded as a highly secure and versatile protocol, offering strong encryption and excellent compatibility. It provides robust protection against various cyber threats and ensures the privacy of your data.

On the other hand, IKEv2 is known for its exceptional speed and stability, making it an ideal choice for Mac users who prioritize seamless connections and fast performance. Additionally, IKEv2 is ideal for iOS devices because it can quickly reconnect to VPN servers when switching between networks, such as WiFi and mobile data.

Which Mac VPN is best for streaming?

A VPN that offers fast speeds and a wide server network is best for streaming on a Mac.

All VPNs I included in this article are good options for streaming, but ExpressVPN is known for reliably working with a number of streaming platforms providing a smooth and buffer-free experience.

Do Mac VPNs work in China?

Only a few rare macOS VPNs still work in China. Even the best VPNs struggle to work in China, as the country is continuously improving its VPN-blocking technology. Many VPNs don’t have the time or resources to try and keep up, so only a few try to provide service in the country.

If you’re traveling to China, our experts have put together a list of the best VPNs for China that still work in 2024, all of which are compatible with macOS and iOS.

Keep in mind that only government-supported VPNs are legal in China, but there haven’t been any publicly reported cases of tourists being penalized for using one. Still, the team at vpnMentor doesn’t condone illegal activity, so we advise that you read local laws surrounding VPN use before using one that could be forbidden in your location.

Can I use a free VPN for my Mac?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Most “free” VPNs come with hidden costs. They have data, location, and bandwidth limitations, so you can only stream 1 to 3 hours per month, at most. Most of them aren't powerful enough to work with streaming sites anyway. It’s always better to opt for a low-cost premium VPN for Mac like the ones on this page.

Even worse — many free VPNs monitor and track your Mac browsing and sell it to third parties (and even admit to doing so in their privacy policies). Worse still, some free VPNs have been known to infect users with malware.

What is the best VPN extension for Safari?

No VPN offers a dedicated extension for Safari. However, by using a high-quality VPN app on your Mac, you’ll protect all of your browsing data and personal information that flows through Safari, too.

What do I need for the Mac VPN configuration?

The easiest way to configure a VPN for your Mac is with a premium VPN’s dedicated macOS app. However, if you want to set up a manual VPN connection on Mac, it’s fairly simple. You can do this in System Preferences under Network Settings. All you need is the server address, remote ID, username, and password provided by your VPN service.

Get the Best VPN for Mac/MacBook

Even a reputable VPN with great customer reviews can be a poor choice for your Mac. Many macOS VPN apps are just poor conversions of the Windows app, and some use Rosetta 2 software to “convert” data for M1 and M2 silicon Macs, which results in poor performance.

Furthermore, some Mac users have an archaic belief that Macs are an impenetrable fortress that viruses and malware can’t breach. That belief is proven to be a falsehood every single day. Luckily, my team and I found some VPNs that reliably protect all your shiny Apple devices.

My top VPN for Mac computers is ExpressVPN. It has the fastest speeds we tested, plus easy-to-use security features to keep your Mac safe. You can even try it risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can get a full refund.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Mac/MacBook…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

Discount

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 83%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 82%!

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4

9.6 /10

9.6 Our Score

Save 72%!

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5

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 86%!

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