Best VPNs For Mac – Get Max Security And Internet Freedom

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Mask your IP address with strong encryption protocols, here is the best VPN for privacy in Mac

Because of its advanced security, customization features, and usability, Mac has been the popular choice of users. However, the security and privacy that Mac offers do not eliminate the necessity of having the best VPN for Mac. 

Sure, the device might be secure enough to protect you from various malware and other threats, but online privacy is not attainable with a Mac. Your Mac won’t be able to bypass multiple online privacy issues such as ISP throttling, tracking, or monitoring.  

Therefore, it is best to explore what a VPN has to offer and choose one of the best VPNs for Mac to attain the privacy you deserve.

Why Can I Do With a VPN on Mac?

VPNs are tools of online privacy and security. Therefore, let it be Android, iPad, Windows, or Mac, having a VPN is a must if you want to bypass restrictions and ensure online security. However, maintaining online security is not the only thing a VPN can help you achieve. There are several other reasons why you might need a VPN, such as:

  • The best VPN for Mac hides your online identity and encrypts the data traffic making it impossible for anyone to detect what you’re doing on the web. ‘
  • If you like to stream on Netflix or BBC iPlayer in your leisure time, a reliable VPN for Mac will change your IP address and help access the blocked websites and services. 
  •  Your ISP is constantly monitoring your online activities and is a strong advocate of P2P activities. If they found you involved in any such activities, be prepared for fines and DMCA notices. With the best VPN for Mac, you can enjoy a safe and secure torrent-downloading experience. 
  • A VPN uses ad and malware blockers and reduces the risks of phishing attacks and other related threats. 
  • Most of the best VPN for Mac comes with obfuscation technology. With this technology, you can easily bypass strict censorship and browse the web anonymously. 

It is probably the dire need for having a VPN and the innumerable amounts of VPN present in the market that choosing the best VPN for Mac can be a hassle. But a few VPNs can fulfill all your needs, such as the ones mentioned in this article. 

How to Choose the Best VPN for Mac?

If you think that using any VPN on a Mac will boost your digital privacy, you’re wrong. Hundreds of VPNs claim to work exceptionally well on Mac, but they fail even to provide a basic level of online security. Thus, you should be extra careful while choosing a reliable VPN for Mac. The following mentioned below are the criteria that you can consider for selecting a VPN for Mac. 

  • Compatibility: Select a VPN compatible with Mac and offers a dedicated and easy-to-use app for your Mac device. 
  • Connection Speed: One fundamental reason for using a VPN is to enjoy fast internet speeds. Choose a VPN that provides quick and consistent connection speed on all its servers. 
  • Logging Policy: Another vital factor to consider while selecting a VPN is its logging policy. Ensure that the VPN you choose follows a no-log policy and prevents collecting and sharing users’ data logs. 
  • Security and Encryption: The VPN provider should provide a top-notch level of online protection to Mac users. In this regard, the VPN should use military-grade encryption and secure tunneling protocols. 
  • Supported Features: To further enhance your digital privacy, do look for extra features. The VPN should offer advanced security and privacy-focused features that add more protection to your online activities. 
  • Entertainment Prospects: The best VPN for Mac should support P2P activities and allow users to unblock content on different streaming platforms. 
  • Server Network: The best VPN should consist of servers with global coverage as this helps establish fast connections. 
  • Value of Money: Invest in a VPN that isn’t very costly. Look for the best cheap VPN providers that offer maximum protection and great features at an affordable price. 

Hopefully, by following the above criteria, you’ll surely end up finding the best VPN for your Mac device. 

Five Best VPN for Mac

Finding the best VPN for Mac amongst many fake other VPNs is a hard task. However, after lengthy research, the article below highlights the five best VPNs for Mac. So, let’s review them one by one and decide which one fits your needs:

1 – CyberGhost

www.cyberghost.com

  • Follows strict no-log policy
  • Extensive server protection
  • IP leak protection
  • NoSpy servers
  • Dedicated servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting
  • Seven simultaneous connections

CyberGhost is another best VPN for Mac that you can’t ignore using. Like all other VPN providers mentioned in this article, CyberGhost also comes with an app for your Mac client. The VPN is supported by various Mac versions such as:

  • Mac 10.14 Mojave
  • Mac 10.12 Sierra 
  • Mac 10.13 High Sierra

The VPN provider also allows the users to download the VPN on a range of Mac devices. These devices include:

  • iMac
  • iMac pro
  • MacBook pro
  • Mac mini
  • Mac pro
  • MacBook
  • MacBook Air

The CyberGhost VPN has a giant server network. It consists of more than 7000 servers in 91 countries. With such a vast server network, CyberGhost becomes an ideal choice for streaming and torrenting. To ensure a better torrenting experience, it uses a split tunneling feature that allows you to download torrents and browse the web simultaneously with your actual IP address. Moreover, the VPN will enable users to unblock games from any region and enjoy their gaming experience without buffering or connection lags. 

The VPN is capable of maintaining your digital privacy. For this purpose, it uses AES-256 bit encryption, secure authentication keys, and OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. You can even add an extra layer of security and boost speed by using the NoSpy servers. It also uses a site and malware blocker that prevents malicious and intrusive ads from ruining your browsing experience. 

2 – NordVPN

www.nordvpn.com

  • VPN leak protection
  • Up to six simultaneous connection
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Falls outside the jurisdiction of the global surveillance alliance
  • Verified no-log policy

NordVPN is our first choice to use on Mac devices. It is the best VPN that provides robust online protection to users. It offers a dedicated VPN app for Mac and supports all major Mac versions, including:

  • Mac 11 Big Sur
  • Mac 10.14 Mojave
  • Mac 10.15 Catalina
  • Mac Sierra 10.12
  • Mac High Sierra

NordVPN’s compatibility with all major Mac devices also makes it the best VPN for Mac. You can easily download the NordVPN app on:

  • iMac
  • Mac Pro
  • Mac Mini
  • MacBook Pro
  • MacBook Air

Besides being compatible and offering apps for Mac devices, NordVPN is also safe and secure to use. The VPN provider uses a top-notch level of encryption to safeguard your data from all snooping eyes on your Mac device. Moreover, the VPN supports IKEv2/IPSec and NordLynx protocols, but you can get OpenVPN protocol from downloading the VPN via its website. 

NordVPN also offers an impressive preset option on Mac. You can use this feature with custom VPN connection settings and create shortcuts for apps and websites. By doing so, you can enjoy more secure access to the internet via the VPN app. 

The Mac client comes with a kill switch, custom DNS, and a split tunneling feature that prevents any of your sensitive information from getting leaked and enhances your online privacy. The split tunneling feature also ensures safe and fast torrent downloads. Moreover, with the NordVPN Mac app, you can unlock 19 Netflix libraries as well as other streaming channels. It also offers servers in 60 different locations and ensures fast and reliable connections.

3 – Surfshark

www.surfshark.com

  • Affordable 
  • VPN leak protection
  • RAM-Only servers
  • Camouflage mode
  • No-log policy
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

Surshark is yet another impressive VPN provider that works exceptionally well on Mac. The VPN is compatible with Mac and comes with an intuitive app that is pretty easy to use. To enjoy the benefits offered by Surfshark VPN on different Mac devices, you need to have Mac 10.12 Sierra or later versions activated. 

The VPN doesn’t compromise on providing maximum security and protection to the users. It uses the industry’s highest encryption standard along with secure tunneling protocols that protect your data from all prying eyes. It uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocol for various situations. Moreover, the VPN comprises more than 3200 servers in 65 countries. Despite having a pretty decent server network, Surfshark ensures above average and consistent connection across all servers. The speeds are reliable and fast enough that it doesn’t ruin your streaming and downloading experience. 

With Surfshark’s split tunneling feature, you can participate in P2P activities and download torrents unlimitedly. Moreover, the VPN allows users to unblock geographically restricted content from a wide range of streaming platforms. This includes Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus. 

4 – ProtonVPN

  • Multiple platform compatibility 
  • 96 Secure core servers in 61 countries 
  • Open-source applications 
  • Modern interface 
  • Unlimited bandwidth 

ProtonVPN is also an excellent option to use on Mac OS, and it comes with a dedicated app for macOS that is easy to download and install. You can use ProtonVPN on the following Mac supported devices: 

  • Mac mini
  •  iMac 
  • Macbook

 Moreover, it also supports all major Mac software versions, including mac version 10.12 and other above versions. The VPN offers a pretty large server network that offers fast, consistent, and reliable speed. A speed test was conducted for further satisfaction, and it proved that ProtonVPN stands up to all of its claims. With this speed, you can download torrents or stream on your favorite channel without any hassle. 

Apart from this, the VPN also maintains your online privacy and security. It uses state-of-the-art encryption and secure tunneling protocols that keep your data and activities protected. Moreover, it also uses a variety of security and privacy boosting features that enhance your browsing experience.

5 – ExpressVPN

www.expressvpn.com

  • Audited its log policy
  • Onion over VPN compatibility
  • Zero-Knowledge DNS
  • IP leak protection
  • Fastest Server speed

ExpressVPN is an ideal VPN to use on Mac that offers excellent apps and advanced features that ensure the best browsing experience. The VPN provides a dedicated Mac app that is user-friendly and less in weight. The app functions on all popular Mac such as:

  • Mac 11 Big Sur
  • Mac 10.14 Mojave
  • Mac 10.15 Catalina
  • Mac 10.12 Sierra 
  • Mac 10.13 High Sierra
  • OS X El Capitán 10.11

Moreover, you can easily connect Mac will the following Mac devices and make your experience worth amazing:

  • iMac
  • Mac Pro
  • Mac Mini
  • MacBook Pro
  • MacBook Air

The VPN provider offers robust security and online protection to the users. It uses AES-256 bit encryption and a range of secure protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, Lightway, and IKEv2. You can choose any of these protocols depending on the task you’re performing. ExpressVPN is a private VPN that belongs to the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of British-Virgin Island. Moreover, it has its servers spread in 94 locations and thus promises the fastest connection speed. 

With such an extensive server network, ExpressVPN allows users to download torrents and unblock geo-blocked content. You can access more than ten Netflix libraries with ExpressVPN, including US Netflix, without connectivity or security issues. The VPN does come with an impressive network lock and split tunneling feature that further enhances your online privacy. Its stealth mode also enables users to bypass censorship and access free internet in China. 

6 – VyprVPN

www.vyprvpn.com

  • VPN leak protection
  • Verified no-log policy
  • Works in China
  • Cheap in price
  • Customizable kill switch

The Swiss-based VyprVPN also ranks among the best VPNs that you can use on Mac. VyprVPN’s robust encryption capability and privacy-boosting features make it compete with other top-rated VPN providers in the industry. It uses the industry’s highest AES-256 bit encryption for data protection. This is also supported by various tunneling protocols it operates, including OpenVPN, Chameleon, and WireGuard. 

The VPN provider does offer advanced security and privacy features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and site blocker. Because it comes with obfuscated servers, you can even use it to bypass censorship in China and other restrictive countries. 

VyprVPN offers an app for Mac and can be downloaded on all Mac devices. 

You can also use it to unblock content from US Netflix and download torrents privately. However, the speeds are mediocre due to the minimal server network; still, you can give it a try. 

If your primary concern is security, then you should consider using VyprVPN on your Mac device. It allows 35 simultaneous connections, and you can get it for just $1.67 per month. 

Is Using VPN on Mac Safe?

Mac offers a complete balance of security and usability than other operating systems. But, rising security threats entirely depending on Mac’s safety is a bit dangerous. Despite offering robust privacy to the users, Mac does experience security vulnerabilities like the recent Pegasus invasive spyware. 

It uses zero-click infection to spy and record users’ activities, record messages, emails, text messages, and turn on the camera and microphone without users’ consent. 

So, if you want to add an extra layer of protection to your Mac, then using a VPN provider is the safest option. A VPN is an efficient privacy-boosting software that is fast and reliable to use on Mac. A reliable VPN provider offers a range of advanced security and privacy-boosting features. These features, along with VPN’s strong encryption capabilities, guarantee maximum protection on Mac. 

 Does Mac Come With a Built-in VPN?

Mac doesn’t come with a built-in VPN, but you can manually set up a VPN. By navigating to the Network settings options, you can set up a VPN, but still, you might need VPN credentials. The entire process is quite complicated and can’t be done alone, especially if you’re a person with less technical knowledge. 

Thus, it is suggested to use a VPN that comes with a dedicated app for Mac. The apps are intuitive, easy to use, and download. Also, they come with impressive features that ensure a safe and secure web browsing experience. Fortunately, all the VPNs mentioned in this guide come with a native app for Mac and are reliable and easy to use. 

How to Set Up a VPN on Your Mac Device?

There are two ways to download a VPN on your Mac device, i.e., you can either download it manually or via the Apple App Store. Both ways are secure and reliable, but manual installation is a bit complex. Below is an insight into the steps for setting up a VPN on your Mac. So, here you go:

Manual Download:

The steps are as follows:

  1. Go to Apple main menu > System Preferences > Click on Network.
  2. Tap on the Add button > Hit on the Interface menu > Click on VPN.
  3. Open the VPN Type menu and choose the VPN connection type you’re using. You can select L2TP/IPSec or IKEV2. 
  4. Click on Create > Enter the server address and account name of your VPN connection. 
  5. Head to the Authentication Settings and type in the information provided by the network administrator. 
  6. Go to Advanced and type other relevant info. 
  7. Select Apply > Tap on Ok. 

That’s it you have manually installed a VPN on your Mac device. Enjoy browsing the web with complete anonymity and privacy. 

From Apple App Store:

It is a relatively easy method for setting up a VPN on your device and includes the following steps:

  1. Open your Apple App store and search for the VPN provider you want to use. 
  2. Download and install any of the VPN mentioned earlier on your Mac device. 
  3. Sign up for a VPN account.
  4. Open the VPN app and enter your login credentials. 
  5. Choose a server of your choice and tap to connect. 

Wait for a few seconds, and that’s it. Soon as your VPN icon turns green, it means you’re now connected to a VPN. Enjoy browsing and streaming privately with the VPN for Mac. 

Which free VPN is best for Mac?

You can use a free VPN provider for Mac, but it isn’t recommended to use them. Rather than enhancing your privacy and security on Mac, a free VPN will further make you vulnerable to potential threats. A VPN doesn’t provide the desired level of protection and security to the users. Many even fail to encrypt the data traffic. When unencrypted goes to the internet, it becomes easy for the ISPs and other threat actors to monitor and track your activities. Also, they don’t offer kill switches and VPN leak protection, raising significant concerns about your online security. 

Besides this, the majority of the free VPN providers are famous for keeping user logs. These VPN providers record users’ IP addresses, activity, and connection logs. The companies even sell the collected data to advertising companies and, in return, earn profits. For this reason, you might see frequent pop-up ads during browsing. 

The free VPN providers offer limited bandwidth and server access, which isn’t good for unlimited streaming and torrenting. So, you should save some bucks and invest in a premium secure VPN provider for all these reasons. If you want to test a VPN first, you can try the cheapest VPN that offers a free trial option. 

Do Mac VPNs Work in China?

Most of the above-recommended Mac VPNs do work in China. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, SurfShark VPN, and Vypr VPN do come with obfuscated servers. These servers impersonate the VPN traffic as regular traffic and help in bypassing the censorship filters in China. Moreover, with other impressive privacy-enriched features like a no-log policy, VPN leak protection, and kill switch, these VPN ensures a safe browsing experience in China. 

Tips to Keep Your Data Safe on Mac?

It is always a better idea to protect your data on Mac. Besides using a VPN provider, you can implement other security practices to increase the security of your Mac operating system. Some of the Mac security tips are as follows:

  • Use uncrackable and robust password
  • Disable automatic logins
  • If you share your system with anyone so, create separate user logins
  • Configure your privacy settings
  • Encrypt your data with a file vault
  • Install a reliable antivirus software
  • Update your system and back up your data regularly.

Don’t forget to use a VPN along with all these security practices. A VPN encrypts your data traffic which isn’t offered by any other tool or privacy setting so, it is vital to use it. 

Which VPN does Apple recommend?

There is no specific VPN that Apple recommends for Mac or any of its devices. The choice is yours and you can choose any VPN that fulfills your needs and is compatible with your device such as the ones mentioned above. 

Final Thoughts

Even though Mac is considered one of the most reliable and secure operating systems, it still has security flaws and vulnerabilities. Most of the time, the security issues go undetectable and come to the surface when the damage is done. To enhance the security of your Mac device, you should use a VPN provider. 

A reliable VPN provider adds an extra layer of security and protection by encrypting your data traffic. It also offers a range of other benefits that ensure an anonymous web browsing experience. If you’re looking for the best VPN for Mac, consider using any VPNs mentioned in this article. All these VPN providers are tested and provide a top-notch level of security so, do use them. 

Kenneth G Aranda

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