Top 8 Best VPNs for Mac: A Complete Review  of the Best Empowering VPNs for Mac 2024 

If you’re keen on boosting your online security, a VPN could be your digital sidekick. While Apple’s got some solid security features for Macs, if you want to safeguard the connection between your Mac and the internet, a VPN is the way to go. 

Wondering which VPNs are the real deal for your Mac? You’re in the right place. In our comprehensive guide, we’re breaking down the top 8 best VPNs for Mac, so you can browse, stream, and work with confidence. From robust security features to lightning-fast speeds, we’ve got your Mac covered. Let’s jump into the details and find the perfect VPN match for your digital needs!

Why does Mac need VPN? 

Using a VPN for Mac offers several advantages:

• Enhanced security: While Macs are known for their security features, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet connection. This safeguards your data from potential cyber threats, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Privacy assurance: A VPN helps maintain your online privacy by masking your IP address; making it more challenging for websites, advertisers, and even your internet service provider to track your online activities.
• Bypass geo-restrictions: VPNs allow you to access content that may be restricted in certain regions. By connecting to servers in different locations, you can unlock geo-restricted content and enjoy a more open internet experience.
• Secure remote access: If you often work remotely or access sensitive information from different locations, a VPN ensures a secure connection to your workplace or home network, protecting your data from potential threats.
• Avoid censorship: In some regions, internet censorship may limit access to certain websites or services. A VPN helps bypass such restrictions, allowing you to enjoy an unrestricted internet experience.

In essence, a VPN for Mac is a versatile tool that not only bolsters your online security but also provides greater freedom and privacy in your digital activities.

Top 8 Best VPNs For Mac 

Here’s our simple comparison table for the best VPNs for Mac, considering VPN service, key features, and an arbitrary score (out of 10):

VPN Service	Key Features	Score
PIA VPN:  budget-friendly VPN for Mac	👉Over 35,000 servers in 91 countries  👉Military-grade encryption for maximum security 👉Seamless and fast peer-to-peer file sharing	8,5
ExpressVPN – The very best Mac VPN	👉 A proactive Kill Switch to ensure no data leaks 👉 Runs on RAM, ensuring no data is stored on hard drives 👉 Split Tunneling: Control which apps use the VPN and which don’t	9,2
Surfshark – The best cheap Mac VPN	👉 Connect via multiple countries for an extra layer of security 👉 Blocks ads, trackers, and malware for a safer browsing experience 👉 Allows certain apps or websites to bypass the VPN for flexibility 👉 Protect all your devices with a single subscription	9.0
NordVPN – The fastest Mac VPN	👉 Fast and reliable servers for smooth performance 👉 Optimized servers for secure peer-to-peer file sharing 👉 NordLynx Protocol: A high-speed, secure, and lightweight VPN protocol	9.5
CyberGhost VPN – Robust protection on friendly budget	👉 Exclusive, monitored servers for maximum privacy 👉 Integrated ad-blocking feature for a cleaner browsing experience 👉 Optimized servers for smooth streaming experiences 👉 WireGuard Protocol: A faster and more secure VPN protocol	8.8
PureVPN – Strong security, easy online access	👉 A suite of security features, including antivirus and URL filtering 👉 Blocks ads and malicious content at the DNS level 👉 Split Tunneling: Directs only the selected traffic through the VPN 👉 Secure Downloads: Encrypted downloads for enhanced privacy	8.3
ProtonVPN – Strong security VPN for Mac	👉 3000+ servers in 71 countries Private 👉 Streaming: Ensures secure and private streaming experiences 👉 Protects your identity during file downloads 👉 Safely share files without compromising privacy	8.7
Total VPN – Fast speeds and robust security for Mac	👉 Intuitive applications for easy setup and use 👉 No restrictions on data transfer for seamless browsing 👉 Optimized servers for fast and secure P2P file sharing 👉 Budget-friendly options without compromising quality 👉 Bypasses censorship and VPN blocks for unrestricted access	8.0

Review Top 8 best VPNs for Mac 

Let’s explore the details of the top 8 best VPNs for Mac. From powerful encryption to versatile features, each VPN on this list is designed to elevate your online privacy and security: 

1. PIA VPN: budget-friendly VPN for Mac 

If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly sidekick to amp up your Mac’s security game, let’s talk about PIA VPN, one of the best VPNs for Mac. It’s easy on the pocket, making it an excellent option for those conscious of their budget. 

PIA VPN brings robust encryption to the table, ensuring that your online activities on your Mac stay private and secure. Whether you’re a fan of peer-to-peer file sharing or just want a reliable Kill Switch, PIA’s got your back. Plus, it boasts a SOCKS5 Proxy, adding an extra layer of privacy to your browsing experience.

PIA also blocks malware, ads, and trackers, offering a cleaner and safer internet experience. Besides, for an extra layer of anonymity, PIA employs private DNS servers. And let’s not forget the convenience – PIA’s user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to navigate, even if you’re new to the VPN game. 

Our tests confirm that PIA is an excellent VPN, especially ideal for data-intensive activities like streaming and gaming. We conducted gaming tests at high speed and PIA ensures a seamless and lag-free experience.

So, if you’re on the hunt for an affordable yet feature-packed VPN for your Mac, keep PIA VPN on your radar!

2. ExpressVPN: The very best VPNs for Mac

ExpressVPN isn’t just an outstanding best VPNs for Mac – it excels across all devices. It sets the standard for privacy, featuring a dependable kill switch, auto-connect, and a no-logs policy independently audited for that extra layer of trust.

Ease of use is a standout feature – even if you’re not a tech expert, ExpressVPN’s interface is incredibly user-friendly. Setting it up was a breeze, just a couple of clicks, and my connection was secured. And the speed – streaming my favorite shows was smooth without any buffering.

When it comes to security, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer Technology is impressive. It wipes all data clean with each reboot, leaving zero chance of any info lingering. The Network Lock feature adds an extra layer, ensuring that if the VPN connection drops, the internet is instantly cut.

The global server network is extensive – 3000+ servers in 160 locations. Testing servers in the US, the UK, and even Australia consistently delivered impressive speeds.

3. Surfshark – The best cheap Mac VPN

Another best VPNs for Mac is Surfshark, a fantastic budget-friendly VPN for Mac users, especially with recent updates making it compatible with Apple M1. And guess what? It’s as speedy as it gets. In my tests, Surfshark didn’t just impress; it maxed out at a whopping 950 Mbps, matching up with the big players like Nord.

What sets it apart? Well, it supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, all wrapped up in the robust AES-256 encryption we all love. And they’ve thrown in some cool extras like split tunneling, Double Hop, and Clean Web 2.0 for blocking ads and malware. 

When it comes to streaming, Surfshark doesn’t disappoint. It’s right up there with industry leaders like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, effortlessly unblocking everything from UK and US Netflix libraries to BBC iPlayer and even more niche platforms like 10Play. 

4. NordVPN – The fastest Mac VPN

NordVPN ranks top best VPNs for Mac with exceptional speeds, setting itself apart with unlimited simultaneous connections – a perfect fit for those aiming to secure all their family’s devices and extend VPN access to friends and colleagues.

When it comes to streaming prowess, NordVPN is on par with industry leaders like ExpressVPN and Surfshark. It effortlessly unlocks content from UK and US Netflix libraries to platforms like BBC iPlayer and even more niche ones like 10Play.

NordVPN offers blazing-fast speeds, top-notch encryption, and a seamless streaming experience.  What’s even more impressive is that you can enjoy all these perks at a cheap price, making it an incredible bargain for the value it delivers. 

Discover all you need to know about Nord in our comprehensive review in NordVPN Review 2024: A Top VPN Option Tested by Experts

5. CyberGhost VPN – Robust protection on friendly budget

In my hands-on CyberGhost VPN review, we discovered it offers a solid set of essentials like powerful encryption and support for multiple protocols. What truly caught our attention was its commitment to delivering robust protection on a friendly budget.

CyberGhost VPN’s unique features include specialized servers optimized for streaming and gaming, making it a versatile choice for a range of online activities. It boasts a massive network of servers across numerous countries, ensuring reliable and fast connections.

Adding an extra layer of security, CyberGhost incorporates a suite of features, including antivirus and URL filtering. Additionally, the VPN facilitates secure downloads with encrypted downloads for enhanced privacy.

At a monthly cost that won’t break the bank, CyberGhost VPN delivers robust protection, user-friendly features, and an extensive server network, making it a steal for the value it offers.

6. PureVPN – Strong security, easy online access

As the best VPNs for Mac, PureVPN takes security seriously, employing features such as military-grade 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data. With DNS Leak Protection, it ensures that your DNS queries remain secure and private, enhancing overall online privacy.

This VPN service boasts an extensive network of servers, offering users access to over 6,500 servers across more than 140 countries. This widespread server coverage not only ensures reliable and fast connections but also facilitates access to geo-restricted content from various regions.

If you are seeking for a seamless and secure online experience with affordable price, PureVPN delivers with its easy-to-use interface and a variety of security features. Its combination of robust security measures and user-friendly access makes it a compelling choice for those looking to balance strong protection with convenient online usage.

7. ProtonVPN – Strong security VPN for Mac

Proton VPN is one of best VPNs for Mac that is renowned for its strong privacy features, including fully audited apps, a robust no-logging policy, and AES-256 encryption. Notable offerings like Tor over VPN and Secure Core servers add an extra layer of security, making it a solid choice for a secure Mac VPN.

Despite its emphasis on security, Proton VPN doesn’t compromise usability and excels as a powerful streaming VPN, effortlessly unblocking popular Netflix libraries and various streaming sites.

In our test, ProtonVPN’s proprietary VPN accelerator technology can boost speeds by up to 400%. While the real-world speed increase was less noticeable, it’s a noteworthy feature. However, ProtonVPN’s speed, though sufficient, doesn’t match up to providers like Surfshark or NordVPN.

8. Total VPN – Fast speeds and robust security for Mac

Compared to other best VPNs for Mac, Total VPN stands out for its combination of fast speeds and robust security features.  Whether you’re streaming content, downloading files, or engaging in other online activities, the VPN’s speed ensures a seamless experience.

Total VPN’s commitment to robust security extends to features like DNS Leak Protection, ensuring that DNS queries remain secure and private. Additionally, it offers a suite of security features, including antivirus and URL filtering, enhancing overall protection against online threats.

While it may not have the most extensive server network, it offers a reliable and secure VPN experience for users prioritizing a balance between performance and privacy.

What are the Best VPNs for Mac?

Based on our tests, ExpressVPN earns the top spot for best VPNs for Mac. Yet, if you’re aiming to cut costs, Surfshark delivers a comparable service at a significantly lower price. NordVPN falls in between, offering a balanced option for the best VPNs for Mac.

All these providers ensure 256-AES encryption and undergo independent audits, guaranteeing reliable anonymization of your connections during any online activity. Moreover, they excel at unblocking streaming sites, making them among the best services for seamless access to various content.

Final Words 

In conclusion, selecting the right VPN for your Mac is a crucial step in ensuring online privacy, security, and unrestricted access to content. The top 8 best VPNs for Mac discussed in our review have been carefully evaluated based on their features, performance, and user feedback. 

Whether you prioritize speed, advanced security protocols, or a user-friendly interface, there is a VPN on our list of Best VPNs for Mac that caters to your specific needs. By investing in one of these top-notch VPNs, Mac users can confidently safeguard their online activities, enjoy seamless connectivity, and experience the internet without limitations.

Contact us if you have further questions!