6 Best VPNs for Mac/MacBook — Tested and Updated in 2023

Macs come with some solid security features, but by no means does this mean you’re completely protected. A reliable Mac VPN offers additional security that encrypts your traffic to help keep you safe from data leaks, tracking, and other cyber threats.

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.

My team and I tested 300+ VPNs using various Mac devices and OSs and shortlisted the best ones that boost security on Mac without slowdowns. They also help you access your favorite streaming content while you’re away from home.

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 ExpressVPN on your Mac risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy, getting a full refund is easy.

Try ExpressVPN for Mac >>

Best VPNs for Mac and MacBook — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Mac With Fast Speeds

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2023

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

Our tests found that ExpressVPN is the fastest and safest VPN for Mac. I got a speed loss of only 4% from Frankfurt, DE (800km away) and 9% from Toronto, CA (5,500km away) by using its proprietary protocol, Lightway. I was really impressed at the long-distance speeds – most other VPNs drop your speeds by 20% - 30% if the server is thousands of kilometers away.

A ping of just 22ms makes ExpressVPN a gaming-friendly VPN

A large part of these fast speeds is down 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.

I also like that the vast network of 3,000 servers work for everything. I could play Fortnite on my iPhone, watch Yellowjackets on Apple TV, and download a 3.4GB torrent file on my iMac without having to switch servers or settings. ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation feature made it possible to do all of these things even on my college’s restrictive WiFi network.

While it’s not the cheapest VPN out there, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free on all your Apple devices. If it doesn’t work for you, you can get a refund within 30 days. It’s easy to get a refund, too — when I tried it, I had my money back in 2 business days.

Useful Features

• MediaStreamer. This smart DNS feature lets you watch Apple TV, US Netflix, Max (formerly HBO Max), Hulu, and BBC iPlayer on devices that don’t support full VPN apps. It’s really easy to set up, too.
• Exclusive Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN has removed all the lines of data which aren’t necessary for a commercial VPN for its proprietary Lightway protocol. So you get lightweight, fast, and secure connections on your iPhone, Mac Mini, and MacBook Pro.
• Shortcuts. Configure one-click links to your favorite apps and sites for easy access across all your Apple devices.
• Threat Manager. The myth that a Mac is impervious to cyberattacks baffles me — any device can fall foul of cyber criminals. ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager prevents you from accessing malicious domains, helping to keep your Apple devices (and your data) safe.

Try ExpressVPN for Mac >>

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming and Safe Torrenting

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers 100+ streaming servers optimized for individual platforms, and it continuously maintains them to improve performance and ensure they work. I could easily access Netflix US, Disney+, Prime Video, and more on my Mac. When I tested its Hulu server, it only took a few seconds for the site to load, and I could watch shows in UHD with no lag.

It’s also really easy to find these optimized servers. CyberGhost organizes its 9,371 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 specialty streaming servers are optimized for specific platforms AND countries

Local servers are fast — during my tests, I lost only 5% from my base speed when connected to a server in Southampton (UK). Speeds over distance aren’t as impressive; I got a 55% speed loss on a server in Tokyo. I was still able to stream in HD on these long-distance servers, but it took a few minutes for episodes to download fully.

You can try CyberGhost without risk since it has a 45 money-back guarantee. If it’s not perfect, it’s easy to 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 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 Rules. Nominate an app to launch automatically when you connect to a CyberGhost server. I chose my favorite Mac Bittorrent client (Deluge).
• WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols. WireGuard is the industry-leading, open-source protocol built for speed which I recommend for desktop Macs and MacBooks. IKEv2 is well-suited for iOS devices as it’s good at switching between data sources when you’re on the move. You can also use OpenVPN, but you have to configure it manually.
• 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.

Try CyberGhost for Mac >>

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

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

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 or AES-256 encryption. While 256-bit is stronger, 128-bit is still safe to use, and it’s faster. I use 128-bit when streaming videos, but I switch to 256-bit on public WiFi to protect my iPad.

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

There are specialty streaming servers in the UK, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Japan, Australia, and the US (x2). Unlike CyberGhost, they’re not for specific platforms, which did mean I had to hop around to find a server that worked with streaming platforms like Apple TV while I was testing PIA. However, my connection was always stable with no buffering or lag.

PIA’s local servers are fast, and I got a speed loss of just 7% from a nearby server. I got a loss of 32% from a long-distance server in New York, which is decent but not spectacular. I was impressed by the MultiHop feature – even though it routed my data through a SOCKS5/Shadowsocks proxy, I only lost 8% from my base speed on my Mac.

You can try PIA on all your Apple devices without risk since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’d prefer to try another Mac VPN, claiming a refund is easy.

Useful Features

• PIA MACE. Blocks domains used for malware and trackers. It didn’t work as well with blocking ads on my Mac, but I noticed a significant reduction in the number of ads while I was testing it out.
• Split Tunnel. 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 watch Succession on Apple TV while ordering takeout 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.

Try PIA for Mac >>

4. NordVPN — Set 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. For example, I created a preset for US Netflix — in one click, NordVPN connects me to the fastest US server and protocol for streaming this content.

You can also use a range of specialty servers, all of which work seamlessly on Apple devices. Onion Over VPN servers route your data through the Tor network. 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.

The only issue I came across was long connection times with long-distance servers. 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 also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I don’t recommend waiting until the last day to request a refund — customer support took 12 hours to respond to my inquiry!

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.
• Dark Web Monitor. If someone posts your email address on the dark web, NordVPN will alert you so you can secure your account.

Try NordVPN for Mac >>

5. Surfshark — Tons of Servers Globally to Unblock the Content You Need on Your Mac Anywhere

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark has a vast server network that covers 100 countries so you can access your favorite streaming platforms on your Mac from anywhere. I was able to watch Netflix US, Disney+, and DAZN with no lag or buffering. However, I did struggle to find a server that worked with Amazon Prime and some regional Netflix libraries.

The macOS application further improves these streaming features by providing rotating IP addresses. This characteristic alters your IP periodically, though your geographical location stays constant. As numerous streaming platforms employ IP address tracking to detect and obstruct VPN usage, this function can facilitate more straightforward access to your content while traveling.

Having a rotating IP address also enhances your security, and you can improve this even further with Surfshark’s MultiHop servers. By routing your traffic through these MultiHop servers, it’s more difficult for anyone to track your data or identify you. I ran several IP/DNS leak tests on the US servers that showed my data was completely secure.

You can test Surfshark on your Apple products with no financial risk since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, it’s easy to get your money back.

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.
• Unlimited device connections. While testing Surfshark, I never had to log out of my (many!) Apple devices.
• CleanWeb. Blocks ads and stops trackers following your web browsing on Mac.

Try Surfshark for Mac >>

6. IPVanish — Solid Security and Unlimited Connections to Protect All Your Apple Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try IPVanish VPN >

www.IPVanishVPN.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.

As well as the VPN, each IPVanish account comes with a free SOCKS5 proxy. Unlike PIA, this is an alternative to, not combined with, the VPN. It can give you considerably faster torrent download speeds, and it took minutes to configure Firefox on my Mac. It doesn’t encrypt your data, though, so don’t use it if security is a concern.

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. This feature works well on macOS, so I was disappointed I couldn’t get the same security on my mobile Apple devices.

I think the app is a little clunky, but that’s just my personal preference. You can always test it for yourself with no risk with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Quick connect. Connect your Mac to the fastest country, city, or server from a simple dropdown menu.
• 2,200 servers in 75 countries. Access global content right from wherever you are with IPVanish’s worldwide network.
• Choose from 6 protocols. Protect your Mac data with a choice of protocols including IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN.

Try IPVanish for Mac >>

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?

Additionally, I evaluated each VPN's ad blocking capabilities to determine the number of ads it could eliminate. Refer to the table below for a concise summary of my findings from testing VPNs for Mac.

Try ExpressVPN for Mac >>

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. This also meant I had a wide range of international IP addresses to use. You’ll need these to watch streaming libraries that might be geoblocked.
• 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 Mac safe.

Try ExpressVPN for Mac >>

FAQs on Best VPNs for Mac

Which Mac VPN is best for streaming?

That depends on your needs. Do you want to keep your streaming history private, or do you want to access streaming content that’s geoblocked? All the VPNs on my list are tried and tested — they work with various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Max (HBO Max), BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Disney+, and (a lot) more.

A lot of VPNs won’t work at all because most streaming platforms are constantly blocking VPN IP addresses. That’s why it’s helpful to choose a VPN that offers rotating IP addresses or optimized servers that are regularly tested to ensure that they can still access your favorite platform.

If you want better compatibility, choose a VPN with a Smart DNS feature. This isn’t a full VPN, but it allows you to watch Apple TV on your smart TV by changing your device’s DNS location.

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 5 simultaneous device connections so you can download the app on all your Apple (and non-Apple) devices with only one subscription. Some even have ways to access more streaming content on your Apple TV.

Will a Mac VPN slow down my speeds?

Yes. A VPN for Mac will slow down your speeds because it takes time to encrypt your traffic. However, a quality VPN app 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, 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.

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 or bypass geo-restrictions. Moreover, it's slower than most VPNs, so I don’t recommend it.

Do Mac VPNs work in China?

Yes, but not all of them. Our experts have put together a list of the best VPNs for China that still work in 2023, all of which are compatible with macOS and iOS.
China continuously improves its VPN-blocking technologies to restrict what its citizens can see online. It blocks most VPN websites, so you should download a VPN on your Mac before traveling to China. While most VPNs are unauthorized, the Chinese authorities have never arrested or fined a tourist for using a VPN.

Note: 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 I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s always better to opt for a low-cost premium VPN for Mac like the ones on this page.

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. That’s if you can even access streaming sites because most free VPNs don’t have the resources to stay ahead of VPN blocks.

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.

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 happy, you can get a full refund in a few minutes.

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

Rank

Provider

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1

9.8 /10

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2

9.8 /10

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3

9.6 /10

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4

9.4 /10

Save 66%!

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5

9.2 /10

Save 82%!

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