Best Overall

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On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for more connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix

• Too many confusing plans

Most Affordable

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On Surfshark's website

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• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services

• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Best for High-Level Encryption

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On ExpressVPN's website

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• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security

• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

If you’re a Mac user, one of the best investments you can make to protect your data and identity is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your online activity and protecting your communication against online threats. By using a VPN, you can rest assured that your browsing activity will be kept secure as well as anonymous.

To help you choose the right VPN for your MacBook, we’ve assembled this guide covering the top options on the market. Atop our list of recommended VPNs for Mac users is NordVPN, which offers fast speeds and advanced protection. If you’re looking for a great VPN but don’t want to spend too much, Surfshark is an excellent budget option. Despite its low price point, Surfshark comes packed with features, such as unlimited connections and CleanWeb protection (a feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware).

Both NordVPN and Surfshark are easy to install on your Mac and come with dedicated macOS apps for the platform. They also both offer money-back guarantees so you can try out their services hassle-free before committing to a longer subscription plan. Learn more about these two VPN apps, as well as our other top recommendation for Mac users, below.

The best VPNs for Mac

Mac users are always looking for the best VPN to keep their online activity secure. With the number of VPNs available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your needs. To help you make a decision, we’ve narrowed down the list and compared some of the top VPNs out there so you can find the perfect solution for your Apple device.

• NordVPN: Best overall
• Surfshark: Most affordable
• ExpressVPN: Best for high-level encryption

Top 3 VPN services for Mac compared

VPN	NordVPN Best Overall	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Starting price	Starts at $4.19/mo	Starts at $2.39/mo	Starts at $6.67/mo
Free version	No — comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee	No — comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial, no data limit	No — comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Streaming support	Yes — Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ABC iView, Hulu	Yes — Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, Hotstar, Netflix	Yes — Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, Sling TV
Learn more	See NordVPN Pricing	See Surfshark Pricing	See ExpressVPN Pricing

NordVPN: Best overall

Best Overall

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On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for more connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix

• Too many confusing plans

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is well-suited for a wide variety of users, particularly those concerned with security and privacy. This can include journalists looking to protect their sources from government snooping, those wanting an extra layer of protection when accessing public networks, or anyone who might want extra peace of mind that their data is not being exposed. NordVPN also offers enhanced features, such as double encryption for the most security-conscious users.

As one of the more affordable options on the market, the cost may be another factor in picking NordVPN — though it's worth noting that there are cheaper alternatives available. Given its range of features and reliable performance, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee should you change your mind, NordVPN still offers great value for money and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to safeguard their online security and privacy.

What we liked

We were incredibly impressed by the macOS client of NordVPN. It comes with all the advanced features you would expect from a top-tier VPN, along with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. In addition to this, the app has been consistently updated and improved since its initial release.

The security and privacy capabilities are among the best we've seen in any VPN client. The kill switch feature ensures your connection is shut down should there be any IP leaks or suspicious activity on your network. If you want to share your VPN connection with friends or family, you can use the Meshnet feature for a secure connection between devices. Furthermore, NordVPN includes essential protocols such as WireGuard (or NordLynx) for secure tunneling and split tunneling for more control over your connection.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN comes with a number of features and capabilities, but there are several areas where the service falls short. First is its poor malware-blocking results. Although NordVPN has some anti-malware protection in its software, tests have shown that it barely provides any real protection against malicious websites and malware downloads. This leaves users vulnerable to potentially dangerous online threats, which could lead to data loss or identity theft.

Additionally, the interface can feel quite cramped at times, due to all the extra details that appear in each window. The menus and options are not always clearly labeled and navigating between them can become frustrating for those who don’t already know how things work within NordVPN’s software.

NordVPN specs

Surfshark: Most affordable

Most affordable

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On Surfshark's website

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• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services

• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is an ideal VPN for Mac users on a budget. It has received special attention to match the macOS aesthetic, so you don't have to worry about your VPN looking out of place. It'll fit right into your workflow.

Plus, Surfshark offers features specifically tailored to Mac laptops and desktops such as customizable split tunneling and ad-blocking capabilities. All of this comes at a price ($2.39/month) that’s a great value compared to other top picks on the market.

What we liked

Surfshark stands out among its competitors due to its combination of features, performance, and cost. It offers great security and privacy features, such as support for the latest encryption protocols (including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), AES-256 encryption, plus advanced features such as MultiHop VPN and CleanWeb. Its servers are distributed across 63 countries, allowing you to easily access geo-restricted content.

In terms of performance, Surfshark excels. In our tests, we found good download speeds — even while connected to remote server locations — and no significant latency issues or packet loss was experienced during use. We also appreciated that it's one of the few providers on the market with an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance, which is great for families or people who use multiple devices.

Surfshark also offers exceptional value for money, with an affordable monthly subscription compared with other VPN providers. Plus, when you sign up with Surfshark, you get access to its exclusive SmartDNS service at no extra charge — something many of its competitors do not offer. SmartDNS is a service that allows users to access websites and services geographically restricted by their location. Using secure servers located in different regions masks your IP address to make it appear as if you’re accessing the web from another country.

What we didn’t like

Unfortunately, one of Surfshark’s drawbacks is that it lacks certain features. For starters, the Shadowsocks protocol is no longer available and the VPN does not support whitelisting, which are two popular applications used to bypass geo-blocking and censorship. These features make it difficult for users to access content from certain countries or websites.

Furthermore, there is no unlimited free version available with Surfshark; customers must commit to a monthly plan in order to use the service. Although this isn't necessarily a dealbreaker if you're looking for a reliable VPN provider, it's worth noting that there are other services offering an unlimited free version for those who don't need the bells and whistles of a paid subscription.

Surfshark specs

ExpressVPN: Best for high-level encryption

Best for high-level encryption

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On ExpressVPN's website

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• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security

• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is ideal for Mac users who are looking for a VPN that has military-grade encryption.

With its intuitive user interface, a vast selection of servers, one-click functionality, and top-notch encryption and protocols, ExpressVPN has everything you need to protect your data when browsing the web. The AES-256 encryption, which is adopted by the U.S. government and trusted by security experts worldwide, ensures that your data and internet traffic remain secure while you are connected to these VPN servers. In addition, ExpressVPN offers a variety of VPN protocols to provide strong encryption between your computer and the remote server to keep your data safe from prying eyes.

It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free before committing to a subscription. The cost might be more than some other services, but the quality of service could be worth it for those who demand the best from their Mac VPN. Whether you're concerned about online privacy or simply want uninterrupted streaming access to geo-restricted content, ExpressVPN is a great pick for one of the best Mac VPNs available.

What we liked

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for a VPN, especially if speed and security are your top priorities. The provider's Lightway protocol offers great speeds, which allows you to stream in HD quality with no issues. Plus, the open-source "TrustedServer" technology ensures no third party can access your data.

In terms of features, ExpressVPN comes with an impressive suite of options. For one, its split tunneling feature allows you to select which apps and websites should send their traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which ones shouldn't be affected by it. Additionally, its built-in kill switch prevents accidental data leakage when your internet connection drops, and you can take advantage of its DNS leak protection to guard against any potential issues.

What we didn’t like

The cost of ExpressVPN is on the higher side compared to other VPNs. Starting at $12.95 per month for a single subscription, you're paying quite a bit more than some of its competitors. If you opt for their one-year or six-month plan, it can help bring down the costs but that's still not as affordable as some of its competitors. Additionally, ExpressVPN does not offer any free trials so if you are unsure about investing your money in them, then there isn't much choice available.

Also, one subscription is only valid for five devices. This could be a major drawback for households with more than five devices that need protection. Although, the company does make it easy to switch between multiple accounts on different devices without any hassle.

ExpressVPN specs

VPNs that didn’t make the cut

Although IPVanish and CyberGhost have some good features, there are drawbacks that caused both services to miss out on our top-three list. With IPVanish, the main issue is a lack of customization options. Users are limited in their ability to tailor their connection preferences and access advanced settings.

With CyberGhost, there are a couple of issues that could be improved upon. First, the company behind it — Kape Technologies — isn't well known for trustworthiness or transparency in online privacy matters. Second, although its kill switch feature is generally reliable, there have been reports from some users of it not working as intended.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a solid VPN provider but ultimately didn't make the cut due to some major drawbacks. Chief among these is the lack of a kill switch feature on iOS, which can be important in preventing any data leakage when your connection drops — an issue that NordVPN and Surfshark have addressed.

Furthermore, while IPVanish does offer desktop apps for Mac users, the interface leaves something to be desired compared with its mobile counterpart.

Finally, many other providers offer much cheaper plans for their services than IPVanish does, which makes them more attractive options for budget-focused customers. So although it's certainly worth checking out if you're looking for a reliable VPN service, there are better alternatives available that offer more value.

CyberGhost

When we evaluated CyberGhost, it became apparent why it couldn’t make the cut. First, CyberGhost does not offer split tunneling as a feature, which is essential for ensuring maximum security and privacy when using a VPN on a Mac. This was an immediate red flag because, without this feature, you could be exposed to potential threats while your data is being transferred over the internet unprotected.

In addition to the lack of split tunneling, CyberGhost also requires its users to pay extra money for dedicated IP addresses, another important security measure that other VPNs include at no additional cost. These dedicated IP addresses can help mask user activity, which makes it harder for third parties to track their activity.

Finally, Kape Technologies, the parent company behind CyberGhost, has a rather shady past, which was a dealbreaker for us. The company was previously known as Crossrider, and it was notorious for distributing data-tracking adware. This certainly does not inspire confidence that one's data is secure when using CyberGhost.

Best VPNs for Mac FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for Mac

When looking for the best Mac VPNs, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN stand out from the competition. Each of these three VPNs offers top-notch security and an array of advanced VPN features to protect your online privacy.

All of these providers offer comprehensive packages that include a wide range of features, which makes them suitable for any Mac user. Whichever option is chosen, Mac users can be sure they are in safe hands with any of these three leading VPN providers.

3 best VPNs for Mac 2023

How we tested the best VPNs for Mac

When selecting the best VPN services for Mac, we looked at a range of features such as security, speed, price, and macOS client support. Security was our top priority when reviewing the options available; we wanted to ensure each provider offered reliable encryption protocols, secure tunneling technology, and clear privacy policies.

We also paid close attention to the level of customer support provided by each VPN and its ability to protect users from malicious actors online. Additionally, we checked for an easy-to-use macOS client that would allow users to quickly connect and disconnect from their chosen VPN with just a few clicks. Finally, we accounted for factors such as pricing plans (monthly versus annual) and overall speeds in order to provide our readers with a comprehensive review of the top VPNs for Mac.

To ensure the utmost safety, security, and privacy when browsing online, here are the features we evaluated in each VPN:

• Security: We looked at how each VPN secures its connection with reputable encryption protocols and tunneling technologies. We also checked for clear logging policies that assure you that your data is kept private.
• macOS client: A user-friendly client is essential for convenient setup and access to all available features. We tested out each VPN’s macOS client to make sure it was easy to use and provided quick connection speeds when in use.
• Speed: Fast connection speeds are paramount when using VPNs on any device. We conducted speed tests for each provider to determine which performed the best.
• Price: Cost is an important factor for many users, so we assessed whether each VPN’s plans offer value for money and included information on monthly vs. annual subscriptions.

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.