The Best VPNs for Mac 2024

The best overall virtual private network (VPN) for Macbook users is NordVPN, which offers reliable performance and advanced features. If you’re looking for a great VPN but don’t want to spend too much, Surfshark is an excellent budget option. Finally, if you're looking for speed, ExpressVPN created its own proprietary VPN protocol to ensure fast connections.

We'll dive into the pros and cons of the best VPNs for Mac so you can determine which is best for your Mac devices.

The best VPNs for Mac

• NordVPN: Best overall
• Surfshark: Best for price
• ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Top 3 VPN services for Mac compared

VPN	Best Overall
Starting price	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually)
Free version
Streaming support	Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more	Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN and more	Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get ExpressVPN Read Surfshark Review

NordVPN: Best overall

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 extra protection when accessing public networks, or anyone looking to avoid throttling from their internet service provider (ISP). 

NordVPN offers enhanced features like double encryption for the most security-conscious users.

Given its range of features and reliable performance, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee should you change your mind, NordVPN offers superb 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 Nord's macOS app. It offers all the advanced features you'd expect from a top-tier VPN and an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. In addition, 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, use the Meshnet feature to secure the connection between devices. NordVPN includes essential protocols such as WireGuard (or NordLynx) for secure encryption and split tunneling for more control over your connection. You'll also get incredible torrenting speeds while staying hidden from potential threats.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN has several features and capabilities, but it could be expensive, depending on your budget. Its pricing ranges from $2.99–$17.99/mo, whereas Surfshark's ranges from $1.99–$17.95/mo.

Additionally, the interface can feel quite cramped due to all the extra details in each window. The menus and options are not always clearly labeled, and navigating between them can frustrate those unfamiliar with NordVPN’s software.

NordVPN specs

Price range	$2.99–$17.99/mo
Free version	No
Number of servers	6,800+ servers in 111 countries
Number of connected devices	10
VPN protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review

Surfshark: Best for price

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is an ideal VPN for Mac users on a budget. It has received particular 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.

Surfshark offers features explicitly tailored to Mac laptops and desktops, such as customizable split tunneling and ad-blocking capabilities. This comes at a price ($1.99/mo (billed every two years)) 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 excellent security and privacy features, like support for the latest encryption protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), AES-256 encryption, plus advanced features like CleanWeb for ad and tracker blocking. Its servers are distributed across 100 countries, allowing you to access geo-restricted content easily.

In terms of performance, Surfshark excels. Our tests found good download speeds — even while connected to remote server locations. We also appreciated that it's one of the few providers on the market with an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance, which is excellent 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 competitors do not offer. 

SmartDNS is a service that allows users to access websites and services geographically restricted by location. It uses secure servers in different regions to mask your IP address and make it appear like 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 doesn't support whitelisting, two popular applications used to bypass geo-blocking and censorship. These features make accessing content from certain countries or websites difficult for users.

Furthermore, Surfshark does not offer an unlimited free version; customers must commit to a monthly plan 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 other services offer an unlimited free version for those who don't need the bells and whistles of a paid subscription.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$1.99–$17.95/mo
Free version	No
Number of servers	3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is ideal for Mac users looking for a VPN that combines speed with security.

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. 

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 even created Lightway, its proprietary protocol, allowing for faster, more secure, and more reliable connections.

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 higher than that of some other services, but the quality of service could be better for those who demand the best from their Mac VPN. 

Whether you're concerned about online privacy or want uninterrupted streaming access to geo-restricted content, ExpressVPN is an excellent 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 excellent speeds, which allows you to stream in HD quality with no issues. The open-source "TrustedServer" technology ensures no third party can access your data.

In terms of features, ExpressVPN offers an impressive suite of options. Its split tunneling feature allows you to select which apps and websites should send their traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which shouldn't be affected.

Its built-in kill switch prevents accidental data leakage when your internet connection drops. You can also use its DNS leak protection to guard against potential issues.

What we didn’t like

ExpressVPN's cost is higher than that of other VPNs. Starting at $6.25/mo (billed annually) for a single subscription, you're paying quite a bit more than some of its competitors. Opting for their one-year or six-month plan can help reduce costs, but it's still not as affordable. ExpressVPN doesn't offer free trials, so there isn't much choice if you are unsure about investing your money in them.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range	$4.99–$12.95/mo
Free version	No
Number of servers	Unlisted in 105 countries
Number of connected devices	8
VPN protocol	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review

Honorable mentions

If you find that our top three VPNs for Mac aren't suited for you, you can choose from countless VPNs on the market. Here are some honorable mentions for you to consider:

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is known for its extensive server network, with servers in 100 countries. Plus, it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

• Private Internet Access: PIA is one of the most budget-friendly VPN providers, but that doesn't mean it skimps on security. Its apps are all open-source, so they're constantly being improved. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and it issues transparency reports so you can rest assured of its commitment to privacy.

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review

• IPVanish: IPVanish offers a user-friendly Mac app and unlimited simultaneous connections to protect any device in your home. It's a great option if you're seeking affordability.  

  Read IPVanish Review

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. Each of these three VPNs offers top-notch security and an array of advanced VPN features to protect your online privacy.

These providers offer comprehensive packages with a wide range of features, making 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.