Macs are generally considered more secure than other devices, thanks to the incredible built-in safety mechanisms of the underlying macOS. But that extra layer of security on the device doesn’t necessarily mean that the network connected to it is also completely secure.
After all, once your data has left the Mac and entered the badlands of the Internet, it’s as vulnerable as it would’ve been had you used any other OS. To secure the data going out of the Mac, thus, dedicated VPN connections are needed that can encrypt it before it even reaches the open network.
Why VPN is Required on macOS
Mac users might need a VPN on their macOS for various reasons. However, the main reason behind using a VPN on a Mac system is for increased security and privacy.
When the Mac is connected to the Internet without a VPN, the traffic is not encrypted, making the system exposed to the ISP, the government, and other third parties who want to see what you’re doing online. A VPN on the Mac not only encrypts the traffic but also makes it much more difficult for anyone to spy on the user’s online activity.
Besides increased security, a VPN can also be used on a Mac to access geo-blocked content. For instance, if a user wants to watch a show on Netflix that’s only available for UK visitors then by using a VPN, the user can connect to a server in the UK and access the content.
Well, whatever you’re planning on using a VPN for on your Mac, you need to first know how to set up the same, which is what we talk about next.
How to Set Up a VPN on your macOS?
It’s quite simple to set up a VPN on your iPhone, Macbook, or iPad. The majority of the best VPN providers offer easy-to-install apps or online services for macOS.
To use any such VPN for macOS, you just need to visit the VPN provider’s website and choose the license plan that suits you best. Thereafter, download and install the particular VPN application as per the vendor’s instructions.
It is as simple as that, so you can let go of the worries about the setup being too technical. Modern VPN providers take special care to offer user-friendly services that everyone can easily pick up.
10 Best VPNs for macOS
Let’s now dive into the best 10 VPNs for macOS:
1. VPN.Surf
Data privacy is something everybody desires when surfing online. ISPs, sometimes even the government, keep a close check on our online activities for various purposes. And through it all, our network stays vulnerable to attacks by hackers and advertisers.
With VPN. Surf’s macOS VPN, you can safeguard your private details and surf online while leaving no traces behind. The service protects your network with 256-bit AES encryption so that you can maintain anonymity and save yourself from prying eyes on the Internet. The best part is that VPN. Surf doesn’t save the logs or details of any of your online activities on its servers.
VPN. Surf is among the most popular VPNs for macOS since it has a large number of web servers worldwide and offers an impressive set of security features. If you truly want to keep your information a secret and want to anonymously use the web then VPN. Surf is a must.
Pros
- Compatible with macOS, Linux, and Android devices.
- 30-day money-back assurance.
- Works well with Netflix, Hotstar+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
- Easy to set up on Macbook, iPad, and iPhone.
Cons
- A relatively lesser number of user options for advanced configuration is available.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA (Private Internet Access) offers P2P-optimized web servers with watertight security and port forwarding characteristics. As such, it’s a great network-securing solution if you use your Macbook or iPad for torrenting.
The 256-bit AES encryption ensures that nobody peeps into your online activities, so you’re secure even if you accidentally download a copyrighted document. Also, it offers you IPv6/DNS leak security and an automatic kill switch.
Pros
- Good for unblocking famous streaming websites from anywhere.
- Great connection speed.
Cons
- Lesser number of web server locations.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for macOS as it ticks all the boxes, and does so gracefully. It provides incredible speeds on almost all its web servers across the world, has an impressive committed Mac customer base, and provides 24*7 live chatbot assistance in rare cases when something doesn’t work as expected.
The VPN service gives you the option to select the protocol you wish to use, in addition to IPv6 leak security. You can choose between TCP, UDP, IKEv2, and IPSec/L2TP protocols to customize your experience. What’s more, ExpressVPN owns all its DNS web servers, which means at no point is your information endowed to a third party.
Pros
- Works seamlessly on macOS.
- Clean, crisp applications on all devices.
- Incredible connection speed.
Cons
- Only five simultaneous connections are available.
4. VyprVPN
VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol makes it simple to access censored and blocked sites without anybody knowing about it. It does this by making your VPN traffic appear unencrypted, regular traffic that slips past VPN recognition modules and packet exploration algorithms.
These capabilities of VyprVPN make it usable even in nations where VPNs aren’t permitted, for example, China. VyprVPN’s macOS application makes use of 256-bit AES encryption to secure your details and comes with an automatic kill switch.
Also, the VPN has a NAT firewall in place that prevents botnets and hackers from getting to your device by blocking inbound traffic.
Pros
- 30-day money-back warranty.
- Works well with BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Netflix, and many more.
- Compatible with macOS, Linux, Roku, Android, Windows, and more.
- The restrictive Chameleon convention gets around VPN blocks.
- 700 web servers let you get access to geological blocked content in 70+ nations.
Cons
- Only five simultaneous connections are available.
- Not as fast as other VPNs.
5. NordVPN
NordVPN is an immensely popular VPN service for several reasons. The desktop application compliments the clean, crisp macOS look and offers incredible privacy – DNS leak security, 256-AES encryption, and two kill switches in addition to Onion over VPN and Double VPN.
Nord’s WireGuard-based NordLynx convention has been launched and it offers trailblazing speeds of more than 300 Mbps.
Pros
- A couple of extra safety essentials.
- Incredible performance.
- Loads of web servers.
- A galore of extensions.
- Double information encryption.
Cons
- Doesn’t guarantee the best user experience always.
6. SaferVPN
SaferVPN is a leading VPN for macOS that’s very easy to set up (takes only about two minutes). Accompanied by automatic Wi-Fi security that turns on as soon as you get in contact with a public domain, SaferVPN ensures that your information stays secure even if you forget to switch on your VPN server before going online.
If you utilize SaferVPN’s Best Server Selection feature, the application will get in contact with the fastest web server automatically and deliver the most trustworthy performance. However, if you manually choose a web server, your speed might be limited.
SaferVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and an automatic kill switch to guard your traffic. It works with safety protocols including OpenVPN and IKEv2.
Pros
- Automatic Wi-Fi security ensures you’re protected on public Wi-Fi domains.
- 1,300 web servers and 50 streaming services.
- 30-day money-back warranty.
Cons
- Allows only five simultaneous device connections.
- You might experience difficulty in streaming due to buffering.
7. ZenMate
ZenMate for macOS is offered via a lightweight application, and the download, installation, and configuration take only three minutes for the same. You get access to all the standard safety characteristics, including a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and data leak security.
ZenMate operates around 2,700 web servers in more than 77 nations and offers speeds averaging approximately 5.6 Mbps. Although it’s fast enough to stream sites in HD, you probably won’t be able to enjoy Ultra HD with it. But it does offer the benefit of unblocking HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
Pros
- Incredible speed for streaming without long load times.
- 2,700 web servers for unblocking restricted content all over the globe.
- Quick installation.
- 30-day money-back warranty.
- Limitless simultaneous device connections.
Cons
- Doesn’t work in secret, so you won’t be able to hide that you’re using a VPN.
- No live chat support.
8. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN offers powerful safety characteristics and a quick and easy installation to get you started immediately. The safety highlights of the service include a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and IPv6/DNS leak security.
Proudly claiming to be the only VPN provider that offers simultaneous connections with up to six devices all using different IP addresses, PrivateVPN has over 100 servers in 60+ countries. The VPN service uses a multitude of protocols, including PPTP, OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, and IKEv2, and even supports offering you a mix of these protocols as per your needs.
Pros
- Quick speeds for streaming, browsing, and even gaming on your macOS.
- Six simultaneous device connections.
- 100 web servers all over the world, including streaming-optimized web servers.
- 30-day money-back warranty.
- Live chat support.
Cons
- Speed could get slow at peak times due to the limited number of web servers.
9. Surfshark
Surfshark is a unique VPN provider that offers two modes of operation:
- Camouflage Mode to get around firewalls, and
- NoBorders Mode to bypass censorship.
This dual capability allows you to monitor restricted Wi-Fi domains or unblock websites to fight surfing limitations with Surfshark. Moreover, the VPN helps in accessing global streaming websites, for example, Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Max, with no problems.
Despite having a slightly modest network (with 3,200 web servers in 65 nations), Surfshark is quick, even at peak times. It’s very simple to use the macOS application of Surfshark where most of the safety highlights are auto-enabled, so you don’t need to stress over any complex settings.
You get all the nuts and bolts including an automatic kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and leak security. Moreover, Surfshark has a tracker, a built-in ad, and a virus blocker (that secures you from phishing attempts).
Pros
- Fast speeds for torrenting or streaming on your macOS.
- 3,200 web servers in 65 nations to access torrent indexes and global streaming websites.
- Camouflage and NoBorders modes let you sidestep firewalls and censorship anonymously.
- Limitless bandwidth and simultaneous device connections.
Cons
- MultiHop, a third security mode, could slow down your Internet connection.
10. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers a direct VPN application for macOS that’s perfect if you’re a newbie to VPN (or if you don’t want to sit idly installing your new service).
The VPN provider operates 6,900 web servers in 90 nations and has P2P-optimized streaming web servers. Alongside blockers, CyberGhost secures you with an automatic kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and IPv6/DNS leak security.
Pros
- Great speeds for browsing and streaming without buffering.
- 6,900 web servers in 90 nations so you’ll always discover a server close by, even while traveling.
- Seven simultaneous device connections.
- Clean macOS application with negligible setup.
- 45-day money-back warranty.
Cons
- It’s quick but not the fastest VPN with an average speed of 10.81 Mbps for streaming.
Conclusion
A VPN is the best investment to safeguard your information while browsing the web and streaming sites on your macOS device. You can surf the Internet secretly and unblock restricted content with such a service at your disposal.
If you use a macOS device, secure your online activities with the dedicated VPN for the macOS listed above. With the robust security features that these macOS VPNs offer, you are assured that your data won’t get in the wrong hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best VPN client for Mac?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN client for Mac as it performs well on every front including security, speed, unblocking geo-blocked sites, evading censorship, and customer support.
2. Is VPN necessary for Mac?
Mac systems are considered safer than other OS-based systems. However, even Mac can’t stand up alone to threats that lurk behind open Wi-Fi networks. A VPN connection secures your online traffic and data against spying, constant ad-tracking, Wi-Fi spoofing, and cybercriminals, whenever you’re connected to open Wi-Fi networks.
3. What is the best free VPN software for Mac?
Windscribe Free is considered the best free VPN for Mac as it comes with a monthly data allowance of 10GB, in addition to allowing usage on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. The free service is secure and fast, and its native macOS app is user-friendly.
4. Do you need a VPN if you use Safari?
Even if you surf the Internet on your Mac using the Safari browser, you should be cautious. A VPN can protect your privacy and allow you to get around regional restrictions that many websites impose on access.
5. Do you really need a VPN at home?
Your IP address is exposed without a VPN. Your IP address and the IP addresses of all the devices connected to your home Wi-Fi are prone to attack by cybercriminals. Therefore, you need a VPN to change your IP by routing your traffic via a remote server.
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