Best VPN for Mac 2024: Providers' MacOS apps put to the test

Apple devices come with a relatively high level of security, but they are not immune to online attacks. Installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best ways to bolster the protection and safety of a Mac and can help reduce security breaches.

Some of the best VPNs for Mac can help obscure your online activity from third parties and disguise your IP address, ensuring your private information is kept away from prying eyes. A VPN provider can also help you to watch streaming content via various platforms without restrictions. 

VPNs can come with a wide array of security features, such as split tunnelling, kill switches and AES-256 encryption. However, not all VPN services are created equal; many VPN providers do not provide the same advanced protection features for Mac users in the same way as VPNs for Android or Windows.

Having spent hundreds of hours testing VPN services for performance, security, privacy, and more, we’re ready to determine which VPN provides the best overall experience for Mac users.

There are three great VPN options for Mac, depending on what your priority is. If speed is your main concern, then you should go for NordVPN. If you’re new to VPNs and just want something that’s plug and play, then Surfshark is the VPN for you. If you want the best all-round option, albeit at a slightly higher price than the other two, then ExpressVPN will suit you perfectly. Whichever VPN you choose from these three you’ll get a fantastic product.

There were several factors that we considered to find the best VPN for Mac. 

Security is one of the most important elements of any VPN, and most top providers use AES-256 encryption, which is considered to be the highest level of security and has been proven to be unhackable. VPNs with a no-log policy will ensure users’ data and IP addresses are never stored, and the top providers will usually have these policies independently audited. 

Additional security features such as split tunnelling, kill switch and a choice of VPN protocols have also been considered and more specifically if they’re available for Mac apps – we’ve found that privacy features can be lacking for Mac apps amongst VPN providers.  

Internet speed is also high on the priority list, which is why we’ve tested all of the VPNs’ download and upload speeds. 

VPN’s subscription price is also an important factor and, of course, having access to a plethora of security features is ideal – but only if it’s good value for money.

NordVPN is available on all Mac devices, and works out to be one of the best options in a number of different scenarios. For example, it’s ideal for accessing streaming services securely, while average speeds are faster than much of the competition. 

Surfshark is compatible with Big Sur, Catalina, Monterey and Ventura. Its dedicated MacOS VPN app is quick and easy to install, and comes with various privacy and security features, including a kill switch and MultiHop servers. 

Our best cheap VPN, a single Surfshark account can be used with an unlimited number of devices at the same time. In other words, you can share your login information with friends and family, lowering the asking price even more. Performance is another plus point, even if it can’t match up to the speeds seen with NordVPN’s UK servers during this week’s tests:

Surfshark users benefit from a Rotating IP feature that can automatically rotate their IP address while their location remains the same. This prevents your connection from using the same IP all the time – making it harder for third parties to track your activity. Another feature found in Surfshark’s MacOS app is CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers when connected to the VPN.

As one of the best cheap VPNs on the market, Surfshark ticks most of the boxes for any would be Mac users. It’s great for streaming despite a lower price tag, and can reliably access most geo-restricted services via a web browser. 

Scoring criteria:

• Privacy and security: Surfshark comes with everything from an independently audited no-logs policy to a range of helpful features for macOS users. For example, Surfshark’s MacOS app is encrypted with AES-256. There’s a choice of two protocols – WireGuard and IKEv2 – as well as options to enable a kill switch that protects users even when your VPN connection drops. It also comes with static IPs, MultiHop support, and more designed to improve online privacy and security. 

(Rating:) 5/5

• Streaming access: streaming access via MacOS is impressively comprehensive, whether you’re looking at platforms in the UK or beyond. Labelled streaming servers would be an added bonus, but you’ll be able to click and connect for the most part. 

(Rating:) 4/5

• Apple device compatibility: a capable macOS Surfshark app is supported by compatibility with a range of Apple gadgets, while you can connect with as many devices as you like with one account. 

(Rating:) 5/5

• Plans and pricing/value: Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and monthly, 12-month and 24-month subscriptions. It’s one of the cheapest VPNs on the market, offering excellent value for money.

(Rating:) 5/5

• MacOS VPN speeds: Surfshark offers decent VPN speeds on macOS devices, acing our tests via server locations in the US and the UK. I’d advise to check out either Proton or NordVPN if you’re in need of faster connections from UK servers than the average of 262Mbps we saw during testing.

(Rating:) 3/5

• MacOS features and support: some features are hidden behind an additional paywall, including antivirus, and a private search engine. Regardless, Surfshark offers a good selection of features considering the asking price. Once again, you’ll be able to speak to a real person if you contact support for any reason. 

(Rating:) 3/5

Overall score: 25/30

Final verdict:

Surfshark’s VPN Mac app was easy to use, with servers found in 100+ countries. The provider is capable of mixing it with the best in the business for the most part, and it’s one of the most affordable options available when looking at longer subscriptions.

Read our full Surfshark VPN review.

Proton VPN offers both a free and paid subscription – the latter gives you access to all of its privacy and security features and you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It offers a Mac app that is sleek in design and offers a good level of privacy – although there’s no split tunnelling feature for Mac users, which isn’t uncommon amongst the top VPN providers.

Navigating Proton VPN’s app was quick and easy and you’ll be able to find all of its privacy and security features within seconds. This includes Secure Core servers, which route user traffic though privacy-friendly locations before reaching its destination. The provider is fully audited, and keeps no logs. Proton VPN has a sturdy kill switch available for Mac, while the NetShield tab allows you to block malware, ads, and trackers.

Proton VPN speeds are especially fast when looking at UK to UK connections, averaging 337 Mbps during testing. US servers were performant, but there was a slight drop when factoring in for locations such as Australia.

Scoring criteria:

• Privacy and security: Proton VPN has a no-logs policy which has been independently audited by Securitum, an IT security firm. The provider uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch which automatically disconnects users from the internet if their VPN connection drops. Proton VPN’s Netshield feature (only available for paid subscribers) blocks ads, malware and trackers. Apps are open source, and it earns top marks. 

(Rating:) 5/5

• Streaming access: streaming is no issue for the most part, whether it’s the likes of BBC iPlayer or Netflix. However, Proton’s free Mac VPN servers can’t be used for accessing content, even though they come with an audited no-logs policy. 

(Rating:) 4/5

• Apple device compatibility: Proton VPN works well with any Apple device you can think of, and offers support for a long list of operating systems. It can be used with up to 10 devices at the same time.  

(Rating:) 4/5

• Plans and pricing/value: Proton VPN offers subscription terms of monthly, 12 months, and 24 months. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. The paid version of Proton is quite expensive, but there’s also the option of using its free VPN for MacOS. 

(Rating:) 3/5

• MacOS VPN speeds: UK server speeds averaged roughly 337Mbps, which is a superb result. The same can’t be said for more distant server locations such as Australia, which could only average 105Mbps. 

(Rating:) 3/5

• MacOS features and support: I’ve mentioned Proton VPN’s Netshield feature (only available for paid subscribers) which blocks ads, malware and trackers. Secure Core servers are easy to locate, and are great if you’re in need of MultiHop support. 

(Rating:) 5/5

Overall score: 24/30

Read our full Proton VPN review.

ExpressVPN offers an easy-to-navigate Mac app with a number of relevant privacy and security features. 

It has fast download and upload speeds, and the MacOS app allows users to customise their VPN experience by switching protocols. This also includes ExpressVPN’s custom-built Lightway protocol, which is designed to run faster, use less battery and is well suited to all online activities. To that end, connection speeds were reliable from a wide selection of locations:

With ExpressVPN for MacOS, you’ll have access to its kill switch (Network Lock), which disconnects all internet activity should the VPN connection drop, keeping the user’s IP address and data safe at all times. TrustedServer is an interesting audited extra, aiming to protect your data by using RAM-only servers. 

The provider is capable of accessing the majority of streaming sites, ensuring access to content whether you’re on a desktop or mobile device. 

Scoring criteria:

• Privacy and security: ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which the accounting firm PwC has independently audited. The semi-recent addition of an ad-blocker is welcomed, while TrustedServer was recently audited by KPMG. 

(Rating:) 5/5

• Streaming access: streaming support has always been a strong point for ExpressVPN over the years. You’ll be able to access a long list of services with no hassle.

(Rating:) 5/5

• Apple device compatibility: you’ll find slick apps for every device you can think of, including good support for iOS and MacOS. A single ExpressVPN account can be used with up to eight devices. 

(Rating:) 4/5

• Plans and pricing/value: ExpressVPN offers a 30-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, and the provider’s subscription payments are taken in US dollars. It’s a viable solution for most scenarios, but you will be paying more than average. 

(Rating:) 2/5

• MacOS VPN speeds: while it’s no longer the fastest provider on the market, ExpressVPN is still a reliable option, and that’s the case no matter where you plan to connect from. With servers in 105 countries, there are speedy locations found worldwide. 

(Rating:) 4/5

• MacOS features and support: The MacOS app is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. Privacy features are easy to locate within the settings, where you’ll be able to choose a protocol, toggle the kill switch, or use the Threat Manager, which blocks trackers and malicious sites. ExpressVPN claims that the average response time for customer support is less than 30 seconds, and they have always been quick to reply in my experience.  

(Rating:) 4/5

Overall score: 24/30

Final verdict:

ExpressVPN has a wide range of security features available on its MacOS app, its VPN servers also only affected our internet speeds minimally and its app was aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

CyberGhost VPN is compatible with various Mac operating systems and comes with security features you’d expect such as a kill switch and AES-256 encryption. More often than not, VPNs for Macs will come with fewer features than their Windows and Android app counterparts. CyberGhost has recognised this and has built a fully customisable Mac VPN app.

It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more than most other providers.

How we research and rate VPNs: MacOS

The following criteria was used to come up with this list of the best VPNs for MacOS. 

• Privacy and security: most importantly, the MacOS VPN must improve online privacy. Expect to find no data leaks, and a range of security features, with must-haves including a kill switch and AES 256 encryption. Ideally, you won’t have to take any logging claims at face value, with third-party audits and simple privacy policies which remove any guesswork in terms of data collection and internal procedures. We also consider its jurisdiction, VPN ownership, and any historical issues.
• Streaming access: we have accounted for streaming support when sifting between the best VPNs on the market. No two VPNs are created equally in this regard, and compatibility will differ drastically depending on the provider you’ve selected. The VPN should also allow for P2P activities across its network, and extra points will be awarded for speciality servers dedicated to these tasks.
• Apple device compatibility: all of the VPNs mentioned come with apps and support for devices like iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, Windows, routers, smart TVs, and browsers. However, we’ve paid particular attention to iOS and MacOS for this particular list.
• Plans and pricing/value: the VPN should provide good value for money, even if it’s advertised as a premium option. At the very least, the VPN should also offer a simple refund policy, allowing you to test it out for yourself at no risk. Live chat support is always a nice addition, although we factor in everything from average wait times to overall transparency when asking questions.
• MacOS VPN speeds: performance is generally an important factor for most Mac VPN users. High speeds are necessary for many online tasks, and will have an impact during streaming, torrenting, browsing, and gaming. The best VPNs should be able to offer a reliable connection from multiple locations. Our VPN speed tests are run weekly, on every popular mobile and desktop device.

MacOS features and support: some providers offer fewer features on Mac devices, whether it’s split tunnelling, or something else. We’ve specifically looked at what you’ll be able to find with the Mac version of each VPN app.

All of our VPN articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers, so you can be assured that our content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. To find out more, read our article on how we review VPNs.

Here, we’ve displayed the download and upload speeds we achieved with each of our top 10 VPN services on a Mac.

Download and upload speed degradation per cent compared

A VPN works by routing your device’s internet connection through a remote server, which hides your IP address and your geo-location. This secure and encrypted connection makes it difficult for third parties to track your online activity.

Although Macs come with a high level of security and privacy, installing a VPN increases the protection of your online security. Using a VPN on your Mac encrypts your internet traffic, masks your IP address and allows you to bypass geo-restrictions. A VPN also protects you when you’re connected to a public wifi network, where you may fall victim to cybercrime threats.

To set up a VPN on a Mac, follow these steps:

1. Choose a VPN provider: Thoroughly research and choose a trustworthy VPN provider. Check that it has the features you need
2. Download the VPN from the Apple App Store: Go to the App Store and search for the VPN provider and click download
3. Install and launch the app: Open the VPN app and complete the installation process. Sign up for a VPN account or log in if you already have one
4. Configure VPN settings: Follow the instructions for configuring your Mac for your VPN
5. Connect to the VPN: Once the app is set up, connect to a VPN server. The app will display which server you’re connected to and you can change this to suit your preferred location

Consider the following when purchasing a VPN for a Mac: 

• Compatibility: Make sure the provider has a MacOS app and is compatible with your Mac operating system
• Security: Check that your chosen VPN service has a good level of encryption – ideally AEs-256 – and a variety of protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2
• Privacy: Make sure the service follows a no-logs policy and that this policy has been independently verified
• Speed: Choose a VPN with fast servers. Also, it’s best if the provider has a large number of servers that are located worldwide with numerous servers in each country
• Reputation and review: Research customer reviews for the provider to see what customers like and dislike about the service
• Price and subscription plans: Compare price plans and consider features offered. Choose a service with a money-back guarantee, this way you can try the VPN risk-free

While there are plenty of free VPNs for Mac available on the App Store, you should consider how secure they are. Most free VPNs have limited security and privacy features as well as offering limited monthly data allowance and few simultaneous device connections. Free VPNs may also collect and sell user data to third parties to make money.

The data in this review is reported from a neutral stance and should be used for informational purposes only. We review VPN services from the perspective of:

• The quality of the product based on the security it affords the user
• User experience of the application(s)
• Level and quality of customer service

Independent Advisor does not endorse the streaming of content from regions other than where the subscription is held, nor does it endorse the downloading or consumption of illegally pirated content.