Apple's closed ecosystem allows the company to exercise greater control over certain privacy aspects of its apps and features than alternative platforms do. Even so, Apple can’t control what data you decide to put on the internet, knowingly or not. That's where a VPN comes in. VPNs help reclaim your privacy by rerouting your internet traffic and encrypting your data. This practice obfuscates your location and disconnects your identity from the data sent out. Proton VPN is our top pick for Apple users and an Editors' Choice winner that excels across the board, but it isn't your only option. Read on for more of the best Mac VPNs we have tested, followed by our buying guide that explains everything you need to look for when choosing the right service for you.
Overview
-
Jump To Details
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
-
Jump To Details
![NordVPN]()
Best for Video StreamingNordVPN
-
Jump To Details
![ExpressVPN]()
Best for Globe-TrottersExpressVPN
-
Jump To Details
![TunnelBear VPN]()
Best for NovicesTunnelBear VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best Payment ModelMullvad VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Transparency PolicyWindscribe VPN
-
Jump To Details
![Hide.me VPN]()
Best Affordable VPNHide.me VPN
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
-
Credit: Proton
![Proton VPN]()
Best OverallProton VPN
Pros & Cons
ProtonVPN is our top pick overall and an excellent choice for macOS. It’s one of the few VPNs that supports split tunneling on macOS, a notoriously challenging feature to implement on the platform. You also gain access to an extensive server network with SecureCore connections, which let you route your traffic through two VPN servers instead of just one for added security.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Proton packs a ton of features into its reasonably priced subscription. NetShield is a built-in ad and tracker blocker that we found to be quite effective on text-based sites. Each plan allows for 10 simultaneous device connections. Proton has servers tailored for streaming, peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, TOR access, and multi-hop SecureCore connections. You can try Proton for free with its generous plan, which offers 8 servers to choose from and doesn’t come with any frustrating data limits.
Privacy and security: The people behind Proton take privacy seriously, with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability that is rare in the VPN space. All apps are open-source, so you never have to question if there’s a hidden vulnerability that could compromise your data. Annual audits and frequent transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year.
Speed and performance: Proton’s premium servers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency.
Streaming: We had no issues streaming Netflix with Proton. Proton’s premium servers worked flawlessly, granting us access to every regional catalog we tested.
User experience and ease of use: All of Proton’s apps are streamlined and easy to use, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s easy to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks.
Who It's For
Budget-focused buyers: Proton’s free version is robust and packs in many features that competing free options lack. It’s an excellent tool for securing your privacy on a budget. If you can deal with the limitations, Proton’s free version is more than viable as your main VPN.
Privacy-conscious users: Proton’s unwavering commitment to transparency and privacy makes it one of the best options for those who value their privacy. With open-source apps and regular audits, you can keep track of exactly how the company responds to threats to user data.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit US, Netherlands, Japan Free Version Data Limit Unlimited Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 129 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, IKEv2 Learn More Proton VPN Review -
-
Credit: NordVPN
![NordVPN]()
Best for Video StreamingNordVPN
Pros & Cons
NordVPN has maintained a consistent and modern design across all its platforms for many years. It performed the best in our most recent round of speed tests, earning a PCMag Lab Award for fastest VPN. All this comes at a price, though, as NordVPN charges significantly above the average monthly price we've seen across the industry. You get your money's worth and more, as Nord’s premium subscription offers a plethora of excellent features for macOS.
Why We Picked It
NordVPN has maintained a consistent and modern design across all its platforms for many years. It has also consistently delivered impressive performance scores in our tests. All this comes at a price, though, as NordVPN charges significantly above the average monthly price we've seen across the industry. You get your money's worth and more, as Nord’s premium subscription offers a plethora of excellent features for macOS.
Features and capabilities: NordVPN utilizes a custom implementation of the WireGuard VPN protocol, called NordLynx, on macOS, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2. It also provides access to TOR and multi-hop connections. Nord is positioning itself as an all-in-one security solution, offering a fledgling antivirus called Threat Protection Pro and a robust ad and tracker blocker, bundled with most premium subscriptions.
Privacy and security: Nord maintains transparent privacy standards with third-party audits and a frequently updated transparency report. NordLynx utilizes open-source technology, allowing you to examine what makes the service tick. Nord doesn’t keep logs, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified in multiple security audits by VerSprite, Cure53, Deloitte, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).
Speed and performance: Nord has consistently delivered excellent performance in our tests. It reduced our download speeds by just 1.94%, upload speeds by 5.54%, and increased our latency by 67.04%. Please note that your experience may vary depending on your proximity to a Nord server.
Streaming: Streaming with Nord was streamlined. We didn’t experience any buffering or stuttering with videos. Additionally, Nord managed to unblock every regional Netflix library we tested.
User experience and ease of use: Nord’s desktop apps can be a tad cluttered and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to VPNs. The dashboard is excellent for advanced users, offering a range of useful menus and tools. For an easier user experience, we recommend the mobile version of Nord. It features all the same great benefits, but in a more digestible format.
Who It's For
Netflix binge-watchers: Those seeking to access location-locked streaming content will appreciate NordVPN's extensive server selection.
Users who also want an antivirus: Nord’s Threat Protection Pro has some limitations, but it's one of the more affordable options out there, considering you also get Nord’s stellar VPN bundled with it.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 118 countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 6 Supported Protocols on Android NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec Supported Protocols on macOS NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 Learn More NordVPN Review -
-
Credit: ExpressVPN
![ExpressVPN]()
Best for Globe-TrottersExpressVPN
Pros & Cons
On macOS, ExpressVPN utilizes its custom Lightway VPN protocol, in addition to OpenVPN and L2TP. It has a significant global presence spanning 105 countries and operates a minimal number of virtual servers. It’s an excellent pick for fast, reliable connections most anywhere in the world.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: In addition to the standard protocol array, macOS users get access to IKEv2. Split tunneling is technically available, but it is only supported on older OS versions (macOS 11 and earlier). Network Lock is an advanced kill switch that can terminate your VPN connection in certain conditions, such as if you lose connection to the VPN server. All servers are available on macOS, so you can easily take advantage of Express VPN’s global network.
Privacy and security: ExpressVPN is relatively transparent about its data collection and handling practices. The service does log aggregate data on user usage, but the company claims none of this information can be tied back to user accounts. Biannual transparency reports reinforce this claim, as do the 22 independent security audits Express has undergone.
Speed and performance: ExpressVPN decreased download speeds by 15.48%, upload speeds by 13%, and increased latency by 109.490%. These scores place it just above average, making it a solid choice for data-intensive tasks like streaming or downloading.
Streaming: Netflix access was seamless with ExpressVPN. We pitted it against five regional catalogs from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It performed well, giving us unrestricted access to every single one.
User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN features a sleek, intuitive interface on macOS. Its single-button connection screen makes it a breeze to connect, and the settings menu offers a range of advanced options for those who want to fine-tune their connection.
Who It's For
Travelers: With numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for anyone living or traveling outside the US. Anyone keen on spoofing their location should also be well served.
First-time VPN users: ExpressVPN’s intuitive interface makes it easy to use without prior knowledge.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 105 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 10-14 Supported Protocols on Android Lightway Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP Learn More ExpressVPN Review -
-
![TunnelBear VPN]()
Best for NovicesTunnelBear VPN
Pros & Cons
TunnelBear’s charming mix of playful design and steadfast privacy standards is present on macOS. With its deadpan bears, it's easy to dismiss TunnelBear VPN as all show and no substance. However, it would be a mistake, as TunnelBear has strong privacy policies backed by regular annual third-party audits.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: TunnelBear’s free version lets you try out all the app's features if you’re unsure it's the right choice for your Mac. You aren’t limited to a slim selection of servers or barred from using advanced features or protocols. However, you are limited to 2GB of data per month. The premium version has servers in 45 countries, which is somewhat limited in scope compared with other options. However, it's pretty affordable and doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous device connections.
Privacy and security: TunnelBear’s privacy policy is thoughtfully designed and easy to read. It isn’t full of unnecessary jargon or vague statements. Every point is illustrated with a real-world example of how TunnelBear handles that specific instance, inquiry, or data point. TunnelBear has undergone seven separate independent audits that have verified the company’s stalwart stance on privacy. Regularly updated transparency reports reinforce this point, revealing that the service has never handed over user information in response to an inquiry or lawful order.
Speed and performance: TunnelBear performed below average in our most recent bout of speed tests. It decreased our download speeds by 83% and our upload speeds by 72%. Latency also increased by 109%. Keep in mind that speed tests are variable, so we don’t recommend purchasing a VPN based solely on them.
Streaming: Using TunnelBear for streaming was reliable and fast. The VPN consistently unblocked Netflix in all tested regions. TunnelBear has servers in 46 countries, offering extensive global coverage. While it may not have the most comprehensive server network, it services the most popular countries that offer regional streaming catalogs.
User experience and ease of use: One of TunnelBear’s standout features is its intuitive, fun design. The fun, brightly colored interface is easy to use, with bears at every turn. It’s not too cluttered. It’s not too sparse. This interface is just right. A map makes it easy to tell where you’re connecting to, and you’ll get a cute animation of a bear tunneling to the region that you choose to connect to. Advanced features and additional configuration options are just a couple of clicks away.
Who It's For
New users: TunnelBear tops our list as the most beginner-friendly VPN app, featuring a fun theme, easy-to-use features, and a clutter-free interface. You can try it out for free without entering any payment information or personal details.
Design fans: TunnelBear is one of the few services out there that doesn’t take itself too seriously. TunnelBear's design philosophy is a breath of fresh air compared with the many dark-themed VPN apps on the market. It’s fun and whimsical, while also being one of the best VPNs available.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Are All Features Available In Free Version? Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit All Servers Free Version Data Limit 2GB per month Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit Unlimited Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 45 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Supported Protocols on Android OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More TunnelBear VPN Review -
-
![Mullvad VPN]()
Best Payment ModelMullvad VPN
Pros & Cons
Mullvad VPN is radically transparent, providing customers with extensive information about how its service works. We appreciate that the company accepts various payment methods, including cash and select cryptocurrencies. It’s also one of the few services to successfully deploy split tunneling on macOS 13 and newer.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Mullvad has a lot of great features at the affordable price of just five euros. It has a robust ad and tracker blocker that performed well on text-based sites during our tests. Aside from its impressive split tunneling, you also get handy advanced features like multi-hop and access to a customer-only privacy-focused search engine called Leta. One drawback is that you’ll be limited to five simultaneous device connections per account.
Privacy and security: You can use Mullvad without registering an email address, as the company accepts cash payments sent directly to them. It has a comprehensive privacy policy that outlines how the company handles data. The short of it is that Mullvad is a no-logs VPN that does not retain user data. Mullvad also takes a stance against affiliate marketing and does not engage in it or any paid sponsorships to promote its service. The VPN was searched by Swiss police in 2023, but the search yielded no results.
Speed and performance: Mullvad performed well in our latest bout of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 10.57%, upload speeds by 4.23%, and increased our latency by only 15.90%. Please keep in mind that we don’t recommend selecting a VPN solely based on speed scores. Our tests are a snapshot of a single location at a single time. Your experience will likely vary based on your proximity to a VPN server, among other factors.
Streaming: We test every VPN we review against five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Mullvad successfully granted open access to all catalogs without issue.
User experience and ease of use: Mullvad has a straightforward, no-frills app on macOS. The simple interface is clearly sectioned, and it's easy to set up a connection and scroll through the server list. Advanced options are just a couple of clicks away, making it easy to configure the VPN to your exact preferences. It’s not as flashy as its higher-priced competitors, but we appreciated its simplicity and ease of use.
Who It's For
Home users: The interface features an interactive map that makes it easy to connect to a server in your desired location. We appreciate that you can also select a specific server from an expanded list to display countries, cities, and individual servers in a particular area.
Frequent public Wi-Fi users: There's a lot of privacy baked into Mullvad VPN, which is what you want if you're someone who frequently connects to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, coffee shops, hotels, or in public parks. You don't need to create a password when signing up or provide a lot of personal information while paying for the service. There are a few "extras" cluttering up the interface, which makes it easy to connect to a VPN right away.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Free Version Data Limit No Free Version Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 50 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections 5 Supported Protocols on Android WireGuard, OpenVPN Supported Protocols on iOS OpenVPN, WireGuard Supported Protocols on macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN Learn More Mullvad VPN Review -
-
Credit: Windscribe
![Windscribe VPN]()
Best Transparency PolicyWindscribe VPN
Pros & Cons
Windscribe VPN excels across all metrics. We appreciate the company's principled approach to providing an open, transparent VPN that functions excellently on macOS and all the other platforms we tested.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Windscribe’s macOS app is nearly identical to the Windows version, even down to the feature set. You can still utilize advanced features, such as split tunneling. If you’re unsure whether the VPN is the right choice for you, you can try it out for free. With the free plan, you get 10GB of browsing data per month if you confirm your email address, or 2GB if you don't. Free customers can also access servers in 10 countries, including Canada and Switzerland.
Privacy and security: Windscribe doesn't log your data. Its fast and anonymous signup process allows you to use the VPN app without disclosing a lot of personal data. Next, you can pay for the app using various payment methods, including cryptocurrency. On Windscribe's website, you can find the company's ethics statement and a transparency report detailing every law-enforcement request it receives.
Speed and performance: Windscribe's performance was solid. Download speed test scores decreased by only 10.66%, upload speed test scores decreased by 13.20%, and latency increased by 67.01%. Windscribe offered reliable, above-average speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming video and downloading content.
Streaming: Using Windscribe, we were able to watch Netflix without any restrictions. We could access the entire library when connected to five Windscribe servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.
User experience and ease of use: Minimalists will appreciate Windscribe's modest app interface. The Settings menu features a helpful guide to all the app's functions. For example, if you're unsure which VPN protocol to use, click the information button next to the setting's label and read the corresponding support page, which explains what the feature is and how to use it.
Who It's For
Privacy advocates: Windscribe VPN is purpose-built for anyone who values personal privacy and a transparent logging policy above all else. It offers a nearly unparalleled experience in the VPN space and should be a top consideration for both privacy- and feature-obsessed users.
Parents: Windscribe has a content-filtering feature, commonly found in parental control apps, called R.O.B.E.R.T., or the Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool. You can use it to block ads, gambling content, malware, porn, social media, and more during your browsing experience.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Free Version Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Geographically Diverse Servers Server Locations 69 Countries Simultaneous VPN Connections Unlimited Learn More Windscribe VPN Review -
-
Credit: Hide.me
![Hide.me VPN]()
Best Affordable VPNHide.me VPN
Pros & Cons
The Hide.me macOS VPN app offers the same capabilities as the iOS version and includes split tunneling. There's also a macOS-exclusive feature called StealthGuard, which lets you configure your computer to the internet even when a VPN is not active, connect to the internet only when a VPN is active, or block certain apps from the internet while a VPN is inactive.
Why We Picked It
Features and capabilities: Hide.me’s macOS app offers essential features, including multi-hop and split tunneling. The interface is simplified compared with its Windows counterpart, but it was still easy enough to use. You do lose support for SoftEtherVPN and SSTP on macOS, but we were still impressed with the VPN’s solid feature set on the platform.
Privacy and security: Hide.me only requires your email address to make an account. With a wide range of secure, anonymous payment options, it’s easy to limit the data the service has access to. According to the privacy policy, the company collects your email and stores it in an encrypted form in a secure facility. Hide.me doesn't store any customer payment information or data, including your IP address, physical address, or other personal details. Additionally, the service uses physical servers rather than virtual machines, giving the company greater control over how user data is handled.
Speed and performance: In our most recent tests, we were impressed with Hide.me’s performance. Download speeds decreased by 5.93%, upload speeds decreased by 22.72%, and latency increased by 92.11%. These results outperform the average impact across all VPNs we tested.
Streaming: The app's website claims it works seamlessly with popular streaming services, including BBC iPlayer and Disney+. During testing, we accessed Netflix while connected to servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US with no issues or limitations.
User experience and ease of use: The macOS interface is streamlined and straightforward compared with the Windows version of the app. We preferred the customization options on Windows, but the macOS dashboard is just as usable.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious customers: Hide.me offers a feature-packed free version you can try. The SmartGuard feature is exciting: It is an all-in-one ad blocker, malware blocker, parental control app, and website filter.
Frequent travelers: Hide.me has servers in 91 countries, making it a suitable option for those who travel frequently and want to connect to a nearby, fast server.
Specs & Configurations
500+ Servers Blocks Ads Can Manually Select Server In Free Version Free Connection Speeds Limited No Free Version Free Version Server Limit Five Locations Free Version Data Limit 10GB Per Month Free Version Simultaneous Connection Limit 1 Geographically Diverse Servers No Ads In Free Version? Yes Public Third-Party Audit Server Locations 89 Simultaneous VPN Connections 10 Learn More Hide.me VPN Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | ||||||||||
Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Overall | Best for Video Streaming | Best for Globe-Trotters | Best for Novices | Best Payment Model | Best Transparency Policy | Best Affordable VPN | Best Overall | Best for Video Streaming | Best for Globe-Trotters |
Free Version | ||||||||||
500+ Servers | ||||||||||
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 | 6 | 10-14 | Unlimited | 5 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 | 6 | 10-14 |
Supported Protocols on macOS | WireGuard, IKEv2 | NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, IKEv2 | NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP |
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Mac in 2026
Why Do You Need a VPN on a Mac?
Macs are secure, right? A common notion is that you don’t need any additional security tools when browsing on a Mac or an iPhone. It’s true that Apple pays close attention to user privacy concerns and secures its devices to the best of its ability. Still, Apple can’t protect you from yourself. If you’re using online banking, plugging your personal data into forms, or downloading files, your data has likely been (or is being) tracked. Advertisers and the like don’t need access to your device to track, store, and sell the data you provide by simply browsing the internet.
HTTPS helps, but it doesn’t stop all avenues of tracking. While HTTPS does prevent observers from intercepting your information on public networks, it doesn’t block your ISP (or worse) from viewing your activity. ISPs already charge obscene prices that consumers are often forced to put up with because of local monopolies. Those same companies are trying to profit off their customers by selling anonymized user data.
A VPN prevents the free supply of information you transmit from being readable by any snoopers. It protects your data by establishing an encrypted connection between your Mac and a VPN-operated remote server. This method also obfuscates your location, making it appear as though your traffic is coming from a different place entirely.
The best VPNs have servers worldwide, and routing your traffic through one can let you spoof your location. A user in the United States can connect to a VPN server in Canada, making it appear as though their traffic originated in Canada. VPNs are also a common tool for journalists, helping them avoid local restrictions on media and ensuring their voices are not silenced. However, governments constantly update their detection algorithms, rendering even the newest tests obsolete overnight. The consequences for a VPN being detected in those cases aren’t as minor as Netflix blocking access to its content library. Such an event can lead to real-life danger and prosecution.
Location obfuscation is becoming even more critical in the United States and the UK. Pornhub has pulled out of a growing list of states over overreaching privacy breaches. TikTok is no longer facing an immediate ban, but increasing legislation regarding age verification laws has impacted other platforms such as Discord. The UK has followed suit with similar age verification laws. If this trend continues, it could become increasingly difficult to access the content you are used to.
You can also access streaming content in other countries using a VPN. Many VPNs market themselves as being able to consistently access streaming content, but the truth isn’t so simple. In theory, a US resident could connect to a VPN server in London to watch Netflix content that is otherwise only available in the UK. In practice, blocks happen. Streaming services work hard to block VPN access, while VPNs strive to circumvent these restrictions. What is accessible today could be blocked tomorrow, and then unblocked again next week. We evaluate every VPN to assess its ability to unblock Netflix. The chart below shows our findings:
What VPNs Can't Do on Macs
A VPN protects your privacy. Its limitations are the same across platforms, not just on the Mac. It can’t block malware, prevent phishing attacks, or prevent your passwords from being leaked in a data breach.
Some VPNs monitor known malicious sites, but they can’t protect your Mac as effectively as antivirus software does. The best antivirus for your Mac will also safeguard your computer against malware from malicious websites, downloads, and programs, and even keep your Mac from being an unwitting carrier of Windows malware.
Recommended by Our Editors
Some attackers craft phishing scams to trick you into voluntarily handing over personal information. These scams often appear as fake email links or website that mimic trusted ones. Most VPNs don’t come with phishing protection. If it does, it is usually an add-on feature. Antivirus apps are better at detecting phishing attacks, but neither tool is foolproof. The best means of defense is to pay close attention to web addresses to ensure you are browsing a legitimate site.
A VPN won’t prevent an account takeover. This type of attack occurs when a hacker, or more commonly, an online buyer, obtains your passwords. This is particularly dire if it's an email account. An attacker can then use the password recovery feature on other sites to access additional accounts. A VPN encrypts your data, but it can’t do anything about passwords you input that are saved and stored by a website. Instead, use a password manager to create and store unique and complex passwords for your online accounts. Lastly, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA) wherever available. When your account is protected with MFA, an attacker can't access it even when they know your password.
Finally, it's essential to note that a VPN alone will not provide complete anonymity online. Changing your IP address and spoofing your location are great steps to keep your ISP from tracking your activity, but advertisers (and spies and law enforcement) have many other methods to keep tabs on you. We recommend using a tracker blocker and enabling the privacy protections available in most modern web browsers to round out your privacy protection.
What Features Should a Mac VPN Include?
A good VPN for Mac should interface well with the Apple ecosystem. The best options support unlimited simultaneous device connections, which allows you to extend your VPN’s protection to your iPhone and MacBook. It should also be affordable. While Apple devices tend to come at a premium, your VPN doesn’t need to break the bank. We assess the price of every VPN, and you can view our results in the chart below:
A VPN should be easy to use and understand from the moment you launch the app for the first time. We test-drive each VPN on several devices to see if it's usable on every platform. Each VPN on this list features a user-friendly interface and provides clear explanations of its security features.
Aside from Apple compatibility, the features we look for in a Mac VPN are the same as on other platforms. It should have a robust privacy policy (preferably backed by a third-party audit), a robust server network in key global locations, and speeds comparable to those of the competition.
Kim Key contributed to this story.