Best VPN for Mac in 2024: Detailed Reviews and Ratings

ExpressVPN

Go to ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN stands out as an exceptional VPN service for Mac users, offering optimal security, blazing speeds, and a user-friendly app design that is compatible with a wide range of devices.

Servers

ExpressVPN features 160 server locations across 90 countries, strategically positioned in major cities to ensure top connection speeds. The smart location feature automatically selects the best server based on your location to provide the fastest connection.

Each server uses private DNS to secure your connection, preventing exposure to third parties. Private DNS reduces the risk of sniffing, hijacking, or blocking, and improves DNS resolving speeds.

ExpressVPN servers offer unlimited bandwidth and are unaffected by ISP throttling, making them ideal for streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, HBO Now, and Netflix originals. You can also torrent content safely and securely.

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for watching American Netflix in Australia and serves well as a Fubo TV VPN.

With its extensive server locations and exceptional speed, ExpressVPN is a top choice among VPNs for streaming services like Netflix. The combination of private DNS and unlimited bandwidth ensures a smooth, buffer-free viewing experience, regardless of the content’s geographical location.

If you’re interested in learning more about how ExpressVPN compares with other options, check out our detailed guide on the best VPN for Netflix.

Privacy and Logging

ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logging policy. Its RAM-based servers erase all data upon every routine reboot.

ExpressVPN collects minimal information, such as the amount of bandwidth used per day and the connection date, but it does not log your activity or connection details from your Mac.

An audit by PWC confirmed ExpressVPN’s no-log policy. Based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), ExpressVPN benefits from a jurisdiction that supports digital privacy and anonymity, with no legal requirements for logging internet traffic and no participation in mass surveillance.

Security and Protocols

ExpressVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption with a 4096-bit DH key to protect your data. The security of your VPN connection depends on its protocol, and ExpressVPN supports Lightway, L2TP, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and PPTP.

For Mac users, the best protocols are OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2, with Lightway offering the best speed among them.

ExpressVPN features a kill switch known as the network lock, which stops traffic exchange if your internet connection is interrupted. The service also supports split tunneling on Mac, allowing you to route specific traffic through the VPN while other apps or sites access the internet directly. Additional security measures include DNS leak protection.

The MacOS App

ExpressVPN offers a simple, user-friendly Mac app optimized for all types of Mac devices, mirroring the design of its Windows and other platform counterparts.

The app includes a quick connect button for the best server (Smart Location). Users can tweak settings and configure features like split tunneling, the kill switch, DNS leak protection, and protocol switching.

Compatibility

ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and routers. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

For smart TVs, ExpressVPN offers smart DNS to unlock geo-blocked content on Samsung and LG TVs. For enhanced security and privacy, connect these devices via a VPN router. ExpressVPN supports five simultaneous connections.

Pricing Plans

ExpressVPN’s monthly subscription is priced at $12.95. The 6-month plan costs $9.99 per month, while the 1-year plan is available for $8.32 per month.

Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDEAL, WebMoney, Yandex Money, Mint, and Diners’ Club.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, with refund procedures varying depending on the payment method.

Customer Support

ExpressVPN offers comprehensive customer support, including device-specific tutorials for easy installation and configuration.

The support section includes a user manual for installing ExpressVPN and a troubleshooting guide with frequently asked questions.

For additional help, users can contact a live agent through the live chat feature, where a bot initially responds and then connects you to a live agent for further assistance. ExpressVPN’s customer support response time is notably quick.

Private Internet Access

Go to Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) stays true to its name and offers a private VPN experience on Macs. The macOS VPN app packs all the security and privacy features PIA offers.

You also enjoy excellent unblocking abilities and fast speeds suitable for torrenting, streaming, and gaming. PIA VPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Servers

Private Internet Access VPN offers high-speed next-gen servers in 84 countries. Thus, you can use your Mac from anywhere in the world.

The network is optimized for speed and offers unlimited bandwidth, especially on streaming servers. These servers allow you to unblock and stream content from various services.

Some supported services include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Eurosport, Crunchyroll, and YouTube.

It can also fix the “YouTube TV VPN proxy detected” error as well as act as a VPN for Stake.

Besides streaming HD content on your Mac, PIA VPN is also suitable for torrenting, gaming, and other speed-intensive tasks.

To improve your MacOS torrenting experience, PIA VPN offers port forwarding and a SOCKS5 proxy.

If you experience speed lags or buffering, you can try to change your VPN protocol to WireGuard. It offers fast speeds with excellent security.

Privacy and Logging

PIA is a strict no-log VPN, among the few VPNs that have proven its 100% no-usage-logs policy in court.

Its policy states that PIA VPN doesn’t record, store, or collect information that can compromise your privacy, such as your online activities and related metadata.

PIA VPN also uses open-source software and technologies that allow for verifiability, not just trust.

Unlike most VPN services, PIA has an unfavorable jurisdiction for a VPN – the US. PIA VPN doesn’t worry about this despite the US being part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.

This is because PIA maintains a strong no-logs policy. Additionally, it has never given out user data.

Security and Protocols

Private Internet Access VPN protects all your macOS internet traffic using unbreakable encryptions, mostly AES-128 and AES-256.

This VPN also uses secure and fast protocols for your Mac. These protocols include WireGuard and OpenVPN.

A kill switch protects your traffic when your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Coupling the kill switch with its private DNS, PIA protects you against leaks.

To improve your macOS browsing experience, PIA offers MACE. This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.
PIA VPN also provides a dedicated IP address that you can use to secure your remote connections.

The MacOS App

Private Internet Access offers an open-source native VPN app for Macs. This app works with various versions of macOS, including High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, and Big Sur.

The macOS app is straightforward to use. It sports an intuitive and user-friendly interface. You can tweak various settings and set your preferences without a hassle.

The main interface houses the connect button, gives you access to the server list, and you can extend it to access other functionalities such as quick-connect, performance, and settings.

The extended interface has advanced settings such as general, network, privacy, account, connection, automation, dedicated IP, and help. There’s also multi-hop for macOS 10.13 or higher.

Besides macOS, PIA VPN is also compatible with Windows, Linus, Android, iOS, browsers, Smart TVs, consoles, and routers.

If you need more options for picking an Android VPN, then please check out our review of the top Android VPNs around.

Pricing Plans

Private Internet Access offers three premium plans suitable for everyone. Mac users can opt for long-term plans since they are budget-friendly and offer the best value.

The long-term plans also offer heavy discounts and a 1-year free Boxcryptor license.

Here is a highlight of the three subscription plans:

• The monthly plan retails at $9.95 per month.
• The 1-year plan goes for $3.33 per month. This sums to $39.95 per year.
• The 3-year plan costs $2.03 per month. This amounts to $79.00 per 3 years.

The 3-year plan is the most affordable and saves you 80%. You also get an additional three months for free.
At checkout, you can also subscribe to a dedicated IP address.

All the subscription plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee. As a bonus, PIA VPN includes a free email breach monitor.

Customer Support

Private Internet Access VPN offers detailed and straight-to-the-point customer service. You can solve most issues without contacting a support agent.

This is possible by searching for your issues in the help center. This center offers a knowledge base with FAQs and in-depth articles regarding the service.

There’s also a community forum, guides to various tutorials and technical issues, and a news section for announcements.

You can talk to an agent via live chat or the email ticket system.

CyberGhost

Go to Cyberghost

CyberGhost is an excellent VPN service for Mac. It offers high-end security and fast speeds and has an extensive server network of about 7100 servers. It supports many online activities, including streaming, torrenting and online gaming.

Servers

CyberGhost VPN has one of the largest server networks. It comprises 7100 servers spread across 91 countries in 114 locations.

They are optimized to seamlessly stream content from major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney. As a plus, you can stream sports and unblock websites affiliated with sports.

It’s a perfect choice to access Japanese Netflix and to watch Hotstar in the USA.

Cyberghost VPN also has dedicated servers optimized for torrents. You can download content safely, anonymously, and without bandwidth restrictions.

Privacy and no-logging

Cyberghost VPN spoofs your Mac IP address which is the first step in online privacy. It has a strict no-log policy that ensures your online activity and information don’t land on unwanted parties.

The VPN service does not monitor, record, log, or hand out your internet activity trail to third parties.

Its Romanian Jurisdiction upholds strong privacy laws that favor the no-log policy. Romania is also not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance, and therefore no legal obligation to share your data. The no-log policy keeps the government and ISP off your online personal data.

You also get to access the NoSpy servers. These servers offer ultimate security, privacy, and breakneck speed. CyberGhost operates them, and they reside in Romania.

The servers are kept out of the reach of mass surveillance and third-party interference. The faster speeds are due to premium hardware and a dedicated uplink.

Security and Protocols

CyberGhost relies on 256-bit advanced military-grade encryption. This encryption is uncrackable, and be rest assured that no one will snoop or eavesdrop on your VPN connection and data.

CyberGhost VPN has three end-to-end encryption protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. The OpenVPN protocol supports both TCP and UDP ports.

TCP for reliability and UDP for fast connections: optimized for your streaming experience. IKEv2 is excellent at reconnecting when there are network switches.

WireGuard combines the security of OpenVPN and IkEv2’s stability, offering fast connections for an excellent VPN experience.

There is also a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet when the VPN connection drops, preventing the exposure of your IP address.

MacOS app

The CyberGhost VPN app for macOS is easy to navigate and user-friendly. The configurations and tweaks are categorized and organized on the settings page. You can use them to customize your VPN experience to your needs quickly.

You get access to servers, one-click connect, connection features, and Smart rules. Smart rules allow you to configure your privacy triggers. These include Wi-Fi protection rules.

Unlike the Windows app, the macOS app is not heavily loaded with features and functionalities. This is also why it is straightforward.

Compatibility

CyberGhost VPN is preconfigured and optimized to support your Mac’s streaming, torrents, and downloads. The IKEv2 protocol is also supported in Mac.

CyberGhost VPN is also compatible with other platforms such as windows, Linux, iOS, Android, android TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and routers. Smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles can use the Smart DNS without security. It is recommended to connect them via a router.

You can simultaneously connect up to 7 devices with no speed drop. CyberGhost also has web browser extensions that act as proxies for your Chrome and Firefox Mac applications.

Pricing

Cyberghost VPN will cost you $12.99$ on the monthly plan. The 6-month subscription plan will cost you $6.39 per month.

The 2-year long-term subscription plan is cheaper and goes for $2.25 per month; you also get two free months’ worth of the subscription. There’s a money-back guarantee which depends on the subscription plan.

The monthly subscription has a 14-day guarantee, while the two-year and 6-month subscriptions have a 45-days money-back guarantee.

The payment options include visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and bitcoin. Your method of payment does not affect the refund policy. Macs get a 24hr trial period.

Customer Support

CyberGhost has a 24/7 customer support system with an FAQ section and a live chat feature for all your technical and subscription concerns. Email support can tackle other issues if the other options are insufficient.

Surfshark

Go to Surfshark

Surfshark has a well-distributed VPN server network with unlimited bandwidth. It allows you to torrent, stream, and work with an unlimited number of devices simultaneously without speed drops. It has various security and privacy-focused VPN features for Mac.

Servers

Surfshark has 3200 servers located across 65 countries. They support multi-hop capability, which allows you to connect multiple VPN servers in numerous countries. This boosts privacy, security, and at times your connection speed.

Each Surfshark VPN server has private DNS to prevent ISPs from tracking your online activity through DNS request logs. Their Camouflage mode makes it impossible for third parties to detect your VPN traffic.

They have an average speed of 50 Mbps which supports fast streaming and torrent downloading. This is supported by the 1Gbps port connection, which can handle much internet traffic while maintaining high speeds.

Surfshark’s iOS app is also very user-friendly and intuitive.

These allow you to use Surfshark to watch Hulu in Australia and to use it as a BeIN Sports VPN.

Privacy and logging

ISPs can see your internet activity and some countries legally require them to log it. A VPN can help you avoid this massive breach of privacy. Surfshark VPN has a strict no-log policy that guarantees no monitoring or logging of your internet activity.

Their country of jurisdiction: the British Virgin Islands does not have legislation requiring them to log your data. They use RAM-based servers that automatically lose all your accumulated user traffic after regular reboots almost daily.

This means that even if it’s required by the court to provide your browsing information, it will not because they did not log it; therefore, it’s nonexistent.

SurfShark is a very reliable VPN when it comes to privacy.

Security and protocols

Surfshark uses the AES-256-bit GCM military-grade encryption to secure your connection and online activities. The US government applies the same standard in protecting its sensitive information.

Surfshark has four end-to-end encryption protocols. These protocols offer blazing speeds and maximum security. They include IKEv2, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, and Wire Guard.

Shadowsocks is an encrypted proxy that ensures you’re connected regardless of location or geo-restrictions through firewalls.

Surfshark VPN has a kill switch protocol that automatically disconnects from the internet if the VPN drops without your knowledge.

This ensures that your traffic is always encrypted and your identity guarded against hackers and snoopers. To enjoy this security feature, you must activate it in your account settings.

The allowlist feature, also known as split tunneling, enables you to selectively pass your internet traffic through the VPN while leaving the rest of the traffic through the usual internet.

This allows you to avoid connecting and disconnecting from the internet when using different services.

You also get to use different IP addresses simultaneously while focusing your VPN speeds on the sites that need it the most.

MacOS app

Surfshark has a user-friendly layout on the Mac, which offers you easy navigation when selecting the server location.

You have the freedom of choosing the protocol of your choice depending on your needs. Mac is compatible with OpenVPN, IKev2, and WireGuard.

Although light in features, the Kill switch works pretty well; the cleanweb feature protects you against phishing attempts, trackers, ads, and malware.

Compatibility

The VPN service allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single Surfshark subscription without reducing speeds or performance.

Surfshark is also compatible with other platforms and devices. You can use it on Windows, smartphones, browsers, gaming consoles, and even routers.

Surfshark has the smart DNS feature supported in the Mac. To activate it, log in to your account, select Smart DNS, and then activate.

The Smart DNS offers you faster speeds, although with no security. Smart DNS is suitable for devices that do not support the dedicated VPN app.

Pricing plans

Surfshark costs $12.95 for the monthly plan, $6.49 per month for the 6-month subscription, and $2.49 per month for the 2-year subscription plan. Surfshark gives you excellent value for your money with infinite simultaneous connections.

Payment can be made via credit cards, PayPal, google pay, amazon pay, and cryptocurrency (bitcoin, Ethereum, and CoinGate) as forms of payment. It offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

This single subscription can be used across all your Mac or non-mac devices.

Customer support

Surfshark has around-the-clock customer support service. There’s a comprehensive guide and FAQ section if you’re stuck or experiencing issues with your connectivity.

If the guide is insufficient, you can chat with an agent from Surfshark who will walk you through troubleshooting and ultimately fix your issue.

How we chose the best VPN for Mac

Not all VPNs are compatible with Macs. Some have features that do not work on Macs. When choosing a VPN provider for your Mac, the following are some aspects to consider.

• Server locations
• Privacy and logging
• Security and protocols
• The macOS VPN app
• Compatibility
• Pricing Plans
• Customer Support

Since they are many VPNs in the market, we have carefully selected the best VPNs you can use with Macs. They have been tested, and they satisfy the above requirements.

Aren’t Macs secure already?

Yes and no.

One reason people believe Macs are more secure than Windows machines is that it’s not possible to make some of the adjustments to the machine in macOS that you can use in Windows. It’s also important to remember that Apple has a relatively low market share in the laptop and desktop world at around 12.5%, which typically means fewer attacks target Apple computers.

However, this doesn’t apply to online attacks. If you’re sitting in Starbucks with your Macbook Pro connected to the free WiFi, you’re just as vulnerable as someone on a Windows laptop or Android phone. If you want to enjoy privacy and relative anonymity online (not to mention stream geo-blocked content), you still need to use a quality VPN. Any of these best VPNs for Mac will do, and the one you choose will ultimately come down to your specific requirements and what you’re happy to pay.

Wrap Up

Macs are vulnerable to online cybercrimes, just like other devices. Your activity on a Mac can be traced and used against you or sold by your ISP for marketing services which can be irritating.

It’s essential to have a VPN that guarantees faster speeds, unlimited bandwidth, safety against hackers and ISPs with malicious intent, and gives you the privacy you deserve. Our top VPNs offer the best features with the best VPN experience.