10 Best VPN for macOS That are Fast and Secure

Online protection and security is the main concern for internet user in this digital era. Thus, a virtual private network is an essential tool nowadays for your device. Spoofing your location or IP address strengthens your online privacy and security.

Apart from protecting your identity and location online, VPN also assists in accessing blocked websites and provides a secure environment while using any public WiFi or network. Many people use a virtual private network to access foreign video libraries and other streaming content that is restricted.

A virtual private network is available for every platform, and macOS is no exception. Specifically, Apple Mac devices are the most secure as compared to others. However, if you are using macOS and think you don't require any VPN, you are wrong here.

Even though Apple devices provide security, they can neither prevent your location or ID from getting accessed by your service provider nor can you have access to any blocked website online. Here comes the main role of a virtual private network in Mac devices.

There are numerous VPNs available on the App Store. If you are confused about what to use, we have curated a list of the best Mac VPN recommendations based on their usage, security protection, device integration, and price factor. Let’s have a look at them.

Before that, let us understand why you should use a virtual private network for macOS and how to choose the right one.

Why Should You Use a VPN for macOS?

Here are some reasons why one should use a virtual private network for macOS devices:

• Accessibility

The primary reason to use a virtual private network for your Mac device is the access to limited and restricted content. If you live in a rural area, you may be unable to access a few Apple Media Services. Also, there are many geo-restricted websites that you can’t access from your location.

A virtual private network helps you change your IP address and allows access to restricted websites and Apple Media Services by spoofing your original IP address.

• Privacy

The foremost reason for using a virtual private network is to ensure privacy while surfing the internet. Many companies, hackers, and third parties can keep track of your online activities and take advantage of your data by selling it. To avoid all this, using a virtual private network is a must.

• Connection Speed

It is the possibility that your internet service provider (ISP) can throttle your connection speed. This generally happens when your ISP identifies that you are performing the torrenting activity.

So, when you use a virtual private network, you can hide your IP address even from your ISP and enjoy the freedom of the internet without compromising the speed.

• Security

Some VPNs use military-grade encryption protocols that provide a high level of security. Such encryption protocols prevent data leakage, adding an extra layer of security to all your online activities.

What to Look for While Choosing a VPN for macOS?

As there is a gamut of virtual private networks for macOS available out there, it becomes essential to choose one that is the best and most reliable. But how to decide that a VPN is reliable? Here are some factors to take into consideration while choosing a virtual private network:

• Privacy Policy

The VPN provider you choose should have a clear privacy policy. The policy should state what data of yours the provider collects and what they do with it. Many providers offer a strict no-log policy. This means the service provider will not record your data while browsing. So, choose one that provides a no-log policy.

• The more Number of Servers

Choose a virtual private network service provider that offers a huge number of servers across the world. When your service provider offers many servers, you cannot connect to an overpopulated server. Another reason to have a wealth of servers is you get multiple opportunities to spoof your location.

• Easy-to-Use

New users find it difficult to use a virtual private network. If you are among them, pick a VPN that is easy to use and navigate.

• Support for Multiple Devices

Ensure that your virtual private network supports most devices, such as computers, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs. With just a single account, you can connect multiple devices.

• Split-Tunneling

Split tunneling is a virtual private network feature that routes half your device’s traffic through an encrypted tunnel, and half connects directly to the internet.

• Kill Switch

Even if a VPN connection terminates, all your internet traffic should not directly connect to the default internet connection. Instead, it should terminate your device from the internet.

10 Best VPNs for macOS to Use in 2023

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a leading service globally that prioritizes online security and privacy. It creates an encrypted tunnel for all your internet traffic to flow inside it. When your traffic passes through this tunnel, no one can see it and find your IP address. The service helps you maintain your peace of mind by providing best-in-class security.

With more than 5,400 fastest servers across 60 countries, this service ensures that there will be no adverse effect on your internet connection. The macOS and this service provider support all other major platforms, devices, and browsers.

The no-log policy makes it an ideal choice. Besides this, NordVPN has numerous security features like stealth servers, DNS leak protection, threat protection, no data leaks, and split tunneling .

Highlights

• Provides Kill switch.
• Connects six devices simultaneously on different platforms.
• Stable and fastest server speed.
• Accepts cryptocurrencies as payment.
• Supports multi-factor authentication

Pricing

• Complete: $5.99/mo (2-year plan)
• Plus: $4.69/mo (2-year plan)
• Standard: $3.69/mo (2-year plan)

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the fastest and best VPN for Mac in the market. With blazing-fast speed, unlimited bandwidth, and a high level of security, you can access any restricted content across the globe. Whether it is a phone, tablet, computer, or router, you can download the service's dedicated app on any device.

This service has ultra-fast servers spread across 160 locations and 94 countries worldwide. The out-of-the-box encryption provides strong data security. As the next-generation technology powers ExpressVPN, it ensures fast connectivity and offers high speed.

Further, it supports split-tunneling, uses the AES-256-bit encryption standard to protect data, no activity or connection logs, and protects you from cyber threats .

Highlights

• Connect five devices simultaneously.
• Supports the kill switch (network lock) feature.
• No need to reveal your original IP address
• Supports the payment with Bitcoin.
• Use Tor to use the hidden .onion site.
• Ideal for cloud gaming and gaming consoles, as it lowers overall lag.
• Built-in password manager .

Pricing

• One month: $12.95/mo
• Six months: $9.99/mo
• 12 months: $6.67/mo

3. Surfshark VPN

In the last few years, Surfshark has emerged rapidly as a leading Mac VPN. It has a clear and easy-to-use UI. There are 3200+ servers over 65 server locations across the globe, each providing up to 10Gbits speed. The best thing about this service is that it supports all models of MacBook.

The no-log policy ensures the complete protection of your online data. It prioritizes the security of your data. Also, you don’t have to worry about the data cap and enjoy the internet without limitations.

Moreover, the nifty feature of Surfshark called CleanWeb blocks malicious ads to defend against threats. The most admiring feature is it provides multi-hop servers. This means cascading two or more VPN servers. As a result, you get double protection.

Highlights

• Supports connecting an unlimited number of devices with a single account.
• Supports a kill switch in case of connection drops.
• Private DNS and leak security.
• Supports modern protocols and allows you to choose your favorite one.

Pricing

• 1 month: $12.95/mo
• 12 months: $3.99/mo
• 24 months: $2.05/mo

4. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is amazing for macOS in terms of speed tests. Ookla has awarded it as the number one Mac VPN for the speed test. The military-grade encryption of this service allows you to access any website and content across the internet without compromising your security, and that too with blazing-fast speed.

As this service encrypts your internet connection, you can stay safe from cyber predators and hackers by hiding your original IP address. There are over 3200 servers across 115+ virtual locations and 80+ countries. So, whether you want to stream, play games, or download content, Hotspot Shield protects you without sacrificing speed.

Hotspot Shield uses the 128-bit AES encryption standard and, in some cases, the 256-bit AES encryption protocol to secure the connections. Also, this service does not log your online activity and data, allowing you to browse the web freely.

Highlights

• It can block 57 million ads and malware.
• Supports the connection for up to 5 devices simultaneously.
• Unlimited bandwidth.

Pricing

• Free: Free forever
• Premium: $7.99/mo
• Premium Family: $11.99/mo

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is a leading VPN software for Mac that supports all MacBook, iMac, and Mac models. Keep your internet activities hidden from hackers, government agencies, and internet service providers. Whether you want to shop online, stream, browse, or torrent, you can do it all, staying anonymous and hiding your original IP address.

7,400 servers in 91 countries provide an outstanding browsing experience with fast speed. It protects your identity and network with a unique 256-bit military-grade encryption system. The no-log feature neither does keep track of your online activities nor shares or sells to third parties. Also, it does not record your bandwidth usage, session duration, browsing history, and server connections.

Highlights

• A single account supports 7 simultaneous connections.
• Ironclad security protects from malware and network attacks.
• Unlimited bandwidth.
• Protection from DNS leaks and IP leaks.
• Automatic kill switch.

Pricing

• 1 month: $10.46/mo
• 6 months: $6.77/mo
• 24 months: $1.99/mo

6. VyprVPN

It is the highest security level VPN available in the market. By encrypting your internet traffic, this service helps you stay anonymous, conceals your original IP address, and protects all your internet activities. You can keep all your information safe from hackers, government agencies, and even your internet service provider (ISP).

With over 700 servers in 70 + countries, VyprVPN provides military-grade protection that prevents traffic from leaking from your ISP’s DNS servers. No matter where you are, you can browse securely and access any content. It provides over 300,000 different IP addresses.

Like other popular services, it utilizes the AES-256-bit encryption standard with DNS protection. Some popular features include the strict no-log policy, split tunneling, and WebRTC leak protection.

Highlights

• The average downloading speed is 69 Mbps.
• Provides a LAN-level Kill switch feature.
• Automatically selects the port.
• Supports 10 simultaneous connections.

Pricing

• 1 month: $10/mo
• 12 months: $5/mo

7. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an ideal choice among macOS users due to its blazing-fast speed and military-grade encryption. It is quite handy and easy to use on Mac devices. Whether unencrypted emails, images, banking credentials, or any other sensitive data, PIA protects them all by encrypting your internet connection.

The best feature of PIA is that it allows you to enjoy geo-restricted content without ISP throttling. There are around 29,300 servers in more than 78 countries with high-speed service. It incorporates a special military-grade encryption system to secure your data and identity. Some popular features of PIA are split tunneling and built-in ad blocking.

Highlights

• Supports a kill switch.
• Leak protection.
• Supports the use of 10 devices at the same time.
• Blocks ads, malware, and trackers.
• Unlimited bandwidth.

Pricing

• 1 month: $11.95 per month
• 3 years: $2.03 per month

8. TunnelBear

It is the best VPN for Mac, according to Forbes, TNW, and TechRadar. TunnelBear secures online activity and protects it from malware . It encrypts your internet connection, which protects your online activities, data, and passwords. This service offers geographical diversity with 47 server locations. It always assigns a new IP address and prevents ad services from tracking your online services.

Moreover, it uses the AES-256-bit encryption standard, SHA256 for data authentication, and 2048, 3072, and 4096-bit DH. By changing your virtual location, TunnelBear helps you access to content available in any region. Also, the no-log feature does not allow any third parties to smell your browsing activities.

Highlights

• Connect five devices with a single account.
• Bypasses local censorship.
• Prevents IP-based tracking.

Pricing

• 1 year: $4.99/mo
• 2-year: $4.17/mo
• 3-year: $3.33/mo

9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is the most advanced and secure mac VPN. The application is handy and easy to use, even for beginners. It passes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. Hence, your passwords, browsing data, and sensitive information remain secure and private.

There are over 1400 servers across 61 countries, and each server offers a speed of up to 10 Gbits. It utilizes the highest strength encryption standard. i.e., AES-256-bit, along with 4096-bit RSA and HMAC . The most admiring feature of this service is VPN Accelerator . It is a set of technologies that boosts your speed by more than 400%.

Moreover, the strict no-logs policy keeps all your data safe, as the service provider does not record your data. ProtonVPN's Secure Core architecture can combat network-based attacks. It routes your traffic through multiple servers before leaving the network.

Highlights

• Full disk encryption.
• Supports connecting 10 devices simultaneously.
• Offers the kill switch option.
• Built-in ad-blocker.
• Unlimited bandwidth.
• Swiss privacy.

Pricing

• Proton VPN Free: Free forever
• Proton VPN Plus: $9.99/mo (1-month plan), $5.99/mo (1-year plan), and $4.99/mo (2-year plan).

10. IPVanish

The last on our list is IPVanish. It comes with excellent military-grade protection with Socks5 proxy. With more than 2000 servers across 75 countries, you can route your traffic through the server of your choice. You can protect your online activities from network hackers and malicious advertisers.

IPVanish provides shared IP addresses. Therefore, it is impossible to track every single user's activities. It provides over 40,000 IP addresses. As this service leverages the WireGuard VPN protocol, it ensures to provide the fastest connections possible.

Furthermore, the no-logs policy ensures that your internet activities are not recorded and monitored. Not even IPVanish can view your online activity. The automatic startup feature activates the VPN when it detects internet traffic. Some other advanced features include split-tunneling, DNS leak protection, and multiple-connection protocol.

Highlights

• Offers multi-platform protection.
• Users can avail of geo-lock content access.
• Supports 10 multiple connections with a single subscription.
• Provides the kill-switch feature.

Pricing

• Monthly: $11.99/mo
• Quarterly: $10.00/mo
• Yearly: $3.99/mo

Conclusion

This was our list of the best VPNs for macOS. All the mentioned above services provide high-speed connection, many servers, and all basic VPN features, such as kill-switch, multiple simultaneous connections, and traffic encryption.

Thus, you can choose any of them according to your choice and budget. However, if you want secure and undoubted network protection, the first four on the list are the best options.

If you want to add any other VPN to the above list, share it in the comments section.

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