10 Best VPNs For Mac For Ultimate Privacy And Protection

Apple may pride itself on the security and privacy of its platforms, but even Cupertino can’t completely ward off prying eyes seeking to monitor your online activities. 

This is where the best VPNs for Mac become your shield. Not only does it help you regain some privacy, it also allows you to route your web traffic to almost any corner of the globe. 

Which Best VPNs For Mac Stand Out As The Top Choices?

Here, we present our top choices of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to safeguard their privacy, along with a guide on what to look for in a Mac VPN client.

Proton VPN – The Swiss Army Knife Of VPNs

ProtonVPN offers Mac users access to Tor and multi-hop VPN connections, supporting the IKEv2 VPN protocol on macOS. 

Its user-friendly interface and a solid free VPN subscription make ProtonVPN a top pick for both beginners and experienced users.

Merits:

• The best free VPNs for Mac.
• Abundant advanced privacy tools.
• Strong commitment to customer privacy.
• A sleek and accessible client.
• Impressive speed test results.

Demerits:

• Slightly awkward ChromeOS implementation.

NordVPN – The Time-Tested Champion

NordVPN has consistently ranked among the best VPNs for Mac, boasting a modern design across all platforms. NordVPN implements the custom WireGuard VPN protocol, NordLynx, on macOS alongside OpenVPN and IKEv2. 

While it comes at a premium, NordVPN offers excellent value with features like multi-hop, split tunneling, and access to Tor.

Merits:

• Multi-hop
• Split tunneling
• Tor connections.
• Excellent design.
• Offers traffic routing and file-sharing through Meshnet.
• Includes built-in antivirus tools.

Demerits:

• Relatively expensive.
• Lackluster malware-blocking results.
• Limited utility of free Meshnet traffic routing.

Surfshark VPN – Protect Everything, Everywhere

Surfshark VPN offers Mac users multi-hop connections and supports both the WireGuard and IKEv2 VPN protocols on macOS. 

With a single subscription, Surfshark VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it an ideal choice for large families or households with numerous devices.

Merits:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections.
• A broad global server presence, one of the 5 best VPNs for Mac OS X.
• Features multi-hop and split tunneling tools.
• Offers intriguing potential in Surfshark Nexus.

Demerits:

• Commands a relatively high monthly price.
• Encounters some issues with the IP rotator feature.
• Privacy policy requires clarification.

TunnelBear VPN – The Friendly Option

TunnelBear VPN simplifies the sign-up process and is one of the best free VPNs for Mac Reddit. Known for one of the most transparent audit processes in the industry, TunnelBear VPN is a trustworthy choice. 

Its friendly interface caters to VPN newcomers and those seeking a user-friendly, no-frills VPN experience.

Merits:

• Supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Adopts excellent privacy policies.
• Undergoes annual independent audits.
• Features a friendly, approachable design with bears!

Demerits:

• Lacks multi-hop connections.
• Split tunneling may not be accessible on every operating system.
• The free subscription comes with a data limit.

Pure VPN – The Widespread Protector

PureVPN, a versatile VPN service, offers a wide server network, robust security features, and user-friendly apps for various platforms. 

However, PureVPN has faced privacy concerns in the past and may occasionally experience speed inconsistencies, making it a mixed choice for users.

Merits:

• Extensive server network.
• Diverse protocol support.
• Strong encryption.
• Split tunneling.
• 10 simultaneous device connections.
• 31-day money-back guarantee.

Demerits:

• Past privacy concerns.
• Occasional speed inconsistencies.
• Limited free trial options.

ExpressVPN – The Worldwide Wanderer

ExpressVPN relies on its custom Lightway VPN protocol, along with OpenVPN and L2TP, for macOS. 

With servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is one of the Best VPNs For Mac users outside the US or seeking to spoof their location. ExpressVPN’s additional features include split tunneling and multi-hop capabilities.

Merits:

• Maintains a large and diversified server fleet.
• Demonstrates strong privacy and security practices.
• Provides split tunneling.
• Presents a stylish user interface.

Demerits:

• Commands a higher price compared to similar VPNs.
• Lacks multi-hop connections.

Private Internet Access VPN – The Customizable Protector

Private Internet Access offers support for both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols on macOS. Its sleek interface allows for a customized experience. 

With features like multi-hop connections. With unlimited simultaneous connections, Private Internet Access VPN suits households needing comprehensive device coverage.

Merits:

• Supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Features split tunneling and multi-hop capabilities.
• Boasts numerous server locations.
• Completed a third-party audit.

Demerits:

• Slightly on the expensive side.
• Lacks the best free Mac VPNs version.

Mullvad VPN – The Budget-Friendly Choice

Mullvad VPN stands out for its transparency and various payment options, including cash and select cryptocurrencies. 

Mullvad VPN is one of the best Mac book VPNs, and it caters to budget-conscious users with straightforward pricing and no sales or promotions, ensuring consistent, affordable rates.

Merits:

• Offers an affordable pay-as-you-go model.
• Requires no email or account information.
• Provides radical transparency.
• Supports multi-hop, split tunneling, and port forwarding.

Demerits:

• Features an awkward desktop interface.
• Limited server locations.
• Pay-as-you-go systems may be confusing for some users.

IVPN – The Privacy Enthusiast’s Dream

IVPN boasts highly affordable pricing and a strong commitment to privacy and transparency. It uses the advanced WireGuard VPN protocol on Mac. 

IVPN allows you to choose entry and exit points for a multi-hop connection, giving you more control over your network security.

Merits:

• Offers flexible and affordable pricing.
• Features a powerful multi-hop system.
• Takes privacy into its account system.
• Takes a strong stance on transparency.

Demerits:

• Provides a limited number of server locations.
• Some multi-hop and account ID features might confuse users.

Mozilla VPN – The Open-Source Advocate

Built on the same infrastructure as Mullvad’s VPN app, Mozilla VPN brings WireGuard to macOS. With its straightforward yet elegant design, it’s one of the Best VPNs For Mac. 

Mozilla, being a nonprofit organization, prioritizes privacy over profit, making it a trustworthy choice, albeit at a slightly higher price point.

Merits:

• Supports the nonprofit Mozilla.
• Utilizes the privacy-focused Mullvad VPN infrastructure.
• Presents a simple and elegant design.
• Features multi-hop and split tunneling capabilities.

Demerits:

• Offers fewer server locations.
• Gather some user information.
• Comes at a relatively higher cost compared to Mullvad VPN.

What Features Should You Expect From A Mac VPN?

Best Mac VPNs should offer simultaneous connections on up to five devices and provide cross-platform support. Your Mac subscription should cover iPhone VPN use as well, ensuring excellent value. 

User-friendliness is crucial, as complex VPNs can deter users. A VPN with user-friendly features such as split tunneling is appreciated, allowing you to select which apps route through the VPN and which do not. 

It’s also essential to balance security and performance for different applications. While long-term VPN subscriptions can save you money, we recommend a short-term plan to ensure compatibility before committing.

Conclusion

Selecting the Best VPNs For Mac hinges on your specific requirements. 

Whether you prioritize a free subscription, numerous devices, or robust privacy features, these top 10 VPNs offer various options to help you protect your online privacy and security.