The Best Mac VPNs of 2024
Forbes Advisor Ratings
How Does a Mac VPN Work?
A Mac VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server. This makes it difficult for anyone to track or spy on your online activity. A VPN also hides your IP address, which prevents websites from tracking your location.
Why Mac Owners Should Use VPNs
There are several reasons Mac users might want to use a VPN, including increased security and privacy, which apply to users of Windows machines, too.
When you connect to the internet without a VPN, your traffic is not encrypted. This means that your ISP, government and anyone else can see what you’re doing online. A VPN encrypts your traffic, which makes it much more difficult for anyone to spy on your online activity.
In addition to increased security, a VPN also allows you to access geo-blocked content. For example, if you’re trying to watch a show that’s only available in the UK, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in the UK and access the content that way.
How To Choose the Best Mac VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is an essential tool for anyone using a Mac who wants to safeguard their internet activity. With so many options available, choosing the best Mac VPN can be overwhelming. We’ll break down what you need to know.
Key Features
- No logs: Through a strict no-logs policy, the VPN provider does not store any details about your online activities, making it impossible for them to hand over your data to any other entities or government agencies.
- Kill switch: If the VPN connection drops, it’ll disconnect you from the internet. This feature prevents accidental exposure of your IP address and other sensitive information.
- API load balancing: API load balancing helps distribute traffic across multiple servers, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing the chances of server overload or downtime.
- Server availability: The number and geographical distribution of servers impact the VPN’s ability to provide fast and reliable connections. A larger server network allows for better access to global content and reduced latency.
- Encryption: To protect your data and maintain your privacy, you should use strong encryption, such as AES-256. Look for a VPN provider that employs industry-standard encryption protocols.
- DNS leak protection: This feature prevents your DNS requests from being exposed to your ISP, ensuring that your browsing history remains private even if the VPN connection fails.
- IPv6 support: IPv6 support helps future-proof your VPN by providing compatibility with the latest internet protocol version, which is gradually replacing the older IPv4 standard.
- Multidevice compatibility: Ensure that the VPN supports simultaneous connections on multiple devices, allowing you to protect all your devices with a single subscription.
- User-friendly interface: A well-designed, intuitive interface makes it easy for users to configure and use the VPN, regardless of their technical expertise.
Speed
When looking for a VPN, don’t let it slow your internet too much. Distance from the VPN server and the amount of traffic on that server can affect the speed of a VPN connection. If you use a VPN, your data has to go a longer distance to get to its destination, resulting in a slower loading time for web pages or downloading of files than if you weren’t using a VPN at all.
To test the speed of your VPN connection, you can use a website such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com. These websites will show you how fast your internet connection is with and without the VPN. If the difference in speed is too big, try a different VPN provider.
It’s important to keep in mind that VPN providers might not always be truthful about their speed. They might advertise a faster speed than what you actually get. That’s why it’s a good idea to test the speed yourself before signing up for a VPN.
When selecting a VPN provider, ensure it offers fast speeds without compromising security. You also want to make sure it has servers in locations that are close to you and that it offers specialized servers for things such as streaming or gaming. Testing the speed of your VPN connection before committing to a provider can help you make sure it meets your needs.
Cross-Platform Use and macOS Compatibility
When choosing a Mac VPN, look for a provider that offers native macOS compatibility. A VPN designed specifically for macOS will offer seamless integration with your device’s features and settings, providing a smoother user experience. Look for a VPN that supports other platforms, such as Windows, Android and iOS. Cross-platform support allows you to secure multiple devices under a single subscription, providing comprehensive protection for your entire digital ecosystem. Having browser extensions for web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Safari is also helpful, improving your online security and privacy.
Cost
The cost of a Mac VPN can vary significantly between providers, with many factors influencing the price. You can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per month for a Mac VPN. Your price depends on the VPN provider, its features and your contract term. You’ll pay less for agreeing to a multi-year contract, whereas it’s not unusual to pay $10 to $14 per month on a month-to-month basis.
Here are some aspects to consider when evaluating the cost of a VPN:
- Contract length: Many VPN providers offer discounts for longer subscription plans. While a monthly subscription might be more expensive, opting for an annual or multi-year plan can result in significant savings. As soon as you sign up, test out your VPN. Many offer 30-day money-back guarantees, though some are as short as seven days, so you’ll want to test it in a variety of circumstances to ensure it meets your needs.
- Features: The price of a VPN can be influenced by the range of features it offers, including server locations, simultaneous connections and advanced security features such as a kill switch and split tunneling. More feature-rich VPNs might come with a higher price tag, but the additional functionalities can be well worth the investment.
- Promotions: VPN providers often run promotions, offering discounted rates for new subscribers. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, holiday discounts or special offers to save on your VPN subscription.
- Bundles: Some VPN providers offer bundles that include other services, such as password managers or secure cloud storage, at a discounted rate. These bundles can be a cost-effective way to secure multiple aspects of your digital life.
- Free options: While free VPNs might seem appealing, they often come with limitations, such as reduced server access, slower speeds and lower levels of security. Some free VPNs may not be trustworthy, as they may collect and sell your data to third parties. It’s generally recommended to invest in a reputable paid VPN service to ensure comprehensive protection and reliable performance.
When choosing a Mac VPN, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the features and level of protection offered. While saving money is important, prioritizing security and privacy should be your primary goal. It’s better to invest in a reliable, feature-rich VPN service that offers a fair price than to compromise your online safety with a free or low-quality option.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is an essential factor when choosing a Mac VPN. Even the best VPN services can occasionally encounter issues or require assistance with setup and configuration. A responsive, knowledgeable customer support team can make all the difference in resolving problems quickly and efficiently.
Look for the following:
- Availability: Look for a provider with 24/7 customer support, ensuring assistance is available whenever you need it.
- Contact options: Multiple contact methods, such as live chat, email and support tickets, offer flexibility in addressing your concerns.
- Knowledge base: An extensive library of material, including FAQs, manuals and tutorials, can provide you with the information you need to deal with any problems you may have and become more familiar with the VPN’s capabilities.
- Response time: Prompt response times are crucial for resolving issues quickly. Check user reviews and testimonials to gauge the provider’s reputation for responsiveness and helpfulness.
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How To Maintain Fast Speeds with a VPN
A fast VPN should provide download speeds of at least 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps or more. These speeds are generally sufficient for most online activities, including HD video streaming and large file downloads. Faster speeds mean better user experiences, especially for those on high-speed connections.
To maintain fast speeds while using a VPN, consider the following:
- Choose a VPN with a large server network: A VPN with a vast server network can distribute user traffic more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of server congestion and slow speeds.
- Connect to a nearby server: The closer you are to the VPN server, the lower the latency and the faster the connection. Selecting a server in your country or a neighboring country can help improve speeds.
- Use a VPN with WireGuard or similar protocols: WireGuard is a cutting-edge VPN protocol that offers faster speeds and improved performance compared to older protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2. Many top VPN providers now support WireGuard or have developed their own high-speed protocols.
- Test different servers: If you’re experiencing slow speeds, try connecting to a different server. Some servers may be less congested or offer better routing to your destination, resulting in faster speeds.
- Check your base internet speed: Your VPN speeds can’t exceed your base internet connection speed. Ensure you have a fast internet connection to make the most of your VPN’s capabilities.
VPN Throttling and Speed Reduction
It’s important to note that using a VPN can sometimes result in slower internet speeds. This is because your data must travel through the VPN server, which can add latency and decrease speed. The level of speed reduction largely depends on the VPN provider, server distance and network congestion.
Some VPNs also implement bandwidth throttling, intentionally limiting users’ connection speeds to manage server load or encourage users to upgrade to a higher-priced plan. However, many top-tier VPNs prioritize providing fast and stable connections without throttling. Take a close look at a provider’s rules around this functionality when making your decision.
Methodology
To compile our list of the best VPNs for Macs, Forbes Advisor scrutinized 33 factors to identify the top options for Mac users. Our evaluation process involved examining several aspects and weighting them according to their significance, with the most emphasis placed on security features and speeds.
Pricing
We awarded higher scores to contenders that offered the most features for their price points. We took note of the lowest and highest price points, and platforms with money-back guarantees or free trials received bonus points for delivering additional value to users. These criteria make up 15% of the score.
General and Additional Features
We studied each VPN’s general features, such as anonymous browsing, DNS protection measures, dedicated IP, kill switch, split tunneling and multifactor authentication, as well as additional features including the number of continents with servers, no-logs policy, browser extensions and simultaneous connections. This array of features contributes 35% of each provider’s score.
Speed
A reliable VPN should securely encrypt your data without sacrificing speed, ensuring a smooth browsing experience that doesn’t compromise safety. The Forbes Advisor team tests speeds weekly to evaluate this score, which accounts for 20% of the total.
Customer Service
We assigned top marks to companies offering 24/7 customer support across multiple channels, recognizing that users may face issues with their VPN connection at any time and require prompt assistance. Some VPN providers also have community-based support, such as a Reddit forum, where users can access community help. Support services are worth 7% of the total score.
App Ratings and Customer Reviews
We assessed the App Store ratings for each VPN’s desktop app, along with customer reviews on Trustpilot, Capterra and G2. Analyzing star ratings, review numbers and balancing public opinion accordingly helped us determine the overall customer experience and satisfaction levels for each VPN. These reviews make up 13% of the score for each provider.
Forbes Advisor Expert Score
Lastly, we added the Forbes Advisor Expert Score for each VPN, including details and standout features, value for money, popularity and ease of use. We also considered our own experiences and scores from other experts to compare and validate our rankings. This analysis contributes the final 10% of the score.
Learn more about how we test, rate and review VPNs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best VPN for Mac in 2024?
The best Mac VPN depends on your specific needs. However, we recommend Surfshark for most users because it offers a large server network, strong encryption and a host of privacy features.
Is there a free Mac VPN?
Yes, several VPN providers offer a free Mac VPN. These include ProtonVPN and TunnelBear.
Do Macs have a built-in VPN?
No, Macs do not have built-in VPNs. However, you can use a number of different VPN services to encrypt your traffic and route it through a remote server.
Is it safe to use a VPN on a Mac?
Yes, using a reputable VPN on a Mac is safe and helps protect your online privacy and security.
Do you need a VPN for Mac?
No, you don’t need a VPN for Mac. However, using a VPN can provide increased security and privacy. Apple products used to benefit from the lower risk associated with viruses, malware and adware, but that’s not the case anymore.
How do I set up a VPN on a Mac?
You can set up a VPN on a Mac by either downloading a dedicated VPN app from a provider or manually configuring the VPN in your Mac’s network settings.
How do I check if my VPN is working on my Mac?
To check if your VPN is working on a Mac, visit a website such as ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com to verify if your IP address and DNS requests are coming from the VPN server.
Can I be tracked while using a VPN?
Although a VPN significantly enhances your privacy, it doesn’t make you completely anonymous, and advanced techniques or targeted monitoring could still potentially track your activity.
