Most VPN providers offer VPN applications for Mac computers, but it is difficult to choose the right provider with many options available. Based on our extensive research and hands-on testing of VPNs over the years, these are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN:
privacy
The main consideration for any VPN, including Mac VPN, should be privacy. If your Mac VPN doesn’t fully protect your online privacy, then your VPN will be useless. At the very least, your VPN should adopt industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption (with OpenVPN or IKEV2 VPN protocol) or CHACHA20 (with WineGuard or Ikev2 VPN protocol) and provide basic privacy protections such as kill switches, DNS leak protection, DNS leak protection and logs-free policies. For critical privacy needs, you also need a VPN provider based on a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that provides obfuscated and has RAM-only server architecture. Other privacy features to note include tor VPN functionality, ads and tracker blockers, and multi-master connections. Also, look for VPNs that have undergone regular third-party security audits, as audits can help support the ability of VPNs to protect their user privacy.
speed
Mac computers are usually fast, so you may need a fast VPN that can provide great speeds. The speed of VPNs can have a significant impact on activities such as streaming, downloading, video conferencing, gaming, and general web browsing. All VPNs will slow down the connection to some extent to make the situation run as smoothly as possible, and you need to look for a VPN that has at least impact on your regular internet speed. Generally, the best VPNs only reduce your Internet download speed by 25% or less on average, while the best performers – NordVPN, Mullvad, and Surfshark – lose less than 20% on average.
Availability
MacOS is designed to be clean and intuitive, so if you are used to the feeling of the operating system, you may want to use a similar experience with the VPN software you use. A good Mac VPN should run smoothly and have a organized user interface that is easy to use regardless of your technical expertise. It should have a large network of servers around the world so you can connect easily and reliably from where you can connect easily and reliably, and should be able to help you access geo-restricted content from various regions. You should also consider advanced features such as professional servers (such as VOR vpn and obfuscated servers), Double Hop/Multi-hop, dedicated IP addresses, and split tunneling (this allows you to use a VPN connection for some VPN applications, but no others).
cost
VPN pricing varies by provider, so if you have a budget, you may want to consider the cost and overall value of your MacOS VPN. Typically, you can expect a VPN subscription plan that costs about $5 to $13 per month per month. If you want to save money, you can choose an annual subscription, which costs around $30 to $100 a year. However, be careful with your free VPN, because if you can use the free option, you may end up with privacy at risk rather than protecting it. Proton VPN is currently the only free VPN recommended by CNET. However, most VPNs offer money back guarantees from one week to 45 days. If you sign up through Apple’s App Store, you can also get a 7-day free trial with many VPNs. So, you’ll most likely choose to try out various Mac VPNs before deciding whether to invest in full.
Device support
You need a VPN that works well on your MAC device, such as MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro. Additionally, if you’re deeply rooted in the Apple ecosystem, you might want to consider a VPN that works well on your iPhone, iPad, or even Apple TV. Thankfully, most VPNs support MACOS and iOS/iPados, and Apple TV compatibility is becoming more and more common. With most VPN providers, you can install a VPN on all your MAC devices, from MacBooks and Mac desktops to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV streaming boxes.
flow
A VPN can enhance your streaming experience by hiding your public IP address, leaving applications and websites thinking you are in a different geographical location. For example, you can use a VPN to unblock regional restrictions, such as watching Max when traveling outside the United States (formerly HBO Max), or watching BBC Iplayer while on vacation outside the United Kingdom. Additionally, you can access foreign Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime video libraries. Consider the streaming services you want to use with your VPN and make sure these applications work with the VPN services you need. If you want to install a VPN on a smart TV, Android TV device, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV, make sure your VPN provider has compatible apps for that device. Streaming with a VPN can even help you save money on your streaming service subscription.
