Greatest Mac VPN 2024-2025: Evaluations and shopping for recommendation

• 5,300 servers
• 10 simultaneous connections

NordVPN is among the greatest and best-known VPN providers. It’s a totally featured VPN possibility that’s safe, straightforward to make use of, and unbelievably quick in comparison with its rivals. There are cheaper choices, with limitless connections and extra in-depth VPN options, however NordVPN is our best choice proper now as a result of it stands out in so many areas, from pace and privateness to unblocking and ease of use.

Nord has an up-to-date unbiased audit. It additionally has specialty servers for particular functions.

There are greater than 5,300 servers (none of that are digital) accessible throughout 60 international locations, which sounds nice. You in all probability solely care in regards to the servers the place you need to unblock content material, however the extra servers the higher because it means you have got a greater likelihood of discovering one which’s not overloaded. You gained’t have to determine which one to decide on because of the helpful ‘Fast join’ function that picks the server greatest suited to your wants.

Connections are quick and dependable, and NordVPN unblocks fashionable streaming providers world wide together with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You possibly can join as much as six gadgets concurrently together with your Apple TV.

Nord has added help for the sooner WireGuard protocol in NordLynx, making it one of many quickest VPN providers on the market. Nevertheless, it’s solely accessible on the ‘IKE’ model of the app, which solely gives a completely enabled kill change. To have extra management, you’ll must obtain the ‘OpenVPN’ model, albeit with barely slower speeds.

Nord incessantly has offers on supply that get monetary savings on the same old month-to-month value for those who reap the benefits of the two-year plan. NordVPN gives three tiers: Normal, Plus and Final. You will get Plus options (information breach scanner and password supervisor) or the Final tier provides cloud storage and insurance coverage choices. Costs change on a regular basis, so check out the costs and plans at NordVPN.com.

• 2,000 servers
• 8 simultaneous connections

If you wish to circumnavigate geoblocking to get entry to content material not accessible the place you reside, defend your information whereas looking the online from a public community, and preserve your net looking habits personal, ExpressVPN, with its server areas throughout 105 international locations, can do nearly all of this with two or three clicks.

ExpressVPN is remarkably straightforward to make use of, however you probably have any difficulties the 24-hour stay chat means you will be linked to an actual human to debate points inside minutes.

There are native apps on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, Android and Home windows. Plus you need to use it on eight gadgets directly (the restrict was 5 beforehand).

Like all VPNs there may be some pace loss since you are routing through a server out of the country, however ExpressVPN does properly to mitigate this, dropping lower than 13% of obtain pace in our testing. NordVPN stays sooner with a 12% loss in our checks, however ExpressVPN’s 13% continues to be higher than most.

ExpressVPN gives no fewer than six completely different selections for protocol. Lightway, the corporate’s personal possibility, is fast. For improved compatibility you’ll be able to change to a different model of Lightway or OpenVPN – issues slowed down with  24% of pace loss with the latter.

There’s no Malware safety with ExpressVPN, however you’ll be able to set up a password supervisor known as ExpressVPN Keys.

The corporate is headquartered within the British Virgin Islands, so it’s free from nearly all of intelligence-sharing companies’ jurisdiction. Whereas it additionally operates a no-log coverage, it doesn’t have PureVPN’s “always-on” audit course of, however it undergoes audits annually.

ExpressVPN’s dearer than lots of its contemporaries and doesn’t permit entry from limitless gadgets (simply eight). However you get a stable, speedy reference to minimal fuss, and also you don’t need to tie-in for a two-year deal to get the very best worth. That latter level is essential as a result of VPN laws can change repeatedly.

See ExpressVPN subscription plans right here.

• 6,500+ servers in 100+ international locations (entry servers in 5 international locations on free plan, on one machine)
• 10 simultaneous connections

ProtonVPN‘s free tier of membership helps to set Proton VPN other than a few of its rivals. It’s naturally restricted, with US, Japan, and Netherlands because the server areas and a few pace drop – however it’s nonetheless fairly usable

For those who pay for the service it gives a smooth interface, spectacular connection speeds and nearly sufficient options to enhance your day-to-day net expertise with out throwing too many advanced ideas at new customers. 

Proton VPN Plus gives a number of options, together with an advert and tracker blocker and pace of as much as 10 Gbps, in addition to a 10-device restrict. There’s Port Forwarding for downloads and gaming, too, in addition to a Kill Change for disconnecting ought to the VPN drop out.

Some VPN providers supply options like darkish net information notifications. Proton VPN sticks to the fundamentals – and does so very properly. The firm’s “no-logs” coverage confirms it doesn’t monitor websites, IP addresses, communications, or session lengths, nor does it monitor location-based data. Proton is Swiss-based, and solely Swiss courtroom orders can request information from the corporate, however because it doesn’t log information there’s little or no it may possibly supply to regulation enforcement.

For the privacy-minded, Safe Core, routes visitors by one of many firm’s ‘Safe’ servers, minimizing the potential of an information leak. These safe servers are owned by Proton and are positioned in additional than 90 international locations.

Proton VPN does enhance latency, however solely by about 29% in our testing on a modest 60 Mbps broadband. In truth, it’s solely about 7% slower when downloading and 5.5% slower when importing, making it one of many slicker VPNs we’ve examined.

When it comes to included VPN protocols, Sensible will probably be excellent for many customers, mechanically setting the correct protocol to your present utilization, however WireGuard, WireGuard (TCP), IKEv2 and Stealth are additionally supplied.

Proton VPN is a simple suggestion each for brand new and skilled customers.

• 35,000+ servers, 91 international locations
• Limitless connections

Personal Web Entry (PIA) is a strong VPN designed for savvy customers, providing “energy consumer” instruments and options comparable to customized DNS, connection guidelines, cut up tunnelling, and extra at a decrease value than many rivals. The PIA Mac app gives just about every thing its Microsoft counterpart does. 

The app can be utilized on any machine and gives servers in 91 international locations. In my testing, the “auto” setting did a very good job of selecting servers that balanced pace and privateness.

The primary window supplies data on efficiency graphs, obtain and add speeds, and fast settings for instruments like Mild Mode, Port Forwarding, and LAN connections.

Whereas you need to use PIA for getting round geoblocked content material in your streaming providers, PIA is extra privacy-focused than different VPNs, with options just like the Superior Kill Change, Break up Tunnelling, port forwarding, and Multi-Hop server obfuscation. PIA additionally gives customizable options like automation setup and DNS choices. 

Personal Web Entry can’t beat the speeds of NordVPN and Surfshark, and its stablemate CyberGhost VPN gives extra spectacular speeds, however at the price of some energy options. In our testing, we noticed an inexpensive drop of round 8% on Mac whereas utilizing the PIA VPN. Add speeds dropped significantly– by round 25%, which can be a difficulty for those who do a whole lot of importing. 

Its zero-log coverage has been verified by Deloitte Audit Romania.

Regardless of inconsistent speeds, Personal Web Entry is a superb VPN for all budgets with a wealth of options for privacy-inclined customers.

• 3,200 servers in 100 international locations
• Limitless simultaneous connections

Surfshark is a great-value VPN that gives rather a lot options past the core VPN service for a low month-to-month value. SurfShark has greater than 3,000 servers unfold throughout 100 international locations, making its community one of many widest and most different of any VPN,

Its apps are straightforward to make use of and it reliably unblocks streaming providers comparable to Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It’s lacking the specialty servers supplied by rivals comparable to NordVPN, who shares the identical mum or dad firm, although.

Connection speeds are very spectacular, and that’s because of the usage of the WireGuard protocol. You actually gained’t discover any slowdown in your web pace when Surfshark is working, as long as you have got WireGuard chosen and aren’t utilizing servers the opposite aspect of the globe.

The corporate has upgraded all its servers in order that they run totally in RAM, similar to NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Operating servers on RAM is best for privateness as information isn’t written to a tough drive. It’s additionally a member of the VPN Belief Initiative, whereas two-factor authentication (2FA) is a function few VPN providers supply. Being run from the Netherlands additionally means this can be a privacy-friendly possibility.

The opposite cause to contemplate Surfshark is as a result of it undercuts nearly all of its rivals on value, but doesn’t place any restrict on the variety of gadgets you need to use concurrently. Sadly, it may be pricy to resume as soon as your preliminary contract runs out.

You possibly can set up and use it throughout many gadgets together with your Mac, PC, Android and iOS gadgets, in addition to browsers. It additionally helps a number of protocols (though OpenVPN is a bit slower than we’d like) and wonderful encryption, in addition to a privacy-minded no-logs coverage that’s repeatedly audited

There’s a kill change and a Multi-Hop function that routes your connection through two VPN servers for an additional layer of safety. Nevertheless, there’s no GPS spoofing or cut up tunneling on the Mac (the latter being very unusual on Macs anyway). 

SurfShark gives three tiers of options at various value factors. Essentially the most primary possibility, aptly named SurfShark Starter, gives VPN performance in addition to an advert blocker and the choice to generate a proxy electronic mail handle and private particulars for websites you don’t really feel comfy about giving your data to. SurfShark One provides electronic mail and cost element breach alerts, in addition to private information safety stories, antivirus and different malware safety, whereas the One+ plan provides information elimination from firm databases and other people search websites. Along with the VPN there are Alert, Search or Antivirus packages, which might be accessible for an additional value.

Identical to most VPNs SurfShark gives discounted pricing for those who join two years, with the costs altering on a regular basis. Simply beware that on the finish of the interval the worth will enhance except you cancel.

Signal as much as Surfshark right here.

• Greater than 50 servers
• Six machine restrict

MacPaw’s ClearVPN service is a VPN that lacks many extra superior options supplied by its rivals, however then again, it’s one of many best to make use of. With a pleasant UI and easy-to-use options it’s thoughtfully designed for VPN newcomers. It actually is so simple as hitting a button to attach.

Within the settings are choices to dam adverts, preserve ClearVPN within the dock, and a Kill Change as a way to minimize visitors out of your machine if the connection to the VPN is damaged.

It’s all fairly primary stuff, however it’s supplied in such an easy-to-use approach that it’s exhausting to not recognize the simplicity. There are additionally helpful keyboard shortcuts to maneuver across the app.

There are greater than 50 servers, which feels like lots, however it’s dwarfed by many rivals to the tune of hundreds of servers. Meaning your selections are restricted, however no less than ClearVPN enables you to filter between Optimum Location or leaping straight to one thing like Disney Plus US or UK.

One of many extra frequent energy consumer options for VPNs is cut up tunneling, which lets some visitors undergo the VPN whereas some goes round it. That’s not supported right here.

Sadly, MacPaw’s VPN speeds additionally want some work. We noticed appreciable pace drops throughout a number of servers – even nearer ones. We noticed drops of round 20 to 30 p.c in obtain pace, and round 50 p.c for add pace. It’s nonetheless quick sufficient to make use of Netflix, however it’s slower than nearly all of options on the market.

Most VPN firms use exterior auditors to confirm that they’re not recording consumer or session information, however ClearVPN hasn’t undergone one on the time of writing. This shouldn’t imply something untoward as the corporate is headquartered in Ukraine, which falls exterior of varied surveillance alliances, so it may possibly’t be requested to share your information.

ClearVPN is priced affordably, however costs and the offers on supply change on a regular basis with VPNs. Look out for low month-to-month costs that don’t lock you in for too lengthy. There’s a six-device restrict.

For those who’re new to utilizing a VPN service, ClearVPN makes a compelling case to be your first alternative, and stress-free entry to Netflix across the globe, it’s an awesome starter possibility. Nonetheless, the pace drop and lack of frequent options like cut up tunneling possible imply energy customers ought to look elsewhere. It can save you cash by paying for the primary 12 months up entrance, however it’s also possible to pay month-to-month.

See full ClearVPN pricing right here.

• 6,500 servers, 78 international locations
• 10 simultaneous connections

For those who’re on the lookout for a versatile VPN service that may get round geoblocking and is straightforward to make use of, PureVPN is properly price a glance.

The fundamental plan consists of the VPN service and nothing extra, however you’ll be able to add a Password Supervisor and File Encryption instruments within the Plus plan. The Max plan provides a Digital Privateness Supervisor that requests your information be scrubbed by information brokers, blocks net trackers, and recommends methods to maximise your privateness.

Whichever plan you go for you’ll have the ability to join 10 gadgets directly. PureVPN will run in your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, and is straightforward to make use of on every to allow you to hook up with over six thousand servers.

So far as getting round geo-blocks, we discovered PureVPN to be as straightforward as another service to make use of. Choose a location, load your streaming service or app of alternative, and also you’re off.

PureVPN is registered within the British Virgin Islands, which is extra privacy-friendly than Hong Kong the place it operated beforehand. PureVPN gives one of many extra spectacular no-logging insurance policies, with an ongoing “always-on” audit course of whereby an auditor can request affirmation of that coverage at any time.

PureVPN has been winding down its digital servers, of which it has much less management. There are nonetheless 23 such servers, however PureVPN is clear about which servers are digital and that are bodily – you’ll be able to see a small ‘v’ subsequent to every digital server on the PureVPN web site.

On the time of writing PureVPN is providing greater than a whopping 80% off its plans for those who join 24 months. Two years is a very long time on this planet of VPNs, however no less than means the total month-to-month pricing gained’t kick in twelve months time. See PureVPN gives right here.

• 11,000+ servers in 100 international locations
• 7 simultaneous connections

CyberGhost is a user-friendly app that connects to quite a few servers worldwide, making it excellent for streaming Netflix from completely different international locations and routing visitors away from untrustworthy open Wi-Fi networks. 

It gives core options like kill change help, cut up tunnelling, and no bandwidth restrictions. CyberGhost’s no-logging audit historical past is thorough, and there’s a 45-day free trial accessible.

CyberGhost apps will be downloaded for numerous platforms, together with Chrome extension and sport consoles (we examined on Mac and iPhone). The app gives a easy “click on and go” connection course of, with a listing of server nations and a number of areas. Encryption is commonplace throughout servers, and cut up tunnelling prioritizes visitors the place wanted. An automatic kill change can minimize connections if the VPN drops out, whereas ‘Block content material’ blocks DNS domains for adverts, trackers, and malware.

The app doesn’t supply something like Proton VPN’s Safe Core or further options like a Password Supervisor, however subscription tiers are based mostly on including a devoted IP handle. The VPN has over 9,000 servers positioned in over 100 international locations, with plans to broaden in South America and Asia in late 2023.

CyberGhost VPN has a powerful no-logs coverage, which means nobody can entry information of your exercise whereas linked to the VPN. The app doesn’t supply the Darkish Net monitor supplied by NordVPN, however it does have an automatic kill change to chop connections if the VPN drops out. The DNS blocking function is straightforward to make use of however doesn’t let you select what to dam.

CyberGhost gives a compelling bundle with only one foremost plan and a 45-day money-back assure. It’s a wonderful VPN for newcomers, with spectacular audits, an array of servers, first rate speeds, and easy-to-use apps.

Norton has a long time of expertise defending gadgets from cyber threats (learn our overview of Norton 360), however what or its VPN?

Norton’s VPN plans are, exterior of the essential tier, tied into its safety software program to assist supply real-time safety from dangerous actors. It comes with a password supervisor, darkish net monitor, and cloud storage, however the VPN aspect of issues is a bit missing.

Maybe it’s from testing so lots of the greatest VPN providers that we’ve grown used to a sure set of non-negotiables. Chief amongst them is browser extension choices to permit for fast switching, however on the time of writing, there’s no such providing from Norton.

Nonetheless, for those who’re on the lookout for real-time safety it stays a very good security-focused possibility, however with geoblocking being inconsistent in our testing, you would possibly need to look elsewhere to your worldwide Netflix repair.

Norton’s VPN does embrace loads of accoutrements that different VPNs both don’t have or cost further for. You possibly can set up the app in your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and all three platforms have apps that work properly and run properly within the background.

Norton gives Browser Safety, which scans websites as you browse. Norton additionally scans information earlier than they land in your machine. This labored properly in testing, with barely added any further time to the size of downloads. There’s a password supervisor, however it’s tied to the center subscription tier and above.

One factor that was fascinating was the way it displays trackers on emails. As a journalist, I obtain a whole lot of press releases and pitches, and whereas I’ve at all times assumed lots of them use some type of monitoring to see after they’re opened, Norton supplied to quarantine so many who I used to be fairly shocked.

VPNs naturally lower your web speeds as your sign is fired throughout the globe, and Norton has servers in 32 international locations – a steep drop from the 111 in NordVPN’s portfolio – however it does supply 4 protocols to select from. IKEv2, OpenVPN and WireGuard are fairly generally discovered throughout the board of rivals, however Norton has its personal Mimic protocol which is meant to be excellent for unblocking worldwide streaming providers. Sadly, testing on a 70 Mbps connection noticed a constant pace drop-off. As for Mimic, Norton’s personal VPN protocol, I used to be disillusioned to search out some worldwide streaming providers merely weren’t in a position to be unblocked with it. Norton clarified that Mimic is particularly designed for patrons with particular use circumstances who’re unable to make use of WireGuard. We did have extra luck with the extra standardized protocols.

VPNs price their salt ought to at all times deal with privateness as their major concern, and Norton does a very good job, having undergone an audit from VerSprite, a safety agency.

It’s not a nasty VPN, and for those who’re on the lookout for an possibility that packs an entire host of cyber-security instruments into one easy-to-use bundle, it’s an awesome possibility. It’s disappointing that there’s solely a pay yearly possibility, the place different VPNs have the choice to pay month-to-month. Added to that could be a steep leap in value for the second 12 months. 

See full Norton Extremely VPN pricing right here

• 800+ servers in 49+ international locations
• 10 simultaneous connections

This easy-to-use, engaging, and uncomplicated app is a superb possibility for VPN newbs. Along with its easy and uncluttered design, FastestVPN additionally gives good speeds and a sufficiently expansive community. It’s icing on the cake that its privateness coverage is straightforward to know and makes all the correct guarantees.

In our checks, FastestVPN maintained about 30 p.c of the bottom pace throughout 5 areas on a number of take a look at days, though there have been some weak spots in Asia and Australia.

Regardless of it’s identify it’s not the quickest VPN, however FastestVPN does make the correct privateness guarantees in a approach that’s straightforward to know.

• 2,600+ servers in 90 international locations
• 10 simultaneous connections

Cover.me is one other VPN service that has improved significantly in recent times.

In addition to providing a very free model (which none of its rivals right here do), it has additionally added WireGuard, which is significantly sooner than different encryption protocols.

Different key options embrace a customizable kill change and cut up tunneling. Cover.me is the one VPN to supply Break up Tunnelling in macOS. They state on their web site: “cover.me VPN for macOS helps cut up tunneling. You possibly can configure it within the consumer’s settings.”

Cover.me additionally gives Stealth Guard, which stops chosen apps from working with out the safety of a VPN connection.

It could actually unblock Netflix and lets you entry BBC iPlayer from exterior the UK. There’s additionally stable machine help, with as much as 10 simultaneous connections permitted.

Malaysia-based, in recent times it has expanded the variety of servers and doubled the variety of international locations it covers. Sadly, the third-party audit hasn’t been up to date since 2015

Nevertheless, the consumer interface on Mac is a bit clunky, and we’re nonetheless ready for an replace to the 2015 no-logs coverage certification.

• 70 servers
• 5 simultaneous connection

VyprVPN gives every thing most individuals are on the lookout for in a VPN, with no need to spend a lot cash.

You get quick WireGuard speeds, alongside separate protocols targeted on reliability, anti-censorship and ease of use. It’s additionally wonderful at unblocking geo-restricted content material, whether or not that’s native variations of Netflix or BBC iPlayer & ITV Hub from exterior the UK. Premium options comparable to cut up tunneling and a kill change are right here too, even when the latter can’t be customised. 

VyprVPN’s no-logs coverage has been independently audited, and the service adheres to a strict Privateness Coverage from mum or dad firm Golden Frog. Greater than 700 servers in over 70 international locations needs to be loads for most individuals, though there’s typically just one per nation. It’s additionally not clear which of those are bodily and digital.

Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless speedy, dependable and inexpensive.

See full VyprVPN pricing right here

• Greater than 245 servers
• 32 international locations

Malwarebytes, in all probability greatest recognized for antivirus software program and recommendation, additionally gives a standalone VPN service known as Malwarebytes Privateness. It’s a simple to make use of app with the correct of privateness guarantees – as you’d count on from a revered identify in safety based mostly within the U.S.

In our checks Malwarebytes was a mid-tier performer by way of speeds, however it needs to be ok for many informal customers.

Malwarebytes Privateness VPN does a very good job.

See full Maywarebytes pricing right here