Best VPN For Mac Of 2024

We compared and analysed 20 VPNs, looking closely at ease of use, cost and fees, customer support and features and functionality. Below are the top five VPNs chosen by Forbes Advisor.

Forbes Advisor gathered data on 20 of the top VPNs that are compatible with Macs.

Our grading system accounts for four core categories: pricing, general features, Mac-specific features and compatibility and an expert score. These core categories are broken down into several additional subcategories that account for user reviews, stand-out features, ease of use, server network and more.

We boiled down all of these elements into an easy-to-digest five-star rating.

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.

There are several reasons Mac users might consider a VPN, including increased security and privacy, which also apply for Windows users.

When you connect to the internet without a VPN, your traffic is not encrypted. This means that your ISP (internet service provider), government and possibly other parties 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.

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. Here’s what to consider:

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 minimising 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 must travel further to get to its destination, resulting in a slower loading time for web pages or downloading of files.

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 committing to a VPN.

When selecting a VPN provider, ensure it offers fast speeds without compromising security. It’s also worth making sure it has servers in locations that are close to you and that it offers specialised 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 out 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 £3.50 and £8 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 or more 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. 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 need 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 could be worth the investment, depending on your needs.
• Promotions: VPN providers often run promotions, offering discounted rates for new subscribers. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, introductory 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 worth investing 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, prioritising 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, and you may 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.

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 with high speed Wi-Fi at home.

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.

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 prioritise providing fast and stable connections without throttling. Take a close look at a provider’s rules around this functionality when making your decision.