No matter what device you use, a VPN (virtual private network) is nowadays essentially a must-have. A solid Mac VPN can protect your online privacy and personal information, and even spoof your location so you can access region-locked websites and services.
Because VPNs have become more and more popular, there are now enumerable providers competing for business. This makes it hard for people to find the best one for their needs. That’s where this guide comes in! Read on to learn about our picks for the top 5 VPNs for Mac!
The Five Best Mac VPNs
1. NordVPN
As one of the most well-known VPN providers, it’s no surprise that NordVPN tops our list. The popular VPN offers several different policies and procedures to provide its users with both privacy and security. And in addition to providing quick and dependable connections, NordVPN can unblock popular streaming services, such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer from around the world. Additionally, you can connect up to six different devices at the same time.
Support for the faster WireGuard protocol was recently introduced to Nord, making it one of the fastest VPN services currently available.
Features:
– Double encryption
– Online protection
– 6 simultaneous device connections
Pros:
– Easy to use
– Impressive WireGuard speeds
– Lots of servers
Cons:
– No split tunneling on macOS
– Two separate apps can be confusing
2. VPN Proxy One Pro
Despite having a smaller number of servers available than most other popular VPNs, VPN Proxy One Pro punches well above its weight.
It’s capable of unblocking content such as Netflix and can be used without any problems for torrenting content. What’s more, with VPN Proxy One Pro, your outbound data is secured before it even leaves your device. The VPN will conceal your actual IP address and its built-in Threat Protection feature will detect malware-infected files, help you avoid harmful websites, and block invasive advertisements and trackers.
Why not take advantage of the 7-day, unrestricted free trial and see if VPN Proxy One Pro is right for you?
Features:
– 7-day free trial
– Always-on
– Network vulnerability check
– Web threat protection
Pros:
– Unblocks streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer
– A choice between one and five account connections
– The 12-month deal is a good budget offering
– Employs AES 256-bit encryption
– 24/7 live chat support with responsive feedback
Cons:
– Fewer servers than many other VPNs
3. ExpressVPN
With 3000 fast, trustworthy VPN server connections in 94 countries and unlimited bandwidth, ExpressVPN has got a lot going for it. Plus, its dedicated app is intuitive and user-friendly, with a one-click connection option and advanced features.
ExpressVPN’s unblocking skills allow it to overcome geo-restrictions on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. The Mac client has a dependable kill switch, split tunneling, WebRTC leak protection, and DNS leak prevention. However, compared to many other VPN services, it’s considerably more expensive.
Features:
– 160 server locations
– Leak protection
– Network locking kill switch
– Split tunneling
Pros:
– High speed
– Easy-to-use app
– 24/7 support
Cons:
– More expensive
– Just five simultaneous connections
4. Surfshark
If you’re looking for a premium VPN for your Mac, Surfshark is a great choice. As with other VPNs, Surfshark encrypts user traffic at the network layer and forwards it to a remote server. It’s got an elegantly simple UI and the modifications made to make it compatible with Apple M1 mean that Surfshark now offers lightning-fast connections anywhere around the globe.
You can feel safe using the Mac version of Surfshark because it has many safeguards built in, including DNS leak prevention and Double VPN (multi-hop). Additionally, there is obfuscation technology for getting around VPN blocks and a “NoBorders” option for connecting when networks are heavily censored.
Features:
– A no-logs privacy policy
– Private DNS and leak protection
– NoBorders mode allows users to access Surfshark from anywhere in the world
Pros:
– Fast speeds
– Easy to use
– Unlimited devices and connections
Cons:
– No split tunneling on macOS
– Kill switch can’t be customized
5. Urban VPN
Urban VPN touts itself as “The only 100% FREE, 100% fast & 100% anonymous VPN in the world.” This virtual private network client for Mac offers great website unblocking capabilities and 80+ VPN locations.
Accessing geo-blocked websites and streaming services is no problem with Urban VPN, there’s no cap on data bandwidth, and server speeds are quick. For a free VPN, it’s definitely worth a shot!
Features:
– Unlimited bandwidth
– 80+ server locations
– Website unlocking
Pros:
– Free
– Unlimited devices
Cons:
– Lacking additional features
Conclusion
Given the abundance of VPN services, it can be challenging to find one that ticks all the boxes. All the VPNs listed above will be ideal for most people looking for a VPN that offers quicks speeds, great security, a good amount of servers, and the ability to unblock geo-restricted content. However, NordVPN, VPN Proxy One Pro, and ExpressVPN are the three options that stand out from the rest.