macOS is known for its in-built security software. It is the greatest, and we can even go as far as saying the only alternative to Microsoft Windows. It is user-friendly and has a much safer build-up.
There is no doubt that Macs are more suited to protect your device from malware and malicious software compared to Windows. However, when it comes to transferring files from your Mac to some other device via the internet, you cannot depend upon the built-in security software of Mac.
Here’s a list of the Best VPN for Mac in 2021.
Best VPNs for MAC
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most accessible VPNs out there. It will allow you to access all kinds of streaming sites.
Get NordVPN Read The Review
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the most reliable, easiest, and fastest VPN for streaming videos and Disney Plus Original Films/Movies.
Get ExpressVPN Read The Review
SurfsharkVPN
Its apps are easy to use, and it will block almost everything with its Shadowsocks technology.
Get SurfsharkVPN Read The Review
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN is purely a security-based VPN that can become a perfect choice for a Mac user.
Get Mullvad VPN Read The Review
HotSpot Shield
HotSpot Shield is one of the best VPNs to help you defeat ISP throttling.
Get HotSpot Shield Read The ReviewWhat’s the purpose of Mac VPN? The main agenda Mac VPN serves is to protect the data that will leave your PC via the internet. It’s like a secure network or tunnel which covers your private data once it leaves your machine. The information leaving your PC will be anonymized, encrypted, and safeguarded utterly because once you are far away, gone into the network of the web and in its badlands, your Mac’s built-in security will be of no use to you.
Furthermore, a VPN for Mac protects your online financial details and helps you safely do your online shopping while connected to public WiFi.
You can unblock all types of geo-restricted content like Netflix libraries which are not readily available in your country.
As the internet is growing, more and more privacy concerns are taking over the human mind. Governments, agencies, and several other third parties want to use people’s data for their own personal and private agendas. This is where the virtual private network or VPNs come to your rescue. A VPN helps you in:
- Stretching your online security.
- Secure your data.
- It makes it impossible for anyone to track your activity by changing your location.
- Accessing the geo-restricted websites and content.
Several VPN companies and providers are now selling their services by claiming to deliver all of the features mentioned above. To help the readers of TechNinjaPRO, our team here has sorted and researched many VPNs to narrow down the most reliable ones to cater to the needs of Mac users. You can go through all of these listed Mac VPNs and select the best one which suits your requirements.
User's Guide for Buying the Best VPN for Mac
Even though Apple devices are well known for their privacy and security features, protecting your device from malware and malicious software. However, your macOS cannot encrypt your internet traffic by any means or help you in disallowing your ISP (internet service provider) to track your online browsing activities. So, the need for a VPN is something to be taken lightly.
Since VPN is just another product of technology, you first need to narrow down the purpose you are looking to use your Mac VPN. For instance, if you want to access the restricted content on streaming websites like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO, etc., then you need to check out features like:
- Dedicated streaming servers.
- Speed criteria.
- Connection reliability.
- Swift connections.
Also, you need to take into consideration the Mac VPN app’s design and form factors. The VPN of your choosing must be simple, strong, powerful, and must have state-of-the-art encryption integrated into them to take your MacVPN experience to the next level. Mac users know that their MacOS is clean, have a very user-friendly interface, and have a set of tools that do not require any hardcore learning. So, a VPN for Mac users must also deliver the same amount of quality and nothing less.
Secondly, the usability of the VPN must be virus-resistant and malware protection optimized, following the criteria of Apple’s macOS. It must be speedy without any types of lags or application errors. Mac devices have very high efficiency in performance criteria, so the Mac VPN of your choosing must also fulfill these necessities.
1. NordVPN
Overview
NordVPN comes integrated with WireGuard technology which helps in boosting your internet speed while using a VPN. In addition, it has the strongest no-logging policy in comparison to any of the VPNs out there.
Specifications
- Onion over VPN
- IP servers (dedicated)
- Kill Switch
- Obfuscated Servers
- Double VPN
- No-Logs
- CyberSec
- Server filters
Free Trail?
Generally No!
NordVPN does not have a FREE Trial.
Benefits
- It’s affordable and user-friendly.
- Unblock content easily, free of censorship.
- Unblocks Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more.
- Very good at replacing your IP address.
- Unblock streaming websites easily like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, etc.
- The Network Kill Switch is the best in the market.
- DoubleVPN (multihop features are pretty amazing).
Drawbacks
- The open configuration of NordVPN in all of its apps is pretty difficult to deal with.
- The application gets laggy sometimes/
Without any doubt, NordVPN is the best VPN for Mac users. Two things delivered by NordVPN, i.e., Privacy & Anonymity, are still outstanding.
VPN works by generating an encrypted tunnel via which your internet traffic is directed through. NordVPN offers top-of-the-line encryption, which keeps your data safe while you are browsing online.
The number of servers offered by NordVPN is also vast. It has more than 5,400+ servers spread across the globe in 62+ countries. You can use those servers to spoof your location and access the content of any particular country of your choice. With many such servers to choose from, you can select the best server (depending on your needs like speed, performance, access, etc.) and roam over the internet with freedom.
Coming to the user interface of NordVPN’s Mac application, it is straightforward to use. It’s user-friendly, offers easy navigation, features can be found easily, and has a very well-built structure along with being easy to setup & install. The app seems to be built by keeping the Mac user’s intent in mind. The application offers:
- Kill Switch (two)
- DNS leak protection
- Double VPN
- Onion over VPN
- AES-256 bit encryption.
These are some of the major features offered by NordVPN in their Mac VPN app.
Furthermore, NordVPN’s NordLynx security protocol is also now available in their Mac app, which not only allows you to browse over the internet with complete Privacy securely but also delivers you a speed hike of 310Mbps+. The NordLynx protocol installed in NordVPN’s Mac app is based upon the more commonly known WireGuard technology.
If you are looking for a stream-oriented Mac VPN, then NordVPN is the VPN service for you. It offers quick connections (which are reliable & steady) and has incredible speeds. Your Netflix cravings will get a full-fledged meal with NordVPN. It will give you access to various Netflix libraries worldwide and deliver a steady connection speed that depicts NordVPN’s Mac app performance.
They also have a zero-logging policy, which means that none of your data, browsing history, and online activities will be stored or kept by the company, thus making it impossible for anyone to know what you did, where you went, whom you talked to, and what files you sent to your friends and family. Isn’t this great?
Also, NordVPN offers six simultaneous connection features in their VPN for Mac app. This means that you can easily connect up to six devices in your home or business and get the ultimate VPN protection for your dear ones also.
Right now, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you subscribe to any one of their pricing plans. There is no doubt that NordVPN is one of the best choices for a Mac user.
It also offers apps for some other famous operating systems like Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. It also offers extensions on Chrome & Firefox.
2. ExpressVPN
Overview
The two things ExpressVPN is famously known for are the level of privacy and security it provides to its users, and the unblocking of any type of geo-restricted content one can find over the internet.
Specifications
- Defeat ISP Throttling
- Lower Pings Levels
- Lagging Prevention
- Split Tunneling
- TrustedServer Technology
- Kill Switch (Network Locked)
- Private DNS
- AES-256 bit Encryption
- Zero-Logs Policy
- Public WiFi Safety
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Network Lock Kill Switch
- Advanced Leak Protection
Free Trail?
Yes!
Start your ExpressVPN journey with a 30-Day money-back Guarantee. Start your ExpressVPN journey with a 30-Day money-back Guarantee.
Benefits
- It unblocks content even in the most censorship areas of the world like Russia, China, & the UAE.
- Speed performance is great.
- Unblocks Netflix seamlessly.
- The advanced features deliver great value for money
Drawbacks
- The streaming servers are not categorized.
- Connection drops can cause frustration.
App Available on
ExpressVPN is a bit expensive VPN compared to NordVPN; however, it has the best connection speed out of any of the VPNs so far when it comes to the performance of this specific VPN.
The connectivity speed to Europe, the UK, the USA, and China has been the best if we draw a line of comparison with the rest of the VPNs. Irrespective of its expensive nature, it offers the best value for money.
The only VPN with which NordVPN competes regularly is ExpressVPN. It comes integrated with all the features which a top VPN should have. It has dedicated Mac servers that are entirely optimized to handle Mac-oriented clients. The speeds are excellent, and they have a 24/7 chat support system which even the best VPN services don’t provide.
Moreover, ExpressVPN’s Mac application has a long list of features like:
- OpenVPN (both UDP & TCP) security protocol.
- L2TP/IPSec & IKEv2 security protocol.
- DNS & IPv6 Leak Protection.
The reason why we mentioned those features is even though. However, several other VPNs also offer the features mentioned above ExpressVPN’s performance in the light of these features is simply marvelous.
In addition to all of that, the Mac VPN app of ExpressVPN has a strict no-logging policy where no data is leaked, stored, or kept to be sold to a third-party buyer. Thus, complete anonymity.
The dedicated streaming servers of ExpressVPN make it easier for the stream-heads like you to stream your favorite videos or films via these servers. It unblocks websites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and several other major players of the streaming industry. Not only that, but the powerful ExpressVPN Mac application also unlocks the Netflix libraries by streaming the content is nothing less than HD.
One aspect in which ExpressVPN’s Mac app is beaten is the number of simultaneous connections it offers. Surfshark VPN right now offers unlimited simultaneous connections, but ExpressVPN only allows five multiple simultaneous connections at one given time.
The TrustedServer technology made by ExpressVPN is determined to provide complete privacy and protection to its users. They have ensured that not even a single bit of data gets leaked by their loyal users.
Even though NordVPN has more servers than ExpressVPN, it still beats NordVPN in server locations, i.e., ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in more than 94 locations of the world. This makes sure that ExpressVPN users get the most choice of locations compared to the rest of its competition.
One remarkable technology which you’ll find in the rest of the VPNs is Kill Switch. We discovered that ExpressVPN’s Kill Switch is the best in the market. It’s efficient, quick, and drops off your internet connection instantly once the VPN somehow gets disconnected, thus enhancing your security in dire times like these.
If you go on to buy ExpressVPN’s subscription, you’ll be able to get the first 3-months wholly free, so you can use this VPN on Mac and make sure that it is the best fit for your MacOS online security needs.
ExpressVPN offers applications on Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and several other devices.
3. Surfshark VPN
Overview
The best features which Surfshark is offering in their macOS application are Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and Split Tunneling. These features deliver outstanding performance during usage.
Specifications
- Beats ISP Throttling
- Zero-logging policy
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections.
- DNS and IP leak protection
- CleanWeb
- OpenVPN & IKEv2 security protocol
- WireGuard protocol
- AES-256 bit encryption
Free Trail?
Benefits
- Allows unlimited devices to connect simultaneously at one given time.
- Gets over the geo-restrictions very easily.
- One of the best VPNs concerning a clear privacy policy.
- Unblock streaming sites like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, etc
Drawbacks
- Needs better customer support
We are now coming to the third VPN on our list of the Best VPNs for Mac. Surfshark VPN sits strong on our list as the third-best Mac VPN. It does not have a much more comprehensive server network than ExpressVPN or NordVPN; however, the list of features Surfshark VPN comes integrated with is endless.
Surfshark VPN has almost 3,200+ servers located in 65+ countries of the world. It’s fast, reliable, and offers unlimited simultaneous connections support. For instance, you are running a small business, and you want all the devices of your business and employees to get protected via a VPN with a long list of features. Surfshark VPN is the VPN that will easily cover this need of yours without even a single hiccup.
Furthermore, Surfshark VPN offers:
- Tracker-Blocking.
- Antimalware tech.
- Ad-blocking.
Features like ad-blocking are challenging to come by in a VPN; that’s why Surfshark VPN has made sure of delivering you a well-built ad-blocking tech within the Mac VPN app. The purpose of this ad-blocking tech is not just to enhance customer experience by blocking unwanted ads when you visit a website, but also, these ads & pop-ups hold malware in them. For instance, you can click on any of these ads, and the malware hidden in them can crawl inside of your computer to cause problems or even install tracking software inside it. You might think that Mac is a well-protected machine, which cannot happen, but this is where you are wrong. Hackers have become more competent, and they have many ways of introducing malicious software, even in your Mac. These hackers were able to hack Google’s reCAPTCHA tech, whose primary purpose was to DELIVER security. Then what is Mac in front of them?
Down the line, Surfshark VPN had its security audits done by Cure 53 German Security Firm. The audits came out to be perfect, and it gained high marks in all of the online security features it delivers.
The Whitelist feature in the Surfshark VPN’s Mac application allows you to run certain apps under a VPN umbrella and disallow the rest of the apps’ not to use the VPN. This feature will enable you to customize and strike a balance between your VPN and non-VPN apps based on your own choices.
An outstanding feature in the Mac version of Surfshark VPN is the ‘three special modes.’ These are:
- Camouflage Mode (masks your VPN activity from your local ISP).
- NoBorders Mode (makes you use a VPN in VPN-restricted countries).
- Multihop Jumps Mode (makes your VPN connection jump through various VPN servers to make it impossible for someone to trace you).
The Mac application of Surfshark VPN is easy to use and offers IP and DNS leak protection from any of the threats you might face during your online sessions over the internet.
It has no trouble like Avast Secureline VPN to access Netflix and its libraries (restricted in your country). It unblocks other streaming sites like Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc., with ease and delivers lag-free streaming with high speeds.
Surfshark VPN is not a VPN you can go wrong with if you are looking for a long-term commitment with a VPN for your Mac online privacy needs.
Lastly, it offers applications on various devices like Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and some other major platforms.
4. Mullvad
Overview
Mullvad VPN makes sure that your internet traffic is securely encrypted to the highest standards even if you are connected to public WiFi or sitting at a cafe or a hotel. It has a really strong encryption when it comes to data protection.
Specifications
- Port Forwarding.
- Split Tunneling.
- Local Network Sharing.
- Bridge Mode.
- OpenVPN
- WireGuard
- IPv6 Leak Protection
Free Trail?
Benefits
- Supports IPv6
- Unblocks streaming sites.
- Provides complete anonymity.
- Allows five simultaneous connections.
Drawbacks
- No free trial.
- Pricing is fixed.
- Do not unblock the Netflix libraries of the US and Japan
Mullvad VPN is one of those rare VPNs that not only promises you complete anonymity but also delivers it. Its security is well-built and has:
- WireGuard security protocol.
- OpenVPN security protocol.
- AES-256 bit encryption.
- SOCKS5 proxy.
- No-third party trackers can be found on their applications.
This fully-packed security is only delivered by Mullvad VPN in all of its applications i.e. on Windows app, Mac app, iOS app, Linux app, and Android app. This list of features will guarantee you wholesome privacy and protection while you are browsing online via your macOS.
You will be amazed to know that their no-logging policy is so strict that they don’t even ask you for your email address while you are signing up for their service. You will just be provided with an 18-digit code which will be your login required password. (This is only valid if you pay via cash, your email ID will be required if you pay via other platforms).
It comes optimized with WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. You can use any one of them as per your needs. The WireGuard protocol is mainly for those people who want unbeatable speed while they are browsing online. This protocol’s primary purpose is to uphold your downloading and uploading speed while providing you with the best security shield.
However, if you are a security freak and you live one work i.e. “Security”, OpenVPN protocol is the best choice for you. OpenVPN protocol is the Rolls Royce of VPN security protocols. There are none whatsoever security faults found in the OpenVPN protocol, and Mullvad VPN is delivering it.
One drawback to Mullvad is its unblocking ability of geo-restricted content. It is unable to unblock the Netflix libraries of the USA, and Japan. However, the speed factors while streaming are better than several other free VPN out there.
5. Hotspot Shield
Overview
Hotspot Shield comes packed with security features that will help you mask your IP address and help you remain anonymous. It encrypts your internet traffic and makes your downloading and uploading speed seamlessly fast.
Specifications
- Military-Grade Encryption (AES-256 & AES-128).
- Hydra VPN Protocol.
- Unlimited Bandwidth.
- Premium VPN Servers.
- Ad-Free.
- Malware Protection.
- Privacy Browsing.
- No-Logs.
- Kill Switch.
Benefits
- Works best with Netflix & P2P.
- It’s very fast, and the speeds are very reliable.
- Protection from Malware like an antivirus.
- The application’s design is user-friendly and is very interactive.
- Unblocks all types of streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc
Drawbacks
- Limited data (500MB/Day).
- Customer Support needs improvement
Hotspot Shield is one of the oldest VPNs around. The reason we have chosen Hotspot Shield in the list of the Best VPNs for Mac is because of the following factors:
- Connection speeds.
- Unblocking of streaming websites and lag-free speeds.
- Identity theft protection.
The Catapult Hydra security protocol integrated into the Hotspot Shield Mac application delivers incredible speeds and can reach up to 450Mbps. These speed stats are not even achieved by NordVPN, which was a shocking discovery for us.
Furthermore, Hotspot Shield unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer with ease. Not only it helps you in clearing these streaming sites, but also you’ll be able to get access to several libraries of these websites, which are not available in your region because of the copyright licensing agreements.
One thing that you should look out for in Hotspot Shield is their no-logging policy. Their no-logging policy is not as strict as its competitors. However, it’s not the worst ever. It only collects your:
- IP address.
- Geographic location.
- Your local ISP (internet service provider)
For some of you, this might be a breach of security. However, we can assure you that this information is not enough for anyone to track your activities or even identify you. They collect that information primarily for their company’s running needs and provide the best possible service to their customers. They utilize that information to make sure to recommend you the best server they have automatically.
Comparison Chart - The Best VPN Services for MAC
 |
Servers | Location of Servers (Countries) | No-logs | Kill Switch | Unlimited Bandwidth | Jurisdiction | Simultaneous Connections | Encryption | Free Trial | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurfSharkVPN | 3200 | 65+ | The British Virgin Islands | Unlimited | AES-256 | $2.49/month (1-year) | ||||
| NordVPN | 5,400 | 62 | Panama | 6 | AES-256-GCM | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ | 94 | The British Virgin Islands | 5 | AES-256 | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
| ProtonVPN | 1,246 | 55 | Switzerland | 4-10 | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | |||
| PureVPN | 6,500 | 140 | Hong Kong | 10 | AES-256 | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | ||||
| CyberGhost | 6,000 | 88 | Romania | 1-7 | AES-256 | $3.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
| HotspotShield | 1,800 | 80 | United States | 5 | AES-256 | $7.99/month to $11.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
| VPNUnlimited | 500+ | 80 | NewYork, USA | 5-10 | AES-256 | $4.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
| AtlasVPN | 700+ | 27+ | Delaware, USA | Unlimited | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.99/month(1-Year) |
Conclusion
Security and Privacy over the internet is not a joke. Millions of people worldwide get affected by data breaches, phishing, malware attacks, malicious content (files & software), and several other harmful stuff every day. People are tracked, traced, and manipulated based on their internet history and browsing habits. A VPN protects you from all of that.
Mac is just another technology, and no matter how good of a technology you are using, it still has flaws and loopholes, which makes them vulnerable to exterior threats. Protect your Mac, protect yourself. Get your VPN today, and see if you feel secure.
Note: If you are interested in checking out the best VPNs for your Android & iOS, you can read about them here:
- Best VPN for Android.
- Best VPN for iOS.
