The Best Mac VPN in 2022
The Best Mac VPN In 2022 | Best Mac VPN
Mac VPN: There are many reasons to get a VPN for your Mac. They work by encrypting all the data that leaves your computer, which means Mac VPNs keep an extra layer of security online on your MacBook or iMac.
And because all your traffic goes through a secure VPN server, it also means that you can spoof the location of your IP address so that you appear to be where you really are. It's a great tool to get around website/app blocks from your school, office, or government, or to make sure you don't miss out on your favorite TV shows abroad.
We've tested the best and greatest VPNs on Mac, we know which ones are ideal for security, streaming, and – because we know user experience and beauty are important to Apple users – our list of the top Mac VPNs Each service on the list also offer a sleek and intuitive interface.
- The Best VPN In 2022
- The Best Cheap VPN In 2022
- The Best Netflix VPN In 2022
- The Best Youtube VPN In 2022
- Best Gaming VPN In 2022
- The Best iPad VPN In 2022
- The Best iPhone VPN In 2022
- The Best Android VPN In 2022
- The Best Mac VPN In 2022
What is The Best Mac VPN in 2022?
At the top of our best Mac VPN list comes ExpressVPN, TechRadar's only 5-star VPN you can sign up for.
It's all about its amazing simplicity to use (whether on Mac, Windows, iPhone, or, basically, any other platform), strong security, smart, fast, and reliable server connections, and uncluttered streaming services. If it comes, it gives a lot of thanks. It's really helpful 24/7 customer support is also a huge boon.
And if you love a freebie, ExpressVPN is one of them too! Sign up for an annual plan and it'll throw in a full year of secure cloud backup from the well-known Backblaze.
Best Mac VPN In 2022
1. ExpressVPN
PROS
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Top marks across the board
- Easy to run on almost any platform
- Speedy VPN servers in 90+ countries
- Strong on encryption and unblocking
- Superb 24/7 live customer support
CONS
- Expensive
- Fewer simultaneous connections than some
- Above-average prices
| ExpressVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 3,000+ |
| Server locations | 160 |
| Countries | 94 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 5 |
ExpressVPN is our top choice for the best all-around VPN on Mac (and iPhone). The firm's dedicated app is intuitive and very user-friendly, with a one-click option to connect as well as some advanced options.
There is also a great iOS app and Safari browser extension, so you get the full Mac VPN experience. This goes for US-based users and those around the world alike, with the ExpressVPN Mac app supporting multiple languages including German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and many more.
Express' advanced features (and its in-depth tutorials) are great for Apple users. For example, if your Mac connects to the Internet via a wired connection, you can set it up as a wireless hotspot for your local devices, allowing them to connect via VPN without having to set up for ExpressVPN themselves. Huh.
It benefits from fast, stable VPN server connections and unlimited bandwidth in 94 countries. This makes it a solid choice for anyone using a VPN for P2P traffic or unblocking content on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
And in terms of security, the Mac client comes with a kill switch and split tunneling functionality, while ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightwave protocol delivers some of the fastest server speeds.
There's a 30-day money-back guarantee to assure. And although the provider is a bit pricier than most other VPNs, it's a great fit for those who want the best experience for Mac. And now that it throws in a full year of unlimited secure cloud backup from Backblaze (about $60), the value just got a lot better.
2. NordVPN
PROS
- Uses WireGuard VPN technology
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Unparalleled security smarts
- Great at most unblocking
- Improved further with NordLynx protocol
- Great value subscription options
CONS
- Expensive
- Occasionally cramped interface
| NordVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 5,300+ |
| Server locations | 80+ |
| Countries | 60 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 6 |
When it comes to security, NordVPN does it like no other. Its own 'DoubleVPN' technology encrypts data twice - in other words, it passes your data through two different VPN servers to make things even more secure - while adding additional security extras such as encrypted There are chat, web proxy extensions, and so on. So if online security is at the top of your wish list when it comes to your Mac VPN, then Nord is up to the challenge.
If the main VPN usage you plan is streaming, then NordVPN is a great partner for that as well. Like many that have struggled to snap back against Netflix's crackdown on VPNs, you'll be able to access US Netflix, as well as BBC iPlayer, Disney+, YouTube, and more.
This provider is P2P friendly and has a strict 'zero logs' policy, audited annually by PricewaterhouseCoopers, (good to know if you're after a VPN for torrenting). And performance was above average in our testing, especially when using the provider's NordLinks protocol.
On the subject of protocols, NordVPN gives Mac users more options than the average provider, with both IVEv2 and OpenVPN available to choose from. And that's not all - you can manually set up to use OpenVPN without having to install any clients.
There is a free 30-day money-back guarantee, and otherwise, NordVPN is one of the most affordable VPNs for Mac.
3. Surfshark
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Eye-catching prices
- Unlimited devices covered
- A dream to use
- Excellent unblocking
CONS
- High monthly price
- Confusing long-term subscription pricing
- Middling speed test results
| Surfshark Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 3,200+ |
| Server locations | 100+ |
| Countries | 65 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | Unlimited |
The list of reasons to download Surfshark is numerous. With recent upgrades to meet Apple M1 compatibility, it boasts fast worldwide connections, a pretty straightforward-to-use interface, Netflix and iPlayer unblocking, and all that in one product with the best cheap VPNs. is at the top of our list.
If the main reason to grab a Mac VPN is the extra layer of security, Surfshark provides OpenVPN and several other protocols for you – including the super speedy WireGuard. AES-256 encryption is there to ensure that no one will be able to find out what sites you're using, and a ready and waiting kill in case your connection drops while using public Wi-Fi on your MacBook. switch. You can also pay for your Surfshark subscription using bitcoin if you're so inclined.
If your priority is more about getting a VPN for streaming, then you will be interested in its power to watch your Netflix or iPlayer catalog from anywhere on earth. Although Surfshark has excelled in the past, in Netflix's recent counterstrike against VPN users, we've only been able to access US Netflix with moderate success from the Canadian and Australian Netflix libraries.
But let's face it, the main reason most Mac users would turn their heads by Surfshark is the pricing. And making it an even better value, it's great to know that a single subscription covers unlimited devices. So that's Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, and more.
4. Private Internet Access
PROS
- So many servers
- Feature-filled apps
- New features added
- Good value security audit
CONS
- Unusual login system
- No free version
| Private Internet Access Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon, Player |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 10,000+ |
| Server locations | 100 |
| Countries | 78 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 10 |
Private Internet Access (or PIA for short) is another excellent option if you're looking for a Mac VPN that combines high quality with rock-bottom pricing.
But why would you choose PIA over some of the other contenders in this best Mac VPN list? For starters it has more servers. loads more. While it no longer reveals the number of its servers, we understand that the current number is around 10,000. That's a surprising number compared to NordVPN's 5,000 and ExpressVPN's 3,000.
One thing that stands apart is how much it is liked by its users as well. For example, its iOS apps have better ratings on the App Store than many of the services listed above. And it's not surprising - it's clear that the PIA engineers worked hard to create a great desktop client, and then replicated it across all mobile apps.
If you want to do more than usual with your Mac VPN, Private Internet Access runs in-depth with features, such as built-in ad blocking, a reliable kill switch, port forwarding that comes in handy for torrents, and various encryptions. Freedom to choose type.
If there's some improvement we'd like to see the next time we test PIA VPN on Mac, it's somewhat more consistent server speeds. We found that they could drop down quite a bit, especially where WireGuard was concerned - defeating the object of the supposedly fast protocol.
5. CyberGhost
PROS
- Excellent performance levels
- Loads of features
- Speedy live chat help
- Lots of locations
CONS
- Expensive
- No third-party audit
- Confusing privacy policies
| CyberGhost Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, iPlayer |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 45 Days |
| Number of Servers | 7,500+ |
| Server locations | 105+ |
| Countries | 91 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 7 |
If you are after a Mac VPN that offers a clean and intuitive interface that integrates beautifully on macOS, then CyberGhost might be just that. Better still, behind the scenes, it also offers excellent functionality.
Along with a wealth of great features, CyberGhost is also an instant service with some performance results that rival those seen at the top of our fastest VPN list. With figures of 760-860Mbps, it's not far behind the likes of NordVPN at 760-880Mbps and IPVanish tops at 750-900Mbps. Considering Mac users will be used to the smooth and fast performance of Apple's laptops and desktop computers, any kind of software installed on the device is welcome.
What's more, it's a great indicator for those who want to do any heavy-duty tasks online, from streaming to gaming and the like. Recording speeds like this leaves no doubt in our mind that you'll avoid any delays when connecting to one of CyberGhost's 7,000+ servers.
Ideal because it is a good option if you want to unblock any of the major streaming platforms. With CyberGhost you will be able to bypass any geo-restrictions and watch US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer.
It is important to note down its areas for improvement including a better support site and ensuring that it undergoes a complete security audit for better peace of mind. For anyone after a Netflix library outside the US, CyberGhost doesn't seem to manage it, but that's not uncommon for most VPN services since Netflix's big crackdown.
VPN FAQ
How To Choose Your Mac VPN?
Any VPN worth downloading for Mac (which includes all listed below) will already be designed to work perfectly on Apple's macOS. But you'll want to make sure that your provider of choice benefits from powerful security tools and a clear no-logging policy to ensure your online anonymity.
Good performance levels don't hurt either, especially if your priority is to use your Mac VPN for streaming and torrenting. And if it's all about watching content, make sure your chosen provider has a strong reputation for unblocking the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streaming services.
If you're Apple through and through, check that you're also choosing a Mac VPN that also has a great iPhone VPN app. And if you have a lot of devices to cover with your new software, consider choosing a service that allows for a lot of simultaneous connections from a single subscription - that way you can share them with family members. can also be handed over.
Do You Need a VPN for Mac?
We all know the saying by now... Macs are much more secure than Windows computers, aren't they? And while that's true, it still pays to have that extra layer of security and anonymity that VPNs give you above and beyond Mac antivirus.
And of course, if you're more interested in the virtual private network's other functions, such as streaming foreign TV streaming service catalogs and unblocking restricted sites in your office or other countries (you might wonder if a VPN for China How useful is that), then you'll really need a VPN - or Virtual Private Network - to do this for your Mac.
How Does Mac VPN Works?
This is a great question with quite a complicated answer – and we go into some depth in our dedicated article on how VPNs work. But, simply put, when your VPN is on, all the information you send and receive from your computer or mobile is transmitted through an encrypted tunnel. This means that even if someone prying manages to hack you, they still won't be able to convert the data into comprehensive information.
What Is The Best Free Mac VPN?
If you've decided that you like to see what a VPN can do for your MacBook but can't part with your cache, then we'd recommend going for ProtonVPN. Unlike most of its cost-free competitors, Proton doesn't slap on any data usage restrictions, and it still offers servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan.
But we would suggest being a little careful when it comes to downloading free Mac VPN. Most of the other providers out there limit how much you can use each day. It's fine if you're looking for some extra security when logging on to public Wi-Fi at a cafe or airport, but certainly not enough if you're looking for a VPN for Fire TV Stick, torrenting, streaming, and more. Huh. , or just when running in the background all the time.
Post a Comment