7 Best VPNs for Mac/MacBook and Some to Avoid in 2023

Want to unblock websites or streaming services on your Mac? Interested in preventing the government from tracking everything you do online? Perhaps you want to watch TV platforms on vacation? In this guide, we’ve recommended the best VPNs for Mac users, so you can gain privacy, online freedom, and access region-locked content.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all the internet traffic coming from your Mac and directs it through a VPN server in a location you choose. This prevents local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking you online. It also protects you against hackers on public wifi. Not all VPNs are suitable for your Mac, but in this guide, you’ll find a roundup of the best providers.

Our recommended Mac VPNs are versatile and serve multiple purposes, including bypassing censorship, securing public Wi-Fi, and accessing region-locked websites and apps like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Whether you own a Macbook, Macbook Air, or Macbook Pro, these VPNs are compatible and ready to enhance your online experience.

Don’t worry if you’re using an older version of macOS, either. These VPNs are designed to support all versions. Thanks to our comprehensive testing and research, you’ll be able to find the perfect Mac VPN for your personal needs and gain privacy no matter where you connect to the internet. Let’s dive in and discover the best VPN options for Mac.

Below is a quick summary of the best VPNs for Mac in 2023. Keep scrolling for detailed summaries that will help you pick between them:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for macOS users. Huge server network so there’s always a fast one available. Can access Netflix and other streaming sites. Zero logs and robust security. 30-day money-back guarantee included.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Mac. A great all-rounder with secure, reliable connections, a no-logs policy, and superior unblocking potential. Doesn’t set a connection limit.
3. ExpressVPN: Fantastic security, excellent connection speeds, and securely accesses most streaming sites like Netflix. Allows you to split-tunnel by application. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly apps that won’t break the bank. Access Netflix while keeping your connection private.
5. IPVanish: Torrent-friendly VPN with good internet speeds and strong security. A favorite among Kodi users.
6. PrivateVPN: A lesser-known option that punches above its weight class when it comes to speed, security, and the ability to watch streaming sites like Netflix.
7. AtlasVPN: Unlimited connections, excellent unblocking ability, and split tunneling is included.

Best VPNs for Mac and Macbook – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read our in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Mac and Macbook.

Mac users are spoiled for choice when picking a VPN. Pretty much all VPN providers make an app for macOS, but only a few of them are worth your time and money. Here is our list of the best VPN providers for Mac and Macbooks:

1. NordVPN

Oct 2023

NordVPN offers over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, nearly half of which are located in the United States. The VPN keeps no logs about your connection or your activity and is protected with military-grade encryption. Live customer support is available on the website. An app-specific kill switch, full kill switch, and DNS leak protection come built-in. You are allowed up to six simultaneous connections.

NordVPN has specialized servers for several different tasks, including double-hop VPN, Tor over VPN, ultra-fast optimized servers for streaming, and more. These are all laid out in the app’s server list. NordVPN works with several popular geo-locked streaming sites including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

You can get NordVPN’s MacOS app from the App Store or directly from NordVPN’s website.

Apps are also available for Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR MAC USERS:NordVPN is our first choice. A security-first provider that works reliably with major streaming platforms. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark currently has around 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. It’s fast and offers more comprehensive protection than many of its rivals. There’s effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, for instance, as well as a kill switch (in all versions), automatic ad and malware-blocking, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. Further, Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information.

This service is capable of securely accessing a huge range of popular services abroad, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu to name a few. It’s ideal for streaming since there’s no connection limit, and if you’re having any issues, you can reach support 24/7 over live chat.

Surfshark also offers apps for iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark delivers well in most areas, including online security, privacy, unblocking, and ease of use. Affordable option with no connection limit and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great all-round VPN for Mac. Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth ensure you can stream in HD and download large files quickly. It operates upwards of 3,000 optimized VPN servers in 94 countries. Strong encryption pairs with perfect forward secrecy for best-in-class security. ExpressVPN keeps no logs of your activity or real IP address. A kill switch, dubbed “network lock”, and bulletproof leak protection come built-in. ExpressVPN’s Mac app includes a split tunneling feature that allows you to choose which apps are tunneled through the VPN and which use the normal, unencrypted internet connection.

ExpressVPN provides secure access to sites like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Not all servers can get the job done, though, so contact the 24/7 live chat support to ask which ones work with your favorite streaming site.

Apps are also available for Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, certain wifi routers, and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

ExpressVPN speed test data

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is capable of handling almost anything. Fast, reliable, and able to unblock all major streaming services. Great security and online privacy with 256-bit encryption. Keep no browser logs. Kill switch and leak protection. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost allows you to choose a server not only by country, but according to how you plan to use it. For example, you can opt for a server that works to stream US Netflix or one to use for P2P filesharing. The Romania-headquartered provider upped its game recently, expanding both its server network and its unblocking capabilities. It scored well above average in our download speed tests. CyberGhost now operates 9,000+ servers in 89+ countries. It can access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among others.

The company stores no logs of users data. Strong encryption protects all internet traffic to and from your Macbook. Additional features include malware and ad blocking, anti-tracking, and automatic HTTPS redirect.

Apps are also available for Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS.

CyberGhost speed test data

Easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost is easy to use. A great option for users on a budget. Strong on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Works with most streaming sites, and has dedicated servers for streaming platforms in dozens of countries. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is a veteran provider that operates over 2,200+ servers in more than 50 countries. Connection speeds are fast and connections are reliable. Security boasts strong encryption and perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch, traffic obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and IPv6 leak protection can all be toggled in the settings. You can also set your IP address to change at a specified interval. IPVanish stores zero logs about users’ activity and connection details.

IPVanish isn’t as great for unblocking streaming services as the other VPN providers on this list, but it’s great for P2P traffic and Kodi. Kodi users with Android-based devices will have no problem setting up and using IPVanish thanks to a simple, lightweight app and remote control-friendly interface. IPVanish works with all of the Kodi add-ons we’ve tested.

Apps are also available for Windows, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

IPVanish speed test data

NO DEVICE LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families with unlimited multiple connections. Easy to use with Kodi and preferred by users who need high standards of privacy. Can’t unblock as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is an up-and-coming provider making a strong first impression thanks to its download speed, security, and ability to bypass geographic restrictions. Despite its smaller server network, it performed above average in our speed tests. Admittedly, it isn’t as fast as our top recommendations – but it still works for streaming without issues.

Security standards are on par with what you would expect from a much larger provider, including 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch and DNS leak protection are included. PrivateVPN is completely logless.

PrivateVPN is great for accessing geo-locked sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. A basic plan allows you to simultaneously connect up to six devices. Live chat is available on the website during business hours.

Apps are also available for Windows, iOS, and Android.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for general purpose use and HD Streaming. Speeds aren’t as good this year as they were last. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a super fast, dependable, and user-friendly VPN service that works like a charm on Macs. With servers in over 40 countries, you can access content from around the world.

AtlasVPN offers unlimited connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you want with just one account. It’s perfect for families or small businesses where multiple people need a VPN at the same time. Plus, it can access popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, making it a top pick for accessing geo-restricted content.

AtlasVPN’s kill switch cuts your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. Just note that it leaks momentarily during reconnection, so pause your torrents until you have reconnected to the VPN.

Split tunneling lets you route some traffic through the VPN and some through your regular connection. It’s super helpful if you need to access local services or websites while keeping sensitive data secure with the VPN.

AtlasVPN has a no-logs policy, so your online activity isn’t recorded or stored. Its apps, with a sleek and intuitive interface, are a breeze to use. You can easily switch servers and tweak settings as you like.

AtlasVPN has 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, so you can get help whenever needed. The support team is really knowledgeable and friendly, making it easy even for VPN newbies to set up and use.

AtlasVPN speed test data

EXCELLENT UNBLOCKING:AtlasVPN delivers fast speeds, top-notch security, and includes unlimited connections. All plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

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Why Mac owners should use a VPN

macOS is generally considered a fairly secure operating system, but there are still many reasons for Mac owners to employ VPNs. Macs may be less susceptible to malware than PCs, but they’re still at risk when it comes to online tracking and restrictions:

• Spying on your online activity by governments, corporations, and hackers
• Attacks that intercept, modify, or divert your internet connection
• Geo-locked content such as videos and content that can only be watched from certain countries
• Websites and apps that track your location and device address
• Web censorship by governments and corporations

You can read more about Mac OS security on Apple’s page here and our own article which asks if Macs need antivirus.

The number one reason to use a VPN on Mac is to improve privacy. Your Mac’s security and privacy only extend to the data that is stored on your Macbook. Once data is passed over the internet, it may no longer be secure or private. Your internet service provider, local wi-fi networks, or hackers on public wi-fi could intercept your data.

This information can be used against you in many ways, such as your ISP throttling your bandwidth as punishment for using P2P applications – or a hacker conducting a man-in-the-middle attack to piggyback on your sessions and potentially infect you with malware.

Besides the obvious privacy and security benefits, VPNs are extremely useful for accessing geo-locked content. If you want to watch a video or access an app that’s only available to users in a specific country, for example, you can simply set your VPN server location to that country and connect to it to unblock the content. This works whether it’s the government, your ISP, or the website itself doing the blocking.

Some apps and websites have caught onto VPN users, such as Netflix and Hulu, which prevent VPN users from watching videos from abroad. However, a handful of Mac VPNs have figured out a workaround so their users can bypass the VPN ban and watch from anywhere in the world. ExpressVPN and NordVPN, for example, both work to watch Netflix and Hulu on certain servers.

Our Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for Mac users

There’s an almost endless choice of VPNs, but it pays to think carefully about which one you use. They all differ in terms of performance, reliability, and security. To make sure we only recommend the very best providers, we considered how Mac users would likely use their VPN, and created a list of key areas where the service must excel:

• macOS and iOS support: We require beginner-friendly apps for macOS and iOS devices. Further, while some functionality, such as a kill switch, may not be present on iOS, most features should be included in both versions.
• Performance: We run speed tests regularly to help us see which VPNs are the fastest, and how they’ve improved since last time. Naturally, we’ll only recommend services that are fast enough for tasks like live streaming, torrenting, and video calling.
• Anti-censorship: Our international team tests VPNs against all manner of geo-blocked services to see which are best at beating regional restrictions. We also like to see providers that offer tools specifically for beating mass surveillance in places like China.
• Server locations: The more locations your VPN has to choose from, the greater the range of services you can access. Further, the odds of you having a nearby server increase, meaning you’re less likely to experience high latency while connected.
• Security and privacy: All of the VPNs we recommend must include uncrackable encryption, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a no-logs policy. This is just a baseline, and we prioritize services that go even further.
• Pricing: Never pay more than you have to. We frequently compare VPNs’ prices to those of their rivals. We’ll always let you know if there are any deals, discounts, trials, or money-back guarantees available.

Interested in learning more about how we put services to the test? We have a full post that breaks down our VPN testing methods.

How to use a VPN with macOS

Setting up a VPN works more or less just like installing any other type of app on macOS,  just follow these steps below.

1. Choose a suitable VPN provider, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app from your provider’s website
3. Double click on the downloaded file to install it. Confirm any prompts that might appear.
4. Launch the VPN app from your Applications menu or the dock at the bottom.
5. Enter your username and password to log in. Depending on your provider, you might need additional verification upon first setup.
6. Select a VPN server in the location that you wish to access the internet from.
7. Double click the server or hit the Connect button
8. Wait for the connection to be established.

And that’s it! You can now torrent anonymously, unblock region-locked content, secure public wi-fi connections, and much more. You can check that it’s working by Googling, “What’s my IP?” Your IP address should be different while the VPN is turned on.

Should I use a free VPN on Mac?

We recommend against using so-called “free” VPN services for many reasons. First of all, they’re slow or limit downloads. Most free VPNs cap data transfers and implement bandwidth limits that are too restrictive for anything but basic web surfing.

Second, free VPNs tend to have poor privacy practices. They may use outdated encryption or keep logs on your activity, for example. Some even inject tracking cookies and advertisements into your browser and sell your browsing data to third parties. That’s the opposite of what VPNs are meant for.

Finally, free VPNs often carry malware that will infect your Macbook once installed. Stick to paid VPN services with good reputations and strict privacy policies.

The problem with free Mac VPNs

GoVPN claims to be a free VPN for Mac and iOS devices. It is currently unknown what this app does, but connecting to a VPN service is not on the list. It will claim to be connected to a VPN, but your computer’s IP address is still visible to any site on the internet. Avoid at all costs.

Fresh VPN offers a free trial for connecting to their service. Unfortunately, the free trial is considerably less than NordVPN’s 30 days. It only lasts five minutes. Seriously. That’s all their going to give someone to test out and evaluate their service on a Mac. Not enough time for a real evaluation, and only shows what little faith the vendor has in the product on offer.

If you open the Mac app store and search for “VPN” you’ll get a long list of apps, including several that claim to be free. Most of those free VPNs include “In-App Purchases”, non-functioning connections or even blatant malware of some form or another. Even some of the paid-for VPNs have advertising embedded in their free, or trial version apps. Expect to encounter download caps, bandwidth limits, and waiting queues.

How to manually set up a VPN on a Mac

Our preferred VPN protocols are OpenVPN and Wireguard, but Macs don’t come with built-in support for them. You could configure a third-party VPN client, but this typically requires you to manually configure individual servers, a tedious process. It’s much easier to install a provider’s custom app that comes pre-configured with all the servers you’ll need, plus other benefits like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

If your VPN provider doesn’t make an app or you just prefer not to use third-party VPN software, Mac users have a few options for manually configuring a VPN. We’ll explain how to set up three of the most popular:

• Built-in VPN support (L2TP and IKEv2)
• Tunnelblick (OpenVPN)
• Viscosity (OpenVPN)

How to set up an L2TP VPN connection on macOS

L2TP/IPSec is a VPN protocol with built-in support on Macs that offers comparable speed and security to OpenVPN. To set up a VPN connection that uses the L2TP protocol, you’ll need the following information from your VPN provider:

• Your VPN provider account credentials (username or email and password)
• The VPN server addresses for each location you want to connect to
• VPN provider’s shared secret OR certificate

With that information in hand, follow these instructions:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network icon
2. Click + in the bottom left corner to create a new network interface
3. Click the Interface drop-down list and choose VPN
4. Click the VPN Type drop-down list and choose L2TP over IPSec
5. In the Service Name field, type a name for this VPN connection (can be anything you like)
6. Click Create and the VPN settings will appear
7. Using the default configuration, in the Server Address field, type the VPN server address
8. In the Account Name field, type your VPN account username
9. Click Authentication Settings
10. In the Password field, type your VPN account password
11. If using a shared secret, select Shared Secret and type the pre-shared key (a.k.a. shared secret or secret key)
12. If using a certificate, select Certificate, then Select and find the VPN provider’s certificate
13. Click Apply to save changes
14. The VPN is now set up, you just need to connect. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network icon
15. Choose the VPN connection you created in the Network box
16. Click Connect

How to set up a VPN with Tunnelblick on a Mac

Tunnelblick is a VPN client for Mac that works well with the OpenVPN protocol. You’ll need the OpenVPN configuration file for each server location you wish to connect to (.ovpn) from your VPN provider to get started, and possibly your VPN account username and password.

Tunnelblick can be downloaded for free here. Once downloaded, double-click the .dmg file and then on the Tunnelblick icon to install it. You may need to confirm and enter your Mac login credentials.

1. Launch Tunnelblick and click the button that says “I have configuration files”
2. Go to where you downloaded your .ovpn files and double-click them. You’ll be prompted to install the configurations for all users or just you. Choose whichever you like.
3. Once the configuration is installed, click the Tunnelblick icon in the top right corner of your screen and choose Connect
4. Enter your VPN username and password if prompted
5. A notification will appear to let you know the connection is established

How to set up a VPN with Viscosity on macOS

Viscosity is a paid VPN client for macOS that works well with the OpenVPN protocol. A 30-day free trial is available, after which the software costs $9. You can download the client here. Install it by clicking on the .dmg file and then dragging the app to your Applications folder. You may need to confirm and enter your Mac login credentials.

To set up OpenVPN with Viscosity, you’ll need an OpenVPN configuration file (.ovpn) for each server you wish to connect to, and possibly your VPN account username and password.

1. Click the Viscosity icon in the top right corner of your screen and choose Preferences…
2. Click the + sign in the bottom left corner of the window that appears and choose Import connection > From file…
3. Navigate to and select the .ovpn file you downloaded from your VPN provider
4. Click the Viscosity icon in the top right corner again, and the VPN connection should be listed. Click it to connect

Best VPNs for Mac Users FAQ