VPNPrivacy & Security Tools

The Best VPN for Mac in 2020

Best VPN for Mac

The best VPN for Mac are available to protect your information as well as mask your real location. One of the top reasons why using a VPN app while browsing is that you can hide your identity online when using public networks. 

Using a VPN should improve the security of your Internet connection, but there are many VPNs that are sometimes more dangerous than the potential risks of connecting without a VPN. The internet we use is vulnerable and a dangerous place to be. Data harvesters, hackers and malicious websites are always out there waiting for users to make a mistake.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network – or VPN is a secure connection route that guarantees online privacy and anonymity through an encrypted tunnel.

How to choose the best VPN apps for Mac?

  • Easy-to-use macOS client
  • Support for multiple versions of OS
  • Don’t keep logs of users internet activity
  • Fast speeds
  • Strong security features and encryption
  • Work well for streaming content such as Netflix and Amazon Prime

The best VPN for Mac

Unlike the traditional VPNs that require two endpoints, now VPNs tend to be more sophisticated. That said, these VPNs are highly dependent on the type of operating systems and the kind of software it will be used for. 

ExpressVPN


ExpressVPN best VPN for Mac
Photo: ExpressVPN

Number of servers: 3000+ | Server locations: 160+ | IP addresses: 40000+ | Maximum devices supported: 5

ExpressVPN is the easiest way to get the ultimate VNP security and lead the list of the best VPN for Mac. You can have your privacy locked down in one-click of the Mac app. It offers one of the best encryptions and IP blockers on the market. TrustedServer technology and powerful encryption protect you from hackers and trackers. Secure your connection on public Wi-Fi hotspots.

The iOS app protects your data with 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. It uses the OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and IPSec protocols.

Especially if you are traveling a lot and want to have restricted content unblocked wherever you are in the world, this VPN service is a must.

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Features:

  • FlexiUnlimited Logins
  • Password Audit
  • Automatic Form Filler
  • Multi-factor Authentication
  • Emergency Access
  • Multi-factor Authentication 
  • Flexible pricing model
  • Generate stronger passwords
  •  One click form fill for shopping
  •  256-Bit AES Encryption – same level of security used by banks and governments
  • Identity forms   
  • Online Account   
  • Secure Folder Sharing  
  • Sync Across All Devices

Pricing: For the one-year plan, it will be $6.67/m + 3 months FREE or $12.95/m with no contract.

Pros

  • Very fast speeds across all servers
  • Advanced security
  • Works in China and the UAE
  • Zero logs
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Works with streaming sites from abroad

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than rivals
  • Streaming servers aren’t labelled
  • Occasional dropped connections

NordVPN 

NordVPN
Photo: NordVPN 

Number of servers: 5000+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: 40000+ | Maximum devices supported: 5

NordVPN gives you peace of mind each time you use public Wi-Fi, access personal and work accounts on the road, or want to keep your browsing history to yourself.

NordVPN service shields your online activity from nosy third parties, malicious actors, and intrusive advertisers and it is one of the best VPN for Mac. NordVPN secures your data with next-generation encryption complemented with top-notch VPN protocols – NordLynx based on Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec.

 NordVPN has easy to use and is often hailed as a very user-friendly VPN Mac app. It works great unblocking services like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV. It operates a network of 5,390+ high-speed servers in 60+ countries, with specialized servers for streaming and P2P connections.

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Features:

  • Full-featured VPN App for iPhone
  • 6 devices can be used with the same account
  • OpenVPN, IKEV2, and L2TP encryption
  • Doesn’t log users details or traffic history
  • 600+ VPN Servers in more than 60+ countries
  • Unique Double VPN for the security-minded people
  • User-friendly GUI makes sure you can become anonymous with ease
  • 30 Day Money-back guarantee

Pricing: Starts at $3.49/m with two year deal or $11.95/m with no contract.

Pros

  • Torrent-friendly servers
  • Works with Netflix
  • CyberSec to avoid malicious sites
  • No logs files
  • Two types of kill switch and no IP leaks

Cons

  • Some servers are a bit slow
  • 70% Off only for 3 years

CyberGhost 

Cyberghost VPN
Photo: CyberGhost

Number of servers: 800+ | Server locations: 70+ | IP addresses: 50000+ | Maximum devices supported: 5

To make your VPN connection faster and highly stable, CyberGhost will automatically hook you with the most suitable VPN server based on your physical location. CyberGhost protects 36+ million users’ data as it moves around the web and definitely is in our best VPN for Mac list.

It has all the standard features you need from a VPN and even has some bonus features like the AdBlocker and the Malicious Content Blocker.  CyberGhost VPN makes it easy for streaming just by selecting “Streaming” from the servers list, users will automatically create a secure connection for streaming media.

Every CyberGhost plan includes unlimited bandwidth and traffic, routed through the native IPsec protocol which provides unbreakable security by its high-level encryption. A every each one of the best VPN for Mac, every connection is protected by 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an optional kill switch.

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Features:

  • iOS app is available for iPhone / iPad.
  • You can also use it on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers with VPN client
  • No Log policy
  • OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec and PPTP protocols with 256 Bit encryption.
  • Unlimited Bandwidth and download speed
  • More than 800 servers to choose
  • 5 simultaneous connection
  • Very friendly Customer support to solve any issue you may occur
  • 30 Day Money-back guarantee

Pricing: 7 Days limited free trial available. With 2-year contract at $2.90/m or $10.49/m with no contract and month per month.

Pros

  • Offers seven licenses with a subscription
  • Strong privacy policy
  • User-friendly applications
  • Good leak protection features
  • Live chat support
  • Zero logs

Cons

  • Doesn’t work reliably from China or the UAE
  • No apps for routers
  • Parent company has a poor reputation
  • No option to allow LAN connections
  • Broken ad blocker for HTTPS sites
  • Troubling history with parent company
  • Limited access to high security No-Spy servers

VyprVPN 

VyprVPN
Photo: VyprVPN 

Number of servers: 700+ | Server locations: 70+ | IP addresses: 200000+ | Maximum devices supported: 5

VyprVPN is a Switzerland-based VPN service and what makes them different from the rest is that they own each and every server in their network

VyprVpn is a secure virtual private network that allows you to access a free and open internet, to bypass restrictions imposed on sites and content. VyprVPN has 100% control over all of the hardware, the code, and the network their platform runs on. VyprVPN became the first publicly audited No-Log VPN Provider.

VyprVPN is among the best VPNs for Mac. The only issue that this provider has is the refusal to offer anonymous sign-up and payment options. There is no extension available for Chrome, Firefox, or any other mainstream browser. 

The Kill Switch, for example, allows you to toggle an option which will instantly kill your connection if the VPN service cannot be used or has failed to connect. 

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV

Features:

  • 3 day free trial
  • Zero-Logging Policy
  • IP Address Protection
  • Easy to use
  • Personalized Kill Switch / NAT Firewall
  • High-Level Encryption
  • Chameleon Protocol
  • Unlimited High-speed Bandwidth
  • 30-days money-back guarantee

Pricing: $12.95/m with no contract or 1 year contract for $3.75/m.

Pros

  • Good speeds
  • 24/7 Live Chat Support
  • Owns it servers
  • Strong privacy jurisdiction
  • Enhanced security
  • Reliability
  • No-Log Policy
  • Good for US Netflix and China
  • Torrenting allowed

Cons

  • No cryptocurrency payment options
  • Uses virtual server locations throughout the network
  • Relatively small server network
  • No ad blocker

Surfshark

Surfshark
Photo: Surfshark

Number of servers: 1700+ | Server locations: 63+ | IP addresses: N/AMaximum devices supported: Unlimited 

Surfshark is a VPN service based in the British Virgin Islands, which doesn’t have strict data retention laws that VPNs to follow, and it is becoming more and more popular. SurfsharkVPN is among the cheapest VPN providers on the market and one of the best VPN for Mac.

This VPN is great for Netflix, torrenting, anonymous browsing, and staying safe on public WiFi. Two features of this VPN worth mentioning are the service MultiHop and Camouflage Mode. Using the two, you can hide and jump from one virtual network to another quickly. 

Surfshark in a clean cyber ocean with no ads, trackers, malware and phishing attempts. It is easy for advertisers to influence your behavior if you expose all your browsing habits.

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Features:

  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Live chat, 24/7
  • All friends and family can use your account
  • Cryptocurrencies accepted
  • Torrenting & P2P allowed
  • Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
  • Bypasses the Great Firewall of China
  • Supports unlimited devices on a single license

Pricing: Their paid plans start at $1.99/m with 2 years contract or $11.95/m with no contract.

Pros

  • Strong encryption
  • Great performance
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • No Logging
  • Secure and Anonymous Browsing
  • Wide range of Apps
  • Great Customer Support
  • Fantastic Speeds
  • Netflix Works

Cons

  • Limited P2P Servers with Poor Speeds
  • Fastest Server Isn’t Necessarily Right

Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN

Number of servers: 1000+ | Server locations: 100+ | IP addresses: 60000+ | Maximum devices supported: 5

Ivacy VPN is among the very few VPNs that actually offer value for money. Accessing foreign content can be tricky due to geo-restrictions in place. However, with Ivacy VPN, you can bid farewell to geo-restrictions. You can access content from anywhere, anytime by connecting to a different server Unblock all you want with Ivacy VPN.

IVACY VPN has multiple protocols and military-grade encryption to protect your sensitive data from snooping. By default, the company provides 256-bit encryption of military security level and several protocols including OpenVPN, IPSEC, L2TP, UD, IKeV, and TCP. You can connect up to five devices at the same time. 

Ivacy VPN has a very clear logging policy on the official website. The company only stores your email address to manage payment information.

Torrent and p2p supported server with dedicated speed. Ivacy VPN is one of the best VPN for Mac with great features at the most competitive price out there. 

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Features:

  • Unblock and access any and all sites no matter your location
  • Download torrents, share information and content securely
  • Supports up to 5 devices in a single subscription.
  • Military Grade Encryption
  • Smart Connect Feature
  • Browse effortlessly and without any restrictions
  • Advanced IPsec & IKEV Protocols
  • Malware Protection
  • 30 day Money back guarantee.

Pricing: $3.50/m with 1-year contract or $9.95/m with 1-month contract.

Pros

  • Low-cost service
  • Amazing deals regularly
  • 5 multi-login feature
  • Split tunnelling feature
  • Internet Kill Switch
  • Optimized P2P servers
  • No Browsing Logs Policy
  • Payments include: Card, PayPal, Alipay, BitPay, Coin Payments, PerfectMoney, Paymentwall

Cons

  • Connection speeds not always stable
  • Kill Switch on Windows only

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN
Photo: ProtonVPN

Number of servers: 800+ | Server locations: 70+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 10

ProtonVPN is a service headed by the ProtonVPN company AG based in Switzerland, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. The company also own the security-focused email service ProtonMail. There is a free plan but I don’t recommend a free plan of the service if you look for a fast and stable connection. 

AES-256 encryption, key exchange is done with 4096-bit RSA, and HMAC with SHA384 is used for message authentication. The provider doesn’t save any information about your online activity. Proton protects over 20 million people with their products, and ProtonVPN has been vetted by the Mozilla Foundation.

ProtonVPN is another VPN provider in our best VPN for Mac list and it exclusively uses ciphers with Perfect Forward Secrecy, meaning that your encrypted traffic cannot be captured and decrypted later, even if an encryption key gets compromised in the future. ProtonVPN is the ONLY free VPN that has no privacy-invading ads, no malware, no bandwidth limits.

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Features:

  • Secure Core servers
  • Forward Secrecy
  • DNS Leak Prevention
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Tor over VPN
  • 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee

Pricing: $4.00/m with 1-year contract or $5.00/m with 1-month contract.

Pros

  • Best free subscription
  • Flexible, low-cost plans
  • Focus on privacy and physical security
  • Slick, accessible client
  • Multihop VPN to secure locations
  • Tor connections
  • ProtonMail bundle available
  • Unblocks Netflix with the premium subscription
  • 7-day free trial

Cons

  • Fewer servers than most
  • Performance issues in certain locations
  • Slow customer support
  • Limited protocols

Final words


While there are a large offering of VPNs on the market, very few of them are quality VPNs. If you decide to choose a VPN provider not listed here in our best VPN for Mac, especially if it is free or very cheap, make sure you read the terms of service so that you aren’t surprised later on. Any VPN service that is slow, leaks the users’ IP address, and sells their personal information is simply bad. 

Learn more about how to protect your privacy online by checking some of our other post in Privacy and Security Tools category.


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