Best VPN for Mac Users: Top 7 Providers & Buyer’s Guide for 2024

Key Takeaways: These Are the Best VPNs for Mac
  1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Mac overall
  2. NordVPN — Fastest Mac VPN
  3. Surfshark — Mac VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
  4. Proton VPN — Free VPN with unlimited data
  5. CyberGhost — Mac VPN with large server network
  6. Private Internet Access — Cheapest Mac VPN
  7. Windscribe — Free VPN with unlimited connections

Facts & Expert Analysis About Mac VPN Services:

  • Macs offer great security: Apple’s tight control over hardware and software and the built-in security mechanisms make Mac devices less prone to security threats than Windows PCs. 
  • Macs still need a VPN: Mac devices don’t encrypt your connection, which means your internet traffic is unprotected. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it unreadable to anyone who manages to intercept it. You also need a VPN on your Mac to access geoblocked content on popular streaming platforms.
  • Not all VPNs are equal: Most VPNs offer slightly different feature sets across platforms, and the list of features on Macs can sometimes be a little slimmer. Before you choose a Mac VPN, it’s worth learning about the features available on that VPN’s Mac app to ensure it offers what you need. 
The Best VPN for MacOS users

Macs are Unix-based, which means they’re more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs. However, this benefit doesn’t extend to network connections. To protect your device and internet traffic from hackers and the government, you need a VPN. In this guide, we help you find the best VPN for Mac based on factors like security, performance and features.

VPNs aren’t just a security tool. They also help you access geoblocked websites. For example, if you travel a lot with your Mac, you can use a VPN to access content that’s geoblocked outside the U.S. or stream content from another country’s Netflix library while kicking back at home after a long day of work.

If you’re short on time and don’t want to read this entire guide, here’s the scoop: We recommend ExpressVPN. It’s the best overall VPN on the market, is compatible with Mac and offers excellent performance.

  • 11/02/2023

    Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8, as well as its expansion of server presence to 105 countries, previously 94.

  • 06/03/2024 Facts checked

    We updated the article to reflect the changes in the features available on a VPN’s Mac app. We also updated information based on recent tests we ran on top VPN providers.

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a streamlined interface for Mac users. The app’s icon shows up in the Mac menu bar, making it easy to quickly access and connect to a server with a single click. The VPN also offers excellent security, fast speeds and an extensive feature set. You can try ExpressVPN for free before you commit for the long term using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Editor’s Choice

How to Choose the Best Mac VPN

Here’s what you should look for when selecting a VPN for Mac:

  • Compatibility: The VPN must be compatible with your current macOS. This is especially important to verify if you’re running an older version of the macOS.
  • Security and privacy: Look for the most secure encryption protocols and ciphers and a no-logs policy to ensure security and privacy.
  • Unblocking capabilities: If you plan to use the VPN to stream geoblocked content, confirm that the VPN can effectively unblock streaming services.
  • Performance: A slow VPN translates to a poor experience, especially while streaming. Find a VPN that offers great connection speeds and low latency.
  • Great interface: Find an app that offers an intuitive interface that makes using the VPN easy.

The 7 Best Mac VPNs

Here’s a quick overview of the VPNs in this guide:

VPN Price Mac Notes Speed No-Logs Policy Security
$6.66 per month IPv6 available, but split tunneling isn’t. Very fast AES-256,
ChaCha20
$3.09 per month Presets & statistics available Fastest AES-256,
ChaCha20
$2.19 per month Few differences in features & interface Very fast AES-256,
ChaCha20
$4.49 per month Offers WireGuard, IKEv2 & Stealth protocols Very fast AES-256,
ChaCha20
$2.19 per month Leak protection features designed to route Apple features such as AirDrop through the VPN Not very fast AES-256,
ChaCha20
$2.19 per month Offers feature parity with the Windows app Very fast AES-128,
AES-256,
ChaCha20
$5.75 per month Features like “TCP socket termination” missing on Mac app Fast AES-256,
ChaCha20

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Mac

expressvpn mac
ExpressVPN offers fast connection speeds and excellent security.
Download

90 Mbps
Very Fast

Upload

9 Mbps
Very Fast

Latency

7 ms
Very Fast

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Pros:

  • Fast
  • Secure
  • Unblocks all big streaming apps

Cons:

  • Expensive

ExpressVPN beats all VPNs on the market in terms of security, ability to unblock streaming platforms and feature set. The Mac app includes features like a threat manager, a malware and tracker blocker, and IPv6 leak protection. However, the Mac app lacks split tunneling.

We love that the app’s home screen lets you add shortcuts to frequently used apps so you can directly launch them after activating the VPN. Moreover, the app works on other Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad. You can use ExpressVPN on up to eight devices simultaneously, so you can share your ExpressVPN account with friends or family.

ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing

The app’s interface is straightforward and beginner-friendly. A giant one-click connect button is on the home screen, but most of the advanced features are organized in the settings section. Unlike most VPNs, ExpressVPN’s server list opens in a separate window, making the home screen compact. You won’t see any lists on the screen until you want to switch servers.

expressvpn interface
ExpressVPN’s interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)

Upload Speed (Higher is better)

Latency (Lower is better)

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data averaged from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market and offers unlimited bandwidth. You’re unlikely to experience any buffering while streaming in high definition, provided your unprotected internet speeds are enough to support buffer-free high-definition streaming.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: Unblocked?

ExpressVPN unblocks all major streaming services and other websites, like those banned in certain countries, which is why we rate it as the best VPN for Facebook

The app has a built-in smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer that unblocks geoblocked streaming sites without encrypting your connection. The lack of encryption helps improve streaming performance but leaves your internet traffic unprotected, so be sure to only connect to trusted networks.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
expressvpn dns leak test
ExpressVPN passed our DNS leak test, like always.
Protocol Encryption Devices
OpenVPN AES-256


IKEv2 AES-256
Lightway AES-256,
ChaCha20



The OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Lightway protocols are available on the Mac app, but IKEv2 isn’t available on the Windows app. A kill switch is built in to cut the internet connection if the VPN connection drops.

ExpressVPN is focused on security, whether you’re using public WiFi or trying to transfer money. That’s why it tops our list of the best VPNs for the Cash app.

ExpressVPN Pricing & Value

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN, which is reflected in its pricing. The best deal, which is the annual plan, costs $6.66 per month. Short-term plans include the six-month and monthly plans, costing $9.99 and $12.95 per month, respectively. If you don’t feel fully confident about ExpressVPN, try it risk-free using the 30-day money-back guarantee or check out our ExpressVPN review.

2. NordVPN — Fastest Mac VPN

nordvpn mac
NordVPN is the fastest VPN for Mac.
Download

91 Mbps
Very Fast

Upload

9 Mbps
Very Fast

Latency

4 ms
Very Fast

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Pros:

  • Fastest VPN
  • Extensive security features
  • Budget-friendly long-term plans

Cons:

  • No split tunneling on Mac

NordVPN offers an excellent combination of speed, security and features for a budget-friendly price. The app offers a massive server network with more than 6,000 servers across 111 countries.

The Mac app offers two features that the Windows app doesn’t have: presets and statistics. Presets streamline your VPN experience by allowing you to group VPN settings and a server location for specific use cases. For example, you can create a streaming preset with NordLynx as the default protocol for the best performance and the U.S. as the default server location.

NordVPN Hands-On Testing

The Windows and Mac apps’ designs look the same, but there are significant deviations in the way the options are grouped and organized. The interface isn’t beginner-friendly, largely because it offers an extensive feature set. However, you’ll likely feel comfortable with the interface once you’ve been using it for a while.

nordvpn interface
The NordVPN app packs in plenty of settings.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)

Upload Speed (Higher is better)

Latency (Lower is better)

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data averaged from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market. With its speeds and unlimited bandwidth, you can stream your favorite movies and TV shows in 4K, even when 10 devices — the maximum that NordVPN allows — are simultaneously using the app.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: Unblocked?

NordVPN unblocks all major streaming sites. The app offers SmartPlay technology, which is an extension of smart DNS, to help you access geoblocked content and improve the streaming experience. All NordVPN servers have SmartPlay, so you don’t have to manually enable smart DNS, unlike with ExpressVPN.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
nordvpn dns leak test
We used OpenVPN to test NordVPN for DNS leaks and it passed.
Protocol Encryption Devices
OpenVPN AES-256



NordLynx ChaCha20



NordVPN came back clean during our DNS leak test, as expected. Choose from the three protocols available in the Mac app, including OpenVPN and NordLynx — NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, inspired by WireGuard. The app also offers an extensive security feature set, including malware, trackers, an ad blocker, a dark web monitor and the option to change your DNS.

NordVPN Pricing & Value

NordVPN offers low-cost, long-term plans. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $3.09 per month. That’s an excellent price considering NordVPN’s capabilities and features. Shorter-term plans include the annual and monthly plans, which cost $4.59 and $12.99 per month, respectively.

The VPN provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk in trying it out before you commit for the long term. If you want to learn more about NordVPN before you try it, read our comprehensive NordVPN review.

3. Surfshark — Mac VPN With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

surfshark mac
Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Download

93 Mbps
Very Fast

Upload

9 Mbps
Very Fast

Latency

127 ms
Good

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Pros:

  • Fast connection speeds
  • Great unblocking capability
  • Unlimited simultaneous devices

Cons:

  • High latency on nearby servers

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN, but don’t let that make you think it’s any less powerful. It’s a low-cost VPN that offers fast connection speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections and an excellent user interface for Mac users.

The VPN app is loaded with features. This includes “invisible on LAN,” which hides your device from other devices on the same network; CleanWeb, an ad and malware blocker; and “camouflage mode,” an obfuscation feature that mixes encrypted and unencrypted internet traffic to bypass censorship in countries like China.

Surfshark Hands-On Testing

The Windows and Mac apps are pretty much the same by design and feature set. However, there are a few small differences. For example, you can resize the Windows app but not the Mac app. In addition, the Mac app doesn’t have a built-in speed test.

surfshark interface
The Surfshark app isn’t resizable on Mac.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)

Upload Speed (Higher is better)

Latency (Lower is better)

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data averaged from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Surfshark trails closely behind ExpressVPN and NordVPN in terms of speed. You can use Surfshark to stream high-definition content without interruptions. Since Surfshark offers unlimited bandwidth, you can share your account with family members and co-workers and still stream content without worrying about poor performance.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: Unblocked?

Surfshark unblocks all major streaming platforms without a hitch. The streaming experience was interruption-free during our tests, but the video sometimes took a few seconds to load thanks to Surfshark’s high latency. High latency isn’t a problem when streaming, but it does cause lag during video calls or any activity that requires two devices to be in sync.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
surfshark dns leak test
Surfshark passed our DNS leak test when we tested
it using the WireGuard protocol.
Protocol Encryption Devices
OpenVPN AES-256


IKEv2 AES-256

WireGuard ChaCha20


Surfshark passed our DNS leak test with the OpenVPN protocol. It offers three protocols on the Mac app, including OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. The VPN client offers additional security features like NoBorders mode, which helps you get past network restrictions, and “rotating IPs,” which automatically rotates your IP without changing your VPN server location.

Surfshark Pricing & Value

Surfshark is a cheap VPN service — the best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.19 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the shorter-term plans, which include the annual plan for $2.79 per month and the monthly plan for $15.45 per month. See our Surfshark review for more.

Surfshark Starter
  • Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
  • Yes
Surfshark One
  • Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $239.25 for one year, $430.65 for two years.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
Surfshark One+
  • Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited

4. Proton VPN — Free VPN With Unlimited Data

protonvpn mac
Proton VPN offers a generous free plan with unlimited free data.

Pros:

  • Fast connection speeds
  • Unlimited data on free plan
  • Unblocks all streaming sites

Cons:

  • No Split tunneling on Mac
  • Free plan lacks server selection

Proton VPN is one of the few reliable VPNs that offers a free plan. If you don’t mind the limited access to server locations and features, Proton VPN is an excellent pick. The free plan has access to servers in five locations, including the U.S., the Netherlands, Japan, Romania and Poland. However, Proton VPN automatically selects the location — you can’t pick one yourself.

There are several differences in the VPN software for Mac and Windows. The Mac app lacks OpenVPN, which the Windows app offers. However, the Mac app has the IKEv2 and Stealth protocols, which are absent from the Windows app. In addition, the Mac app only offers port forwarding through manual setup, whereas it’s built into the Windows app.

Proton VPN Hands-On Testing

The VPN’s interface tries to fit quite a bit on the home screen, including a quick-connect button and the server list. You can also navigate to other clickable sections on the home screen. 

For example, you can access Secure Core servers, which are privacy-focused servers in countries with favorable privacy laws, and NetShield, which is an ad and tracker blocker. Overall, the interface is intuitive, but beginners may need some time to get comfortable.

protonvpn interface
Proton VPN’s home screen is loaded with features and buttons.
Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Speed Test Results
Location Ping
ms
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Unprotected 19 19.96 5.94
🇺🇸 United States

26

19.43

5.55

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

299

18.46

5.45

🇧🇷 Brazil

392

15.77

4.82

🇸🇬 Singapore

540

14.47

3.40

🇿🇦 South Africa

604

13.27

5.40

🇦🇺 Australia

523

17.53

5.09

Average

397

16.49

4.95

Proton VPN offers excellent connection speeds, but it’s not among the fastest. This means you can use Proton VPN to stream content without worrying about buffering as long as you don’t connect to VPN servers that are too far away.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: Unblocked?

We could unblock all popular streaming services using Proton VPN. In fact, it’s one of the best VPNs for Netflix. Even though Proton VPN is quite effective at getting past streaming firewalls, remember that you’ll need the paid version to choose a server in a specific country and access the content or service you want.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis
protonvpn dns leak test
Proton VPN came out clean in our DNS leak test.
Protocol Encryption Devices
OpenVPN AES-256

IKEv2 AES-256
Stealth ChaCha20

WireGuard ChaCha20


Proton VPN offers three protocols on the Mac app: WireGuard, IKEv2 and Stealth. Though OpenVPN is missing, Proton VPN makes up for it with WireGuard. We used WireGuard to test Proton VPN for DNS leaks and it came out clean. Overall, Proton VPN is a highly secure VPN, so you don’t have to worry about IP or DNS leaks, or anyone intercepting your data.

Proton VPN Pricing & Value

If you want access to more features and server locations — and the ability to pick a specific location — Proton VPN offers both long- and short-term paid plans. However, the paid plans are a little pricey. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $4.49 per month. Short-term plans include the annual and monthly plans, which cost $4.99 and $9.99 per month, respectively.

Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out for free. If you want to learn more before you try it, head over to our extensive Proton VPN review.

Free
  • Unlimited GB
  • 1
  • Yes
Plus
  • 1-year plan renews at $119.88; 2-year plan renews at $239.76
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes

5. CyberGhost — Mac VPN With Large Server Network

cyberghost mac
CyberGhost’s interface is attractive, intuitive and detailed.
Download

84 Mbps
Very Fast

Upload

9 Mbps
Very Fast

Latency

29 ms
Very Fast

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Pros:

  • VPN automation features
  • User-friendly desktop app
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Slow

CyberGhost offers a large server network, with more than 11,600 servers across 100 countries. The app has a well-designed and detailed interface — it’s one the best desktop interfaces of any VPN. CyberGhost and Surfshark are priced similarly. If you want great interface and automation features, CyberGhost is your best bet. If you’re focused on performance, opt for Surfshark.

The Mac and Windows apps look more or less the same, with a few minor differences. The Mac app doesn’t offer OpenVPN, which the Windows app does. However, the Mac app does offer leak protection features specifically designed to route Apple features through the VPN.

CyberGhost Hands-On Testing

CyberGhost has an attractive interface with plenty of features to streamline the VPN experience. For example, you can sort servers based on server load and distance so you can find the optimal one. The app also has “smart rules,” a feature that helps automate routine VPN tasks. For example, you can create a rule to auto-connect to a server whenever you open a browser.

cyberghost interface
CyberGhost offers built-in automation for common VPN-related tasks.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)

Upload Speed (Higher is better)

Latency (Lower is better)

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data averaged from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

CyberGhost isn’t among the fastest VPNs on the market. However, it’s still a great VPN for streaming in standard definition. If you’re looking to stream content on your Mac while using your school’s network, CyberGhost is a great option. It’s the best deal you can get for a bit of your pocket money, and we’ve rated it as the best VPN for school.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: Unblocked?

CyberGhost unblocks all major streaming platforms. However, you might have to use the service’s streaming-optimized servers. During tests for our main review, we noticed the Mac app did a better job of unblocking streaming services than the Windows app. We could easily access Netflix and Hulu, but we found getting into BBC iPlayer a little harder using the Windows app.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
cyberghost-dns-leak-test
CyberGhost came out clean when we tested it for
DNS leaks using the OpenVPN protocol.
Protocol Encryption Devices
OpenVPN AES-256

IKEv2 AES-256

WireGuard ChaCha20



We didn’t notice any DNS leaks when testing CyberGhost. The VPN service offers excellent security. Though the Mac app lacks OpenVPN, it makes up for it with WireGuard.

The app also packs in additional security features, like an ad and malware blocker and NoSpy servers, which CyberGhost owns and fully controls from its secure Romanian headquarters.

CyberGhost Pricing & Value

CyberGhost is a low-cost service. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.19 per month. The service also offers short-term plans, including the six-month plan for $6.99 per month and the monthly plan for $12.99 per month.

You get a 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans except the monthly plan, which comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. You can try the service risk-free or learn more about the service in our CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost Plans
  • *The $56.94 price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 7
  • Yes

6. Private Internet Access — Cheapest Mac VPN

pia mac
Private Internet Access offers a large server network and
unlimited simultaneous connections.
Download

92 Mbps
Very Fast

Upload

9 Mbps
Very Fast

Latency

4 ms
Very Fast

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Pros:

  • Advanced features
  • Large server network
  • Unlimited device connections

Cons:

  • Doesn’t unblock Hulu

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a fast, secure VPN with a larger server network spread across more than 90 countries and offering advanced features. It’s one of the few services that operates with fully open-source apps — you can inspect the code to ensure it’s secure whenever you feel the need.

During our tests, PIA couldn’t unblock Hulu or Disney Plus, but it did get into other streaming platforms with ease. Moreover, thanks to unlimited bandwidth, you can share your account with as many friends or family members as you want without worrying about poor performance.

Private Internet Access Hands-On Testing

The app has a clean design. The interface focuses more on functionality than aesthetics, making it beginner-friendly. There’s a fairly large quick-connect button that automatically finds the best server to connect you to. If you want to access advanced features, they’re available in the settings section, which you can navigate to by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner.

pia interface
PIA’s features are housed in the settings section.
Notes From the Lab: Private Internet Access Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)

Upload Speed (Higher is better)

Latency (Lower is better)

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data averaged from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

PIA is adequately fast, but speeds vary greatly across geographic locations and connection types. We noticed the latency was quite high during our tests, so PIA might not be the best pick if you plan to use it during video calls on your Mac.

Notes From the Lab: Private Internet Access Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: Unblocked?

PIA unblocked all streaming platforms during our tests except Hulu and Disney Plus. However, it does offer great connection speeds. This means you can use it to stream content in high definition.

Notes From the Lab: Private Internet Access Security Analysis
pia dns leak test
PIA came out clean during our DNS leak test.
Protocol Encryption Devices
OpenVPN (UDP) AES-128,
AES-256




OpenVPN (TCP) AES-128,
AES-256




WireGuard ChaCha20



As expected, there were no DNS leaks when we tested PIA. The VPN offers top-notch security with two of the best VPN protocols currently available: OpenVPN and WireGuard. Various additional security features include MACE (an ad blocker), port forwarding and double VPN.

Private Internet Access Pricing & Value

PIA offers a cheap 2-year plan for $2.19. The 6-month plan goes for $7.50, while the monthly plan goes for $11.99. They also offer a 3-year plan, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee covering all plans so you can try the VPN and claim a full refund if you’re not satisfied. In addition, consider checking out our PIA review.

7. Windscribe — Free VPN With Unlimited Connections

windscribe mac
Windscribe offers unlimited connections on the free plan.
Download

95 Mbps
Very Fast

Upload

9 Mbps
Very Fast

Latency

1 ms
Very Fast

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Pros:

  • Flexible paid plans
  • Advanced features
  • Generous free plan

Cons:

  • Three-day money-back guarantee

If you want a consistent experience and access to the same features across Windows and Mac devices, Windscribe is a great option. The interfaces are pretty much the same, but a handful of features are missing for Mac. For example, “TCP socket termination,” which terminates all existing TCP sockets on your system when the VPN activates, isn’t available for Mac.

Windscribe’s free plan is fairly generous. In addition to having access to almost all the features and unlimited simultaneous connections, you get 10GB of free data each month once you confirm your email and an extra 5GB when you post on X about Windscribe, for a total of 15GB. To top it off, the VPN offers great speed and security.

Windscribe Hands-On Testing

Windscribe’s interface is compressed into a small window full of clickable options. You can access the settings from the top right, change the encryption protocol by clicking on the current protocol and expand the server list from the bottom. This can be intimidating for a first-time VPN user. Fortunately, the options in the settings include descriptions to make things a little easier.

windscribe interface
Windscribe provides descriptions under all its settings and features.
Notes From the Lab: Windscribe Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)

Upload Speed (Higher is better)

Latency (Lower is better)

Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data averaged from 05/05/24 to 06/02/24
Data for region:

Windscribe is among the fastest VPNs on the market. During our tests, we also noticed insignificant latency — it stayed below 5 ms for the most part. If you’re looking to stream geoblocked content for free, Windscribe is a great option.

Notes From the Lab: Windscribe Unblocking Capability Test Results
Streaming app: Unblocked?

Windscribe unblocks all the popular streaming platforms. We had to switch a few servers to unblock Netflix, Disney Plus and Max libraries, but we got into Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer on the first attempt. You’ll likely run out of data pretty quickly on the free plan if you stream regularly, but you can always upgrade to a paid plan.

Notes From the Lab: Windscribe Security Analysis
windscribe dns leak test
We tested Windscribe for DNS leaks using WireGuard and it passed.
Protocol Encryption Devices
OpenVPN AES-256



IKEv2* AES-256


Stealth AES-256

WStunnel AES-256
WireGuard ChaCha20



*Only in the strongSwan app

We ran a DNS leak test using Windscribe and it came back clean using OpenVPN as our protocol. Windscribe offers all five of its protocols on the Mac app, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth, WStunnel and WireGuard.

Windscribe Pricing & Value

Windscribe’s paid plans include access to all servers and more custom R.O.B.E.R.T. rules — R.O.B.E.R.T. is Windscribe’s industry-leading ad blocker. However, the price is pretty steep — the best deal (the annual plan) costs $5.75 per month. The monthly plan costs $9 per month.

The service offers a unique “build a plan” option that allows you to put together a custom plan with a minimum monthly value of $3. You can add multiple server locations to your plan for $1 per location per month or unlimited data plus R.O.B.E.R.T. for $1 per month. Read our Windscribe review to learn more about Windscribe and R.O.B.E.R.T.

Free
  • Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
  • 15GB
  • Unlimited

Our Methodology: How We Tested the Best Mac VPN Providers

We test VPNs firsthand to gauge their performance instead of relying on the service providers’ claims. We offer a glimpse at our testing methodology below.

Mac Features

There are at least a few differences between the Windows and Mac versions of most VPN apps. We dive into the protocols and features available on these platforms to ensure the Mac app doesn’t leave out too many of the VPN’s key features.

Speed

Speed is critical for performance. Slow VPNs result in lags when streaming, which translates to a poor experience. Other factors like server distance and server load also contribute to speeds, but some VPNs manage these more effectively than others. We run speed tests via multiple server locations to assess each VPN’s performance.

Security

VPNs need best-in-class protocols to offer great security. We like VPNs that offer OpenVPN and WireGuard combined with AES-256 or ChaCha20. We test VPNs for DNS, IP and WebRTC leaks to ensure the VPN can effectively secure your connection. Features like split tunneling, an ad blocker and obfuscation are also looked for.

Content Unblocking

Streaming platforms have made it harder for VPNs to circumvent geoblocks. However, a few VPNs, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, have consistently managed to get into platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. We test each VPN’s capability to unblock popular platforms and prioritize ones that do well.

Usability

VPNs can be intimidating, with fancy protocols and different names for the same feature. We try to prioritize VPNs that allow users to get the most out of the service without any complexities standing in the way. We like an easy-to-use interface and descriptions for each feature and option, as they help users understand what to expect when enabling them.

Why Mac Users Need a VPN

Macs are secure devices. You’re less likely to infect your Mac than your Windows PC. However, a Mac can’t protect your network, which is where a VPN comes in. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it harder — or even impossible — for anyone to read your data.

For example, when you’re connected to public WiFi, a cybercriminal might intercept your connection and steal information if you’re not using a VPN. However, if your connection is encrypted with a VPN, no one will be able to extract any meaningful information from your connection.

Can You Use a Free VPN for Mac Devices?

Yes, you can use a VPN with a free plan, such as Proton VPN or Windscribe, for Mac devices. Avoid using any random free VPN you find on the App Store or Google. Most free VPNs are terrible — they offer little to no security and slow speeds. Some might even infect your device with malware or collect personal data. Instead, go for trustworthy VPNs that offer a free plan.

The Best Free Mac VPN: Proton VPN

Proton VPN offers unlimited data on its free plan, fast connection speeds and excellent security. The free plan does have some limitations, such as access to only five server locations, but it’s better than using a free VPN that doesn’t secure your connection and collects personal data.

Final Thoughts

Mac devices have better security, but the connection is unprotected unless you use a VPN. To stay safe from hackers and access geoblocked content with your Mac, you need a VPN that secures your connection and bypasses geoblocks on streaming sites. We recommend ExpressVPN. Low-cost alternatives like NordVPN or Surfshark are great for those on a budget. 

Have you used a VPN on your Mac device before? Which one did you use, and what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: Best VPN for Mac

  • ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Mac. It’s on the expensive side, but it’s worth the price. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, consider NordVPN, Surfshark or Private Internet Access.

  • Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Mac. It offers free unlimited data, fast connection speeds and excellent security.

  • No, Mac doesn’t offer a built-in VPN. You need to manually download and install a VPN app on your Mac to use one.

  • No, Apple doesn’t recommend a specific VPN. You can use the VPN of your choice that’s available for Mac.

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The post Best VPN for Mac Users: Top 7 Providers & Buyer’s Guide for 2024 appeared first on Cloudwards.

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