Most VPN providers offer a VPN app for Mac computers, but it can be difficult to choose the right provider with so many options available. Based on our extensive research and hands-on VPN testing over the years, these are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN:
Privacy
The primary consideration for any VPN — including Mac VPNs — should be privacy. If your Mac VPN cannot sufficiently protect your online privacy, then your VPN is useless. At a minimum, your VPN should use industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption (with OpenVPN or IKEv2 VPN protocols) or ChaCha20 (with WireGuard or IKEv2 VPN protocol), along with offering basic privacy protections like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy. For critical privacy needs, you'll also want a VPN provider that's based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, offers obfuscation, and has a RAM-only server architecture. Additional privacy features to look out for include Tor over VPN capabilities, ad and tracker blockers, and multi-hop connections. Also, look for a VPN that undergoes regular third-party security audits, as audits can help boost confidence in a VPN's ability to protect its users' privacy.
Speed
It's common knowledge that Macs are pretty fast, so you'll probably want to fast VPN which can deliver excellent speeds. The speed of your VPN can have a big impact on activities like streamingdownloading, video conferencing, gaming and general web browsing. All VPNs slow down your connection to some extent. To keep things running as smoothly as possible, you'll want to look for a VPN that will have as minimal an impact on your regular internet speed as possible. In general, the best VPNs reduce your internet download speed by an average of 25% or less, with the top performers – NordVPN, Mullvad and Surfshark – under 20% average download speed loss.
Usability
MacOS is designed to be clean and intuitive, so if you're used to the feel of the operating system, you'd probably want a similar experience with the VPN software you're using. A good Mac VPN should run smoothly and have an uncluttered user interface that's easy to use regardless of your technical expertise. It should have a large network of servers around the world so you can easily and securely connect from wherever you are, and it should help you access geo-restricted content from different regions. You should also consider advanced features, such as specialized servers (such as Tor via VPN and obfuscated servers), double hop/multi-hopa dedicated IP address and a split tunnel (allowing you to use a VPN connection for some VPN applications but not for others).
Price
VPN prices vary widely from provider to provider, so if you're on a budget, you may want to consider the cost and overall value of your MacOS VPN. Typically, you can expect to spend around $5 to $13 per month for a monthly VPN subscription plan. If you want to save money, you can opt for an annual subscription, where prices can range from approximately $30 to $100 per year. However, be careful with free VPNs, as going with a free option can put your privacy at risk instead of protecting it. Proton VPN is currently the only one free vpn that CNET recommends. However, most VPNs offer a money-back guarantee that can be anywhere from a week to 45 days. You can also get a seven-day free trial with many VPNs if you sign up through Apple's App Store. So you'll likely have options to try different Mac VPNs risk-free before deciding whether to fully invest in one.
Device support
You'll want a VPN that works well on your Mac devices, such as your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro. Additionally, if you're heavily rooted in the Apple ecosystem, you may want to consider a VPN that works well on your iPhoneiPad and even Apple TV. Fortunately, most VPNs support MacOS and iOS/iPadOS, and Apple TV compatibility is increasingly common. With most VPN providers, you can install a VPN on all your Mac devices, from MacBooks and Mac desktops to iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV set-top boxes.
Streaming
VPNs can elevate your streaming experience thanks to their ability to hide your public IP address, making apps and websites think you're in a different geographic location. For example, you can use a VPN to unblock region-restricted content, such as watching Max (formerly HBO Max) while traveling outside the US or watching BBC iPlayer while on holiday outside the UK. Alternatively, you can access the foreign libraries of Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. Consider the streaming services you want to use with a VPN and make sure those apps work with your preferred VPN service. If you want to install a VPN on your smart tvAndroid TV device, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TVcheck if your VPN provider has a compatible app for that device.