The best Mac VPN in 2024

With the ever-growing complexity of cyberattacks, a virtual private network (VPN) has quickly become an essential app if you want to protect your Mac. Don't let the technical name fool you, though.

The best Mac VPNs are easy to use and do so much more than just protect your device. You can unblock your favorite shows abroad, make the most of international sales, and even cut the costs of other security tools with an all-in-one app.

After thousands of hours of testing and more than a hundred of the best VPN services reviewed, I compare apps, features, unblocking performance, server locations, speeds, and prices. If you want a VPN that works with MacOS and runs natively on M1 and M2 chips, I've got you covered. 

The best Mac VPNs - quick answer

Just looking for the short version? Here's a quick summary of my top picks:

1. The best Mac VPN: NordVPN

1. <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&url_id=10992&aff_id=3013&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best Mac VPN: NordVPN
NordVPN offers the perfect blend of form, function, and cost. It's a premium service that doesn't overcharge and gives you the option to cut costs by not paying for features you don't need.

With its proven Netflix unblocking capabilities and exceptional speeds, there's a lot to love, and even more to do with NordVPN. See for yourself why it's my go-to Mac VPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee—all without risking a penny.

2. The best for beginners: ExpressVPN

2. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best for beginners: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN automates all of the nitty gritty stuff that other apps make you do manually, and with its simple one-click connect function, you can set it and forget it for simple peace of mind.

Although ExpressVPN costs more than most of its competitors, it makes up for it by offering 24/7 customer support and a year of unlimited cloud backup storage, plus three additional months of coverage, when you pick up a 1-year plan. Check it out for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. The best cheap Mac VPN: Surfshark

3. <a href="http://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best cheap Mac VPN: Surfshark
Surfshark regularly tops our lists as the best value-for-money app out there. With a full security suite on offer for less than $2.50 per month, it's hard to argue with those prices.

You'll get lightning-fast speeds, a straightforward Mac app, and unlimited simultaneous connections to play with. Try Surfshark in your own time with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Recent updates

In one of the biggest shake-ups in the past few years, NordVPN has finally claimed the top spot as the best VPN for MacOS thanks to the sheer wealth of features, amazing pricing, and outstanding performance. Keep reading for more or, if you want to see more, check out our latest VPN testing results.

The five best VPNs for Mac in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Let's take a look at what makes a VPN for Mac worth it in my app deep-dives.

The best VPN for Mac overall

(Image credit: Nord Security)

1. NordVPN

Packed with features, amazing speeds, and competitive prices

Dedicated Mac client: Yes | iOS app rating: 4.6 | Also available for: Windows, Android, Linux | Maximum connections: 10 | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30-day money back guarantee

Double data encryption
Excellent speeds
Loads of servers
Great for streaming
Small increase in renewal prices
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a complete security suite: NordVPN provides ad blocking and malware protection as standard with its VPN subscription.

✔️ Streaming Netflix is your primary use case: NordVPN currently tops our list as the best VPN for Netflix so that you can access streams worldwide.

✔️ You want a blend of high-quality protection and cost: Between NordVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy, you can ensure your information is safe. 

Don't subscribe if:

❌ You want a super simple interface: if you want a more plain design without the bells and whistles, go for our other top picks since all of them have cleaner apps.

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 NordVPN strikes the perfect balance between security, usability, performance, and unblocking capability, all while offering exceptional customization. Put it to the test yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth NordVPN review for more information on why it's the best Mac VPN in 2024.

NordVPN takes the crown for the best Maco VPN thanks to its amazing functionality, value for money, and exceptional performance all around. Couple that with varied pricing plans and you only pay for the features you need. You can even opt to tag on a cross-platform password manager, secure cloud storage, and even cybersecurity insurance to help you recover if you're a victim of fraud or identity theft.

If you are looking for a VPN for Netflix, NordVPN nailed a 100% score for every service we tested in every region, too. With my latest tests showing over 950 Mbps average download speeds, you can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, YouTube, and more, without worrying about that dreaded buffering wheel.

Try the best Mac VPN, NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee

NordVPN is P2P-friendly and has a strict zero-logs policy that's audited annually by PricewaterhouseCoopers (good to know if you're after a VPN for torrenting). Plus its DNS-based malware protection blocks viruses before they get onto your Mac. As the saying goes: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Its optional "Double VPN" technology encrypts data twice, meaning data passes through two separate VPN servers for extra security. It also boasts other helpful features like encrypted chat, web proxy extensions, and Meshnet—which is great for getting around household detection and remote access.

NordVPN also offers excellent device support and is considered one of the best iPhone VPN providers. It seamlessly integrates with any Mac device, including Mac Mini, Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. You can configure your Mac device to automatically connect to a secure server when using an untrusted network, such as a hotel, airport, or café Wi-Fi network.

With a user-friendly interface, NordVPN lets you choose between 140 server locations in over 110 countries. The apps are designed so you just need to click on the region you want to connect to and it'll find the fastest server available and automatically configure your connection for the best protection.

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NordVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA fun design that can be a little busy for some people⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEverything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOne of our fastest VPNs⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingPerfect for Netflix and other streaming sites⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyEvery bit as strong as ExpressVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAlways available, supportive, and professional⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceFantastic value for the money⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best Mac VPN for beginners

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

2.

Excellent features, easy to use, and reliable unblocking

Dedicated Mac client: Yes | iOS app rating: 4.5 | Also available for: Windows, Android, Linux | Maximum connections: 8 | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30-day money back guarantee

Easy-to-use Mac app
Ultra-reliable kill switch included
Fantastic Mac-dedicated 24/7 support
Unblocks all popular streaming platforms 
Not the cheapest provider
Only eight simultaneous connections
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN that auto-connects: ExpressVPN's handy auto-connect feature ensures that you're always protected.

✔️ You want to check out international content: whether it's streaming platforms, social media sites, or news outlets, ExpressVPN has no trouble beating geo-restrictions.

Don't subscribe if:

You're on a budget: ExpressVPN is undeniably pricey, and I'd recommend Surfshark if you're looking for a bargain.

You need a full security suite: ExpressVPN focuses on its stellar VPN rather than offering antivirus tools. If you need the extra add-ons, you'll want to check out NordVPN.

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 ExpressVPN has been setting the bar across the industry for years, now, and spoils Mac users with sleek apps and tons of customization. Take the service for a test drive with a 30-day money-back guarantee to see for yourself.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review for more information on why it's still one of the best VPNs in the industry.

Some VPNs neglect their Mac user base, offering apps that don't have all the features you'll find in their Windows counterparts. Luckily, ExpressVPN bucks this trend. With ExpressVPN, you're getting a premium service that oozes simplicity.

The ExpressVPN Mac clients look awesome. The user interface is modern and artsy, without being obnoxious, and all the features are right where you'd expect them to be. So, you don't have to be a VPN expert to make the most of the service. If do have experience with VPNs, however, you can check out ExpressVPN's more advanced features—like an auto-connect tool that makes sure you're always connected to a secure server. The kill switch is reliable and incredibly handy; ExpressVPN will automatically deny internet access to your Mac if the VPN connection drops, so third parties (like your ISP and the sites you visit), can't check out your browsing data and real location even if the VPN connection is interrupted.

Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN has high-speed servers in most parts of the world, including Africa, South and North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Connecting to any server in a country of your choice grants you access to any local news website, sports channel, or streaming services. For example, you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies on foreign streaming services, such as Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+.

Although it doesn't offer more servers than NordVPN, or some of its other close competition, each ExpressVPN server is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) friendly and offers blazing-fast speeds. That means you can torrent large files safely, enjoy buffer-free streaming, or browse the internet without slowdowns. Although it allows for only five simultaneous connections per subscription, our previous tests have shown it reaches maximum download speeds of around 410 Mbps, enough to stream shows in 4K Ultra HD on all your devices, which requires only 25 Mbps.

ExpressVPN justifies its slightly higher cost by offering unparalleled quality and unique advanced features. However, its higher price point can become problematic if you need its services on more than five devices because it doesn’t offer unlimited simultaneous connections like Surfshark. In addition, it provides a smaller server network than NordVPN, making it a worse pick for optimal performance.

I should also mention ExpressVPN's outstanding privacy policy and server security. It keeps no records of your online activities, and its TrustedServer technology, which utilizes RAM instead of hard disk drives, ensures every server reboot wipes your data.

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ExpressVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA simple design and user-friendly Mac app⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useAuto-connect functionality additionally simplifies using it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast enough for the average user’s needs, but slower than industry leaders⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingCan easily access sites and services worldwide⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyExceptional protocols and regular audits, but a recent DNS leak raised some concerns⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 available and helpful live chat support⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceMore expensive compared to top competitors⭐⭐⭐

The best cheap VPN for Mac

Surfshark VPN working on multiple devices

3. Surfshark

The fastest VPN, with unlimited device coverage and amazing prices

Dedicated Mac client: Yes | iOS app rating: 4.8 | Also available for: Windows, Android, Linux | Maximum connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30-day money back guarantee

Amazing prices
Unlimited device coverage
Excellent user rating
Unbeaten speeds
Prices increase heavily on renewal
Some kill switch issues under extreme testing
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want the best budget VPN: Surfshark offers lots of features, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network for an affordable price

✔️ You need the fastest VPN around: currently topping our charts with over 950 Mbps average speeds, faster than all of our top picks.

✔️ You want a cheap security suite: much like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with an array of internet security tools to keep you safe. 

Don't subscribe if:

You need a bulletproof kill switch: our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch. If an accidental IP leak could put you in danger, we'd recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

❌ You only want to torrent: while Surfshark supports torrenting on its service, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Private Internet Access or ExpressVPN. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Surfshark is an exceptional value-for-money VPN. With unparalleled speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, you get a lot of choice for a low price. Try for yourself and see why it's our favorite cheap VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Surfshark VPN review to see why it's the best cheap Mac VPN.

Surfshark boasts the fastest connections worldwide and a beautifully straightforward interface. Besides its excellent service quality, this product always finds its place on the top of our best cheap VPN list. With a wealth of features and customizable pricing plans, you're never paying for a feature you don't need.

In terms of encryption, Surfshark offers OpenVPN and several other protocols for you to choose from—including the super speedy WireGuard (during our last test, it jumped to the top as the fastest VPN, reaching a peak of 950Mbps). In addition, it utilizes AES-256 encryption to ensure that nobody can discover what sites you've been using, together with a strict no-logs policy.

Try Surfshark on unlimited devices at the same time

Surfshark also offers Incogni, a service that automatically requests the deletion of personal data stored by data brokers. This way, it protects your privacy from invasive data-tracking practices and companies. Incogni can remove your private information from more websites than any similar service, including marketing, recruitment, financial information, risk mitigation, and people search websites.

In addition, Surfshark can help you avoid malicious ads, phishing scams, annoying cookie pop-up requests, and malware with its Clean Web 2.0 feature. While a VPN program can’t help if malware makes it onto your Mac, Surfshark can help you avoid that issue entirely by blocking infected websites. Its database of malicious URLs is updated daily and currently numbers over one million web addresses.

However, our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch, making it a potential downside to its overall reliability. If you suspect an accidental IP leak could put you in danger, you should go for ExpressVPN or NordVPN. But if you're after a VPN for streaming, Surfshark is an excellent pick since it can reliably unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, or HBO Max. However, NordVPN outperformed it in recent tests.

With its versatile features and excellent speeds, Surfshark offers undeniable value for your money. Unlike the competitors, one subscription covers unlimited devices, so besides your Mac, you can activate it on your other devices or share its protection with your family, friends, or coworkers.

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Surfshark test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignVery simple and intuitive⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useBeginner-friendly and seamless connections⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe fastest of all of our top picks⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingGood content unblocking, but not amazing⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacySome kill switch issues; the built-in ad blocker and antivirus weren't as good as expected⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportLots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate when you need help on the fly⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceThe best cheap VPN on the market⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other Mac VPN's I've tested and recommend

Private Internet Access on a Mac

(Image credit: Private Internet Access)

4. Private Internet Access (PIA)

A proven industry veteran with an enormous network

Dedicated Mac client: Yes | iOS app rating: 4.6 | Also available for: Windows, Android, Linux | Maximum connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30-day money back guarantee

Brilliant across clients
Nice pricing
Strong App Store score for iOS
Open source apps
Server speeds can be inconsistent
Desktop apps are more suited for advanced users
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN that's proven its claims: PIA is one of the only VPN services that can say it's proven its no-logs policy in court—not once, but twice.

✔️ You need a dedicated Linux GUI: with apps for the most popular distros and over 10 years in the industry, it's a long-standing favorite in the Linux community.

✔️ You need a customizable torrenting VPN: port-forwarding and a mountain of torrent-friendly servers make PIA an excellent pick for P2P file sharing. 

Don't subscribe if:

You want the easiest VPN to use: PIA's technical prowess and its orientation towards technical users means that it isn't the easiest for absolute beginners.

You want a built-in password manager: unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN, PIA doesn't offer a password manager for users.

❌ You want the fastest VPN: PIA offers good speeds and is comparable to ExpressVPN, but it is nowhere near the speeds on offer with NordVPN and Surfshark. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Private Internet Access is an industry veteran and a long-standing favorite of privacy purists. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Want to know more?

Check out our Private Internet Access VPN review to see how it compares to ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is likely the only VPN that has proven its no-logs claims in court twice, and nothing gives peace of mind like having your policies proven true. It stands out from the competition by offering servers across 129 locations in more than 90 countries. It also has dedicated streaming servers that make it easier to unblock your favorite shows and more IPs on offer than any other pick on our list. 

Having so many servers available means you’ll never experience lag or other issues caused by too many users using a single server, as you can always simply reconnect to another one. PIA has a comprehensive search function that allows you to sort the servers alphabetically and according to their latency. In addition, it displays the speeds you can expect by connecting to a server.

Try PIA's proven service with a 30-day money-back guarantee

PIA has a reliable split-tunneling feature that allows you to use the VPN with specific apps or IP addresses. For example, you can encrypt the internet traffic sent through one browser while all your other apps remain unencrypted. Although PIA never restricts your bandwidth, encrypting some apps leads to slower speeds, making split-tunneling great for freelancers, gamers, and streaming.

However, testing PIA on Mac showed some inconsistent server speeds. If you're mostly browsing or streaming, it should be fast enough, but those to whom performance is one of the priorities should choose NordVPN or Surfshark. Besides, desktop apps are better suited to more advanced technical users, so PIA generally lacks that intuitive feel and attention to detail that comes with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

Similarly to Surfshark, PIA supports unlimited connections, which makes it stand out from other top competitors. It is quite reasonably priced and worth trying out. For peace of mind, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee in case it does not meet your needs.

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Private Internet Access test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignLots of customization, but it lacks some attention to detail⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useGood for advanced users; still, beginners could seek another option⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceGenerally average compared to industry leaders⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingDedicated streaming servers and tens of thousands of servers allow you to unblock anything and everything⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyThe latest and greatest in VPN tech and a proven no-logging policy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supporExpert support on-hand available 24/7⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PricePlenty of features for a budget-friendly price⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Windscribe VPN on an Apple Macbook

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

5. Windscribe

A decent free Mac VPN

Dedicated Mac client: Yes | iOS app rating: 4.3 | Also available for: Windows, Android, Linux | Maximum connections: Unlimited | 24/7 support: No | Refund period: 30-day money back guarantee

Crammed with advanced features 
10GB free data allowance
Good value with very flexible plans
Unlimited simultaneous connections
No security audit or 24/7 live chat support (but coming soon)  
Apps might intimidate newbies with their many options
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a free VPN with more than 3 locations: unlike Proton VPN, Windscribe offers 10 countries to choose from on its free servers.

✔️ You want to pretend you're in Antarctica: that's right, Windscribe has a fake Antarctica server, so you can pretend to be a penguin accessing international content. 

Don't subscribe if:

You're paying for a subscription: it's an excellent service, but even Windscribe's cheapest premium plan just doesn't offer the same value for money as the likes of Surfshark of PIA.

You want an audited VPN: Windscribe is open source, so anyone can audit, but it has yet to commit to a proper, independent third-party audit. 

Bottom line ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 Windscribe offers an amazing free plan, but its premium service struggles to compete with the industry leaders regarding value. 

Want to know more?

Check out our Windscribe VPN review to see whether you should use its free version on your Mac.

A service that keeps improving, Windscribe has addressed some of the issues that kept holding it back. Unlike some competitors, I'm glad it held onto the same interface and functionality for both its Mac and Windows VPN apps. It also introduced more advanced features like static IPs, port forwarding, split tunneling, kill switch, MAC spoofing, proxy support, and more. 

Windscribe offers an excellent MAC spoofing feature that makes you appear as a brand-new user every time you connect to a public WiFi network. Public WiFi operators usually store your MAC address in their databases, which allows them to track your activities across different networks operated by the same company. MAC spoofing prevents that by allowing you to generate a new MAC address every time you connect.

In terms of encryption protocols, Windscribe offers WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, supporting strong AES-256 encryption and stealth technologies. Your privacy is secured by a strict no-logs policy, too. I've even tested its tracker and malware-blocking system and confirmed it works as intended, making Windscribe a good option for users who want to enjoy a clutter-free browsing experience.

Its main downside is the lack of 24/7 live chat support, which might be an issue for some users, especially seeing its numerous advanced features integrated into the software. Because of that, first-time users might have difficulties using Windscribe, making NordVPN a superior choice.

Like Surfshark and PIA, Windscribe allows unlimited connections and offers advanced features. However, its privacy policy isn't as transparent as the competition's, making PIA a better option for privacy-conscious users. On the other hand, unlike most competitors, this service provides a free plan that gives you 10 GB a month and access to all the main features, so you can see if it works for you completely risk-free.

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Windscribe test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignGenerally simple but quite cluttered⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useIntuitive, but maybe too complicated for beginners⭐⭐⭐
PerformancePretty average for WireGuard⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingAbsolutely fantastic, despite issues with Japanese Netflix⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyRobust and open-source, but lacking an independent audit⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportNo live chat, but helpful on-site content and quick responses to emails⭐⭐⭐
PriceA free plan is available, but the premium plan is quite expensive⭐⭐⭐

How to choose your Mac VPN

Unsurprisingly, the first thing you need to check before investing in a new Mac VPN is whether the software actually supports MacOS. That said, I wouldn't recommend a service on this page if it didn't work natively on Mac.

If protecting your privacy is your main priority, you should look out for a diverse array of powerful security features and a clear no-logging policy to ensure your online anonymity at best.

Good performance levels obviously don't hurt, either, especially if you want to use your Mac VPN for streaming and torrenting. Plus, if watching content is the main reason behind your purchase, then make sure your chosen provider has a strong reputation for unblocking the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streaming services.

If you wish to cover all your Apple devices with one subscription, opt for a provider that also offers a brilliant iPhone VPN app. However, if protecting all your family is what you're after, you might want to consider a Mac VPN that allows plenty of simultaneous connections with a single subscription. 

Mac VPN FAQs

Still got questions? Don't worry, here are some of the most common ones we get asked.

What makes the best Mac VPN in 2024?

My testing shows the best Mac VPN on the market right now is NordVPN. However, that doesn't mean it's going to be the best for you. Only you can decide which VPN suits you best, we're just here to give you everything you need to make an informed decision.

Do you need a VPN for Mac?

As we mentioned before, Macs are much safer than Windows computers. While that remains true, it still pays to have that extra layer of security and anonymity that VPNs give you above and beyond Mac antivirus.

Of course, if you're more interested in the other functions of virtual private networks, such as streaming foreign TV streaming service catalogs and unblocking restricted sites in your office or other countries (you might be surprised just how useful a VPN for China is), then you will indeed need a VPN for your Mac to do that.

How to install a VPN on a Mac?

Installing a VPN on your Mac is a quick and easy process. Simply click through to the provider of your choice and sign up. Once you've subscribed, you can download the app directly from the website. Then, go to your downloads, open the installer, and click through the usual install boxes. Sign in with your account credentials and you can connect to a VPN server.

Macbook computers, note book, pencil, magic mouse, iPhone, dry flowers and cactus vase on wooden table

(Image credit: Krisda / Shutterstock.)

How does a Mac VPN work?

This is a big question with a fairly complex answer—and we go into it in some depth in our dedicated article on how VPNs work. But, put simply, your VPN creates a secure tunnel where your data in transit are protected with a layer of encryption to prevent external actors from accessing it - whether these are malicious hackers or an intrusive government seeking to track down your online activities. 

This means that when your VPN is turned on, all of the information you send and receive from and to your computer or mobile is channelled through this encrypted tunnel. Even if any prying managed to hack you, they still wouldn't be able to turn the data into comprehensive information.

Do Macs have built in VPN?

Kind of. Macs do indeed have the L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2 VPN protocols built-in that you can turn on at any time for extra protection on your Mac. To turn it on, you need to head to your Network settings and choose to add a VPN using one of those protocols.

Of course, that won't help with the other VPN uses we've outlined on this page (geo-spoofing, streaming content from other countries, etc), but is handy to know if you're particularly conscious of your Mac's privacy.

Note: L2TP and IPSec are no longer considered secure encryption protocols.

What's the best free Mac VPN?

If you've decided that you like the look at what VPNs can do for your Macbook but just can't bear to part with your cash, then I'd recommend going for PrivadoVPN. It's the top choice in our free VPN rankings.

However, also our favorite freebie comes with some limitations. ProtonVPN's free plan is good for protecting your privacy, but for streaming and torrenting you will need to upgrade to one of its paid plans. 

We would also suggest being extra cautious when it comes to downloading a free Mac VPN. Some providers may bring some risks to your privacy, while many others impose limits on how much you can use them each day. That's fine if you're just looking for some extra security when you log on to public Wi-Fi at the cafe or airport, but certainly won't be sufficient if you're looking for a VPN for Fire TV Stick, torrenting, streaming, or simply having on all the time running in the background.

If ever you're unsure, just remember, you can try before you buy with the best VPN free trials.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Andreas Theodorou
Editor-in-Chief of Tech Software

Andreas has been with TechRadar as Future PLC's Editor-in-Chief of Tech Software since March 2023, supporting content and teams on VPNs, antivirus, and other cybersecurity tools. He's previously written for and led content at ProPrivacy, Business2Community, and The Tech Report. After completing a Master of Research degree, Andreas fell in love with all things cybersecurity; combining his passions to help expose the prevalence of ad tech in the charity sector and raise awareness of digital privacy around the world.

With contributions from