Even if you think that your Mac is completely immune from online security threats (they're not, by the way, as ZombieLoad recently once again proved), there are loads of reasons why downloading and installing a Mac VPN is becoming an ever more popular thing to do on Apple computers.
Dec 28, 2016 OpenVPN 2.4.0 is the latest version of the cross-platform SSL VPN that enables you to create security point-to-point or site-to-site connections. The new version expands on the capabilities introduced in OpenVPN 2.3, namely full IPv6 support and PolarSSL support. At home I have a zone dedicated to running an OpenVPN server. With this I can connect to my home network securely on both my laptop and phone when I'm away. I followed this guide for getting the zone ready to route properly for OpenVPN, and then used Easy-RSA to generate the certificates needed.
Whether it's because you're trying to use your Mac to access websites that are blocked by your office, school or ISP (or even your government!) or just want to watch foreign TV shows, getting a Virtual Private Network makes sense.
And because Apple’s desktop computers and MacBooks are being increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, it never pays to let your guard down. Getting the best Mac VPN you can is a good option to help give you extra online security.
As well as competent antivirus, folks with a Mac need a quality VPN just as much as anyone on Windows – although not every one of the best-rated VPN options provides a client or satisfactory support for macOS users. However, if you’re stuck as to which provider to go with, help is at hand with TechRadar's dedicated best Mac VPN guide.
- Check out our guide to the overall best VPN service of the year
The best Mac VPN 2019
1. ExpressVPN
Number of servers: 3000+ | Server locations: 160 | IP addresses: 30,000 | Maximum devices supported: 3
12 monthsExpressVPN is our top choice for the best all-round VPN on the Mac. The firm's dedicated app is intuitive and very user-friendly, featuring a one-click option for connecting, as well as some advanced options.
It uses 256-bit encryption over OpenVPN UDP by default and the app comes with a kill switch and split tunnelling functionality.
There’s also a very good iOS app and Safari browser extension, so you get a complete Mac VPN experience. More than that, Express's advanced features (and their in-depth tutorials) are great for Apple users. For instance, if your Mac connects to the internet by a wired connection, you can set it up as a wireless hotspot for your local devices, allowing them to connect via the VPN without having to be set up for ExpressVPN themselves.
ExpressVPN includes fast VPN servers across 94 countries and unlimited bandwidth. That makes for a solid choice for anyone using the VPN for P2P traffic or unblocking content on streaming services like Netflix.
The provider is a tad pricier than most other VPNs, but may be a great fit for those who want the best experience for Mac. ExpressVPN doesn’t come with a free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee for reassurance.
The company offers three price plans, with the 12-month plan offering the best value (you get an extra three months into the bargain). The packages available are:
Get the best Mac VPN 2019: $6.67 per month (with 3 months FREE)
You can tell that we really rate Express - it's the VPN we'd choose if we were getting one and it's hard to argue with the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee. And the good news is that TechRadar readers can get a little perk when they sign up, too. ExpressVPN has agreed to give readers three months extra FREE when they sign up for a year.
2. CyberGhost
Number of servers: 3,600+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 7
36 monthsWe found that Mac VPN provider CyberGhost certainly has the smarts to easily back up its claims. Let's start with the basics: more than 3,600 servers spread across 60 countries, no bar on torrents and some really handy live chat support if you ever run into difficulties.
Guaranteed no logs, rigorous encryption and a trigger-happy kill switch for any breaches in security mean it's certainly strong. But it's the added little extras that make CyberGhost stand out from the rest. Wanting to unlock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube or something else? No worries, as CyberGhost will automatically connect you to the server best poised for the purpose. It can also block ads, trackers and malicious websites.
CyberGhost has recently improved its interface - previously one of main gripes with this Mac VPN. Now that only gives us room to moan about the odd bit of clogging, which lead to reduced speeds from servers in the far reaches of the globe. There's still room for improvement on website-based support pages, too - an area where ExpressVPN has everybody else licked.
- CyberGhost VPN subscription options:
- 12 month plan - $5.99 per month ($71.88 total cost)
- 1 month plan - $12.99 per month ($12.99 total cost)
3. NordVPN
Number of servers: 5400+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 6
36 monthsWhen it comes to security, NordVPN does it like no other. Its own ‘Double VPN’ technology encrypts data twice – in other words, it passes your data through two separate VPN servers to make things even more secure – while there are additional security extras such as encrypted chat, web proxy extensions and so on.
NordVPN’s clients for both macOS and iOS are rather basic compared to others, but keeping things simple can be advantageous for novices.
That's not to say that you don't have options...NordVPN gives Mac users more choice than the average provider, with an IVEv2 version of its client available on the App store, and an OpenVPN version available directly from the NordVPN website. And that's not all-- you can also manually set up to use OpenVPN without installing either of the clients.
This provider is also P2P-friendly and has a strict ‘zero logs’ policy. Performance was slightly above average in our testing.
There's a free 7-day trial, and otherwise NordVPN is one of the most affordable VPN options for your Mac. The packages available are:
- NordVPN subscription options:
- 36 month plan - $2.99 per month ($107.64 total cost)
- 12 month plan - $6.99 per month ($83.88 total cost)
- 1 month plan - $11.95 per month ($11.95 total cost)
4. IPVanish
Number of servers: 1300+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: 40000+ | Maximum devices supported: 10
12 monthsThe Mac app from IPVanish features a nifty design and a few welcome options like a kill switch and automatic IP switching. The US VPN is blazingly fast, and it’ll automatically hook you up to the fastest server available, a nice touch on the convenience front. Not only are download speeds fast with this VPN, it allows P2P.
OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP protocols are supported, and there’s also decent iOS support and a wide coverage of servers, with no logging of the user’s activities.
IPVanish doesn’t have a free trial, sadly, although there is a 7-day money-back guarantee with all three available plans. The 1-year subscription is clearly the best choice in terms of outright value. The packages available are:
- IPVanish subscription options:
- 12 month plan - $4.87 per month ($58.44 total cost)
- 3 month plan - $6.75 per month ($20.25 total cost)
5. Hotspot Shield
A great option for online privacy
Number of servers: 2,500+ | Server locations: 50+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 5
36 monthsThe premium offering from Hotspot Shield is a great mix of price and privacy. The prices start low and we found in our tests that its encryption was strict in ensuring your anonymity online will be protected.
Plus, thanks to its pretty cool sounding Catapult Hyrda protocol, it recorded some of the fastest times of any VPN as well. So if the main reason for installing a VPN on to your Mac is for gaming or streaming, then you shouldn't be dogged with laggy interruptions that some lesser Virtual Private Networks can cause.
And then there's the numbers. For a start, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously from one account - so that's your Mac, smartphone (iOS or Android), Smart TV and games console with room for something else on top. Hotspot Shield has access to more than 2,500 servers across 25 countries and offers 24/ 7 support. The 7-day trial and 45-day money back guarantee makes Hotspot even more attractive to try, and these are its current plans in full:
- AnchorFree Hotspot Shield subscription options:
- 36 month plan - $2.99 per month ($107.64 total cost)
- 12 month plan - $5.99 per month ($71.88 total cost)
- 1 month plan - $12.99 per month ($12.99 total cost)
How to choose the best Mac VPN
It’s not always easy to find a Mac-friendly VPN. Obviously enough, it’s important to choose a provider that offers a pre-configured client for its service. Having a good Mac client is a huge boon in terms of simply making things as easy as possible. Solid iOS support is also a welcome feature if you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and have an iPhone as well as a Mac.
Next, you need powerful security with strong encryption, which goes without saying, and an easily understandable privacy policy that makes it perfectly clear what data is kept by the provider. Good performance levels obviously don’t hurt, either.
- Ready to make the switch from Mac? Check out the best 2-in-1 Windows laptops
- Looking for a freebie? Then here's our pick of the best free VPN providers
- Get more from your Mac - these are our pick of the best Mac apps in 2019
The best VPN services for Apple Macs
If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s the susceptibility of Mac computers to suffer privacy and security breaches.
The number of malware attacks on Mac OS computers in 2017 jumped up to 80% as per Symantec, pushing people to search for solutions to enhance their cybersecurity and privacy on the web:
One definite action that you can take to instantly consolidate your online privacy is to use a VPN service compatible with your Mac.
NordVPN is our top recommendation as the best Mac VPN in 2019. It offers a broad set of features to allay your privacy concerns while also giving you the freedom to access blocked websites/services (including Netflix, p2p etc.) at will for only $2.99/month.
We have tested and reviewed over 150 VPNs, but found only 5 of them capable enough to make it into this article.
Let’s get started.
The Best VPN for Mac in 2019
Here are our top VPN picks for systems running on MacOS:
1. NordVPN ($2.99/month)
Number of Servers: 5500+ | Countries: 60 | Simultaneous Connections: 6
NordVPN is our top choice for Mac. The provider keeps no user logs and grants users the ability to access any website on the web, all for a cost of $2.99/month.
The provider offers excellent features like AES-256-CBC ciphers encryption, kill switch, and OpenVPN, IKeV2 protocols.
It also sports a huge arsenal of 5,500+ servers in 60 countries around the globe for ultimate coverage and fast speed.
However, the kill switch that NordVPN uses for Mac terminates applications when your connection drops, rather than shutting down your entire Internet for maximum protection.
Other than this, the service throws some amazing extra features in the mix such as DoubleVPN and Onion over VPN.
The doubleVPN feature is basically the multihop feature that routes your traffic through two separate VPN servers for even stronger-than-default security.
Onion over VPN servers combine the features of Tor and VPNs as another mechanism of bolstering your web security.
The interface is smooth and responsive, so much so that there are literally no lags or crashes in the Mac application.
The user-friendly privacy policy ensures no logging of user data.
The privacy benefits of NordVPN are further vindicated when you consider that it is based in Panama. The country has no mandatory data retention requirements (read our article on Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes for more detail).
Nord also offers the ability to connect 6 devices simultaneously.
To top it off this provider also offers 30-day full money back guarantee, so you can try out their service without any strings attached.
Prices:
Read NordVPN review for further details.
2. Surfshark ($1.99/month)
Number of servers: 800+ | Countries: 50 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Surfshark is the cheapest VPN you can get for your Mac ($1.99/month). Despite its low cost, it doesn’t compromise on quality on any front.
It offers 800+ servers in 50+ countries around the world.
For added security, there is a built-in kill switch for Mac. It serves as an insurance policy should your connection drop and reveal your real IP address (though the service is free from any IP leaks).
Apart from this, Surfshark also supports split-tunneling through its WhiteLister feature – a handy tool to split your VPN and non-VPN web traffic.
Surfshark’s Mac VPN app has a very intuitive design to facilitate user accessibility.
On the privacy front, the provider has a policy of zero-logging so you can forget worrying about your sensitive information being monitored for any purpose.
The British Virgin Islands jurisdiction ensures that you are free from any data logging from the provider.
Finally, there is no other highly-rated provider in the industry offering unlimited simultaneous VPN connections per subscription.
Combined with a full 30-day money back guarantee, Surfshark is a valuable VPN service to have for Mac.
Prices:
Read complete Surfshark review for more details.
3. ExpressVPN ($8.32/month)
Number of servers: 3000+ | Countries: 94 | Simultaneous connections: 5
ExpressVPN is not the cheapest option out there, but its excellent speed and strong privacy policies make it an easy choice for those who can afford it.
The VPN is powered by 3,000+ servers in 94 countries of the world, having a strong capability to unblock any censored/restricted website.
The app for MacOS has Network Lock (the company’s proprietary kill switch) to interrupt your connection and prevent your IP from leaking to the wider internet.
Like its young counterpart (Surfshark), ExpressVPN is operating under the jurisdiction of British Virgin Islands and has an excellent no-logs privacy policy.
The split-tunneling feature for Mac gives the user complete control over which apps should use the VPN and which shouldn’t.
You can use up to 5 simultaneous connections on one subscription and avail a 30-day money back guarantee.
Simply put, ExpressVPN covers all bases as a VPN for privacy and internet freedom on your Mac.
Prices:
Read ExpressVPN review for more details.
4. CyberGhost ($2.75/month)
Number of Servers: 3500+ | Countries: 59 | Simultaneous Connections: 7
CyberGhost covers a lot of key bases that are of interest for an average privacy-seeking Mac user.
It possesses a network of 3,500+ servers that use powerful encryption protocols (AES-256).
For VPN tunneling, you can choose from PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN protocols as your preference. There is a built-in kill switch in CyberGhost and IP leak protection for ironclad security and privacy.
Moreover, the service offersplenty of servers in a multitude of locations that support both P2P and streaming services without any data logging.
The fact that it is based in Romania shows that the provider is under a safe jurisdiction for user privacy, since the country repealed its data retention (demanded by EU), in 2014.
CyberGhost Mac client is amongst the most user-friendly applications we have ever used.
It automatically tweaks itself to offer the best experience depending on what you intend to do with it.
You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously on one CyberGhost subscription plan.
As always, it offers a full 45-day money back guarantee for ultimate peace of mind.
Prices:
See CyberGhost review for more details.
5. PureVPN ($2.95/mo)
Number of Servers: 2000+ | Countries: 140+ | Simultaneous Connections: 5
PureVPN is one of the premium VPN providers known primarily for the vast geographical diversity of network and an impressive pricing plan of $2.95/month.
There are 2,000+ servers distributed over 140+ countries around the world.
This VPN comes with security features like AES 256 bit encryption and OpenVPN tunneling (among other options). It consists of a very responsive kill switch for an added measure of privacy and security for your web traffic.
The zero-logging stance of the company makes it well-worth the attention of users seeking to enhance their privacy as well.
Although the Windows app of the VPN supports split-tunneling, this feature is unfortunately unavailable for Mac yet.
PureVPN has a very minimalistic app design and UI for Mac and offers a smooth user experience.
It is dead simple to use and the option to simultaneously connect up to five devices to one subscription makes it dirt cheap to afford.
If you don’t end up liking their service, then you can always get your money back with their 31-day money back guarantee.
Prices:
Read complete PureVPN review for more details.
The Insecurity Underlying Mac Systems
The idea that Macs are secure from malware and data breaches has existed as long as Mac itself and actually been repeatedly emphasized by Apple.
Just take a look at this advertisement from the early 2000s:
While it is true that Mac machines are more secure than their Windows counterparts, they are not immune to the exploits of cybercriminals.
In fact, experts now believe that Mac OS is just as vulnerable to data breaches and other vulnerabilities as Windows machines.
3ric Johanson, a security researcher, asserted:
“If you look at the number of published vulnerabilities in software and the number of users and compare Windows versus Mac OS you will discover that Mac OS has far more published vulnerabilities per user than Windows does so I think the data pretty much speaks for itself.” – [Source]
Statistics accurately support this assertion, as the chart compellingly illustrates below:
Openvpn 2.4.5
Source: AV-Test Security Report 2017/18
Another research by Cybersecurity ventures revealed that the world will receive a massive hit of approximately 6 trillion dollars by 2021 as a consequence of cybercriminal activities alone.
This calls for Mac users to take their web security seriously.
Openvpn Client For Mac Download
For this, it is essential to ensure your anti-malware suites are updated.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to take additional preventive measures like using VPN services on your Mac system-wide to fill any digital cracks capable of compromising your privacy.
Best Openvpn Client Mac
Final Verdict
Openvpn Client Mac Os
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Mac due to a wide range of security features, watertight privacy, and a huge list of servers to choose from for gaining access to restricted sites all at highly affordable pricing.
Surfsharkis a close second because of its extremely cheap price. It doesn’t leave much to be desired in terms of overall performance and unblocking ability on Mac devices as well.
ExpressVPN is a considerably more expensive option than other providers mentioned in this list, but it is a highly reliable VPN that seldom suffers any problems/errors.
Openvpn 2.4.0
CyberGhost and PureVPN are good VPNs as well, but their overall performance and reliability doesn’t meet the standard set by the leading 3 providers in this list.
Torrent Client For Mac
In short, you can’t go wrong with any of these VPNs listed above, but the best value providers are NordVPN and Surfshark.