The best VPN for Mac in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

NordVPN is one of the heavy-hitters in the VPN market. In our speed tests, NordVPN has consistently proven itself to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market with the most stable connections. NordVPN's user interface is crisp and clean, and the product is quick and easy to install, although some other VPN providers offer more stylish UIs.

Plus, it doesn't get in the way. It runs when you want it to, but you can quickly shut it off when you're back at home or in the office.

NordVPN supports 10 simultaneous connections and its server network spans 111 countries. NordVPN offers many features beyond the basics, including support for P2P sharing and additional encryption through its Double VPN feature.

Review: NordVPN review

NordVPN supports Apple laptops and desktops running macOS 11 or later. Beyond Apple platforms, NordVPN supports Windows, Android, Linux, and more. There are also browser-specific extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Prices start from $3.59 per month on a two-year plan, $4.99 per month for a one-year subscription, or $12.99 for one month. Two-year plans include three months of free access. For most users, NordVPN checks all the boxes, with user feedback suggesting it provides reliable, speedy service.

NordVPN specifications: Supports macOS and iOS (iPad, iPhone): Yes, iOS 11 and macOS 11 or higher | Apple App Store rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android

Surfshark is on our list of the best VPNs for good reason. In terms of speeds and connection times, it can be a tad slower than other VPNs, but that's a small price to pay for a service that costs just $2.19 per month.

Surfshark is the best option if you want a cheap Mac VPN that will keep your data secure and hide your online activities. As a bonus, this VPN is very easy to use, making it a great solution for those who are new to VPN services.

Surfshark supports macOS 11 or later and iOS 14 or later.

Surfshark offers 3,200 servers in 100 countries with unlimited connections. The VPN also has MultiHop, a feature that creates a more secure connection by routing you through two VPN tunnels, ad blocking, and anti-tracking. Surfshark has a toggle kill switch, and you can choose between a number of protocols. Plus, it has a NoBorders option, so you can use the VPN even when there are network restrictions.

Review: Surfshark VPN review

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with two-year plans starting at $2.19 per month, plus three months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same number of free months and begin at $2.99 per month. Monthly signups are expensive, starting from $15.45. Customers say they like the service and its customer support team.

Surfshark VPN specifications: Supports macOS and iOS (iPad, iPhone): Yes, iOS 14 or later, and macOS 11 or later | Apple App Store rating: 4.8 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS

ExpressVPN shines when it comes to its server network, rapid connections, and speed.

ExpressVPN is a breeze to set up and configure, and choosing different servers and locations is easy. One feature we really like is the network speed test. You can tell ExpressVPN to scan its entire network and measure server speeds for each server. It has servers located in 105 countries, which is more than most VPNs, so you'll have plenty of options.

We've also found it to be an excellent option for accessing streaming services.

It's one of the most popular VPN providers, offering a wide range of platforms, and it's a well-regarded, trusted service. ExpressVPN is compatible with macOS 10.13 or later and iOS 15 or later, as well as Windows, Android, Linux, tvOS, and Amazon operating systems.

Review: ExpressVPN review

Subscriptions begin at $6.67 per month on a 12-month plan. Alternatively, you can pay $9.99 per month for six months or $12.95 per month. If you pick the annual plan, you will get three months of additional access for free and cloud backup options courtesy of Backblaze.

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and if testing is a priority, you can certainly determine if ExpressVPN works for you within a month. Customers say that ExpressVPN is a rapid, reliable service with excellent customer support, but some note the high cost.

ExpressVPN specifications: Supports macOS and iOS (iPad, iPhone): Yes, iOS 15 or higher, and macOS 10.13 or higher | Apple App Store rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous connections: Eight | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS

Proton is a Swiss company dedicated to security and is behind the encrypted email service Proton Mail.

Proton VPN has a range of security options and utilizes strong protocols for enhanced security. As we'd expect from a security-conscious VPN, Proton VPN provides a kill switch, as well as servers in 91 countries, P2P support, Tor over VPN, and obfuscation, among other features.

As a bonus, Proton VPN apps are open-source, which allows anyone to examine their code. The company reports that it is independently audited and has a no-logs policy. This VPN is compatible with macOS 10.12 and above.

Review: Proton VPN review

The best deal is $4.49 per month on a two-year plan. Alternatively, Proton VPN's plans include 12 months for $4.99/month or one month of access for $9.99. 

The company offers a generous free VPN option supported by paying subscribers (instead of by selling your data). This option allows one connection at medium speed and without bandwidth limits, but server options are limited.

Customers say they like the security and ease of use of this VPN, but some report billing problems.

Proton VPN specifications: Supports macOS and iOS (iPad, iPhone): Yes, macOS 10.12 or higher, iOS 15.0 or higher | Apple App Store rating: 4.6 | Open-source | Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on the plan | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Free option

Private Internet Access doesn't have the most attractive user interface, but it is easy to understand and the server selection -- across 91 locations -- is up there with the top VPN networks available. 

PIA has a no-logs policy, supports WireGuard, and is open-source. Overall, PIA is a VPN that just works with no fuss, but if you want to, you can dive into a vast array of configuration options and settings to customize your experience. 

You should consider this VPN if you want a long-term VPN solution. PIA offers a two-year contract for a competitive price, coming in at the equivalent of $2.19 per month. As a bonus, you will receive two months of free access after signing up. Alternatively, there's a six-month plan for $7.50 per month. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available, allowing you to try before you buy.

Customers say they generally like the service and its connectivity, but some note issues with customer service.

Private Internet Access VPN features: Supports macOS and iOS (iPad, iPhone): Yes, macOS 11 or higher, iOS 12.1 or higher | Apple App Store rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS