The Best Free VPNs for Mac OS. The VPN services mentioned below are all competent tools that you can use for free on Mac Mojave, Sierra, and Catalina. However, most of these have limitations that restrict their functionality in certain areas. Here are the top free VPN for Mac in 2020: 1. Surfshark – Powerful Free (trial) Mac VPN. The best VPN services for Mac 2020 NordVPN: Best overall nordvpn.com Mullvad: Best for security/privacy mullvad.net ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN expressvpn.com AirVPN: Best VPN for power users airvpn.org. If you searching to check on Best Software Vpn Free And Best Vpn App For Mac 2019 price.
If you are a Mac user, you will be wondering about ways to bolster your security online. Of course, Apple’s operating system is top notch, but there is no harm in further protecting yourself from external forces. If third parties and government agencies are what keep you up at night, then you should get a VPN for your MacOS. But how do you tell which one is worth your time? For that, you will need to go through the following list to see which one fits your bill.
MacOS Supporting Device
These Devices are support Mac Operating Systems
- MacBook
- MacBook Pro
- MacBook Air
- Mac Pro
- Mac Mini
- iMac
- iMac Pro
Score | Features | |
---|---|---|
Starts From$8.32 | 95 | Easy-to-use VPNNo Restrictions148 VPN locations24/7 customer service30-day money-back guarantee |
Starts From$3.5 | 92 | Servers in 60+ CountriesDedicated Servers for TorrentingNo-Logs PolicyMultiple Protocols SupportThe Ultimate Killswitch24/7 live chat support |
Starts From$3.99 | 90 | Unlimited Bandwidth and Server ChangesDedicated, Live Tech SupportMilitary-Grade Security and Encryption45 Day Money Back GuaranteeServers in 25 CountriesConnect up to 5 Devices |
Starts From$4.12 | 87 | Zero Traffic LogsUser-friendly AppsVPN Servers in 60+ Countries24/7 customer support7-day money-back guarantee |
Starts From$2.99 | 84 | Strict no logs policyDNS leak protection62 VPN locationsNo RestrictionsGet assistance 24/7 |
1. ExpressVPN
If you want an all-rounder for your Mac, then you should give ExpressVPN a go.
The VPN provider comes out on top for its user friendly app, which comes with its one-click feature and several advanced options. You get 256-military grade encryption and features like split tunneling and kill switch to bolster your security.
With ExpressVPN, you can access 2000+ servers in 148 locations. Since there are no restrictions on the bandwidth you consume, you will feel right at home here.
The VPN provider’s plans are not the cheapest there, but it makes up for it by the consistent performance and security features it manages to offer, they are:
- $6.67/month for 15 months
- $9.99/month for 9 months
- $12.95 for 1 month
2. CyberGhost
Cyberghost specializes in the Mac ecosystem. It makes claims about being specially crafted for Macs, and the VPN provider puts its money where its mouth is.
The VPN provider guarantees to keep zero logs, offers military grade encryption and has extras that will keep you coming back for more. You can use it to stream your favorite content, regardless of where you are located. It even has a purpose selection feature which will connect you to an appropriate server based on the purpose you selected.
The VPN app does need some work with its interface, as it isn’t easy to navigate around. There is a problem with speeds, but it isn’t something that CyberGhost can’t fix.
You get access to 3000+ servers in 60+ countries, and you can torrent all you want. If you run into a problem, you can contact live support at any time, meaning you are not left out to dry.
The plans available with CyberGhost are as follows:
- $2.75/month for 18 months
- $7.99/month for 6 months
- $12.99 for 1 month
3. Hotspot Shield
When it comes to online privacy, Hotspot Shield ticks all the right boxes
The premium offering is a great combination of privacy and price. You get the kind of encryption you need to stay anonymous online, and you won’t have to pay much for it either with either of their plans:
- 3,99€ for 2 years
- 6,99€ for 1 year
- 15,99€ for 1 month
Hotspot Shield’s Catapult Hydra protocol is as good as it sounds, as it delivers exceptional speeds during tests. If you want a VPN for gaming or streaming on your Mac, then Hotspot Shield will meet and exceed your expectations in every way. There are no laggy interruptions for you to worry about here.
A single account can be used across 5 devices simultaneously. You can connect to 2500+ servers in 25 countries with customer support around the clock.
4. IPVanish
IPVanish is one of those VPNs that is brilliantly balanced for the Mac.
The app has a nifty design and has interesting options like automatic IP switching and a kill switch. The VPN is fast, and will connect you to the fastest server automatically. It is a convenient VPN service that delivers exceptional speeds, and allows P2P.
L2TP, PPTP and OpenVPN protocols are supported, and you get an acceptable amount of Mac support. You won’t have to worry about your online activities being logged, as IPVanish has a strict no-logging policy.
IPVanish’s subscription options are as follows:
- $6.49/month for 1 year
- $8.99/month for 3 months
- $10.00/month for 1 month
5. NordVPN
NordVPN can easily be described in two words: secure and straightforward.
What it manages to do is like no other. Its innovative Double VPN technology ensures your data is encrypted twice, by passing your traffic data over two different VPN servers to keep you protected at all times. You get extras like web proxy extensions, encrypted chat and more as well.
The client for Mac is rather simple when compared to others out there, but this can prove to be great for those new to VPNs. The VPN provider is P2P friendly too, so you won’t have any problems while torrenting.
Once you go through the free 7-day free trial, the following subscriptions are available for purchase:
- $2.99/month for 3 years
- $3.99/month for 2 years
- $6.99/month for 1 year
- $11.95 for 1 month
Do keep in mind the best VPNs for Mac mentioned above have not been ranked numerically, and this is done for a reason. Since every individual and business has different VPN needs, they will need to find one that fits their requirements. If you find one that does here, that will undoubtedly be the best VPN for you.
If you think since you are Mac users, you’re immune to online threats then you are mistaken. Recent Zombieload attack shows no longer mac machines are under the radar.
An increase in the number of cyber-attacks is one of the reasons responsible for hundreds of VPNs floating in the market. Where all these VPNs claim to be the best Mac VPN in safeguarding online identity, choosing the right one is a big job.
Hence, here we have compiled a list of the best Mac VPN that you can trust and use to protect online traces and add an extra layer of security to your online browsing. For users who value their privacy, who want to access blocked data these VPNs will come handy. Moreover, unlike a few VPNs, the listed VPNs do not leak your IP address or compromise your privacy.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network that is used to encrypt the device’s internet traffic and redirect it via an intermediary server to a location of your choice.
The VPN apps for mac listed below can unlock geo-blocked websites, securing public Wi-Fi, bypassing censorship, and more.
What makes VPNs important for Mac?
Undeniably Mac machines are less susceptible to malware as compared to Windows, but they too are at risk when it comes to online threats and Cybersecurity like:
- Spying by government agencies and threat actors.
- Malware attacks that change, redirect, modify internet connection.
- Geographically blocked content like videos that can be viewed in certain countries.
- Location tracking by websites and apps.
In the above-mentioned cases, Virtual Private Network plays an important role and helps bypass these obstacles.
Now that we know what a VPN is, how important VPNs are for Mac, let’s dive and learn about the best VPN client for Mac.
Those who want a quick summary here’s a quick bite.
If you want to learn details keep reading.
If you want to learn details keep reading.
- NordVPN: This one is our top pick for Mac VPNs. NordVPN most secure VPN has a large server network for faster routing and it helps to unblock sites like Netflix and other streaming services. In addition to this NordVPN offers zero logs and strong security.
- ExpressVPN: Although placed at the second position this amazing VPN beats others because of its amazing security features, speed, geo unblocking and more. Moreover, it offers 30 days money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN for Mac that will help to keep your connection private even when unblocking Netflix.
- IPVanish: Torrent-friendly one of the best VPN for Mac offers strong security and speed. It is very popular among Kodi users.
- PrivateVPN: This is a lesser-known option, yet it has made its place in the list of best VPN clients for Mac due to its extraordinary speed, security, unblocking streaming services feature and a lot more.
Why these are considered as best VPNs for Mac?
While we were looking for the Mac VPN server, we came across with multiple best VPNs for Mac. But only a few were able to pass our criteria like:
- Compatible with the latest Mac operating systems i.e. Mojave, High Sierra, and El Capitan.
- Strong encryption and no-log policy.
- Speed, faster connectivity, vast server network, and no data caps.
- Unblocking geo-locked content that includes video streaming services.
How to choose the best VPN for Mac?
With hundreds of VPN available in the market finding the best, reliable, most secure VPN, and mac friendly VPN isn’t easy. You can find a VPN that offers pre-configured client but that alone is not enough. Therefore, a VPN that offers strong security, no logs, encryption, and an easy to understand privacy policy, speed is the one that can be considered as the best VPN for Mac.
Our guide on the best VPN clients for Mac has VPNs that fulfill all these criteria.
Further, you can also check out our guide on the best VPN for travelers.
The Best Mac VPN 2020
Unlike Windows, there aren’t many choices for Mac users when it comes to VPN. Therefore, the task becomes difficult and we need to choose the ones that are worth spending time and money.
VPNs with speed, unlocking features, security, and privacy, are the best VPN services that are worth trying.
Here we enlist all such VPNs that you can use on your Mac and secure your online browsing data.
1. NordVPN
Easy to use and most secure VPN
When it comes to NordVPN there’s no one like it. With 5400+ servers, 60+ server locations, double data encryption, and more NordVPN tops the list of best Mac VPNs 2020.
NordVPN most secure VPN is available for mostly all the OS including Mac, iOS, Windows. It’s simple to use interface makes things simple and advantageous for novice users. But this doesn’t mean Mac users don’t get many options. NordVPN provides 2 versions to its users:
IVEv2 for App store clients
OpenVPN for Mac can be downloaded directly from NordVPN homepage.
A Mac user can manually set up and use OpenVPN without installing any of the clients. This VPN is worth giving a try.
Features:
- Encrypts data twice for better protection
- Good speed and better performance.
- Easy to use interface.
- Vast servers.
- Mac apps work seamlessly
- Capable of unblocking most geo-blocked sites and video streaming services.
- 24/7 live chat support
Further, NordVPN best VPN service offers a free 7-day trial. If you want, you can purchase from any of the packages available at the NordVPN site.
2. ExpressVPN
One of the best performer VPNs for Mac
ExpressVPN is one of the strong contenders among the best VPN for Mac 2020. With 3000+ number of servers, 160 server locations, 30,000 IP addresses, and up to 3 devices support it holds the second position. This makes ExpressVPN Mac a smart choice for anyone looking for a solution to unblock sites and streaming services.
This best VPN service is intuitive and user-friendly. Further its one-click option to connect and advanced options are an add on. For example, if you connect to the Internet on Mac via wired connection you can set up a wireless hotspot for the local device.
Mac os how to close xfinity app. Express VPN by default uses 256-bit encryption over OpenVPN UDP. It even provides a great iOS app and browser extension for Safari.
Features:
- It offers a slew of smart features.
- Great speed and good performance levels.
- Supports Torrents.
- Fully compatible with macOS.
- Express VPN for Mac offers great download speed.
- Streams HD video seamlessly.
- Easy to use.
The only drawback of Express VPN – one of the best VPN for Mac is, it does not offer a trial version. Although it does have 30 days money-back guarantee.
3. CyberGhost
Hide your digital footprints effortlessly
Best Free Vpns For Mac
Enjoy your privacy on your own terms with CyberGhost. It is the smart VPN for Mac with more than 3,600 servers from across 60 countries, no bar on torrents, live chat support and a lot more.
CyberGhost VPN for Mac guarantees no log, strong encryption, and a kill switch to handle security breaches. The little added extra that makes CyberGhost stand out of the crowd is the capability of allowing you to connect to most video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and others. Further, CyberGhost also blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites.
Not only this with CyberGhost best VPN service for Mac you can hide your digital footprints, get complete privacy, transparency report, live customer support and more.
Features:
- Strong encryption.
- No log policy.
- Wi-fi protection.
- Secure transaction and conversation.
- Global servers.
- Access blocked or restricted content.
- Blocks ads, malicious content, online tracking.
CyberGhost VPN for Mac offers 24 hours trial version with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
4. IPVanish
Excellent and reliable VPN for Mac
IP Vanish with 1300+ servers, 60+ server locations, 40000+ IP addresses, and maximum devices support 10 holds 4th position. This Mac VPN lets you surf the web without a trace. It makes the Internet connection secures by removing the middleman. IP Vanish understands when you connect with public Wi-Fi you put your personal information at risk. Hence it encrypts your data and keeps it out of reach of hackers. A nifty design of this Mac app makes it’s easy to use VPN on Mac.
Moreover, IP Vanish best VPN service supports protocols like OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP, allows you to access censored apps and websites.
Features:
- Excellent performance.
- Unblocks Netflix.
- Split-tunneling function.
- Words well with macOS/OSX.
- Advanced security and privacy features.
- 10 simultaneous connections on multiple devices.
- Unlimited server switching.
- Unlimited P2P traffic.
- Doesn’t offer a cryptocurrency payment method.
- Anonymous torrenting.
IPVanish offers a 7-day money-back guarantee but no trial version. However, you can choose from the three plans available to use this amazing VPN on Mac.
5. PrivateVPN
Protect everything unlock anything with this fastest-growing VPN.
Stay private and enjoy browsing with PriavteVPN having 2,500+ servers, 50+ server locations, and 5 device supports.
PrivateVPN best VPN server for Mac offers strong encryption to protect data, personal information, speed, and privacy. Although it is in the 5th position still it is a good option to try. PrivateVPN uses 2048-bit encryption to secure connection and connect quickly with the servers
Features:
- Affordable pricing.
- Access blocked sites.
- User-friendly app.
- Super-easy to use.
- Secure VPN.
This VPN tool doesn’t offer any trial version. Instead, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
So, this was a comprehensive list of best VPN for Mac 2020. You can try using any of them all are best in their own. However, if you are still not satisfied and have a question like why to pay when you can get VPN services for Free?
Here are the answers.
Why Pay when we have free VPN available for macOS?
Certainly, who would like to pay for a thing that they can get for Free. But are these free VPNs worth trying? Do they do what they say?
We do not recommend using so-called “free” VPN for Mac services because of the following reasons:
- Free VPNs are slow and have a download limit.
- They have a cap for data transfer and offers only basic web browsing.
- Free VPNs keep a log and have poor privacy practices.
- Free VPN for Mac use outdated encryption
- Sell and share your data with third parties.
- Do not block ads.
- Free VPNs often have malware attached and can infect your Mac.
Whereas, paid VPN can be trusted they have a strict privacy policy, good encryption method, and advanced security features.
The problem with free Mac VPNs
Box drive app mac. VPNs like GoVPN, Fresh VPN and others that claim to be a free VPN for Mac aren’t what they claim. Instead of hiding your IP address they make it visible. In the name of a free trial version, they collect your data and share it with third parties. Have malware attached to them, data transfer caps and other restrictions.
Why Mac owners should use VPNs?
macOS, in general, are considered secure, but still, a number of Mac owners use VPNs due to the following reasons:
- Enhance privacy – Mac’s security and privacy is limited to data stored on it. Once you are online it is no longer that secure. If you are connected to a public Wi-Fi a hacker can easily snoop on your online activity. This puts your data at risk but if you use a VPN this can be avoided.
- Accessing geo-blocked content – When you want to access a site that is blocked in your location VPNs are helpful. Using a VPN, you can connect to a country’s server that allows accessing that site and can enjoy the site in your country even when it is blocked. This means you can watch videos streamed on Netflix, Hulu even when they are blocked in your country.
How to manually configure a VPN on a Mac
OpenVPN is a preferred VPN protocol, but Mac’s don’t come with in-built support for it. To configure an OpenVPN you’ll need third-party software. This means you’ll need to manually configure individual servers. Indeed, this a complex process and it can be avoided by using an app that comes pre-configured with all the OpenVPN servers. But if you do not prefer using third-party VPN software, then you can follow the steps below and manually configure a VPN.
Here, we will explain how you can set up two of the most popular VPN connections:
- Built-in VPN support (L2TP)
- Tunnelblick (OpenVPN)
How to set up an L2TP VPN connection on Mac?
L2TP is a VPN protocol that comes with in-built support on Macs. It offers a comparable speed and security to OpenVPN. To set up a VPN connection that uses L2TP protocol, the following information is required:
Note: You can get it from your VPN provider:
- Username or email and password of your VPN.
- VPN server addresses for each location you want to connect with.
- VPN provider’s certificate or secret code.
Once you have all this information follow the instructions below:
- Head to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network icon
- Create a new network interface by clicking + at the bottom left corner.
- Choose VPN from Interface drop-down list.
- Select L2TP over IPSec from VPN Type drop-down list.
- Give a name to the VPN > click Create.
- You’ll now see VPN settings use the default configuration.
- Type VPN server address in Server Address field.
- Type your VPN account username > click Authentication Settings > enter VPN password.
Note: If you have shared secret details select Shared Secret. If using a certificate, select a Certificate.
- Click Apply to save changes.
The VPN is not set up, connect to it by heading to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network icon. Select the VPN connection in Network box > click Connect.
How to set up a VPN with Tunnelblick on Mac
Tunnelblick VPN client for Mac works well with the OpenVPN protocol. To configure it you’ll need an OpenVPN configuration file for each server location. You can download Tunnelblick from here. Once downloaded, install it and follow the steps below to setup Tunnelblick
- Launch Tunnelblick > click “I have configuration files” button.
- Head to the location where .ovpn files are downloaded.
- Double-click them and install them.
- Once installed, click Tunnelblick icon > select Connect
- Enter VPN username and password.
Best Vpn App For Mac
Once a connection is established you will receive a notification.
Best Vpn App For Mac 2019 Torrent
Using these simple steps, you can manually configure a VPN on Mac. Hope you liked this guide and found it helpful. If there is anything that we missed do let us know.
Best Vpn Apps For Mac
Follow us: