Mac OS X has become a truly popular operating system, making the Mac users eager to seek the proper security layering that VPN provides. If you are using a Mac operating device and you are wondering whether or not you should engage in a VPN subscription, have a look at the top 10 questions that will shed light to the darkness and inform you.
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Reviews. Guides. Featured Articles. Close. In this article What is a VPN and Why I Need One? A Mac VPN is a way of securing connections through encryption and connecting to another host server.
This connection, sometimes known as tunneling, is key, as it provides users with another IP address. With this alternative IP address, users look like they are based somewhere that they are not. This new location allows users to access content that they may have originally found restricted. Additionally, this connection to the host server is encrypted, which is how surfing the internet using a VPN becomes safe and secure. A secure connection is necessary, especially nowadays, to limit the ability of hackers and online criminals to access a user’s personal data while they are online.
To this end, an VPN that works on Apple devices doesn’t only make your connection more secure and allow you to, but it also guarantees full anonymity while surfing the web. The Best Mac VPNs ExpressVPN is always a reliable VPN for Mac users. We recommend it time and time again owing to the whole host of excellent features it offers. For example, Mac users usually own more than one device and ExpressVPN allows up to three devices to be used at the same time.
It also guarantees that all of these connections will be quick. There is nothing more infuriating than waiting for your Apple VPN to connect, only to then experience buffering issues. ExpressVPN helps avoid this problem with their fast connectivity servers. One of the main reasons we love ExpressVPN is its approachability. This VPN for Mac users is extremely easy to use with fantastic 24/7 customer support.
Through its live chat function, ExpressVPN provides continual support to answer any questions you may have. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it is also extremely safe and secure. By employing military grade security protocols, ExpressVPN maintains full user anonymity and protection.
However, if for some reason you are unhappy you can get your money back, no questions asked, within the first 30 days of use. Price: As low as $6.67 per month. CyberGhost is an exceptionally well-priced VPN for Apple. It can be used anywhere in the world and is very, very quick. It also has a great deal of other top-notch features as well as a no logs policy. And now it can even be used to unblock Netflix content. CyberGhost is a fantastic purchase because of its wide network.
In fact, it has over 1,000 servers available which are located all over the world. Additionally, with its watertight privacy settings, your data is always private.
CyberGhost encrypts all of your data using a military-strength AES 256-BIT encryption which uses a 2048-BIT RSA Key; so you can rest assured that you are safe and secure when surfing the net. Price:.
For a 2-year subscription, CyberGhost charges only $2.90 a month. A monthly subscription costs $10.99. 6-months costs $7.99 a month.
A year’s subscription costs $4.99 a month Every plan you sign up for comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN is a super user-friendly VPN for Mac customers. In addition, and arguably most importantly, it has watertight security.
NordVPN uses several encryption techniques at one time, making it one of the safest VPNs for Mac users on the market. In fact, NordVPN maintains user anonymity by not retaining any logs of their online activity and it is one of the few Apple VPN providers to employ double data encryption technology to further protect its users against hacking. Its kill switch is also a super important feature. It means that the provider automatically stops the entire internet connection on the device should the VPN itself drop out. In addition to all of the above, NordVPN also owns one of the largest networks out there, with over 1000 servers around the globe. This means that connections are not only always available, but are quick too.
Finally, NordVPN offers excellent customer service with its live chat feature allowing customers to ask questions and get answers on the spot. And all of these come at the very affordable price of just $3.99 a month over two years.
Price:. $11.95 a month. 30-day money-back guarantee. HideMyAss remains a popular Apple VPN owing to its whole range of features, such as being compatible with other operating systems.
So if you come from a household or business that needs a VPN which is suitable for other, non-Apple devices, this is really helpful. HideMyAss is also able to provide fast connections due to its abundance of servers in many locations, meaning that this Apple VPN opens up restricted content from any country.
In addition to its multi-system compatibility, HideMyAss also allows for simultaneous connections. But, if despite all of these features, users don’t like HideMyAss, and they have used less than 10GB of data, they can ask for their money back within 30 days of purchase. Price: One month: $9.99.
This is one of the cheapest VPNs for Mac users on the market, yet it still packs a punch in terms of features. For example, it now has compatibility with many different operating systems. And yet, it also has a brand spanking new support function making it a great VPN for Mac users. IPVanish servers are located in many different countries making for easy access to. And, if you have more than one Apple device, IPVanish allows two simultaneous connections all at a fair price. And yet, despite being one of the cheapest Apple VPN options out there, they still have a money back guarantee policy.
So if IPVanish and its VPN for Mac devices don’t work for you, you can get your money back within the first week of usage. Price: One month: $7.50. Private VPN is one of the safest Apple VPN options on the market, helping users surf the net safely and securely. One of its biggest draws is its low price point, despite the whole raft of features it offers.
This Apple VPN is especially well priced over a 13 month period. Importantly, like most of our top picks, it is compatible with other operating systems so if you need more than a VPN for Mac devices, this VPN is compatible with the majority of other devices too. One of its most appealing features is its ‘no-log policy’, meaning that PrivateVPN maintains customer privacy by not keeping records of their online antics.
So while it has quite a small network in comparison to other Apple VPN providers, it still offers a reliable connection along with a whole load of other important features. Price:. $8.21 a month. 30-day money back guarantee. Last, but by no means least, PureVPN is one of the Best VPN for Mac devices out there, with features such as high-level encryption techniques. Customers can be assured of their online safety when using this Apple VPN.
What makes this Apple VPN even safer is its kill switch feature which cuts the internet connection should the VPN drop out. PureVPN also has a much needed ‘no-log policy’. So if users choose to subscribe to this Apple VPN, their online activity will never be recorded.
In terms of its network, with servers in 130 countries, including Poland, and the, this VPN for Mac devices allows customers to access content from around the world. As well as quick connectivity so that PureVPN can offer buffer-free streaming with its Apple VPN. Price:. $11.95 a month. 7-day money-back guarantee (quite strict so be sure to read T&Cs).
How We Evaluated the VPNs We have researched the Apple VPN market to come up with a list of the best six VPNs for Macs and/or other Apple devices. These are the main features to look out for when choosing the for Mac:.
Quick Connection – Whenever you use the internet, a quick connection is crucial for surfing the web efficiently and effectively. VPN providers shouldn’t slow you down. A good VPN provider will offer a quick connection too.
Large and Wide Network – For content around the world to be accessible, Apple VPN providers need to have a large and wide network. This means a large number of servers for keeping up with demands, as well as server presence in as many regions as possible, so that geographically restricted content can be unblocked. Watertight Security Protocols – A VPN for Mac users must also offer secure connections that are upheld by stringent safety precautions, mainly in terms of encryption techniques. Excellent Customer Service – the best VPN for Mac users will provide such a good service that you would not need customer service support.
But it is always good to know that any questions you may have can be answered quickly by an excellent customer service team. Value for Money – A reputable VPN won’t be free, but it still needs to offer value for money for it to be a good purchase.
Is An Apple VPN Legal? Using a VPN on your Macbook and other Apple devices is legal in most countries. Nevertheless, It is always a good idea to check the laws of the specific country you’re visiting before using a VPN for Apple.
What you access with your VPN for Mac, however, is a different story. If you are in a country that has strict censorship laws, you are subject to the laws of that country and their corresponding punishments. Therefore, if you access restricted or banned content by using your Apple VPN, and are caught, you could be charged. Some countries have some extremely punitive punishments, so it pays to be cautious if you are ever unsure of the legality of what you are accessing.
Can I Use a Free VPN For Mac? You absolutely can use a for Mac, but we don’t recommend it. Free VPNs simply do not compare to the ones we have listed here, none of which are excessively expensive anyway.
The two main reasons why free VPNs for Apple are poor performers in comparison to their subscription competition are: speed and security. To provide a service for nothing, free VPN providers have to cut corners and thus tend not to have enough servers to cope with demand.
This results in slow connectivity, so users often experience buffering and suboptimal page-loading times. In terms of security, a free Apple VPN is even worse. They not only never encrypt connections well enough to make them worthwhile, but providers also keep logs so that they can sell data to third parties. Users, therefore, have little chance of remaining anonymous.
Conclusion We always advocate using as your VPN for Apple. We rate it on its reliability of connection and its consistency in terms of security. It really is the best VPN for Mac users who won’t experience any diminishment inoperability on their machines and devices. We believe it offers excellent value for money with customer service that is second to none. Subscribers rarely regret signing up to any of their plans.
ExpressVPN is an awesome Mac OS VPN that has everything a user needs. It is lightning fast and has servers in 94 countries, which gives the user the ability to unblock just about anything. Privacy is guaranteed, thanks to military grade encryption.
In addition, the privacy policy is outstanding. This VPN software for Mac OS X is also very easy to use. In addition, a user can install it on three simultaneous connections – which means the user can put it on all his devices, no matter what platform they run on.
ExpressVPN will keep his data secure both at home and on public WiFi. The only disadvantage is the high cost of owning this VPN for a long-time. Shouldn’t it be made a bit more affordable for users? You’re correct that ExpressVPN is a wonderful VPN service in many ways. We generally recommend it among the top providers for several cases, and it always tests positively. We are aware that it is on the pricier side of the industry average, but still include it because it delivers a great blend of features and functionality even at their price point.
It would be great to see them lower their prices, but they do offer some great deals, such as their 12-month plan, which reduces the overall cost of a subscription by almost one third. If you can’t spare the subscription fee, there are still other excellent VPN options that can grant you a similar level of protection for your Mac such as PureVPN and NordVPN. Feel free to share the option you ultimately chose, and how it’s working out for you! I have a quick question on these providers that I hope you can help me with. Do you know if any of these services offer automatic WiFi protection where it kicks in whenever it detects a WiFi network.
I am a field agent and I travel to a lot of offices around the country. A lot of travelling means a lot of WiFi access. About 20% of our offices also use WiFi with some having unsecured free connections for our customers (which I often use as it’s easier than setting up my company access.) I’d need this for both my phone and my laptop. You’ll be glad to hear that if automatic WiFi protection is a must, has an answer for you. The other companies, unfortunately, do not offer automated VPN connections when you access a WiFi network, but they do offer unlimited bandwidth for browsing, which means you can leave your VPN on indefinitely without worrying about paying overage fees or having your connection throttled. In many cases, it may even be safer to simply have your VPN connection turned on, especially if you’re constantly in the field and at risk of unwittingly connecting to an unsecured network. Let us know how it works out for you.
Thanks for asking a question we’re sure many people have! Generally speaking, most companies offer their products for both Mac OS and Windows, with each operating system receiving a specific version. As far as special requirements, some platforms may need more processing power, but installing them shouldn’t be a problem if you’re using up-to-date software. They also shouldn’t give you any drop-off in security and quality. Let us know which VPN you end up selecting for your Mac and your experience! Thanks for the question! Generally, Apple’s simplicity is both a benefit and a problem.
While the AirPort Extreme is a great home router, it lacks the functionality of non-Mac alternatives in customization. You can create a secure connection through it, but unfortunately cannot directly install a VPN on it. However, you can try to use a dual-router setup, where you connect the AirPort to a second router which is VPN enabled, thus giving you the same benefits the Apple device offers, while protecting your home network.
Let us know if this solution works for you! It’s a common misconception that Macs are impenetrable. The claim itself only refers to antivirus and malware, as Apple’s ‘sandboxing’ technique provides internal protection. However, this is not even entirely accurate. Virtual Private Networks provide security for the connection between your computer and the internet, protecting you from rogue wifi hotspots, government snooping and cybercriminals. As it is not an internal problem, Apple’s inbuilt security has no impact. Try or – our 2 top recommended services.
The macOS High Sierra is here with us and it is better than ever. Even the browsing speed is better especially in Safari.
This Safari is about 20% faster than the one in the macOS Sierra. Auto-play videos will not disturb you as much as they used in the Sierra.
Privacy is also enhanced in the High Sierra’s Safari with the new Intelligent Tracking Prevention. This uses machine learning to reduce cross site ad vendors from tracking your cookies and other private information that helps them place ads in the pages you view believing that these are relevant to you. With this feature, your privacy will be protected but that is just not enough. Some people still want to have the safety of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN will help make your online browsing safe and secure. The information you share online will remain private and you even get to access internet services that may be forbidden in your country. But there are many VPN services out there? Which is the best VPN for Mac? Here are the 10 VPN for macOS you can use.
TunnelBear (Free and Paid) If you are looking for something that is simple and easy to use then this is the VPN to get. There is a free version that you can opt for to protect yourself when surfing without having to pay and there are subscriptions to choose from as well. The performance of TunnelBear is quite good but it is the ease of use that makes it stand out.
It connects automatically without the need to make any changes to the settings. As for the location to adopt, it is up to you to choose from the 20 countries.
With over 700 servers that have unlimited server switching located all over the world, surfing using this VPN service is fast. There are over 200,000 IP addresses one can have so as to maintain anonymity when surfing the web. There are no third parties involved in running VyprVPN and hence the users can feel safer. VyprVPN is available in two account levels namely VyprVPN and VyprVPN Premium. The prior costs $5.00 per month while the latter costs $6.67 per month, both billed annually. With the standard users get up to 3 simultaneous connections while with the premium one gets 5 simultaneous connections.
Hide.me ensures that users get top-notch security (no data transfer logs) with fast speed and many protocols to choose devices. The protocols include OpenVPN, IKEv2, PPTP and L2TP to name but a few. The company boasts of having 115 servers located in 23 countries all over the world hence can allow users to be connected from more than one device at any given time. With all these cool features and many more it is no wonder that it has been trusted by over 5 million users. It is important to note that the free version will only allow you 2 GB data transfer.
Hotspot Shield (Free and Paid) This is among the best VPN free download you can get. Though the paid version is less restrictive, the free version still does get the job done. With the Hotspot Shield Free, you will be able to access servers in the US. With this, your internet connections will be secured and you will be warned in case you land on suspected phishing or malicious websites. Other than this, Hotspot Shield also protects you from downloading malware. It is kind of like a VPN and antivirus in one. Once installed, you will be met by a beautiful and small blue interface through which you will be able to interact with the software.
You will be able to know if you are connected and what the current network is. As for browsing, you will be able to do it normally but an IP address will be seen as well as ads when using the free version. Like with using other VPNs, you can expect a slight decrease in speed but it will not be too extreme. The download speed however may be adversely affected. CyberGhost VPN For unlimited data traffic, this is the best free VPN for MacOS Sierra.
First of all is that you need not have a registered account to use the free version. With no data limits, this is the best option for Mac users who surf often.
The speed is good but not the best since the BitTotrrents ports are blocked from use by the free users. There are ads that appear every two hours and users are required to reconnect every three hours.
Other than this the features are quite commendable. With the CyberGhost VPN, you will be able to choose the country that would like to connect to and can specify the servers to be used as the VPN endpoint. The countries you can choose are a good number making it easy to access many websites. The speed when using this VPN will be slow but the anonymity with which you can browse may just be worth the wait. There are no logs data retained and no identifying information left.
What is more? You can pay for subscriptions in Bitcoins if you decide to upgrade to the paid versions making it easier to remain anonymous. Private Tunnel This is relatively new in the market but this is not to mean that it is of lower value by any means. It has been developed by the makers of OpenVPN Technologies which is among the most commonly preferred and secure protocols to use when using VPNs. With the free version of Private Tunnel, you get to have up to 2GB data traffic after which you will be required to upgrade to any of the paid versions.
The number of servers this service has is very little; only 12 locations in 9 countries. The company is based in the US and therefore the security of the data may not be guaranteed due to legal restrictions. However, only a few logs are stored and these are said to be used in maintenance and ensuring the best performance. As for encryption, the 128-bit AES-GCM is used which ensures the protection of the data without slowing the speed of the computer. The use of the VPN is also quite easy. Bottom line If you have been looking for a good VPN then you now know the top 9 you should try.
If you are just using a VPN for the first time, consider using TunnerBear (free) as your preferred choice. For advanced users who are ready to invest, consider how reliable a VPN service is, its cost and security. With these in mind, you will find it very easy to choose the best VPN for Mac for you. Just a comment about HotSpot VPN, which I have on an annual plan & have been using for over a year. I’ve found it to periodically be unsatisfactorily show, and often unable to connect on any public wifi connection that’s the least bit iffy (as hotel wifi, which was why I got it in the first place, is!). Even when it works, though, it can often bug you by nagging you to use its additional features like its anti-virus/anti-malware (both of which I already have perfectly good versions of!), and keeps asking you if you LOVE how it’s doing (usually right after it’s logged you off because the signal’s not as strong as it likes and relogged you back ineventually).
If you have more than five devices in your household (as mine does – two iPhones, three iPads, two Windows 10 desktops, a Chromebook, & a Macbook Pro), you hit the five-device limit pretty fast. While I’m stuck with this for at least another year (and to be fair, for my static Windows boxes and our iPads, it generally works fine), I’m looking for something a lot faster and more stable for our phones and laptops.