Searching for the best Mac VPN? Enjoy streaming HD content such as Netflix and want the very best speeds with top level security? Want to protect your personal data with a Mac VPN? Then check out our best VPNs for Mac review below.
Why should you use a VPN on your Mac?
A VPN is essential for safeguarding your personal data and improving your online security on your macOS device. A VPN will encrypt your connection so your ISP cannot monitor what you are doing online giving you full internet freedom. VPN software on your Mac will also enable you to change your geolocation which is perfect if you want to stream geo-restricted content from the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other popular channels (i.e. Accessing the US Netflix store from within the UK).
Public Wi-Fi can be really convenient when out and about, however without the protection of a Mac VPN, your personal information is very much at risk to hackers and other online threats… so you should always be connecting to a VPN when using the Wi-Fi in Starbucks etc.
There are a whole host of great Mac VPNs available to download and our expert review below will guide you to getting the best one for you and your requirements.
What do you need from a VPN for Mac?
- Dedicated VPN application optimised for macOS
- Military grade encryption to hide your true IP address
- Super fast VPN speeds and worldwide servers
- Strict or zero log policies
- Can unblock popular streaming channels including Netflix & BBC iPlayer
Melvyn's top 5 VPNs for Mac
CyberGhost
CyberGhost are an exceptional VPN provider with industry leading levels of privacy, worldwide server locations ideal for torrenting with user friendly applications that flawlessly unblock US Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other popular streaming services. If you want a super-fast, zero logs, easy to use VPN… then look no further!
Compatible with
Summary
Super-fast, zero logs, easy to use apps and friendly 24/7 customer support… you can see why it’s our number one recommended provider!
Our score:
5.0
Price from:
$2.75
per month
Pros
- Super fast, reliable servers with up to 265Mbps download speeds
- Extremely user-friendly applications on all devices
- Kill switch, DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption
- Access to over 6,600+ servers spanning more than 90+ countries
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and all other popular streaming sites
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting allowed
- Protect up to 7 devices with one account
- One of the best value VPNs available
Cons
- No VPN obfuscation technology for use in high censorship countries
- Doesn’t work in China
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best and most popular VPN providers out there. It strikes the perfect balance for privacy concerned users and those looking for lightning fast speeds. It’s great for unblocking content such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer and also supports P2P and torrenting. Add to this its no logs policy and impeccable security, Nord sure does tick all the boxes!
Compatible with
Summary
Outstanding speeds, zero logs, and award winning 24/7 customer support… NordVPN is up there with the very best in the VPN market!
Our score:
4.9
Price from:
$3.71
per month
Pros
- Super-fast reliable servers with up to 226Mbps download speeds
- Extremely user-friendly applications on all devices
- Kill switch, DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption
- Access to over 5,400+ servers spanning 59 countries
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer and all other popular streaming sites
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting permitted
- Double VPN security feature for extra protection
- One of the most popular VPNs available
Cons
- Alternative security protocols need manual configuration
- Speeds can be compromised on some distant connections
Ivacy
Compatible with
Summary
Well polished user-friendly apps, market leading speeds and an outstanding price… Ivacy are major players in the VPN market!
Our score:
4.7
Price from:
$1.16
per month
Pros
- Fast, reliable servers with up to 256Mbps download speeds
- Kill switch, DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption
- Access to 1,000+ servers spanning 100+ countries
- Slick applications which are full of features
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer and all other popular streaming sites
- Optimised peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting servers
- Strict no logs policy
- Protect up to 10 devices with one account
- One of the cheapest VPNs available
Cons
- OpenVPN not available on all servers
- Long distance connection speeds
ZenMate
Newly relaunched and better than ever, ZenMate are aiming to break into the top 5 best VPNs that’s for sure! With upgraded hardware, incredible privacy, zero logs and market leading speeds, plus the ability to torrent and flawlessly unblock US Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other popular streaming services. If you want a super-fast, user-friendly, highly secure VPN… ZenMate may be your answer!
Compatible with
Summary
Super-fast, highly secure and potentially the cheapest premium VPN on the market right now… ZenMate really are trying to compete with the very best!
Our score:
4.7
Price from:
$2.22
per month
Pros
- Super-fast, reliable servers with up to 255Mbps download speeds
- Extremely user-friendly applications on all devices
- Kill switch, DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption
- Access to over 3,600 servers spanning 74+ countries
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer and all other popular streaming sites
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting permitted
- Protect an unlimited amount of devices with one account
- One of the best value VPNs available
Cons
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Servers focussed around Europe & North America
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting not available on North American servers
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a super-fast VPN provider offering both a free or premium service. Their app is slick, easy to use, comes with a VPN kill switch and is accompanied with plenty of robust security features keeping its users safe online. It’s also perfect for unblocking content such as Netflix and is priced really competitively.
Compatible with
Summary
A slick app, amazing speeds and a 45-day money back guarantee… Hotspot Shield has you fully covered.
Our score:
4.7
Price from:
$2.99
per month
Pros
- Fast, reliable servers with up to 90Mbps download speeds
- Great, user-friendly applications on all devices
- Kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption & Ad Blocker
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting permitted
- Unlimited bandwidth and traffic usage
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer and all other popular streaming sites
- 45-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Limited server locations compared to its rivals
- Based in the privacy-unfriendly USA
Mac related news
Mac VPN FAQs...
A VPN stands for virtual private network and is a piece of software which encrypts your IP address concealing it from your ISP and other agencies. A VPN has a whole host of awesome features such as protecting you from hackers if you use public Wi-Fi ensuring all of your personal data can’t be accessed. A VPN is great for streaming too as it allows you to connect to a whole host of worldwide VPN servers from your Mac unblocking geo-restricted content such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu etc.
Yes its perfectly legal to download and use a VPN on your Mac. VPN software is enjoyed by millions of users around the world for both personal and business usage.
Using a VPN in China is relatively simple as long as you can download your VPN outside China or use a VPN to change your location if you are already there. Most VPNs are blocked on the App Store so check out our current top 5 VPNs for China here for more information.