Best VPN for Mac

Introduction

Selecting the right VPN for your Mac device requires careful consideration of security features, performance, compatibility, and value. This comprehensive comparison examines four leading VPN services—NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, and ProtonVPN—evaluating their strengths and limitations specifically on macOS. Whether you’re prioritizing privacy, streaming capabilities, ease of use, or affordability, this analysis will help you identify the most suitable VPN solution for your Mac computing needs.

Security Features

Encryption and Protocols

All four VPN providers implement AES-256 encryption on their Mac applications, providing military-grade protection for your online activities. However, they differ in the protocols they offer and their implementation on macOS.

NordVPN delivers exceptional security through its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard® technology. This protocol offers an excellent balance of speed and security, making it particularly valuable for Mac users who demand both performance and protection. NordVPN also supports IKEv2 and OpenVPN on macOS, giving users flexibility based on their specific requirements. The service’s Double VPN feature, which routes traffic through two separate VPN servers for additional encryption, is fully supported on the Mac client, providing enhanced security for users in high-censorship regions.

Surfshark offers Mac users a comprehensive protocol selection including WireGuard®, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. The WireGuard implementation provides excellent speed while maintaining security, while IKEv2 offers a good balance of speed and stability, particularly beneficial for Mac users who frequently switch between networks. Surfshark’s MultiHop feature, which routes connections through multiple countries for enhanced privacy, is fully implemented in the Mac client, though with some expected impact on connection speeds.

IPVanish supports IKEv2 and WireGuard® on its Mac client, with the latter significantly improving connection speeds compared to earlier versions. The service provides solid encryption implementation but lacks the multi-hop capabilities offered by NordVPN and Surfshark. IPVanish’s Mac application is well-optimized for Apple Silicon, ensuring good performance on the latest Mac hardware.

ProtonVPN stands out with its Secure Core architecture, which routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching its final destination. For Mac users, ProtonVPN offers IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols, with WireGuard® support recently added. The service was developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, bringing strong security credentials and a proven commitment to privacy. As an additional benefit, ProtonVPN’s Mac client is fully open-source, allowing independent security researchers to verify its security claims.

Kill Switch and Leak Protection

A reliable kill switch is essential for preventing data exposure during unexpected connection drops, and all four services provide this critical feature for Mac users, though with varying implementations.

NordVPN offers a robust kill switch on macOS that effectively blocks internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. The Mac implementation is system-wide rather than application-specific (unlike the Windows version), providing comprehensive protection but less granularity. The service also includes thorough DNS leak protection, WebRTC leak prevention, and IPv6 leak protection, creating a secure environment for Mac users.

Surfshark’s macOS application features a reliable kill switch that effectively blocks internet traffic when the VPN connection drops. The service also provides IP and DNS leak protection, ensuring that your real location and browsing activities remain private. In testing, Surfshark’s leak protection proved consistently effective on macOS, with no detected DNS or WebRTC leaks.

IPVanish includes a straightforward kill switch in its Mac client that blocks all internet traffic when the VPN connection is interrupted. The service also provides DNS and IPv6 leak protection. The implementation is reliable but lacks some of the advanced options found in competitors’ offerings.

ProtonVPN delivers a dependable kill switch on macOS that prevents traffic leaks during connection interruptions. The service also includes DNS leak protection and consistently passes leak tests on Mac systems. ProtonVPN’s open-source nature means its security features have been independently verified, providing additional assurance for security-conscious Mac users.

Additional Security Features

Beyond standard VPN protections, these services offer various additional security features that enhance the Mac user experience.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature on macOS blocks ads, prevents tracking, and protects against malware-hosting websites and malicious downloads. This comprehensive security suite functions even when you’re not connected to a VPN server, providing continuous protection. The service also offers Dark Web Monitor, which alerts users if their credentials appear in data breaches, and specialized obfuscated servers that help bypass network restrictions in heavily censored regions.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware attempts on Mac devices. The service also offers Alert, which notifies users of data breaches involving their email addresses, and a private search tool that enables anonymous web searches. Surfshark’s NoBorders mode helps users in restricted regions bypass censorship, similar to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers.

IPVanish recently introduced its Threat Protection feature for macOS, which blocks ads, stops trackers, and prevents access to malicious websites. While effective, this implementation isn’t as comprehensive as NordVPN’s offering, which also scans downloads for malware. IPVanish does provide SOCKS5 proxy access, which can be useful for applications that don’t natively support VPN connections.

ProtonVPN includes NetShield, an ad-blocker and anti-malware filter that protects Mac users from various online threats. The service also offers Tor over VPN functionality, allowing users to route their traffic through the Tor network for additional anonymity. ProtonVPN’s Secure Core feature routes traffic through physically secured servers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions before reaching its final destination, providing protection even against sophisticated network attacks.

Performance and Speed

Server Network

The extent and distribution of a VPN’s server network significantly impacts its performance and ability to bypass geo-restrictions.

NordVPN maintains the largest server network among these providers, with over 7,000 servers across 110+ countries. This extensive network ensures that Mac users can always find a nearby server for optimal performance, while also providing ample options for accessing geo-restricted content worldwide. NordVPN’s server infrastructure includes specialized servers optimized for specific use cases, such as P2P file sharing, double VPN connections, and obfuscated traffic.

Surfshark operates more than 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, providing excellent global coverage. The company has upgraded its infrastructure to support connections up to 10 Gbps, ensuring high-speed performance for Mac users. While Surfshark’s network is smaller than NordVPN’s, it still offers comprehensive coverage and reliable performance across most regions.

IPVanish maintains a network of over 2,400 servers across 75+ cities worldwide. While this is the smallest network among the four providers, IPVanish owns and operates its entire server infrastructure rather than renting servers, which can provide additional security benefits. The service offers good coverage in major regions but has fewer options in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South America compared to competitors.

ProtonVPN provides access to over 1,500 servers across 60+ countries for premium users. While this is the most limited network in terms of raw numbers, ProtonVPN focuses on strategic server placement and high-security standards rather than sheer quantity. The service’s Secure Core servers are located in hardened data centers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden, offering enhanced protection for security-conscious Mac users.

Connection Speeds

Connection speed is a critical factor for most VPN users, particularly for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming, video conferencing, and large file downloads.

NordVPN delivers excellent speeds on macOS, particularly when using the NordLynx protocol. Independent tests consistently place NordVPN among the fastest VPN services on Mac, with minimal impact on base connection speeds. The service’s large server network helps distribute user load, preventing the congestion that can slow down smaller providers during peak hours.

Surfshark offers impressive speeds on Mac that rival NordVPN’s performance in many regions. The implementation of WireGuard® has significantly improved Surfshark’s performance on macOS, and the recent infrastructure upgrades to 10 Gbps connections ensure smooth handling of high-bandwidth activities. In some regions, Surfshark actually outperforms NordVPN on Mac systems, though results vary based on user location and server selection.

IPVanish provides good speeds on macOS, especially since implementing the WireGuard® protocol. While not quite matching the consistent performance of NordVPN or Surfshark, IPVanish delivers reliable connections that are more than adequate for most online activities, including HD streaming and video calls. The service’s optimization for Apple Silicon provides a performance advantage on the latest Mac hardware.

ProtonVPN has addressed previous speed concerns with its VPN Accelerator technology, which can increase speeds by up to 400% in certain situations. This technology optimizes connection routing and protocol implementation, resulting in significantly improved performance for Mac users. While base speeds may still lag behind NordVPN and Surfshark in some regions, ProtonVPN provides reliable performance that continues to improve with ongoing development.

User Experience

Interface and Ease of Use

The quality of a VPN’s Mac client significantly impacts the overall user experience, particularly for less technical users.

NordVPN offers one of the most intuitive and visually appealing macOS clients available. The interface features an interactive map for server selection, alongside a comprehensive list view organized by country. The settings menu is logically organized, making it easy to access advanced features without overwhelming new users. The Quick Connect feature automatically selects the optimal server based on location, load, and other factors, simplifying the connection process.

Surfshark provides a clean, modern Mac interface that prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing functionality. The main screen offers a straightforward connection button and a list of locations, while advanced features are tucked away in clearly labeled menus. This approach makes Surfshark particularly accessible for VPN newcomers while still providing the depth that experienced users require. The Mac client is well-optimized for both Intel and Apple Silicon processors, ensuring smooth performance across all modern Mac hardware.

IPVanish features a more technical macOS interface that displays detailed connection information prominently. While this approach appeals to technically inclined users who appreciate the additional data, it can appear cluttered and overwhelming to beginners. The service provides good customization options, allowing users to sort servers by latency, load, or country, but lacks the polished user experience offered by NordVPN and Surfshark.

ProtonVPN delivers a clean, modern Mac client with an intuitive map interface similar to NordVPN’s. The service clearly indicates server load and features through an easy-to-understand color-coding system and iconography. ProtonVPN’s profiles feature allows users to create and save specific connection configurations for different use cases, streamlining the process of switching between common VPN tasks.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows users to route only specific applications or websites through the VPN while maintaining direct access for other traffic, a valuable feature for balancing security with convenience.

NordVPN does not currently offer split tunneling on its macOS client, which is a notable limitation compared to its Windows counterpart. Mac users who need this functionality will need to look to other providers or implement workarounds.

Surfshark provides robust split tunneling on macOS, branded as “Bypasser.” Users can specify which websites and applications should bypass the VPN, with options for both inclusion and exclusion lists. This implementation offers good flexibility, allowing for precise control over which traffic is protected.

IPVanish does not offer split tunneling on its Mac client, matching NordVPN’s limitation in this regard. This absence may be significant for users who need to access both local and international resources simultaneously.

ProtonVPN includes split tunneling on its macOS client, allowing users to exclude specific applications from the VPN connection. The implementation is straightforward and reliable, making ProtonVPN and Surfshark the only providers in this comparison that offer this valuable feature to Mac users.

Streaming and P2P Support

Many Mac users rely on VPNs for accessing geo-restricted streaming content and for secure P2P file sharing.

NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming platforms on macOS, consistently providing access to Netflix libraries from different regions, as well as other services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The service offers specialized P2P servers optimized for file sharing, automatically redirecting torrent traffic to these servers for optimal performance and security.

Surfshark demonstrates excellent streaming capabilities on Mac, reliably unblocking multiple Netflix regional libraries and other major streaming platforms. The service supports P2P activities on all servers, eliminating the need to connect to specialized locations for torrenting. This approach simplifies the user experience while still providing the necessary protection for file sharing.

IPVanish offers good streaming performance on macOS, though it’s less consistent at accessing some platforms compared to NordVPN and Surfshark. The service supports P2P traffic on all servers, with SOCKS5 proxy access providing an additional option for torrent users who prioritize speed over encryption for certain activities.

ProtonVPN’s premium plans provide reliable access to major streaming platforms on Mac, though the free tier is limited in this regard. The service offers dedicated P2P servers clearly marked in the interface, making it easy for Mac users to find suitable connections for file sharing. ProtonVPN’s strict no-logs policy and Swiss jurisdiction make it a particularly privacy-focused option for P2P activities.

Value Proposition

Pricing Structure

Value considerations extend beyond raw price comparisons to include the features, performance, and reliability offered at each price point.

NordVPN positions itself in the mid-premium range, with pricing that reflects its comprehensive feature set and reliable performance. The service offers significant discounts on longer-term plans, with the best value found in its two-year subscription. While not the cheapest option, NordVPN’s combination of features, performance, and security justifies its pricing for many Mac users, particularly those who prioritize a polished experience and comprehensive protection.

Surfshark stands out as the most affordable premium option among these providers, especially for long-term subscriptions. Despite its lower price point, Surfshark offers a feature set that rivals or exceeds more expensive competitors, making it an exceptional value proposition. The service frequently offers promotional pricing that further enhances its affordability, particularly for multi-year commitments.

IPVanish falls in the mid-range pricing category, with costs similar to NordVPN but typically without the same depth of features. The service occasionally offers significant discounts, particularly for first-year subscriptions, though renewal prices are often substantially higher. IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy adds value for users with multiple devices.

ProtonVPN employs a unique tiered pricing structure that includes a genuinely free option alongside several premium tiers. The free plan provides unlimited bandwidth but limits users to servers in three countries and one simultaneous connection. Premium plans increase server access, connection limits, and feature availability, with the Plus and Unlimited plans offering the full feature set. This approach allows Mac users to test the service indefinitely before committing to a paid plan.

Simultaneous Connections

The number of devices that can connect simultaneously affects a VPN’s value, particularly for users with multiple Apple devices or families sharing an account.

NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is sufficient for most individual users and small families. This limit applies across all platforms, not just macOS, allowing users to protect their entire Apple ecosystem with a single subscription.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a significant advantage over most competitors. This policy allows users to protect all their devices—including Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs—without worrying about connection limits. For households with many Apple devices or small businesses, this feature alone can make Surfshark the most cost-effective option.

IPVanish also provides unlimited simultaneous connections, matching Surfshark’s offering in this regard. This policy represents a significant value enhancement, particularly given IPVanish’s mid-range pricing.

ProtonVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on its premium plans, matching NordVPN’s offering. The free tier is limited to one connection, which is reasonable given the absence of bandwidth restrictions.

Free Options and Trial Periods

Risk-free testing periods help users determine whether a VPN meets their specific needs before committing financially.

NordVPN does not offer a permanent free tier but provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. This approach allows Mac users to test the full service without restrictions, though it does require an initial payment.

Surfshark similarly lacks a permanent free option but offers a 7-day free trial for mobile users (which can be used to create an account that works on Mac) and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. This combination provides multiple avenues for testing the service before making a long-term commitment.

IPVanish does not offer a free tier but provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly plans. Monthly plans have a shorter 7-day guarantee period, which offers less flexibility for testing compared to NordVPN and Surfshark.

ProtonVPN stands out by offering a genuinely useful free tier with no bandwidth limits or speed restrictions. While limited to servers in three countries and one simultaneous connection, this free option provides a risk-free way to experience ProtonVPN’s core functionality indefinitely. All paid plans also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test premium features without risk.

macOS-Specific Considerations

Apple Silicon Compatibility

With Apple’s transition to its own silicon, compatibility with these new processors has become an important consideration for Mac users.

NordVPN offers a native Apple Silicon application, ensuring optimal performance on M1, M2, and M3 Macs. This native support eliminates the need for Rosetta 2 translation, resulting in better energy efficiency and faster connection speeds on the latest Mac hardware.

Surfshark provides a universal binary that runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. This approach ensures optimal performance regardless of your Mac’s processor type, with no additional configuration required.

IPVanish has updated its Mac application to run natively on Apple Silicon, providing good performance on the latest hardware. The service was relatively quick to adopt native support compared to some competitors.

ProtonVPN offers native Apple Silicon support, ensuring optimal performance on M-series Macs. The service’s commitment to open-source development has helped facilitate this transition, with community input contributing to the optimization process.

Integration with macOS

The degree to which a VPN integrates with macOS affects both usability and security.

NordVPN offers good integration with macOS, including support for Dark Mode and menu bar controls for quick access to VPN functions. The service also provides a browser extension for Safari, though with more limited functionality compared to the full application.

Surfshark integrates well with macOS, supporting system-wide Dark Mode and providing a convenient menu bar icon for quick connection management. The service also offers browser extensions, though Safari support is more limited compared to Chrome and Firefox.

IPVanish provides basic macOS integration, including a menu bar icon for connection management. The service lacks some of the deeper system integrations found in NordVPN and Surfshark, such as comprehensive Dark Mode support.

ProtonVPN offers good macOS integration, with support for Dark Mode and menu bar controls. The service’s open-source nature has allowed for community contributions that enhance its integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

Customer Support

Support Options

Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is crucial, particularly when technical issues arise or when configuring a VPN for specific macOS use cases.

NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, email assistance, and an extensive knowledge base with setup guides and troubleshooting information specific to macOS. The live chat representatives are generally knowledgeable and responsive, providing quick solutions to common issues. The service also maintains detailed setup guides for different versions of macOS, covering various configuration scenarios.

Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support, email assistance, and a comprehensive knowledge base with Mac-specific documentation. The support team is responsive and generally well-informed, though occasionally less technical than NordVPN’s representatives. Surfshark’s setup guides for macOS are clear and detailed, making it easy for new users to get started.

IPVanish offers 24/7 live chat support, email assistance, and a knowledge base with setup guides for macOS. The support team is responsive, though sometimes less knowledgeable about advanced technical issues compared to NordVPN and ProtonVPN. The service provides good documentation for Mac users, including setup guides for various versions of the operating system.

ProtonVPN provides email support, an extensive knowledge base, and a user forum, but lacks the 24/7 live chat option offered by the other services. While response times are generally reasonable, the absence of immediate assistance can be frustrating when facing urgent issues. However, ProtonVPN’s support staff tends to be highly technical and well-informed, particularly regarding security matters and macOS-specific configurations.

Conclusion

Each of these VPN services offers distinct advantages for Mac users, with the best choice depending on individual priorities and use cases.

NordVPN provides the most comprehensive overall package for macOS users, combining excellent performance, robust security features, and a polished user experience. The service’s extensive server network, consistent streaming capabilities, and advanced security features like Threat Protection make it an excellent choice for users who want a premium experience and are willing to pay a bit more for it. The main limitation for Mac users is the absence of split tunneling, which may be significant for some use cases.

Surfshark offers exceptional value, delivering premium features and performance at a significantly lower price point than most competitors. The unlimited simultaneous connections policy adds substantial value for users with multiple Apple devices, and the inclusion of split tunneling on macOS sets it apart from NordVPN and IPVanish. Surfshark’s clean interface and straightforward approach make it an excellent choice for VPN newcomers, while its feature depth satisfies more experienced users. For Mac users seeking the best balance of cost and capability, Surfshark is difficult to beat.

IPVanish provides a solid, technically-oriented service that appeals particularly to more experienced users. The unlimited simultaneous connections and native Apple Silicon support make it a good value proposition, though it lacks some of the advanced features and polished experience offered by NordVPN and Surfshark. The absence of split tunneling on macOS is a notable limitation, matching NordVPN’s weakness in this area.

ProtonVPN stands out for its commitment to privacy and transparency, with open-source clients and a privacy-focused approach. The inclusion of split tunneling on macOS gives it an advantage over NordVPN and IPVanish for users who need this functionality. The service’s unique tiered pricing structure, including a genuinely useful free option, makes it accessible to users with varying budgets and needs. ProtonVPN is the ideal choice for privacy-focused Mac users, particularly those who value open-source software and are willing to sacrifice some convenience for enhanced security.

For most Mac users seeking a balance of security, performance, and value, Surfshark represents the strongest option, offering split tunneling, unlimited simultaneous connections, and competitive pricing. However, NordVPN, IPVanish, and ProtonVPN offer compelling alternatives for users with specific requirements around server coverage, technical control, or privacy focus.