The best Mac VPN in 2023
❌ You want built-in antivirus: ExpressVPN misses out on being an all-in-one security solution due to the lack of an antivirus, something which NordVPN has.
Best Mac VPN for 2023
If you’re a MacOS user, your virtual private network should be as smart as your machine. Here are the ones we recommend based on our latest tests.
Updated on Aug. 19, 2023
Written by Attila Tomaschek , Rae Hodge
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Attila Tomaschek
Attila is a Staff Writer for CNET, covering software, apps and services with a focus on virtual private networks. He is an advocate for digital privacy and has been quoted in online publications like Computer Weekly, The Guardian, BBC News, HuffPost, Wired and TechRepublic. When not tapping away on his laptop, Attila enjoys spending time with his family, reading and collecting guitars.
Expertise Attila has nearly a decade’s worth of experience with VPNs and has been covering them for CNET since 2021. As CNET’s VPN expert, Attila rigorously tests VPNs and offers readers advice on how they can use the technology to protect their privacy online and
Rae Hodge Former senior editor
Rae Hodge was a senior editor at CNET. She led CNET’s coverage of privacy and cybersecurity tools from July 2019 to January 2023. As a data-driven investigative journalist on the software and services team, she reviewed VPNs, password managers, antivirus software, anti-surveillance methods and ethics in tech. Prior to joining CNET in 2019, Rae spent nearly a decade covering politics and protests for the AP, NPR, the BBC and other local and international outlets.
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Editors’ choice 2023
Best Overall VPN
ExpressVPN
Privacy protection and fast speed
See Price at ExpressVPN
Savings 49% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)
- Unmatched transparency
- Top-notch security with no leaks detected
- Excellent for streaming
- Expensive
- Only five simultaneous connections
- Owned by Kape Technologies
Savings 49% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)
Latest tests No leaks detected, 2% speed loss in spring 2022 tests
Network 3,000-plus servers in 160 locations across 94 countries
Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands
Full Review Read full review
ExpressVPN remains our Editors’ Choice for best overall VPN in 2023. One of the largest VPN providers globally, the industry titan has been in business since 2009 and is consistently raising the bar for service transparency year after year.
In the past few years, ExpressVPN increased its independent third-party audit count, published details about its TrustedServer deployment process, joined the i2Coalition to call for improved VPN industry ethics, and released an open source Lightway encryption protocol.
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPN we’ve tested. While most VPNs will cause you to lose half or more of your normal internet speeds, ExpressVPN caused our speeds to dip just 18% in our March and April 2023 speed tests. It also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services more reliably than most other VPNs, and seamlessly surpasses geo-blocking for access to international gaming servers and torrenting sites.
All of our top-rated VPNs have wide compatibility across platforms and operating systems, but ExpressVPN’s collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for users. So does its 24/7 customer support, and its no-questions-asked, 30-day money back guarantee.
While you can get a better month-to-dollar bargain with ExpressVPN’s two-year subscription, we don’t recommend anyone purchase any two-year VPN subscriptions at this time due to overall market volatility. ExpressVPN’s best plan offers five simultaneous connections for $100 a year (which includes three extra months, for a limited-time deal totaling 15 months of service). You can also opt for a $13 per-month plan, or pay $60 for six months.
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Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
Extensive features at a great price
See Price at Surfshark
Savings $2.49/mo with 24-mo plan (+2 free months)
- Lots of unique security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- RAM-only server network
- Inconsistent speed performance
- 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
- No transparency reports
Savings $2.49/mo with 24-mo plan (+2 free months)
Latest tests Zero data leaks and 19% internet speed loss in fall 2022 tests
Network 3,200-plus in 99 countries
Jurisdiction Netherlands
Full Review Read full review
Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what has helped Surfshark earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value VPN in 2022.
Along with standard VPN features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark features include camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.
One innovation we’re excited to see Surfshark roll out over the next year is its Nexus network, which connects the VPN’s entire network of servers together and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it’s faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN — which can be particularly beneficial to users with critical privacy needs.
Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security to be “solid” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark passed its first independent no-logs audit in January.
Beginning in February 2022, both Surfshark and NordVPN share the same corporate parent, but Surfshark said it is legally bound not to share any information between the entities that would go against its Privacy Policy or Terms of Service. We didn’t find any language in either document that would indicate Surfshark has any obligation to share user data with its parent company or any sibling companies, including NordVPN.
Surfshark used to consistently rate as one of the fastest VPNs available, but we’ve been disappointed with its inconsistent speeds recently. The 40% speed loss we measured in February and March of 2023 was more than double the 19% speed loss we measured in 2022. Though speeds through WireGuard were impressive, registering only an 8% speed loss, the 76% speed loss we registered through OpenVPN dragged Surfshark’s overall speed rating down considerably. The company tells us that it is working on resolving the OpenVPN speed issues.
In our tests, Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix and Amazon Prime Video content, but we did run into a fair bit of trouble accessing Disney Plus. After testing various servers in the US and other countries where Disney Plus is available, we were finally able to access the content when we connected to a server in Boston. You may need to test a few servers yourself before gaining access to Disney Plus content with Surfshark.
Surfshark offers cheaper introductory prices that jump after the first billing cycle. Even so, Surfshark manages to keep its prices lower than most other VPNs — helping it earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value. The yearly plan starts out at $48 for the first year, then jumps to $60 for any additional years of service. If you opt for the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 up front for the initial two years combined, then $60 per year for any additional years. Surfshark’s monthly plan stays constant at $13 a month. If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark review.
The best Mac VPN in 2023
If you’re a Mac user, a quality Mac VPN is an essential part of your online toolbox. From staying secure online to evading content blocks on Netflix and government censorship, the best VPNs of 2023 are remarkably versatile bits of software – but with so many to choose from, it can be tricky to make a decision.
However, not every VPN has an equally compelling package for Mac devices. In fact, many top providers have relatively weak macOS offerings. My team of experts and I at Tom’s Guide have reviewed dozens of VPNs across multiple criteria, including speed, privacy, unblocking, coverage, and price, to bring you this list of the top 5 VPNs for Mac.
Here, I’ve pulled together the 5 best Mac VPNs on the market. To take your pick from the top 3, check out the blocks below, or to dive deeper into why these VPNs have made the cut, simply keep scrolling.
1. ExpressVPN – The very best Mac VPN
ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for Mac and just about every other device as well. It’s a delight for privacy-conscious users, offering class-leading privacy with an intuitive kill switch, auto-connect, and an independently audited no-logs policy.
It’s great for streaming, and is perfect for beginners as well, who will benefit immensely from its rich library of helpful guides, friendly 24/7 support, and easy-to-use apps. Tom’s Guide readers can now claim 30 days free on the 12-month plan, and you’ll be covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – The best cheap Mac VPN
Surfshark offers an excellent mix of affordability and top-quality privacy protection. With super simple apps, unlimited connections and the option to add on antivirus as well, it offers unparalleled value for money.
With servers in more countries than rivals ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Surfshark establishes itself as a top choice for streaming global content. Mac users will benefit from a 7-day free trial in addition to the standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. NordVPN – Mac VPN from the biggest name around
NordVPN is a top-rated Mac VPN excellent for privacy purists thanks to its comprehensive security suite, including extras like a built-in antivirus, ad & malware blockers, and password manager. All Nord apps are beginner-friendly, and there’s no shortage of support, either.
With consistently fast speeds and a tons of servers that are perfect for unblocking global content, it’s one of the best services when it comes to streaming. If you’re not sure it’s for you, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try before you commit.
The best five Mac VPNs you can get today
1. ExpressVPN
Simply the best Mac VPN
Also works on: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | Unblocks: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Maximum devices supported: 8
+3 MONTHS FREE
ExpressVPN 12 month
ExpressVPN 6 month
ExpressVPN 1 month
Works seamlessly on Mac
Crisp, clean apps on all devices
Class-leading support
Excellent connection speeds
Pretty expensive – but worth it
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want class-leading privacy and security: ExpressVPN provides the most comprehensive VPN protection out there with an independently audited no-logs policy, ad and malware blockers
✔️ You want a VPN you can set and forget: Thanks to Express’s auto-connect feature, you have to connect to the VPN just once, and it’ll ensure that you’re always on a secure VPN server.
✔️ You want a VPN for gaming on your Mac: ExpressVPN protects you from DDoS attacks, keeps your data private, and reduces ping time between gaming servers by connecting you to servers close to the network host.
❌ You want a cheap VPN: ExpressVPN isn’t exactly a bargain, and rivals like Surfshark are ideal for you if you’re on a budget.
❌ You want built-in antivirus: ExpressVPN misses out on being an all-in-one security solution due to the lack of an antivirus, something which NordVPN has.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ExpressVPN is our #1 VPN overall and it delivers an absolutely seamless experience on Mac as well. With class-leading privacy, excellent unblocking capabilities, wide coverage, and beginner-friendly apps, ExpressVPN should be your first choice as a Mac VPN.
In my hands-on ExpressVPN review, it came out on top as my favorite VPN overall, and my decision is no different when it comes to awarding the top VPN for Mac. With powerful encryption, a rock-solid kill switch and an auto-connect feature, you can rest assured that your browsing history or real location will never be left vulnerable.
Both ExpressVPN’s Windows and Mac apps are very similar in how they look and function. However, the Mac version doesn’t have split tunneling. On the bright side, it provides the Threat Manager and the malware and tracking blocker, both of which are offerings omitted from its Windows app. It’s also the best iPhone VPN on the market, so if you’re an Apple addict, it’s well worth considering.
The Threat Manager is a unique ExpressVPN feature that blocks apps and websites on your Mac from tracking your activity, let alone relaying it to third parties. A strict no-logs policy and class-leading encryption with secure DNS and P2P support on all servers make ExpressVPN one of the most secure VPNs on the market right now.
For even more protection, ExpressVPN employs TrustedServer technology that includes RAM-only servers and the entire software stack being reinstalled on every server at boot. ExpressVPN servers do not store any of your data, and once your session comes to an end, there’s virtually no record of it whatsoever.
ExpressVPN is also killer when it comes to streaming. It’s able to unblock a wide range of global Netflix libraries, as well as BBC iPlayer outside the UK, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and tons more.
In my recent round of testing, ExpressVPN reached a maximum download speed of 560 Mbps. Now, you really only need a 25 Mbps connection to stream your favorite content in 4K Ultra HD, so Express does more than just a decent job here. That said, it can’t quite match the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN when it comes to sheer speed.
You can now log in with the same ExpressVPN account on 8 devices simultaneously. This number was previously 5, so the jump is commendable, but rivals like Surfshark and PIA come with unlimited simultaneous connections, and at a lower price point.
Overall, ExpressVPN is an ideal pick for average-sized families and individuals, and while on the pricier side, it’s a delight for privacy purists and is the best Mac VPN money can buy. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly with a simple interface and 24/7 responsive customer support available for any trouble you may run into. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so try it out and see if it’s your cup of tea.
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| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | An intuitive and beginner-friendly design that’s pleasing to the eye | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | One of the most beginner-friendly VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Speeds are excellent, but there are faster VPNs out there | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Excellent across the board, with only a couple of niche Netflix libraries unavailable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Quite frankly unbeatable when it comes to personal protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Fast and knowledgeable live chat agents, with tons of useful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Pretty expensive when compared to the competition | ⭐⭐⭐ |