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Introduction
I think most MacBook users are very privacy concerned and try to secure as much as possible our digital path. In our world, the internet is vital but you should know that there a lot of cyber threats. That’s why we are very big appreciators of any tool that secures our online activity. In my case, I use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which is a group of software applications that create an encrypted tunnel between your computer and a remote server. This secures your online activity.
Key Takeaways
Brief overview of VPNs and their importance for MacBook users
MacBook users need VPNs because first and foremost, a VPN can help protect your online privacy. A VPN hides your IP address and obscures the traffic you send over the internet. When you’re using a VPN, your ISP won’t know which websites you’re visiting, what you’re downloading, or whom you contact, protecting your online activities against ISPs, hackers, government surveillance and other snoops.
In addition to this, VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions, unblock content that might not be available in your country, and help you stream music and videos, play online games and use websites that might be blocked for visitors in your area.
Explanation of the purpose of the article
Our goal is to help you choose the best VPN for your MacBook. Buying a VPN can be confusing because there are so many of them. Within this article, we take into account all the crucial factors, such as the features of the providers, their safety, the speed of the connections, the number of servers, the user interface and the price.
Once you reach the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need about the specific features to be on the lookout for in a good VPN, and incredibly detailed and thorough reviews of the best VPNs on the market for your MacBook, specifically. Whether you are a digital nomad or a private informational individual, or simply someone who likes to maintain a high level of safety and security online, this guide has the information you need to make a great purchase.
What to Look for in a VPN for MacBook
Finding the perfect MacBook VPN in a sea of options can be quite a challenge. There are a couple of important things that you rate and analyze to make the best choice. In this section, we go over the main features to look out for in a VPN service to ensure that it is the right one for you.
A. Security and Encryption
Explanation of the importance of strong encryption and security features
If privacy and security are your primary concerns, good encryption is a must-have feature in a quality VPN. Encryption scrambles your VPN- encrypted internet traffic in a way that nobody else can read it, whether it’s a hacker, your ISP, or a meddling government. This is particularly important if you want to get online over unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
As MacBook users, we ought to prioritize VPNs that meet generally accepted standards of online security. Ensure that they offer advanced encryption, lest your personal data falls into the wrong hands. A VPN whose encryption is weak, or at least dated, is not enough to keep you secure online.
Discussion of the different types of encryption and their strengths
The most commonly used encryption protocols on a VPN are AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and Open VPN: AES is considered to be one of the most secure encryption protocols in the world. Its 256-bit iteration (AES-256) is arguably the most secure and eponymous data protection encryption accessible.
Open VPN is an open-source protocol that combines great encryption within a secure and mobile platform, making it a favorite for VPN providers. Alternative encryption protocols such as IKEv2/IPSec and WireGuard are faster and more secure, meaning they could see more widespread adoption, so it’s important to choose a VPN that supports all these protocols and allows users to pick and choose according to their needs.
B. Server Network and Speed
Explanation of the importance of a large server network and fast speeds
In most cases, a bigger server fleet of a VPN is equivalent to more speed. If a VPN service has available servers in more countries, you will be able to connect to servers in such countries and boost your Internet speed. Indeed, having a vast server coverage is critical for helping you access unavailable content in some countries.
We Mac users, therefore, probably heavily rely on our stream video, our online gaming, our video conferencing and many other activities. A stream video user with an excellent server network and a high-speed VPN will get a good experience without losing speed or quality.
Discussion of how to test VPN speeds and server availability
Besides checking the features of VPN services, you need to thoroughly test their speed and performance. There are actually speed-testing links on many VPN providers’ websites by which you can check the download and upload speeds of their servers in specific locations.
Moreover, you can perform your own speed checks, such as with Ookla’s Speedtest or Fast.com, to measure your internet speeds both with and without the VPN turned on. This allows you to evaluate the negative effects of the VPN on your own bandwidth.
C. User Experience and Interface
Explanation of the importance of a user-friendly interface and easy setup process
Users of Macs like the sleek, streamlined design of the graphical interface that enhances the seamless experience provided by the device. A well-designed, easy-to-use interface of a VPN service will add to the user experience, making it easier to get into our settings and features, customize and play.
Setting up should be easy too. People who aren’t technofreaks will want to quickly and easily log on to their MacBooks. Sophisticated ways of configuring the VPN that requires technical expertise will only frustrate a user and reduce the likelihood that a VPN will be fully exploited.
Discussion of the different types of VPN interfaces and their pros and cons
VPN services provide various kinds of interfaces from desktop applications to browser extensions and mobile programs. Each interface has its own pros and cons.
Desktop applications have more features, and more options and often use more system resources. Browser extensions are lighter, convenient for quick connections but limited in functionality.
Mobile apps mean you can protect your online activities on the go. Meanwhile, some VPNs even have command line interfaces for more hardcore users who want to go deep on configuration.
D. Privacy and Logging Policies
Explanation of the importance of privacy and no-logging policies
Perhaps the most important reason to use a VPN is for privacy protection… Not all VPNs have the same commitment to privacy for your activities and personal data. Make sure your VPN provider has a strict no-logging policy to protect yourself.
If a VPN logs activity, using one defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place because your data can be accessed or shared with third parties. The answer is a VPN service that maintains no logs at all.
Discussion of how to evaluate a VPN’s privacy and logging policies
You need to read their terms of service and their privacy statements carefully before choosing any VPN because the level of privacy that a VPN provides to you greatly depends on its privacy and logging policies. For example, what information do they collect, how long do they keep this information, and with whom do they share this information?
Furthermore, respected VPN providers also tend to undergo independent audits to verify they are truthful about their alleged no-logging claims – which can really be useful. When they have these audits, they will post findings and publications for everybody to see.
Pay particular attention to these five factors – security and encryption, server network and speed, user experience and interface, privacy and logging – and you should make the right decision about which is the best MacBook VPN for you.
Top VPNs for MacBook
Now that we have identified nearly all the basic elements that every good VPN for MacBook users should perform well, it is time to proceed to our recommendations. We have spent countless hours and days both speculatively looking through VPN services and actually test-driving them in our daily anonymity in different types of objects such as MacBooks – all for your benefit of course (we want you to make the right choice).
1. NordVPN
Best Overall  9.8 / 10 | Outstanding | |
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Privacy 97% | Interface 96% | Speed 95% | Features 97% |
Key Facts
Overview of NordVPN’s features and benefits
A clear leader in the VPN space, NordVPN is the best VPN for MacBook Pros, in our view. Security is one half of the equation for picking the right VPN provider. But the whole experience, everything you gain and lose when you enable your VPN, is what matters. With NordVPN, everything goes smoothly. Your apps continue to work as normal, your network speeds remain high, and the whole experience feels native. It’s incredibly important to like using your VPN – and with NordVPN that’s a guarantee.
Speed and Performance
NordVPN has one of the largest and fastest server networks with more than 5,500 servers in 59 countries. Regardless of where you are in the world, you’re guaranteed a super-fast and quick connection via the special NordLynx – the secure and super-fast protocol developed by NordVPN based on the latest WireGuard technology. NordLynx is the fastest VPN protocol in the industry to date that’s ideal for MacBook users who stream, game or do anything else bandwidth-heavy.
Privacy and security
NordVPN works with military-grade AES-256-bit encryption to ensure that everything you do online remains private and secure. Also, thanks to the company’s no-logs policy and being based in privacy-friendly Panama, you can rest assured that your data is safe from prying third parties.
User interface
The NordVPN user interface is simple, sleek, and quick to use, with a well-designed and intuitive macOS-native Mac app that lets you choose servers, connect in one click, and tweak settings with ease – perfect for beginners and advanced VPN users alike.
Servers
NordVPN’s servers are spread throughout 59 countries, which means virtually no block will stand against you. At the same time, their specialty servers, including P2P servers dedicated to torrenting, and obfuscated servers that bypass the VPN blocks, cover any possible use.
Pricing
Plans can be a little pricy, but the longer plans enable you to utilize the service for a lesser amount of money. The company runs promos and discounts on the occasional, which make it more affordable for people who are trying to save money by using a MacBook.
Pros
Cons
2. ExpressVPN
Best For Speed  9.7 / 10 | Outstanding | |
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Privacy 98% | Interface 97% | Speed 98% | Features 96% |
Key Facts
Overview of ExpressVPN’s features and benefits
ExpressVPN is one of the names you’ll commonly rank highest year after year among the best. it’s got an interface that is the closest thing you’ll get to the MacBook experience. The wide selection of features is high-end, the speed is robust and the security is armed with all the necessary military artillery for your protection. It works everywhere, and so you can get everything you want from its cross-platform abilities.
Speed and Performance
Among ExpressVPN’s strengths is speed. With more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you’re never very far from a fast server. Powered by a proprietary protocol called Lightway and a wealth of optimization work, the connection speeds make streaming and gaming pleasant experiences.
Privacy and security
Your online privacy and security is important to them. That’s why ExpressVPN uses military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, so your personal data will be next to impossible to crack. And they won’t even have the chance to try, thanks to a strict no-logs policy. This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and is regulated by the jurisdiction – which is as privacy-friendly as it gets.
User interface
Are you not impressed by the simplicity and beauty of the interface? The ExpressVPN macOS app is visually pleasing and easy to navigate, it integrates beautifully into the MacBook software user experience, and it takes two mouse clicks to connect to a server: 1. Click the Connect button. The user experience is completely drivable and adjustable, which your shoulders and your conscience will surely appreciate.
Servers
With an impressive server spread out to 94 countries, ExpressVPN makes it a cakewalk for you to evade Geo-restrictions, plus get access to an international content catalog, covering almost every part of the world. In addition, their specialized servers, such as streaming, and torrenting, along with various other use cases, make you explore the internet, like a boss! They have got you covered, be it your gaming sessions or streaming online content.
Pricing
Even though ExpressVPN pitches itself as a premium VPN service, its pricing remains very competitive and, given the value for money you receive, the cost is more than justified. ExpressVPN constantly offers special deals and discounts, helping you get the service at an even lower price, and making Express VPN the best VPN for MacBook Pro and more attractive to a larger group of users.
Finally, there is the 30-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, ensuring that you can enjoy ExpressVPN for 30 full days and still get your money back, should you not be satisfied.
Pros
Cons
With its exceptional performance, uncompromising security, and seamless user experience, ExpressVPN stands out as a top-tier VPN choice for MacBook users seeking a premium and reliable service.
3. Surfshark
Best For Value  9.4 / 10 | Excellent | |
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Privacy 95% | Interface 93% | Speed 93% | Features 94% |
Key facts
Overview of Surfshark’s features and benefits
Even though Surfshark is newer to the game than many other Google searches for the word ‘VPN’ would lead you to believe, it promises quite a bit for a fraction of the price of other services. In short, Surfshark conclusively shows how to combine rock-solid security, fast speed and top-notch usability – at a price that’s easy on the bank account to create a complete package that’s VPN for the people.
Speed and Performance
Still, compared to some of its rivals, this young VPN company relies on a smaller server network that scales at over 3,200 high-performance servers in 65 countries. With this large network, you will have no trouble finding a suitable server near you, ready to provide speeds ideal for streaming, gaming or web browsing on your MacBook.
Privacy and security
Security is of paramount importance and is in fact Surfshark’s second-biggest priority. That’s why they rely on the most secure and up-to-date encryption protocols in the market. AES-256-GCM encryption guarantees no one peaks out of the corner of the internet. The British Virgin Islands is a jurisdiction that allows it and offers additional, well-needed protection for customers’ data.
User interface
The macOS app from Surfshark was our favorite interface to interact with, with a minimal home screen that integrates seamlessly with the MacBook experience. It’s simple, clean, easy to navigate and understandable for people of all levels. All the servers are displayed on the left-hand side against their ping times.
Servers
It doesn’t have the largest server network, either – it only registers around 3,200 servers in 65 countries globally at the time of writing. But these are placed in key locations to make sure you can bypass geoblocking and stream as much foreign content as you please. It has specialist servers: you can jump to its dedicated P2P servers to download torrents or try its multi-hop servers to add extra layers of security.
Pricing
If there’s one thing that puts Surfshark ahead of the pack, it’s the pricing. There are several subscription options, and the longer-term ones are particularly good value. The company also frequently runs discounts and has a number of deals on offer. MacBook users looking for a bargain will be hard-pressed to find a cheaper service.
Pros
Cons
Thanks to its excellent security, high speeds and intuitive design, low prices and stellar customer support, Surfshark has cemented its reputation as a leader in this VPN market, and in particular, as the best VPN for MacBook users on a budget.
4. PureVPN
Best For Security & Privacy  9.2 / 10 | Very Good | |
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Privacy 92% | Interface 93% | Speed 90% | Features 89% |
Key Facts
Overview of PureVPN’s features and benefits
PureVPN might not be a household name, but this sleepy VPN service is slowly but surely growing in popularity among MacBook users who favor security with a side of simplicity – and of course, privacy. Lacking the extra frills that you can expect from much larger VPN providers, PureVPN delivers the goods when it comes to the core essentials – while scrupulously avoiding the less scrupulous tradeoffs.
Speed and Performance
Although PureVPN’s server network is smaller than some of the other services we tested, it still delivered speed times that were fast enough to fulfill your modem-based needs. Spread over 63+ countries, there’s bound to be an occasion when you can hook into one of the high-performing ones, giving you smooth streaming, gaming and browsing on your MacBook.
Privacy and security
Privacy and security are some of the most important features offered by PureVPN, and the fact that they hold themselves to such high standards is clear to see just by looking at the encryption protocols they use. The AES-256-bit encryption used by PureVPN ensures that a private connection is made, and your data is secured from third-party eyes. Furthermore, their no-logs policy, based out in Sweden, gives you an extra level of security.
User interface
Simple is often overlooked, but when you see how PureVPN’s macOS app is designed, it’s obvious how important ease of use is for the end user: Because the PureVPN macOS app is so simple and clear, it makes it extremely easy to navigate, allowing even total-noob novices to find exactly what they need, be it a quick connection by simply selecting a country and clicking ‘Connect’ or getting into the more ‘advanced’ settings and options.
Servers
PureVPN doesn’t operate the biggest or the most extensive server network, but it augments what it does have with excellent geographical coverage: the company has over 200 servers in 63 countries, which is great for evading geo-blocking restrictions and streaming content from all over the world. Moreover, the provider offers dedicated servers tailored for different uses.
Pricing
PureVPN offers a variety of different payment plans and we found the longer-term offers by far the best value. we also had a bit of luck as they had a promotion on, with discounts knocking a sizeable chunk off. Users on a tight MacBook budget will be glad to know that PureVPN is generally much cheaper than most other services. Not only that, but they also offer a 31-day money-back guarantee: a robust enough period for you to try out the service and enjoy browsing the internet risk-free before signing up for the 24-month plan!
Pros
Cons
If you have a MacBook and you want a no-nonsense, secure and privacy-focused VPN, PureVPN is a good bet. It’s easy to set up, quick, and good value for money.
5. CyberGhost
Best For General Purpose  9.1 / 10 | Very Good | |
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Privacy 92% | Interface 95% | Speed 89% | Features 87% |
Key facts
Overview of CyberGhost’s features and benefits
CyberGhost functions smoothly on both web and mobile platforms and that’s why it is believed that CyberGhost is a powerful and convenient option for MacBook users who want to keep their online activities anonymous and fully secured and stay away from threats and troubles.
Speed and Performance
The company’s expansive network of more than 7,700 servers across 91 different countries means you’ll always find a speedy server nearby and never have to deal with it. CyberGhost’s specially developed process and auto-optimisation tool keep speeds fast so you’ll notice no buffering or lag when you’re streaming on your MacBook.
Privacy and security
When it comes to the security of its users, CyberGhost goes all out, featuring military grade encryption, with its AES-256-bit encryption solution making every step of your online behavior securely unreadable to anyone trying to eavesdrop. Furthermore, CyberGhost users benefit from a true no-logs policy, as the brand’s Romania base (often considered one of the privacy haven countries) has no legal obligation to store any kind of activity data.
User interface
The best example of this is CyberGhost’s intuitive interface, which makes even the most technologically novice users feel right at home. CyberGhost’s entirely redesigned macOS app makes selecting a server, establishing a connection with one click, and changing settings simple and seamless. The streamlined interface causes no fuss at all. No matter your VPN experience, you’re well taken care of.
Servers
Thanks to its large server network (it operates servers in 91 countries), it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be able to bypass geo-restrictions and unblock international content with relative ease anywhere in the world. Better still, it has a range of specialist servers – including specific servers for streaming Netflix and other streaming content, torrenting, and gaming.
Pricing
CyberGhost has a choice of plans, but their longer plans are particularly great value for money. At the time of writing, the service runs promotions and discounts fairly frequently, meaning that CyberGhost is great for MacBook users looking to pick up a VPN at a bargain price. Plus, CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee gives you a generous trial window to see how the service measures up before you commit to a longer plan.
Pros
Cons
Its great security, speed, and easy-to-use interface, as well as the company’s extensive global server network, make it a strong VPN solution. CyberGhost’s all-around excellence makes it the best choice for MacBook users.
Free VPNs for MacBook
Everyone who buys a MacBook would agree that online privacy and security are important but not everyone can afford to pay hundreds of money a year for a subscription with the best-ranked VPN providers. Fortunately, a handful of VPN services offer free plans with restrictions that can protect you online without spending any money at all. Although free plans might not be for you if you have advanced needs, they can be a great way to get started and see if a paid subscription is worth it for your own situation.
A. ProtonVPN’s Free Plan
Overview of ProtonVPN’s free plan and its limitations
Another excellent taste of the good stuff is ProtonVPN, an independently owned, privacy-focused VPN service from the folks behind ProtonMail. Its free service includes access to servers in three countries (the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan), with medium connection speeds and an unlimited bandwidth limit (capped at 24 data channels per day).
Discussion of its strong encryption and user-friendly interface
Unlike the full service, ProtonVPN Free includes no monthly data limits, and its encryption standards are equivalent to its paid tiers, including industry-leading AES-256 encryption and multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. Their user interface looks good, too – modern and intuitive, with servers a few clicks away.
Explanation of its privacy and logging policies
Another distinctive feature of ProtonVPN’s free plan is its commitment to not keep logs: all your activity will remain private. Also helping to keep things secure is the fact that ProtonVPN is incorporated in private-friendly Switzerland, to avoid the kind of data request authorities might send to a UK-based company.
B. TunnelBear’s Free Plan
Overview of TunnelBear’s free plan and its limitations
TunnelBear goes a step further than any of the other VPN providers we tested. Its free plan is visually easy to use and its graphical approach to data usage is a welcome sight. On the service’s free plan, available now, you can route your traffic through servers in more than 20 countries, with a handy 500MB data cap. Depending on what you use it for, that’s enough data usage for about a single episode of a 30-minute TV show, a couple of songs, or several articles from any given website. It’s not going to carry you very far into a Netflix marathon, but it’s a cute (and free) way to test the platform.
Discussion of its strong encryption and user-friendly interface
TunnelBear relies on strong AES-256-bit encryption. This is solid encryption, and if you sign up for the free version of TunnelBear, your online activities should be protected and private. Plus, TunnelBear’s interface is not only easy to use but pleasant-looking, too! The teddy bear mascot and no-nonsense design appeal to the less technical crowd and it is easy to connect and manage your VPN settings.
Explanation of its privacy and logging policies
An advantage of this security-oriented stance is that TunnelBear has a clear no-logs policy: only data to provide you with VPN service is gathered, and there never is any kind of record kept of your surfing. If this all sounds too good to be true, there’s a reason: TunnelBear is owned by Canadian company TunnelBear, and while Canada is a good, clean place, it’s still part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.
C. Windscribe’s Free Plan
Overview of Windscribe’s free plan and its limitations
Their free version offers a very generous 10GB of data per month, which should be more than enough even for people who use their VPN on a regular basis. You can use servers in 10 countries and connect to locations such as the US, the UK, Canada and others.
Discussion of its strong encryption and user-friendly interface
Windscribe’s free service has well-regarded, industry-standard encryption (using AES-256-bit, best-in-class standards), an easy-to-understand interface, and even allows up to 10GB of data per month. Windscribe’s service keeps your dating, shopping and other activities private.
Explanation of its privacy and logging policies
Windscribe has a strict no‑logging policy and is based in Canada (giving some pause to those who seek maximum anonymity since Canada is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance). Actual performance was usually satisfactory at all our test sites, although there were some speed variations observed.
For a MacBook owner on a tight budget or for someone who wants to try out a VPN provider prior to upgrading to a premium subscription, a free VPN plan might be just what’s required. The reality, however, is that a free VPN plan will inevitably mean a lower degree of coverage for your MacBook. You’ll see caps on data, speed and a likely narrow choice of servers. That’s unlikely to work for heavy users or for MacBook owners with more exacting VPN needs.
When it comes to finding the best free VPN plan, keep the priority on security and privacy, user-friendliness and logging policy as well as the jurisdiction of the provider. This helps in having a free VPN plan to match effectively the economical price for your online activities on your Macbook without sacrificing your security.
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Conclusion
In this in-depth guide, we’ve reviewed the leading VPNs and looked at the best VPN for MacBook. From established giants such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN to emerging challengers such as Surfshark and CyberGhost, we’ve revealed their features and strengths and highlighted any drawbacks, because not all VPNs are created equally.
Summary of the top VPNs for MacBook and their features
In short, here are the best VPN for MacBook that we have discussed:
- NordVPN: While offering the greatest privacy and security of this lineup of VPNs, NordVPN is nonetheless fast enough and has a big enough server network to deliver a very fast and usable VPN experience on your MacBook.
- ExpressVPN: Lightning-fast connections backed by rock-solid AES-256 encryption and easy-to-use features. If you want the best VPN you can get, this is it.
- Surfshark: a top-notch service with stellar security features and blazing speeds at great value. Surfshark performs well across all of the most important VPN criteria, so it’s an all-around excellent choice for a budget-minded MacBook user.
- PureVPN: If you’re in the market for a solid, no-nonsense privacy-focused VPN that’s strong on servers and security but without the added cost and complexity, PureVPN hits all the right notes without any fuss, all at the right price point.
- CyberGhost: all-rounder in a package: global server network, good speeds, and good experience.
Explanation of the importance of choosing a VPN that meets your needs
Ultimately, as we’ve mentioned a few times throughout this guide, the VPN you pick for your MacBook depends on what you need out of it. If you need maximum pace for upload and download speeds in your streaming and gaming, if you need top-grade security and encryption to give you peace of mind, or if you just want the simplest solution, it really does depend on your needs.
Final thoughts and recommendations for MacBook users
So if you’re a MacBook user, don’t delay any longer and look through all the guides, so that you can make an informed decision and pick the right VPN for you, based on the most important factors and criteria: security, speed, server networks, user experience, price.
Remember at all times to keep your MacBook and any online activity secure with a VPN service you can trust – to protect yourself from any potential cyber threats out there. Once you install the VPN to your MacBook, you can safely transact online at any time, you are free to choose any restricted websites you want, and you can do all these smoothly, efficiently and securely.
Finally, as many providers offer free trials and money-back guarantees then you should take advantage of that. You can try the service for a while before you buy it to understand how it works for you and whether it fits your needs.
Uncensor your MacBook – allow it to freely express itself, and grant that same asylum to you, as you surge across the glistening ocean of the internet, unbound and safe, safely tucked away within the armor of an ultra-secure and reliable VPN.
