Best Vpn 2018 For Mac

VPN services prevent anyone on the same Wi-Fi hotspot from intercepting your web traffic, which is useful particularly for travelers using public Wi-Fi networks. Hiding your computer’s IP address is another feature of VPNs, thus giving advertisers a hard time to track you online.

2018 Best Vpn Service For Macbook Pros
Best Free Vpn 2018
Best Free Vpn 2018 For Mac
Best Vpn 2018 For Mac
Best Vpn Service 2018 For Mac

NordVPN is the best all-around VPN service for most Mac users. While it isn’t the fastest VPN service that we’ve tested, it’s not particularly slow, either. (Read our full review here. As the popularity of virtualy private networks increase, so does the number of VPN providers vying for your business. We've dug around to find the best VPN services that cater to Mac owners.

There are VPN for PC and Mac, free VPNs and paid VPN Services, they come with a price. But the price is not the factor to be focused on. Most companies provide free trial for Windows VPN software and Mac VPN apps, take advantage of that and make sure you get what you want from the service before paying.

Let us see the best VPN Services for Mac and Windows (Paid and Free) to secure you.

Express VPN

The Express VPN is one of the best VPN services out there in market and company claims as the fastest VPN. Express VPN has over 1000 servers on about 145 locations spreading over 94 countries. This VPN supports three devices maximum and has P2P support on all its servers, with unlimited usage. Express VPN has a no Ad policy, offers own DNS service, and aids in prevents tracking the user by using the DNS request.

The Express VPN is against keeping user logs and does not keep information about user’s web traffic. Express VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws and no logging policy. Even though there is a no logging policy, Express VPN keep track of aggregate data transfer amount and choice of server locations, to improve network resource allocation. But then no information that is capable of matching IP and track back the user is not kept. Express VPN comes with a Kill Switch uses Open VPN encryption and has both Windows VPN and Mac VPN applications.

Related: 8 Free Light Weight Antivirus for Windows and Mac

TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear is one of the few top VPN services which provide a free version with data restriction of 500MB. Tunnel Bear does not allow ads in the free version. In terms of the number of servers, Tunnel Bear is behind its competitors. Tunnel Bear has only 14 servers across 20 countries. This may cause sluggish performance in a high traffic scenario. But Tunnel Bear claims that they expand their server network when a heavy activity starts to bring things down.

TunnelBear offers unlimited data transfer, suitable for a household as it supports up to 5 devices at a time and no log activity to ensure privacy for the users. Tunnel Bear lacks P2P support and streaming services are supported. TunnelBear follows Open VPN encryption protocol and the user gets military-grade 256-bit encryption. The unique feature IntelliBear from Tunnel Bear helps to whitelist and blacklist websites by the user. The websites such as YouTube could be whitelisted, so as to automatically get better video streaming speeds when TunnelBear is turned off, and bank websites could be blacklisted so transactions are always protected by VPN.

Related: Best VPN for Android and iPhone

PureVPN

PureVPN is one of the VPN service providers with 750+ servers and supports 5 devices. As a majority of VPNs, PureVPN also has a no logging policy and unlimited data transfer is possible with PureVPN. PureVPN supports 256 bit OpenVPN encryption protocol along with other multiple protocols to choose from. The PureVPN support P2P, but lack of ad blocking capability.

PureVPN comes with a rare feature, dedicated IP, which is found only in some VPNs. This feature helps the users to have complete control of their online reputation, security, and privacy. PureVPN offers over 80000+ IPs. It also has a Kill Switch. A feature called Split Tunneling helps users to selectively send data through VPN and ISP.

Hotspot Shield VPN

One specialty of Hotspot Shield VPN is the ability to alert about phishing websites (which is based on a database of 3.5 million malicious sites). Hotspot Shield uses a different approach when it comes to encryption protocol, uses a proprietary protocol called Catapult Hydra. Hotspot Shield has a no ad policy and lacks the no logging policy.

It keeps a log of email and payment information, which may not be big of a deal. But it also keeps browsing and connection information even though it will be deleted when the VPN is closed. Like most VPNs Hotspot Shield also support five devices simultaneously. Another feature it lacks is P2P support. It does not come with an unlimited data transfer. A limitation o 750MB per day exists, which reset every 24hrs.

Betternet VPN

Betternet has pretty much all the basic features that a VPN should have. This VPN Service has a no ad policy and does not keep log the of any user data. The Betternet VPN has the multi-device support of up to 5 devices and P2P support. Users can transfer unlimited data through Betternet. Betternet VPN does lack the Kill Switch though. The encryption used is 128 bit OpenVPN encryption protocol and also offer a DNS leak protection.

IPVanish VPN

2018 Best Vpn Service For Macbook Pros

The VPN Service, IPVanish has a pretty good number of servers, 750+ servers, even though some competitors have way a high number of servers which is around 3000. IPVanish is in high numbers when it comes to a number of IPs, 400000. There is no need to worry about data usage since it has got unlimited data transfer. No log policy is checked on this VPN also and has got P2P support.

The encryption used is a 256 bit OpenVPN encryption protocol along with other multiple protocols. It can support a maximum of 5 devices. There is no ad blocking on this VPN. There is a Kill Switch feature as many of its competitors do.

PrivateTunnel VPN

PrivateTunnel has a different way of pricing. Users have to pay for the data used rather than paying for the period of usage. The schemes the company is enough for a user who has to browse and occasionally stream videos. PrivateTunnel follows a no logging policy, uses OpenVPN encryption protocol and also P2P support is checked.

The astonishing fact is that it supports an unlimited number of devices, which is very rare in a VPN. A downside is that it is based in the US where data retention laws exist. This makes the company’s no logging policy suspicious. The servers are spread over 12 locations in 9 countries.

Golden Frog VyprVPN

Vypr VPN has about 700+ at 70+ locations spread over 6 continents.VyprVPN has a no log policy and servers use over 200000+ global IPs. There is no need to worry about data usage since the unlimited data transfer covers it. In terms of encryption protocol, it uses OpenVPN encryption protocol as most VPNs do.

Vypr has a unique feature under its sleeve called Chameleon. Some websites have the practice of blocking VPN connections. What Chameleon does is that it defeats such VPN blocking. Multi-device support comes with a standard limit of 5 devices. P2P support which is default in many VPNs is applicable for this one too. It comes with a proprietary DNS server called VyprDNS and an automatic Kill Switch.

Nord VPN

Nord VPN is based on Panama jurisdiction where there are no data retention laws, which is a plus point in itself. Along with that, there is no logging policy. If that is not enough, Nord VPN comes with unique double data encryption. The protection is double with Nord VPN. The encryption protocol is 256 bit OpenVPN encryption protocol. NordVPN does not have an ad blocking feature though, and there is a Kill Switch present.

Nord VPN has 750 servers spread across 57 countries and comes with a rare feature of dedicated IP. Using this feature a user can get a specific IP. Users can also order a static IP for a server (additional payment required); by this, a user can make sure they are the only one using that particular IP. Nord VPN gives simultaneous access to 6 devices, P2P support is ready in Nord and also supports streaming services.

HideMyAss VPN

This one has got an unconventional name and it is unconventional in one or two other things also. It has 900 servers at 240 locations in 190 countries, which is pretty normal. But when it comes to multi-device support it only supports 2 devices. It does not stop there; these 2 devices have to be connected to two different servers. It uses OpenVPN encryption protocol. A Kill Switch is present.

One thing to be noted is that HMA is based in the UK where data retention exists. Obviously, the company keeps logs, which includes information such as user IP address, IP address of VPN and time of connection. This information is kept or 2 to 3 months. It does block ads though. P2P support and streaming services are not present.

Related: 10 Best Android Antivirus & Mobile Security Apps with Antitheft Protection

What is wrong with accessing free network to escape from expensive cellular data? The answer is simple; these places are an excellent route for attackers to obtain your personal information. When you shop around for VPN Service, there are several factors to keep in mind, such as performance, transparency, ease of use, support and so on. As long as the VPN is concerned, the number of servers is an important factor. The more number of servers, users have more options to spoof their location. Kill Switch is another feature, which stops apps from connecting to the internet if the VPN is inactive.

Thus there is a long list of VPNs available. It is unclear who is virtually looking over your shoulder to see your online activities. Many agencies are interested in all types of information about individuals. Scammers, government agencies, commercial organizations, hackers; there is a lot of eyes from which user online requires protection. This proves the significance of VPNs. The above list may help you to choose the VPN that you need.

Although Mac devices are fairly secure overall, it definitely can’t hurt to enhance your digital privacy and security via a VPN for Mac. After all, it’s not unusual for ISPs and governments to spy on your online activities. With a VPN for Mac, you can rest easy knowing your identity is safe, your data is private and your overall online environment is secure from any third party onlookers.

Alas, it seems that, with over 800 VPNs on the market, finding the ideal VPN for Mac can be difficult and even intimidating. Luckily, this is where our team at VPN Analysis comes in. We want to make the journey as easy as possible. During our years of researching, analyzing and reviewing, we were able to select the top five VPNs for Mac that excel in all aspects. Simply stick to our recommendation and you can’t go wrong.

Best Mac VPN: Summaries

What are the top 5 VPNs for Mac?

Check out the summaries below for an indepth look at the best VPN clients for Mac in 2018.

ExpressVPN

Subscription Fee

Plan length -1 month – $12.95 per month (billed $12.95 every month)
Plan length -6 months – $9.99 per month (billed $59.95 every 6 months)
Plan length -12 months (3 months free) – $6.67 per month (billed $99.95 every year)

ExpressVPN is a VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands that offers an excellent service to Mac users. To start, ExpressVPN provides users with excellent military-grade OpenVPN encryption, a strict privacy and no logs policy and DNS/WebRTC leak protection. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers 90+ server locations with fast speeds to go along with them and “stealth servers” located in Hong Kong for additional privacy.

ExpressVPN also includes a free Smart DNS service in their package. If you have any issues with your service, ExpressVPN’s dedicated 24/7 customer support will be there to help you in a very timely manner. Finally, ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for unsatisfied users. See the ExpressVPN website for more information.

Pros

Military-grade OpenVPN encryption
Strict privacy and no logs policy
simultaneous connections
Free Smart DNS service
24/7 customer support
Fast server speeds
90+ server locations

Also seen in our fastest VPN services list

NordVPN

Subscription Fee

Plan length – 1 month plan – $11.95 per month (billed $11.95 every month)
Plan length – 1 year plan – $5.75 per month (billed $69.00 every year)
Plan length – 2 year plan – $3.29 per month (billed $79.00 every 2 years)

NordVPN is a VPN service with providers based in Panama – an excellent location for Mac users concerned with digital privacy. NordVPN provides users with excellent military-grade OpenVPN encryption, an airtight privacy policy and no logs policy, 6 simultaneous connections and 70+ server locations.

Additionally, NordVPN allows P2P activities and offers excellent server speeds. NordVPN also provides CyberSec anti-malware protection, a Smart DNS service, dedicated IPs (at an extra cost), a double VPN and a system kill switch. If you’re still hesitant to try NordVPN, you can rest easy knowing they not only offer a free trial – but a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. See the NordVPN website for more information.

Pros

No logs
Airtight privacy policy
60+ server locations
P2P permitted
Kill switch
DNS leak protection
Dedicated IP purchase options
Double VPN

Also seen in our most secure VPN services list

CyberGhost

Subscription Fee

Plan length – 1 month plan – $11.99 per month (billed $11.99 every month)
Plan length – 6 month plan – $4.99 per month (billed $29.94 first 6 months then $59.95 every 6 months)
Plan length – 1 year plan – $2.75 per month (billed $33.00 first year then $66.00 every year)

CyberGhost is a VPN service based in Romania – another excellent location for maintaining your digital privacy. The CyberGhost VPN macOS app is user-friendly and the 24/7 customer support is easy to reach if any issues come about. CyberGhost offers five simultaneous connections, an airtight privacy policy and no logs policy and 60+ server locations.

Best Free Vpn 2018

Additionally, CyberGhost provides excellent speeds on most servers, a kill switch, P2P allowance on select servers, Bitcoin payment options and free browser add-ons. If you’re still iffy on trying CyberGhost, you can always use their 7-day free trial or their 30-day money-back guarantee. See the cyberGhost website for more information.

Pros

5 simultaneous connections
Based in Romania
Affordable
60+ server locations
Airtight privacy & no logs policy
P2P permitted
DNS leak/WebRTC protection
Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer (+more)

Also seen in our best Netflix VPN services list

PrivateVPN

Subscription Fee

Plan length – 1 month plan – $7.12 per month (billed $7.12 every month)
Plan length – 3 month plan – $4.50 per month (billed $13.50 every 3 months)
Plan length – 19 month plan (7 months free) – $2.73 per month (billed $51.84 every year)

PrivateVPN is a Sweden-based VPN service that is ideal for Mac users searching for a cheap service that still provides amazing capabilities, like unblocking websites and accessing geo-restricted content. For example, PrivateVPN supports 16 different Netflix regions – including the US. Moving on, PrivateVPN also offers military-grade OpenVPN encryption, strict no logs/privacy policy and six simultaneous connections.

In addition to their accessing blocked content capabilities, PrivateVPN also offers amazing speeds for streaming that blocked content. PrivateVPN also offers an easy-to-use app for the less tech-savvy users. A downside to PrivateVPN – you have to manually configure the DNS via the provided guide. Fortunately, the guide isn’t hard to follow at all. PrivateVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for unsatisfied users. See PrivateVPNs website for more details.

Pros

Affordable/cheap
50+ server locations
Unlocks 16 different Netflix regions
Great customer support
Fast server speeds
6 simultaneous connections
Military-grade OpenVPN encryption
Airtight privacy policy
No logs

Also seen in our best cheap VPN services list

VyprVPN

Subscription Fee

Plan length – Premium plan – $57.50 per year or $4.79 per month
Plan length – Basic plan – $43.50 per year or $3.63 per month

VyprVPN is a VPN service with providers based in Switzerland that offer 70+ server locations, 24/7 customer support, fast streaming speeds and excess features like its proprietary technology, Chameleon. VyprVPN provides you with five simultaneous connections for all your macOS and iOS devices and excellent OpenVPN encryption.

While VyprVPN does not store usage logs, they do collect and store connection logs for 30 days. Another downside to VyprVPN – you definitely should not participate in P2P activities while using it. If you’d like to sample VyprVPN before purchasing, you can use their free 3-day trial. Take a look at VyprVPNs website for more information.

Pros

Excellent encryption protocols
Switzerland based
5 simultaneous connections
70+ server locations
Proprietary technology
Great speeds

Cons

Connection logs stored for 30 days
P2P not permitted

Also seen in our best VPN services list

Get a VPN For Mac

Best Free Vpn 2018 For Mac

How to Setup VPN on mac

Setting up a VPN for Mac is simple:

Choose one of our top five VPNs for Mac
Click through to the website
Sign up & subscribe to your Mac VPN
Download the appropriate installation file
Navigate to the downloaded file
Open the file & select Continue when prompted
Follow the installation prompts
When prompted, enter your Mac username & password
When you see “The installation was successful”, click Close
Open your Mac VPN
Connect to a preferred server
You’re all set!

Mac VPNs: FAQs

The section below will tackle the most frequently asked questions involving Macs and VPNs, with in-depth answers given by our VPN experts.

What is a VPN for Mac?

A Mac VPN or Virtual Private Network is a technology that provides you with security and privacy via encryption. A VPN at work will redirect your network traffic to the encrypted VPN server. When you’re connected to a VPN, your information is secure. You can’t be spied on. In other words: a VPN helps protect you from internet censorship and government/ISP surveillance.

Essentially, VPNs can be used to:

Hide your internet activity from third parties
Access geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, etc.
Avoid website blocks and other types of censorship
Download/Torrent in a safe online environment
Secure your connection on public WiFi hotspots

Additionally, VPNs are also commonly used by businesses to secure data and offer overseas employees a sense of security/privacy during their travels. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why VPNs are necessary in today’s digital world.

What devices will my Mac VPN work on?

Best Vpn 2018 For Mac

The best part about your Mac VPN is that it will work with any Apple product – and even non-Apple products. Depending on the number of simultaneous connections allowed, you could use your Mac VPN on your Mac, your iPhone and your iPad.

That being said, there is a difference between macOS and iOS. This means your macOS app will not work on iOS devices. Fortunately, the solution is simply downloading the appropriate app for whatever device you want to use your Mac VPN on.

Best Vpn Service 2018 For Mac

Your Mac OS might be fairly secure already, but in today’s digital age of privacy invasions and vulnerabilities, you can never be too secure. A VPN for Mac will help you maintain your online privacy and security. Better yet, your Mac VPN can also be used to access geo-restricted content, torrent in a private online environment, and defeat internet censorship and government surveillance. What have you got to lose? Try one of our recommended Mac VPNs today.