As more and more people use Mac computers for their online activities, there is a growing need for a reliable VPN service that can help protect their online privacy and security. However, with so many VPN services available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best VPN for your Mac.
Those that stand out from the pack are NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. These three offer excellent performance, security features and customer service, and choosing any of them can go a long way. However, there are still a couple of key differences that make each one distinct from the other.
Best VPN for Mac Comparison Chart
| Model | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
 |  |  | |
| Price | Check Price at NordVPN.com | Check Price at ExpressVPN.com | Check Price at Surfshark.com |
| Number of Devices | 6 | 5 | Unlimited |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | No | Yes |
| Number of Server Countries | 60+ | 94+ | 100+ |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN
Reliable and consistent with additional security features like Double VPN.
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services for Mac users. It offers excellent security features, including Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, which add an extra layer of security. Moreover, it has servers in over 60 countries and provides 24/7 customer support. It allows for up to six devices to be used simultaneously to boot.
Security-wise, it uses AES-256 encryption to make sure your data is safe. Also, it has a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activities remain private. In addition, it has a kill switch to automatically disconnect your Mac from the internet in the event that the VPN connection drops, making sure that your data is protected.
In short, it ticks all the right boxes on the security and privacy front. It even offers fast and reliable speeds and bypasses geo-blocking for various websites and streaming platforms like Netflix. While competitors may excel in specific areas, it simply comes out on top in terms of consistency in service and performance.
For those who are on the fence, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to take it out for a spin first without any commitment right off the bat.
ExpressVPN
Faster than most with its Lightway protocol and particularly effective in unblocking geo-locked content.
ExpressVPN is among the go-to VPN services for Mac users, and for good reason. First off, it has a user-friendly interface, but more importantly, it provides fast and reliable service with plenty of connection options. With servers in more than 94 countries and its proprietary Lightway protocol, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
As is the norm, it uses AES-256 encryption, which is the highest level of its kind currently available. More than that, it has a no-logs policy, so it won’t store any data about your online activities, which is par for the course. In the same vein, it uses TrustedServer technology so that its VPN servers are running on RAM only as opposed to hard drives, which are inherently riskier because of how they retain data until it’s wiped. Basically, it significantly reduces the risks of hackers from accessing users’ data since RAM needs power to store info. That way, data and, perhaps, wrongdoers won’t stay too long on the servers.
For media purposes, it’s also capable of unblocking a ton of content from Netflix libraries, as well as Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. Plus, its macOS app easily stands out as among the best compared to its counterparts because of its ease of use and functionality.
Surfshark
Cheap yet effective with noteworthy features like NoBorders mode, unlimited number of devices and ad blocking.
For a budget-friendly option, Surfshark has got Mac users covered. For starters, it has all the features one might expect from any VPN worth its salt. That includes AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. However, it stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect any number of devices with only a single subscription. Long story short, it provides a ton of bang for the buck.
Additionally, it has servers in more than 100 countries. That means there are plenty of connections available. What’s more, it features a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Apart from those, it also comes with CleanWeb technology, blocking not only ads but also malware and phishing attacks. Last but not least, it has NoBorders mode that allows it to be used in restrictive regions and Camouflage mode that disguises VPN usage, making a connection appear like it’s a regular one (i.e., no VPN in use).
Regarding price, it’s competitive. As noted, it’s easy on the budget, but despite its low cost, it can outperform a lot of its competitors when it comes to performance and features.
Verdict
You can’t go wrong with either NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark, but you’ll still need to base your decision on what you need in a VPN.
Choosing the best VPN for your Mac is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are all excellent VPN services that offer different features and pricing options. That said, the best VPN for your Mac will still depend on your specific needs and preferences. When selecting a VPN, be sure to consider factors such as server locations, security features and pricing to help you choose the best one for you.
FAQs
ExpressVPN is generally considered as one of the best VPNs for Mac. For one thing, its macOS app is functional and intuitive to use.
Surfshark allows an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with only one subscription.
While it’s not exactly necessary, a VPN is an easy and reliable way to add an extra layer of security. For instance, NordVPN ensures safe browsing and such with its AES-256 encryption coupled with features like Double VPN.
Though Safari features iCloud Private Relay (exclusive to paid subscribers), it only encrypts data on Safari. On the other hand, a VPN covers all the traffic going in and out of your device.