10 Best VPNs for Mac in 2022 | VPN software for MacOS

ExpressVPN Demo

If you want the best of the best, and a VPN that won't skimp when it comes to features or security, then you'll want to check out ExpressVPN. Admittedly, the service is quite a bit more expensive than some of the other options in our guide – but the premium price bags you a premium experience, and I think the quality of ExpressVPN's Mac app justifies the price tag.

Great security features

Unlike countless other VPN providers, ExpressVPN actually offers Mac users access to the sought-after (and super secure) OpenVPN protocol. This is a huge bonus, seeing as it can be fiendishly difficult to find a quality VPN service with a Mac client and well-implemented OpenVPN encryption – which will prevent nosey third-parties from tracking your digital footprint across the web. ExpressVPN's Mac client also comes with a kill-switch, called Network Lock, which is enabled by default and prevents your original IP address from leaking in the event of a VPN dropout. Additionally, Mac users won't have to worry about accidental data leaks, seeing as ExpressVPN's leak-proofing is automatically enabled.

ExpressVPN also abides by a zero-logs policy – which is exactly what you'd expect to see from one of the industry's top players. This policy ensures that the service has no identifiable user data to hand over to authorities, should they come knocking, and since it's based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN isn't legally required to store this data, either! Finally, ExpressVPN's logging policy has been audited by powerhouse firm PwC, cementing the service as a true champion of user privacy.

Unblock more content than ever before

Whilst putting ExpressVPN to the test, I found that it can unblock Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Germany, France, etc.) and BBC iPlayer with ease – which is great news if you're an avid streamer. And because the service is lightning-fast, there's no need to worry about buffering interruptions or low-quality streams ruining your movie marathon. The provider also allowed me to unblock Hulu outside of the US, and I frequently turn to ExpressVPN when I encounter a YouTube video that's not available here in the UK.

ExpressVPN's Mac users will get to play with its split tunneling feature. Essentially, this allows you to determine which apps or sites are routed through the VPN tunnel and which aren't, so you can access local services and geo-restricted content at the same time! However, it should be noted that this feature isn't yet available for macOS 11 and above.

Super-fast servers worldwide

ExpressVPN has its very own empire of servers scattered across the globe in 94 countries worldwide. This gives Mac users a huge selection to choose from – as well as the power to bypass geo-restrictions. I like that ExpressVPN's servers are RAM only and wiped with every reboot, reducing the risk of data leaks, and selecting a server couldn't be simpler, either! Of course, if you'd rather let ExpressVPN match you up with a server (based on your location, download speed, and latency), you can hit the Smart Location button.

Sadly, ExpressVPN only allows 5 simultaneous connections, and you'll find that cheaper services are beginning to offer more. The good news is that ExpressVPN is fully compatible with router setups, giving you the option to secure all of your devices at once without having to re-download the app. All in all, I think ExpressVPN is an ideal option for macOS, and you'll be able to try it for yourself by making good use of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Nord Demo

NordVPN is a well-established provider that's pretty well-known nowadays, thanks to a spate of YouTube sponsorships, and actually offers two Mac clients. The older client supports OpenVPN, although I experienced an IP leak while testing it. The newer IKEv2 client doesn't suffer from these same leaks, but is missing some of the features included in the OpenVPN client.

Comprehensive privacy protection

If you're a macOS user looking for a particularly security-oriented service, then NordVPN is an excellent pick– and one packed with advanced features. Obfuscated (stealth) servers can disguise your VPN traffic, making it possible to avoid pesky blocks and restrictions, and DNS leak protection ensures that you don't leave an identifiable trail across the web. NordVPN's Mac client also comes with an automatic (and customizable) kill-switch, which is a must-have feature for anyone who'll be torrenting, and double-hop encryption provides an additional layer of security by routing your traffic through two VPN servers. As I mentioned earlier, the newer NordVPN Mac client uses IKEv2 by default – this is a sturdy protocol that won't let you down when it comes to speed, but if you're looking for a battle-tested, well-established alternative, you'll want to opt for OpenVPN instead.

NordVPN is based in Panama, which takes it far beyond the reach of the invasive US and EU jurisdictions. This is great news for user privacy, seeing as the country has no mandatory data retention laws, and NordVPN has also taken the time to invite PwC, an auditing giant, to comb through its zero-logs policy. As a result, I have no qualms about recommending the service to even the most privacy-conscious users!

Unblock a variety of content

NordVPN is one of a handful of services to permit P2P connections, meaning that you'll be able to torrent quickly and securely. However, keep in mind that the provider doesn't offer port forwarding, which might be a deal-breaker depending on your threat model. Streamers and gamers will appreciate just how speedy NordVPN is. During testing, I found that NordVPN can easily keep up with HD streams and VoIP calls, and all without massively impacting my internet speeds or general experience. Additionally, NordVPN makes it incredibly easy to access the world's most in-demand streaming platforms, like Netflix, iPlayer, and Hulu!

Unblocking geo-restricted content with NordVPN is as simple as taking your pick of its huge network of servers in 60 countries worldwide. You can scroll through the provider's server list yourself or make use of the Quick Connect feature, which uses an algorithm to determine which server suits you best! This handy option is particularly useful for mobile users, although anyone on a macOS device can make good use of it, too.

A full toolkit of features

Currently, NordVPN supports 6 simultaneous connections – and whilst this is in line with the industry average, it's a bit stingy. Some providers offer double this amount (or even unlimited connections), so it'd be great to see NordVPN follow suit. However, the service is compatible with routers, and can even be used seamlessly with your smart TV! If that sounds good to you, it's well worth checking out NordVPN's smart DNS service, included for free in all subscriptions, which can help you stream geo-restricted content directly to your living room. I also like that NordVPN offers Onion over VPN functionality, which can boost your digital privacy by routing you through to the Onion network.

I'd definitely recommend comparing NordVPN to our other top Mac picks for yourself! A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to trial its features, and a superb 24/7 customer service team is on hand to answer any burning questions via email or live chat.

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark might only have been in the VPN game for a few years, but in that time, it's taken a huge bite out of the competition with blazing-fast servers and a long list of features. The service's Mac client is particularly sleek, and I'm confident that even total VPN beginners will have no trouble navigating around it.

No shortage of features

Surfshark is one of my favorite services, and that's largely because you get so many features for such an inexpensive price! For a start, split tunneling allows you to choose which apps route through the VPN tunnel and which don't, which is handy for folks who are torrenting and want to access sites that don't allow VPN traffic (like online banks) at the same time. All Surfshark subscriptions also include a free smart DNS service, which is hugely impressive, and makes it possible to unblock geo-restricted content on your smart TV. The Surfshark ad-blocker was another welcome feature – after all, who wants to be dodging pop-ups and eerie personalized ads every time they open up their web browser?

With Surfshark, I could easily unblock a variety of Netflix catalogs – including the US, UK, and Japanese libraries. It's also possible to check out iPlayer from outside of the UK, which is something that plenty of other premium services have trouble accomplishing. The full list of streaming services that Surfshark can unblock is incredibly vast and impressive. I also like that the service can access sites (like social media platforms and news outlets) that might've been blocked by your workplace, school, or even an oppressive government. A Surfshark subscription really feels like a skeleton key – there's no content you won't be able to get your hands on!

No security shortcuts

Mac users are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a protocol – OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 are all available, so you can tailor your encryption to suit your activity. If you're looking to mask your VPN usage entirely to bypass geo-restrictions or avoid VPN bans, then Surfshark's Camouflage mode has you covered. This feature uses obfuscation (stealth) to make your VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular traffic. Surfshark's Multihop VPN can double up your digital security by connecting you to two VPN servers instead of one. MacOS users can also count on an automatic kill-switch to keep their IP address out of the hands of snoopers – though you'll need to toggle these features on and off via the Settings menu.

Surfshark is registered in the British Virgin Islands and easily meets our requirements to be classed as a no-logs VPN. The provider just isn't interested in keeping tabs on what you get up to whilst connected to its servers, and has invited auditing firm Cure53 to comb through its logging policy – twice. This is the sort of proactive action I like to see VPNs taking.

And no limits!

Surfshark is one of the quickest providers in our list of recommendations, too, and frequently makes it into the top five in our daily speed test results. This means that you can count on Surfshark to keep up with HD streaming, torrenting, and VoIP calls without slowing you down. Of course, it should be noted that Surfshark users benefit from unlimited simultaneous connections – which is hugely generous! You'll be able to cover your Mac devices, phones, tablets, and even gadgets belonging to friends and family, all without paying a penny extra.

And, as is to be expected from a top VPN provider, Surfshark subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to take the service for a test run. I recommend doing so, and seeing for yourself just how fresh and clean the Mac client feels – and just how easy it is to operate. If you run into trouble, a 24/7 customer service team is on standby to help.

PIA Demo

If digital privacy is your main concern, you'll want to check out Private Internet Access (PIA) and its stacked roster of advanced security features. PIA also packs top-notch encryption and a proven zero-logs policy, and is one of our more inexpensive Mac VPN picks! All in all, the service has more than earned its stellar reputation.

Court-proven privacy

When putting PIA to the test, I was immediately glad to see that the VPN offers both the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. This is a great selection that allows users to customize their connection to suit their needs. I'd suggest sticking with OpenVPN whenever possible, seeing as it's sturdy and battle-tested, but WireGuard is a stellar option for those folks who want to balance speed with security. There's also a Shadowsocks proxy available to play with. This proxy can mask your VPN connection and get around those annoying VPN blocks and geo-restrictions, granting you full access to the world wide web. I also like the PIA kill-switch - it's an integral feature that cuts your internet connection in the event of a VPN dropout, protecting your digital security, and it even works when the VPN is switched off.

PIA tops off its privacy package with a watertight no-logs policy. So, if the government ever served PIA with a warrant, there'd be no records, no logs, and no timestamps to hand over! This policy ensures that users can browse, stream, and game online with peace of mind. However, I'd feel even better if PIA invested in a third party audit of its logging policy. It's worth noting that despite this, PIA has proven its no-logs claim in court on multiple occasions.

Apps for veterans and beginners

With a PIA subscription, you'll be getting access to superb apps for both macOS and iOS (as well as pretty much every other popular platform). Users have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the app settings and customize their experience; it's possible to weaken the VPN encryption to improve your speeds, or tighten encryption and maximize security. PIA gives users ten simultaneous connections to play with, too – which should be more than enough to cover all of your favorite devices. If you feel like sharing the love with friends and family, you can keep them (and yourself) that much more secure online by using PIA's ad-blocking feature, which banishes these irritating risks and reduces the chance of stumbling across malware.

If you're new to VPNs and find the idea of adjusting advanced settings a bit overwhelming, don't fear! The PIA apps are easy to use and install, and once you've got your Mac client set up, you'll be ready to go. I particularly like how easy it is to select a server. PIA has a sprawling web of servers spread across 84 countries worldwide, and you can scroll through these various locations to find your perfect match, display them based on latency and content, and favorite your top picks.

One-stop streaming and torrenting

I frequently find myself recommending PIA to anyone looking to do a bit of torrenting. PIA is quick, comes with the features you need to stay safe during P2P connections, and even offers port forwarding – which isn't something that every service can claim. PIA's unlimited bandwidth and lack of data limits make it a fantastic pick for streaming! And, because the majority of the provider's servers are based in the United States, it's particularly adept at unblocking US-centric content and libraries. For example, anyone interested in accessing Netflix US should seriously consider putting PIA to the test.

Luckily, the service makes it easy to try before you buy, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have any questions, or need help getting your Mac client set up, you can always reach out to the superb PIA customer service team. They're available 24/7, and I've always received quick, informative replies from them – to even my most techy questions!

PrivateVPN Demo

PrivateVPN is a relative newcomer to the VPN scene, but has nonetheless developed a superb reputation amongst consumers. The service has a clear respect for user privacy and some outstanding features that set it apart from the crowd, as well as apps for all platforms – macOS and iOS included.

A privacy champion

ISPs, governments, network admins, and hackers are all keen to get their mitts on your data – but PrivateVPN certainly lives up to its name, and puts a stop to this snooping. Robust encryption gives you the peace of mind to browse without worrying who might be tracking your activity, and I'm particularly impressed that the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec protocols are available to Mac users. This means you can pick and choose which protocol you'd like to use at any given time. Want to really boost your digital security? Then stick with OpenVPN. However, if you want to maximize your speeds and do some streaming, it's worth switching to IKEv2. The PrivateVPN Mac client doesn't feature a built-in kill-switch or DNS leak protection, however, though can certainly deploy your own. On the other hand, I didn't experience any leaks during my testing.

As I mentioned earlier, PrivateVPN making its home in Sweden is less than ideal, thanks to some gnarly data retention laws. The VPN chooses to stay put in the country to retain control over its central data center, though, which reduces the risk of outside interference and reinforces its zero-logs claim. Although, I'd like to see PrivateVPN invest in a public security audit, too.

Broaden your content horizons

PrivateVPN has a modest network of servers in 63 countries worldwide. You'll notice that other VPNs have more servers in more places, but PrivateVPN is a young firm that's still growing, and I expect we'll see its network expand over the coming years. In terms of speed, PrivateVPN is seriously impressive. The service compares favorably against better-established, big-name competitors, and when you factor in how budget-friendly PrivateVPN prices are, it's doubly impressive. All in all, you'll have no trouble conducting any data-intensive tasks whilst connected to a PrivateVPN server.

When I was putting PrivateVPN to the test, I was able to unblock a variety of Netflix catalogs from around the world, thanks to its free dynamic dedicated IP addresses. So, if you'd like to see which shows and movies are available to stream on the other side of the globe, PrivateVPN is your best bet. The service can also unblock a ton of other in-demand streaming platforms as well as social media sites and news outlets – this is particularly important for those folks living under oppressive regimes where internet bans keep them from keeping up with family or current events.

Great apps, easy-to-use apps

Currently, PrivateVPN supports 10 simultaneous devices, which isn't a veritable feast (especially compared to the likes of Surfshark and IPVanish), but still enough to cover all your favorite gadgets. These connections can also be shared with friends and family, who might want to check out international content libraries for themselves! And I often recommend PrivateVPN to VPN newcomers because its apps are a joy to use. You can get the service set up on your Mac device in just a few clicks – you won't even need to tweak any of the (already solid) default settings before you go exploring the web with newfound security.

In the unlikely event that you do need some help, you can always reach out to the PrivateVPN customer service team, available 24/7 via live chat or email. This team is made up of in-house developers, too, so you can trust that they'll be able to troubleshoot your issues. And, as per usual, a 30-day money-back guarantee gives you a month to test the service for yourself before committing to a subscription.

CyberGhost Demo

CyberGhost is another big name in the VPN sphere that offers a superb macOS VPN app – and even VPN newbies will be able to install and use the client without trouble. In fact, CyberGhost balances a full roster of security features with ease of use, and all for a modest price that won't break the bank.

Strengthen your digital security

Everything you need to safeguard your digital privacy is included in a CyberGhost subscription – and the Mac client's default IKEv2 encryption will put a stop to ISP tracking and third-party snooping. It's a little disappointing to see that OpenVPN isn't offered by default, but the IKEv2 protocol is a superb alternative, and WireGuard is another promising substitute that blends performance with security. If you'd rather opt for OpenVPN, however, you'll need to set it up manually. Just like our other top picks, CyberGhost's Mac client packs a kill-switch, which cuts your internet connection if your VPN drops and thereby prevents your real IP address from leaking. I like that this kill-switch is enabled by default, and that the service also protects against DNS leaks.

CyberGhost makes its home in Romania, which is a big win for privacy, seeing as there are no data retention laws in effect in the country. Whilst CyberGhost does abide by a zero-logs policy, it currently hasn't invested in a security audit to verify its claims – although the VPN's Transparency Report is a step in the right direction. Some users may be altogether more perturbed by the amount of tracking that occurs on the CyberGhost site.

An optimized streaming experience

Whilst testing CyberGhost, I was able to access services from all over the world – including popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and even ESPN. Checking out geo-restricted content is one of my favorite things to try with a VPN, so I was especially glad to see that CyberGhost even has servers optimized for unblocking streaming sites! This makes finding and connecting to a server incredibly simple – and you can even bookmark your favorite servers to come back to again and again.

If torrenting is more your thing, you'll be glad to learn that CyberGhost supports P2P activity, and even has a range of dedicated P2P-friendly servers. CyberGhost's speeds are pretty impressive, too, and I didn't run into any buffering issues in my time using the service – and if you switch to the WireGuard protocol, you'll be roaring through the web, downloading files, and hopping into online games in a blink.

Outstanding apps

CyberGhost has a staggering number of servers scattered across 91 countries across the globe. MacOS users can hop between these servers as they please, and if you're looking for ultimate security, you can even check out CyberGhost's independently-operated NoSpy servers. Only the CyberGhost team has access to these special servers (which come with extended bandwidth and boast high-end hardware), which cuts out third-party interference.

The CyberGhost Mac client is admittedly more bare-bones than its Windows counterpart – which, in all honestly, is par for the course. This makes the VPN a great option for beginners, however, as well as for folks who are primarily interested in unblocking content. All in all, CyberGhost is a solid, low-cost service that you can trial for yourself, thanks to a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

VYPR Demo

VyprVPN is another star in the VPN industry with a series of fantastic apps – and its Mac client has plenty of features built-in and ready to use. Plus, privacy-conscious users (which should be everyone!) will also appreciate that VyprVPN is based in Switzerland, a country that isn't part of the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes Alliance.

The complete privacy package

The VyprVPN macOS client is one of the more fully-featured options available – and users can take their pick between the L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, or WireGuard protocols, which is pretty generous. If you're after a stealthier option, the Chameleon protocol is a great alternative, and can help bypass through firewalls and VPN bans imposed by your workplace or government. I like that VyprVPN's kill-switch is easy to enable, and that it works well with the Automatic Reconnect feature, which will get your VPN connection back up and running in a blink if it happens to drop.

VyprVPN can also automatically encrypt your traffic whenever you connect to an unknown Wi-Fi hotspot – which is a priceless feature that you'll want to check out if you're jetting off on vacation, relaxing in a hotel or cafe, or killing time on the commute.

Additionally, being based in Switzerland is a win for user privacy, although some customers may side-eye the fact that VyprVPN's parent firm, Golden Frog, has offices in the US. However, I'm pleased to see that VyprVPN is upholding the industry standard by making its third-party audit available to the public.

Worldwide coverage

Immediately, I was impressed to see that VyprVPN owns (and operates via) its very own proprietary network of Tier 1 servers, so you can expect a balance of speed and security whenever you connect. VyprVPN is one of the best services on the market when it comes to streaming, too – and with servers in more than 64 countries worldwide, you'll have an open invitation to a huge list of regional services and sites that might otherwise be inaccessible (including Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Go/Now, and DAZN).

During testing, I didn't run into any trouble with sluggish streams or slow-loading pages – and VyprVPN's speeds can hold their own when compared to those of other premium services. This makes the service a particularly great pick for anyone wanting to download via BitTorrent quickly, privately, and without having to seek out specialized servers!

Efficiency and style

VyprVPN's mac client looks better than ever, and although some might call it a bit barebones, the important thing is that it's not intimidating, cluttered, or overly complex. I enjoyed being able to block malicious sites and determine whether the VPN launched/connected whenever I booted up my device, and being able to connect to the fastest server around with one click of a button came in handy for general, day-to-day browsing. VyprVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections, and just like ExpressVPN, I'd like to see that number multiply in the near future.

The VyprVPN customer service team is available 24/7, and responded to my live chat inquiries in a matter of moments – so if you run into problems, you won't have to wait around until the next working day to troubleshoot them. It's also great to see that the Golden Frog forums are home to an active community, who'll also be happy to lend their support or dish out advice. You can trial VyprVPN in your own time, on your own devices, with a standard 30-day money-back guarantee, and enjoy a well-rounded macOS experience.

IPVanish Demo

IPVanish ticks all the right boxes when it comes to providing a solid macOS client. You'll be able to surf the web without worrying about snooping third parties, play with a variety of privacy features, and rest assured that a no-logs policy keeps your information under lock and key.

Bolster your privacy

I'm glad to see that IPVanish has ditched the notoriously insecure PPTP protocol. Some Mac users have come to rely on this outdated option, which is sometimes the only protocol available on macOS clients, but IPVanish's IKEv2 encryption is far superior. It's quick, battle-tested, and will ensure that your browsing sessions remain private, regardless of whether you're at home or using public Wi-Fi hotspots. It's possible to connect via OpenVPN, too, though you'll need to do so via OpenVPN Connect. The IPVanish kill-switch is another lynchpin feature that'll block your traffic until the VPN is back up and re-established after a dropout, so you don't have to worry about leaking any identifiable details.

There's no getting around the fact that IPVanish is based in the United States – along with the infamous and invasive CIA and NSA organizations. It's not uncommon to hear about US firms being served with gag orders and warrants, forcing them to hand over user data, and so some users might be hesitant about trusting a VPN based in the country. However, IPVanish abides by a zero-logs policy, which ensures that they'd have nothing to hand over to authorities, even if they came knocking with a warrant.

Bypass restrictions

IPVanish has a fantastic network of servers in 75 locations, and we're seeing these numbers steadily tick up and up! With servers in practically every corner of the globe, your digital horizons broaden tenfold, and you'll be able to bypass geo-restrictions and content bans with ease. So, whether you want to check out US Netflix or Amazon Prime, or check out social media platforms at work or school, IPVanish has your back. However, it's worth noting that IPVanish has trouble accessing BBC iPlayer – so fans of British TV may need to look elsewhere.

Our daily speed tests paint a picture of the industry's speediest services, and IPVanish regularly breaks in to the top twenty. Other VPNs in our list are quicker, certainly, but that doesn't mean that IPVanish is sluggish. In fact, since upgrading its server network the provider has seen a massive boost in speeds. I found that my webpages loaded quickly, my video calls were clear, and there were no dreaded buffering circles to be found whilst streaming.

Unlimited connections

IPVanish has apps available for just about every platform – including Mac devices. I rather like the retro green-and-black aesthetic going on here, though some users might prefer something a little more neutral. Either way, you'll be able to install the VPN on all your devices thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections! This is real value for money, especially when you consider how inexpensive an IPVanish subscription is and just how many features you're getting access to.

You can see what all the fuss is about for yourself by utilizing IPVanish's 30-day money-back guarantee, and a superb customer service team is contactable via live chat and email at all times of the day.

Ivacy Demo

Ivacy is another low-cost, user-friendly service with an excellent Mac client, and a favorite of streamers wanting to bypass geo-restrictions. However, it's worth bearing in mind that this app is missing several important features (like a kill-switch) that can be found elsewhere.

Purpose-built servers

With Ivacy, you're getting access to servers in 100 locations, which gives you plenty of opportunities to hop across the globe and unblock all sorts of content – like streaming services, social media platforms, game lobbies. If you don't have a specific server in mind, you can hit the Smart Connect button to be paired with the quickest server in the location of your choice. I also like Ivacy's Smart Purpose Selection feature, available for Mac, which lets you pick out a server depending on what you'd like to do whilst connected! I tried the Streaming option, and I wasn't disappointed.

And speaking of streaming, Ivacy makes it easy to unblock Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, and France – so you'll never run out of classic movies or original TV series to watch. I could also access restricted YouTube videos that had been made unavailable in the UK, which is a nice bonus! Because Ivacy is super speedy, it's also a great option for torrenters and gamers who don't want to feel a huge impact on their internet speeds. Ivacy routinely claims a top 10 spot in our speed tests, and has no hidden bandwidth or data limits to worry about.

An eye on security

Ivacy's Mac client supports IKEv2, which is par for the course when it comes to macOS VPN clients, although anyone wanting to connect via OpenVPN instead does have the opportunity to do so. You'll need to use the OpenVPN config files provided by the VPN and connect via a third-party client, like Tunnelblick. The fact that Ivacy's Mac client lacks a kill-switch entirely is disappointing – it's a cornerstone feature, and one vital for torrenters and folks living with oppressive internet restrictions.

In much more encouraging news, Ivacy easily qualifies as a zero-logs provider, seeing as it won't keep tabs on the digital whereabouts or activities of its users.Being based in Singapore is a win, too, since the ISPs in the country aren't legally required to collect identifiable data. I'd like to see Ivacy undertake a security audit to really underscore its commitment to privacy, however.

Great apps, but lacking in some features

The Ivacy Mac client is nice and easy to use, and I can't imagine anyone having trouble navigating their way through its settings, connecting to a server, or toggling its features. In terms of GUI, it does look a little outdated compared to the sort of fresh and sleek apps you can get from ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but it does the job. Users get 10 simultaneous connections to play with, which is fairly generous, and means that you can cover multiple devices at the same time without having to re-login again and again.

Overall, I think Ivacy is a superb service for folks who want a straightforward way to check out geo-restricted content via their Mac device – and you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to take it for a trial run! Ivacy also offers a 7-day subscription for just $0.99, and 24/7 customer support read to tackle any burning questions.

Proton Demo

ProtonVPN knows how to put together a secure service – and that's no surprise, given that it has been developed by the same folks behind the popular secure email service, ProtonMail! The highly respected service boasts a solid app for macOS and a number of key features, as well as an excellent free plan that can be used indefinitely.

Quick off the mark

ProtonVPN's server network slots neatly into the middle-ground, with servers in 67 countries worldwide. As a result, you'll be able to spoof your location with ease and virtually place yourself anywhere on the map – and it's easy to connect to these servers. Users can hit the Quick Connect button to be automatically paired up with the fastest VPN for your current location. Or, if you're more choosy, there are designated servers for Plus Plan subscribers, P2P activity, and Tor access. Being able to tailor your connection based on your activity is incredibly nifty, and something that more advanced VPN users will certainly be able to take advantage of.

ProtonVPN's speeds also consistently impress me, and the service often tops our speed tests entirely! If you frequently hop into online games or voice calls, or have plans for a streaming marathon, ProtonVPN is a safe bet. Plus, I had no trouble unblocking Netflix US with the service, which can also access Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

A security titan

If you've heard of ProtonVPN, you've probably heard about its stellar reputation amongst users, who appreciate that the provider was developed to better protect activists and journalists – and just about everyone else. Mac users only have the option of connecting via IKEv2, and it's a little disappointing not to see OpenVPN or WireGuard on offer, but not a deal-breaker. DNS and IPv6 leak protection ensure that your real IP address will never be accidentally exposed, and the ProtonVPN kill-switch kicks in if the VPN connection sputters out, further strengthening your digital security. Because ProtonVPN is an open-source project, any user with the inclination and initiative can take a look at the apps' code for themselves, which is a fantastic display of transparency that more services could learn from.

The VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which used to be regarded as a privacy safe haven. Things have changed, unfortunately, with the advent of surveillance laws requiring ISPs to hold on to connection logs for a year – but ProtonVPN assures us that these laws don't apply to VPN services. Plus, ProtonVPN is a zero-logs provider that wouldn't have any information to store or hand over to authorities, anyway!

The best free plan around

ProtonVPN's Mac client looks and feels similar to its Windows counterpart – sleek, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Servers are all labeled clearly to avoid confusion, and enabling features is often as simple as hunting them down in the settings menu and toggling a switch. Depending on your plan, you can bag up to 10 simultaneous connections, and share your subscription with friends and family – or cover all of the gadgets in your house.

The ProtonVPN free plan, whilst handy, comes with some serious limitations. You can use the service for free for as long as you like, but if you do decide to upgrade, you'll be able to unblock streaming services and a wider (and speedier) selection of servers. Of course, ProtonVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee gives you a taste of the premium experience without risk.