The Best Mac VPNs We’ve Tested for 2025

Features and capabilities: Proton packs a ton of features into its reasonably priced subscription. NetShield is a built-in ad and tracker blocker that we found to be quite effective on text-based sites. Each plan allows for 10 simultaneous device connections. Proton has servers tailored for streaming, peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, TOR access, and multi-hop SecureCore connections. You can try Proton out for free with its generous free plan, which offers eight servers to choose from and doesn’t come with any frustrating data limits. 

Privacy and security: The people behind Proton take privacy seriously, with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability that is rare in the VPN space. All apps are open-source, so you never have to question if there’s a hidden vulnerability that could compromise your data. Annual audits and frequent transparency reports demonstrate that Proton consistently maintains its standards year after year.

Speed and performance: Proton’s premium servers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, with a 20.11% decrease in download speeds, a 43.21% decrease in upload speeds, and a 351.26% increase in latency. 

Streaming: We had no issues streaming Netflix with Proton. Proton’s premium servers worked flawlessly, granting us access to every regional catalog we tested. 

User experience and ease of use: All of Proton’s apps are streamlined and easy to use, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Features are easily accessible and clearly labeled on both desktop and mobile interfaces. It’s easy to tell when you’re connected to a server, and you can access advanced options with just a couple of clicks. 

Budget-focused buyers: Proton’s free version is robust and packs in many features that competing free options lack. It’s an excellent tool for securing your privacy on a budget. If you can deal with the limitations, Proton’s free version is more than viable as your main VPN. 

Privacy-conscious users: Proton’s unwavering commitment to transparency and privacy makes it one of the best options for those who value their privacy. With open-source apps and regular audits, you can keep track of exactly how the company responds to threats to user data. 

NordVPN has maintained a consistent and modern design across all its platforms for many years. It has also consistently delivered impressive performance scores in our tests. All this comes at a price, though, as NordVPN charges significantly above the average monthly price we’ve seen across the industry. You get your money’s worth and more, as Nord’s premium subscription offers a plethora of excellent features for macOS. 

Features and capabilities: NordVPN utilizes a custom implementation of the WireGuard VPN protocol, called NordLynx, on macOS, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2. It also provides access to TOR and multi-hop connections. Nord is positioning itself as an all-in-one security solution, offering a fledgling antivirus called Threat Protection Pro, as well as a robust ad and tracker blocker, bundled with most premium subscriptions. 

Privacy and security: Nord maintains transparent privacy standards with third-party audits and a frequently updated transparency report. NordLynx utilizes open-source technology, allowing you to examine what makes the service tick. Nord doesn’t keep logs, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified in multiple security audits by VerSprite, Cure53, Deloitte, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). 

Speed and performance: Nord has consistently delivered excellent performance in our tests. It reduced our download speeds by just 5.20%, upload speeds by 5.78%, and increased our latency by 58.14%. Please note that your experience may vary depending on your proximity to a Nord server. 

Streaming: Streaming with Nord was streamlined. We didn’t experience any buffering or stuttering with videos. Additionally, Nord managed to unblock every regional Netflix library that we tested against. 

User experience and ease of use: Nord’s desktop apps can be a tad cluttered and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to VPNs. The dashboard is excellent for advanced users, as it features a range of useful menus and tools. For an easier user experience, we recommend the mobile version of Nord. It features all the same great benefits, but in a more digestible format. 

Netflix binge-watchers: Those seeking to access location-locked streaming content will appreciate NordVPN’s extensive server selection. 

Users who also want an antivirus: Nord’s Threat Protection Pro has some limitations, but it’s one of the more affordable options out there, considering you also get Nord’s stellar VPN bundled with it. 

Features and capabilities: In addition to the standard protocol array, macOS users get access to IKEv2. Split tunneling is technically available, but it is only supported on older OS versions (macOS 11 and earlier). Network Lock is an advanced kill switch that can terminate your VPN connection in certain conditions, such as if you lose connection to the VPN server. All servers are available on macOS, so you can easily take advantage of Express VPN’s global network. 

Privacy and security: ExpressVPN is relatively transparent about its data collection and handling practices. The service does log some aggregate data about user data usage, but the company claims that none of this information can be tied back to user accounts. Biannual transparency reports reinforce this claim, as well as the 22 independent security audits that Express has undergone. 

Speed and performance: ExpressVPN decreased download speeds by 18.55%, upload speeds by 7.45%, and increased latency by 95.62%. These scores place it ahead of most services, making it a solid choice for data-intensive tasks like streaming or downloading. 

Streaming: Netflix access was seamless with ExpressVPN. We pitted it against five regional catalogs from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It performed well, giving us unrestricted access to every single one. 

User experience and ease of use: ExpressVPN features a sleek, intuitive interface on macOS. Its single-button connection screen makes it a breeze to get connected, and the settings menu features a range of advanced options for those who want to fine-tune their connection. 

Travelers: With numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for anyone living or traveling outside the US. Anyone keen on spoofing their location should also be well served.

First-time VPN users: ExpressVPN’s intuitive interface makes it easy to use without prior knowledge. 

Features and capabilities: TunnelBear’s free version allows you to try out all aspects of the app if you’re unsure it’s the right choice for your Mac. You aren’t limited to a slim selection of servers or barred from using advanced features or protocols. However, you are limited to 2GB of data per month. The premium version has servers in 45 countries, which is somewhat limited in scope compared with other options. However, it’s pretty affordable and doesn’t place a cap on simultaneous device connections. 

Privacy and security: TunnelBear’s privacy policy is thoughtfully designed and easy to read. It isn’t full of unnecessary jargon or vague statements. Every point is illustrated with a real-world example of how TunnelBear handles that specific instance, inquiry, or data point. TunnelBear has undergone seven separate independent audits that have verified the company’s stalwart stance on privacy. Regularly updated transparency reports reinforce this point, revealing that the service has never handed over user information in response to an inquiry or lawful order. 

Speed and performance: TunnelBear performed below average in our most recent bout of speed tests. It decreased our download speeds by 83% and our upload speeds by 72%. Latency also saw a significant increase of 109%. Keep in mind that speed tests are variable, which is why we don’t recommend purchasing a VPN based solely on speed tests. 

Streaming: Using TunnelBear for streaming was reliable and fast. The VPN consistently unblocked Netflix in all tested regions. TunnelBear has servers in 46 countries, offering an extensive global coverage network. While it may not have the most comprehensive server network, it services the most popular countries that offer regional streaming catalogs. 

User experience and ease of use: One of TunnelBear’s most standout features is its intuitive and fun design. The fun and brightly colored interface is easy to use, featuring bears at every turn. It’s not too cluttered. It’s not too sparse. This interface is just right. A map makes it easy to tell where you’re connecting to, and you’ll get a cute animation of a bear tunneling to the region that you choose to connect to. Advanced features and additional configuration options are just a couple of clicks away. 

New users: TunnelBear tops our list as the most beginner-friendly VPN app, featuring a fun theme, easy-to-use features, and a clutter-free interface. You can try it out for free without having to input any payment information or personal details. 

Design fans: TunnelBear is one of the few services out there that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The design philosophy of TunnelBear is a breath of fresh air compared with the many dark-themed VPN apps on the market. It’s fun and whimsical, while also being one of the best VPNs available. 

Features and capabilities: Mullvad has a lot of great features at the affordable price of just five euros. It has a robust ad and tracker blocker that performed well on text-based sites during our tests. Aside from its impressive split tunneling deployment, you also get handy advanced features like multi-hop and access to a customer-only privacy-based search engine called Leta. One drawback is that you’ll be limited to just five simultaneous device connections with a single account. 

Privacy and security: You can use Mullvad without registering an email address, as the company supports payments via cash sent directly to them. It has a comprehensive privacy policy that outlines all aspects of how the company handles data. The short of it is that Mullvad is a no-logs VPN that does not retain user data. Mullvad also takes a stance against affiliate marketing and does not engage in it or any paid sponsorships to promote its service. The VPN was subject to a search by the Swiss police in 2023, but the search yielded no results. 

Speed and performance: Mullvad performed well in our latest bout of speed tests. It reduced our download speeds by 10.57%, upload speeds by 4.23%, and increased our latency by only 15.90%. Please keep in mind that we don’t recommend selecting a VPN solely based on speed scores. Our tests are a snapshot of a single location at a single time. Your experience will likely vary based on your proximity to a VPN server, among other factors. 

Streaming: We test every VPN we review against five regional Netflix catalogs: the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Mullvad successfully granted open access to all catalogs without issue.

User experience and ease of use: Mullvad has a straightforward, no-frills app on macOS. The simple interface is clearly sectioned, and it’s easy to set up a connection and scroll through the server list. Advanced options are just a couple of clicks away, making it easy to configure the VPN to your exact preferences. It’s not as flashy as its higher-priced competitors, but we appreciated its simplicity and ease of use. 

Home users: The interface features an interactive map that makes connecting to a server in your desired location easy. We appreciate that you can also select a specific server from an expanded list to display countries, cities, and individual servers in a particular area.

Frequent public Wi-Fi users: There’s a lot of privacy baked into Mullvad VPN, which is what you want if you’re someone who frequently connects to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, coffee shops, hotels, or in public parks. You don’t need to create a password when signing up or provide a lot of personal information while paying for the service. There are few “extras” cluttering up the interface, which makes it easy to connect to a VPN right away.

Features and capabilities: Windscribe’s macOS app is nearly identical to the Windows version, even down to the feature set. You can still utilize advanced features, such as split tunneling. If you’re unsure whether the VPN is the right choice for you, you can try it out for free. With a free plan, you get 10GB of browsing data each month if you confirm your email address and 2GB if you don’t. Free customers can also access servers in 10 countries, including Canada and Switzerland.

Privacy and security: Windscribe doesn’t log your data. Its fast and anonymous signup process allows you to use the VPN app without disclosing a lot of personal data. Next, you can pay for the app using various payment methods, including cryptocurrency. On Windscribe’s website, you can find the company’s ethics statement and a transparency report that details every request the company receives from law enforcement.

Speed and performance: Windscribe’s speed and performance were solid. Download speed test scores decreased by only 10.66%, upload speed test scores decreased by 13.20%, and latency increased by 67.01%. Windscribe offered reliable, above-average speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming video and downloading content. 

Streaming: Using Windscribe, we were able to watch Netflix without any restrictions. We could access the entire library when connected to five Windscribe servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US.

User experience and ease of use: Minimalists will appreciate Windscribe’s modest app interface. The Settings menu features a helpful guide to all the app’s functions. For example, if you’re unsure which VPN protocol to use, click the information button next to the setting’s label and read the corresponding support page, which explains what the feature is and how to use it.

Privacy advocates: Windscribe VPN is purpose-built for anyone who values personal privacy and a transparent logging policy above all else. It offers a nearly unparalleled experience in the VPN space and should be a top consideration for both privacy- and feature-obsessed users.

Parents: Windscribe has a content-filtering feature commonly seen in parental control apps called ROBERT, or the Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool. You can use it to block ads, gambling content, malware, porn, social media, and more during your browsing experience.

Features and capabilities: Hide.me’s macOS app boasts excellent must-haves, including multi-hop and split tunneling. The interface is simplified compared with its Windows counterpart, but it was still easy enough to use. You do lose SoftEtherVPN and SSTP protocols on macOS, but we were still impressed with the VPN’s solid feature set on the platform. 

Privacy and security: Hide.me only requires your email address to make an account. With a wide range of secure and anonymous payment options, it’s easy to limit what data the service has access to. According to the privacy policy, the company collects your email and stores it in an encrypted form in a secure facility. Hide.me doesn’t store any customer payment information or data, including your IP address, physical address, or other personal details. Additionally, the service utilizes physical servers instead of virtual machines, providing the company with better control over how user data is handled.

Speed and performance: In our most recent tests, we were impressed with Hide.me’s performance. Download speeds decreased by 5.93%, upload speeds decreased by 22.72%, and latency increased by 92.11%. These results outperform the average impact across all VPNs we tested. 

Streaming: The app’s website claims it works seamlessly with popular streaming services, including BBC iPlayer and Disney+. During testing, we accessed Netflix while connected to servers in Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US with no issues or limitations. 

User experience and ease of use: The macOS interface is streamlined and straightforward compared with the Windows version of the app. We preferred the customization options on Windows, but the macOS dashboard is just as usable. 

Budget-conscious customers: If you’re on a budget, Hide.me has a feature-packed free version you can try out. The SmartGuard feature is exciting: It is an all-in-one ad blocker, malware blocker, parental control app, and website filter.

Frequent travelers: Hide.me has servers in 91 countries, making it a suitable option for individuals who frequently travel and want to connect to a nearby, fast server.