A virtual private network or VPN gives you complete online privacy and anonymity while browsing by creating a private network from a public internet connection. They do this by masking your IP address so that your online actions are virtually untraceable back to you.
Other than this, a VPN ensures a secure and encrypted connection that provides greater privacy even when using common & open unsecured WiFi hotspots.
Do you need a VPN on Mac?
Although Macs are considered safer when it comes to online threats and vulnerabilities like malware, a VPN’s task is entirely different. VPN helps you browse the internet safely & anonymously, protecting you against online identity thefts, tracking, and any hacking attempts.
When using a VPN, you are sure that you are virtually invisible to ad creators & trackers, identity thefts, hackers, and organizations that are on a constant lookout for your data.
Other than this, by using a VPN, you can get through your location restrictions, safely & securely browse geo-restricted content, and use torrent links for downloading.
Best VPNs for Mac
1. Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the most prominent VPN providers in the VPN space. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy that means it would not keep track of anything that you do online whatsoever. It also has a kill switch that protects your activities or sensitive data even if the VPN connection suddenly drops.
The private DNS & leak protection on each server when using Ipv4 takes security to the next level by protecting your identity. The camouflage mode makes you virtually invisible to even your ISP. The multi-hop feature allows you to connect to the web simultaneously from different countries. You can also whitelist certain apps on your device to allow them to communicate without VPN restrictions in your location if you require.
You can access all geo-restricted content along with the No-Borders mode. To further ensure security, Surshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption & a choice of IKEv2/IPSec or OpenVPN protocols.
Surfshark also masks your real IP address at all times to ensure no trackers can ever reach back to you. Surfshark VPN supports unlimited devices with a single subscription plan. If you have decided to buy one, you can save a lot of money on the subscription by checking out the best Surfshark deals.
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost has an extensive network of over 6600 servers in 89 countries with 15 years of experience. You can easily hide your IP address with a single click ensuring you are protected from all types of trackers.
A 256-bit AES military-grade encryption is used to encrypt all your online communication, even on open-wifi along with a strict no-logs policy. CyberGhost servers also support torrenting by re-routing your P2P traffic through an encrypted tunnel.
Using CyberGhost VPN, you can access geo-restricted content from almost all the countries of the world. A subscription plan from CyberGhost will work on seven devices at a time.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN has over 5500 servers in 59 countries worldwide. They also use 256 Bit AES encryption technology along with a no logs policy to completely protect your online activity. Further, the kill switch prevents data leaks, and there is P2P support for torrents downloading. The mask IP feature safeguards your online identity.
The split tunneling feature helps whitelist certain web addresses and apps to access them locally. A double protection mode changes the IP twice to help add an extra layer of security. You also get light-weight browser extensions that secure your browsing & avoid malware-hosting sites, ads & botnet control. A single subscription allows you to control up to six devices at a time.
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a dedicated VPN service provider with 35640+ Servers in 77 countries worldwide. All your browsing is encrypted using Wireguard & OpenVPN protocols. There is P2P support for torrents along with a no-logs policy. PIA also encrypts your WiFi connection at source, has multiple VPN gateways, blocks all ads, trackers, and malware.
PIA is DD-WRT VPN Compatible and includes a SOCKS5 Proxy for complete protection. With a single subscription plan, you can control ten devices at a time.
5. Zenmate
Zenmate is a German app that has servers across 75 countries. It has a strict No logs policy along with no speed drops upon connection.
Zenmate uses AES military-grade encryption along with IP address masking to completely protect you online. It also allows you to unblock most of the geo-restricted content worldwide, even live sports events. Zenmate also comes with a kill switch.
Zenmate offers a seven-day trial, and upon subscription, you can use it on unlimited devices at a time.
6. IPVanish VPN
IPVanish VPN offers Advanced encryption through servers located in 75+ regions. They have a strict no-logs policy along with high-end encryption to keep network hackers, ISPs, and advertisers away from your browsing logs.
It also enables access to geo-restricted content from almost anywhere around the world through its proxy web servers.
IPVanish VPN can be installed and used on an unlimited number of devices with their single subscription plan.
Choosing the best VPN for Mac
Today, in the US, about 68 percent of adult internet users claim to use at least some type of free or paid VPN, either at work or for personal use. This equates to an estimated 142 million users who connect to the web via a VPN service.
Although Mac has some powerful in-built security features, a VPN further enhances this security and helps protect your online privacy & fingerprint.
You can choose a VPN best suited to your needs and budget from the above list and be sure you’re completely safe online.
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