If there’s one word that defines our digital world in 2025, it’s “privacy.”
A reliable VPN for Mac connects your device to a global network of servers, encrypting the data flow between your Mac and the server you choose. This keeps your online activity secure and hidden from your internet provider and other potential snoops.
So, why use a VPN? The benefits are definitely worth considering:
- Safeguards your personal data online
- Blocks hackers from accessing your information
- Unlocks content restricted by region
Sounds useful, right?
To truly take advantage of what a VPN offers, let’s break down the key factors to consider when choosing the best VPN service for your Mac.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Your Mac
With digital privacy becoming a major concern, it’s no surprise that VPN apps for Mac have surged in popularity. But how do you choose the best unlimited VPN for Mac? Here are the key factors to consider:
- Connection Stability: A reliable connection ensures smooth online gaming and uninterrupted streaming in high resolution.
- Price: Affordable VPNs can offer excellent service—just be cautious with free options, as they may compromise your privacy by selling your data.
- Speed: The closer the VPN server is to your location, the faster your connection will be. For example, connecting from Canada to a U.S. server is quicker than routing through one in Asia.
- User Interface: Look for a VPN with a clean, user-friendly design so you can connect in seconds without reading a manual.
Ready to discover the top 5 VPNs for Mac in 2025?
Best Mac VPN Services in 2025
Here’s a snapshot of the top VPNs that keep your Mac safe:
| Let’s compare! | ClearVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Servers | Dynamic | 6000 | 3000 | 6500 | 1800 |
| Superpower | Online Threat Shield; DNS Adblock; Kill Switch | Kill Switch; DNS leak protection | Split Tunneling | Up to 10 simultaneous connections | Split Tunneling; Proprietary VPN protocol |
| Interface | Intuitive | Tricky | OK | OK | OK |
| Monthly price | Available on Setapp from $9.99 | From $12.99 | From $12.95 | From $15.95 | Free with the paid plan from $9.99 |
Now, let’s find out which VPN suits you best.
ClearVPN: A one-click solution
When choosing your first VPN, you want something secure, reliable, and fast — but also simple enough to get the job done instantly. That’s where ClearVPN stands out.
ClearVPN is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs available, offering one-click shortcuts for everything you need. Want to unlock Netflix in the US? One click. Change your IP address? One click. Protect your Mac from malware? Just one click and you’re covered.
Pros
- ClearVPN is compatible with both Mac and iOS devices and is accessible via a Setapp membership, ensuring you have all the content you want, wherever you are.
- Global Server Network. ClearVPN offers servers across multiple countries in North America, Asia, and Europe—including Eastern Europe, a region often overlooked by other VPNs—so you can connect with confidence wherever you are.
- Widgets for every need. With just one tap, keep your VPN instantly accessible—whether you’re gaming online or having secure conversations. No other VPN offers this level of convenience.
- Stunning design: While most VPNs focus only on function and can be tricky to navigate, ClearVPN is intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to use. Plus, have you spotted the adorable furry friends inside the app?
Cons
- Limited country list. Even though you can connect to any part of the world, some users may find the list of countries not enough, lacking some less popular countries.
NordVPN: Available for all your devices
While NordVPN is a solid choice for Mac and other platforms, it truly stands out with its Double VPN feature, which encrypts your data twice by routing it through two separate servers. It also offers additional tools like secure chat and web proxies for enhanced protection.
Pros
- Double VPN. Two layers of encryption ensure your identity remains completely hidden at all times.
- Server availability. NordVPN offers over 6,000 servers across 59 countries.
Cons
- App design. The Mac and iOS apps could benefit from more intuitive settings and features for a smoother user experience.
Tip
A good VPN should be fast — but what if it’s not? How can you check your speed in that case?
For quick insights, try using CleanMyMac. Just click the menu bar icon, select Test Speed under the Wi-Fi section, and you’ll see your connection’s current speed along with what activities you can smoothly perform, like gaming, video calls, streaming, and more.
ExpressVPN: Easy to use worldwide
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN clients for Mac and performs strongly across all categories. Its standout feature, however, is its simplicity — just download the ExpressVPN app for Mac, select your desired country, and click to connect.
Pros
- Country coverage. ExpressVPN operates servers in 94 countries and 160 cities, providing ample options for any need.
- Device compatibility. Compatible with nearly all devices and operating systems.
Cons
- Limited features. While ExpressVPN excels at switching server locations, it offers fewer additional features compared to some competitors.
PureVPN: Access favorite online content
PureVPN includes all the key features you’d expect from a top-tier VPN, with servers in over 140 countries. Plus, it lets you access your favorite content—like Netflix, Disney+, or HBO—while keeping you fully protected online.
Pros
- Flexible plans. Whether you need individual protection, a white-label solution, or coverage for the whole family, PureVPN offers a range of plans to suit your needs.
Cons
- Lacks advanced features. PureVPN covers the essentials effectively but misses out on some of the advanced settings and customization options found in other VPN apps.
Hotspot Shield
For some users, security is important—but speed is absolutely essential. The speed of a top Mac VPN client depends on factors like the number of servers, their processing power, and how close they are to your location.
Hotspot Shield excels in all these areas, outperforming many other Mac VPNs thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol. This technology significantly reduces latency, a common issue among lower-tier VPN services.
Pros
- Blazing fast. With Hotspot Shield, connections are instant and downloads reach top speeds every time you connect.
Cons
- Privacy concerns: The logging policy is unclear and can be difficult to understand.
Read also:
- Best VPN for iPhone
- How to Use VPN on iPhone Ipad
Testing a VPN for Mac
Hotspot Shield may be one of the fastest VPN clients available for Mac. However, your actual speed can vary depending on your location and how close you are to the company’s servers—so another VPN might perform better for you in practice.
When evaluating a VPN, keep these key factors in mind:
- Speed & Performance: Your connection speed can vary depending on your location and how close you are to the VPN server. Testing across different regions helps set realistic expectations.
- Server Selection: To get the best performance, connect to servers that are geographically close to you. Shorter distances usually mean lower latency and faster speeds.
- Privacy & Security: Ensure the VPN offers strong security features like AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a Kill Switch for maximum protection.
- Ongoing Performance Testing: Run regular speed tests to monitor performance over time and catch any emerging issues early.
So, how do you properly test your VPN connection? Start with a strong Wi-Fi signal. The WiFi Signal app is perfect for monitoring signal strength on your Mac. It continuously tracks your connection and rates it as excellent, good, moderate, or weak. You can view key stats and a real-time graph simply by clicking the icon in your menu bar.
What’s the best Mac VPN in 2025?
So, which VPN service should you choose? The best Mac VPNs play a crucial role in protecting your privacy and bypassing regional content restrictions.
Ultimately, choose the one that best fits your needs. If you’re looking for a VPN that’s easy to use and works seamlessly across all your devices, ClearVPN is a great option. You can test its speed using CleanMyMac or monitor your Wi-Fi performance with WiFi Signal.
The best part? ClearVPN, WiFi Signal, and hundreds of other premium apps are available through a 7-day free trial of Setapp—a platform offering over 260 macOS and iOS apps. With one subscription, you’ll also get access to tools like Paste for clipboard management and Merlin Project Express for professional project planning.
FAQ
Does Mac have a built-in VPN?
Mac doesn’t come with a built-in VPN, so to use one on your Mac, you’ll need to install a third-party app like ClearVPN.
Is it safe to use VPN on Mac?
Using a VPN on your Mac is safe as long as the VPN includes these essential features:
- Strong encryption: Look for industry-standard AES-256 encryption.
- No-logs policy: This means the VPN provider doesn’t collect or store your browsing activity.
- DNS and IP leak protection: Keeps your real IP address and DNS queries hidden, even if the connection becomes unstable.
- Kill Switch: Automatically blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, keeping your data secure.
For the most secure VPN with all these key features, try ClearVPN.
Is there a free secure VPN for Mac?
There are free VPNs available for Macs, but they often come with significant limitations compared to paid options. Additionally, some completely free VPNs may compromise your data security. For safer and more reliable protection, it’s best to choose trusted VPNs like ExpressVPN, ClearVPN, or NordVPN.
