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Contrary to popular perceptions, Macs are no less vulnerable to cybersecurity threats—such as malware, viruses and ransomware—than Windows. While Macs offer a range of built-in protections, this doesn’t mean you won’t face any risks.
A virtual private network (VPN) can help keep your Mac and personal data safe by cloaking your IP address and rerouting your internet use through different servers.
We analysed Mac-compatible VPNs across a variety of data points to present the seven best options for the Australian market. You can learn more about VPNs in our guide to the Best VPNs for Australians.
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your Australian business journey. To find the best VPN for Mac, we considered dozens of the leading providers in the space and narrowed it down to seven, which we then evaluated across five key categories and 33 different metrics. Our ratings consider factors such as transparent pricing, server locations, compatibility with third-party integrations, access to customer support and ratings.
Finally, our Australian-based editorial team conducted a secondary layer of research and oversight, adjusting rankings as needed. For example, NordVPN was downgraded slightly in our Australian article because of opaque pricing for local customers—you can read more about this below.
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Related: Best VPNs for Windows
NordVPN is a fast and secure VPN service with a range of additional security features that add plenty of value for Australian users.
On Nord VPN’s Secure website
A Mac VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server while using your Mac device. This makes it difficult for anyone to track or spy on your online activity. A VPN also hides your IP address, which prevents websites from tracking your location.
There are several reasons Mac users might want to use a VPN, including increased security and privacy, which apply to users of Windows machines, too.
When you connect to the internet without a VPN, your traffic is not encrypted. This means that your ISP, Australia’s federal government and anyone else can see what you’re doing online. A VPN encrypts your traffic, which makes it much more difficult for anyone to spy on your online activity.
In addition to increased security, a VPN also allows you to access geo-blocked content. For example, if you’re trying to watch a show that’s only available in the UK, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in the UK and access the content from Australia that way.
A VPN is an essential tool for any Mac user who wishes to safeguard their internet activity. With so many options available, choosing the best Mac VPN can be overwhelming. We’ll break down what you need to know.
When looking for a VPN, don’t let it slow your internet too much. Distance from the VPN server and the amount of traffic on that server can affect the speed of a VPN connection. If you use a VPN, your data has to go a longer distance to get to its destination, resulting in a slower loading time for web pages or downloading of files than if you weren’t using a VPN at all.
To test the speed of your VPN connection, you can use a website such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com. These websites will show you how fast your internet connection is with and without the VPN. If the difference in speed is too big, try a different VPN provider.
It’s important to keep in mind that VPN providers might not always be truthful about their speed. They might advertise a faster speed than what you actually get. That’s why it’s a good idea to test the speed yourself before signing up for one.
When selecting a VPN provider, ensure it offers fast speeds without compromising security. You also want to make sure it has servers in locations that are close to you and that it offers specialised servers for things such as streaming or gaming. Testing the speed of your VPN connection before committing to a provider can help you make sure it meets your needs.
When choosing a Mac VPN, look for a provider that offers native macOS compatibility. A VPN designed specifically for macOS will offer seamless integration with your device’s features and settings, providing a smoother user experience.
To test the speed of your VPN connection, you can use a website such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com. These websites will show you how fast your internet connection is with and without the VPN. If the difference in speed is too big, try a different VPN provider.
Look for a VPN that supports other platforms, such as Windows, Android and iOS. Cross-platform support allows you to secure multiple devices under a single subscription, providing comprehensive protection for your entire digital ecosystem. Having browser extensions for web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Safari is also helpful, improving your online security and privacy.
The cost of a Mac VPN can vary significantly between providers, with many factors influencing the price. You can expect to pay between $5 AUD and $15 AUD per month for a Mac VPN. on a long-term plan. Your price depends on the VPN provider, its features and your contract term. You’ll pay less for agreeing to a multi-year contract, whereas it’s not unusual to pay $15 AUD to $30 AUD per month on a month-to-month basis.
Here are some aspects to consider when evaluating the cost of a VPN:
Contract Length
Many VPN providers offer discounts for longer subscription plans. While a monthly subscription might be more expensive, opting for an annual or multi-year plan can result in significant savings. As soon as you sign up, test out your VPN. Many offer 30-day money-back guarantees, though some are as short as seven days, so you’ll want to test it in a variety of circumstances to ensure it meets your needs.
Features
The price of a VPN can be influenced by the range of features it offers, including server locations, simultaneous connections and advanced security features such as a kill switch and split tunnelling. More feature-rich VPNs might come with a higher price tag, but the additional functionalities can be well worth the investment.
Promotions
VPN providers often run promotions for Australian customers, offering discounted rates for new subscribers. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, holiday discounts or special offers to save on your VPN subscription.
Bundles
Some VPN providers offer bundles that include other services, such as password managers or secure cloud storage, at a discounted rate. These bundles can be a cost-effective way to secure multiple aspects of your digital life.
Free options
While free VPNs might seem appealing, they often come with limitations, such as reduced server access, slower speeds and lower levels of security. Some free VPNs may not be trustworthy, as they may collect and sell your data to third parties. It’s generally recommended to invest in a reputable paid VPN service to ensure comprehensive protection and reliable performance.
When choosing a Mac VPN, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the features and level of protection offered. While saving money is important, prioritising security and privacy should be your primary goal. It’s better to invest in a reliable, feature-rich VPN service that offers a fair price than to compromise your online safety with a free or low-quality option.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is an essential factor when choosing a Mac VPN. Even the best VPN services can occasionally encounter issues or require assistance with setup and configuration. A responsive, knowledgeable customer support team can make all the difference in resolving problems quickly and efficiently.
Look for the following:
A fast VPN should provide download speeds of at least 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps or more. These speeds are generally sufficient for most online activities, including HD video streaming and large file downloads. Faster speeds mean better user experiences, especially for those on high-speed connections.
To test the speed of your VPN connection, you can use a website such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com. These websites will show you how fast your internet connection is with and without the VPN. If the difference in speed is too big, try a different VPN provider.
To maintain fast speeds while using a VPN, consider the following:
It’s important to note that using a VPN can sometimes result in slower internet speeds. This is because your data must travel through the VPN server, which can add latency and decrease speed. The level of speed reduction largely depends on the VPN provider, server distance and network congestion.
Some VPNs also implement bandwidth throttling, intentionally limiting users’ connection speeds to manage server load or encourage users to upgrade to a higher-priced plan. However, many top-tier VPNs prioritise providing fast and stable connections without throttling. Take a close look at a provider’s rules around this functionality when making your decision.
To compile our list of the best VPNs for Macs, Forbes Advisor scrutinised 33 factors to identify the top options for Mac users. Our evaluation process involved examining several aspects and weighting them according to their significance, with the most emphasis placed on security features and speeds.
We awarded higher scores to contenders that offered the most features for their price points. We took note of the lowest and highest price points, and platforms with money-back guarantees or free trials received bonus points for delivering additional value to users. These criteria make up 15% of the score.
We studied each VPN’s general features, such as anonymous browsing, DNS protection measures, dedicated IP, kill switch, split tunnelling and multifactor authentication, as well as additional features including the number of continents with servers, no-logs policy, browser extensions and simultaneous connections. This array of features contributes 35% of each provider’s score.
A reliable VPN should securely encrypt your data without sacrificing speed, ensuring a smooth browsing experience that doesn’t compromise safety. The Forbes Advisor team tests speed weekly to evaluate this score, which accounts for 20% of the total.
We assigned top marks to companies offering 24/7 customer support across multiple channels, recognising that users may face issues with their VPN connection at any time and require prompt assistance. Some VPN providers also have community-based support, such as a Reddit forum, where users can access community help. Support services are worth 7% of the total score.
We assessed the App Store ratings for each VPN’s desktop app, along with customer reviews on Trustpilot, Capterra and G2. Analysing star ratings, review numbers and balancing public opinion accordingly helped us determine the overall customer experience and satisfaction levels for each VPN. These reviews make up 13% of the score for each provider.
We added the Forbes Advisor Expert Score for each VPN, including details and standout features, value for money, popularity and ease of use. We also considered our own experiences and scores from other experts to compare and validate our rankings. This analysis contributes to the final 10% of the score.
Finally, we checked that the VPNs were available and suitable for Australians, as well as whether they were priced in Australian dollars and, if not, whether that was clearly spelt out.
Additional research: Anna Rey
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Starting price
$19.79 AUD
The best Mac VPN depends on your specific needs. However, we like Surfshark, NordVPN, TunnelBear, ProtonVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), TorGuard and hide.me for most users because they offer a large server network, strong encryption and a host of privacy features.
Yes, several VPN providers offer a free Mac VPN. These include ProtonVPN and TunnelBear. You can read more in our guide to the best free VPNs.
No, Macs do not have built-in VPNs. However, you can use several different VPN services to encrypt your traffic and route it through a remote server.
No, you don’t need a VPN for Mac. However, using a VPN can provide increased security and privacy. Apple products used to benefit from the lower risk associated with viruses, malware and adware, but that’s not the case anymore as cyber criminals and hackers have become increasingly sophisticated at corrupting MacOS.
It depends on how you access the internet on your Mac computer. If you mainly watch local streaming services and access the net via your home internet—and you have adequate virus protection—then you may not feel the need for a VPN. If however you travel a lot to countries where internet access is limited, you use the wi-fi in airports or you want to access overseas content libraries, then a VPN may be ideal.
You can set up a VPN on a Mac by either downloading a dedicated VPN app from a provider or manually configuring the VPN in your Mac’s network settings.
To check if your VPN is working on a Mac, visit a website such as ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com to verify if your IP address and DNS requests are coming from the VPN server.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to turn on your VPN on your Mac devices as they will help encrypt your traffic online, protect your privacy and allow you to access content in other regions. However, VPNs can slow down machines so test your VPN for speed first.
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