Quick Comparison
| VPN | Rating | Apple Silicon | Safari Ext. | Kill Switch | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 9.6/10 | ✅ Native | ❌ | ✅ | $3.39/mo |
| ExpressVPN | 9.3/10 | ✅ Native | ❌ | ✅ | $6.67/mo |
| Surfshark | 9.0/10 | ✅ Native | ✅ | ✅ | $2.19/mo |
| CyberGhost | 8.5/10 | ✅ Native | ❌ | ✅ | $2.19/mo |
| ProtonVPN | 8.3/10 | ✅ Native | ❌ | ✅ | $0 (Free) |
1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN for Mac
NordVPN
Best for: Overall Mac experience with top-tier speed and security
From $3.39/mo (2-year plan) · 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN's macOS app is the gold standard for VPN clients on Mac. The native Apple Silicon build runs flawlessly on M1 through M4 chips, and the NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) delivers speeds that barely dip below your base connection. In our tests on a MacBook Pro M4, we measured an average speed loss of just 6% — the best among all VPNs tested.
The app integrates perfectly with macOS Sequoia's network extension framework. The kill switch works at the system level, preventing any traffic leaks even during VPN reconnections. Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites without needing a browser extension.
Read our full NordVPN review for detailed test results.
✅ Pros
- Native Apple Silicon app — blazing fast
- NordLynx protocol: only 6% speed loss
- System-level kill switch on macOS
- Threat Protection Pro (ad/tracker blocking)
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- Double VPN and Onion over VPN
❌ Cons
- No Safari browser extension
- Split tunneling limited on macOS
- Pricier than Surfshark/CyberGhost
2. ExpressVPN — Best for Ease of Use on Mac
ExpressVPN
Best for: Mac users who want a polished, zero-config experience
From $6.67/mo (1-year plan) · 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN's Mac app feels like it was designed by Apple engineers. The interface is clean, intuitive, and follows macOS design conventions perfectly. The Lightway protocol is fast and efficient, with an average speed loss of 9% in our tests. Connection times are under 2 seconds.
The app has been fully optimized for Apple Silicon since 2023, and the Sequoia update was seamless. ExpressVPN's Network Lock (kill switch) is reliable and works even when the app crashes. The built-in speed test helps you find the fastest server for your location.
Read our full ExpressVPN review for detailed test results.
✅ Pros
- Best-designed Mac app in the market
- Lightway protocol: fast and lightweight
- Reliable Network Lock kill switch
- Built-in speed test tool
- Excellent streaming unblocking
- TrustedServer (RAM-only) technology
❌ Cons
- Most expensive option ($6.67/mo)
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
- No ad/tracker blocking built in
3. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Mac
Surfshark
Best for: Mac users on a budget who need unlimited devices
From $2.19/mo (2-year plan) · 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark offers the best value for Mac users. At $2.19/month with unlimited simultaneous connections, you can protect your MacBook, iMac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV all on one subscription. The native Apple Silicon app is well-designed and includes a Safari browser extension — the only VPN in our top 5 to offer one.
The CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers, and the NoBorders mode helps bypass network restrictions. Speed performance is solid with an average 12% loss using WireGuard. The Sequoia-compatible kill switch works reliably.
Read our full Surfshark review for detailed test results.
✅ Pros
- Cheapest option at $2.19/mo
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Safari browser extension available
- CleanWeb ad/tracker blocker
- NoBorders mode for restricted networks
❌ Cons
- Slightly slower than NordVPN (12% loss)
- Smaller server network than NordVPN
- Some streaming platforms occasionally blocked
4. CyberGhost — Best for Streaming on Mac
CyberGhost
Best for: Mac users who primarily need streaming access
From $2.19/mo (2-year plan) · 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost stands out with dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms — Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. The Mac app clearly labels which servers work with which streaming services, eliminating guesswork. With 11,500+ servers across 100 countries, it has the largest network of any VPN.
The native Apple Silicon app is functional if not as polished as ExpressVPN's. The 45-day money-back guarantee (longest in the industry) gives you plenty of time to test. Speed loss averaged 15% in our tests — acceptable but not class-leading.
✅ Pros
- Dedicated streaming-optimized servers
- 11,500+ servers (largest network)
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Affordable at $2.19/mo
❌ Cons
- 15% speed loss (below average)
- App design less polished than competitors
- No Safari extension
- Doesn't work in China
5. ProtonVPN — Best Free VPN for Mac
ProtonVPN
Best for: Privacy-focused Mac users who want a free option
Free plan available · Paid from $4.99/mo
ProtonVPN is the only VPN in our list with a genuinely useful free tier — no data caps, no speed throttling, and no ads. The free plan includes servers in 5 countries and supports 1 device. The Mac app is open-source and has been audited by SEC Consult.
The paid plan adds Secure Core (multi-hop through privacy-friendly countries), NetShield ad blocker, and access to all 4,800+ servers. The native Apple Silicon app is well-built and integrates with the broader Proton ecosystem (Mail, Pass, Drive).
Read our full ProtonVPN review for detailed test results.
✅ Pros
- Free plan with no data caps
- Open-source and independently audited
- Swiss jurisdiction (strong privacy)
- Secure Core multi-hop routing
- Proton ecosystem integration
❌ Cons
- Free plan limited to 5 countries, 1 device
- Paid plan pricier than Surfshark/CyberGhost
- Slower speeds on free servers
- No Safari extension
Mac-Specific Features to Look For
Apple Silicon Compatibility
All five VPNs now offer native Apple Silicon (ARM64) builds. This matters because Rosetta 2 translation adds latency and uses more battery. Native apps run 20-30% more efficiently on M1/M2/M3/M4 Macs.
macOS Sequoia Network Extensions
macOS Sequoia tightened requirements for network extensions. VPNs must use Apple's Network Extension framework properly, or they'll fail to create tunnels. All our picks have been verified on Sequoia 15.4.
Kill Switch on macOS
A kill switch prevents traffic leaks when the VPN connection drops. On macOS, this requires system-level network filtering — not all VPNs implement this correctly. NordVPN and ExpressVPN have the most reliable kill switches in our testing.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling lets you route some apps through the VPN while others use your regular connection. This is useful for banking apps or local network access. Surfshark offers the best split tunneling on Mac with per-app and per-URL rules.
For a broader comparison, see our full VPN comparison or read our guide on how to choose the best VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a VPN on my Mac?
Yes. While macOS has strong built-in security, it doesn't encrypt your internet traffic or hide your IP address. A VPN protects you on public Wi-Fi, prevents ISP tracking, and lets you access geo-restricted content.
Are all VPNs compatible with Apple Silicon Macs?
Not all. Some VPNs still run through Rosetta 2 translation, which impacts performance. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all have native Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) apps that run at full speed.
Does macOS Sequoia break any VPNs?
macOS Sequoia introduced stricter network extension requirements. All five VPNs in our list have been updated for full Sequoia compatibility. Some lesser-known VPNs may have issues with the new network framework.
Can I use a VPN with Safari?
Yes. System-level VPN apps protect all traffic including Safari. NordVPN and Surfshark also offer Safari browser extensions for split-tunneling scenarios where you only want to route browser traffic through the VPN.
What about the built-in macOS VPN?
macOS supports IKEv2 and L2TP VPN protocols natively, but you need your own VPN server. For most users, a commercial VPN app is far easier and provides better security features like kill switches and DNS leak protection.