Best VPN for Mac 2026: M3 Native Apps Tested (Top 5)

Your Mac comes with FileVault encryption and Gatekeeper protection, but your internet traffic remains exposed the moment it leaves your machine. Every website visit, every file download, every iCloud sync travels across networks you don’t control—visible to your ISP, potential eavesdroppers, and anyone monitoring public Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop.

A VPN encrypts that traffic before it leaves your Mac and routes it through a secure server, hiding your IP address and protecting your privacy. But not all VPNs work equally well on macOS. Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips) require native apps for optimal performance—running Intel-only apps through Rosetta 2 translation drains battery and reduces speed. macOS also restricts certain VPN features, particularly split tunneling, making it harder for VPN developers to match their Windows offerings.

We installed 14 VPN apps on an M3 Pro MacBook Pro running macOS Sequoia over six weeks, testing connection speeds, battery impact, menu bar integration, streaming access, and macOS-specific features. Here are the VPNs that deliver exceptional protection for Mac users.

Quick Comparison: Top Mac VPNs for 2026

What Makes an Excellent Mac VPN?

macOS presents unique challenges and opportunities for VPN apps. Understanding these platform-specific considerations helps you choose a VPN that excels on Mac rather than one that merely works.

Native Apple Silicon Support

Apple’s transition from Intel to custom ARM-based chips (M1, M2, M3, M4) fundamentally changed Mac software requirements. VPNs running natively on Apple Silicon connect faster, use less battery, and run more efficiently than those running through Rosetta 2 translation.

During testing, native apps connected 40-60% faster and used approximately 30% less energy than Rosetta-translated alternatives. All six VPNs we recommend offer true Universal apps that run natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Split Tunneling on macOS: A Complex Limitation

Split tunneling—routing some apps through the VPN while others use your regular connection—is severely limited on macOS. Apple removed the Network Kernel Extension APIs in macOS Big Sur (2020), blocking most VPNs from implementing this feature.

Current macOS split tunneling support (as of December 2025):

• Surfshark: Full split tunneling via “Bypasser” feature (added April 2025)
• Private Internet Access: Restored split tunneling support in late 2025
• Mullvad: Experimental split tunneling on macOS 13+ (stable as of 2025.2)
• ProtonVPN: Experimental support only
• NordVPN: No split tunneling on macOS
• ExpressVPN: No split tunneling on macOS 11+

Important limitation: Even VPNs with macOS split tunneling cannot exclude WebKit-based apps (Safari, Safari Web Apps, and apps using WebKit for networking) due to how WebKit integrates at the system level. If split tunneling is essential for your workflow, Surfshark or PIA are your best options.

Menu Bar Integration

Mac users expect apps to integrate seamlessly with macOS. Top VPNs provide menu bar icons for quick connect/disconnect without opening the full app. The best implementations show connection status at a glance and let you switch servers from the dropdown menu.

NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer the most polished menu bar experiences. A single click connects you to the last-used server, while the dropdown provides server selection and quick settings access.

Safari and Browser Considerations

Unlike Chrome and Firefox, Safari has no VPN browser extensions from major providers. Apple’s strict extension policies and WebKit’s system-level integration make Safari extensions impractical for VPNs.

This isn’t a limitation in practice: when you run a VPN app on your Mac, all Safari traffic routes through the encrypted tunnel automatically. Browser extensions only protect browser traffic anyway—a system-level VPN app is more secure since it protects all applications on your Mac.

---

Detailed Mac VPN Reviews

NordVPN — Best Overall for Mac

Price: $3.09/month (2-year plan) | Connections: 10 devices

NordVPN delivers the most polished Mac experience among the VPNs we tested. The Universal app runs natively on Apple Silicon with a clean, map-based interface that feels right at home on macOS. The menu bar icon provides instant connection status and one-click access to your last-used server.

The NordLynx protocol (NordVPN’s WireGuard implementation) shines on Mac. Connections establish in under 2 seconds, and speeds consistently matched our fastest testing results—890 Mbps through nearby servers on our 1 Gbps connection, only 11% slower than baseline. Battery impact was minimal during extended testing sessions, even with always-on protection enabled.

Threat Protection Lite blocks malicious domains, trackers, and intrusive ads at the DNS level across all your Mac applications—not just browsers. This works automatically once enabled, providing network-wide protection without separate software. Dark Web Monitor alerts you if credentials associated with your NordVPN email appear in data breaches.

NordVPN’s server network remains unmatched: 7,600+ servers across 118 locations provide abundant options for any use case. Streaming works reliably—Netflix US, UK, Japan, and other regions, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Max all connected without issues during our testing.

The macOS app includes specialty servers for P2P traffic, double VPN (routing through two servers), and Onion over VPN for Tor access without the Tor browser. Meshnet lets you route traffic through other devices running NordVPN, creating a personal VPN server at home that you can access from anywhere.

Mac-Specific Pros:

• Native Apple Silicon app with excellent performance
• Polished menu bar integration with one-click connect
• NordLynx delivers fastest speeds with minimal battery drain
• Threat Protection Lite blocks ads and trackers system-wide
• 7,600+ servers across 118 locations
• Post-quantum encryption for future-proof security
• Specialty servers (P2P, Double VPN, Onion over VPN)

Cons:

• No split tunneling on macOS (available on Windows only)
• 10-device limit (vs. unlimited from Surfshark)
• Some advanced features require higher-tier subscriptions
• Interface can feel feature-dense for casual users
• No Safari browser extension (use the app instead)

Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days

---

ExpressVPN — Best for Speed and Streaming

Price: $6.67/month (1-year plan) | Connections: 8 devices

ExpressVPN costs more than competitors but delivers exceptional speed and the most reliable streaming access we tested. The Mac app exemplifies thoughtful design: a large connect button dominates the minimal interface, with smart location selection that remembers your preferences.

The Lightway protocol sets ExpressVPN apart on Mac. Developed in-house using the wolfSSL cryptographic library, Lightway establishes connections almost instantaneously—we measured under 1 second on average. The protocol transitions seamlessly when your MacBook switches between Wi-Fi networks or wakes from sleep, maintaining encryption without reconnection delays.

Speed testing confirmed ExpressVPN’s reputation. We measured 930 Mbps through nearby servers—only 7% slower than our unprotected baseline. Even connecting from the US to European servers maintained speeds above 500 Mbps. For users with gigabit connections, ExpressVPN is the only VPN that consistently delivers near-baseline performance.

Streaming access remains ExpressVPN’s crown jewel. Every major platform worked flawlessly during our six weeks of testing: Netflix (US, UK, Japan, and other regions), Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Peacock. When streaming services update their VPN detection, ExpressVPN typically adapts within hours.

The Mac app includes ExpressVPN Keys, a full-featured password manager with unlimited credential storage and autofill integration. Having a secure password manager bundled with your VPN is genuinely convenient for Mac users who don’t already use 1Password or similar tools.

Menu bar integration works smoothly. The icon shows connection status at a glance, and clicking it reveals quick-connect options and your favorite locations. The app supports macOS keyboard shortcuts for power users who want to connect without touching the mouse.

Mac-Specific Pros:

• Native Apple Silicon app with fastest connections tested
• Lightway protocol offers instant connections and seamless network transitions
• Best streaming unblock rate (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer all worked)
• Polished menu bar integration with keyboard shortcuts
• Keys password manager included with subscription
• Servers in 105 countries
• MediaStreamer Smart DNS for devices that can’t run VPN apps

Cons:

• Most expensive option at $6.67/month (annual plan)
• Limited to 8 simultaneous connections
• No split tunneling on macOS 11+
• Fewer servers than NordVPN (3,000+ vs. 7,600+)
• No Safari extension (but not needed with app protection)

Start your ExpressVPN 30-day trial

---

Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Mac

Price: $1.99/month (2-year Starter plan) | Connections: Unlimited

Surfshark combines aggressive pricing with genuine Mac-specific advantages, making it our top pick for value-conscious users—and one of the only VPNs with working split tunneling on macOS.

For Apple users, Surfshark’s unlimited device policy is transformative. One $2.19/month subscription covers your MacBook, iMac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Compare this to NordVPN (10 devices) or ExpressVPN (8 devices), and the value becomes clear for households with multiple Apple products.

The native Apple Silicon app runs efficiently on M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs without Rosetta translation overhead. Combined with WireGuard protocol (the most battery-efficient option), Surfshark minimizes the battery impact that plagues some competitors on MacBooks.

The unlimited simultaneous connections policy is transformative for Apple ecosystem users. One subscription covers your MacBook, iMac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and every other device your household owns. At $1.99/month, Surfshark costs less than a single cup of coffee.

The “Bypasser” split tunneling feature—added in April 2025—sets Surfshark apart on Mac. You can route specific apps outside the VPN tunnel while everything else stays protected. This solves common Mac problems: banking apps that block VPN connections, local network printers that become unreachable through VPN, or development environments that need direct access. Note that Safari and other WebKit apps cannot be excluded due to macOS limitations.

CleanWeb 2.0 blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains across all your Mac apps, not just browsers. During testing, it eliminated approximately 75% of tracking requests and most in-app advertisements. This provides functionality similar to content blockers but works system-wide.

Speed performance is solid. We measured 820 Mbps through nearby servers—an 18% reduction from baseline. This is slightly slower than NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but more than adequate for streaming, video calls, and everyday use. All servers upgraded to 10 Gbps connections in 2024.

The Mac app features a clean interface with a dedicated server list, favorites system, and quick-connect widget. Menu bar integration shows connection status and provides one-click connect/disconnect.

Surfshark offers a genuine 7-day free trial that doesn’t require payment information upfront—the only major VPN with this policy. Download the Mac app, create an account, and test every feature for a week before deciding.

Mac-Specific Pros:

• Native Apple Silicon app with clean interface
• Optimized for M1/M2/M3/M4 Apple Silicon chips
• Battery-efficient WireGuard implementation
• One subscription covers entire Apple ecosystem
• Only major VPN with full split tunneling on macOS (Bypasser)
• Unlimited device connections for entire Apple ecosystem
• 7-day free trial without payment info required
• CleanWeb 2.0 blocks ads and trackers system-wide
• Lowest monthly cost among premium VPNs
• Deloitte-audited no-logs policy (June 2025)

Cons:

• Slightly slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN (18% reduction vs. 11% and 7%)
• Customer support slower than competitors during testing
• Based in Netherlands (EU jurisdiction)
• Split tunneling cannot exclude Safari/WebKit apps
• Some users report occasional connection drops

---

ProtonVPN — Best Free Option and Maximum Privacy

Price: Free (limited) / $4.49/month (2-year Plus plan) | Connections: 1 (free) / 10 (paid)

ProtonVPN offers the only genuinely trustworthy free VPN tier for Mac users. Unlike free VPNs that monetize through ads or data harvesting, ProtonVPN’s free tier is designed to showcase their premium service. There are no ads, no data caps, and no artificial speed limits.

The Mac app runs natively on Apple Silicon with a polished interface that matches Proton’s design language across their privacy suite (Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar). The app integrates cleanly with macOS, including proper Dark Mode support and menu bar functionality.

The free tier provides servers in 10 countries: US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore, and Mexico. You can’t select specific servers—the app connects you to the fastest option—but this is a minor limitation for basic privacy protection. Switching locations requires a 90-second cooldown.

ProtonVPN earned first place in recent independent speed tests for upload performance, with only an 8% decrease in download speeds—making it one of the fastest VPNs available. The paid Plus tier unlocks the full experience: 15,000+ servers across 126 countries, streaming access (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video), P2P support, and Secure Core routing.

Secure Core routes your traffic through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before exiting through your chosen location. Even if an exit server is monitored, attackers can’t trace traffic back to you. NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level across all your Mac apps.

ProtonVPN’s Swiss jurisdiction provides exceptional legal protection. All Proton apps are open-source and available for public inspection on GitHub—security researchers can verify the code directly rather than trusting marketing claims.

Mac-Specific Pros:

• Native Apple Silicon app with polished interface
• Genuinely useful free tier with no data limits
• Open-source Mac app (code on GitHub)
• Swiss jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
• Fastest upload speeds in independent testing
• Secure Core for multi-hop anonymity (paid tier)
• NetShield blocks ads and malware
• Experimental split tunneling support

Cons:

• Free tier limited to 1 device and 10 server locations
• No streaming or P2P on free plan
• 90-second cooldown between server changes (free tier)
• Split tunneling is experimental, not fully stable
• Slightly slower than ExpressVPN overall
• No Safari extension

Download ProtonVPN Free for Mac

---

Mullvad — Best for Maximum Anonymity

Price: €5/month (~$5.50) flat rate | Connections: 5 devices

Mullvad VPN takes a radically different approach: no email, no username, no password—just a randomly generated 16-digit account number. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable handing over personal information to a VPN provider claiming to protect your privacy, Mullvad eliminates that contradiction entirely.

The Mac app runs natively on Apple Silicon with Mullvad’s characteristic minimalist design. A large connect button and straightforward server list replace the feature-heavy interfaces of competitors. What Mullvad lacks in polish, it makes up for in substance—this is a VPN built by privacy engineers, for privacy purists.

Mullvad’s no-logs policy has been proven under pressure. In April 2023, Swedish police raided Mullvad’s offices with a warrant demanding user data. They left empty-handed—Mullvad had no logs to provide. This real-world validation surpasses any third-party audit.

Split tunneling on macOS is available and considered stable as of version 2025.2. Mullvad is one of only three VPNs to successfully implement this feature on recent macOS versions. The usual WebKit limitation applies—Safari and WebKit apps cannot be excluded.

Mullvad recently replaced their WireGuard implementation with GotaTun, a Rust-based alternative that offers improved performance and stability. Speed testing showed 820 Mbps through nearby servers—an 18% reduction from baseline, competitive with mainstream alternatives.

The flat €5/month pricing (approximately $5.50) applies regardless of subscription length. There are no confusing discount schemes or price increases after year one—just transparent, consistent pricing. You can pay with cash (mail it in an envelope), Monero, or Bitcoin for maximum anonymity.

Mac-Specific Pros:

• Native Apple Silicon app (macOS 14+)
• No email or personal information required
• Police-raid-proven no-logs policy
• Working split tunneling on macOS (stable in 2025.2)
• GotaTun Rust-based WireGuard for improved performance
• Pay with cash or cryptocurrency for full anonymity
• Open-source apps with regular third-party audits
• RAM-only servers (no persistent storage)

Cons:

• Limited streaming support (Netflix works inconsistently)
• Smaller server network (696 servers vs. 7,600+ for NordVPN)
• No 24/7 live chat (email support only)
• 5-device limit (no family sharing option)
• No long-term discount (always €5/month)
• Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later

Try Mullvad VPN

---

Private Internet Access — Best for Technical Users

Price: $2.19/month (3-year plan) | Connections: Unlimited

Private Internet Access (PIA) has operated since 2010, making it one of the oldest consumer VPN services. That experience shows in the depth of configuration options—PIA is the Mac VPN for users who want control over every setting.

The Mac app offers granular customization that most VPNs hide or exclude. You can select encryption strength (AES-128 for speed or AES-256 for maximum security), toggle between UDP and TCP connections, choose your preferred protocol, and configure automatic connection rules based on network type. Port forwarding support—increasingly rare among VPNs—makes PIA popular with users running services that need incoming connections.

PIA restored split tunneling on macOS in late 2025, making it one of only three VPNs with this capability. The implementation allows per-app routing control, though the standard WebKit limitation applies.

PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested repeatedly in court. When authorities seized PIA servers, they found no user data. US federal cases confirmed the same result: PIA genuinely has nothing to provide when subpoenaed. These real-world tests validate their privacy claims more convincingly than audits.

The server network is massive—over 35,000 servers across 91 countries. More impressively for US users, PIA operates servers in all 50 states, providing low-latency connections and access to region-specific content.

Unlimited simultaneous connections mean one subscription covers every Mac, iPhone, iPad, and device in your household. The price is right too: $2.19/month on the 3-year plan makes PIA one of the most affordable premium options.

Mac-Specific Pros:

• Native Apple Silicon app with deep customization
• Working split tunneling on macOS (restored late 2025)
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Granular protocol and encryption settings
• Port forwarding support (rare among VPNs)
• Servers in all 50 US states
• Court-proven no-logs policy
• MACE ad and tracker blocker

Cons:

• Interface can overwhelm non-technical users
• Some settings require digging through menus
• Slower international speeds than ExpressVPN
• Owned by Kape Technologies (also owns ExpressVPN)
• No streaming-optimized servers
• Menu bar integration less polished than competitors

Try Private Internet Access

---

Mac VPN Feature Comparison

---

How to Set Up a VPN on Mac

Setting up a VPN on your Mac takes about two minutes:

1. Download the Mac app. Visit your chosen VPN’s website or the Mac App Store. Only download official apps—avoid any that seem unofficial or have minimal reviews.

2. Install and authenticate. Open the downloaded DMG file and drag the app to your Applications folder. On first launch, macOS will prompt you to allow the VPN to add network configurations. Authenticate with Touch ID or your password.

3. Create an account or sign in. Most VPNs offer trials or money-back guarantees. Create your account within the app or on the VPN’s website.

4. Connect to a server. Click the connect button for the fastest available server, or browse the server list to select a specific location. The menu bar icon will indicate when you’re protected.

5. Configure auto-connect (recommended). In the VPN app settings, enable automatic connection on untrusted networks. Your VPN will activate whenever you join public Wi-Fi.

Using the Menu Bar

All premium Mac VPNs offer menu bar integration:

1. Click the VPN icon near your clock
2. Most show connection status (connected/disconnected) and current server
3. Click to connect/disconnect or access the full app
4. Some VPNs (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) let you switch servers from the menu bar

Setting Up on Multiple Apple Devices

With your VPN subscription, you can protect your entire Apple ecosystem:

• iPhone/iPad: Download the iOS app from the App Store
• Apple TV: Use the tvOS app (if available) or configure your router
• Apple Watch: Most VPNs don’t offer Watch apps, but protection applies when connected to your iPhone

Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited connections, making them ideal for households with many Apple devices.

---

Does Your Mac Really Need a VPN?

Macs have a reputation for security, but that reputation applies to malware resistance—not network privacy. Your Mac’s built-in security features don’t encrypt your internet traffic or hide your IP address.

When you definitely need a VPN on Mac:

• Public Wi-Fi. Coffee shops, airports, hotels, and coworking spaces are honeypots for attackers. An encrypted VPN tunnel prevents eavesdropping on unsecured networks.

• ISP surveillance. Your internet provider can see and log every website you visit. In the US, ISPs can legally sell this browsing data to advertisers. A VPN blocks this surveillance.

• Geo-restricted content. Want to watch BBC iPlayer in the US, access your home Netflix library while traveling abroad, or use region-locked services? A VPN provides access.

• Privacy from websites. Your IP address reveals your approximate location and can be used to track you across sites. A VPN masks this with the server’s IP address.

• Working remotely. If you handle sensitive work data, encrypting your connection—especially on shared networks—is basic security hygiene.

When a VPN is less critical:

• On your home network. If you trust your home network and ISP, a VPN provides less benefit (though it still blocks ISP surveillance).

• For iCloud Private Relay users. If you subscribe to iCloud+ and enable Private Relay, Safari traffic is already partially anonymized. A VPN still provides broader protection for non-Safari apps.

The bottom line: a VPN adds protection that macOS doesn’t provide natively. For $2-7/month, it’s inexpensive insurance for your digital privacy.

---

macOS-Specific VPN Considerations

iCloud Private Relay vs. VPN

Apple’s iCloud Private Relay (included with iCloud+ subscriptions) provides VPN-like features but isn’t a replacement for a proper VPN:

Feature	iCloud Private Relay	VPN
Encrypts Safari traffic	Yes	Yes
Encrypts all app traffic	No	Yes
Choose server location	No	Yes
Access geo-blocked content	No	Yes
Works with all browsers	No (Safari only)	Yes
Hides IP from websites	Yes	Yes

Our recommendation: Use Private Relay as a complement to your VPN, not a replacement. Enable Private Relay for additional Safari protection when your VPN is disconnected.

FileVault and VPN

FileVault encrypts your Mac’s storage, protecting data if your MacBook is stolen. A VPN encrypts data in transit—while it travels over networks. These are complementary protections:

• FileVault: Protects files on your Mac’s drive
• VPN: Protects files as they travel over the internet

Enable both for comprehensive protection.

Time Machine Backups Over VPN

If you use Time Machine to back up over a network, VPN connections can interfere with backup discovery. Most VPNs’ split tunneling features (where available) can exclude Time Machine from the VPN tunnel. On VPNs without split tunneling, temporarily disconnect during backups or configure your backup drive as a trusted network location.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a VPN with native Apple Silicon support?

Yes. VPNs running through Rosetta 2 translation on M1/M2/M3/M4 Macs drain significantly more battery, connect slower, and may have stability issues. All six VPNs we recommend offer native Universal apps. Avoid VPNs that still require Rosetta—it's a sign of poor Mac support in 2026.

Why can't most VPNs offer split tunneling on Mac?

Apple removed the Network Kernel Extension APIs in macOS Big Sur (2020) that VPNs relied on for split tunneling. Only Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and Mullvad have successfully implemented workarounds. Even these VPNs can't exclude Safari or WebKit-based apps due to how WebKit integrates with macOS at the system level.

Is there a VPN extension for Safari?

No. Unlike Chrome and Firefox, Safari has strict extension policies that prevent VPN extensions. This isn't a limitation in practice—when you run a VPN app on your Mac, all Safari traffic automatically routes through the encrypted tunnel. A system-level VPN is actually more secure than a browser extension since it protects all applications.

Will a VPN slow down my Mac's internet connection?

Slightly, but modern VPNs minimize the impact. In our testing, ExpressVPN showed only 7% speed reduction, NordVPN 11%, and Surfshark 18%. For typical activities like browsing, streaming, and video calls, you won't notice the difference. Gaming may see slightly increased ping times depending on server distance.

Can I use a VPN on my Mac and iPhone with one subscription?

Yes. All major VPNs support multiple simultaneous connections: Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited devices, NordVPN allows 10, ExpressVPN allows 8. One subscription protects your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other devices simultaneously. Surfshark is particularly good for Apple ecosystem users due to its unlimited policy.

Does a VPN drain MacBook battery significantly?

Native Apple Silicon VPN apps have minimal battery impact. In our testing, running a VPN continuously added approximately 5-8% battery drain over a full workday. WireGuard-based protocols (NordLynx, Lightway) are more efficient than legacy OpenVPN. The security benefit outweighs the minor battery cost for most users.

What's the best free VPN for Mac?

ProtonVPN Free is the only trustworthy free VPN for Mac. It offers unlimited data, no ads, and no artificial speed limits with native Apple Silicon support. The free tier includes servers in 10 countries. Avoid other free VPNs—most monetize by selling your data or injecting ads, defeating the purpose of privacy protection.

Can I use a VPN with iCloud Private Relay?

Yes. iCloud Private Relay and VPNs serve different purposes and can run simultaneously. Private Relay only protects Safari traffic; a VPN protects all app traffic. When both are enabled, your Safari traffic is encrypted by both services. However, you cannot use Private Relay to access geo-blocked content like a VPN can.

---

Final Verdict: Which Mac VPN Should You Choose?

After six weeks of testing on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Sequoia, here’s our recommendation based on your priorities:

Choose NordVPN if you want the best all-around Mac VPN. NordLynx delivers exceptional speeds (890 Mbps in our tests), the menu bar integration is excellent, and Threat Protection Lite blocks ads and trackers across all your apps. The 7,600+ server network ensures fast connections worldwide. The only notable missing feature is split tunneling on macOS.

Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days

Choose ExpressVPN if speed and streaming are your priorities. The Lightway protocol showed the fastest connections we tested (930 Mbps, only 7% slower than baseline), and streaming access is unmatched—every major platform worked reliably. You’ll pay more ($6.67/month), but the performance justifies it for demanding users.

Start your ExpressVPN trial

Choose Surfshark if you need split tunneling on Mac or want to protect your entire Apple ecosystem affordably. Unlimited device connections at $1.99/month is unbeatable value. The Bypasser split tunneling feature is one of only three working implementations on macOS. The 7-day free trial (no payment info required) lets you test everything risk-free.

Get Surfshark for $1.99/month

Choose ProtonVPN if you want a trustworthy free option or prioritize privacy transparency. The free tier genuinely works for basic protection with no data caps or ads. The paid tier offers Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and Secure Core routing. If you already use Proton Mail or Proton Drive, the ecosystem integration is seamless.

Download ProtonVPN Free

Choose Mullvad if maximum anonymity matters more than features. No email required, cash payments accepted, and a police-raid-proven no-logs policy. Split tunneling works on macOS 13+. The interface is minimal, but the privacy credentials are unmatched.

Try Mullvad VPN

Choose Private Internet Access if you want granular control and split tunneling at a low price. Port forwarding, customizable encryption, servers in all 50 US states, and a court-proven no-logs policy appeal to technical users. Unlimited connections cover your entire household.

Try Private Internet Access

Every VPN on this list provides native Apple Silicon support and better protection than browsing unprotected. The money-back guarantees let you test multiple options without financial risk. Download your top choice, run it through your daily Mac routine, and verify it meets your needs before committing.