Random Program Corruption Issues Slow, Unreliable, Or Noisy Mechanical Hard Drive Occasional Boot Errors Poor Performance Video All pixeleted or garbled. 44 Pages is a documentary film about Highlights Magazine by Tony Shaff at SXSW. Produced by Rebecca Green and Laura D. 44 Pages is a documentary film.
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With so many average VPNs out there, finding a great VPN service for macOS is frustrating and time-consuming. I’ve tested 78 VPN apps on my Macbook Pro and found most of them are useless. They were either painfully slow, unable to bypass geoblocks, or logged my browsing activity.macOS already provides powerful built-in security features. A VPN needs to offer more than just basic protection to be worth installing. During my tests, I discovered a handful of VPNs that stand out and offer additional features to secure your Mac.Every VPN on my list has been handpicked based on its performance and usability. I have tested each of them rigorously to confirm that they are safe, fast, and anonymous. Easy-to-use Mac app with one-click connect.
Unlimited bandwidth with up to 6 simultaneous device connections. Kill switch for Mac: Yes. OpenVPN supported: Yes. Supports torrenting: Yes, P2P specialty servers available. Can access: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV. Also available for: iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, BlackBerry, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox. Data logging: Strict no-logs policyNordVPN is my top choice because of its feature-rich, dedicated macOS apps.There are two NordVPN macOS clients.
One (available on NordVPN’s website and compatible with Yosemite 10.10 or later) offers OpenVPN protection, while the other (available on the App Store for Sierra 10.12 or later) uses the IKEv2/IPSec protocol. You can.Both apps include an automatic kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and a built-in ad and malware blocker.All of NordVPN’s apps use robust AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data.
You can use its Double VPN feature to add an additional layer of encryption, but most users don’t need this extra protection.Advanced obfuscation settings let you bypass censorship without being detected, even in heavily restricted locations like China. It is also compatible with Onion over VPN for Tor.NordVPN keeps a strict no-logs policy. It’s headquartered in privacy-friendly Panama, outside the jurisdiction.Its enormous global network consists of 5,500+ servers across 60 countries. There are optimized servers for streaming and P2P connections.NordVPN is a solid choice for streaming, too. Its SmartPlay technology can unblock 150+ popular streaming services, including.SmartPlay detects the best server for you to bypass a geoblock and make the change automatically, so you don’t need to change your settings. Best of all, it’s fast enough to stream in HD and 4K. Kill switch for Mac: Yes.
OpenVPN supported: Yes. Supports torrenting: Yes, P2P activity allowed on all servers. Can access: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV. Also available for: iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, BlackBerry, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield. Data logging: Strict no-logs policyExpressVPN is consistently faster than any other VPN I tested.
These speeds, combined with it’s 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries, ensure buffer-free streaming, torrenting, and gaming.ExpressVPN and NordVPN compete for first place with their macOS apps, but ExpressVPN has the better iPhone app.If you want to use your VPN on your iPhone as well, I recommend ExpressVPN. If you use an Android phone, though, you’ll save some money by choosing NordVPN instead.The macOS app uses 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN to protect your Mac. It also offers DNS/IPv6 leak protection and an automatic kill switch.
Its SmartLocation feature will automatically connect you to the best server available.ExpressVPN makes a lot of fuss about its customizable shortcuts in the app. I tested it out myself and found the shortcuts only saved me 2-3 seconds. On a few occasions, it actually took longer to load a site using shortcuts than it would have taken me to open my browser and type in the address.ExpressVPN’s innovative TrustedServer technology ensures that all its servers load the same up-to-date software. These servers run on RAM, which requires power to write data. This means that every time an ExpressVPN server is rebooted, it’s wiped completely clean.You can use its MediaStreamer software to stream on devices that don’t support VPNs, like gaming consoles and some smart TVs.
Unfortunately, MediaStreamer does not encrypt your data while you’re streaming. Don’t use ExpressVPN if:You’re looking for a cheap VPN. ExpressVPN offers a premium service that is worth the cost, but there are other great choices on this list that are more budget-friendly.You can reach ExpressVPN’s customer support 24/7 via live chat.ExpressVPN is a high-performing VPN that pairs well with macOS and iOS. You can take advantage of the no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee to try it for yourself, worry-free.takes a closer look at this top service, and included comments from other users.3.Best value for your money. Kill switch for Mac: Yes. OpenVPN supported: No.
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Supports torrenting: Yes, P2P activity allowed on all servers. Can access: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN. Also available for: iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Routers, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV. Data logging: Strict no-logs policySurfshark is unique because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect all of your devices with just one account.It operates a strong network of 1041+ servers in 61+ countries. It supports P2P connections and can access popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.Surfshark’s macOS client uses secure 256-bit encryption and the IKEv2 protocol to protect your Mac. It also features an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection.Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance.
It keeps a strict no-logs policy and operates to the highest privacy standards.Its built-in security suite, CleanWeb, blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.Other features available for macOS include split tunneling, MultiHop, and NoBorders mode for bypassing censorship. Kill switch for Mac: Yes. OpenVPN supported: No.
Supports torrenting: Yes, dedicated profile in the app shows servers and number of users. Can access: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go. Also available for: iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Chrome. Data logging: Strict no-logs policyRomania-based CyberGhost is an affordable service with a user-friendly macOS app. It’s intuitive and incredibly easy to navigate.CyberGhost operates 5,600+ high-speed servers in 89 countries, including optimized servers for streaming and P2P. Its single-click Best Location feature automatically connects you to the fastest server, based on your location. It also includes a built-in ad blocker.Advanced users can customize their connection settings in the Smart Rules menu, but there’s no need.
The app is ready to connect as soon as you open it up.It offers tough 256-bit AES encryption, a strong no-logs policy, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. The Mac client uses the IKEv2 protocol. Kill switch for Mac: Yes.
OpenVPN supported: Yes. Dedicated torrenting profile: No.
Can access: Netflix, BBC iPlayer. Also available for: iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Windows Phone, Routers, Chromebook, Amazon Fire TV. Data logging: Strict no-logs policyThis US-based VPN operates a network of 1,300+ servers across 75+ locations. Its well-designed app allows macOS users to customize their VPN settings, a feature that’s often available only to Windows users.
This makes it easy to use with both Kodi and Apple TV.IPVanish has a zero-logging policy and offers a choice of OpenVPN UDP/TCP, IPSec, L2TP, and IKEv2 VPN protocols on your Mac. SOCKS5 proxy connections are also available.It also offers DNS/IPv6 leak protection, obfuscation, and an automatic kill switch. Kill switch for Mac: Yes. OpenVPN supported: Yes. Can access: HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, and others. Supports torrenting: Yes.
Also available for: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and routers. Data logging: no-logs policy, but some connection logs keptSaferVPN is a great choice if you’re on a budget. The VPN supports IKEv, PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN protocols.Users can access over 700 servers in 34 countries.
SaferVPN performs well in speed tests and can access popular streaming platforms like HBO and BBC iPlayer.The dedicated macOS app is user-friendly and includes an automatic kill switch. SaferVPN also automatically connects you to the best VPN server when you use public wi-fi. Kill switch for Mac: No. OpenVPN supported: Yes. Supports torrenting: Yes; P2P activity allowed on all servers. Can access: Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video.
Also available for: iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Routers. Data logging: Strict no-logs policyPrivateVPN is another budget-friendly VPN with strong security and a zero-logs policy. You can connect to the macOS client with a single click.The network is smaller than others on this list, with 150+ servers across 60 locations, but this doesn’t affect its overall performance. PrivateVPN is fast, and its streaming-optimized servers can access Netflix and other popular streaming services.PrivateVPN protects your Mac’s data with 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection.Thanks to its Stealth mode, PrivateVPN is powerful enough to bypass tough VPN blocks and deep packet inspection.
Kill switch for Mac: Yes. OpenVPN supported: Yes. Dedicated torrenting profile: No. Can access: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer. Also available for: iOS, Windows, Android, Routers, Android TV, QNAP, Blackphone, Anonabox. Data logging: Strict no-logging policyVyprVPN operates a network of 700+ servers worldwide.
It is fast, and the dedicated macOS client is easy to navigate.VyprVPN’s proprietary Chameleon protocol disguises your encrypted traffic as regular internet traffic, allowing you to bypass DPI, censorship, and VPN blocks.It can access popular streaming services like Netflix and allows P2P traffic for secure torrenting. VyprVPN has a zero-logging policy to protect your anonymity.You also get other important security features like robust 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch. Its NAT firewall blocks unrequested inbound traffic, stopping hackers and botnets before they can access your device. Kill switch for Mac: Yes. OpenVPN supported: Yes. Dedicated torrenting profile: No. Can access: Netflix, Hulu, HBO.
Also available for: iOS, Windows, Android. Data logging: Strict no-logging policyUS-based UltraVPN is a strong choice for streaming on your Mac. Its dedicated streaming profile, Ultraflix, can unblock Netflix and other top streaming platforms.UltraVPN’s network consists of 100+ high-speed servers in 58 countries.
It performed well during my speed tests.You can choose from IKEv2, UDP, or TCP VPN protocols. Other features include an automatic kill switch and a no-logs policy. Kill switch for Mac: No. OpenVPN supported: No.
Dedicated torrenting profile: No. Can access: Netflix (although not the US catalog), BBC iPlayer. Also available for: iOS, Windows, Android, Chrome. Data logging: Yes (keeps connection logs for the duration of VPN sessions, as well as data for marketing purposes)Hotspot Shield operates 2,500+ high-performance servers across the globe. It’s perfect for streaming, browsing, and torrenting.It offers 256-bit encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. It allows P2P connections, so you can torrent anonymously. Don’t use Hotspot Shield if:You want a VPN with 24/7 customer supportHotspot Shield offers a limited free service alongside its full-featured premium VPN.
The free service is capped at 500 MB per day usage. Do I need a VPN to protect my Mac?macOS’ built-in security features are tough. But, they become impenetrable when you pair them with a quality VPN.VPNs use encryption to protect your personal information from cyber thieves.And, although Apple Gatekeeper is an effective measure against malware execution, a VPN with a built-in malware blocker will stop an attack before it reaches your device.Masking your IP address with a VPN is the easiest way to protect yourself against DDoS attacks, doxing, and internet surveillance.
It’ll also help you bypass geoblocks and censorship — an area where macOS falls short.There’s a reason antivirus sales are dropping worldwide. Many users are opting to combine macOS’ security suite with a VPN instead of purchasing an antivirus suite. What are the best VPNs for iOS?All of the VPNs on my list offer great iOS apps, too. Are free VPNs safe?In short – no. Businesses need to make money, and VPN companies are no different. If they aren’t making money from their product, they need to find alternate ways to turn a profit.Some free VPNs generate revenue by selling users’ data to third parties, even if they’ve promised top-notch security. A few have even been found to install malware and trackers on your device.There are a few safe free VPNs, though.These are the limited free versions of premium VPN services, like These free VPNs heavily restrict your speed and data, but they can be a good option if you only need a VPN for a few days.But with so many premium providers offering free trials and money-back guarantees, there’s very little reason to risk your security with a free VPN.
Are VPNs legal?VPN use is legal in about.The main exceptions are China, Iraq, Iran, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. In these countries, VPN use is either a legal gray area or completely illegal.But if you’re a tourist in one of these countries, you don’t need to worry. There haven’t been any issues with international tourists using VPNs in these countries.No matter where you live, it’s your responsibility to make sure you follow the law and your provider’s terms of service at all times. Are VPNs available for other devices, too?Yes! VPNs are available for almost every device. The top three VPNs on my list support all devices and operating systems, so you can easily secure your macOS, phone, smart TV, gaming console, and any other device you need to protect.
SummaryI have tested each VPN on this list to ensure it meets my strict criteria for speed, security, and usability.My top recommendation is because of its powerful and feature-rich macOS apps. You can try NordVPN risk-free on your Mac with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
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January 2023
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