Best VPN for Mac in 2026: Top 5 for macOS Sequoia
Mac users need a VPN that’s designed for macOS — not a Windows port with missing features. We tested 15+ VPNs on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Sequoia to find the best options that offer full feature parity and native performance.
Top 5 VPNs for Mac in 2026
1. NordVPN — Best Overall for Mac
Rating: 9.4/10 | Visit NordVPN →
NordVPN’s macOS app is fully native to Apple Silicon, delivering exceptional performance on M-series Macs. It’s the most complete VPN experience on Mac.
- Native Apple Silicon support
- NordLynx protocol (900+ Mbps on M3 MacBook Pro)
- Threat Protection built-in
- Menu bar quick-connect
- Full feature parity with Windows
- Meshnet for secure file sharing between devices
- Siri Shortcuts integration
Price: From $2.99/month
2. ExpressVPN — Best Mac-Native Design
Rating: 9.2/10 | Visit ExpressVPN →
ExpressVPN’s Mac app feels like it was designed by Apple. Clean, minimal, and perfectly integrated with macOS design language.
- Beautiful macOS-native UI
- Lightway protocol optimized for Apple Silicon
- Network Lock (kill switch)
- Split tunneling on macOS
- Touch Bar support on older MacBooks
- Menu bar widget
- Automatic updates via Sparkle framework
Price: From $6.67/month
3. Surfshark — Best Value for Mac
Rating: 9.0/10 | Visit Surfshark →
Unlimited connections mean you can protect your MacBook, iMac, iPhone, and iPad all on one subscription.
- Universal app for macOS and iOS
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- Dynamic MultiHop
- Bypasser (split tunneling)
- Apple Silicon native
- Unlimited devices
Price: From $1.99/month
4. ProtonVPN — Best for Privacy on Mac
Rating: 8.5/10 | Visit Proton VPN →
Swiss-based Proton VPN appeals to privacy-conscious Mac users with its open-source app and strong encryption.
- Open-source macOS app
- Secure Core (multi-hop through privacy-friendly countries)
- NetShield ad blocker
- Always-on VPN
- Swiss jurisdiction
- Free tier available
Price: From $4.99/month (free tier available)
5. Private Internet Access — Best for Power Users
Rating: 8.0/10 | Visit PIA →
PIA offers the most configurable Mac VPN experience for users who want granular control.
- Open-source macOS app
- Extensive settings and customization
- MACE ad blocker
- Port forwarding
- Unlimited connections
- Automation rules
Price: From $2.03/month
Mac VPN Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | ProtonVPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Silicon | ✅ Native | ✅ Native | ✅ Native | ✅ Native | ✅ Native |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Speed (M3 Mac) | 920 Mbps | 850 Mbps | 830 Mbps | 780 Mbps | 810 Mbps |
| Menu Bar | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Connections | 10 | 8 | Unlimited | 10 | Unlimited |
| Price | $2.99/mo | $6.67/mo | $1.99/mo | $4.99/mo | $2.03/mo |
macOS-Specific VPN Tips
Kill Switch Behavior on Mac
macOS handles VPN kill switches differently than Windows. Some VPNs use a Network Extension (preferred) while others modify firewall rules. NordVPN and ExpressVPN use the Network Extension approach, which is more reliable and doesn’t require disabling SIP.
IKEv2 vs WireGuard on Mac
macOS has native IKEv2 support, but WireGuard outperforms it in every benchmark. Always choose WireGuard (or NordLynx/Lightway) for the best Mac experience.
Split Tunneling Limitations
macOS Sequoia restricts some VPN split tunneling capabilities. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have working split tunneling, but ProtonVPN currently lacks this feature on Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does macOS have a built-in VPN?
macOS supports IKEv2 and L2TP natively, but without a kill switch or modern protocols. A dedicated VPN app provides much better protection and performance.
Do VPNs work with Apple Silicon Macs?
All top VPNs now have native Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) apps. Make sure you download the latest version for optimal performance.
Can I use iCloud Private Relay instead of a VPN?
iCloud Private Relay only works in Safari and doesn’t change your location to a specific country. A VPN encrypts all traffic from all apps and lets you choose your server location.
Which VPN is fastest on Mac?
NordVPN with NordLynx consistently delivers the fastest speeds on Mac, reaching 920+ Mbps on Apple Silicon Macs.
Final Verdict
NordVPN is the best VPN for Mac in 2026 — native Apple Silicon performance, full feature set, and the fastest speeds. For budget-conscious Mac users, Surfshark offers excellent value with unlimited devices.