Download the best VPN for Mac in 2026

A VPN for Mac is software designed to enhance your security and privacy when you go online on macOS devices. It forms a secure connection between your computer and the internet, encrypting your data to help keep your activity private on many types of networks.

A Mac VPN also gives you a different IP address—one that belongs to the VPN company and is shared by numerous users—which can make it appear as if you're connecting from another location.

While macOS provides the option to connect to a VPN server in System Preferences, it is technically not a VPN service. It is actually a conduit that connects to third-party VPN services like ExpressVPN.

While there are free VPNs and proxies available, they often come with significant privacy risks, limited server locations, slow speeds, and data caps.

To ensure a fast, private, and secure connection for every customer, ExpressVPN pays for a network of high-speed servers in 105 countries. Our global network of servers means you’ll experience unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds. We also offer advanced tools such as post-quantum protection, a password manager, and parental controls.

Try ExpressVPN out and take advantage of our 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is a strong choice for Mac users. The easy-to-use app is compatible with all Mac models, including the latest Apple silicon and macOS versions. ExpressVPN’s Mac app also includes split tunneling, post-quantum protection on multiple protocols (including WireGuard), network automation, and an interface designed for quicker access to key features. Dark mode is available for more comfortable use in low-light environments and can also help reduce battery usage on MacBooks.

Security is at the forefront of what we do at ExpressVPN. Not only do we aim to design our apps and systems to offer a high level of privacy and security, but we also routinely engage independent auditors to validate our security claims. It’s one of the best ways for our users to know if they can trust our services to protect them. See the full list of audits and read the full reports.

With VPN servers across 105 countries, best-in-class encryption, and fast speeds that support stable connections, ExpressVPN is a strong option for gaming online on your Mac.

There are several reasons why your Mac VPN might not be working. Common causes include firewall issues, network connectivity issues, VPN protocol compatibility, and third-party software conflicts. To troubleshoot, you can check out our Mac support page.

A VPN for Mac can potentially slow down your internet connection. This slowdown occurs because your internet traffic is being encrypted and routed through a VPN server, which can be farther away than your normal server. Factors like the quality of the VPN service, the distance to the VPN server, and the strength of the encryption used can influence the extent of the slowdown.

However, ExpressVPN takes steps to ensure you get optimal speeds, including:

• High-capacity servers in 105 countries, giving you many nearby options to choose from
• Unlimited bandwidth, so your downloads are never capped
• A custom protocol, Lightway, which was designed with speed in mind

You can! Setting up a Mac VPN using the OpenVPN protocol involves downloading and installing OpenVPN Connect, acquiring OpenVPN configuration files from your VPN provider, and importing the configuration files into OpenVPN Connect. To set up a VPN on a Mac using the OpenVPN protocol follow the setup tutorial for How to use ExpressVPN with Tunnelblick for OpenVPN on OS X.