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  • 3200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Secure encryption & VPN protocols
  • Available on all MacBook models


Legacy app for old macOS versions ›

A man with headphones using a laptop, with a VPN Connected sign above it. Surfshark and Apple logos float are below the sign.
What is VPN software for Mac?

What is VPN software for Mac?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) for Mac is an app for MacOS that increases online security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. When you use a VPN, your online activity is hidden, and you’re kept safe on public Wi-Fi.

How to set up a VPN on MacOS

Choose a VPN subscription

Choose a VPN subscription

Choose a VPN subscription that best fits your needs and create an account.

Download the VPN app

Download the VPN app

Download Surfshark and install it on your Mac.

Connect to a VPN server

Connect to a VPN server

Choose a server or tap Quick-connect to connect to a nearby location with the fastest speeds.

We’ve also got a video on how to set up Surfshark on MacOS!

Manual VPN setup on Mac

Set up Surfshark manually on a macOS device following a guide for each of the available VPN protocols.

Why use Surfshark for Mac?

Unlimited devices

Unlimited devices

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can keep all your devices safe without having to count your connections.

Only $2.49/month

Only $2.49/month

Get Surfshark for as little as $2.49/month and enjoy a premium VPN at an affordable price. There’s no need to break the bank when choosing a VPN for Mac.

Ad-free browsing

Ad-free browsing

Surfshark’s CleanWeb ad blocker comes free with every plan. It ensures a safe and smooth browsing experience by blocking ads, pop-ups, and trackers.

Double encryption with MultiHop

Double encryption with MultiHop

MultiHop makes your online activity even harder to track by routing your internet traffic via two servers* and doubling the encryption. Perfect for journalists protecting their sources and whistleblowers.

Hidden VPN use

Hidden VPN use

Surfshark has obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can typically see if you use a VPN, but Surfshark's obfuscation blends the encrypted traffic in such a way that it looks like regular internet activity. As a result, even your internet provider won't know you're using a VPN.

Personal detail and email generator

Personal detail and email generator

With Surfshark’s Alternative ID product, you can create a new online identity and email. You provide the details, and we generate a unique profile to keep your identity anonymous and secure.

*MultiHop is an enhanced privacy feature that may slow down internet connection more than regular VPN use, so it’s not recommended when streaming or web surfing.

Which macOS versions is Surfshark compatible with?

Which macOS versions is Surfshark compatible with?

The Surfshark app is compatible with all macOS versions, starting with Catalina 10.15 and onwards:

  • macOS 10.15 Catalina;
  • macOS 11 Big Sur;
  • macOS 12 Monterey;
  • macOS 13 Ventura;
  • macOS 14 Sonoma.

Surfshark is compatible with all macOS devices running the MacOS above. This includes all devices with an Apple Silicon chip (M1 and M2 CPUs), as well as Macbook, iMac, Mac Studio, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro devices.

Surfshark VPN vs. free VPNs

A free VPN for Mac can be tempting, but while you save some cash, you may end up paying with your privacy. Free VPN services typically don’t have the funding or the resources to offer a secure, private, and fast VPN connection to their users.

Unlimited data

Unlimited data

Most free VPNs cap the data you’re allowed to use. But you don’t want your online privacy to end as soon as you hit the limit. This is why premium VPNs offer unlimited bandwidth with their subscriptions.

Faster speeds

Faster speeds

The speed of your VPN connection is directly related to server crowdedness and the distance between you and the server. Paid VPNs offer more servers in more locations, so you can stay safe online without sacrificing your connection speed.

No activity logs

No activity logs

Surfshark VPN doesn't track what you do online, which is backed up by our strict no-logs policy. The same can’t be said about most free VPNs, as evidenced by the fact that 25 million user records were leaked by free VPNs in 2022 alone.

Enhanced digital security

Enhanced digital security

Premium VPNs offer more than just a safe connection. For example, Surfshark One and One+ plans include data breach alerts, Antivirus, webcam protection, and even personal data security reports. You won’t get such features with a free VPN.

RAM-only servers

RAM-only servers

VPN servers with physical hard drives are a security risk. Premium VPNs recognized it a while back and moved to RAM-only servers to keep user data safe. Such changes aren’t cheap, and many free VPNs are continuing to risk user data with hard drive servers.

Modern VPN protocols

Modern VPN protocols

Surfshark uses only modern and secure VPN protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case with free VPNs, as some providers continue to use outdated protocols with known security flaws, putting the privacy of their users at risk.

Experts recognize us

Independent Advisor Best Value VPN 2023

Independent Advisor Best Value VPN 2023

Forbes Advisor Best VPN for Unlimited Connections 2023

Forbes Advisor Best VPN for Unlimited Connections 2023

VPN Solution of the Year at CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards 2022

VPN Solution of the Year at CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards 2022

Try Surfshark risk-free

Take Surfshark for a spin without committing long-term — we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If our VPN doesn’t meet your expectations, request a refund within 30 days.

Try Surfshark

Delve into 3200+ servers today

All servers
Australia AUS
Brazil BRA
Canada CAN
Chile CHL
France FRA
Germany DEU
Hong Kong HKG
India IND
Israel ISR
Japan JPN
New Zealand NZL
Norway NOR
Netherlands NLD
Singapore SGP
South Korea KOR
Spain ESP
Sweden SWE
Switzerland CHE
Turkey TUR
United Kingdom GBR
United States USA
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FAQ

What are the best free VPNs for Mac?

We don’t recommend free VPNs. They rarely, if ever, have the budget or the resources needed to protect their users from the latest security threats. Therefore, it’s always best to choose a premium VPN over a free one.

Does Mac have a built-in VPN?

Mac doesn’t have built-in VPN software, but all operating systems have built-in VPN functionality. That means you can set up a VPN connection by connecting to a VPN server or manually configure a VPN on Mac.

Remember, setting up a VPN using macOS may be harder since it requires a manual setup, VPN servers to connect to, and more-than-minimal VPN know-how.

Does Apple recommend using a VPN?

Apple doesn’t have a stance on this question, but getting a VPN app for Mac is always a great idea. Apple knows that, and that’s why they support VPNs on their devices.

With a VPN, you can surf the internet privately, protect your data from third parties, and overcome oppressive internet restrictions. VPNs block trackers and invasive advertising, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner online space.

Can I use more than one device at a time with Surfshark?

Yes, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can protect all kinds of devices at the same time, including computers, cell phones, smart TVs, and media players. No need to count your connections — simply download the VPN app and connect to a VPN server on all your devices.

Does Surfshark work on older Mac devices?

Looking for a VPN for a Macbook Air running an older OS? While Surfshark’s app is compatible with OS 10.15 and newer, you can also set up a VPN with a manual connection. Alternatively, you can install Surfshark on your router, which will extend VPN protection to all of your devices.

Is a Mac VPN safe?

Yes, using a VPN on a Mac is completely safe as long as you use a reliable VPN service. Avoid free VPN apps and choose a premium provider with a history of independent audits. For the best Mac VPN experience, make sure the provider has VPN server locations nearby, a strict no-logs policy, and modern VPN protocols.

What is the best VPN for Mac?

There’s no dedicated VPN app for Mac. However, any premium VPN should do the trick. A single Surfshark subscription will cover most devices, including all Mac devices, ensuring your privacy is safe with industry-leading encryption — isn’t Surfshark a great MacOS VPN?

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