Best VPNs for Mac

Short Answer

The Best VPNs for Mac must prioritize a native macOS application, M-series chip optimization, and robust security features tailored to Apple’s ecosystem. The top choice overall is ExpressVPN. It offers a premium, high-speed experience thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, a remarkably polished native Mac application with full M1/M2/M3 support, and a proven, audited no-logs policy, making it the most reliable solution for macOS users on platforms from Sonoma down to Catalina.

For users prioritizing value and unlimited devices without sacrificing speed, Surfshark is the strongest alternative, while NordVPN remains the fastest option due to its NordLynx protocol.

Short Answer
Introduction: Why Mac Users Need a Specialized VPN
The Core Criteria: What Defines a Truly Great VPN for macOS
- 3.1 Native M-series Chip Optimization (Crucial for Performance)
- 3.2 Protocol Support: Lightway, NordLynx, and WireGuard
- 3.3 Seamless macOS Integration (Kill Switch & UI/UX)
The 10 Best VPNs for Mac: Full Reviews and In-Depth Analysis
- 1. ExpressVPN: Best Overall (Speed & Seamless UI/UX)
- 1. NordVPN: Fastest Speeds & Best Security Features
- 1. Surfshark: Best Value & Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- 1. Private Internet Access (PIA): Best Customization & Open-Source App
- 1. Proton VPN: Best Privacy & Audited Open-Source Mac Client
- 1. CyberGhost: Best for Streaming & Optimized Servers
- 1. Mullvad: Best for Anonymity Purists (No Email Signup)
- 1. IPVanish: Best for P2P/Torrenting & High-Speed Performance
- 1. PrivateVPN: Best for Global Geo-Unblocking
- 1. PureVPN: Best for Audited Transparency
Deep Dive: macOS Specific Features & Performance
- 5.1 M1/M2/M3 Performance: Native App vs. Rosetta Emulation
- 5.2 The macOS Kill Switch: Reliability and System-Level Protection
- 5.3 Split Tunneling on Mac: Implementation Challenges and Solutions
- 5.4 DNS Protection on Mac (Avoids Leaks via systemd-resolved equivalents)
Usage Scenarios for Mac Users
- 6.1 Streaming and Unblocking Geo-Restrictions (Apple TV+ and Beyond)
- 6.2 Secure P2P and Torrenting on macOS
- 6.3 Securing Remote Work and Travel (Obfuscation on Mac)
Setup & Troubleshooting: A Mac User’s Guide
- 7.1 Installation and Granting macOS Security Permissions
- 7.2 The IKEv2/L2TP Manual Setup (When a Native App Fails)
- 7.3 Troubleshooting: Common macOS Connection Drops
Free vs. Paid VPNs for Mac: The Inevitable Security Compromise
Conclusion & Final Recommendation
Methodology: How We Tested VPNs on macOS

2. Introduction: Why Mac Users Need a Specialized VPN

Mac users, accustomed to the seamless security and polished interface of the Apple ecosystem, often fall into the trap of believing they are inherently immune to online threats. This is a dangerous misconception. While macOS is less susceptible to traditional viruses than Windows, the core privacy issues a VPN addresses—ISP tracking, geo-restrictions, and public Wi-Fi surveillance—are universal.

Crucially, selecting a VPN for Mac is not the same as picking one for a PC. A true Best VPNs for Mac service must:

Offer a Native Experience: The application cannot be a simple, poorly optimized port of the iOS or Windows app. Mac users demand intuitive design and proper integration with macOS system notifications and menus.
Leverage Apple Silicon: With the transition to M1, M2, and M3 chips, non-native VPN apps suffer significant performance hits by running through the Rosetta 2 emulation layer. Top-tier providers have invested in native code for blazing-fast speed and efficiency.
Provide a Reliable Kill Switch: The Mac system firewall (PF) needs a VPN that can reliably interact with it to prevent IP leaks when the connection drops—a feature many generic VPNs fail at on macOS.

This 3500-word guide cuts through the noise to identify the providers that not only offer high security but also deliver a premium, Mac-centric experience.

3. The Core Criteria: What Defines a Truly Great VPN for macOS

Our selection process focused on four non-negotiable criteria specific to the Mac environment:

3.1 Native M-series Chip Optimization (Crucial for Performance)

Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) chips use an ARM architecture. If a VPN app is not compiled to run natively on ARM, macOS must use the Rosetta 2 translation layer. This process consumes extra CPU cycles and significantly impacts the very feature a VPN promises: speed. A native Mac VPN application ensures the proprietary protocols run at maximum efficiency, translating to faster speeds, quicker connection times, and dramatically lower battery consumption—essential for MacBook users.

3.2 Protocol Support: Lightway, NordLynx, and WireGuard

The days of relying solely on the legacy OpenVPN protocol for speed are over. The Best VPNs for Mac now offer either the open-source WireGuard protocol or their own audited, WireGuard-based proprietary alternatives:

Lightway (ExpressVPN): Built for speed and minimal codebase, making it ideal for the highly optimized macOS environment.
NordLynx (NordVPN): NordVPN’s implementation of WireGuard, known for delivering industry-leading speeds while using a double-NAT system to enhance privacy.

These protocols offer significantly better speeds and quicker handshakes than both OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, making them perfect for modern Mac devices.

3.3 Seamless macOS Integration (Kill Switch & UI/UX)

The VPN must feel like a genuine Mac application. This includes:

System-Level Kill Switch: Must reliably use pf (Packet Filter, the Mac firewall) to block all traffic the instant the VPN tunnel drops, preventing IP exposure.
Menu Bar Access: Seamless, non-intrusive control from the macOS menu bar.
Design & User Interface (UI/UX): A clean, intuitive design that aligns with Apple’s aesthetic standards.

3.4 Audited Security and No-Logs Policy

Regardless of the platform, the service must be based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances) and have a verifiable, independently audited no-logs policy. This is the fundamental promise of any VPN.

4. The 10 Best VPNs for Mac: Full Reviews and In-Depth Analysis

1. ExpressVPN: Best Overall (Speed & Seamless UI/UX)

ExpressVPN consistently ranks at the top for its exceptional performance, largely due to its commitment to speed and its highly polished Mac application.

Native Mac App: The application is elegant, simple, and fully optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), ensuring blazing-fast performance without relying on Rosetta.
Lightway Protocol: Its proprietary protocol is a core strength. Built on a lean codebase, it delivers superior speed retention and near-instant connection times on macOS, outperforming generic WireGuard implementations in many regions.
TrustedServer Technology: All servers run on RAM-only servers, meaning data cannot be physically stored—a significant security boost for privacy-conscious Mac users.
Security: Audited no-logs policy, based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Its kill switch (Network Lock) is one of the most reliable on macOS.
Minor Con: Higher subscription price compared to competitors, but the quality of the Mac experience justifies the cost.

Verdict: The undisputed premium choice for Mac users who prioritize a seamless, high-speed experience with an aesthetically polished and highly secure application.

2. NordVPN: Fastest Speeds & Best Security Features

NordVPN is a powerhouse known for combining security-first features with arguably the fastest speeds in the industry, all delivered via a robust and feature-rich Mac client.

Native Mac App: Offers a highly visual, feature-packed Mac application with a detailed server map and full M-series optimization.
NordLynx Protocol: This is the key to its speed. NordLynx consistently delivers the highest performance in tests, making it ideal for 4K streaming and high-volume P2P file sharing on your Mac.
Advanced Features: Access to specialized servers, including Double VPN (multi-hop) for enhanced encryption, Onion Over VPN for Tor users, and obfuscated servers, all manageable within the Mac app.
macOS Kill Switch: Offers two options: an application-level kill switch and a system-wide internet kill switch for ultimate protection.
Minor Con: The server map can occasionally feel cluttered, and the Kill Switch setup can be slightly less intuitive than ExpressVPN’s Network Lock.

Verdict: The best choice for Mac users who need the maximum security features and are seeking the absolute fastest speeds for high-bandwidth activities.

3. Surfshark: Best Value & Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is the reigning champion for value, offering unlimited device connections under a single subscription, making it perfect for the Mac user who owns a MacBook, an iMac, an iPhone, and an iPad.

Native Mac App: A clean, modern, and intuitive interface that feels perfectly at home on macOS. It is fully optimized for Apple Silicon.
Unlimited Devices: This is the killer feature. You can secure every single Mac, mobile device, and smart TV in your household without restriction.
CleanWeb: An excellent integrated ad, malware, and tracker blocker that works system-wide on the Mac application, enhancing both privacy and page-loading speed.
Protocol Support: Offers both WireGuard and IKEv2 for optimal performance on macOS.
Minor Con: Based in the Netherlands (a 9-Eyes country, though it maintains an audited no-logs policy), and speeds, while fast, sometimes trail NordVPN and ExpressVPN on long-distance connections.

Verdict: The ideal choice for Mac users who want top-tier performance and security across all their devices without the per-device limits of other services.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA): Best Customization & Open-Source App

PIA is the long-time veteran, known for its commitment to transparency and offering Mac users a level of granular control over encryption and connection settings few others can match.

Native Mac App: A well-designed, open-source Mac application with native M-series support. The app is highly customizable, allowing users to configure nearly every aspect of the connection.
Open-Source & Audited: The Mac client is open source, allowing the community to vet the code. Its no-logs policy has been tested and verified in court multiple times.
Customization: Allows users to manually adjust encryption strength (e.g., AES-128 vs. AES-256) and handshake algorithms, a feature highly valued by power users.
Server Network: Boasts one of the largest server networks globally, ensuring connection options are always available and congestion is low.
Minor Con: The sheer amount of customization can be overwhelming for total beginners. The default UI isn’t quite as sleek as ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

Verdict: The best VPN for the technically inclined Mac power user who demands transparency, open-source code, and ultimate control over their security stack.

5. Proton VPN: Best Privacy & Audited Open-Source Mac Client

Developed by the team behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN is engineered for maximum security and privacy, based securely in Switzerland.

Native Mac App: Features an excellent, fully open-source Mac application with a clean design and full Apple Silicon optimization. The source code is publicly available and audited.
Secure Core Servers: Routes user traffic through multiple VPN servers, with the first being in a hardened, privacy-friendly location (like Switzerland or Iceland) before reaching the destination server, a massive boost for security.
Transparency: All apps are open-source, and the company is based in Switzerland, a jurisdiction with some of the strongest privacy laws globally.
Free Tier: Offers one of the only truly secure free tiers with unlimited data (though slower speeds and limited locations), which can be a great trial for Mac users.
Minor Con: Premium speeds can be slightly lower than NordVPN/ExpressVPN, and the server count is smaller, though highly focused on quality.

Verdict: The definitive choice for the security purist who prioritizes an open-source Mac client, a strong jurisdiction, and unique privacy-enhancing server architecture.

6. CyberGhost: Best for Streaming & Optimized Servers

CyberGhost, with its massive server network, excels at providing fast, reliable connections tailored for specific online activities, particularly streaming.

Native Mac App: A fully developed, user-friendly Mac application with distinct profiles for different activities.
Optimized Servers: Its app includes specific, labeled servers for unblocking major global streaming platforms (e.g., Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer). Mac users simply select the desired platform, and the app connects to the best server.
Server Network: With over 11,000 servers in 100 countries, it has one of the largest networks, ensuring plenty of bandwidth and avoiding congestion.
Guarantee: Offers an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee, providing ample time for testing its Mac client and features.
Minor Con: Based in Romania (privacy-friendly), but its corporate structure has changed hands several times, which some users view with caution.

Verdict: Ideal for Mac users whose primary purpose for a VPN is consistently accessing and streaming geo-blocked content worldwide.

7. Mullvad: Best for Anonymity Purists (No Email Signup)

Mullvad is the gold standard for anonymity, focusing solely on privacy and offering a unique, non-identifying account system.

Native Mac App: A minimal, highly functional, and open-source Mac app with native WireGuard support. It’s clean and doesn’t clutter the user interface.
Anonymity First: Account creation requires no email, username, or password. You generate a random 16-digit account number and can pay with cash or cryptocurrency, ensuring total signup anonymity.
WireGuard Focus: Mullvad was an early adopter and has an exceptionally high-performing, transparent implementation of the WireGuard protocol.
Pricing: Offers a single, transparent monthly price globally, without deceptive long-term contract discounts.
Minor Con: Lacks the advanced, geo-unblocking features of streaming-focused VPNs and offers fewer servers, prioritizing quality and privacy over quantity.

Verdict: Recommended for the Mac user who wants guaranteed anonymity from the moment they subscribe, without any personal data tied to the account.

8. IPVanish: Best for P2P/Torrenting & High-Speed Performance

IPVanish owns and operates its entire network, providing excellent speed and a strong focus on P2P traffic, making it a favorite for Mac users who frequently torrent.

Native Mac App: A feature-rich client that allows easy server sorting by latency, ensuring you always connect to the fastest available point.
Network Ownership: Fully owns and manages its server infrastructure (no third parties), adding a significant layer of control and security.
Simultaneous Connections: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections, rivaling Surfshark in value for multi-device households.
P2P Performance: Due to its infrastructure and focus, it consistently offers high upload and download speeds for torrenting on macOS, with no traffic restrictions.
Minor Con: Based in the US (a 5-Eyes country), which is a drawback despite its independently audited no-logs policy.

Verdict: Best for Mac users focused on high-speed P2P file sharing and those who value a provider that owns its entire network infrastructure.

9. PrivateVPN: Best for Global Geo-Unblocking

PrivateVPN is a smaller, boutique provider that consistently manages to bypass VPN blocks on major streaming platforms, often where larger providers fail.

Native Mac App: A simple, lightweight Mac client that is incredibly easy to use and maintain.
Stealth VPN: Includes its own obfuscation technology (Stealth VPN) designed to get past firewalls and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), essential for travelers or those in censored regions.
Streaming Focus: Its servers are strategically chosen and optimized to unblock dozens of global streaming libraries, making it highly reliable for global content access on a Mac.
Minor Con: Smaller server count globally, and its Mac application is more functional than aesthetically refined compared to ExpressVPN.

Verdict: The specialist choice for Mac users who travel frequently or whose main goal is consistent access to specific, hard-to-unblock global streaming services.

10. PureVPN: Best for Audited Transparency

PureVPN has made a significant commitment to transparency and accountability following past missteps, becoming one of the most rigorously audited VPNs on the market.

Native Mac App: A stable Mac client that supports its wide range of protocols, including WireGuard.
Always-On Audit: It was the first VPN to implement an “Always-On” audit policy by a leading security firm, allowing them to inspect their systems without prior notice. This sets a high bar for accountability.
Jurisdiction: Based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a strong privacy haven.
Minor Con: Due to its history, some long-time users remain skeptical, although the current level of auditing is exceptional.

Verdict: A solid contender for Mac users who demand verifiable proof of a no-logs policy and are reassured by extreme transparency efforts.

5. Deep Dive: macOS Specific Features & Performance

A premium VPN must effectively address the unique architectural demands of macOS for features, performance, and security.

5.1 M1/M2/M3 Performance: Native App vs. Rosetta Emulation

The transition to Apple Silicon (M-series) fundamentally changed how software runs on Mac.

The Problem: An older VPN app, compiled for the Intel x86 architecture, runs on M-series Macs via the Rosetta 2 translation layer. This process introduces latency and consumes power inefficiently.
The Solution: The best providers (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark) have recompiled their Mac applications to run natively on the ARM architecture. This results in:
- Up to 30% faster connection speeds for the proprietary protocols (Lightway, NordLynx).
- Dramatically reduced battery drain, a critical factor for MacBook users.
- Faster application load and responsiveness.

When selecting a VPN, look specifically for the provider to state their app is “Native Apple Silicon” or “M1/M2/M3 optimized.”

5.2 The macOS Kill Switch: Reliability and System-Level Protection

The Kill Switch is the most critical security feature on any VPN, and its implementation on Mac is complex. macOS uses Packet Filter (PF) as its firewall.

How it Works: The most reliable Mac VPN Kill Switches (e.g., ExpressVPN’s Network Lock) install specific pf rules upon connection. These rules dictate that only traffic routed through the encrypted VPN tunnel is allowed out. If the tunnel drops (even for a millisecond), the pf rules are designed to fail-closed, blocking all internet connectivity until the tunnel is re-established.
The Failure Point: Poorly designed VPN apps use application-level scripts that simply detect a drop and close the app, which is often too slow to prevent a momentary IP leak. A true macOS kill switch must operate at the system level via the firewall to be effective.

5.3 Split Tunneling on Mac: Implementation Challenges and Solutions

Split Tunneling allows certain applications to use the VPN while others connect directly to the internet (or vice versa).

The Challenge: Unlike Windows or Android, implementing reliable, application-based split tunneling is difficult on macOS due to the operating system’s sandbox and network routing architecture.
The Solution: Many providers have skipped the feature entirely on Mac. However, some have found workarounds:
- App Exclusion (ExpressVPN, PIA): Allows users to select specific applications that should be excluded from the VPN tunnel.
- Domain Exclusion (Surfshark): Allows users to specify websites/domains that bypass the VPN tunnel.

If Split Tunneling is essential, verify that the provider specifically offers a working version for their macOS client, as it is not a standard feature across the board.

5.4 DNS Protection on Mac (Avoids Leaks via `systemd-resolved` equivalents)

While Linux deals with systemd-resolved, Mac has its own DNS routing intricacies. A common failure point is a DNS leak, where your Mac defaults to your ISP’s DNS servers even when the VPN is active, revealing your location and activity to your ISP.

Provider Solution: The best Mac VPNs force your system to use their private, encrypted DNS servers by temporarily replacing the primary DNS entries in the macOS Network Settings. They also actively block any outgoing DNS queries that attempt to bypass the tunnel, ensuring your traffic remains private.

6. Usage Scenarios for Mac Users

6.1 Streaming and Unblocking Geo-Restrictions (Apple TV+ and Beyond)

MacBooks and iMacs are often the primary devices for media consumption. A VPN must excel at bypassing geo-blocks.

The Need: To access region-locked libraries on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and even specific regional content on Apple TV+.
The Solution: Providers like CyberGhost (optimized servers) and ExpressVPN (TrustedServer technology) continuously update their IP addresses to evade detection algorithms. When a server IP is identified and blacklisted by a streaming service, these providers are the fastest to replace it. This ensures your Mac can always access the content you pay for, regardless of your physical location.

6.2 Secure P2P and Torrenting on macOS

For Mac users engaging in P2P file sharing, security and speed are paramount.

Security: You must ensure the Kill Switch is active and reliable on your Mac. The instant your connection drops, your IP address is exposed to your torrent swarm. NordVPN and IPVanish are ideal here, offering P2P-optimized servers and robust Kill Switch implementations.
Speed: Due to the large file sizes, the low-latency NordLynx or WireGuard protocols are non-negotiable for fast P2P performance on a Mac.

6.3 Securing Remote Work and Travel (Obfuscation on Mac)

MacBooks are the quintessential travel and remote work machine. Security on public Wi-Fi and in censored regions is vital.

The Threat: Unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots and networks in highly restricted countries use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to identify and block standard VPN traffic (OpenVPN).
The Solution: Obfuscation technology (e.g., NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers or ExpressVPN’s Lightway Obfuscation) makes your VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS traffic. This is essential for Mac users traveling or working from cafes, ensuring the VPN connection remains undetectable and unblocked.

7. Setup & Troubleshooting: A Mac User’s Guide

7.1 Installation and Granting macOS Security Permissions

Installing a premium Mac VPN is typically straightforward (download the .dmg file and drag the app to the Applications folder). However, macOS security requires extra steps:

macOS Prompts: The VPN app must install a network extension or helper tool to manage the Kill Switch and tunnel. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password and grant permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security (or Security & Privacy on older macOS versions).
Crucial Step: You must manually approve the VPN’s system-level extension. Failing to do so will result in a connection that works but lacks the vital Kill Switch function, leaving you vulnerable.

7.2 The IKEv2/L2TP Manual Setup (When a Native App Fails)

While native apps are superior, a manual setup using the built-in macOS VPN client is a reliable backup, typically using the IKEv2 protocol.

Obtain Credentials: Get the server address, remote ID, and shared secret/credentials from your VPN provider’s website.
Configure in macOS: Go to System Settings > Network and click the + button. Select VPN from the Interface dropdown.
Choose Protocol: Select IKEv2 (preferred for modern security and stability over the older L2TP/IPSec).
Enter Details: Input the server address and authentication details.

Note: This manual method is easy but lacks all advanced features—you will have no custom Kill Switch, no split tunneling, and no optimized protocols like NordLynx. It is purely for basic, low-security connections.

7.3 Troubleshooting: Common macOS Connection Drops

The most common connection issues on Mac relate to system conflicts:

Conflict with Security Software: Third-party anti-virus or aggressive firewalls (like Little Snitch) can interfere with the VPN’s tunnel and Kill Switch. Solution: Temporarily disable the conflicting software or whitelist the VPN application.
macOS Updates: A major macOS update (e.g., Ventura to Sonoma) often resets the network and security permissions. Solution: After a major OS update, uninstall and reinstall the VPN application to ensure all system extensions are properly re-authorized.
Network Manager Conflicts: If you manually set up IKEv2 and later install the native app, the configurations can conflict. Solution: Remove all manual VPN configurations from the System Settings > Network panel before running the native app.

8. Free vs. Paid VPNs for Mac: The Inevitable Security Compromise

Mac users, given the premium nature of their hardware, should avoid free VPN services, which inherently undermine the very privacy the user seeks.

Feature	Paid Premium VPN (e.g., ExpressVPN)	Free VPN (Typical Model)
M-Series App	Native Apple Silicon Optimization	Often an old, unoptimized iOS or Intel port.
Kill Switch	System-Level, Audited, and Reliable	Non-existent, or application-level and highly unreliable.
Logging Policy	Independently Audited No-Logs Policy	Logs and sells user data (your usage is the product).
Data/Speed	Unlimited Data, Fastest Proprietary Protocols	Severe data caps, speed throttling, and server congestion.
Malware/Ads	Built-in Ad/Malware Blockers (e.g., CleanWeb)	Often bundles trackers and adware into the application itself.

The Proton VPN Exception: As mentioned, Proton VPN is the only genuinely secure exception, offering unlimited data on its free tier, subsidized by its paid user base. However, for 4K streaming and full performance, a premium paid service is required.

9. Conclusion & Final Recommendation

Choosing the Best VPNs for Mac requires a focus on native application development, M-series optimization, and adherence to rigorous security audits. Generic VPNs will function, but they will never deliver the fast, seamless, and secure experience that Apple users expect.

For the vast majority of macOS users, our final recommendation remains clear:

Best Overall for Mac: ExpressVPN. Its combination of the Lightway protocol, the seamless M-series native application, and the proven reliability of its Network Lock Kill Switch makes it the gold standard for macOS security and speed.
Best for Speed & Advanced Features: NordVPN is the close second, unmatched in raw speed due to its NordLynx protocol and offering a superior array of security features like Double VPN.
Best for Value: Surfshark provides an incredible value proposition with its unlimited device allowance, highly polished Mac app, and full WireGuard support.

By selecting any of these top-tier services, you ensure your Mac benefits from world-class encryption without compromising on the speed and user experience you are accustomed to.

10. Methodology: How We Tested VPNs on macOS

Our testing process was conducted on two current-generation Mac devices running macOS Sonoma (14.x) and Ventura (13.x): an M2 MacBook Pro (for native performance and battery drain) and an Intel-based iMac (for compatibility checks).

Native Performance Audit: We used the Activity Monitor to confirm that the VPN application was running as “Apple” (Native) and not “Intel” (Rosetta) under the Kind column, directly verifying M-series optimization.
Speed Benchmarking: Speed tests were conducted three times daily over a week on a 1 Gbps fiber connection, measuring speed retention rates on local, intercontinental, and global servers. Proprietary protocols (Lightway, NordLynx) were prioritized and benchmarked against standard WireGuard and OpenVPN.
Kill Switch Stress Test: We simulated connection failure by forcibly disabling the Wi-Fi adapter and physically terminating the VPN process to verify that the macOS system-level firewall reliably blocked all traffic before any IP/DNS data could leak.
Security Audits: We verified each provider’s claim of a no-logs policy by checking for public, independent security audit reports from firms like PwC, Cure53, or Deloitte.
UI/UX Review: The applications were rated based on their integration with macOS menu bar, notification center, ease of use for server switching, and overall alignment with Apple’s aesthetic standards.