# Best Mac VPNs Tested for 2026

> Proton VPN leads PCMag's top Mac VPN picks with 5.0 rating for privacy and security.
- Title: Best Mac VPNs Tested for 2026 · PCMAG | Shortify
- Summary: Proton VPN leads PCMag's top Mac VPN picks with 5.0 rating for privacy and security.
- Keywords: proton vpn, nordvpn, expressvpn, tunnelbear, hideme vpn, mullvad, windscribe, mac vpn, vpns, privacy, streaming, PCMAG
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/picks/the-best-mac-vpns
- Author: Justyn Newman
- Published: 2026-11-07T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: proton vpn, nordvpn, expressvpn, tunnelbear, hideme vpn, mullvad, windscribe, mac vpn, vpns, privacy, security, streaming
## Why Mac Needs VPNs
Apple's ecosystem prioritizes privacy but has security incidents like August 2026 screen-sharing vulnerability.

> screen-sharing vulnerability in August 2026
## What VPNs Do
VPNs reroute internet traffic and encrypt data to reclaim privacy for users.
## Proton VPN Wins
Proton VPN earns top spot with 5.0 rating for cross-platform consistency and advanced mac features.

> Proton VPN's cross-platform consistency and advanced features on mac earn it the number one spot
## NordVPN Details
NordVPN offers 4.5 rating with multi-hop, split tunneling, and tor connections for video streaming.

> NordVPN offers a comprehensive suite of privacy and security features
## ExpressVPN Strengths
ExpressVPN provides 4.0 rating with post-quantum encryption and fast speeds for globe-trotters.

> ExpressVPN is a top service for frequent travelers thanks to its expansive global network
## TunnelBear for Novices
TunnelBear offers 4.0 rating with unlimited connections and friendly design for beginners.

> TunnelBear VPN forgoes complicated apps in favor of a simple yet powerful service
## Hide.me Affordable
Hide.me provides 4.0 rating with ten simultaneous connections and reliable netflix access.

> Hide.me vpn offers truly unlimited free trials, great performance, and tons of security options
## Mullvad Transparency
Mullvad earns 4.5 rating with anonymous signup and radical transparency policies.

> Mullvad vpn's anonymous signup, steadfast privacy measures, and advanced features make it an excellent choice
## Windscribe Best Policy
Windscribe gets 4.5 rating for company transparency and unlimited simultaneous connections.

> From its extensive feature set to its class-leading transparency, windscribe offers an excellent, refreshingly clear-cut vpn experience
## Proton's Features
Proton includes netshield ad blocker, 10 simultaneous connections, and securecore connections.

> Proton packs a ton of features into its reasonably priced subscription
## Proton Privacy
Proton's open-source apps and annual audits ensure strong privacy standards with no logs.

> The people behind proton take privacy seriously, with an unyielding commitment to transparency and accountability
## Proton Speeds
Proton shows 20.11% download speed decrease and 43.21% upload speed decrease.

> Proton's premium servers rank in the middle of the pack in terms of performance
## Proton Streaming
Proton works flawlessly with all regional netflix catalogs without issues.

> We had no issues streaming netflix with proton
## NordVPN Speeds
NordVPN reduces download speeds by 1.94% and upload speeds by 5.54%.

> Nord has consistently delivered excellent performance in our tests
## NordVPN Streaming
NordVPN unblocks all regional netflix libraries without buffering.

> Nord managed to unblock every regional netflix library we tested
## ExpressVPN Speeds
ExpressVPN decreases download speeds by 15.48% and upload speeds by 13%.

> Expressvpn decreased download speeds by fifteen point four eight percent
## Key takeaway

Proton VPN wins PCMag's 2026 Mac VPN test with best privacy, security, and features.