This article explains how to choose a virtual private network (VPN) that’s right for you, and details how to get the VPN on your Mac.

How to Set Up a VPN on Mac Using the Settings

To get a VPN set up on your Mac via the built-in VPN settings, make sure you have all the necessary data first. This includes the VPN type, the server address, username, password, and shared secret. All this information is specific to each VPN and provided by your VPN operator.

1. Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.

2. Select System Settings.

3. Select Network or VPN from the sidebar (this differs across macOS versions).

4. Select the three dots at the bottom, followed by Add VPN Configuration, and then choose the connection type.

5. In the Display name field, enter the name you want to use for the VPN service you’re setting up.

6. Choose your new VPN settings. These may vary depending on the service but are likely to include information such as the account name and password.

7. Select Create to finish setting up your new VPN.

How to Get a VPN on Older Versions of macOS

Over the years, Apple has changed how things work on a Mac through major software updates. If the above directions don’t work on your system, try these:

1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left of your display, then click System Preferences.

2. Click Network.

3. Click the Plus (+) to create a new network connection.

4. Select VPN from the Interface dropdown menu and L2PT over IPSec from the Service Name dropdown menu. Name of your choice in the Service Name field, then click Create.

5. Enter the Server Address and Account Name, sometimes referred to as username by the VPN operator, then click Authentication Settings.

6. Enter the Password and Shared Secret, then click OK.

7. Click Apply, then click Connect.

8. Your VPN will now connect. Select Disconnect to turn off your VPN when you’re done.

   You can always see the status of your VPN connection from the Network tab. You can also click Show VPN status in menu bar if you want quick access to the VPN connection.

9. To turn the connection back on again, repeat steps 1 and 2, choose your VPN from the list, then click Connect once more.

How to Set Up a VPN on Mac Using a Third-Party VPN App

Using an app to get a VPN on your Mac is a straightforward process. Once you’ve found a provider you want to use, just head over to their website to get started.

1. Find the download for your Mac. Find the appropriate application for your Mac and begin the download. In most cases, the VPN website will include a list of downloads for every supported platform, including macOS.

2. Provide payment information. Depending on the VPN, you may be asked to provide payment information before you can use the service. If this is the case, be sure to check the money-back guarantee period just in case the service doesn’t work for you and you need a refund.

3. Set up the VPN on your Mac. Launch the application installer to begin the installation process. With some products, you may be asked to grant permission to install different parts of the application, such as configuration files or helper tools.

4. Launch the VPN app. Once installed, open the VPN app and begin using the service by choosing a server location. If you’re asked to log in to your account to verify that you can access a server, do so now.

And that’s it! Once you’re connected to the VPN, you’re all set to begin browsing the web privately and securely. For peace of mind, you can check the VPN’s connection status on the application screen (it should say On/Off, or Connected/Disconnected, etc).

You can also check your newly cloaked IP address by visiting whatismyipaddress.com.

Choose a VPN Service for Your Mac

The place to start is by choosing a good VPN service. Most major VPN providers have similar offerings in terms of server locations, encryption protocols, speed, and performance. However, there are differences between them that can affect how well the service works for you.

Here’s a look at some popular uses of VPNs and what to look for when choosing a VPN service for your Mac:

• Web browsing privacy: All VPN services are designed to hide your IP address and physical location while encrypting your data traffic as it flows over public networks. However, VPNs differ in the type of features offered, and it’s worth taking the time to investigate the different options available. These include the VPN’s data logging policies, encryption protocols (OpenVPN is best), the number of allowable connections, browser extensions, service levels, extra security features, torrenting support, and the company’s jurisdiction (a non-U.S. jurisdiction is best).
• Streaming movies: While nearly all VPNs claim they can unlock sites like Netflix, some don’t live up to their promises. Your best bet is to spend some time reading VPN reviews, taking advantage of trial periods, or using a VPN that has a money-back guarantee. You don’t want to pre-pay for a service that doesn’t work as advertised. Often, getting movies to stream is a matter of trial and error involving finding the right VPN company and/or server location.
• Torrenting: Again, most VPNs like to advertise that they’re the best VPN for torrenting, but it’s not always the case. If you like to torrent, you want to find a service offers a wide range of dedicated P2P servers, unlimited bandwidth, uses the OpenVPN protocol with AES 256-bit encryption, and has a jurisdiction outside of the 5, 9, or 14-Eyes Alliance countries, i.e. U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. It’s also important to read the VPN service’s fine print to make sure you’re not in violation of their user policy if torrenting.

Why You Should Avoid Free VPN Services on Your Mac

All VPN companies need a way to make money, even ‘free’ ones. So, if a VPN pitches itself as fast and free, you can bet it’s probably monetized by the collection of user data, which is tracked and sold to third parties.

Some free VPNs may even secretly install adware on your Mac. If you think about it, this completely goes against what a VPN is designed to do, which is to keep your data and identity protected.

That said, if you really can’t afford a paid VPN service, you should read over the terms of service so you fully understand what kind of data you might be giving up in exchange for the freebie.