Best VPN for mac?

[LedgerStein]

Hi, first post here. I've recently purchased a Macbook Air for working while travelling and I'm very happy with it. However I use public Wi-Fi a lot and I'm concerned about my security. So I've started to gather info about VPNs. I'm choosing between NordVPN and VPN.ac so far, but I'm leaning more toward NordVPN, because it has more servers. Furthermore I like the possibility of US Netflix library. Do you guys use anything? What do you think?

 

[IWT]

A warm welcome to Mac-Forums.

The "best" is undefinable and, to a large extent, personal; but here are some links to reviews of all the "best":

https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/mac-software/best-mac-vpn-2018-3642209/
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-vpn-for-mac-our-5-top-choices
https://www.bestvpn.com/best-vpn-mac/
https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/best-vpn-for-mac/
https://mashable.com/2018/02/18/best-vpn-for-mac/#CZug1ChC4iqk

Have a good read and make your choice.

Ian

 

[LedgerStein]

Thanks I've read a bit and decided to give NordVPN a try with free trial: I think I like it, don't really feel any difference in browsing and Netflix works.

 

[chscag]

NordVPN has received the Editor's Choice from Macworld and is highly rated. Let us know how you like it.

 

[MacInWin]

I use TunnelBear myself. I have found that if you continue to watch the VPN ratings, they leapfrog each other pretty consistently. I ended up with TunnelBear because the interface is dead simple and intuitive so even my wife understands it.

 

[chscag]

Me too Jake. I have TunnelBear because it's easy to run and understand. Also, they recently had a sale.

 

[MacInWin]

Yeah, it doesn't get much simpler than "click where you want to go!" And the speeds are pretty good, too. I've use PureVPN and it was pretty good, but TB is much better as an interface.

 

[MacInWin]

I also use TB on my iPhone and iPad and have it set to tunnel automatically any time it's not in the home network, including cellular. If it sees an "alien" net, it tunnels. When it gets home, it stops. No action on my part, it just happens. Nice!

 

[Slydude]

I also use TB on my iPhone and iPad and have it set to tunnel automatically any time it's not in the home network, including cellular. If it sees an "alien" net, it tunnels. When it gets home, it stops. No action on my part, it just happens. Nice!

Just so I'm understanding correctly, I get that it is set to tunnel anytime you are connected to an "alien" wi-fi network. Is it tunneling if you are on cellular? If so is that only tunneling if you are "roaming"?

 

[MacInWin]

Good questions, Sly! Basically, at home I have a LAN with a local WiFi that TunnelBear is configured to see as my "home" network. I use Verizon, and have Verizon WiFi calling set up so that when there is a strong WiFi, that is used for voice instead of cellular. When I do that, the "Verizon" on the top bar changes to "VZW WiFi." Cell service at my home is dreadful, so that's a good thing that I can use VOIP that way. Now, when I leave my home and go somewhere, if there is a WiFi there, TB kicks in and tunnels me to the US location. My cellular data is also tunneled, although I think voice reverts to cellular. I know the tunneling is happening because if I do a speedtest using Ookla, it shows me at the tunnel location end, not where I am. I am more assuming that because the VZW WiFi on the top bar changes to Verizon that voice is back to cellular. Clear as mud?

 

[Slydude]

That's what I thought was happening. Your setup would work well for me. We are also on Verizon in large part because I can get a good signal. We were on AT&T from back in the day when they were the only US carrier for iPhone. Signal issues put a stop to that. Cable tech came to the house one day to trace an issue and was getting much better Verison signal on his phone than I had on AT&T so I switched.

I haven't looked at this type of software really but may do that this summer in between deciding whether to resurrect the chat shows in some form.

 

[LedgerStein]

I considered TB as one of the options, but I didn't really like the fact that McAfee acquired them, I think it is a pretty serious red flag. But yeah, their interface is very nice and well put. However, NordVPN's is nice too, maybe they should have explained it better that you can select any server from one country by double-clicking on in and not having to go to the full server list. Anyway, I've decided to pick up Nord. Searched online for some deals and found this coupon code USENORD99 for a 77% off, maybe it will be useful to someone Remove it if it is again the rules though.