If you want to be protected and have anonymity while browsing the web, you might consider a VPN for your computer. Maybe you want to access restricted content based on your location or simply want better protection for your laptop, especially when accessing Wi-Fi in public. If you’re a Mac user, setting up a VPN on your computer is something you may be considering. You can download VPN apps from the App Store, but you may have questions about the process, including payment, settings, and how to keep the VPN running.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering setting up a VPN on your Mac. If you need more information, you can also check out the best VPN services for 2023 and the best VPN services for the iPhone. Before diving into a VPN, you need to sign up for a service. While there are free VPN options, they are generally not recommended due to weak encryption, data limits, slower speeds, limited features, ads, and potentially collecting and selling your browsing data to third parties. It’s wise to go with a paid, reputable service. The top overall recommendation for Mac users is ExpressVPN because of its speed, security features, and value, followed by SurfShark and NordVPN. Once you choose a service, you can sign up on the respective website.
Once signed up, you can download the VPN app to your Mac. You can either download it directly from the website or through the App Store. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, and each of the top picks we recommended offers a free trial if downloaded through the app store as well as a money-back guarantee. After downloading the app, you’ll need to log in with the credentials you used when signing up.
Within the VPN application, you can browse through different features and settings to have everything configured to your liking. This might include setting up an auto-connect to connect to your VPN on startup, blocking advertisements and trackers, and enabling a kill switch for added security. Additionally, you can choose a specific server to connect to or use a quick-connect option for faster access.
After configuring your settings, you can finally connect to the VPN server. Once connected, your internet traffic should be encrypted, your IP address should be masked, and you should have access to bypass geo-restricted content and protect yourself when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. To disconnect from your VPN, you can simply go into the application and hit either “Pause” or “Disconnect”, and you’re good to go. With a VPN set up on your Mac, you’ll have a much more secure and private online experience.
