How to choose and use a VPN on Mac in 2023

In our technology-driven world, privacy and security are crucial. As cyber threats grow and we strive to protect personal data, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become key for Mac owners.

A VPN acts as a shield, rerouting web traffic to nearly anywhere while reclaiming some of our privacy. This guide covers How to choose and use a VPN on Mac.

Why should you use a VPN on your Mac?

• Keep private - VPN hides what websites you visit. Protect from the internet provider and others seeing.

• See blocked things - Some countries block websites and content. VPN hides where you at. Fool the blocks to see what you want.

• Stay safe - VPN encrypts internet traffic. Make it hard for hackers to steal info from your devices.

• Torrent files - If you download torrent files, VPN hides your real internet address. Protect from legal trouble.

How to choose a VPN for Mac

Consider your needs

For the strongest privacy, look for a service that encrypts all your traffic using AES-256 encryption or above. They should have a "no-logs" policy, meaning they do not track or store any data about your internet activity or connection times. Review their privacy policy in detail and see if any independent audits of their systems have been conducted.

For accessing blocked content, make sure the VPN has servers in as many countries as possible. At least 50-100 different locations gives you flexible unblocking options. Test connecting to sample servers before signing up to ensure good speeds.

Read reviews

Thoroughly read user reviews from sites like TrustPilot, Google Play and the Apple App Store. Look for red flags like frequent connectivity issues, slow speeds, inconsistent performance or problematic customer service. Good reviews highlight useful features and ease of use.

Consider the price

Paid VPNs provide the full set of security protocols, encryption, and features. Free ones often have limitations, slower speeds, and more data limits. For true security and privacy, spending $5-10/month on a good premium VPN is worthwhile.

Make sure the VPN has a strong security reputation

Go with a VPN that is recommended by independent security websites, blogs and publications. Check if there are any reports of past data breaches or leaks of user information from that particular service. Reputable companies value their good name above profit.

Choose a VPN with a large network of servers

The more servers, the better ability to circumvent blocks, find a fast connection and improve overall online security. Aim for hundreds or thousands of global server locations from a VPN provider.

Make sure the VPN has a good user interface

Ease of use and quick setup are extremely important, especially for those not technically inclined. Make sure the VPN protocols are simple to activate, check if separate apps are needed for different devices, and ensure device platforms like iOS, Android, Windows and Mac are supported. The less trouble involved, the better the overall experience tends to be.

How to use a VPN on Mac

Now that you’re aware of the important features of a VPN, it’s time to set one up on your Mac. Here’s how!

Subscribe to a VPN service

First, you’ll need to choose a VPN service. You can either subscribe to a third-party service or manually configure one. I recommend subscribing to a service, as it’s the easiest way. Here’s what you need to do:

1. First, download the VPN app you want from the App Store or the app's website and install it on your device.

2. Launch the VPN app and Sign up to create new account.

3. If it’s a paid service, select the subscription you want & continue.

4. In the end, connect to the server of your choice, when you hit connect button for the first time it'll ask "VPN Would Like to Add VPN Configurations" so hit allow button.

Connect to an existing VPN on your Mac

1. Go to System Settings & click on Network & select VPN.

2. As it's already set up, simply turn on the toggle next to the VPN option to connect.

When you connect to a VPN, your Mac gets a new temporary address, the address of that VPN company's server. So now, when you go to websites, all they see is the VPN server's address, not yours. This new address makes it so all your internet traffic has to go through the VPN server first. And that VPN server scrambles your traffic so no snoops can read it as it zips by.

Conclusion

In short, getting a VPN for your Mac is crucial in today's tech landscape dominated by privacy and security threats. When choosing a VPN for your Mac, think about what matters most, read reviews from others, consider the cost, and ensure they have a strong security reputation, lots of server locations, and an easy-to-use app. Once you decide on a VPN, subscribing and setting it up on your Mac is straightforward by following the provider's instructions. Most important, continue to be mindful of protecting your personal data online.

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