By 2025, Mac users are relying on VPNs more than ever—not just to access blocked content, but also to add an extra layer of security to their online activities. So, does Mac have a built-in VPN? And if not, should you go for a third-party VPN app? This article has everything you want to know!
Table of Contents
Does Mac Have a Built in VPN?
Does Apple have a built-in VPN? The short answer is: NO. However, macOS offers an alternative privacy feature called iCloud Private Relay.
So, what is iCloud Private Relay, and how is it different from a VPN? To help you understand better, we’ve prepared a detailed comparison chart:
| iCloud Private Relay | VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | People who just need extra privacy when using Safari browser | People who want full network protection |
| Encryption | Partial encryption (Protects DNS queries and some traffic only) | Full encryption (Protects all network traffic) |
| IP address masking | Limited masking (Lets you maintain a similar location or share just your country/region) | Fully hides and changes your IP address |
| Bypass geo-restrictions | ❌ | ✅ |
| Coverage | Safari browser traffic only | Traffic from all apps and devices |
| Cross-platform support | Apple devices only (Mac, iPhone, iPad) | All platforms supported (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) |
| How it works | Uses Apple servers and a third-party partner to reroute Safari traffic | Uses VPN servers to encrypt and route all network traffic |
| Server selection | No option to choose servers, automatically assigned | You can choose specific servers (country/region) |
| Protocol support | Only supports Apple-designed relay protocol | Supports multiple protocols (e.g., OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, etc.) |
As you can see, while both are designed to enhance online privacy, a VPN offers broader protection and flexibility. Therefore, if you need to protect all your online activities or access geo-restricted content, a VPN is the more powerful choice.
Do I Need a VPN for My Mac?
Yes, you should consider using a VPN for your Mac, especially if you value online freedom, privacy, and security. Here’s what a VPN can do for you:
1. Bypass geo-restrictions and IP blocks: By connecting to servers in different countries, a VPN lets you access blocked websites or services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
2. Boost security and privacy: A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, protecting your data from hackers. It also hides your real IP address, making it harder for websites, advertisers, and trackers to identify or monitor you.
3. Save money with regional pricing: Some sites and services show different prices based on your location—like TikTok coins. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and find much lower prices in other countries.
4. Prevent bandwidth throttling: Some ISPs slow down your internet speed based on your activity, like gaming or torrenting. A VPN hides your traffic, stopping your ISP from throttling your connection.
5. Streaming and gaming perks: Some VPNs optimize routes for streaming and gaming servers, reducing lag and improving your online experience.
6. Stay safe on public Wi-Fi: When you connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi at cafes, libraries, or airports, a VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel to keep your data safe from hackers.
Clearly, using a VPN lets you enjoy a safer, more private online experience, helps you save money, and unlocks more content. Considering a VPN for your Mac is definitely a smart decision. But now the question is: With so many VPNs out there, which one is the best VPN for Mac?
The Best VPN for Mac in 2025
If you’re looking for a Mac VPN that’s powerful, fast, works seamlessly with macOS, offers strong privacy protection, and is budget-friendly, then X-VPN is your best bet. Why? Here are the reasons.
⚡️ Performance & Speed
| Server Network | Maximum Speed | Low Latency & High Stability | Anti-VPN Detection | Dynamic IP Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000+ servers in 225+ locations | Up to 10Gbps | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
– Global Server Network: X-VPN has over 8,000 servers across 65 countries and 225+ locations. No matter where you are, you can easily bypass geo-restrictions and access websites and services worldwide.
– Super Fast: With speeds up to 10Gbps, X-VPN lets you enjoy seamless 4K streaming, Zoom calls, and other bandwidth-heavy apps with almost no lag.
– Stable Connection: Even during peak hours or in heavily restricted regions, X-VPN’s Everest Protocol ensures a stable connection with low latency.
– Anti-VPN Detection: The Everest Protocol is X-VPN’s proprietary, lightweight, faster, and more secure than traditional VPN protocols like OpenVPN. It’s also harder to detect, so your VPN usage stays hidden from governments, ISPs, and websites.
– Dynamic IP Pool Update: X-VPN uses a dynamic IP assignment mechanism, assigning you a new IP address every time you connect. This helps bypass internet censorship and blocks in certain countries or regions more effectively.
🔐 Security & Privacy
| Encryption | Security Features | VPN Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| Military-grade AES-256 encryption | Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, double VPN, etc | Supports 11 different protocols |
– Strong Security Features: X-VPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption and includes features like a Kill Switch and DNS leak protection to keep your online activity safe and secure.
– Strict No-Logs Policy: X-VPN doesn’t record your IP address, browsing history, or any online activities.
– Multi-Protocol Support: X-VPN supports 11 VPN protocols, including its proprietary Everest protocol, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec. You can choose the protocol that best suits your needs for connection.
💻 Mac-Specific App and Ease of Use
| Compatibility | Simultaneous Connections | One-Touch Connection & Manual Selection | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| macOS, iOS, Apple TV, Android, Windows, Chrome, and more | 5 | ✅ | ✅ |
– Native macOS App: X-VPN offers a specially optimized app for Mac with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to use even for beginners.
– One-Click Connect: Just hit the button to connect to the best server—no complicated setup required. Of course, you can also manually select a server location.
– Connect Up to 5 Devices: One X-VPN account protects up to 5 devices simultaneously, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Android, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles.
– 24/7 Live Chat Support: If you run into any issues, you can reach out to X-VPN’s support team anytime for quick and professional help.
So, whether you’re looking for simple online security or need to bypass strict regional censorship, X-VPN has you covered. Click below to get X-VPN for just $2.99/month—it won’t let you down! Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk!
How to Set up a VPN on Mac?
If almost every online tutorial seems too complicated for you, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it step by step. Next, we’ll use X-VPN as an example to show you how to set up and connect to a VPN. The process is similar for other VPN services.
Method 1: Using a VPN App (Recommended)
1. Download and Install the VPN App: Click the button below to download and install the X-VPN macOS app.
2. Sign Up and Log In to the VPN App.
3. Connect to a Server: Choose a server location (e.g., “United States”) from the list, or let X-VPN automatically select the fastest server for you. Then, click the big “Connect” button to establish your VPN connection.
4. Verify Your Connection: Check the app to confirm that your Mac is connected to the VPN. You can also use an IP address checker to verify your new IP address.
Method 2: Set Up VPN Manually
1. Get VPN Configuration Details: Log in to your VPN provider’s website and go to the settings or download section. Look for manual setup instructions or OpenVPN/L2TP/IPsec configuration files. Note down the server address, username, password, and any other required details.
2. Open Network Preferences on Your Mac: Go to the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions) > Click “Network.”
3. Add a New VPN Connection: Click the “+” button at the bottom left of the Network window > Choose “VPN” from the Interface dropdown menu > Select the VPN type (e.g., L2TP over IPsec, IKEv2, or OpenVPN) > Enter a name for the VPN connection (e.g., “X-VPN”).
4. Enter VPN Configuration Details: Fill in the server address, remote ID, and account name (username) fields > Click “Authentication Settings” to enter your password > Click “OK,” then “Apply” to save the settings.
5. Connect to the VPN: Select the VPN connection you just created in the Network window > Click “Connect”> Enter your username and password if prompted.
6. Verify the Connection: Use a tool like an IP address checker to confirm your VPN is working properly.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, protecting your online privacy and security is more important than ever. X-VPN, with its wide server network, fast speeds, and strong privacy features, is the perfect choice for Mac users! Click below to try X-VPN risk-free for 30 days!
FAQs
How do I know if I have a VPN on my Mac?
Check System Settings > Network for any configured VPN connections. If using a VPN app, open the app to see if it’s active.
Is there a free VPN for Mac?
Yes, for example, X-VPN also offers a free plan. However, compared to the paid version, the free plan has fewer servers, slower speeds, and limited advanced security features.
Where is the VPN located on Mac?
Open System Settings > Network. VPN connections are listed in the sidebar if configured manually.
Does Safari need a VPN?
Yes, a VPN enhances Safari’s security by encrypting traffic, hiding your IP, and unblocking region-locked websites. It’s useful on public Wi-Fi or for accessing restricted content.
