Private Internet Access for Mac Review 2022: Features, Price and Alternatives

Yes, every PIA subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way you can put all of our macOS VPN features to the test and increase your privacy without any risk.

Download a VPN for Mac and Get a Privacy Upgrade

Privacy is our policy. Plug the gaps in your Mac’s security with PIA VPN on macOS 10.13 and higher.

• Shield your browsing data with unbreakable encryption
• Enjoy fast speeds for buffer-free streaming and torrenting
• Protect unlimited devices simultaneously per subscription

*Requires macOS 10.13+ (64-bit only)

Protection For All Your Devices

How to Set Up a VPN for Mac in 4 Easy Steps

Install PIA VPN on your Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, or any other model. Setup is a piece of cake, but you can contact our 24/7 Customer Support if you need help.

Step 1

Step 2

Download and install our macOS VPN app

Step 3

Launch PIA VPN and log in using your credentials

Step 4

Click the connect button to secure your Mac

Connect PIA VPN for Mac in 3 Steps

Step 1

Open the server list and select your preferred location

Step 2

Tap the “On” button to connect to the VPN

Step 3

Wait a few seconds for PIA to establish your connection

Download a VPN for Mac and All Your Apple Tech

Whether you own a single Mac or need protection on an entire fleet of Apple tech, we’ve got you covered. PIA VPN works on macOS 10.13 and higher as well as iOS 12.1 and higher.

Get PIA VPN Protection on:

Macbook, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad, iPhone, iOS

PIA VPN is Compatible with:

macOS High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and iOS 12.1+

What is a VPN for Mac?

A VPN for Mac is a service that reroutes your traffic through a secure remote server.

This encrypts all your internet data and changes your IP address, masking your true location. Your browsing history is protected at all times as cybercriminals, ISPs, and other third parties can’t read encrypted data to snoop on your browsing activity.

A Mac VPN also bypasses ISP throttling and firewall blocks. This means no more streaming error messages or laggy internet — no matter where you take your Mac.

PIA’s Top Mac VPN Features

Open Source VPN Expertise

Verify our promises for yourself. Our Mac VPN source code is available for anyone to view and scrutinize on GitHub.

Proven No Logs Policy

Unlike Apple, PIA puts your privacy first. We follow a rigid No Logs policy, which means we don’t track, collect, or store your usage data.

Fast Speeds

Ditch laggy gaming, stuttering streams, and slow downloads. PIA’s NextGen servers are optimized to deliver the fastest speeds.

Global Server Network

Get an IP address from any location you want. Our server network covers 84 countries worldwide — including the UK, Canada, Australia, and every US state.

Unlimited Bandwidth

Use your Mac VPN for whatever you want, whenever you want, as often as you want. PIA will never cut your streaming, gaming, torrenting, or browsing short.

P2P Support

Binge on the latest episodes of The Mandalorian without buffering or stuttering. PIA’s streaming-optimized servers are compatible with all your favorite platforms.

Ads & Malware Blocker

PIA MACE stops ads, trackers, and malware from reaching and infecting your Mac. This helps your device run smoother and can save battery power.

24/7 Support

Contact our round-the-clock Customer Support whenever you want. We’ll answer any questions you might have about configuring PIA on your Mac.

Apple Private Relay vs Mac VPN

Apple Private Relay has some Mac VPN features, but it works only in Safari. It reroutes your traffic through relays, which encrypt your data. However, it doesn’t let you choose your virtual location. Private Relay also lacks extra security features like a kill switch, and may share your data with Apple’s undisclosed partners.

Apple Private Relay	Mac VPN
Reroutes your traffic through relays	Reroutes your traffic through servers
Masks your IP address and data	Masks your IP address and data
Minimal location network	Worldwide server network
Works in selected countries	Works across the globe
Secures data only in Safari	Secures data on your entire Mac
Lacks basic security features	Offers premium security features
Collects and stores your browsing details	Follows a strict No Logs policy

VPN Protection While Gaming on Mac

Gaming on Mac without a VPN is like moving through a Fortnite map without a weapon. PIA’s servers optimize your speeds, lower your ping, and stop ISP throttling, perfecting the conditions for making a kill. Connecting to a VPN also shields you from possible DDoS attacks, so you won’t get kicked out mid-game and lose valuable XP.

Get the Most Privacy-Focused VPN for macOS

PIA’s settings aren’t set in stone. Personalize your Mac connection as much or as little as you wish.

Features	Description
Strong Encryption	Swap between 128- and 256-bit AES encryption to give your Mac a protection boost when needed.
Secure Protocols	Fortify your traffic using the most secure open-source VPN protocols — OpenVPN and WireGuard®.
Split Tunneling	Control your VPN usage on a per-app basis to get the best balance of access and performance.
Advanced Kill Switch	Browse the internet in peace knowing patchy Wi-Fi connections won’t leak your data.
Automation	Set rules for PIA to automatically connect and disconnect for different types of network you use.
Multi-hop	Connect to an additional proxy server to boost your data protection and browsing privacy.
Obfuscation	Add an extra layer of encryption to stop third parties from detecting your VPN use.
DNS Leak Protection	Block third parties from monitoring your DNS requests — even if you’re using shaky public Wi-Fi.
Port Forwarding	Set up port forwarding in just a few steps to speed up torrenting on your Mac.
Washing Machine License	Free your Mac from unwanted junk and organize existing files for more efficient macOS use.

The Best VPN for Mac and Other Devices

PIA works on PCs, gaming consoles, smart TVs, routers, and more, and gives you unlimited device connections. Install PIA on your router to secure your entire home network at source.

PIA VPN for Mac Specification and System Requirements

Protocols	OpenVPN and WireGuard®
Encryption	128- and 256-bit AES / ChaCha20
Transport	UDP/TCP
Proxies	Shadowsocks and SOCKS5
Port Sections	UDP: 8080, 853, 121, 53, 1197, 1198 TCP: 8443, 853, 443, 80, 501, 502
Supported OS Versions	High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey
Minimum System Requirements	64-bit Mac system running macOS 10.13 or higher

Why Choose PIA VPN for Mac?

VPN Expertise

We’ve spent 10+ years creating the most secure Mac VPN with millions of satisfied customers.

Open Source Transparency

Our VPN source code is available for public scrutiny, showing we have nothing to hide.

Global Reach, US Focus

Choose from NextGen servers in 84 countries, including all 50 US states.

The Best VPN for Mac Trusted by Millions of Customers

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Choose The Plan That’s Right For You

All Plans Are Covered By Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Back to School Deal: 85% OFF

3 Years + 3 Months FREE

455.91€ 70€ per 3 years

140.28€ 37.19€ per year

All amounts are shown in EUR, and any discounts reflect a reduction based on the current monthly service pricing at 11.69 € per month.

BACK TO SCHOOL DEAL

3 Years + 3 Months FREE

455.91€ 70€ per 3 years

140.28€ 37.19€ per year

All amounts are shown in EUR, and any discounts reflect a reduction based on the current monthly service pricing at 11.69 € per month.

FAQ

Do I need a VPN on my Mac?

Probably. Using your Mac without a VPN leaves your data exposed to anyone who knows where to look. VPN encryption takes snoops out of the equation as it makes your traffic unreadable to third parties. Quality VPNs like PIA also come with a range of other security features that stop your data from leaking, even on dubious public networks.

Connecting to a VPN masks your IP address on Mac, too. This is invaluable for dodging IP trackers, but also for bypassing frustrating content firewalls.

Is it safe to use a VPN on my Mac?

Yes, but only with a safe VPN. When choosing a VPN service for Mac, look for must-have privacy and security features. This includes military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, verified VPN protocols, and a proven No Logs policy. These stop anyone from meddling with your data — even the VPN itself.

Can I download a free VPN for Mac?

Yes, but free VPNs come with hidden costs. Since they don’t make money through subscriptions, many sell your browsing data to the highest bidder. They also often come with limits on data, bandwidth, and speed, causing annoying buffering and slow loading.

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable service, buy PIA VPN instead. We have an iron-clad No Logs policy, keeping your data as private as can be. PIA won’t slow down your streams, games, or torrents either as it’s wired for top speeds, no matter where you are.

Does my Mac have a built-in VPN?

No, though it has a built-in VPN client. You can use it to set up a connection to a VPN provided by your employer, school, or other institution.

If you want a VPN for personal use, you need to install it on your Mac. It’s easy with PIA. Even if you don’t know what a VPN is, you’ll have no problem navigating our macOS app. Simply run our installer, launch PIA’s app, and connect!

Is Apple’s Private Relay a VPN?

No, Private Relay is a Safari proxy. Its main aim is to protect your data by pushing your traffic through 2 internet relays. This masks your IP address and hides your details from snoops, but Apple can still collect and store your metadata. It’s not a bad start, but it doesn’t offer as much online privacy as it should.

Private Relay’s protection works only in Safari, so you can’t use it for anything you do outside the browser. PIA VPN doesn’t limit what you can protect and instead secures all your Mac’s internet data in just one click.

Can I use PIA VPN on non-Apple devices at the same time?

Yes! One PIA subscription covers unlimited simultaneous connections on any compatible device. This means you can use our VPN for PC, Android, Linux, and more at the same time as your Mac and iPhone.

If you only want to protect your Mac’s browsing data, download our VPN Chrome extension or add-ons for Opera and Firefox.

Does PIA VPN offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, every PIA subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way you can put all of our macOS VPN features to the test and increase your privacy without any risk.

Still Not Convinced? Try PIA Risk-Free

You’re covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, get a refund.

Disclaimer: Per our Terms and Conditions, using PIA VPN for illegal purposes is not encouraged.

Private Internet Access has 10+ years of experience leading the VPN industry. With a strict no-logs policy, world-class server infrastructure, and transparent open-source software, PIA prioritizes your online privacy, security, and freedom above all else.

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Private Internet Access for Mac Review 2022: Features, Price and Alternatives

A VPN or virtual private network is an essential tool for those who want to mask their browsing habits while they’re online. Private Internet Access or “PIA” for Mac is one of the most popular options available, and it offers great reliability, decent speeds, and plenty of options to choose from. It also imposes no restrictions and promises not to log any traffic data.

Pros	Cons
Reliable connectivity	Decent but not amazing speeds
Plenty of location options to choose from
Simple setup
Built-in ad blocking
Does not log your activities

Intro

If you’re the kind of Mac user who cares about your privacy – especially when you’re online – then a reliable virtual private network (VPN) is a must. When you browse the web with a VPN, everything you do online is hidden and anonymized. No one, not even your internet service provider (ISP) and sometimes not even the VPN itself, can see what you’re up to. One of the biggest VPN services out there is Private Internet Access (PIA).Since it launched in 2010, PIA has acquired more than 15 million users around the world by offering a safe and reliable service. It promises to be extra careful with your data, doesn’t log any of your browsing activities, and it allows you to browse the internet from more than 2,000 servers across 78 countries. PIA doesn’t restrict your internet usage, and it’s affordable.

So, should you consider Private Internet Access if you’re looking for a VPN? We’ve been using the service for the past couple of weeks to find out.

Features

PIA does everything a modern VPN service is expected to do and more. It not only masks your internet activities, but also includes an ad blocker that makes almost every website you visit cleaner and faster. A built-in kill switch ensures that if you lose your connection to PIA’s servers, your Mac goes offline until a safe connection can be restored, and there are plenty of user options to choose from. If you run into a problem, 24/7 customer support is available.

PIA gives you thousands of VPN servers across 78 countries to choose from. That means it’s not only great at hiding your activities, but it also gives you the option to access websites and streaming services that aren’t available in your country. After installing PIA on your Mac, activating the VPN connection is as simple as using the PIA controls in your menu bar.

VPN

Select the PIA button to open the menu, and in just a couple of clicks, you can choose the location you want to connect to the internet from, and start your VPN connection. Once it’s enabled, you’ll be browsing from a PIA server with a random IP address, which cannot be traced back to your computer. Everything you do is completely hidden.

That not only includes the websites you visit and any services you might use, but also the files and torrents you download. Not even your ISP is able to see what you’re up to, which prevents them from blocking your access to certain websites – like torrent hosts. What’s more, PIA is completely unlimited, so you can browse and download as much as you like.

In our experience, PIA has been incredibly reliable. It very rarely drops your connection – even when you’re using servers on the other side of the world – and when it does, you can set it so that your Mac is disconnected from the internet until a VPN connection can be resumed. This prevents your ISP from seeing what you’re up to while the VPN connection is down.

We’ve found PIA’s speeds to be decent, but not exceptional. I have a 500 Mbps connection at home, and although I only get around 400 Mbps over Wi-Fi thanks to a less than stellar router, I haven’t seen speeds increase over 250 Mbps when the PIA VPN is active. Having said that, PIA is as fast, if not faster, than other VPN services I’ve used in the past.

(Speed test with and without PIA enabled.)

Of course, speed can fluctuate a lot and depends on a number of factors, the most important of which is the VPN server you’re connected to. Servers in your home country are going to be a lot faster than those that are located thousands of miles away on another continent. Bear this in mind if you predominantly want to use a VPN to access services exclusive to other countries.

Security

As we mentioned earlier, PIA takes user security incredibly seriously. It does not log user activity, and it uses strong end-to-end encryption that prevents third parties from intercepting your PIA connection to find out what you’re up to. In fact, not even PIA itself can access that information.

All PIA apps – including the Mac client – are 100% open source, which allows anyone to download and inspect their source code to ensure that they operate entirely as advertised. And unlike most VPN providers, PIA is completely transparent about the user data requests it receives from law enforcement and government agencies.

According to a tracker on its website, PIA has received nine court orders, six subpoenas, and six warrants to date. And it did not produce any logs or browsing data in any of those cases.

Advanced options

In addition to its wide range of server options and an automatic kill switch, PIA also offers some neat features for advanced users. This includes split tunneling, port forwarding, the ability to set automated rules, custom DNS options, remote ports, proxies, and more. And, if you need it, you can also pay a little more to add antivirus protection and a dedicated IP address.

The good news is that if you’re a novice VPN user, or you simply don’t need advanced features like this, you never have to worry about them. PIA is simple to set up on Mac, and when you need it, it can be activated and deactivated in just a couple of clicks.

Price

Despite its impressive feature set, leading security, and almost countless server options, PIA is just as affordable as its closest competitors. Prices start at $11.99 per month, while six months is priced at $45. However, you can currently subscribe for two years for just $56.94, but note that after the first two years, this option is billed at $56.94 per year.

One of the best things about Private Internet Access is that it is immensely generous with its connections. As standard, one subscription lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. That’s more than double the number of connections most VPNs offer.

Summary

Private Internet Access calls itself “the number one best VPN service,” and although we can’t verify that claim, we can certainly see why it’s so popular. It’s not only easy to set up and use on Mac, but in our testing, we’ve found it to be incredibly reliable. It very rarely drops your VPN connection, and although its speeds aren’t outstanding, they are very good.

I’ve used plenty of VPN services over the years, and very few have proven to be as reliable and as user-friendly as PIA. There are advanced options if you need them, built-in ad blocking as an added bonus, and optional antivirus protection if you’re willing to pay more. What’s more, PIA is affordable and generous with simultaneous connections.