VPNs are beneficial for gamers and streaming viewers, but they also enhance security and ensure privacy while you’re online, making them useful for all internet users.
Below we look at whether Mac users need to use a VPN device. We also provide information for those questioning VPN safety and wanting to how to choose a service that improves online security and privacy. One big question many users have is whether a free service offers the kind of protection you’re looking for while online. According to software reviews expert Aleksander Stevanovic, free VPNs don’t necessarily enhance security but might actually compromise your system. So, should you use a paid alternative? Let’s find out.
What is a VPN?
Whether you want to game on overseas servers on your Windows PC, stream geo-locked content on your Android phone, or want additional security for your Mac, a VPN can provide these benefits and more.
What does it do?
Typically, when you visit a website or go online, the IP address of your device is registered with the website. An IP address gives your general location, although not a specific address. This happens when you connect to any online service, whether that’s a game server being accessed by your console or a news site you visit on Safari. Without an IP address, you won’t be able to go online. However, submitting your own IP address can cause security issues and other problems.
A VPN enables you to avoid these issues and offers the following features:
Access locked content: An IP address doesn’t give details of your specific address, but it does include location data such as the city and even ZIP code or postcode of your location. Some streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, lock users from some regions out of certain content. Even some websites prevent people from some countries from accessing their content. With a VPN, you can choose the location of the server you connect with. This enables you to access foreign streaming services and geo-blocked websites.
Keep your browsing activities private: When you access the internet, your ISP receives information about what data you transmit and receive, as well as your IP address. This means your online activity can, in theory, be viewed. When you use a VPN, the service obfuscates this information. Your ISP will know you’re accessing the internet, and that you’re doing so using a VPN, but won’t be able to see any other information about your activities.
Enhance your gaming experience: Online gaming means connecting to one of the game’s servers. Some servers can only be used by local gamers, which means you might be blocked from the best content, and even from entire games if you don’t live in the right location. Using a VPN server that is local to the game server means that additional content and other games can be unlocked for you. It can even improve latency.
Improve security: As well as masking your IP address, a VPN server encrypts all data sent and received by your devices. This means hackers and other third parties can’t steal any information, even if they were able to track your IP address. Even if you improve your Safari security settings, a VPN takes it up another level.
Do you need a VPN with a Mac?
Macs, just like Windows and Linux-based PCs, need to submit an IP address when they go online. As such, Mac users face the same geo-restrictions and the same security issues as any other user. Similarly, iPhones can benefit from accessing the internet via a VPN connection, in exactly the same way that Android and Windows cellphones can. It is just as beneficial for Mac users to have a VPN as it is for anybody else.
Choosing the best Mac VPN
There are a lot of VPN services out there, and while most offer similar service, they aren’t equal. When choosing a service for you, consider the following factors:
Compatibility
Most VPNs offer Mac compatibility as standard, along with Windows access, but you should check before you sign up. Also, consider what other devices you will be using. It can be a good idea to use the VPN on your cellphones and other mobile devices. And, if you want to use the service for online gaming on a console, ensure that the VPN provides server compatibility, because you won’t be able to install the VPN directly onto the console.
Number of connections
A lot of services provide access for multiple devices as standard, but it does depend on the cost of the VPN and the package you choose. If you’re connecting all devices in the home, and multiple people live at home and use the internet at the same time, you might need support for half a dozen devices to connect simultaneously.
Security
Security features should include a VPN firewall, the use of strong VPN protocols, and at least AES-256 data encryption. These features will ensure your data is kept secure from all possible unauthorized use. Also, ensure the service offers a kill switch. If the VPN connection fails while you’re connected, your connection will effectively be unmasked and your data will be transmitted as though you never used a VPN. A kill switch kicks in as soon as a dropped connection is detected, disconnecting you from the internet and maintaining security.
Logging policy
Most VPNs claim to offer a no-log policy, which means they do not store any data or information about your internet use. However, this no-log policy should be independently verified to ensure that your information really is secure.
Speed and performance
When you connect to the internet via a VPN server, it can mean a slower connection, although with the best VPNs, the difference should be unnoticeable. Check the connection speeds you will receive because the last thing you want is buffering screens when you’re watching video content or lag when you’re gaming.
Server location and availability
Server location does matter. One that is local to you may help reduce lag for general internet use. But, if you want to access geo-locked content like games or TV, you will need VPN servers located close to those service’s servers. Check the games you play and find out where most of the servers are located. Choose a VPN service with servers in that area. And, if you want to watch U.S. TV content, for example, choose a VPN service with servers in the United States.
Ease of use
A VPN shouldn’t be complicated. Once installed, you should be able to connect and disconnect easily, as well as choose the most appropriate server for your connection. If the service is too complicated, it may make you less inclined to use it.
Conclusion
VPNs are great for viewing geo-locked content and online gaming. Overseas viewers can watch U.S. content with the right VPN. Plus, VPNs can be used to access real money online casino websites from countries where online gambling is restricted. VPNs also provide security and anonymity while online, and they are not only beneficial for Windows PC users but also for Mac users. Avoid using a free service and opt for the one that offers servers in the regions you require, while also checking speed and performance data, to get the best VPN for you.
