Can I use a VPN on a Mac?
Also asked as: How do I set up a VPN on macOS? · Does macOS have a built-in VPN?
Direct answer
Yes. macOS runs VPN apps, accepts an IKEv2 or L2TP profile under System Settings, and its browsers take VPN extensions. A full app covers every program on the Mac; an extension covers the browser only. VPNmine's native macOS app is in preparation; today the VPNmine extension for Chrome, Edge, Opera and Firefox covers browsing on any Mac.
The three routes
A VPN app: the system asks once to add a VPN configuration, then the app manages everything. This is the only route for WireGuard, which macOS does not ship in System Settings.
A profile: System Settings, VPN, Add VPN Configuration for IKEv2 or L2TP. Fine for a workplace VPN that hands you the details; tedious for a consumer service.
A browser extension: routes the browser through the VPN and leaves Mail, Messages and everything else on your own connection. Often enough on a Mac, where most traffic is the browser anyway.
VPNmine on a Mac today
The native macOS app is in preparation. The VPNmine extension installs in Chrome, Edge, Opera and Firefox on macOS and routes browsing through the same 19-country network as the apps; the account you use with it signs straight into the desktop app when it ships.
Related questions
- Does VPNmine work on Mac?The native VPNmine macOS app is in preparation. Today the VPNmine extension for Chrome, Edge, Opera and Firefox covers browsing on any Mac.
- Can I use a VPN on Windows?Windows 10 and 11 run VPN apps and have a built-in client for some protocols. Which to use, why the app needs admin rights, and how to install VPNmine.
- VPN extension vs VPN app: which one do I need?An extension routes the browser through the VPN; an app routes the whole device. When the browser is all you need, when it is not, and how VPNmine does both.
- Can I use a VPN on iPhone?iOS runs VPN apps through Apple's Network Extension framework and accepts IKEv2 profiles. What the configuration prompt means, and where VPNmine for iOS stands.