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VPN for MacOS & IOS?

B

b2387692

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 9, 2014
146
8
Hello all,
Running macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) on MBP & Mini; also running IOS (11.4.1), on iPhone 7. I'm looking for a quality VPN that I can use on each device. No gaming usage but needs to work well with streaming live sporting events. I've read, that some VPN perform better and/or faster with Mac. That said, I'd appreciate feedback and recommendations, from experienced Mac & VPN users.
 
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I use VyprVPN, it's pretty fast, it's available on all platforms.

App doesn't work on Mojave yet.

ExpressVPN is also good, thought from my experience not as fast.
 
TheAnvil said:
I use VyprVPN, it's pretty fast, it's available on all platforms.

App doesn't work on Mojave yet.

ExpressVPN is also good, thought from my experience not as fast.
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Thanks, I'll check them out.

When you say "fast"...
For what type of usage i.e. gaming, streaming, etc...?
 
Having used a few I have mixed feelings about them. I use Nord VPN and you can get some servers that are just terrible and others that fly, kinda a mixup on what you'll get. I tested VyprVPN and it was not bad, but I ended up going with Nord because of a promotion they had going on at the time for 3 years.
 
b2387692 said:
Thanks, I'll check them out.

When you say "fast"...
For what type of usage i.e. gaming, streaming, etc...?
Click to expand...

Download speeds of over 6MB/s (~50mbps), gaming works well, but I'm into strategy games not twitch shooters.

Can't stream Netflix with most VPNs these days, I use a DNS services for streaming from Amazon, so I can't really comment.
 
You could try rolling your own with Algo (https://github.com/trailofbits/algo) - gives you an IKEv2 VPN endpoint on your own VPS in any locations of your choosing, which works with any iOS or MacOS device with no additional software installation on the device. Very easy to set up by following the instructions at the link.
 
BigMcGuire said:
Having used a few I have mixed feelings about them. I use Nord VPN and you can get some servers that are just terrible and others that fly, kinda a mixup on what you'll get. I tested VyprVPN and it was not bad, but I ended up going with Nord because of a promotion they had going on at the time for 3 years.
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upandown said:
NordVPN
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Thanks!
Did a bit more research...FWIW, I've subscribed to and trusted, "Consumer Reports", for years and I found that they did write up on "How to Choose a VPN for Digital Privacy and Security", in March, where they mention Nord VPN and another VPN called "TunnelBear". That said, here's what they said to look for in a VPN, which both of these have/do.

Cybersecurity experts say the best VPNs...
Are secure and easy to use.
Support your computer & mobile devices with the same account.
Connections are always on, or initiated with just a click, are better than logging-in each time.
Have lots of servers.
Subjects itself to independent security audits and publishes the results.
Does not log any user activity.

I also found The Best Mac VPNs of 2018 by PC Mag, from June, where they rate Nord VPN "Best" overall but also have the following to say about TunnelBear...Please note macOS mentions...

Pros: The best overall speed test scores for macOS. Friendly, charming interface. Blocks ads. Excellent privacy policies. Unique features specifically for macOS. Plays nice with Netflix. Bears.

Cons: Few server locations (Connection spots in 20 countries, and your machine will automatically connect to the closest available point.). No P2P or BitTorrent allowed.

Bottom Line: TunnelBear has always offered a great experience and excellent protection with its VPN software, and it shines on macOS. With a robust network of servers, a killer interface, strong speed test scores, and unique features for macOS, it's an Editor's Choice.

Anyone having experience, with both Nord & TunnelBear on macOS or IOS, I'd appreciate your feedback.
 
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Nordvpn does allow for PSP. They've been expanding and I'm assuming they have one of the largest lists over servers at this time. Also due to where their company is based (Panama), they have one of the strictest logging and release of log policies.

I have had a few issues over the years with nordvpn. But it wasn't anything permanent or that couldnt be fixed. And to be fair I've had issues with every vpn I've tried. It's the nature of the beast. I think nord had some growing pains but as of late they've been great. Very fast speeds in hotels with almost zero drop outs lately. I recommend them. I used to use expressvpn which was also good but switched to nordvpn for their logging policies.
 
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Found this Online Privacy Tools and Information site (RestorePrivacy.com), not familiar with the source but appears informative on VPNs...What is a VPN – Ultimate Guide & Tutorial

NordVPN is their 3rd rated behind "ExpressVPN" & "Perfect Privacy", based on the following ranking criteria:
-Located in a good privacy jurisdiction (outside of 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, 14 Eyes <<< INTERESTING!)
-Passed all tests with no leaks found whatsoever (no IP address leaks or DNS leaks)
-Established company with a good track record and history (no new/unknown VPN providers)
-Supports the OpenVPN protocol and strong encryption standards
-Offers a money-back guarantee (between 7 and 30 days)

FWIW: Here's what they said about TunnelBear Nov. '17: "TunnelBear is a user-friendly and secure VPN service that is now owned by a large, US-based cybersecurity company (McAfee). While TunnelBear does offer decent applications, performance was not not great when tested against other industry-leading VPNs Considering everything, TunnelBear does not earn a recommendation"
 
dukebound85 said:
I use Private Internet Access. It's one of the FEW that don't keep logs and is always highly rated
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I second PIA. For iOS, I use OpenVPN as a client (free), and PIA has OpenVPN-specific config files you can download and import into OpenVPN. For MacOS, I use Viscosity, which costs $$ for a license, but is well worth it IMO as it is much much better than the PIA client. Viscosity will also import the very same OpenVPN config files you downloaded already.
 
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