Most technology enthusiasts have probably heard the term VPN. It’s especially thrown around the enterprise IT world.
Our review is about the best VPN service for Mac 2018
So what exactly is VPN? VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. In short, it connects a client device (Mac, PC, iPhone, Android etc.) that is using an unsecured Wi-Fi or wired connection to a secured network and encrypt transmitting data.
It also allows you to unblock websites and apps that are blocked due to some local Internet restrictions.
Apple has good support for VPN built right into Mac OS X and iOS.
VPN is a critical solution for customers of all sizes. iOS devices send and receive a lot of personal data, and public Wi-Fi isn’t as safe as many of us would like to believe it is.
While many companies offer VPN service for Mac OS X and iOS, VPN Privacy Service is our favorite. Sahrzad is a close second.
With its “set it and forget it” approach, VPN Privacy is the easiest VPN to use. It connects to the VPN server from any Wi-Fi and cable network. Sahrzad has more competitive pricing, but it requires you to manually connect when you want to secure your connection.
Why is a VPN important?
So why is VPN important for Mac ? On the Mac, when you are away from home, you really have 2 options for connectivity: cellular tethering or Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi, for all its great qualities, can be insecure if deployed incorrectly. How do you know that someone isn’t sniffing packets on your local coffee shop’s Wi-Fi? How do you know what security measures are put into place at the hotel you are staying at? You don’t.
You should never connect to a Wi-Fi network that you didn’t install without using a VPN. This includes Wi-Fi that requires a password. The existence of a password does not mean that it is secure once you connect to it.
Using a VPN
What are the options for Mac users? We want to use free WiFi when it is available, but how do we stay secure? There are so many VPN services to help ensure your browsing is secure, but I’m going to focus on 2 for the purposes of this article.
They were tested by us in different countries and different networks.
VPN Privacy Service http://vpnprivacy.services
VPN Privacy is a VPN service that supports PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. The thing that VPN Privacy does that more generic services don’t is that it’s built for regular people, not IT administrators. Pricing is fairly simple, but check their plans for the most up-to-date information.
Mac and iOS pricing:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 1 week access: $3.5
- 1 month acess: $10
Setting VPN Privacy up on Mac is incredibly simple. You create the connection using native Mac VPN client or install simple app for SSTP VPN option. 97 servers in all continents, unlimited traffic and fast support.
Once it’s installed, you are likely to not use the VPN Privacy unless you are purchasing a plan at http://vpnprivacy.services/buy-vpn-account.html
To activate the VPN simply input your username/password and server and switch to connect. That’s all.
Sahrzad VPN Service http://sahrzad.net
Sahrzad supports PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. Type of VPN s – PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, SSTP.
VPN Servers are located USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. 2 simultaneous connections per one VPN account, No traffic logs and unlimited bandwidth (must have for Torrenting )
Plans
Unlimited bandwidth
- 1 week access: $3.99
- 1 month acess: $9.99
3, 6, 12 months plans with a cheaper offers at http://sahrzad.net/plans.php
Simple and convenient setup process. Ready to work Mac OS app (SSTP option).
So, what’s the best option?
VPN Privacy and Sahrzad each have 2 distinct advantages. VPN Privacy is little cheaper on the weekly plan, but Sahrzad cheaper for the long term plans.
If you are the type of person who frequently uses public Wi-Fi (traveling, coffee shop meetings, etc.) or need to unblock some websites I recommend VPN Privacy.
If you spends the majority of the day at home and work (and you trust your work Wi-Fi), then Sahrzad is probably a better choice because it’s a cheaper on the yearly plan.
Whatever you do, if you use Wi-Fi that you don’t manage, make sure you are using a VPN.
Sources:
http://vpnprivacy.services/news/best-vpn-for-android-2018/