

Like split tunneling, this can be set up to either prevent all connections from running without a VPN, or only the apps you choose. also has what it calls a ‘Stealth Guard’, which can prevent certain apps from running at all without an active VPN connection. You can create a list of apps which use the VPN or a list of exceptions, meaning an active connection doesn’t have to apply to your whole device. Split tunneling is here too, a feature you won’t find on many VPN services for the Mac. There’s a built-in kill switch, which automatically stops apps from sending data over your internet connection should the VPN tunnel ever collapse, a crucial feature for maintaining your privacy.

What's great about it is that you're not limited to the pre-set 'hops' - you can tap Add Multihop and pick the countries you want the hops to go via.Ī quick look through the Settings menu reveals many of its other key features. However, it’s still in beta at the time of writing, so don’t expect it to work flawlessly.

You’ll also find the MultiHop feature on this screen, which routes your traffic through two servers for extra protection. There’s also a separate streaming section here and it’s great to see dedicated servers for individual services, and there’s even a link to a Google Form if you want to request one that’s not listed. A search bar does simplify things, though, and you can star ‘favorite’ servers for easy access. Once you get there, a long scrolling list doesn’t feel like the best way to present the information. Clicking a small button of a small floating window that can’t be resized feels like a poor use of space.

That was my go-to method while testing it, as the app itself is clunky by comparison. The icon appears there once you open the app, offering a quick and easy way to access your favourite servers without interrupting what you’re doing.
#HIDE MY VPN FREE FOR MAC FULL#
Like most VPNs, makes full use of the Menu bar at the top of the display in macOS. In some cases virtual servers can actually be beneficial as they can lead to faster connection speeds, so don't dismiss other VPNs because of these. They’re also all physical – doesn’t operate virtual servers. These are based within 47 countries around the world, including the UK, US and Australia.
#HIDE MY VPN FREE FOR MAC MAC#
The focus of this review will therefore be on the premium subscription – how favourably does it compare to the best VPNs you can get for your Mac (and beyond)? Features & appsĪs of July 2021, VPN has a total of more than 1900 servers across 75 locations. It has a respectable free tier for occasional use, but like many free VPNs you’re very limited in terms of which servers you can use.
#HIDE MY VPN FREE FOR MAC FOR MAC#
VPN has been around for almost a decade and offers a compelling service for Mac users - on paper, at least. You might want to accessing local versions of Netflix to see the latest movies or episodes not available in your country or so you can watch BBC iPlayer from outside the UK. The other main reason to use a VPN is for unblocking geo-restricted content that’s not officially available where you’re physically located. However, it’s not a foolproof solution – signing in on sites such as Amazon and Google means you can still be tracked and monitored by those companies. This gives you a new IP address, meaning it's very difficult to trace your online activity back to you. It also leaves you vulnerable to cybercriminals intent on stealing personally identifiable information (PII) such as addresses and bank details.Ī VPN mitigates this threat by encrypting the connection between your device and a server on the internet. Despite the security measures put in place by many browsers and websites, there’s nothing stopping your internet service provider (ISP) or even the government from knowing what you’re up to. If you’re serious about your online privacy, an effective VPN is an indispensable tool.
