Why Everyone Is Downloading NordVPN for Mac in 2025

NordVPN is definitely one of the best options for securing your macOS devices. It boasts strong encryption, excellent speed, and a whole host of advanced security features that ensure it is perfectly geared for both the user concerned with privacy and the one merely looking to unlock any geo-restricted content.

Whether you want to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi or you need some extra security for work or streaming, this amazing VPN provider will definitely meet all your expectations.

Here, we go through the benefits of NordVPN for Mac and its pricing, as well as our plans to get you the best deal available for macOS.

Why Use NordVPN on Mac?

You probably already know why online privacy and security matter if you are a Mac user. But even macOS has many built-in protections.

NordVPN still brings these to a new level for your complete online security and privacy in the modern Mac environment.

Below are some of the benefits of NordVPN on Mac:

Enhanced Privacy & Security

It scrambles your internet traffic by using military-grade AES-256 encryption. This means that all of your browsing data, passwords and sensitive information will remain well-protected from prying eyes.

Whether you are working from a coffee shop, accessing the web on public Wi-Fi or simply using your internet connection at home, beyond the basic security built into macOS, this VPN also provides a power-packed kill switch feature.

It will automatically cut off your internet access if the VPN connection drops, making sure no data leaks. This is one of the many reasons you should install NordVPN on Mac.

You can learn more about how this protective feature works by reading our guide on the VPN kill switch.

Bypassing Geo-Restrictions

One of the top reasons people turn to NordVPN for Mac is to get around geo-restrictions.

Whether you are traveling or just looking for a few shows in the Netflix library available in another country, it makes things pretty easy for you.

You can browse international content on services such as Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer and watch banned shows or films in your region.

Speed for Streaming & Gaming

Speed is a very big concern that may crop up while using a VPN, but NordVPN’s own NordLynx protocol which is based on WireGuard offers a high-speed performance with no compromise to security.

Mac users will appreciate how effortlessly they can stream in 4K, enjoy fast downloads and have lag-free gaming experiences with NordVPN Mac capabilities.

Privacy Protection from ISPs

Even though Apple touts that it is for privacy, your Internet service provider can track what you are surfing.

Your Mac will send all its internet traffic through safe servers with NordVPN on MacBook support. This will be very helpful especially when surfing through public WiFi or traveling.

User-Friendly macOS App

The NordVPN Mac setup is intuitive. The app for macOS is designed to be easy and simple in its approach. It can be very natural for a VPN pro or for a newbie.

One click and you are connected. It also automatically connects you when you are within an unsecured network, so you are protected all the time with NordVPN macOS reliability.

Need help navigating the app? Our NordVPN app usability guide has everything you need.

Extra Features for Mac Users

It also brings some goodies for power users. If you need an additional layer of encryption, you may find the feature called Double VPN useful. You can actually route your traffic through two VPN servers in a row.

CyberSec also blocks ads and malware for faster and safer browsing on your Mac.

With NordVPN split tunneling Mac now supported, you can choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t, a major plus for multitaskers.

Explore these advanced NordVPN features that can level up your privacy and performance.

How to Use NordVPN on macOS

The NordVPN application for macOS is among the most user-friendly and adjustable VPN applications you will ever see.

Let us break down its key features and how it increases your VPN experience on macOS.

NordVPN Setup for Mac

The NordVPN Mac setup can be done in minutes.

Download NordVPN for Mac from the official website or its version for macOS is available at the Mac App Store, depending on the macOS variant you use. Installation is very easy and with just a few clicks, it is all set to roll.

Once installed, all it requires is logging into an account and then the user will have to face an intuitive interface with which they can connect to a VPN server within just a few seconds.

User Interface (UI) and Design

The NordVPN macOS client is sleek, modern and very minimalistic. This kind of simplicity is bound to serve both beginners and long-time VPN users.

You can select a country and server to connect to directly on the map by just clicking on the location pin.

There is also a “Quick Connect” button that easily finds and connects to the best server according to your location.

The server list on the right-hand menu provides more detailed options. You may choose servers optimized for certain activities, be it P2P sharing, streaming or Double VPN, in case you require maximum security.

You might also look for specific countries and servers or filter by specialty.

Compatibility and Performance

The app is compatible with macOS versions 10.12 and above, which means it works on a broad spectrum of Apple devices.

Thanks to the NordLynx protocol, the NordVPN for Mac app offers some of the fastest speeds available, so it’s very convenient for bandwidth-intensive tasks such as streaming 4K video or gaming.

How to Install NordVPN on Mac?

Installing NordVPN on a Mac is a straightforward process that ensures your system is secure within minutes.

Whether you’re new to VPNs or an experienced user, the setup is easy and efficient.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting this VPN service up and running on your macOS device:

Sign Up for NordVPN

Before you can download NordVPN for Mac, you’ll need an active NordVPN subscription.

Head over to the NordVPN website and choose a plan that suits your needs. Moreover, you can also get a NordVPN subscription through vpn.com with extra discounts and lifetime support.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be ready to proceed with the installation and install Nord VPN on Mac easily.

Download the NordVPN App

You have two options to download NordVPN for Mac:

Option 1: Via the NordVPN Website

• Go to the official NordVPN website and navigate to the “Downloads” section.
• Choose the macOS version.
• The NordVPN Mac download should begin automatically.

Option 2: Via the Mac App Store

• Open the Mac App Store on your Mac.
• Search for NordVPN in the search bar.
• Click Get to download and install the app on your MacBook.

Install NordVPN on macOS

Once you have downloaded NordVPN for Mac, follow these steps:

• If you downloaded it from the website, locate the NordVPN installer file in your Downloads folder.
• Double-click the installer to launch the installation process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions, such as agreeing to the terms and conditions and entering your Mac’s administrator password when prompted.

Open the NordVPN App

After installation, you can find NordVPN for macOS in your Applications folder or by using Spotlight Search (Cmd + Space).

Launch the app and log in using the email address and password associated with your NordVPN Mac account.

Configure Settings and Connect

Once logged in, you’ll be greeted by NordVPN’s easy-to-navigate interface. To connect:

• Tap the Quick Connect button and it will automatically select the best server for you based on location and load.
• Use the map interface or country list to manually choose a server. This is useful if you’re looking to access content from a specific country using NordVPN on a MacBook.

Still need help? Visit our NordVPN installation page for complete walkthroughs.

Advanced Settings (Optional)

NordVPN macOS offers additional settings you can configure:

• Enable Kill Switch: This feature ensures that if your VPN connection drops, your internet connection will be cut off to prevent data leaks.
• Enable CyberSec: Its ad-blocking and anti-malware features can be toggled in the app’s settings.
• Protocol Selection: You can manually switch between NordLynx (faster connection) and OpenVPN protocols if desired.

Enjoy Secure Browsing

That’s it! You’re now connected to NordVPN on Mac and can browse the internet with privacy and security.

Manual Installation for OpenVPN

If you prefer to use OpenVPN instead of the NordVPN Mac app, follow these steps:

• Download the Tunnelblick app (a free, open-source OpenVPN client for macOS).
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files from the NordVPN website.
• Import the configuration files into Tunnelblick.
• Connect to your VPN using the Tunnelblick app.

This option is more technical but allows for greater control over your VPN settings.

Does NordVPN Work on Mac: NordVPN Performance

Regarding performance, NordVPN for macOS is renowned for impressive speed, reliability and overall security.

Let us break down the key aspects of how it performs on Apple devices and why NordVPN is the go-to choice for macOS users.

Speed and Stability

NordVPN Mac is considered one of the quickest VPNs in existence, and that is definitely true of its macOS operation.

The installation of the NordLynx protocol, which is based on the technical foundation of WireGuard, has brought about a drastic jump in performance without compromising on security.

On macOS, NordVPN on Mac offers incredible latency, with little loss in speed at a range of only 10–15%, which makes it one of the most efficient VPNs for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming, large file downloads and even gaming.

Performance Highlights

• Streaming: The services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer function well with NordVPN. The servers dedicated to streaming make sure fast video content without any buffering in 4K resolution.
• Torrenting: It provides fast and secure torrents on Mac OS. There are P2P-optimized servers available. You can download any large files without significant slowdowns or connection drops.
• Server Network: NordVPN for Mac users has access to more than 7,400 servers in 118 countries. This immense server choice helps increase speed due to minimal server crowding.

Security and Privacy

Its state-of-the-art encryption and privacy protocols also shine on macOS. It uses AES-256 encryption, the strongest available, so all data sent from your device is secure.

The NordVPN Mac app also includes several built-in features focused on security:

• Kill Switch: When a VPN connection is disrupted mistakenly, Kill Switch instantly cuts off access to the internet in order to prevent any form of data leakage.
• CyberSec: It has built-in malware and ad blockers that protect macOS users from unwanted ads and malicious content.
• Double VPN: Users can enjoy a more secure experience through NordVPN by routing their traffic through two different VPN servers in order to double the encryption level.
• DNS Leak Protection: NordVPN for macOS has DNS leak protection. This implies that your IP and other web-related activities would not leak out because of DNS leaks.

User Experience on macOS

The NordVPN Mac setup is seamless and the native macOS app is user-friendly and well-integrated with Apple’s interface guidelines.

You can connect to a server with just a couple of clicks or select one based on your use case: streaming, torrenting or advanced privacy.

App Features

• Quick Connect: With one click, connect to the fastest server, ensuring top NordVPN Mac performance every time.
• Manual server selection: More control at your fingertips; you can pick the server based on the region and specialty needs P2P, streaming and Double VPN.

Optimized for macOS Devices

The NordVPN application is well-optimized for macOS and set up so as not to hinder any performance from unnecessary processes.

Its usage does not cause conflicts with the newest macOS Monterey or such older versions as macOS Catalina and Big Sur.

It will consume minimal system resources and work pretty efficiently in the background, which is why it is a good choice for users who require continuous running of the VPN without sacrificing performance.

OS X users can also count on NordVPN’s power-efficient design that has little impact on battery life even when it is continuously used by an application.

For the MacBook user, this goes quite a long way in ensuring convenience in case of continuous usage while on the go.

NordVPN Advanced Features for Mac Users

NordVPN for Mac offers some great features to a macOS user, putting it among the outstanding options when a basic VPN function is no longer enough.

So, what are the most important features and how do they specifically enhance the NordVPN macOS experience?

CyberSec

The standout feature for macOS users will be the ad-blocking and malware protection tool known as CyberSec from NordVPN Mac.

CyberSec not only blocks intrusive ads but also denies access to damaging sites while protecting against botnet control.

For Mac users, this feature is beneficial because many Safari users still experience unwanted ads and this feature works across all browsers not just Safari.

Once activated, CyberSec blocks DNS requests for malicious sites, malware, phishing schemes and trackers; this makes your browsing through the Mac much safer, especially for those who install NordVPN on Mac as a daily privacy tool.

Kill Switch

Kill Switch is a must-have if you are looking for security through a VPN on a Mac. Let’s say your VPN connection drops.

The Kill Switch of NordVPN will block all your internet traffic until the connection is restored, preventing any data leaks from this side.

Types of Kill Switches for Mac

• App Kill Switch: You have the option to choose the applications that should close if the VPN connection drops. This is useful for users who need apps available for private activities, like banking or even cryptocurrency transactions.
• System-Wide Kill Switch: This feature cuts off all your Mac’s internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, giving you a more comprehensive layer of protection through the NordVPN Mac app.

Double VPN

It offers a feature called Double VPN, which is available on macOS. It routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers, not one.

This double encryption further strengthens your privacy, making it nearly impossible for people to trace your online activities when using NordVPN on Mac.

Double VPN is very useful for journalists, activists and users in highly restricted online censorship regions. Your data will be safe even under high-risk circumstances.

If you’re curious how it enhances protection, check out our detailed Double VPN guide.

Onion Over VPN

Of course, if the customers desired anonymity, they were provided with the inclusion of Onion Over VPN. This is what enabled them to connect to the Tor network via the VPN.

The inclusion of a further level of encryption and anonymity would allow users to be totally anonymous online.

You won’t need to download a separate package for the Tor browser, as NordVPN has integrated Tor functionality right into its VPN connection.

This simplifies the process and allows you to get a safer connection.

Split Tunneling

NordVPN split-tunneling Mac is a flexible feature that allows you to route selected traffic through the VPN while letting other apps or websites connect to the internet directly.

It is a flexible feature for users who want to encrypt selected apps or websites while keeping others on their regular internet connection.

You might stream Netflix through the VPN to reach geo-restricted content but access your local online banking service without the VPN at the same time.

To learn more about how split tunneling works and how to set it up, check out this guide on VPN split tunneling.

Meshnet

Meshnet is a new feature that is not more than three months old and allows you to create encrypted private networks over the Internet.

So the idea is that you can route traffic between any kind of device and this is really useful if you want to host virtual LAN parties on your Mac or get some files back from other devices without having to first upload them to the cloud.

Meshnet will be useful for Mac users who work remotely since it allows accessing home devices in a safe and reliable manner without third-party cloud services or collaborating on projects with other teammates.

NordVPN Pricing and Plans for macOS Users

NordVPN for macOS has multiple plans depending on the time of subscription and the services subscribed to.

Below is a quick look at the subscription plans, with flexible pricing across monthly, yearly, and extended options to match your budget and streaming preferences.

Subscription Plans and Pricing

Swipe to see the complete pricing chart

For more details on the full pricing breakdown, you can visit our guide to NordVPN pricing and plans.

Why Opt for a Long-Term Plan?

Where the monthly option might be useful for occasional use, the longer plans provide value far in excess.

If you are a frequent traveler or you spend much time working in public areas, consider the 1 or 2 year option. It will be cheaper on a price-per-month basis and you’ll benefit from full-time protection on your NordVPN MacBook.

In summary, the macOS user is going to discover quite a bit of flexibility in their pricing plans. It runs the gamut from short commitment periods to long ones, spanning multiple phases.

Savings, naturally, increase with the longer your commitment is. NordVPN can definitely end up being one of the best-value VPNs for Mac users.

NordVPN for Mac: FAQs

The Bottom Line

NordVPN on Mac offers a variety of pricing options, with flexibility ranging from short-term plans to heavily discounted multi-year subscriptions.

Security features remain top-tier regardless of your subscription tier and you’ll always get high-speed performance and 24/7 customer support.

The value is greatest with long-term subscriptions, especially for users who rely on NordVPN for Mac for continuous protection.

With frequent deals and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s never been easier to secure your Mac with one of the very best VPN services available.

Whether you’re looking to download NordVPN for Mac, try NordVPN Mac setup or use advanced features like NordVPN split tunneling Mac, the pricing makes it accessible and worthwhile for every macOS user.