While consumers are waking up to the necessity of using virtual private network (VPN) services, businesses have long deployed this technology. IT has simply done it for slightly different reasons. While keeping traffic secure is certainly still the overall goal, business IT also likes to deploy VPNs as a way to securely link entire sites with one another, not just individual users. They have also historically deployed solutions that combine software clients with dedicated hardware solutions. That's changing, however, as more businesses are moving to an all-software VPN fabric. That's because an all-software solution is intrinsically more flexible, and now more than ever, users are asking for more and different remote connection access. Not just from one location using one device, but from anywhere and using multiple devices interchangeably. Keeping your network secure means tightening up your remote connection process. The best way to do that is to ensure that all systems connecting from outside are authenticated with an identity management suite and use VPNs to secure the connection and data.
Editors' Note: IPVanish is owned by j2 Global, the parent company of PCMag's publisher, Ziff Davis.
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What Is a VPN?
VPNs come in several flavors. The one most users know are the personal VPN services intended to ensure privacy while web browsing. However, businesses favor server-to-server VPNs used for connecting branch offices to the organization's central data centers as well as client-server VPNs, which is what we'll be covering here. Client-server VPNs use a client for each device connecting to an office and one server at the office to which they connect. That server determines the available protocols for connecting, typically Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). IPSec has a variety of flavors and many configuration options. But all of the clients we're looking at support virtually all of these options, including different ways of storing the cryptographic keys needed to set up a connection.
The biggest issues you'll encounter with VPN server and client setup and configuration won't be about the available options. They'll be about getting the server and client set up the same way. Users often find the process impenetrable, involving long strings of letters and numbers for the cryptographic keys, as well as ensuring that all of the many options are set the same way on both the server and client sides. Unless they're identical, you won't be able to establish a connection. For this reason, most IT professionals prefer to deploy VPNs to a pre-configured client with an install file that automatically configures the software and installs the keys. This is especially true for remote and mobile clients, which are becoming more commonplace today. A favored method is to use a client that can be emailed or installed from a USB key or CD/DVD. Users receive this physical token, insert it into their devices, and everything else is automatic; this can go a long way towards ensuring user satisfaction.
Why Not Just Use Microsoft?
Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 all have a VPN client included as part of the base operating system (OS). Microsoft has gone to some trouble to give its IT professional customers tools that can, albeit laboriously, be set up to install this client automatically and to specific configuration specifications, with all of the features a user might need. Given that Windows is a hugely popular OS in the business world, one might wonder about the point of using separate, third-party VPN clients such as the ones we're looking at in this roundup. The answer is three-fold: cross-platform compatibility, management, and ease of use.
On the cross-platform front, the Microsoft VPN Client for Windows, as the name implies, is only available for Windows. Other platforms such as Apple iOS or OS X, Android, and all of the various flavors of Linux, have built-in or free (or paid) VPN clients of their own. But each tends to be different. Plus, having to support half a dozen different clients, even on just a midsize network with a few hundred users, can be a support nightmare. Moving to a single VPN client that works across multiple platforms can make administration and support a much simpler task.
Readers may wonder why the Cisco VPN Client or their Cisco AnyConnect product are not reviewed here since the clients are pervasive, readily available for a wide variety of OSes, and easily downloaded. The reason: their licensing scheme requires the Cisco software client connect only to Cisco hardware (the server part of the VPN). Licensing is not available for any other server, and the products we're looking at here are server-agnostic (aside from the Microsoft VPN Client for Windows, which we're using as a baseline).
How We Tested
To test these business VPN clients, we set up a simulated wide area network (WAN) link using Shunra software running on a PC with two network cards. The system allows a simulated connection operating at selectable speeds from 128Kbps to 1Gbps. For our testing, we tested at 1.5Mbps, 10Mbps, 60Mbps, and 100Mbps. The simulated WAN link was used to connect two subnets. Each subnet had a router and several PCs, including a Microsoft Windows 2012 R2 Server with files and test scripts. The PCs and VPN clients were used to connect to the opposite subnet via several VPN options, including PPTP, L2TP, and IKEv2 (if supported). Given the vast number of possible combinations of protocol, key, certificate, and encryption strength, no attempt was made to test every possible combination. Instead, each test scenario was set to use the maximum length of key or encryption bit depth in order to place the maximum possible load on the VPN client. In every case, the VPN connections were within a percentage point of each other, running as fast as the WAN link allowed, with minimal impact on the client system.
Once installed on a test machine, the VPN client was connected through the WAN simulator to an OpenVPN gateway on a Linksys LRT224 firewall. None of the clients had any problem connecting to the OpenVPN gateway and pre-shared certificates worked as they should have. Some additional testing with the Linksys IPSec VPN server also showed no connection issues.
Managing Your VPNs
A small organization will have no problem maintaining information on clients, keys, and other configuration details in a spreadsheet via cut-and-paste or simply saving the data in the VPN server's configuration utility. But that's only viable for small groups of VPNs. Organizations that have more than 20 or so VPN clients will need tools such as the NCP Secure Entry Client for Win32/64, which automates initial configuration and deployment and even has tools to help troubleshoot them in the field.
The security afforded by VPN solutions is good, even using just the basic settings. Sure, if the NSA wants your data, then they can probably get it no matter which solution or degree of encryption you're using. But lesser hackers and digital ne'er-do-wells will likely be stymied by a VPN and move on for easier prey if there's an unpatched vulnerability on either side of the connection they can exploit. Many of the recent ransomware and other widespread malware infestations would not have been possible if OSes and applications had been kept patched. A good VPN solution should have the option to download and install patches automatically, or after patches have been cleared by IT, for both the client and server portions. TheGreenbow IPSec VPN Client and the NCP Secure Entry Client for Win32/64 provide automatic update functionality, while the Microsoft VPN Client for Windows typically gets updated as the OS does.
All of the clients have the ability to install silently and from a pre-configuration file so users don't need to understand or enter data to get the client up and running. Even the Microsoft client can do this, although the process for the administrator to get everything set up is manual and will require some testing to ensure a smooth installation. Once that's done, the admin can email the user an installation executable file (or send them a CD or USB drive), including the configuration file and the certificate or pre-shared key file (in a separate message for security). The user simply double-clicks the installer and, after a short period, the VPN connection is available to them.
The four vendors we review here offer clear documentation on how to set all this up. TheGreenbow, NCP Secure Communications, and to a lesser extent OpenVPN, offer some management utilities to help the admin set things up without having to write scripts. Microsoft does, too, although you'll need to do some searching on TechNet, its IT professional knowledge base.
These aftermarket VPN client utilities offer substantial benefits beyond the simple built-in capabilities of the Windows 10 VPN client, and cross-platform support to make it easier for an organization to supply VPN services to a diverse group of devices. With prices ranging from free to $79 per client, they're not all cheap. However, the savings in setup and support costs could quickly amortize the costs while keeping an organization secure, despite the best efforts of their increasingly mobile users.
Featured Business VPN Clients Reviews:
NCP Secure Entry Client for Win32/64 Review
MSRP: $144.00Pros: Easy install. Full feature set that supports all remote clients. Great extra features including one-click installation, cellular roaming, and network access control.Cons: Exact pricing, support, and other key buying criteria are the responsibility of NCP resellers.Bottom Line: In its Secure Entry Client for Win32/64 VPN client, NCP delivers a very capable system with lots of extra features that can help IT staffers improve deployment, security, and remote client support on just about any type of device.Read ReviewOpenVPN 2.4.3 Review
MSRP: $15.00Pros: Powerful and flexible. Installs on a wide variety of Apple, Linux, and Windows operating systems. Supports cloud instances and virtual appliances. Supports mobile (Android, iOS) and even BSD.Cons: Installation of the Community Client requires knowledge or significant research. Connect Client only intended to work with the OpenVPN server.Bottom Line: OpenVPN is something of a standard in the open source world, but OpenVPN 2.4.3 represents only the VPN client portion of that equation. It's flexible and well managed and connects to a wide variety of servers, but connecting it to the rest of the OpenVPN solution will require IT-level knowledge.Read ReviewTheGreenBow IPSec VPN Client Review
MSRP: $79.00Pros: Excellent deployment tools. Wide support for many different vendors' VPN servers. Options for key storage. Full set of encryption and authentication options.Cons: No Apple iOS or OS X support. Fairly expensive.Bottom Line: While it has a weakness when it comes to Apple devices and platforms, TheGreenBow IPsec VPN Client is a solid example of a third-party, universal VPN client.Read ReviewMicrosoft VPN Client for Windows Review
MSRP: $199.99Pros: Updated client included with every version of Windows. Pre-configuration or configuration files make setting up remote VPN connections straightforward. Supports the major VPN servers.Cons: No clients for any operating system other than Windows. Doesn't include management tools if Microsoft System Center isn't already installed.Bottom Line: You'll find the Microsoft VPN Client for Windows as a native part of most versions of the Microsoft Windows and Windows Server operating systems. Overall, it's a solid solution, but has a ways to go to match the flexibility and multi-client support that you'll find in a good third-party solution.Read Review
Even if you think that your Mac is completely immune from online security threats (they're not, by the way, as ZombieLoad recently once again proved), there are loads of reasons why downloading and installing a Mac VPN is becoming an ever more popular thing to do on Apple computers.
Whether it's because you're trying to use your Mac to access websites that are blocked by your office, school or ISP (or even your government!) or just want to watch foreign TV shows, getting a Virtual Private Network makes sense.
And because Apple’s desktop computers and MacBooks are being increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, it never pays to let your guard down. Getting the best Mac VPN you can is a good option to help give you extra online security.
As well as competent antivirus, folks with a Mac need a quality VPN just as much as anyone on Windows – although not every one of the best-rated VPN options provides a client or satisfactory support for macOS users. However, if you’re stuck as to which provider to go with, help is at hand with TechRadar's dedicated best Mac VPN guide.
- Check out our guide to the overall best VPN service of the year
The best Mac VPN 2019
1. ExpressVPN
Number of servers: 3000+ | Server locations: 160 | IP addresses: 30,000 | Maximum devices supported: 3
12 months$6.67
6 months$9.99
1 month$12.95
Easy to use Mac app
Fantastic Mac-dedicated support
Only 3 simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN is our top choice for the best all-round VPN on the Mac. Microsoft rdp client for macintosh. The firm's dedicated app is intuitive and very user-friendly, featuring a one-click option for connecting, as well as some advanced options.
It uses 256-bit encryption over OpenVPN UDP by default and the app comes with a kill switch and split tunnelling functionality.
There’s also a very good iOS app and Safari browser extension, so you get a complete Mac VPN experience. More than that, Express's advanced features (and their in-depth tutorials) are great for Apple users. For instance, if your Mac connects to the internet by a wired connection, you can set it up as a wireless hotspot for your local devices, allowing them to connect via the VPN without having to be set up for ExpressVPN themselves.
ExpressVPN includes fast VPN servers across 94 countries and unlimited bandwidth. That makes for a solid choice for anyone using the VPN for P2P traffic or unblocking content on streaming services like Netflix.
The provider is a tad pricier than most other VPNs, but may be a great fit for those who want the best experience for Mac. ExpressVPN doesn’t come with a free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee for reassurance.
The company offers three price plans, with the 12-month plan offering the best value (you get an extra three months into the bargain). The packages available are:
Get the best Mac VPN 2019: $6.67 per month (with 3 months FREE)
You can tell that we really rate Express - it's the VPN we'd choose if we were getting one and it's hard to argue with the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee. And the good news is that TechRadar readers can get a little perk when they sign up, too. ExpressVPN has agreed to give readers three months extra FREE when they sign up for a year.
You can tell that we really rate Express - it's the VPN we'd choose if we were getting one and it's hard to argue with the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee. And the good news is that TechRadar readers can get a little perk when they sign up, too. ExpressVPN has agreed to give readers three months extra FREE when they sign up for a year.
2. CyberGhost
Number of servers: 3,600+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 7
36 months$2.75
12 months$5.99
1 month$12.99
Clients have plenty of smart features
Torrents are supported
Slow connection from some servers
We found that Mac VPN provider CyberGhost certainly has the smarts to easily back up its claims. Let's start with the basics: more than 3,600 servers spread across 60 countries, no bar on torrents and some really handy live chat support if you ever run into difficulties.
Guaranteed no logs, rigorous encryption and a trigger-happy kill switch for any breaches in security mean it's certainly strong. But it's the added little extras that make CyberGhost stand out from the rest. Wanting to unlock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube or something else? No worries, as CyberGhost will automatically connect you to the server best poised for the purpose. It can also block ads, trackers and malicious websites.
CyberGhost has recently improved its interface - previously one of main gripes with this Mac VPN. Now that only gives us room to moan about the odd bit of clogging, which lead to reduced speeds from servers in the far reaches of the globe. There's still room for improvement on website-based support pages, too - an area where ExpressVPN has everybody else licked.
- CyberGhost VPN subscription options:
- 12 month plan - $5.99 per month ($71.88 total cost)
- 1 month plan - $12.99 per month ($12.99 total cost)
3. NordVPN
Number of servers: 5400+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 6
36 months$2.99
12 months$6.99
1 month$11.95
Double data encryption
Looooads of servers
When it comes to security, NordVPN does it like no other. Its own ‘Double VPN’ technology encrypts data twice – in other words, it passes your data through two separate VPN servers to make things even more secure – while there are additional security extras such as encrypted chat, web proxy extensions and so on.
NordVPN’s clients for both macOS and iOS are rather basic compared to others, but keeping things simple can be advantageous for novices.
That's not to say that you don't have options..NordVPN gives Mac users more choice than the average provider, with an IVEv2 version of its client available on the App store, and an OpenVPN version available directly from the NordVPN website. And that's not all-- you can also manually set up to use OpenVPN without installing either of the clients.
This provider is also P2P-friendly and has a strict ‘zero logs’ policy. Performance was slightly above average in our testing.
There's a free 7-day trial, and otherwise NordVPN is one of the most affordable VPN options for your Mac. The packages available are:
- NordVPN subscription options:
- 36 month plan - $2.99 per month ($107.64 total cost)
- 12 month plan - $6.99 per month ($83.88 total cost)
- 1 month plan - $11.95 per month ($11.95 total cost)
4. IPVanish
Best Vpn Service For Mac
Number of servers: 1300+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: 40000+ | Maximum devices supported: 10
12 months$4.87
3 months$6.75
1 month$7.50
Fantastic performance
Split-tunnelling function
The Mac app from IPVanish features a nifty design and a few welcome options like a kill switch and automatic IP switching. The US VPN is blazingly fast, and it’ll automatically hook you up to the fastest server available, a nice touch on the convenience front. Not only are download speeds fast with this VPN, it allows P2P.
OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP protocols are supported, and there’s also decent iOS support and a wide coverage of servers, with no logging of the user’s activities.
IPVanish doesn’t have a free trial, sadly, although there is a 7-day money-back guarantee with all three available plans. The 1-year subscription is clearly the best choice in terms of outright value. The packages available are:
- IPVanish subscription options:
- 12 month plan - $4.87 per month ($58.44 total cost)
- 3 month plan - $6.75 per month ($20.25 total cost)
5. Hotspot Shield
A great option for online privacy
Number of servers: 2,500+ | Server locations: 50+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 5
36 months$2.99
12 months$5.99
1 month$12.99
Low price
Super-easy to use
Logging?
The premium offering from Hotspot Shield is a great mix of price and privacy. The prices start low and we found in our tests that its encryption was strict in ensuring your anonymity online will be protected.
Plus, thanks to its pretty cool sounding Catapult Hyrda protocol, it recorded some of the fastest times of any VPN as well. So if the main reason for installing a VPN on to your Mac is for gaming or streaming, then you shouldn't be dogged with laggy interruptions that some lesser Virtual Private Networks can cause.
And then there's the numbers. For a start, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously from one account - so that's your Mac, smartphone (iOS or Android), Smart TV and games console with room for something else on top. Hotspot Shield has access to more than 2,500 servers across 25 countries and offers 24/ 7 support. The 7-day trial and 45-day money back guarantee makes Hotspot even more attractive to try, and these are its current plans in full:
- AnchorFree Hotspot Shield subscription options:
- 36 month plan - $2.99 per month ($107.64 total cost)
- 12 month plan - $5.99 per month ($71.88 total cost)
- 1 month plan - $12.99 per month ($12.99 total cost)
How to choose the best Mac VPN
It’s not always easy to find a Mac-friendly VPN. Obviously enough, it’s important to choose a provider that offers a pre-configured client for its service. Having a good Mac client is a huge boon in terms of simply making things as easy as possible. Solid iOS support is also a welcome feature if you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and have an iPhone as well as a Mac.
Next, you need powerful security with strong encryption, which goes without saying, and an easily understandable privacy policy that makes it perfectly clear what data is kept by the provider. Good performance levels obviously don’t hurt, either.
- Ready to make the switch from Mac? Check out the best 2-in-1 Windows laptops
- Looking for a freebie? Then here's our pick of the best free VPN providers
- Get more from your Mac - these are our pick of the best Mac apps in 2019
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