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Summer grilling season is here, and if you're busting out your cast-iron skillet for backyard cookouts or campfire meals, it's the perfect time to give it the care it deserves. Cast iron is known for its unbeatable heat retention and durability, but keeping it in top shape takes a little more effort than just tossing it in the sink. Unlike your average nonstick or stainless steel pan, cast iron needs specific care to keep it performing like a champ.

A properly cleaned andseasoned cast-iron skilletcan last decades. But it does have itsquirks. Skip the maintenance, and you could end up with rust, stuck-on food or a wrecked finish. The good news? Cleaning it the right way doesn't take long once you know what to do. With just a few simple steps (and a little elbow grease), you can protect your pan's seasoning and keep it looking and cooking like new.

Whatever you do, resist the urge to soak your dirty cast iron or run it through thedishwasher. For really stuck-on bits, a simple pantry staple will have your skillet looking better than new.

Guessed what it is yet? It's salt.

Wondering if cast iron is dishwasher-safe? The answer is complicated but mostly it's not. A spin through the dishwasher won't ruin the pan or render it useless but it will strip that important layer of seasoning and nonstick patina from the surface that you're working to build over time. In short, it won't do the pan any favors.

It doesn't take more than a few minutes to clean a cast-iron pan. You also don't need to give your pan a full, deep clean after every use. If you've only fried an egg or reheated some chicken breast, for instance, a rag soaked in warm water is likely all you'll need to wipe it clean.

If you've just seared something with excess grease or there are stuck-on bits of food hanging out, follow these simple steps and your cast iron will stay clean and continue to hold that beautifully seasoned, nonstick surface.

I know — that sizzling pork chop is out of the pan and ready to eat and the last thing you want to do is clean. Trust me, acting fast will make the job easier. Add warm water to the skillet a few minutes after removing it from the heat while it's still warm — but not scorching hot or you might warp the metal. That quick simmer will go a long way in degunking the pan.

Clean your cast iron while it's still warm.

With the hot water having loosened food from the pan's surface, it's time to use a wooden spoon or soft brush to remove whatever's left.

I like this$20 Oxo cast-iron brush. It works great on a classic flat skillet but has separated tufts of bristles so it'll work well on cast-iron grill pans or grates. If you prefer something more natural, a palm scrub brush –like thesewill work but they might not last as long. You can always grab a standard soft sponge with a scrubby side but just know it'll probably be the final act for that sponge.

Avoid using metal scrubbers that will damage the cast-iron surface. Beware of rubber and plastic spatulas, especially cheap ones, as they may melt against the hot metal.

This $20 Oxo brush is tough and especially good for cleaning between the grates of cast-iron grill pans.

From a glance at your skillet, you should be able to tell what kind of cleaning task you have on your hands. After most uses, a dousing of warm water should do the trick. If things are extra sticky, sprinkle the cast iron with a bit of kosher salt (without water) and scrape it gently with a flat-ended wooden spoon or spatula. Dump the salt and add some water to get things moving.

A bit of kosher salt goes a long way in lifting stubborn bits of food.

If you need to scrub harder than you can with a wooden spoon or rag, use a cast-iron safe brush like the ones mentioned above.

Rusting is the most common problem folks face with cast iron but it's also easily avoided. It's important to dry your cast iron immediately and thoroughly. The best way is to use heat from the stovetop or oven, which will dry your skillet from the inside out, but you can also use a dry rag.

To dry a pan on the stove, just put it over low heat for a few minutes. You'll see it release some steam and possibly some smoke too. When that starts to slow, your skillet is dry. Use medium heat to dry the pan in the oven if it's still on. About 5 minutes at 325 F should be plenty.

After it's dry and while it's still hot, you can (and should) feel free to season it more with a cast-iron seasoning wax (I likeMade In's mix of beeswax, canola and flaxseed oil) or some other high-heat cooking oil. For more on that, check out thisCNET guide to perfectly seasoning your cast-iron skillet.

A quick seasoning after every few uses will keep your cast-iron skillet in great form.

The No. 1 cast-iron cookware cleaning question is whether you can use soap to clean a skillet or grill pan. The answer is yes but you should try not to. A little bit of soap — I mean a real small dab — won't ruin your cast iron, but certain harsh soaps will erode the nonstick patina and could also affect the flavor your cast iron has developed.

CNET ranksSpectrumas the best internet service provider in Austinfor its wide coverage, no data caps and no contracts. That said, Spectrum isn't available everywhere. If you fall outside Spectrum's coverage area,T-Mobile Home InternetandGoogle Fiberare two strong alternatives.

For budget-conscious households, Astound Broadband offers a standout deal with its 300Mbps plan for just $30 a month, with no contracts or equipment fees. And if speed is your top priority, Google Fiber’s blazing 8,000Mbps plan is available for $150 per month.

Whether you’re streaming by the pool, gaming through the heat, or working from a cool indoor setup, Austin has an internet plan to match your summer routine.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

The average starting price for internet service in Austin — taking into account the promo prices, not the elevated regular rates — is approximately $50 a month. If you're searching for the cheapest rates, the lowest starting price in Austin is $20 per month, belonging to Astound Broadband. Many other providers, including Spectrum and Frontier also offer base plans less than the average internet cost in the area.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

The best internet deals and top promotions in Austin depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.

Austin internet providers, such as Spectrum and Astound Broadband, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.

For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on thebest internet deals.

Thanks to its multiple fiber options, Austin has a spot among the top five fastest cities in the country. InOokla's latest reporting, Austin ranked as the fifth fastest city, registering a median download speed of 274 megabits per second. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) That was good enough to place ATX well ahead of its Texas big-city siblings,DallasandHouston.

People within the city limits have access to the superior speeds of fiber internet service, tilting the scales here. Ookla's data tags Google Fiber as the fastest provider in Austin, with a median download speed of approximately 337Mbps. AT&T and Frontier also offer fiber plans as fast as 5Gbps, so those three providers feature the fastest individual plans you'll find.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

See all results for internet providers in Texas.

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications,according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide onhow much internet speed you really need.

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latestsmartphone,laptop,routerorkitchen tool, it's impractical to test every internet service provider in a given city personally. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

It doesn't end there. We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources likeOoklaandFCC reports.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our page onhow we test ISPs.

Within the city limits of Austin, cable internet is still the most ubiquitous internet connection you'll find. As far as cable internet providers go, Spectrum and Astound Broadband present solid value with their offerings. As we've often mentioned in our CNET home internet coverage, fiber internet trumps cable every time. If your address is serviceable for Google Fiber or AT&T Fiber — and thankfully, both companies are continuing to expand their fiber networks within ATX — then you shouldn't give signing up a second thought.

Which is the best internet service provider in Austin?

In Austin, the provider with the widest availability — outside of satellite providers — is Spectrum, which is why we've deemed it the best ISP in the area.

If you consider the greater Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown area, there are at least 17 different internet service providers available to the more than 2 million people living in the ATX metro. Those residents aren't serviceable for all 17 ISPs, so sometimes, the best internet service provider is simply the available one.

Are there fiber internet providers in Austin?

Yes. AT&T is perhaps the most widely available fiber provider in the area, and although not all addresses can get its fiber service (others might have access to their fixed wireless plans), access to AT&T Fiber throughout the area is growing. Google Fiber is also available within city limits.

What is the cheapest internet in Austin?

The cheapest internet plan in Austin is Astound Broadband's 300Mbps plan at $30 per month.

Regarding value, Google Fiber's 8 Gig offering, which at $150 per month (yes, I recognize that's not cheap), comes to a cost per Mbps of about 2 cents. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, AT&T fiber offers symmetrical gigabit download and upload speeds for $80 a month.

Extensive features at a great price

If you want a premium VPN experience with lots of cool features on your Mac without having to pay a ton of money,Surfsharkis a solid bet. Surfshark’s MacOS app is slick and easy to use, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. We appreciate recent upgrades to the app that include snappier connection times and helpful connection and feature usage information displayed on the app interface. We particularly like that Surfshark includes split tunneling on its MacOS app, a helpful feature most VPNs no longer include in their MacOS or iOS apps.

Surfshark’s MacOS app includes standard privacy features like akill switch,protocol selectionand customizable quick-connect. Along with standard features, Surfshark includes a few extras like Rotating IP, which automatically changes your IP address every few minutes, and Dynamic Multihop, which lets you double-hop through any two server locations of your choosing. You can also choose to connect to a static IP address through Surfshark’s MacOS app, which can help you reduce the number of CAPTCHAs you encounter, help you more reliably access your online bank account from abroad and even help boost your speeds. One feature that really sets Surfshark apart from the rest of the pack is its Alternative ID feature, which lets you generate a fake persona complete with name, physical address and email address that you can use to fill out forms online without having to use your actual personal information.

Somewhat confusingly, Surfshark has two different MacOS apps: One that you download from the Surfshark website and another that you download from the Apple App Store on your Mac. The difference between the two is hardly noticeable at first glance, but if you want to connect via OpenVPN, you’ll need to download the App Store version. If you need access to Surfshark’s Antivirus, you’ll need to download the version from the website. If you need both, then you’ll need to download both — which is admittedly not ideal. Even so, Surfshark is excellent on MacOS and both apps are otherwise pretty much identical.

Though it's not the fastest VPN in the world, Surfshark is still relatively speedy and fast enough for just about anything you’d want to do online, from general online browsing to more data-heavy activities like streaming and gaming. We calculated a total average speed loss of 21% in our latest speed tests, with an 18.5% speed loss on MacOS between OpenVPN and WireGuard.

When streaming on MacOS, Surfshark performed well during our tests and was able to unblock content on Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix and Max. The only hiccup we encountered was that Netflix titles sometimes took a little longer than normal to load on MacOS. However, once the thumbnails loaded, streaming on Netflix went smoothly.

Although Surfshark recently bumped up its annual renewal pricing by $20, it’s still a significantly cheaper option than ExpressVPN or NordVPN. On the other hand, Surfshark’s monthly subscription costs $15.45 per month, which is more expensive than just about any other VPN’s monthly rate, and as a result is effectively without value. The annual plan costs $48 for the first year, but jumps to $79 per year after. If you choose the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 total for the first two years combined, then $79 annually after the initial two-year term. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the service.

Privacy protection and transparency

ExpressVPNis the best MacOS VPN for beginners, thanks to its user-friendly Mac app, fast speeds and excellent privacy protections. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned VPN user, ExpressVPN’s minimalist interface is a breeze to navigate, with settings and server selection neatly organized behind a standard hamburger icon in the top left corner. From there, you can access privacy features and settings like the kill switch, Advanced Protection features,protocol selection, IPv6 leak protection and you can customize the shortcuts displayed in the app after you connect. ExpressVPN’s MacOS app offers Lightway, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, each of which connects in a snap. Alternatively, you can set the protocol selection to automatically select the best protocol for your network.

With ExpressVPN, you’re also getting one of the fastest VPNs around. In our latest speed tests, we measured an overall average speed loss of 18% between both MacOS and Windows on the Lightway and OpenVPN protocols. On MacOS specifically, we measured an overall speed loss of 18.5%, with a 29% speed loss with OpenVPN and a mere 8% with Lightway. We recommend connecting via Lightway if you want the fastest speeds possible on MacOS with ExpressVPN.

On top of delivering blazing fast speeds, Lightway includes post-quantum protections, which can help protect your data from potential future threats from quantum computers. This feature works in the background and is built into Lightway, so you don’t need to do anything other than set Lightway as your protocol to activate ExpressVPN’s post-quantum protections. ExpressVPN’s ShuffleIP is another helpful privacy feature that works in the background and changes your IP address for every website you visit, which makes it even more difficult to track you online when using the service. The kill switch worked flawlessly on Mac during our latest tests, and we detected no DNS leaks.

ExpressVPN is also an excellent choice if you like to stream lots of international content on your Mac from a variety of streaming services. In our testing, ExpressVPN worked exceptionally well when streaming on Mac — expertly unblocking content on streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix and Max.

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that does just about everything well. However, it comes with a premium price tag that eclipses the price of just about every other VPN on the market. The monthly plan costs $13 per month, which is in line with the monthly price of many other VPNs. But ExpressVPN’s longer-term plans are far more expensive than most of the competition. The yearly plan costs $100 for the first year and the two-year plan costs $140 for the first two years combined (the one- and two-year plans renew at $117 annually). The yearly and two-year plans offer additional identity protection features, which you’re essentially forced to pay extra for even if you don’t want or need the features. As it stands, it’s a funky pricing structure that’s not exactly consumer-friendly, but company representatives tell me that they’re working on revamping the pricing — which will hopefully make the service more attractive to the average VPN user.

NordVPN’sbest-in-class server speeds make it an excellent choice for streaming, gaming or other bandwidth-intensive applications on Macs. Its slick app design is easy to navigate. Functions from enabling or disabling the VPN to switching servers and changing settings are easy to find and use. NordVPN does just about everything well, from unblocking content on streaming services to meaningfully boosting your privacy. For Apple users, NordVPN's MacOS, iOS, iPadOS and TVOS apps mean you can use the VPN on all of your devices.

While NordVPN's MacOS app is intuitive, it also packs an impressive lineup of power user-caliber privacy features. Onion over VPN servers combine your VPN connection with Tor for beefed-up privacy. Its multi-hop functionality enhances your privacy by using a pair of VPN connections to make it harder to trace your traffic back to you. Meshnet lets you create a remote virtual area network so you can securely share files or watch Netflix from anywhere without worrying about verification codes.

In our testing, NordVPN delivered faster speeds than our base internet connection on MacOS over the NordLynx and OpenVPN protocols. You shouldn’t expect Nord to increase your network performance; this is an atypical experience that could be because of ISP throttling or more efficient communication with ISP DNS servers. However, you can count on Nord to retain the bulk of your usual internet connection. In our latest testing, we measured a mere 3% overall average speed loss with NordVPN.

NordVPN is excellent for streaming thanks to its massive server network and blisteringly fast speeds. On MacOS, we effortlessly unblocked nearly every streaming service we tried, including Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Max and Netflix. We had to try a second UK server for Prime on MacOS. The first time, a VPN was detected, but a quick server change straightened out any issues.

Unfortunately, NordVPN’s initial value takes a nosedive after your subscription term runs out. At $13 a month, $60 for the first year or $82 total for the first two years, Nord is about in line with (or even cheaper than) the competition. But its exorbitant renewal pricing of $140 per year on the one- and two-year plans is extreme. Thankfully, you can avoid a pricey auto-renewal by stacking subscriptions but we don’t like that you have to babysit your VPN subscription. By comparison, Proton VPN renews at $20 more per year on the one-year plan, while ExpressVPN re-ups for $17 more per year — neither of which is close to the $80 renewal price hike that Nord saddles you with. Still, if you’re willing to monitor your VPN subscriptions, NordVPN boasts blazing-fast speeds that are excellent for streaming movies and shows in 4K, a massive global server network and advanced privacy amenities.

The only free plan we recommend

Proton VPNis the best free VPN for Macs — and itsfree planis the only free VPN we wholeheartedly vouch for. Plus, its paid premium plan is a worthy consideration for folks who need more servers or who want advanced customization options.

Unlike most free VPNs, Proton VPN doesn’t sell your data or plaster your screen with ads. You get the same robust privacy with the free plan, along with access to servers in six countries and unlimited monthly usage. Note that we discovered a design flaw with Proton VPN’s MacOS app, which failed to properly display a warning that your public IP address is briefly unmasked when switching servers. Proton VPN has promised a fix but folks with critical privacy needs should be aware of this limitation on Mac.

Proton VPN was the second-fastest VPN in our latest speed tests, coming in behind NordVPN, with a superb 16% average download speed loss. We measured an impressive 6% speed loss on WireGuard and 10% on IKEv2 with MacOS, which should provide buffer-free streaming video and low-lag gaming.

For streaming, Proton VPN unblocked even tough-to-access international Netflix libraries, like Netflix Egypt. We experienced no issues streaming from services including Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, CBC Gem, Disney Plus, and Max. Hulu even worked on MacOS while it didn’t on Android TV, where a VPN was detected.

Proton’s free plan isn’t without its limitations. You’re restricted to using one device at a time, and you can’t manually select a server. But if you need more servers, a greater simultaneous device allowance or additional manual control over your server connections, its premium plan is a fantastic choice. You’ll pay $10 a month, $60 for the first year or $108 total for the first two years (the one- and two-year plans renew at $80 annually), while getting a 10 simultaneous device allowance and access to 13,100 plus servers in 117 countries.

Budget-friendly and transparent

PIAis a good cheap VPN at $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renewing at $50) or $79 every three years. While it’s more affordable than much of the competition, PIA's speeds were significantly slower than most of our top-rated VPNs in our latest speed tests, with an average 49% internet download speed loss. For context, we generally find an average 25% speed loss acceptable. We also encountered many CAPTCHAs when using apps and services like Google Search, but the company has a CAPTCHA reduction initiative for later this year that we hope means fewer pesky authentication sessions.

Despite PIA’s high speed loss and unreliable server performance, its unique privacy features for MacOS make it a decent budget VPN for folks with an already strong internet connection — something closer to Google Fiber than satellite internet. PIA is one of the few VPN providers that offers split tunneling on MacOS, which lets you route some apps, but not others, through a VPN. Notably, Surfshark also provides MacOS split tunneling, but it’s a rare feature among VPNs.

PIA’s 58% average speed loss on WireGuard and 47% average speed reduction with OpenVPN on MacOS is significantly higher than what we like to see from a top-performing VPN service. Additionally, we normally expect faster speeds with WireGuard than OpenVPN, but PIA surprised — and not in a good way. However, we never noticed any moments where videos stopped playing to buffer, but quality usually started out pretty choppy before smoothing out.

While its high speed loss can be detrimental to streaming performance, PIA does a decent job with region-restricted content unblocking. Its servers in all 50 US states mean it could be a good choice for streaming regional sports, likeNFL games. Some streaming services, like Amazon Prime Video US and Hulu, worked better on MacOS than Windows or Android TV — a VPN wasn’t detected on Mac while it was on Android or Windows in some cases.

The PIA app is great for power users who want to tinker with advanced settings for VPN protocols or use split tunneling on MacBooks. While it’s reasonably intuitive on most platforms, including Mac and iPhone, on some devices like Android, we found the experience a little rough around the edges. PIA’s advanced settings are a double-edged sword for casual users, as they may be overwhelming. And PIA’s apps on Mac, Windows and Linux feel a little outdated compared to the slick apps you’ll find with many competitors, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Proton VPN. But if you want a budget-friendly VPN that provides helpful, unique privacy settings on MacOS, PIA is a great option in spite of some issues.

Surfsharkis the best Mac VPN, undercutting most of the competition without sacrificing speed or privacy. You'll find some unique privacy features with Surfshark, including Dynamic MultiHop, Rotating IP and Alternative ID. Surfshark also offers split tunneling for MacOS, iOS and iPadOS devices, a rarity among VPN providers.

ExpressVPNis best VPN for Mac computers for beginners. We appreciate its dedication to privacy and transparency, its quick connection speeds and its extremely user-friendly Mac app that's simple to navigate for VPN beginners and seasoned privacy enthusiasts alike. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers intuitive apps for all other platforms and is great for streaming.

NordVPNis the fastest VPN for Mac — and other devices, for that matter. Its exhaustive global server network, best-in-class speeds and excellent streaming service unblocking make it a great choice for travel and streaming.

PIAis the best cheap VPN for Macs. Despite its uneven speed loss, PIA is a good choice for casual VPN users and includes some nifty privacy amenities, like split tunneling on MacOS.

Using a VPN on your Mac laptop or desktop boosts your privacy, which offersseveral benefits. VPNs improve your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, effectively hiding your online activity from your ISP. A VPN masks yourpublic IP address, hiding it from the websites you visit or apps you use, making it look like you're connecting from a different city, state or country, depending on the server you're connected to. When you visit a website or app using a VPN, the site will only see the IP address of the VPN server and will therefore register the location of the server you're connected to.

Accordingly, you can bypass regional restrictions imposed by streaming sites, thus letting you watch BBC iPlayer outside of the UK or accessforeign Netflix librariesand internationalAmazon Prime Video content. VPNs are invaluable if you’re traveling abroad, as they may allow you to access all the content you’re used to as if you’re in the comfort of your own home, like logging into your mobile banking app without triggering a CAPTCHA. You might even be able tosave money by using a VPN for streaming.

The best Mac VPNs do everything from enhancing your privacy to unlocking international streaming content, all for relatively affordable prices. The providers we’ve picked offer great MacOS apps that are easy to use but don't skimp on privacy features. Whether you’re using one on yourMacBookAir, MacBook Pro or Mac desktop computer, it’s worth adding one of the best Mac VPNs to your app arsenal.

Most VPN providers offer a VPN app for Mac computers, but it can be difficult to choose the right provider with so many options available. Based on our extensive research and hands-on testing of VPNs over the years, these are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN:

The primary consideration for any VPN — including a Mac VPN — should be privacy. If your Mac VPN is unable to sufficiently protect your online privacy, then your VPN is useless. At a minimum, your VPN should employ industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption (with the OpenVPN or IKEv2VPN protocols) or ChaCha20 (with the WireGuard or IKEv2 VPN protocol), along with offering basic privacy protections like a kill switch, DNS leak protection and a no-logs policy. If you need to use a VPN in situations where they're frowned upon — like on school Wi-Fi — you may want a provider that offersobfuscatedservers or obfuscation-focused VPN protocols, such as Proton VPN's Stealth or NordVPN'sNordWhisper. Obfuscation tries to hide the fact that you're using a VPN, making your connection look like standard web traffic instead.

For critical privacy needs, you'll also want a VPN provider that's based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, offers obfuscation and has a RAM-only server architecture. Additional privacy features to look out for include Tor over VPN capabilities, ad and tracker blockers and multihop connections. Also, look for a VPN that undergoes regular third-party securityaudits, as audits can help bolster trust in the VPN's ability to protect its users' privacy.

Mac computers are generally known to be pretty fast, so you'll probably want afast VPNthat can deliver excellent speeds. The speed of your VPN can have a major effect on activities likestreaming, downloading, video conferencing, gaming and general web browsing. All VPNs lower your connection speed somewhat, so to keep things running as smoothly as possible, you'll want to look for a VPN that will have as minimal an impact on your regular internet speeds as possible. Generally, the best VPNs only drop your download speed by an average of 25% or less, with the best performers — NordVPN, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN — staying under 20% speed loss.

MacOS is designed to be clean and intuitive, so if you're used to the feel of the operating system, you'd probably want a similar experience with the VPN software you use. A good Mac VPN should run smoothly and have a decluttered user interface that's easy to use regardless of your technical expertise. It should have a large network of servers around the world so you can connect easily and reliably from wherever you are, and it should be able to help you access geo-restricted content from various regions. You should also consider advanced features, like specialty servers (such asTor over VPNandobfuscated servers),double hop/multi-hop, a dedicated IP address andsplit tunneling(which lets you use a VPN connection for some VPN apps but not others).

VPN pricing varies greatly from provider to provider, so if you're on a budget, you may want to consider the cost and overall value of your MacOS VPN. Typically, you can expect to spend about $5 to $15 a month for a monthly VPN subscription plan. If you want to save money, you can opt for an annual subscription, where prices can range from roughly $50 to $150 a year. Be careful with free VPNs, though, because you may end up putting your privacy at risk instead of protecting it if you go with a free option. Proton VPN is currently the onlyfree VPNthat CNET recommends. However, most VPNs offer a money-back guarantee that can be anywhere from a week to 45 days. You can also get a seven-day free trial with many VPNs if you sign up through Apple's App Store. So you'll most likely have options to try various Mac VPNs risk-free before you decide whether to fully invest in one.

You'll want a VPN that works well on your Mac devices, like your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, Mac Studio or Mac Pro. Additionally, if you're heavily ingrained in the Apple ecosystem, you may want to consider a VPN that works well on youriPhone, iPad and evenApple TV. Thankfully, most VPNs support MacOS and iOS/iPadOS, and Apple TV compatibility is increasingly common. With the majority of VPN providers, you can install a VPN on all of your Mac devices, fromMacBooksand Mac desktops to iPhones, iPads and Apple TV streaming boxes.

VPNs can elevate your streaming experience thanks to their ability to hide your IP address, thereby making apps and websites think you're in a different geographical location. For instance, you can use a VPN to unblock region-restricted content, like watching Max while traveling outside the US, or watching BBC iPlayer while vacationing outside the UK. Alternatively, you can access foreign Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video libraries. Think about the streaming services you want to use with a VPN, and make sure those apps work with your desired VPN service. If you want to install a VPN on yoursmart TV, Android TV device,Amazon Fire TVorApple TV, make sure your VPN provider has a compatible app for that device. Using aVPN for streaming may even help you save moneyon streaming service subscriptions.

When we determine the best Mac VPN for our readers, we address a number of factors that are fundamental to being a Mac user: First, you're used to a clean, intuitive user interface with a minimal learning curve and a well-organized set of digital tools. That's why wethoroughly testeach VPN's features and overall usability. In addition, though not all Apple products are faster than a Windows or PC device, we test each VPN's connection speeds to see how it complements MacOS machines' reputation for being fast.

We also know that for a lot of Mac users, a broad resistance to app-borne viruses and malware is a big reason for choosing that ecosystem over Windows. To that end, we assess a VPN's antitracker capacity and its general compatibility with Apple's increasingly bolstered privacy policies. We test for leaks and we test each service'skill switchfunctionality to ensure it's working as it should. We test each VPN's ability to circumvent geographical restrictions, and we evaluate each provider's pricing to determine the service's overall value.

One thing we look for in particular on Macs is whether a VPN offers split tunneling, which is useful if you need your VPN for some activities, but don't it want to slow down your streaming, for example. Most VPN don't offer split tunneling on Mac due to technical complications, so we're especially impressed with the VPNs that make it work.

IPVanishis a US-based VPN provider that's a good option for VPN newbies or casual users. Its Mac app is simple and user-friendly and offers a multitude of options to connect to a VPN server. With 2,400-plus servers in 109 countries, IPVanish has a solid global reach. IPVanish's Optimal Location feature is the quickest and easiest way to connect to a server. Unfortunately, its speeds proved underwhelming, with a 44% average internet speed loss in our 2024 tests. While it's fine for casual users, there are faster, more privacy feature-rich VPNs on the market that give you better value for your money.

Proton VPN'sfree tier is the only free VPN we've come across so far that's worth using. It costs a lot of money to operate a VPN, and free VPN services usually make up for the lack of subscription revenue by selling user data. In addition to being limited in usability and light on privacy and security, many free VPNs are fronts for malware distribution, which is why it's generally best to avoid them. However, Proton VPN's unlimited free tier is fast, privacy and can be used for most online activities, including streaming Netflix. But if you're on a budget and want access to a premium VPN solution, you can also take a look at our picks for thebest cheap VPNs.

The easiest way toset up a VPNon your Mac is by downloading your VPN provider's app from the Apple App store or directly from your VPN service's website. Then, once installed, fire up the app and log in with your username and password. Once you've logged in, you'll see the app's home screen, from which you'll typically be able to quickly connect to the closest/most optimal server location. If you want to manually select a server, you can select one from the server list — which you can usually access easily right from the home screen. If you want to adjust certain settings, or connect through a specific protocol, you can do so from the Mac VPN app's settings menu. The best VPNs for Mac require little to no learning curve and are designed to be as easy to set up and use as any other app you would use on your Mac.

In 2025, we can look forward to the best VPNs for Mac getting even more refined than they already are in terms of performance and features. A handful of the top VPNs have been adding services like password managers, antivirus solutions, secure email and identity protection features to their portfolio — services that can be bundled with your base VPN subscription for an additional charge. While these companies are still very much VPN-first, the general direction they're taking is toward becoming comprehensive privacy/cybersecurity companies. We've already started seeing some of the additional features added to existing VPN apps, but we're likely to see them integrated more into a single app where you can access everything from a single dashboard rather than installing a separate app for each individual service.

We'll also start seeing a greater degree of parity between apps on different platforms, giving users access to largely the same set of features regardless of which operating system they're using. We're already starting to see this trend increase as a few VPN providers have begun to re-introduce split-tunneling to their MacOS and iOS apps. Additionally, we'll see providers committing to more regular audits, increasing their simultaneous connection allowance and refining their pricing structures. Finally, we'll continue to see a wider implementation of forward-thinking privacy features like post-quantum protection.

Surfsharkis the current best VPN for Mac. We evaluate VPNs based on their overall performance in three main categories: speed, security features and price. Surfshark isn't the fastest, but its impressive performance and premium features — like the rare ability to activate split tunneling on MacOS — help make it a top choice for Mac users.ExpressVPNis a close second among our picks, with an easy to use app that's both highly secure and excellent for streaming.NordVPN,our third choice, is a die-hard heavy-hitter. It costs more than Surfshark, but it has an enormous network that's constantly getting faster and more secure, and is easily the most reliable service we've tested.

Yes, it is worth getting a VPN for your Mac. A VPN on your Mac computer provides an extra layer of privacy, hiding the websites you visit and apps you use from your ISP. Because VPNs can make it look like you're in a different city, state or country, you can unblock region-restricted content likeforeign Netflix libraries. Likewise, VPNs are great for travel since they can let you access apps and other internet services from your home country while abroad. A VPN may even let you bypass throttling restrictions or circumvent censorship.

No, MacOS does not have a built-in VPN. While there is a VPN section in the networking settings area of MacOS, you'll need to either install a VPN app or input VPN info from a service you subscribe to. There's VPN service setup on MacOS ready to use out-of-the-box.

Each of the best VPNs for Mac we highlight on this page offer the same level of encryption and a similar suite of privacy tools to help keep your data safe online. You'll be able to secure your connection via the same encryption standards whether you're usingSurfshark,ExpressVPN,NordVPN,Proton VPNorPIA. Each has also been independently audited for security, and each one operates a RAM-only server infrastructure or employs hard-disk encryption on their hard drives, which helps ensure your data doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Our DNS leak tests of all five providers revealed no leaks of any sort, and each one's kill switch worked, though Proton's isn't as clear about limitations on MacOS as we'd like it to be.

You can potentially get in legal trouble for using a VPN if you're in a country like China or Iran that bans or outlaws VPN use altogether. Otherwise, in the vast majority of regionsaround the world, you don't have to worry about getting into any legal trouble just for using a VPN. Just remember that if you're doing something illegal online, it's still illegal whether you're using a VPN or not. And if you're in a country where VPN use is illegal or restricted in any way, it's imperative that you connect to an obfuscated server so your VPN traffic is disguised as ordinary HTTPS traffic. This hides the fact that you're using a VPN in the first place.

Your ISP will see that you're connected to a VPN and it will see the IP address of the VPN server you're connected to, along with the amount of data you're transmitting. It will also see timestamps of when you connected to the VPN. Other than that, it won't see your browsing history or the websites you visit since your internet traffic is encrypted and rendered unreadable when you connect to a VPN.

Extensive features at a great price

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to high-priced VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, but still want a premium VPN experience,Surfsharkis a great choice. Surfshark’s iOS app is slick, packed with useful privacy features and works just as well as its expensive peers. The app connects in a snap and settings are easily accessible with just a few taps. All in all, it’s a top-notch VPN for iPhone that’s fast, user-friendly and excellent for streaming when you’re on the go.

Like many other VPNs, Surfshark’s iOS app offers standard features like a kill switch, quick-connect and protocol selection (WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2). And like other top VPNs, Surfshark includes standard privacy protections like an audited no-logs policy and DNS leak protection. But Surfshark’s iPhone app includes a few extras like an ad blocker, static IP, Rotating IP that automatically changes your IP address every few minutes and Dynamic Multihop, which allows you to tunnel through any two server locations of your choosing. Notably, Surfshark also offers split-tunneling on its iOS app, a feature that most other VPNs no longer offer for Apple devices. We also like that Surfshark gives you the option to pause your connection instead of disconnecting outright, which can be helpful if you need to take care of a few things while off the VPN but don’t want to forget to turn it back on when you want to protect your privacy.

But what really sets Surfshark apart from the competition is its Alternative ID feature which lets you generate a fake persona that includes a full name, physical address and email address that you can use to fill out forms and sign up for stuff online without having to use your actual personal information. Alternative ID features are included with all subscription plans, but an Alternative Number feature is also available for an extra $3 per month, letting you receive calls and communicate via text without having to divulge your actual phone number.

Surfshark isn’t the fastest VPN, but it’s still relatively speedy and plenty fast enough for general online browsing as well as more data-heavy activities like streaming and gaming on your iPhone. In our 2025 speed tests, we calculated a total average speed loss of 21%, which is slower than NordVPN’s astounding 3% speed loss but more in line with Proton VPN’s 16% speed loss and ExpressVPN’s 18%. Either way, if your network connection is fast enough to begin with, Surfshark’s speeds still shouldn’t noticeably impact your online activity.

In our streaming tests, Surfshark performed exceptionally well on iOS, unblocking content on popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Max — through various global server locations. And with a massive network of over 3,000 servers in 100 different countries, Surfshark can help give you access to a vast amount of international streaming content on your iPhone whether you’re at home or traveling the world.

Surfshark’s long-term plans offer a lot of value when compared to ExpressVPN’s and NordVPN’s pricing, especially considering its unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. However, Surfshark’s monthly subscription costs $15.45 per month, which is more expensive than just about any other VPN’s monthly rate. The annual plan costs $48 for the first year (then $79 annually) and the two-year plan costs $60 total for the first two years combined (then $79 annually). All subscription plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the service.

Also nominated in:Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video,Best VPN for Netflix

Privacy protection and transparency

ExpressVPNis the best iPhone VPN for beginners because its iOS app is a breeze to use and because the service delivers industry-leading privacy protections, fast speeds and excellent streaming capabilities. The app’s minimalist interface is simple to navigate and includes all of the basic features you’d want in a VPN app, like a kill switch, protocol selection (Lightway, IKEv2) and easy access to servers. You’ll also have access to Advanced Protection features that you can set to block ads, malware, trackers and adult sites. Additional tools you’ll have on hand include a DNS leak test, WebRTC leak test and IP address checker — which make it easy to ensure the VPN is working properly when you’re on the go.

If you want to stream your favorite shows and movies on your iPhone, ExpressVPN is an excellent option. The 18% average speed loss we measured in our most recent speed tests means ExpressVPN should be plenty fast for streaming and other data-heavy online activities. During our latest tests with ExpressVPN’s iOS app, we were able to access content on popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max and Amazon Prime Video.

Privacy-focused folks will appreciate ExpressVPN’s forward-thinking privacy initiatives and its strong commitment to transparency. Its post-quantum protections help protect your data from future threats from quantum computers and are built into the Lightway protocol — so you don’t have to do anything other than connect through Lightway to benefit from post-quantum protections. ShuffleIP is another privacy feature that changes your IP address for every website you visit, making it even more difficult to track you online when using the service. Like ExpressVPN’s post-quantum protections, ShuffleIP works in the background so you don’t need to enable it separately. During our latest tests, the kill switch worked as expected on iOS and we detected no leaks. ExpressVPN's no-logs policy is regularly audited, offering additional peace of mind.

With ExpressVPN, you’ll get the best overall VPN and one of the best iPhone VPNs you can buy. If you have other devices you want to connect to your VPN, ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to eight devices at once. But with its premium service comes a premium price tag — one that far outpaces most of the competition. The monthly plan costs $13 per month, which is in the same ballpark as what most VPNs charge per month. But ExpressVPN’s longer-term plans are considerably more expensive than many of its competitors. The yearly plan costs $100 for the first year and the two-year plan costs $140 for the first two years combined (the one- and two-year plans renew at $117 annually). The yearly and two-year plans include additional identity protection features, which you’re essentially forced to pay extra for even if you don’t want or need them. However, company representatives tell us that the company is working on overhauling its pricing structure to offer more value for budget-conscious users. ExpressVPN offers a seven-day free trial in addition to a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can give the service a try before committing.

Also nominated in:Best VPN for Apple TV,Best VPNs for Streaming

NordVPNis the fastest VPN for iPhones, making it an excellent choice for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming videos, gaming or hopping on Zoom calls. Its astounding 3% speed loss in our 2025 tests was significantly faster than the rest of the pack. Across the board, from its iOS and iPadOS to MacOS, Windows and Android apps, NordVPN is user-friendly, with a familiar app experience regardless of the platform. In our testing, NordVPN’s iPhone app was slick and intuitive, with easy access to settings like protocol selection (OpenVPN and NordLynx), server selection, specialty servers and Threat Protection.

Its generous global network of 7,800-plus servers across 118 countries makes NordVPN a solid choice for international travel and streaming service unblocking. We effortlessly unblocked content on many streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer. Its blazing-fast server speeds make it one of the best VPNs for streaming.

While Nord’s superb entertainment support is great for casual VPN users seeking basic privacy or streaming content unblocking, its robust privacy chops make it a compelling choice for folks with serious privacy needs, like concerned torrenters. Its proprietary NordWhisper VPN protocol is designed to mimic standard web traffic, and therefore may slip through school Wi-Fi firewalls and other networks that restrict VPN usage. Specialty servers like Tor Over VPN and double hop beef up your privacy, making it even more difficult to trace your web traffic back to your device. And Meshnet is a unique privacy feature that lets you create a virtual network to host remote LAN parties for gaming, seamlessly access streaming services while traveling or avoid CAPTCHAs. NordVPN also includes a strict no-logs policy that's been independently audited, along with DNS leak protection.

At $13 a month, $60 for the first year or $82 total for the first two years, NordVPN is competitively priced, considering its rich feature set and generous 10 simultaneous connection allowance. But the one- and two-year plans rise to an astronomical $140 per year, which is borderline extortionate. Thankfully, you can avoid a pricey auto-renewal by stacking subscriptions, but we’d prefer a more budget-friendly renewal price. But if you want blisteringly-fast connectivity, NordVPN is a fantastic choice for streaming on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook or Apple TV. Your purchase is backed by an industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

Also nominated in:Fastest VPNs,Best VPNs for Netflix

The only free plan we recommend

Proton VPNis the best (and only) free VPN that we recommend for iPhone or any other platform. But Proton’s exceptional premium VPN plan is a worthy upgrade — or alternative to other paid VPN rivals. We particularly like the option to create custom server group profiles and easy access to settings like protocol selection (WireGuard, Stealth), kill switch, NetShield and VPN Accelerator.

Proton VPN'sfree plandoesn’t sell your user data, limit your monthly usage or plaster your screen with ads. But you can’t select a server manually, you’re limited to servers in five countries and you can only connect on one device at a time. By comparison, its paid plan provides 13,300-plus servers in 117 countries, lets you jump on any server you want and allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is excellent for multi-device users.

Where Proton VPN excels is its balance of remaining privacy-forward but great for casual VPN users. It’s fast, outstanding for streaming and prioritizes privacy. The iOS home screen was redesigned in April 2025, making it more user-friendly and easier to access favorite server locations or customize settings. You’ll get some unique privacy features, like its proprietary Stealth VPN protocol that’s designed to bypass VPN blocks. Android users can currently utilize guest mode to use Proton VPN without creating an account, and the company said thatfeature is coming to iOSand iPadOS in 2025. Proton VPN also has an independently audited no-logs policy and DNS leak protection.

During our tests, Proton unblocked nearly every streaming service we tried, including some tough-to-access ones, like Egypt Netflix libraries — ExpressVPN was the only other VPN able to load Netflix Egypt. Whether you want to boost your privacy, need to stream geo-protected content or want a generous global server network for travel, Proton VPN is a great choice. While some VPNs like ExpressVPN are slightly more user-friendly, and others like Mullvad may be marginally more private, it’s hard to find a VPN that balances intuitive app design with streaming unblocking as well as Proton does.

Proton VPN costs $10 per month, $60 for the first year (then $80 annually) or $108 total for the first two years combined (then $80 annually). All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Also nominated in:Best Free VPN,Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video

Surfsharkis the overall best VPN for iPhones. We like that Surfshark offers split tunneling on iOS and MacOS, not just on Windows and Android — a rarity among VPN providers. Despite its relatively wallet-friendly pricing, Surfshark doesn't compromise on features, like advanced privacy settings or speed. You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want simultaneously, which is great if you have a household full of devices you want to protect, and more generous than most competitors.

ExpressVPNis the bestiPhoneVPN for beginners, thanks to its excellent privacy protection and streamlined, user-friendly mobile interface on iOS and iPadOS (as well asAndroidand all other platforms for that matter). It's a great overall VPN, though you'll pay more for that excellence — ExpressVPN is more expensive than most of its rivals.

NordVPNis the fastest VPN for iPhones, delivering blazing-fast speeds that are perfect for 4K video streaming or online mobile gaming. Plus, NordVPN’s track record with unblocking streams is among the best out there, especially considering it offers a global roster of locations to connect to in 118 countries.

Proton VPNis the most versatile iPhone VPN, offering an impressive server network alongside customizable settings and features that are great for power users. Proton is privacy-focused, open-source and it performed well in our latest speed tests, trailing only NordVPN.

Apple's iPhone has a reputation for privacy, but using a virtual private network, or VPN, further boosts your phone's privacy. A VPN encrypts your online traffic and masks yourpublic IP address. With a VPN enabled, your ISP or mobile carrier won't be able to see what websites and apps you're using. Likewise, apps and websites you use can't tell where you're really connecting from because your public IP address is hidden, instead showing the IP address of the VPN server you're connecting through — which can be another city, state or even country.

A VPN can make apps think you're in a different geographical location, therefore letting you unblock region-restricted content likeforeign Netflix libraries, as well as shows and movies onAmazon Prime Videoand BBC iPlayer that would otherwise be unavailable in your country. So you can watch Fear Street: Prom Queen or Dept. Q on Netflix from anywhere in the world. If your carrier throttles your video streaming quality on mobile data, you may even experience faster speeds and therefore betterstreaming video quality on your phone using a VPN.

Our team of experts at CNET has rigorously tested dozens of thetop VPN providerson multiple platforms, including iOS and iPadOS. We evaluated each service based on a host of factors, including privacy features, speed performance, ease of use and overall value for money. During our iPhone VPN app analyses, we were impressed with how responsively and intuitively each of our top picks performed on iOS devices. We were also impressed with the seamlessness and stability of the connections, especially when switching between various Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Whether you want to avoid mobile traffic-shaping, need to unblock region-restricted streaming content or are traveling internationally for the summer and need access to content from your home country, one of our top picks for iPhone VPNs is a great addition to your app arsenal to bolster your privacy and entertainment needs.

Downloading a VPN app, creating an account, choosing a plan and connecting to your VPN shouldn't take longer than a minute or so.

With so many iPhone VPN apps available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Based on our extensive research and hands-on testing of VPNs over the years, these are the factors to look out for when choosing the best VPN for iPhone:

The most important factor to consider with any VPN is privacy. You should never use a VPN provider if you can’t trust that it's taking your privacy seriously. Every VPN worth its salt should provide AES 256-bit encryption over either OpenVPN or IKEv2VPN protocolsat the bare minimum. If it also offers ChaCha20 over WireGuard, you’ll get all the protection you expect plus a nice speed boost over most other protocols.

Your VPN should also have basic privacy features such as akill switch, which protects you if your VPN connection unexpectedly goes down, DNS leak protection to stop your ISP from reading your website requests and a solid no-logs policy that is regularly audited. We recommend checking any provider’s privacy policy and reading its audit reports closely, as it’ll give you a good understanding of whether a VPN provider is serious about your privacy. If you notice a mention of data collection or sharing practices in a VPN's privacy policy that don't sit well with you, then it's best to trust your gut and look for a different provider.

If your privacy needs are critical, then you’ll need to look for a provider that goes above and beyond the standard privacy considerations. Your VPN should be based in a jurisdiction that has strong privacy laws that don't mandate data retention or logging. Choosing a provider that offersobfuscationis also necessary if you’re in a region or network that restricts or bans VPN use outright, because it can help hide the fact that you're using a VPN in the first place. Many of the best VPNs are also rolling out post-quantum protections that help protect against potential future threats from quantum computers, which is essential for privacy-critical users now and moving forward. Finally, your provider should offer either a RAM-only server infrastructure or employ full-disk encryption on its hard drives, both of which can help ensure that your data remains secure. There are also some other privacy features that aren’t as vital but still useful, such as ad-blockers, Tor over VPN and multi-hop connections.

Your VPN's connection speeds can have a major influence on the quality of your streaming, downloading, video conferencing, gaming and general web-browsing activities. All VPNsslow down your internetsomewhat, simply by nature of encrypting your traffic and routing it through one or more remote servers. To keep things running as smoothly as possible, you'll want a VPN that will have as minimal an impact on your regular internet speeds as possible. Generally, we've found that the best VPNs for iPhone only drop your internet download speed by an average of 25% or less. In our testing, we've seen as low as an average 3% internet download speed loss. For bandwidth-demanding applications like competitive gaming or video streaming, you'll want a fast VPN.

A good VPN for iPhone should run smoothly and be easy to use, regardless of your technical expertise. It should have all of the features you need easily accessible with a tap of your finger. Many of the best iPhone VPN apps also include an easy way to get in touch with support directly from the device, which can be helpful if you need assistance on the go. Basically, your VPN app should be as easy for you to use as your iPhone itself. It should have a large network of servers around the world so you can connect easily and reliably from wherever you may be traveling, and be able to help you access geo-restricted content from various regions.

Depending on your budget, you may want to take into account the cost and overall value of your iPhone VPN before making a purchase. VPN pricing can vary greatly from provider to provider, but you can typically expect to spend about $5 to $15 per month for a monthly VPN subscription plan. If you want to save some money, you can opt for an annual subscription, where prices can range from roughly $30 to $100 per year.

You'll want to be careful with free VPNs because you may end up risking your privacy instead of protecting it with a free VPN Many free VPNs have slow speeds or have unreliable connections that frequently drop because of overloaded servers. Some even actively degrade your privacy, logging any internet activity through the VPN for sale to third parties or injecting ads into your browsing sessions. Even paid VPNs have varying degrees of usability, privacy protections, speeds and streaming capabilities. Proton VPN is currently the onlyfree VPNthat CNET recommends.

Most premium VPNs offer a money-back guarantee anywhere from a week to 45 days. You can also get a seven-day free trial with many VPNs when you sign up through Apple's App Store, so you have options to try various iPhone VPNs risk-free before you decide whether to fully invest in one.

While you'll want an VPN for iPhone that works well on iOS, you may have other devices that you want to run a VPN on. Most VPNs work on Windows, MacOS, Linux PCs and Android devices. While Android TV and Fire TV apps are common for use on streaming devices, Apple TV apps are still on the rise. Providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark, PIA and IPVanish offerApple TV VPNapps. (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Think about the devices you want to install a VPN app on and make sure your desired VPN provider supports those gadgets.

PIA's apps offer a lot of options for customization.

When we evaluate the best iPhone VPNs,we spend weeks testingthe features offered on each VPN's iPhone app to see how they compare to the competition. We carefully consider the look and feel of the app and the overall usability of the software, including how easy it is to establish a connection, bearing in mind the generally smooth user experience iPhone users are accustomed to.

We test the performance and reliability of the VPN connection on each of the protocols available in the provider's iPhone app, while paying special attention to how the app performs when switching between Wi-Fi and a mobile network. We test for leaks and ensure each service's kill switch is working as it should, in addition to testing the functionality of every other feature available on the VPN's iPhone app. If a provider offers unique features (or includes a rare-to-iPhone feature like split-tunneling) we make sure to call them out and document our experience using them.

Many VPNs also offer easy access to customer support directly from their iPhone app, so we test that functionality and evaluate how seamlessly the app is able to connect the user with a support agent as well as the general effectiveness of the support itself.

We test each VPN's ability to circumvent geographical restrictions and access content on popular streaming sites on the iPhone, while taking into account previously-tested speed performance and noting any issues with buffering or stream quality. Finally, we evaluate each provider's pricing to determine the service's overall value.

Private Internet Accessis a decent cheap VPN that undercuts most of its rivals at $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renewing at $50 annually) or $79 every three years. We like its customizable apps and privacy-forward design that includes open-source apps as well as a reader-friendly privacy policy. PIA is one of the few VPN providers that offers split tunneling on MacOS, so Apple aficionados may appreciate the flexibility to route some apps but not others through a VPN.

However, PIA’s high 49% average speed loss is about double what you can typically expect from a fast VPN, making it a tough sell for folks with slow or unreliable internet connections. Additionally, we experienced many CAPTCHAs with PIA when trying to access websites like Google. And its app design, while mostly user-friendly, felt outdated compared to most of the competition. While PIA is a good budget VPN, for a little bit more money, you can get a lot more value with a VPN like Surfshark or Proton VPN.

IPVanish'siPhone app is fairly easy to use and includes a prominent "Connect" button on the home screen that'll get you connected quickly. If you navigate to the "locations" screen to select a specific server, you can either connect to the "optimal location" or choose from a list of servers. However, after you've connected, there's no indication of whether you're connected or not unless you navigate back to the home screen. Even if you connect to the optimal location, the Connect button on the locations screen still says "Connect" — which can lead to some confusion.

Although IPVanish's iPhone app isn't as streamlined as the others on this list, it includes split tunneling functionality — a feature most VPNs don't offer with their iPhone apps. Even so, it's difficult to enthusiastically recommend IPVanish to iPhone users considering that far superior services are available for the same price or cheaper. IPVanish costs $13 per month, $40 for the first year or $53 for the first two years combined. However (as this information is not made sufficiently clear on IPVanish's pricing page), be advised that the price of the annual plan more than doubles to $90 after the initial term, and the two-year subscription renews at $180 every two years after the first two years. Also, IPVanish's 30-day money-back guarantee only applies to the annual and two-year subscription plans, not the monthly plan. (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by CNET's parent company, Ziff Davis.)

The only free VPN for iPhone that we recommend isProton VPN. Itsfree tieremploys the same encryption standards as its premium tier, doesn't impose any usage or speed limitations and doesn't sell your data. There's no shortage of free VPN options available for iPhone, but we generallydon't recommend most free VPNsfor a number of reasons. First, many free VPNs make money by collecting your personal data and selling it to third parties — putting your privacy at risk and defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. Many free VPNs may also inundate you with annoying popups and unwanted advertisements, and some may even contain malware. Additionally, free VPNs impose limitations on usage, are burdened by overcrowded servers (which can negatively affect speeds and stability), typically lack streaming support and often employ substandard encryption.

In our testing,ExpressVPNwas the VPN that performedthe best for streamingon iPhone as well as on every other device we tested. If your main priority is to unblock international streaming content on your iPhone with a VPN, we recommend going with ExpressVPN because it has proven year after year in our tests to be the most reliable service for geo-unblocking content from all over the world.

The best VPNs for iPhone are already highly intuitive and deliver exceptional performance on iOS devices. But you can expect even more refinements throughout 2025 and beyond in terms of performance and features. Specifically, many of the top VPNs have been rolling out additional services like password managers, antivirus protection, secure email and identity protection features that you can bundle with the VPN service. We've started seeing many of these additional features added to existing VPN apps, but we're likely to see them integrated more into a single app for each provider instead of having multiple apps for each of your bundled services. We're also likely to see a greater degree of parity between apps on different platforms (especially with more providers re-implementing split-tunneling on iPhone and other Apple apps), so users can have access to the same set of features regardless of which operating system they're using. Additionally, we'll see providers committing to more regular audits, refining their pricing structures and a wider implementation of forward-thinking privacy features like post-quantum protection.

Surfsharkis our choice for best iPhone VPN, thanks to its suite of useful features, easy-to-use app and the rare ability to enable split tunneling on iOS.ExpressVPNis our runner-up for the best iPhone VPN due to to its reliability, responsiveness and ease of use.NordVPN, is the best VPN for iPhone power users who want best-in-class internet download speeds and exceptional streaming support.ProtonVPNoffers the only free VPN plan we recommend and is a versatile VPN for people who enjoy customizing their settings.

You should use a VPN on your iPhone if you need to boost your privacy by keeping your internet activity hidden from your ISP, access geographically restricted content like foreign Netflix libraries or circumvent throttling and censorship restrictions. Using a VPN on your iPhone is a great way to protect your privacy when you're on the go.

No, iPhones do not have a built-in VPN app, but there is a built-in VPN client in iOS that lets you connect to a VPN server. But the easiest way to use a VPN on your iPhone or iPad is by downloading your VPN provider's app.

Recentindependent researchclaims that VPNs on iOS devices leak user traffic outside of the VPN tunnel, unencrypted. VPN providers have pointed out that the vulnerability exists on Apple’s side and affects all VPNs on iOS devices.Proton VPNoutlined a workaround to the issue in ablog post, advising iOS VPN users to connect to a VPN server, enable Airplane mode (to kill existing internet connections and temporarily disable the VPN) and disable Airplane mode. The VPN should then reconnect with all internet connections running through the VPN tunnel. Proton notes that it’s not a 100% guarantee that the VPN will be rendered leak-free through this process, but it can only help.

Your internet service provider or mobile carrier can see that you're connected to a VPN, but it won’t be able to see the websites you visit or your browsing history, because your iPhone VPN encrypts your online traffic. Your ISP/mobile carrier will also see things like the IP address of the VPN server you're connected to, the time stamps of when you're connected and the amount of data you've transmitted. If you want to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN altogether, you can connect to an obfuscated server, if offered by your VPN.

The easiest way to set up a VPN on your iPhone is by downloading your VPN provider's app from Apple's App Store. Then, fire up the app, punch in your login credentials and tap "Connect" or "On" — the exact phrasing may differ — to enable your VPN. Toturn off a VPN on your iPhone, tap the "Disconnect" or "Off" button.

Yes, the best VPNs for iPhone all allow for multiple simultaneous connections, which is great if you want to use a VPN on other devices — like a MacBook, Windows PC, Android device smart TV or streaming device. Typically, you'll be able to connect at least five to 10 simultaneous devices, with a few services offering unlimited connections.

Couldartificial intelligencetake over the internet? Some members of the online community reckon it already has. This old theory is flooding virtual spaces again, and it all has to do with Shrimp Jesus.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, that's the infamous AI-generatedFacebook imagethat, along with variations, has been floating around the net since the image first surfaced in March of 2024. At first glance, Shrimp Jesus appeared to be your standard, human-made meme. But it was actually the jumping-off point for Facebook AI art slop — a proliferation of AI-generated memes like theChallah Horse, the386-year-old grannybaking her own birthday cake, and therandom wooden cars(to name just a few).

The flood of these pictures has reignited discussions about a conspiracy theory that cropped up in 2021, called the Dead Internet Theory. If you frequently use TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, you may've already seen examples of these kinds of images, without knowing it. I write about the internet for a living, and I only recently heard about the theory. Researching it led me down a rabbit hole I struggled to emerge from. So, what is the Dead Internet Theory? And how does it parallel the rise of artificial intelligence?

Locating local internet providers

The Dead Internet Theory first emerged in 2021 on the online forums, 4chan and Wizardchan. People took to these forums claiming that the internet died in 2016 and that AI bots mostly run the content we now see online. This theory also supports the possibility that AI is being used to manipulate the public due to a much larger and sinister agenda. These posts were pieced together in a lengthy thread and published on another online forum called Agora Road's Macintosh Cafe. Be aware, the thread can be easily accessed online, but I did not link to it due to the obscene language in the post.

User IlluminatiPirate wrote, "The internet feels empty and devoid of people. It is also devoid of content."

Locating local internet providers

Now, years later, this conspiracy is seeing the light of day again with a rise of TikTok creators dissecting the theory and finding examples to support it. One creator, with a username of SideMoneyTom, posted avideoin March 2024, showing examples of different Facebook accounts posting variations of AI-generated images of Jesus. These images provide little traffic online, yet they can still easily proliferate your feed. Like many other online creators, SideMoneyTom echoed the same sentiment: These Facebook accounts are run by AI bots and create all content. To better understand this theory,it helps to know how generative AI works.

Generative AI usesartificial intelligencesystems that produce new content in the form of stories, images, videos, music and even software code.According to Monetate, "Generative AI uses machine-learning algorithms and training data to generate new, plausibly human-passing content." With the launch of ChatGPT in 2022,chatbotshave become all the rage these days, with tech giants like Google, Apple andMetaAIcreating a slew of AI tools for their products. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the owner of ChatGPT, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

Now, back to Shrimp Jesus. If you feed specific data and prompts to a chatbot, you'll find that these images are "human-passing." Emphasis on “passing.”Content created by chatbots is certainly known to have its faults.

"While large pre-trained systems such as LLMs [large language models] have made impressive advancements in their reasoning capabilities, more research is needed to guarantee correctness and depth of the reasoning performed by them," AI experts wrote in a report by theAssociation for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

However, Shrimp Jesus and other AI-generated images aren't the only things online believers use to substantiate this theory.

If you spend enough time on social media, you'll see odd things in the comments section of certain posts, like repetitive comments from accounts that are irrelevant to the post. These comments are often strange and don't make sense. Last winter, Bluesky subscribers took to Reddit to complain about being plagued by reply bots that were politely and annoyingly argumentative.

One userflagged the common signs to spot these reply bots and what to do when encountering them. Some indications you're experiencing a bot are when the account is new and has many replies to different posts, as seen from this Blueskyreply bot account.

According to cybersecurity company Imperva's2024 Bad Bot report, nearly half of all internet traffic came from bots in 2023, a 2% increase from the previous year. Imperva characterizesBad Botsas automated software programs that perform malicious activities on websites. These bots can take sensitive information, perform account takeovers and initiate cyberattacks or DDoS. That report also highlights that the rapid adoption of generative AI and other LLMs has increased the number of simple bad bots because "less technical individuals can now write basic bot scripts."

The report notes that the US saw a rise in bad-bot attacks in 2023, accounting for 47% of all bot activity globally. According to Imperva, the US is the most targeted country for bad-bot traffic worldwide. (Bad-bot attacks aren't limited to the internet and online communication. They can be found affecting several industries. For instance, a rise in bad-bot traffic can be seen in thegamingindustry; among telecommunications andinternet service providers; in the computing and IT sector; and in travel.)

Generative AI growth has accelerated in recent years, but so have the fears and concerns surrounding these changes, includingtheir impact on the environment.According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, AI experts were more likely than Americans to believe that AI will positively impact the US in the next 20 years. Data shows that over 47% of experts are excited about using AI daily, versus 11% of the public. That same report also highlights that over 51% of US adults have been concerned about the growth of AI since 2021.

Regarding the growing concerns over whether the internet is dead,Sofie Hvitved, technology futurist and senior advisor at the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies, believes that the internet is not dead, but evolving.

"I think the internet, as it looks like now, will die, but it has been dying for a long time, in that sense," Hvitved said.

"It's transforming into something else and decomposing itself into a new thing, so we have to figure out how to make new solutions and better algorithms… making it better and more relevant to us as humans."

In 2024, aNewsGuard audit reportrevealed that generative AI tools were used to spread Russian propaganda in over 3.6 million articles. NewsGuard also found that AI chatbots were used to create false narratives online from a Russian misinformation news site. To that point, Hvitved emphasized that these issues stemming from AI do not signify that the internet is dead but instead force us to address how we can improve these AI tools.

"Since there are large language models, and you know, AI feeds on all the information it can gather, it can start polluting the LLMs and pollute the data, which is a huge problem," said Hvitved.

The Dead Internet Theory isn't dying anytime soon. Online discourse surrounding the idea isn't limited to TikTok. It's also found a home inmultiple Reddit threads.

One Reddit user wrote, "AI chatbots are going to be catastrophic for so many people's mental health." But research to back this up has been mixed. Some points to how AI chatbots can effectivelyreduce the severity of mental health concernsfor people from different demographics and backgrounds. Other studies show thatAI chatbots could be detrimental to young children and their development.

Another Reddit user posted, "Considering that we are just at the beginning of AI, especially its capabilities with video, I'd say there's a real chance that it will destroy the usefulness of the internet and make it dead."

Other people echo that sentiment by adding that the ratio of AI content to human content will change dramatically over the next few years. One even compileda list of over 130 examples of subreddit threadson the internet that consisted of comments and posts generated by AI bots.

According to the Harvard Business Review, generative AI could primarily threaten content created by independent writers, artists, musicians and podcasters. That said, one looming question following the Dead Internet Theory is whether AI will completely replace human-made content. If so, how will this shape internet culture?

Hvitved is also the Head of Media at the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies and specializes in examining the relationship between emerging technologies like AI and their impact on communication. She has a take on the future of a new internet culture as AI use increases.

"Maybe the static element of the internet is going to die. So we have articles, static pages and web pages you must scroll through, but is that the death of the internet? I don't think so."

She believes this new internet culture could mean more relevant content for broadband users.

"That kind of contextual internet, knowledge graphs, real-time summaries and interactive microformats, that's something these [AI] agents can go out and pick from to create something specialized for you."

This new internet culture will emphasize AI's ability to tailor unique content for each user and may mean abandoning the concept of shared spaces and communities.

"We have to pay attention to echo chambers or diving into your own little worlds that only you would understand. We won't have any shared reality anymore," Hvitved said.

If you've watched films like The Terminator, Blade Runner or Wall-E, you know there's always been a fascination with robots and whether they will take over the world one day. The resurgence of the Dead Internet Theory is just the latest evidence of that ongoing discourse. One could argue that AI shaping a new internet culture would mean the death of the internet as we know it. But this doesn't imply that the internet will just disappear. To echo what AI expert Sofie Hvitved conveyed, the internet may eventually evolve into something new. With the rapid growth of AI in our day-to-day lives, there's no question this is transforming the digital landscape. But is the internet dead? As a broadband writer working with numerous hard-working CNET writers daily, I can testify that it's alive.

The Dead Internet Theory emerged in 2021 from online conspiracy theorists on forums like 4chan and Wizardchan. It suggests that the internet died in 2016 and that the content we see online is run mainly by AI bots. The Dead internet Theory also suggests that AI is being used to manipulate the public due to a much larger and sinister agenda.

TikTok creators note the increased number of Facebook bot accounts creating AI-generated images, withShrimp Jesusand other variations of this image being the most infamous. This image also became the jumping point for Facebook AI art slop to spread online, with newly generated AI memes like theChallah Horse,the 386-year-old granny baking their own birthday cake,andthe random wooden cars. In addition, followers also ascribe to this theory due to the spread of bot accounts filling the comment sections across different social media platforms.

Generative AI uses artificial intelligence systems to create new content, including stories, images, videos, music and software code. The way it works is you feed specific prompts and data to a chatbot, and it creates a particular output for you. Examples of generative AI include chatbots likeChatGPT,Preplexity,Google GeminiandClaude by Anthropic– a CNET Editors' Choice for the best overall AI chatbot.

Withgrillingseason in full swing, you might be dreaming about throwing a juicy rib eye or tender filet on the barbecue, but your grocery bill says otherwise. Steak prices have skyrocketed, and stocking up on premium cuts can do serious damage to yourfood budget. The good news? You don't have to sacrifice flavor just to save a few bucks.

There are plenty of underrated, wallet-friendly cuts of beef that cook up beautifully with the right technique. We asked butchers and beef experts to share their go-to picks for cheap steaks that still bring the sizzle, whether you're firing up the grill orpan-searing at home. Here's how to eat well this summer without blowing your grocery budget.

"A rib eye comes from the area between the loin and the shoulder, and is commonly known for its rich flavor and juicy texture," Jason Jerome, beef supply chain expert atBeef. It's What's For Dinner, told CNET in an email exchange. Despite its mouth-watering qualities, rib eye is among the most expensive cuts of meat and therefore is the No. 1 candidate to swap for a cheaper cut of steak.

Speaking with another meat expert, Mark Dommen, head chef and partner at San Francisco's One Market restaurant explains, "that there are a number of beef and steak cuts that can ably stand in for rib eye, offering up value for the budget-conscious without sacrificing on flavor and texture."

Flat iron steak has the required marbling to match the grill's intensity.

If you're craving the tenderness of rib eye, Jerome suggests the flat iron steak as a worthy alternative. "The flat iron steak is the second most tender cut of beef, behind the beef tenderloin," he said. While beef tenderloin is generally not recommended for high-heat grilling because of its delicate nature, the flat iron has the required marbling to match the grill's intensity. "These steaks are known for their rich beef flavor and are well-marbled," he said. "That makes this cut stand out above others and it can be used in a variety of ways."

Strip steak is tender and it can be a tasty substitute for ribeye.

"Strip steak is incredibly tender and can be a tasty substitute for rib eye," said Jerome. It's also one of the closest in flavor to everyone's favorite steak. The major difference between the two cuts is marbling; rib eye has more internal marbling throughout the cut, which accounts for its tenderness and flavor. Strip steak tends to have a thick band of fat on the outside of the cut that generally isn't eaten, but which contributes to its equally robust flavor.

Jerome also adds that you can easily tease out more portions in a strip steak. "You can cut a strip steak in half for smaller portioned strip filets," he said. "Not only does it increase your portions, but it's also perfect paired with fresh veggies for an easy weeknight dinner."

As with all cuts of meat, if you find something on sale you should stock up and freeze portions for later, but with strip, Jerome also advises considering buying whole and doing a little bit of your own butchering for added savings. "With a whole striploin, you can save up to $2 per pound by buying in bulk and cutting down your own strip steaks at home," he said. "On average, a striploin weighs 14 to 15 pounds, so that could be an average savings of up to $28 to $30."

Sirloin steaks are a tasty, budget-friendly option.

Sirloin is a primal cut, further down toward the rump of the animal from the rib. Steaks cut from muscles get more work than rib eye, which also makes them a leaner choice for grilling. "Sirloin steaks are a great budget-friendly option chock-full of flavor," said Jerome, who also suggests cutting sirloin steaks into smaller pieces for another budget-stretching, grill preparation: kabobs. "Top sirloin steaks are a great option to have something lean but also tender and flavorful for your beef kabobs."

Dommen also mentions another cut from the sirloin to consider for your barbecue. "The cut is what Brazilians call the picanha," he said. It's instantly recognizable as a frequently skewered cut served in Brazilian churrasco. "The picanha comes from the sirloin cap at the rear of the animal. The muscles get more work and have more flavor but also need to be cut with care against the grain," he said.

A marinade is a good way to ensure some added tenderness to your flank steak before grilling.

Because a flank steak is so large, coming from just above the belly in the rear quarter of the animal, it qualifies as buying in bulk unto itself. It's therefore a terrific, budget-friendly option for your cookout. "Flank steak is a versatile cut that's perfect for fajitas," said Jerome. That makes it another preparation that's great for the grill and easy to feed a crowd with. Because of its natural leanness, however, a marinade is a good way to ensure some added tenderness before grilling.

"Acidic marinades with vinegar or lime juice are better suited for flank steak than dry rubs," said Jerome, "and the longer you marinate, the better, even up to 24 hours. Add pantry olive oil and spices to your acidic base and you're ready to go."

Short ribs are most commonly braised but you can grill them too.

"Short ribs are known for being braised but they can also be grilled," said Dommen. "Short ribs have a lot of marbling, which makes them great for grilling."

Short ribs come from an area near the prime rib, coming from the chuck, not actually from the rib as the name suggests. (This is why beef requires experts.) While rib eye comes from the top of the animal, short ribs are closer to the belly. Short ribs for braising are typically sold bone-in and in shorter pieces, but you can ask your butcher for boneless short ribs that are cut in longer pieces for steak.

"Short ribs should be grilled to medium rare with a nice sear to make sure all the intermuscular fat is warmed," advised Dommen. "I grill short ribs to an internal temperature of 115 Fahrenheit and it will carry over another 10 degrees while resting."

You've probably already put chuck on the grill.

"Chuck eye steaks are sometimes referred to as a 'butchers' steak,'" said Jermone. And it bodes well for the cut's quality if butchers are hoarding them. Chuck is a cut at the very top and front of the animal, from which ground meat is often processed, so if you've ever grilled burgers, you're already accustomed to putting chuck on the grill.

"The steak gets its nickname because years ago butchers would keep this steak for themselves because it cooked and tasted like a rib eye while being more budget-friendly," said Jerome. "This steak sits right next to the rib eye primal and therefore inherits a lot of the same qualities you would get from a rib eye."

"Pork is my alternative cut of meat aside from beef," said Dommen. "I love double-cut, bone-in pork chops, especially if the pork is from a heritage breed that has great intermuscular fat."

If all else fails, consider other types of meat, such as pork chops.

If all else fails when planning your grill festivities, consider that other types of meat can also fill in for beef steak when you're trying to save money. "The key is that the pork chop is nice and thick so that you can get a great sear by the time it's cooked," Dommen said. "Cutting into a double-cut pork chop is as satisfying as cutting into a steak."

No matter what cut you're grilling, also consider a few expert tips to make the most of whatever you're working with. "Elevate more tender cuts of beef withdry rubs," said Jerome. "You can use spices you already have in your pantry for added savings. Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice are on trend, and work great on the grill."

You should also consider extending your budget by choosing dishes and meals that call for less steak per person than simply steak for steak's sake. "Beef is a highly versatile ingredient," Jerome said. In addition to kabobs and fajitas, mentioned above, "beef up any salad for a quick easy meal or pair sliced steak with a grain and lots of veggies to make it stretch in a delicious stir fry or bowl with Mexican or Mediterranean flavors."

"There are certain principles that apply to all cuts of beef when grilling," Dommen said. "By the time your meat is cooked it should also ideally have a nice sear on it. Always allow the meat to rest before slicing, which will give it a chance to redistribute the juices back into the meat. Other than rib eye, always slice meat against the grain to ensure tenderness."

For more beef tips, see our picks for thebest places to order meat onlineandthe best rubs. You can also check outhow shopping at Whole Foods can actually save you money, andhow to make your food last longer in the fridgeto save some cash.

Cutting through the water on a triple-hull sailboat pulled by a giant kite, members of the SP80 team are challenging the world sailing speed record off the coast of Southern France, one gust of wind at a time.

SP80's three-hull (trimaran) design prioritizes stability and reduced drag.

"There is nothing to earn at the end, except that you are proud to achieve it," says co-founder Benoit Gaudiot, who is also one of the boat's pilots.

The record the SP80 team is aiming at is 65.45 knots (more than 75mph), set by Paul Larsen in 2012 aboard the Vestas Sailrocket 2 in the waters off Namibia.

Current world record holder Paul Larsen and the Vestas Sailrocket 2.

The SP80 team has taken some inspiration from the Sailrocket's design, particularly the superventilating foil that allows sailboats to overcome "something really similar to the sound barrier for airplanes," Gaudiot says.

The "cavitation barrier" prevents boats from accelerating beyond 55 knots (63.3mph) due to a buildup of air bubbles on the foil, part of the boat that sticks down into the water for stability. The foil is also the point of maximum drag on the boat, and therefore required a lot of precise engineering to create a foil that "theoretically has no speed limit as long as we keep the boat stable and have power to push it further," says Gaudiot.

The boat's superventilating hydrofoil sticks down into the water, adding stability and helping overcome the "cavitation barrier."

Two pilots operate the boat, with one focused on steering and one focused on controlling the kite that propels the boat. The boat is made to travel in a straight line, like drag-racing, rather than zig-zagging upwind and sailing downwind like the boats inSailGP.

The rules for breaking the world sailing speed record require reaching the highest average speed of more than 500 meters, at least one person onboard, and using only the wind as a source of energy.

SP80 has so far reached a top speed of 58 knots (about 67 mph).

SP80 eventually hopes to break 80 knots with its kite-powered boat design. Beyond that, SP80 admits the boat itself will be of little use to anyone hoping to do anything other than break world records with it. However, there may be useful applications for some of the team's technology in other markets like hydroelectric power, maritime shipping and, naturally, boat racing.

To see the SP80 team and its kite-powered sailboat in action, check out the video in this article.

AtSummer Game Fest, I tried a game that was bold enough to ask: Why doesn't Stardew Valley have more murder? Grave Seasons, due out next year, is a cozy farming sim with a morbid edge: It's about all the friends (and romantic partners) you make along the bloody way to stopping a serial killer.

A little bit into the short demo of Grave Seasons, I took to the fields to clean up the run-down farm I'd broken into and decided to adopt, only to find a severed hand. It's fitting for an indie title published by Blumhouse Games, a division of Blumhouse Productions, which, with the gaming unit, began expanding beyond its work in horror films to publish titles like last year'sFear the Spotlight.

Grave Seasons is a cozy horror game that seems like it will deftly mix the serene and gruesome, appealing to fans of Dredge and other calming games tinged with the sinister. Players take on the role of a prison escapee who breaks into, and adopts, a farm in the town of Ashenridge, only to find that it's riddled with dark secrets.

But it wasn't just occult labs in the basement and body parts unearthed from the fields that made the game feel delightfully grim. After I'd made some early friends, my demo ended with a shocking twist: One of my new pals, who asked me to join them for a midnight walk in the nearby woods, got ambushed by a hideous monster and brutally murdered. Even the game's charming sprite graphics didn't spare my eyes from the ick of dismemberment.

"We are huge fans of games that blend that sort of coziness mixed with a sense of unease," said Emmett Nahil, narrative designer at studio Perfect Garbage, which developed Grave Seasons (Blumhouse is the publisher). Nahil cited games like Dredge, Into The Woods and Cult of the Lamb as inspirations.

In Grave Seasons, these murders happen seasonally, said lead programmer Nicky Armstrong. But you have enough time between sowing crops and cleaning up your farm to figure out what might be happening. You can try to befriend the many people you meet around town, and even discover who the killer is.

But if you're playing Grave Seasons alongside real-life friends, don't worry about them spoiling the killer's identity for you — the game's inspired design randomly assigns the murderer from a subset of the approximately 40 characters you encounter in the game. Like any good cozy farming game, you can romance many of them, including the hunky Hari that I met first in the demo. And in an even better twist, the person you're romancing might end up being the killer, too.

Beyond video games, Nahil cited folk horror and monster films as inspirations that led to Grave Seasons' unique tone.

"The original Wicker Man is actually a huge inspiration for me," Nahil said. "We have some really cool events [in Grave Seasons] that tell you a bit more about the lore of the world. Obviously, creature features like early Hammer Horror are a huge one for me, where you get to see different monsters, different creatures, and there's a sort of sense of pathos that goes along with those creatures."

Another design quirk that sets Grave Seasons apart is starting the game with a protagonist on the lam from prison — a departure from Stardew Valley and other farming sims where it's good vibes from the get-go. Instead, in this game players start with a sense of tension, since they can't go to the cops about the serial killer prowling around town.

"It helps place the player in the idea that they are on their own and have to use their wits, and really focus on their skills to help the town and themselves — or hinder the town and help the killer," Nahil said.

In other words, a playthrough of Grave Seasons can go several different ways depending on the randomized killer and the choices players make. That was a design choice for Perfect Garbage, which wanted to divert from the indefinite playtime of Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon games in order to tell a story.

"We really want you to experience the narrative that we've crafted and play the game to its conclusion … whether that is a positive or a negative conclusion," Armstrong said. "We still want you to experience it to its end and have a really good time with one playthrough of the game, and then we'd love for you to play it again and experience a different story, a different killer, a different outcome."

That storytelling applies to the killers, too. Whether romanceable or not, all characters have a backstory to discover as you befriend and get closer to them. The potential murderers have motivations and storylines that the player can dig into, which will change elements within the world that they might discover and ask around about.

But in closing, I asked Armstrong and Nahil perhaps the most important question: Which of the game's 40 or so characters would they date?

"Oh, my boy Hari is right there in the demo, yeah," said Armstrong.

"He's not in the demo, but Noah, honestly," Nahil said. "Our buff fisherman is my romance of choice."

That's amusing to know, but it also shows that the game contains multitudes. Many other farming sims have the cozy part down, but Grave Seasons seems like it'll let the discomfort of morbid effects and murder be a counterweight tension that complexifies the comforting monotony of farming. Amid alternating between growing life and fearing for your own, why wouldn't you find someone to date?

Grave Seasons is scheduled to come out on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch in 2026.