DuckDuckGo VPN review: Strong privacy, but missing key features
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Solid performance with minimal speed drop Good for geo-unblocking Cons Five device limit Relatively small server count Our Verdict DuckDuckGo VPN’s browser-based nature takes a little getting used to, and it lacks some of the power features of its rivals, but it’s ideal for privacy-Conscious users who are already in the company’s ecosystem. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$9.99 Best Prices Today: DuckDuckGo PrivacyPro Retailer Price DuckDuckGo (Monthly) $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Privacy is DuckDuckGo’s forte, and while the powerful browser that dodges trackers and digital snooping has become a go-to for many, you may not be aware of its VPN service. That’s partially because, despite DuckDuckGo offering a free browser alternative to Safari and Chrome, its VPN is a paid addition, and partially because its very existence is tied to the aforementioned browser – at least for now. If you’re already using the DuckDuckGo browser, the VPN might just be the easiest one to recommend for you, despite the fact that it’s missing some features of its rivals. On the other hand, as a standalone product, it’s a little less easy to recommend because of those missing features. Solid speeds and reliable geo-unblocking are one thing, but a lack of features like a kill switch is likely to be tough to swallow for experienced VPN users looking for alternatives. Should you use DuckDuckGo VPN? Who it’s best for: Privacy-focused users already using DuckDuckGo’s browser and people who want a simple, low-effort VPN. Who should avoid it: Power users who want full control, a large server network, and multiple device coverage Key trade-offs and limitations: Compared to other VPNs DuckDuckGO VPN lacks key tools like a kill switch, protocol choice, and deeper controls. It also lacks the large server network others offer. How to get DuckDuckGo VPN The DuckDuckGo VPN is available as part of a subscription to the DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro service that costs $9.99 a month/$99.99 a year and also includes personal information removal, and identity theft restoration. Download DuckDuckGo browser (Mac, iOS or other version). You can download it from the Mac App Store. Subscribe to DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro. Go to Settings > VPN in the DuckDuckGo browser. Features & Apps – What features does DuckDuckGo VPN actually offer? Right off the bat, DuckDuckGo VPN does things a little differently. The company’s excellent browser does a great job of blocking trackers, and it’s always been fun to check the ‘Protections Report’ about how many it’s stopped from pinching your data. It’s also now packing optional AI features, letting you engage with a chatbot with a little more privacy than a browser-based ChatGPT or Claude window. Foundry It’s into this ecosystem that the VPN service arrives, and you’ll need to use the browser to install it first and foremost. Once that’s done, you can access it from the menu bar as you would many rivals, but there’s no standalone interface, so you’ll need to rely on the browser or the menu bar – no big ‘button’ to click here. There are, as you might expect, versions for platforms like Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, but bear in mind there’s a relatively restrictive five-device limit. While some VPNs are offering unlimited connections, at this price, we’d have liked a few more from DuckDuckGo. Still, if you’re a solo user with a handful of devices, you’ll likely get by just fine. Foundry Perhaps the biggest downside right now is a lack of power features. A Kill Switch, which stops traffic when a VPN goes down, isn’t in effect, for example. You’ll get a notification, but there’s no option to automatically disconnect. Split Tunnelling is available, though, letting you route traffic from specific apps and sites through the VPN or outside of it, and you can set the VPN to connect automatically when you log in, but that’s about it for features. Don’t expect much else, though. There are no speed testing options, no alternative VPN protocols (it’s WireGuard or nothing), and no dedicated password manager or other accoutrements. Still, because DuckDuckGo VPN is part of the wider subscription service, you also get those AI models I mentioned earlier, regular data sweeps for your personal data, and even identity restoration if you’ve suffered at the hands of a bad actor. It’s the kind of service you hope you never need, but it’s there if you do. Performance: How fast is DuckDuckGo VPN in real use? DuckDuckGo’s server count is relatively low, with under 50 countries included. Some, like the UK, only have one location where rivals would have a few to choose from, making this a markedly smaller pool of servers to choose from compared to options like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. On the positive side, though, its speeds are pretty great. While there’s no built-in speed test, we found download speeds dropped by just 12% or so in general usage when using WireGuard. There’s no other protocol to test, sadly, but upload speeds do take more of a hit at around a 70% speed loss. For browsing, that’s doable, but you may struggle with video calls or gaming while using the VPN. While DuckDuckGo offers a great privacy-first VPN, it’s also a dab hand at geo-unblocking, small server list notwithstanding. I was able to easily gain access to alternative versions of Netflix, for example, with no real downsides to performance. Privacy & Security: Is DuckDuckGo VPN actually private and secure? As you might expect from DuckDuckGo, a company founded on the principles of privacy on the internet, there’s a lot to like about its approach to a VPN. For one, it keeps its VPN servers separate from its browser and AI servers, while using Smarter Encryption to keep data encrypted while in use. While the company is headquartered in the United States, it maintains a no-logs policy. Still, the US being part of the Five Eyes surveillance group is something to consider if you’re looking for additional privacy, while the last audit was completed in late 2024. Pricing and plans: Is DuckDuckGo VPN worth the price? At $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, DuckDuckGo’s VPN isn’t one of the cheapest around, but that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Its private browser is free, and you’re not just paying for the VPN on its own – you’re also getting access to AI models, data removal tools, and identity restoration. Should you use DuckDuckGo VPN? Already locked in to DuckDuckGo’s excellent browser? The VPN might just be a no-brainer, offering a great experience that’s easy to use, at the cost of more granularity. Still, at this price, there are other options with more servers and features.

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How to block ads (and other distracting things) on iPhone for free
Safari's Hide Distracting Items feature, added in iOS 18, lets you remove ads from your iPhone, along with other annoying web page elements (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iOS 27: New features, release date, and more
We’re less than three months away from the debut of iOS 27 at WWDC, and rumors are waiting a clear picture of what to expect. The update will reportedly bring a focus on stability improvements and bug fixes, with some big new Apple Intelligence features sprinkled in. Here’s everything we know so far about new iOS 27 features, the update’s release date, and more. more…

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Tim Cook to exit as Apple CEO this year? Here’s what prediction market is saying
Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday sidestepped questions about his retirement and reaffirmed that he will continue to lead the company… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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The Mac just posted its ‘best launch week ever’ with non-Mac users
Macworld It’s been a couple of weeks since Apple dropped the bombshell that is the $599 MacBook Neo, and there is still a lot of buzz about it, based on the feedback we’ve seen here at Macworld. On Friday, we got a sense from Apple on what the response has been. On X, Apple CEO Tim Cook posted a quick message, stating, “Mac just had its best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers. We love seeing the enthusiasm!” X/Tim Cook Cook didn’t specifically say the “enthusiasm” was because of the MacBook Neo, but it’s easy to infer that it is. Cook has never posted such a message after a Mac release, although Apple often makes some sort of vague statement during its quarterly results announcements that it is encouraged by the number of first-time buyers. Apple also released a new M5 MacBook Air and the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, so it’s possible Cook’s message includes those Macs as well. Possible, but not probable. MacBook Neo remains difficult to get on Apple’s online store, with some colors showing a mid-April ship date. Apple stopped revealing actual units sold (as specific numbers or even in a general sense) years ago, so we may never know how many MacBook Neos are being sold. Regardless, there seems to be genuine momentum with the laptop, thanks to Windows fatigue and a U.S. economic sentiment where people want more value for their dollar. Maybe we’ll start to see proclamations of units sold, like when we heard about the X millionth song sold on iTunes–such announcements can create a bandwagon effect to let people know that the Neo is gaining wide acceptance. In any case, there’s new “enthusiasm” for the Mac, and we as users will hopefully benefit. We still have updates to the Mac mini and Mac Studio coming soon, and then there’s the touchscreen MacBook Pro later this year. It’s only going to get better, folks. @macworld.com Neo cures crapware #macbookneo ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Apple MacBook Neo Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: $595 at Amazon$597 at Walmart$599 at Apple Read our full Apple MacBook Neo review Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) Price When Reviewed: From $1,099 Best Prices Today: $1,049 at Amazon$1049 at B&H$1049 at Walmart Read our full Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) review Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $1299 Best Prices Today: $1299 at Apple Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $2,199 Best Prices Today: $2071 at Walmart$2,149 at Amazon$2149 at B&H Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $3,899 Best Prices Today: $3642 at Walmart$3,849 at Amazon$3849 at B&H Read our full Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026) review

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Deals: Most affordable M5 MacBook Pro $200 off, 15-inch M4 MacBook Air $949, iPhone 16 Pro Max $657 off, more
low, Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by the most affordable M5 MacBook Pro you can buy down at $1,400 ($299 under least pricey M5 model Apple sells these days) and this 16GB 15-inch M4 MacBook Air at $350 less than most affordable M5 Air Apple sells. We also still have AirPods Pro 3 down at holiday pricing joined by 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max renewed premium units at up to $657 off, iPad mini at up to $160 off, and more. Scope it out below. more…

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MacBook Neo draws record number of new buyers to macOS
CEO Tim Cook says Apple just had its "best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers." The entry-level notebook is a hit! (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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ChatGPT wants a do-it-all super app, but Apple will probably stand in the way
OpenAI is working on a project to consolidate ChatGPT, coding tools, and a browser into one app. Apple's iOS platform restrictions will prevent it from becoming a true all-in-one platform on the iPhone.OpenAI wants its desktop app to have more functionsOpenAI wants to merge ChatGPT, Codex, and a browser into one desktop app centered on agentic AI. Naturally, the focus is on desktop platforms and the ChatGPT app on iPhone will stay the same as a result.An app like that behaves very differently depending on where it runs. On iPhone and iPad, Apple tightly controls how software accesses the system and interacts with other apps. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.4 adds brand new widgets for your iPhone’s Home Screen
iOS 26.4 comes packed with many new features, including brand new Ambient Music widgets that can be added to the iPhone’s Home Screen. Here are the details. more…

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Grab an iPad Air for $200 off in Amazon’s blowout sale
Macworld M3 iPad Air, 128GB View Deal We love seeing a good closeout deal on Apple tech, especially when the new model is a very minor update. So today’s deal is right up our alley: Right now, you can get the 128GB iPad Air with 5G cellular for $550, a savings of $200, and the absolute best price we’ve ever seen. Equipped with the M3 chip, this device delivers an exceptional performance whether you want to browse around, play games, practice hobbies, and so on. When we reviewed it, we gave this tablet a 4-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award, as we appreciated its performance, the gorgeous display, good battery life, and the overall build quality. The tablet features a brilliant 11-inch Liquid Retina display that delivers gorgeous and vibrant colors, which is perfect for viewing media or editing projects. If you want to take pics or record videos, the tablet features advanced 12MP front and rear cameras so you can capture great content. The 128GB will offer plenty of storage space for apps, games, and files, and with a 5G plan, you’ll nbe able to stream movies and make calls wherever you are. Since the tablet is so much cheaper now, you can use that extra cash to get a Magic Keyboard ($15 off) or Apple Pencil Pro ($30 off) for the full decked-out version. Just be sure to act fact because once they’re gone they’re never coming back.

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AirPods Max, MacBook Neo, and Family Sharing on the AppleInsider Podcast
Apple unexpectedly launched yet another device, the very long-awaited AirPods Max, plus the MacBook Neo gets more real-world testing, and Family Sharing gets a great update, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.Nobody saw it coming but the new AirPods Max is here — image credit: AppleJust when you thought Apple was done with product launches in March — and just when you thought it would never update the AirPods Max — it went and did it. The new AirPods Max brings everything users have been asking for over the last several years.There's reason to suspect the new AirPods Max is going to feel outdated in even just a few months, though. And also plenty of reasons to assume Apple won't release a new version for a long time. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.4 has three new features you might use every day
iOS 26.4 is almost here, with a launch likely just days away. The update is packed with a lot of new features, including three that have a good chance of becoming daily go-tos for users. more…

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Apple hasn’t caught up to MacBook Neo demand yet
It looks like Apple is selling MacBook Neo laptops faster than it can make them. Meanwhile, the Mac is breaking records because of it. more…

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Today in Apple history: Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh lands with a thud
On March 20, 1997, Apple released the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh, a futuristic, special-edition Mac that was way ahead of its time. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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TechFest: Computer History Museum continues Apple’s 50th anniversary celebration
Following last week’s excellent Apple@50 panel, the Computer History Museum has announced “TechFest: Happy Birthday, Apple,” to be held… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Amazon developing Fire Phone successor to take on iPhone with Alexa AI focus
After getting burned by the Fire Phone in 2014, Amazon is reportedly developing a new iPhone competitor for the current decade. The company’s revitalized hardware division is taking inspiration from Alexa instead of 3D this time around. more…

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MacBook Neo costs far less than entry-level PCs over time
The long-term cost of ownership of a MacBook Neo is about half that of comparable Windows PCs. It's really the bargain option. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: AirPods Max 2, AI Spending Race, and figs
Apple has finally updated the AirPods Pro Max, but the update didn't bring a lot of new features, it basically brought the headphones on pair with the AirPods Pro. Dave and I talk about AI and whether Apple chose to stay out of the spending spree or if it was caught unprepared for one of the biggest tech changes in a long time. Do you know what could be in the figs you love to eat? Me neither, but Dave tells us. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: Squarespace: Check out squarespace.com/DALRYMPLE for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, use OFFER CODE: DALRYMPLE to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Show Notes: There will be no show next week. Apple Adds 'Genius Browse' Movie and TV Recommendations to Apple TV in tvOS 26.4 Apple introduces AirPods Max 2 AirPods Max: Four things that haven’t changed YouTuber upgrades MacBook Neo to 1TB Horace Dediu on Apple Sitting Out the AI Spending Race Apple’s Platform Security Guide Adds a Brief Note on the MacBook Neo’s On-Screen Camera Indicator Shows and movies we're watching The Night Agent, Netflix Weapons, HBO

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Apple just broke launch-week records for new Mac users
Tim Cook says Apple just had a record-breaking week for brand-new Mac users. While he won't give details, it's surely the low-cost MacBook Neo that's leading the way.Apple's latest MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and especially MacBook Neo are breaking recorddsApple CEO Tim Cook is currently travelling the world as the company celebrates its anniversary, and so far seemingly hasn't had enough time to post his usual photos on social media. But he has now taken to X to celebrate how well Apple's recent Mac launches have gone.Mac just had its best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers. We love seeing the enthusiasm!— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 20, 2026 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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OpenAI is building a desktop ‘superapp’ for macOS
According to The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI is planning a big pivot with its app strategy, streamlining its Mac apps for ChatGPT, Codex, and Atlas into a single ‘superapp.’ more…

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