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The best VPNs for Safari (including browser extensions)

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James Milin-Ashmore

• November 26, 2023

Safari is one of the more secure options if you’re looking at web browsers. Exclusively available on Apple devices, it, unfortunately, doesn’t work with Windows, Android, or Linux. Rather than looking at the best VPN for the Safari browser, it’s more accurate to say that this is a list of the best providers for Apple devices.

Some VPNs do have browser versions, but they’re often lacking in comparison to a dedicated app. It makes sense to look at the best VPNs for Apple devices, which can then be used with Safari, as well as protecting all other traffic in the process. If you're in a rush and don't have time to read the full article, you can see the summary of our top picks below.

Best VPNs for Safari:

• NordVPN : Our top pick overall for Safari. Exceptional apps for iOS and macOS, NordLynx protocol for Apple devices, great speeds, lots of additional features like Threat Protection and Meshnet, available via App Store, and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark : Affordable deals, capable Apple apps, decent speeds and server spread, rotating IP addresses, and a private search engine.
• ExpressVPN : Unparalleled streaming access, Lightway protocol for Apple devices, great speeds, and beginner-friendly apps for iOS and macOS. 
• Mullvad : iOS app uses WireGuard protocol exclusively, has decent speeds, transparent service, and a good reputation in the industry. 
• ProtonVPN : No logs, open-source, apps for iOS and Android, leak protection, and can access some streaming services. 
• CyberGhost : Seven-day free trial on iOS, thousands of servers worldwide, and great Apple apps.
• IPVanish : Works well with iOS and macOS, has solid speeds and security, and owns and operates its entire network.

Summary Table

We used the following criteria to identify the best VPNs for Safari, but you can also read a lot more about our testing methodology further in this article:

• Apps and usability: We look at the VPN apps on offer, as well as how easy they are to use. (Of course, we’ll be focusing on Safari and Apple devices in this case.)
• Speed: The provider should have impressive connection speeds.
• Security: We check out security, including the logging policy, leak protection, and any additional features used to improve privacy.
• Streaming: Is the provider able to access international streaming services ?
• Customer support: We check out the quality of customer support options.
• Value for money: Can you get the VPN for a fair price? Does it offer a money-back guarantee?

To make the top three we only accept VPNs that tick all of the following boxes:

• Providers who have consistently pushed VPN technology forward – with a special focus on VPN apps.
• The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PWC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so.
• The VPN must have been through a technical security audit by a third party. As opposed to a logging policy audit, this tests the security of the VPN product itself.
• The VPN provider must operate a 100% diskless server network.

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Best VPNs for Safari: Detailed reviews

Here’s a rundown of our recommendations for the best VPNs for Safari:

NordVPN is our top pick overall for Safari, offering a wealth of security features that make it a great pick for both the Safari browser, and Apple devices. As well as a dedicated iOS and macOS app, you’ll be able to set up your VPN connection manually using OpenVPN or the IKEv2 protocol. 

The Quick Connect feature is brilliant for beginner users, automatically connecting you to the optimal server location. NordLynx is a proprietary protocol built around WireGuard , offering a chance to experience its speed benefits without compromising privacy. The NordLynx protocol is available for both iOS and macOS, and includes features like Threat Protection Lite, which uses DNS filtering to block ads and malicious domains. 

Its network includes 5,900+ servers in 60+ countries, and they can all be used with the Safari browser. It can also be used to bypass regional restrictions, including blocked social media platforms and streaming services. 

• Exceptional connection speeds
• Six simultaneous device connections
• Available in Mac App Store
• Diskless infrastructure
• Fully audited no logs policy
• Can be slow to connect

BEST VPN FOR SAFARI: NordVPN pairs nifty iOS and macOS apps with a heap of notable features. Includes NordLynx protocol, great performance, is easy for beginner users, and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full  review of NordVPN .

2. Surfshark

Surfshark takes the runner-up spot, as a capable VPN for Safari that works in a variety of scenarios. 

There’s no denying that Safari is a capable browser, but one of the benefits of Surfshark is its new search engine. ‘Surfshark Search’ works to prevent tracking and targeted ads without leaving any digital footprints with your searches. It ensures that your search results will be unaffected by previous searches or your real location, and you’ll be able to connect unlimited devices at the same time with a single account.

Surfshark Nexus is an exclusive technology that permits multiple advanced features, such as the ability to periodically change your IP address without disconnecting you from the VPN. Once again, there’s no dedicated browser extension, but there are apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux . 

It’s great for streaming, and it doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. A seven-day free trial for iOS is great for new users, and it has a range of affordable deals to take advantage of. Surfshark merged with Nord Security in 2021, however, the companies still operate independently.

• Lots of great budget deals – including a seven-day free trial for iOS
• Diskless infrastructure 
• Unlimited device connections 
• Private search engine
• Apps have been audited
• Can sometimes cause captchas when browsing on mobile

BEST BUDGET SAFARI VPN: Surfshark is a viable pick for any users who need a capable budget service. Great macOS/iOS apps, streaming support, advanced features, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full  review of Surfshark .

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN was one of the few providers to actually offer a Safari extension, which essentially allowed the user to control a VPN app via the browser. However, it's no longer supported, so we’ll be looking at the dedicated client apps for Apple devices.

If you’re planning to stream via the browser, ExpressVPN is invariably one of the best options for accessing blocked websites and services. This includes the likes of Apple TV , Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, Sling TV, and many more. It offers guides and support for the services listed above. There are servers in 105+ countries, and it’s ideal for bypassing blocks or censorship.

The proprietary Lightway protocol is great for speed and privacy, and it’s available with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and routers .

However, it’s more expensive than the average provider, so look elsewhere if you need a low-cost VPN. 

• One of the best VPNs for unblocking sites and services
• Capable Safari app 
• Lightway protocol 
• Audited zero logs policy
• Plans are pricier than the competition

GREAT STREAMING SUPPORT: ExpressVPN has been around for a while , but still has more notable features than many newer providers. Capable Apple apps and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full  review of ExpressVPN .

4. Proton VPN

If  Proton VPN rings a bell, that’s likely due to an association with the popular ProtonMail service. The VPN has apps for iPhone, iPad , and Mac devices, even if it lacks a Safari browser extension. In terms of notable features, you can add a Proton VPN widget in iOS14 and above, and the code itself is open-source. 

It offers access to Netflix, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming services, and it uses bare metal single-tenancy physical servers.

Proton VPN was the provider that first disclosed an unpatched security vulnerability affecting iOS 13.3.1 or later that prevents VPNs from encrypting all traffic and can lead to some internet connections bypassing encryption to expose users' data or leak their IP addresses. 

A Switzerland-based provider, it’s worth mentioning that ProtonMail notably gave up the IP address of one of its users, which came to light in 2021. After being asked why Proton handed over a climate activist’s IP address, founder and CEO Andy Yen tweeted:

“Proton must comply with Swiss law. As soon as a crime is committed, privacy protections can be suspended and we’re required by Swiss law to answer requests from Swiss authorities.”

Note that VPNs in Switzerland cannot be compelled to begin logging, as these are protected differently to email services like ProtonMail. This means that the data request that affected Proton Mail does not affect its VPN subscribers, which are protected with a solid no-logging policy. It also comes with port forwarding, and a free tier that offers strong encryption and DNS leak protection. 

• Good streaming support 
• Capable apps for Apple devices 
• Well known brand
• Smaller server selection 

SOLID SAFARI VPN: ProtonVPN has a selection of apps that work well with Apple devices and the Safari browser. Open-source, has good streaming support, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full  review of Proton VPN .

Mullvad has a solid reputation as one of the more dependable providers on the market. Built with a focus on privacy and security, five of its apps were independently audited by Cure53 in June 2020. 

The iOS app uses the WireGuard protocol exclusively, which is great in terms of speed and security. (It works on iOS 12 and newer iOS versions.) Advanced features include automatic WireGuard key rotation, while the macOS app also offers port probing, traffic obfuscation, an advanced kill switch, and MultiHop. This is a great result, especially as some developers are slow to add new features to Mac devices. Port forwarding is permitted, which makes this service a great option for torrenting .

Based in Sweden, it is decent from a privacy perspective due to the lack of mandatory data retention directives. We will note however that the region is still part of the 14-Eyes intelligence agreement. (This also includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US, the UK, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, and Spain .) 

The iOS/iPadOS app lacks split tunneling, and you’re out of luck if you plan to use the service for streaming.

• Various advanced features available on macOS
• Audited by Cure53
• Not the best pick for streaming 
• Sweden is a 14-Eyes country 

GREAT VPN FOR PRIVACY: Mullvad offers transparency and affordability and numerous advanced features on macOS and iOS. It’s great for Safari and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad .

6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost comes with a collection of 10,000+ VPN servers dotted across 100+ countries worldwide. It means you’ll never struggle to find a local server, and there are native apps for iOS and macOS devices. Many are optimized for streaming, so you’ll be able to use the browser to catch up with heaps of previously blocked content. 

It’s based in Romania, which is out of the jurisdiction of any known intelligence agreements. Even if it has nothing that can be tied to a user, CyberGhost does keep some connection logs, and the website collects a lot of user info. It’s also another provider that is owned by Kape Technologies, alongside ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and ZenMate VPN.

If you’re planning to use a VPN with iOS devices, it comes with a seven-day free trial, as long as you’re running iOS 13 or later. The provider comes with unlimited bandwidth, and will mask your online activities while in use. 

• Great streaming support 
• Free seven-day iOS trial 
• Solid Apps for iOS and macOS 
• Keeps some connection logs 
• Only a 14-day money-back guarantee for one-month plans 

THOUSANDS OF SERVERS: You’ll never struggle to find a local server with CyberGhost. It has native apps for iOS and macOS devices, works with multiple streaming services, and subscriptions of six months or longer are covered by a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full  review of CyberGhost .

7. IPVanish

IPVanish has a pair of handy apps for iOS and macOS, ensuring that you’ll be able to access Safari with over 2,000 servers spread across 75+ locations worldwide. The WireGuard protocol ensures decent speeds, and it offers unlimited connections , so you’ll never have to worry about connecting multiple Apple devices. However, there’s no Safari browser extension.

Notable features include split tunneling, while IPVanish owns its entire server network. It’s great for changing your online location and accessing US services like Netflix and Hulu. IPVanish won't leak your real IP address, and the vast majority of servers offer access to HD content.  

Based in the United States, this does mean that it’s within reach of various intelligence agencies, as well as the jurisdiction of Five Eyes intelligence-sharing agreements. Monthly customers don’t qualify for the money-back guarantee, which is a notable downgrade compared to the majority of the competition.

• Secure apps for all Apple devices 
• Owns and operates its entire network 
• Works with services like Netflix US
• Based in the USA (Five Eyes)
• No money-back guarantee for the monthly plan 
• Doesn’t work in regions like China 

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS: IPVanish is another respected name within the industry, offering streaming support and unlimited connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available for yearly/24-month plans.

Read our full review of IPVanish .

Methodology: How we find the best Safari VPNs

No two providers are the same. Everything from servers to speeds will differ depending on which VPN you’ve chosen. We used the following criteria to come up with this list of the best VPNs for Safari:

• Apple apps and usability: We looked at the VPN apps on offer, as well as how easy they are to use. Generally, we focus on every app, but this time we’re looking at performance on iOS and macOS devices for Safari. 
• Speed: The provider needs to offer top-notch connection speeds. If you plan to stream via the browser, or you don’t have the fastest internet speeds to begin with, it’s even more important. 
• Security: We check out security, the logging policy , leak protection, and any additional features used to improve privacy. We also take ownership, protocols, encryption, and more into account. 
• Streaming: What international streaming services is the provider able to access? It’s always great to have the option to access content from home while abroad. 
• Customer support: We check out the quality of customer support options. Is there 24/7 live chat, does the service have guides for Safari and Apple devices?
• Value for money: Can you get the VPN for a fair price? Is it simple to redeem the money-back guarantee just in case?

Bonus points

As well as the criteria noted above, we also awarded bonus points to the top three VPN providers in this list that provide the following:

• Providers who have consistently pushed VPN technology forward: Rather than opting to do just enough to provide an acceptable service, the VPNs that make up our top three have consistently improved at any opportunity. For example, NordVPN and ExpressVPN bucked industry trends by creating their own unique connection protocols, while Surfshark was one of the first (along with CyberGhost) to offer tools like antivirus software and ad-blocking directly in its apps. Each is a great choice for Apple devices, and Safari. 
• Based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance: Various murky intelligence alliances exist. The best-known alliance of this type is probably The 14 Eyes (officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR) which includes the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, and nine others, though other alliances (such as Maximator and the Afghanistan SiGINT Coalition) also exist, and it’s likely there are more partnerships that we are not aware of. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all based in Panama or the British Virgin Islands, clear of any known treaties. 
• Regular application and server audits from a respected third party: A server audit examines things like whether the VPN’s infrastructure inadvertently collects data that would disprove no-logging claims. Application audits check the apps that a user runs on their device and look for exploits that can be used to unmask your activity or otherwise compromise your hardware. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have had both types of audits performed, so you won’t have to take their claims at face value.
• Diskless infrastructure: Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown, so no stored data can be accessed if they're hacked or seized. 

How to use a VPN with Safari

If you’ve never used a VPN before, we’ve put together a guide to take you through the process. Rather than using a VPN with Safari specifically, here’s how to install it on either your macOS or iOS device:

Here's how to use a VPN with Safari:

• Choose a VPN service, and sign up. ( NordVPN is our top recommendation for Safari.)
• Download and install the VPN app on your Apple device. You can check the App Store, or download it directly via the VPN website.
• Sign in, and pick a VPN server to connect to. (For example, you could use a local server if you don’t have a location in mind. Many VPNs will allow you to Quick Connect to the best available option.)
• Open Safari to begin browsing safely. 

Your device should now be protected by the VPN, and it will have been assigned a new IP address. This is what is used to access previously blocked content.

Should I use a VPN browser extension or the app?

It’s worth noting that the vast majority of providers don’t actually have a Safari app. Even if there is an opportunity to use a browser version of a VPN, we’d always advise using the dedicated app if possible. VPN apps tend to have more features, and they will encrypt all traffic, rather than only your Safari browser traffic. 

For example, any other apps you use outside of Safari will be unprotected, which isn’t ideal if you’re using a VPN as a means to improve online privacy. A VPN browser extension is more like a proxy in this respect, and it can’t measure up in comparison. 

Browse safer with a VPN for Safari

Nowadays, there are a growing number of threats to Apple Mac computers and laptops. Hackers are aware that professionals use macOS for business purposes, which provides an opportunity for locking up computers with ransomware. These small businesses and individuals, often deeply require the data on their devices for the projects they are working on, meaning that they will often pay a ransom to regain access to their files.

A VPN conceals your IP address from the websites and services you visit, which can help protect you against drive-by malware infections. The leading providers in this guide even use DNS-based filtering to block malicious websites and malware infections, which can add another layer of protection when you browse on Safari.

The important thing to remember is that macOS is not as invulnerable to attacks as it used to be. Cybercriminals are making concerted efforts to attack Mac computers, meaning that you should seek to protect yourself using a VPN and an antivirus for Mac. Some examples of known threats for Mac include KeRanger Ransomware, Pirrit Adware, Flashback Trojan, Shlayer Trojan, and Silver Sparrow Malware. These illustrate the importance of a VPN and reliable antivirus for your Mac device.

Besides these threats, a VPN for Safari also helps to hide your digital footprint. It conceals your IP address from the websites you visit, which removes a persistent layer of tracking. This helps to prevent online marketing and allows you to visit websites without them creating a personalized profile of your preferences.

Using a VPN for Safari not only enhances your protection against malware and cyberattacks but also safeguards your digital privacy, allowing you to browse the web with greater peace of mind. Your Internet Service Provider won't know what you're up to, as long as you pick a provider with strong encryption and no IP leaks.  The VPNs we've mentioned above come with strong security features, and can access geo-blocked content. 

Safari VPN: FAQs

Do free vpns work with safari.

Yes, although there are flaws to consider. If you’re planning to use a VPN to improve your online privacy, a free provider is likely to be found. After all, if you’re not paying for the service with a monthly subscription, it’s likely that the free VPN is extracting value from the user in other ways. This might be in the form of selling data to third parties or spamming the user with endless adverts. 

The majority of completely free VPNs are also hamstrung to some degree. Connection speeds are going to be far slower than the premium options we’ve mentioned above, and the same goes for bandwidth. That's why we only recommend premium VPNs . If you need a VPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost both offer free trials for iOS, with no limitations. 

Can I browse anonymously with Safari?

Safari alone won’t allow you to browse anonymously. However, when paired with a VPN, all of your data will be encrypted, making it tough to identify what the user is up to. Our top VPNs can all be used with Apple devices and will help to improve your level of online privacy.

Does Safari have a built-in VPN?

Not in the traditional sense. Apple does offer Private Relay if you have a paid subscription to iCloud+. It works by sending requests through two separate, secure internet relays. Not even Apple can see what you’re up to. However, iCloud Private Relay is not available in all countries or regions. It’s also likely to be under US jurisdiction, given the service is provided by Apple itself.

Meanwhile, Apple developers have confirmed that you won’t be able to use the system to pretend to be from another region. In other words, it’s not a great choice for accessing local sites and services while you’re abroad. 

Will Safari work with all VPNs?

Yes, as long as the VPN has a relevant iOS/macOS app. The good news is; most premium providers will have a dedicated app for all Apple devices, allowing for at least five simultaneous connections at any given time. Split tunneling may also be of interest, as it lets you connect just the apps where you need privacy. You could turn on the feature solely for Safari if you prefer.

Can I use a VPN to hide my Safari search history?

A VPN works to encrypt your traffic, ensuring anyone from your ISP to online snoopers will be unable to see what you’re up to while online. If you’re aiming to hide your Safari search history, turn on Private Browsing. This ensures that your browsing information won't be saved, and the websites you visit won't be shared with any of your other devices. Safari won't remember the pages you visit, your search history, or AutoFill information. 

Do Mac users need a VPN?

macOS has a reputation as being ‘more secure’ than Windows, mostly due to the fact that Apple devices were less popular in the past. Basically, this means that there were more viruses created for Windows, although the same isn’t necessarily true today. 

As for iOS, it’s sold as a secure platform in comparison to Android, but it’s still possible to collect lots of user information depending on your app permissions. We’d recommend using a VPN for Safari, whether you plan to browse on iOS or macOS. 

Can I watch Netflix on Safari with a VPN?

Yes. If you are a Netflix subscriber who is on vacation, you can easily regain access to your home services by using a VPN. Simply connect to a VPN server in your usual country, and when you log in to Netflix, you will see your usual catalog of titles. It is worth noting that a VPN may work better to watch Netflix on Safari than it does in the dedicated Netflix app. For this reason, if you are having any trouble watching Netflix with your VPN, you may want to try Safari or some other browser instead of the app.

Remember that cookies left in your browser can also affect your VPN, and GPS can also potentially give away your location. You can delete cookies in your browser and turn off GPS to ensure it works without problems. Contact your VPN's live chat support to get help with either of these things.

Can a Safari VPN protect me on public WiFi?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN, all the data leaving your Mac device is encrypted. This stops local networks, ISPs, government agencies, and public WiFi hotspots from being able to track your web visits. This encryption is extremely important if you use public WiFi regularly because those hotspots will use your data for profiling purposes, and even create a profit by selling it to third party marketing companies and data brokers.

The encryption provided by a VPN also makes you safer on public WiFi by preventing your data from being intercepted by hackers also connected to the hotspot, and prevents you from being victimized on badly implemented WiFi hotspots that lack adequate security or by Evil Twin attacks.

Did you know

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

BLEEPINGCOMPUTER RECOMMENDS:

Using a VPN will hide these details and protect your privacy. We recommend using NordVPN - #1 VPN in our tests . It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available with three months extra free.

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Urban VPN 4+

Urban best & unlimited vpn, urban cyber security inc, designed for ipad.

• 4.6 • 9.2K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Protect your online identity and stay private & anonymous with a Premium unlimited VPN for iPhone and iPad! Urban VPN Premium proxy servers hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, keeping you safe online. When you subscribe as an Urban VPN Premium member, you get: - A true Premium experience - Access to 300+ dedicated VPN servers with more than 80 VPN locations - Change your IP location - Connect to any location from our VPN server list. - Unblock Geo-Restricted content and Avoid being tracked by websites and advertisers - Access a whole new world of content and browse anonymously! - Protect your online activity - Your ISP might collect your online data. When Urban VPN Premium is on, your data stays encrypted. Therefore, ISPs cannot collect data or throttle your bandwidth. - Stay private - Urban VPN Premium doesn't track or collect your personal information. - 7 days free trial - Discover Urban VPN Premium's features with its lightning-fast network and VPN locations. Urban VPN Premium is a product by Urban Cyber Security and the creator of one of the world's most reliable virtual private networks - Urban VPN. We do not store, collect, or process your personal data. Urban VPN Premium also ensures third parties will NOT be able to track your browsing activity and will not sell your data tracked or sold to third parties – your connection is encrypted and safe. SUBSCRIPTION PLANS Urban VPN Premium is a paid VPN service, so you need a subscription to use it; the subscription includes access to the Urban VPN Premium app on iOS. You will be billed through your Apple ID Account when you confirm the purchase. If you’re enjoying a free trial, you will be charged on the last day of your free trial. The subscription renews automatically unless the auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. You can manage subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your App Store Account Settings. Check our privacy policy right here: https://www.urban-vpn.com/about-us/privacy/ Check out our terms of service here: https://www.urban-vpn.com/about-us/terms-of-service/ If you have any questions, contact us directly at https://www.urban-vpn.com/support/

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9.2K Ratings

Strong and Steady

Living in a country where everthing is censured to the point they go after banning the vpns, I have tested many apps but this one truely stands out for providing so many locations which are steady over time making it very reliable not to mention the incredible connections speed. I hope they keep up their great work

I have been using urban for about 7 months now and it has never failed me. (almost never) at times it can make your connection slow but for the most part it functions nicely. Would recommend.

Sadly No More….

This WAS truly fabulous and FREE, but now they are suddenly charging enormous fees, what a pity. Apparently the only thing free is connecting to an Auto location - how useless is that ?!!!!! The problem with VPN subscriptions is not so much paying the (extortionate) fees BUT as with ALL VPNs is not having the confidence that the service will last or be maintained - they never do ! So when it inevitably stops working or being maintained you end up paying through the nose over and over - we are so fed up with this.

App Privacy

The developer, Urban Cyber Security INC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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• 1Month Subscription $9.99
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Best free VPN for iPhone in 2024

Free iPhone VPNs you can trust

A virtual private network, or VPN, is the go-to tool for millions around the world who use its privacy and security features to safeguard their data and their devices from snooping bad actors and cybercriminals. By hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, the best VPNs anonymize you on the internet and make it impossible for hackers, ISPs, and government authorities to track your online activities. 

Getting a free VPN is often the first thought of those new to VPNs who would like to get to know the service and ascertain whether or not they need a VPN for their iPhone in the first place. While a free service is great for trial purposes—and some of the best ones come with unlimited data, tens of servers, and even unblocking capabilities—they are still miles behind their premium counterparts. 

Additionally, the chances of a free VPN logging and selling your data or infesting your device with malware are a lot higher than if you just got the cheapest VPN on the market. However, there are some reliable free VPN providers as well that you can install on your iPhone right now and enjoy basic protection along with plenty of extra useful features. Read on to find out what they are, what purposes they serve, and if a free VPN is going to cut it for you. 

Best VPNs for iOS in 2024 - paid for services

Even the best free VPNs are limited in their offerings—because they want to entice you with upgrades so that you ultimately switch to a paid plan for more benefits. Considering this, and given that you would actually need one of the best VPNs for iPhone if you are serious about protecting your device and your digital privacy, it makes so much more sense to sign up for a premium service from day one. 

The best part is that you can get a paid-for VPN service for free by using its money-back guarantee. These are usually around 30 days, meaning you will have ample time to try out the service without putting any money on the line. Plus, ‘premium’ VPNs are premium in their offerings and not necessarily their pricing—you can get one of the best cheap VPNs for less than $3 a month!

On that note, here are my top three iOS VPN recommendations:

1. The best iPhone VPN in 2024: NordVPN NordVPN is the best VPN for iPads and iPhones, thanks to a comprehensive package that comes with a built-in antivirus, ad-blocking, a data breach scanner, and a password manager.

With more servers than ExpressVPN and Surfshark and world-class unblocking capabilities, Nord is the best streaming VPN I've tested. It's also the fastest service, easy to use, and cheaper than ExpressVPN—and has a 30-day money-back guarantee will allow you to try it out risk-free before committing.

2. The easiest to use iPhone VPN app in 2024: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is a great VPN for both beginners and VPN veterans, with an intuitive and feature-packed iOS app that comes with rock-solid privacy features, excellent encryption, and blazing speeds. It also boasts one of the largest networks of servers, strong unblocking capabilities, and friendly 24/7 support.

While it's not as cheap as NordVPN or Surfshark, an extra 3 months of protection and 1 year of Backblaze cloud storage for free make it every bit worth the price—and so does a free password manager and an ad & malware blocker. Put ExpressVPN to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see for yourself why we rate it so highly.

3. The best cheap iPhone VPN: Surfshark Surfshark is the best choice for iPhone users on a tight budget, but despite that, its feature-set can put to shame some of the most premium providers. You get outrageous speeds, reliable security, and unlimited simultaneous connections, as well as servers in a hundred countries. 

Although it lacks Express and Nord's advanced tools, everything else from unblocking powers to ease of use to device compatibility is top-notch. Be sure to make the most of its 30-day money-back guarantee to see if you'd like to stick with it long-term.

Recent updates

As AtlasVPN shuts down its service, I've removed it from my list of recommendations. If you're already subscribed to the service, don't worry. NordVPN are taking on all of Atlas' customers without charging them a penny for the remainder of their plan.

The best free VPNs for iPhone in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Let's discuss all our top free iPhone VPN picks in detail.

PrivadoVPN Free: the best free iPhone VPN overall

1. PrivadoVPN Free

The best free iPhone VPN

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: 10GB at full speed, then unlimited via a single 1Mbps location | Servers: 13 | Locations: 10 | Simultaneous connections: 1

✔️ You want a free VPN for Netflix:  PrivadoVPN is one of the only free providers that reliably unlocks Netflix, as well as others like Prime, iPlayer, and Disney+

✔️ You need premium privacy features:  most services block offerings like split tunneling, kill switch, and auto-connect behind paywalls, but not PrivadoVPN.

✔️ You want blazing speeds:  PrivadoVPN is one of the fastest free VPNs, with top speeds of around 350Mbps.

❌  You need genuinely unlimited data:  PrivadoVPN's performance sees a massive drop as soon as you go over 10GB a month. After that, you're on a sluggish 'emergency server.'

❌ You want fantastic mobile apps: although PrivadoVPN's iOS and Android apps are stable and work well, they're not as polished as Proton VPN.

🔒 PrivadoVPN Free knocks it out of the park with its unblocking capabilities, and everything else from server locations to day-to-day privacy is top-notch as well.

Check out our in-depth PrivadoVPN Free review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's our top free iPhone VPN pick for 2024.

In our full PrivadoVPN review , we mention how despite being a relatively new entrant in the VPN industry (launched in 2019), PrivadoVPN has continually improved and added to its services to become a well-known provider—and its free version is right at the heart of its popularity with an impressive feature-set and security benefits.

PrivadoVPN Free is not only the number one free VPN for iPhones but also the best free VPN overall, displacing the previous #1 Proton VPN, as it is one of the only services that can reliably unblock the entire suite of streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer—others like Windscribe and Atlas VPN Free can bypass some but not all of them.  

▶ Try PrivadoVPN: the best free VPN

Plus, Privado’s server list is significantly better than Proton VPN—you get access to 13 cities in 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and France. Proton VPN, on the other hand, only offers 3 servers in 3 different countries.

Like Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN Free, too, gives you the full security package, ranging from a tried-and-tested kill switch and no-logs policy to AES-256 encryption and protocols like OpenSource and WireGuard. What’s more, it also comes with split tunneling, so you can route some apps through the VPN while using regular internet connection on the others.

Where PrivadoVPN isn’t as lovely as Proton VPN is data allowance. While Proton VPN Free gives you unlimited data, PrivadoVPN (like most free VPNs) limits you to just 10GB of data per month. However, the silver lining with PrivadoVPN is that you won’t have to shut shop after you’ve used up your allotted 10GB for the month—you can continue browsing and enjoy VPN protection, although only at a sluggish speed of 1Mbps. 

Next, while all Proton VPN services are independently audited, PrivadoVPN’s servers and privacy policy are yet to undergo an independent audit. Although the service is extremely reliable, we’d like to see the company back up its claims with proof. 

PrivadoVPN iOS apps are pretty basic but easy to use, so those new to VPNs and looking for a plug-and-play solution will swear by it. However, if you need a premium iPhone VPN app for free, we’d point you towards Proton VPN.

Overall, PrivadoVPN does almost everything right when it comes to offering a completely free VPN—it’s fast, secure, comes with tons of servers, and is the best choice if you want a Netflix VPN for free. So, while it is a clear winner for most users, if you want unlimited data and proven security, consider Proton VPN Free instead.

Proton VPN Free: the best for security

2. Proton VPN Free

Unlimited data allowance and top-notch digital privacy

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: Unlimited | Servers: 3 | Locations: 3 | Simultaneous connections: 1

✔️ You need a free VPN with unlimited data:  Proton VPN is one of the only free providers to not put a cap on data usage.

✔️ You want an extremely safe VPN:  all Proton VPN apps are open-source, so anyone in the world can check them for vulnerabilities. They're also independently audited.

✔️ You want a free Linux VPN:  Proton VPN not only offers free installation on Linux but also comes with a full graphical user interface (GUI).

❌  You want lots of server options:  Proton VPN only gives users access to servers in three countries on its free plan.

❌ You want to stream content:  unlike PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN's free plan doesn't come with unblocking capabilities.

🔒  Proton VPN Free   is a highly popular Swiss provider known to offer class-leading privacy and security. It blows others out of the water with unlimited data, but lack of streaming support keeps it from the top spot.

Check out our in-depth Proton VPN Free review for a closer look at one of the most popular free VPNs in the industry.

Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market right now and the same Swiss-backed privacy and reliability is what you get with its free plan as well. For starters, it offers open-source apps on all platforms whether that’s iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac. 

Plus, all its apps have been independently audited by third-party experts—and security essentials like rock-solid encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy, too, are all available on all its free apps, including the iPhone VPN app, and they work as expected.

In our review of Proton VPN Free , we mention how its biggest advantage over PrivadoVPN Free and the rest of the competition is that it doesn’t come with any data limits.

So, while PrivadoVPN limits you to just 10GB of data per month, Proton VPN allows you to use its always-on VPN feature for what it’s actually built i.e. connect once and enjoy 24/7 protection—you don’t have to keep tabs on your VPN usage so as not to exhaust it. Moreover, the service is anything but sluggish, with lightning-fast speeds of 380Mbps.

▶ Sign up to Proton VPN Free Now

The iPhone VPN app is easy to use and comes with a funky yet sleek-looking dark mode that gives it a futuristic look. Plus, as you’d expect from a high-ranking provider, the app has zero ads and the overall experience is simply fantastic, which is why it has managed to garner a 4.4 rating on the App Store.

A unique Proton VPN Free offering is that it has partnered with Deutsche Welle, a German news broadcaster, to allow unrestricted (and free, of course) access to its independent and unbiased news coverage.

A major reason Proton VPN didn't quite manage to grab the top spot here is its server limitations—just 3 servers (US, Netherlands, Japan) compared to Privado's 13 and Windscribe’s 14. Then there’s the lack of streaming support, an area where PrivadoVPN reigns supreme but even providers like Windscribe and Atlas VPN are slowly catching up.

So, needless to say, we would like to see Proton VPN Free join the party as well. Moreover, it doesn’t offer P2P support either, meaning you will have to look elsewhere if you want a VPN for torrenting .

All in all, if you’re looking for a free VPN for 24/7 protection, excellent usability, and class-leading security, there simply isn’t a service better than Proton VPN Free.

Windscribe Free: free iPhone VPN with most servers

3. Windscribe Free

Powerful and secure with generous streaming support

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS | Data limit: 10GB | Servers: 14 | Locations: 11 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited

✔️ You want unlimited simultaneous connections:  Windscribe is the only provider here that allows you to install its VPN app on any number of devices you want.

✔️ You want tons of server locations:  14 server locations in 11 countries is hands down the best range we've seen in a free iPhone VPN.

✔️ You want to stream UK content:  unlike Proton VPN, Windscribe can reliably unblock UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

❌ You need plenty of data:  just 10GB of data isn't going to carry you through the whole month. If you want unlimited data, opt for Proton VPN.

❌ You need lightning-fast speeds:  Windscribe tops out at around 240Mbps, which although decent, doesn't compare to PrivadoVPN or Proton VPN.

🔒  Windscribe   offers the highest number of server locations for any free iPhone VPN, as well as UK Netflix and iPlayer unblocking, so it does a good enough job at standing out from the rest.

Check out our in-depth Windscribe Free VPN review for a closer look at this popular free service.

Windscribe is a popular VPN service from Canada with a decent paid version. However, the party piece is its free plan that comes with good privacy, excellent unblocking, and useful extra features.

When drafting our full Winscribe Free review , we were seriously impressed by its staggering 14 server locations in 11 countries—an excellent showing that’s better than every other provider on our list. The only other service that comes close to challenging Windscribe Free’s list of servers is Proton VPN with 13 locations in 10 countries. 

▶ Check out Windscribe for free

Although Windscribe’s streaming support isn’t as comprehensive as PrivadoVPN, most users will be happy that it can unblock UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You will be able to stream your favorite British movies and TV shows on your iPhone, even when you’re on the go, thanks to consistent speeds of around 240Mbps.

However, a major drawback of the service, and also why it is not higher up on our list, is its data cap—just 10GB of data per month and nothing after that. If you’re looking for a free VPN to use extensively day in and day out, you’d be much better off with Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield which come with unlimited data. Even PrivadoVPN Free, which offers 10GB data at full speed and then unlimited data at 1Mbps speed, is a better pick.

Windscribe’s iOS apps could do with a bit of polish. That said, while they look and feel basic, they don’t cut back on functionality a lot—yes, you won’t see server locations by availability, but there’s a search option, so it’s overall decent but far behind the more roomy and clutter-free apps of PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN.

To conclude, Windscribe is a simple and effective free VPN that has more than just a few things going for it, including unlimited simultaneous connections, top-notch privacy, and an expansive list of servers. Unfortunately, though, a strict data cap limits its functionality to a great extent, so that’s something you will have to live with—or you can look at our top 2 options instead.

Hotspot Shield Basic: free iPhone VPN with unlimited data

4. Hotspot Shield Basic VPN

Absolutely no data limits, but look out for the ads

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Data limit: Unlimited | Servers: 1 | Locations: 1 | Simultaneous connections: 1

✔️ You need an unlimited free VPN:  Hotspot Shield Basic doesn't impose any data caps, making it ideal for anyone who needs more than 10GB.

✔️ You want speedy connections:  unlike PrivadoVPN, Hotspot Shield providers fast connection speeds through and through, no matter your usage.

❌  You want more than one server location:  you get access t just one US server with Hotspot Shield's free plan. For plenty of locations, PrivadoVPN or Windscribe are better picks.

❌  You need reliable security: unlike most free services, Hotspot Shield Basic doesn't come with a kill switch, plus it logs a lot of user data.

🔒  Hotspot Shield Basic   offers a decent service with unlimited data as the one major highlight. Apart from that, the rest of the VPN suite doesn't come close to the others.

Check out our in-depth Hotspot Shield Basic VPN review for a closer look at the free version of this popular premium VPN.

Hotspot Shield Basic might not be as comprehensive as the three providers above but it is still free and offers a few but very likable features. This is also true for the paid Hotspot Shield package, which is decent but lags behind the competition. 

As we concluded in our full Hotspot Shield VPN review , its biggest advantage is that it comes with unlimited data—so, you can scroll TikTok, watch high-definition YouTube videos, and/or send large files on your iPhone without worrying about exhausting your data.

▶ Try Hotspot Shield Basic for yourself

This puts it right beside Proton VPN Free and above the rest of the competition which all offer limited data. Additionally, with a decent speed of 230Mbps, buffering won’t be much of an issue either. 

However, that’s all there is to Hotspot Shield Basic, unfortunately. This is because it offers only a single US server and logs a surprising amount of user data as compared to its rivals—and contrary to what you would expect from a privacy tool. Logged data includes bandwidth used, your OS, the time you connect, and more.

In addition to the absence of an indispensable kill switch, the iOS apps show pesky video ads on connecting, and while the Mac VPN apps don’t, they instead insist that you open the Hotspot Shield website every time you connect/disconnect the VPN. What’s more, there’s also no live chat or email support, meaning the Hotspot Shield website and your browsing skills are all you have should you run into an issue.

Overall, Hotspot Shield Basic pulls back a few punches when it comes to security, user experience, and features, but it makes a strong case for itself by offering unlimited data. However, it’s difficult to recommend it over Proton VPN Free, though, which also offers unlimited data but is head and shoulders above Hotspot Shield in everything else.

How to pick a free VPN for iPhone

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best free VPN for your iPhone:

Security: not all free VPNs are created equal and some low-ranking and unscrupulous providers can log your data and sell it to third parties for a profit. This is why it is crucial to only pick providers with a clear-cut no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, and strong encryption—and it’s good to have extras such as split tunneling and port forwarding as well. 

Number of servers: look for a VPN that offers a generous amount of servers in several countries on its free plan. In particular, prioritize those that have servers in regions of your choice, as free VPNs are often limited in this regard.

Speed: while you certainly cannot expect a free VPN to compete with the fastest VPNs , connections should be both consistent and speedy enough for most activities whether that’s everyday browsing or streaming in HD.

Bandwidth: one of the major considerations when shopping for a free VPN is the amount of data you get. If you want unlimited data, providers such as Proton VPN Free and Hotspot Shield Basic will be ideal choices. 

Unblocking capabilities: very few free VPN services can reliably unblock streaming sites. If you want to watch foreign movies and TV shows for free, you’d be better off with PrivadoVPN, Windscribe, and Atlas VPN, in that order.

How we test free iPhone VPNs

We follow our comprehensive VPN testing methodology to cut through the myriad of options on the market and zero in on only the best free iPhone VPNs. Our testing starts at the provider's website where we look for clues to gauge how reliable the service is. This includes looking for and thoroughly reading the VPN's privacy policy, any claims it makes, and its support options. 

Then we install the provider's free VPN apps on various platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux) and put them through intensive real-world testing where we check the working of essential security features such as kill switch and leak protection—as well as any other feature on offer, such as split tunneling and/or auto-connect.

User experience is a big one for us, so we check the apps for any ads, clutter, and design shortfalls. Then we try to connect/disconnect to every single server location on offer by the free VPN to evaluate if the service lives up to its claims. 

Next, we test the VPN’s speeds at least 120 times by using a US home connection and a 1Gbps UK data center. Lastly, to check the truthfulness of free VPNs that claim to unblock streaming sites, we try to access geo-blocked content from big-name streaming sites including Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

Free iPhone VPN FAQs

Can a free vpn for iphone be trusted.

The best free VPNs for iPhone on my list here have been selected after hours of real-world testing by experts, meaning you can trust them to keep your internet connection secure, private, and anonymous. 

However, the market is filled to the brim with unscrupulous VPN providers that claim to be free—and they do not actually cost a penny—but you pay for them with your privacy, as they may log your device/personal/browsing data to then sell it to third parties for profit. 

Also, some free services are outright dangerous as they may be Trojan horses for malicious software, and downloading them may infect your device with malware. All in all, while the majority of free iPhone VPNs are better looked at with suspicion, if you're picking one from TechRadar's free VPN guides, you can rest assured that it is a reliable and safe VPN.

Is there a totally free VPN for iPhone?

PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield, and Atlas VPN are some of the most trustworthy providers that offer completely free VPN apps for iPhone. You can use their free plan for as long as you want. They do not cost a single penny—and they don't ask for your credit card details, either.

What is the safest VPN for iPhone?

NordVPN is the most secure VPN overall and right now the safest VPN you can install on your iPhone. In addition to security essentials like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and support for secure VPN protocols, Nord also comes with Double VPN (that routes your connection through two separate VPN servers) and Onion over VPN (so you can access the Tor network without having to download the Tor browser).

Additionally, all of its VPN apps, including the iOS app, come with built-in ad-blocking, malware protection, a password manager, as well as a data breach scanner for an added layer of security. Other safe iPhone VPNs include ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA).

Do iPhones have a built in VPN?

The iPhone does not have a built-in VPN. It only comes with VPN settings that help you control a VPN which you either build manually (not an option for most users) or directly install on your device from a third party such as NordVPN , ExpressVPN , or Surfshark .

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Olivia joined TechRadar in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and creates content across sites including TechRadar Pro , TechRadar , Tom’s Guide , iMore , Windows Central , PC Gamer and Games Radar . She is particularly interested in threat intelligence, detection and response, data security, fraud prevention and the ever-evolving threat landscape.

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5 Best VPNs for Safari in 2024 — Secure & User-Friendly

• 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Safari in 2024
• 🥉2. Private Internet Access — Great for P2P File Sharing & Accessing P2P Sites on Safari
• 🥈3. CyberGhost VPN — Beginner-Friendly VPN With Convenient Automation for Safari
• 4. NordVPN — Great Safari VPN for Browsing Securely & Privately
• 5. Surfshark — Budget-Friendly VPN for Safari

Quick Comparison Table

How to choose the best vpn for safari in 2024, frequently asked questions, quick overview of my top recommendations:, short on time here’s the best vpn for safari in 2024:.

• 🥇 ExpressVPN : Comes with high-end security features, fast speeds, excellent P2P and streaming support, and easy-to-use iOS and macOS apps. Moreover, ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

While Safari is secure, it doesn’t protect your online data from hackers. Unfortunately, third parties can still monitor your web traffic and even try to target it with cyber attacks.

A VPN solves that issue by encrypting your traffic, but not all VPNs work with Safari. That’s because many VPNs have very poor macOS and iOS apps, cause noticeable slowdowns, or just lack essential security and privacy features.

Luckily, after weeks of thorough testing, I found 5 great VPNs for Safari. My favorite is ExpressVPN since it has excellent apps for iOS and macOS devices, the fastest speeds on the market, and really great security and privacy features.

Get ExpressVPN Now

Quick summary of the best VPNs for Safari:

• 1.🥇 ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for Safari in 2024 with fast speeds and user-friendly macOS & iOS apps.
• 2.🥉 Private Internet Access — Secure VPN for browsing torrenting sites & sharing P2P files on the Safari browser.
• 3.🥈 CyberGhost VPN — Beginner-friendly VPN with convenient automation settings for the Safari browser.
• 4. NordVPN — Great VPN for Safari with tons of high-end security features for safe browsing.
• 5. Surfshark — Budget-friendly VPN for Safari with intuitive apps (good for new users).

🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Safari in 2024

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Safari in 2024. It lacks a Safari extension, but that’s not an issue — you can just use its macOS or iOS apps instead, which are super intuitive. Plus, this way you secure all your device’s web traffic, not just the browser’s traffic. This is also why we’ve ranked ExpressVPN as the top VPN for Macs and iOS .

ExpressVPN has really user-friendly, feature-rich apps for Safari users. The iOS and macOS apps are intuitive, with simple navigation that makes it easy to connect to a server with just one click. Plus, they’re super easy to install — I downloaded the apps on my phone and computer in under a minute.

ExpressVPN offers really great support for streaming and torrenting. It works with 100+ streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Max, and more. It’s also good for downloading since it allows P2P traffic on all servers and works with popular P2P clients like BitTorrent and Vuze.

What’s more, you also get other cool perks. First, ExpressVPN has Threat Manager, which prevents you from accessing malicious sites on Safari. It also comes with split-tunneling, which lets you customize which apps use the VPN and which don’t. It also comes with an ad blocker, which filters out most ads and stops them from loading and appearing on your browser.

ExpressVPN offers plans starting at RUB600 / month. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Bottom Line:

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Safari users, as it has excellent iOS and macOS apps, really good support for streaming and torrenting, and great security and privacy features. Plus, it has additional features like Threat Manager and split-tunneling. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full ExpressVPN review

🥉2. Private Internet Access — Great for P2P File Sharing & Accessing P2P Sites on Safari

Private Internet Access (PIA) is excellent for torrenting since it allows P2P traffic on servers in all 91 countries. Plus, it comes with port forwarding, which allows you to connect to more peers for faster speeds, and SOCKS5 proxy support, which also provides faster speeds but doesn’t encrypt your traffic.

In addition, I really like the MACE feature, which is the best ad blocker on the market. It’s available on the macOS app, and you can use it while accessing P2P sites on Safari to avoid annoying ads on torrent trackers and also avoid malicious P2P websites.

The VPN also has other great security features. It comes with perfect forward secrecy, full leak protection, an audited no-logs policy, and open-source apps so that anyone can check the code for vulnerabilities.

PIA is great for streaming, too, as it supports over 30 popular streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. That said, I prefer ExpressVPN for streaming since it works with 100+ streaming platforms.

Private Internet Access has affordable plans starting at RUB190 / month. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access is great for torrenting on Safari. It allows P2P traffic on all servers and provides access to the best VPN ad blocker on the market. It also provides other cool security features and very intuitive iOS and macOS apps. Its plans are affordable and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Private Internet Access review

🥈3. CyberGhost VPN — Beginner-Friendly VPN With Convenient Automation for Safari

CyberGhost VPN is a simple-to-use VPN that’s suitable for beginners. Its macOS and iOS apps have incredibly user-friendly interfaces that have a large power button for connecting to the VPN. The apps also provide helpful explanations for all their features, so you’ll easily figure out how to use all the different options. I found the installation and setup process to be a breeze (it took me less than 3 minutes to install the app and make an account).

CyberGhost also offers strong security and privacy features. It has strong leak protection, RAM-only servers that wipe data with every server reboot, and perfect forward secrecy.

CyberGhost VPN’s plans are cheap (as low as RUB190 / month), and it covers long-term purchases with a 45-day refund and monthly purchases with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost VPN is a really user-friendly VPN — it has very beginner-friendly iOS and macOS apps. In addition, its macOS app provides convenient automation scenarios that can be configured to work with Safari. Also, the VPN has very good streaming support. All of its plans are affordable, and there’s a 45-day refund for long-term purchases.

Read the full CyberGhost VPN review

4. NordVPN — Great Safari VPN for Browsing Securely & Privately

NordVPN comes with plenty of advanced security features, making it an excellent choice for Safari users who prioritize online security and privacy. The VPN has an audited no-logs policy, full leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and uses RAM-only servers.

I really enjoy using NordVPN’s iOS and macOS apps. They’re both really user-friendly with an intuitive interface. Plus, there are helpful explanations for all settings and features, so you never feel lost using the VPN.

NordVPN is good for streaming and torrenting. It works with over 10 popular platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. However, if streaming is your priority, I recommend choosing ExpressVPN or CyberGhost VPN , as they work with way more streaming services. NordVPN is good for torrenting since it has 4,500+ P2P servers, and it also comes with SOCKS5 proxy support.

NordVPN comes with monthly and yearly plans starting at RUB280 / month. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is a secure VPN for Safari. It includes several advanced security features plus extras like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitor. It also has great iOS and macOS apps, great streaming and torrenting support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full NordVPN review

5. Surfshark — Budget-Friendly VPN for Safari

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for Safari. Its plans are cheap since they start at only RUB200 / month, and the VPN provides very good value as well.

Its iOS and macOS apps are also really good, with quick-connect options and organized server lists. Plus, installing the apps only took me a couple of minutes. Surfshark also allows unlimited connections, which is convenient for big families that use Safari on Apple devices.

Surfshark offers multiple advanced security features, including perfect forward secrecy, RAM-only servers, and an independently audited no-logs policy. Unfortunately, it only has DNS leak protection (but it still never leaked my data in my tests).

Surfshark also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee — so you can easily test the VPN risk-free.

Surfshark is a great Safari VPN if you’re on a tight budget. It has really affordable plans and a great range of features including user-friendly apps, unlimited connections, streaming and torrenting support, and advanced security features. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Surfshark review

• Pick a VPN with good iOS and macOS apps. Very few VPNs have extensions for Safari, so it’s important to pick a VPN that has intuitive and feature-rich apps for iOS and macOS. All of my top picks have very good iOS and macOS apps.
• Look for strong security. Ensure your VPN offers industry-standard security features like 256-bit AES encryption, strong leak protection, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch to prevent data leaks.
• Prioritize fast speeds. Though all VPNs affect your speeds because of encryption, a good VPN should provide fast and stable internet connections for Safari users. ExpressVPN has the fastest speeds on this list for browsing, streaming, and downloading.
• Pick a good VPN for streaming and torrenting. All the VPNs I recommend work with popular streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. Also, they allow P2P traffic on most of their servers.
• Select a VPN that offers good value for money. Look for a VPN that provides good value for money. Every VPN on my list offers affordable plans, additional features like an ad blocker or split-tunneling, and generous money-back guarantees.

Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut

• PrivateVPN. Although PrivateVPN offers strong security, great streaming and torrenting support, and affordable long-term plans, it’s not as feature-rich as the other VPNs on my list.
• IPVanish. IPVanish has good speeds, strong security, and support for unlimited connections. That said, it’s not good for streaming, as it isn’t compatible with most top streaming services.
• TunnelBear. TunnelBear’s user-friendly interface and solid security features make it a good overall VPN. It even allows split-tunneling on iOS devices, which most VPNs don’t support. However, it isn’t as fast as the others on my list.

Will using a VPN affect my internet speed in Safari?

Yes, using a VPN affects your internet speed to some extent, as your data needs to be encrypted and travels a longer distance to the VPN server, which takes time. However, with a high-quality VPN service, this impact is usually minimal and may not even be noticeable. ExpressVPN is my top choice since it has the fastest speeds on the market.

Can I use a free VPN with Safari?

Yes, you can use a free VPN with Safari, but I don’t generally recommend it. That’s because free VPNs often have limitations such as data caps, fewer server options, slower speeds, and a lack of advanced features.

Paid premium VPN services offer much better features and functionality, as they provide very fast speeds, unlimited data, consistent access to streaming platforms, and very good security and privacy features.

What’s the best VPN for Safari?

My top pick for Safari is ExpressVPN . Even though it doesn’t have a Safari extension, it still encrypts your entire device’s traffic via its VPN app. Plus, it has very intuitive macOS and iOS apps, it’s super fast, and it’s also really good for streaming and torrenting.

How does a VPN protect my privacy when using Safari?

A VPN protects your privacy on Safari by encrypting your internet connection. When you connect to a VPN server, all the data you send and receive travels through an encrypted tunnel, which prevents outsiders like hackers, ISPs, or even government agencies from seeing what you’re doing online.

Furthermore, a VPN masks your real IP address and makes it appear as if you’re browsing from the location of the VPN server you’re connected to. This makes it much more difficult for websites, advertisers, or other online trackers to monitor your activities and collect data about you.

About the Author

The Best VPNs for Safari in 2024

Make your Safari browsing more private with these top-rated VPNs that we’ve personally put to the test.

• Enhances Safari security with AES-256 encryption and available double-hop technology
• Lightning-fast speeds on Macs
• Offers a browser extension specifically made for Safari

• Conceals your IP address when using Safari
• Mac and iOS versions include both split tunneling and a kill switch
• Easy to set up on Safari

• With five simultaneous connections, protect your iPhone, iPad, and Mac laptop with one subscription
• Allows you to spoof your geolocation data in Safari to match your VPN server location
• Apps available for both iOS and MacOS

Statistics show that nearly a third of smartphones and computers in the United States have Safari as their default browser, behind only Chrome. 1 But statistics are boring, so let’s stick to what we know. First off, Safari is one of the most secure mainstream browsers. It even has a feature that blocks trackers which goes a long way in protecting your privacy. Secondly, we know that Safari is the gateway to the internet for most Apple users. And what are Apple devices known for? Tenacious security and privacy. Lastly, Safari’s Private Browsing mode is as good as it gets, in terms of private browsers.

That being said, browsing with Safari isn’t as safe and private as you may think. Safari doesn’t automatically make you private. Even in its most secure configuration, your internet provider can still see your browsing activity, Big Brother can still watch your every move, and the websites you visit can still see your IP address. That’s why even though Safari is a private browser , we recommend using a VPN.

>> Learn More: What Can Someone Do With Your IP Address

What Are The Best VPNs for Safari?

• NordVPN - Best Privacy and Security Features
• Private Internet Access VPN - Best VPN with Split Tunneling for macOS
• ExpressVPN - Most User-Friendly Safari VPN
• IPVanish - Best for iPhones and iPads
• CyberGhost - Best for Streaming and Downloading

Choosing a VPN for Safari

Unlike Chrome, Safari doesn’t offer VPN browser extensions. It’s vital that we say that right off the bat, because many of those who are looking for a Safari VPN want a VPN they can access just on their browsers and not for the entire device. If that’s you, you might want to consider using Chrome instead with any of our top-pick VPNs for Chrome .

When we say “best VPNs for Safari,” we’re actually referring to the best VPNs that work on macOS , iPhones, and iPads. With these VPNs enabled, all your device’s traffic, including your Safari browsing, is encrypted by the VPN and routed through a secure server.

There is one feature that can help you isolate Safari traffic and route it through your VPN without affecting any of your other traffic. It’s called split tunneling . Unfortunately, not a lot of VPNs offer it to Mac, iPhone, and iPad users. 2  It’s usually a Windows VPN feature. The only VPN we’ve seen with split tunneling for macOS (but not iOS) is Private Internet Access. It’s second on our list.

Let’s not get too hung up on what features are missing. The top-pick Safari VPNs we listed above all offer excellent security privacy through encryption and tunneling. They can hide your real IP address when browsing, unblock websites and give you access to georestricted content, and help you stay anonymous. They are also user-friendly on any Apple OS — even iPhones and iPads — and they are affordable.

To help in your decision-making, we’re going to highlight three key areas:

• Privacy policy and protection

Performance

We’ll also discuss why we believe they’re the best VPNs for the job based on our personal experience with each VPN during a three-week testing period. Let’s start with a quick overview in the form of a chart.

The Best Safari VPNs Compared

A closer look: the best vpns for safari, 1. nordvpn - best privacy and security features.

Product Specs

Privacy policy and protection.

NordVPN proudly maintains a “no-logs” privacy policy for its VPN apps. This means it keeps zero logs of any type of data that can identify or track what a customer is doing while connected to the VPN infrastructure. This has become expected from the top VPNs .

When we tested NordVPN, we enjoyed strong encryption and tunneling thanks to the proprietary NordLynx protocol, which was the default for the macOS and iOS apps. The NordLynx VPN protocol is NordVPN’s unique take on the widely implemented WireGuard protocol, 4 which is secure but also very fast compared to other options like OpenVPN. In fact, as you’ll see below, NordLynx gave us the lowest speed loss among the VPNs we tested.

>> Related: VPN Speed Tests: Top VPNs Compared

Thanks to NordLynx, NordVPN’s performance was lightning fast. Since we wanted to test its browsing speed, we accessed the Ookla Speedtest tool via Safari and compared its speed to our network speed when not connected to the VPN. Our network download speed read 249 Mbps; NordVPN averaged 226 Mbps in three tests. That’s a 9 percent drop — barely noticeable even if you’re downloading or streaming.

That’s unsurprising. NordVPN ranked first in our roundup of the fastest VPNs , thanks to its ability to produce fast connections consistently. We also named it one of the fastest gaming VPNs . We don’t exactly play online games on our MacBook, and certainly not on Safari, but that just goes to show that NordVPN is both fast and reliable when it comes to connection speed.

>> Check Out: Best VPNs for Brave Browser

Those privacy features and NordVPN’s excellent performance do come at a higher cost than other VPNs. The most affordable Safari VPN we recommend is Private Internet Access, which offers subscriptions as low as $2.19 per month. With its cheapest option, a NordVPN plan is $3.79 per month.

One thing you should know about VPN pricing is the longer you sign up for, the better the rates you’re going to get. The cheapest NordVPN plan is the Standard Plan for two years. It costs $90.96 for those two years, which averages out to $3.79. It may be a little pricier than the most affordable options, but that price isn’t going to break the bank. And besides, NordVPN offers better privacy and features than most other VPNs.

What We Like

• Verified and audited no-logs policy
• Great speeds on macOS
• User-friendly app with a sleek user interface
• Plenty of extra features, like malicious website blocking

What We Don’t Like

• A little pricier than other options
• No free trial on iOS and macOS, unlike on Android
• No split tunneling for macOS and iOS
• App occasionally runs slow

The app doesn’t get talked about a lot when comparing VPNs, but to us, it’s one of the most important aspects you should look into when choosing a VPN. Your entire user experience will hinge on the VPN app .

NordVPN’s macOS and iOS apps offer unique functionalities that we think can elevate your browsing experience. Let’s start with Threat Protection. You know how Safari can detect and block trackers? It’s kind of like that, but aside from trackers, it also blocks malicious websites (e.g., phishing sites ) and ads. Best of all, it runs silently in the background. We didn’t even notice it was on until it blocked an email link we tried to open. Lesson: Don’t open links from strangers.

Multi-hop was another unique feature we’ve had the pleasure to test. It was listed in NordVPN’s server menu under Specialty Servers. Basically, it routed our MacBook’s traffic through two VPN servers, doubling down the encryption. It did make our network speed even slower, but it was a perfect match for Safari’s Private Browsing. If you don’t want Apple logging your browsing history for a specific browsing session, you surely don’t want your ISP or Big Brother doing the same. Multi-hop — or Double VPN as NordVPN calls it — is the solution.

>> Learn More: Is Incognito the Same as a VPN?

2. Private Internet Access VPN - Best-Priced Safari VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) may not be as stout as NordVPN and ExpressVPN when it comes to technology, but it provides more than adequate privacy. The default encryption on macOS and iOS, for example, is 128-bit AES. That’s a little lower than the typical 256-bit AES that VPNs offer, but it’s still impossible to crack with current computing technology. 6

A lower encryption standard can actually be beneficial, especially if you want to prioritize speed when changing your Mac’s location ; for example, to access a different Netflix library region on Safari. If you really want top-notch encryption, you can easily change PIA’s encryption to 256-bit AES using the Mac app (or iPhone/iPad app if you’re on mobile).

Encryption aside, we liked Private Internet Access’ policies for privacy. You know how you can adjust your privacy references on Safari? 7 PIA has something similar. You see, even “no-logs” VPNs do log some data. The data they collect is benign and usually anonymized so it can’t be tied back to you. With PIA, however, you can opt out of all data logging completely. That was actually the default for PIA’s macOS and iOS apps.

As mentioned earlier, you can prioritize speed by opting to stay with the 128-bit AES encryption setting, but we wanted to test Private Internet Access on its most secure configuration, so we switched over to 256-bit AES.

Once we did, we saw download and upload speeds drop significantly. Download speeds averaged 208 Mbps, while upload speeds went down to around 185 Mbps. PIA wasn’t very fast, but it was fast enough to let us stream and download on Safari. We downloaded torrent with the BitTorrent Web client for Mac, which ran on Safari. Again, PIA wasn’t exceptionally fast, but it let us download a 2 GB file in under 20 minutes. Not bad.

>> See More: How to Download Torrent Using a VPN

Private Internet Access is really an affordable VPN that provides more value than it costs. Our three-year Private Internet Access plan cost us just $79, which is even cheaper than NordVPN’s two-year plan and ExpressVPN’s one-year plan.

Despite its low cost, it gave us full access to VPN benefits; it let us change our iPhone’s location , kept our Safari browsing on our MacBook private, and gave us much-needed access to different streaming apps on our iPad, even those that aren’t available in the U.S., like BBC iPlayer and All4. Did we mention that PIA has no device limits? We set up the VPN on our MacBook , iPhones, iPads, and even our Windows work laptops — 14 devices in total.

• No device limits
• Customizable encryption and tunneling standards
• Affordable price (starts at $2.19 per month)
• Split tunneling for macOS in Beta testing
• Set to 128-bit AES by default
• Tends to run slow when set to the highest privacy configuration
• Slow tech and customer support
• Sign-up process could be improved

We really liked the value we got for our money from our Private Internet Access subscription , but we like it even more now that it’s starting to bring back split tunneling to macOS. Split tunneling disappeared in macOS 12 and 13 due to a networking change in the operating systems’ architecture. But Private Internet Access somehow managed to offer it again to newer macOS versions. PIA is mum on how it did that, but right now, the macOS split tunneling is in Beta testing.

What’s the use of split tunneling? Well, let’s say you’re on a video call with your boss and you need to send a confidential file. If you connect to PIA, it will encrypt your Mac’s network. Your video call might even drop. To avoid that, you need a VPN that can exclude traffic from some apps while others enjoy encryption. In the example, you could exclude your video conferencing app so it continues to connect to the normal network.

Split tunneling can be useful in many different scenarios, but mostly for professionals and students who might need to multitask. And the fact that Private Internet Access is the first to bring it back to macOS makes it worthy of being one of the top VPNs for Safari users.

That’s just one of the many features Private Internet Access added to our digital security toolbelt. It also gave us a VPN kill switch , which is a must-have VPN feature , access to thousands of servers in over 90 locations worldwide, and an encryption-free proxy that let us change our IP address location to the Netherlands without the slowdowns of a VPN connection.

>> Learn More: The Differences Between Proxy and VPN

3. ExpressVPN - Most User-Friendly Safari VPN

ExpressVPN is another option that provides excellent privacy to MacBook and iPhone users. It takes being a “no-logs” VPN to the next level by switching to a RAM-only server network.

Traditional VPN servers run on hard disk drives (HDDs). You know how you can recover some files even after they’re wiped from a hard disk? That can happen to data in normal VPN servers, which poses a privacy risk. RAM-only servers, on the other hand, are completely wiped after every reboot. ExpressVPN reboots its servers every week or so, and that’s how it ensures that absolutely no data is stored in its servers.

When we tested ExpressVPN, we saw no security and privacy vulnerabilities. It passed all our IP address leak tests, including our WebRTC leak test. WebRTC leaks are a particular concern because it’s a feature built into most browsers, including Safari, that can compromise a VPN connection if the VPN is not secure enough.

>> Learn More: How to Check If a VPN Is Working

Beyond its security, we praise ExpressVPN for its fast connections. “Express” is right in the name, so we expected nothing less than fast, reliable, and consistent speeds, and it did not disappoint.

ExpressVPN averaged 222 Mbps for downloads and 202 Mbps for uploads on our MacBook. That’s a decrease of about 11 percent and 19 percent, respectively, compared to our baseline internet speed. It may not have been as fast as NordVPN, but we had no trouble watching Hulu on Safari besides the clearly reduced playback quality. Hulu plays in 720p on browsers. 5

>> Further Reading: The Top 5 VPNs for Watching Hulu

ExpressVPN is a strong option that could rival NordVPN, but all things considered, ExpressVPN’s pricing is its biggest kryptonite. It costs $12.95 on a monthly basis. That’s on par with NordVPN’s monthly plan. But when you look at the longer subscription options, you’ll start to see NordVPN take the upper hand. ExpressVPN costs $8.32 per month if you buy a one-year subscription. With NordVPN, the same subscription costs nearly half – $4.79 per month.

ExpressVPN also doesn’t have subscriptions longer than one year, whereas with NordVPN, you can go for a two-year subscription to lower the monthly rate to $3.79. In short, ExpressVPN’s lowest price is $8.32 monthly, while NordVPN averages as low as $3.79 monthly.

>> Compare:   NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN

• RAM-only servers for complete privacy
• Friendly user interface with multilingual option
• Decent browsing speed
• Strong IP address leak protection
• Pricey subscriptions (minimum of $8.32 per month)
• No live phone support
• Kill switch for macOS only
• Device limit (five to eight connections only)

ExpressVPN really won us over with its user-friendly apps for Macs and iPhones. The apps were actually identical, so if you have multiple Apple devices, you have to learn to use ExpressVPN only once. On that note, it was one of the very few VPNs to offer a quick tutorial after the initial setup. We’ve tested a lot of VPNs so we know our way around VPN apps, but this can be helpful to those who are still learning how to use a VPN .

ExpressVPN was also super easy to set up. After buying a subscription, we opened our account dashboard on Safari, and from there, we were able to email ourselves download links. This may come as a surprise, but one of the struggles we usually face after buying a VPN plan is finding where to download the apps, particularly the desktop apps. We’re happy that wasn’t the case with ExpressVPN.

Don’t get us wrong: ExpressVPN is every bit as secure as other top VPNs for Safari. It offers 256-bit AES encryption, which is our gold standard; it has its own VPN protocol called LightWay which is very much like NordVPN’s NordLynx; and it gets around website blocks pretty well. All those features, combined with its user-friendly interface, make it a really great choice for securing your Safari browsing.

>> Related: How to Set Up an iPhone VPN

4. IPVanish - Best for iPhones and iPads

IPVanish made our list of the best iPhone VPNs for its top-of-the-line encryption that utilizes something called perfect forward secrecy. VPNs encrypt traffic, but they also decrypt it with the encryption key when it gets to the destination (either your device or the VPN server). To enable forward secrecy, IPVanish uses the DHE-RSA 2048 for key generation, which we were able to verify on our Windows laptop. Essentially, it’s like changing the locks everytime a door opens, so even in the slim chance that someone gets ahold of the encryption key, future encryptions can’t be compromised.

It’s nice to know that IPVanish takes extra precautions to keep users private, but that’s probably too technical for an average Safari user. Let’s shift our focus to IPVanish’s privacy policy. It’s yet another VPN with a “no-logs” policy. We like how it outlines what types of data it collects. For example, we learned that it collects personal information upon signing up, such as email addresses and payment information, but does not keep logs of anything related to a user’s browsing.

>> Learn More: What Is Personally Identifiable Information?

IPVanish’s speed didn’t let us down. Our speed loss on Mac while connected to IPVanish was just 14 percent for downloads and 19 percent for uploads. That translated to speeds averaging 215 Mbps and 202 Mbps, respectively, on our 250 Mbps wired internet connection. It was just as speedy as NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

We all liked how IPVanish sat right in the middle in terms of VPN pricing. At $2.99 per month for the two-year plan, it wasn’t as affordable as Private Internet Access, but it was cheaper than NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is sort of like a risk-free trial that would allow you to cancel and get a refund for your two-year subscription if you do so within 30 days of buying. That’s nothing to write home about, as most VPNs, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost also have similar policies for refunds.

>> Related: The Best VPN Free Trials

• Encryption with perfect forward secrecy
• User-friendly interface, especially for iPhones
• Fast download and upload speeds
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Shaky past in terms of logging
• Based in the U.S. (not the most privacy-friendly country)
• No OpenVPN protocol for iOS (only WireGuard and IKEv2)
• No money-back guarantee for monthly plans

IPVanish worked great on our MacBook, but if you’re browsing Safari through an iPhone or iPad, this is another great VPN to consider. We liked IPVanish’s iOS app because of its straightforward interface. It wasn’t complicated to use; to connect, we simply launched the app, selected a server, and tapped the huge connect button in the middle of the screen. It even had some cool animations, like the spinning globe that shows the location of the server selected. Be sure to enable Dark Mode. It looks much sleeker than the regular mode.

IPVanish was more than just a pretty face. We could tell it was designed thoughtfully. For example, after connecting, it showed us our current VPN IP address. That beats having to find our iPhone’s IP address if we ever needed it. It also has a useful server filtering feature that allowed us to sort the servers alphabetically, based on their distance to us, and, our personal favorite, by latency.

While not as prominent as upload and download speeds, latency is an important internet speed metric when you’re connected to a VPN. It measures the delay of your network, which is something you want to minimize when video conferencing, playing online games, or streaming on Safari. Thanks to IPVanish’s ping filtering, we knew exactly which server to connect to when we wanted to stream an episode of “Breaking Bad” on our lunch break.

>> Related: Top VPNs for Streaming

5. CyberGhost - Best for Streaming and Downloading

CyberGhost is a sister company of Private Internet Access, as they are both owned by Kape Technologies. There was some question as to whether Kape Technologies can be trusted because of its past as an advertising company, but as we saw earlier from PIA, the VPN brands it owns can have a separate privacy policy.

CyberGhost maintains that it does not log any VPN usage data that can identify or compromise a user’s browsing. While it doesn’t have the same opt-out option as PIA, it clearly outlines what types of information are monitored, specifically, anonymized VPN metrics that it uses to improve its services.

When it comes to performance, CyberGhost actually outperformed Private Internet Access. It was about 10 Mbps faster in terms of both upload and download speeds, averaging 213 Mbps for downloads and nearly 200 Mbps for uploads.

CyberGhost was less flexible than PIA, though, because it offers only 256-bit AES encryption (if you use OpenVPN) or ChaCha20 (if you use WireGuard). Unlike PIA, it didn’t let us customize our connection to make it either faster or more secure.

>> Learn More: Fixing Common VPN Speed and Connection Issues

CyberGhost was the second-most-affordable VPN we tested for Safari. A two-year subscription to CyberGhost costs only $56.94; that’s $2.37 per month on average. Moreover, it has a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is the longest trial period among the five VPNs here.

However, CyberGhost doesn’t offer unlimited simultaneous connections like Private Internet Access. It has a limit of seven devices. That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you choose CyberGhost.

• 10,000+ servers in 100 countries (almost twice as many as NordVPN)
• Affordable pricing
• Based in Romania (privacy-friendly)
• Servers optimized for downloads
• Split tunneling for URLs only
• Device limit
• Slow customer service
• Non-adjustable encryption

Among the things we do on Safari, downloading and streaming are two of the most bandwidth-heavy activities. That doesn’t mean you should skip using a VPN for those activities; just find a VPN that can accommodate your network requirements.

We found CyberGhost a great VPN for downloading torrent and P2P files as well as streaming because it has servers optimized specifically for those. They’re right there in the server selection list. The P2P servers compatible with torrenting are under the For Downloading menu, while the servers optimized to unblock georestricted streaming content are under the For Streaming menu.

We used CyberGhost to access streaming services on Safari, including Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. It had no problem accessing Amazon Prime, but we did have to try several times to access Disney+, even with the optimized servers. That wasn’t a huge problem. We found while testing the best VPNs for Disney+ (CyberGhost is one of them) that it has a stronger ability to block VPNs than most other streaming services. We’re just glad we got to access Disney+ after three tries.

Methodology: How We Picked the Best VPNs for Safari

That’s our list of the top VPNs for keeping your Safari browsing private, but how exactly did we come up with this list? Hours after hours of testing.

First, we narrowed down our list to VPNs that work on macOS and iOS; that didn’t help at all because pretty much any VPN right now is compatible with Apple. However, we previously tested VPNs for MacBooks and iPhones, so we decided to retest those to see which ones work best for Safari browsing.

Next, we did some performance tests. We measured VPN speed using the Speedtest by Ookla website, which was accessed using Safari. We also did some security and privacy tests, such as DNS and WebRTC leak tests.

Finally, we spent at least three days with each VPN, testing their numerous features and observing their performance further. All that amounted to more than three weeks of testing.

For more information on our testing procedures, head over to our complete VPN guide , where we explain in detail every VPN feature we test.

» Learn about: Best VPN for Firefox

Are There Any Free VPNs for Safari?

While we didn’t test any free VPNs, a free VPN should work on Safari provided that it has apps for macOS and iOS. Be careful, though. Not all free VPNs are trustworthy. Some are just after your browsing data so they could sell it to advertisers, while others have more sinister motives, like injecting malware into your devices.

>> Related: Do MacBooks Have Built-in Anti-Malware?

To be safe, use only the free VPNs that we have verified. You’ll find them in our roundup of the five best free VPNs . You can also check the best free iPhone VPNs ; they’re the same free VPNs in the other list, but we highlight how they work on iPhones and iPads specifically.

Does Safari Really Need a VPN?

Whether you choose one of our premium VPN recommendations for Safari or a free VPN, it’s important to know what a VPN can do for you. Not to be a spoiler, but you’ll find that a VPN is necessary even though Safari is quite secure and private itself.

• Encryption: This is one of the most important functions of a VPN. Safari may be secure, but your traffic is not while in transit to the internet. Your internet provider can see every bit of data your MacBook or iPhone transmits, and the government can as well. That’s why we all need encryption. Encryption doesn’t hide the fact that we’re using the internet, but it hides our browsing activity from prying eyes.

• Hiding your IP address: Find your MacBook’s IP address ; that’s your unique identifier on the internet. If it falls into someone else’s hands, they can find out where you are, track what you’ve been doing online, and even send you malicious files like malware and spyware. You wouldn’t post your home address publicly, so you shouldn’t let your IP address be public. Using a VPN hides your IP address by putting a VPN server between you and the internet.
• Fighting censorship: Besides lack of privacy, another concerning issue with the online world today is censorship, especially in countries that don’t enjoy much online and press freedom. Internet censorship limits what you can see online in an attempt by some governments and organizations to control the flow of information. With a VPN, however, you can become anonymous and get around even the strongest censorship apparatuses like the Great Firewall of China.

>> Related: Three VPNs That Work In China

Private Browsing vs. a VPN: Which Should I Use?

We get this question a lot when discussing VPNs for MacBooks: Are VPNs better than Private Browsing?

The answer depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. In Private Browsing mode, Safari sort of closes its eyes to give you privacy. It won’t record your browsing history, cookies, and autofill information. It does keep your browsing private — for instance, from a roommate who likes to snoop — but it doesn’t stop websites, your internet provider, or the government from seeing your activity. If you want privacy from those, use a VPN.

That being said, a VPN won’t hide your search and browsing history , so if someone were to check your Safari history, they’ll see what you’ve been up to.

See where we’re going here? Safari’s Private Browsing mode and a VPN actually complement each other. The former prevents your browser from recording your activity, while the latter stops any sort of spying from outside sources.

Safari provides a great browsing experience. It’s one of the things we like most about our Apple devices. It’s elegant, functional, streamlined, and, most importantly, more secure than many other browsers.

However, Safari alone can’t protect you. When you’re on social media websites, connecting to public Wi-Fi, or downloading from online sources, you need a VPN to accompany you. You might as well choose one that works with Safari.

Don’t go away just yet. We’ve got a few more answers for you, below.

No, Apple does not recommend a specific VPN to use with its products. If you’re using a Safari browser on your Mac, we recommend NordVPN because it provides maximum security and fast speeds on Macs. Other great VPNs for Safari include ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and CyberGhost.

No, Safari does not come with a built-in VPN. We recommend you add one since without a VPN you are vulnerable when you log on to public Wi-Fi networks.

NordVPN does support Safari. In fact, NordVPN is at the top of our list when it comes to VPNs that work well with Safari. It is located outside Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes jurisdictions. In addition, it maintains a strict logging policy. Plus, it offers multi-hop technology, so all internet traffic is routed through multiple servers.

ExpressVPN works well with Safari. Not only is ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs out there on the market, but it also provides extras like split tunneling and Netflix access.

StatCounter. (2023). Browser Market Share United States Of America . gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share/all/united-states-of-america

ExpressVPN. (2023). Split tunneling not supported on macOS 11 (Big Sur) and above . expressvpn.com/support/troubleshooting/split-tunneling-not-supported-macos-11/

Private Internet Access. (2023). Split Tunneling – Customize Your Security by App . privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features/split-tunneling

WireGuard. (2023). WireGuard: Fast, Modren, Secure VPN Tunnel . wireguard.com/

Hulu. (2021). System recommendations for your computer . help.hulu.com/s/article/supported-computers

App Sealing. (2023). Understanding AES-128 Encryption And Its Significance In The Current Threat Landscape . appsealing.com/aes-128-encryption/

Apple. (2023). Change Privacy settings in Safari on Mac . support.apple.com/en-ge/guide/safari/sfri35610/mac

• VPN & Privacy

Best VPNs for Safari

8 best vpns for safari in 2024 – with browser extensions.

In today’s digital age, securing your online privacy is paramount, especially when cyber threats lurk around every corner. We’ve pinpointed the best VPNs for Safari through exhaustive research and rigorous testing , ensuring rapid and confidential browsing.

Whether you’re yearning to bypass geo-restrictions to devour international content or unblock censored services, we’ve got you covered. And for all you proud Mac or iOS users – you’re likely familiar with Safari, your trusty built-in browser. At the same time, it’s true that Safari doesn’t cater to Windows, Android, or Linux, its exclusive ecosystem warrants specialized protection. Dive into this comprehensive guide to discover the ultimate VPNs for Safari and unveil the compelling reasons to fortify your online fortress.

Are you pressed for time? We’ve got a snapshot of our top VPNs for Safari coming right up.

We’ll cover more details about the Best VPNs for Safari in this post, but here’s our quick summary.

We found these to be the best VPNs for Safari based on user testing:

• NordVPN   Our #1 choice Safari VPN. Superfast servers that deliver on streaming. Tight privacy and robust security. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Safari.
• Surfshark : Great budget VPN for Safari. A no-logs VPN that works perfectly on iOS and MacOS. Decent speeds, excellent unblocking ability, and the ability to connect all of your devices at once.
• ExpressVPN : Solid Safari VPN with iOS and MacOS. Secure and private connections. Unblocks restricted content with ease and great for streaming.
• CyberGhost : Huge network of servers and robust security features. Works with Macs and iOS devices.
• IPVanish : Works well with Macs and iOS devices. Good speeds, privacy, and secure connections.
• PrivateVPN : An increasingly popular Safari VPN service with fast speeds. Good for streaming.
• PureVPN : A fast, no-logs provider with thousands of servers and exceptional streaming ability. Offers 24/7 customer support over live chat and works great with Safari.
• ProtonVPN : Delivers consistently impressive speeds and includes a wide range of advanced security features. Works effortlessly with most region-locked sites. Connect 10 devices at once.

If you use the Safari browser to surf the web, you should know about extra protection that you can add on to your connections. A VPN will protect your privacy and allow you to get around regional restrictions that many websites impose on access. This means that you will be able to access video streaming services from other countries, even though your location would normally get you locked out.

Best VPNs for Safari – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Safari.

Our criteria for Safari VPNs

There are many benefits to using a VPN, which you can read about further down in this report. However, your first decision is which VPN provider to choose. When looking for the best VPN for Safari, you need to take into account the following features:

• Can be installed on Macs and iOS devices and works well with Safari
• Works with streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu
• Has fast speeds and reliable connections for downloading and streaming
• Offers strong encryption and watertight security
• Doesn’t store any activity logs with no exceptions
• Can bypass regional content blocks
• Has reliable and responsive customer support
• Has fair pricing with a money-back guarantee

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for Safari:

Apps Available:

Website:   www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee:   30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top pick for a Safari VPN. You get access to servers in over 100 countries and the app is excellent at getting around regional restrictions. NordVPN does not keep any logs, which helps hide your identity on the internet. You can connect to the service on six devices all at the same time, and the website has a long list of tutorials on how to install the VPN manually on your router — that counts as just one connection.

You can install the NordVPN app on Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS, to cover your Safari browser. There is also an app available for Windows and Android and you can install the system manually on Linux computers and devices.

NordVPN doesn’t offer a Safari browser extension . It’s unfortunately only available on Google Chrome, Firefox and Edge.. However, it does have a supplementary service, called an HTTP proxy, which you can set up on your browser. A tutorial on the website explains how to set it up. A web proxy isn’t as good as a VPN because it doesn’t give you any extra encryption or other security measures, it just changes your apparent location.

The NordVPN app includes many excellent online security features. These include encryption on all of your connections and there is also a kill switch. You can choose a double-hop route that will travel through two different VPN servers and encrypt your connections twice over. You may also connect to the Tor network through NordVPN. Your online privacy is protected further by NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy.

NordVPN speed test data

• Safari browser can be paired with a HTTP proxy, or you can install a dedicated app
• Blazing fast speeds
• Huge network of servers
• Most apps feature a process-specific kill switch
• Great customer support
• Desktop app can take some getting used to

BEST VPN FOR SAFARI: NordVPN is our top choice . Tops our list of the fastest VPNs and performs well in all other categories. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Website:   www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that offers access to 3,200 servers across 65 countries, which alone would make it a robust choice. However, it also boasts a wealth of extra security features including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. Best of all, this service allows you to connect as many devices as you like, ensuring you never have to browse the web unprotected.

This service takes your privacy very seriously. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information but if you’re worried about anonymity, you can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying in cryptocurrency ( it accepts Bitcoin , Ripple, and Ethereum).

Surfshark doesn’t have a Safari browser extension, but it does offer apps for MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Further, it can be manually installed on supported internet routers.

Surfshark speed test data

• Budget-friendly pricing
• Powerful security and privacy protections
• Fast enough for almost anything
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• 24/7 customer support
• Some features require a subscription to Surfshark One

BEST BUDGET VPN: Surfshark lets you protect every device you own. Better still, with a no-logging policy, high speeds, and strong multi-platform support, you don’t have to trade security for convenience. This service has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website:   www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN fulfils all the requirements for a Safari VPN. You can install the VPN app and use that to cover everything on your device. The ExpressVPN app is available for all of the operating systems that Safari runs on: Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS. You can also install the system on the Windows and Android operating systems, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire tablets, and Linux machines. You get an allowance of three simultaneous connections, so that you can have other gadgets covered by the VPN as well as your Safari browser at the same time.

ExpressVPN has an automatic installer for select routers. A router installation counts as only one of your five concurrent connection allowance even though it covers all of the internet-connected devices in your home.

ExpressVPN includes military-grade encryption, which is essential if you want to connect to the internet in repressive countries. As well as using 256-bit AES encryption with the OpenVPN system, it also employs 4096-bit RSA encryption for session establishment, which is the strongest available on the market.

This service is also very good at evading detection, which makes it a good option for places like China and Iran . It will also help you securely access all kinds of services including Netflix. ExpressVPN has an impressive network of servers in 94 countries, which gives you many options when you want to appear to be in a different country. The company does not keep connection logs.

Security features include a kill switch, which will prevent all the apps on your device from connecting to the internet if the VPN is not active. You also get automatic wifi protection with the ExpressVPN app, which is essential if you tend to use wifi hotspots in public places.

ExpressVPN speed test data

• Fast servers are great for streaming HD content
• Best-in-class encryption makes for solid security and privacy
• Gets around torrent tracker sites blocks without compromising privacy
• Excellent support
• A bit pricier than rivals
• Could offer more customizable features

GREAT UNBLOCKER: ExpressVPN is fast and reliable . It unblocks restricted content on all major streaming services. Strong security and privacy. The only VPN in this list with a dedicated Safari browser extension. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website:   www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee:   45 DAYS

CyberGhost doesn’t have a Safari browser extension, but you can install it on Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS. Apps are also available for Windows and Android, and you can install the system manually on routers and Linux computers.

The service gives you access to a massive and secure server network of over 10,000 in 80+ countries and a special cloaking option will help you in places that have tough government restrictions on internet access. The VPN connections are connected by AES 256-bit encryption and 4096-bit RSA encryption for session establishment. A kill switch and automatic wifi protection are built into the app.

The company doesn’t hold any details on its customers. All payment processing is carried out by a third party and you are only identified on the CyberGhost system by an account number. The company does not keep activity logs and it is based in Romania where there are no data retention requirements.

The app’s interface opens with an activities screen where you can choose a VPN server adjusted for activities such as watching streaming videos or downloading. You get an allowance of five simultaneous connections with CyberGhost and the company gives all new customers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost speed test data

• The biggest server network on the market
• Easy to use apps work well with Safari
• Streams HD video content seamlessly
• Kill switch on all apps and keeps no logs
• Torrenting and P2P won’t work on all server locations
• Doesn’t work in China

GOOD FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost is easy to use. Fast and reliable internet connections with a good range of servers. Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. 45-day money back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website:   www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish offers good speeds for accessing streaming video and the company has its server network in 60 countries. There isn’t an IPVanish Safari browser extension, however, there are apps for Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS operating systems, which will protect your browser traffic. You can also install an IPVanish app on Windows and Android, including manually on Amazon Fire devices and routers. The company gives you an allowance of five concurrent connections.

The company is based in the United States, which may worrisome because the NSA and other law enforcement are known to apply secret pressure to IT companies to access customer information. However, IPVanish offers strong security with the AES encryption system, using a 256-bit key through the OpenVPN methodology. The other VPNs in our list of the best VPNs Safari also use this level of protection.

A key privacy feature of the VPN service is that it keeps no logs. This is important if you want to download files with the BitTorrent protocol. Copyright lawyers in the USA are particularly active, so if your chosen VPN company retains activity or connection records, you would lose your privacy. The IPVanish app includes a kill switch and automatic wifi protection, which will prevent your real IP address from being detected by snoopers on the internet.

IPVanish offers a seven-day money-back guarantee.

IPVanish speed test data

• Provides secure apps for Mac OS X, macOS and iOS
• Keeps no logs, has automatic kill switch and wifi protection
• Works with Netflix US
• Apps don’t work in China

UP TO 10 DEVICES: IPVanish has a large network of servers . Generally solid for Safari users. Adhere to the highest standard of privacy, but can struggle with unblocking some popular streaming sites. 7-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website:   www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, but its support staff all speak excellent English. The support team can be contacted online during European office hours via a live chat window on the service’s website. The team is very competent and can even take control of your computer remotely to fix problems for you. However, you are unlikely to encounter any problems installing this app because it comes with an install wizard that will get the VPN operating without much input from you.

You can protect Safari browser by installing the PrivateVPN app on Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS devices. Apps are available for Windows and Android, and you can install the VPN manually on routers , Amazon fire devices, and the Linux operating system.

PrivateVPN runs servers in 56 countries. This is a particularly good option if you like to download with torrents because the company does not keep any logs. The OpenVPN protocol is protected with 256-bit AES solid encryption. You also get a kill switch and automatic wifi protection options with the PrivateVPN app.

The service gives each customer an allowance of six simultaneous connections and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try out the system.

PrivateVPN speed test data

• Has an easy install wizard for Mac OS X, MacOS and iOS devices
• Strong security and privacy protection features
• Keeps no logs whatsoever
• Support staff are good, but only operate during European business hours
• Small number of servers to choose from

GREAT SPEEDS: PrivateVPN is a good family choice . Speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. It could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Website:   www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee:   31 DAYS

PureVPN has quite a large network, with more than 6,000 servers across 65 countries. These are exceptionally fast, averaging almost 400 Mbps, which means it’s a great option for data-intensive tasks like torrenting, making video calls, or watching TV. On that note, this VPN works effortlessly with major streaming platforms such as Prime Video and Disney+. We found PureVPN’s apps to be extremely user-friendly but if you run into any problems, staff are available 24/7 over live chat. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

This service includes all of the tools you’ll need to browse the internet safely. For instance, it prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks , refuses to store any logs of your activities, and uses uncrackable encryption (no matter which protocol you choose). If PureVPN detects that you’re in a country with extreme censorship, it will automatically obfuscate your data, hiding any indication that you’re using a VPN in the first place. There are a couple of downsides, however; this service can’t block ads, and if you’d like to stop trackers, you’ll need a Plus or Max plan. Additionally, it doesn’t offer a kill switch on Mac or iOS.

PureVPN has its own apps for iOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows, and Android. Further, it can be manually installed on a wide range of routers, which lets you bypass the connection limit.

PureVPN speed test data

• A fast and reliable option for Safari users
• Simplifies online security
• Excels at beating online restrictions
• No kill switch or split tunneling on Apple devices
• Tracker-blocking not included as standard

CAN HANDLE ANYTHING: PureVPN is an extraordinarily versatile service boasting impressive performance and a good set of security tools. That’s not all: it also comes with built-in traffic obfuscation, a proven no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our comprehensive review of PureVPN .

8. ProtonVPN

Website:   www.protonvpn.com

ProtonVPN is best known for its free plan, but for the best experience, you’ll want to upgrade. Doing so provides access to 3,800 servers in 85 countries, allows you to secure 10 devices at a time, and removes the speed cap. What’s more, paid subscribers can access just about any region-locked streaming platform, including Netflix, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video . You also get priority customer support, giving you the option to chat directly with staff should anything go wrong.

One thing is clear: this service takes your security seriously. For starters, it uses effectively uncrackable encryption and has been independently audited to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs of your activities. Additional safeguards include a kill switch, leak protection, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and Secure Core servers designed with anonymity in mind. Experienced users will appreciate the more advanced features, such as port forwarding and split tunneling functionality, but it’s also a good choice for anyone looking to sign up without providing personal information since you can pay with Bitcoin or cash.

ProtonVPN offers apps for iOS, MacOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get this VPN running directly on your router.

ProtonVPN speed test data

• High-speed VPN with a large network
• Works with all manner of streaming platforms
• Plenty of customizable security tools
• May be a little too advanced for novices
• Costs slightly more than some of its rivals

NEXT-LEVEL PRIVACY: ProtonVPN is a reliable service that goes above and beyond where privacy is concerned. Great choice for day-to-day usage thanks to its exceptional speeds and powerful security tools. All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not read our full, exhaustive ProtonVPN review ?

How we found the best VPNs for Safari: Our testing methodology

In order to find the best VPNs for Safari, we had to test them out for ourselves! After all, not all VPNs offer apps that are compatible with the browser. Others may prove too slow or simply be lacking security. Read on to find out a little bit more about our methodology:

• Mac and iOS-compatible: All of the VPNs in this post provide apps for Mac and iOS and can therefore be used to secure apps on these devices as well as Safari browser traffic. Of course, they also include apps for Windows and Android just in case you have a few more devices that you’d like to secure.
• Servers worldwide: Many people use VPNs to bypass geographic and censorship restrictions. As such, it’s important for a VPN to provide servers in dozens of countries including the US, UK, and Australia. It also means there’s more likely to be a fast server close to your physical location.
• Speed: Some VPNs vary significantly when it comes to speed. While this may not make a huge difference when it comes to browsing, you’ll certainly notice the difference when streaming or downloading. Having found the fastest VPNs with unlimited bandwidth, you won’t have to worry about performance.
• Unblocking: Some websites and services are harder to unblock than others. That’s because some actively blacklist VPN IP addresses. Our tests have revealed the best VPNs for bypassing even the toughest of restrictions — even those of streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Disney+.
• Security: A VPN is supposed to secure the internet traffic traveling between your browsing device and the Internet. Somewhat surprisingly, some fail to do this! However, you can rest assured that all of the VPNs recommended here provide encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
• Privacy:  Having looked at some 140 VPN logging policies , we know which protect your privacy and which don’t (some will log and sell your browsing data to third parties!). In some cases, you can sign up to a VPN anonymously by using a burner email and by paying in Bitcoin.
• Ease of use: The Mac or iOS app you use with Safari will be quick and easy to use. They’re the most beginner-friendly on the market without compromising on advanced features. Live chat and email support are also included so that even if you encounter an issue, help (and hopefully a solution!) is available.
• Value for money: Ideally, a VPN should offer multiple subscription options. The longer the subscription, the lower the monthly amount you pay. The best VPNs for Safari offer this flexibility and even come with a money-back guarantee. What’s more, we even offer discount coupons so you’ll pay even less!

We look for a VPN to offer all of the above. However, we don’t just take them at their word. Instead, we try them out for ourselves as part of our VPN testing methodology .

Do free VPNs work with Safari?

It is better to avoid free VPN services. You won’t find any that will give you full privacy protection. Keeping ahead of restrictions and the detection systems of governments and websites costs a lot of money. So, you should be suspicious of companies that claim to offer a full VPN service for free. How do they pay their bills?

Some free VPNs are scams and rather than protecting your personal information, their VPN apps actually harvest it to sell to advertisers. A VPN is not a VPN without encryption and, surprisingly, many free VPNs don’t include any encryption at all. These services give you a false sense of security and can actually prove to be dangerous. All of the internet traffic that passes through your connection is available for any interceptor to read if your VPN does not use encryption.

Many reputable VPN services offer a free version to lure in new customers. Obviously, these free versions are not as good as the paid VPNs offered by the same company, otherwise, those providers would never be able to persuade anyone to pay for the service. Usually, those bona fide free services have restrictions imposed on them. These include a limit on the servers that you can access, a limit on the throughput speed, or a limit on the amount of data that you can use each month.

Although free VPNs are tempting, they are usually a waste of time. This is why we do not recommend that you spend precious online hours hunting for bargains. The VPNs on our list offer outstanding value for money.

VPN browser extension or app?

You will notice that ExpressVPN is the only service on our list that actually has a browser extension for Safari. You also get an app with ExpressVPN and nine times out of ten, you would be better off using the app rather than the browser extension. This is because the browser extension only covers the internet transmissions that go from and to your browser. In the meantime, lots of background processes and apps on your computer will also be accessing the internet.

When you only use a browser VPN, all of the other internet activities on your computer are not protected. This means that they all communicate using your real IP address and all of the computers that they connect to can also be recorded by your internet service provider. So, if you have a downloading client running on your computer and you are only using the browser extension VPN, those transactions performed by the downloader will all be visible to anyone on your network.

The HTTP proxy offered by NordVPN will change the location of all of your browser transactions, but won’t give you any encryption. As with the browser VPN extension, a web proxy set up in your browser won’t cover any of the other apps running on your computer that also connect to the internet. Overall, when you have a choice between a VPN app and a VPN browser extension, it is better to use the app.

VPNs for Safari – The conclusion

So, there you have it – our list of the best VPNs to use with Safari. All of these services will keep your connections encrypted and safe from prying eyes, and they will help you to bypass any regional restrictions that are stopping you from accessing your favorite websites or streaming services.

Take advantage of the money-back periods offered by the services on our list to give a few of them a spin without any risk.

Let me know in the comments below which VPN you decided to go with and how it is working out for you.

Safari VPN FAQs

Is safari browser available for windows.

There is a version of Safari that will work on Windows. However, this is an old version because Apple stopped developing Safari for Windows in 2012. To get Safari for Windows, you need to download Safari 5.1.7. This will run on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

How do I uninstall and reinstall Safari on Mac?

Safari is built into the operating system of Macs from OS X El Capitan (10.11), so it isn’t possible to uninstall it individually without removing and reinstalling the entire macOS operating system. For earlier versions, use the CleanMyMac X free utility. Once you have installed the software follow these steps to remove Safari:

• Run CleanMyMac X and select Preferences from the top menu.
• Click Ignore list and select Uninstaller.
• In the Uninstaller option, uncheck Ignore system applications. Scroll through the list of installed applications in the Unistaller tab.
• Click on Safari and select Complete Uninstallation.
• Press the Remove button at the bottom of the screen.

Apple doesn’t expect anyone to remove and reinstall Safari separately. However, there is a facility to update the browser and this will reinstall it if you removed Safari.

• Click on the Apple icon at the start of the top menu bar on your desktop and select App Store from the drop-down menu.
• In the App Store, click on the Updates top menu option.
• Look for the Software Update option and click on More in the description of the item.
• Look for Safari in the list and click the Update button on that line.

Is browsing in Safari's private mode the same as using a VPN?

No, the Private Mode on Safari is not the same as a VPN. The browser Private Mode deletes cookies and trackers from your hard drive when you close the browser window. A VPN secures the connections between your computer and the web servers of the websites that you visit by hiding your location and encrypting the connection.

Will a VPN allow me to browse anonymously on Safari?

VPNs encrypt your data which means that even if it were to be intercepted, it’s almost impossible to crack. The best VPNs also have strict no-logs policies, which means none of your data is collected or shared. As such, you can use a VPN to browse anonymously, be it on Safari or any other browser such as Chrome or Firefox . You can connect to these VPNs via desktop and mobile apps or even via browser extensions in some cases.

Does Apple recommend a VPN for Safari?

Apple neither recommends nor advises against VPNs. You can find a number of VPNs listed in the Apple App Store (including those listed in this post). It’s really up to you to decide whether you want and need a VPN, be it for accessing region-locked content or browsing with more security. Note that all major VPNs are compatible with Mac and iOS and many even allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

What if Safari isn't working with my VPN provider?

Safari will work with the VPNs listed in this post. However, if you’re having some issues, there are some things you can try. First, check that you’re using the latest version of the VPN software. You should also clear your browser’s cache and cookies . If you’re still having issues, be sure to contact your VPN’s customer support for further assistance.

Can I use a VPN to hide my Safari search history?

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic so that your ISP (and others) can’t see what you’re doing online. However, you will still have a Safari search history stored on your browser. The good news is that there are things you can do to browse without building up a search history. One is to use Safari’s Private Browsing mode (incognito). You can also clear your Safari search history should you wish.

Does Safari have a built in VPN?

No, Safari doesn’t have a built-in VPN . However, you can use a VPN with it by downloading and installing one of the best VPNs for Safari as listed in this post. Your best bet is a desktop or mobile app because this ensures that all of your internet traffic is secured. This includes your Safari browser traffic and any apps you use. While you can use a VPN browser extension with Safari if you prefer, this will only secure your browser traffic.

Do these VPNs work with other browsers?

Yes. You can use these VPNs with Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or any other browser installed on your device.

Our recommended VPNs can be installed on Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android. Connecting to the VPN on any of those devices will protect your browsing habits in any browser.

In addition, some of the VPNs we have recommended have dedicated VPN extensions for Firefox , Chrome, and Edge. The important thing to remember, however, is that these browser extensions are proxies that do not provide the same privacy protections as the main VPN client.

A proxy browser extension will let you spoof your location and bypass blocks, however, it will not provide the security level provided by the encryption you get with the stand-alone VPN app.

For this reason, we always recommend using the main VPN app that comes with your subscription.  This will encrypt all of the data leaving your device, including the data coming and going from your browser.

How can I get the best price for a Mac VPN?

With so many VPN providers competing for your attention, it’s common to find sales on subscriptions. One of the best times of year to purchase a VPN subscription it to do so on Black Friday or between Christmas and New Year.

However, you can currently get the best price for a Mac VPN by taking advantage of the VPN discount coupons in this post . Below each review, you’ll find a coupon for that VPN service. All you need to do is click it and it’ll be applied automatically!

• Best VPN for Mac
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Roundup - best VPNs for Safari

Privacy alert: websites you visit can find out who you are.

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

Using a VPN will hide these details and protect your privacy.

We recommend using NordVPN - #1 of 72 VPNs in our tests. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available at a discounted rate.

Stephen Cooper

Reviewed by:.

Paul Bischoff

Urban VPN Review

Updated · Jan 03, 2024

Rmoj Amon is a professional copywriter with a special love for technology and curiosity about Window... | See full bio

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Urban VPN’s evolution from a free service into a freemium one could end the criticism about its privacy and security. But has it? Read my Urban VPN review to find out.

Company Location

Number of Servers

Zero-Log Policy

Questionable

Stealth VPN

Unsupported

Customer Support

Email and blog

MINIMUM PRICE: Free

Best for: Free VPN usage

Urban VPN is a free virtual private network service launched by Urban Cyber Security INC in 2018 .

Unlike most VPNs, this one is community-powered . What this means is that its functionality relies on the collective resources of its P2P (peer-to-peer) network .

As stated in its end user license agreement , some of your traffic gets rerouted through the systems of other users. Likewise, some of the traffic of other members of the community gets rerouted through your device.

The use of P2P technology isn’t popular among VPNs, for it raises lots of questions.

Is Urban VPN a good VPN ? How does it encrypt data ? How much resources do you need to contribute to use the service at no cost? If another user misbehaves online while using your IP (internet protocol) address , will you be in trouble?

Urban VPN isn’t the first community-powered service I’ve encountered since I started reviewing VPNs here on TechJury . Hola VPN was the only other service that popped into my mind that has adopted this approach.

Urban VPN’s practices may raise the eyebrows of cybersecurity experts. But it has actually taken the world by storm.

On Google Play , it counts more than a million downloads . According to 10,900+ Urban VPN reviews , this service deserves 4.1 stars .

On average, 3,150+ Apple customers have given it either 4.3 or 4.6-star ratings .

Every Urban VPN extension has received solid feedback too. Based on the grand total of 6,703 testimonials, users have rated Urban VPN for Firefox , Chrome, and Edge at least 4.5 stars .

So how come a seemingly unscrupulous VPN is getting the approval of most of its outspoken users?

To understand this VPN’s appeal, I tested its Windows and Android clients . Also, I gave the Chrome extension a try for this Urban VPN review .

Urban VPN Features

Urban VPN doesn’t offer incredible functionality. It lacks essentials like a kill switch and exciting features like split tunneling and double VPN .

If it doesn’t do much, why do countless individuals download it? Here’s why:

Compatibility

It’s a piece of cross-platform software .

You can install Urban VPN for PC , Mac , iPhone , iPad , iPod touch , and Android .

This VPN requires the following operating system versions:

• Windows 7 , 8 , or 10
• macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later
• iOS 12.0 or later
• iPadOS 12.0 or later
• Any Android version

As mentioned earlier, Chrome , Edge , and Firefox Urban VPN extensions and add-ons are available on tap.

This vendor provides no manual setup guides , though. There’s no native router app , nor are there configuration files for third-party programs and devices.

For this reason, there’s no way to install Urban VPN on Linux-powered hardware and smart TVs . With no support for Xbox and PlayStation , it wouldn’t be on any gamer’s VPN shortlist .

Unlimited simultaneous connections 

You can use Urban VPN on as many supported devices as you want at the same time.

It shouldn’t be surprising, though. This VPN service provider would want everyone in its community to use multiple devices to expand its P2P network .

Unlimited bandwidth

With Urban VPN for Windows , there’s no usage limit . You can turn it on the entire time without having to worry about the data you route through the network.

The Android version is a different story, though. Its free version has a data cap of 500MB , which refreshes every 12 AM .

Such free data isn’t a lot. But it instantly sounds generous when compared to the free plan of TunnelBear .

If you want to enjoy unlimited bandwidth with this Urban VPN mobile client, you have to buy a premium subscription.

Anti–ISP throttling

This VPN vendor promises to help enforce network neutrality through data encryption . Urban VPN keeps your ISP (internet service provider) from monitoring your online activity.

Without knowing the sites you visit and the services you use, it can’t throttle your bandwidth as it sees fit. If your ISP typically slows down your internet when torrenting (for example), turning Urban VPN on may stabilize your connection .

But what if your ISP throttles VPN traffic? This service offers no protection.

Urban VPN doesn’t support obfuscation , a means of masking VPN traffic to avoid getting spotted. If your ISP can detect your VPN traffic, it may mess with your speed to discourage your VPN usage.

Unlimited server switching

The company doesn’t explicitly say that it limits the number of times one can change locations. But unlimited server switches are a selling point of Urban VPN for Business , a premium subscription for PC, at least.

For the record, I was able to connect to most of the Urban VPN free versions for Windows’ available locations.

The only ones I couldn’t test were France , Hong Kong , and Sweden . These locations were out of service, so all of my connection attempts failed.

Urban VPN Advanced Features

On some level, Urban VPN doesn’t qualify as a bare-bones VPN service. Nevertheless, it does boast a few unique functionalities.

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

DNS (Domain Name System) leak protection is a pledge that requests don’t pass through your ISP’s nameservers. For this reason, your DNS queries can stay private so that you can browse anonymously.

Anonymity should be a standard benefit you can enjoy when using any VPN service. But this vendor likes to market it as a premium feature, maybe to generate demand for its business edition .

Urban anti-malware

Like a typical anti-malware tool, Urban helps keeping you from surfing dubious sites . Its ultimate goal is to prevent different forms of malware infection , keeping ransomware attackers and identity thieves at bay.

Normally, it’s a standalone Urban VPN browser extension . But it’s built into the Android app too.

Upon launch, the client will prompt you to enable it. You may skip it and manually activate it in your mobile device’s Accessibility setting at a different time.

Urban AdBlocker

Another standalone extension, this ad blocker is also part of the free Urban VPN for Chrome .

This tool can stop ads from appearing on web pages by letting the company know the sites you visit. The company collects the ads it blocks to improve its detection rate. Its counter displays how many ads there are on a page and the total ads it has stopped.

If you wish, you can deactivate this Urban VPN Chrome feature.

Urban AdBlocker works as intended except on the company’s site. Even when activated, this vendor still displays ads from no less than Surfshark , which was ironic in and of itself.

Urban VPN Servers and Locations

Although the company prominently offers a community-powered VPN service, it doesn’t completely rely on its P2P network . It does have VPN servers scattered across 82 jurisdictions .

With Urban VPN, you can use IP addresses from places where VPNs are illegal or heavily restricted . Its network covers the likes of

• Saudi Arabia
• The United Arab Emirates

None of the products I tested had provided access to all advertised locations, though.

The one with the most options was the Android app, with 54 locations , including a premium one. The Urban VPN Chrome extension had 49 , and the Windows client had the slightest choice with 45 .

There’s no official word on the size of the global Urban VPN server fleet. Thankfully, the company provides a list of online servers (along with online users) on its site. While writing this Urban VPN review , I counted a total of 4,607 online servers .

Shockingly, most of the company’s infrastructure wasn’t concentrated in the United States . It’s second only to India , with 401 vs. 355 VPN servers .

These statistics reflected the numbers of Urban VPN users in both countries . India and the US had 223,746 and 173,851 , respectively, making them this vendor’s biggest markets.

I couldn’t vouch for these numbers, though. I would imagine that the quantities of online Urban VPN users per location get updated every minute, every hour. But after monitoring them for days, they actually never changed.

Urban VPN Speed

Like all VPN vendors, Urban VPN also claims to provide blazing-fast speed.

Of course, you shouldn’t expect your internet connection to reach new speed heights with a VPN on. Rerouting your data to another piece of hardware in order to obtain a different IP involves an additional stop. It would naturally take more time to get the content you requested as a result.

So, how much speed loss did I experience with the Urban VPN desktop app for Windows? I used Speedtest by Ookla to quantify how it impacted my internet connection.

For this test, I chose Urban VPN servers in the US, UK, and Australia. Here are the results:

US (download speed: -84.40% , upload speed: -28.89% , ping: 673.08% )

UK  (download speed: -77.79% , upload speed: -35.56% , ping: 1,684.62% )

Australia  (download speed: -85.96% , upload speed: - 31.11% , ping: 2,276.92% )

Admittedly, I couldn’t surf the Web with the Urban VPN app while connected to a US server. It probably drained my bandwidth so badly I couldn’t load any page. Or it was out of commission at that time.

Here’s the evidence:

Nevertheless, your protected internet may still be workable if your base speed is super fast, to begin with.

Urban VPN Privacy and Jurisdiction

Let’s talk about Urban VPN security and privacy — key consideration points when choosing a VPN service. 

Urban Cyber Security INC’s office is located on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan . So, it’s under the jurisdiction of New York City and, by extension, the US . 

Being a member of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance , the US will always be a suspect site of any VPN service provider’s headquarters.

Despite this, some of the most reputable vendors (like PIA ) have chosen to operate in Uncle Sam’s territory.

Usually, US-based VPNs can offset the risk of getting forced to share their records with law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The zero-log policy is their ultimate trump card.

By not collecting and storing personally identifiable data , a VPN company couldn’t expose its users and their online activity.

Does Urban VPN Log Personal Data?

Yes, it does .

According to its privacy policy , Urban VPN processes different types of non-personal and personal data. They include online identifiers (like IP address), network activity (like search history), and geolocation data (like physical location).

It automatically collects data you’ll voluntarily consent to. Using the Urban VPN Mac , PC , iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and/or Android app green-lights the company’s data logging activity.

Urban VPN admits that “it may share, sell, or make a commercial use of the aggregated coded data” it collects.

When it comes to retention , this VPN vendor doesn’t save the non-personal and personal data of its users forever.

It will immediately delete the online identifiers associated with you when you remove its app from your device. The company anonymizes the web browsing data it harvests right away.

You can’t get in touch with the Urban VPN team without providing some contact info . But the company will erase it after the completion of your request.

Urban VPN will keep technical data (like approximate geographical location) for as long as necessary to serve you.

The company has a Do Not Sell page on its site. It supposedly provides a means of opting out from data sharing in the Urban VPN mobile client.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work .

Uninstalling all Urban VPN desktop and mobile apps is the only sure way to prevent your data from getting sold.

So, is Urban VPN safe ? 

Probably not. Loss of privacy is one of the expected pitfalls of using a free VPN .

But it would be a different case when you buy the premium subscription for Android or Windows .

According to Urban VPN’s Terms of Use , one of the perks of going with paid services is opting out from the P2P network . Another exclusive benefit paying users can enjoy is no user data collection .

Urban VPN Security and Protocols

Urban VPN for Mac and Windows uses OpenVPN . There’s no mention of the tunneling protocols used in mobile clients.

This VPN vendor hasn’t clarified whether it supports the industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption .

I could only speculate that Urban VPN secures traffic data using any of the ciphers OpenVPN is compatible with . They are:

• DES (Data Encryption Standard)
• RC2 (Rivest Cipher version 2)
• CAST (named after the initials of its inventors Carlisle Adams and Stafford Tavares)

Then again, the company discussed in the Urban VPN Blog that free services employ PPTP ( Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol ) only. It’s an outdated VPN protocol that’s prone to simple cyber attacks .

Could the free Urban VPN apps be using PPTP? After all, most devices natively support this tunneling protocol .

Urban VPN Leak Test Results

How good is Urban VPN at IP masking ?

To catch any IP and DNS leakage , I connected to a UK Urban VPN server on Windows using Ipleak.net . I used the same location and a US IP via the Chrome extension to spot any browser-caused public IP leak.

For the second test, I borrowed the WebRTC leak checker from ExpressVPN .

Here are my original IP and DNS addresses :

Here are my findings after routing my data to the UK through Urban VPN for Windows :

Here’s the test result after connecting to the US through Urban VPN Chrome extension :

What I discovered is that Urban VPN for Chrome wasn’t a reliable public IP address masker. To obscure your IP properly, you’re better off with the Windows app.

Urban VPN and Streaming Services

To see how reliable the Urban VPN Netflix unblocker is, I connected to the US and UK locations on Android.

Have a look at my screenshots.

As you can see, I was able to access the Netflix US and UK content libraries with Urban VPN.

How Good Is Urban VPN for Torrenting?

Will Urban VPN leak your public IP address (and therefore your physical location) when downloading torrents?

I connected to Australia via Urban VPN for PC and checked whether my original IP would show up on BitTorrent .

The evidence was clear: Urban VPN was able to hide my public IP address .

Can Urban VPN Bypass Geoblocks?

Undoubtedly, there’s one thing any Urban VPN app can do: IP masking .

It can defeat the IP blockers of many sites. Plus, this VPN can circumvent the geo-restrictions imposed by 25+ web services , including BBC iPlayer .

I visited this video-on-demand service on Chrome using my Android device while in the Philippines . Naturally, I was met with a pop-up saying that I wouldn’t be able to view any content from my location.

I turned on Urban VPN to trick this streaming service into thinking I was in the UK .

Did I pull it off? Yes, I did .

Check out these before-and-after snapshots:

Ease of Use

Most Urban VPN reviews praised this service for being uncomplicated. However, its simplicity stems from its lack of features.

All of the Urban VPN products I tested have a simple, familiar user interface . None of them even have settings. The things you can really do are to instantly connect to any location and to browse through the selection.

Urban VPN requires no registration . You don’t need to create an account and share your email address to get started. Just download it, and you’re good to go.

The only stumbling block I faced when setting up Urban VPN for Chrome was having to disable my other adblocker.

Most, if not all, in-depth Urban VPN reviews have one consistent complaint: no support . Specifically, no chat support .

Honestly, I don’t know what to make of this. It’s absurd for any self-respecting tech company not to extend any sort of sales and/or technical assistance.

The closest thing to a knowledge base this company has is its Blog .

At the time of writing this Urban VPN review , this blog has seven entries only. The oldest one was published on October 9, 2020, and there hasn’t been a new post since January 11, 2021.

Technically, Urban VPN offers email support . But it only entertains questions about its privacy policy and end-user legal agreement .

Urban VPN Price

Urban VPN likes to market itself as the go-to free VPN service for personal use. However, the company offers a freemium pricing model for Android users .

As mentioned, the Urban VPN free version for Android lasts a lifetime and has a daily bandwidth limit of 500MB .

It’s good enough to test the speed and security of the software. But you won’t get by with it if you need a VPN for everyone you do online.

To use Urban VPN for Android with no data usage constraints, you can buy its premium version. Google Play will charge you in your local currency . But in US dollar terms, here are the pricing options I received:

• Introductory price of $4.17 a month for the first 3 months
• Introductory price of $2.23 month for the first year

The Urban VPN iPhone , iPad, and iPod touch app is a freemium one too.

Here’s how much it costs:

• 1 month: $9.99
• Introductory price of $4.99 a month
• Introductory price of $3.99 a month

On Android, you can also take advantage of a seven-day free Urban VPN trial . You’ll need to provide your payment information upfront. But you shouldn’t get billed if you discontinue service before the Urban VPN trial ends.

On Windows, you may only buy a paid subscription and enjoy premium features for your business . Urban doesn’t disclose the pricing for commercial users , so you’ll have to fill out a form to send your inquiry.

Further, any premium subscription bought directly from Urban VPN is fully refundable within 30 days .

The paid Android plans are subject to Google Play’s refund policy .

Also, the premium iOS and iPadOS subscriptions may be eligible for a refund . It would be up to Apple .

Urban VPN Review - Verdict

Urban VPN embodies what’s dangerous about free VPNs.

It’s guilty of data logging . It claims to encrypt data but doesn’t clarify how it protects your traffic.

Offering no kill switch and no meaningful sales and tech support only makes things worse.

Urban VPN’s ad and malware blocking capabilities were credible, albeit selective.

I would betray my principles if at the end of this Urban VPN review I recommended a likely unsafe privacy tool like this one. But at least it’s now offering premium subscriptions.

So, if you’re interested in this provider, I strongly encourage you to pay for its service instead of using the Urban VPN free offering.

Rmoj Amon is a professional copywriter with a special love for technology and curiosity about Windows-related things. He loves to explore the complicated world of operating systems, technologies, and applications that makes Windows a better operating system. Also, thanks to his love for watching movies online, he is on the continuous hunt to find the best ways to stream.

Your email address will not be published.

• Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The 5 Best Safari VPN Services: Paid & Free Browser Extensions

Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any earnings do not affect how we review services. Learn more about our editorial integrity and research process .

Safari is one of the most secure web browsers. However, using a Safari VPN ensures your data’s privacy from your ISP and helps you access to geoblocked content. Read on to learn about the top Safari VPNs on the market.

Last Updated: 11 Feb'24 2024-02-11T13:31:00+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: Best VPNs for Safari

• ExpressVPN — Excellent speed and security for Safari browsing
• NordVPN — Fast VPN for Safari users
• Surfshark — Unlimited simultaneous connections for Apple device collection
• Proton VPN — Best free VPN for Safari
• CyberGhost — Affordable VPN with automation features

A Safari VPN helps add privacy to what your internet service provider (ISP) can see and also helps you access geo-blocked streaming services, block ads and more. Although none of the premium VPN services offer a Safari browser extension, the lack of a dedicated Safari browser extension shouldn’t be a major problem — you can still use most features using the VPN app.

For example, VPNs with split tunneling can also help encrypt just the Safari browser’s traffic while other apps on your device use the unencrypted connection.

VPN providers differ greatly in terms of feature sets and performance. If you’re looking for the best VPN overall, give our best VPNs guide a read. In this guide, we talk about the top VPNs for Safari, their feature sets, performance and pricing. If you don’t want to read the full guide, we recommend ExpressVPN.

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Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8, as well as its expansion of server presence to 105 countries, previously 94.

We updated the guide to reflect the changes in the new version of the Safari web browser and the VPN services we recommend.

Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2.

What Makes the Best Safari VPN?

We chose five best VPNs for Safari based on our hands-on testing. Below, we discuss why the services we selected are an excellent choice for Safari.

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We considered four critical factors when picking these top VPNs for Safari: feature set, security and privacy, connection speeds and the ability to bypass geoblocks.

The best VPNs also include an ad blocker and malware blocker, and the option to change the security protocol and other advanced security features like split tunneling and a killswitch.

The best VPNs for Safari ensure your Safari browser traffic is kept private while delivering fast connection speeds. Add the ability to bypass geoblocks to the mix, and you’ve got a secure, fast VPN browser extension that helps stream high-quality content without buffering.

Since there are no VPN extensions for Safari, and the web browser is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, the providers listed here are similar to the best VPNs for macOS .

The 5 Best VPNs for Safari

We found five of the best VPNs for Safari users based on the criteria discussed in the previous section. Give each section a read for a thorough comparison of your best options, or go with our top pick, ExpressVPN, if you’re short on time.

1. ExpressVPN

More details about ExpressVPN:

• Pricing: $6.66 per month (15-months plan)
• Free plan: None; 30-day money-back guarantee
• Provider website: expressvpn.com
• Fast & secure servers
• Unlocks big streaming apps
• Wide VPN server network

ExpressVPN offers everything you’d expect from a top VPN service. It offers great security, fast connection speeds and the ability to unblock all popular streaming services — it’s our best VPN for streaming . While ExpressVPN doesn’t have a Safari extension, it has one for Google Chrome, Edge and Firefox. Moreover, ExpressVPN has split tunneling, so you can use the VPN connection just for Safari.

Thanks to ExpressVPN’s fast connection speed, you can stream online content in high quality without buffering. We talk more about ExpressVPN’s capabilities in our extensive ExpressVPN review .

Excellent Security

ExpressVPN’s fast speed doesn’t come at the cost of security. ExpressVPN uses best-in-class security protocols like OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol . The app has a kill switch, which blocks your internet connection should the VPN connection abruptly drop. ExpressVPN also offers DNS leak protection .

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service and its pricing reflects that. The best deal (the annual plan) costs $6.66 per month. Shorter-term plans are also available. The six-month plan costs $9.99 per month and the monthly plan costs $12.95 per month. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

• Unlimited GB

More details about NordVPN:

• Pricing: $3.09 per month (two-year plan + three months)
• Provider website: nordvpn.com
• Fastest average VPN
• Secure protocols
• Specialty servers
• Specialty servers not available on NordLynx

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN providers on the market according to our speed tests . If you need a Safari VPN because you want to stream geoblocked content on websites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, NordVPN is an excellent pick given its ability to bypass geoblocks effectively and fast connection speeds.

It is also a great service if your primary purpose is to secure the internet traffic when using Safari. It offers two security protocols: OpenVPN and NordLynx, the latter of which is NordVPN’s proprietary protocol based on WireGuard .

The VPN app includes a kill switch that terminates the internet connection should the VPN connection drop abruptly. It also has split tunneling, so you can choose to encrypt only Safari traffic or encrypt traffic from all apps.

Specialty Servers

The service offers five types of specialty servers to add an extra layer of security to your connection: obfuscated, dedicated IP, P2P, Onion over VPN and double VPN .

Note that NordVPN secures your connection even when not using one of these servers. However, these servers offer extra security when performing certain activities. For example, P2P servers offer extra security for torrenting . We discuss more about these servers and other features in our comprehensive NordVPN review .

NordVPN offers superior performance considering its pocket-friendly price. The best-value, two-year plan costs $3.09 per month. Shorter term plans include the annual plan and the monthly plan, costing $4.59 per month and $12.99 per month, respectively. If you’re not fully confident, you can always try NordVPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.

3. Surfshark

More details about Surfshark:

• Pricing: $2.19 per month (two-year plan + three months)
• Provider website: surfshark.com
• Unlimited connections
• Fast streaming
• Feature-rich
• High latency

Surfshark’s dedicated VPN app offers three VPN protocols to choose from — OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. These protocols, combined with AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, ensure nobody can intercept your data, including your internet service provider. Surfshark has servers in 100 countries. Like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, all Surfshark servers are RAM-only, which means they wipe out information with every reboot.

In addition to great security, Surfshark has the ability to unblock geoblocked content on all the popular streaming sites. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs on the market, which means you can use it to stream content in Safari without any buffering. Moreover, Surfshark also has an extensive feature set, as we explain in our detailed Surfshark review .

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. If your friends and family also need a Safari VPN, Surfshark could be an excellent pick. It’s already a low-cost VPN on long-term plans, and you can reduce the cost further by sharing your account. Since the service offers unlimited bandwidth, sharing your account won’t have any negative impact on the performance.

Surfshark is a pocket-friendly VPN. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.19 per month. Shorter term plans include the annual plan costing $2.79 per month, and the monthly plan costing $15.45 per month. Like other VPNs on the list, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it yourself without any risks .

• Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years

4. Proton VPN

More details about Proton VPN:

• Pricing: $4.49 per month (two-year plan)
• Free plan: Yes
• Provider website: protonvpn.com
• Unlimited free plan
• Stealth VPN obfuscation
• Free servers only in 3 countries

Proton VPN is an excellent free VPN. We generally refrain from recommending free VPNs, especially the ones in our worst VPNs list, because free services are generally slow and insecure. That’s why we recommend using the free version of a premium VPN. However, Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Safari and tops our list of the best free VPNs .

With Proton VPN, you can further secure Safari traffic on both Mac and iOS devices. The desktop and mobile apps for iOS and Mac users include four VPN protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard and Stealth. Other security features include a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Unfortunately, split tunneling is only available on Windows and Android apps.

Generous Free Plan

Proton VPN is one of the few VPNs that offer free data on the unlimited plan. The free plan offers servers in three countries: the U.S., the Netherlands and Japan. You can access other servers by switching to one of the paid plans. However, if you don’t need access to more servers, the free plan offers access to ample features too, as we explain in more detail in our Proton VPN review .

Proton VPN’s paid plans are a little more expensive than premium services like NordVPN. The best value plan (the two-year plan) costs $4.49 per month. Shorter term plans include the annual plan costing $4.99 per month and the monthly plan costing $9.99 per month. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, so you can try the service yourself for free .

• 1-year plan renews at $119.88; 2-year plan renews at $239.76

5. CyberGhost

More details about CyberGhost:

• Pricing: $2.19 per month (two-year plan + two months)
• Provider website: cyberghostvpn.com
• Intuitive desktop interface
• Automation features
• 45-day money-back return
• Slow download speeds

CyberGhost is the cheapest Safari VPN option on the list, except for Proton VPN’s free plan. Don’t be misled by CyberGhost’s pocket-friendly pricing, though. It’s one of the top VPNs on the market, with servers spread across over 90 countries.

The apps for Apple devices include two VPN protocols: IKEv2 and WireGuard. When using Safari on your iPhone, select the IKEv2 protocol from the iOS app for optimum performance. WireGuard is best when using the VPN on a Mac device. 

The CyberGhost app has a kill switch and split tunneling, though the latter is not available on the iOS app. Learn more about CyberGhost in our comprehensive CyberGhost review .

Automation Features

The app also has automation features that simplify VPN-related tasks. For example, you can configure the app to auto-connect when you launch Safari. The feature is called “smart rules” on the app. The feature is essentially a workflow that triggers when a certain event (such as starting the browser or visiting a specific URL) occurs.

CyberGhost’s best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.19 per month. The shorter term plans include the six-month plan costing $6.99 per month and the monthly plan costing $12.99 per month. The two-year and annual plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, while the monthly plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee .

• *The $56.94 price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.

Are There Completely Free VPNs for Safari & Are They Safe?

Free VPNs are generally a bad idea. A free VPN might steal your data, offer poor connection speeds and, in worst cases, infect your device with malware. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as Proton VPN , TunnelBear and Windscribe . These are premium VPN services that offer a generous free plan as a preview to their paid version.

If you’re looking for a free VPN provider for Safari, using one of the best free VPNs is critical to ensure your connection’s security and performance. Most of the reliable free VPN services come with restrictions. For example, you can only connect to servers in specific locations and use only a handful of features, depending on the service you choose.

Safari Not Working With VPN? What to Do

VPNs that have an automatic kill switch might keep Safari from accessing the internet connection if your VPN connection drops abruptly. 

• Launch the VPN app and see if the kill switch is turned on. 
• If it is, turn it back off and see if that helps.

If the kill switch isn’t the problem, then: 

• Quit Safari and the VPN app. 
• Restart your computer and relaunch Safari and the VPN app. 

In most cases, this should resolve the problem.

Final Thoughts

Safari is an excellent browser. Nevertheless, a VPN for Safari ensures your traffic is private and that you can access geoblocked content on websites like Netflix. Although there aren’t any Safari VPN extension options, the VPNs we recommend work well with the browser.

Have you tried using a VPN with Safari before? Which service did you use and what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: The Best VPN for Safari

Yes, there are VPNs for Safari, but all of them vary in terms of performance and pricing. We recommend ExpressVPN for Safari , but you might also consider other low-cost options, like NordVPN and Surfshark.

Safari doesn’t have a built-in free VPN. However, you can use Proton VPN’s free plan to secure your connection for free when using Safari. The free plan comes with limitations, so you might consider switching to Proton VPN’s paid plan. You might also consider other low-cost VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark or CyberGhost.

Apple doesn’t have a recommended VPN service. The VPNs in this guide are excellent choices if you’re looking for a VPN for Safari. If you don’t mind paying a premium price to use the best VPN, consider ExpressVPN. NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost are great low-cost options, while Proton VPN offers a generous free plan.

We recommend using ExpressVPN for Mac because it offers great security and speed. If ExpressVPN seems expensive, consider services like NordVPN , Surfshark or CyberGhost. Proton VPN has a generous free plan if you’re looking for a free VPN.

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8 Best VPNs for Safari in 2024

If you’re a macOS or iOS user, you already have the Safari browser installed in your computer system. Since all major VPN services offer apps for macOS and iOS users, you should have no problem finding a VPN service to keep your personal data secure from snooping third parties while you use the internet. In this article, I’ll go through some of the reasons to consider using a VPN and which ones are the best for Safari.

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are privacy tools that are useful for both keeping you secure online and unblocking geo-restricted streaming content. VPNs will secure your traffic with a layer of encryption and route it through an intermediary server located somewhere else in the world before your internet service provider (ISP) has a chance to look through your browsing history. The encryption also keeps your personally identifiable data from being exposed to third parties. If you’re mainly interested in streaming high-definition video content unavailable in your region, then you’re in luck – a VPN will give you the appearance of watching a streaming service from another country, which means you will be able to access geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu while you’re traveling abroad.

I’ll go into each of these VPNs in detail, but for now, here’s a quick summary of my top picks.

Best VPNs for Safari:

• NordVPN : The best VPN for Safari users . Grants access to thousands of fast servers around the world that can smoothly stream HD video. Zero logs. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark : A budget VPN that meets a high standard for security and speed. Works well with Safari on iOS and macOS devices and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
• ExpressVPN : Remarkably fast speeds for HD streaming on iOS and macOS devices. Keeps no logs and employs strong encryption.
• CyberGhost : A user-friendly Safari VPN great for beginners. Offers 9,000+ servers in 91+ countries around the world, making it the largest server network on this list.
• PrivateVPN : A VPN newcomer that works great on Safari and is a great choice for streaming HD video.
• IPVanish : Fast speeds, strong privacy protections, and no connection limit. Works seamlessly on Safari.
• Private Internet Access : A lightweight and secure option that works seamlessly with many browsers including Safari.
• Atlas VPN : A fast option that can unblock many different services. It also works well with Safari.

While there are many great VPNs on the market today, some are better for Safari users than others. I’ve assembled this list of VPNs based on the following criteria:

• Compatible with macOS and iOS devices
• Fast streaming speeds
• Powerful encryption standards
• Lifts geographic restrictions

For more information about the criteria I used, make sure you check out my in-depth testing methodology section later in this article.

• The Best VPNs for Safari

Here is my list of the best VPNs for Safari:

NordVPN is my top pick VPN for Safari users. This fast, privacy-oriented VPN can be installed on macOS and iOS to protect the internet traffic running through your Safari browser. Apps are available for Windows, Android, and Linux as well, with the latter requiring manual configuration. It allows up to six simultaneous connections under a single account.

The provider doesn’t include a Safari browser extension, but it does include an HTTP proxy that can be configured with your browser. Web proxies aren’t as effective at protecting your privacy as VPNs, however, as they don’t encrypt your internet traffic or provide any other security benefits.

NordVPN’s security offerings include 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit SSL keys, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy . That means none of your personal data will be stored on the company’s servers, so you will be able to use the internet anonymously.

It runs one of the largest server networks on the market with more than 5,600 servers in 59+ countries to choose from. It offers specialty servers that are optimized for anti-DDoS, video streaming networks, double VPN, Tor over VPN, and dedicated IP. NordVPN can circumvent geographical restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, and it also supports torrenting .

• Compatible with macOS, and iOS
• Remarkable connection speeds
• Over 5,600 servers worldwide
• Safari-compatible HTTP proxy
• Military-grade encryption and strong security protections
• The desktop app is somewhat challenging for VPN novices

BEST VPN FOR SAFARI: NordVPN is my favorite VPN to use with Safari. Strongest security standards in the industry including a zero-logs policy. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

• 2. Surfshark

Surfshark is perfect for Safari users on a budget. Even at a low price, Surfshark offers great security features such as 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. If you own a large number of devices, this provider will protect all of them with its unlimited simultaneous connections . There are over 3,200 servers to choose from, most of which are great for streaming HD content.

Surfshark follows a no-logs policy and lets customers sign up anonymously by accepting payments in Bitcoin , Ethereum, and Ripple. Although it doesn’t feature a Safari browser extension, it does offer apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Supported internet routers can be manually configured with the app.

• Strong emphasis on privacy and security
• Fast connection speeds are suitable for HD streaming from abroad
• Unmetered connections
• You might run into a few slow servers here and there
• Customer support can be hard to reach

TOP BUDGET CHOICE: Surfshark is great for families who need to protect a lot of devices. Comes with reliable security protections that you can trust, including a zero-logs policy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

• 3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN covers all operating systems that Safari comes with by default, including macOS and iOS. It is the only VPN on this list that comes with a dedicated Safari browser extension . It will also run on Windows and Android operating systems as well as Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire tablets, and Linux devices. Five simultaneous connections are permitted at once.

ExpressVPN’s robust security offerings include 256-bit AES encryption with the OpenVPN protocol, and 4096-bit RSA encryption for session establishment – the strongest encryption available on the market today. Other security features include automatic WiFi protection and a kill switch to halt all web traffic in the event of a sudden loss of connection, keeping you from using the web without encryption.

Its server network is spread across 94+ countries and gives users a wide selection of 3,000+ servers to choose from, making ExpressVPN a good choice for those who are mainly interested in unblocking geo-restricted streaming content.

• Thousands of fast servers worldwide for streaming, downloading, and gaming
• Military-grade encryption and strong privacy protections
• Bypasses geo-blocks easily
• Safari browser extension
• One of the more expensive VPNs
• Isn’t the most customizable VPN

STREAM ANYTHING: ExpressVPN is a great VPN for streaming HD video , but it doesn’t slack when it comes to privacy, either. It’s the only VPN in this list with a dedicated Safari browser extension. Try it for 30 risk-free days.

• 4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN that works with Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS, but does not feature a Safari browser extension. Apps are available for Windows and Android as well, and can be manually configured on some routers and Linux systems.

CyberGhost is a suitable option for those who have never used a VPN before due to its easy-to-use interface . Users can select a server based on the desired activity, such as downloading or streaming, and even lets you select a server by streaming service. Up to five devices can be protected simultaneously.

It offers a server network of over 9,000 servers in 91+ countries and includes a special cloaking option for additional protection in countries with strong government restrictions on internet services. Your traffic is secured with AES 256-bit encryption and 4096-bit RSA encryption for session establishment. CyberGhost features a built-in kill switch and automatic WiFi protection.

• 9,000+ servers in 91+ countries
• Optimized servers for high-performance streaming and security
• Tough encryption protocol
• Easy for novices
• No Safari browser extension
• Experienced VPN users may want to look elsewhere for customizable features

FIRST-TIME VPN: CyberGhost is beginner-friendly. Largest server network on this list. Great for streaming and secure online browsing. Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

• 5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is another no-logs VPN that offers access to 200+ servers in 63+ countries. Your Safari browser is protected with apps for macOS and iOS devices. Apps are also available for Windows and Android, and can be manually configured on supported routers, Amazon fire devices, and Linux operating systems.

With PrivateVPN, your internet connection is secured with 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. This VPN also includes a kill switch and automatic WiFi protection to keep you safe on unsecured public networks. PrivateVPN’s customer support is available during Swedish business hours via live chat, and they can even take control of your computer remotely to configure your VPN for you, with your permission.

A single account will grant you a total of 10 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

• Compatible with Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS devices
• Excellent suite of security features
• Unblocks and streams just about anything
• Small server network
• Customer support only available during Swedish business hours

GOOD ALL-ROUNDER: PrivateVPN is a great VPN for streaming, but maintains high security standards as well. Doesn’t have 24/7 support or very many servers. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

• 6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a reliable VPN service for both streaming and privacy purposes. Its server network spans over 2,000 servers in 75+ locations around the world. It doesn’t feature a Safari browser extension, but apps are available for macOS and iOS operating systems. Additional apps are available on Windows and Android devices, and can be manually configured on Amazon Fire devices and routers. IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that permits an unlimited number of simultaneous connections .

Although the company is based in the United States and is therefore vulnerable to the demands of law enforcement agencies like the NSA, customers’ data is fortified with 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. Other security features include a kill switch and automatic WiFi protection. Furthermore, IPVanish keeps no logs on its users’ data, which means that the company wouldn’t be able to disclose your information to the authorities even if they wanted to.

• Compatible with Mac OS X, macOS, and iOS
• 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, automatic WiFi protection
• Stores no logs
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Relatively small server network
• Doesn’t work in China

NO CONNECTION LIMIT: IPVanish emphasizes security above all. Doesn’t consistently work with Netflix but it comes with powerful security protections and a zero-logs policy. Features a 30-day money-back guarantee.

• 7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option that makes use of the fast and efficient WireGurd VPN protocol. This ensures that users have the speed that they need when carrying out activities such as streaming. It works well with Safari too, allowing users to access services like YouTube TV and BBC iPlayer. PIA’s app interfaces can be customized as well to suit your preferences.

The provider also has strong security measures in place. These include AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. This service also stores no logs.

PIA also provides apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. In addition, PIA has an excellent customer service team in place. They are available 24/7 via live chat. 10 simultaneous connections are also allowed.

• Strong security measures are in place
• PIA can provide secure access to many different services
• The fast and efficient WireGuard protocol is supported
• Several customization options are available
• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design is lacking in some ways
• 8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has servers in over 40 locations. In total, this provider has more than 750 servers and its network is fast enough to allow for the streaming of services such as Netflix without lag or buffering . While this provider’s VPN network isn’t the largest, it offers high-quality service and is a great choice for browsers such as Safari.

In addition, Atlas VPN has strong security features including AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This service stores no logs either. There are also MultiHop servers available that can encrypt your data twice .

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. An unlimited number of connections is also supported.

• Able to access many different streaming services
• Fast connection speeds
• MultiHop servers encrypt data twice
• No identifying logs are stored
• Customer service could use some improvement
• Methodology: How I found the best VPNs for Safari

Not all VPNs work with Safari, so I try and test each VPN myself to check for compatibility. There are also other aspects I consider before recommending a VPN to my readers. Here are some of the criteria I use when assessing VPNs for Safari:

• Sever network : I look at the number of servers available and their geographical coverage. This ensures that there are enough servers for busy periods and that you can use the VPN when traveling to different international destinations.
• Speeds:  The speed of a VPN is incredibly important, especially if you are using it for streaming, gaming, or downloading. I run my own speed tests to ensure that the Safari VPN can maintain good speeds over an extended period of time.
• Privacy and security : Any decent VPN will have some security measures in place, but only the best services will include premium safety features. Things I look for include AES encryption, a n0-logs policy , and a reliable network kill switch.
• Compatibility : The VPN is tried and tested on Safari and is only recommended if it works perfectly on the browser. Following that, I also check the VPN on different browsers, operating systems, and devices. This is particularly important if you want to protect multiple devices.
• Safari VPN FAQs
• Can I get a free VPN for Safari?

Yes, you can, but I strongly suggest avoiding free VPNs. VPNs are intended to be tools that protect your privacy, not compromise it – and yet free VPNs often leave their users more exposed to security threats than they would otherwise be without using one. If an online service is free, that raises the question: how are they making their money?

Some providers profit from collecting and selling their users’ personally identifiable information to third parties without the users’ knowledge or consent. These third parties are usually advertisers. Free VPN providers have also been known to insert ads into the user’s browser , and some even come with malware . A reputable, paid VPN service protects your data online with a layer of encryption, but a large number of free VPNs don’t even include that. Without encryption, a VPN is hardly a VPN at all, and free providers lure their users into a false sense of security that can expose them to serious security threats.

Performance is an issue as well. Usually, free VPN providers lack the resources to invest in a large number of fast and secure servers, so there is a high chance that your internet browsing experience will be disrupted with frequent interruptions, buffering, and dropped connections. They operate only a handful of servers that tend to overflow with more users than the servers can handle, so speeds are typically slow, or at least unreliable.

If you're on a tight budget, then check out my list of cheap VPNs .

• Browser extension or VPN app: Which is best?

Whenever you have the option between using a VPN browser extension or a VPN app, it is always better to go with the app. VPN browser extensions will only encrypt communications passing through your browser and leave every other internet-connected process on your computer wide open to monitoring. That means each of your unencrypted internet communications will use your real IP address and every computer you’re connected to will see it, including internet service providers.

• Is Safari browser available for Windows?

To use Safari on a Windows operating system, you will need to download Safari 5.1.7. This version runs on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

• How do I uninstall and reinstall Safari on Mac?

Because Safari is built into the Mac operating system since OS X El Capitan (10.11), Safari can’t be uninstalled individually without the use of third-party tools. If you still want to uninstall it, download the free CleanMyMac X utility and follow these steps:

• Run CleanMyMac X and select Preferences from the top menu.
• Click Ignore list and select Uninstaller.
• In the Uninstaller option, uncheck Ignore system applications.
• Scroll through the list of installed applications in the Unistaller tab.
• Click on Safari and select Complete Uninstallation.
• Press the Remove button at the bottom of the screen.

To reinstall the browser, you will have to manually update Safari by performing the following:

• Click on the Apple icon at the start of the top menu bar on your desktop and select App Store from the drop-down menu.
• In the App Store, click on the Updates top menu option.
• Look for the Software Update option and click on More in the description of the item.
• Look for Safari in the list and click the Update button on that line.
• Is browsing in Safari's private mode the same as using a VPN?

No, the private mode included on many browsers is completely different from using a VPN. Private mode deletes cookies and trackers from your hard drive when you close the browser window, but your internet traffic remains unencrypted and exposes your data and IP address to monitoring by third parties. A VPN solves this problem by securing your traffic with a layer of encryption before it reaches the ISP and the servers of the websites you visit online.

• Will a VPN allow me to browse anonymously on Safari?

If your VPN provider follows a no-logs policy and protects your traffic with a strong encryption protocol, then you’re on your way to anonymous browsing . Just make sure to use Safari’s private mode in combination with the VPN, as you could still be identified by a tracking cookie or another identifier if you use the VPN by itself.

• Does Apple recommend a VPN for Safari?

Apple neither recommends nor advises against the use of VPNs – that decision is up to you. The Apple App Store contains a wide range of VPN apps available for download, including the ones on this list. All major VPNs are compatible with Mac and iOS platforms.

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> VPN > The Best VPNs for Safari in 2024

The Best VPNs for Safari in 2024

Need a quality VPN provider to protect and enhance your online travels in the Safari browser? Here are the top six VPNs for Safari.

The Safari web browser comes already installed with Apple devices, such as the iPad, iPhone and Mac. It’s no surprise that, with the popularity of Apple devices, Safari currently ranks as the second most popular browser in the world , with a 15.4% share of the market as of April 2022.

If you’re one of the many internet users who choose to browse online with Safari, I will show you how you can improve your browsing experience by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

• How Can a VPN Improve My Safari Browsing Experience?

A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption and routes it through the VPN’s servers. This makes you more secure online, hides your real location, and helps you gain access to more content, such as overseas video streams that are blocked by region.

The thing is, most VPNs don’t offer a Safari browser extension. This is because Apple doesn’t support many third-party extensions, and charges an annual fee to the ones it does.

But that’s okay because browser extensions don’t protect all of your online activities as a full VPN app does. In fact, I always recommend that users opt for a full VPN app rather than a browser extension, as it gives you more protection and covers all traffic from your device.

In this article, I go over the six best VPNs for use with the Safari browser.

• How to Use a VPN With Safari

In order to get started using a VPN with Safari, you need to take a few simple steps.

• Choose a VPN that works well with Safari and can provide robust security and privacy. I would also recommend choosing a VPN that can unblock content from overseas to give you options when traveling abroad. I’ve rated NordVPN as the best VPN for Safari.
• Install the VPN app for your device from your VPN provider’s website.
• Launch the VPN app, log into your account and select a VPN server to connect to .
• Once connected to the VPN server, launch the Safari web browser . When using the VPN app, all web traffic from your device, including the Safari browser, will be fully encrypted and safe from hackers and online surveillance.
• Best VPNs for Safari

If you’re looking for a quick answer on which VPNs are the best VPNs for Safari, you can read the summary below. I will go into more detail in the full review later on.

• NordVPN : #1 VPN pick for Safari. The provider offers lightning-fast speeds, strong security and privacy protections, and excellent content-unblocking ability.  
• Surfshark : Budget-priced Safari VPN. A newer, but growing, budget-priced VPN provider that performs very well on security, with reasonably good speeds and top-level security and encryption. Capable of unlocking major content streaming services.
• ExpressVPN : Premium Safari VPN. ExpressVPN was the only VPN to offer a dedicated Safari browser extension, but has dropped support for the extension. It offers fast speeds, excellent security, and a great content-unblocking ability.
• CyberGhost : Easy-to-use VPN for Safari. A VPN with top-level encryption standards and rapid speeds. Offers a large number of servers and is able to unblock big-name streaming websites, like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
• Private Internet Access : Reliable protection for Safari. This well-established and respected VPN delivers comprehensive online protection and reliable access to geo-controlled content.
• PrivateVPN : Comprehensive online protection. This provider has a small but well laid out global server network, reliably unblocking geo-restricted content. Offers high levels of security and privacy.

TRY THE #1 VPN RISK FREE!

NordVPN has a 30-day risk-free trial when you sign up at this page . You can use the VPN rated #1 for Safari, free from any limitations, for a month, great if you want to test drive all of NordVPN's features before coming to a decision.

There's no catch, just contact support within the 30 day trial period if you decide the service isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Begin your NordVPN trial now .

To rank the best VPNs for Safari, I used the following criteria:

• Works well with Safari
• Strong security/encryption
• Good range of servers
• Can unblock streaming sites like Netflix
• Easy-to-use apps
• Best VPNs for Safari – Summary table

Below, I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Safari.

Here are my full reviews of the top six VPNs for Safari.

Apps Available:

Website:   www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee:   30 DAYS

NordVPN ranks as the #1 best VPN for Safari thanks to its solid encryption, comprehensive privacy protections, blazingly fast speeds, and extensive content-unblocking ability.

NordVPN has a large network of servers and several easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps, which work well and encrypt all traffic to and from your device. This includes any apps you have running in the background and any data sent while you are using the Safari browser.

Since there is no Safari browser plugin, you’ll have to use the full NordVPN desktop client or mobile version, which provides the best security. This includes 256-bit encryption, which is the same grade of security that the U.S. military uses.

NordVPN’s connection speeds scored as some of the fastest of all of the VPNs I’ve tested, making it an excellent provider if you have a need for speed.

Because NordVPN operates one of the largest VPN networks available, at the time of this article the provider had over 5,400 servers in 60 countries , you have the option to unblock content from almost anywhere around the globe.

In tests, I found several versions of the Netflix website, including U.S. and U.K. libraries, could be unblocked. You can also bypass geo-restrictions for BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video with this VPN.

There’s a number of top privacy and security settings available, including government-grade encryption, a kill switch , DNS and IP leak protection, and a zero-logs policy on user traffic and metadata. The provider also lets you pay with the privacy-friendly Bitcoin.

The provider owns and operates its entire global server network (keeping third-party operators away from your personal data). Plus, the provider runs all of its servers 100% exclusively from RAM. This means no data is written to a physical hard drive, erasing it whenever the server is rebooted.

There are apps available for devices operating on Windows, macOS (including M1 Mac support), Android, and iOS, as well as Amazon Fire, Android TV, and Linux. Also available is comprehensive router support.

• Encrypts Safari traffic to military standard
• Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer
• Ridiculously fast speeds
• Strong privacy settings
• Large server network
• Connection to some servers can be slow

BEST VPN FOR SAFARI: NordVPN offers the best protection and performance for your Safari browsing adventures. The provider offers fast download speeds, extensive content-unblocking ability, and impressive security and privacy protections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of NordVPN .

• 2. Surfshark

Website:   www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark offers its high level of service at a budget-friendly price. Although a relatively new VPN provider, it has already shown that it has strong capabilities.

It offers over 3,200 servers in 65+ countries, giving a wide range of access to different content. This includes the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. (The provider delivers access to more than 30 Netflix libraries around the globe.)

Speeds register as very fast , making it good for streaming TV online, and security is good for all traffic sent via Safari and on the rest of your device.

Available security features include bank-grade encryption and DNS and IP leak protection, while the Windows and Mac versions have a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet should your connection to the VPN unexpectedly drop.

Privacy-wise, Surfshark does well, keeping no logs of your online activities and accepting Bitcoin in exchange for its services.

A popular feature of this VPN is its allowance of unlimited simultaneous connections to the VPN from a single plan, so every device can be covered.

Surfshark supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS (also offers M1 support), Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. The apps are user-friendly and have an easy-to-use interface. The provider also offers excellent router support.

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
• Speedy connections
• Advanced settings are missing

BEST FOR BUDGET: Surfshark offers its exceptional service at a surprisingly low price. The provider boasts fast speeds and an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want to its servers at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of Surfshark .

• 3. ExpressVPN

Website:   www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN was the only VPN service on this list that offered a dedicated browser extension for Safari. However, Safari version 12 and up changes the way browser extensions are allowed, and ExpressVPN dropped their browser extension support for Safari.

it should be noted that ExpressVPN’s app does work just fine with the Safari browser, and provides excellent protection with Safari and any other Mac browser.

When it comes to the full ExpressVPN app, connections are fast and reliable. There’s a large selection of servers, and at the time of writing, this includes 3,000+ servers in 160 locations across 94 countries .

ExpressVPN does an excellent job of unblocking geo-restricted content, and it’s able to stream Netflix U.S and U.K, Amazon Prime Video , Hulu , BBC iPlayer , and many of the growing number of network-based streaming services, including All 4 , ABC Go , and others.

The ExpressVPN desktop client and mobile app provide military-grade AES encryption of your data – Additional security features include a kill switch on the desktop version, IP and DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.

Privacy protections include the fact that ExpressVPN follows a no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as a secure payment method. All ExpressVPN servers are run exclusively from RAM, never writing any information to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is wiped from a server when it is rebooted.

Apps are available for all major operating systems, including iOS, Mac, Windows, and Android, as well as Amazon Fire, Linux, and Chrome OS. The provider offers some of the best router support in the industry, offering custom firmware for numerous routers.

There’s no free trial with ExpressVPN, but there is a 30-day “no-hassle” money-back guarantee.

• Fast connection speeds
• Military-grade encryption
• Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and more
• Operates a network of more than 3,000 servers spanning 94 countries
• More expensive than other VPNs
• Only allows 5 simultaneous connections

GREAT FOR STREAMING: If you have a hankering for international streaming content, ExpressVPN may be for you. Its fast speeds, excellent content-unblocking ability, and wide global server network allow you to access content all over the world. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN .

• 4. CyberGhost

Website:   www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee:   45 DAYS

Using CyberGhost is easy thanks to apps that are quick to download, easy to install and simple to use, with a clean and intuitive interface.

All your web traffic sent through Safari will be encrypted to the current highest available standards, 256-bit. In addition, any background applications accessing the internet from your device will be encrypted, and all data will be secured.

If one of the reasons you’d like to use a VPN is to access geo-restricted content from around the world, CyberGhost performs well, unblocking all the major streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. One downside is that it currently struggles to unblock Amazon Prime Video.

There’s a good choice of servers, with over 7,900 servers in more than 90 countries . DNS and IP leak protection is available to mask your real IP address at all times, and there’s a kill switch that works on all supported platforms. Military-grade encryption is the standard here.

CyberGhost protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy and an acceptance of Bitcoin as a private payment method.

Supported platforms include Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV. Also available is compatibility with multiple routers.

CyberGhost also offers other security and privacy features, including password management, antivirus and anti-malware protection, a feature that alerts you when your email address is included in a data breach, Windows privacy customization and much more.

• Strong, secure encryption
• Easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps
• Good choice of server locations
• Has trouble unblocking Amazon Prime Video
• Not many advanced options

BEST FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost is a good choice for users looking to encrypt Safari browser traffic and all other traffic going to and from their device. Rapid speeds make it good to use for streaming, and the apps are very easy to use. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost .

• 5. Private Internet Access

Website:   www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access VPN (PIA) provides reliable online protection and enhancement for Safari browser users, along with protecting users of other devices, browsers and routers.

PIA offers native app options for the Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS device platforms. The provider also supports multiple router makes and models.

The provider’s global server network includes 3,300+ servers stationed in 80+ countries around the globe, providing reliable access to geo-fenced content around the globe.

Although this provider’s connection speeds are not as fast as the other VPNs on this list, it can easily handle any of your favorite online activities (as long as your usual ISP-provided download speeds can handle them, of course).

All PIA-provided connections are well-protected by government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and a kill switch . The provider also offers ad and tracker blocking, malware protection and malicious sites.

The provider’s servers save no server logs of any kind. Plus, the provider accepts Bitcoin, keeping your payment information incognito when you use a disposable email address to sign up.

The provider covers your support needs, via a live support chat option, a trouble ticket form and a searchable support library.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected on a single user account.

• Protects Safari and other online activities
• Excellent online security and privacy
• Up to 10 devices can be connected at once
• No streaming or downloading-optimized servers
• Has issues working properly in some restrictive regions

WELL-ESTABLISHED VPN: Private Internet Access  provides comprehensive online protection for most popular devices. An impressive global server network provides access to geo-protected content in most areas of the world. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access .

• 6. PrivateVPN

Website:   www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN in terms of the size of its server network, with just 200 servers available to choose from. However, the servers within this network are well distributed across 60 countries, giving it a good reach.

The desktop and mobile apps are easy to use and can provide high-level encryption for all data going to and from your device on the internet, including all web traffic on Safari.

Users will be able to change their IP via the VPN connection and access restricted content from around the globe, including streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix video content.

PrivateVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs currently on the market, making it a good choice for watching video content, and users should have no problems with buffering or lag, even when watching in HD.

Privacy is assured, as PrivateVPN makes it almost impossible for anyone to access your details. There’s a zero-logging policy , and even your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online.

Easy-to-use apps are available for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. No browser extensions to be found here. However, router support is.

The provider’s support options include live chat, email, a contact form and a FAQ page.

• Great speeds
• Excellent customer support
• Unblocks Netflix U.S., U.K., and others
• Live chat is not available 24/7
• Small number of servers

GREAT SPEEDS: PrivateVPN protects your traffic sent through Safari with top encryption standards and privacy features, and it delivers some of the fastest VPN speeds available. A downside is that the provider’s server network is relatively small. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN .

• Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Safari

While Safari does offer some excellent online privacy features on its own, it doesn’t change the fact that browsing the web can be perilous. The categories below are what I consider when ranking VPN providers for use while with Safari:

• Safari Device Compatibility: While none of the VPNs on this list currently offer a Safari extension, all of them offer apps for the macOS, iOS and iPadOS device platforms. This ensures that all of your Safari-related browsing is well-protected and enhanced.
• Security and Privacy: A VPN should protect its users’ connections with (at the very least) banking-level encryption, a kill switch and DNS /IP leak protection. A VPN should never save server logs recording your online activities. All of the VPNs on my lists offer this and more.
• Connection Speed: Slow connection speeds can make a browsing session less than enjoyable. The less a VPN slows down your internet connection, the better. None of the VPNs on my list slows down your connection to an unusable level.
• Value: A VPN should never ask for more than its worth. Their asking price should be in line with their service offerings. All of the VPNs on my list deliver a good value for the money.
• Ease of Use: Ease of use is an important factor to consider when mulling VPNs, as you’ll likely be using your Safari browser off and on during the day. The VPNs on my list offer easy-to-use apps providing fast connections for most popular platforms, including macOS, iOS and iPadOS.
• Server Network: A large global server network provides reliable access to geo-fenced content around the globe. Look for a provider that has a large number of servers in each location, helping to prevent individual servers from having its performance taking a hit by being overloaded with too many users at once.
• Streaming: Streaming video is a popular activity among online users. Any VPN worth considering should offer access to popular streaming services. Most VPNs that I include on my lists deliver reliable access to many popular streamers, such as Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , Hulu and others.

While the above list covers many factors that should be considered when mulling over a VPN decision, the research does not end here. This list is just a small part of what I research as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology . This approach helps me to better understand VPN providers and their services.

• Why Is a Full VPN Better Than a Browser Extension?

Many VPN providers offer a lightweight browser extension for Google Chrome and Firefox, but none that I have seen offer a Safari browser extension.

It is possible that Apple’s notorious compatibility issues and its selectivity when it comes to approving third-party apps are the reasons why most VPN providers don’t offer browser extensions for Safari . The Cupertino firm also now requires that all Safari browser extensions be approved by them.

This is not a major problem, though, as browser extensions are not full VPNs and cannot deliver the best security and privacy standards for your device. A full VPN can cover all your Safari browser traffic in addition to the rest of your device’s traffic, all at the same time.

Web browser extensions work via encrypted proxies that act as a middle man, hiding your real location. This server sits between your web browser and the internet, obscuring your real IP address and replacing it with the server’s IP instead.

This kind of proxy server can be used in your browser to bypass geo-restricted content and encrypt your traffic. However, browsers have a vulnerability to WebRTC leaks, which can expose your IP address. A full VPN is able to protect you against WebRTC leaks, keeping your security intact.

• What Browser Is Right for You?

When using a browser to use the web, there are a number of factors that influence which one is best for you.

These can include compatibility with your operating system, speed, built-in security features, compatibility with other plugins, VPNs, and tools that you may want to use.

Below, you can find a quick overview of the pros and cons of each browser.  This can be used to help you decide which browser will best fit your needs.

The Onion Router (TOR)

Tor is considered one of the most secure and private browsers around. It offers a little bit more than a standard browser, offering a suite of security tools.

Traffic in the Tor browser is routed via random points around the world, making your online activity very difficult to track. Tor also blocks tracking cookies and store no data.

On the negative side, the performance of Tor can be slow.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge browser is a secure and fast web browser. It comes with Windows 10 and is now also available on Android and iOS. It performs well at blocking malware and phishing websites.

This browser is bulky, at 23 MB compared to other mainstream browsers, like Chrome and Firefox, which are much lighter. Another negative is that Microsoft Edge isn’t compatible with Mac computers or PCs running early versions of Windows.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the most popular browser available today, with over 1 billion users worldwide.

The browser offers reliable and fast performance, it’s compatible with countless plugins, and it can be extended and tweaked to really make it a personal experience that works for you. Most top-tier VPNs also offer a dedicated Chrome plugin.

Privacy can be a concern, as Google collects and uses user data, and the browser is quite resource-hungry, not performing well on machines without adequate RAM.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a very light and fast browser with lots of functionality.

It’s light on system resources, so it can be used even on older laptops or systems with less RAM. Firefox is great for privacy tools, and as it’s produced by Mozilla, a non-profit company, it does not have the same incentive to sell user data, as other browsers do.

Firefox has a decent number of compatible plugins and can block ad trackers. Most top-tier VPNs also make a browser extension that is compatible with Firefox.

Safari is native to Apple’s iOS and macOS and is the best browser for Apple devices. Safari is also compatible with Android phones and tablets, but it doesn’t work with Windows-based PCs.

Safari is fast to launch and load pages quickly, and it does a great job of warning users about dangerous websites, malware, and phishing.

Safari can’t match browsers like Firefox and Chrome for plugins and customization options. However, it does offer added privacy protections over Edge, Firefox, and Chrome.

• Which VPNs Offer VPN Extensions for Safari?

At the time of writing, none of the major VPN providers offer VPN extensions for Safari.

• What Is the Best iPhone VPN?

The best VPN for Safari is also the best VPN for iPhone: NordVPN. With its fast connections, iPhone native app and more, the VPN will offer excellent service for both Safari and iPhones. See my Best VPN for iPhone article for more information.

• Does Safari Have a VPN?

No, Safari has no integrated VPN functionality. That makes it important to get a VPN app to protect your internet travels while you're using Safari.

Encrypting your web traffic comes with many benefits, including better online security and the option to stop anyone else from seeing your online activity, even your ISP.

NordVPN is the best VPN for Safari. Although it doesn’t offer a standalone Safari browser extension, considering the fact that it’s safer to just use a full VPN app, NordVPN is the best option. Its lightning-fast speeds, wide global server coverage, and strong security and privacy protections make it attractive.

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Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Privacy alert: websites you visit can see these details about you:.

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing . It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link .

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Best Free VPN for Safari in 2024

The Safari browser is fast, reliable, and secure. It is a polished browser that will suit the needs of almost all users. As the default browser on Apple devices, all your bookmarks, passwords, and history will be saved in iCloud automatically. For an enhanced level of security when accessing this data on different devices, the best free VPN for Safari can provide an added layer of encryption. This makes it easy to move between any computer of yours that runs OS X. 

Safari already comes on your macOS and iOS devices. High-quality free VPNs for this browser also works seamlessly across all your Apple devices, keeping your browsing synchronized and secure. It syncs saved passwords, bookmarks, tabs, and other data across them, so you can use it easier than downloading a new app. The ability to sync data across your Macs, iPhones , and iPads makes Safari a good browser to choose from if you have more than one Apple device (especially if you like resuming your tabs).

Although the browser has security features, you may need a VPN to ensure your data isn’t shared with any third party. A VPN can provide you with the top-notch security and privacy you deserve. Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank to access its services. Indeed, top-quality free VPNs don’t compromise security despite being cost-free. There are free VPNs you can use for your Safari browser . If you’re looking for the best free VPN for Safari, read on to discover your options.

Best Risk-Free VPNs for Safari

Before delving into the best free VPN for Safari, there are two high-quality and risk-free VPNs you can consider using for Safari. These examples set the benchmark for what to expect from the best free VPN for Safari in terms of reliability and feature offerings. Although their services are not completely free, they offer a money-back guarantee. It allows you to use the VPN and then get a refund on your subscription if you are not satisfied. 

These premium VPNs offer quality security features, access to geo-blocked content, and absolute privacy when browsing. Here are the best risk-free VPNs for Safari:

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN is arguably the best VPN for Safari. Although it doesn’t have a free trial or free plan, it offers a whopping 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option if you’re exploring the best free VPN for Safari. In other words, you can use the VPN service for up to 30-days then get a full refund on your subscription. 

The VPN provider has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and 160 locations. This global reach is something to look for when selecting the best free VPN for Safari, ensuring you have numerous options for secure connections. You can conveniently change your IP address and hide your location with these servers. In addition, the servers are speedy and don’t significantly affect your local internet connection.

In terms of security, ExpressVPN uses the AES 256-bit encryption model to secure your connection. It also allows secure protocols like OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEV2. These protocols add an extra layer of protection to ensure your connection is unmonitored and practically impossible to hack while using the Safari browser. 

Additionally, the provider has an automatic network kill-switch, which prevents data leaks whenever your connection to the VPN trips off. It has an IP leak protector and malware protector. ExpressVPN also has a strict no-log policy to ensure no prying eyes can access your data. 

Furthermore, the VPN provider has a split tunneling feature. This allows you to choose the sites to use the VPN network, access geo-blocked content , and still access your local sites with your real IP address. It allows torrenting and peer-to-peer sharing. 

The provider allows you to use the service on five (5) devices simultaneously. It also has 24/ 7 customer service so that you can get help anytime. 

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Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Another solid VPN we recommend for Safari is NordVPN . It doesn’t have a free version, but it is completely risk-free and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can try out the service without losing money, making NordVPN another risk-free choice while you’re evaluating the best free VPN for Safari.

NordVPN has 5000+ servers in more than 59 countries. With the high number of servers, you can bypass censorship and geo-restrictions on the Safari browser. The VPN’s stable and secure servers enable you to download files or stream content without experiencing major disruptions in your network. 

The provider uses the AES 256-bit encryption model on all servers to secure your connection. Its security features are also top-notch, as it includes all required safeguards against prying eyes and cyber dangers. In addition to its military-grade encryption, it includes vital protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec.

Moreover, it has many other useful features, like a kill switch, anti-malware, IP protector, obfuscated servers , a Tor over VPN capability, and a double VPN function. These features ensure your complete safety when accessing the Safari browser. When researching the best free VPN for Safari, look for a comprehensive suite of security features similar to these.

Additionally, NordVPN maintains a serious no-log policy, ensuring that you remain entirely anonymous and private. Additionally, it supports split tunneling, P2P file sharing and torrenting.

The VPN software also features an easy interface and supports simultaneous connections of up to six (6) devices. It’s really simple to download and install NordVPN on Mac or iOS devices. You have to find and download the app from your app store install and launch the application. But for those who need a quick and easy protection solution without cost, the best free VPN for Safari should offer a similarly straightforward setup process.

Best offer: $2.99/month (Save 71% + 3 months extra!)

Why Opt for a Free VPN on Safari?

Before we delve into the list of the best free VPN for Safari, we believe it is essential to understand why these tools are indispensable for today’s web users. While cost might be a significant consideration, the real value lies in the features and security that a VPN provides. Moreover, for avid Safari users, it’s about finding a balance between functionality and price.

Let us now examine the must-have features that exemplify what a free VPN for Safari should offer, helping you navigate the choice and decide on a VPN solution that balances performance with zero cost:

• Enhanced Privacy : The best free VPN for Safari is one that doesn’t compromise on speed and privacy. Even though it’s free, the service should still offer a no-logs policy, ensuring that your browsing data isn’t stored or sold to third parties. This is paramount for maintaining confidentiality, especially when engaging in sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping.
• Access Geo-Restricted Content : Another essential factor in identifying the best free VPN for Safari is the number of server locations available. A VPN with an extensive network of servers will allow you to enjoy a wider range of content and bypass more geographical restrictions. This is particularly useful for unlocking region-specific websites or streaming services.
• Improved Security Features : Beyond these considerations, the best free VPN for Safari should offer robust encryption to safeguard your information from cyber threats. Encryption ensures that even if intercepted, your data remains unreadable to unauthorized parties. With the heightened privacy and security risks prevalent today, encryption is not a feature you want to overlook.
• Cost-Effective Browsing Solution : Opting for a free VPN means you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN without the need for a subscription. This makes it an ideal solution for Safari users who require enhanced security and privacy without the additional cost.
• Simple to Use : High-quality free VPNs should also be user-friendly, with a simple installation process and an easy-to-navigate interface. Ideally, the VPN should integrate seamlessly with the Safari browser, allowing you to toggle it on and off as required, without disrupting your online activities.
• Data limits: This is another aspect to consider when looking for the best free VPN for Safari. While free services often have usage caps, some providers offer generous allowances that cater to moderate browsing without running out of data too quickly.
• Customer support : Finally, it’s wise to look at the customer service offered by the VPN. Good customer service can be invaluable, especially when you need help troubleshooting issues. The best free VPN for Safari will have a dedicated support team, ready to assist you with any questions or problems you might encounter.

With these criteria in mind, a free VPN for Safari doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality. By selecting carefully, you can enjoy many of the benefits of a paid service without the cost, making your browsing experience safe and versatile.

Best Completely Free VPNs for Safari

We have finally now come to the focal point. There are hundreds of free VPNs available for Safari, but only a handful of them provide excellent service such as the ones mentioned above. Here are five of the best free VPNs for Safari.

Overall score: 9.0

• Free version available
• Strong security features
• Reliable no-logs policy
• Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy

ProtonVPN tops our list as the best free VPN for Safari. offering a robust no-cost service with servers in three countries and unlimited bandwidth, making it a top pick for those looking to secure their Safari browsing without spending a dime. You can conceal your IP address, view geo-restricted content, and surf safely and anonymously using this VPN.

The VPN service is available in both premium and free plans. Each version has unique capabilities, and can assist in masking your IP address and ensuring your privacy. The paid version grants you access to over a thousand servers in more than 50 countries.

On the other hand, the free version restricts you to three countries: Japan, the United States, and the Netherlands. A perk of using ProtonVPN is that its free edition offers limitless internet bandwidth.

Additionally, ProtonVPN includes robust security protection for your Safari browser’s data traffic while browsing the web. It employs the AES-256-bit encryption technique, which is the most secure available. So, you have nothing to worry about.

Moreover, it supports protocols such as IPSec, OpenVPN, and others. With VPN encryption, you may surf anonymously, access websites you would not normally have access to, and still keep your Safari browser secure.

ProtonVPN is designed with a kill switch, anti-malware, and other security features to add an extra layer of security.

Before using the free version, you can take advantage of the provider’s 30-day money-back guarantee on its premium version. During this period, you can enjoy all of the paid version’s features and receive a refund afterward.

ProtonVPN has an excellent customer support and is compatible with iOs, Mac, Windows, among other devices.

Best offer: $4.99/month (Save 50%)

Overall score: 9.1

• Advanced IP Leak protection available
• 1,800+ servers in 72 countries
• Offers a completely free version

Hide.me also offers a great free plan that qualifies it as one of the best free VPNs for Safari. The VPN enables you to browse safely on Safari, conceal your IP address, and access geo-restricted content from various areas of the world. The VPN is available in both free and premium editions.

The free version allows users to access servers in five (5) locations. With a free plan on Hide.me, you can connect to servers in the Netherlands , Germany, the US West, US East, and Canada. Although the servers are limited, it conceals your IP address when using Safari and ensures your online safety.

Hide.me secures your connection on both versions with the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption model and has additional necessary protocols. The provider supports protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEV2. It helps keep your data secure and untraceable, which is crucial while utilizing a public network.

Hide.me’s free plan comes with a 10GB data cap. Once your data bandwidth is depleted, you must upgrade to a premium plan to continue using the service.

Before using the free plan, consider upgrading to the premium version and taking advantage of Hide.me’s 30-day money-back guarantee offer. You can get a refund on your subscription after the stipulated time. 

You can easily download the software from your app store. It is compatible with nearly all devices and has a good customer service team. 

Best offer: $4.99/month (Save 61%)

Hotspot Shield

Overall score:

• Super-fast server speed
• Remarkable unblocking ability
• Intuitive user interface

Hotspot Shield is another strong contender for the best free VPN for Safari. It protects your identity and connection, circumvents geo-blocking, and enables access to restricted content. Overall, you’ll be getting most of the VPN features you need to secure Safari on your iOS device.

The VPN provider offers a free and premium subscription. The paid version provides access to over 3,200 servers in over 80 countries. However, the free plan only provides one server located in the United States. Regardless, it can effectively assist you in concealing your IP address and gaining access to restricted content while still using your Safari browser. 

Hotspot Shield also offers essential security features for protecting your data from prying eyes and minimizing the risk of intrusions while using Safari. The VPN service is encrypted using the military-grade AES 256-bit standard in both versions. Additionally, it uses protocols such as Hydra, IPSec, and OpenVPN to ensure a secure connection. However, the protocols are available only on the premium plan.

The free version of Hotspot Shield has a data bandwidth limitation. Each day, you are limited to 500MB of data bandwidth. If your data capacity runs out, you may either upgrade to a paid plan or wait until the next day to continue utilizing the VPN service.

Furthermore, you can try the premium service for seven days for free, as the VPN provider offers a free trial period. The trial period permits you to use all of the provider’s premium servers and security features. If you’re not sure about Hotspot Shield, it would be a great idea to utilize the free trial for Safari.

Best offer: $7.99/month (Save 38% + Free)

Overall score: 8.2

• Offers dedicated IP addresses
• Allows torrenting and P2P file sharing
• Great pricing

Trust.Zone VPN is a simple yet effective tool to mask your IP address and remain anonymous while browsing on Safari. It is not like top-tier VPN providers such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, but it is worth considering.

The VPN service has more than 200 servers in more than 38 countries. You can choose from various fast servers to conceal your IP address and browse the web securely. Additionally, the servers will enable you to view geo-restricted content from other countries. For example, you can access geo-blocked content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other sites without being a security risk.

To ensure optimum security, the provider uses the AES 256-bit encryption and protocols such as OpenVPN and IPSec. With these measures, fraudsters will be unable to monitor or record your online activities.

The VPN service includes a kill switch, a malware detector, and other security features. It safeguards your identity and enables you to connect to public Wi-Fi and cellular data networks without jeopardizing your privacy or security.

You can be confident in your privacy and anonymity, as Trust.Zone adheres to a stringent zero-log policy. It will not save or share your personal information with a third party.

Unlike other free providers on our list, Trust.Zone, does not offer a completely free plan. Instead, it provides a three-day free trial that gives you access to all servers and services. Although it does not offer a completely free plan, it is still included in this list due to its trial feature and robust security measures, making it a good temporary option when it comes to searching for the best free VPN for Safari. The free trial period includes a 1GB data cap. Once it expires or the three (3) days have passed, you must upgrade to the premium plan.

Best offer: $3.33/month (Save 63%)

Overall score: 8.4

• Offers a totally free version
• Available in 26 countries
• AES 256-bit encryption available
• Relatively reliable speed

Lastly, TunnelBear is an excellent choice for the best free VPN for Safari. You can connect to the provider’s servers to encrypt your connection. It can also help you conceal your IP address and replace it with one from another location, giving access to geo-restricted content from various areas of the world.

The VPN service has more than 1,800 servers in more than 23 countries. It enables you to connect quickly to a VPN server and secure your internet activity on Safari.

TunnelBear has all of the necessary security elements to safeguard your online activity. It employs the AES 256-bit encryption standard and incorporates other security measures to ensure a safe and secure web connection.

The VPN service is available in three varieties: free, unlimited, and Team. The free plan offers access to all servers but limits your monthly data transfer to 500 MB. You can use the free plan to conceal your IP address and surf securely on Safari. Once your data bandwidth is depleted, you can either wait until the next month or upgrade to the Unlimited plan.

The Unlimited Plan is a premium option that provides access to all servers, enhanced security features, and unlimited data bandwidth. The Team plan enables a group of five people to connect to the internet via a VPN and browse at a quicker rate with no data bandwidth constraints.

TunnelBear adheres to a stringent no-log policy and produces a transparency report regularly. It has an easy-to-use intuitive interface and is compatible with most devices, including macOS and iOS. 

Best offer: $3.33/month (Save 67% + TunnelBear apps & priority customer support)

Conclusion 

A VPN sends your browsing traffic through a protected connection, which masks your identity and location, while also encrypting your data to ensure no one can get to it. This is particularly important if you’re using Safari on an unsecured public wireless network and don’t want others snooping on what you’re doing online.

With a VPN, you get more than just security. You access a whole other range of services—from bypassing geo-restrictions to accessing torrents and even unblocking Netflix from any location . So, use a VPN for better security, access more content, and unblock your favorite sites with speed and ease.

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• Version 0.3.13
• Updated March 6, 2024
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• Offered by Snap VPN
• Size 530KiB
• Languages 3 languages English , English (UK) , English (United States)
• Developer Email [email protected]
• Non-trader This developer has not identified itself as a trader. For consumers in the European Union, please note that consumer rights do not apply to contracts between you and this developer.

This developer declares that your data is

• Not being sold to third parties, outside of the approved use cases
• Not being used or transferred for purposes that are unrelated to the item's core functionality
• Not being used or transferred to determine creditworthiness or for lending purposes

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The Best Web Browsers of 2024

We tested the most popular web browsers to see which is the fastest and best.

• Works natively with Google services
• Syncs across multiple devices
• Outperforms the competition in speed

• Blocks cryptominers
• Prevents fingerprinting
• Stores passwords locally

• Provides high customization
• Protects against phishing
• Syncs data between devices

Our pick: Which web browser is best?

Google Chrome is our pick for the most well-rounded web browser you can get. It’s fast and synchronizes across every device you use. You can perform a search within the address bar, group your browser tabs, and more. Want to go dark? Chrome supports themes, too.

We spent many hours comparing the best web browsers in terms of speed using a handful of tests on Windows and Mac. We provide the results in our Methodology section to show which is the fastest web browser on your favorite desktop platform.

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Jump to : Best overall | What to look for | Best browser features | Which browsers are the fastest? | Our verdict | Methodology |  FAQ

• Best overall
• What to look for
• Best browser features
• Which browsers are the fastest?

Our verdict

Methodology, the 6 best web browsers.

• Best overall: Google Chrome
• Best for security: Mozilla Firefox
• Best for customization: Vivaldi
• Best for social media: Opera
• Best for Mac: Apple Safari
• Best for Windows: Microsoft Edge

Compare web browser features

What should you look for in a web browser.

The best web browser should be fast and clean to give you the best browsing experience. You don’t want excessive bloat that can bog down your device and cause web pages to load at a dial-up pace.

And while speed is great, security should also be a high priority. Internet browsers should protect users from trackers, hackers, and pesky internet eavesdroppers.

Ultimately, a browser should be your interactive window looking out into the World Wide Web—a picture frame that should never distract you from the view at hand.

Get the best router to complement your fast browser

We tested and reviewed more routers than we can count to determine the best of the best you can get. Go with the TP-Link Archer AX11000 if you want a lot of bang for your buck, or choose the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 if you want lots of features at a higher price. The NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 is the fastest router we’ve tested to date, but it ain’t cheap.

* Amazon.com Prices (as of 12/19/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer .

Best overall—Google Chrome

• Supports Google services
• Includes tab group management
• Outperforms other browsers in tests

Availability

• Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS
• Mobile: iPhone , iPad , Android

Data this browser collects from you

And more (see App Privacy )

Chrome is the fastest and best web browser on Microsoft Windows and an excellent alternative to Safari on a Mac in terms of speed. However, you agree to Google’s excessive data collection in exchange for speed and convenience.

More about Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the fastest web browser available for Windows machines. It surpasses the competition in three out of four tests and outranks  Microsoft Edge in all but one test.

On Apple Mac, Chrome is a heavy hitter in performance, outranking Safari in two out of four tests . It’s a good alternative to Safari, but Chrome’s data collection issues are a little disconcerting. If you’re worried about how Google uses your data, Safari or Microsoft Edge may be your better alternative.

Still, despite privacy concerns, Chrome is a great browser overall if you use Google’s services. It’s probably the ideal default browser if you shift between Windows, Android, and Apple devices.

• Supports a huge extensions library
• Syncs across devices
• Collects lots of data
• Uses lots of memory

Best for security—Mozilla Firefox

• Ranks the lowest for speed in tests
• Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Contact info

If you want the best internet browser that prioritizes security over data collection, Firefox is your best bet. However, it’s not the fastest browser available.

More about Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla’s Firefox browser isn’t known for speed. It falls into last place in most of our tests for Windows and Mac, and that’s okay. Firefox is more about security features than speed, which is ideal if you’re more concerned about blocking malware than loading pages in a flash.

Firefox received a facelift in 2021. Mozilla redesigned the tabs, prompts, menus, and overall look, giving Firefox a new modern interface. Under the hood, Firefox strives to keep you safe online with tools like DNS-over-HTTPS , which encrypts browser requests versus sending the information in plaintext.

Want to improve your home network’s security?

Be sure to check out our list of the best routers for security . We also offer a guide on how to keep your router secure if you don’t need a new one.

• Protects against spyware
• Blocks almost all pop-ups
• Consumes high memory
• Falls behind other browsers in speed

Best for customization—Vivaldi

• Mobile: Android

Vivaldi is great for customizing your browsing experience, but it doesn’t match the speed of Chrome or Safari.

More about Vivaldi

Vivaldi breathes new life into the tired, repetitive web browser design. Here, you can customize the start page, create and use a custom theme, customize and move the menu, customize the toolbar, and so on. You can also assign browser commands to keyboard shortcuts, map commands to gestures, and assign quick commands to the Function keys.

In terms of speed, the Vivaldi browser isn’t the fastest on the planet—at least, not yet. It’s the youngest in the batch, so there’s room for improvement. It ranks fourth in all four tests we run on Windows, while its performance jumps between third and last in the same tests on Mac.

That said, Vivaldi is an excellent middle-ground browser in terms of performance.

• Offers plenty of customization
• Syncs data across devices
• Lacks iPhone, iPad versions

Best for social media—Opera

• Includes a built-in VPN client
• Includes social tools
• Verifies all websites
• Diagnostics

Opera is a good web browser if you want a built-in VPN client and social tools. It provides middle-ground performance in terms of speed.

More about Opera

The Opera browser is great if you want built-in social network tools. The sidebar includes shortcuts to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, and three others you can pin to the browser window. 

Opera also supports two VPN services: Free VPN and VPN Pro . The “pro” version costs $7.99 per month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our FAQ explains the differences between the two services.

As for performance, Opera is the third-fastest browser in our tests for Windows , falling behind Chrome and Microsoft Edge. It has a similar performance level on our MacBook, falling behind Safari, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge in our four tests. Opera has a “battery saver” mode that reduces background activity and pauses animations, but we verified it was disabled before running our tests.

• Includes built-in social tools
• Loads some websites incorrectly
• Updates less frequently than Chrome

Best for Mac—Apple Safari

• Provides a clean privacy report
• Supports extensions
• Displays tab previews
• Competes with Chrome  in speed on Mac
• Desktop: Mac
• Mobile: iPhone, iPad
• Nitro, WebKit

Safari is the best browser for Macs, hands down. Stick with Safari if you also have an iPhone or iPad. However, if you use other platforms like Windows and Android, Chrome is the better multiplatform solution—if you can ignore Chrome’s data collection woes.

More about Apple Safari

Safari is an excellent example of how Apple optimizes its software for Macs. It’s fast, simply designed, and somewhat customizable. It supports Chrome extensions, tab previews for power users, and easy translations using the menu bar. And while we will always recommend Firefox as the best browser for security , Safari’s privacy report panel lists every website that tracks you across the internet.

The drawback with Safari is that you can’t get it on anything but Apple devices. That means we could measure its performance only on our MacBook, so there are no numbers for Windows-based PCs. That said, Safari and Chrome duke it out for the fastest browser, both taking the top spots in two out of four tests. If you want speed, either browser will do.

• Runs superfast on Macs
• Uses low memory
• Isn’t available outside Apple’s ecosystem
• Has a limited extensions library

Best for Windows—Microsoft Edge

• Stacks tabs vertically
• Groups websites into Collections
• Supports Dolby Audio and 4K
• Competes with Chrome in speed on Windows
• Desktop: Windows, Mac
• Browsing history

Bottom line

Microsoft Edge is a great native browser for Microsoft Windows and a good alternative to Safari on a Mac if you need a browser that runs outside Apple’s ecosystem.

More about Microsft Edge

The original Edge browser was a clunky mess despite Microsoft’s good intentions. It used the company’s in-house EdgeHTML engine and really couldn’t compete with Chrome. Microsoft scrapped its proprietary engine in early 2020 and chose Chromium instead, the browser foundation used in Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, Brave, and more.

Now, Microsoft Edge is highly competitive in terms of speed. On Windows, it gives Chrome a run for its money, falling just a hair behind Google’s browser in three of four of our tests . On our MacBook, Chrome and Microsoft Edge are nearly identical in performance, both falling behind Safari.

• Synchronizes across devices
• Includes a PDF viewer
• Lacks a version for Linux
• Collects your browser history

Are you troubleshooting speed issues?

If you have connection problems and slow speeds, your web browser may not be the issue. We provide several guides to help you get back up to speed.

• 7 Reasons Why Your Internet is Slow (And How To Fix It)
• Improve Your Wi-Fi in 10 Simple Steps
• Are Ethernet Cables Slowing Your Connection?
• How to Check Your Internet Speed

Which web browsers are the fastest?

To determine the fastest browser on our list, we ran four different tests three times per browser, determined the average, and compared the results.

On Windows, Chrome tested as the fastest browser, followed by Microsoft Edge .

On Mac, Safari and Chrome shared the top spot as the fastest browser, followed by Microsoft Edge .

In all tests, Firefox was the slowest browser on our list.

See the complete test results in the Methodology section .

Browser specs and features

A web browser is software that downloads data from a remote server and pieces it all together on your screen. It’s your interactive window to the World Wide Web, a view that exists only when you open a tab and enter an address. All browsers provide this basic function, but there are five elements you should keep in mind while considering your browser options.

You want a browser that loads pages quickly and can run in-browser apps without slowing you down. A browser should have a relatively small footprint in your system memory, so it doesn’t affect the performance of your other programs and apps while you surf the internet.

Security and privacy

A browser should make secure connections to websites. They should also provide means to block malicious advertisements, cross-site trackers, cryptominers, and fingerprinters. Users should have tools to block and delete cookies, secure their passwords, and use the browser without worrying about how it collects their data.

Learn more about the best internet browsers for security .

Customization

While you don’t want your window to the internet framed with a clunky interface, it’s a nice bonus to add a personal touch. Most of the browsers on our list provide means for customization.

For example, you can apply a theme in Chrome obtained from the Chrome Web Store . You can create themes in Vivaldi, reposition the menu, or create your own menu.

Compatibility

The best browser should be compatible with the latest internet standards, like HTML5 and WebGL . A good way to benchmark a browser’s compatibility is to use the HTML5 Test website or AnTuTu’s HTML5 Test online utility. Plus, you don’t want to install a browser that can’t access all the modern functions of a website, like web apps.

Easy navigation

While customization is great, you want a browser that’s easy to use. Most browsers we list here are just that, with the address bar headlining your window to the internet. Menus should be tucked away and easily accessible. Settings should be just a click away, and bookmarks should be easy to save and load.

Our verdict: Google Chrome is the best web browser

Google Chrome is fast and available on nearly every platform. It’s our top pick in speed, as it goes head-to-head with Safari on our MacBook and Microsoft Edge on Windows. It’s also a firm alternative if you don’t want to use those native browsers.

But Microsoft Edge is an excellent third-place browser that’s accessible on nearly all platforms. It’s almost as fast as Chrome and Safari and includes a few standout features you can’t get with most browsers, like 4K Netflix streaming.

However, if you want the most secure browser on the planet, Firefox is the way to go, although it’s the slowest browser on our list.

Related content

• How Much Speed Do I Need for Online Gaming?
• How Much Speed Do I Need to Stream Music?
• Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Is It Really Better to Go Wireless?
• What Is a Good Download and Upload Speed?

To determine a browser’s speed, we did the following:

• Installed a clean, current copy without any plugins or extensions
• Closed all open programs and unnecessary processes
• Ran four different tests three times
• Calculated the average

To test Microsoft Edge and Safari on their native platforms, we ran browser benchmarks on a Windows laptop and a MacBook . We plugged both in for maximum power performance.

Microsoft Windows

We use a Lenovo ThinkPad with Intel’s Core i7-10850H 6-core processor, 16GB of system memory, and a 500GB SSD for these tests.

Chrome is our biggest performer, taking the top spot in three out of four tests. Microsoft Edge always comes in at a close second, save for one test where it switches seats with Chrome. Firefox is our lowest performer of the browser batch.

JetStream 2

This test measures how fast a browser loads data and how quickly it executes code—higher numbers are better.

Speedometer

This test measures the responsiveness of web applications by simulating user input.

Basemark Web 3.0

This tool performs 20 tests—map scaling, drawing, and so on—in one sitting. It’s also popular for testing a laptop’s battery life, as it loops through all tests until the battery dies.

MotionMark 1.2

This test benchmarks the browser’s capability to render and animate complex scenes within a set frame rate.

Apple macOS

We use a 2018 MacBook Air (A1392) with Intel’s Core i5-8210Y 2-core CPU, 8GB of system memory, and a 128GB SSD for these tests. There’s a huge processor difference between this machine and the Lenovo notebook, so we rerun the benchmarks to compare Safari against the competition on the same Core i5 CPU.

Overall, Safari and Chrome go head to head for the fastest browser. Safari grabs the top spot in two tests, while Chrome dominates in the other two. Microsoft Edge is the best alternative to Safari and Chrome, while Firefox has the lowest performance of the six.

This tool performs 20 tests—map scaling, drawing, and so on—in one sitting.

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FAQ about the best web browsers

Internet browser vs. web browser: what's the difference.

Although we tend to use the term, there’s no such thing as an “internet browser.” The internet is a global network of cables, servers, and switches—it’s the hardware needed to deliver information to your eyeballs. A browser is software that accesses software—the World Wide Web in this case.

In other words, we connect to the internet and use the web. But since “internet” is easier to read and write than “World Wide Web,” we typically stick with the former term.

What is a virtual private network (VPN)?

A virtual private network creates a secure, private connection between your device and the destination. It requires software installed on your device that encrypts your data and establishes a direct, encrypted connection to a remote VPN server. The server then decrypts your data and sends it as plaintext to the destination.

Overall, a VPN prevents the destination from seeing your geological location, IP address, and operating system.

Want to see how a VPN affects your speed?

Run our internet speed test with a VPN enabled. After that, rerun the test with the VPN disabled and then compare the results.

Run a Speed Test

What is a Device ID?

A Device Identifier (ID) is a unique string of numbers derived from other hardware-identifying numbers stored on your device. Browsers use this information to identify your device.

What is a User ID?

A User Identifier (User ID) is a unique profile created by the browser and stored locally as a cookie. This profile includes information such as your processor, storage, screen resolution, and operating system.

What is Chromium?

Chromium is Google’s free, open-source code provided to all internet browser developers. These developers can compile Google’s code with proprietary components and unique designs (Microsoft Edge) or compile the code “as is” (Chromium).

What is HTML5?

HTML5 is the fifth generation of HyperText Markup Language (HTML), the programming language that creates websites you see in your browser. There are three components in HTML5: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) that dictate how web page elements are displayed, JavaScript that executes interactive components, and HTML code that brings it all together.

HTML5 eliminates the need for browser plugins, like Adobe Flash, Silverlight, and Java.

What is WebGL?

Web Graphics Library (or WebGL ) is an application programming interface (API) that allows a browser to render 2D and 3D graphics. These elements are written in JavaScript and OpenGL ES for the web and are executed on your device’s graphics cores, not your processor. WebGL eliminates the need for a browser plugin, eliminating security risks and providing better animation.

To see WebGL in action, visit the Get WebGL website to view a cube rotating in your browser without any additional software.

What is HTTPS?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (or HTTPS) is a secure version of the application layer protocol used to deliver HTML files, video, and more across the internet. 

In a nutshell, the browser (client) sends a request to the server hosting a website. In turn, the server sends the appropriate files to your device that are pieced together within your browser. These files reside on your device as cache.

Browsers and servers that support HTTPS communicate using the Transport Layer Security cryptographic protocol to encrypt the connection between the website and the browser, not the actual data. This encrypted connection prevents eavesdroppers from obtaining your data but only while it’s en route.

What is DNS-over-HTTPS?

DNS-over-HTTPS is a means of sending a browser query over a secure connection.

Short for Domain Name System, DNS essentially translates alphabetic URLs into proper numeric ones. For instance, when you type “google.com” into your address bar, a DNS service consults its address book and sees that the numerical address is 172.217.2.110. It then sends your browser request accordingly.

Typically this request speeds along the internet highways as plaintext. A secure connection doesn’t happen until the website responds to your browser—a handshake, if you will. With DNS-over-HTTPS, a compatible browser sends your query to a compatible DNS server using an encrypted connection. This connection prevents eavesdroppers from viewing your browsing habits.

Free VPN vs. VPN Pro: What’s the difference?

Opera Software launched VPN Pro in May 2022. In a nutshell, with VPN Pro , you get full device-wide coverage on six devices, a network with 3,000+ servers, 30+ unique locations, two-factor authentication, and live chat support. Here’s a chart showing what you get with both services:

Does Incognito Mode hide you from Google and other services?

No, Chrome’s Incognito Mode feature doesn’t completely protect you. It’s only meant to hide your activities from other people using the same device and browser. Google even confirmed in a court filing in March 2021 that users are not “invisible” when they open an Incognito Mode window. The company said user activity might be visible to websites and third-party analytics and ads.

What happened to Safari for Windows?

Safari 5.1.7 was the last version released on Windows. While you can find links to download the browser, Apple discontinued Windows support in 2012. We do not recommend this browser for Windows users due to the lack of updates and customer support.

What happened to Internet Explorer?

Microsoft retired Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022, but it still lives on in Microsoft Edge as IE Mode. To enable it for legacy websites, click the Settings and more button in the top right corner of Microsoft Edge, followed by Settings > Default browser > Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode . Select Allow on the drop-down menu to enable IE Mode.

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Author - Kevin Parrish

Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.

Editor - Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span.

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MALICIOUS BOTNET TECHNOLOGY —

Us sanctions operators of “free vpn” that routed crime traffic through user pcs, 911 s5 residential proxy service was composed of 19 million ip addresses..

Dan Goodin - May 28, 2024 11:28 pm UTC

The US Treasury Department has sanctioned three Chinese nationals for their involvement in a VPN-powered botnet with more than 19 million residential IP addresses they rented out to cybercriminals to obfuscate their illegal activities, including COVID-19 aid scams and bomb threats.

The criminal enterprise, the Treasury Department said Tuesday , was a residential proxy service known as 911 S5. Such services provide a bank of IP addresses belonging to everyday home users for customers to route Internet connections through. When accessing a website or other Internet service, the connection appears to originate with the home user.

In 2022, researchers at the University of Sherbrooke profiled 911[.]re, a service that appears to be an earlier version of 911 S5. At the time, its infrastructure comprised 120,000 residential IP addresses. This pool was created using one of two free VPNs—MaskVPN and DewVPN—marketed to end users. Besides acting as a legitimate VPN, the software also operated as a botnet that covertly turned users’ devices into a proxy server. The complex structure was designed with the intent of making the botnet hard to reverse engineer.

MaskVPN and DewVPN connected devices to the type of server legitimate VPNs use to obfuscate the originating IP address and route traffic through an encrypted tunnel. At the same time, hidden functionality established a permanent TCP socket to a botnet command-and-control server. University of Sherbrooke researchers wrote:

This TCP connection is made to the C2 servers of the 911.re backend infrastructure and renders the node available for connections through the 911.re interface. A heartbeat process is in place to ensure the node is listed as available. At no time, there is direct connection between the infected node and the 911.re paid subscriber even when the node is selected, and traffic passes through. All the network traffic is always routed between the C2 servers that are USA based, reducing the risk of anomaly detection by IDS or IPS systems. Mask VPN and Dew VPN are using a custom implementation of the open-source OpenVPN.

The research led to an investigation by KrebsOnSecurity that uncovered Yunhe Wang of Beijing as one of the individuals who registered domains used by the 911[.]re infrastructure.

Wang was one of three people sanctioned on Tuesday. Treasury officials said that Wang was the registered subscriber of services used both by 911 S5 and the MaskVPN and DewVPN operations, an indication they were relying on some of the same resources reporter Brian Krebs did. They also named Jingping Liu as a co-conspirator for allegedly helping Wang launder virtual currency and other proceeds generated from the 911 S5 enterprise. The officials further named Yanni Zheng for allegedly acting under the power of attorney for Wang and participating in business transactions and making purchases and payments on Wang's behalf, including for a luxury beachfront condominium in Thailand.

“These individuals leveraged their malicious botnet technology to compromise personal devices, enabling cybercriminals to fraudulently secure economic assistance intended for those in need and to terrorize our citizens with bomb threats,” said Under Secretary Brian E. Nelson. “Treasury, in close coordination with our law enforcement colleagues and international partners, will continue to take action to disrupt cybercriminals and other illicit actors who seek to steal from US taxpayers.”

The treasury officials also sanctioned three Thailand-based businesses: Spicy Code Company Limited, which purchased additional real estate properties for Wang, and Tulip Biz Pattaya Group Company Limited and Lily Suites Company Limited, both of which were purchased by Wang.

The officials said the 911 S5 botnet comprised roughly 19 million IP addresses. Criminals used it in “tens of thousands of fraudulent applications” related to coronavirus relief scams that resulted in the loss of billions of dollars to the US government. The IP addresses compromised by the service were also linked to a series of bomb threats made throughout the United States in July 2022.

Under the designations, all property of individuals and businesses located in the US or in the possession or control of US persons must be blocked and reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The sanctions also prohibit dealings by anyone in the US involving any of the blocked property. People who run afoul of the sanctions may themselves be exposed to designation.

Tuesday’s action comes six days after researchers from Google-owned security firm Mandiant said that the use by China-nexus threat actors of residential proxy networks known as operational relay box networks was hindering traditional means of tracking and defending against cyberattacks. Mandiant researchers urged defenders to adopt new approaches.

“Mandiant asserts that the best way to rise to the challenge posed by ORB networks is to stop tracking espionage C2 infrastructure as an inert indicator of compromise and start tracking it as an entity with distinct TTPs,” the researchers wrote. “We no longer operate in the world of “block and move on” where IPs are part of APT’s weaponization and C2 kill chain phase.”

reader comments

Promoted comments.

Well… that makes things that much more when trying to isolate legitimate traffic vs malicious via access policies. It really surprises me that people feel secure with these free VPN apps. I always assume there’s just as much traffic getting sniffed, recorded, and logged on these free VPN services as there is on public wi-fi.

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Tu navegador personal

Más rápido, seguro e inteligente que los navegadores predeterminados. Opera Browser cuenta con todas las funciones necesarias para garantizar la privacidad, la seguridad y todo lo que haces en Internet. Ver más

Lleva el navegador Opera a donde vayas

¿Qué puedes hacer en Opera Browser?

Comparte archivos y enlaces al instante entre el móvil y el escritorio.

Organiza tus pestañas en distintos grupos para que tu navegación sea más eficaz

Chatea gratis con la IA

Messenger en la barra lateral

Ver las novedades.

Olvida los predeterminados

Opera ofrece una experiencia web completa que no puedes obtener con los navegadores predeterminados como Google Chrome , Safari de Apple y Microsoft Edge .

Elegido por millones

Seguridad en la que puede confiar

A prueba del futuro

Descubre los productos de gaming de opera, opera gaming.

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Quién somos

Opera es su gente. Equipos internacionales de desarrolladores, diseñadores, investigadores, especialistas en marketing y soporte, unidos en Europa, África, y Asia para crear las mejores experiencias online en cualquier dispositivo. Ambiciosos, experimentadores, y colaboradores - nos encanta lo que hacemos.

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Mereces un navegador mejor

Bloqueador de anuncios, Player, Lucid Mode y uso compartido de archivos Flow de Opera. Solo son algunas de las funciones imprescindibles integradas en Opera para una navegación más rápida, fluida y sin distracciones diseñadas para mejorar tu experiencia online.