• VPN & Privacy

Best VPNs for Safari

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

Best VPN Safari

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 7 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.
  • Atlas VPN : Use it with Safari thanks to Mac, iOS, and Windows apps. Fast, unlimited connections, and MultiHop servers.

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
  • Offers strong encryption and watertight security
  • Doesn’t store any activity logs
  • Can bypass regional content blocks
  • Has reliable and responsive customer support

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

Apps Available:

VPN Ratings:

  • Overall score: 9.6 / 10
  • Streaming: 9.7 / 10
  • Speed: 9.8 / 10
  • Security & Privacy: 9.6 / 10
  • Ease of Use: 9.6 / 10
  • Value for Money: 9.3 / 10

Website:   www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee:   30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top pick for a Safari VPN. You get access to servers in 59 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

  • Overall score: 9.4 / 10
  • Streaming: 9.0 / 10
  • Speed: 9.5 / 10
  • Ease of Use: 9.0 / 10
  • Value for Money: 9.9 / 10

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

  • Overall score: 8.6 / 10
  • Streaming: 9.2 / 10
  • Security & Privacy: 9.8 / 10
  • Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
  • Value for Money: 5.4 / 10

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

  • Overall score: 8.4 / 10
  • Streaming: 7.8 / 10
  • Speed: 8.2 / 10
  • Security & Privacy: 8.4 / 10
  • Ease of Use: 8.4 / 10
  • Value for Money: 9.4 / 10

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

  • Overall score: 7.2 / 10
  • Streaming: 6.5 / 10
  • Speed: 7.1 / 10
  • Security & Privacy: 8.0 / 10
  • Ease of Use: 6.8 / 10
  • Value for Money: 7.5 / 10

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.

This level of protection is also used by the other VPNs in our list of the best VPNs for Safari.

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

  • Overall score: 7.8 / 10
  • Streaming: 7.5 / 10
  • Speed: 7.9 / 10
  • Security & Privacy: 7.8 / 10
  • Ease of Use: 7.7 / 10
  • Value for Money: 8.0 / 10

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.

7. Atlas VPN

AtlasVPN

  • Overall score: 7.3 / 10
  • Speed: 6.5 / 10
  • Security & Privacy: 6.5 / 10

Website:   www.AtlasVPN.com

Atlas VPN may not have a Safari extension but it’s available on Mac, iOS, and Windows, among other platforms. Its server network is relatively small but still covers several dozen countries, making it a solid choice if you regularly travel abroad. Fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth allows for uninterrupted streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. Atlas VPN works well with Netflix , Disney+ , and Prime Video .

When you connect to an Atlas VPN server, your internet traffic is routed through an 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. You’re also protected from DNS leaks while a kill switch ensures internet traffic is cut should the VPN connection drop. Atlas VPN offers a few extra security features such as a malware blocker and MultiVPN servers. It operates a no-logs policy and provides 24/7 live chat and email support.

Connect all of your devices simultaneously under a single account through Atlas VPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. It’s worth knowing that Atlas VPN doesn’t yet provide support for wifi routers.

AtlasVPN speed test data

  • Works well with Safari thanks to Windows, Mac, and iOS apps
  • High-speed connections make it suitable for streaming
  • No limit to the number of devices you can connect
  • Excellent security with encryption and even a malware blocker
  • Smaller network of servers (around 750 in all)
  • No support for routers

UNLIMITED DEVICES: AtlasVPN is fast for streaming and gaming , has servers in dozens of countries, and works with Netflix. You can connect as many devices as you like at once. MultiHop servers and a malware blocker included. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Atlas VPN 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 Browser 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
  • Best VPN for iPhone
  • Does Mac need antivirus?
  • Best antivirus for Mac

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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 76 VPNs in our tests. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available at a discounted rate.

BleepingComputer.com logo

The best VPNs for Safari (including VPN extensions)

We are reader supported and may receive a commission if you buy using links on this page

James Milin-Ashmore

  • November 26, 2023

best vpns Safari

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.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured  risk-free  30-day trial if you  sign up at this page   . You can use the VPN rated #1 with no restrictions for a month - great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going on a short trip.

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund.   Start your NordVPN trial here .

Best VPNs for Safari: Detailed reviews

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

NordVPN logo

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 logo

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 logo

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

Proton VPN logo

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 logo

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 logo

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 logo

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.

Question mark icon

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.

  • Previous Article
  • Next Article

Post a Comment Community Rules

You need to login in order to post a comment.

Not a member yet? Register Now

Sign in with Twitter button

Help us understand the problem. What is going on with this comment?

  • Abusive or Harmful
  • Inappropriate content
  • Strong language

Read our posting guidelinese to learn what content is prohibited.

  • 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 .

Best Safari VPN

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.

Arjun Ruparelia

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.

Please take our quick survey:

(Select one)

(Select all)

clock.png

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.

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

expressvpn safari

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 .

get expressvpn step1

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

nordvpn safari

More details about NordVPN:

  • Pricing: $3.39 per month (two-year plan)
  • 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 .

get nordvpn

NordVPN offers superior performance considering its pocket-friendly price. The best-value, two-year plan costs $3.39 per month. Shorter term plans include the annual plan and the monthly plan, costing $4.49 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.

3. Surfshark

surfshark safari

More details about Surfshark:

  • Pricing: $2.29 per month (two-year plan + two 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 homepage 2023

Surfshark is a pocket-friendly VPN. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.29 per month. Shorter term plans include the annual plan costing $3.49 per month, and the monthly plan costing $10.99 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.

4. Proton VPN

protonvpn safari

More details about Proton VPN:

  • Pricing: $4.99 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 .

protonvpn free

Proton VPN’s paid plans are a little more expensive than premium services like NordVPN. The best value plan (the two-year plan) costs $4.99 per month. Shorter term plans include the annual plan costing $5.99 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 .

5. CyberGhost

cyberghost safari

More details about CyberGhost:

  • Pricing: $2.37 per month (two-year plan)
  • 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.

safari extensions vpn

CyberGhost’s best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.37 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 .

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.

  • How to Fix Netflix Proxy Error With a VPN in 2024
  • The Best India VPN 2024: Paid & Free VPN Service Options
  • 27 E-Waste Statistics: Electronic Waste Generation & Consequences in 2024
  • Kape Technologies Buys ExpressVPN: What You Need to Know in 2024
  • 2024 VPN Speed Comparison: 7 VPNs Tested for Upload, Download and Latency
  • What Is ExpressVPN Aircove Router & How Does It Work in 2024?
  • VPN download

Download the best VPN for Safari

Enjoy secure browsing on Safari in macOS, iOS, and iPadOS using the best VPN. Change your location and encrypt your data.

The best VPN extension for Safari.

  • iPhone/iPad
  • Game Console

Features of the VPN for Safari.

VPN for Safari: Features

Simple to use.

Turn on ExpressVPN, and all internet activity on your device is encrypted, including your Safari traffic.

Global VPN network

Access VPN server locations in 105 countries.

VPN kill switch

With macOS, ExpressVPN’s kill switch prevents internet traffic from flowing outside the VPN tunnel if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

DNS leak protection

Stop your internet service provider or DNS service from watching your online activities.

Set up VPN for Linux.

How to set up VPN for Safari 2023

Enhance your online privacy and security by setting up a VPN for Safari. Safeguard your digital activities and enjoy anonymous browsing in three simple steps:

Subscribe to ExpressVPN

Download the ExpressVPN app on your iOS or macOS device (iPhone, Mac, or iPad)

Press the “On” button on the screen

Within the ExpressVPN app, you can change your settings to select different VPN protocols, change the app’s language, and enable privacy features like Threat Manager and Network Protection.

Frequently asked questions

How do i get a vpn on safari.

No premium VPN provider has a VPN extension for Safari, including ExpressVPN. But you already get the privacy and security benefits of ExpressVPN on Safari if you use the ExpressVPN app on your Mac device.

How do I enable VPN on Safari?

If you would like to enable a VPN on Safari, you have two options: You can either download a high-quality VPN service like ExpressVPN or manually configure an existing VPN connection on your Apple device.

Follow the steps outlined above to enable a VPN on Safari.

What is the safest VPN for Safari?

A high-quality VPN, such as ExpressVPN, is considered the safest VPN for Safari. This is because ExpressVPN protects your identity, data, and privacy in various ways. Your online traffic is shielded in an encrypted tunnel so no one can see your activity or sensitive information (such as during online banking). At the same time, a VPN gives you a different IP address that is shared with thousands of other VPN users—this raises your anonymity and makes it virtually impossible for anyone to trace your activity back to you.

Does a VPN hide my browser history?

Your browser history is typically stored inside your browser. Using a VPN will not change this. But you can clear browsing data in Safari.

Your browsing history might also be inferred by others monitoring your internet connection, such as your internet service provider or Wi-Fi operator. ExpressVPN encrypts all data between your device and the ExpressVPN servers, making it impossible for an ISP or rogue Wi-Fi to record the sites you visit.

Note that browser history is not the same as search history. If you are logged in to Google and using its search engine, those searches will be recorded even if you are using a VPN. ( Learn how to delete your Google search history. )

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

No, browsing in Safari's private mode is not the same as using a VPN. Here are some of the key differences between using a VPN and browsing Safari in private mode:

Private browsing hides your local history, preventing anyone who shares your computer from seeing what you’ve been browsing. A VPN does not affect how your browser works.

A VPN encrypts your entire internet connection, shielding your data from ISPs and snoops. Private browsing does not affect encryption.

Private mode only affects the browser, while a VPN covers all traffic passing through your device.

Is there a free VPN for Safari?

Although there are free VPNs and proxy services, they are not recommended as they do not offer the same privacy and security benefits of paid VPN. Many do not work as advertised, some may even sell your data, and most will leave your networks vulnerable to attack.

Read more about free proxy services vs. VPNs.

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

Contact your VPN provider if you find that your VPN service isn’t working with Safari. There may be a number of factors that could be affecting this and it’s best to seek clarification.

Does Safari come with a VPN?

No, Safari itself does not have VPN functionality. The ExpressVPN app on your device will secure your Safari browsing.

Does iPhone’s Safari app have a VPN?

No, Safari on iPhone does not have a built-in VPN. However, you can use a third-party VPN app, like ExpressVPN, to protect your privacy and security when browsing the web on your iPhone.

It’s worth noting that Apple does offer a privacy feature called iCloud Private Relay, which is available on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. Private Relay hides your IP address from websites and app servers, so they can't track your online activity. However, Private Relay does not encrypt your traffic, so it does not offer the same level of privacy protection as a VPN.

Why is my Safari not working with a VPN?

There are a few reasons why your Safari might not be working with a VPN:

Your VPN is not on: Make sure that you have entered your VPN credentials correctly and that your VPN software is turned on.

Your VPN is blocked by your network administrator: Some network administrators block VPN connections, so you may need to contact your IT department for help.

There is a problem with your internet connection: Make sure that you are connected to a stable and reliable internet connection.

There is a problem with your VPN server: Try connecting to a different VPN server to see if that resolves the issue.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting Safari problems with a VPN:

Clear your browser's cache and cookies: Sometimes, cached data or cookies can interfere with a VPN connection. To clear your cache and cookies in Safari, go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data . Select the websites that you want to clear data for, then click Remove .

Open a new private window: You can also ensure no cache or cookies are affecting your session by using a new private window. In Safari, go to File > New Private Window .

Contact support : If you’ve tried the above solutions and your Safari is still not working with a VPN, contact ExpressVPN’s support team for help. They can troubleshoot the issue and help you get your VPN working properly with Safari.

Why should you use a VPN for Safari?

More vpn locations.

Choose from VPN server locations across 105 countries, including the UK , U.S. , Canada , and Australia .

Optimized for speed

ExpressVPN constantly optimizes servers to deliver the fastest speeds possible.

Superior connection reliability

Enjoy industry-leading connection stability and reliability, no matter where you are in the world.

Network Lock kill switch

Network Lock blocks your internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, keeping your data safe.

Best-in-class encryption

Secure and protect all of your data with best-in-class AES 256-bit encryption .

Advanced leak protection

Strong leakproofing is enabled by default, ensuring your privacy and security stay intact.

TrustedServer technology

Audited to confirm privacy protections, TrustedServer sets a new standard for security.

Defeat ISP throttling

ExpressVPN lets you bypass ISP throttling and say goodbye to buffering.

Content from anywhere

Access all the apps and services you need to work, stream, and play.

Live chat support

Contact Support around the clock if you have questions about ExpressVPN on any device.

Access our global VPN servers

Connect to VPN servers in 105 countries from anywhere in the world. See our full list of VPN server locations .

Try the risk-free VPN for Safari

No hassle. Try ExpressVPN for Safari with a 30-day money-back guarantee today and secure your internet!

Choose language

Privacy.net is reader supported and may receive a commission if you buy through links on the site.

8 Best VPNs for Safari in 2024

Dennis Anon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

atlasvpn homepage

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.

Contents [ hide ]

Latest Posts

Best VPN Chromecast

We are reader supported and sometimes earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site.

Best VPNs Safari

> 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 seven 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 seven 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.
  • Atlas VPN : Expected improvement. This provider currently offers a rather limited global server network, and still doesn’t offer support for some popular devices. However, it was recently purchased by NordVPN’s parent company, so expect improvements in the near future.

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 seven 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

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 .

  • 7. Atlas VPN

AtlasVPN

Website:   https://atlasvpn.com/

Money-back guarantee:   30 days

Atlas VPN provides reliable protection for your Safari browsing activities and other online activities, while also providing impressively fast connections.

AtlasVPN’s native support includes apps for macOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and iOS devices. Linux, router and browser extension support are not available but are being developed.

Users can connect as many devices as they’d like at once to the provider’s global server network, which is made up of 750+ servers located in over 42 countries.

Banking-level encryption, a kill switch and other security and privacy protections keep your online antics undercover. The provider offers “Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus” to block malicious websites and ads.

The provider’s no-server-logs-ever policy ensures that no one will ever have access to evidence of your online travels, because the logs don’t exist. Multiple cryptocurrency payment options will help keep your payment information undercover, especially when used with a disposable email address.

Atlas VPN’s connection speeds are fast and can easily handle your favorite online activities. No data cap or throttling policies imposed here.

A live (subscriber only) chat option, email, a contact form, and a support database help you in your time of need.

  • Reliable protection for your online travels
  • Comprehensive security and privacy
  • Fast, well-protected connections
  • No Linux support
  • No router support
  • No browser support

UNLIMITED VPN COVERAGE: Atlas VPN’s reliable online security  and privacy helps protect most Safari users. While the provider lacks support for Linux, routers, and browsers, the company says it is in development. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

  • 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.

Contents [ hide ]

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 .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

VPN.com

The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions For March 2024

The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions

Edited by Michael Gargiulo, Adnan Turner, Haseeb Ali , at VPN.com

Last Updated: January 19, 2024 4:25PM EST

  • 1. What Do We Know About Safari VPN?
  • 2. Unlimited Access To The World Of Content
  • 3. Best VPN Service For Safari
  • 4. The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions Of 2023
  • 5. Advantages Of Using The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions
  • 6. Conclusion

Safari is the default browser for Mac. Hence you are browsing on your Apple device you need to find a credible VPN that works best for the Safari browser.

You need to find an extension VPN for Safari that ensures fast, effective, and confidential browsing. Here we have done complete research after a lot of rigorous testing to find a list of reliable and rapid Safari VPN extensions for you.

What Do We Know About Safari VPN?

In the constantly evolving digital landscape of technology, people tend to find fast and effective browsers. People want to use a secure and safe browser, and that’s where a safari VPN extension free comes into play, ensuring their data and information can be secured from the prying eyes of haters and competitors.

With the advancement of technology, the rates of cyber attacks have been increased. These hackers and malicious attackers use the latest technology to steal your confidential data and information and use it against your business or company or you individually. Having a safari VPN extension free can be a valuable tool to combat this.

The rates of cybersecurity have been increasing at a great rate and the threats of cyber attacks have been roaming around the corner. Hence, incorporating tools like the safari VPN extension free becomes essential. You need to be smarter than these hackers and unauthorized users when it comes to the security or protection of your online browsing and traffic data.

Unlimited Access To The World Of Content

Unlimited Access To The World Of Content

It does not matter whether you want to use this VPN extension for business purposes or just for the sake of secured browsing, online streaming, or gaming. These VPN extensions will provide you unlimited access to the premium websites that are blocked in your area.

It will bypass the area-restricted content and websites. These VPNs provide specific features like they will unleash premium content and giving access to censored services that might not be available to other people.

And the additional benefit is that it will unblock the premium content from all over the world. These VPN extensions support Mac. Most Apple users have been familiar with the Safari browser. It is the most trusted and default browser for Apple devices. The Safari does not carter or work for Windows, Android devices, or Linux.

These VPNs provide an exclusive and significant ecosystem that guarantees significant protection and security against any kind of threat. Let’s have a complete overview and detailed information on ultimate and effective VPNs for Safari.

Best VPN Service For Safari

If you are an Apple user you should know that your browsing is not secured if you are connected to a public network. Any attacker can try to steal your sensitive data and information when you are browsing it could be the data that you are transferring or the confidential information of your innovative business or company.

So if you are using Safari browser to surf the online website you need to put an extra layer of protection to shield your private information and data from malicious hackers.

These VPNs will give you unlimited access to the premium and restricted websites that you can’t access while being connected to the public network with a shield of protecting layers that will keep you safe from hackers and unauthorized users. There are a lot of websites that expose your identity and try to steal your information whenever you access them.

These websites try to impose your identity and invade your privacy so you need to try some reliable and effective VPN service that will keep your identity anonymous. Hence you can have unlimited access to international content, and entertain yourself with video streaming around the world without exposing your original location and identity. Your original location will not let you have direct access to it.

The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions Of 2023

Express vpn.

  • Private VPN

Advantages Of Using The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions

Advantages Of Using The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions

There are several benefits of using the most reliable and efficient VPN safari extensions on Safari. The following is the list of benefits these safari extensions VPNs provide:

These VPNs can be easily installed on your Mac and iOS device and provide a user-friendly interface. Hence it will be easy for the new users to use these safari extensions VPN.

These VPNs provide effective speed and fast loading . So, when using safari extensions, you don’t need to wait for the loading process or face buffering when you are trying to enjoy online streaming or playing video games while being connected to the VPN server.

These VPNs also provide strong encryption like all other VPNs. Your data will be transferred through encrypted tunnels , and when using these safari extensions, if somebody tries to attack or steal the data, it will turn into gibberish. So the attacker will not be able to decode it, rendering it unusable for him.

These VPNs will bypass any geo-restricted website and give you access to premium content that is not available to everyone. Hence you can dodge any restriction related to your geographical location with the help of these safari extensions.

The Nord VPN is the most famous and the most trusted VPN available in the market. It is the top priority of most of the users. It is considered the number of VPNs across the industry because of the highly significant services this VPN provides. This VPN provides unlimited reliable servers in more than 50n countries. Hence you can choose the most effective and fast server you want to connect to, it gives you a list of servers across the 59 countries.

This VPN will bypass any geo-restricted website and give you unlimited access to the entertainment world as well. This VPN service also gives the feature of a logs policy which means your information will not be stored on any server you are connected to. And it gives multi-user features which means you can connect up to 6 devices at the same time. 

Their customer service is quite efficient and they provide a user manual tutorial so you can easily set up your account and face no problem while using this VPN. You can understand the procedure of how to download the VPN on your router manually. And how the connection will be considered as one after being connected to the server.

This VPN also supports iOS and Android devices but it is specifically built to work best for the Safari browser because it provides a supplementary service known as HTTP proxy. The tutorial is given on their website so you will not face any difficulty while setting it up. The proxy is not as efficient as the original VPN itself. But it works well for the secured browsing. This VPN has a significant and the most effective app that yVPN on any Windows PC and Linux.

Well, there are a lot of highly efficient features. These efficient services include strong encryption that provides secured tunnels through which the data you transfer online. It provides a kill switch feature that will immediately shut down your connection if it detects any kind of threat in your device. It also gives you a disguised location so your identity will be secured. Also, you can use the double-hop feature to use this VPN while traveling. This feature will also let you encrypt your connected server twice. 

Surf Shark VPN

This VPN is considered a reliable VPN while being a low-cost VPN. It provides a list of more than 3,000 servers in more than 60 countries. The speed of this VPN is rated as 7 out of 10. It is one of the most relaible VPN in the induistry of VPNs. it is considered the best because of the advantages this VPN serves. This VPN is capable of keeping your browsing data safe and secure.

It will not let any hacker or attacker try to steal your sensitive information from your connected device. It prevents tracking hence no one will have a track or record of your browsing. Hence you can enjoy confidential browsing at quite effective speed. It provides a new search engine so you can browse with its search engine which will ensure privacy.

It blocks all of the malicious ads that may infect your computer. When it changes your original IP engines it also makes sure your previous searches will not try to expose your location. Additionally, this VPN provides multi-user features. Hence you can connect unlimited devices while using this VPN at the same time. 

this VPN offers exclusive modern technologies that you can take advantage of. Surfshark VPN will provide modern features that will enhance your browsing experience. This VPN allows you to change your IP address periodically, while you remain connected to the VPN it will not interrupt your connection. This VPN does not provide a specific extension but you can download its effective application. You can also download this application on  Windows PC, iOS Android, and Linux too. 

This streaming app provides a no-logs policy that means your identity remains confidential with their trusted service. This VPN provides a free trial for a complete week. And the packages of this VPN service are not so costly. That means you can enjoy quality services at a very budget-friendly price. 

Express VPN

There are only a few VPNs that provide the Safari VPN extension, Express VPN is one of them. This VPN extension allows you to use the complete features of the application on the browser. So with this extension VPN you will enjoy secured browsing on your favorite browser with advanced features like Ad blocking and many more quality services like that.

So if you love streaming through a browser then this VPN extension is the perfect tool for you. This VPN provides invaluable services like no other VPN. Additionally, this VPN also supports different operating systems like Android and Linux. It supports different devices like Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Netflix BBC News, Hulu, and so many different top-rated applications. 

The main enhanced feature this VPN provides is its security protocol with an effective speed and highly secured and confidential browsing experience. The prices are quite high because of the quality service this VPN provides like unblocking premium websites. It also provides a multi-user feature where you can connect up to 5 devices at the same time. 

It offers you unlimited access to premium websites and most streaming applications like Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc. This VPN only uses a single-tenancy server that is physically available.

This VPN provides an unpatched vulnerability that has an effect on iOS 13.3.1 or the next versions that do not let the VPN encrypt their online transferred data. This will result in anyone bypassing your data and leaking your identity it must remain confidential at every cost. Hence you need to use the VPN extension to keep your browsing secured and encrypted when you are using the Safari browser.

Conclusion 

The Safari browser does not provide enough security to keep your browsing secure from the prying eyes of attackers. Hence you need a reliable and effective VPN that will keep your data encrypted and give you a secure and confidential browsing experience on your favorite browser. When you are connected to a VPN the data on your Mac device will be encrypted.

And it will be harmless as compared to when you are connected to public Wi-Fi your data is exposed and there are a lot of chances that it may get leaked by any means. Hence, it is crucial to use a reliable VPN service to have peace of mind and a sense of security from any kind of threat .

Customer Reviews for NordVPN: In-Depth Review, Tests, and Stats

The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions For [month_year]

Connection issues with MLB.TV

Prompt customer service, i would highly recommend.

NordVPN: In-Depth Review, Tests, and Stats

  • #1 VPN for Unknown
  • 5800+ high-speed VPN servers worldwide
  • Secure and private access to the internet
  • Protection from ads/trackers and malware

30-day money-back guarantee

The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions For [month_year]

Have a Question? Give us a call on +1-855-VPN-FAST

We're here to help! Contact our friendly team of experts, and we'll answer any questions you may have.

safari extensions vpn

  • Free Trials

VPN Fan

Best VPN Extensions for Safari

Safari icon

No matter what device you are on, using a VPN with Safari is a good idea. These days, it seems that you can’t turn on the radio, TV, or look at the web without hearing about some sort of data breach. By using a VPN, you will encrypt your web data. Instead of leaving yourself open to cybertheft, it will make it much more difficult for would-be criminals to steal your sensitive information. Even if you encrypt the files on your computer or iPhone, connecting to the internet could leave you vulnerable without one.

Another benefit of using a VPN with Safari is its ability to get around geo-restrictions. If you are not familiar with the term, those are what stop you from seeing content from different parts of the world. They may be levied by the workplace (such as a workplace firewall), a school (or college campus), a media streaming company (like Amazon or Netflix), or even by governments (if the country you are in has censorship rules). When you connect to the server of your choice, you make the blocking software think you are located somewhere else. That means you should be able to get around geo-blocks just as if you were.

Now that you see the importance of VPNs when using Safari, it is sometimes hard to know what the best VPN are or find great options for Mac and iOS users. Windows and Android users have an easier time and more of a selection. There are hundreds of VPN providers that offer products in the community currently. Unfortunately, many of them are either slow or have security issues (such as information leaks). Let’s look at some factors that make for a good VPN service for Safari.

  • Number of servers – Take a close look at the total number of VPN servers and where they are located. A VPN provider with only a few servers can make things really slow. That is because the servers can get overloaded quickly
  • Encryption protocols – Though many of the providers offer several protocols, the one you will want to look for is OpenVPN. Occasionally, you will still see providers that offer the PPTP protocol. If you see that one, do not use it unless you have no other choice. OpenVPN provides the best mix of speed and security, and experts consider it to be the gold standard. If they offer you the choice between the UDP and TCP version of OpenVPN, the UDP version is faster but not quite as stable.
  • Reliability and openness –  You want to make sure that the provider does not have DNS leaks. Otherwise, you defeat the purpose of using a VPN. From the privacy aspect, you want to make sure that the provider is transparent with its policies.
  • Fast servers – Last but certainly not least, server speed is important. If you plan on using Safari to stream content, the last thing you want is to have your show or event buffer in the middle.

VPN vs. Proxy – Which is Better for Safari Users?

We’ll keep things very simple. Do you want to protect your privacy or unblock restrictions across all your Mac and iOS apps? If so then you will want to use a VPN. If you’re goal is simply to circumvent geo-restrictions on a website that you plan to view in Safari then proxy or VPN will work. We strongly suggest you use VPN since the encryption will help protect your privacy inside and outside of Safari. If you connect using the ExpressVPN Safari extension it will actually activate their VPN client which secures all your communications.

Safari VPN Extension vs. Plugin

You might hear people make reference to VPN extensions and plugins for Safari. You will also see people refer to VPN and proxy extensions as the same thing. They are not. If you want to encrypt your data and gain access to content in other regions on any device then you will want to use a VPN. ExpressVPN adds another feature called MediaStreamer which acts as a Smart DNS service to unblock geo-restrictions. You simply download their VPN client which includes a Safari VPN extension for the service. You can also make use of MediaStreamer on gaming consoles and media players including Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV devices.

Given those factors we just mentioned, we’ll now take a look at the best VPNs for Safari.

1. Best VPN Extension for Safari: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the only true VPN extensions for the Safari browser. To start, you will want to sign up for ExpressVPN and log into their website. From there you can download the latest ExpressVPN client for Mac which includes the Safari extension.

ExpressVPN Safari

The ExpressVPN Safari extension allows you to select a server location down to the city as shown in the image above. The client will select the fastest server in your chosen location. We went ahead and selected the top server listed in Safari which was USA – New York. As you can see, the server was fast with a download speed was 59.80 Mbps.

ExpressVPN NYC speed test

As you see below, we ran a DNS leak test to ensure the browser extension wasn’t leaking our true location and found that ExpressVPN passed without any issues.

ExpressVPN Safari Leaktest

While ExpressVPN is sold at a higher price point than the other services in our list, the value is high given the size of their network and service features. You can connect to the service with up to 3 devices simultaneously with a single VPN account from just $6.67 a month with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Visit ExpressVPN

2. Best VPN for Safari: NordVPN

NordVPN

As with some of the other providers, NordVPN does not have a true extension for Safari. Because of that, you will need to connect to the NordVPN client first. Once connected, you can open Safari and browse like you expect to.

For testing reasons, we connected to servers in Atlanta. Unfortunately, the NordVPN client does not show the city of the server. You have to know the server numbers for the ones you want to connect to. If you want to connect to Atlanta like we are, you will want to connect to one of the following servers: 369-372, 561-568, 665-676, 681-684, 940-955 . The easiest way to select a specific server number is to select the “Servers” tab in the app and then sort the results in alphabetical order. You can then scroll down and select any of the server numbers we have listed above. You can see the load time percentage and the distance to each server. We tested a server in Atlanta and the download speed was 57.49 Mbps.

NordVPN Charlotte speed test

Of course, we have to perform the leak test on NordVPN as well. In the image you see below, our test found only one server and it was the correct one for our goals. That means you won’t have any leaking issues with this one, either.

NordVPN Leaktest for Safari

Want to access streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world? If so NordVPN is a great choice. They are one of the only VPN services that can still unblock Netflix. You can sign up for unlimited VPN and SmartDNS service from just $3.49 a month with a 30-day guarantee.

Visit NordVPN

3. Best VPN for Safari: PIA

Private Internet Access

PIA’s Windows client is streamlined. That means you won’t find much to it as far as set up and usage. That said, it is anything but simple. PIA offers different levels of privacy protection depending on your needs. You can control encryption levels and find the right balance between privacy and speed. As you can see, our speed test showed that PIA was running at 62.02 Mbps.

PIA Philadelphia speed test

Lastly, we wanted to show you that PIA does well with their leak test, too. The image below shows the one server provided by PIA. As you can see it will definitely keep you safe.

PIA Leaktest for Safari

When it comes to their client for Mac, the PIA team has included an Internet kill switch. The kill switch will kill your Internet connection anytime the VPN fails. That can really come in handy for those wanting to ensure anonymity around the world. Private Internet Access offers VPN from just $2.69 a month with a 7-day money back guarantee.

Visit Private Internet Access

4. Best VPN for Safari: CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost

CyberGhost was founded in 2001 by 7 enthusiastic young team members in Bucharest, Romania. Since that time the company has grown into one of the largest VPN services in the world. The team of 50+ members is focused on protecting users privacy. Robert Knapp, co-founder and CEO, continues to lead the team even after they joined the Crossrider group in 2017. Since that time, the CyberGhost network has expanded quite a bit.

CyberGhost CyberGhost offers a nice mix of server locations, strong encryption, and the ability to unblock popular streaming services like Apple TV, Netflix, YouTube Red, and others. Some of the channels even let you unblock geo-restrictions for multiple regions. For example, you can access Amazon Prime video content in the US, Germany, or UK. The Windows client also gives you the option to surf anonymously, protect Wi-Fi, torrent anonymously, unblock basic websites (Google, Facebook Instagram, etc.), and choose a server.

CyberGhost VPN does not offer a true Safari extension. Because of that, you will have to connect first and then you can start using Safari. As a test, we wanted to see how CyberGhost performed when using Safari. We opened the Mac client (it looks very similar to the Windows version) and chose the “Choose My Server” option. Now, you can expand to any country and choose a specific server. The network offers many servers in quite a few different locations. For our speed test, we decided to test a server in Los Angeles. Our download speed was 54.96 Mbps.

CyberGhost LA speed test

Just as before, we wanted to do a leak test with the CyberGhost VPN client for Safari. In the image below, you see the result of that test. The only server they show is the New York server that we connected to.

CyberHost VPN Leaktest for Safari

The CyberGhost VPN client is one of our favorites. It is very easy to use and includes a number of advanced features to help protect your online privacy. They have a development team in Germany that is continually adding features to the client and mobile apps. You can sign up for full access to the CyberGhost network from just $2.75 a month with their 30-day guarantee.

Visit CyberGhost

5. Best VPN for Safari: IPVanish

IPVanish

Unfortunately, IPVanish does not have a true browser extension for Safari. In other words, you will have to connect to the program first and then you can start browsing. They have fast servers in a number of locations and you can expect them to be reliable. They also have one of the biggest networks in the US, so that makes them a good choice to use daily.

Along with a large footprint in the USA, you can expect to find servers on every continent other than Antarctica. They also consistently do well on our speed tests in North America and Europe. You will find multiple server locations in countries like the US and UK. Once you choose one, you can select the city and even the server you want to use.

IPVanish hosts many servers all over the world and you can choose to connect to any of them. We suggest selecting one that starts with “a” in the server name. For example atl. a01 .ipvanish.com. In most cases, you will find the “a” servers to be the fastest. We tested an IPVanish server in Atlanta and found the speed to be 63.76 Mbps on our cable Internet connection that maxes out around the same speed.

IPVanish Atlanta speed test

We also like to test for DNS leaks to test the software. If you see multiple servers or you see one that is not provided by the VPN company, that indicates an issue. As you see in the image below, IPVanish passes the test.

IPVanish LeakTest for Safari

When it comes to value IPVanish is hard to beat. They offer unlimited access to their VPN network and custom software for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Firestick and more for $8.00 a month or $62.39 a year. That works out to just $5.20 a month on the annual plan. A 7-day money back guarantee covers all new members.

Visit IPVanish

And there you have it. Though there is only one true browser extension for the Safari browser, the options we just mentioned are the best choices to use with it. You are now protecting yourself against DNS leaks and using the best VPN options for Safari.

Looking for something?

Best free VPNs for Mac | Stay private online for free

River Hart

With so many VPN services on the market, there's never been a better time for online privacy – but censorship, government surveillance, and cybercriminals have also grown with the times. In order to stay secure online and gain watertight privacy, we recommend you use a VPN for Mac .

VPN services can often be expensive, which can put some people off. We believe everyone should have the right to protect their privacy, so we have listed the best free VPNs for Mac users. Free VPN services have some limitations compared to paid services, which we will also explain in this article.

What is the best free VPN for Mac?

We have listed the best free VPNs for Mac below. If you want to know more about why we've chosen each provider, please keep scrolling to see our in-depth analysis.

These free services will provide users with strong encryption and will keep you safe and secure online, however, they aren't great for streaming. Unfortunately, these services have the following limitations:

  • Fewer server locations to connect to.
  • Usage limits/download limitations.
  • Bandwidth restrictions (slow connection speeds).
  • Inability to unblock Netflix and access other such services – check out our Netflix VPN guide for a list of services that work with Netflix.

Best free VPNs for Mac – In-depth analysis

We take a closer look at our recommended free VPNs for Mac below. For more information on any of the listed providers, be sure to click through and check out our in-depth VPN reviews .

1. Hotspot Shield Editor's Choice | March 2024

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is the best free VPN for Mac. It gives users plenty of options with unlimited data allowance and superb privacy features.

  • 36 months: $2.99/mth 76% OFF
  • 12 months: $7.99/mth 38% OFF
  • 1 month: $12.99/mth
  • Free: $0/mth
  • Great apps for Mac, Android, iOS, and Windows
  • Browser extensions and router and smartTV support
  • Proprietary Hydra protocol, very fast and secure
  • Good speeds for more data-intensive tasks
  • No data caps
  • Based in the US
  • No Linux support with free plan
  • Some invasive policies even on elite

Available on

  • Amazon Prime
  • www.hotspotshield.com

AirVPN Demo

AirVPN Demo

Hotspot Shield is a US-based free VPN that provides unlimited service, without data caps. This is very generous and quite rare for free VPN providers! Admittedly, free users may only connect to a server in the US, but this will suit many people because it will let them safely access the most in-demand content.

Impressive speeds

Hotspot Shield provides fast speeds, making it a good choice for your data-heavy tasks. It comes with its own proprietary Hydra protocol, which ensures impressive speeds, without compromising your security. You get to access all popular social media platforms (even from China), such as Instagram and Twitter, and streaming services like YouTube , Netflix, Amazon Prime , and Twitch.

Bear in mind that the free plan offers only one server location, so if you wish to access a greater variety of international content, consider upgrading to Premium. The upgrade will give you access to all of its 115 locations and you'll be able to use the servers that are specially optimized for streaming.

Free but secure

Hotspot Shield operates on a "freemium" business model, so unlike most other free VPNs, it's transparent where its earnings are coming from. This provider uses the money from its paid subscriptions to offset the costs of the free ones. So you don't have to worry that by using its free service, you'll get involved in any kind of illegal data trade or such. You will, however, be seeing some ads with the free plan, which aren't there with the Premium one.

We love Hotspot Shield because it has helped millions of users worldwide during times of political upheaval – allowing them to access blocked social media and news in their time of need.

Beginner-friendly

Hotspot Shield is a hustle-free VPN, that's perfectly suitable for VPN newbies. Its download and setup will only take a few minutes of your time, and then you're ready to protect your browsing and other activities. It's worth mentioning as well that its Premium plan comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so if you ever decide to upgrade, you can do it without risking your cash.

Hide.me

Hide.me is the fastest free Mac VPN. It's super-fast, so you can unblock content in complete privacy without paying a dime. It comes with up to 10 GB a month and has fantastic Mac software.

  • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $3.84/mth 62% OFF
  • 12 months: $6.66/mth 34% OFF
  • 1 month: $9.95/mth
  • Up to eight server locations with the free plan
  • Apps for all popular platforms
  • Limited features with free plan
  • Only 10GB a month for free
  • Only one device connection with the free plan
  • www.hide.me

Hide.me Demo

Hide.me Demo

Hide.me is a Malaysian VPN that provides an extremely generous free plan that's great for Mac users. The VPN is secure thanks to strong OpenVPN encryption and has a zero-logs policy to ensure your web browsing habits are always private. That means you can trust this VPN to provide data privacy and security for your MacBook both at home and on public WiFi.

Servers in key locations

For free, users get access to five server locations (Netherlands, Germany, the US West, the US East, and Canada). This is more than most other VPN providers on this list, which means less congestion and better speeds. Not to mention, these are all great server spots, so you'll be able to access a plethora of international content. 

However, if you're looking for a server in Australia – or another country that's not on this list, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan or try a different free VPN for Mac. On the plus side, Hide.me lets you download 10 GB of data each month at speeds of up to 80 Mbps – which makes this free VPN for macOS extremely versatile!

Highly customizable

Hide. me is also the most feature-rich VPN on this list. Unfortunately, most of its premium features don't become available to you unless you subscribe to a paid service, however, you get the same level of privacy and security as with the Premium plan. Besides, regardless of which plan you choose, Hide.me won't log any of your online activities thanks to its strict privacy policy.

Some of the advanced features which hide me offers include:

  • Multihop – you get directed through multiple server locations with a single online activity, for even more privacy.
  • Split tunneling – you can select which of your favorite apps will go through a VPN tunnel, and which you'll use directly.
  • Stealth Guard – works as a kill-switch. It stops all your online activities in case your VPN drops, and in that way protects you from data leaks.
  • WireGuard protocol – the latest and greatest in the industry, ensures better speeds without compromising your security.
  • Dynamic Port Forwarding – ideal for ardent torrenters. Expands your torrenting options.

Independently audited

Not many free VPNs, or even paid ones, boast audited services – and even fewer of them have been independently audited. Hide.me, on the other hand, was among the first VPNs to get independently audited in 2015. This shows a great deal of transparency and dedication, and it's exactly the attitude we like to see in a VPN provider.

Also, unlike most free VPNs, Hide.me provides 24/7 free customer support to ALL its customers. This is a great benefit, especially for VPN newbies. You get to explore all the advantages of this VPN with peace of mind, and you'll always have somebody to contact in case you encounter a bump on the road. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included too, for those willing to try Premium, without the risk of losing money.

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers an unlimited free VPN plan and great MacOS software, with access to servers in The Netherlands, Japan, and USA.

  • 24 months: $4.99/mth 51% OFF
  • 12 months: $5.99/mth 41% OFF
  • 1 month: $9.99/mth
  • Free trial: $0/mth
  • Accepts payment in Bitcoin and cash
  • DNS leak protection and a kill-switch
  • Free plan is limited to three servers
  • No kill switches for macOS or iOS
  • Servres' congestion sometimes lead to slowing down

Proton Demo

Proton Demo

ProtonVPN is an excellent free VPN by the developers of Proton Mail. This makes it a highly trusted service in terms of privacy. It is a zero-logs service based in Switzerland that lets Mac users enjoy VPN usage on an unlimited basis.

Truly unlimited free VPN

ProtonVPN is the only VPN on this list, aside from Hotspot Shield, that doesn't measure or limit your data transfers or your speeds. That's pretty mind-blowing because it means you can use it all day every day, without worrying about when your free VPN allowance will get used up.

Free users get access to servers in the Netherlands, Japan, and the USA, which is less than you get with Hide.me but it still gives you plenty of options for streaming and browsing. However, please bear in mind that speeds will get deteriorated at peak hours to prevent congestion. That said, I found it to provide pretty good speeds for a free VPN.

Layered security

ProtonVPN is another security-driven software product by famous Proton Mail developers. The company is Swiss-based, so you can rest assured your privacy is well taken care of. And, for those who are still not convinced, ProtonVPN applies a strict no-logs policy, which is another great layer of security.

On top of that, this VPN provides strong OpenVPN encryption to ensure your data is always safe. A great free VPN that is well worth trying, but is missing some of the advanced features you get with the premium version. The good news, though, is that you can always easily upgrade to a premium plan – and with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Exceptional cross-platform compatibility

With ProtonVPN you get free apps for all your devices, including GUI apps for Linux and Chromebook. All its apps are slick, modern, and ad-free, so you can get the best out of ProtonVPN service, hustle-free. But why trust us, when you can try it and use it for free?

4. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is an all-round free VPN for Mac, with great customization on offer and impressive speeds. Premium plan includes additional services like ads and malware protection.

  • 24 months: $2.05/mth 82% OFF
  • 12 months: $3.29/mth 71% OFF
  • 1 month: $10.99/mth
  • Impressive speeds (even with the free plan)
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • A highly customizable VPN service
  • Free plan limited to 5,000 MB off data traffic per month
  • Fewer server locations than VPNs above
  • No Linux support

AtlasVPN Demo

AtlasVPN Demo

AtlasVPN is another stellar free VPN choice for Mac. It comes with excellent apps for this and all the other popular platforms, including iOS, Windows, Android, Mac TV, and Amazon Fire TV. 

No speed limitations

You get unlimited simultaneous connections even with the free version, which means online protection for your entire household. However, as usual, I recommend upgrading to a premium plan (don't worry, it comes without a premium price tag). Only then can you unlock the full potential of this VPN, with access to hundreds of blazing-fast servers, unlimited data traffic, and premium features.

If you prefer to stick to the free version, the good news is it comes with no speed limitations (its speeds are impressive for a free service provider). But, to avoid disappointment, remember you could experience some slowing down during the peak hours. The reason for this is you only get to choose between three free server locations, which can get congested if all the other free users connect at the same time.

Strong privacy features

Privacy and security-wise, free AtlasVPN is a superb choice. You get robust encryption, a choice of VPN protocols (including the latest and greatest WireGuard protocol ), advanced features like SafeBrowse, which blocks malicious websites, and a kill-switch .

You won't experience bandwidth limitations with the free plan, but you only get an allowance of 5,000 free MB a month. Admittedly, this is less than what ProtonVPN offers, but more than most other VPN data allowances on this list.

Great value VPN

To sum it up, AtlasVPN is a free VPN of great value, with a slick and easy-to-use free app for Mac and other devices. It's perfect for browsing and protecting your device on less secure public networks.

And if, at any point, 5,000 MB becomes insufficient for your day-to-day needs, you can easily upgrade to a premium plan and go unlimited – for less than $2 a month, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

5. Windscribe

Windscribe

Windscribe is a reliable free VPN for Mac. It offers most of its premium features in its free plan, only limited by a data cap. It has great MacOS software and a strong encryption.

  • 12 months: $4.08/mth
  • 1 month: $9/mth
  • Strong encryption options
  • Customizable plans
  • Add and malware blocking tool
  • Live chat support, but can be slow
  • WebRTC IPv6 leak on Mac
  • Based in Canada

Windscribe Demo

Windscribe Demo

Windscribe is a free VPN for Mac that is good for those who need plenty of use of a VPN for free. It is a secure service with apps for all platforms that will let you connect to servers in a total of 10 countries.

Versatile service

Overall, I found the VPN to be versatile and secure thanks to its no-logs policy and watertight encryption. However, do bear in mind that it is based in Canada which means the provider is subject to Canadian surveillance laws and FIVE EYES snooping. This may put some users off depending on their threat model.

However, we still think this is a useful free VPN that anybody can use to bypass restrictions and censorship. A secure service that does not skimp on privacy and stores zero logs. 

More than just a VPN

Windscribe's plans, both free and paid, are highly customizable. The free plan offers a whopping 10 server locations, with an option to choose your servers for $1 per location per month. On top of that, you get to earn more data and more bandwidth via Twitter and various referral programs.

Its ad and malware blocking tool, called R.O.B.E.R.T., can also be adjusted according to your needs and is available with all plans – a great bonus for free subscribers. A long list of advanced app and in-browser features will become available to you if you decide to upgrade to the Windscribe Pro plan – and you can check if they're worth the money with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

6. TunnelBear

TunnelBear

TunnelBear offers a fantastic free VPN for Mac users that want a large server network. It lets users access 19 server locations, has a 500 MB monthly data limit, and has a slick MacOS app.

  • 24 months: $4.17/mth 58% OFF
  • 12 months: $4.99/mth 50% OFF
  • Strong OpenVPN encryption
  • Pretty good connection speeds
  • "VigilantBear" killswitch feature
  • Email support only
  • Only 500MB of downloads per month
  • No money-back guarantee with paid plans

Tunnelbear Demo

Tunnelbear Demo

TunnelBear VPN is a free service for Mac that is also based in Canada. Again, this isn’t the best location we can think of for a privacy service to be based. However, it keeps no invasive logs that could put you at risk and its service has been audited to show that it is secure.

A complete servers' list for free

TunnelBear offers servers in 47 countries worldwide, all of which are available to you with the free plan. This is the only VPN on our list which allows you to access its complete servers network for free, so it's ideal for the folks who like to have more options.

Strong AES 256-bit encryption and Ghost Bear feature are other good reasons to consider this VPN. Ghost Bear makes you less detectable to governments, ISPs, and various other third parties, so your online activities remain private. This also means you can bypass various firewalls , including the great firewall of China.

Secure your browsing

On the downside, TunnelBear only lets users have 500MB of downloads per month – which means it is only going to be useful to people who want to read restricted news or secure their browsing. For streaming and other data-intensive tasks, stick to a VPN above.

Still, TunnelBear provides more location choices than any other VPN on this list, making it useful for circumventing censorship without paying. Also, if you decide to upgrade to an unlimited data plan, this VPN is quite an affordable option. 

The best antivirus for Mac users & tips for keeping your Mac virus free

6 best password managers for mac, 10 best vpns for mac in 2022 | vpn software for macos, what's the catch with using a free vpn for mac.

There are hundreds of free services on the market, and the vast majority of them log your data to sell to third-party crooks and provide little, if any, encryption. This is the polar opposite of what a VPN is supposed to do, and if you value privacy, it is important to stay away from these services. The providers behind these use the services to catch people out and steal user data.

Luckily, there are some free VPNs for Mac that you can trust. While it is extremely generous of some of the best VPN services to let consumers use their service for free, there are some caveats.

A free service is likely to cap your data. You'll have a daily or monthly allowance, and if you run over it, you'll no longer be able to use the VPN. This means your normal internet connection will resume, and both restricted and geo-blocked sites will become inaccessible once more.

Free services usually offer limited bandwidth, too. This isn't ideal for streaming as it can cause buffering and can slow down your connection.

A free VPN for Mac is likely to:

  • Have monthly data caps.
  • Use bandwidth limitations.
  • Limit the number of servers you can choose from.
  • Be unable to unblock anything.

Anything claiming to have unlimited internet for free is risky and you should steer clear. If you pay for a VPN, you'll have your pick of all of its servers. This isn't the case with most free services. They will usually have a reduced number of servers available for free users, and sometimes they simply won't be in the locations that you need them to be for unblocking content.

At the end of the day, there is no real way to get a full premium VPN experience for free. So if you require a VPN on a daily basis, it is probably worth investing to get a full unrestricted experience. There are plenty of cheap VPN services out there that are fantastic for streaming and have excellent privacy and security features, this could be an option.

Don't despair, however. A free VPN for Mac users can still be a powerful privacy tool , provided you don't need to stream.

Why use a free VPN for Mac?

Using a VPN will make your Mac more secure . Macs are just as susceptible to viruses and malware as a Windows machine. They're also being targeted by hackers more often now, thanks to a rise in popularity. Luckily, a VPN is the perfect tool to safeguard against malware and tracking – and even a free VPN for Mac can do more than you might expect.

A VPN conceals your IP address, thereby preventing your online activity from being logged by the sites you visit or your ISP. You can also access geo-blocked content with a VPN. This includes streaming sites, news outlets, and social media pages that might otherwise be restricted (either by your workplace or government). Additionally, by installing a VPN on your device, you'll be able to use it safely when in public, seeing as public WiFi connections are notoriously dangerous.

It can be tricky to find VPN software compatible with Macs, and that goes double if you want a free service. This is due to OpenVPN not being built into the macOS. Luckily, other secure protocols exist, and below, we've run through 6 of the best VPNs for Apple Mac users.

What to look for in a free VPN for Mac

Whilst there isn't an overabundance of free VPNs for Macs out there, you can still afford to be picky – don't get sucked in by the promise of a "free” service without checking the small print. All the providers we've listed above should be more than enough to protect your average browsing session, but there are things to look out for when shopping around:

  • Strong encryption – you'll want your details and history to remain private, so tried-and-true encryption is a must.
  • DNS leak protection – even with a VPN, you're not guaranteed to be protected from critical DNS leaks and the threat they represent, so make sure your VPN offers this functionality.
  • Kill switch – a handy tool that'll keep you protected in the event that your VPN connection drops… or if you forget to switch it on.
  • A zero-log policy – you have a right to online privacy, and no reputable VPN provider stores its users' activity logs.
  • Customer service – even a free service shouldn't skimp on customer service!
  • Ease of use – the last thing anybody wants is to waste time in complicated menus and UI settings; look for clean menus and quick installation.

How to install a free VPN for Mac?

Luckily, there's nothing to it. All you need to do is pick a provider – we've highlighted five of the best – and follow these three steps. You'll have your shiny new free VPN for your Mac up and running in no time!

  • Navigate to your VPN provider's homepage and download the Mac OS X files.
  • Follow the installation wizard when it begins, and log in using your credentials.
  • Pick a server (this might be affected by which locations are available or the content you're trying to access) and hit connect – Voila! You're all ready to go.

How we picked the best free VPNs for Mac – testing methodology

Finding a reliable and secure VPN is not easy, especially among the free VPNs. This category of VPNs is particularly risky because many of them use unscrupulous methods to earn money – seeing as they're not charging for their services. That's why we rarely recommend free VPNs, and if we do, those are usually the VPNs that also offer paid plans. To them, free plans serve as a promotional strategy, and premium ones are how they pay their bills. So at least you know where their money comes from and there's less chance they are involved in any sort of data trade or similar fishy activities.

Of course, there's much more to it when choosing a good free VPN. ProPrivacy has a team of experts who compare and review market-leading providers daily, and who are always up to date with the latest news and innovations from the world of VPNs and cybersecurity in general. With each guide or comparison, we apply our thorough review and testing methodology , composed and perfected over the course of almost 10 years.

Our testing consists of many important steps, and we never skimp on details. For a start, we check whether a VPN has strong encryption to keep your browsing and other online activities safe. Multiple encryption protocols are a big plus as well. We make sure there are no DNS leaks, so you get the VPN privacy you need. Naturally, the VPNs we recommend must be fast enough and have stable connections to be useful.

Here you can see the other important factors we took into consideration when picking the best free VPNs for macOS:

  • Custom apps for macOS that are fully functional and easy to use
  • Servers in key locations to support your activities and bypass censorship
  • Advanced privacy features , such as a kill-switch and DNS leak protection
  • The ability to access popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer
  • A free subscription plan that will allow you to use or test the service for free 
  • A money-back guarantee , so you can upgrade to a premium plan risk-free anytime you wish to do so

Is a free VPN for Mac fast enough for streaming?

Unfortunately, free VPNs have fewer servers than their premium counterparts. This causes servers to become congested, which makes them too slow for data-intensive tasks such as streaming, gaming, torrenting, and video conferencing. 

In addition to having slow servers, free VPNs are often non-optimized for streaming platforms. This means that those servers will not work to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other popular services. VPNs keep this kind of access exclusively for their paid users, to make people want to upgrade to a paid plan.

Ultimately, you can try a free VPN to stream if you want to - and it may work with YouTube and some other streaming platforms. However, due to their slow speeds, you are likely to experience high levels of buffering, low-quality video playback, and lag.

In addition, you should not expect a free VPN to work with popular streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. This is because free VPNs have already been blocked by these streaming services. 

Can I use a free VPN to protect me on public wifi?

Yes. As long as the free VPN you have selected provides strong encryption for your data, then it will work to protect your privacy on public wifi. This means that you have to be careful about which free VPN you use; they are not all created equally.

The important thing to remember is that studies have revealed that many free VPNs lack encryption, suffer from leaks, and even have app and server vulnerabilities. These VPNs will not prevent ISPs or wifi networks from detecting what you are doing online. They will fail to protect you against hackers.

This means that you must choose a free VPN provider extremely carefully. Only a few trustworthy VPN providers have a free plan that offers the same level of protection as a premium service, and the vast majority of the free VPNs you will find on app stores or Google searches are likely to be insecure.

We'd recommend any of the free VPNs for Mac users, but note that they are limited services. This doesn't mean that they're useless, however. A free service can still provide much-needed security for day-to-day browsing, and journalists and reporters can use them to quickly and freely access sites that would otherwise be restricted.

Depending on what you're doing online, a free VPN for Mac could be all you need or a great way to decide whether you want to take the plunge and commit to a premium plan.

wasn't right for you?

We recommend you check out one of these alternatives:

ExpressVPN

The fastest VPN we test, unblocks everything, with amazing service all round

NordVPN

A large brand offering great value at a cheap price

Private Internet Access

One of the largest VPNs, voted best VPN by Reddit

PrivateVPN

One of the cheapest VPNs out there, but an incredibly good service

  • Desktop / Mobile
  • VeePN Antivirus
  • VPN Servers
  • Kill Switch
  • Extra Features
  • Remove Blocks
  • Access Content
  • Unblock Websites
  • VPN for Gaming
  • Stream Media
  • Stream Music
  • VPN for Netflix
  • VPN for ChatGPT
  • Protect Your Data
  • Internet Privacy
  • Anonymous IP
  • Conceal Identity
  • Prevent Tracking
  • Browse Safely
  • Online Security
  • VPN Encryption
  • What Is My IP?
  • Hide Your IP

icon

Is There a VPN for Safari, And What to Look For in One? 

If you’re looking for a VPN extension for Safari browser, technically, it doesn’t exist. But that doesn’t mean you can’t protect your Safari traffic in any other way. And no, it’s not with the Private Relay from Apple (more on that later) — we have just the solution that’ll cover all traffic security needs and beyond.

Avatar photo

  • Privacy on any Wi-Fi
  • No data and speed caps
  • One account, 10 devices
  • 2 500+ servers in 89 locations

Does Safari have a VPN?

No , while there used to be a VPN extension for Safari, that’s no longer the case. And even if there was one, it wouldn’t stand close to a full VPN app. VPN browser extensions only touch upon the data within the browser, leaving the rest of your Internet traffic as it is — vulnerable to threats and facing online blocks.

Pro tip: Learn more about how VPN app vs VPN browser extension stack against one another. 

What’s the best VPN for Safari?

If you’re looking for a Safari VPN alternative, your best bet is the VPN for macOS/iOS — a dedicated VPN app for the Apple device that’ll affect all the data your iPhone or Mac sends and receives, not just Safari-related traffic.  

And if you need a top-rated VPN for Safari, consider VeePN. It’s an Apple-approved VPN app, which you can download on your iPhone and Mac (and other operating systems, for that matter). 

Let’s learn more about what perks this VPN provides and what makes a good VPN for Safari overall.  

What to look for in a Safari VPN? 

To choose the right VPN for Safari — that is, a VPN for your iOS or macOS device — pay attention to the following factors:

  • Compatibility with iOS/macOS. Well, obviously , you need a VPN app you can download on your Apple device.  
  • VPN encryption. Look for a Safari VPN that offers strong AES-256 encryption to protect your online activities and keep your data secure from potential threats.
  • Available locations. Consider the VPN’s server locations to make sure they cover the regions you need. This will let you access content from different countries or bypass Internet restrictions .
  • VPN protocols . Check if the VPN supports reliable protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard, which provide a secure and stable connection for your browsing needs.
  • Pricing . Compare pricing plans to find a VPN for Safari that fits your budget while still offering the features and performance you require.
  • Ad blocker (preferred). If you prefer an ad-free browsing experience, choose a Safari VPN that includes an ad-blocking feature to improve your online privacy.

VPN for Safari

With VeePN checking all of the boxes above, give it a try as your Safari VPN. Get the VeePN app to protect your privacy and run it on your iPhone and/or Mac. Make your browsing private and avoid online blocks with a strong encryption and VeePN’s servers in 89 locations across the globe.  

Let’s find out how you can use our VPN for Safari on your device.  

How to use a VPN in Safari?

On to the details — here’s how to install a VPN on Safari on your iOS or Mac device. 

How to get a VPN for Safari on Mac

  • Go for one of the VeePN plans — all risk-free backed by a money-back guarantee.  
  • Download a VPN for Mac . 
  • Install the app on your device and create an account. 
  • If you just want to hide your IP address , leave Optimal Location on. If you want to change your virtual location, select a specific country to connect to. 

How to get a VPN for Safari on Mac

  • Click Connect to turn on your VPN. 

How to get a VPN for Safari on Mac

  • With a VPN for Safari on your Mac up and running now, open the Safari browser and surf the web protected! 

How to get a VPN for Safari on iOS

Setup instructions are similar here. 

  • Sign up for VeePN. 
  • Download our VPN for Safari on your iPhone.
  • Install the app and create an account. 
  • If you just want to protect your browsing in Safari, leave Optimal Location on. If you want to change your virtual location, select a specific country to connect to. 

How to get a VPN for Safari on iOS

  • Tap Connect on the main screen to turn on the Safari VPN. 

How to get a VPN for Safari on iOS

And just like that — open the Safari browser with a strong online protection and no content blocks in your way. 

iCloud Private Relay vs VPN: Same or not? 

Last but not least, if you want your VPN extension for Safari to be an Apple product, the closest thing to it is iCloud Private Relay . To use it, you have to be an iCloud+ subscriber. 

Private Relay vs VPN compared

Is Private Relay a VPN ? No. Does it create a more private environment for browsing on Safari? Yes. 

Here’s how the two differ. 

1. Encryption

  • VPN : Encrypts all data sent and received through its app, even on public networks.
  • Private Relay : Encrypts only Safari, DNS-related traffic, and a small subset of app traffic.

2. Access to global content and overcoming restrictions

  • VPN : Enables access to global content, useful for streaming home country’s entertainment catalog while abroad and bypassing censorship.
  • Private Relay: Complies with geo-blocking, doesn’t mask general region or city, limiting access to content and overcoming restrictions.

3. IP address and privacy protection:

  • VPN : Masks your IP address, prevents tracking and profiling by third parties like advertisers.
  • Private Relay: Hides IP address only in Safari, not in other browsers or apps, providing limited privacy protection.

4. Online security:

  • VPN : Offers strong encryption and security features for a better online security, like Kill Switch and DNS leak protection. 
  • Private Relay: Provides limited security features, focusing primarily on privacy in Safari browser only.

Private Relay vs VPN

To sum it up, let’s recap when it’s better to choose either solution. 

So, if you’re already an iCloud+ subscriber, you can consider Private Relay as a free but limited alternative to VPN extension for Safari. However, a premium VPN offers more advantages and perks.

How to turn on/off iCloud Private Relay

If you think that Apple Private Relay will (or won’t) get the job done, here’s how to enable and disable it: 

  • Go to Settings and tap your Apple ID name at the top > iCloud .

How to turn on/off iCloud Private Relay

  • Choose Private Relay and flip the toggle on or off. 

How to turn on/off iCloud Private Relay

Note : On macOS, the feature is under Apple ID and iCloud in System Preferences.

With iCloud Private Relay on, you can also go to IP Address Location to decide which location info to share:

  • You can report your general location (which city you’re closest to, more or less). This way, local data like the weather forecast will show up correctly.
  • You can use a broader location for your IP address and only report your country and time zone to the websites that request it.

How to change IP Address Location information with iCloud Private Relay

Go for a top VPN for Safari — try VeePN 

While no VPN providers offer a separate VPN extension for Safari, there is a way to stay safe while browsing. Just get VeePN, a VPN solution compatible with both iOS and macOS . Protect your data, access needed content, and get rid of annoying ads just for a few bucks a month ( spoiler alert — some plans can get you up to 85% off and are all backed up by a money-back guarantee).  

VeePN is a way to go for improving your online security (find our other Internet safety tips here ). So how about boosting yours?

FAQ: VPN for Safari

While there’s no official VPN extension for Safari , you can protect your browsing by downloading a dedicated VPN app for your iPhone or Mac. 

  • Sign up for VeePN.
  • Get the app for your iPhone or Mac. 
  • Install the app and create an account. 
  • If you just want to protecting your browsing in Safari, leave Optimal Location on. If you want to change your virtual location, select a specific country to connect to.
  • Turn on a VPN. 
  • Open Safari and enjoy safe and limitless browsing.

Yes, you just need a VPN app that works on Apple operating system . VeePN is one such app you can download on your iPhone and Mac and get your Safari VPN up and running in no time. Learn more in this article. 

Any VPN for iPhone/Mac . Download VeePN and run it on your device. VeePN’s security features make it a great VPN for Safari . For example, the Kill Switch will prevent data leaks if your VPN connection drops, while VeePN NetGuard will block intrusive pop-up ads, trackers, and malicious websites on the spot.

safari extensions vpn

How to Watch MotoGP: A Comprehensive and Secure Viewing Method 

safari extensions vpn

How to Watch Channel 4 in the US (And Not Only): The Ultimate Easy-to-Follow Guide

Channel 4 (also known as All4 and CH4) is one of the most noteworthy free-to-air TV and streaming platforms in the UK. It provides access to binge-worthy reality TV shows, dramas, comedies, classic movies, news, lifestyle shows, and more. From Skins and Humans to Peep Show and Four in a Bed, British viewers can enjoy these and other gems online for free or via subscription. The only problem is that Channel 4 is unavailable outside the UK due to licensing agreements and distribution limitations. So when you travel to another country, be it the US, Australia, or Canada, you won’t be able to enter the platform. Need a solution? We got you covered! Read this article to find out how to watch Channel 4 in the US and anywhere else around the globe with a VPN.

How to get unbanned from Tinder

How to Get Unbanned from Tinder: Two Methods

If you use Tinder, you probably know that you can get banned, even though you didn’t do anything against the app’s terms of use. And while the company keeps working on improving the accuracy of its security measures, we would like to share with you two simple methods on how to get unbanned from Tinder.

How to send a fax from an iPhone

How to Send a Fax from an iPhone: Easy Methods for Everyone

Even in a massively digitalized world, you may still need to send faxes urgently, be it a CV, insurance documents, business agreements, tax reports, or any other important papers. But if all your documents are in a digital format and you need to send them to a fax number from your iPhone? Is this leap back to the past possible without the DeLorean time machine? Yes, it is! In this article, we’ll tell you how to send a fax from an iPhone.

Use Safari extensions on your Mac

Safari extensions enhance and customize the browsing experience on your Mac. Here's how to install them, uninstall them, or share them across devices.

Safari extensions add functionality to Safari, so you can explore the web the way you want. Extensions can show helpful information about a webpage, display news headlines, help you use your favorite services, change the appearance of webpages, and much more. Extensions are a great way to personalize your browsing experience.

Install extensions

Turn on extensions, turn off extensions, uninstall extensions, share extensions across devices.

Use the App Store to conveniently download and install Safari extensions. All extensions in the App Store are reviewed, signed, and hosted by Apple for your security, and they're automatically kept up to date.

Start by installing the latest macOS updates to make sure that Safari is up to date. You need Safari 12 or later to get Safari extensions from the App Store.

Open Safari and choose Safari > Safari Extensions from the menu bar.

The App Store opens to the Safari Extensions page. To download and install an extension, click Get or click the price. You might be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.

Click Install.

After the extension is installed, click Open and follow the onscreen instructions provided by the extension.

After installing an extension, follow these steps to turn it on.

Choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences).

Click Extensions.

Select the checkbox next to the extension's name. Learn what to do if you can't turn on extensions .

If you're browsing privately, or using a profile or web app

When browsing in a private window in macOS Sonoma or later, all extensions that require website access are turned off by default. To use an extension when browsing privately:

Choose Safari > Settings.

Select the extension in the sidebar, then select “Allow in Private Browsing” on the right.

Whether or not you're browsing privately, you can also restrict the extension's access to certain websites. Click the Edit Websites button to view the extension in Websites settings. From there you can allow access, deny access, or require that websites ask you for access.

When using Safari profiles , extensions for the default profile are managed in the main Extensions tab of Safari settings. Extensions for other profiles are managed in the Profiles tab, which has its own Extensions tab for each profile. By default, extensions are turned off for each new profile.

Share button

Choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences), then click Extensions.

To turn off an extension, deselect its checkbox.

If you can't determine what an extension does, or you don't expect to use it again, you should uninstall it.

To uninstall an extension, select the extension and click the Uninstall button.

Starting with macOS Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16, you can share extensions across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad:

On your Mac, open Safari and choose Safari > Settings, then click Extensions. Select “Share across devices” at the bottom of the window.

On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari > Extensions, then turn on Share Across Devices.

No alt supplied for Image

To uninstall an extension from all devices, you must uninstall it on each device.

Safari no longer supports most web plug-ins. To load webpages more quickly, save energy, and strengthen security, Safari is optimized for content that uses the HTML5 web standard, which doesn't require a plug-in. To enhance and customize your browsing experience, use Safari extensions instead of web plug-ins.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

safari extensions vpn

Explore Apple Support Community

Find what’s been asked and answered by Apple customers.

safari extensions vpn

iTop VPN offers 1800+ high-quality servers worldwide to help you access to various sites privately and safely.

6 Best VPNs for Safari Including Apps & Browser Extension

The blog lists 6 top VPNs for Safari, including VPN apps and browser extensions. Choose free VPN for Safari for utmost privacy and internet security.

By Grace Updated on Jan 04, 2023

Safari won't be unfamiliar to you if you have an apple device. It is the fastest graphical web browser in the world and provides the best-in-class browsing experience. In addition, Safari improves its power efficiency to make the most out of battery usage. People can stream videos or surf websites longer than other browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Though Safari can protect your internet safety to some degree, many people are still looking for more comprehensive protection.

Best VPNs for Safari

A VPN for Safari is a good solution. The practical tool can hide your identity, switch the IP address, and unblock websites unavailable in your region. In this article, we will introduce VPN apps for Safari as well as VPN extensions for Safari. Get one of the top picks and protect your online activities with ease!

  • #1 iTop VPN
  • #2 ExpressVPN
  • 4# CyberGhost VPN
  • 5# Hotspot Shield VPN
  • 6# Private Internet Access VPN

2 Factors Taken into Consideration for Safari VPN

Before choosing a VPN for Safari, there are two factors people should pay attention to.

The first one is compatibility. Safari is a proprietary browser of apple, and it is only available on devices running on the macOS or iOS operating systems. Therefore, checking if the VPN product supports macOS and iOS systems is a must-to-do.

The second one is the types of Safari VPN. People can choose either a VPN application or a VPN extension. However, Apple labels most third-party Safari extensions unsafe, leaving people little choice on Safari VPN extensions.

6 Best VPNs for Safari (macOS/iOS)

After considering the above two factors, the article selects the 6 reliable Safari VPNs in the market and gives a detailed analysis of their main features and prices.

#1 iTop VPN - Best Free VPN App for Safari

iTop VPN has high compatibility that can work on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It gives its users unlimited internet bandwidth with best-in-class encryption. According to the statistics published on Fasted VPN Guide, the fast  VPN free has reached an average speed of 100Mbps. Though the free version caps the data usage to 700MB per day, people can upgrade to a VIP plan at an affordable price.

safari extensions vpn

8,000,000+ Downloads

  • Safe VPN for Windows, Mac, iOS
  • Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
  • 1800+ VPN servers in 100+ locations
  • Block ads, split tunneling, Kill Switch
  • Dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, and social media

Other key features of iTop VPN include:

Global VPN Proxy

iTop VPN for Safari has more than 1800 servers in over 100 locations. In addition, it supports 5 simultaneous connections on different devices, so everyone in your family can benefit from one paid account.

Automatic Kill Switch

Kill Switch is a security reinforcement that can cut the internet traffic connection when the VPN service stops working. In this way, your network is under protection, and privacy leakage will never happen.

Exclusive Servers for Different Purposes

The iTop VPN has servers dedicated to streaming, gaming, social media, and downloading. People can choose exclusive servers for a more stable and faster connection.

Price breakdown for iTop VPN for Safari

Free Plan: 700MB/daily 

1-Month Plan: $11.99 ($11.99 /mo)

12-Month Plan: $49.99 ($4.17 /mo)

24-Month Plan: $55.44 ($2.31 /mo)

#2 ExpressVPN - Best Paid VPN Extension for Safari Browser

ExpressVPN has 160 virtual server locations covered worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. As one of the great VPN for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, it is an ideal VPN for Safari to hide IP  and unblock websites. And it is the only dedicated VPN with Safari extension on the list. Meanwhile, the TrustedServer technology and advanced encryption improve your internet security and keep you from being hacked.

VPN for Safari Extension: ExpressVPN

Some key features of ExpressVPN include:

Private DNS

ExpressVPN protects not only your internet traffic but also your DNS requests. By running its own encrypted DNS on every server, people no longer worry about DNS hijacking or filtering.

Network Lock

When you disconnect to the ExpressVPN server, Network Lock can keep your data safe by blocking all the inbound and outbound connections on your computer.

Price of ExpressVPN for Safari

Monthly Plan: $10.99 /mo

Yearly Plan: 1st year $38.38 ($3.20 /mo); thereafter $89.99 ($7.50 /mo)

2-Year Plan: 1st -2nd year $69.98 per year ($2.92 /mo); thereafter $89.99 per year($7.50 /mo)

3# NordVPN - Fast VPN App for Safari

NordVPN, an app available on many devices including macOS and Linux, has next-generation encrypted tunnels that prevent your internet from being tracked by internet service providers, hackers, and governments, giving you private access to the internet anywhere Besides, the fast and stable connection allows you to enjoy uninterrupted streaming without annoying buffering, although NordVPN doesn’t offer a Safari extension app.

VPN for Safari: NordVPN

Some key features of NordVPN include:

Multi-device VPN

No matter you are using Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or Linux, NordVPN can shield the safety of multiple devices (up to 6) at once with just one subscription.

Dedicated IP

The dedicated IP address allows you to access IP-restricted networks with ease. It brings loads of benefits, such as securing your online payments, skipping the blacklist, and avoiding the Captchas.

Price of NordVPN for Safari

Monthly Plan: $ 11.95 /mo

Yearly Plan: 1st year $59 ($4.92 /mo); thereafter $143.40 ($11.95 /mo)

2-Year Plan: 1st -2nd year $79 per year($3.29 /mo); thereafter $143.40 per year ($11.95 /mo)

You May Need : Best Free VPN for Windows & PC >>

4# CyberGhost VPN - VPN for Safari

CyberGhost VPN is a professional VPN and developed VPN apps for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS , other browsers, TVs, consoles, and routers. Unfortunately, VPN for Safari Extension is not available now, and its VPN extensions only support Chrome and Firefox browsers.

CyberGhost VPN for Safari

Worldwide Internet Coverage

CyberGhost has 7484 servers at 113 locations in 91 countries. The worldwide coverage helps you bypass all geo-restrictions and get global access. Besides, all CyberGhost VPN servers support multiple protocols, from L2TP, IPsec to iKEv2, OpenVPN, meeting all your needs.

Military-Grade Encryption

Adopting the AES 256-bit encryption technique, CyberGhost can safeguard your digital information and guarantee your internet security.

Price of CyberGhost VPN for Safari

Monthly Plan: $12.99 /mo

6-Month Plan: $38.34 ($6.39 /mo)

2-Year Plan + 3-Month Plan: 1st -2nd year $58.5 for two years($2.17 /mo)

5# Hotspot Shield VPN for Safari Free

Trusted by millions of people from all over the world, Hotspot Shield VPN has more than 115 servers in over 80 countries. In its basic plan, people can enjoy VPN for Safari free with a 500 MB daily data limit and a 2 Mbps connection speed cap.

Hotspot Shield VPN for Safari

Premium plans have more features, and the highlights include:

Optimized Streaming Access

Hotspot Shield has VPN servers dedicated to watching Netflix , YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+. This way, it optimizes access to streaming platforms and stops video buffering when people stream online.

Fast Connection Speed

According to speed tests conducted by Ookla, Hotspot Shield VPN outperforms and came out on top with 1.4x faster over a short-distance connection and 2.2x faster over a long-distance connection compared with other VPN clients.

Price of Hotspot Shield VPN for Safari

Basic Plan: Free Trial

Premium Plan: $7.99 /mo (billed yearly); $12.99 /mo (billed monthly)

Premium Family Plan: $11.99 /mo (billed yearly); $19.99 /mo (billed monthly)

Also Read:  Fast VPN for Mac/MacBook >>

6# Private Internet Access VPN for Safari

Private Internet Access VPN is a privacy protection expert trusted by 15 million users worldwide. The open-source software has high transparency, and people can check open source code themselves. Moreover, Private Internet Access VPN optimizes its network for 10 Gbps, giving its users lightning-fast speeds.

Private Internet Access VPN for Safari

The key features include:

Dedicated IP Address

People won’t share IP addresses with others anymore. Dedicated IP addresses provided by Private Internet Access VPN help you avoid security warnings and get fewer captcha.

Up To 10 Device Connection

Private Internet Access supports up to ten device connections, meeting your multi-device needs.

Price of Private Internet Access VPN for Safari

1-Month Plan: $9.95 /mo

1-Year Plan: $39.95 ($3.33 /mo)

3-Year + 3-Month Plan: $79 for three years($2.03 /mo)

Also Read : Top 5 Free VPN Clients Mac to Safeguard Your Internet on Mac >>

VPN Browser Extension or VPN App for Safari: What to Choose?

Among the 6 VPNs for Safari in the article, there is only 1 VPN that has a Safari browser extension version. The rest are VPN apps for Safari. Under normal situations, VPN app for Safari is more recommended as it can protect your data on Safari, Firefox and other browsers with advanced features. Besides, if you're just looking for a VPN for Safari to hide IP address and unblock websites, you could try the free VPN iTop VPN to achieve your purpose without registration.

In summary, the article gives an introduction to VPN for Safari . A good VPN for safari can protect people’s digital activities from surveillance by internet service providers, governments, and snoopers. All the 6 products have VPN for Safari free in their basic/trial plans. If you want more comprehensive internet protection, upgrading to paid plans is advisable. iTop VPN for Safari is cost-effective, reliable, stable, and fast. We strongly recommend you download it and take it a try!

safari extensions vpn

  • Get 1800+ servers to visit sites freely worldwide
  • Hide your IP address to protect your privacy
  • Automatic kill switch to protect your data
  • Keep safe with strong encryption & no log info

safari extensions vpn

How to Switch Netflix Region With Fast Free VPN

safari extensions vpn

7 Top VPN Extensions for Chrome Free: Safe & Fast

safari extensions vpn

8 Best VPNs Free Trial Windows/PC in 2024

safari extensions vpn

Best VPN for Mac 2024 - 4 Fast & Secure Mac VPN

Kind Notice!

Sorry. iTop VPN for Android app is temporarily unavailable for upgrading. Please go and download iTop VPN for Windows.

Lucky Chance to Get the Lowest Price Today!

36-m Plan Billed $59.99 $431.64

Get It Now (60s)

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated every moment.

Success! Check your inbox or spam folder for a confirmation email from us :)

Oops! Please enter a valid email address.

safari extensions vpn

اللغة العربية

safari extensions vpn

© 2024 Orange View Limited. All rights reserved.

  • Product iTop VPN iTop Screen Recorder iTop Data Recovery iTop PDF Editor DualSafe Password Manager iTop Easy Desktop iTop Screen Recorder --> Online Screen Recorder --> iTop Data Recovery --> Top Data Protector --> Password Manager --> Plans & Pricing
  • Company About Us Contact Us Press Awards Facebook
  • Partner Become iTop Affiliate
  • Help Support

© 2024 iTop. All rights reserved.

iTop uses cookies to improve content. Find out more on our Privacy Policy

OK, I got it

safari extensions vpn

VPN for Safari: How to Use a VPN Extension in Safari

For Apple users, Safari is the go-to browser for surfing the web. With its fast speeds and reliable security measures, Safari has been a favorite among Mac and iOS users alike. But what happens when you want to access content that’s blocked in certain regions or when your online activity needs to be kept private? That’s where using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes into play. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how to use a VPN extension in Safari and why it can be helpful for your online security. We’ll also provide some tips for finding the best VPN for your needs and offer advice on how to get started with setting up a VPN in Safari.

What is a VPN?

When you connect to the internet, your device is assigned an IP address that identifies it to other devices on the network. This can be used to track your online activity and may even lead to data theft or other malicious activity. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, making it much more difficult for anyone to track your online activity or steal your personal information.

A VPN also allows you to bypass internet censorship and access websites that may be blocked in your country. Safari is a web browser from Apple that is included with every Mac and iOS device. While Safari does have some built-in security features, it does not include a VPN by default. However, you can easily add a VPN extension to Safari to protect your privacy and security when browsing the web.

Why Use a VPN with Safari?

If you’re using Safari on your iPhone or desktop, you might want to consider using a VPN. A VPN can help encrypt your traffic and prevent your ISP from tracking your online activity. Additionally, a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and allow you to access blocked content.

When it comes to choosing a VPN for Safari, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure that the VPN offers strong encryption and security protocols. Second, check to see if the VPN has servers in locations where you want to access content. Finally, read reviews to see what other users have said about the VPN’s performance.

Once you’ve found a VPN that meets your needs, setting it up is easy. For iPhone users, there are a number of great VPN apps available on the App Store. For desktop users, most VPN providers offer browser extensions for Safari. Simply download and install the extension, then log in with your credentials. After that, you’ll be able to browse the web securely and privately with Safari.

How to Use a VPN with Safari

When it comes to online privacy, using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect yourself. A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another location, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.

If you’re looking for a VPN for Safari, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all VPN providers offer Safari extensions, so you’ll need to find one that does. Second, make sure the extension is compatible with your version of Safari. And finally, check that the extension doesn’t conflict with any other extensions or plugins you have installed.

Once you’ve found a compatible VPN provider and downloaded the extension, follow these instructions to get started:

1. Open Safari and click on the Safari menu in the top left corner of your screen. Select Preferences from the drop-down menu.

2. Click on the Extensions tab at the top of the Preferences window.

3. Find the VPN extension in the list of extensions and click on its icon to enable it. You may need to enter your administrator password at this point.

4. Click on the Connect button next to the extension’s name to connect to the VPN server. Depending on your provider, you may be able to select a specific server or location at this point. Once you’re connected, you should see a green status indicator next to the extension’s icon.

5. To disconnect from the VPN server, simply

The Best VPNs for Safari

The internet is a vast and wonderful resource, but it’s also home to a lot of potential threats. That’s why it’s important to use a VPN when browsing the web, especially if you’re using Safari. A VPN can help protect your data and keep your browsing activity private.

There are a lot of VPNs on the market, but not all of them are created equal. To help you find the best VPN for Safari, we’ve put together a list of our top picks. All of these VPNs offer great security and privacy features, and they’re compatible with Safari.

1. NordVPN: NordVPN is a great choice for Safari users who want top-notch security and privacy features. It offers military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, so your browsing activity will always be private.

2. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is another excellent choice for Safari users who want strong security and privacy protections. It offers robust encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Plus, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy in place, so your data will always be safe.

3. IPVanish: IPVanish is a great option for Safari users who want good security and privacy without sacrificing speed. It offers fast speeds, 256-bit AES encryption, and an automatic kill switch. IPVanish also doesn’t keep any

With the rapidly changing internet landscape, it’s important to stay up-to-date on how best to protect yourself online. Using a VPN extension in Safari is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and privacy while browsing the web. It adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address from prying eyes. With just a few clicks, you can use a reliable VPN for Safari that will keep your activity safe and secure.

  • What is VPN
  • How VPN works
  • VPN Protocols
  • Pros & Cons of VPN
  • Is Using a VPN safe
  • Where Are VPNs Illegal
  • Who Uses VPNs
  • What a VPN Does Not Do
  • Can a VPN Be Hacked
  • VPN History
  • Troubleshooting Guide
  • Surfshark VPN
  • CyberGhost VPN
  • iPhone & iPad
  • Disney Plus
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Fire TV & Fire TV Stick
  • BBC iPlayer
  • Black Friday VPN Deals
  • NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
  • Surfshark vs NordVPN
  • NordVPN vs PIA

How to Download and Add ExpressVPN Extension on Safari

safari extensions vpn

ExpressVPN no longer offers an extension for Safari. That's because starting with Safari 12, this browser relies only on extensions distributed via Apple’s Safari Extensions Gallery. ExpressVPN (like other VPNs) requires deep system privileges on macOS, so it's no longer able to work as a dedicated Safari extension.

However, that doesn't mean you can't use this VPN with Safari even though you get this pop-up: "ExpressVPN is no longer supported." That's because you can install ExpressVPN's native app on your Mac. That way, everything you do in Safari will be protected and encrypted.

How to Use ExpressVPN with Safari

What follows is our guide on how to set up and use ExpressVPN with Safari, ensuring you're protected on the Web. Do the following:

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN using your computer and any Web browser .

2. Now, proceed to  set up ExpressVPN on macOS . We’ve produced a detailed step-by-step guide on how that’s done, so make sure to use the provided link . 

Installing ExpressVPN on macOS

3. Once you install ExpressVPN, go ahead and launch it . First, connect to the nearest server available by using the prominent ON/OFF switch . 

Connecting to ExpressVPN Server

4. Now, feel free to launch Safari and use it like you usually would . Everything you do will be encrypted, and you'll get to unblock websites (based on the location of your chosen server).

5. At any moment, you can switch to a different server using ExpressVPN’s UI. To do so, click on the button just below the ON/OFF switch. Another window will open. Click on any country or server name , and ExpressVPN will re-connect you. 

Choosing Different ExpressVPN Server

That's it! As you can see, you can use ExpressVPN with Safari side-by-side. Just remember to connect to a VPN server first, wait until ExpressVPN's interface turns green, and you can return to your Web browser.

Final Thoughts

Even though the ExpressVPN Safari extension isn't available, it's still the best option for securing your privacy on your macOS computer. That's because instead of relying on a VPN extension, ExpressVPN's native software will protect not just Safari but your entire Web connection.

The same applies to any other device you might have, especially those that you use on the go. So, you should check out how to set up ExpressVPN on all its supported devices.

That would be all about how to use ExpressVPN on Safari. If you have any questions, make sure to post them via the comments section below. And lastly, thank you for reading!

How to Download and Add ExpressVPN Extension on Firefox

How to download and add expressvpn extension on google chrome, how to download and add expressvpn browser extension on microsoft edge, how to download and install expressvpn on qubes os, how to download and install expressvpn on windows pc, how to download, set up, and use expressvpn on linux.

  • Send us a tip!
  • Terms and Conditions 
  • Privacy and Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

© TechNadu 2024. All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

  • Services & Software

You Need to Download iOS 17.4 Right Now

Apple said the update patches two issues that could be actively exploited.

safari extensions vpn

  • Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

The Apple logo with a padlock on top of it

Apple released iOS 17.4 on Tuesday , more than a month after the tech giant released iOS 17.3 . While the latest update brings new emoji to all users and new app store capabilities to people in the European Union, it also patches a few issues that Apple said might be actively exploited. 

CNET Tech Tips logo

To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update , tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts. 

According to Apple , iOS 17.4 patches two security issues, which affect your iPhone's kernel and RTKit. The kernel is the software at the core of your operating system, while RTKit is Apple's real-time operating system. A real-time operating system is used when a large number of events must be accepted or processed in a certain amount of time, according to the computer science resource site Geeks for Geeks . 

Apple writes that in both instances, "An attacker with arbitrary kernel read and write capability may be able to bypass kernel memory protections." 

Memory protections control how much memory a process has access to. According to Geeks for Geeks , these protections can stop software from taking over an excessive amount of memory, which could harm other software on your device or cause you to lose some of your data. Your system could be severely damaged if a malicious actor were to bypass these protections.

The patches in iOS 17.4 also address a few other issues, like a private browsing bug in Safari, which could cause your private locked tabs to be momentarily visible while switching tab groups. However, Apple didn't say that these other issues could be actively exploited. 

For more on iOS, here are all the new features in iOS 17.4 , what was included in iOS 17.3 and our iOS 17 cheat sheet .

safari extensions vpn

Services and Software Guides

  • Best iPhone VPN
  • Best Free VPN
  • Best Android VPN
  • Best Mac VPN
  • Best Mobile VPN
  • Best VPN for Firestick
  • Best VPN for Windows
  • Fastest VPN
  • Best Cheap VPN
  • Best Password Manager
  • Best Antivirus
  • Best Identity Theft Protection
  • Best LastPass Alternative
  • Best Live TV Streaming Service
  • Best Streaming Service
  • Best Free TV Streaming Service
  • Best Music Streaming Services
  • Best Web Hosting
  • Best Minecraft Server Hosting
  • Best Website Builder
  • Best Dating Sites
  • Best Language Learning Apps
  • Best Weather App
  • Best Stargazing Apps
  • Best Cloud Storage
  • Best Resume Writing Services
  • New Coverage on Operating Systems

Security.org

Best VPNs for Chrome in 2024

Our top picks.

  • Chrome version includes AES-256 encryption for top-tier security
  • Fast speeds when using the Chrome browser
  • Company doesn’t log your online activity when you’re using Chrome
  • Easy VPN setup on Chrome
  • Chrome version includes features like split-tunning, a kill switch, and a strict privacy policy
  • Works with Chromecast in addition to the Chrome browser

Private Internet Access VPN

  • Chrome extension utilizes an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
  • Custom settings in Chrome extension let you optimize your VPN experience
  • Built-in WebRTC IP detection blocking helps protect you from hackers and identity thieves when you’re using Chrome

We’ll say it: We love Chrome. It’s a fast, stable, easy-to-use web browser that helps us navigate the web with ease. That said, it’s not inherently secure. To shore up your privacy and safety while using Chrome, you should probably think about investing in a VPN.

And no, incognito mode isn’t the same as a VPN . That’s a common mistake.

If you’re new to VPNs, let’s get a few things clear. A VPN is a piece of software that encrypts your internet traffic and makes it so onlookers can’t tell what you’re doing online. There are obvious privacy benefits to using a VPN, but they’re also good for a few other things like, say, streaming Netflix from other countries or booking cheaper flights. Very handy, those VPNs.

A stand-alone VPN will work no matter what browser you’re using. Think of it like a gateway for your data. Regardless of whether that data originates from Firefox , Safari , Chrome, Edge, or whatever other browser you may be using, it will still pass through the VPN and emerge encrypted, destined for wherever it’s going safely and securely.

There are, however, certain VPNs that make extensions for particular browsers. When installed and activated, all traffic originating from that browser will be protected by the VPN. There are a few reasons you may want to do that — performance being the primary one.

If you just read all that saying, “Yeah, yeah, I know, I know,” then you’re probably in the right place. If you’re realizing you’re looking for a stand-alone VPN, though, you may want to head over to our list of the best all-around VPN services .

If you’re still reading, you’re probably looking for a great VPN with a killer Chrome extension. Let’s start by covering what you should be looking for in your new Chrome VPN.

Features to Look for in a VPN for Chrome

Before we get on to our list, we want to reiterate that a Chrome extension is only a proxy service for traffic going through a particular browser. To encrypt and protect everything and to have access to advanced security features , you’ll want to pay for and download the VPN service. We’ll give you information on both here, so you’ll get the full picture.

With that, let’s talk VPNs with Chrome extensions.

What’s the Difference Between a VPN Chrome Extension and a Stand-Alone VPN?

There are some pretty significant differences in the way a stand-alone VPN and a VPN extension for Chrome work. Here’s a quick rundown:

Installation

When we’re looking for security and privacy, we tend to choose stand-alone VPNs over their Chrome-extension counterparts, mainly because they’ll protect us comprehensively. The only better option is to install a VPN on your router . If we just need to make sure no one is looking in quickly — like when we were doing some banking from the local coffee shop last week — going with the browser extension is probably fine. It just depends on the use case.

» Learn more: Best VPN Routers

Why Do I Need a VPN With Chrome?

When you use Chrome to access the internet, you’re wading into some dark waters. That isn’t to say the browser itself is particularly vulnerable, but there are all sorts of creeps online who want to track what you’re doing. Advertisers, ISPs, governments — you name it. They all want to get their hands on your data.

You can slap that hand away with a VPN. For maximum security, we tend to use a stand-alone VPN — NordVPN is our provider of choice — but if we’re out at a cafe checking our email, we’ll just flip on the browser. Regardless of how you’re using the VPN, the peace of mind knowing you’re making it next to impossible to track your online comings and goings is definitely worth the price of entry.

» FYI: Your Guide to Private Browsers

How We Test VPNs: Methodology

We take many steps to ensure the VPNs we recommend really are the best. We’ve designed a thorough framework we apply to all the VPNs we test, and we want to let you know exactly what goes into that testing process.

Our methodology is a combination of looking at features such as encryption standards , IP addresses, the amount of data logged, customer service, and other factors to confirm the service does everything a VPN should do.

We then put each product through our own speed and security tests to make sure the trade-off between safety and internet speed is worth it and that nothing slips through the cracks data-wise. Below we take you step by step through our process.

We typically test VPNs from our Brooklyn office, where we have a private Optimum network. On some occasions, however, we test VPNs when we travel.

Our Internet speed without a VPN serves as a control, and we connect only one device at a time. We know our readers use all sorts of devices, and we want to make sure we have everyone covered. That’s why we test on both a MacBook Air or Pro and a Windows Vivobook or Acer Aspire 5.

We use the website SpeedTest.net.4 to test download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency). We first perform tests with the VPN, and then without. Download and upload speeds are measured in megabits per second, while latency is measured in milliseconds. Once we take those two measurements, we identify the percentage difference to account for any discrepancies between the greatly varied natural speeds of Macs and Windows computers.

Things such as distance from the server, operating system, and device type all have an impact on speed, but it’s ideal that VPNs have no more than a 40 percent difference in any of our categories (ping, download speed, and upload speed).

Security is one of the biggest reasons for using a VPN in the first place, so it’s non-negotiable that we feel safe when using the internet with a VPN. We would never want something like our domain names (website names) and their IP addresses available to anyone, especially not the government — and we want to protect you from that too. We also need to confirm that users’ IP addresses aren’t being leaked due to WebRTC, which allows browsers to communicate directly with each other and is the default on browsers such as Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. Since we tend to stick to Chrome, that was a big point of concern.

We test for DNS leaks by using DNSLeakTest.com. By comparing our computer’s IP address with the IP address the website shows, we can tell if there was a DNS link while using the VPN. We then test for WebRTC leaks by leveraging a tool available on ExpressVPN’s website. We use a similar tactic where we look at the local and Public IPv4 IP addresses to see if there were any WebRTC leaks.

» Did You Know: Learn What Someone Can Do With Your IP Address

There’s nothing worse than actually reading the fine print, which is why we take special care to go through companies’ privacy policies in detail. It’s important that we have a thorough understanding of each VPN company’s data-logging policy. We also put a large emphasis on where a company is located, because that’s what determines whether it is a member of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes international surveillance alliances, which have the potential to legally force companies to surrender customer data to the federal government.

It’s ideal for a company not to be located in a country impacted by such agreements, but we also prefer they log minimal user account information. Things such as names, email addresses, and payment information are acceptable to log, but we don’t see why VPNs would log additional data, such as when customers use their VPNs, how long they use them for, how much data they transferred, what servers they used, what websites they visited, and more.

We get even more in the weeds in our full reviews, where we conduct a full analysis of a VPN’s encryption methods and internet protocols to make sure they meet industry standards. We prefer VPNs with AES-256 encryption and OpenVPN, which are some of the highest security standards on the market.

How a company handles IP addresses is also important to note, because it impacts our likelihood of being tracked. It’s best if a company offers dynamic addresses that change each time we log on, making it even harder to track what we’re doing online. A static IP address stays the same every time we connect, which makes us easier to track.

Finally, we check that each VPN has a kill switch , which shuts down internet browsers in the unlikely event that a VPN disables . If a kill switch isn’t in place, our activity could become exposed, which kind of defeats the purpose of having one in the first place.

Surfshark Dynamic MultiHop in action

IMAGES

  1. 6 Best VPNs for Safari with Browser Extension

    safari extensions vpn

  2. Best VPN Extension for Safari: Find Out About Our Top 3 Picks

    safari extensions vpn

  3. 5 Best VPNs for Safari in 2023

    safari extensions vpn

  4. Best VPN Extension for Safari: Find Out About Our Top 3 Picks

    safari extensions vpn

  5. Best VPN extensions for Safari Browser 2024

    safari extensions vpn

  6. Vpn Extension For Safari Mac

    safari extensions vpn

VIDEO

  1. Best free VPN for iPhone ios

  2. Safari Shortcuts in Mac

  3. VPN Browser

  4. Start your rewards journey

  5. 0543649419 best 5 free VPN for iPhone easy to download Apple store

  6. How To Add Free VPN for Chrome VPN Proxy 1clickVPN Extensions On Google Chrome

COMMENTS

  1. Best VPNs for Safari in 2024: Browser Extensions or Apps?

    Atlas VPN may not have a Safari extension but it's available on Mac, iOS, and Windows, among other platforms. Its server network is relatively small but still covers several dozen countries, making it a solid choice if you regularly travel abroad. Fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth allows for uninterrupted streaming, torrenting, and ...

  2. Best Safari VPNs in 2023 (Including VPN Extensions)

    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 ...

  3. 5 Best VPNs for Safari in 2024

    Here Are the Best VPNs for Safari in 2024. Editor's Choice. ExpressVPN. Leading Safari VPN with fast, private Lightway protocol. 70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN. CyberGhost. Enhances Safari with robust ad-blocker for ad-free, secure browsing. Private Internet Access.

  4. VPN for Safari: How to choose and get one?

    Avoid relying on only VPN extensions. A VPN proxy browser extension only encrypts the browser data and not all internet traffic, exposing you to prying eyes. Carefully read logging policies. Before purchasing a VPN for Safari, read the VPN's no-logs policy to ensure it doesn't log your online activities. Secure ongoing protection.

  5. Is there a VPN for Safari, and how to choose one

    To keep your browsing and searching history private, download Surfshark, a VPN for your Mac, and run it in the background, effectively making it a VPN for Safari (and encrypting ALL your internet traffic data).Or even better — set up a VPN on a router and run it on all your iOS devices. Remember, the VPN market is booming, and there's no cure-all VPN.

  6. 5 Best Safari VPN Services in 2024 [Speed, Features & More]

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

  7. Best Safari VPN Of 2024

    The Best VPN for Safari of 2024. Proton VPN: Best for Data Integrity. Private Internet Access (PIA): Best for Versatility. hide.me: Best for Connection Speeds. Surfshark: Best for Device ...

  8. 8 Best VPNs for Safari in 2024 with Browser Extensions

    Best VPN for Safari in 2024 (With Browser Extensions) NordVPN: Best broad global coverage. The best, most comprehensive VPN out there. It has super-fast servers that will stream anything you want without interruptions or buffering and tight privacy to keep your data safe from any prying eyes.

  9. 7 Best FREE VPNs for Mac and Safari in 2024

    Here Are the Best Free Mac and Safari VPNs in 2024. Editor's Choice. ExpressVPN. Best for Mac/Safari with unmatched speeds, full browser extensions, and no data limits. 70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN. CyberGhost. Specialty servers for smooth torrenting and streaming on Safari, with an intuitive Mac app. Proton VPN.

  10. Download the Best VPN for Safari in 2023

    How to set up VPN for Safari 2023. Enhance your online privacy and security by setting up a VPN for Safari. Safeguard your digital activities and enjoy anonymous browsing in three simple steps: Subscribe to ExpressVPN. Download the ExpressVPN app on your iOS or macOS device (iPhone, Mac, or iPad) Press the "On" button on the screen.

  11. 5 best VPN Extensions

    ExpressVPN is the best VPN extension. Their browser extensions for Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browsers are super-fast, secure, and private. Pricing. 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth. 49% OFF.

  12. 8 Best VPNs for Safari in 2024: Safe and Secure Browsing

    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.

  13. The Best Virtual Private Networks (VPN) Providers for Safari in 2024

    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.

  14. Choosing The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions For 2024

    Advantages Of Using The Best Apple Safari VPN Extensions. 6. Conclusion. Safari is the default browser for Mac. Hence you are browsing on your Apple device you need to find a credible VPN that works best for the Safari browser. You need to find an extension VPN for Safari that ensures fast, effective, and confidential browsing.

  15. Best VPNs for Safari: Say Goodbye to Slow Browsing!

    Read our complete VPN review process to see the full metrics and methods you can use when choosing any VPN. How to set up a VPN For Safari . While the VPNs on our list don't offer Safari extensions, they provide apps compatible with your Mac device for a secure Safari browsing experience. Here's how to set up a VPN for Safari on your Mac device:

  16. 5 Best VPN Extensions for Safari

    1. Best VPN Extension for Safari: ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is one of the only true VPN extensions for the Safari browser. To start, you will want to sign up for ExpressVPN and log into their website. From there you can download the latest ExpressVPN client for Mac which includes the Safari extension.

  17. 5 Truly Free VPNs for Mac

    And if, at any point, 5,000 MB becomes insufficient for your day-to-day needs, you can easily upgrade to a premium plan and go unlimited - for less than $2 a month, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Visit AtlasVPN Read AtlasVPN Review. 5. Windscribe. Windscribe is a reliable free VPN for Mac.

  18. Best VPN for Safari in 2024

    However, VPN extensions for Safari are unavailable due to Apple's strict policies on third-party add-ons. Does Safari have a built-in VPN? Contrary to Chrome and Firefox, Safari also doesn't have VPN extensions. Therefore, the only way to protect your browsing and other activities is to use a reliable VPN app like NordVPN.

  19. Is There a Safari VPN? How to Choose One

    Download our VPN for Safari on your iPhone. Install the app and create an account. If you just want to protect your browsing in Safari, leave Optimal Location on. If you want to change your virtual location, select a specific country to connect to. Tap Connect on the main screen to turn on the Safari VPN.

  20. Use Safari extensions

    To use an extension when browsing privately: Choose Safari > Settings. Click Extensions. Select the extension in the sidebar, then select "Allow in Private Browsing" on the right. Whether or not you're browsing privately, you can also restrict the extension's access to certain websites. Click the Edit Websites button to view the extension ...

  21. 6 Best VPNs for Safari with Browser Extension

    2 Factors Taken into Consideration for Safari VPN. 6 Best VPNs for Safari (macOS/iOS) #1 iTop VPN - Best Free VPN App for Safari. #2 ExpressVPN - Best Paid VPN Extension for Safari Browser. 3# NordVPN - Fast VPN App for Safari. 4# CyberGhost VPN - VPN for Safari. 5# Hotspot Shield VPN for Safari Free. 6# Private Internet Access VPN for Safari.

  22. VPN for Safari: How to Use a VPN Extension in Safari

    Click on the Connect button next to the extension's name to connect to the VPN server. Depending on your provider, you may be able to select a specific server or location at this point. Once you're connected, you should see a green status indicator next to the extension's icon. 5. To disconnect from the VPN server, simply.

  23. How to Download and Add ExpressVPN Extension on Safari

    ExpressVPN no longer offers an extension for Safari. That's because starting with Safari 12, this browser relies only on extensions distributed via Apple's Safari Extensions Gallery. ExpressVPN (like other VPNs) requires deep system privileges on macOS, so it's no longer able to work as a dedicated Safari extension.

  24. Configure your web browser for maximum privacy

    Consider using an in-built VPN. For users willing to pay for extra security, this feature adds an additional layer of protection, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. ... Ad blocking extensions for Safari are having hard time since Apple started to force everyone to use the new SDK. AdGuard extension is supposed to bring back the high quality ...

  25. You Need to Download iOS 17.4 Right Now

    The patches in iOS 17.4 also address a few other issues, like a private browsing bug in Safari, which could cause your private locked tabs to be momentarily visible while switching tab groups.

  26. Best VPNs for Chrome in 2024

    Chrome extension utilizes an intuitive, easy-to-use interface Custom settings in Chrome extension let you optimize your VPN experience Built-in WebRTC IP detection blocking helps protect you from ...