Safari does not have a built-in, standalone VPN. For Safari browsing privacy, Apple offers iCloud Private Relay with an iCloud+ subscription where the feature is available. For VPN routing that can cover traffic beyond Safari, configure a separate VPN service on a supported Apple device. Choose based on which traffic you want protected, then assess the provider’s privacy practices and compatibility.
Is there a VPN for Safari?
Not as a feature built into the Safari browser. Safari is an app; a VPN is a separate service or device configuration. Apple’s iCloud Private Relay is the closest Safari-focused option: it protects Safari browsing through two relays, but it is not the same as a conventional VPN configuration.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That distinction matters when choosing a tool. If your goal is to reduce the exposure of your IP address while browsing in Safari, consider Private Relay. If you want a VPN to route traffic from other apps or system services as well, look for a VPN configuration for your Apple device and check exactly which traffic it covers.
What does iCloud Private Relay do?
Private Relay is an iCloud+ privacy feature available on supported versions of iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS, subject to regional availability. Apple describes requests passing through two relays operated by separate entities. The first can see your originating IP address but not the website you are visiting. The second connects to the website using a temporary IP address and does not receive your original IP address. Apple says this design prevents any one party from correlating your identity with your browsing destination. Apple Support explains how iCloud Private Relay works.
#1 Best Overall
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Private Relay encrypts DNS queries and unencrypted traffic leaving the device as described in Apple’s privacy documentation. The IP address shown to a website represents an approximate region, so a site may still infer broad location context even though it does not receive your exact originating IP address. It is designed to protect Safari browsing, not to serve as a general VPN configuration for all device traffic.
Private Relay, a VPN, and Private Browsing are different
| Option | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud Private Relay | An iCloud+ feature that routes Safari browsing through two relays and obscures the originating IP address from websites. | Safari-focused privacy on supported Apple devices, where available. |
| Third-party VPN configuration | A separate VPN service or configuration. On iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS, a VPN provider can choose to prevent most apps, services, and system functions from routing traffic outside an active VPN configuration. | People who want VPN routing for more than Safari, after verifying the provider’s coverage and settings. |
| Safari Private Browsing | A browser privacy mode with separate controls for browsing history and related Safari data; it is not a VPN and does not hide browsing from your network provider. | Reducing what Safari retains locally during a browsing session. |
Safari also has controls such as cross-site tracking prevention, IP-address hiding, and warnings for suspected fraudulent websites. Each serves a different purpose; none should be treated as interchangeable with a device-wide VPN. Apple’s iPhone guide to private browsing describes Safari’s separate controls.
Rank #2
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
When is Private Relay the better fit?
- You mainly want Safari browsing privacy rather than VPN routing for every app.
- You use a supported Apple device and have iCloud+.
- Private Relay is available in your country or region.
- You are comfortable with websites seeing an approximate region associated with the relay IP address.
Private Relay may be unavailable in some regions. It can also interfere with sites or networks that depend on seeing an IP address, auditing traffic, filtering connections, or applying IP-based rate limits. Apple documents controls for individual sites and networks, and notes that VPN or filtering software can conflict with Private Relay. See Apple’s Private Relay availability and troubleshooting guidance before changing settings.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →When should you choose a third-party VPN?
A third-party VPN is the more relevant option when you want a VPN configuration for traffic beyond Safari. Apple’s notice says that on iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS, a VPN provider can choose to prevent most apps, services, and system functions from routing traffic outside an active VPN configuration. That is not a guarantee that every provider routes every kind of traffic: confirm the service’s Apple-device support, configuration, and documented coverage. Apple also documents VPN configurations, including managed per-app and Safari-domain connections, in its platform deployment guide.
Rank #3
- Travel Sized Design: Conveniently small and light to pack and take on the road, creating Wi Fi network via Ethernet
- Dual Band AC750 Wi Fi: Strong, fast connection for HD streaming on all your devices. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, & obstacles such as walls.
- One Switch for Multiple Modes: Perfect for Wi Fi at Home, your hotel room or on the road
- Flexible Power: Micro USB port to an adapter, portable charger or laptop
- Industry leading 2 year warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support. Keep your WiFi performing at its best by keeping the firmware updated through the Tether App.
A VPN changes who handles some of your traffic; it does not make the provider inherently trustworthy. Apple advises users to review a VPN provider’s privacy practices. Treat statements about logging, audits, speed, or streaming access as claims that require current, verifiable support rather than properties shared by all VPNs. Apple’s VPN privacy notice explains that VPN providers may have access to traffic and associated information.
How to choose a VPN for an Apple device
- Define the traffic you want routed. Decide whether Safari alone is your concern or whether you need coverage for other apps and system functions. Check the provider’s documentation for the exact scope of its Apple configuration.
- Verify device and operating-system support. Confirm support for the Apple devices and software versions you use, and whether setup requires an app, a configuration profile, or a managed device.
- Read the privacy policy. Look for what connection and activity data the provider collects, how long it retains it, why it is collected, and whether it is shared. A “no logs” label by itself does not establish what happens to your data.
- Check independent evidence. Look for recent, clearly scoped audits or other verifiable evidence behind privacy and logging claims. Check who performed the review, what systems or policy it covered, and when it occurred.
- Check compatibility with your everyday use. Consider whether the VPN can coexist with Private Relay, filtering software, workplace or school networks, and websites that rely on IP filtering or monitoring. Consult Apple’s guidance and the provider’s documentation for known conflicts.
- Assess performance evidence carefully. Prefer current testing that explains its methodology and conditions. Results from another reviewer are not a guarantee of the speed you will get on your network, device, or location.
Apple does not endorse a provider by documenting VPN support, and provider comparisons are not a substitute for checking the current terms and setup instructions for the service you are considering.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
What to do when a website or network needs your IP address
A site may fail or behave differently when it cannot see your usual IP address—for example, when it uses IP filtering, monitoring, or rate limits. A workplace or school network may also require traffic auditing or filtering. If you use Private Relay, Apple provides per-site and per-network controls to temporarily allow the relevant site or network to see your IP address or to turn off Private Relay for that context. Use the narrowest exception that solves the problem, then restore your preferred privacy setting when it is no longer needed. Apple’s Private Relay support page explains the available controls.
Recommended Free Tools
If a VPN is active, check its app or configuration for a way to pause it or adjust the connection for the affected network. Avoid disabling protections more broadly than necessary, especially on networks you do not trust.
Best Value
- 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 - Roam 7 BE3600 connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports up to 90 devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and home use. VPN connectivity supports secure remote work.
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟕 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Delivers up to 2882 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, supporting smooth streaming, downloads, and gaming for up to 90 devices. ◇ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟔 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐲 - Offers (1) Router Mode for Ethernet or USB (phone) tethering connections, (2) Hotspot Mode for secure access to public WiFi , and (3) AP/RE/Client Mode to extend WiFi, add WiFi to wired setups, or connect wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN and 1x 1 Gbps LAN ports, along with WiFi 7 speeds, enable fast wired and wireless data transmissions.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Which option should you use?
For Safari-specific IP privacy, start with iCloud Private Relay if you have iCloud+, use a supported device, and it is available where you are. For VPN routing that may include other apps and device services, use a separate VPN configuration and verify its actual coverage and privacy practices. Private Browsing is useful for a different purpose: it is not a substitute for either option.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
