The best VPNs for Safari (including browser extensions)

We advise using a VPN app for Safari, rather than a browser extension. A dedicated VPN app will protect all of the activity on your Apple device, including any browsing via 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:

1. 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.
2. Surfshark: Affordable deals, capable Apple apps, decent speeds and server spread, rotating IP addresses, and a private search engine.
3. ExpressVPN: Unparalleled streaming access, Lightway protocol for Apple devices, great speeds, and beginner-friendly apps for iOS and macOS. 
4. Mullvad: iOS app uses WireGuard protocol exclusively, has decent speeds, transparent service, and a good reputation in the industry. 
5. ProtonVPN: No logs, open-source, apps for iOS and Android, leak protection, and can access some streaming services. 
6. CyberGhost: Seven-day free trial on iOS, thousands of servers worldwide, and great Apple apps.
7. 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.

Best VPNs for Safari: Detailed reviews

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

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

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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:

1. Choose a VPN service, and sign up. (NordVPN is our top recommendation for Safari.)
2. Download and install the VPN app on your Apple device. You can check the App Store, or download it directly via the VPN website.
3. 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.)
4. 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.