5 Best VPNs for Safari in 2023 — These Really Work

Even though it's the go-to way to connect to the web for Apple users, Safari exposes a lot of your sensitive data. Private browsing is important for your online safety, and luckily a VPN can make Safari more secure. However, not all VPNs are compatible with Safari or specific Apple devices.

Only a handful of VPNs seamlessly integrate with Safari and provide secure, private browsing without compromising speed. After testing 100+ VPNs, my team and I found the best ones that work well with Safari (and other Apple products), provide fast speeds, and will hide your IP address, location, and browsing activity from potential threats.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Safari. It’s fast, highly secure, and has a user-friendly interface. For peace of mind, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN yourself risk-free.

Try ExpressVPN for Safari >>

Why You Should Use a VPN for Safari

Browsing without a VPN reveals your IP address and other identifying information, allowing websites to harvest data about you and your browsing activity. It also exposes your personal information to hackers and other cybercriminals. Unless you use a VPN, you expose yourself to various online threats every time you surf.

A high-quality VPN allows you to browse, stream, and torrent safely. It also helps you bypass geo-blocked websites and streaming services, such as accessing your Netflix account abroad. A VPN sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and replaces your IP address. For example, connecting to a server in the US gives you a US IP address so you can access your Hulu subscription.

Although many VPNs claim to work with Safari, most aren’t good enough. I discovered that only a few VPNs actually perform well with Safari. They have global server networks and many security and privacy features to protect you while browsing the internet.

Best VPNs for Safari — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Instantly Loading Websites on Safari

Lightway, an open-source protocol offered by ExpressVPN, enhances your speed on Safari, allowing for smooth browsing, gaming, and streaming experience. During testing, my speed was only 8.9% lower with Lightway, enabling me to watch Netflix's That 90s Show on my Safari iPad without buffering. It also didn't zap my battery as quickly as other VPN protocols because Lightway consumes less power.

Even in locations far away from me, my speeds were still consistently fast for browsing

Having such a vast network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries lets you connect to almost anywhere in the world without running into slow, overcrowded servers. I have used servers in multiple countries, including Japan, the UK, and the US, to watch my favorite shows on Nippon TV, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, and they never fail.

ExpressVPN uses top-level 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data, along with a built-in kill switch (Network Lock) that cuts your internet connection should the VPN accidentally drop, for example, when your Mac laptop goes into sleep mode.

Plus, DNS/IPv6 leak protection conceals your online identity and activities. I conducted multiple leak tests and can confirm that your personal information is protected from snoops and hackers. Its no-logs policy and headquarters outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances enhance your privacy and security when using Safari by ensuring that your information cannot be accessed or shared with third parties, including any government intelligence agencies.

On the downside, the VPN is the most expensive on this list, starting at $6.67/month. However, you can save up to 49% using ExpressVPN's frequent discounts. I also got 3 months of service for free when I signed up for the long-term option.

All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can easily get a full refund if you're not 100% happy. I contacted the 24/7 live chat support to test this refund policy. After answering a few questions about my experience with the app, my request was processed. I received my money back in my bank account after 3 working days.

Try ExpressVPN for Safari >>

2. CyberGhost — Ad and Malicious Site Blocker to Protect You While Browsing on Safari

CyberGhost’s powerful Content Blocker tool protects your privacy and prevents advertisers from tracking your online activity. I activated the ad-blocker on my laptop and iPhone. All I had to do was to manually switch it on under “privacy settings.” When I tested CyberGhost's ad-blocker on the speedtest.net site, it completely removed all ads and pop-ups from my screen.

Speedtest.net is usually riddled with banner ads, but CyberGhost's ad-blocker removed them all

To prevent data exposure, CyberGhost's kill switch feature cuts your internet if your VPN connection is lost. I deliberately blocked the VPN with my firewall while streaming on Netflix, immediately disconnecting my internet. Once the VPN reconnected, my internet resumed as if nothing had occurred.

Safeguarding your online activity on Safari is straightforward with CyberGhost's intuitive interface — great for experienced and new VPN users. I found the iOS app easy to navigate, allowing for quick customization of security settings, access to streaming-optimized servers, and seamless connecting and switching between servers.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost also doesn't log your data and is based in the privacy-friendly country of Romania. So, your browsing history, connection timestamps, traffic data, and any other information related to your online behavior while connected to the VPN cannot be accessed or shared with any third party.

The only con is CyberGhost's short-term subscriptions are expensive and come with only a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, long-term plans cost only $2.19/month and have an extended money-back guarantee.

So, you can try CyberGhost free for 45 days. Getting your money back is also straightforward if you decide it's not the VPN for you. I wanted to see if this was true, so I contacted 24/7 chat support and requested a refund. I had the money back in my PayPal within 5 days.

Try CyberGhost for Safari >>

3. Private Internet Access — Customizable Features to Balance Speed With Security While Using Safari

Private Internet Access (PIA) has highly-customizable security features, so you can configure it according to your preferences. For example, when you choose the OpenVPN security protocol, you can choose between AES 128-bit or 256-bit encryption. The 256-bit offers more layers of encryption, that's great for data-sensitive tasks like online banking. However, I prefer AES 128-bit for streaming as it's slightly faster but still secure.

Activate Split Tunneling to use the VPN and your regular internet connection at the same time

With an extensive server network of 29,650 servers in 84 countries, you don't have to worry about server overcrowding (congestion) slowing you down. I tested PIA's speed by connecting to multiple servers in Europe and Asia and encountered no issues while using Safari.

PIA is also serious about your privacy. It follows a strict no-logs policy keeping your data and browsing history confidential and protected. I found proof that the policy was recently audited and certified by an independent audit firm, Deloitte.

I was concerned that PIA's Mac app might not be user-friendly for beginners due to the many customization options. However, the app comes pre-configured, so you can use PIA with Safari without changing settings. Plus, the choices are great if you're a more experienced user and want to tailor the VPN to fit your needs.

There are 3 subscription options with prices starting at $2.03/month. Plus, all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test PIA risk-free and get a refund if it's not for you. I canceled directly using the VPN's online dashboard — just clicking "Turn off Auto-Renewal" and requested a refund via 24/7 live chat. My debit card was credited that same week.

Try PIA for Safari >>

4. NordVPN — No-Logs Policy So None of Your Safari Browsing Data Gets Recorded, Stored or Shared

To ensure its commitment to a no-logs policy, NordVPN underwent an audit conducted by a third-party firm, PwC. The use of RAM-based servers by NordVPN further guarantees the security of your data, as these servers are regularly wiped, preventing any storage of your information. Moreover, NordVPN's headquarters are located in Panama, a country outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. As a result, NordVPN is not bound to share your data with any governmental entity.

NordVPN has a completely diskless server network so none of your data will be stored

It also has fast connection speeds for browsing on Safari without dealing with the never-ending loading wheel. I ran speed tests with an average baseline of 65.51 Mbps on multiple servers, and my speeds never went below 57.51 Mbps. This was an unnoticed 12.2% decrease in speed. I could stream, torrent, and play games online without lag.

I had a bit of a struggle getting the app to load when restarting the VPN. I experienced about a 30-second delay before it was functional. However, after it loaded, it worked exceptionally well. I was pleased to see that the VPN's iOS app has a sleek design, and you can easily customize your settings and connect to a server with one click.

Plans start from as little as $3.49/month. I recommend the long-term subscription as it's cheaper than the short-term options and includes all the same features. However, all options come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can confidently try NordVPN for Safari. I tested the guarantee by requesting a refund via the 24/7 live chat. My request was approved after giving a reason for canceling. Within 7 days, the money was in my bank account.

Try NordVPN for Safari >>

5. Surfshark — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Secure Your Data When Surfing on Safari

Surfshark’s app design is great for VPN beginners, especially since it works pretty much identically on all platforms. So, if you’re using Surfshark to protect your data while surfing on Safari, you don’t have to relearn how the VPN works if you change over to a different device.

Click "Settings" at the bottom left-hand side of your screen to customize Surfshark’s settings

Robust security features, like AES 256-bit encryption, protect your data while browsing with Safari. This means you don't have to worry about hackers and snoops getting their hands on your personal information. I tested Surfshark's kill switch by blocking the VPN using my firewall. My connection was cut until I was again securely connected to a server.

Like CyberGhost, it also has a built-in ad and malicious site blocker. This CleanWeb feature blocks all ads, so you can use Safari without dealing with the annoyance. It automatically detects and blocks suspicious sites, protecting your device from malware and the possibility of phishing scams. I tested CleanWeb on Yahoo!Finance and all the ads disappeared once I turned it on.

I was concerned that its headquarters is within the data-sharing pact of the 9 Eyes Alliance in the Netherlands. Fortunately, Surfshark follows an audited no-logs policy. Meaning your data won't be shared with any government agency or third party.

Its long-term plan will only cost you $2.30/month. The monthly option is convenient if you only need a VPN for a short while, but it costs more without additional benefits. You can test Surfshark risk-free for 30 days using its money-back guarantee.

Try Surfshark for Safari >>

Quick Comparison Table: Safari VPN Features

Presented below is a detailed table that provides an easy-to-compare view of the listed VPNs. This useful tool enables swift and straightforward evaluation of their respective features, thereby aiding an informed choice when selecting a VPN tailor-made for Safari.

Try ExpressVPN for Safari >>

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Safari

Not all VPNs work well with Safari. To save you time, my team and I used the following criteria to shortlist the best services. All the VPNs on the list have the below criteria and are easy to use with Safari.

• An extensive server network. You should always be able to find and connect to a working server from anywhere and at any time.
• Powerful security and privacy features. A good VPN has military-grade encryption, advanced protocols, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to keep you safe online while using Safari.
• Reliable speeds. Your VPN needs fast and reliable connection speeds so you can browse, torrent, or stream without lag or buffering.
• Easy to use. Intuitive and beginner-friendly apps allow you to install and use the VPN for Safari without any prior experience.
• Multiple device connections. This is so you can protect all your Apple devices simultaneously.
• Reliable customer support. Round-the-clock customer support ensures you can get help when needed — through live chat, email, phone, or a resourceful FAQ section.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. Choose a VPN that offers a reliable money-back guarantee so you can test it without risk.

Try ExpressVPN for Safari >>

Why You Shouldn’t Use a Free VPN With Safari

Although free VPNs claim to be reliable, they are often unsafe and too slow to use with Safari. Most do not have robust security and privacy features that keep you safe, which puts you at risk of hackers and snooping. I tested dozens of free VPNs, and although some worked with Safari, they were frustratingly slow, and some even leaked my data when I tried switching servers.

Free VPNs also restrict your bandwidth and the number of servers you can use. This limits the amount of browsing you can do. This is intentional — ideally, they want to force you to sign up for their premium version by making the free service impossible to use.

Additionally, many free VPNs contain malware that could infect your devices. Some also sell your data to third parties in exchange for the free service — putting your safety and privacy at risk.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for Safari

What is the safest VPN for Safari?

The safest VPN for Safari is ExpressVPN. It uses military-level encryption, top-class VPN protocols, and other powerful security features to protect your data while browsing with Safari. Its audited no-log policy also proves that none of your data gets collected, stored, or shared with third parties. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.

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

No. Browsing in private mode is not the same as using a VPN. At most, browsing in private mode discards all browser history once you end a session. On the other hand, a reliable VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data so you're safe from hackers and snoops. While private mode helps keep your internet activities private from the people sharing your computer, a VPN protects you from all possible online threats.

Does Mac have a built-in VPN for Safari?

Apple's macOS doesn't have a built-in VPN for Safari specifically, but it does come with a built-in VPN client called "Cisco IPSec," which can connect to various VPN services. In addition, the latest versions of macOS also support the IKEv2 and L2TP/IPSec VPN protocols, which can be configured manually to work with a VPN service. However, to use a VPN with Safari, you would still need to sign up for a VPN service separately, as the built-in VPN client only provides the means to connect to a VPN service.

Which VPN has an extension for Safari?

I couldn't find a VPN that offers an extension for Safari. However, premium VPNs come with dedicated apps for Mac and iOS, meaning they protect your data while using Safari. So, you get the privacy and security benefits of a VPN when using Safari on your Apple device.

Why is Safari not working with a VPN?

If your VPN isn't working with Safari, it might be experiencing a software conflict. First, ensure you're running the latest version of your VPN software and Safari, as outdated software can cause compatibility issues. After that, try temporarily disabling other security software. All the VPNs on this list work well with Safari. If you're using a reliable VPN and still having problems, try the following:

• Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Your cache and cookies might be blocking some of the VPN’s functions. Clear them and try again.
• Connection issues. VPNs sometimes have connection issues, which may prevent them from working correctly with Safari. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN or switching to a different server location.
• Contact your VPN’s support. If none of the solutions above work, contact customer support for help.

Get the Best VPN for Safari

The easiest way to protect your online activities while using Safari is with VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing hackers from intercepting it and stealing sensitive information while surfing the web with Safari. However, not all VPNs are created equal; some are more compatible and easier to use with Safari than others.

I found ExpressVPN to be ideal for Safari. It provides impressive speeds, a global server network, and robust security features to safely use Safari without delays. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN without risk since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Safari…