About Safari Private Browsing Mode And Why You Still Need a VPN

At a Glance

While Safari Private Browsing is designed mainly to keep the websites you visit out of your browser history, preventing other users of your Mac, iPhone, or iPad from seeing where you’re going online, it also provides other benefits. Unfortunately, it doesn’t block your ISP, hackers, or other nosy types from monitoring everything you do while you’re online.

In this article, I’ll share the benefits of Safari’s Private Browsing mode, while also explaining why it is still important to use a VPN, as using one provides privacy and security benefits well beyond merely hiding your online history.

What Does Safari Private Browsing Mode Do?

The two main features of Safari Private Browsing is that it keeps the website pages that you visit from being saved in your browsing history. This prevents anyone else from tracking your Safari browser traffic and viewing which sites and pages you’ve visited if they have access to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

In addition to hiding your visited pages, Private Browsing also:

• Prevents recent searches from appearing in your history.
• Does not remember details you enter in forms for autofill.
• Downloaded items do not appear in your Downloads list.
• Locks open private tabs after a period of inactivity.
• Adds tracking and fingerprinting protection.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Private Browsing will not stop you from being tracked in other ways. Visited websites will still be able to use the usual methods to track you and have access to all data that you send and receive from them.

If you turn on iCloud Private Relay on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the Safari traffic leaving your iPhone is encrypted and sent through two separate internet relays.

However, this only protects your Safari browsing traffic. All other internet traffic is not encrypted, leaving it open to being monitored.

Why Should I Use a VPN With Safari Private Browsing?

While Safari Private Browsing and iCloud Private Relay protect your browsing from being monitored, it does not encrypt all of your internet traffic. This leaves your other internet activity (file sharing, gaming, and any other applications that use the internet) wide open for being tracked and monitored.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all of your internet traffic, meaning it keeps all of your online activities hidden from anyone attempting to track you online.

There are several reasons that you want all of your internet activities protected from being monitored. Using a VPN protects all of your online activities, including the following activities.

File Sharing

Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) frown on file sharing via torrenting, even if the files being shared are not copyrighted. Some ISPs have been known to throttle or block torrenting traffic or outright cancel a customer’s account if they are found to have been sharing files.

A VPN hides your torrenting activities, meaning your account is kept safe.

Doxxing and Swatting

Many gamers and streamers have been victims of doxxing and swatting attacks.

Doxxers will use a gamer’s IP address to determine their general geographic location, and then using that information, they can usually narrow down the gamer’s location to a specific street address. They will then post this information online in an effort to expose a gamer’s true identity to the rest of the internet.

Meanwhile, swatters will use that same information to send police or other personnel to a gamers address claiming a fake emergency, such as a murder or a hostage situation. Swatting has unfortunately resulted in the deaths and arrests of innocent people.

A VPN hides your real IP address, making it look as if you are connecting to the internet from another location, which can be across town, across the country, or around the world. This means doxxers and swatters will not be able to determine your real IP address or your actual location.

Using Browsers and Apps Other Than Safari

While iCloud Private Relay protects your browsing in the Safari browser, it does not do so when you’re using another browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or any of the other available browsers. This means that your online travels while using these browsers are unprotected, leaving you vulnerable to being tracked.

A VPN encrypts and protects all of your internet activity from being monitored, meaning your online activities are kept undercover in other browsers or any other applications that use your internet connection.

Accessing Content Restricted to Other Countries

Streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and other streamers, generally restrict access to their streaming content to viewers in specific countries. This means that your favorite movies and TV series on these services may not be available for viewing if you’re traveling or working in other countries.

While Safari Private Browsing and iCloud Private Relay hide your real IP address, they do not offer the ability to select IP addresses in other countries. This means that geo-controlled content remains out of reach to Safari browser users.

By using a VPN, you not only hide your real IP address, but you can also grab an IP address in a different country, opening up access to content restricted to that country. So, if your favorite series is only available on BBC iPlayer and you are currently inside the United States, you can connect to a VPN server located in the United Kingdom, which temporarily assigns a fresh UK IP address to your connected device. This makes it appear as if you and your device are in the UK, opening up access to BBC iPlayer content.

This feature allows you to view your favorite content in any video-capable browser, even Safari. It also allows you to view content in the streaming provider’s apps, such as those offered by Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other streamers.

This also applies to gaming content, like certain games or in-game content that is restricted to or that is released earlier in other parts of the world. A VPN’s ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your device opens up access to this gaming content.

Be advised that to access streaming content or gaming content in other countries, you may be required to use a payment method from the country in question.

Best VPNs for Safari in Private Browsing Mode

WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE?

The VPNs on this list all offer fully-featured risk-free trials of their services, allowing you to try a top-rated VPN, with no restrictions, for at least 30 days. This is an excellent way to test a VPN service like NordVPN before making a long-term commitment.

There are no hidden terms or conditions for a trial subscription for any VPN on the following list. Simply contact the VPN provider’s customer support folks within the money-back trial period if you decide the VPN isn’t right for you and your needs, and you’ll get a full refund.

Below is a quick TL;DR list covering the top VPNs to use with Safari. If you’d like to find out more, you’ll find full reviews following this section.

The best VPNs for Safari Private Browsing mode are:

1. NordVPN: #1 VPN for Safari Private Browsing mode. NordVPN provides top-notch protection for Safari browsing and other online activities, The provider’s fast, well-protected connections are available for iOS and Mac, as well as most other popular devices. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Safari Private Browsing mode. Surfshark provides excellent online protection for Safari users on a budget. This provider has an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, a large global server network, fast connections, and comprehensive online protection.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for Safari Private Browsing mode. ExpressVPN may ask a premium price but it provides premium online privacy. This provider boasts an impressive server network, while offering high speeds and well-protected connections.
4. CyberGhost: Good option for first-time VPN users. CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps offer excellent online protection for inexperienced Safari users. The provider offers fast and well-protected connections.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA’s comprehensive security and privacy protection keeps you undercover online. The VPN also provides reliable access to content in many areas of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Mighty-mite VPN provider. PrivateVPN has the lowest number of servers of any provider on this list. However, the VPN provides reliable access where it has servers stationed. PrivateVPN delivers comprehensive online security and privacy protection.
7. PureVPN: VPN protection. PureVPN’s comprehensive online security and privacy protection, fast connections, and reliable access to geo-fenced content make it a good option to protect your Safari browsing.

There are several reasons these seven VPNs scored. They include:

• Online privacy and security protection
• Connection speeds
• Native app support
• Global server coverage
• Customer support

You can find out more information about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

The top VPN service providers for Safari Private Browsing mode are as follows.

1. NordVPN

Jun 2025

NordVPN is the number one VPN provider for Safari Private Browsing mode, due to its security and privacy protection features.

The provider’s banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention keep its users’ online antics well hidden. Malware and ad blocking protect against other online dangers.

NordVPN servers are run 100% free of user logs, so there are no records of your online activities. The provider also provides payment privacy, as it accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment.

All NordVPN servers are run solely from RAM, writing nothing to a hard drive or SSD. This guarantees that all data is totally wiped whenever a server is restarted or shut down.

The provider’s 6,600+ servers are located in over 110 countries, providing reliable access to geo-fenced content in most areas of the world.

NordVPN has some of the fastest connection speeds in the industry, and they are easily up to handling streaming, gaming, and other popular online pastimes. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here!

This provider offers app support for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. It also offers apps for Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available (there are no VPN extensions for Safari), and NordVPN is compatible with select routers.

Customers can connect up to 10 devices at once to NordVPN’s servers.

NordVPN customer support offers 24/7 live chat, email, and a searchable support database.

A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

THE BEST VPN FOR SAFARI PRIVATE BROWSING:NordVPN’s comprehensive online privacy and security protect Safari users on top of Safari’s built-in protections. The VPN also provides blazingly fast access to content in most areas of the world for popular devices. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark charges an impressively low price for its top-notch services, making it an excellent VPN option for Safari users on a tight budget.

Surfshark protects your online security with banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and tracker blocking, as well as malware and phishing protection, are also available.

Cryptocurrency is accepted as payment by Surfshark, and the provider saves no logs connected to your online antics. All Surfshark servers are run solely from RAM, so all data is completely wiped from a Surfshark server whenever it is rebooted or powered off.

Surfshark has 3,200+ servers stationed in 99+ countries, providing reliable access to geo-controlled content in most regions.

Surfshark’s fast connections easily provide enough bandwidth for streaming and other online experiences. The provider never throttles your bandwidth or places caps on your VPN usage.

App support from the provider includes options for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is support for select routers.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance means you can connect as many devices as you’d like to the provider’s network.

The provider’s support offerings include around-the-clock agent chat, a searchable support library, and a “Contact Us” form.

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR SAFARI PRIVATE BROWSING:Surfshark provides champagne VPN services for a beer bottle price. Fast, well-protected connections are the rule, as are unlimited connections, excellent device support, and more. Try Surfshark’s services for 30 days.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s excellent VPN services do admittedly come at a premium price. That said, many Safari users will think the provider is worth the extra cost.

The provider’s impressive global server network includes 3,000+ servers in more than 100 countries around the globe, providing reliable access to content around the world.

All ExpressVPN connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, and offer IP/DNS leak protection, as well as a kill switch. Bitcoin is a subscription payment option, and the provider follows a strict no-server-logs policy, so both your payment and VPN usage privacy are protected.

The provider was one of the first VPN providers to use diskless servers, running all of its server operations 100% from RAM. This means no data of any kind is ever written to a physical storage device, ensuring that all data is automatically wiped from an ExpressVPN server each time it is rebooted or shutdown.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds are easily up to handling video streaming, gaming, and sharing large files. There are no data caps or bandwidth restrictions to spoil the fun.

ExpressVPN’s app selection includes options for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Apple TV (iOS 17 or later), Android TV, Amazon Fire, and ChromeOS device platforms. Brave, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. Support for several router makes and models, along with customized firmware for some routers, is available.

Up to eight devices can be simultaneously connected to ExpressVPN’s servers.

ExpressVPN offers always-available customer support, including live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

You can try ExpressVPN’s services for 30 days.

PREMIUM VPN SERVICE FOR SAFARI PRIVATE BROWSING:While ExpressVPN’s premium services come at a high price, the provider is worth it. Its fast and well-protected connections provide access to geo-fenced content around the globe for popular connected devices. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a powerful, easy-to-use VPN service, making it an attractive VPN option for first-time VPN users.

The provider’s server network includes thousands of servers in 99+ countries. Among those servers are streaming-, gaming-, and file-sharing-optimized servers.

All CyberGhost connections are protected using banking-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection, as well as blocking of advertising and malware.

The provider saves no logs connected to your internet travels, and along with a Bitcoin subscription payment option, keeps your usage privacy well-protected.

CyberGhost’s well-protected connections are quite fast, making it a good option for popular online pastimes. The provider never restricts your VPN usage with data caps or bandwidth limitations.

The provider has easy-to-use apps available for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, Windows, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Select routers are also supported.

CyberGhost also offers truly free browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, only eight servers in four countries are available to the extensions and only they protect your in-browser activities.

Up to seven devices can be connected to the provider’s servers at once on a single account.

Customer support is available around the clock and offers 24/7 live agent chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

A one-month subscription has a 14-day money-back guarantee, which increases to 45 days for one-year and two-year subscriptions.

GREAT OPTION FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USER:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make it an excellent VPN option for rookie users. The provider’s fast connections offer reliable online protection, while also providing reliable access to content around the globe. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available for the provider’s extended subscription options.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides top-notch protection for Safari Private browsing sessions.

The provider’s global server network is made up of thousands of servers stationed in 90+ countries, providing reliable access to geo-controlled content around much of the globe.

PIA protects its connections with banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and perilous websites is also part of the protective package.

The provider’s servers save no user logs, meaning there are no records of your online activities to be found. Meanwhile, the provider’s Bitcoin subscription payment option helps to keep your payment information private.

PIA now runs its servers solely from RAM, meaning nothing is ever written to a permanent storage device, like a hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is automatically wiped when a server is restarted or powered down.

While PIA’s connection speeds are nowhere near the fastest among providers on this list, those connections are more than fast enough to easily handle your favorite online activities. Data caps and bandwidth throttling are never a worry when using this VPN.

The provider offers native app support for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available. The provider is compatible with select routers.

There are no limits on the number of devices that a customer can simultaneously connect to PIA’s servers.

PIA offers several support options, including agent chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

You can give PIA a try for 30 days.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR SAFARI:PIA is an excellent way to increase your protection while using Safari Private Browsing. The provider offers comprehensive online security and privacy protections. An unlimited connections allowance makes the VPN a good choice for users with several devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a good option for Safari Private Browsing users, due to its Stealth VPN feature, which hides your VPN usage.

PrivateVPN’s more than 200 servers are spread thinly among 60+ countries around the globe, providing reliable access to content in those regions.

The provider also has the slowest connection speeds on this list. However, the provider’s connections are fast enough to handle your favorite online activities. Plus, PrivateVPN never spoils a good time with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

PrivateVPN provides industry-standard protection, as its connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

The provider’s strict no-server logs policy ensures that there are no records kept of your online antics, protecting your usage privacy. Meanwhile, the provider’s cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover.

PrivateVPN’s app support is somewhat limited, although there are apps available for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, along with apps for Android, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Currently, there are no browser extensions available. The provider can be configured on select routers.

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

PrivateVPN offers several support options, including agent chat, a support request form, and a FAQ support section.

A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN’s “Stealth VPN'' feature keeps your VPN usage undercover. PrivateVPN has a low number of servers, although it spreads them around nicely. While device support could be better, it does support the top five platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN offers quality VPN protection for Safari Private Browsing mode.

Boasting a global server network with 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries, PureVPN provides reliable access to content in several areas of the globe.

The provider’s connections are private and secure, thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention.

The provider’s no-logs policy ensures that absolutely no records of your online activities are ever kept. The provider’s cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information incognito.

PureVPN’s well-protected connections are fast, easily handling popular online activities. PureVPN never ruins your online fun with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

PureVPN offers app support for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Chromebook, Windows, Android, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), Linux, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave browser extensions are also available. Select routers can be configured to work with the provider.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to the provider’s servers on a single user account.

Agent chat, email, and a searchable support knowledge base are available when you require support.

PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

PROTECTS ONLINE TRAVELS:PureVPN offers top-notch online security and privacy protection, making it an excellent addition to your security arsenal. The provider offers apps for most popular connected platforms and its server network provides reliable access to content around the globe. Offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of PureVPN.

How to Use a VPN With Safari Browsing Mode

Using a VPN to protect and enhance your online activities while in Safari Safe Browsing mode requires only a few simple steps.

6 easy steps to use a VPN:

1. Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice (NordVPN is my top pick).
2. Install the provider’s app(s) onto your iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device(s).
3. Log into the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server located near you if you’re simply looking to protect your online activities, or select a server stationed in another country to access content that is usually limited to that country.
5. Enable Safari Private Browsing mode (more about how to do that in the next section).
6. Enjoy your protected and enhanced online activities!

How to Enable Safari Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad

You’ll find that the required steps to enable Private Browsing mode are nearly identical on an iPhone and iPad. The only difference is that you’ll find the tab icon at the bottom of the screen on an iPhone and at the top of the screen on an iPad.

1. Long-press the tab icon (two overlapping pages) on the bottom-right (iPhone) or top-right (iPad) of your screen.
2. Tap the New Private Tab menu item.
3. If locked, enter your passcode to unlock Private Browsing.

How to Enable Safari Private Browsing on a Mac

You can enable Private Browsing mode on macOS by doing the following:

1. Click on the File menu and then click on “New Private Window.”
2. Alternatively, you can use the “Shift + Cmd + n” keyboard shortcut.
3. A Private Mode window will open. Any tabs you open from this window will open in the same window and will also be in private mode.

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Safari Private Browsing Mode

While Safari Private Browsing mode and iCloud Private Relay do offer good online privacy features on their own, it doesn’t change the fact that the only internet traffic that is hidden by the pair is that which goes through the Safari browser. Other internet usage is unprotected, making VPN usage an important protective measure, as it keeps all of your internet usage undercover.

The categories below are what I consider when ranking VPN providers for use while with Safari Private Browsing mode:

• Safari device compatibility: All of the VPNs on this list offer apps for macOS, iOS and iPadOS device platforms. This ensures that all of your Safari-related browsing, as well as all other internet traffic, is well-protected and enhanced.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should protect its users’ connections with (at a minimum) banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A VPN should follow a strict no-user-logs-ever policy. All of the VPNs on this list offer this and other security and privacy protections.
• Connection speed: Slow connection speeds can make or break your online satisfaction. Whether it’s working or shopping online, streaming, or gaming, a faster internet connection is a better internet connection. All of the VPNs on my list provide fast connections.
• Value: A VPN should offer services that are worth its asking price. All of the VPNs on my list deliver excellent value for the money.
• Ease of use: Ease of use is an important factor to consider when mulling VPNs. The providers on my list offer intuitive apps that provide fast connections for popular platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
• Server network: A global server network should provide reliable access to geo-fenced content around as much as possible of the globe. Providers will ideally have a large number of servers in each country they serve, helping to prevent individual servers from being overloaded with too many users at once.
• Streaming: Streaming video is a popular activity among most online users. The VPNs on this list deliver reliable access to multiple popular streamers, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others.

The above list covers many factors and features that should be mulled over while making a VPN subscription decision, the research does not end here. This list is just a part of what I research as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology, which helps me to better understand VPN providers and their services.

Safari Private Browsing Mode FAQs

In Closing

Apple should be applauded for offering Safari Private Browsing mode, as well as iCloud Private Relay, both of which do an admirable job of providing online privacy. However, as we’ve seen, it is still a good idea to invest in a quality VPN, like NordVPN, which offers additional online privacy and security for all of your online activities.

VPNs also offer features to improve your access to geo-controlled content around the globe.