Top 6 VPNs That Work Best with Safari

When it comes to using a VPN with Safari on a Mac, finding the best VPN with the right balance between speed, security and compatibility is easier said than done.

While many VPNs cater for multiple platforms and browsers, not all of them optimize their performance for Safari, which is still the most popular browser for Mac users.

This is no surprise as it’s made by Apple with seamless macOS integration and the best privacy protections for Mac users of any browser out there.

However, it still doesn’t protect your IP address and your ISP can still see your browsing activity – which is where a VPN can help and why there are good reasons to use a VPN with a Mac.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the VPNs that work best with Safari, offering both excellent speed and security while still providing a hassle-free browsing experience.

Is There A Dedicated VPN for Safari?

Before we begin, it’s important to be aware that you can’t just get a VPN for Safari on its own.

The reason for this is that Apple has locked-down Safari so that VPN plugins can’t potentially compromise its security.

Instead, to use a VPN with the Safari browser, you’ll need to set up a VPN for your entire Mac.

This can be done either through a Mac compatible VPN or macOS’s built-in VPN settings if the VPN provider supports manual setup.

Using a system-wide VPN on your Mac ensures that all internet traffic, including Safari, is encrypted and routed through the VPN server.

There are some VPNs however that support “split-tunneling” which means you can configure them just to work with Safari although this feature isn’t as common on Mac VPNs as it is on Windows.

At the moment, only the Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN offers this on a Mac (more on this below).

Pros of Using a System-wide VPN on a Mac:

• Applies to all apps on your Mac, not just Safari.
• Offers a higher level of privacy for your Mac.
• More reliable than browser-specific plugins.
• Some VPNs like PIA support split tunneling so you can isolate them just to work with Safari.

Cons:

• Requires a subscription to a VPN service.
• Split tunneling requires some configuration.
• May impact the overall speed of internet connection across all apps, not just the browser.

Does Apple Provide A VPN For Safari?

Apple’s Private Relay, available with iCloud+, enhances privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting your Safari browsing activity.

While it offers good protection for basic web browsing, it is not a replacement for a VPN.

You can read our analysis of Apple Private Relay vs VPNs for more on this.

What Makes a Good VPN for Safari?

When choosing the best VPN for Safari, there are a few factors to consider:

• Speed: A VPN can slow down your browsing experience, so you’ll want one that offers consistently fast speeds, especially if you are using it for streaming, downloading or gaming.
• Security: Look for VPNs with strong encryption (AES-256) and privacy features like kill switches, no-logs policies, and DNS leak protection.
• Compatibility: Make sure the VPN is fully compatible with macOS (including a native Apple Silicon app) and works smoothly with Safari, either through a browser extension or native app.
• Dedicated IP: A dedicated IP means that only you are using the IP address assigned to you. You’re not sharing it with multiple users including potentially cyber-criminals. This also means you’ll see less “captchas” and give you access to sites that may block dynamic IPs.

With these things in mind, here then are the VPNs that we found work best with Safari.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a great choice for Safari users who prioritize security and privacy.

Its “double VPN” feature ensures an extra layer of encryption and its strict “no-logs” policy is one of the most stringent of any VPN.

It also provides fast connection speeds which makes it especially good for streaming and gaming.

• Key Features:
  • 5,400+ servers in 60+ countries.
  • CyberSec feature that blocks ads and malicious websites.
  • Strong AES-256 encryption with a strict no-logs policy.
  • Double VPN feature for additional security.
  • Obfuscated servers help bypass VPN blocks, perfect for regions with strict censorship.
  • Offers dedicated IP address.
    

You can read our full NordVPN for Mac review for more.

Pricing: Starting from $3.59/month + 3 months free for a standard 2 year subscription

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great choice for those that just want a VPN to work with Safari and nothing else thanks to its split tunneling feature.

PIA is the only VPN available for Macs that supports this. Although most VPNs support it on Windows, due to the security architecture in macOS, VPNs can’t usually offer it.

However, PIA has managed to find a way to do this meaning you can configure it for use with Safari.

Key Features:

• Split tunneling allows you to use it just with Safari
• Advanced privacy settings, including a kill switch and DNS leak protection
• Open-source software for full transparency
• Customizable encryption settings
• Thousands of servers in over 80 countries
• Built-in ad blocker (MACE) to block malware, trackers, and ads

The only thing we don’t like is that PIA requests your Mac admin username and password to install a “helper” for the client. This is probably in order to offer services like split tunneling but most VPNs don’t require this.

Check out our full review of PIA for Mac for more.

Pricing: $2.03/month for 3 year subscription (inc. 3 months free) or $3.33/month for 1 year

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest and most reliable VPNs on the market.

With a dedicated app for macOS and excellent Safari integration, it ensures smooth, lag-free browsing while offering bullet proof security.

• Key Features:
  • 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, ensuring high-speed connections globally.
  • Strong AES-256 encryption for maximum security.
  • No logs policy, ensuring complete anonymity.
  • Split tunneling feature allows you to route Safari traffic through the VPN while keeping other apps on your local network.
  • Dedicated IP support

Read our full review of ExpressVPN to learn more.

Price: $5.49/month for a standard 2 year subscription

4. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great option for those looking for a more affordable VPN without compromising on features.

It allows unlimited simultaneous connections without charging per device, making it perfect for families and users with multiple Macs, iPhones, iPads and more.

• Key Features:
  • 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
  • Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
  • Camouflage mode hides your VPN usage from ISPs.
  • NoBorders mode for accessing restricted websites.
  • Excellent speeds for streaming and browsing.
  • Dedicated IP

You can read our full review of Surfshark to learn more.

Price: $1.99/month + 4 months free for a standard 2 year subscription

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is known for its easy-to-use interface, making it an especially good choice for beginners.

It offers fast servers for streaming and gaming ensuring the best possible experience for Safari users.

• Key Features:
  • 9,200+ servers in 90 countries.
  • High-speed servers optimized for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and more.
  • Automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee, one of the longest in the industry.
  • Dedicated IP

You can read our full review of CyberGhost to learn more.

Price: $2.19/month + 2 months free for a standard 2 year subscription.

6. hide.me

If you’re looking for a solid free VPN with premium-level privacy, hide.me offers a great free plan that doesn’t compromise on security.

It’s perfect for casual Safari users who want fast and secure browsing without paying.

• Key Features:
  • Free plan with 10GB data limit per month.
  • Strong AES-256 encryption.
  • Servers in 70+ locations worldwide for paid plans.
  • No logs policy, ensuring user privacy.
  • Split tunneling for routing traffic through the VPN selectively.

Price: Free version available — $2.59/month for a standard 2 year subscription on the premium plans.

Comparison Table

VPN	Split Tunneling	No. of Servers	No. of Countries	Max Devices	Free Plan	Notable Features
NordVPN	No	5,400+	60+	6	No	Double VPN, CyberSec, strict no-logs policy
Private Internet Access (PIA)	Yes	35,000+	84	10	No	Split tunneling, Advanced encryption settings, MACE ad blocker
ExpressVPN	No	3,000+	94	5	No	Speed test, TrustedServer technology
Surfshark	No	3,200+	100+	Unlimited	No	CleanWeb, MultiHop, unlimited connections
CyberGhost	No	9,000+	90+	7	No	Streaming-specific servers, dedicated IP
hide.me	No	2,000+	50+	10	Yes	No registration for free users

FAQs

Are there any free VPNs for Safari?
There are free VPNs that will work with Safari although we’d recommend using one of the selections in our best free VPNs for Mac reviews. However, be aware that free VPNs don’t offer the same security, surfing speed or protections as paid services. Free VPNs, like hide.me, typically come with limitations such as reduced speeds, limited server locations, and monthly data caps. They may also sell your user data. If you use Safari regularly for streaming, gaming, or sensitive tasks, a paid VPN is usually the better choice.

Do I need a browser extension to use a VPN with Safari?
No, unlike some browsers such as Chrome, Safari does not support VPN extensions or add-ons. You must use a VPN that’s compatible with macOS app that protects all of your internet traffic, including Safari. Only Private Internet access supports “split tunneling” which allows you to configure it so that the VPN connection only works with Safari and no other apps on your Mac.

Will a VPN slow down my Safari browsing experience?
VPNs can slow down your connection due to encryption and rerouting your traffic through servers, but premium VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are optimized for speed. These VPNs offer high-speed servers and in our experience, there’s no noticeable slow-down in surfing speeds.

Can I access geo-restricted content with a VPN on Safari?
Yes, using a VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions by connecting to servers in different countries. This means you can access streaming services, websites, and content that may not be available in your region.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Safari?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal, including for browsing on Safari. However, certain countries may restrict or block VPN usage, so it’s important to check local regulations before using one. VPNs listed here offer obfuscation features (like NordVPN’s obfuscated servers) that help in regions with strict VPN bans. Of course, using a VPN with Safari for criminal activity is not legal.

How do I set up a VPN on Safari?
Setting up a VPN on Safari is straightforward. Download the VPN app (or browser extension if available) from the provider’s website, install it on your Mac, log in, and choose the server in the country you want to connect to. Once connected, your Safari browsing will be encrypted and routed through the VPN in that country.

Can a VPN block ads on Safari?
Yes, some VPNs, like Surfshark and NordVPN, offer built-in ad-blocking features. These features block trackers, ads, and malicious websites, making your Safari browsing experience faster and more secure. We’d also recommend checking-out our guide the the best ad-blockers for Safari if this is a concern.

How do I know if my VPN is working on Safari?
To check if your VPN is working, visit a site that shows your IP address (such as “whatismyip.com”) and see if it matches the location of the server you’re connected to. If the IP address displayed is different from your actual location, your VPN is functioning correctly.