VPNs come in many shapes and sizes. Some are proficient for corporate use, while others can run on niche platforms. We have VPNs for gaming consoles too. Although they are an older technology, the advancement of VPNs has never stopped. Furthermore, we have observed an influx of networking devices that support VPNs. Be it cloud computing or MPLS communication, VPN is far-reaching.
Yet recently, the most impactful implementation has to be consumer VPNs. With the undeniable spike in demand, we have witnessed the rise of VPNs in an individual’s home. Now, a user can run a VPN on his PC, smartphone, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and routers, among others. They even have exclusive VPN as browser extensions. One such software that supports VPN extensions is the world’s currently second most popular browser, Safari for macOS. Today’s article brings you the best VPNs for Safari.
What is Safari?
Safari is a web browser developed by Apple that has a legacy of almost two decades. It was first introduced within Mac OS X Panther in January 2003. Since then, we have seen significant changes in the browser as it has gone through fifteen distinct upgrades. The browser itself is a native of the Apple web architecture. Although it is written in C++, Objective-C, and Swift, it is primarily based on open-source software, mainly WebKit. The significance behind Safari is massive as it surpassed Netscape Navigator, Cyberdog, and Internet Explorer for Mac as the default browser for Apple devices.
Safari plays a hand in making the iPhones popular. The third iteration of this software brought compatibility to the iPhone series. The browser has experienced ups and downs like other tried and tested technology. However, in the face of adversaries, it continued onwards onto the road of brilliance. Safari by stock design supports multiple features. It supports Intelligent Tracking Prevention, FIDO2 USB Security key authentication, web Apple Pay, faster downtime, battery optimization, and so on.
Meanwhile, Apple employs a remotely updated license to prevent potentially dangerous or vulnerable plug-ins from accessing Safari. At the moment, Safari basks in the glory of iPhones, as it currently holds the second spot on the most-used browsers in the world list. Safari has an approximate 18.43% market share.
Best VPNs for Safari
Given below are the best VPNs that can run with Safari. However, I, the writer, must stress the fact the list is subjective and based on my judgment. It holds no authoritative sway whatsoever. Pursue it solely as an informative guide.
1. ExpressVPN
Arguably one of the best VPNs, if not the most popular, ExpressVPN works wonders for Safari. The service comes with over 30k+ IP addresses shared amongst 3000 servers. The servers cover almost half the countries on Earth. However, the excellence of the VPN lies in its well-polished features that ensure your safety. It has a kill switch with an auto-connect option. It also employs the latest security protocols (IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN UDP TCP, and Lightway) and encryption practices. Going a step further, it unblocks most streaming channels with the aid of Smart DNS, named MediaStreamer DNS.
On the privacy front, ExpressVPN doesn’t disappoint. It exercises no-logging policies and regularly submits for an independent audit. Moreover, its headquarters are in the British Virgin Isles, a favorite for escaping data retention laws. It also incorporates Bitcoin payments to provide an added layer of privacy. You can check our categorical review on Express VPN to learn more.
2. NordVPN
Even though it’s second on the list, NordVPN needs no introduction. Although the company is almost a decade old, it has kept abreast with time. Furthermore, many have heard about NordVPN despite never using a VPN. It shows how much influence the Nord brand brings to the table. The provider grants access to six simultaneous connections per subscription. The service itself is top-notch. NordVPN employs over 5200 servers spread over 60 countries. Similar to ExpressVPN, it has all the dedicated features like kill switch, auto-connect, Smart DNS, obfuscated servers, double VPN, Tor over VPN, and much more.
The company hails from Panama, another privacy heaven, and practices no-logging policies. It also accepts Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies to aid users. The only area it lacks is the user interface. Many deem it to be not so user-friendly. Although, advanced users have never found anything to complain about. However, if you wish to learn more regarding NordVPN, you can check our review.
3. CyberGhost VPN
Many readers would be surprised to witness CyberGhost VPN on this list. Although the provider is a market leader, what landed them on the list was their value-for-money product. However, the most intriguing part would be how CyberGhost VPN feels like the perfect fit for Safari (or any other browser). Almost as if it were a glove, CyberGhost envelops the browser with its targeted features that can make your online browsing experience much more refined. The VPN has over 6400 servers in 90 countries and comes with all the regular advanced features you can name.
The cherry on top belongs to the line of security applications the provider expertly employs to target web browsers. It has a powerful adware blocker as well as a malware detector. It can bar online monitoring with multi-platform security, network-level security, and of course, Wi-Fi security. The provider has opted for quality over quantity and tried to keep the prices low. It holds no logs and plies the trade from Romania. However, for further detailed information on this service, we implore you to heed our review of CyberGhost VPN.
4. Windscribe
Finally, we have the unassuming Windscribe VPN as our last entry on the list. The VPN is by far the cheapest one here. Furthermore, it also offers some services for free. While it may fail to deliver an insane amount of VPN servers, it more than makes up for it by employing tenacious security features. Tor over VPN, SOCKSv5 proxy, Smart DNS, multi-hop, split tunnel, kill switch—you name it, and chances are, Windscribe has them. Although the list of servers is short, it offers exclusive Windflix for unblocking Netflix and torrent-exclusive servers for torrenting purposes.
Yes, the Free version of Windscribe VPN has a bandwidth limit of 10 GB per month. However, there is no limitation on the number of devices you can simultaneously connect. The provider offers a seamless and rather cluster-less UI (User Interface) for its app. The service is beginner-friendly to boot. Although the company hails from Ontario, Canada, it claims to keep zero logs. Yet, we would recommend readers give our Windscribe VPN review a look. Afterward, you will understand why it is one of the top VPNs for Safari.