Apple Private Relay vs VPN: Which Offers Better Online Privacy?

In an era where online privacy is a major concern, the battle between privacy solutions is intensifying. Apple's new Apple Private Relay feature has attracted the attention of many users as a result. Officially, it hides the user's IP address and encrypted data while browsing the web. As a result, many users are asking if this feature is the same as a VPN. This guide will mention Apple Private Relay vs VPN in detail, revealing their features, advantages, disadvantages, and more. So, let's get started.

In June 2021, Apple announced a new iCloud+ service for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users with paid iCloud subscription plans. One of the new features was "iCloud Private Relay". Apple iCloud Private Relay is a privacy feature designed to improve the privacy and security of users when browsing the Internet. Users can enable the feature on devices running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey and later.

iCloud Private Relay lets you connect to almost any network and browse with Safari in a safer, more private way. It ensures that traffic leaving your device is encrypted so no one can intercept and read it. Then all your requests are sent through two separate Internet relays. So no one, including Apple, can use your IP address, location, and browsing activity to create detailed profiles about you.

Many people have asked "Is Private Relay a VPN? ". At first, this Apple feature may sound exactly like a VPN: both hide your IP address, use encryption, and mask your Internet traffic. Some media outlets have also mistakenly referred to iCloud Private Relay as a VPN. But there's much more to VPN protection than that. Below are some generalizations about Apple Private Relay vs VPN.

• Different geographical limitations: VPNs allow you to access global content over the open web. Additionally, VPNs allow people living in censorship and authoritarian countries to overcome geo-blocking and securely access important information and news. But Apple Private Relay follows geographic restrictions and will not mask your region or city.

• Different encryption ranges: A VPN encrypts all the data you send and receives through its applications. Even if you're on a public network where cyber threats abound. But that's not the case with Apple Private Relay. In a developer-focused demo, Apple said Private Relay only encrypts Safari, DNS-related traffic on the device, and a small portion of traffic from apps.

• Differences in range of use: A VPN hides your IP address in any browser, so no one can know where you're connecting from, and third parties (such as advertisers) can't track you and create a profile of you. But iCloud Private Relay only hides your IP address when you're using Safari, not when you're using other browsers or apps.

If you think Apple Private Relay will do the job, then follow the steps below to enable it:

Step 1. Go to Settings and click on the Apple ID name at the top. Then click iCloud.

Step 2.  Find Private Relay and flip the toggle switch to green to turn it on.

Step 3. You can also follow the above steps to learn how to turn off Private Relay on iPhone.

Some users have reported an “Apple Privacy Relay unavailable” issue, usually because they have not upgraded their system to iOS 15 and above. Having an Apple Privacy Relay alternative suits them better. While Apple Private Relay offers stronger privacy and security features for users of Apple's Safari platform, a free VPN can offer a wider and stronger range of privacy and security features to users of all platforms.

The best free VPN for Apple - iTop VPN is recommended here for you to use as a Private Relay alternative. iTop VPN makes it difficult for third parties to track online activity by encrypting Internet traffic and providing a degree of anonymity. It protects your privacy during all your online activities, whether you're using this free VPN for streaming or playing various games.

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Secure Your Network on Apple

When you turn on iTop VPN on your iPhone or Mac, it hides your IP address and encrypts your network data, ensuring that no one else can monitor your location, identity, and activity. This VPN for iOS keeps you safe online and prevents your private information and data from leaking.

Kill Switch

Kill Switch is one of the best features offered by iTop VPN for Apple. With the help of it, you can get extra privacy protection when your VPN service is not connected. It protects your data from ISPs and other online trackers.

Unlock Anything on iPhone or Mac

iTop VPN has a dedicated VPN server that unlocks popular games, streaming services and social networks like PUBG, Roblox, Netflix, Disney+, WhatsApp, Facebook and more. You have unlimited access to any content.

If you want to use a VPN on Apple to protect your privacy, iTop VPN is the best choice. What's more, using this VPN is as easy as ABC. Here are 2 steps on how to use iTop VPN on iPhone.

Step 1. Click the download button below to install iTop VPN on your iPhone.

Step 2. Click the "Connect" button to automatically connect to the best virtual private network.

Step 3. After connecting to a VPN, your online activity will be protected. Click the "Disconnect" button if you want to disconnect from the VPN.

Q: Will a VPN Slow Down My Internet Speed?

A: In some cases, connecting to a VPN server can result in a slight drop in internet speeds due to encryption and routing processes. However, the free VPN mentioned in the article are able to provide users with stable and fast speed for their use.

Q: Is Apple Private Relay free?

A: Yes, Apple Private Relay is included as part of the iCloud+ subscription, which offers various privacy features.

Q: Can I Use a VPN and Apple Private Relay Simultaneously?

A: No, Apple Private Relay and a VPN cannot be used simultaneously on an Apple device, as they both serve a similar purpose of masking your IP address.

Final Words

This is all about Apple Private Relay vs VPN. The battle for online privacy continues, and choosing between Apple Private Relay and a VPN depends on your specific needs. iTop VPN can offer a wider range of privacy and security features for all users on all platforms. You can use this free VPN to change location easily, then you can access any blocked content in the world.

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