Have you ever wondered if you need a VPN (virtual private network) to protect your online privacy and security?
If you are an Apple user, you might have heard of a feature called Private Relay that promises to do just that. But is it really a good alternative to a VPN? We recently received this email from Janet in Estero, Florida, who asked that very question.
Is Apple’s Private Relay an alternative to a VPN?
-Janet, Estero, FL
This is a great question because why wouldn’t you want to use a feature on your iPhone rather than pay for a separate VPN service if it’s just as good? Here’s the thing you should know. Apple’s Private Relay does not have the same amount of protection that a VPN can provide for you, and we’re going to discuss why.
What is Apple’s Private Relay?
Credit: Apple
How Private Relay uses a two-step encryption process
The way that Private Relay is via two different relays. One will encrypt your traffic and send it through a server that is not controlled by Apple, while the other will decrypt that traffic and send it to the website you are visiting. Websites do not have access to which relay you’re using at any given time which means that neither Apple nor the websites you visit can track your IP address, location, or browsing activity.
How Private Relay works and how it differs from a VPN
Private Relay replaces your IP address with an approximate location, such as your city or region. You can also choose to use a broader location, such as your country and time zone.
Private Relay is not a VPN and does not offer the same level of security and anonymity as a VPN. For instance, it does not encrypt your traffic end-to-end, it does not hide your DNS queries, which is a way to prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from monitoring your browsing history, and it does not allow you to access geo-restricted content.
MORE: SHOULD I LEAVE MY VPN ON 24/7?
How can I set up Private Relay on an iPhone or iPad
Once you’re subscribed to iCloud+, you can easily set up Private Relay in your device Settings. Here’s how to do it.
- Go to Settings
- Tap your name
- Click iCloud
- Tap Private Relay and toggle it on
How can I set up Private Relay on a Mac
- Click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen
- Click System Settings
- Select your name
- Click iCloud
- Select Private Relay and toggle it on
Why shouldn’t I use Private Relay over a VPN?
Although Private Relay is a great feature and can give you more privacy protection, it still cannot give you the same level of protection that a VPN can. On top of protecting your IP address and your browsing history, a VPN can also connect you to servers in various countries. This means that you can visit websites that are foreign to the U.S., or if you’re in another country, you can connect back to U.S. servers if you need to.
MORE: WHAT IS A VPN? CAN IT REALLY PROTECT MY ONLINE PRIVACY AND SECURITY?
Although it works well, most VPN services will use protocols that are much more secure, meaning they will better prevent the government or other third parties, as well as hackers, from getting into your private business and stealing your data.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
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