iCloud Private Relay vs. VPN: A Brief Comparison

June 12, 2025 By Janne Smith No Comments 7 minutes

When was the last time you heard an iPhone user boast about their phone’s security? Probably 5 seconds ago. Apple offers an iCloud Private Relay to elevate user security when browsing the web via Safari. But, doesn’t a VPN do the same? This is where iCloud Private Relay vs. VPN comparison steps in.

Both aim to protect your internet activity. However, they operate very differently. To understand this better, keep reading this guide. We’ll walk you through an iCloud Private Relay vs VPN comparison and provide a brief conclusion on which is better for security.

Note:VPNs provide overall online privacy and security. We recommend getting a reliable VPN, such as FastestVPN, that offers multi-device compatibility to ensure security on Safari or any other browser.

What Is an iCloud Private Relay?

Apple introduced iCloud Private Relay to protect user privacy by concealing their IP address when browsing online. It reroutes your internet traffic via 2 relays. This ensures that no third party can see your IP address and browsing activities. It aims to protect:

• Your IP address from being tracked by websites.
• Your browsing activities from Apple and network providers.
• Your DNS queries.

How iCloud Private Relay Works

iCloud Private Relay uses a two-hop system, i.e., Apple’s server and a third-party partner server:

First Relay (Apple’s Server)

All your Safari browsing activities are routed to Apple. It then moves your IP address and replaces it with a general IP based on your region. Lastly, it encrypts your DNS requests so that even Apple can’t keep track of the sites you’re accessing.

Second Relay (Third-Party Partner Server)

Your encrypted requests are routed to a third-party relay, like Cloudflare. It decrypts the destination and forwards your request.

What Are the Features of iCloud Private Relay

Here are the key features of iCloud Private Relay:

1. IP Address Masking

The iCloud Relay masks your real IP address. Websites can’t see your exact location or device, but only a general IP address based on your region.

2. DNS Request Protection

All DNS requests are encrypted. Meaning, even Apple can’t see the sites you’re visiting.

3. IP Location Options

You can choose between maintaining your general location or using a broader region. The former lets you access local content. At the same time, the latter is best for improved privacy.

4. Encrypts Safari Traffic

The Relay encrypts your internet traffic when browsing on Safari. Your ISP and network owners can’t monitor your browsing activities.

5. Works on Apple Devices

iCloud Relay only works if you’re using Safari along with an iCloud+ subscription on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Here are the compatible OS:

• iOS 15 and later
• iPad 15 and later
• macOS Monterey and later

6. Two-Hop Relay Architecture

All traffic is routed through 2 separate internet relays:

• Managed by Apple.
• Run by a third-party like Cloudflare.

7. Easy to Use

You don’t need an app or a technical setup for the iCloud Relay. Instead, it’s integrated into Apple’s ecosystem and gets automatically enabled.

What Is a VPN?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a software that encrypts the internet traffic and reroutes it via an encrypted tunnel. Once you connect to a VPN, you get a new IP address based on the server you connect to. For example, if I connect to a New York server, I’ll get a virtual IP of the connected server. This makes it look as if I’m browsing the web from New York.

Here’s what a VPN does:

• Hides the IP address
• Encrypts the Internet traffic
• Changes the virtual location
• Protects online privacy
• Bypasses censorship and firewalls

What Are the Features of a VPN

VPNs might sound similar to iCloud Private Relays, and some of their features might resemble. However, they both work differently. Here are the features of a VPN:

1. Privacy and Anonymity

A VPN masks your real IP address and makes it appear as if you’re browsing from the server location. It prevents your ISP from seeing your DNS queries, ensuring all traffic goes through the VPN tunnel.

2. Improved Security

VPNs use protocols like AES-256, Internet Kill Switch, Split tunneling, and other features. For example, FastestVPN offers a list of privacy and security features to ensure unmatched security protection when browsing the web.

3. Bypassing Geo-Limits

Connecting to a VPN enables you to bypass geo-limits and access your favorite sites without regional restrictions holding you back. For example, you can catch up on sports events online with a VPN.

4. Global Servers and Simultaneous Connections

Connect to your preferred server from an extensive list of servers. Some VPNs let you simultaneously connect to different devices. For example, FastestVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections to one account.

5. Advanced Features

Expect advanced privacy protection, but not from a free VPN. VPNs like FastestVPN offer built-in ad-blockers, P2P support, dedicated IPs, zero DNS leaks, and more.

iCloud Private Relay vs VPN

VPNs and iCloud Private Relay, both are useful. To make the differences simpler, here’s a brief comparison of iCloud Private Relay vs. VPN:

The Pros and Cons of iCloud Private Relay and VPN

Despite all the benefits, iCloud Private Relay and VPN come with their cons as well. Here’s a list of the pros and cons:

Pros of iCloud Private Relay

• It has a minimal impact on internet speed.
• Provides better privacy due to its two-hop architecture.
• Seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.

Cons of iCloud Private Relay

• Limited security features.
• You must have an iCloud+ subscription.
• Compatible with Apple devices.
• Works best on Safari browser.

Pros of VPN

• Features premium privacy and security features.
• Offers efficient internet speeds.
• Most VPNs are compatible with various devices.

Cons of VPN

• Premium VPNs only work better, the free ones might not make the cut for you.
• Often requires configuration.
• Some server locations might slow down the speed.

Is iCloud Private Relay as Good as a VPN?

iCloud Private Relay might not be as good as a VPN. It confines you to Apple devices only and offers better performance on the Safari browser only. It’s better for casual privacy needs. However, it isn’t the best if you’re looking for flexibility, such as wanting to choose your virtual location, and no protection for app traffic.

Final Note: Is a VPN Better Than an iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay primarily aims to protect your online privacy and security. And, it confines you to Apple’s Safari only. However, a VPN protects all your devices and browsers, without limiting you to a specific OS, browser or device. Moreover, its privacy and security features go beyond an iCloud Private Relay.