iCloud Private Relay vs VPN: An in-depth comparison
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In the age of today, it is important to maintain your online privacy. When we use the internet we create trails of our activities that are easy for anyone to follow. It includes ISPs, advertisers who want to ‘know us’ to sell us something, or hackers who could use this information to steal our identities. With data security concerns growing, many users are searching for ways to keep their internet activity secure. There are two popular choices: iCloud Private Relay and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). They work differently and serve different purposes while both are trying to improve privacy.
Although each of them has different features that are aimed at protecting users’ information and their habits of surfing the internet, they work in totally different ways. In this blog post, we will explain the main differences between iCloud Private Relay and VPNs. Additionally, we will look at how each tool works, the pros and cons of each one, and which one is better suited to your needs. Knowing these differences helps users make informed decisions on how to keep their online privacy as they go online.
What is iCloud Private Relay?
Apple’s iCloud+ subscription service now includes iCloud Private Relay, a privacy feature to enhance the users’ privacy. This tool was launched with iOS 15 in 2021 to protect Safari browser surfing activity for the user. ICloud Private Relay is meant to mask users’ IP addresses and DNS queries to prevent third parties, such as ISPs and websites, from tracking users online online.
How does iCloud Private Relay work?
The functionality of iCloud Private Relay is based on a dual-hop architecture. When enabled, your internet requests are routed through two distinct relays:
- First Relay (Ingress Relay): This relay encrypts your DNS request and assigns you a temporary IP address. But your ISP will know what content you’re requesting, even if they can’t work out which website you’re visiting.
- Second Relay (Egress Proxy): In this relay, the encrypted request is sent to a second relay operated by a third-party content provider. When you visit a website, this server decrypts your DNS request, then connects you to the website you want to visit and hides your real IP address. What this means is that the website will know the request was made, but it cannot trace that request back to your actual IP address.
The dual-hop process offers a higher level of privacy because it’s impossible for any one entity to piece together your identity and your browsing history.
Benefits of iCloud Private Relay
- Enhanced privacy: With iCloud Private Relay, masking users’ IP addresses and encrypting DNS requests, ISPs, and websites are much less able to track users’ online behavior.
- Integrated with Apple ecosystem: Being a service that is part of iCloud+, the service complements Apple’s devices and services, and users do not need additional software and configuration to enable it.
- User control: Users are able to decide if they would want to remain anonymous and be represented by a small geographic area or if they want to be represented by a larger area which helps in balancing privacy with usability.
Limitations of iCloud Private Relay
While iCloud Private Relay offers valuable privacy features, it does come with some limitations:
- Lack of comprehensive coverage: This service only works within Apple’s Safari browser. If users have other browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, they will not be able to use this feature.
- Limited scope: iCloud Private Relay primarily protects web traffic in Safari and does not encrypt data from all apps or services on the device.
- Geographic restrictions: Users cannot select a specific server location of their choice instead, they receive a temporary IP address based on their general region. This limits its effectiveness for bypassing geo-restrictions commonly provided by VPNs.
What is a VPN, and how does it work?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a more powerful tool designed to secure your entire internet connection. Unlike iCloud Private Relay, which focuses solely on Safari traffic, a VPN encrypts all data transmitted from your device, regardless of the application or browser being used.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This tunnel secures all incoming and outgoing data by routing your traffic through its servers. A VPN hides your real IP address with one from its provided servers, allowing you to appear as though you are browsing from a different location.
Benefits of using a VPN
A VPN provides a secure and encrypted internet connection between your device and the internet, offering many great benefits for your online safety, privacy, and access. Here are some of the key benefits of using a VPN:
- Enhanced online privacy: One of the primary benefits of a VPN is its ability to enhance your online privacy by routing your internet traffic through a VPN’s server. It masks your real IP address, making it difficult for websites, advertisers, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to track your online activities. This added layer of anonymity helps protect personal data from being collected and sold without your consent.
- Secure and encrypted internet connection: Using a VPN means that any data that goes through your device and out through the VPN server is encrypted and unreadable to anyone who might attempt to intercept it. This encryption is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often not secure and vulnerable to cyber threats. With a good VPN, your sensitive information, just like your passwords, credit card numbers, and personal messages, remains protected from hackers and other malicious threats.
- Protection against cyber threats: With a VPN, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats by masking your IP address and encrypting your data. It makes it more difficult for hackers to access your information. This is very important when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, where hackers often try to intercept data being transmitted over the network.
- Access to geo-restricted content: Many online services restrict access to content based on geographic location. This can include streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, which may offer different libraries depending on where you are accessing them from. A VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by changing your virtual location, enabling you to access Netflix’s restricted content that may be blocked in your region.
- Avoiding bandwidth throttling: ISPs sometimes Limit your internet bandwidth for specific activities such as streaming or gaming during peak times. A VPN can help prevent this by encrypting your traffic, making it difficult for ISPs to determine what you are doing online. As a result, you may experience faster speeds for activities that are typically throttled, and you can enjoy unrestricted game speed.
- Safe browsing on public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in cafes, airports, or hotels, are often not secure and can expose users to various security risks. By using a VPN while connected to public Wi-Fi, you can create a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, protecting your data from potential risks and ensuring safer browsing experiences.
- Stay anonymous while torrenting and file sharing: A VPN secures the users who torrent or share files by hiding their IP address while doing so. By keeping your identity private, you shield against possible copyright infringement and also against other users viewing your personal information on peer-to-peer networks.
- Bypassing censorship: In some countries, governments impose strict censorship laws that limit access to certain websites or social media platforms like Brazil restricted Twitter. Users in those regions are able to work around such restrictions via a VPN by connecting to servers in countries that have fewer internet regulations. This ability promotes greater freedom of expression and access to information.
- Stay stress-free online: As data breaches and privacy violations become an increasing concern, users have become increasingly protective of any personal information being gathered online. By using a VPN you can be sure that sensitive data is encrypted and no one else is able to access it.
- Cost-effective online purchasing: Surprisingly, location also influences pricing for multiple products and services that can be purchased online. Changing your virtual location through a VPN allows you to seek out better deals on flights, hotel bookings, and other purchases that have a price difference depending on location.
Limitations of VPNs
Although VPNs offer many advantages, there are also some limitations to their use:
- Reduced internet speed: Using a VPN can cause your internet speeds to slow down because of the encryption process and additional distance data has to travel to reach the VPN server. This can be particularly noticeable during bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or gaming.
- Reliance on third-party services: However, the quality of service can vary dramatically depending on the provider some may log user activity or have less stringent privacy policies. Connectivity can be disrupted with downtime or a server issue, and users can’t access the internet until the problem is solved.
- Cost considerations: There are actually free VPN services out there, but most premium ones come with a subscription fee. In free services, users have limited options for VPNs, like fewer location servers and fewer benefits. But luckily, EonVPN provides high-quality services with 40+ locations, no activity log and no ads for free.
Understanding these limitations is really important for users considering a VPN as part of their online privacy strategy. While they offer many advantages, being aware of potential drawbacks can help you make wise decisions about your digital security practices.
Comparing iCloud Private Relay and VPNs
To better understand how these two services stack up against each other, let’s compare their key features:
| Feature | iCloud Private Relay | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Protection | Only Safari browser traffic | All device-wide internet traffic |
| IP Address Masking | Yes (approximate location) | Yes (actual location hidden) |
| Encryption Level | End-to-end encryption between proxies | End-to-end encryption for all data |
| Compatibility | Limited to Apple devices & Safari | Compatible with multiple platforms |
| Geo-Restriction Bypass | No | Yes |
| Setup Complexity | Simple setup via iCloud settings | Varies by provider, often requires installation |
| Cost | Included with iCloud+ subscription | Typically requires a monthly subscription |
Which one is better?
There’s no easy answer to the question of whether iCloud Private Relay is better or a VPN is better, as it only depends on what you need and how you use it.
When to use iCloud Private Relay
While VPNs generally offer more comprehensive protection, there are specific situations where iCloud Private Relay may be sufficient:
- If you’re a Safari browser user who mainly browses Safari on Apple devices, then iCloud Private Relay can be a simple privacy solution with no extra effort.
- If your main concern is to hide your IP address from advertisers and websites, then iCloud Private Relay will work and hide your IP address.
- If you’re invested heavily in the Apple ecosystem, using iCloud Private Relay will add an additional layer of privacy to things like Apple Music and iMessage.
When to use a VPN
In contrast, there are numerous situations where using a VPN is the superior choice:
Public Wi-Fi Security:
- If you wish to protect all the online activities in multiple applications and browsers simultaneously, try using a VPN.
- If you need to access restricted website content or you want to change your virtual location from time to time, you will need a VPN such as to get access to YouTube’s regionally restricted content.
- However, if you need some more robust security features beyond what iCloud Private Relay has to offer, VPN is the best choice.
Comparing iCloud Private Relay with other privacy tools
Other than VPN, iOS users can also consider options like To browser, browser extensions, and more for privacy and security purposes. Here’s how iCloud Private Relay compares with some popular alternatives:
1. Browser extensions
Browser extensions are tools that enhance privacy while browsing by blocking trackers and ensuring secure connections.
| Feature | iCloud Private Relay | Browser Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Protection | Only Safari browser traffic | Specific to browser activity |
| IP Address Masking | Yes | No (focuses on blocking trackers) |
| Encryption Level | Yes | Depends on extension |
| Compatibility | Limited to Apple devices & Safari | Works with various browsers |
Pros:
- Browser extensions can provide additional security by blocking ads and trackers.
Cons:
- They do not mask your IP address or encrypt traffic outside the browser.
2. Ad blockers
Ad blockers are explicitly designed to block advertisements and trackers while browsing.
| Feature | iCloud Private Relay | Ad Blockers |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Protection | Only Safari browser traffic | Specific to browser activity |
| IP Address Masking | Yes | No |
| Encryption Level | Yes | No |
| Compatibility | Limited to Apple devices & Safari | Works with various browsers |
Pros:
- Effective at improving browsing speed by blocking unwanted ads.
Cons:
- They do not provide encryption or comprehensive privacy features.
3. Tor Browser
The Tor Browser focuses on anonymity by routing traffic through multiple volunteer-operated servers.
| Feature | iCloud Private Relay | Tor Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Protection | Only Safari browser traffic | All internet activity |
| IP Address Masking | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption Level | Yes | Multi-layer encryption |
| Compatibility | Limited to Apple devices & Safari | Available on multiple platforms |
Pros:
- Provides high levels of anonymity and security.
Cons:
- Slower browsing speeds due to multiple layers of encryption, which is not suitable for casual browsing.
Conclusion
While both iCloud Private Relay and VPNs are essential in helping to boost your online privacy and security, both serve different user needs. No matter what you choose, you will be able to understand the differences between iCloud Private Relay and VPNs to make the right choice in terms of online security. ICloud Private Relay offers just basic privacy features within Apple’s ecosystem for Safari users, whereas a VPN provides broader protection to all activity on the internet. In the end, you’ll decide which one to go with based on how you use the internet and the level of privacy you want. If you’re deeply into Apple’s ecosystem and use Safari mainly, then iCloud Private Relay might be enough. For those who need more security across various platforms and applications, a good VPN is the better option.
FAQs
Is private relay a VPN?
No, iCloud Private Relay is not a VPN. It masks your IP and encrypts Safari traffic within Apple’s ecosystem, while a VPN encrypts all internet activity across apps and devices and offers broader privacy controls.
Why would someone use an iCloud private relay?
If you’re looking to improve your online privacy within Apple’s ecosystem, iCloud Private Relay could be used to hide your IP address and encrypt Safari browsing traffic to prevent tracking and provide more privacy when using Safari and some Apple apps.
Is iCloud private relay as good as VPN?
iCloud Private Relay protects your IP address with basic privacy by encrypting Safari traffic behind Apple’s walled garden, but it is not as effective as a VPN. A VPN offers stronger privacy features than a proxy, covers all internet activity across apps and browsers, and is more flexible in locations, making it a broader solution for those who want maximum online privacy and security using a variety of platforms.
Does iCloud private relay slow down the internet?
Yes, iCloud Private Relay will slightly slow down your internet speed. While this extra step may add a small delay since it routes your Safari browsing traffic through two separate internet relays to hide your IP address and encrypt data, it’s actually pretty ridiculously safe. But Apple has tuned the service to minimize the impact on browsing speed, and most users won’t notice any significant slowdown.
Does private relay hide browsing history?
iCloud Private Relay doesn’t hide your browsing history. It hides your IP address and encrypts the traffic from Safari to make it hard for trackers to figure out who you are and where you are, but it doesn’t stop sites or Apple from keeping a log of what you’ve been looking at. If you’re looking for truly private browsing without the history, you would have to go for Safari’s Private Browsing mode or a VPN that would hide activity from all of the browsers.
