joemot

Saklad's post above is not accurate. Apple's Private Relay does not work exactly the same as a VPN. In addition, a VPN encrypts all internet traffic and Apple's Private Relay only encrypts traffic when using Safari. There is no encryption when using Chrome or any other app unless the app has built in encryption. I use a VPN 100% of the time, even when on a trusted network. I do not use Apple's Private Relay because both a VPN and Private Relay slow internet speed because of encryption that they both use.

macgui said:

joemot said:

Saklad's post above is not accurate. Apple's Private Relay does not work exactly the same as a VPN. In addition, a VPN encrypts all internet traffic and Apple's Private Relay only encrypts traffic when using Safari. There is no encryption when using Chrome or any other app unless the app has built in encryption. I use a VPN 100% of the time, even when on a trusted network. I do not use Apple's Private Relay because both a VPN and Private Relay slow internet speed because of encryption that they both use.

I have Private Relay turned on for my Macs and iPhone. However using a VPN causes Private Relay to be "Unavailable" for me, besides working only in Safari.

macgui,
I use NordVPN and I can have both VPN and Private Relay on at the same time. I'm using a Mac M1 and MacOS Sequoia 15.3. Look under FAQ on this page: 

https://nordvpn.com/blog/icloud-private-relay-vs-vpn/#:~:text=Apple%20Private%20Relay%20and%20a%20VPN%20are%20compatible%20and%20can,slightly%20impair%20your%20internet%20speed.